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January 10, 2014 - January 24, 2014

This contest period's winners were Dan S., Jayne K., Kim K., Leona O. and Rebecca R., who each received a copy of ANDREW'S BRAIN by E.L. Doctorow, THE DEAD IN THEIR VAULTED ARCHES: A Flavia de Luce Novel by Alan Bradley and MRS. LINCOLN'S RIVAL by Jennifer Chiaverini.

 

Nancy Hausladen
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

5
This is the story of slaves that work in the kitchen of a plantation and a white girl who is placed with them. This story takes place over many years as Lavinia tries to find her place between the black family she loves and the white world.

Elizabeth
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

4
Sadly this is the last book for Mrs. Binchy and those of us who loved her will miss the way she made normal people seem important. This is just that kind of a book where all the characters come together in Ireland to a bed and breakfast. They all find something from this remote location that they were missing. It is a great story and I for one will miss reading her work.

Ivy Pittman
Sycamore Row by John Grisham

5
Retribution, guilt and a settled conscience makes this story a winner.

Larraine Formica
The Center Of The World by Thomas Van Essen

5
The story centers around, The Center of the World, a JMW Turner painting which, alas, does not exist. This is a fascinating book that goes back and forth in several different time periods from the point of view of several different people. However, it doesn't matter because they are all bound together by this magnificent painting that was a portrait of Helen of Troy commissioned by the 3rd Earl of Egremont. In the novel, the Earl has commissioned the painting as an extraordinary portrait of his mistress, Mrs. Spencer. The painting is extraordinary according to the book. It changes whomever looks at it.

Debra Rehn
The Killer's Art by Mari Jungstedt

4
Sixth in Jungstedt's series set on the Swedish island of Gotland and eagerly and long-awaited. Detective Superintendent Anders Knutas is an appealing, agreeable protagonist with just enough human foibles to keep him real. The book is a tad long in a few places, but a very involving and satisfying read. I especially loved the developing dramas between members of the detective squad, promising much fuel for future books in the series. I can't wait! I give it four and a half stars.

Melanie Backus
Soldier's Heart by Tamera Kraft

5
Love, patience and understanding abounds in this novella. A war fought by a brave, young soldier comes home bringing that battlefield with him. The love of a woman helps him conquer his shell shocked nightmares.

Patty wright
New Year Island by Paul Draker

4
I can't say enough about this 709 page thriller. I read at least 1 book a week and this is the best book I have ever read.

Susan Spencer
A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths

4
5th in a series, great story line and very enjoyable.

Susan Spencer
Running Blind by Lee Child

4
Fast paced, great read and well written.

Wendy Johnson
That Night by Chevy Stevens

5
I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookreporter.com. I was disappointed in her last book, ALWAYS WATCHING, but this book hooked me from the beginning and kept me turning the pages to see how it would end. So glad I didn't have to wait for its release in June 2014 to read it!

Wendy Johnson
The Edge of Normal by Carla Norton

4
A suspenseful novel by a first-time author. I will definitely look forward to her next book.

Jane Squires
The Quilted Heart by Mona Hodgson

5
Three women experience heartache, hardships, and more. They all meet weekly at a quilting time. A time to share with other women and prayer together and gain strength to move ahead. There is strength when women can share. Maren Jensen is losing her eyesight so when she arrives from Denmark as a mail-order bride, she is rejected. Rutherford returns home from Civil War unsure if he will be received to know his daughter and be a part of her life. God has a plan for Maren and Rutherford's and little Gabi. Emilie is so busy taking care of her father she has no time for love. Then a childhood friend, Quaid McFarland, returns from war. Her Father does not like her spending time with him. See Amazon for rest of review.

Ann Zeigler
Desolation Row by Kay Kendall

5
This great debut mystery features a young couple living in Toronto during the Viet Nam war, avoiding the US military draft. He's accused of a brutal murder, and it's up to her to find the real killer. Great character development and plotting.

Linda Reck
The Housemaid's Daughter by Barbara Mutch

4
THE HOUSEMAID'S DAUGHTER is a beautiful debut novel. It focuses on Cathleen, who leaves Ireland to live in South Africa to marry a man she does not love, and it focuses as well on Ada, the housemaid's daughter. The story is told from Ada's point of view and Madam's through the diary she leaves on her dressing table which Ada reads. Madam teaches Ada to read, write and to play the piano. Ada's is a story of duty and Madam's is a story of love, disappointment and joy, which she gets from Ada. Both characters suffer great losses and each becomes against person of strong beliefs about Apartheid. They both act against it. This novel is so seamlessly written that the words feel like music. It takes place over 50 years.

Anna Robinson
Walk Me Home by Catherine Ryan Hyde

4
This is my book club's pick for Jan. 2014. It is an amazing story of two girls who are walking from New Mexico to California to find a former boyfriend of their mother's. The people they meet on the way and the secrets that come to light keep you interested. It is a page turner.

Jewell Massey
Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank

5
Complex, true to life family complications! FUNNY and filled with the local culture around Charleston. I have begun a collection of this author's titles---mainly because her books will not allow me to lay one down until the very last page!

Carol Poulos
The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells by Andrew Sean Greer

5
I enjoyed this book for two different reasons. First, it was so well written that it was a pleasure just to read. Then there is the story. We read about Greta, her lives and the times in which she lives. I was caught up from the first page through the last. It was a thought provoking premise that I think many people would enjoy.

Loretta Sanford
Mystery Girl by David Gordon

1
Pure trash. I only wanted to read it because it got great reviews. Author calls himself a pornographer.

Simonne
Brick by Brick by Lynn Donohoe

4
Non-fiction of a young woman going nowhere in the '70s who decides to give up her bartendering job to try to become a bricklayer, ultimately becoming an award-winning business owner and the only female in the bricklayer's union.

simonne
The Gift by Cecelia Ahern

4
Christmas story about a man who has to realize that time is finite and what are the more important things in life...before it is too late

Patricia Ferguson
An Irish County Village by Patrick Taylor

5
This is the second book in a series of 8 set in the fictitious town of Ballybucklebo, Ireland, in 1964. I have read the first three and miss the characters so much that I have now ordered the next three because our library does not have them. The characters and situation are very believable. This is a series about a general practitioner who takes on a newly graduated doctor as his assistant. The story line and residents continue from book to book and the author makes you feel like you know them and want to know what happens in succeeding books. Patrick Taylor is a doctor himself and his medical information is researched and backed by his own knowledge. Book is a real treat, unable to put it down!

Fran
Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch

3
This book was okay. I found it a bit choppy and the story was not very well developed. I don't think I'll be looking for any other books by this author.

Julie
The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani

5
I loved this book. A moving family saga about Italian immigrants who leave tbeir homeland to get jobs in America. The twists and turns their lives take is heartbreaking, sad and joyful. Some passages by the author about the true meaning of love and life are pure poetry. A great read.

Diane Snyder
One Evil Act by Elizabeth George

5
She has always written 5-star books but somehow still keeps getting better. By the time I finished this latest novel, I felt like a twisted rope! Barbara, Lynley and the new "Guv" keep the story aflame and you are not certain who is going to come out unsinged in the end.

Jan Kanowitz
Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan

5
THE VALLEY OF AMAZEMENT is a book taking place mostly in China in the late 1880s until the early 1900s. This book is mainly about a mother and daughter that have fates determined by circumstances and men. I enjoyed how these women managed their lives as courtesans and how their fates were determined by men that didn't always have their best interests at heart. Amy Tan is a fabulous author that does enormous research in preparation for her novels.

