This contest period's winners were Beth S., Betty T., Cherry W., Maleen C. and Susan K., who each received a copy of ASTONISH ME by Maggie Shipstead, THE COLD SONG by Linn Ullmann, FAMILY LIFE by Akhil Sharma and KEEP QUIET by Lisa Scottoline.
Lisa
The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
It is an enjoyable read that soon has you hooked! Some elements are a little predictable. However, there are enough surprises to keep you thinking. If you have enjoyed other Kate Morton novels then you will most likely enjoy this one too. You will soon be visualizing life in England in the early 1900s - your imagination will be aided if you have seen any of the Downton Abbey television series. Lots of twists and turns from the past to the present.
Dorothy Boyum
The Tenth Witness by Leonard Rosen
The book seemed "disjointed" to me. I had a hard time reading it. I did learn some things, so that was the good part.
Karen J Massey
Morning Glory by Sarah Jio
Excellent writing and intriguing characters. Believable situations and emotions. Interesting intertwined stories with both sadness in the past and faith in the future.
anna mills
Starter House by Sonja Condit
At first very subtle, then hitting the reader over the head with the haunting by a small boy in a new home for a couple expecting their first child. Nothing has come very easy for the two, and problems show up in the relationship because of the stress of everything that they have encountered. It is mesmerizing and unsettling. Her mother moves in to help with the difficult pregnancy and proves, for me, to be quite the interesting character. I could see her with a story all her own. She is a free-spirit with knowledge of esoteric endeavors. Don't miss it!
Susan Spencer
Killer Blonde by Laura Levine
I have just recently found this author, and I am really enjoying her books. They are funny and entertaining.
Susan Spencer
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
Very intense book, well-written.
Susan Spencer
Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
Wonderful book, worth reading. Now I want to read everything she has written.
Susan Spencer
Promises to Keep by Jane Green
Really great storyline. Well-written and entertaining.
Lynn Jarrett
Mister Owita's Guide to Gardening by Carol Wall
This book is a wonderful tribute to a friendship that began over gardening, lasted for several years, and boosted two individuals through life-changing experiences. If we all had friends such as these two people, what a better place the world would be!! You will laugh, cry, and not want the book to end. Definitely put this book on your "to read" list. You will not regret it!! It is a very quick read. Wall's style of writing is easy to read and very enjoyable. I look forward to future books by her.
GINI SAVILLE
The Wolves Of Midwinter by Anne Rice
Another great read by a very imaginative Anne Rice. Love the setting of the San Francisco Bay area, as I live here.
Jodi Lupp
The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley
I really liked the suspense of this book. It seemed a little long during parts of it, but it was really good.
Aaron Polish
Stealing Faces by Michael Prescott
Very scary with a psycho doctor.
Dian Boysen
The Union Street Bakery by Mary Ellen Taylor
It is a good book for those who need a gentle read. The main character, Daisy, comes home to work in her family's bakery after losing her job. The characters are well developed. It is Daisy's story. I really enjoyed it. I have the sequel; I can't wait to read to see where her life goes.
Myrna Lippman
You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz
A very compelling story of a marriage and of a marriage counselor who "should have known."
cj Adler
Labor Day by Joyce Maynard
As all of her books do, it starts slow but totally captivates you before long. Then you can't put it down and even a tough Bronx boy, (my husband), was moved to tears.
ROSEMARIE POSTILIO
Tempting Fate by Jane Green
Doesn't everyone sometime or another in their life feel like a little attention from a newcomer would be most welcome. Be careful what you wish for. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Jane Green's new book and found myself immediately sucked into it. Gabby is the main character, and at 43 she seems to have the perfect life -.perfect husband, two beautiful children, great friends. However, when a younger man shows some interest in her, she spins out of control and her life is turned upside down. Great book to spend reading with a cup of tea by the fireplace or this summer at the beach. Don't miss this one!
ROSEMARIE POSTILIO
The Other Half by Sarah Rayner
Read this book immediately following Janet Green's new book,Tempting Fate, and found them to be similar. The first part of this book seemed to be drawn out, repeating the same plot. However, it does pick up, and I found myself engrossed in it before I got to the second half. The story is told by the wife and the mistress of a professional man who is torn between the two of them. This being said, you will find that the women are the strong ones at the end. I recommend this book to women of all ages, and I found it a quick read and very entertaining. If you like this one, be sure to read Tempting Fate by Jane Green.
Jayme Gruden
Reply to a Letter From Helga by Bergsveinn Birgisson and Philip Roughton
Reply to a Letter from Helga was a wonderful novella that snuck up on me and captured my heart. Bjarni, an elderly man, is reflecting on his life in a letter that he is writing to Helga, and contemplates the right and wrong of a particular choice that he has made - a choice that has haunted him ever since. Birgisson writes with a fluid poetry that captures a simpler time in Iceland when the world was in the middle of WWII and Iceland is on the brink of changing forever. Loved this book.
Wendy Zuckerberg
The Orchid House by Lucinda Riley
Downton Abbey meets Thailand.
ROSEMARIE POSTILIO
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
I have had this book on my Kindle for a year or so, and for some reason just finally got to read it.. Boy, what a great surprise. I think this book is one of my favorite books so far this year. The characters come alive off the pages and you feel like you spent the day with them. Don't miss this one, if you haven't read it yet.
Jayme Gruden
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
As the last person on the planet to finally read this book, I can say that it lived up to the hype. This was a really disturbing book with deliciously despicable characters. It kept me riveted.
Beth Shoemaker
Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich
Plum on an adventure to catch the bad guys killing little old ladies! She is about to give up her job as a bounty hunter, but realizes she needs a job and a steady income. Great read for the beach this week!
Donna Easley
A Certain Summer by Patricia Beard
Set in post WWII 1948, A Certain Summer tells the story Helen Wadsworth, her son Jack and her MIA husband, Arthur. Helen is close friends with Frank and meets a new man, Peter. The summer of '48 has many twists and turns for these people. Living for the summer on an island off the coast of Long Island, it is the story of life in a different time. I enjoyed reading how families coped with trying to return to civilian life as they had known it. It would never be the same as it had been before the war. There is a romance and a mystery. You need to read the book to find out more!
Julie Mackey
The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
Interesting subject, heartbreaking characters. I enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down.
Janice Hoaglin
Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler
I loved this debut novel, and I thank Bookerpoter.com for sending it to me. The rich detail the author uses to unfold this story, and to describe the Wisconsin farming landscape, pulled me in immediately. This is a tale of a rural way of life, a farming community where neighbors help each other and know each others past history as they do their own. This author carefully develops each character. Even the character that I first thought pretentious and shallow begins to emerge as full of self-doubt and loneliness, longing for connection and acceptance. This is also a tale of male friendships that begin in childhood and endure through the struggles of early adulthood, even though fragmented along the way. A great read.
JoAnn Zoller
Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan
A great memoir of a woman who finally came to appreciate her mother.
BJ Simon
Love Story, With Murders by Harry Bingham
Book #2 in the series of D.C.Fiona Griffiths. She is a very interesting protagonist, not knowing her background, recovering from Cotard's syndrome, and having a criminal for an adoptive father. Her relationships with people vary, but it's her internal dialogue I find amusing. I was most intrigued to find out more of her backstory when she herself discovers it. I particularly enjoyed the softening of the relationship with her boss. Will be awaiting book #3.
Gail Krieger
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
This is a story about the Holocaust. It goes back and forth in time. While the Holocaust stories were riveting, this book tied up too nicely to be believable.
Ann Hill
Francesca's Kitchen by Peter Pezzelli
Interesting story about an older, widowed woman who is feeling left out and useless. She gets a job as a nanny for a single mother with two children. The two women do not "hit it off" initially but learn to love and appreciate each other. It is a good story when you need some light reading.
Dianne
River Road by Jayne Ann Krentz
Perfect spring break, beach read book
Barbara Mardones
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Amazingly written in two voices, one of a southern belle and the other of the slave she received as a gift for her 11th birthday. Based on the life of 2 women abolitionists, turned Quaker, with lots of detail about life during the period of slavery.
Helen Duncan
Until Tuesday by Luis Carlos Montalvan
A wonderful memoir about how a service dog made it possible for a wounded (in both body and spirit) warrior to function again. It's such a tribute, both to our wonderful service men and women and to the program that trains and places dogs to help rebuild their lives.
Mary Hayden
Death on Blackheath by Anne Perry
I am a fan of Anne Perry's books, and this one does not let me down! It is the latest in the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series. There are so many interesting characters, and I am never able to guess how the story will end. She has me guessing throughout, never fails to surprise me, and has me agreeing with how it ended.
Jeanette Mateer
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Loved this book, especially because it is suitable for younger readers, and is a great book for discussion. Filled with unforgettable characters, this is a tale of magic, mystery, and life lessons. I will be recommending this to my book group. They may not choose to read it for discussion, but I will suggest it as an enchanting read for teenage grandchildren.
Janet Nydegger
Wake by Anna Hope
A well-written novel about three women in the aftermath of World War I. Their lives overlap in a heartbreaking way.
Norma Filler
Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen
The story of a 60-year-old woman starting over and finding insight and fulfillment along the way.
