This contest period's winners were Audrey S., Cassandra E., Donna G., Helen D. and Shirley W., who each received a copy of INNOCENCE by Dean Koontz, THE PRINCE OF RISK by Christopher Reich and ROBERT LUDLUM'S THE BOURNE RETRIBUTION by Eric Van Lustbader.
JoRN
Defending Jacob by William Landay
The ending was shocking. Lots of twists and turns.
Kathy C
Zealot by Reza Aslan
This was a fascinating and well researched book about the historical Jesus. Not a religious book at all but a broad view of the man Jesus was and the times and places he lived. It goes far beyond the King James bible with much detail and a large bibliography and reference appendix.
Jo Hepburn
In My Shoes by Tamara Mellon
Interesting "memoir" by the co-founder of Jimmy Choo. It is different from my usual reading but enjoying it. We all need a change now and then!
Linda Reck
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Burial Rites is a novel set in Iceland in 1840. It's about the last person executed in Iceland. Hannah Kent has to stay with a family until her execution date. At first the family is leery about housing a criminal, but after awhile they come to accept her as she tells her story. Her spiritual, Toti, also cares about Hannah. Hannah killed someone, but I don't think it was murder. There were mitigating circumstances. The man had already had his head bashed in and Hann gave him relief by killing him. I don't think Hannah should have been executed.
The landscape is bleak; the people are dirty and wear many layers of clothing. There is a permeating smell of offal, fish, mutton, sweat, and grease.
Nancy Laws
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Quite a group of quirky characters. Felt the writing was exciting and even though lengthy carried
you through the book. Enjoyed the part about the art and how it was really a tool to set the actions,
and fears and joys of the main character.
S ANDERSON
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
This book describes the ramifications to a lighthouse keeper and his wife when they decide to keep a baby who washes ashore in a rowboat with a dead man and pass her off as their own.
susan gannon
The Woods by Harlan Coben
A great mystery read.
michelle
Stone Cold by David Baldacci
This is a great book. Thrilling and edge of your seat kind of reading.
Marsha
Silent Night by Robert B Parker with Helen Brann
This is a charming holiday Spenser novel as he aids a homeless shelter for children. What a delight to find this small but enchanting tale as to brighten the Christmas days.
Marsh
Storm Front by John Sandford
If you are not familiar with Sandford's character of Virgil Flowers, you are in for a treat. He is an investigator for the Minnesota Crime bureau and manages to untangle the most interesting cases in a charming manner. This time he is involved in chasing a smuggler of an artifact stolen from a dig site in Israel. He ends up chasing Palestinian crazies, Syrian crazies, Egyptian crazies, Israeli crazies and a couple of American crazies thrown in the mix. In the meantime, he finds time to romance the ladies. What fun!!
Patti Hacht
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
I have been reading this series out of order. It's an interesting way to get to know the characters!
Most of the book takes place in Quebec and it's interesting to "see" what the city looks like through Louise Penny's words. I enjoyed this mystery.
Allison Gardner
We Are Water by Wally Lamb
Great story.
Bonnie Gluhanich
The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander
Entertaining enough novel about the end days of the Romanov dynasty told through the eyes of their "kitchen boy" with a little twist at the end. For the real story, read Nicholas and Alexandra by Massie which is superb.
Bonnie Gluhanich
Elders by Ryan McIlwain
Novel about Mormon young men on a mission, one of whom has a crisis of faith. Thought-provoking.
John Maline
Dolph's Team by Jim Sanderson
Third in the Dolph Martinez/Jerri Johnson mystery series. The author writes novels set along the Texas-Mexico border using a rotating cast of characters. I have read all his books, and can recommend all of them including this one. Dolph is an ex-Border Patrol agent, now working as a PI in San Antonio, and is surrounded by his usual cast of unusual friends - until one of them is killed. By his wife. And his brother. This makes for a fun story indeed.
Sharon Elliott-Fox
The Lost Women of Lost Lake by Ellen Hart
As the noose seems to tighten around Tess's neck and another woman dies, it's up to Jane Lawless to solve the mystery of the stranger with the old photos.
Betty Ramsey
The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly
This series is a nice change from the Harry Bosch books. Don't get me wrong...I love Harry and have read all of "his" books. The book is about a lawyer who works out of his car...he's always running just ahead of his creditors. Even though I saw the movie, "The Lincoln Lawyer," I cannot picture the actor from that film as I read the book. He was just not Mickey. The book is written in mostly narrative form which puts us right in the action with all the thoughts and feelings of our hero, Mickey Haller. The story is about Murder, Bad Cops, Prostitutes and Truth. We're always rooting for Mickey and his crew, even when they're a little shaky on the ethics. I recommend this one for when you don't want to work too hard for a good read.
Terri Hendershot
Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich
Another fun but predictable story with Stephanie Plum. Kind of the same old stuff with Stephanie's madcap adventures in the bounty hunting business. Enjoyable but mindless read.
Gail Rubin
The Golem and The Jinni by Helene Wecker
This is not your general, run of the mill story, rather it is a magnificently told fairy tale for adults. Apparent, is the theme of the scorpion and the frog in which the nature of the being is paramount. In 1899*, two mystical creatures appear on the lower east side of Manhattan. One appears in a Jewish neighborhood and the other in Little Syria, a Muslim neighborhood. One is an entity made of clay and the other of fire. When they meet, the blending of both of their worlds is a beautiful thing to behold. In this fantastic tale of rabbi's spells and wizards curses, two supernatural creatures find each other and develop a warm friendship which in humans might be called love. Can they defy their very nature and survive in this new world?
Bill Hamilton
King and Maxwell by David Baldacci
The earlier books in the King and Maxwell series were solid thrillers but this one is the best so far. The book references characters and situations that appear in the summer TV series and add a new dimension to the book. The plot--a special forces soldier sent on a deadly mission and is set up, his son left at home with a phony stepmother that has zero maternal instinct, and a villain who hates the U.S. and its president--is a bit off the wall but is well crafted and a real page turner. I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to the next entry.
Nancy Bader
Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
The story of a young quadraplegic and his caregiver. A love story, but not in the way you'd think. A wonderful, wonderful book. I can't remember the last time I read a book that, as I got closer to the ending, I slowed down because I didn't want it to end.
Nancy Hausladen
Don't Go by Lisa Scottoline
A doctor is called to serve in Afghanistan. His wife does not want him to go. They have a new baby. He does not have a choice. While away his wife dies and he must come home to care for their baby. The story goes on to find out what has been happening while he was gone. I enjoyed the book and do not want to tell you any more.
Phillip Powell
Once We Were Brothers by Ronald L. Balson
Two young boys growing up from teens to men; one a Jew, one a German, both raised by the same parents in Poland during the beginning of Nazi occupation. Otto Piatek is left to the Solomon family in 1933 by a father whose wife has abandoned him, without a job, and living on the streets with a young boy, Otto. Ben Solomon, the son of Abraham and Leigh Solomon, and older brother to Beka is the same age as Otto and Abraham and Leigh agree to take Otto into the family.
Both boys’ lives grew together from their early teens into manhood in 1939 in Zamosc, Poland and until Nazi Germany implemented their Final Solution. In 1936 they chose different paths for their future.
Sandra Furlotte
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
This novel set in New York in 1937 - 1938 is a fantastic book. I love the descriptions of how both working-class people and the privileged lived. If you liked The Great Gatsby, you will love this novel.