Nancy Coughlin
Dinner with the Smileys by Sarah Smiley

4
Good read. However, having been an enlisted wife, this would not happen for us. No way we would have the contacts or resources that were available to Mrs. Smiley, whosw husband is an officer and father is a retired Rear Admiral.

Melanie S.
Twelve Patients by Eric Manheimer, MD

4
Engaging account of the goings on at Bellvue Hospital in NYC by its medical director who brings us the stories of 12 patients with very diverse background stories and health issues. Interwoven with these stories are comments about the health care system in this country and how unstable governments in South America and the drug cartels in Mexico have contributed to health care issues in this country. Dr. Manheimer comes across as the type of physician we rarely encounter in our mundane interactions with the healthcare system, one who gets involved with the patients in his hospital to the extent that he actually arranged for a patient to fly home to his home country in South America so he could be with his family to die. Enlightening.

Dorothy Gordon
The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith

5
Another wonderful entry in the 44 Scotland Street Series featuring many interesting (and ecentric) characters like Angus Lordie and his dog Cyril (who dreams about biting ankles but is really a good dog), Matthew, whose honeymoon includes a strange adventure, and the bright young boy, Berite, whose mother continues to try to live his life for him with her strange therories of raising a child. Many characters and many stories of lives in Edinborough.

Pat Stuckey
The Trial by Robert Whitlow

5
I am reading my through all of his books. Great writer---so thankful a friend clued me in on this author. Highly recommend his books.

Reva Wamsley
Absolute Power by David Baldacci

5
Luther breaks into the house of this old rich man who is out of town but is unaware that the wife didn't go. He's in this hidden vault in the bedroom with a one way mirror when someone shows up. It's the wife & with her is the president of the US. While he is watching, they proceed to start having sex. The president gets rough & the woman grabs a letter opener & stabs him in the arm. Just as she's getting ready to stab him in the chest, two secret service men come in & shoot her in the head. They clean up the mess & hope that the police will think a burglar did it. As they are leaving they spot Luther going out the window. They chase him but can't catch him. The rest of the book is fast paced with them trying to find out who he was.

Iris Bass
The Gold Finch by Donna Tartt

5
This book was one that I was sad to finish as I had become highly invested in the story of a young boy's extraordinary life and experiences.

Kathleen Carn
Blindsided by Fern Michaels

4
The ladies are at it again. They supposedly quit investing things and retired, however, something new got them started all over again. Just proves no matter how old you are the brain hasn't stopped working.

Anita Hemmelgarn
Low Pressure by Sandra Brown

5
This is very well written and keeps the reader guessing till the end...mystery and romance...just a great read!

Pam
Unremarried Widow by Artis Henderson

5
I could not put this down. In beautiful, spare prose, Henderson recounts the love affair and then the loss of her young husband. She is candid about her own needs and her grief while living outside the army support groups. While she is young, she communicates this story in a timeless way.

Susan Braun
This Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley Cash

5
For all those who love the works of Harper Lee, Beth Hoffman, Susan Crandall and Joshilyn Jackson and Janice Daugharty, you are going to LOVE this book. Told through the eyes of 12-year-old Easter, orphaned when her mother dies of an accidental overdose, her legal custodian, a disgraced detective and the killer hired to find their father and kill him for stealing money from his employer. Placed during the '98 race to break Maris' homerun record by McGwire and Sosa, up and down the Carolinas we are introduced to characters you are not likely to forget. Smart, sassy Easter thrown into circumstances only a writer of the noir could imagine combined with the best coming of age a southern writer can conjure up, I dare you to put down.

Pam Moore
Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde by Jeff Guinn

4
The prose was quite readable but so detailed that many readers would be put off---so much info! The story fascinates, documents carefully from multiple sources, and does not glamorize. Bonnie and Clyde are barely more than teenagers, both crippled, physically very small people aged by the hardships of their lives. Bonnie and Clyde come off as the young misfits that they were, actually two-bit criminals, and even evoke sympathy for their painfully wasted, twisted lives lived on the run. This book brings to light the number of murders they were responsible for and the ones that they weren't; the truth is bad enough. The book can only allude to the havoc the pair must have wreaked on small business owners in numerous states.

Sean Penrose
The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly

4
The beauty of Michael Connelly's protagonist, Harry Bosch, is that he is a deeply flawed hero that you want to root for but he doesn't always make it easy. Here Bosch is dealing with the events of the last novel and decides to look into a cold case that has a truly personal connection to him. Through the twists and turns of the investigation, Bosch is haunted by the past and the ramifications his actions are having on those around him. There were multiple unexpected events that make this book almost fantastic. The book is grim and depressing at times but Harry's drive to do what's right while not being preachy is a delight. A very good read.

Linda Johnson
The Grimm Legacy by Addie J. King

4
A delightful romp through fairy tales our parents used to read to us but with many twists. Janie Grimm has just started law school six months after the death of her father. Strange things start happening during her first class including her introduction to a talking frog. Full of familiar story lines and humorous lines. The first of a series.

Kara S.
Let Him Go by Larry Watson

5
This book makes a surprisingly quick read. The spare prose of Larry Watson enabled quick consumption of the story, and I think almost any reader would find his style well-suited to moving through as a pageturner in 1 or 2 sittings if desired. The rapidity with which I read it surprises me only because of the sophistication of the novel's structure, the perfectly apt word choice to construct this intricate work, and the suitability of each detail of plot, setting and character to the novel as it had been framed from the first page. So if you're looking for a good story that is as well-written as it is easy to read, or if you've got your eye out for the newest big thing in contemporary literature, LET HIM GO is quite unlikely to disappoint.

Kara S.
The White Princess by Philippa Gregory

4
I found this book awesome---easily one of Philippa Gregory's best. Although I still haven't read two books in this series (I am definitely going to re-read this once I get to those), I thought this novel did a fine job of tying up many of the loose ends that exist in the series in exciting, dramatic ways. Reading this book was a fascinating, fun experience. If you like Philippa Gregory and any of the novels in The Cousins' War series, this is a must read. As usual, Gregory's new book was a pageturner---I was hooked for two days straight.

Kara S.
The Almond Tree by Michelle Cohen Corasanti

4
I found THE ALMOND TREE likable in a lot of ways, and it has a few truly admirable qualities. In particular, the characters are drawn with great warmth, and I found I could empathize with the protagonist even when I disagreed with his actions or views. Moreover, Corasanti portrayed the profound suffering of various characters sympathetically and highlighted moments of ordinary human tenderness, but I think she managed to avoid melodrama in the former case and maudlin narration in the latter. This book was written with love---it's not overwrought.

Kara S.
Ostrich by Matt Greene

4
The first page of this book knocked my socks off! It continued in that exciting, excellent way until its conclusion. The narrator, though young, shows tremendous insight. It's not fully cooked usually---it comes through in what he notices about situations. Best of all, these insights---whether wise, foolish or just peculiar---are often so funny. Author Matt Greene has a very smart and somewhat strange wit, and OSTRICH could stand on its humor alone, but it has much more to offer. This is an extremely poignant, without a trace of melodrama or gushiness, story about families---their peculiar cultures, the access members have to each other's individual whims and ways, their collective and individual failings and the love they breed.

colin beierbach
Mrs. Lincoln's Rival by Jennifer Chiaverini

3
My wife and I read this one together.

Lora O'Riordan
Blue Diary by Alice Hoffman

2
I liked the book, but it just seemed to jump around with the characters and never fully satisfied. The only part that I truly enjoyed was the relationship between the wife of the accused and the brother of the victim. That seemed well thought out and intriguing.