Debra Le
Three Souls by Janie Chang
This is Ms. Chang's first novel! Travel back to China in 1935, arranged marriages, wealth, poverty, Communism. Relive deceased Leiyin's life and learn about her "three souls" and why she is being denied into the afterlife, her secret love affair, and the husband she didn't love. Excellent reading.
Dorothy Gordon
Princess Elizabeth's Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal
Another well-written page-turner by the author of Mr. Churchill's Secretary.The author has brought you to Windsor Castle during the Battle of Britain as our heroine, Maggie Hope, on assignment from MI-5, seeks to ferret out threats to the royals from German agents. She also is unraveling her own family secrets as she finds more hidden clues about her father, who she thought had died long ago. Is he or was he a German double-agent in WWI?
Linda Reck
The Accident by Chris Pavone
The Accident is every bit as stunning and labyrinthine as his debut novel, The Expats. Once I started reading, I found it hard to put down. A literary agent receives a mysterious package, a manuscript. It's an unauthorized biography of a well-known media mogul. It contains amazing criminal activities. There are ten copies of the manuscript and each person who has one is on a list of those to be killed before the manuscript is sold. The book is a taut thriller. I look forward to more of Chris Pavone's work. The Expats won the Edgar for best first novel
Susan Kellett
The Invention Of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
A must read. Well-crafted. A thought-provoking book.
Tery Beal
The Richest Woman in America by Janet Wallach
Love the story of Hetty Green. Truly as rich as J. P. Morgan. She is from New Bedford, MA. She really was NOT the Witch of Wall Street.
Janice Baly
The Geography of Memory: A Pilgrimage Through Alzheimer's by Jeanne Murray Walker
This is a beautifully-written, heartbreaking book about the author's complicated relationship with her mother who develops Alzheimer's disease.
Judith Knorr
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Great plot but way more information about art, artists, Russian language and drug usage then I needed to know.
Janet Kadel
Snapshot by Lis Wiehl
Very intriguing crime/ mystery story. It also has an amazing beginning. The author created this tale around a photograph taken by her father when she was four years old. She weaves the tale through actual historical events and keeps the reader in suspense till the very end. Concurrent with the mystery is the building of and restoration of broken relationships.
Linda Harrison
Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis
When rumors get out about Wade O’Riley’s partying ways, baseball management insists that publicist Samantha McNead act as Wade’s girlfriend for a month to calm the rumors down. Sam has had a crush on Wade ever since an embarrassing time in an elevator, and it’s hard to put on an act because for her, it is not acting. Wade is falling in love with Sam and is unsure of how to act because he has always been the love ‘em and leave ‘em type. I thought the book ended sort of abruptly. Usually there is an epilogue that would reveal how it all turned out, but not this time.
Linda Harrison
King and Maxwell by David Baldacci
Baldacci’s novels always keep you on the edge of your seat, and the latest book featuring private investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell is no exception. They are hired by Tyler Wingo to find out what happened to his father when the Army said he died in combat, but the teen received a text message from him after the date he supposedly was killed. They stumble on all kinds of gridlocks in trying to find information on the missing Sam Wingo. Further investigation leads Sean and Michelle in a desperate fight to save their lives.
Mary
The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro
A look into the art of making perfume, telling the story of two women and how their lives are intertwined.
Rosemary Sobczak
Private L.A. by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan
A page turner.
Bonnie Tollefson
The Caretaker by A.X. Ahmad
A lot of action finally, but it had a hard time holding my attention. The ending was most unsatisfactory.
Saundra McKenzie
The Almond Tree by Michelle Cohen Corasanti
It is one of the best books I've read in a long time!
Linda Harrison
The Beast by Faye Kellerman
When police go to elderly eccentric Hobart Penny’s apartment to check out the smell, they find a Bengal tiger loose in the apartment. The animal is tranquilized and removed from the scene, and the officers finally get into the apartment. They find the body of Penny with his head bashed in and a bullet hole in his back. Someone killed him but it wasn't the tiger. Who could come in and kill him while the tiger was loose? The book was about the murder but why bring in details of Decker’s foster son and the problems he was having with his girlfriend? I did not see the need for this and thought it detracted from the book.
Linda Harrison
Can't Stop Believing by Jodi Thomas
After being released from prison for a crime he didn't commit, Cord returned to the small town of Harmony, Texas as a cold and unfeeling man. Nevada was the neglected daughter of a wealthy oil man and the ex-wife of a man who used his wife for a punching bag. Nevada felt responsible for what happened to Cord. When she came to Cord and asked him to marry her, he was flabbergasted but agreed with her terms. Cord relished the hard work on the two ranches, and Nevada saw the true Cord. When trouble came, they stood together. This was a great story.
Linda Harrison
The Vanishing by Wendy Webb
When a séance is carried out by a writer of horror novels, evil is unleashed. Evil still lives in the spooky house known as Havenwood, and now Julia Bishop is back. Her memory of what happened on that horrible night years before is returning. She remembers the Sinclairs and Drew McCullough and exactly what happened. She remembers the evil known as Gideon and knows that it must be banished from the house. The book was a little confusing at times; you are not sure whether what you are reading is Julia’s dream or real.
Linda Harrison
Gone by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
When drug kingpin Manuel Perrine escapes from the courthouse, he threatens NYPD Detective Michael Bennett. Michael and his family are put under witness protection and moved to the boonies of northern California. Perrine boasts of returning to Mexico and starts a killing spree. The FBI wants Michael’s input regarding Perrine and talks him into coming back for the manhunt. Meanwhile Perrine has his goons looking for Michael’s family. It’s a race as to whether Michael can get to Perrine first or whether Perrine will get to Michael’s family.
Linda Harrison
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Although rated a 5, this should be rated more like a 10. Ira and Ruth Levinson were happily married for many years and collected paintings from new artists during their years together. When Ruth died, Ira’s attorney talked to him about the valuable collection, and Ira decided on an auction. Luke Collins and Sophia Danko met at a dance and were totally opposite. He was a bull rider and worked on a ranch while she was a college senior majoring in art history. Yet they clicked. This was a beautiful story of two couples and how they came together.
Heather
City of the Sun by Juliana Maio
Absolutely recommend this to any reader who loves historical fiction set in a foreign local! Set in Cairo during WWII, this story captures the essence of the romantic city and the danger of espionage. City of the Sun is Juliana Maio's debut novel, and I can't wait for more!
Judith Reynolds
Holding Woman: And Other Stories of Acceptable Madness by Kelley Jacquez
I usually do not choose collections of short stories to read, because the genre does not lend itself to the full character development and sense of place I like to enjoy in a book, but this book absolutely captivated me. The stories all take place in a small town in NW New Mexico, and while each story can stand alone, the same quirky characters reappear throughout the book, giving continuity and a wonderful fondness for both the people and the setting of this tiny backwater town. Beautifully crafted by a superb writer, this book is one I would highly recommend for book group discussion and a great read for anyone. I even loved the cover illustration.
Ann Bowen
I, Livia by Mary Mudd
Ancient Rome from a woman's view. Not just any woman, the wife of Ceasar, who would be known as Ceasar Augustus, whose reign was the Pax Romana. Intrigue and mysteries, blood and war was the currency of the time. I, Livia was a wonderful book full of tidbits that were historically accurate as well as a wonderful love story. Highly recommend it.
Rosemary Carey
Buried by Kendra Elliot
This is my first book by this author, and I cannot wait to read her other books. I could not stop reading this from the discovery of the bodies of children who were on a school bus plus driver who went missing twenty years ago. There was one survivor who escaped two years after they went missing but could tell nothing. The book starts with the discovery of the children and just takes off from there. A MUST READ
Chris
Leaving Everything Most Loved by Jacqueline Winspear
3.5 stars. Okay, but not great. There are better Maisie Dobbs mysteries.
Anne Lubin
The Visionist by Rachel Urquhart
A story that reveals the life in a Shaker village in mid-19th century New England of an abandoned teenage girl and her younger brother, the secret she is keeping, and the people who are entwined in this mystery. A very nice read.
Tricha Leary
On The Rocks by Erin Duffy
Interesting story about a girl finding herself after a bad breakup
Marsha
Alex Cross, Run by James Patterson
Another fascinating story in the life of Alex Cross. Family problems, work problems, and a stalker after him through a blog as he chases three serial killers. What else is new, but still a good read.
Rosemary Bednarczyk
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Every now & then my book club loves to reread a classic. It's been many years since I read this & I find myself reacting differently this time around. I paid more attention to the politics than the love story. It certainly is different reading it now, when I reside in Virginia than when I originally read it when I lived in upstate New York.
Dave
The Winds of War by Herman Wouk
A four star read. Wouk is a great storyteller and this 900+ page family saga/historical fiction really held my attention. The Winds of War is a very enjoyable read, and I recommend it.
Ann Elliott
The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly
Very interesting reading about juries (The Gods of Guilt), and what goes on in a jury trial and the preparation of one. A look inside the legal system.
Ann Elliott
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
An interesting story about living one's life over and over in different situations. I found it a bit confusing at first, but it became clearer what the author was trying to convey as the book progressed. Not one of my favorites, but interesting.
