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September 25, 2015 - October 9, 2015

This contest period's winners were Jean F., Kathy C., Kristin J., Linda P. and Margie B., who each received a copy of THE HEART GOES LAST by Margaret Atwood, THE LAST MIDWIFE by Sandra Dallas, and THE SECRET CHORD by Geraldine Brooks.

 

Dawn
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

5
Wow, wow, wow, what a book!! I loved this book so much, it was excellent! Kristin Hannah sure has a way of making historical fiction so interesting. I love the characters she creates! This book reminds me of WINTER GARDEN; both books taught me about a piece of history that I didn't know much about. I can't wait to see what she writes next!! Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. You will definitely need tissues handy!!

Chris
Endangered by C.J. Box

5
I highly recommend this Joe Pickett novel. The end is really exciting and fast-paced!!

Shelley
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

3
Interesting plot twist. Learned a lot about elephants. Better than her last few novels.

Julie
Going Clear by Lawrence Wright

3
An expose into the "religion" of Scientology. A litle confusing to keep track of the multitude of names, who's been named a 'suppressive person" (i.e. in the dog house), but still a fascinating look into a CRAZY cult-like organization.

Jan
The Burning Room by Michael Connelly

5
Connelly only gets better. Bosch has a new young female partner in the Cold Cases Division. And they have an assignment. A man who recovered from a shooting but carried the bullet in his body for 10 years has died. So now it has become a murder. As usual, Harry has to read old documents, try to find new information while his partner has an ulterior motive in the search. Any time, any place, Harry Bosch will engross you so you can forget about your own problems.

Susan
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

5
I loved A MAN CALLED OVE. Ove is a man that at times you want to choke and at other times you want to give him a big hug. He can be a grumpy man and has his thoughts on how things should be. When he gives his heart away, he is the most faithful man you will ever find. I laughed and cried while reading A MAN CALLED OVE and have recommended it several times. I highly recommend.

Laurie
The Jewish Dog by Asher Kravitz

4
Fiction/Holocaust told from the "voice" of Caleb, the Jewish dog who was born in Germany in 1935. I laughed and cried reading this very special book which I plan to purchase for gifts this year for family and friends of all ages. Bark!!

Barbara
Ross Poldark by Winston Graham

5
After watching the PBS Masterpiece "Poldark", I wanted to read the novels. I loved the TV series and the books have not disappointed me. I highly suggest these books if you loved the TV series. It follows the books very well. There are 12 novels in the series!

Frank
The Lost Boys Symphony by Mark Andrew Ferguson

3
It's hard to define this well-written debut. It's about three college students dealing with being lost, suffering from mental illness, young love. But it's also about time travel and the healing effect that music can have. If you bend towards the offbeat, then you definitely should be reading this book.

Jane
The Good Girl's Second Chance by Christine Rimmer

4
Love Christine's books as cannot lay them down. Quinn is raising a daughter alone and she is most important to her. Chloe was abused by her ex-husband and starting over in her home town. Two lives intertwine as Chloe is hired to decorate and remodel Quinn's house. I loved this book.

Lois
Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan

3
This is an interesting story of Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife Fanny. They were inseparable and traveled extensively for his health; from Scotland to Samoa. You are introduced to many characters during these years and that adds to the story. If you are a fan of Stevenson's writing you will find the book enjoyable.

Susan
The Hummingbird by Stephen P. Kiernan

4
Compared to his first novel THE CURIOSITY, this is a more accessible story for the reader. It is a historical story within a contemporary piece with the most realistic depiction of living with an Iraq war vet that I have read. The description of the process of dying told by the protagonist hospice nurse is difficult to read, especially if you have experienced the death of a loved one, but it was material to who she is and why she tries so hard to heal her relationship with her husband. I was holding my breath throughout the chapters about Deborah and Michael, sure that harm would come to her despite her heroic effort. Kudos to this author who began his writing career as a journalist and writer of nonfiction.

Sherrie
Norwegian by Night by Derek B. Miller

4
A beautifully, sweet story of war, an old man getting a second chance, by chance, to save himself and a little boy. Throughout language barriers and skulking around at night their bond grows and saves the boy. A wonderful story.

Barbara
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

5
One of the best books I have read in several months. I read 15-20 books a week (sometimes more as I speed-read) and this is one of the most informative. I learned so much more about WWII. Everyone needs to read this wonderful book!

Lynn W
Love Letters by Debbie Macomber

3
As usual, a pretty good, fast read, but I'm done with this series and all other Macomber books. They're just too predictable and sugary.

Linda
The Scoundrel and the Debutante by Julia London

4
On a trip to vist a friend, Prudence Cabot meets Roan Matheson, an American who has come to England to retrieve his sister and take her home. Prudence decides for once in her life she will do the unexpected and follows Roan on the stagecoach instead of waiting for her ride. Along the way, they fall in love. Several weeks later, they are back in London and Roan asks her to marry him, but an obstacle named Lord Stanhope gets in the way. Roan returns to America and Prudence is unsure whether to follow him or not.

Linda
In Bed with the Wrangler by Barbara Dunlop

3
After his brother’s wedding, Royce Ryder sauntered into the hotel bar where he met beautiful Amber Hutton. Although she was due to be married in a few months, she realized it would be a mistake as she did not love her fiance enough to marry him. Royce told her he was heading home to the family ranch in Montana, and she asked him to take her along. She sent a text to Hargrove telling him that the wedding was off. Everyone thought she had marriage jitters. When Royce saved her and took her to Montana, she fell in love with him but how did he feel about her?

Linda
Midnight's Wild Passion by Anna Campbell

5
Campbell's books are always great and deserve more than 5 stars. In this book, spinster Antonia Hilliard is accompanying her cousin Cassandra Demarest to one of the season’s balls when she notices Nicholas Challon, the Marquess of Ranelaw and a notorious rake, staring their way. She is determined that Cassie find a good marriage prospect and it won’t be Challon. Even knowing what Challon is and remembering what happened to her ten years ago, Antonia is attracted to him. And when he shows up in her room one night and they share glorious kisses, she is even more attracted. No one is more surprised by his actions than Challon himself. He has never felt this protective toward any woman before and no one will have Antonia but him.

Linda
Keeper's Reach by Carla Neggers

3
Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan, FBI agents, are planning their wedding when Emma disappears. She later escapes from a locked shed where she was imprisoned without food, water, or heat. Colin feels that one of Mike Donovan’s Special Forces buddies are involved. Why are they meeting at a local inn in Maine in the winter? Why were some of them in England following Oliver York, a known art thief and acquaintance of Emma? The plot was a little confusing in this book.

Linda
If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins

5
A warm, heartfelt story of two sisters that display the envy, jealousy, and love they have for each other. To Jenny, her sister Rachel has the perfect life, but Rachel has just found a weird picture on her husband’s cell phone and she is afraid he is cheating on her. All she ever wanted is to be a good wife and mother. To Rachel, Jenny is the perfect career woman who has a new business which is thriving. Jenny wants a husband and children like Rachel but has never found “the one”. Together they gain strength from each other to meet and overcome the problems in their lives.

Linda
The Silenced by Heather Graham

4
This is a Krewe of Hunters book about FBI agents who have paranormal abilities. Meg Murray is the newest FBI agent recruited by the Krewe of Hunters. Meg’s friend Lara disappeared after leaving a mysterious message on Meg’s phone. Now Meg has been partnered with FBI agent Matt Bosworth to find Lara. Meg is afraid that Lara is a victim of a serial killer known as the River Ripper but Matt thinks she is still alive. They just have to find her before time runs out.

Linda
Alert by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

4
NYPD is up against a psychopath and Michael Bennett is called in to head up the investigation. An explosion in a subway tunnel has killed three people and caused horrendous damage. The mayor is giving a talk when he is assassinated in front of police officers, FBI officials, and news cameras. Then the building housing the FBI is bombed and flattened. Officials are notified of an encroaching tidal wave which would devastate Manhattan. Police and FBI are following any lead they are given without finding the person responsible but time is running short on the terrorists’ demands. Orders are given to evacuate New York, but can Bennett find the psycho and stop the tragedy?