Mary Rodriguez
Chasing Hope by Kathryn Cushman
A touching story about two unlikely friends; a talented runner who has her dreams shattered by a devastating diagnosis.
Tessa B C
Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland
This novel tells the story of Clara Driscoll, the woman behind (and in many ways WAY in front of) the man. It was her dragon-fly lamp design that won an award at the 1900 Paris World Fair, though the newspapers reported the award was won by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Vreeland gives us a Clara that is passionate about her art and her work, independent and courageous when standing up to bullies, vulnerable and conflicted about whether to choose love or her life’s work. Kimberly Farr does a very good job on the audio book.
Jeanette Barney
Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini
I love her historical based books. Little-known people who contributed much to history take center stage in her books. They are very well written and grab attention. The heroine of this book takes up spying for the Union even though she lives in a Confederate state. Based on a real person adds to the excitement of reading this book.
Irene Grigas
The Fifth Witness by Michael Connolly
The Lincoln Lawyer is at it again. This case involves defending a homeowner who is in foreclosure. The bank representative is murdered and the owner of the home is accused. A trial takes place with the Lincoln Lawyer battling against the D.A, Some interesting sequences with the trial and the resolved ending of the trial. Of course the story continues and leaves the reader or listener to a surprise ending. This was a audio book and I must comment on the narrator Peter Giles who did a excellent job of making the book a pleasure to listen to. Often times the narrator never gets the credit he/she deserves. I also actually read books but listening to them makes it doubly interesting. They come to life.
Janet Chiero
1225 Christmas Tree Lane by Debbie Macomber
A great little Christmas read during the holidays.
Judith Mosconi
Flight Behaviour by Barbara Kingsolver
Fascinating subject. Good story with likeable characters.
Dianne
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovitch
Great humor. I found myself laughing out loud at points in the book.
Susan Spencer
A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths
I love this series of books from author Elly Griffiths. The books are well written and include some history of England. This is the fourth book in this series.
Susan Spencer
Si-cology 1 by Si Robertson
Very funny book, written by the uncle off of Duck Dynasty. Uncle Si tells the story of his growing up in poverty, his time in Vietnam, and his life now.
e. kletter
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
It was a good read and good character development. An interesting twist with a white child as an indentured servant in the South on a plantation.
Carolyn Swinhart
Deeply Odd by Dean Koontz
I liked it, it kept my interest through out the book. Had some real surprises and can hardly wait for the next book to see what happens next.
Priscilla Escajeda
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
I had never heard of the orphan trains.....a part of our history that took place between 1854 and 1929. Children were put on trains from the East and were sent to the farmlands of the Midwest.
Marta
The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson
One man's search across the U.S. for the perfect little town. A man from IA goes on a road trip across the U.S. - first through the east, back through the midwest and then through parts of the west - to find the Norman Rockwell type of town. This was written several years ago. It was good.
Elaine Beierbach
The Prince of Risk by Christopher Reich
Loved the action.
Kathy Vallee
Devil's Food Cake by Josi S. Kilpack
Love this series, as there is a lady lead that helps the police find the murder if they want the help or not. So funny and there are recipes in the book are so good and well worth the time to cook up. In this series the lady's name is Sadie. She has a boyfriend that is a policeman and boy does she get herself in trouble trying to solve this murder as she goes along trying not to get everyone around her in trouble also.
Rena Ackley
Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
Full of heartbreak and renewed hope, Love Anthony was a fulfilling book. As always, Ms. Genova gives insight into a world of illness or differences that we may not live but encounter often and wonder about. In this novel, autism is on of the themes. It is viewed through the eyes of outsiders and through parent and child. Weaving the story of a writer going through a personal life crisis and Anthony's mother's journey was well done and made the novel difficult to put down.
Francisca E B
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
First published in 1986, Atwood’s novel describes an America much different but easily imaginable from today’s democracy. Offred tells her story of life as a Handmaid, whose worth is dependent on her viable ovaries. What I find particularly fascinating – and frightening – about this novel is how very plausible it seems. A little change here, a slightly bigger change there, and before you know it all the freedoms we take for granted are gone. I was also intrigued by the possessive names of the Handmaids – Offred, Ofglen, “Of” the man who is supposed to get her pregnant. I’ll be thinking about this book for a very long time.
Debbie M
Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews
I usually enjoy Mary Kay Andrews, but this story is too sweet that I could not finish. I like the Southern charm and Southern quirks, but in this novel, these characteristics are too excessive. I felt trapped in a Southern girl closet and felt suffocated. The more I read, the more disgusted I became.
Debbie M
A Christmas Hope by Anne Perry
Yes, finally an enjoyable Christmas story than embellishes the spirit of the season. Perry writes a short, yet poignant story of honesty, courage, and forgiveness in Victorian England. Of course, Perry centers on the upper crust of English society, but she exposes the horror and unfairness of the dregs of society. The story focuses on Claudine Burroughs who has the gumption to fight for what she believes. This is only a Christmas novella, but the lessons and characters are endearing.
Anne Marie Koschnick
The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen
Totally delightful is the only way to describe this offering in the Royal Spyness series. Georgie is at it again - this time as the hostess and back are many of her friends and family. The murders (or, are they really accidents?) are ingenious and the suspects are many. Since I love to try and figure it out ahead of time, I was thrilled that I couldn't until the very end. That's what I like in a mystery! There were even some recipes to make your Christmas like an old-fashioned English one, minus the deaths, of course. This book is really a must read.
Marsha
Private Berlin by James Patterson & Mark Sullivan
This collaboration is a bit more violent than I expected. Private Berlin is an investigative company in post-war Germany and when one of their agents is killed, secrets from the days before the Berlin Wall fell are unveiled. The people involved in agencies condoned by the previous leaders are still alive but using different aliases.
Gil
The Dinner by Kerman Koch
A story about two couples sharing a dinner out at an upscale restaurant. One couple is very successful and arrogant while the other couple seems to be regular ordinary people. There is noticeable tension between the couples, and they really don't get along. Each couple has a son, and they are there to discuss what they should do about the trouble their sons got into together. The writer is very skillful in describing the changes in the personalities of these people as the story progresses.
Linda Harrison
Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery
Noelle Perkins arrives in Fool’s Gold to open a Christmas shop. Since she had never operated a retail shop before, this would be a challenge but the people of Fool’s Gold were there to help. Gabriel Boylan came to celebrate Christmas with his family before reenlisting in the Army for another tour of Afghanistan. Even though he was a doctor and not on the battlefield, being in the field hospital was bad enough and Gabriel was not sure he wanted to re-up. Noelle was optimistic when she first met Gabriel but he quickly pointed out that he was not husband material. Could she change his mind?
Linda Harrison
Beloved Enemy by Eric Van Lustbader
When Homeland Security Director Dennis Paull and his security team are found murdered, Jack McClure is targeted for the murders. Escaping from DC, he focuses on finding the man in the dossier that Paull had shown him. Jack travels to Bangkok and then Switzerland, meeting Annika and the Syrian named as Namazi along the way. As the bad guys are taken out, Jack finds proof of the mole within DC hierarchy as well as other incriminating evidence of world and business leaders.