JoRn
Missing You by Harlan Coben
Read this in two days. A good thriller. Mr. Coben is excellent.
Ann
Fear Nothing by Lisa Gardner
As a fan of mysteries, this book lived up to all my expectations. It was engrossing from the beginning and kept me interested and reading far into the night for the final unwinding of the plot, (which shall remain a secret)!
Rosemary DeMarois
All Our Worldly Goods by Irene Nemirovsky
Set in France between 1810 and 1940, it is an exciting story about love, war and family life. It is our Wesley Readers Book Club selection for April.
JoRn
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson
Decent Alex Cross book.
Ann Elliott
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Although this book has been on the best seller list for some weeks, I could not get "into" it. The main character had no redeeming qualities, in my opinion, and the further I read, the less interested I became. The last quarter or so of the book contained way too much emphasis on art, and while this may be of interest to some, I feel the majority of readers would become bored and lose interest. It became a distraction to the original plot.
Terese Tessar
The House Girl by Tara Conklin
I just finished this book. I truly loved it! I seem to be finding myself reading books about slavery lately as I just started Invention of Wings. To live in the South (transplanted, though), it is quite insightful to delve into the daily lives and the issues that those enslaved encountered. It is enjoyable to be able to read these accounts as historical fiction!
Linear her
Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood & The Prison of Belief by Lawrence Wright
3.5 stars. Going Clear is a National Book Award Finalist. Though it's very well written, it was just more information than I was looking for about Scientology and the creepy L. Ron Hubbard. I found it to be interesting, but once I would put it down, it was hard to pick up again.
Heather
A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear
A completely enjoyable read! The first Maisie Dobbs mystery I've read. Maisie is an independent young psychologist and private investigator in England after WWI. In this novel, she goes undercover at a college to investigate a death, and of course the mystery doesn't end there! Well-written.
Heather
Leaving Everything Most Loved by Jacqueline Winspear
2.5 stars, meaning just an okay read. I found Leaving Everything Most Loved to be an annoyingly repetitive read. The author kept going over and over the clues and the remaining questions. Sorry to say, but I wouldn't recommend this Maisie Dobbs mystery.
Diana Trabanco
The Accidental Pope by Raymond Flynn and Robin Moore
The premise of a former priest elected to become pope was a good one, but the execution was very poor. The whole method by which he was elected was ridiculous as was the triteness of the characters. I would have expected a lot more of Robin Moore who wrote The Green Berets. The poor quality of the writing undermined what could have been some really relevant and thought- provoking material.
Heather
The Amber Room by Steve Berry
One of the best mysteries I've read in the last few years. Great story with lots of interesting historical facts about The Amber Room, which went missing during WWII. Highly recommend it!
Heather
The King's Deception by Steve Berry
4.5, another great Steve Berry mystery. I love the way he weaves history into his mysteries. Was Elizabeth I actually who she was purported to be? If not, what would be the political implications for England, Ireland and the world today?
Paula Barclay
The Whip by Karen Kondazian
Amazing the lengths women had to go through to fit into a man's world. The Whip brings you on one such journey taken by a woman named Charlie.
Bonnie
The Customer Support Handbook: How To Create the Ultimate Customer Experience for Your Brand by Sarah Hatter et.al.
Best book I've read all year! Maybe this is because my daughter is a contributor, but if you're looking to improve your business, this is a great place to start.
Debbie M
Why Kings Confess by C. S. Harris
This is a series that provides a look at French and English history in the 1800s that I found interesting and riveting. The wonders of medicine and prenatal care seem so quaint and barbaric during this period. Harris interweaves actual historic events and a breathtaking mystery into the story. Of course, the characters live and breathe and show a resistance to everyday conventions. Harris builds up to her amazing ending, but this reader will not divulge the ending. Harris does not go into lengthy psychological analysis of her characters as does Elizabeth George, nor does she explore the emotional world as does Louise Penny, but all three writers present a book rich in character and setting.
ck
A Star for Mrs. Blake by April Smith
Mrs. Blake was a fictional Gold Star mother whose son died in WW I and was buried in France. Our government sent over 6,654 widows and mothers to visit the graves in Europe. I also read the book that John W. Graham wrote about The Gold Star Mother Pilgrimages of the 1930s, and a documentary about the women and their journeys is available on a DVD. One members of my book club heard the author speak. Another tracked down a Gold Star mother living nearby. We enjoyed an inspired discussion of Ms. Smith's book.
JoRn
Mistress by James Patterson
A fair thriller.
Patty wright
Pyramid Lake by Paul Draker
It's a story of a man who builds a computer to think like a human. His daughter is sick and he wants the computer to find a cure. It's a very good book and unlike anything I have read before. I had read his first book, New Year Island, and loved it and wanted to read this one.
patty shogren
The Orphan Train by Chistina Baker Kline
First book I've read on orphan trains. Very interesting and a good story.
patty shogren
Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah
Family story of two sisters and their mother. They did not know of her past and the secrets she kept.
Julia Skinner
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I am probably the last person in America to read this book, but a friend of mine convinced me to read it. It is a very thought-provoking book about marriage and how it can go horribly wrong. Some parts of the book were not realistic, but I was very intrigued by the wife's thought process and how diabolical she was. It did keep me reading because I needed to know the outcome of how the wife was going to get herself out of the mess she created. The ending was not what I expected.
Sandra Furlotte
Small Wars by Sadie Jones
I adored Sadie Jones' first book THE OUTCAST, but I can't say the same for this book. The story of a British soldier and his family deployed in Cyprus during the Suez Crisis just failed to hold my interest, and the characters were somewhat flat.
Raylene Wauda
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
The Paris Wife is quite an enjoyable read about the early work of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley, whom he should have stayed with instead of taking three others in marriage. Despite the fact that Hadley "lost" many of his first works, he managed to rewrite and perfect them. From their time together we have A Moveable Feast and The Sun Also Rises. "Hem" always wanted Hadley to read and comment on his work; she was his best editor. Their lives intertwined with those of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and other writers who lived abroad at that time. A fun part of reading this book was being able to visit all their special haunts in the City of Light and travel with them to nearby Austria and Switzerland.
Sharon Lumb
The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh
This is a delightful suspense novel set in the Ozarks. The story is about Lila and Lucy Dane- a mother and daughter who shared only one year together. Lucy grew up not knowing what happened to her mother-did she die or did she run away? With the help of her father Carl, his brother Crete, and a neighbor Birdie, Lucy grew up to be a caring teenager. At the same time, we learn more about Lila-especially the fact that these same people all know more than they are willing to share with Lucy. Then the body of Lucy's friend Cheri is discovered. Cheri had been missing for over a year but no one seems interested in solving her mystery. So Lucy decides to find out the answers. But those who love her the most want to stop her search.
Betty Taylor
The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan
The story of the women who worked at Oak Ridge, Tennessee developing the atomic bomb. They had no idea what they were working on and couldn't talk about their work. Very interesting.
Sherri Hines
Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler
A bit hard to get into, but quickly draws you into the dynamics of relationships in a small town in Wisconsin. Several very poignant and thought-provoking passages.
Joy Marion
The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss
Reiss tells the fascinating story of the life of the man who inspired the novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, written by Alexandre Dumas in the mid-1800s. The man was Dumas' own father, Alex Dumas, born on the island that is present-day Haiti, to a French nobleman and a black slave woman. Alex moved to France at about the age of twelve to get his education. He became one of the best swordsmen in France, pursued a career in the French military, and quickly advanced to become a general in Napoleon's army. Tom Reiss narrates an amazing biography and fascinating history in an easy-to-read style that keeps the reader absorbed to the very last page of the book.
Marsha
Standup Guy by Stuart Woods
Stone Barrington is back with a new adventure. He meets an interesting lady who turns out to be big trouble. One thing leads to another, as it always does in a Barrington novel, and we go along with the adventure and enjoy the ride.
Dale Lucier
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Very informative story of slavery. Had never heard of the Grimke sisters and their dedication to abolition. Very sad on how humans can treat other humans just because they have a different skin color.
colin beierbach
Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
I always enjoy her books.
denise beierbach
Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
Exciting.
laura beierbach
Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
Great surprise in the plot.
Tracey Barrier
Dark Lycan by Christine Feehan
A dark, delicious romantic novel about werewolves. I love paranormal romance books! This one keeps you riveted and makes the book hard to put down!
Kathryn
The Spook Lights Affair by Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini
This is the second in a new series by Marcia Muller (author of the Sharon McCone mystery series) and her husband, Bill Pronzini. They are light historical mysteries set in 1890s San Francisco with private detectives Sabina Carpenter and John Quincannon. I have read both and found them entertaining, as well as giving a view of life in the city at that time. I just discovered that several books about these two characters, Quincannon by himself, and with Carpenter, were also written (under western fiction) in 1985/86 and 2005 - by Pronzini and with Muller, but they are not in my library, so will have to check used book sales.
Jeffrey Tretin
The Race Underground by Doug Most
Great retelling of the arrival of mass transit in NY and in Boston through a family rivalry. With that as the focus, you really come to understand what the US was like in the years following the Civil War. You do not have to be a history fan to enjoy this book.
