Skip to main content

May 8, 2015 - May 22, 2015

This contest period's winners were Becky H., Diane C., Janie C., Patricia R. and Suzy K., who each received a copy of THE FORGOTTEN ROOM by Lincoln Child, A LUCKY LIFE INTERRUPTED: A Memoir of Hope by Tom Brokaw, and THE SCARLET GOSPELS by Clive Barker.

 

Julie Link
Brother Odd by Dean Koontz

4
Set at a monastery and involving paranormal beings (including Elvis Presley and Boo, the dog). Not scary like I expected Koontz to be. More of a thriller. Definitely a page-turner. Apparently this is one in a series about Odd Thomas, and now I have to go out and find the other Odd Thomas books to read.

Deb Muzik
Home Front by Kristin Hannah

5
Unlike many books about returning veterans, this book is about a returning female veteran, Jolene - a wife, a mother, a sister, a well-respected community member. It is a moving story that portrays Jolene's life before, during, and after deployment, and the changes that occur in her family, her community, and in herself.

Betty Fitzgerald
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

5
A coming-of-age story with interesting and unique characters in a small Minnesota town in 1961. Told from the perspective of 13-year-old Frank, we learn about his family, his neighbors and his town when they react to four murders -- one an accident, one natural causes, one is a murder and the last is suicide. Suspects are many and it's not until close to the end that I figured out who the actual murderer was.

Myrna Pennisi
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

5
This is a powerful book about the ten Boom family of Harlem, the Netherlands, who were instrumental in the underground resistance movement during the German occupation of the Netherlands. For their involvement, they were given the similar punishment as the Jews received at the hands of the Nazis. If you read Corrie's story, be prepared for a graphic, heart-rending description of her family's fate.

Judith Mroz
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

5
Once in a while an author has the talent to draw you into the pages of a novel and transport you to another world in another time. Kristen Hannah has done this with THE NIGHTINGALE. It took me to France during WWII, and I could feel the sisters' pain and their courage. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Now, what do I read? It won’t be able to compare with this book. Thank you Bookreporter.com for the birthday gift!

Anne G. Edwards
Bettyville by George Hodgman

5
Without question, this is a memoir I will always remember. George Hodgman returns to his hometown of Paris, Missouri to be with his mother for her ninety-first birthday. He finds her in need of assistance and challenged by medical issues. They redefine their relationship, and George adjusts from his former life as an editor in New York City to that of a caregiver in Paris, Missouri. Despite the serious themes of the book, the author injects humor, observation and caring throughout. George remains in Paris today, and his book is on the New York Times Best Sellers list!

Nancy Bader
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

5
Pulitzer Prize-winning author's book of two Indian brothers, inseparable in life in Calcutta, and still bound together after death, in America and India. Throw in a love story, a family struggle carrying over three generations, set it on two continents, add some twists that you never see coming, and you have the makings for a hard-to-put-down book. If you liked BEYOND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS and CUTTING FOR STONE, this book will appeal to you.

Linda Johnson
An Exaggerated Murder by Josh Cook

3
A novel novel, unlike any book I have ever read. It is a mystery but the physicality of the manuscript can be very different and you may need instructions on how to read it. I will read this again because I'm sure I missed a lot. Needs to be read with a very clear, unmuddled mind. I knew it was time to put the book down at night when I would forget where I needed to read next. Baffling? Good. Maybe I've confused you enough that you will pick it up and try to solve the mysteries yourself.

Sharon Lumb
The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

5
This book was published the year I was born -1951. Yet in the 1990s, the British Crime Writers Association said it was the best mystery written in the 20th century and the American equivalent said it was number 4. Learning this I had to at least try the book. My first impression was why it was considered a mystery instead of historical fiction. Alan Grant from Scotland Yard is facing a lengthy hospitalization after being injured helping arrest a criminal. He is so bored. He hates popular fiction. His famous actress girlfriend gives him a series of facial shots. He is intrigued by a nobleman. It is Richard III. He starts a quest to find the truth about the King using modern Scotland Yard techniques. I found the book to very interesting.

Claudia Hopkins
The Promise by Ann Weisgarber

4
I picked up this book because the main character, Catherine, grew up in Dayton, Ohio and the author grew up in Kettering, Ohio where I grew up. But the majority of the story took place outside of Galveston, Texas on an island. The relationships between Catherine and her new husband Oscar was unique, but the end of the book is a page-turner as it describes the hurricane of 1900.

Sally Hartz
A Shattered Moment by Tiffany King

4
I won this book in a contest, which allowed me to read it a few days before it was released. I have to say this book is well worth reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it kept me up throughout the night to finish it. I couldn't put it down because it kept my interest and moved at a good pace. This book really expressed the emotions of a girl trying to put her life back together in a way that was inspiring, and showed the power of a beautiful, new relationship that was there to support her. It was sweet and I did not expect some of the things that were slowly revealed. I recommend it to young adults.

Liz
Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents' Tailor by Martin Greenfield

5
This incredible story has been hard to put down! Mr Greenfield, a native of Czechoslovakia, tells how he survived the unthinkable concentration camps to go on and become a tailor to US presidents and many other well known celebrities. He became an American citizen. His humor and love of the USA (esp. New York) touched me deeply. A must-read memoir.

Kathleen Moczarny
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

5
Non fiction that was very interesting and easy to read and digest. Attempts to explain success in areas that lie outside the norm. Made me want to read the author's other books.

Suzanne Turzillo
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

5
This is the story of a young Hawaiian girl, Rachel, who contracts leprosy and was exiled to Kalaupapa. The story explores Rachel's life in a girls' home and later as a married woman in the colony. Rachel was one of the few that lived to old age. This story was based on factual events, which made it very interesting. I would highly recommend this book.

Laurie Blum
The Wonder Garden by Lauren Acampora

4
Debut of inter-connected stories set in suburban America. Enjoyable. Many discussable themes for book clubs.

Tessa B C
The New Yorkers by Cathleen Schine

3
This is a lovely, quick read – a Valentine to New York City. The characters are charming and sometimes exasperating. The dogs are all loveable (even the one that bites). It’s a year in the life of these lonely people wherein they meet and connect over their beloved pooches. Nicole Roberts does a fine job narrating the audio book.

Linda McDonald
Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty

5
I won this book as part of another Bookreporter.com contest. I hadn't heard of it and enjoyed her storytelling and how she maintained its intrigue from start to finish. Her 'voice' in this book reminded me of THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN. That voice and her writing skill kept me reading. Little about the story was predictable, especially the ending. Pow! If you did (or didn't ) like THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, I recommend this book. Part love story, part woman story and part mystery.

Lynn W
High Tide in Tucson: Essays from Now or Never by Barbara Kingsolver

3
Book club choice. Discussion will be interesting. Each member will find one or two essays to love and another one or two to intensely dislike.

Gina Wills
The Stranger by Harlan Coben

4
Cohen writes another page-turner. I devoured it in two days. Nothing is as it seems and sub-plots keep the reader guessing.

Ruth Underwood
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

5
I was so moved by this book and by a young sightless French girl and the young German boy who interact in this novel. The love of a father for his daughter and how he prepared her to survive without him. Superb writing by this outstanding author. One of the best books I have read in many years.

kate donnelly
A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley

4
A true break away from my usual WWII books. This is the third Flavia novel. Flavia is a wonderful character for readers who smile while they read. It is lighthearted and Flavia is charming.

Trude Vandine
Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay

4
Suspenseful, fast-moving mystery that grabs you from the first page. Entertaining and at times humorous, I really enjoyed this book. I received this ARC as a sneak peak winner.