Linda Harrison
MacNamara's Woman by Alicia Scott (Lisa Gardner)
Tamara Allistair’s world was turned upside down the night a car plowed into the car driven by her father. As her parents and boyfriend lay dying, Tamara saw a face peer into the wreckage and then back away leaving her to die. She spent years of surgery and rehab but had never forgotten the face of Senator George Brennan. Now she is trying to get proof and make him face up to the crime but someone is determined that Tamara fail in her quest.
Linda Harrison
Rasputin’s Shadow by Raymond Khoury
A former Russian scientist defected to the U.S. but escaped from his CIA handlers. Working as a janitor, he lives quietly until he learns that his nephew has been tortured and killed in a Russian prison. While protesting outside the embassy, he is identified and a killer is sent to bring him back to Russia. He had developed a machine that would turn a soldier into a crazed killer and everyone was after him for this knowledge. Could the Americans find him before the Russians?
Linda Harrison
The Quest by Nelson DeMille
Frank Purcell has been hired by Henry Mercado to drive him and his photographer Vivian around Ethiopia to report on the civil war. When they find the ruins of a Roman bath, they stop and explore and meet an elderly priest who has escaped from a prison where he has been imprisoned for forty years. He tells them of a monastery with high walls of black stone where a cup rumored to belong to Jesus and used at the Last Supper is held by the monks. When he dies, the three adventurers decide to locate the monastery and retrieve the cup but it is not as simple as first thought.
Linda Harrison
Deception Cove by Jayne Castle
I thought this was a suspenseful/romance book but it was about a futuristic world called Harmony and mysterious happenings on Rainshadow Island. Alice North is a descendant of a scientist who discovered the ruins of an ancient civilization and their mysterious crystals. Drake Sebastian is a descendant of a pirate who partnered with North’s ancestor. Forbidding fog has wrapped around the island and will remain until the crystals are removed from the lab. Alice and Drake will have to secure the crystals or the whole island can blow up.
Linda Harrison
Second Watch by J. A. Jance
As J.P. Beaumont is recovering from knee replacements, he sees “ghosts” in his hospital room. One is a young woman found stuffed in a grease barrel. This was JP’s first case and the murderer was never found. Now her ghost is reminding JP that he promised to find her killer. The second ghost is JP’s lieutenant in Vietnam. He gave JP a book which was stuffed down behind his shirt. This book took the brunt of shrapnel and saved JP’s life. The lieutenant was not so lucky and was killed. He reminded JP that he was going to get married after Vietnam but never got a chance at life. JP was determined to solve the murder and visit the lieutenant’s old girlfriend.
Linda Harrison
Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks
The Montgomery and Armstrong clans came together to fight for the freedom of Eveline Montgomery after she had been kidnapped by Ian McHugh. During the battle, McHugh was killed and Genevieve McInnis came to Bowen Montgomery’s attention after she killed McHugh clan members who were about to kill Bowen. Although they fell in love, Genevieve had to be returned to her clan. Bowen returned to his clan knowing that he would never love another woman as he loved Genevieve.
Linda Harrison
Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery
Justice Garrett was Patience McGraw’s best friend while they were growing up. Then one day, Patience finds his house vacant and Justice gone. Now grown, Justice appears where Patience works and their friendship resumes. Only this time, friendship turns into love. Justice has never forgotten Patience or the small town of Fool’s Gold and has returned to open a business there. Patience has received an inheritance from a distant relative and plans to open a coffee shop, a dream she has long had. But she wants answers from Justice. Why hasn’t he called her when he did contact Ford Hendrix, another of their friends? Where has he been all of these years? Will Justice give her the answers she needed?
Lynn W
Johnny Cash: The Life by Robert Hilburn
I highly recommend this biography, even if you're not a country music fan.
Melanie S.
Intuition by Allegra Goodman
Read for my medically-themed book group at the library. Story about the ethics of medical research in a small laboratory conducting experiments in hopes of a big discovery they can sell to a pharmaceutical company. Are the scientists embellishing their data to make their work look like it's succeeding when it's not? Are the higher-ups in the lab supporting sloppy work to get publicity and grant money for their lab? I have to say I learned a lot from reading this book, but most of the characters weren't terribly interesting.
Kay
Transatlantic by Colum McCann
Not sure yet. Having come from Ireland I love to read Irish books and authors. This received good reviews so going through it.
Brenda K.
The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh
This was a gripping story from start to finish. The story being told from different characters perspectives was a refreshing change. This story has many twists and turns. My emotions were stirred up by this story; sometimes I cried, other times I was wanting to yell and scream at a character. The only negative in this book was the author used many stereotypes to lead the reader where she wanted us to go. The book would be great for a discussion group to read and discuss.
Pat S
Dead Ringer by Lisa Scottoline
I enjoy all of her books. This is an older one but still very enjoyable.
Pat S
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Saw the movie first and JUST HAD TO READ THE BOOK. Wow, how did I miss this book when it first hit the bookstores? Sometimes they just slip by me. Excellent.
Colin Beierbach
The Prince of Risk by Christopher Reich
A book to share.
Ellen Wehle
The Center of the World by Thomas Van Essen
Mixes a modern-day mystery of "Where's the lost painting?" with perceptive musing on the nature of art, love, and life -- sort of like a thinking person's "DaVinci Code." This book will especially interest anyone who paints on their own, or who loves the work of English painter Turner (like me). A winner.
Ellen Wehle
This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett
A collection of essays that each stand alone, but that read together give you a picture of the very generous, lively, and funny person Ann Patchett must be. The essays on Patchett's writing (including how she sold her first book) and on how she trained for the LAPD were my favorites, but every piece held me to the end.
Ellen Wehle
The Insult by Rupert Thomson
I'm torn. On the one hand, this has beautiful images and some of the best dream-like writing (a blind man roams his hospital at night -- or does he?) I've ever read. On the other hand, it lacks plot. The central question of "Who shot the narrator?" doesn't drive the story forward the way it should. By the end, I had to push myself to keep reading
Ellen Wehle
American Sniper by Christopher Kyle
Big disappointment. Kyle no doubt has had amazing experiences but he doesn't have the knack for telling them. He comes across as very young and unformed, and writes so generically that, really, this could be any soldier's book. For a great read that goes a lot deeper, try "The Heart and the Fist" by Eric Greitens.
Ellen Wehle
The Tinderbox by Lisa Gornick
Wow. Takes off from the first page and never lets up. The plotline -- Myra, a Manhattan shrink, hires a Latin American nanny who turns out to have a dark past -- may not sound suspenseful, but believe me, it is. I also loved Myra's insights (both funny and not) into family dynamics and how we're *all* a little crazy.
Susan Kolodny
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Beautifully written love story. The reader often questions why Hadley stayed with Ernest through his affairs. I read this book while in Paris, staying in the Arrondissement 6. It was wonderful to explore the City of Lights by eating in the same cafes as Hemingway. McLain's description of the dissolution of the Hemingways' marriage keeps the reader engaged, despite knowing the outcome.
Barbara Kirch
The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon by Alexander McCall Smith
Once again Precious Ramotswe, owner of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, solves problems for her clients in Botswana.
With beautiful descriptive text, Alexander McCall Smith paints vivid pictures of the land and its people. You feel the heat, you smell the clean air after a rain, you enjoy the personalities of his characters as if they were old friends.
I highly recommend this book (and all of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency books) to anyone who enjoys learning about other cultures.
Stacey K
The Golem & the Jinni by Helene Wecker
A combination of late 19th century historical fiction and mysticism, this book is a must read! I highly recommend it.