Maureen Seccombe
Sous Chef: 24 Hours on the Line by Michael Gibney
A non-fiction story of 24 hours in the life of a sous chef. Made me appreciate, all the more, a good meal in a restaurant! The work that goes on in a kitchen and the personal relationships between the chef, sous chef and all of the others were so defined. Small mistakes, even before the restaurant opens for the evening, can make or break the night. Well-written. Very knowledgeable Mr. Gibney knows his kitchens!
Lora O'Riordan
Stay of Execution by Quintin Jardine
Jardine's Bob Skinner series just keeps getting better. This one includes the Pope, 911 and an intriguing tale of a terrorism plot. I'm not usually a fan of anything that talks about 911, but the way the story is interwoven made this a good read without capitalizing on the tragedy. Jardine has continually brought to life all the characters. You really get to know them personally. I'm not normally a "serial" reader, but this series just keeps getting better.
Simonne
Past Perfect by Susan Isaacs
This isn't Ms. Isaacs' best book by far, (Shining Through is one of my top five of all time), but this is an amusing look into Spy-TV writer Kate's attempt to come to grips with her past: 10 years ago she was abruptly fired from a low-level position at the CIA. Her escapades are sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, but her obsession to find a co-worker from her past goes on too long and becomes annoying.
Sandi Ward
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore: A Novel by Robin Sloan
Charming novel of an ancient bookstore that brings together the young and the old, reminiscing about a number of eras, while harboring a secret. Great easy read - well worth the time.
Gina
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
I read a review of this book in which it was described as a riveting ghost story. My adjectives would
be "creepy" and "weird". There is a lot of jumping around between 1908 and the present with a little 1939 in there too. If you like the paranormal, this is for you. It was not for me.
Peggy Niles
The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh
This is a story of two brothers (one good, one bad), a young woman, orphaned young, with no family or friends, and the daughter of the woman by one of the brothers. The setting is an insular community in Missouri called Henbane. I would consider this book a combination of fiction and mystery since the mother disappears and the daughter with a friend tries to discover what happened to her. The story is relayed by the mother and the daughter. I really enjoyed the book.
Amy Nash
The Woman at the Light by Joanna Brady
Set in the early 1800s in New Orleans, then Key West when Florida was a blossoming territory and slavery was still rampant. This story's quick pace and well-established characters keep you turning pages. One can well imagine living then thanks to Ms. Brady's excellent storytelling skills. I happened upon this book at my library and hope this is just the start of a remarkable writing career.
Tricia Douglas
Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts
Somewhat less exciting than the first book in the trilogy. Love comes to Meara and Connor; still searching for the evil Cabhan. Will still look forward to book three and the 'happily ever after' ending.
Sandra Canales
Mayhem by Sarah Pinborough
Set in Victorian times, Whitechapel, during the bleak and horror-filled year of Jack the Ripper, comes the fantasic and fictional tale of Mayhem. The murders are true, including the less publicized Torso Murders that were overshadowed by the Ripper case. Pinborough will haunt you, taking both unsolved murders and throwing in some true facts and also actual people that were tainted and existed in that time-frame. The supernatural element is always a bonus when reading a new and exciting mystery. I was not disappointed. The story is a good one. Different. I, for one, could not stop reading it. Bravo!!
Cherry Werner
Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan
It's an okay book, more for a young adult. I listened and thought the author gave an excellent reading of her work. I just felt it was too repetitive.
H. Dair Brown
Mary Coin by Marisa Silver
Beautifully written with some really gorgeous passages that will stick with you. The various characters are well-developed. Their musings on our efforts to define love and life, to understand the beauty of the fleeting moments that comprise them, and the directions those moments take us are wonderful.
Sabrina Laitinen
Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian
Great story and good factual account of WWII. Suspense and romance, good character development, and a close look at what life was like during this period of history. Recommended for reading groups - lots of topics intertwined in this page turner.
Ivy Pittman
Wonderland by Stacey D'Erasmo
Anna seems to be on psychological journey, traveling from her past to her present, often in a state of conundrum many years later. A bohemian-type musician, her travels from Slovakia, Rome, Prague and the United States aid in her risque behavior. If Anna possesses above-average musical quality, it is difficult to discern as she is in a constant flux over this or that past lover, her childhood, and her parents choices. Wonderland could have been a good tale if D'Erasmo had allowed Anna to grow away from her past in order to be the great artist that she was destined to be. Anna is clearly stuck and after two-hundred pages, so was I.
Elaine Beierbach
Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
Hook, line, and sinker... all there.
Elizabeth V
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
Here is the reason that I give THE WINTER PEOPLE only one star: It is a young-adult (YA) novel, and I'm beyond that. To an actual young adult, this book might warrant more stars. Many adults like the YA writing style. Maybe that is the reason this book received so many wonderful reviews on so many book blogs. When I was reading it, though, I felt like I had been deceived. Why don't book reviewers mention when a book is YA if their review is to appear on a book blog for adults?
Elizabeth V
Remember Me Like This by Bret Anthony Johnston
Bret Anthony Johnston's writing is so excellent, this book probably deserves a five-star rating.
In the end, though, REMEMBER ME LIKE THIS gets four, not five, stars. Although the detailed view of each main character is really necessary to this story, and Johnston's descriptions are perfect, it seems that he could have added more suspense by concentrating earlier on Eric's and Cecil's plans. As it is, this book moves slowly. Maybe he could have elaborated on Jason's nightly drives, (which most fathers would have caught on to after the first night).But this is an author you want to read. His writing is so good, he'll make you want to reread paragraphs.
Stacey K
A Circle of Wives by Alice LaPlante
Great mystery read! Good surprise ending.
mal kaplan
Shirley Jones: A Memoir by Shirley Jones
I have read many autobiographies as I am in my 80s. This is without a doubt the most honest one and least self-absorbed book of all. She definitely tells it as it was and is..truthfully. I know I could not write it without being somewhat embarrassed by my children reading it. However, it was a fast read and an enjoyable one. Definitely would recommend it.
Donna Boulmay
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
A wonderful story about the life of one of the children from the orphan train. I liked the way it went back and forth between current day and past, and the way they were related.
Lynn W
Astor Place Vintage by Stephanie Lehmann
This is a charming tale of two women, separated by 100 years, brought together by a journal tucked away in vintage clothing.
Jan Zahrly
Trust Your Eyes by Linwood Barclay
Barclay is a master of mystery while having fun too. His main character has returned home to bury his father and decide what to do about his younger brother who has mental "issues." The brother is memorizing the maps of all the cities in the world so that someone will know directions when all the internet communications are destroyed and he believes that all the libraries will have discarded their paper maps also. He regularly sends reports to the CIA and often talks to former President Clinton. Funny!
Michelle Brown
In the Kingdom of Men by Kim Barnes
This book coincides with current world events and ideas. It is a fairly easy read, but manages to touch on deeper themes. Will give a new perspective on women.
Ellen Wehle
You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Insightful (and darkly funny) suspense novel about a shrink who thinks she has all the answers. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the ending was a bit of a letdown. Considering her level of denial, her "rude awakening" wasn't nearly as painful as you'd expect.
Ellen Wehle
A Town of Empty Rooms by Karen E. Bender
Very readable, if not exactly a page-turner. Serena is a sympathetic character, and her bond with her father (who has recently died) is especially strong. Bender "gets" what goes on inside of families, and certainly makes us care about this one.
Ellen Wehle
A Commonplace Killing by Sian Busby
Superior mystery set in London just after WWII. The main character, Lillian, is a housewife who secretly wishes her husband had never returned from the war. Some of the best passages involve her fantasies of walking out on her marriage and painting the town red, but the sections about the police detective who solves the crime are also quite riveting.
Anita Nowak
Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson
This was an excellent mystery about a woman who has amnesia and forgets all she is told when she goes to sleep. Her husband is very patient with her, but she starts a journal so she has something to refer to when she forgets things. She starts having flashes of things, and that's when things get interesting. There are many twists and turns. This is a real page-turner.
jane Kimball
Frozen Solid by James M. Tabor
Enjoyed this thriller. Murder in the frozen Antartic. Research team losing its member to a murderer.
A very awesome heroine.
Sharon Mensing
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
We read this in our book club in March. Everyone liked it, some thought it was great, and a few thought it was okay, but not great.
Barbara Thompson
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin is a great book. It's fascinating and intriguing, with each chapter having a little mystery. The book held my attention starting from the first moment I began reading. Set in a small town, where everyone usually knows everything, this book was a beautiful circle of life and a love story. I enjoyed reading this book and definitely give it a five star rating. I believe book lovers would savor this novel, but I also recommend The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry to others because it's a fantastic novel, and you will enjoy reading it.
Thank you to The Book Report Network for an advanced reading copy.
barbara studer
Fates for Apate: Haberdashers Book Three (The Haberdashers) by Sue London
This is the first of the Haberdashers books that I have read, getting it from the Kindle lending library. It was then I realized there were #1 and #2 but decided to go ahead and read it anyway. I enjoyed it very much as I like the regency genre and have enjoying several books now about female spys during that era. Several reviews I read said books #1 and #2 were better, so I am looking forward to them now. I read the book in 2 days, although it helped the electricity went off for several hours last night!!!