Donna
Make Me by Lee Child

3
I have loved the Jack Reacher books from the very first one, but they seem to be winding down. The last two or three have not been as riveting. Child needs to take Reacher in new directions because he's becoming stagnant.

Linda
Lord Ruin by Carolyn Jewel

5
When Ruan Cynnssyr found a woman in his bed, he assumed that his friend Devon had provided him with a prostitute. Anne Sinclair had injured her ankle earlier and Devan and Anne’s sister Mary had placed her in the empty room reserved for the Duke of Cynnssyr, but he was late in arriving at the house. The night of passion between Ruan and Anne led to marriage that neither wanted but society dictated. The marriage turned from a necessity to one of wedded bliss.

Linda
A New Hope by Robyn Carr

4
Ginger Dysart helped out with the floral decorations for the wedding of Peyton Lacoumette and Scott Grant and was sitting out a dance when Peyton’s inebriated brother Matt tried to get her to dance, and she knocked him down causing him to lose consciousness. Matt came to Thunder Point to apologize to Ginger and they ended up having dinner. Over the following weeks they had long telephone conversations and fell in love. Both were reeling from a bad marriage and were leery of making another mistake but love was in the air.

Debbie
In the Dark Places by Peter Robinson

2
I have read all the Inspector Banks novels and some fall short of a reader's expectations; this falls in that category. Descriptive and graphic violence dominate the book, and that little hope in humanity barely seeps through the cracks. Of course, not every book can live up to a reader's criteria. Inspector Banks falls to the sidelines as his team races to find a devious killer. Alan spends much of the time thinking of past events and his relatives, and wondering about his new romance with a much younger woman. The story seems off balance and never hits a balance.

Linda
Truth or Die by James Patterson and Howard Roughan

4
When Trevor Mann investigates the murder of his girlfriend Claire, a reporter for the NY Times, he encounters more than he bargained for. He finds the murderer dead in a bathtub and the police are on the way. Thinking he will be accused of the murder, he has to get away and is saved by a young prodigy named Owen Lewis, who was working with the CIA until his boss was shot and killed while jogging. Trevor meets Valerie Jensen, an agent with the NSA, and together they go up against people high on the political scale. It seems the CIA was using a truth serum on detainees that resulted in deaths and they didn’t want this information getting out. A lot is going on in this book.

Linda
In Plain Sight by Fern Michaels

4
The vigilantes are back again. Amalie Laurent and her maid Rosalee Muno escaped from Amalie’s abusive husband and entered the safety of the Good Samaritan Clinic run by Pearl Barnes, former Supreme Court Justice and one of the vigilantes. Five years later, an article runs in a local newspaper that Amalie has had surgery to alter her appearance and a revised photo would be in the next edition. Amalie and Rosalee were rescued by the vigilantes and taken to Myra Rutledge’s farm. There, the girls plotted the downfall of Amalie’s husband, wealthy Lincoln Moss, powerbroker and cousin to the President.

Linda
The Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble

5
As the Dellamare family returns to the island of Folly Shoals, Claire Dellamare cringes when she looks at the forbidding forest of evergreens. There is something in her past that causes this feeling of dread but she cannot remember. Then a body is found of a small child who is identified as Claire Dellamare. Claire doesn’t know what to think. Who is she? Where did she come from? Why won’t her parents tell her the truth? Lots of twists and turns make this a great book.

Debbie
A Finely Knit Murder by Sally Goldenbaum

3
Nothing is better than a cozy mystery, and Sally Goldenbaum fits the bill. The Seaside Knitters Mystery series always brings a warming book, complete with a food recipe and a knitting pattern. Each book holds these treasures and still delivers a story filled with family and friends. I would love to attend one of the Friday night dinners at the home of Nell and Ben Endicott and would love to spend a day at Izzy's yarn shop. The stories display friendship and love, but focus on the reasons for murder. I look forward to reading the Christmas novel.

Rita
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

5
I did not want this story to end. Anyone who reads it is going to love this story! It made me feel so good and warmed my heart! I fell in love with A. J., and the author makes you feel right at home in A. J.'s neighborhood bookstore. What a wonderful, hopeful, inspiring novel filled with humor and affection. Something we all need more of in our lives.

Trude
Shadow Fall by Laura Griffin

5
I've been a fan of Laura Griffin's Tracers series for a long time. They always have the right blend of mystery, romance and a touch of forensics. This is one of her best!

Kathy
We Are Not Ourselves by Matthew Thomas

4
Well written and compelling but depressing and not a quick read. Highly recommended for those who enjoy character studies and family drama.

Susan
Summer Secrets by Jane Green

4
I really like Jane Green's books. This one was about mistakes we can make when we are under the influence and how it can change our course in life.

Susan
Suffer the Little Children by Donna Leon

5
Wonderful book, the first I have ever read by this author. I can't wait to read all of her books.

LINDA
The Loft: (Memory House Series Book 2) by Bette Lee Crosby

5
I was given this book in return for an honest review and Book Two of the series was even better than the first! Fifty years of memories are hidden in the loft of a bedroom that her dear husband built with his own loving unskilled hands, and she wouldn't change a thing as she loved the loft and her husband's gift to her. She still slept there as she felt that she was closer to him when she did. Ophelia Browne, the owner of Memory House, a bed and breakfast, was ninety years old, but she still did her own gardening and mixing of herbs. The day Annie came into her life she saw that she had the gift and knew she would be special. Annie was obsessed with a rusty old bicycle and spent hours scraping off rust and beating the bent wheels.

Marcia
Coffee Rings by Yvonne Lehman

4
This is Christian fiction. When diagnosed with cancer, Eunice Hogan wants to know the real story of her daughter Dove's death 19 years earlier. Her daughter's three best friends are the only people who can answer that question and have carried the secret all those years. Eunice also carries a secret, as did the deceased daughter. I would recommend this book to others,

Jean
The Martian by Andy Weir

5
Story of survival and man's will to live as one man is mistakenly left behind on Mars after he is thought dead after an accident. Loved the humor and cultural references! This book is a page-turner. Can't wait to see the movie---but had to read the book first.

Jane
The Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meisser

4
A beautiful story parlayed between two women - one at Ellis Island in the early 1900s and the other following 9/11 in New York City. One scarf with a marigold print joins these two strong women as they each survive loss and choose to move on.

Bonnie
This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance! by Jonathan Evison

4
Don't let this novel fool you. At first I thought it was charming chick lit, amusing and a quick read. It's all of that but so much more. Things happen that pack a wallop and take you completely by surprise, leaving much food for thought. Well worth reading.

Diana
The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant

5
Wonderful historical fiction. Elderly woman recounts her life over past 80 years to her granddaughter.

Sandra
The Mistake I Made by Paula Daly

4
We all make mistakes that we wish we could undo, but the mistake Roz makes can't be undone and leads to a drastic outcome. This is a tense look at the psychology of attraction.

Amy
The Gates of Evangeline by Hester Young

4
A suspenseful southern mystery, a old unsolved crime, secrets set in Louisiana begin to unravel when a young writer begins to have visions. Really enjoyed this book.

Betty
Unleashed by David Rosenfelt

4
I enjoyed this book. A lawyer with a sense of humor...who knew? A businessman goes down with his plane. But, we find out the cause of death is not the crash. Murder is suspected and the wife is arrested for the crime. She hires our humorous attorney and so it begins. Nice job balancing the jokes with the lawyering.

Fran OH
The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman

5
Well written, complex plot with likable but flawed characters.

Judy O.
Best Boy by Eli Gottlieb

4
Todd Aaron is a 51-year-old autistic man who has been living at The Payton Living Center for many years. His world is shaken, however, by a new staff member named Mike Hinton. Hinton radiates an evil that only Todd seems to be aware of. Todd also has a deep longing to go home to visit his only brother and family. This was a wonderful story, and the author does a good job of capturing the mind and heart of this autistic man.