Michelle Walters
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
This book was recommended to me by Amazon when I was looking for something to read that was similar to Gillian Flynn. After reading Still Missing I flew through Chevy Stevens other novels. This book was very engrossing and I was pulled into the character's world. It is not a traditional thriller but even when it moved slow I couldn't put it down, the slower parts just built an incredible tension.
Marty Elstrom
The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani
This was an epic story of star-crossed Italian young people who fell in love at first meeting, but lost one another for years before finally getting together in America. He was an orphan force to leave the convent he lived in and she was a talented seamstress who helped her mother run the house, cook for the family and look after numerous children. The book was almost 800 pages in large print and it was a very well-written captivating read.
Julie
Tara Road by Maeve Binchy
A very enjoyable family saga about the Lynch family. This was my first introduction to this author and I look forward to reading her next novel.
Joe Wilcox
Mad World: Sanctuary by Samaire Provost
This is the second book in the series about a zombie apocalypse and what a certain group of people have to do to survive. It's a very easy read and what i like about it is that even after 5 years of the outbreak they are still trying to survive in a now hostile world and evade the government. A definite must read.
Laura Beierbach
The Prince of Risk by Christopher Reich
I quite enjoyed the action.
Judy O.
W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton
Kinsy Millhone is the unexpected heir to a homeless cousin whom she has never met. The man's 3 children were written out of the will. But, Kinsy is trying to find out the cause of his death. Not to mention that the amount of money is about $600,000 more or less. I'll be sorry when Grafton runs out of the alphabet because this is a great series.
Jane Squires
The Color of Destiny by Julianne MacLean
The story starts when Kate is 16. It details her life of loss and hardships. Yet it all leads to her destiny.
An automobile accident costs her the life of her sister and she thinks her baby died. But it leads her to a career as a Paramedic.
Her husband's choices affect her life. So to the point that she is on run when she is hired to help with an Alzheimer's patient.
Ryan is a doctor. He has a patient come to him with her beautiful daughter. Instantly he falls in love with her and starts to date her. Her husband had died and his Mom lives with them.
They marry and then he loves his wife to breast cancer. Gram is told she has Alzheimer's. I can relate to her granddaughter not always be there .
Lynn
Sycamore Row by John Grisham
Grisham "owns" the legal thriller. This book has an intriguing plot: why would a wealthy white man will 90% of his large fortune to his black housekeeper? It also has the engaging characters and familiar setting of Ford County from A TIME TO KILL. The courtroom scenes will keep you on the edge of your seats long past bedtime. Enjoy!
Darlene Money
Heretics and Heroes: How Renaissance Artists and Reformation Priests Created Our World by Thomas Cahill
I have read the other books in Cahill's Hinges of History series, and this is one of the best. He brings the period alive through the works of 15th and 16th century people whose work or thought influenced not only their own age, but even ours centuries later.
Tara English-Sweeney
Outside the Lines by Amy Hatvany
I really enjoyed this book and following Eden through her discoveries regarding her father and her life.
P.S. You do not have to enter me in the contest, but can share this book. I prefer ebooks :).
Anne Berger
The Time In Between by Maria Duenas
Memorable and captivating novel.
Norene Wittlin
Identical by Scott Turow
Interesting... I'm learning a lot about forensics.
Reva Wamsley
Treason At Lisson Grove by Anne Perry
Thomas is working with the Special Branch, which deals with threats to England. Thomas is out of the country during surveillance on a suspect. He realizes that there is a traitor working with him so he goes back to England, where he finds his boss has been dismissed for embezzling government funds. He also discovers that his boss had gone to Ireland to try to clear his name. His boss suspects that he was framed because of an old case. Charlotte realizes that Thomas' job is also in jeopardy so she goes with the boss to help. While they are gone, Thomas is put in charge. When Charlotte & the boss come back to England, they get together & compare notes. They realize that the Queen is in jeopardy.
Susan Kolodny
The Preservationist by Justin Kramon
This suspenseful thriller keeps the reader guessing as to the next twist in the plot. With the setting in a Pennsylvania college town, a relatively sheltered Baltimore girl accepts a date from a substantially older worker in a local sandwich shop. Her naivete leads her down a path she could not forsee, fraught with great danger. I anxiously await Justin Kramon's next novel.
Melanie Harvey
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
Just when you think you have a righteous understanding of what you would do and what you believe others should do, Picoult adds a twist that makes you rethink what you knew for sure 3 pages ago. On of the reasons I read Jodi Picoult is her ability to make you look at your own beliefs and realize sometimes there may be more than one right answer. This one does not disappoint.
Sonnie Strolberg
The Kill List by Frederick Forsyth
After all these years, Forsyth still knows how to keep you reading while thinking that all of this could be happening right now in our world. Although this book is a novel there are facts as revealed by the author that expands our knowledge of the world of terrorism and secrecy.
Dottie
King of Lies by John Hart
I really enjoyed reading this book - very suspenseful - keeps you guessing who committed the murder. I never would have guessed the actual killer.
Francisca E B
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan
Opening line:
They were young, educated, and both virgins on this, their wedding night, and they lived in a time when a conversation about sexual difficulties was plainly impossible. In an interview McEwan said he set the novel in 1962 on purpose; he needed a time frame before sex was openly discussed. One technique he uses that is very effective, is that there is very little dialogue between these two until they finally face each other on the beach. I feel so badly for them at the end of this book; I so wish they had someone to help them find a way to repair the damage they mistakenly believe to be irreparable.
Jeanette Crossett
Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth
About a midwife in 1950's West end in England. Why she became a midwife, and the people that she meets in the process. It is a very good book. I couldn't stop reading it.
Sharon Elliott-Fox
Cockatiels at Seven by Donna Andrews
Enough twists and turns, enough red herrings to keep me engaged. Enjoyed the various characters, although some did seem pretty far out, but since most of them were involved with academia, they were not altogether beyond the imagination. Admit I did worry about when Meg was going to get back to her blacksmithing and get enough projects done for the upcoming show. That toddler was almost all-encompassing of her time.
Jan Zahrly
The Prodigal Son by Colleen McCullough
A modestly moving book. The reader knows about the missing poison from the beginning but has many clues directing away from the "logical" killers, i.e., those who had access to the poison. We are led in many directions with many people who have reason to hate those who are dead. There is always one more piece of information to keep us hanging. What about the visions that the deformed sister keeps having? What about the sister-in-law who is murdered? How does she fit into the pattern of the other murdered folks? And how does the death of the Head Scholar's wife fit with the death of the others? And the hoodlum brother? Only at the end does it all hang together. A lovely book by a scientist and a wordsmith.
Bonnie Gluhanich
Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan
Corrigan, author of "The Middle Place" has written a wonderful memoir and love letter to her mother. It doesn't start that way, but her story will resonate with almost all mothers and daughters. It would be a great book for discussion as well.
DEIDRE DURANCE
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
Amazing story of love and loss.
Melissa Adasczik
The Visionist by Rachel Urquhart
I am 2/3 done with the book. The first 80 pages or so were somewhat slow, but after that it picks up and gets interesting. I am learning a little about the Shakers which I had no knowledge of before. Hope it ends well
Denise Beierbach
The Prince of Risk by Christopher Reich
Loved the theme.