Carolyn griffin
The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg
This is a great mystery, but it also has romance, understated humor, and lots of local color. Now I want to visit Sweden, but perhaps not in winter! I'm eager to read the other books in the series. The writing is intelligent and gripping.
Sandy McCullough
A Year on Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball
One of the best books I have ever read! Three women go together and buy an old run-down farm and are not prepared for all the work ahead of them.
Marsha
The Midnight Rose by Lucinda Riley
This charming novel is full of surprises. Well-written and telling a sweeping saga across generations. You will be enchanted and unable to put it down.
Laura Beierbach
Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
Loved the suspense.
Tessa B C
Durable Goods by Elizabeth Berg
I enjoyed this coming-of-age novel narrated by 12-year-old Katie Nash. Her mother had died; her 18-year-old sister can’t be bothered; her father increasingly lashes out in anger. Still, Katie is a keen observer of life; she’s resilient, sensitive and courageous. I fell in love with her.
Michael McAdam
W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton
I read Sue Grafton books for the writing style. It is always entertaining even when the plots are not so strong. Luckily, with this book, the plot is also strong, so I give it a double thumbs up. I have read this entire series and enjoy the characters as well. A fun read.
Sandra Furlotte
Fire by Kristin Cashore
There are so many books out there for the YA reader. Some are very good, and this book is one of the good ones. This is a fantasy novel that has real depth in both writing and characters.
Donna Shaw
Sullivan's Evidence by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg
A good mystery that will definitely hold your attention. A love story and murders with twists and turns that make for a good read.
Claudia Hopkins
The Good Life by Susan Kietzman
There are parts of this story that made me mad, but I loved the ending. The grandmother was so caring and pulled the whole story together.
Janet P Bedell
The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan
I learned so much about this time in our history. Believe it or not, I never studied anything about World War II in school! This book gave a great mini lesson and showed how the women of the day made history happen.
Elaine Beierbach
Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
A great bedtime read.
dennis beierbach
Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
Loved it. She has a good style.
Francisca E B
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland
Audio read by Karen White. Vreeland turns her attention to Renoir’s masterpiece " Le dejeuner des canotiers" and how he gathered fourteen distinct individuals to depict a circle of friends enjoying a lovely summer’s day on a café terrace overlooking the Seine. Karen White does a credible job of the audio, but I think I might have enjoyed the work more if I had read it rather than listened.
Asha
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
I laughed 'til I cried. Wish I could live that long and be that adventurous without the vodka and the explosives!!!
Melanie S.
The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud
Ms. Messud is a superb writer. The complexity and depth of the strange and complex thought process of the narrator, Nora Eldridge, was masterfully conveyed. However, the story itself, was not engaging, and the characters other than the narrator were so aloof that I really didn't find myself invested in the outcome of the story. The "shocking" ending was somewhat predictable, and abrupt. This was not one of my favorites.
Bonnie
The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan
I read this for a book group. It was okay, but I expect I won't remember much about it 6 months from now.
Melanie S.
Once Upon A River by Bonnie Jo Campbell
While Ms. Campbell is certainly an accomplished writer, this story took me very far outside my comfort zone. Margo is a teenage girl who lives along the Kalamazoo river in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Margo's coming of age story was disturbing on so many levels, it just wasn't something I enjoyed reading. However, the author will be Skyping into our book group discussion later this week, so perhaps she will share some insight into why she chose to write this novel.
Tessa B C
Joy School by Elizabeth Berg
This is book two in a coming-of-age trilogy that follows Katie Nash over three years. This particular novel focuses on her efforts to develop new relationships in her new setting. Will she choose her friends wisely, or be seduced by the excitement of “bad girl” behavior? Katie is a wonderful character – resilient, courageous, and intelligent and a keen observer of life. Although marketed for adults, I think teens would enjoy these books as well.
Linda Johnson
The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
Fannie Flagg always offers completely engaging stories with strong women. This one involves the role of women during World War II. The story flips between "the greatest generation's" prime and present day with no trouble following the story. The prime character in this book has had a supporting role in a previous book, so I was completely at home and settled in my comfortable chair once I heard her name for this story. Old Friends.
Linda Reck
Frog Music by Emma Donoghue
Frog Music takes place in San Francisco in 1876 during the sweltering heat of summer and a smallpox epidemic. It's the engrossing story of the unsolved murder of quirky Jenny Bonnet, a cross- dresser and frog catcher for local restaurants. Blanche, a raunchy burlesque dancer and a prostitute, narrates the intricate story, going back and forth in time from before Jenny's death and after. Blanche is convinced that the bullet was meant for her after a row with her lover, a philanderer and gambler. She leaves and, in her haste, forgets P'tit, her baby. When she comes back to the home she bought, she finds nothing there and someone else is holding the deed. Blanche is headed downhill. I found this book to be intriguing.
Francisca E B
Jana Bibi's Excellent Fortunes by Betsey Woodman
3.5*** This is a charming debut novel set in a small Himalayan town in 1959-1960. Janet MacPhersen Laird – a/k/a Jana Bibi – along with her faithful ayah, Mary, and her extraordinary pet parrot, Mr. Ganguly, takes over her ancestral home and helps put the village of Hamara Nagar on the map. An entertaining read.
Linda Johnson
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This is one of those books that I couldn't get enough time with. If I could have, I would have read it in one sitting. A. J. Fikry is the owner of a bookstore. Each chapter of the book starts with a recommendation from Mr. Fikry to his daughter. I laughed with this book. I cried, I cringed, I prodded, I loved. Mr. Fikry is alone at the beginning of the book, but by the end, the reader is only one of his many admirers.
Richard N B
Schulz and Peanuts by David Michaelis
This is a detailed, well-researched, and balanced biography of a man who was most often described as “shy,” “humble” and “complicated.” Granted full access to family papers, business records, and the memories of those who survived Schulz, Michaelis does a wonderful job of portraying Sparky. The book includes photos of Schulz throughout his life, as well as many of the comic strips, which illustrate how the comic strip PEANUTS was really Schulz’s autobiography.
Barbara Taylor
The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly
Another engrossing Lincoln Lawyer novel. Mickey Haller pursues his own peculiar brand of justice that sometimes follows the law and sometimes...strays from it. Here he becomes involved with the murder of a former client, a woman he thought he knew, but what he didn't know about her leads to some dark and surprising places.
Sandra Canales
Don't Breathe A Word by Jennifer McMahon
Wow! Reader prepare yourself for one heck of a rollercoaster ride. Not only will you not be able to decipher truth from fantasy, but in the end you will still not be sure what just happened. McMahon delivers a haunting yet twisted tale of a missing 12 year old girl named Lisa who only wanted to believe in the tale of fairies. Along with her cousin and little brother, she is determined to escape her world and cross over to the world of magic. So she entered the haunted forest and she never came back. What she left behind will be a small part of a much larger and often mind-blowing tale that you will wonder how fine is the line between fantasy and reality? I just couldn't stop reading it till I finished it. You have to read it!
shelly itkin
Brood X by Michael Phillip Cash
Ok I must admit living on Long Island we have had lots of different scares and many people are still recovering from Sandy, but this book was a page-turner from start to finish. Seth and Lara live on the North Shore in a lovely house and a beautiful neighborhood with a built-in swimming pool. The first problem is that Seth is laid off and having a very hard time finding a job. Then we learn that Lara is pregnant and although they are happy they are worrying about expenses. While watching television one night the news is interrupted by a special report “Infestation – The New Reality." Cicada’s seem to arrive every year but since they have been relatively dormant for almost two decades, they will be arriving in multitudes.
Jan Zahrly
Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen
The newest Hiaasen book may be one of his best novels. There really is a monkey and he is bad, just like the voodoo mama who wants him. Hiaasen shows his love of nature and, as usual, gives us a great cast of characters. One of the best is a hoodlum who does the physical damage for a medicare/medicaid scammer. The hood/protector is called Egg but his real name is Ecclestone. The in joke here is that a developer named Ecclestone took over many acres of prime oceanfront land and build condos, large sprawling homes, fake lakes, etc. in his development in Florida. Mr. Ecclestone did this in the very same community where Carl Hiaasen now lives. Hiaasen deserves a Nobel prize for his satire - this book is a laugh a minute.
Francisca E B
The Feast of the Goat by Mario Vargas Llosa
This novel explores the ending days of the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic using multiple plot lines / narrators. The novel deals with political and personal corruption, moving back and forth between narrators and time frame mostly without transition. I thought the novel started slowly and if it were not a book-club selection I might have given up, but after about 80 pages the story really took off, and I found myself totally immersed and engaged.
Lynn Hough
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
I loved this book and will definitely be reading more books by this author.
Lynn Hough
Wake by Anna Hope
I truly enjoyed reading this book and loved how the three stories wove together. It was hard to believe the book only covered 5 days. There were a couple parts of the story I wasn't too fond of so I couldn't give it 5 stars, but overall a very good book.