Tessa B C
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

2
Gaiman is a talented writer and I appreciate his skill in crafting the story, but this just wasn’t the book for me. I can definitely see why he’s popular with the intended YA audience.

Michael
The Looking Glass War by John Le Carre

5
An older book... but a great read and great writing by master spy novelist John Le Carre. A solid structure underpins this fine tale of intrigue, which keeps the story moving relentlessly to its troubling conclusion. A story that stays with you.

Jean
Split Second by David Baldacci

4
The first book in the King and Maxwell series, SPLIT SECOND does a good job of introducing the characters and explaining how they got together as well as posing and solving more than one mystery.

loretta
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny

5
Louise Penny is back in great form. I did not enjoy her last two books as much as I usually do. This one has it all - Twin Pines, all the characters are back, history (it is based on a true story which is pretty scary) and a who-done-it mystery. Great - many layers in this book.

Dennis
Your Soul Was Made for Mine by C. L. Hunter

5
This author weaves together a tale of loss, pain, and romance that will keep you captivated until the very end. When their lives converge in Ireland, Nolan and Emmalyn will never be the same as dangers from Nolan's past appear and together they unravel astonishing secrets. With each new discovery they go to places, events,and ecstasies they could have never imagined. I couldn't put this book down. A must-read.

LINDA
Mutation Z by Marilyn Peake

5
Bored and unhappy with her life, living with her parents, nurse Emma Johnson decides to go to Liberia and help fight against the Ebola outbreak. Once the plane lands, she is woozy from too many drinks she drank to calm her nerves. Her shakiness is barely under control when she passes customs, but as she boards the bus she drifts in and out of sleep. Once she arrives she's paired up with five other volunteers, and when a handsome doctor describes what they must do she prays that he'll be her teacher. When she discovers information in the records room a sting of pain enters her neck and all she thinks about is she was bitten by an infected bat.

Vikki
The Gratitude Diaries by Janice Kaplan

4
There wasn't anything groundbreaking here for me, but it was a good read.

Lori
All of Us and Everything by Bridget Asher

4
I was pleased to receive an advance copy of this book. The description sounded interesting, and the book didn't disappoint. I was unfamiliar with the author, and I thought she did a great job writing an original story with intriguing characters. It was a fast read and would be great to take on a vacation, yet it could also be a good book discussion choice. I would recommend the book and hope to read other books by the author.

Lynn
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny

5
Inspector Gamache is back, back with the police in a new capacity and back in Three Pines. Reading these novels is like visiting with good friends again. Good plot, interesting characters.

Marsha
X by Sue Grafton

3
Kinsey Millhone continues her adventures. She becomes embroiled in a divorced couple's lives and tries to help the widow of an old colleague. Very formulaic but a nice cozy read.

Sherrie
I'm Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming

4
An honest and sometimes gripping story of Alan's years at home with an unstable father.

JUANITA
Undercover by Danielle Steel

4
Very good book. I love how Danielle Steel is so descriptive you feel like you are right there!

Marilyn
The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates

4
Some of the time it was hard for me to follow as little tidbits were interjected now and again, but I found the story quite readable.

LINDA
A Royal Temptation by Charlene Sands

5
Juan Carlos Salazar was orphaned as a little boy and grew up in America only to learn a family secret put him first in line to become king of Alma, a small country! He learned that his cousins were overjoyed that they were off the hook, but he loved Alma and its people and gladly took the reigns. A bitter dictator had almost crippled his beloved country, but as king he vowed to restore it to its formal glory! Then his eyes settled on a gorgeous woman in pale blue, and he forgot his name... Princess Portia Lindstrom had vowed to keep a low profile once she was no longer the press' favorite after her disaster with the king of Hollywood's talk show! It almost cost career and passion of art.

Alex
Friends Forever by Danielle Steel

4
Somewhat different from Danielle Steel's usual novels, there are five main characters in this book. We follow their lives from the first day they meet until major changes occur (I won't spoil). I like that Ms. Steel has chosen to write something different, even though I do like her usual one main female character books.

LINDA
Snow Blood by Carol McKibben

5
Brogio, the first vampire ever created, was tortured because he dares to love another and rejects the goddess Artemis, but now she intends to make his life a living hell by destroying Selene, his son Kane, and the dog he made immortal, Snow Blood. Now with Kane missing for a year, he knows that Snow Blood knows something and is keeping it a secret. His heart aches that he isn't as loyal as he suspects! Now, Selene is revolting as he tries to keep her safe against unknown forces that are waiting for the chance to kill her and break his non-beating heart. Selene and he constantly argue about her safety, but how can he let her go after waiting for a thousand years for love? Snow Blood only has his masters best interest at heart.

Rosa
A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan

5
This was a delightful, entertaining read. Alice Pearse is a mother of three young children and a successful professional, trying for that elusive work-life balance. Her husband decides to have a major career change, and her father is terminally ill. This story will resonate with many people, male and female, who have ever had too much on his/her plate or have had a very sick family member. Funny and sad, and true to life. I loved this book.

Suzy
Everybody Rise by Stephanie Clifford

3
This is a well-written first novel by Stephanie Clifford. The first half of the story went slow before it became fast-paced. The story had lots of detail and character development. Evelyn gets caught up in a life she so wanted, but was not prepared for or even deserved. She was actually delusional but thought she deserved an “entitled” life and found it easy to lie to get a taste of it. As her lawyer father got indicted and subsequently went to prison, Evelyn had a rude awakening and had to snap back to her ordinary, lowly life. I like how Evelyn finally faced her demons and accepted two low paying jobs. My rating is 3 stars because it was such an unrealistic story.

Jennifer
Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica

5
Full of suspense and fantastic story-telling, I loved this book! The best part of reading it was that I went into it having some ideas regarding who would be "good" and who would be "bad," and I was wrong! Mary Kubica told the story in a way that made every character fallible but endearing due to their own unique histories. Easy-to-read, twists and turns, great character development; brilliant book!

Sandra
The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer

5
I love Jane Austen so I loved this pastiche. I think Heyer did a good job maintaining the tone and conventions of this period of British history. The work did have a racist portrayal of a Jewish moneylender, but I attribute this to the period Heyer was writing (1950s) and still enjoyed the book.

Sandra
Jazz by Toni Morrison

2
I enjoyed the plot and Morrison did a good job of invoking the atmosphere of New York during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s. However, the structure of the narrative was confusing for me and made it difficult to really get into the story. I realize this was her approximation of jazz music, but it didn't work for me.

Sandra
Southland by Nina Revoyr

4
Revoyr did a good job of invoking South Central Los Angeles during the Watts riots. She also created believable, well-rounded characters and a (mystery) plot that kept my interest and keep me guessing. However, there were typos and run-on sentences and the writing in general lacked the polish of some of the other books I have read. But this did not interfere with my understanding and enjoyment of the book.

Liza
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

5
Great mystery. A woman is kidnapped and taken to a cabin built like a fortress hidden in the mountains of Canada. She is kept prisoner for over a year by a brutal stranger she only knows as "the freak". Halfway through the book she manages to escape, and I thought, "What now?" But then the mystery starts. An ending I never expected. Couldn't stop reading!

Susi
My Brilliant Friend by Elsa Ferrante

4
I really liked the book and thought this would be a great TV mini-series as the language in the book was so visual. I kept visualizing different scenarios and think it would be much like Rich Man, Poor Man with Nick Nolte in the late 70s!

Michelle
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

4
This book switches back and forth between the stories of two women, one in occupied France during WWI and the other in modern day London. The link between the two women is a painting entitled The Girl You Left Behind. Both stories were compelling; I couldn't stop reading.