Linda Reck
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Lowland is a phenomenal book by Pulitzer Prize winner, Jhumpha Lahiri. It is the story of two inseparable brothers born 15 months apart. However, they take divergent paths; Udayan becomes a revolutionary, while his brother Subhash goes to Rhode Island to study. When Udayan is executed for his beliefs, Subhash marries his pregnant widow and moves to America with her. This is an engrossing family saga that Lhumpa Lahiri. She has written a remarkable, highly engrossing novel..
Gail Gavert
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Fascinating, grim, wonderfully written, from various points of view, this gives us a fictionalized version of the story behind the last execution of a convicted murderer in Iceland in the 1800s. Agnes and two others are thought to have killed their master but only she is to pay the price. No one escapes the harsh climate or the poverty of eking out a living in this cold, unforgiving country, not master or slave. Agnes is uppity but did she kill? No one wants to listen to her side of the events. Disclaimer: I'm not that fond of Scandinavian novels in general, finding them too dark and moody to enjoy. This is not light reading but it moves along well and the details of a time and a culture are thought-provoking. Well recommended.
Linda Johnson
Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg
I didn't realized when I picked this up that it is the third (and last) of a series. It certainly stands on its own. Aunt Elner Shimthistle is confident that despite being in her 80s, she can still do everything she always has - such as climbing her fig tree to pick the fruit. Her niece and nephew-in-law have appointed themselves as her guardian angels. The niece, Norma, is not as patient with her aunt as her husband who stops in for coffee with Aunt Elner every day before heading to work.
Full of characters and chuckles. A pleasant listen, but I felt the loose ends of the story was tied up through an odd epilogue.
Marsha
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
This extraordinary novel traces the life of a young boy who was visiting a museum with his Mother who loved the painting "The Goldfinch". A terrorist bombing ensues and his mother is killed. He, however, manages to escape saving the painting. From then on his life is one of guilt as he is tries to find the meaning of life among several friends and caregivers. The fascinating fact is that the artist (Carel Fabritius) was also killed in an explosion in a Delft factory. "The goldfinch: a symbol of salvation yet thrice-cursed, ‘enjailed in pitiless wire’". That quote is from an art history book. His adventures are written beautifully and you will not be able to put this novel down--even if it runs to 771 pages.
Linda Johnson
One Day by David Nicholls
Started this book through an interlibrary loan physical book, but found it confusing. Changed 3 years later to the audio version found on Ohio e-book project. I don't think the audio version was any clearer.
I enjoyed the writing even if not the story. The story tells of the relationship of a woman and a man whose relationship ranges from platonic to physical on a specific date every year for 20 years.
I didn't care for the characters especially Dexter, so I never rooted for anyone. Perhaps I found dating such a painful experience this was like reliving a nightmare.
Excellent narrator.
Michael McAdam
Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith
I borrowed the first 5 No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books and this is the third one. These books are so endearing. I got an interesting detective case (or two) along with a taste of Africa (which only enhances the book I think). I do feel like there is some filler added in... as if the book was a short story that wasn't long enough. This isn't really a complaint since even the filler is interesting. The other thing that struck me as odd was that the title case was not even introduced until 2/3 of the way through the book. It felt like reading "Jane Eyre" and not even meeting Jane until towards the end of the book. But these are small gripes - the book is very enjoyable. Thumbs up!
Sally-Jo Waterfall
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
Excellent book! As usual Chris Bohjalian delivers another great book. The characters and their plight are so realistic and intriguing. I could not put it down.
Jayne Blackledge
Dust by Patricia Cornwell
This novel has a plot that is sure to keep readers of action novels interested. The technology written about gives a glimpse into the future.
John M
The Night Ranger by Alex Berenson
This is the 7th John Wells novel which are generally in chronological order. An ex-CIA employee who specialized in mid-East Asia affairs, he is brought in to find 4 kidnapped refugee workers. This is an excellent and exciting novel, and I found myself reading it whenever a few minutes were available. All of Berenson's novels have been suspenseful and nerve-wracking, and this one is no exception. I really enjoyed this and will continue to read the John Wells books when they come out!
Shirley Witte
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
Not an easy book to put down and pick up with so many characters and changes in locale.
Jodie Busch
The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
As always these beautifully written books are a great pleasure to read. Zafon's richly drawn characters and exquisite prose draw you into and through the intricate stories he tells. There's nothing quite like a Zafon story.
Ivy Pittman
Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen
A bunch of quirky Floridians and a monkey on the craziest of missions.
Lisa Richardson
The Union Street Bakery by Mary Ellen Taylor
This story starts out just a little bit slow, but quickly moves into the heart of the story, blending in the sister's lives along with the mystery within the bakery and Daisy's past. The mystery builds, and as I learned more about the history of the bakery and the family I wanted to put this book down less and less! The stories and the feelings and reactions of the characters are very real and understandable, and the author does a great job of making the reader feel the emotions and want more answers. I highly recommend.
Todd McCurdy
Edward Adrift by Craig Lancaster
Sequel to 600 Hours with Edward. Wonderful book that is at times touching and hilarious .
Sara Myers
That Night by Chevy Stevens
I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of That Night by Chevy Stevens. I read the book in two days I loved it so much. The story is about two people who may wrongly be accused of murder who serve there time and try to track down the truth. The story was incredibly believable and as usual the ending didn't disappoint.
Helen Duncan
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
I was eager to read this last novel and was not disappointed. It's almost like a series of short stories with a common thread. The characters and their stories are all engaging in in its own way. What a gift this author had. She will be missed.
sheldon fisher
The Last Alibi by David Ellis
I would give it a 4 1/2 star rating. His writing style is very good as is the plot line. I found it an easy read as his plot moves swiftly and draws you in. Just finished it last night.
James Sperduto
The Wolf Of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort
Really enjoyed this book!
Anne Marie Koschnick
A Royal Pain: A Royal Spyness Mystery by Rhys Bowen
I've fallen in love with the Royal Spyness series - Georgie, Darcy, and Georgies' grandfather. The stories are light, but not frothy, witty but not boorish - and the mystery is very mysterious. The story combines interesting characters with a puzzle that is difficult to solve, but there are clues scattered throughout that makes the ending ring to the story. This is the second book in the series that I have read and I can't wait to read more.
Jean
Close Case by Alafair Burke
Prosecutor Samantha Kinkaid once again is delightful as she works her way around cops, attorneys, and newspapers.
Phil Powell
The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy
Excellent prose with all the gusto of a powerful drama.
Judith Reynolds
The Sisters by Nancy Jensen
I just finished re-reading this book for our book group meeting this week. I enjoyed it even more the second reading than I did when it first came out. So many important issues are explored in addition to the theme of secrets gone awry: sexual abuse within a family, adoption and parental rights, homophobia, whether a lie is ever better than truth, how mistakes of past generations affect their progeny, suicide, and on and on to many more. A very thought-provoking though sometimes painful read and one that makes for lively discussion in a book group setting.
Walter Kretzmann
The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea
I never finished it which is something I usually never do - I try to plow through a boring book - but I just gave up on this one.
Becky Haase
The Devil's Bed by William Kent Krueger
I became acquainted with W.K Krueger’s writing with ORDINARY GRACE. This book (a stand alone, not part of his Cork O’Connor series) is VERY different. From the first page to the last, this is a hard charging, atmospheric, political assassination, psychological thriller. Krueger is a good writer who is able to keep his characters and plot clear throughout numerous twists and turns. The politics are familiar to any reader of the newspaper, but Krueger manages to make it new. The family drama (husband/wife/boyfriend?/father) is an integral part of the plot.