Lauren B.
The Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

4
This is the second novel in the series which involves witches, vampires, and daemons with a historic twist. I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel; however, I felt that the second novel was too drawn out. I enjoyed the descriptions, but the words could have been better used towards building the plot. This book is not your typical vampire novel, but one with much more class. I would highly recommend.

Fran O
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin

4
This was pretty good. Two childhood friends are reunited by a crime, in which one of them is a main suspect. Good character development, interesting mystery which keeps the reader guessing! Enjoyed.

Debbie M
Rumpole of the Bailey by John Mortimer

3
This is a collection of short stories dealing with Rumpole and his clients. Of course, Hilda or She Who Must Be Obeyed, is a constant presence. The biggest problem is the English vernacular opposed to American slang. I decided the watch several of the stories that were presented as a series on BBC. Many of the nuances that are missed in the book are depicted on the screen. The humor is not the slapstick humor of I Love Lucy, but more like the Kramdens of the Honeymooners. The British court system is different than the American court system and the flow of the story suffers from this difference. I like the underlying lesson of each story, such as a parent's responsibility for a child or the loyalty of one employee to another employee.

Debbie M
The Right-Hand Shore by Christopher Tilghman

2
It starts as an interesting story about a woman attempting to find a male heir to inherit the legacy of The Retreat, a huge enclave in Maryland. The woman is dying of cancer, and before she reaches her decision, the reader journeys into the history of the house and land. The trek becomes tedious, and the reader quickly loses interest and wanders misty-eyed in the haze of endless characters. I felt the book would hold hidden merits and therefore attempted to keep to the path. The reading proved to be an exercise in futility.

Janet Graham
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

5
The characters in this book are so endearing and fascinating that although you want to race to see how it finishes, you don't want the characters to leave your life. Amazing writing and a truly charming story by a writer you always wish would write more but are so thrilled with what you have.

Anne Marie Koschnick
The Godwulf Manuscript by Robert S. Parker

4
After reading selections from THE ROYAL SPYNESS and Masie Dobbs' series, this book was an interesting contrast. It was like going back to basics in American mysteries with a hard-boiled detective. However, Spenser is an enigma. As tough as he is, he quotes American and English lit. It was an enjoyable read with enough twists to keep it interesting.

Marsha
The Last Temptation by Val McDermid

5
What a beautiful writer is this lady. Plus she tells a thrilling and engrossing story full of psychological insights. An undercover operation embedding a British officer becomes a battle of survival for several people. She makes her characters come alive. What a ride!

Amy Counts
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

5
Loved this book! This book is written entirely as letters between characters. At first I was very skeptical thinking that it would be difficult to get to know each character and to distinguish between them. I shouldn't have worried. It was easy to fall in love with them and wish I could visit them in Guernsey.

Beth Z
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin

5
One of the best books I have read in a long time! Ms. Benjamin made Anne Morrow Lindbergh come to life. It made me want to read more about the Lindberghs and the kidnapping. I highly recommend!

Lynne Perednia
Someone by Alice McDermott

4
A wonderfully incisive look at a quiet life, family love and how people matter to each other.

Lynn W
George Washington's Secret Six by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger

3
Fascinating little bit of our history. The subtitle says it all: The Spy Ring that Saved the American Revolution.

Christen Bezoski
The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls

3
A quick, engaging read with a satisfying ending.

Betty Ramsey
The Bat by Jo Nesbo

5
This book is the first in the Inspector Harry Hole series written by Norwegian author Jo Nesbo and translated by Don Bartlett. Harry is sent to Australia to aid in the investigation of the murder of a young Norwegian woman. Like many police procedurals, there are twists and turns that keep us on our toes trying to guess the murderer. It seems the murder is similar to that of several other woman in the country which is an added dimension to the case. Harry also has some personal problems that develop over the course of this case. I found this book to be quite enjoyable. I liked the way the story moved along and kept me wanting more. I understand that this was the author's first book which is astounding, given the wonderful writing.

Phoenix
Jim Henson, the Biography by Brian Jay Jones

4
An insightful look at the man behind The Muppets. Jim Henson died too soon, but his creativity & imagination has influenced generations. This biography was written with the cooperation of the Henson family, & I found it both engaging & revealing.

Sherrie English
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

4
Such an interesting book to read, not all the characters are happy and sometimes you shake your head as you follow them. Loved the end.

Barbara Jennings
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller

4
Every year our book club, the Sturdy Shoes, votes on the best book of the year. This was the unanimous winner for the best non-fiction book. It tells of the author's childhood, growing up in Africa, and all the difficulties encountered there. ne has to wonder, "What were those parents thinking?" It is funny, tragic, and a thoroughly engrossing tale of the author's childhood.

Beth Shoemaker
My Soul to Keep by Valeria J. Prucha

5
Serial killer in Albuquerque. New Mexico. Great characters, edge-of-your-seat book. Can't wait for book #2. Val is in the process of writing it---but not fast enough for me!

Kim Kolk
Playing St. Barbara by Marian Szczepanski

4
This book will really stick with me for awhile. I was sorry to have to say goodbye to the characters! There was plenty to make me angry: domestic violence, labor strife, etc. But I loved the interaction of the women in the story and how they tried to look out for one another. I also enjoyed the historical aspect. I felt fully immersed in the story. This will be a great selection for book clubs!

Jan Zahrly
Voices by Arnaldur Indridason

5
This book is one of the earlier Inspector Erlendur Sveinsson mysteries. It is a superb book and provides some background information about Erlendur. The doorman at a hotel was found murdered in his tiny room, at the point he was dressing as Santa to play that role for the guests. As usual, there are many suspects and much more is going on in this tourist hotel in Iceland. Arnaldur has joined his Scandinavian colleagues in providing mystery and leaving a clue for another mystery (maybe the next book is the series?). The main characters are well developed as is the gloomy weather in Iceland at Christmas time. If you love mysteries, this is a great one!

Lynn Hough
The Riders by Tim Winton

3
Parts of this book I greatly enjoyed and parts I found disturbing. Some parts were very well written and others I felt he must not have put as must effort into. I never came to a point where I didn't like the book though. I truly wish the entire book was as good as part 1. Overall it was just OK.

Jean V.
The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connolly

5
What a great book! Fast moving and interesting. I enjoyed reading more of Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer. Michael Connolly is one of my favorite authors and this book is not to be missed!

Irene Grigas
Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson

5
I received this book as a gift from Faithful Reader a few weeks ago and since then, the book is so good that I have a hard time putting it down. It's a legal thriller with twists and turns in every chapter. An explosion happens in a shuttered nuclear facility where employees were poisoned by radiation. A father and daughter lawyer duo enter the picture to defend a worker who is suing the company. This is a debut novel by the author and will give the other legal authors some fierce competition. This book is well worth reading.

Arthur Harriman
Joyland by Stephen King

5
A splendidly written tale of romance, mystery and slowly-developing horror set in an aging North Carolina carnival peopled with beautifully drawn characters who are not entirely those you'd care to meet on a city street even in bright sunlight. The author knows well the language of the "carny' and immerses the reader its atmosphere from the outset. And from almost the beginning, a feeling of dread begins to permeate as the reader follows the events encountered/endured by the bright, young protagonist whose first real job is that of a man-of-all work in the carnival.