Marsha
Foreign Influence by Brad Thor
Thor writes political thrillers featuring Scot Harvath, ex-Navy Seal, and now in the employ of a private company that takes care of issues the government cannot. This time he is thwarting Islamic terrorists who plan multiple incidents of devastation throughout the world. This is exciting reading.
Barbara Mardones
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
An amazing journey back to slave times in SC as seen through the eyes of both a young slave girl as well as her mistress.
Phyllis Relyea
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
I have read Gilbert's nonfiction, but am so impressed with her voice and scientific research for this novel set in Philadelphia, Tahiti, and Amsterdam in 1800s. Alma Whittaker is a female botanist and writer who specializes in mosses. Her studies and relationships take her around the world. Highly recommended, even if you are not scientifically inclined.
Laura Fisher
The Boy Kings of Texas by Domingo Martinez
The realistic presentation of an amazing lifestyle, the down-to-earth family life taken to wild extremes. Our book club decided that this book was a big winner. Our discussion was lively as we related to so many different parts of the book.
Jeanette Barney
Destroyer Angel by Nevada Barr
I stayed up all night to finish reading this book. This is the latest installment of the intrepid Anna Pigeon, a ranger for the U.S. Park Service. A camping trip with female friends turns terribly wrong with kidnappers showing up at camp while Anna is out alone on the river in a canoe. Anna has two days to rescue her friends before they are killed or flown out of the country.
Aaron Polish
Angry All The Time by Ronald Potter-Efron
Very good book on how to control your anger.
Carroll JOHNSON
Dare Me by Megan Abbott
Intricately drawn portrait of the dark side of cheerleading. The psychological nuances of Abbott's characterizations ring so true that you can taste the cherry lip gloss and feel the fear of a cheerleader taking her first basket leap into space fifteen feet above the football field. The relationships are the core of this book, though, and the suspense builds as the character's flaws combine to shape an explosive conclusion. Fans of Gilliam Flynn and Barbara Vine will devour this one!
Monica Jordan
A Circle of Wives by Alice LaPlante
This is a great book with some interesting twists and turns. The characters and storyline pull the reader in immediately. Told from alternating points of view, the story is mysterious and thought-provoking. A good murder mystery!
Kathleen Tyree
The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths
I'm pleased with this series - for the most part it has been good and getting better. Many of the secondary characters are fleshing out, leaving me curious to see what happens next for them. Plot is not too far-fetched (child snatching, I don't want it too be too realistic) and left me wanting the next installment already!
Ruth
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
This book is huge but once I started reading it, I never wanted it to end. This book felt like a modern version of Charles Dickens' work with lots of atmosphere, interesting characters and an intriguing plot. It deserves the awards and positive reviews it has earned.
Linda Hodges
Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler
Loved it!
Barbara Studer
Life After Death by Lillie J. Roberts
Chelsea Karmikel thought she was just a klutz when her latest mishap happened, but when she realized she was seeing dead people, she was quite frightened. When she meets Brad Rearden, a PI, it is the beginning of her life turning upside down. She has inherited his aunt's estate, a lady she does not even remember meeting, and therefore, does not want it. Brad's brother thinks it should go to him, and he is very insistent about that. Chelsea and Brad are very attracted to each other and Brad must choose ....love or family. Lots of twists and turns and a little love-making. Very good read.
Deb Muzik
Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan
I chose this book because I enjoyed Horan's previous one , Loving Frank. I was not disappointed. The well-developed characters, complex relationships, and intriguing descriptions made for a book I could not put down.
Raylene Wauda
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief is wonderfully written, using many literary devices and themes (abandonment, guilt, grief, courage, the benefits of the written word), and through Liesel's eyes we understand how important it is to be able to read. Her innocence (though she steals/rescues books) is in sharp contrast to the horrors of Nazism and the Holocaust. The author demonstrates how these people, who lived so close to Dachau that they would see Jews being marched to the camp, also lived in fear every day, were hungry, sometimes risked their lives, and tried to keep their humanity alive. It wasn't easy to live in Nazi Germany during WWII even if you were not a Jew.
Sandra Furlotte
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
This is my first Philippa Gregory book, and I finally know what all the hype is about. She is a very good writer of historical fiction. I especially like the fact that the romance is not overplayed and there are no long descriptions of tedious battles - just a very good story.
Elaine Baxter
A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
A beautifully written tale of old friends, old family's, dark secrets, romantic fantasy. suspense, and a handsome hero. Williams' writing is excellent - when one question is answered another pops up.
Great read.
Marian Collins
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
This was an interesting book about four women in Masada. I felt that I was there with the characters and experienced the sights, smells and emotions along with them. This book will stay with me for a long time.
F. Edenzon
Madness Under the Royal Palms: Love and Death Behind the Gates of Palm Beach by Laurence Leamer
I was disappointed. I do not know what I was expecting, but this was not it. After reading Leamer's book, I was left wondering what he intended. Realizing that Leamer was limited by the information provided by people that were actually willing to talk with him explained a lot. There must be another side to Palm Beach not shared by those unwilling to talk with the author. The picture Leamer provides is of a town filled with prejudice, greed, and few morals, leading to the madness in the book's title. If Leamer's purpose was to portray Palm Beach in an ugly light, then he accomplished his goal. It felt like I was reading one of those gossip magazines at the grocery checkout line or a trashy novel instead of a book.
Dara Montgomery
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
When we are book club was meeting at one of our member's house, her son came down stairs and put a pile of books on the table and then scurried up stairs again. The group thought that was cute, Ender's Game was the book on top, so we decided to read it. I enjoyed the story, hard to believe that our society would recruit a 6 year old to train to become any solider and an 11 year old to fight a war. Other than that, I enjoyed the book. It was easy to follow the characters, and the book was well written.
Sherrie English
The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister
A wonderful warm story. You'll fall in love with each character and jump right into their lives.
The class comes together in a warm cozy kitchen of Lillian's restaurant. This is a curl up in your chair with a hot cup of tea kind of book, ahhh.
Judy Stein
The Perfect Score Project by Debbie Stier
I loved school. There, I've said it. Nerdy, geeky, etc. But not like Debbie Stier. As SAT prep time nears for her teenaged son, Stier decides to spend a year retaking the test (7 times!) to see if she can achieve a perfect score. Her efforts are geared towards finding the best test prep methods and the best resources. She uses and evaluates official online info (and test-taker gossip), blogs, tutors, tutorial method plans and more. Stier offers lot of test-taking tips, including what to bring, where to sit and much more. My granddaughter will take her SAT next fall, and I will be buying this book for her.
Karen Keener
Mayor of the Universe by Lorna Landvik
A fun story - being able to meet your childhood imaginary friends and get a different perspective on life as we know it by meeting ailens, friendly ailens that add humor to this fun easy read.
Debbie Moore
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
Beautifully written and well-researched story of a woman whose intellectual capabilities and her love for botany make her a standout in her time. The research about mosses is incredible. It is a story of discovery, both self-discovery and scientific discovery.
Sharon Ots
When I Found You by Catherine Ryan Hyde
The story of a man who finds a newborn in the woods. The baby has been abandoned by his mother. Thus begins a life-long relationship between Nathan and the boy, Nat. Good book for book club discussions with questions of belonging and commitment. I highly recommend.
susan gannon
Key Of Light by Nora Roberts
Book 1 of 3 This enchanting modern story is about the fate of three strangers who are involved in an ancient mystery, I will buy the other two books this weekend.
Allison Gardner
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
Great story.
Kay O'Dell
Finding Aster by Dina McQueen
I really enjoyed this book on adoption. The author showed us her life before, during, and after her adoption. Showed the kind of person she is. I was very impressed with her candidness. This was more than just adoption, really more like what her life has been, and continues to be with the lovely little girl she adopts.
Richard N B
Thereby Hangs a Tail by Spencer Quinn
Book #2 in the Chet and Bernie series. There’s plenty of intrigue and suspense to keep the plot moving, but the star of this series is the narrator, Chet the Jet. He’s intelligent (though easily distracted), loyal (to anyone with good treats), strong and determined. He’s also an astute judge of character (but did I mention his judgment might be clouded by a bacon bit or Slim Jim?). His ruminations on subjects near and far, from javalinas to Bernie’s sterling qualities, are an absolute delight. Jim Frangione does a great job narrating the audio book. He has great pacing, and he brings Chet to life. I can really see a dog thinking this way!
Sharon Elliott-Fox
The Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott
Based on the murder of a "mill girl" in Lowell, Massachusetts, Alcott weaves a novel that combines history, social commentary of the era, and a love story. The dangerous conditions at the factory are detailed (caused me to cringe and shudder), the patriarchy of the mill owners shown in clear colors, and the courage and leadership of some of the workers who called for better working conditions. Well-written, good character development, emotional content.
Linda Reck
Frog Music by Emma Donoghue
Frog Music take place in during a sweltering heat wave in San Francisco. Blanche, a raunchy burlesque dancer and prostitute, supports her gambling and philandering lover Arthur, and his consort, Ernest. Jenny Bonnet, a cross-dressing frog catcher and Blanche's friend, is murdered by a bullet that Blanche thinks was meant for her because of a row she had with Arthur. The action shifts from before Jenny died to after Jenny died as narrated by Blanche, which added to my enjoyment of the book. I found the book to be like nothing I've ever read. It's an odd, engrossing story.