I have discovered a new favorite writer who can deliver thrillers as easily as gentler family dramas.
5 of 5 stars
Becky Haase
The Bride's House by Sandra Dallas
THE BRIDE’S HOUSE is home to three very different young women across three generations of the same family. Each has a secret. Each generation has secrets. The secrets are eventually revealed (but not by me!) and show how the keeping, or telling, of a secret can affect an entire generation and even succeeding generations. Sandra Dallas is a writer of people, complete with foibles, warts and generosity of character. In THE BRIDE’S HOUSE she has woven a fascinating tale of love, deceit, passion, heartache, callousness, generosity, forgiveness, redemption and the women who are affected and affect others. The three women – Nealie, Pearl and Susan – are complete individuals surrounded by fully fleshed out characters.
Becky Haase
Sycamore Row by John Grisham
John Grisham returns to the Clanton Courthouse of A TIME TO KILL and his hero Jake Brigance to bring a story of money, family dysfunction, racism, and legal maneuvering. Seth Hubbard has died – by suicide – leaving behind two conflicting wills, a black maid, two disgruntled children, four apathetic grandchildren, a dark secret, greedy lawyers and LOTS of money. Grisham manages to make us like old Seth, a genuinely unlikable person, even while we sympathize with his greedy children and root for his maid. SYCAMORE ROW will send you out to write an airtight will as soon as you finish reading, all while keeping in mind that is exactly what Seth thought he was doing.
Becky Haase
Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
Much more a history lesson than an “execution” story, KILLING JESUS relates in great detail the back story of Israel, Rome, politics in AD 34, Judaism and Christianity. Sprinkled with numerous footnotes and maps, O’Reilly and Dugard have written a detailed account of the events leading to the death of Jesus of Nazareth. Sometimes gruesome, often too detailed, but nonetheless infinitely interesting, this book will be enlightening for any person of faith (Christian or not) or student of history.
4 of 5 stars
Melanie S.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Written from the point of view of a man who is on the autism spectrum ( does he know this about himself?) detailing his quest to find the perfect lifetime companion through a questionnaire that he has devised since his attempts at "typical" dating have failed thus far. Concurrently, he is helping one of the "unsuitable" applicants find her father through genetic research. Like a soap opera for socially challenged people, this is a funny and heartfelt tale, whose quirky characters definitely reminded me of people I know. This was a fun read, and I would recommend it. (I hear they are making it into a movie!)
Francisca E B
Lost City Radio by Daniel Alarcon
In an unnamed South American city, Norma hosts the popular “Lost City Radio” show, where people try to reconnect with loved ones they’ve lost track of. It is ten years since the civil war ended, but people still live in fear of reprisal and even Norma’s show isn’t immune to the sort of self-censorship that comes from self-preservation. Alarcon explores what it means to live in constant fear, trusting no one, afraid that any small slip of the tongue may mark you as the enemy, leaving you second-guessing every gesture or that stranger on the street you’ve seen once too often recently. Alarcon mixes tenses fluidly and sometimes within one paragraph. In less skillful hands this could be confusing, but Alarcon makes it work.
Cheryle Fisher
The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory
Another well researched book by this author. It just seemed a bit long especially in the descriptions of the main character and her obsession with fulfilling "God's will".
Linda Reck
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Lowland was written by Jhumpa Lahiri, recipient of the Pulitzer prize for her first novel for The Namesake. It is the story of two inseparable brothers born 15 months apart. Udayan becomes a revolutionary, and Subhash goes to Rhode Island to study. When Udayan is executed for his ideas, he leaves behind a pregnant wife. Subhash marries her and becomes a father to the child, Bela. Bela and Subhash have a special loving relationship. When Subhash find out that Gauri, Bela's mother, leaves the five-year old alone so that she can have some time off, Subhash is so angry he doesn't speak to her for a week. The Lowland is an engrossing family saga written with great beauty. Lahiri orchestrates the novel masterfully.
Ellen Wehle
Death of the Black-Haired Girl by Robert Stone
Not sure why this book has had such rave reviews. The mystery, such as it is, doesn't kick off until nearly halfway through. The biggest problem, though, is the dialogue between the professor and his student-lover, which is laughably unrealistic. When the student ends up dead, I almost wanted the prof to be guilty. Give this one an "F."
Anthony Romano
Wilson by A.Scott Berg
OUTSTANDING NOVEL ABOUT THE LIFE OF PRESIDENT WILSON. This was well written and revels a great time in the history of the United States that I was not aware of since it was never covered in U.S history courses at high school or college.
Walter Kretzmann
All That Is by James Salter
The characters in this book were flat--the plot flatter. The writing style was good, but the writer had nothing to say. I tried to care about Bowman, but never did. Ironic that a book editor could not see that this book about a book editor was not worth publishing.
Judy Tompkins
Under the Dome by Stephen King
Incredible plot--super long book. Taking my time!
Walter Kretzmann
Little Green by Walter Mosley
I was soooooo excited when I found out Easy was coming back. Not so excited when I got into the story though. There are just way too many characters for me to keep track of. It's not so easy going back into the story to figure out who is who when you've got a Kindle, so I just keep reading without really knowing who half the characters are. Really frustrating. I'm not even sure I will finish it. I only rate 3 stars because I really did like the story until they started throwing in all the characters.
Walter Kretzmann
The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson
The Orphan Master's Son is a well written, well composed novel. One can only suspect that it mirrors realistically the life that goes on "behind the wall" of North Korea. Although there are "flashes" of hope, often in simple domestic relationship, one is so overcome by the brutality, the starvation, the hopelessness of the people, that I unlike Erin Burnett of CNN who had wished it had gone on 100 pages longer, wished it had been 100 pages shorter. I think the point of the novel, which was short on plot and long on horrific descriptions, could have made its point with less ink.
If you want to envision what hell on earth is like...read the book.
Walter Kretzmann
The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman
While the style of writing may prove too much for some, I think the majority of readers who give The Book of Blood and Shadow a chance will find a solid, well-paced narrative with complex characters and a mystery that hooks you and doesn't let go. Though there were a few major issues that affected my overall feelings about the novel, I did enjoy the book and came away impressed. I will definitely be picking up more from Robin Wasserman in the future.
Walter Kretzmann
The Shining Girls: A Novel by Lauren Beukes
In some ways, the concept behind The Shining Girls is reminiscent of Looper, in that killing people across time is a great way of not getting caught. It posits this house, this kind of supernatural house that allows a decidedly creepy man named Harper Curtis to travel across time. A Depression-era drift, Curtis must travel time and kill these "Shining Girls," girls who have something that makes them special. One of his victims is Kirby Mazrachi who ends up surviving and makes it her life's mission to catch the killer.
It'd be hard to not mention The Time Traveler's Wife, either, because of the way The Shining Girls is written. It's written out of order, flipping between time periods so that the reader fills in the pieces.
Susan Spencer
The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
An amazing book, set in Cambodia. A story that shows the strength of the human spirit. Wonderfully written with an amazing ending.
Nancy Bader
Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
An unconventional love story. What would you do if making the person you love happy means giving up your own happiness? This is a wonderful book that I didn't want to end. Read it and weep -- and have a box of Kleenex handy.