Melanie
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny

4
I always enjoy the books in this series, mainly due to the interesting characters. I felt that in this book some of the characters were not as well developed as they might have been.

Michelle
The Lost Sisterhood by Anne Fortier

4
This book has a similar format to JULIET, which I loved. The story shifts back and forth between a present day protagonist and a story from history, in this case the story of the Amazons. I'm not sure how historically accurate this book is, but you will become invested in the present day characters as well as those in the past. Good book!!

Michelle
Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon

5
Amazing book! The story of a boy's twelfth year. What happens to his family, his friends and his town during that year filtered through the lens of a boy who still believes in magic, who can still see ghosts. Wonderful storytelling here. The author really captures the spirit of a twelve-year-old boy and of the small southern town he lives in.

Michelle
Armada by Ernest Cline

5
As he did with READY PLAYER ONE, Ernest Cline writes every nerd's ultimate fantasy. What if video games were real? What if you weren't just wasting time playing video games but learning valuable skills? What if those skills could save the world? Once again Cline takes his readers on a fun-filled ride loaded with pop culture references. A futuristic adventure filled with aliens, video games and lots of fun!

Jan
Blackbird by Tom Wright

3
This book did not live up to its hype. It is a mystery, set in the corner of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The many flashbacks and characters tend to become confusing. A detective is called out to investigate a murder. The victim, a very disliked local psychologist, has been nailed to a cross. Other horrible things have been done to her. The detective and his family are threatened and injured. There are a lot of open ends at the finish of the novel.

Donna
Killer View by Ridley Pearson

3
A skier goes missing, a friend is murdered, a bridesmaid is raped and farmers are burning and burying their herds of sheep. Sheriff Walt is intent on finding his friend and solving the mysteries plaguing the area.

shelia
Gone for Good by Harlan Coben

5
Loved it! Just hang on and enjoy the ride. Some things you will figure out and some you won't.

Francisca E B
The Tortilla Curtain by T. Coraghassen Boyle

3
The lives of two couples, illegal immigrants Candido and America Rincon, and LA liberals Delaney and Kyra Mossbacher, intersect over the course of nine months near Topanga Canyon. I found myself siding with opposing points of views at different times in the story. It is at once a satire, a comedy, and a tragedy. There is much to think about, and it remains current and topical 20 years after it was first published.

Bonnie
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

2
This novel was a little too dark for my taste.

Phyllis
The Scandal of the Season by Sophie Gee

4
This historical fiction is about the life and times of Alexander Pope, British poet and satirist. The true-life scandal is the inspiration for THE RAPE OF THE LOCK, which made Pope famous and rich. One of his contemporaries was Jonathan Swift who wrote the satire Gulliver's Travels. Pope was in bad health and was a hunchback who was always seeking friendships and spent time between his country estate and London society. Recommended for a slice of 17th century life.

Brenda
Water from My Heart by Charles Martin

4
This book was written by one of my favorite authors. This book was full of emotions and some mystery. The writing style was smooth and it just made the reader want to continue to read. I really enjoyed the descriptions of physical Nicaragua and how the author made the characters true-to-life in Nicaragua. I do look forward to enjoying more of this author's writing in the future.

Diana
Beginnings and Ends by Suzanne Brockmann

4
I decided to read this because short stories are about the only fun reading I have time for at the moment. I'm glad I have some knowledge of the series because I would have been a bit lost. Truthfully though, it didn't seem to me that you had to have read every other book in the series to be able to know what was going on in this. This is an M/M romance about an actor who has what's known as character bleed and isn't sure he wants to keep going. His FBI husband is there to help him through the decision and all the issues it brings up. It was a very sweet story, and I really need to start rereading this series.

Kim
Surviving Bear Island by Paul Greci

5
Great excitement.

Lu
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

4
This was a beautifully written book, with plenty of passages you'll want to bookmark. It's a great story and had me hooked from the first page. I was, however, disappointed with the ending. An important question was never answered, and that's why I didn't give it 5 stars.

LINDA
Roth: Hell Squad Book 5 by Anna Hackett

5
I received this book in return for an honest review, and wished I'd read the others first as the book was just that GOOD! Roth Masters remembered when Sydney was a beautiful capital of the United Coalition of Countries, but today that beauty was gone as well as the one billion lives the aliens took. Those that survived had join forces as a rag tag bunch of soldiers, police officers, and citizens to fight the Gizzida who wanted to experiment and enslave humans. So far, they managed to set up base under the Blue Mountains where they took anything usable. Roth was sure that the woman he saved from the alien tanks knew a lot more than she was saying as she had to know more about the aliens and their operations.

Jamie
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

3
I read this one for my book club. The plot was very different from anything I've ever read. Parts of the story felt unbelievable and some of the ending felt rushed. However, overall, Patchett does a great job helping you to visualize the setting of the Amazon and does tell an interesting story. We had a lively book discussion with many things to talk about.

Terese
Truest by Jackie Lea Sommers

5
Young Adult fiction - life growing up in small town in Minnesota. A high school love triangle, Christian values, peer pressure, and mental health issues tossed together to make a interesting, thought-provoking tale.

Jenn
The Lost Heir by Andi O'Connor

5
THE LOST HEIR is a fantasy novel where the author takes typical fantasy elements and character types and makes them her own unique creation. I found the idea of the magic users being bound to their Kraylock (gem used to house magic) to be interesting. The characters in the book play off of each others' strengths and weakness. It wasn't a book focusing on strength of every character but show faults and flaws as well.

Stacey
Early Warning by Jane Smiley

4
The second book in the Hundred Years trilogy covers the years 1953-1986. The characters are not quite as gripping as in the first book, SOME LUCK, however, I still really liked the book.

Ann
Identical by Scott Turow

4
Paul and Cass Gianis are identical twins. Cass serves 25 years in prison for killing his girlfriend. After he is released, two PIs start looking into the case for the girlfriend's brother. The twist and turns that follow make a page-turning book. It was an easy read and I enjoyed it tremendously.

Dorothy
Everywhere That Mary Went by Lisa Scottoline

2
This is the first one of her books that I did not enjoy. I am an avid reader and when I have a good book I can't put it down. It took me over a week to read this one. There were too many characters to keep straight.

Chris
The Reluctant Midwife by Patricia Harman

3
Nurse Becky Myers moves back to Hope River during the Depression with her former employer, Dr. Isaac Blum, who has been rendered catatonic due to the tragic death of his wife. They are penniless and near hopeless until they meet up with old friends who allow them the use of a house and hope for a future when they adopt them as family and give them work. The midwifery information is compelling, but Harman tends to get a little preachy and out there with her views about moral and social issues.

Lynn W
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain

5
I will be reviewing this book at all three book club meetings this month. It's the best I've read this year!

Judy O.
House of Thieves by Charles Belfoure

4
A wealthy, respectable architect in New York City is forced into working for a gang of thieves. They threaten the lives of his family until he agrees to help them break into and rob the wealthy homes of the upper class in the city. This was a riveting story, however, it was often rather implausible. The reader just needs to go along for the ride and enjoy it.

Donna
Keeper of the Keys by Perri O'Shaughnessy

3
A man's wife is missing and he is the suspect. During his search for her, many secrets are uncovered of love, obsession and murder.

Kim
Montpelier Tomorrow by Marylee MacDonald

4
This is an inside look at how a family copes when one member is diagnosed with a fatal disease. Tony is a formerly active young man with a wife and two small children who has been diagnosed with ALS — a fatal degenerative disease which will leave him totally incapacitated long before it kills him. His wife is suddenly not only the only source of income of the family, but must now also take on all responsibilities around the house that Tony used to handle. Her mother comes to help the family, becoming Tony's main caregiver. He is both humiliated and grateful. There are many decisions to be made about Tony's care which lead to questions of ethics. Book clubs will have a great time with this one!