Nancy Chapman
Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
This book was compelling. Our book group discussed it last month, and we all agreed that we were both moved by the story and more aware of what it means to live with a child with autism.
The stories of two families living through separate difficult times were slowly intertwined. The characters are believable, the scenery adds to the mood and is a feature of its own, and the plot is real. We discussed the book along with WONDER and came away with awe and appreciation for two young boys and their families. I have recommended LOVE ANTHONY to many friends.
Susan Kellett
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Loved this little book! Well-crafted characters and a story that will linger with you. I convinced my book group to read it for our July book. Buy it today - you will enjoy it.
Rosemary Sobczak
Fear Nothing by Lisa Gardner
A little gory but a great read!
Barbara Lynch
You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz
I loved this book! Grace is a therapist and author of a new book in which she gives women advice on how to trust their own judgement about the men they meet and fall in love with. Meanwhile, it seems she has not followed her own advice. This is a great mystery, written beautifully!
Tracey Swaine
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
This was a great book about a teenager and elderly woman who were both orphans and met only because the teenager needed to do community service and went to the woman's home to help her clean out her attic. The things they went through in the attic brought back memories of the woman's childhood, which in a way were similar to what the teenager was experiencing in her life, the exception being that the older woman came to MN on an orphan train. We had a great discussion during book club, and members did other research to learn about the orphan trains.
Gail Spitzer
Evening Stars by Susan Mallery
Interesting family saga with an unusual twist.
Mary Keith
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
Wonderfully written story about love and family. Would be a great book club book. Kept me engaged the whole time. I got up extra early to read it!
Sharon Shirlen
Daddy's Gone A Hunting by Mary Higgins Clark
The ending is so clever! She develops many different characters in this book. No profanity or sex, just a great read!
Ginny Horton
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
This was a fabulous book, and I am so happy to see Sue Monk Kidd back to her true form. One of my favorite books was The Secret Life of Bees, which I read way before Hollywood turned it into a film. In fact, I haven't even seen the film because I was afraid it would dilute the perfection of the written word. The author has outdone herself with this story of a young, Southern girl who was assigned her own personal slave. The chapters alternate between Sarah and Handful as the years progress. This affected me to the core because it brought to mind other horrific instances in history and the knowledge that these kinds of things continue to happen to this day.
Beverlee Abell
The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent
Historical fiction at its best. A strong woman, quiet man, muddy pasts and small town make for a dramatic novel about courage and independence. I loved it!
Gil Harris
Crime of Privilege by Walter Walker
A gripping novel about an assistant D.A.'s efforts to bring powerful and wealthy people to justice. It turns out to be a very, very difficult thing to do. Witnesses to the crimes are hard to find, and others are bribed for their silence. The ending is really a surprise.
Susan Spencer
I've Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark
Clark always writes a great read, I love her books and am always excited when I hear she has another book coming out.
Susan Spencer
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
What a wonderful book with a rich storyline. So worth reading.
Betty Ramsey
Murder in Malmo by Torquil MacLeod
In this, the second Inspector Anita Sundstrom book, Anita has to work to regain the trust and respect of her fellow officers following serious mistakes made in Book #1 of the series. The story involves murder, art theft, and the recurring theme of latent Nazi-ism in Sweden. The influx of so many immigrants from Muslim countries has stirred up racial tensions, and the police are hampered in their investigations because many of the suspects are among the wealthy and politically connected of the area. Also, some personal and professional problems have carried over from the first book and have to be dealt with. I enjoyed the first book of the series, and this one was even better. Looking forward to #3...
Judy O.
Good Grief by Lolly Winston
Thirty-six-year-old Sophie Stanton's husband died of leukemia after 3 years of marriage. She is bereft and has been acting very strange for several months. Sophie finally leaves San Jose for Ashland, Oregon where she will stay with a friend until she gets on her feet. In spite of the theme of this book, there is lots of humor and hope. Good story.
Maya Beck
Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple
Funny, witty read.
Maleen Corrigan
The Pecan Man by Cassie Dandridge Selleck
This little book has a BIG finish. Throughout the scant 140 pages, words of wisdom and insight pulse thru each day in the lives of Ora Lee, Blanche and the Pecan Man. In spite of the fact that the entire story is recounting "the lie" that became so often repeated that it had a life of its own, each character understands truth in a new and unique way before the book's end. The Pecan Man is self-published and must be ordered (thru indy stores or online), but it is worth finding. After reading it, I chose it for my book club, and we had a wonderful discussion. Not one person disliked it, and we are a diverse group.
Anthony Romano
Sycamore Row by John Grisham
A real page turner. I had a difficult time putting it down. Grisham does his usual great job with a novel containing complicated legal situations so the reader has no problem in understanding the story. The interesting events of the novel reveal just how far lawyers will go in using underhanded methods to "win".
Anna Lowther
Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson
I finished this book in one week. It was well-paced and interesting. It would be a good selection for a book club.
Lynn W
How The West Was Won by Louis L'Amour
Loved it! Wonder if the other members of book club liked it....should be interesting discussion.
Lynn W
Still Life With Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen
I don't give four stars easily, but this book is gem, a polished gem.
Melanie S.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
4.5 stars. A wonderful, moving story of how love can transform. Set against the backdrop of a bookstore located on a remote island off the coast of New England, the quirky and flawed but loveable characters move through life's joys and disappointments and tragedies with a few mysteries and surprising plot twists. Highly recommended, especially for book lovers, which you probably are if you are reading Word of Mouth reviews!
Phyllis
Thicker than Water by Maggie Shayne
Fast-paced story throughout. Julie Jones, news anchor, is being blackmailed about her past,
and she will do anything to protect her daughter. Interesting right to the end.
Phyllis
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
An exceptional book and certainly thought-provoking. Even though the ending was predictable,
could not put the book down.
Tessa B C
Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts
In 1972 a young mother was murdered, and her baby disappeared and was presumed dead after his torn and bloody pajamas were found nearby. Nearly thirty years later, Mark Albright shows up claiming to be Nicky Jack. His reappearance stuns the populace, challenges long-held assumptions, and angers the sheriff. Letts has crafted a fine mystery here. She has a way with dialogue that really brings her novels to life. Even the minor characters are fully drawn and interesting. Her plotting is good – keeping the reader turning pages and busy trying to figure it out. Kathe Mazur does a fine job of the audio, although her voice is a little high-pitched for the male characters.
Sandy McCullough
Labor Day by Joyce Maynard
One of the best books I've ever read. Only took 2 days to read it, and I also cleaned house, cooked dinner, and did some garden clean-up. An escaped convict meets up with a woman and her son in a discount store and lives with them for the next 6 days. It seemed longer than that when I read the book, but that's what they said at the end. Now I have to see the movie even though I know the end.
Laura Gold
The Fault in our Stars by John Green
I wanted to reread this book in anticipation of the movie. I actually listened to it this time around. The reader, Kate Rudd, does a fabulous job as narrator. Her Hazel is heard gasping a bit while she speaks, and her Gus is just as I imagined.
Paula C.
CIty of Jasmine by Deanna Raybourn
This is the book that I won in Bookreporter's Women's Fiction Contest. As a new author to me, I eagerly started the book and enjoyed the story and the characters very much. Stories set in the WWI era have interested me over the years, and this did not disappoint. The main character, Evangeline, has made a name for herself as an aviatrix and travels with her elderly, but colorful Aunt Dove. Flying has helped Evie cope with the death of her adventurer husband, Gabriel. Mysteriously, Evie receives a photo of her supposedly dead husband who looks astonishingly alive and well. She tracks the photo to the City of Jasmine, Damascus. An entertaining read!
Coral Harrison
Where Earth Meets Water by Pia Padukone
This is a very different book. Most of the time the book is about India, other times the characters are in different places. However, most of the characters are from India. The farther you read the more interesting the book is, so don't give up.
Lynn Hough
Then and Always by Dani Atkins
I won this book from Random House and absolutely loved it! It is a beautiful love story that keeps you on the edge of your seat a little bit too. I knew I was going to love it after just one page, then had a moment of confusion, and then got back to completely enjoying it, not wanting to put it down until I knew just how it would end (which didn't happen until the very end). I am very hopeful that Ms. Atkins will continue to write because I think she has great promise.
Jackie Hulbert
A Quiet Belief in Angels by R. J. Ellory
Stunned with the beauty of the writing. I could not believe I was reading a murder mystery. Ellory is so very lyrical in his writing, intense and yet horrifying. He has written a total of six novels so far, and I can't wait to jump into the next one I find, but believe me, I will be cuddling with my cat and holding on for dear life.