Ellen Wehle
Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
Better than average mystery set in Houston, with a very likable main character who's a lawyer. If you expect courtroom scenes, though, you'll be disappointed -- he's not the Turow or Connelly kind of lawyer.
Judy O.
Outside the Lines by Amy Hatvany
Ten-year-old Eden West's father tried to kill himself one day by slashing his wrists. The suicide attempt led to her parents' divorce. David, Eden's father, disappeared after that; and Eden has always had a burning desire to reconnect with her beloved dad. This is a close look at mental illness and all the ramifications for those who love that ill person.
Audrey Shaffer
The Affair by Lee Child
This is the first book in the Jack Reacher series. I've never read them, but decided it was time to catch up. My want-to-read list now has all the rest of the series on it. I can't wait to get the next one!
JoRN
Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
A classic in every sense of the word.
Marsha
Good as Gone by Douglas Corleone
A thrilling pursuit for a missing child is the case for Former U.S Marshall Simon Fisk. This is a relentless chase through several European Countries. If you are looking for a new author that provides an exciting pace this is the one for you.
Tessa B C
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
Once again Selznick writes an engaging novel that is half-told through his incredibly detailed illustrations. This book tells two stories, set 50 years apart. Ben is a boy living in Gunflint MN in 1977. Rose is a girl living in Hoboken NJ in 1927. Ben’s story is told in text; Rose’s story in the pencil drawings that draw the reader into their depths.
Richard N B
Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen
Twilly Spree is a trust-fund baby and eco-terrorist. When he witnesses blatant littering by the driver of a Range Rover, he is compelled to teach the litterbug a lesson. Within a few pages the reader is immersed in the usual Hiaasen scenario featuring a dog-napping and peopled with corrupt Florida politicians, ruthless developers, and our favorite “out-there” one-eyed hero, Skink. A fun, enjoyable diversion, full of the usual Hiaasen colorful descriptions.
Melanie S.
Is It Weird in Here or is it Just Me? by Rod Whyte
If you have someone in your life suffering from depression, this book gives a first-hand account of what it's like to go through depression, the ups and downs, the thoughts and feelings on the worst days ( and some good ones). Written in real-time, not after recovery, it's very raw and real. Anyone who knows someone going through this illness, which is not openly talked about, should read this book. It's a bit disjointed and jumps around, so the writing is not of the best quality, but maybe that's the point as it's showing what goes on inside the mind of a person who is depressed. A must read for family members and care givers as it gave me insight I had not realized from any other reading I have done on the subject.
Denise Westlake
The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhem
18 years in the making and worth the wait!
Denise Westlake
Guests on Earth by Lee Smith
Complex front and back stories leading to the tragic fire that killed Zelda Fitzgerald (and others).
Very detailed, interesting, believable. History of mental health treatments.
Dianne
Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson
Charming love story.
Simonne Coutinho
Brick by Brick by Lynn Donahue
Locally published autobiography about a woman in the early 70's entering and conquering the closed-to women world of masonry.
Simonne Coutinho
The Gift by Cecelia Ahern
Holiday story about a man realizing what is truly important in life (hopefully before it is too late).
Lynn Jarrett
Teatime for the Firefly by Shona Patel
This story follows Layla and Manik as they begin their married life living on a tea plantation in Assam, India in the 1940s. Even though this book is a work of fiction, it is very descriptive in what the daily life was like for the different classes of people that worked and lived on the tea plantations. As the story unfolds, you come to be really close to both Layla and Manik and begin to fear for their lives as events begin to heat up as life on the plantation changes when corrupt individuals move into the area. Shona Patel had definitely made a name for herself with this book and I look forward to more novels from her.
Crystal R Blackburn
Dying to Retire: Murder She Wrote, No. 21 by Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain
Jessica, Seth, Mort and Mort's wife go to Florida for the funeral of an old friend who used to live in Cabot Cove. Is there really any chance that her death isn't suspicious? No, of course not. It's a good story.
Karen Grubb
And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
I have read The Kite Runner and felt it was more of a coherent story focusing on one family. In this book I kept on waiting for the relationships to come full circle--that didn't happen. That was a disappointment. It felt like a bunch of stories about people's lives who had a small connection to each other. For me not as poignant as his other books.
Susan Wray
Hungry: What Eighty Ravenous Guys Taught Me About Life, Love & the Power of Good Food by Darlene Barnes
A wonderful insight into fraternity life and the author's path to cooking for a bunch of college-aged boys. Barnes has always been interested in cooking and as her children grew up and moved out, she began to look for some to fill her time and fulfill her. The book includes information about her family life and cooking for a very wealthy family in Texas prior to moving to Washington. This is well-written and engaging with some recipes at the end of some of the chapters.
Brenda Wilthire
Privileged Witness by Rebecca Forster
I have been reading this whole series of books by Rebecca Forster. They are excellent mystery reads. I find it really exciting when I find a new author with a whole series. I look forward to each and every one in the series.
Francisca E B
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
3.5*** Audio book performed by Clare Wille. A romance with a social conscience. Can opposites attract? Can the self-made Mr Thornton woo and win the refined Margaret Hale? Clare Wille does a superb job performing the audio book. But that ending – abrupt hardly covers it. I actually exclaimed aloud, “Is that
it!?”
Cassandra Early
The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton
Great book.
Jan Zahrly
Black Skies by Arnaldur Indridason
Wow! Another Nordic mystery with the determined, tired, smart detective. We do not know all the facts until the last page or so. And we have so many clues, many of them leading to good suspects. I loved this mystery and this character. I can not wait to read them all.
JUANITA
Sycamore Row by John Grisham
Very good....lots of the legal....lots of suspense! Wish I had time to just sit and read and finish the book.
Allison Walders
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This was a great book! The author does a great job of keeping your interest and also gives great detail so you feel like you are right with the characters. Definitely recommend!!!
Megan
The Supreme Macaroni Company by Adriana Trigiani
I loved the whole Valentine trilogy from Adriana Trigiani (Very Valentine, 2009; Brava, Valentine, 2010). This was perhaps the weakest of the 3 but even so, Trigiani's books are always a great read and a wonderful world to get lost in for a while!
Donna Watts
Singularity by Steven James
There is a lot of detail in the book that was hard to get through, but the story was great.
I like this author.
shelly itkin
Railway Avenue by Bob Puglisi
When the book opens Tommy DiNardo is moving to Railway Avenue to a house in Corona, New York. Along with Tommy are his mother and father and they will all be living together in his grandma’s house. His Uncle John, Aunt Clara and their daughter Adrienne already live in the house. Each will live on a different floor
When they arrive his cousin Adrienne who is a year younger then Tommy, who is five is anxious to introduce him to her “club members” and Nickie Fiore who is seven is the president of the club.
Tommy seems to have a crush on Nickie from the day they meet and are now involved in their day-to-day lives and the things that happen to them. We learn about growing up, disappointments tragedy, marriage and love.
Linda Johnson
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
How fantastic is this book? I read every. Single. Word. of the 771 pages. The writing was delectable. The story unrolled like a dropped ball of yarn on a hill. There many times I wanted to cringe because I knew Theo Decker, the protagonist was making unwise choices, but I stayed with him and hoped for the best.
I think I'm going to find Ms. Tartt's other two books to savor.