Dianne
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin

4
Very readable story. Rich American girl marries an improvished English Duke for love. She must find her way through English society in the late 1800s, avoiding a mean mother-in-law and a less than supportive mother.

Tessa B C
Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

5
A novel written entirely in verse. Lupita is the oldest of eight children; born in Mexico, she and her parents immigrated to Texas when she was a six years old. They are a close-knit family and Lupe does all she can as the oldest to help her mother. Like all teens she has to juggle the expectations of her parents, grandparents and teachers against her own passions and fears. When her mother is diagnosed with cancer the illness will forever change the family relationships. Lupita finds solace in writing poetry. Garcia McCall says so much with so few words! Her poetry is evocative and restrained, powerful and tender, vivid and elusive, full of sadness and joy, but mostly full of love.

Jamie L
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

4
Really enjoying this book so far! The main character is so spunky and clever.

maureen downing
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

5
A great big thick book to cuddle up with on a cold winter's night. Donna Tartt does not disappoint.

Carol Weigel
The Mask Carver's Son by Alyson Richman

3
The ending was abrupt. The author had me hooked until page 287. Then it seems the author wanted to hurry up and finish the story.

Michael McAdam
Allegiant by Veronica Roth

5
I thought this was a fitting end to a very creative trilogy. I read some negative reviews (I understand how some of the events might irk people) but I enjoyed it immensely! Veronica Roth is very good at taking a story to an unexpected place (so refreshing!) and that fact made this read all the more riveting. I had absolutely no idea where it was going. I recommend the whole series. They are meant as YA books so they are very quick reads.

Francisca E B
The Year of Pleasure by Elizabeth Berg

3
I like Berg’s writing. She has a way of exploring the drama in everyday lives that rings true. However, I didn’t connect to Betta and the other characters this time out. I’m thinking it’s because of her relationships in her new town with much younger characters---20-somethings Matthew and Jovani, and the 10-year-old Benny who lives next door. This may have been partly due to the audio performance by Sandra Burr; she read Benny with an exaggeratedly young voice so that he sounded more like a six-year-old. Betta’s old college friends also weren’t very well developed, not really contributing much to the story line beyond offering some advice and support. A quick read, but not her best.

Robin McKay
Midwinter Magic by Erica Ridley

4
MIDWINTER MAGIC is funny and sexy and romantic. Jack Morgan was a corporate bigwig who is now trying to make the world a better place. He is going to Bolivia, if only he can get there. Sarah, his guardian angel, is doing everything in her celestial power to prevent him from making the trip. Despite Sarah’s best attempts however, Jack does get to Bolivia. But his problems don’t stop there. Sarah finds herself in a position of having to reveal herself to Jack, but instead of trying to convince him that she is an angel, a big no-no in the angelic community, she poses as a fellow traveler. Now Sarah has to keep Jack safe, hide the fact that she is an angel AND that she is falling in love with him.

Dennis Beierbach
Mrs. Lincoln's Rival by Jennifer Chiaverini

3
My wife shared with me. An easy read.

Kim Johnston
Andrew's Brain by Kim Johnston

2
Interesting name and title considering I had surgery today!

Emily Varga-comella
Perfect by Rachel Joyce

5
Because I loved her first book so much, I could hardly wait to receive her second novel PERFECT. This one, like the first, is beautifully written. The characters are well-developed; the descriptions of the settings are well-drawn; and Joyce's insights in the human psyche are sharp and powerful. Love, forgiveness and redemption are the major themes of this novel.

JoRN
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

4
A young Jewish baker befriends an elderly man. He confides in her that he was a member of the Nazi party in WWII.

Stacey K
Guests on Earth by Lee Smith

4
Really liked this historical fictions about the famed Highland Hospital in Asheville, NC, where Zelda Fitzgerald was a longtime patient. The book chronicles several years before the famous fire of March 1948, which killed several patients.

Andrew Beck
The Village by John Strausbaugh

4
Terrific history of Greenwich Village. Wonderful non-fiction companion to all those great novels in which the main character journeys back into the past of New York City (yes, I'm talking to you, WINTER'S TALE).

Becky Haase
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

5
In an interesting twist on the pre-Civil War story of slavery, Grissom presents us with an Irish child orphaned on the ocean crossing and delivered into the life of an indentured servant. Because Lavinia is only 6 years old as the tale begins, she is handed over to the “house slaves” to raise by the master of the house. Belle, who ultimately becomes Lavinia’s “mother/sister,” is the master’s illegitimate daughter and receives many privileges because of this relationship. Promised her freedom by the master, Belle unhappily comes under the eye of the master’s son who is unduly influenced by the evil overseer. Grissom has written an engrossing tale of life of “house slave, “field slave” and bullied and frightened wife.

Barbara Jennings
Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende

3
I enjoyed reading this book, however, it dragged a bit at times. I think additional editing might have helped.

Diane Castiglione
The Beloved Daughter by Rebecca Cantrell

5
I could not put it down and there were times I felt like my breath was taken away by what this young girl went through. We are told the price it cost some for their faith and confections, and us how lucky we are to live in a land of freedom. The story is about a young girl and the price she pays for her father's faith as a christian. He will not give up his faith, even when his daughter pays by being tortured and beaten. In the end he loses his live. We learn of the fear and horrible suffering people pay in many countries for their faith. This story will tear your heart out and make you cry at times as we watch this young girl try to stay a live and what it cost her as a human at the hands of others.

Sonnie Strolberg
Black Skies by Arnaldur Indridason

5
This Iceland murder mystery author writes so well that I feel the need to wear a warm sweater when reading to ward off the chill of crime in a cold climate. Reading Arnaldur Indridason's novels allows me to learn about the culture and life style of this small country. His stories are always gripping.

Sandra Furlotte
Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

4
This book is a frightening look at a world that has regressed and become savage. Kira and Thomas are children with very special talents who have been singled out to receive special treatment because of their talents. This is the second book in The Giver quartet.

Tessa B C
On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder

4
Book four in the Little House series finds the Ingalls family in Minnesota and settled into the sod house near the Banks of Plum Creek. Seven-year-old Laura narrates this story full of the innocent adventures of childhood, as well as the hardship and dangers of pioneer life. The Ingalls family is blessed with a great deal of love and good parents who instill valuable life lessons on their young children. Cherry Jones is wonderful performing these books on audio. She is so expressive in conveying the excitement of a new place to explore, the joy of a small gift of candy, the fear and anxiety of being left alone as a storm approaches, and the love of a family who feels safe when they are together.

Mary L. Holshouser
Command Authority by Tom Clancy

5
Kept me riveted. It's hard keeping up with all of the characters but it is well worth the time. Ended kind of oddly. Hope somebody doesn't take over writing for Clancy.

Jan Zahrly
Heat Wave by Richard Castle

3
A quick mystery with Nikki Heat in NYC. She is with a famous reporter, Jamison Rook, who is embedded with the detective to learn about the art of detecting. Heat has other detectives in her squad but Rook provides quick access to famous people like a judge willing to grant warrants in the middle of the night and former famous art thief. There are many suspects in the high-powered riches to rags businessman and many trite characters. His arm candy wife, the big thug who can intimidate anyone, the maid/nanny from a middle eastern country. This is my first Richard Castle book and I found it rather trite and thin. I will probably read another to check my initial assessment. It is a quick read.