Linda Reck
Still Alice by Lisa Genova

5
This story is based on an accomplished woman who has early onset Alzheimer's disease. She slowly loses her thoughts and memories. Not quite 50, she is totally unprepared for the diagnosis. STILL ALICE is a beautifully written, heartbreaking novel about the devastating affect Alzheimer's has on its victims and their families. The book is written from Alice's point of view and does an excellent job of describing what is going on in her head as the dementia increases. Genova has given voice to a population not usually listened to. Although STILL ALICE is fiction, it is apparent there is much that is drawn from real life.

Marilyn Myers
Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson

5
A WWII story of sheer perseverance, one man's journey to bring about justice. Having read a true story of a man's obsession with justice, HUNTING EICHMANN by Neal Bascomb, this book by Balson was equally riveting.

Maleen Corrigan
Mary Coin by Marisa Silver

4
MARY COIN is a cleverly crafted mystery-driven piece of fiction that uses an iconic photograph to move the story through 90 years of time - from the Depression through the dissembling of a farm house in 2010, a farmhouse which had been in Walker Dodge's family for over 130 years. The actual photograph on which the book is drawn is that of Florence Owens Thompson taken by Dorothea Lange and named "Migrant Mother." The photograph was used as a stamp in the 1990s. Silver uses it to create a story which winds and weaves through the harsh times faced by migrant workers in the 1930s. The addition of Dodge's story is a thread that binds the book together to a satisfying end.

Marian Collins
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

4
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

Izella Cadwallader
I Always Loved You by Robin Oliveira

4
I thought the book was good. A little different look at Degas from other books I have read. He was a very complicated individual and unable to commit to loving anyone. I liked reading how he was close friends with Monet and Manet and the other Impressionist of the time and the lives they led.

Leslie Bilyeu
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

5
Our book club loved this book. It was very relatable to real life. We loved the fact that it took part in a book store and was centered around enjoyment of books. We had great discussion.

Oswaldo Reyes
The Good Guy by Dean Koontz

5
When they printed this book, they forgot to add a label to the reader similar to this: WARNING: This book is impossible to put down.THE GOOD GUY will not let you put it down until the unforgettable ending. I was reading very late into the night. One intense surprise after another, until good and evil finally collided in one of the scariest showdowns I have ever read about. This is one book I will never forget.

Norene Wittlin
A Family of No Consequence by Thomas M. Toler

3
It was good but too short.

Sheldon Friedman
The Memory Man by David Baldacci

4
A place thriller with Amos Decker. Case involved a school shooting and a young girl's murder. Finding the killer is almost impossible, but not to Amos Decker.

Sheryl Jeffries
Pigs Can't Swim by Helen Peppe

5
This is a great memior about a young girl coming to age in rural Maine. She is a youngest of 9 brothers and sisters and she seems to be overlooked in their shadows by her neurotic parents. She is raised on a farm and she really doesn't fit in with her kooky family but doesn't really see that until she's in high school. She is an avid reader, and Stephen King gets her through this tough yet bittersweet childhood of hers.

Donna Shaw
Faithless by Karin Slaughter

4
A good mystery about a girl accidentally being discovered that had been buried alive. She isn't the first to have this done to her, but she is the only one who didn't survive. There are a lot of suspects as there is a fanatical religious group in the area.

Donna Shaw
The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit: My Family's Exodus from Old Cairo to the New World. by Lucette Lagnado

4
This story tugs at your heartstrings by making you aware of the pain of being exiled from life as you know it: losing your home, friends, culture and leaving it behind with no idea of where you will go and your future.

Elaine Baxter
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessey by Rachel Joyce

5
This is the sequel to THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY. If you loved this book (like I did), you will love Queenie Hennessey. As we recount the story of Harold here we learn the story of Queenie. It is moving, touching, at some times sad, but a feel good read. I liked these books so much I have not only bought them to keep in my library, but I have had my book clubs read them and have recommended them to any one who will listen.

Jane Petrich
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

4
4-1/2 stars. War is ugly. Hated to read the pain and suffering too many characters endured in the book. I was really hoping Werner and Marie - Laure could have met again in their life. What a tender meeting they had.

Chris ladwig
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

5
This book kept me guessing to the very end!

Linda Harrison
Second Hand Rose by Lin Stepp

5
Rosalyn McCreary takes care of an estate called Saddle Ridge, high up on a ridge outside the Smoky Mountains. When the property is sold she is concerned that she will no longer have a job, but the new owner assures her she can carry on. When she finds that the new owner is a Frenchman named Kendrick Lanier, she thinks he has misled her into believing that he only worked for the realty company. Now she finds that he is also the owner of the company as well as Saddle Ridge. She fights her attraction to Kendrick, but he is patient and knows that it is just a matter of time before she will admit to her feelings for him.

Linda Harrison
Vanished by Irene Hannon

5
Driving on an unfamiliar backroad on a rainy night, a woman suddenly appeared in the headlights of the car driven by Moira Harrison. Skidding out of control, her car ended up in a ditch. A man appeared by her car door and said he was calling 911. That is all Moira remembered. She came to and no one was around. Certain she had hit someone, she went to Justice, Inc. to hire a private investigator since the police would not listen to her. Working with PI Cal Burke to find the missing woman, they stumbled onto a plot that was unbelievable.

Linda Harrison
When You Give a Duke a Diamond by Shana Galen

4
Rumor is abounding that the stern Duke of Pelham (the Dangerous Duke) is having an affair with the courtesan Juliette (nicknamed the Duchess of Dalliance). Since Pelham has recently become engaged to Lady Elizabeth, these rumors are not amusing to him. He sees Juliette at a ball he has been forced to attend. When Lady Elizabeth disappears from the ball, Juliette tells him she was killed by Lucifer and thrown over the balcony. Pelham doesn’t want to believe her, but then a bullet whistles close by Juliette’s head and they are both in danger.

Linda Harrison
All We Left Behind, Virginia Reed and the Donner Party by Nancy Herman

4
This is a fictional account of one family’s travel from Springfield, Missouri to California where they were stranded at Truckee Lake for several weeks due to deep snows. The characters in the book were real and the book was based on their letters and other correspondence. One can only imagine the hardship these people went through on their westward voyage. Mrs. Herman did an excellent job with the book.

Linda Harrison
Gray Mountain by John Grisham

5
Samantha Kofer worked for a large law firm until she was laid off along with many others. Too many unemployed lawyers and too few job offers caused Samantha to accept a pro bono job with the Mountain Legal Aid Clinic in Brady, Virginia. Her boss was a feisty little woman named Mattie Wyatt. Mattie’s nephew was Donovan Gray, an attorney whose biggest battles involved the coal companies that came into the area to strip mine for coal. Coal companies were making a killing and would destroy anyone who got in their way.

Linda Harrison
Endangered by C. J. Box

5
In this latest Joe Pickett novel, Joe runs up against the white trash from hell. The Cates family is run by vicious Brenda, wife of Eldon, and mother to Bull, Timber, and Dallas. Joe has had problems with Eldon and Bull involving illegal hunting of elk. Now Joe feels that Dallas is responsible for beating up his daughter April and leaving her beside the road. April is still alive but in a medically induced coma, and Joe is trying his best to rein in his temper and not go after Dallas.

Linda Harrison
The Marriage Charm by Linda Lael Miller

4
Three best friends swore they would help each other find the best man to be their husband. To cement the pact, Melody Nolan made each of them a charm bracelet. One of the three found her husband and now Melody wonders if she and Sheriff Spence Hogan can make a go of it this time. Nine years ago she proposed to him and he turned her down. She realizes she is still in love with him and he seems to be attracted to her. He has never said he loved her and Melody does not know how he feels about her. But the sheriff is known as a ladies man and Melody wonders if he is ready to settle down.