Pauline
Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne

4
This is a "good feeling" story for the Christmas season. On a snowy day before Christmas, Eliza Hayward with Maddie, her five-year-old daughter, arrived from Boise, Idaho, in Haven Point where she was to start a new job as hotel manager. Upon arriving there she finds that the hotel had burned to the ground; no job, no place to stay the night, might have to return to Boise to job hunt. As they are walking to a diner, at the crosswalk a black SUV comes down the hill, skids and slides into Eliza as she pushes Maddie out of the way. The driver was handsome computer whiz, millionaire Aidan Caine in town to spend the holiday with family at his recently acquired property, Snow Angel Cove. You know the ending, but getting there was fun.

MaryEllen
The Race for Paris by Meg Waite Clayton

4
Wonderful storytelling using terrific characters that really were life-like. Sad to have it end.

Deborah
The Handmaid's Tail by Margaret Atwood

5
I just recently reread this book. I adore Atwood's style of writing and have read all of her books. There is so much talk now about women and their rights, and this book was about no rights for most woman in this future world. It should be a must-read book. I think this is the 3rd or 4th time I have read it. It's a classic in my book.

BK
The Mourning Hours by Paula Treick DeBoard

4
A farming family in the Midwest is thrust into a missing person case when the girlfriend of the teen boy disappears in a snow storm. Each family member is subjected to their own misery as the town turns on the person they think is guilty.

BK
Before We Met by Lucie Whitehouse

4
Two successful career Brits are introduced in New York by mutual friends. They fall head over heels and begin the perfect marriage. One day he doesn’t return from a business trip when he said he would. The question arises: Do we ever really know to whom we are married. A novel of suspense that I thoroughly enjoyed.

b
Reykjavik Nights by Arnaldur Indridason

4
This is a prequel to the Inspector Erlendur novels. It is about the inspector’s first job with the police force as a traffic cop. A tramp he barely knew is killed. At the same time a woman disappears. He is fascinated by people who disappear. The inspector takes it upon himself to explore the two incidents and manages to solve both. The novel is translated from Icelandic.

Cheryll
Best Kept Secrets by Sandra Brown

5
Loved it.

LINDA
Easy Innocence by Libby Fischer Hellman

5
I was given this book in return for an honest review, and I admit that I'm hooked on the series and can't wait to see what happens next!! Private Investigator Georgia Davis had been a cop, until she screwed up. Ruth Jordan needed her her help when her autistic brother had been charged for murdering a teenage girl in the forest preserve. Ruth was so sure that he was innocent and once Georgia saw Joran she believed he was innocent too, she just had to find a shadow of doubt in the prosecuting attorney's iron-tight case as Cam was found with her blood on his shirt. Georgia is unaware of the greed and the much darker hidden truths of what humans will do for money and control.

Monika
Women on the North American Plains by Renee M. Laegreid and Sandra K Mathews

5
This is the first comprehensive view of women in the West. I especially liked the essay by Laegreid about diverse immigrants in Nebraska. Being Swiss myself, I like to find out what other immigrants experience. This book is a good start.

Kris
The State We're In by Ann Beattie

4
Beatty is one of my favorite short story authors and she satisfies again with this collection of tales based in Maine. Her characters are jaded and peculiar - often living in places and lives that they've arrived in accidentally and are learning to make the best of it. The main narrative is heard from Jocelyn, a bored and sullen teen sent to live with her uncle and an aunt, who may be insane.

Michele
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

4
This book was a sequel to THE SHINING. The characters were raw and the storyline was fresh. I've been a fan of Stephen King since CARRIE and this book did not disappoint. if you enjoy this genre, you will enjoy DOCTOR SLEEP.

Sandra
Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood

3
I read THE HANDMAID'S TALE a few years ago and I liked it, so when my book group chose this collection of short stories, I was happy. However, for me, it was a bit hit or miss. I liked a few of the stories, such as the story Stone Mattress, and the first three stories which were linked by recurring characters discussing the same event in the past but from different points of view. But the other stories appealed to me less. I know the subtitle is Nine Wicked Tales, and I know she writes non-realistic fiction, but I still was a little surprised. I found the story Lusus Naturae about a girl who contracts some disease that turns her into an animal especially confusing. I am sure there is some symbolism, but it escaped me.

Mildred
Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio by Serena B. Miller

5
This was my second time reading this wonderful book. After visiting Sugarcreek and falling in love with the place, it makes the book that much more interesting. I love the characters and the authenticity of the story and places. I know this won't be my last time re-reading it. I'm a diehard Amish reader and this is a favorite!

Laurie
Orphan #8 by Kim van Alkemade

5
Such an interesting historical fiction/family saga beginning in 1919 about New York City Jewish orphanages.

myrna
House of Thieves by Charles Belfoure

5
Entertaining, wonderful writing, compelling story by the author of THE PARIS ARCHITECT.

Loretta
The Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon

5
Wonderful and heartfelt. Read it for book club in a town where Ms. McKinnon was a teacher.

Jayme
Vampires in the Lemon Groves by Karen Russell

4
This is the first book that I have read by Karen Russell and what stands out to me is that her writing seems effortless. Her stories are fresh and thought-provoking, but the message is always wrapped in a spine-tingling, bizarre package. This would be the perfect book to read the week of Halloween - grown up creepy.

Jayme
Black River by S.M. Hulse

5
BLACK RIVER was excellent and I would be very surprised if S.M. Hulse is not up for the PEN/Hemingway Award for debut fiction. It has been a long time since I read a book with this depth of characterization. It was also an interesting study on how one event can change, impact, and direct the course of a life. Highly recommend.

Marilyn
We Never Asked for Wings by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

5
This book gripped me from page one. It was a touching story of a poor immigrant family from Mexico with mega problems. How everything was resolved made a great story. I didn't want it to end. I'm hoping for a sequel.

Wanda
15 Minutes by Jill Cooper

4
A wonderful classic that is worthy to be read about a love for the family ties that bind. Lara Crane is an awesome character that is very brave; and to prove it she has enough strength and courage to face what she has to do in order to try and save her mom. This amazing story will take you back through Lara's past and let you meet her family and friends, but her arch enemy will be there too. So watch out! This is a must-read that is filled with a lot of action and a thrill a minute.

Izella
The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz

4
A continuation of the latest Lisbeth Salinger (THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATOO) thrillers. Written in the same style of the previous, late author, Stieg Larsson. Gets off to a slow start with lots of characters, but halfway through I really began to enjoy it. Not quite as good as the previous books.

Michelle
Orange Is the New Black by Piper Kerman

5
Mesmerizing, I couldn't put it down and feel like I truly was behind bars alongside Piper.

jane
Saving Sophie by Ronald H. Balson

5
I loved the book. It was very well written and really held my attention.

Phyllis
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

4
This translated book from French to English was a little hard to get into, but I kept with it! Jean Perdue described himself as a literary pharmacist who lived on a barge bookshop and prescribed books for various conditions. His own love story with two women was revealed through dreams, diary, and memories. Not recommended if you just broke up with a true love or spend time thinking of "what might have been."

Diane
When to Rob a Bank by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

4
Interesting authors who have a unique perspective. Too conservative in my opinion, but certainly thought-provoking.

LINDA
A Moment to Love by Jennifer Faye

5
I was given this book in return for an honest review, and I have to read the rest! Cord Lawson grew up in Whistle Stop, New Mexico, and as his relatives died off one by one he gave his word that his family's land would never be sold. He'd hastily married Susan who was dirt poor, but she'd turned the whole town against him with lies, and they ended up in a bitter divorce once she knew he'd never sell his legacy. That was five years ago and he swore to never let another woman near his heart. He had made a mess of taking care of his legacy and now the bank wanted to foreclose and take all he held dear. He was a rancher and never did anything else so how would he survive?

Nancy
Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

4
I really liked this book, although it is pretty long. It starts in the south in 1964, during the time of the freedom walks and things that happened then. The story picks up in today's time. The things that happened in the past start to come to light.