Linda Reck
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

3
THE INVENTION OF WINGS is about pivotal events in Sarah's and Handful's life. From the time Sarah was given Handful as an eleventh birthday present, she was against slavery, and Handful yearned more and more for her freedom. The book took place over a 35 year period, so we see the changes in Handful and Sarah. Sarah eschews the southern ways of society. She is thwarted at a young age to know a woman's role in society, and she becomes an abolitionist. After Handful's mother leaves, she desires more and more for freedom. I like the way the book alternated the chapters between Sarah and Handful so we could watch them both grow at the same periods in each one's life. The girls are exceptional characters.

Judy O.
Called Again by Jennifer Pharr Davis

4
In 2011 the author gained the record of being the fastest-thru-hiker on The Appalachian Trail. This made her the record holder for both men and women. This was a fascinating account of the endurance that she showed as she completed over 2000 miles in about 47 days. I heard her speak recently and was really affected by her courageous story.

Sean Penrose
Kill You Twice by Chelsea Cain

4
The dynamic between between Archie and Gretchen is back and its as enjoyable as ever. Chelsea Cain delivers again and rebounds from the last installment's low points. Delving into Gretchen's personal history and tying it to the present was fantastic. Archie's road to recovery, both medical and mental, is a great read and seeing how he deals with those around him during this is spectacular. he crimes in this are as gruesome as ever and the other antagonist(s) other than Gretchen are serious, the mystery and dots are connected too quickly. I really enjoyed it all but the read could have been a little longer to elongate the suspense. Great read.

Walter Kretzmann
Cross by Ken Bruen

3
I read THE GUARDS by Bruen. Which was quite good. CROSS does not achieve the same level of quality enjoyment as THE GUARDS.

Walter Kretzmann
Trunk Music by Michael Connelly

4
Like so many others, I started with one of the newer books and then had to go back to the beginning. I'll keep going as long as they keep being this good. A lot of twists and turns in this book---some just for the sake of throwing in a twist---but still a great read and now I'm on to the next one.

Walter Kretzmann
A Pale Horse by Charles Todd

3
I debated as to whether or not this was four or five stars. The use of "Hamish" a ghostly Scottish voice from Rutledge's World War I battles gives a haunting quality to the whole book. It forces the reader to recognize that although Rutledge is with Scotland Yard, his nightmares from the War are always with him. I found the plot bogged down from time to time and got a little confusing as a result. I still recommend it because of the skillful way the narrative between Rutledge and Hamish weaves the past with the present. This was one of those books that kept me guessing until the end. It's worth a read, for sure.

Walter Kretzmann
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

4
I liked it. The book was nicely done with all the details of the book. Ms. Cisneros, well done! I loved it.

Walter Kretzmann
Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon

2
If the name "Pynchon" was not on this book cover, I would not think much of the book. but I expected more from TP. This is a decent detective story, sometimes humorous, but nothing memorable.

Ellen Wenz
The Age of Miracles by Marianne Williamson

5
This is a must read book for anyone who is thinking "Is this it?" I listened to this book as well as read it! Absolutely beautiful!

Francisca E B
11/22/63 by Stephen King

4
The cover and title tell us that this novel will be about the Kennedy assassination. I’ll admit I was a bit frustrated that it took King so long to get to the critical events of November 1963. This is NOT to say that the book is slow. King is a master at pacing a thriller to keep the reader turning pages. However convoluted and long the journey, I’m glad I went along. However, I really wish he had ended it sooner. This novel cries out for an ambiguous ending. The Citizen of the Century chapter did “close the loop,” but for this reader the impact of Chapter 31 was lessened. Craig Wasson was superb performing this audio. He even did a fair impersonation of real figures and had reasonably good regional accents.

Elizabeth
The Bride's House by Sandra Dallas

4
If you have read Sandra Dallas before you will enjoy this book. It is a history lesson of a mining town in Colorado. The story follows three women who are a grandmother, mother and daughter. These lives all come together in the Bride's House. This is not the best book I have ever read but the story kept me reading until the end. It is a nice clean, cozy read.

Judy S
Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo

5
DiCamillo continues to shine in everything she writes, this time the story of a squirrel's relationship with a young girl and the magic that ensues.

Heather Bjork
Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Barbara Semple

4
Funny & entertaining. Wandered at certain points but overall a fun & interesting read. Definitely recommend.

Sandy McCullough
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

5
This was one of the best books I have read! It goes back and forth in time and I usually don't care for that type of writing, but this one was spellbinding and I loved that it was a very big book!

Kathy Miller
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

5
This book is not at all what I was expecting, and what a great surprise it has been! It's easy to see why it's a popular book for book clubs right now. I can't wait to see how it wraps up, and to see whether the characters change and grow.

Jeff
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

5
Fresh, exhilarating, entertaining, thought-provoking, incident and coincidence-packed storytelling in the tradition of Dickens and Hugo. A thrilling ride.

Mary Vernau
The Martian by Andy Weir

3
Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead by his crew mates and abandoned on Mars. This is a great survuval story, filled with laugh-out-loud humor. However, it contains way too much math and science for me.

Sharon Lumb
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

5
A delightful fantasy book about a boy fighting the battle for good against evil in rural England. A man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. He goes to the home of his childhood friend and slowly recalls what happened so long ago. It was so hard to put down that I finished this book instead of wrapping Christmas presents. Luckily I had plenty of seasonal gift bags! Highly recommended.

Susan Atkins
Doom With a View by Victoria Laurie

5
This is about a professional psychic who helps the FBI with some cases even though some of the FBI are skeptical of her. She is very believable in this series. The author is a real life professional psychic.The stories are not from real people but I am sure they had a part in the story line. I found her books very enjoyable and actually ,it was hard to stop reading them. When I started a book I did not want to put the book down. I recommend this series .

Brenda K.
Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould

4
Laura, the main female character, leaves the shelter of the convent to hunt down who murdered her sister. The story is full of twists and turns. This book would be a good read for mature, early teenage females to women of middle age. The description of the town of Venice was breathtaking. I enjoyed the book from start to finish. I will seek out this author again in the future.

Kathy Church
Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini

5
I loved the book. It's definitely not the typical Chiaverini (Quilting series) but it was a very good read. I love that it is based on actual history. Would love to win the next one of her books.

Lana E. Mason
The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley

4
I always admired Teddy Roosevelt, but this book shows a completely different side to him which lessens my admiration considerably. This is the history not taught in schools.

Nancy Ciaio
Fallen Women by Sandra Dallas

5
I have read many of Sandra Dallas' books and really liked all of them. The story takes place in Denver and is of prostitution in the late 1800s. I always feel that I have had a history lesson after I finish reading one of Sandra Dallas' books. This book is no exception. There was a nice story line along with the history lesson. I have already recommended this book to friends.

Wendy Jensen
The Perfect Protein: The Fish Lover's Guide to Saving the Oceans and Feeding the World by Andy Sharpless

4
A very informative book with concise statistics. The consequences of overfishing and depleting our oceans is a world wide concern. The author includes stories of people who have been concerned enough to do something about the decline of fish in their area and how they have brought the population back. Makes me want to go out and find some sardines to barbeque like they do in Spain. He has even included quite a few recipes in the back of the book that sound very worth trying. I enjoyed this book very much.