Linda Harrison
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

5
All I can say is “WOW”! What a great book! This deserves a lot more than 5 stars. The ending will catch you by surprise as the murderer is someone you will least expect. As Rachel travels to and from London each day, she sees a couple outside on their patio and imagines what their life is like. They seem to be in love. Then one day, she sees the woman kissing another man. Days later, the woman is missing. The police are focusing on the husband, but should Rachel go to the police with what she has seen?

Linda Harrison
One Mile Under by Andrew Gross

5
Ty Hauck is lazing on his boat in the Caribbean when he gets a call from an old friend. His friend’s daughter Dani Whalen is in trouble in Colorado and he wants Ty to go see what the problem is. Ty agrees but has no idea what he has let himself in for. Dani’s friend, Trey Watkins, was found face down in his kayak on a river that should have posed no problem for him. Then when she finds proof of an unknown vehicle in the area at the time of her friend’s drowning, she is sure that he was killed but the police chief will not listen to her and locked her in the jail. Ty doesn’t want to believe any of her story but changes his mind when they go to the young man’s funeral and finds all is not as it seems.

Linda Harrison
Miracle at Augusta by James Patterson and Peter de Jonge

2
If you are not familiar with golf, this book will be very boring. Too much golf terminology to be interesting to a non-golfer.

Linda Harrison
NYPD Red 3 by James Patterson& Marshall Karp

3
Detectives Zach Jordan and Kylie MacDonald find the headless body of Peter Chevalier, who was the driver of wealthy businessman Hunter Alden. Messages on his cell phone indicate that Mr. Alden was trying to find his son Tripp, but Peter had not found him. When the detectives interviewed Hunter Alden, they are given the runaround and he refuses to declare his son as missing. Then a maintenance worker at a school finds Tripp and his friend locked up, but Tripp takes off. The detectives are at a loss as to what is going on with Tripp. Is he a victim or an accomplice?

Candace Bliss
Blood Infernal by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell

4
Final Book (#3) Order of the Sanguines series. A fight between good and evil for the trio to keep Lucifer from escaping Hell. This book wrapped up the series and had several surprises in store that were unexpected and kept me engaged the book. Knowing that good will win is one thing, but how that battle is fought and won is the key to a good book and the end of the series. Fortunately, this book did that and was an engaging read.

Judith C. Oswood
Cold Betrayal by J.A. Jance

5
I love this author's books---all 53 of them. This one features Ali Reynolds. It is mostly about human trafficking that is going on at a LDS encampment near Colorado City in northern Arizona. Ali tries to shut down this horrible place and puts herself in danger as a result. Timely story, as this place has been on the news on TV recently.

Diane Pollock
Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates

4
Unique and enthralling.

Lynn W
Breaking Point (Joe Pickett #13) by C. J. Box

4
By page 49 two gun-toting EPA agents are dead, a suspect is on the run, and part of the motive has been revealed to the sharp-eyed reader. The remainder of the book is one --- make that several --- wild rides.

Lynn Thomas
The Same Sky by Amanda Eyre Ward

4
I have read all of her books so far, and this one is up there with the most touching and involving. Two women far apart, experiencing many of the same trials in relation to being a mother. Strong characterization and satisfactory plot resolution. A touching read.

diane s stout
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker

5
I was sad to finish this book as I enjoyed reading it so much -- the characters were so real.

Lorna Hoffman
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

5
The book brought the horrors of the German invasion of France right into my life. I was a little girl during WWll and didn't know or understand about the atrocities that were being committed. The story kept me up at night; after I finished a chapter, I almost felt that I was living it -- it was that real.

Jan Zahrly
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

5
The new GONE GIRL book. It is difficult to tell who is crazy, who is drunk, who is manipulating, who is just a hell-raiser. The story is told by three connected women who give us partial information with each page. One is murdered, the other two would have been murdered or did they do the murdering? This is a page-turner from the first page. A woman on a train regularly sees a couple on their deck but one day the scene is different. She tries to intervene and it goes downhill from there. This is a quick read and I am eager to hear more from Hawkins if she can create plots like this.

Julie Pierce
The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez

4
An interesting story told by many different voices of the joys and sorrows experienced by immigrants new to this country - in this case, all Spanish-speaking from countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, etc.

elaine beierbach
The Forgotten Room by Lincoln Child

4
Wow - I liked this book.

Richard N B
The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers

4
PVT John Bartle met PVT Daniel Murphy in basic training and promised Murph’s mother that he’d bring the 18-year-old back from Iraq. The novel relates Bartle’s experiences in Iraq – the horror, excitement, confusion, mental and physical stress. His internal struggle to come to grips with his actions, his regrets and his losses is what makes this novel so powerful. There were sections of this book that had me completely immersed in the narrative, but I think that I, like John Bartle, was looking for answers where there are none. As a result, the ending was less than satisfying for me.

dennis beierbach
The Forgotten Room by Lincoln Child

4
My wife and I shared this book and both enjoyed it.

Sandra Furlotte
A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson

4
Kate Atkinson is one of the finest writers I have encountered. Her books are like mazes with a surprise around every corner. This continuation of the story of the characters in LIFE AFTER LIFE is a gem.

Sharon Elliott-Fox
First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

5
A delightful, somewhat mysterious, magical, entrancing continuation of the story of the Waverly sisters and their daughters, one of whom has inherited an unusual magical talent and one who seems to have none. And then there's the conflict between living one's own magic and succumbing to the pressures of the world of money. Great read.

Sharon Elliott-Fox
Emma by Alexander McCall Smith

5
Started slow, but was soon caught up in the modernized story of Emma, her desire for independence that was constrained by her training and position--and money, her disease-obsessed father, the delightful governess and more.

Fran OH
Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah

4
A beautiful book about the bond between sisters. Loved the characters, backstory and characters. I couldn't stop reading until the very last page and then it felt like I lost two friends at the end.

Lynn W
The Return Journey by Maeve Binchy

4
Fourteen stories of matters of the heart in this little jewel of a book.

Marsha
The Bone Tree by Greg Iles

5
This mammoth book (804 pages) is the second volume in an epic trilogy featuring Penn Cage. Following Natchez Trace, this novel continues to focus on blood, race, family and justice. It is beautifully written and full of ideas about the murder of JFK and its roots in the secrets of the south. Violence and murder abound as justice is served.

Bonnie Gluhanich
I Regret Nothing by Jen Lancaster

4
I think I've read everything Lancaster has had published because she always, always makes me laugh...and often think too. Love her stuff. I want her to be my best friend, even though I'm old enough to be her mother.

Jo
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

4
Awesome thriller with lots of twists and turns.

Sharon Kozinn
Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian

4
Riveting book about a possibly real nuclear plant mishap and the aftermath and fallout from it.

LINDA BASS
Her Alien Hero by Jessica E. Subject

4
Librarian and a romance author that wrote alien fantasy, Melinda Rose tossed a coin in the fountain where she attended a conference for authors. At thirty-five, all she wanted was a man in her life, someone she could grow old with, but when her friends asked what she wished for she lied and said a billion dollars. When she got to her room, her friend insisted that she join 1Nightstand, a matching site. She declined, but her friend said if she didn't join then she would do it for her. Melinda huffed but filled out the form and said she wanted an alien. Cooper Tate lived his life in fear of being caught and experimented on by the Canadian government.

Dianne Mongelli
The All-Girls Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg

5
Excellent book.

Bill holcomb
Titus Hill by T. K. Jules

5
Most unusual and entertaining story I have ever read. The premise of the story is about an unreported rape perpetrated by a young man of impeccable character. He spends years atoning and meets his true love, Marry, and has idyllic existence with the woman made for him. He discovers 10 years later she was his victim! Will he confess to her, does she forgive him, does he forgive himself? Does the reader forgive him? I did! This novel is being published now [May 2015] and should be released soon by Green Ivy Publishing in Chicago. It's a must read!

colin beierbach
The Forgotten Room by Lincoln Child

4
I follow Lincoln;s books and enjoy them.

Laura Beierbach
The Forgotten Room by Lincoln Child

4
I enjoy this author, and this book makes the grade.

Denise Beierbach
The Forgotten Room by Lincoln Child

4
I loved the plot and enjoyed the descripions.

Sharon Oats
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

5
If you don't read another book this summer at the beach, you should read THE GIRL YOU LEFT BEHIND! The characters are fully developed and interesting. The book moves from the First World War to the 21st century and back again beautifully.