Francisca E B
Sleep Toward Heaven by Amanda Eyre Ward
3.5*** Three very different women are connected by an impending execution in Texas. This book surprised me. Despite the emotional distance of the three central characters, I found myself completely drawn into their combined story. Their tale of grief, loneliness, longing and forgiveness has a universal appeal despite the unique circumstances of each. The ending was emotionally charged for the characters, but I felt a little manipulated. The women didn’t seem to understand their own motives and frankly, neither did I. Still, this was a pretty good debut effort, and I will certainly read more of this author’s works.
shelly itkin
The Blue Baboon in the Big Balloon by Sarah and Steven Mostyn
Harold is a blue baboon that lives in a big balloon. He has a brother named Gerald and they have many friends (one is a cat, another is a mite, a troll and some mice). We are introduced to even more characters once they take a trip to the moon. It is a very enjoyable story as it all rhymes. My only problem is that for a younger child it might be difficult to remember each of the animals.
It as colorful, fun and cute but your child might need to hear it more then once to remember all the characters.
Gail Blesi
Family History by Dani Shapiro
While I wanted to know what was going to happen, I felt very disoriented while reading the book. Never answered what caused her daughter's change.
Karen Frangoulis
Sycamore Row by John Grisham
Grisham at his best. Twists and turns with history thrown in.
Amy Baldwin
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
I am a court reporter working around lawyer/courts and all aspects of law. I dearly love this book about Mickey Haller's side of the law as a defense attorney. So well-written with 3-4 books to follow in the series. It's interesting, intriguing and the storyline keeps you captivated. A must read!
Linda Reck
The Storied Life of A.J.Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
A.J. Fikry is the prickly and elitist owner of a failing book store. His wife has just died; he's drinking himself into an early grave, and Tamerlane, his rare edition of E.A. Poe's poems has been stolen. It would have brought a hefty price at an auction. A. J. is isolating himself from all of the people on Alice Island' and also his world of books.Then one day he finds a bundle in the middle of the Children's' Section. It is a toddler, Maya, who changes A.J.' s life and gives him a chance to see everything anew. This is an extraordinary story of second chances, an overwhelming confirmation of why we read, and why we loved. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book so much; I loved it.
Debbie Maskus
Just One Evil Act by Elizabeth George
This is a very lengthy book, which I thought should have ended sooner. The title implies only one evil act, but I count at least three. One evil act is listed on the book jacket in which Angelina absconds with Hadiyyah, but both Taymullah Azhar and Lorenzo Mura commit evil acts as well. The story has many twists and turns, and the multitude of Italian is disturbing. I usually enjoy the Inspector Lynley series, but this had too many plots and was way too long. George presents a detailed story, but forgets that many people do not have the leisure to read over 700 pages,
Robin McKay
Then and Always by Dani Atkins
This is one of those books that will stay with you long after you have finished reading the last page and closed the book. The haunting beauty and the sheer "rightness" of the ending will envelop the reader. Kudos to Dani Atkins. I love this book.
Linda Johnson
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
Wallace Stegner writes with such skill, I never wanted this expertly crafted book to end. It is a character driven, rather than plot driven, book about two couples who meet through academic pursuits. Stegner is truly a wordsmith, precise with the word pictures he paints. At one point, I called a friend to share one quote, "But the day that had started crooked insisted on going crooked, like a cross-threaded screw." I am definitely looking forward to future time with this master.
Sandy McCullough
The Butterfly Sister by Amy Gail Hansen
Eight months after dropping out of Tarble, an all-women's college, twenty-two-year-old Ruby Rousseau is still haunted by the memories of her senior year, a year marred by an affair with her English professor and a deep depression that not only caused her to question her own sanity but prompted a failed suicide attempt. Then a mysterious paisley print suitcase arrives, bearing Ruby's name and address on the tag. When Ruby tries to return the luggage to its rightful owner, Beth Richards, her dormmate at Tarble, she learns that Beth disappeared two days earlier, and the suitcase is the only tangible evidence as to her whereabouts.
This mystery is one that you can't put down!!! Will have to see if the author wrote anything else.
Michelle Brown
In the Kingdom of Men by Kim Barnes
Great book, set in the 1960s but totally relevant to current events, both culturally and in terms of world events/news. Eye-opening in regards to perspectives of women. Great read!
Tessa B C
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
This classic of American literature is an exploration of guilt, hypocrisy, revenge, and atonement. Full of psychological nuance, forcing the reader to weigh the merits of various arguments as to whose sin is worse and what punishment is appropriate. The ethical dilemmas presented are still debated today.
Wendy Catalano
Breathe Into Me by Sara Fawkes
Sara Fawkes is the author of one of my favorite series, "Anything He Wants: Dominated By The Billionaire". It was a pleasure to read "Breathe Into Me", her recently released stand-alone novel.
"Breathe Into Me" tells the story of Lacey and Everett, two damaged young adults who find passion and healing in their yearning for each other. The serious issues they deal with include abuse in various forms, bullying and alcoholism, just to mention a few. Ms. Fawkes gives us great characters, a roller coaster ride of emotions and a wonderful love story!
E. Hodge
My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor
After reading Sonia's autobiography, three things that especially stand out in my mind are her determination, honesty, and her not letting success get in the way of her loyalty to family and friends.
Ellen Wehle
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
All the rave reviews are true: a pounding good story where you feel for each character, and their actions surprise you over and over. Worth buying.
Ellen Wehle
Off Course by Michelle Huneven
I wanted to like this more than I did. Cressida doesn't seem to have any goal, so what she does at her parents' cabin, hang out with retirees, have sex with woodsy guys, etc., starts to feel like someone's "What I Did Last Summer" essay. Not much reason for the reader to care.
Kathy Vallee
Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones
This is such a wonderful series with Charley Davidson who is a great grim reaper, one with a bright white light that the dead around the world can see. To make matters worse, she has the hots for satan's son, who is sent to life to get rid of her.
Marsha
The Day After Tommrow by Allan Folsom
This is an exciting, thrilling and frightening novel. Folsom tackles some very interesting premises, and you will be taken on a very interesting and informative ride.
barbara otter
The Intern's Handbook by Shane Kuhn
I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this book, Once I picked it up, there was no putting it down. Highly recommended for an offbeat story.
Teresa Russ
Vile: The Faces of Evil Series by Debra Webb
Vile is book #8 in the Faces of Evil Series. Action packed, adventure. The series just gets better and better.
Alexis Thornton
Margot by Jillian Cantor
Excellent reading. The book really draws you into the story!
Simonne
The Time of My Life by Patrick Swayze with Lisa Niemi Swayze
Poignant look into Patrick's life and how he overcame so very many obstacles, and of his and Lisa's extraordinary life together. Actually, this is a better book to listen to than read, as it is narrated by Patrick himself with Lisa chiming in now and then.
Sandra Furlotte
Blessed are the Dead by Malla Nunn
This mystery set in the South Africa of 1953 is a wonderful read as much for the atmosphere of South Africa at the time as for the well-crafted plot.
Kimberly Beasley
Bastion by Mercedes Lackey
This is the fifth book in the Collegium Chronicles. I liked it because it finally answered most of the questions about the main character. It more than made up for the slow-moving fourth book in this series. However, if you are not already a Valedemar fan, this series will not interest you; it's not a good set to start your journey on.
Fran OH
The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar
I truly enjoyed this book for many reasons. The depiction of India, its culture, the effect of American business on the community and lifestyle were amazing. The story of a bereft couple, trying to move forward after the loss of a child was heartwrenching. The story of the Ramesh and his family...wow. Thrity Umrigar is a talented author, and I will look for other books by her!
Bobbie Mohney
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
A bit confusing at first with the story being told by Death, but once you find that realization all of the pieces fall into place. The Book Thief keeps your interest and is very well-written, I am hoping to watch the movie now that I have read the book. It is a book I think I will need to read twice to cover the facts that I missed the first time through.
Agfordia Sawyerr
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is a challenging book. The book is about the aching, confusing, and glorious experience of being a teenager. One of the main characters of the book is Charlie, who writes letters. He tries to fit in and to participate with the realities of the larger world as he learns how to grow up.
Bonnie Gluhanich
Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
Non-fiction account of the religion? cult? (depends on who you ask) of Scientology. Wright has done his homework, and this is a fascinating book for those who know little or nothing about the subject.
shelly itkin
Written in the Stars by Sherrill Bodine & Patricia Rosemoor
Cordelia Ward is a marine archeologist who is trying to find the mother lode of the Celestine, which disappeared more then four centuries ago with many treasures on board.She is pretty sure that she has located it and with the help of Innis Foley, a salvager, together they are determined to finish her departed father's mission. Her mother is aboard, and they are going to rightfully claim what is theirs. The problem is suddenly a stranger, Morgan Murphy, appears on the scene after she saw him on TV. They both seem to be on the same mission, only he seems like a pirate who is interested in the treasures that were on the ship, and Cordelia wants to preserve them in a museum. Both are going to be competing to get to the site first.
Cordel
Lynn W
Blossom Street Brides by Debbie Macomber
A nice, easy read that continues the Blossom Street series.
Lynn W
A Step of Faith by Richard Paul Evans
Alan Chrisoffersen has reached the deep south on his walk from Seattle to Key West. In spite of treatment for a brain tumor, Alan has kept his sense of humor. His listing of barbeque joint names and church marquee sayings are hilarious. I look forward to completion of his quest in the next book.