Mary
Man Who Fell From the Sky by Margaret Coel

5
Margaret Coel writes in much the same style as Tony Hillerman in that her American Indian characters have all of the many facets which are true to all human beings. Father John O'Malley is the priest in the Indian mission in South Dakota, and Vickie Holden is a divorced Indian attorney. Together and separately they solve the various murders in this series of books. Margaret Coel makes each story fresh and alive with very different aspects of the ceremony, beliefs etc. of the Indian tribe and non-Indian alike. I highly recommend this author and series to one and all.

Martha
In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume

5
Set in 1952, Judy Blume's new novel is set in her hometown of Elizabeth, NJ in 1952 when in a matter of two months, three airliners crash in the town. These crashes actually happened. The names of passengers killed in the crashes are real names, but the story is fiction. News stories from the local newspaper are inserted at the beginning of the chapters. One of the main characters is a young teenage girl who lives with her mother and grandmother. I was 11 years old in 1952, and the details of family and culture really ring true to me. How could she know so much about the family life in her town and how the disasters affected different people in the town? A great story with well-developed characters.

Nancy
Escape Points by Michele Weldon

5
This is the continuation of a memoir (the first was I CLOSED MY EYES by a highly successful, attractive, seemingly has-it-all journalist mother, who finally admits she has been physically and psychologically abused for years. Her husband leaves the country, rather than pay child support for their three children, she struggles as a single working mother and, oh yes, gets diagnosed with breast cancer. Believe it or not, it's an uplifting book with lots of humor.

Marion
X by Sue Grafton

3
This one was not as interesting as most of her other books. The sub-plot held my interest more than the main one. The characters in that plot were not explained enough, and it was difficult to keep them in mind.

Betty
Henna House by Nomi Eve

4
Reminds me of THE RED TENT. The story of a family of Jews in Yemen and their life as a part of a minority population. Celebrations are an opportunity for the women to visit and paint each other with henna. It is a time of female bonding. The story follows Adela who loves one boy while another loves her. Beautiful writing. Great historical portrayal.

Julie
Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

4
A very long (800 pages) but engrossing story of attorney-turned-author Penn Cage trying to clear his father's name while uncovering racially motivated murders from 40 years ago.

Rebecca
The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin

4
Really liked this historical fiction. The author has taken many facts about the life of Anne Morrow Lindbergh and woven in fiction to present a very readable tale. It made me further investigate the lives of this well-known American family, and I learned some disturbing facts about her husband Charles.

Ivy
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

5
An absolutely engrossing story about a young woman's lonely and barren existence. With each thought that she carried I could not put this book down. The ending is a shocker.

Tessa B C
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

2
2.5 stars. Two love stories converge on a snowy mountainside. I knew going in that this would be a romance, somewhat maudlin, and intended to produce tears. I basically got what I expected, though I didn’t shed any tears. Sparks does a good job of writing entertaining romance novels. And this is no exception. It was a fast, easy read.

Dee
Killing Patton by Bill O'Reilly

4
Not my usual type of pick, but a very interesting book about WWII and the life of General Patton with all the supporting players.

Anne Marie
Frill Kill by Laura Childs

4
A cute cozy that includes scrapbooking hints and recipes. Feedback from our book club was good.

Frank
The Mountain Can Wait by Sarah Leipciger

4
A great debut novel. Does an amazing job of capturing the relationship between a man and his son, a man and his environment, and a man and himself.

Linda
The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin

4
Tragic book based on facts about the 1988 horrific blizzard that sneaked up on the ill-prepared homesteaders. He beautifully shares historical facts about the period that I, as a native North Dakotan, did not know. His research tells the reader much about the families, so we get to know the 'characters.' He also does his best to explain meteorology and the conditions that came together in a few short hours to create that deadly storm. Thanks to my husband's sister-in-law for recommending it to me.

Nicole
The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde

3
Cute but not as fun as THURSDAY NEXT. I do love the way he writes - so verbally clever!!

Donna
They're Watching by Gregg Hurwitz

4
The last half of this book was very suspenseful and full of twists and turns. I enjoyed this book so much I am now looking for others by this author.

Sue
Missing You by Harlan Coben

5
One of my favorite authors. This one is typical. Easy to read, keeps your interest, hard to put down. He always keeps you interested and you're never sure about the end until you get there -- a twist, but it works. His books are all different; you never feel like you're reading the same book over and over. This one was great as usual.

Susan
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

4
Scout's returning to Maycomb explicitly showed the changes she needed to overcome since she had been away from home. I enjoyed reading about her transformation, wondering how it would end up, and felt that the heartwarming welcome back by her closest allies - Atticus and Uncle Jack - taught a lesson not to be forgotten. While the snubbing of Calpurnia was surprising, the times were of the KKK and the NAACP's turmoil in the South. We all need to learn more about this history, especially if one lives in the North.

Sue Kachtik
The Bartender's Tale by Ivan Doig

4
Another of my favorite authors. This is a story of a young boy and his father. The father has a successful bar in a small town. Their relationship with each other, the mother, friends and events are well written and believable. I loved this book and it made me cry a bit.

Jan
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny

5
I debated with myself about listening to or reading this book since the death of Ralph Cosham brings a new voice to Armand Gamoche. I chose to read the book and found that Ralph's voice is still with me. As with the other books in this series, there is a mystery, we meet new characters and get to know the repeating characters on a deeper level. This addition to the series was very satisfying, and I am now in anticipation mode for the next book.

Sue
Honolulu by Alan Brennert

4
A wonderful historical fiction story set during the start of the 20th century. It is the life of Regret, a Korean woman. She becomes a "picture bride" in Hawaii. Pictures of young women in Korea were sent to Hawaii where men selected a bride from the photos. Regret has many experiences that are beautifully entwined with the history of Hawaii, specifically Honolulu. A great story but also a full of facts and real people and events of the time. I love a book that not only keeps me interested but also teaches me. I recommend this book and also encourage you to read his first book...MOLOKA'I, also set in Hawaii and describes the leper colony there.

Trezeline
All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker

5
A very interesting book. The first one hundred or so pages teaches a great deal of psychology and prepares you for the shock that follows. It is truly a page-turner and is hard to put down. It is a very good read.

Sue
Ripper by Isabel Allende

2
I have read and loved many of her books. This one was very different. The main character, Amanda, is a young girl involved with a group of young people in a role-playing game online. Their original quest was to solve the Jack the Ripper mystery. They then try to solve a real-life murder involving Amanda's friends and family. This just wasn't my cup of tea.

Nina
The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

4
An unlikely relationship between a woman and a rent collector develops in a dump in Cambodia. The woman wants to help her ailing son by learning to read. The rent collector has secrets of her own.

Linda
Ruth's Journey by Donald McCaig

3
Those readers who loved GONE WITH THE WIND will enjoy this read, as it takes us through the life of Ruth, who we knew as Mammy in GWTW, from her early childhood up thru the years she was Mammy to the girls at Tara.

Karen
Ghost Image by Ellen Crosby

4
This is the second book in the series featuring Sophie Medina, a professional photographer who has just returned to the states after many years of living in London. The mystery is complex enough to 'keep you guessing' until the end and Sophie is a good character that never is boring.

Ruth
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

5
What a page-turner! I couldn't put it down. A great pick for our Book Bites book club (many WWII and historical fiction fans). It's one of our Rapid Reads selections at the Bristol Public Library in Bristol, CT. As soon as a copy is returned, it gets checked out again. Can't keep it on our shelves.

Karen
White Gardenia by Belinda Alexandra

4
This is a great historical fiction of the White Russians during the final days of World War II. It moves between Shanghai to the Cold War Soviet Union during the 1960s.

Kathy
Betrayed by Lisa Scottoline

4
As always, a thrilling read with lots of twists and unexpected turns. It's also always fun to get a little more insight into some of the continuing characters.