Sean Penrose
Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver
I've always been a big fan of the James Bond movies going all the way back to Sean Connery. However, I've never read any of the novels before. Jeffery Deaver does a good job of showing an emotional deep, intelligent, and sometimes imperfect hero. My main issues here are the continued use of the same trope time after time. Bond is in a difficult situation where the tide has turn against him then he isn't and the reader is shown how Bond expected this and at the last minute got out of the jam. The same exact thing multiple times. It was tedious and then became expected. The main antagonist was creepy and the twist at the end wasn't as surprising Deaver intended. Overall, the characters were very well written but the plot was not.
Robert L. Cusick
Cross My Heart by James Patterson
Excellent read-definitely will hold your attention. I have a hard time putting it down. The Alex Cross detective stories hold my interest.
Kim Ann Johnston
The Bourne Retribution by Kim Ann Johnston
I haven't read this. I want it for Christmas...
Bill Hamilton
The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly
Mickey Haller is front and center in this Lincoln Lawyer legal thriller. Mickey takes on the case of a pimp accused of killing one of his high class call girls--a woman that Mickey had defended years ago and thought had left the business. All of the engaging characters from earlier Lincoln Lawyer novels are back and given more developed roles than before. Mickey's personal life continues to be a shambles and that subplot is interwoven with Mickey trying the case that seems a slam dunk for the prosecution.
Connelly once again spins a great story that will keep the reader turning each page well into the night.
Noreen Brown
Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
Very interesting and informative book. I had watched the HBO series "Rome' so I was familiar with most of the Roman rulers and battles.
It is not a religious book but a historical one.
The forms of torture and killings at the time are graphic.
Becky Pollard
Did You Miss Me? by Karen Rose
This is a great book. It keeps me reading far into the night.
Brenda K.
Indiscretion by Charles Dubow
The Characters reminded me of the characters in a Hemingway work. The ending was more serious and straight to the facts then I'd like. I did enjoy the narrator of the story. I found myself being pulled into the story and loosing track of time. I will seek out this author again in the future.
Laura Beierbach
The Prince of Risk by Christopher Reich
I like it and will share it with others.
Sharon Oats
Sycamore Row by John Grisham
This is classic John Grisham! Sycamore Row is the sequel to A Time to Kill. Set in the same small town, the protagonist faces the racial prejudices of the old south when a very wealthy elderly white man leaves his estate to the black maid who cared for him at the end of this life, leaving his entire family with nothing in his will. The twists and turns are the stuff that Grisham is famous for. I highly recommend this entertaining page-turner.
Jan Zahrly
Let Me Go by Chelsea Cain
Ms. Cain is as horrifying as ever but her plot was thin in this sixth Archie Sheridan book. We have the usual characters - Gretchen, his children and ex-wife, Susan Ward and the various strippers, mobsters, etc. but the plot seemed to get away from her this time. No spoilers and if you are a Chelsea Cain fan, go for it. But the obvious set-ups wore thin for me this time. I will read her again but it will take a long time. It is time to retire Archie and get a new set of characters with new plots. We never know how Gretchen funds herself or how she has so many "good" contacts. So this becomes total fantasy instead of almost believable gruesome mystery.
Jan Zahrly
Trust Your Gut by Gregory Plotnikoff & Mark Weisberg
Wow! What a great self-help book for all of us who have moderate to severe "gut" problems. I can never follow all of the advice but this is a book I will keep on my shelf forever. There is great advice and I have followed some of it already, e.g., sit quietly and identify my pain and wait with it, acknowledge it and learn from it. I can live through it and I can do other things such as identify the foods or drink that brings pain - now or later.
If you are doubled over with pain, get to these doctors. If your gut pain is just bothersome, read the book and follow the advice.
This book has helped me already and will help me in the future.
Thanks, guys. I received the review book from Goodreads.
Donna Graham
Santa's Magic Bootprints...A family Tradition Begins by Dan K. Beard
A good story to read over and over again to those young and old who believe. The book also comes with a cd and sparkly bootprints to show where Santa walked when he left the presents. There is also a a note thanking the family for treats and encouraging children to always be good and listen to there parents. You can start reading this at least weekly during the holiday season.
My grandchildren enjoy it.
Wendy Catalano
Darkness & Shadows by Andrew E. Kaufman
This story begins with reporter Patrick Bannister (from The Lion, The Lamb, The Hunted) in counseling, hoping to come to terms with the memories of two women who were a predominant part of his life. Firstly his hateful and abusive mother and secondly his one and only love Marybeth who died in a fire.
15 years later when a wealthy couple suddenly disappear Patrick is convinced the wife is Marybeth. He is determined to uncover the truth and along with his companion Bullet, an abused adopted dog, he teams up with Tristan, a convicted thief.
I enjoyed the pairing of Patrick and Tristan - they worked well together and their back and forth banter was fun.
The intriguing plot twists kept me guessing until the end.
Exciting and suspenseful!
Becky Haase
This Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley Cash
Two little girls who have just lost their mother to cancer are in foster care about to be sent to Alaska to live with Grandparents they have never seen. Enter their n’er-do-well father, a failed major league pitcher with a dark past and a sudden interest in his daughters. Dad also suddenly has LOTS of money , a damaged baseball player and the FBI following him. A former cop turned guardian ad litem is the girl’s only advocate when Dad kidnaps them and tries to disappear.
Cash shows us that he can write fragile, failed, caring, evil, greedy, selfless, kind, merciless and merciful characters with a tight plot. THIS DARK ROAD TO MERCY will have you reading far into the night to find out what happens to Easter and Ruby.
Fran
The Dowry Bride by Shobhan Bantwal
This unique little story held my interest from the first page. Megda is a character you root for right from the start. Interesting.
Vennie M.
House of the Wind by Titania Hardie
This book is great! It takes place in present day San Francisco and also Medieval Tuscany. It was very fascinating to learn the actual history of certain parts of Tuscany (which also have links to show these places). It's a type of a family genealogy.
Vennie M.
Cabinet of Curiosities by Preston & Childs
I would have to begin by saying that I always enjoy a good mystery and a strong, but little odd detective, and Preston & Childs always gives just that!
In this book the detective and Federal agent happen upon a very strange case of bones dating back to the turn of the 20th century NYC. The federal agent soon finds that this whole case seems to point to a long dead relative of his own.
They find that someone was killing people to use parts for prolonging his own life and that of his ward.
We learn a lot about New York City at that time and about curiosity shows.
I would advise anyone who loves mystery, humor and daring to read not just this book of the authors' collection but any and all of their books!
Debbie Maskus
A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash
Cash writes his first novel well, but leaves a few loose strands in the story. I enjoyed the different voices relaying the story and seeing the different perspectives of each individual. What amazes me is the sheepish quality of people, who are easily swayed by a powerful speaker. I felt that the book had so many disappointments for many of the characters. Stump is a tragic figure who possesses a doomed existence. I felt Stump's fall the most poignant.
Debbie Maskus
Never Go Back by Lee Child
I have found that I enjoy reading the Jack Reacher series, but I get a little disgusted with Reacher. He lives simply with no excess baggage, but he is too smug, at times. No matter what the fighting circumstance, Reacher always wins. No one can be that great, all the time. Also, the women seem to swoon for Reacher, I do not find him attractive. The story gets a little too much in the description of the military and chain of command. The ending seemed like a letdown after the main characters are code names of Romeo and Juliet. But are not Romeo and Juliet two doomed, star-crossed lovers?