Allison Gardner
The Mercy Sellers by Brenda Rickman Vantrease

3
Great historical novel about the selling of indulgences by the Catholic Church

Nancy Anderson
The Supreme Macaroni Company by Adrianna Trigianni

1
I waited eagerly for the release of this final book of the Valentine trilogy, but found it somewhat disappointing. I thought it mediocre in comparison to the first two books. It seemed to me that perhaps the author felt compelled to wrap this series up, but without the same level of dedication. I have always devoured everything she has written with such enjoyment. Although it wasn't bad, it was not as pleasurable.

Ali
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

4
I love Lisa See's writing and her characters. She takes you right into the time and place where the characters are living. This was a great story where everyone has secrets and are in search of happiness and the American dream. Read it, you won't be sorry.

Jane Hopkins
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

3
The book is compelling and loaded with foreshadowing but will require quite an investment of your time (almost 800 pages!). I gave this book 3 stars as I found the detailed account of Theo's life to be a bit boring, although necessary. The book's opening will grab you full throttle but then lags and seems to lose its way. Quite a satisfying ending, but it is only by the reader's perseverance that they are well bestowed.

Maxine Urso
The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

4
Loved the book but struggled with names of towns and streets until I decided to ignore them. Members of my book club felt the same way.

Rebecca Reardon
The Last Telegram by Liz Trenow

3
I loved a new twist on a World War II on the home front historical fiction. The story of the transformation of a self-absorbed teenager into something other than a "Rosie the Riveter" or a nurse was absorbing. The interweaving of the plot with the history of the silk industry in England and the Kindertransport subplot made this much more than chick lit with a historical setting.

Barbara Kirch
The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama

5
This is a beautifully written story of a young Chinese boy sent to his family's home in Japan to recover from tuberculosis. The time is the eve of WWII. His experiences with three adults and a young Japanese girl brought tears to my eyes. It was so powerful, I read the book in one sitting.

ROSEMARIE POSTILIO
Mercy Snow by Tiffany Baker

4
I was lucky enough to receive a Advance Reading Copy of this book. Miss Tiffany Baker does a fine job of making the reader feel the environment between the characters as well as the small town surroundings. Each time I had to put this book down, I could feel it calling me back to continue...leading me to recommend it as a fast, easy and enjoyable read....especially good to hunker down with on a cold winter night. Enjoy!

Jeanette Mateer
The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin

4
Picked this up at a used book store and loved the story of this family from WWII through the end of the century. The story is not a mystery but kept me fully engaged as the characters were introduced and we learned their back story. I could easily visualize life at this camp in Maine from my home on a lake in northern MI, especially identifying with the extremes of winter and beauty of summer. Best of all, THE SUMMER GUEST is a "nice" story---no murders, nothing underhanded and no nasty characters.

Jayne kasten
We Are Water by Wally Lamb

2
This book discusses marriage of all kinds and levels plus the life of family members in beautiful intricacy. Lamb's writing is eloquent and the words stay with you long after the book is complete. His characters are developed carefully and completely so the reader feels they have known them always. A magnificent read, which I wish could continue in sequels.

Marguerite Beal
To Marry an English Lord by Gail MacColl; Carol McD. Wallace

5
I love this easy to read book and it is fun. I lost the first copy and bought a new one when it was re-released because of Downton Abbey. Love the references to Newport, Rhode Island.

Helen Duncan
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin

5
It was so difficult to remember that this is a novel and not an autobiography. The account is amazingly real, from thoughts to places and events. How true is it? I can't answer that but from the amount of research necessary, I would guess mostly true. Ms. Benjamin seems to be a shrewd analyst who probably gets even the thoughts spot on. Loved this book.

Rosemary Sobczak
Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich

5
Perfect antidote to the miserable weather outside!

Vennie M.
Ghost Moon by Heather Graham

4
I enjoy all of Heather Graham's books, but right now I'm reading GHOST MOON which is part of her Bone Island Trilogy. What I like about this is that it incorporates supernatural, romance and mystery. This particular book, as most of her books, is a mystery which is historic and the past effects the future. Her characters are well rounded and the story is fun to read. Unfortunately, it tends to make you want to vacation in Key West, due to her descriptions of both place and festivals.

Sandra Furlotte
The Tudor Conspiracy by C.W. Gortner

4
Books about the Tudors are legion. This story about the conflict between the supporters of Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth is well worth the read. The characters are great and the plot moves along at a good pace.

shelly itkin
The Man in the Window by Jon Cohen

3
Mismatched? Only chance? Fate? Desperation? Love? These are some of the questions you will ask yourself after reading this story. Louis Malone has not left home in sixteen years since a terrible accident occurred, scarring his face during a horrible fire. When his father passes away, he finally leaves the house to attend the funeral and then returns to his prison on Waverly Place. The monster, now 32 goes back to looking out the window as life is passing him by. In a strange accident he meets Iris Shula who at thirty-seven years of age is also a similar type prisoner but she works at Barnum Memorial Hospital, as a nurse mainly in the intensive care unit.

Betty Chrastka
The Good Lord Bird by James McBride

4
Wonderful portrayal of John Brown, along with a marvelous narrator in the form of Onion, a boy in the guise of a girl.

Laura McDonald
Girl on the Golden Coin by Marci Jefferson

4
Ms. Jefferson's first effort at historical fiction is intriguing on many levels. It is a novel about Frances Stuart, whose beauty attracted kings and gave her ways to influence those around her. The mystery of the Sun King's intentions in sending her to England (revenge? political expediency?) flows throughout the book and is resolved in the end. The questions about her own mother's past keep the tension going also. The end of the book contains information on how much of the story is based on fact and how much is speculation, which I really appreciate most of all.

Wendy Catalano
Hero of My Heart by Megan Frampton

3
HERO OF MY HEART by Megan Frampton is a historical romance with two flawed but well-liked characters. The book begins with a drugged Mary Smith put up for auction by her despicable half-brother to sell her virtue to pay off his numerous debts. Alasdair Thornham, a troubled opium-addicted marquess buys Mary in order to rescue her and in turn she rescues him a time or two. On the road to escape their plotting family, romance and adventure begin. A quick, fun read that I would recommend to a historical romance lover.

Julie
The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani

5
Being full-blooded Italian I may be somewhat biased but I really could identify with the families and all the traditions and food described in this book. I enjoy reading about family sagas and this is definitely one of the better ones. I felt like I lost good friends when the book was over.

SALLY G
Palisades Park by Alan Brennert

4
I enjoy reading novels by this author. His characters come out so real and I can put myself beside them in the story.

Rena Ackley
Speaking From Among the Bones by Alan Bradley

4
As always, Flavia de Luce keeps me entranced with her sleuthing and chemical investigations. Though only twelve years old, her scientific brain works as one decades older. This time she gets involved with the murder of the church organist, unearthing bones of a dead saint, a bleeding sculpture, and a host of enigmatic characters. Matters at the manor are worsening financially and it appears selling it is the only option. Sibling rivalry and mystery abound as in each of the Flavia books. It is thoroughly entertaining while at times heartbreaking. I am looking forward to the next in the series.

Rena Ackley
What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman

4
Is she or isn't she, it is difficult for anyone to tell. A young woman is involved in an accident in Baltimore and claims she is one of the missing "Bethany girls," two girls kidnapped over twenty years ago. She will not give the police the name she is currently using and has no ID. She hires a high powered lawyer, a social worker gets involved, a retired policeman who still has the original case files is called in. Each of them knows she is lying at some point and yet seems to be who she says she is at others. Part of the story is told in flashback format and some in current time. There are enough unexpected revelations and twists that the reader is constantly having to reevaluate what they think they know. Great read.