Judith
Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell

4
Another wonderful Rusell book. Historical fiction on the 1921 Cairo Accord.

Judith
Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan

3
Historical fiction of the lives of Robert Louis Stephenson and his wife Fanny. Stephenson was sick most of his life but was a cheerful, adventurous person.

Judith
The Curiosity by Stephen P. Kiernan

4
Great book club selection. A man, who has been frozen over 100 years is "reanimated" and treated as a science subject rather than a human by all except a brilliant female researcher. There are protesters, ethical and moral issues, and, of course, sexual tension.

Betty
The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths

3
A stand alone by the author of the Ruth Dalloway series, this novel is set in England in the 1950s. Members of a World War II group called The Magic Men and friends are systematically being killed off in ways reminiscent of famous magic tricks. If you like recent history blended with murder, this book is for you.

Judson
Patriot by Ted Bell

3
PATRIOT by Ted Bell is the 9th entry in the series featuring Lord Alex Hawke. While full of the usual harrowing escapes and close calls, I must admit I was slightly disappointed in this book. The first portion of the book actually deals with a completely different plot and there is no real transition from one to the other. That said, the book is enjoyable and worth reading, although I imagine that Putin himself would not be pleased with how he is portrayed. I would recommend the book for fans of the series, however, and rate this book as 3/5 stars. *A copy of this book was the only compensation provided for this review.*

Jennifer
Triangulating Bliss by Janelle Jalbert

5
TRIANGULATING BLISS is a heartwarming story deserving its own unique genre because it encompasses so many genres - suspense, romance, paranormal. When I was not reading it, I was thinking about it. I loved the theme throughout of following your bliss and your own road to happiness. I had several quotes I highlighted to reflect on later. I am excited for the next installments to learn more about the Bliss Triangle. Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Joan
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

4
A good story of two sisters and their hate turning to love, their strength against almost unbelievable odds, and the message that not all horror turns into evil. Parts of the book were very difficult to read; we in the USA cannot imagine...

Kristin
Extraction by Stephanie Diaz

5
The debut of a young novelist (Stephanie Diaz is now 22 with her third book coming out), this is an impressive well-told tale. Yes, it's about the dystopian haves and have-nots, a classic theme in today's science fiction and in general, but it's the kind of moral thrill ride that catapulted THE HUNGER GAMES into a phenomenon. It's a love story, a story of home and belonging. It's Star Trek crossed with the French realists. Even the heroine's name, Clementine, is romantic in the classic 19th-century sense.

shelly
Where It Hurts by Reed Farrel Coleman

4
Gus was a loving family man who adored his wife and his son and daughter. In one very unexpected moment his life is changed when his son dies rather unexpectedly. His family cannot function the way they used to. He leaves his job and his wife and daughter and moves in with his brother-in-law's family. He is now divorced and working as a courtesy van driver at a rundown motel and seems content with that. He has had a very difficult time dealing with the everyday things in life and is surviving as best as he can. One day an ex-con named Tommy Delcamino (who had been arrested and served time by Gus himself) comes to him with a special request.

Melanie S.
We Are Called to Rise by Laura McBride

4
This was a terrific read, told from the point of view of four different narrators - an 8-year-old boy, a mother of an Iraqi war vet, a social worker and an active duty soldier. The story is set in Las Vegas, which is a character itself in the novel. Their lives collide as various tragedy befalls the characters. The way they each find hope as they emerge out the other side of their travails was inspiring. It was a perfect novel...until the end. I found the ending of the book rather implausible, which took away slightly from what I thought was going to be a near-perfect read. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this moving and heart-wrenching story.

Peggy Niles
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

3
Was not as good as TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, but I still enjoyed it. I particularly enjoyed the high school dance segment.

Susan
Black Man In A White Coat: A Doctor's Reflections on Race and Medicine by Tweedy Damon, M.D.

4
This is a very interesting book on how being a particular race determines, at times, the level of care a patient receives or how he/she is perceived. This can have long lasting impact on the patient. It is a good read for anyone. I recommend the book.

Diane
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

3
This book did capture my attention but slowly waned. I found that the storyline didn't really hold my attention. I read books in between reading this one. It took me two months to finish it.

Linda
The Dog Master: A Novel of the First Dog by W. Bruce Cameron

4
Bruce Cameron is the author of 8 SIMPLE RULES FOR DATING MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER. Although I'd never read it, I was sure it was light and humorous. I found A DOG'S JOURNEY at the library and read it. It was definitely light and humorous. THE DOG MASTER is serious, intense, mind-grabbing, and totally enthralling. One character is so despicable that I knew she was going to HAVE to get her comeuppance, wasn't she? One of her horrific acts had me exclaiming aloud, "Oh, my God!" in a restaurant where I was eating breakfast. The waitress, upon my explanation, commented, "Isn't it wonderful when you are that involved with a book?" Yes, it is.

Linda
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

4
A beautifully told story of the inhabitants of the Hawaiian island Moloka'i, which became known as a leper colony. Ruth is a young girl when she contracts the disease and is banished to the island. The book follows her life on the island and her subsequent release, many, many years later when the disease is no longer active in her. She then learns to live with the stigma of having been a leper. I was not aware of this book prior to it being the choice of my book group. I do not know how such a marvelous story written with such élan escaped my notice. I'm very glad I was introduced to Rachel and her family and friends.

LINDA
The Stronger, Safer Kind: The Boys of DownCrash Book 1 by London Casey and Karolyn James

5
Running from the nightmare of her past, Scarlett was glad to know she got accepted to college. It was her ticket to freedom, but the nightmares continued whether she was in class, studying, or sleeping; they continued to haunt her. Her best friend Andy continued to worry about her and smothered her so that every time she turned around there he was. She went to her apartment she shared with Maggie and all she wanted to do was crash and chill out, but Maggie had other plans for her and convinced her to go to a concert instead. Tripp, lead singer and guitarist for DownCrash, had a dark past that he couldn't shake and he drank more than he should, but the girls all loved him and he scored when he wanted to. Once he saw her all bets were off.

Linda
John Glenn: A Memoir by John Glenn

3
Through his memoir, John Glenn helped me relive part of my childhood. I was in middle grades when he became the first American to orbit the earth. In those days, we sat in front of the TV watching the unbelievable taking place at Cape Canaveral. It was interesting to hear backstage stories of his run for the Senate and how he influenced his second shot into space. I was disappointed to discover that I was listening to an abridgment. Good thing I have the full book on a bookshelf. (I wish abridgments were marked more prominently.)

Linda
Foxcatcher: The True Story of My Brother's Murder, John du Pont's Madness, and the Quest for Olympic Gold by Mark Schultz

4
I've seen the movie (with Steve Carrell) and now I've read the book the movie was based on. The book goes into more of the Schultzes boyhoods and histories wrestling. I've finished this just two days after the shootings at Umpqua Community College in Oregon and can't help but shake my head at another senseless loss of life.

Margie
Death in a White Tie by Ngaio Marsh

4
Reading Victoria Abbott's THE MARSH MADNESS (which was also excellent) made me want to read some of Ngaio Marsh's thirties-era mysteries, and I started with this one. Inspector Roderick Alleyn is a fantastic protagonist, and his dialogue while conducting an investigation crackles with life. Secondary characters are also fascinating, and the period details add to the fun.

Linda
A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope by Tom Brokaw

3
I have always really liked Tom Brokaw and was crushed when I heard that he had cancer.This memoir of his diagnosis is all Brokaw, realizing his mortality, his enchanted life and how it helped him fight this pernicious disease. I'm glad he shared his journey with us.

Richard N B
The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton

4
In 1855 a gang of thieves carried out an elaborate scheme to steal a shipment of gold from a moving train. This is Crichton’s fictionalized novel based on what is known of the truth, with a good deal of conjecture and embellishment. What a rollicking good story! I was entertained from beginning to end.

Trude
The Hidden by Heather Graham

4
Heather Graham takes us to Estes Park Colorado with the Krewe of Hunters in another excellent blend of romance, suspense and a bit of paranormal.