Sharon Elliott-Fox
Mademoiselle Chanel by C. W. Gortner

5
Very readable fictionalized account of the life of Coco Chanel--her rags to riches story, including the development of her minimalist designs in contrast to the overblown, corseted designs of Worth and other major designers of the era. Orphaned at an early age, she, with her sisters are sent to a convent where the nuns recognize and nurture her talent for sewing. The story details her rise from poverty to being one of the most recognized women of Paris.

Judy Steinhorn
The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro

4
An aspiring artist who does copies of original pieces of art is enticed to take on a bigger challenge. I found this book to very interesting in that I learned so much about how artists go about painting their works.

Judy Steinhorn
The Forgotten Seamstress by Liz Trenow

5
I loved how this story is weaved between generations. A quilt is found and the story unfolds between love, loss, and mental illness.

Jill McAfee
The Same Sky by Amanda Eyre Ward

3
Good book...hard subject matter. Somewhat predictable towards the end.

Carroll Savage
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

4
Loved the plot twist at the end!

Susan Kolodny
Don't Try to Find Me by Holly Brown

4
Holly Brown's fast-paced debut novel is in the genre of Gillan Flynn's GONE GIRL. This well-crafted story is told in the voices of Rachel, Marley's mother, and Marley, a fourteen-year-old sheltered high-schooler with few friends. The book opens with a message from Marley to her parents: "Don't try to find me. I'll be okay. I'll be better. I love you." Rachel discovers this message on the message board of the family's refrigerator. Marley has run away from home. When her parents contact the police, Rachel becomes a suspect in her daughter's disappearance. As the story unfolds, the reader discovers each bare secrets from which they suffer. DON'T TRY TO FIND ME is a real page-turner and perfect for discussion with your girlfriends!

Marsha
One Mile Under by Andrew Gross

4
Ty Hauk, detective turned global troubleshooter, is called by his goddaughter to help her solve the mystery of her friend's death. Next thing you know he is immersed in a showdown between downtrodden farmers and a clandestine oil company bent on destroying their lives. Not a dull moment. This is the first Hauk book in five years and well worth waiting to read.

Marion Book Moeller
Starting Now by Debbie Macomber

4
Very good story. I like Debbie's books. First one I read in Blossom Street series. Will need to read the rest.

Vikki Cabral
Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand

4
After finishing UNBROKEN, which was so sad, I needed a light beach read and for that I always go to Elin Hilderbrand and one of my favorites places...Nantucket! I listened to this on audio book during my commute to work. (Erin Burnett did a great job reading). Although I don't usually care for stories about teenagers, I did enjoy it. What I didn't like is that some of the things didn't seem believable to me. Not sure a man cheating on his wife is going to having sex out on a deck where they could be caught (and they did get caught). Do people on Nantucket really not lock their doors? They probably should now.

Susan Johnson
Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay

4
Widower Dave Hardwood, with his son, returns to his hometown to take a job as a news reporter. On his first day of work, the newspaper closes down. His cousin, Marla, just lost a baby at birth and then tries to steal one. On a visit to her, David discovers a baby. Where did he come from? Who are the parents? The book is long, 484 pages, but very easy to read. It goes rapidly and there is so much going on that you never get bored. It's perfect summer reading. And just to whet your appetite, there's a huge cliffhanger. There will be two more books in the series.

Nancy Anderson
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

5
I have been a fan of this author since reading THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES. I think this book is her finest work. The characters and storyline are very well developed. I didn't want it to end,

Tessa B C
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

5
I’ve been hearing about this book forever, but never read it before. I’m so glad I finally got to it! It is an absolute delight. I love Milo – a boy “who didn’t know what to do with himself” – and his spirit of adventure. What I find particularly delightful is the way Juster plays with words and ideas, introducing readers (young and old) to some lofty ideas and imparting more than a little wisdom along the way. It’s been over fifty years since this book was first published, but I feel certain it will remain popular for at least another fifty years.

Gladys Paradowski
One True Heart by Jodi Thomas

5
This is a very entertaining story. The characters are so well-developed that one truly comes to know them, and love is shown in ways that true love happens in real life; the difference between sincere, heartfelt love and mere-sex are distinguished. Jodi Thomas proves to be a talented and exceptional author. The book is over 300 pages long, and I appreciated the relatively-short chapters that kept me from having to pause reading in midst of chapters due to my busy schedule.

Fran OH
Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones

3
I enjoyed this novel, set during the 1979 Atlanta child murders. Told from the perspective of the children, the author gives a birds-eye view into their lives and families during this trying time.

Francisca E B
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

3
3.5 stars. Written with Jeffrey Kaslow. Randy Pausch was a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University when he was asked to prepare a presentation for the popular “last lecture” series. Much of what he relates here is found in many other books, lectures, essays, and articles. What makes this so poignant is the personal story of his circumstances – a father with three children ages 1 to 5, who is dying of pancreatic cancer.

Julia H
The Book Stops Here by Kate Carlisle

4
Brooklyn Wainwright is a book binder and restorer by trade, but in this mystery has landed a three-week dream job. One of those public television road shows has come to town and her friend Ian recommended her for their book appraisal expert during this stop. This is where the fun begins as one of the first books Brooklyn gets to handle has a very intriguing backstory, plus Vera, a flower shop owner, had no idea of the true value of the book. After a teaser appears on the evening news, the value of Vera's book is known to all, including a party that may want it back. I like it when a cozy gives us a bit of time with the characters. It somehow makes the plot more startling as it unfolds.

Francisca E B
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker

3
This is a sort of fairy tale, with settings and happenings that are grounded in reality, but sprinkled with a little folklore and magic. Truly Plaice is a giantess, courtesy of a pituitary problem. Her sister Serena Jane is the epitome of feminine beauty. Both girls suffer because of their appearance. I found the book slow to get started, but the more I read, the more invested I became in Truly. Ultimately, she emerges as a heroine with grace and dignity, and she is able to love and be loved for who she is, not what she looks like. Carrington MacDuffie does a fine job narrating the audio book.

Jan Zahrly
Suspect by Michael Robotham

5
A convoluted mystery that grabs the attention and holds it. A psychologist, who has just been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and is feeling unsure of himself and what will happen to him and his family, is suddenly a suspect in a murder. He makes mistakes and begins to gather clues leading him to the murderer, a patient of his. Except things fall apart; suddenly the clues do not hang together and a mean detective is certain that he killed the woman he knew at work in a hospital 10 years ago. His "best friend" seems to turn on him; his wife is angry with him. This is the first in a series featuring Joseph O'Laughlin. Excellent!

LINDA BASS
Dreamlike by Vaughan W. Smith

5
Amy is a legal secretary who has terrible fears, but she tries to get over them by taking a pill that was offered so she could move on with her life and help unlock her nightly dreams. She is unaware that the treatment is not that simple and that there's a wicked plot to stop her from fitting the pieces together to learn the truth about herself and expose those that cover it up and want it to stay buried. Vaughn Smith pens a great story filled with twists and turns that you won't want to put down!