Wendy Catalano
Ade: A Love Story by Rebecca Walker

5
ADE is a coming of age love story. It captured me from the first page and I didn't put it down until I was finished. Wonderfully written, Rebecca Walker creates a captivating portrait of a young American woman who travels abroad to Africa and finds love with a Swahili Muslim man. There they create their own paradise, plan to marry and are then faced with the unsettling and often violent realities of life just as the Persian Gulf war begins.This is an extraordinary love story and tale of survival. ADE will stay with me for a long time.

Susan Spencer
Farewell to the East End by Jennifer Worth

5
I have loved all three of the Call the Midwives books as well as watching them on PBS. Very graphic in parts but well worth reading.

Lesley
The Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini

5
This was the first book by Chiaverini I had read and I loved it. I knew quite a bit about Ms. Van Lew and always thought she received shoddy treatment as "crazy." This book showed the intellect, cunning and bravery that Ms. Van Lew possessed, thus giving creedence to the accolades that are rightfully hers.

Phyllis. Relyea
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

5
Part mystery, part intrigue, and lots of historical fiction of London during the Blitz. I really felt like I was there!

Denise Barron-Kraus
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo

4
On my Want to Read list for two years (published Feb 2012). Read BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS for a book club. Chose this title for Word of Mouth as still thinking about it and sharing the story with others. The book sparked interesting discussion---the kind where one leaves with more questions than answers.

Dara Montgomery
Sisters of the Quilt by Cindy Woodsmaill

4
Another good trilogy from Woodsmall. This one has a darker subject matter than other Woodsmall books. This deals with a rape of an Amish girl and how it affects her life.

Nancy Hausladen
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

4
This is the story of an ophaned white girl who is put to work in the Kitchen House with slaves. She must decide where she belongs in life, with whites or blacks. I enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down.

JoAnne Simon
David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

4
A book that will stimulate your imagination and encourage discussion.

Carroll Savage
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

4
Enjoying this story of multi-generational family mystery.

Raylene
The Expected One by Kathleen McGowan

5
I couldn't put this book down for very long even though I was hesitant about reading it initially. Who's to say that life 2,000 years ago was exactly as the Bible says? Kathleen McGowan did 20 years of research for the book; perhaps there was a bond between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. The Vatican now says that she was not a prostitute. Jesus, the man, had certain needs and desires. Having vacationed in Paris and its environs a number of times, I enjoyed reading about the churches especially.

Gin Tadvick
Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee

4
A wonderful tale told from the point of Emily, the wife of Sandy, now widowed and Einstein, the dog she rescues from certain death---who really is her husband, Sandy. At least in spirit. Einstein is Sandy---sent back to make things right for his wife and his life. Told in alternating voices of Emily and Einstein, the story engages from the beginning and show us plot line surprises along the way.

Fran
His Bright Light by Danielle Steele

4
A heartfelt tribute from a mother to her son, who lost his long battle with mental illness. This is not like your typical Danielle Steele book. It is her personal account of being a mom of a child with bipolar disorder. Difficult to read at times, but a good portrayal of what life is like when a family lives with mental illness.

Sharon Elliott-fox
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

4
Re-reading this pointed out how much of the story I had missed the first time around. A lovely tale about love, families, communities, racial discomfort, cultural differences, tradition and change. Perhaps I also related to the Major and his awakening to love because I have experienced a similar situation---falling in love again after being widowed.

laura beierbach
Mrs. Lincoln's Rival by Jennifer Chiaverini

4
Good for a light read.

Kay
Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan

3
Wonderful, sprawling, brave story

Jane Squires
A Bride for Noah by Virginia Smith and Lori Copeland

5
A story of the building of Seattle. A lot of stuff in book is actual facts but some isn't. Evie ends her relationship and engagement and starts off with boss to go see his nephew. They make a partnership to build a restaurant. Arthur Denny and his brother and Noah aren't happy Noah's Uncle brought women with him. But other men are. Noah spends a lot of time trying to keep women away from loggers. Evie cannot get any help building restaurant so her and other women clear land. Only they don't know the land has been claimed. Noah struggles with trusting a woman because he got burned once. An enjoyable read and an adventure.

Marsha
The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner

4
When a young mother vanishes, her husband and a neighbor are closely watched. The title is a bit confusing but the investigation by D. D. Warren, a Boston detective, is engrossing. A person's life can be changed suddenly and that gives the story quite a thrilling twist.

Jane Warth
The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler

5
This novel explores a mismatched marriage---and its consequences, spanning three generations. The book explores the time period between World War II to the 1960s. Tyler excels in her descriptions of my hometown of Baltimore. It is a wise, funny, and deeply perceptive novel.

donna swift
Jubilee's Journey by Bette Lee Crosby

5
What a great read, especially on a cold night when it keeps you engrossed from the first chapter to the last. I could not put it down. The character development is wonderful and you stay agitated wondering what is going to happen to the children. It is the second book of a series and I thoroughly enjoyed it as much as the first. I can't wait for her next book. I like that the storyline goes in a different direction than you might think.

Gayle H. Swift
The River Way Home: the Adventures of the Cowboy, the Indian and the Amazon Queen by Mary E. Dawson

5
Readers who love A TIME REMEMBERED by Patrick Smith will be delighted with THE RIVER WAY HOME. Mary Dawson's novel captures the pristine beauty of Florida before bid development hit. Her lyrical prose and deep love for the environment infuse a wonderful story that engages from the opening sentence to the final conclusion. Historical photos add another layer of interest. THE RIVER WAY HOME is destined to be a favorite book that readers will visit many times. Memorable, entertaining and a must read.

Marsha
Eyes Wide Open by Andrew Gross

3
Although this is based on a true incident, this is a very unsettling book and, according to the author, completely different from his other writings. It is a psychological thriller that will haunt you for a while.

Anne Glasgow
Winter's Tale by David Helprin

4
I'm reading WINTER'S TALE in preparation for the upcoming movie release. It is a beautifully written story that includes romance, fantasy, adventure and more. I can only wonder how they will capture this story in the movie.

Francisca E B
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker

3
I really wanted to love this book, and feel disappointed, although I DID like it. The central love story is tender, touching and endearing. The story of Tin Win and Mi Mi is just so life-affirming and uplifting. But it is nested within the story of Julia’s search for her father, and I didn’t connect to that part of the book at all. I liked it; I didn’t love it.

B. Klaassen
Reading in the Wild: The Book Whisperer's Keys to Cultivating Lifelong Reading Habits by Donalyn Miller

4
I loved the cover of this book! I was interested in learning some ways to foster reading in people. I did pick-up some pointers and some ideas to add to our summer reading program. I will suggest to all my teacher friends that they read this book.

Lynn W
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

4
I've known about the orphan trains for awhile. What I didn't know is that the trains carried as many as 200,000 children! What struck me most forcefully was the lack of compassion from so many adults. I had hoped that was a sign of those times, but reading Molly's present-day story leaves me in grave doubt. The two parallel stories were enlightening, interesting, and sparingly written; hence, a rare 4 stars.