Cynthia Jacox
The Cavendon Women by Barbara Taylor Bradford

3
This being my first opportunity to read a novel by the celebrated author Barbara Taylor Bradford, I had high expectations for an engaging read. I was disappointed to find the first 300 pages to be extremely shallow in plot despite a well-developed, extensive cast of characters. The novel portrays the lives of a wealthy aristocratic English family as ones of almost fairy-tale perfection and invincibility. It is only in the last quarter that the novel redeems itself with elements of murder, mayhem, and misfortune. As this is my first exposure to Bradford's offerings, I have no idea whether this is a typical formula for her works. The novel reads like a script for an episode of Downton Abbey, but a bit tedious for a 450-page novel.

Carolyn Blumenthal
Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay

4
I found BROKEN PROMISE a very interesting read that held my interest until the very last page. It is about a family that has a hidden secret that ends up changing many lives. It is a bit of a thriller.

Elizabeth
When The Balls Drop by Brad Garrett

2
This isn't the ideal read if you cling fondly to memories of Garrett as lovable Robert on Everybody Loves Raymond. His attempts at self-deprecation come off as very bitter, thanks to a penchant for TMI confessions and incredibly sexist attitudes toward women (especially his ex-wife).

Lori Edelson
Radiant Angel by Nelson DeMille

5
Having been a fan of Nelson DeMille since the '80s, I was delighted to have the opportunity to read an ARC of his latest book, RADIANT ANGEL. I love authors who can be relied upon to consistently provide a great read. DeMille's books are entertaining, yet intelligent and thought-provoking. I particularly like his witty and sarcastic main characters like John Corey in this series and John Sutter of The Gold Coast books. In RADIANT ANGEL, the threat being investigated was very scary because one could imagine it happening in real life today. There were interesting ethical issues that came up in the book, which differentiated it from more typical thrillers. I couldn't put the book down, wanting to see how it would be resolved.

Debbie Maskus
Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler

3
Kibler tells a good story, but I felt that this incident could not have happened in Kentucky in the 1940s, and for this forbidden love to have lasted a lifetime is amazing. I liked the two narrators of the story - Dorrie and Isabelle. Each woman presented a life full of hardships and happiness, but many of the relationships did not ring true. The story foreshadows the ending, which seems bittersweet. I enjoy Dorrie's humor and Isabelle's patience, but their relationship seems unreal. Kibler holds the reader's interest by withholding the reason for the trip "up north". The story seems to be like Driving Miss Daisy in many scenes, where people do not understand a young black woman and an old white woman riding together in a car.

Debbie Maskus
The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan

3
Tan writes exquisite books about the Chinese life and culture, but this book went into explicit detail and then quickly ended and attempted to tie loose ends, but left many strands floating in the breeze. Tan spends numerous pages on Violet, a sizable time on Lulu, and a fleeting conversation on Flora. I felt stranded in thought about the outcomes of various characters in the story. The hardships constantly plagued Violet, and just when the route seems even, another boulder lands in her path. Lulu and Flora retreat to the background and only reappear towards the end of the saga. Rich language and colorful descriptions enhance the story about the life of a courtesan in China in the 1910s.

Betty Chrastka
H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

4
A young woman deals with her father's death by training a goshawk. That sounds strange, but in the context of the author's life, it makes perfect sense. Woven into that story is an exploration of T. H. White's life and his book, THE GOSHAWK. This led me to read THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING again.

Francisca E B
This Token of Freedom by Jon Helminiak

3
During World War II millions of children were evacuated from London and sent away to safe locations to spare them from witnessing the aftermath of the German blitzkrieg. This is the story of one of those evacuee children, Jayne Jaffe, who at age nine left her family behind in London to come to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to live with total strangers. It was a life-changing experience for her.

Patty Hribko
Eyeshot by Taylor Adams

5
This was a intense novel with unexpected turns and twists. My heart beat fast and I could feel the character's words and feelings. This book takes place in a three-day span, but boy does it go fast. Our protagonists are an average couple with problems and relatable backgrounds who get thrust into an impossible situation with little or no hope. EYESHOT is a roller coaster, and the reader will find the loops quite scary at times. I could not put this book down, and finished it in a weekend. I know a good book when I continue to reflect on it days after I am done. This was a really good book.

Marsha
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

3
This is a family saga addressing the problems of immigrants fitting into a new life in America after the tragic death of one of the brothers. She explores the burden of secrets and the will to keep parent's wishes alive, even if it destroys others. This is one tormented family.

marleen davis
Face Off by David Baldacci (editor)

4
Thriller writers paired to concoct short stories together. Interesting pairings and great short stories. Even if you have never read some of the authors, Baldacci gives a short background of each before their story. It was really fun to read the different takes and how they came together to create these little creations. I would have given this a 5 but one or two of the stories weren't as good as the others. I still recommend this, however.

Andrea Lapsley
Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekback

4
Beautifully written set in Scandanavian in the 1700s. Very suspenseful. Very strong sense of place. You are drawn into the story immediately.

marleen davis
The Racketeer by John Grisham

4
This one was fun! So many twists and turns. A lawyer was "used" by a crooked shyster to set up a bogus company to filter dirty money thru the lawyers trust account. The FBI made a case and the lawyer got 10 years. Even though he was innocent, he was caught in this web of deceit. How he manages to get out of prison early and get payback is what this story is all about. Just a great read!

marleen davis
King and Maxwell by David Baldacci

4
The best of Baldacci's King & Maxwell series! So exciting. After coming off a very stressful case, they decide they are going to "take it easy". While driving, they see a teenager walking in the rain. He appears very bewildered and doesn't know where he is or where he is going. They take care of him and take on his case when they finally find out what has been happening. This is a novel that has clandestine secrets they uncover while searching for the truth into the highest levels of power.

Carol Stroup
Hush Hush by Laura Lippman

3
Not as good as her other books. Characters were not that likable.

Betty Fitzgerald
Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova

5
Ms. Genova has the ability to write about complicated illnesses by detailing not only symptoms and treatments but the effect and reactions a family experiences when faced with this dilemma. This is her best book yet.

Judy O.
Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova

5
Huntington's Disease is a lethal, genetic disease with no effective treatment or cure. Joe O'Brien, a Boston policeman, is diagnosed with it. There is a 50% chance that his 4 children and 2 grandchildren will fall victim to this genetic disease. Thus we meet Joe, wife Rosie, and their children Katie, Meghan, J.J., and Patrick. The story is fascinating and extremely well-written by an author who really knows a great deal about Huntington's Disease. It is uplifting in spite of the grave subject matter.

Mary Hayden
Fair Play by Deeanne Gist

5
This is the second book I have read by Ms. Gist and found it absolutely spellbinding. It is set in Chicago in 1893 during the World's Fair. A licensed woman doctor (rare those days) and a Texas Ranger have come to work at the fair. There is a lot about the fair, but the primary story is about Hull House--Jane Addams's home for foundling and lost children. The story had me turning the pages as rapidly as I could--part romance, part mystery, part history--in short it covers a lot of territory, but very skillfully. Anyone who hasn't read it should. I couldn't put it down.

LINDA BASS
The Russian Enforcer's Feisty Lover by Nic Saint

4
Lidiya Kotowa had a criminal history in Moscow, but she paid her debt by going to prison and had a full pardon. As she sat with Alexi Demiakov staring at her behind his desk, she never thought one of the most dangerous men in the Russian Mafia would put her behind the eight ball by threatening her. Either she locates her friend who was pretending to be Alexei and kill him or she'll never work in Moscow and possibly anywhere ever again, as the Mafia had very, very long arms! What had Roman gotten them both into? Dora Liverpool, a struggling Broadway actress, had been taken from her apartment and offered a huge sum of money to play his wife. Roman was a huge man with dark penetrating eyes.

Marcia Peak
A Fine Romance by Candice Bergen

4
I am the same age as Candice Bergen, so I could identify when she wrote about growing old! She sounds pretty down-to-earth and is a better writer than I realized. Enjoyed reading about all the behind-the-scenes stuff on Murphy Brown, raising her daughter and how she and Louis Malle were soul mates. She has a great sense of humor, which made the book easy to read. I am now interested in reading her first book, KNOCK WOOD, from years ago.

Rebecca Anderson
Following Atticus by Tom Ryan

5
Heartwarming and thought-provoking!!

Kay Cole
Still Life by Louise Penny

5
The first of many wonderful books about Gamache!

Susan Kellett
Every Fifteen Minutes by Lisa Scottoline

4
Fun thriller/mystery; a page-turner.

Amy Counts
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

3
Took me awhile to get through this but I found it to be very enjoyable.

Erin Golsen
So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

4
A thought-provoking look at the effects of collective judgment and public shaming in social media. Ronson interviews people who made jokes in poor taste and lost their jobs as a result, alongside the downfall of more public figures like author Jonah Lehrer.

Mary Lee Olson
Still Alice by Lisa Genova

5
Heartbreaking but fascinating read.

Shelia Worthey
Death Dance by Linda Fairstein

4
Ms. Fairstein did a fabulous job of 'retelling' a murder at The Met during a performance ... and nobody saw or heard a thing!!! She is a sophisticated and thoroughly enjoyable storyteller. Also, Alex, the Assistant DA, and Mike Chapman, the detective, seem headed to more than friendship, finally. But there are still emotional bags that need to be dealt with, so we shall see.

Barbara Kirch
Captivology: The Science of Capturing People's Attention by Ben Parr

5
I have enjoyed reading about how to capture people's attention. CAPTIVOLOGY reveals many techniques that are employed to make ideas, products, etc. grab attention and keep it. The anecdotes are presented in a very interesting way. The book is very well researched. The author has included an extensive set of notes at the end of the book so that the reader can explore further if he or she chooses.

Linda Carmichael
Elephant Company by Vicki Croke

5
The best book I have read this year. Should hit the best seller list as did THE BOYS IN THE BOAT!

Linda Reck
The Daylight Marriage by Heidi Pitlor

3
Hannah disappears after a night of arguing with her husband. The police investigate and discover her personal belongings at a local beach. No one knows why she went there. The police have no clues and no leads. THE DAYLIGHT MARRIAGE was addictive and fast-paced. The story is told from Hannah and Lovell's perspectives. It also moves back and forth in time, which adds rich layers and complexity. Each voice was authentic and compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Melanie S.
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

3
Everyone I spoke with loved this book, which made me curious about it though I'm not a huge fan of Picoult's novels, other than MY SISTER'S KEEPER, which I thought was terrific. I did appreciate the research that was done on elephants and how it was incorporated into the story, but once the twist was revealed, I felt like the book was a bit of a rip-off of a well-known movie from years past. I won't say which one; I don't want to give away a spoiler.

Donna Boulmay
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

5
An entertaining story of how two totally different people find each other. You will love Don, the socially challenged genetics professor who decides it's time to find a wife and creates a wife questionnaire for potential applicants to complete. Rosie meets none of Don's criteria and it's hilarious to read as he struggles with his fascination for Rosie. I can't wait to read THE ROSIE EFFECT.

Lisa C.
The Memory House by Linda Goodnight

4
I liked it! This author is typically a Harlequin author, which I tend to shy away from. I won this book from a contest from Bookreporter.com, and I am glad I gave it a a chance! The book ties two stories together, one from present day and the other from the civil war. It had subtle undertones to author Francine Rivers, whom I love.

Sandy McCullough
Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke

5
One of the best books I have read this year! Now I want to read all the others by this author. If you love historical fiction then this one is for you.

Marilyn Jensen
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

4
Interesting reading; so relevant to what is happening today with social injustice. Seems we still have a long way to go in accepting other cultures and races. Good to see women gain a stronger role in the book as the novel progressed.

Jean Feingold
Saving Faith by David Baldacci

3
I found the concepts driving the story too complicated and hard to follow. That made it difficult to care about the characters because it was unclear why they were doing what they were doing and why everyone was trying to kill them for it.

Thomas Barrington
Doing Hard Time by Stuart Woods

5
I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much. I really liked the book.

Thomas Barrington
Blood and Bone by Tara Brown

4
I enjoyed the book very much. It was a little different but it was a nice read.

Thomas Barrington
The Murder Tree by Alan Veale

4
I really enjoyed reading this book. I would suggest anybody to read this book. I think anybody would like this book.

Melanie S.
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain

4
Received an ARC from Bookreporter.com (thank you!) of this beautifully written story of a real-life woman, Beryl Markham (I had not heard of her previously), who lived an adventurous and thrill-seeking life. While best known as an aviator, much of the story centers on Beryl's life as a racehorse trainer. Her life was filled with heartbreak, disappointment, danger and adventure, and she was a courageous woman ahead of her time. The writing was exceptional, the description of Kenya visceral. However, I didn't really make an emotional connection to Beryl or to any of the other more peripheral characters, who, other than her native friend, seemed rather vacuous. I did enjoy reading the book, though, and I think others will too.

Mary Nelson
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

5
I am not a fan of things French or about wars but this was a great book to read. Rarely buy new releases but gift cards sent me to the book store and soon after that I had surgery and more extended reading time, and it all worked out quite well.

Betty Chrastka
Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers

4
I'm working my way through Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey series. The books are great fun, as well as a bit of a literary challenge.

Ruth Dupchen
Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One by E.L. James

5
I had this series for a while but I didn't get a chance to read them. I just finished book one last night. I liked the romance part of the book but I am not into the pain. I think it is good to read all different kinds of books.

Dawn Byers
The Stranger by Harlan Coben

5
This was a great read. It intrigued you from the first page to the last. A stranger approaches someone with a secret they should know - and the secret changes the world you think you have - What will happen when you confront the issue - I loved this book.

Donna Shaw
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick

5
This is a very enlightening and disturbing book about life in North Korea. It's impossible for me to truly imagine what the North Korean citizens are enduring. The most difficult thing for me is trying to process that these citizens are grateful for the life they are living and believing that they are well-off compared to the rest of the world. It's a shocker.

Cheryle Fisher
The Fire Dance by Helen Tursten

5
The Irene Huss series by this author is terrific. Set in Sweden, they provide insight into a culture similar to ours, but yet different.

Mimi Weiner
Saving Grace by Jane Green

5
I love all of Jane Green's books! She can take a situation and put you right in the middle of it. Although it is fiction, this could be happening to any of us.

Judson Hanson
Dead Wake by Erik Larson

5
A simply extraordinary book about the sinking of the Lusitania during WWI, perhaps the watershed event that brought American into the war. Larson has proven himself to be an amazing researcher with this book, diving into details about the Lusitania that most, if not all of us, never learned in history class.

Judson Hanson
The Death Trade by Jack Higgins

3
Another entry in the seemingly endless series featuring Sean Dillon, former IRA member and current member of British Security forces. An okay book despite seeming to meander in some spots.

Nancy Coughlin
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin

3
Interesting. Too many guesses as to what real people were actually thinking.

LINDA BASS
Knocked Up By The Bad Boy by Vanessa Waltz

5
Johnny Carotta, head of the Mafia, sat in his club and waited for the show to start as each woman tried to gain his attention. Twice divorced, he only had two rules, never give second chances and never do one woman again. He loved sex and with so many women coming onto him-- why should he deny the benefits of living the single life? As he looked over his club, he saw one of his men sizing up a gorgeous woman, and when they locked eyes, he knew he had to have her and make her his. Maya just wanted a bit of fun and had borrowed one of her cousin's slut dresses and talked her into going to a club. Her cruel dad was the president of the MC's biker organization and he hated Italians.