Reva Wamsley
Cat of the Century by Rita Mae Brown

4
I love these books. They have just the right amount of humor & suspense. Harry is remarried to Fair & they live on a farm with their horses plus two cats & a dog. The animals talk to each other but of course, the humans don't understand them. But we can. In this book. Harry's neighbor, Aunt Tally is celebrating her 100th birthday by going to a celebration in her honor at her alma mater. They are trapped there by a blizzard when one of the board members disappears. After everyone has gone home, they find her body. Of course, Harry gets involved in the investigation with her animals helping.

Gladys Paradowski
His Suitable Bride by Cathy Williams, Abby Green, Kate Walker

4
Triology containing three full-length stories and over 550 pages, each intrigingly different and emotionally gripping. You will find yourself anxiously awaiting the outcomes of each.

gretchen kempff
Pavillion of Women by Pearl Buck

3
Have just started the book but am already intrigued.

Andrea Corley
Creep by Jennifer Hillier

5
This title absolutely lives up to it's name! Everything about this book spells CREEP from the characters to the happenings in the book! Very twisted and suspenseful and full of surprises!

sherry fundin
The Wyattsville Series: Spare Change and Jubilee's Journey by Bette Lee Crosby

5
I loved these books. Full of southern charm, they read as if they are biographies. Ethan Allen and Jubilee will steal your heart.

Linda Johnson
Killer Books: A Reader's Guide to Exploring the Popular World of Mystery and Suspense by Jean Swanson & Dean James

3
This is really a reference book that lists pages and pages of mystery authors with a short synopsis of pseudonym(s), the series, and main character(s). Sometimes the authors includes comments about the writing and the availability of the books. I can't imagine how this book was put together. Did the two authors read every book of every series by every author in this book or did they find others who read some and got their feedback? It is not the ultimate reference, there were 3 authors that I looked for. Two were not mentioned at all and the third was simply named with others under a "look for more like this" posting at the end of a chapter. The biggest problem with this book is that the only edition is now 15 years old.

Laura Beierbach
Mrs. Lincoln's Rival by Jennifer Chiaverini

3
I enjoyed the humor.

Jan Zahrly
The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths

5
This Ruth Galloway mystery has on overriding focus of Ruth's pregnancy. She is protective of her baby and spends a lot of time dwelling on the safety of the unborn child since, as usual, Ruth gets herself into scrapes. Additionally, there is a skeleton of a small child on a work site and Ruth is called in to analyze the bones. We have several suspects but in this book, Ruth has become friends with Cathbad and manages to send a clue while she is held captive. She know that Cathbad will figure out the clue. We also have new characters, a kindly priest and a new archeologist. A good read.

Kim Johnston
Andrew's Brain by Kim Johnston

5
This book sounds interesting.

Emily Comella
Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan

4
A novel about the author Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife Fanny. I do enjoy novels that are historically based and this one was no exception. Great writing about a time period and people I didn't know anything about. I highly recommend it.

Walter Kretzmann
The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver

3
As exhausting and intelligent as WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, but without the dazzling content, I hardly found this as meaningful in the end and did not particularly warm to the characters. It's thick and dense at times, and will make you wonder what will happen. But one of the protagonist's own books, FRAME AND MATCH, seems to say the same thing, and it's for kids: Don't worry about your choices, it will all be the same in the end. I'm not sure this resonates with me in any significant way. Would I have liked it as much in the parallel world where I hadn't marvelled at Kevin? Maybe not. 3.5 stars.

Bonnie Gluhanich
Identical by Scott Turow

3
Not one of his strongest novels, it was a bit predictable. The "identical" refers to twins and a web of deceit.

Linda Reck
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

3
I enjoyed the book especially the alternating chapters. That way you get to see what each character is doing at a certain time. It really irritated me to have Oprah's notes in the book. I know what foreshadowing is; I can comprehend a book on my own.

Diana Thomas
A Christmas Wish by Betty Neels

5
I'm not sure why but her books are some of my favorites to re-read. My aunt got me hooked on them when I was about 13, and I still love them.

Walter Kretzmann
So Much for That by Lionel Shriver

3
This book should have been so much tighter. I felt that way about WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN also. You have to plow through, hearing the same themes repeated and repeated. Now, the themes (health care/insurance, taking care of the disabled, the sick, the elderly; the disadvantages of the rat race mentality in the U.S.) are interesting. But I wanted to scream, "Okay, we've got the point. Move on already!" I'm not sure why the editor didn't do a better job with the author. SO MUCH FOR THAT is a sad tale and a frustrating one in many respects. Having said all that, I still think it would be a good choice for a book club because it could easily generate a lot of interesting discussions.

Marie Ledin
Lana'i of the Tiger: The Islands of Aloha Mystery Series by JoAnn Bassett

4
Really like her books. Fun mystery, light romance. Will continue on to the next in the series.

Marie Ledin
Maui Widow Waltz: Islands of Aloha Mystery Series by JoAnn Bassett

4
Nice, easy read. Mystery, suspense, romance, and murder. All takes place in Maui. Enjoyed the scenic descriptions of Maui---felt like I was back visiting.

Michael McAdam
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

5
Yowza! What a great book! And all on account of the fantastic writing style of John Green. Honestly this book was depressing (read the premise) and predictable (I guessed what was going to happen in the first few pages and I was right) and I loved it. This book takes place on a planet where every person is witty (that is not a complaint---I want to move to that planet!) which made the book even more enjoyable. This is not my type of book at all but I highly recommend it. I will be seeking out John Green's other novels

Tessa B C
Loving Che by Ana Menendez

4
Audio book performed by Adriana Sananes and Eileen Stevens. A young woman, raised in Miami by her maternal grandfather, is determined to find the mother who stayed in Cuba. The reader feels the tropical heat, smells and tastes the salty sea air, relishes in a faint breeze and sees the soft pastels of a decaying city. The beginning and ending sections are narrated by the nameless young woman. The middle section is devoted to Teresa’s story, and told in snippets of memories–-poetic, erotic, sensual, passionate, and heartbreaking. The printed book contains many pictures which add to the story; some e-book versions also include photos.

Cyndy Toupin
Room by Emma Donoghue

5
Told from the perspective of a 5-year-old boy, ROOM does an excellent job of engaging the reader from the first page. You will slowly begin to realize the situation the boy and his mother are in, start to empathize with them and then root for them as the story line continues to develop. What I enjoyed about reading this book is that I DIDN'T know what it was about prior to reading it, which allowed me to have some surprises along the way. I would like to recommend this book without revealing too much of the plot line to allow the reader to have the same elements of surprise. What this book came down to is exploring the relationship between a mother and son, how enduring it can be despite difficult trying outside influences.

Walter Kretzmann
Inferno by Dan Brown

1
Interesting thesis but poorly contrived and realized. Multiple points of view rehash information to the point of tedium. Reads more like a travel guide of Italy and Istanbul rather than a novel, drowning the reader in historical, architectural, and irrelevant (to the story) details. Then it spins out of control with a twist so fantastic it is unbelievable, before racing to its multifaceted conclusion that drags on and on. Read it for the history --- the art, the architectural descriptions--- maybe. Glimpses of a compelling plot are there, but rare.

Walter Kretzmann
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

3
This book is one that I felt I shouldn't keep reading because it is trashy, however it draws you in. I did not really like the extreme wealth, it was actually a bit sickening, however, as I said, I was dragged into it. Not really my style. I can' t recommend it but maybe I am just the wrong demographic!

Michele
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

4
This is the second book in the Game of Thrones series. It is as good as the first and kept me on the edge of my seat. I am ready to start #3. Martin has no quarms killing off beloved characters which is hard.