Brenda Klaassen
The Fifth Gospel by Ian Caldwell

5
I had read some early reviews of this book and they really made me want to read the book right away. I was in the mood for an adventure and that is exactly what this book delivered. My heart went out to motherless Peter. I had not unraveled the whole murder until the author revealed it. This book was worth waiting 10 years for.

Becky Haase
A Good Family by Erik Fassnacht

5
I almost quit reading – then I got to page 58 and I was hooked. The four members of this family are damaged - damaged by each other, damaged by their past, damaged by their own actions. The characters are finely drawn, believable and you get to know them intimately. The situations are timely and true. The writing is expressive. These are people and situations you want to know and care about deeply – even when they are being incredibly stupid in their actions. The tempo and tension increase as the book travels to its conclusion. There is sufficient humor to lighten what could be a depressing book.

Simonne
Measure of a Man by Martin Greenfield

2
The beginning of the book is tremendously interesting - about life before and survival through the Holocaust. The second part of the book is one big self-serving tribute to the author -- how great a tailor he is and the big names he has dressed. It is pretty simply written.

Pam Moore
The Sharp Hook of Love by Sherry Jones

4
Well written, based on newly discovered letters of Heloise and Abelard. Also defines the limitations of women in the 1100s. Most interesting is the philosophical question throughout the book: Is love the same or are there different types of love?

Julie Towson
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarity

5
Great page-turner. I had been wanting to read this book for a long time and it didn't disappoint! I highly recommend it!

Kathy Fuchs
Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay

4
This book certainly lives up to Linwood Barclay's talents! It takes place in the small town of Promise Falls, where everyone knows everyone, yet mystery remains. It is fast-paced, intriguing, full of many well-fleshed out characters, each with their own stories that somehow come to intertwine, and full of twists and turns. I was actually disappointed for the book to end; I just wanted it to keep going!! This is a good read, and I recommend it to everyone.

Tessa B C
Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson

3
A gypsy fortuneteller predicts that Rose Mae Lolley will either have to kill her husband or be killed by him. That wake-up call sets her on a mission to face her past and find her future. Jackson writes good contemporary fiction featuring Southern women in unusual circumstances. It was a fast read, and I was interested in finding out how the story would unfold, but I was somewhat disappointed in the ending, and I didn’t really connect with the central characters. This is not Jackson’s best work, though it shines a light on a subject that needs our attention.

Eileen Spinelli
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

5
So many complex characters! You come to understand depth of their emotions and motivations.

Jackie Ranaldo
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly

3
Really like all of Michael Connelly's books. This one is fun because three of his series characters all make an appearance.

Nancy Hollis
The Forgotten Room by Lincoln Child

5
Another Child chiller!

Nancy Hausladen
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

5
This is a very good book. It tells the story of a white girl in the south who is given a slave for her 12th birthday. The book goes between the life of the white girl and the slave. I think it gives us a good understanding of life in the south in the time before the Civil War.

Susan Dean
Ladies' Night by Mary Kay Andrews

5
Easy read. Characters were very well written.

Katherine Bennett
Unforgettable by Scott Simon

4
The story of his mother's life was told by Simon as he sat by her bedside during a progressive illness, recounting stories from his upbringing, her numerous marriages and friends that played a part in shaping her adventuresome life. There was treasured advice at the end of each chapter with the ending chapter sharing wisdom that I made notes about: "Write thank you notes, tip well, drink responsibly. Reach out to someone that's lonely. Make them laugh." It was a sweet memoir of a mother and son and lessons learned.

Patricia Revzin
Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay

5
I was hooked by the very first sentence on the first page: "I hate this town." Made me wonder: who, where, and why? David Harwood, the flawed but likable main character, narrates part of the story but is hampered by his limited point of view. While he was my favorite character, I also admired the persistence and analytical mind of Barry Duckworth, the overweight, donut-loving detective. The plot's clever twists and turns and unexpected complications accelerate the level of suspense. This is my kind of book where I can't wait to find out the resolution but where I also don't want the story to end. Murder, intrigue, family secrets, and occasional humor all add up to make this a perfect summer selection.

Sandra Furlotte
Alone in the Classroom by Elizabeth Hay

3
This was such a well written book, but I found myself lost many times in the narrative.

Suzy Katz
The Bullet by Mary Louise Kelly

5
This is by far the best story I have read this year. It is definitely a page-turner. With such a simple premise, the story developed into a fast paced "never saw it coming" story. This is the first book I have read by Mary Louse Kelly and I will definitely read her other books.

Crystal Blackburn
Day of Reckoning by Jack Higgins

5
Sean Dillon and his group of good guys and good, bad guys fight Mafia thugs and exact revenge for the murder of a friend's loved one.

Sharon Elliott-Fox
The Other Daughter by Lauren Willig

3
Rachel Woodley is working as a governess in France when she gets a belated telegram asking her to return home to England, that her mother is seriously ill. By the time she gets there, she discovers that her mother's funeral was the previous day. In cleaning out her mother's effects, she discovers a clipping from a London magazine that indicates her father, who she had believed died when she was a child, is actually alive and is a respected and influential earl--and he has another daughter. Rachel sets out to find him and to solve the mystery of why he left her and her mother long ago.

Rachelle Strachar
At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

3
I liked this book okay. I found the main character, Maddie, a bit whiny. I enjoyed her strong will and independence. I really wanted to love this book, as I enjoyed all of Gruen's other books. I'd have to say this was my least favorite.

Rachelle Strachar
Mister Owita's Guide to Gardening: How I Learned the Unexpected Joy of a Green Thumb and an Open Heart by Carol Wall

3
I so loved Mr. Owita and his upbeat positive attitude and strong work ethic. He is a model for us all. However, Carol's character felt very contrived. It was clear the author had a difficult time expressing her emotions. Her character seemed very forced.

Rachelle Strachar
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

4
I loved this book. It follows two French sisters throughout their life. Their story starts with their mother dying at a young age, their father returning home from was with battle scars and WW2 occupied France. The father abandons his daughters shortly after their mother passes as they are too much for him. The girls are very different -- Vianne the rule follower and Isabelle the rule breaker. The family has a tumultuous time-- but in the end, through the horrors of WW2 they learn to love and appreciate each other. There is a lot of history and sadness in this book, but ultimately the book is about human kind and our resilience.

Francisca E B
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

3
3.5 stars. A research scientist is sent by her Minnesota pharmaceutical company to Brazil to find out what has happened to the company-funded project. There are some passages that are beautifully written, and evocative of place, but there are also sections of dialogue that are stilted and abrupt. I could never quite make sense of Dr Marina Singh – was she a strong, accomplished woman, or a passive automaton doing what she was told, whether it makes sense or not. Patchett brings up several issues that book groups will enjoy discussing. Hope Davis does a fine job performing the audio version.

Linda Johnson
1776 by David McCullough

4
How can one go wrong with David McCullough? In my opinion, you can't. His books are always well-researched, easily understable and when, as with this one, he narrates the book himself, the result is perfection. McCullough starts with January 1 and continues to the end of the calendar for that year, presenting what George Washington and the colonial troops planned and did for the year.

Debbie Smith
Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova

2
First I must say I loved her first 2 books, STILL ALICE and LEFT NEGLECTED. Not enthralled with LOVE ANTHONY and not with this one either. The writing just seemed forced to me. I absolutely hated how she ended the book also. I hate hanging stories. Maybe this was a setup for a sequel?? The story is about Huntington's disease and the impact on the family. Not as in depth as I would like. To me, a very much skim the surface book. Not much about how Rose, the wife, felt in her own words. I'm sorry to say I was so disappointed in the writing of this one.

Brady
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

4
This novel is a history of the Hawaiian island that housed those afflicted with leprosy. This is a complete story of one woman from early childhood to death, many, many years later. She contracted leprosy while a teenager, and this is her story of how life was like during those years. This is a well done novel in which you learn of a complete life with its ups and downs, and it's special because of the disease inherent to the story.

Sally C.
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion

3
Engaging book but somewhat contrived. Overall not as good as THE ROSIE PROJECT.

Diane Castiglione
Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay

4
Linwood Barclay is a great author and keeps you interested and on the edge of your seat. I didn't want to put the book down because I had to know what would happen next. I found the characters just wonderful and they could be your friend or neighbor. I loved the main character, Dave, who had lost his wife and was raising his son on his own. After losing his job he moves back home so his parents can help him. His mother has asked him to deliver some meals to his cousin Marla. Doing this, his life is turned upside down. When he finds his cousin with a baby that is not hers, things take a turn and you find yourself on a crazy to find out why. You will love Marla.

Maya Beck
The Pecan Man by Cassie Dandridge Selleck

5
Great book that feels like your grandmother is telling the story.

Maddy Trainer
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

5
I really enjoyed this book (considering the fact I read it in a day)! At first I thought I knew what was going to happen, but then it took a surprising twist that I didn't think was coming. I hope in the future I can read more of her books because this one definintly is a summer favorite of 2015!

Vikki Cabral
Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe

5
I have always been a Rob Lowe fan and listened to this on audiobook (which Rob narrates). He's very honest and genuine. I loved the making of The Outsiders. I never watched The West Wing, but I might catch it on Netflix. I am looking forward to his new book.

Marsha
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

5
In the manual of Witness Protection Agency there are three stages of agent involvement. The Red Zone is where the subject is held in protective custody while in prison or on trial. The Green Zone is when the subject and family are given a new identity and location. The Blue Zone is when there is suspicion that the subject's new identify has been penetrated or blown. The subject is unaccounted for and there is no official knowledge of whether the subject is dead or alive. In this thriller there are so many twists and turns as secrets are uncovered that you will be engrossed by the pace and story of a family who is put through this program.

Janice Cafarelli
Three Sisters Island Trilogy by Nora Roberts

5
I just finished this three book set and wished there was more to come. Each book ties nicely into the one before. I couldn't put them down once I started reading them. I finished reading all three in less than two weeks.

Becky Haase
Taken by Dee Henderson

4
TAKEN deals with the aftermath of a kidnap situation gone wrong – for eleven years! The main character was kidnapped at age 16 and held until she escaped at age 27. The book only refers to the kidnapping and focuses on the psychological healing that must take place for the young woman to reenter society as a whole person. The person who helps Shannon heal is Matthew, a former cop and father to another young woman who was kidnapped and held for eight years. The work he did with his daughter is the framework for the present situation. In flashback the book reveals the crimes committed and the horror of captivity of eleven years traveling the country with a crime family. Although a bit too long, the story held my attention well.

Judy O.
Invisible by Carla Buckley

4
Dana and her sister Julie have been estranged for 16 years. Dana is suddenly called home by Julie's daughter because her mother has kidney failure. Dana finds that it is not easy to return as many people show her ill will for her long absence. Good story.

Denise Westlake
Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova

5
Excellent information and characters. A+

Denise Westlake
Sisters of Shiloh by Kathy and Becky Hepinstall

4
"You can't just banish love out of anger. It's hardier than that." Really liked very much, but Civil War images make it unsuitable for some. Great book.

Denise Westlake
A Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear

5
Perfect transitioning to the next stage of Maisie 's life.

Denise Westlake
My Sunshine Away by M. O. Walsh

5
Important. So good in so many ways. Still thinking about it a week later.

Denise Westlake
Doctor Death by Lene Kaaberbol

5
Fabulous story!

Denise Westlake
The Bullet by Mary Louise Kelly

5
Oh my! Great story, great characters. Loved it. Very contemporary mystery with some belly laughs included.

Janice Hoaglin
The Wednesday Group by Sylvia True

5
I won this from Bookreporter.com, and it is hard to believe it is a debut novel, it is so insightful and well-written. The novel tells of five women who join a therapy group for those whose husbands have sexual addictions. The women begin to trust one another and to share their stories of anger, pain, betrayal, and the self-doubt they are experiencing. They offer each other support, understanding, and begin to draw strength from each other. This was a great read.

LINDA BASS
Show Me the Gold by Carolyn Mulford

5
In the last of the series, Phoenix and AnnaLynn are busy responding to another town's plea for help. As all of AnnaLynn's officers are at the FBI, the two ladies are told about a bank robbery where gold coins had been stolen. Phoenix and Sheriff AnnaLynn Keyser's job is to stake out the country graveyard in case the robbers came their way, but to call them at first sight. Of course there's hardly time to put in a call as a car is speeding toward them...Carolyn Mulford spins another great story.

Francisca E B
Crazy by Linda Vigen Phillips

5
Told entirely in verse, this is a moving look at one teen’s efforts to come to grips with an issue that no one wants to talk about. Her own ups and downs as a teenager are fairly typical, but what sets her apart is her mother’s mental illness. My heart about broke for her as she struggled to understand her mother’s illness and bravely sought answers to her most fearful question. In an afterword the author states that this work is partly based on her own experiences as a teen in the early 1960s. The result is a very personal, emotional story.

Kelly Ballenger
The Sweet Spot by Laura Drake

4
This is the first book of Laura's Sweet on a Cowboy series and I loved it. I read the second book first, but it didn't matter. Laura has a way of getting you into the scene and falling in love with the characters. I had a hard time putting this book down.

Kelly Ballenger
Breathe Into Me by Sara Fawkes

4
Sara is a new author for me and I am already in love with her work. I really enjoyed this story. I was able to feel what the characters were feeling and at times was brought to tears. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.

Becky Kasper
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

5
Wow -- what a fabulous read! So detailed about topics I knew nothing about -- love story and with tons of suspense! Loved it!

LINDA BASS
The Man Who Loved Too Much by John Rachel

4
Three-year-old Billy Green was a very smart little boy, so in school he was very bored. One day after school he got home and went straight to his room. The next day, he played sick and told his mom he didn't want to go back, and because he was an only child and his mom missed him so much, she home schooled him. Billy's dad was mean and hurt his mom although she pretended it was nothing and his dad loved them both, but Billy wasn't so sure because he'd felt his dad's hand a few times. Billy never understood why his dad didn't like him, but he stay out of his way every chance he could. He attended Catholic school and enjoyed pestering his teacher until one day he got a pretty and young teacher.

Donna Shaw
The Fifth Gospel by Ian Caldwell

4
An excellent mystery with history added on about the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches, the Shroud of Turin and Diatessaron. I had limited knowledge of the Catholic Church and knew nothing about the connections told in this book. The author took 10 years to write this story, and I came away a more informed reader. This fictional story is about two brothers who are willing to sacrifice everything for each other.

Deb Ader
The Pocket Wife by Susan Crawford

3
I loved the twists and turns of this book but it was a difficult read because the narrator was a manic -depressive, and viewing the event through her eyes included a lot of "extra" information that was hard to sift through.

Fran OH
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

5
Loved this one! This is the second book I've read by this author and both were awesome. The author weaves a tale that not only illustrates the reality of a brain injury but depicts a family drama that keeps the reader hooked. Loved the characters and storyline. I would recommend this to others.

Vikki Cabral
The Children's Crusade by Ann Packer

3
I just didn't care for the characters, especially Penny, who is the worst mother ever. She annoyed me, the way she abandoned her children for her art, when they needed her growing up. Too selfish. The story was slow moving and I kept waiting for something to happen and it just didn't.

Charlene Quinn
The Heart of Everything That Is: The Untold Story of Red Cloud, An American Legend by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin

4
Excellent story that provides insight into the politics and conditions in the US at the time around the Civil War.

Dorothy Flood
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

5
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I couldn't put it down.It is based on truth.