Kathy
Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell

5
I loved this book. It's a fast and fun read. Lily Ivory hopes for a normal life. S he moves and opens a vintage clothes shop as she can get vibrations, but when a client is found murdered and children go missing she finds she might be the only one to solve the mystery.

Kathleen
Cicada Spring by Christian Galacar

4
CICADA SPRING opens with the rape of a young teenager, Kara, in a small New England town. Early on it is disclosed that the popular mayor is the man who raped her. Without substantial evidence to back up her claim, it is Kara's word against that of the mayor. The story is told from all the different characters' perspectives, which allows you to get to really know them. This wonderful character development, the introduction of several serial killings and how all of these events come together makes this a book a real page-turner.

Jennifer
The Wiregrass by Pam Webber

5
I could not read this book quickly enough. It took me to another time and place in my own life, back to hot, sticky summers spent with my own Ain't Pitty, Granny, and "cussins." The imagery in the author's writing took me right to the Wiregrass, and some of the southern references brought back fond memories I had not thought of in years - references to angel biscuits and prune juice are just two that come to mind. This book was filled with family, hope, love, sadness and tragedy, and the message was always clear, "Choose happy." It was well-written, a story I will cherish, and one I am sure I will re-visit and share with my family.

Gina
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

2
I read this book after seeing the TV adaptation receive awards at the Emmys. It was a somewhat interesting, somewhat plodding depiction of the lives of lonely people in the small hamlet of Crosby, Maine. It was a downer of a book but did have some folksy observations about human nature.

Donna
Echo Park by Michael Connelly

3
A young girl disappears. Thirteen years later, the detective on the case is still trying to find the girl and the possible kidnapper/killer. This is a good read and the ending is a surprise.

sandy
Thrill Me by Susan Mallery

5
This is the latest entry into the Fool's Gold series. Took me a few minutes to remember the previous storyline, but once I did the story made a lot more sense to me -- would've been nice to have just a bit more of backstory. But the story and the characters are as good as in the past -- I enjoy watching how the town events keep on going on and on -- many of the characters from earlier stories were mentioned, some had active parts, and there's always a chance that the current characters will reappear in later stories!

Phyllis
Missing You by Harlan Coben

5
Terrific story by a great author. Keeps the reader interested with lots of twists and turns. NYPD detective investigates the long ago murder of her father which she believes was handled very badly and not explained to her satisfaction.

Jan
The Gates of Evangeline by Hester Young

1
This was promoted as Southern noir - dark, mystery, etc. It is not. It is true romance. The situation was absurd, she was depressed, got a "fantastic offer" she could not refuse, she met the hero, had doubts and dreams, discovered her true love. There - I saved you the effort and money. Even the true South is inaccurately portrayed - she is back with po' lil' Scarlett at Tara.

Linda
The Bohemian Flats by Mary Relindes Ellis

5
Great historical fiction. Raimund leaves Germany in the late 1800s and settles in The Flats, an area on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. A brother, Albert, follows. This is a family story that shifts from Minnesota to Germany to northern Wisconsin. Of course, the World Wars come into play as well. Highly recommend.

Marsha
The Race for Paris by Meg Waite Clayton

5
This WW II book is inspired by the women journalists who, against many odds, managed to tell the frontline stories of the people affected by the war and the race to Paris for the scoop of their lives. It has heartbreak, romance, secrets and compassion. It would be an excellent book club choice.

Patricia
Fear the Darkness by Becky Masterman

5
I love Becky Masterman's writing so much. Her characters are so realistic. They're flawed yet funny. There's always a healthy dose of sarcasm sprinkled throughout, which I love. And I love how she writes the book from the perspective that the main character is telling you, the reader, the story of what happened to her. I thought that was so interesting! I love Brigid Quinn, and the only problem now is how long will I have to wait for the next book?

Linda
The Secret Sister by Brenda Novak

4
Maisey Lazarow returned to Fairham Island to help her brother Keith battle his demons with drugs. Part of Keith’s problems related to the disappearance of their sister Annabelle and the rumors spread that he had pushed her off a cliff when he was a small boy. Her body had never been found and their mother did not want to discuss it. Maisey was determined to get to the truth to help Keith.

Linda
Wildest Dream by Robyn Carr

4
Champion triathelete Blake Smiley moves to Thunder Point and into a house next to Grace and Troy Headly. Grace’s mother Winnie has ALS and has to have care by a dedicated nurse named Lin Su Simmons. When Lin Su’s son Charlie sees Blake, he is in awe. All it took was one glance by Blake for him to see that Lin Su was for him. He just has to convince her of this and she is one hardheaded woman. I love the series but did not care too much for the self-centered character of Lin Su.

Linda
The Unlikely Lady by Valerie Bowman

4
Jane Lowndes does not consider herself to be in the marriage market. She is plump, wears glasses, and would rather read a book than attend a ball. She and Garrett Upton, a cousin of her best friend Lucy, are always arguing until one night she really notices him and realizes she is falling in love with him. But there is an evil widow on the scene who has told Jane that Garrett will marry her. Jane will fight for him and Jane never loses. A cute love story.

Linda
Sinful by Joan Johnston

5
A good love story where love conquers hate! The Grayhawk family headed by King Grayhawk and the Flynn family headed by Angus Flynn had been at odds ever since Jane Flynn married King and was later divorced. She committed suicide and Angus blamed King. The families had been feuding ever since. So when Eve Grayhawk and Connor Flynn noticed each other in high school, they knew better than to act on their feelings. Connor went on to marry Eve’s best friend. But now Molly is dead and Connor needs help raising his two children. Eve still loves Connor, but can she help and not get hurt?

Linda
All Wound Up by Jaci Burton

4
Great romantic story with lots of bedroom activity! Dr. Aubry Ross is in the residency program and spends most of her hours at work or studying. Her father is owner of a major league baseball team and she meets Tucker Cassidy at one of their shindigs. Tucker is a star pitcher for her father’s team and her father doesn't want her dating any of the players. Neither are looking for a long-term relationship and just want a sexual relationship. But love found a way into their hearts.

Linda
Keep Me Safe by Maya Banks

4
When Tori Devereaux is kidnapped, her brother Caleb searches for and finds Ramie St. Claire. She has psychic abilities and can find Tori. Even though this physically drains her, she agrees and gets into the mind of the killer. She finds Tori before the killer could carry out his deed. But Ramie is tortured by a killer coming after her. He gets into her mind and always finds her no matter how far she runs. Now she turns to Caleb Devereaux for the help he owes her.

Linda
Ever After by Jude Deveraux

4
Hallie Hartley always gave in to her step-sister, but when she found that Shelly was impersonating her in order to get the house left to her, Hallie had had enough. She took possession of the house in Nantucket and met Jamie Taggert, a man needing the physical therapy given by Hallie. Jamie carried the scars earned on the battlefields of Iraq and held himself away from Hallie. She was plump and didn’t think any man could fall in love with her, especially since Shelly always took Hallie’s boyfriends. But Jamie fell in love with Hallie the first time he saw her. The first time she saw him, all she could think was “wow”.

Linda
The Other Daughter by Lauren Willig

4
When Rachel Woodley was notified her mother was ill with influenza, she hurried to her side as quickly as possible. She was too late and her mother had been buried the day before she arrived. Under her mother’s pillow, she found a page from a newspaper with a photo of a man closely resembling her father. But he had died years ago, or that is what she was told. She went to see her cousin and showed him the clipping and he told her the truth. The man was her father and he was the Earl of Standish. Why did he abandon her mother and her? She wanted answers and was determined to meet with the Earl.

Linda
Perfect Touch by Elizabeth Lowell

4
Sara Medina is an art expert and has been having telephone conversations with Jay Vermilion, her latest client. She wondered if he looked as good as he sounded, and when she finally met him face to face, she was not disappointed. Jay was embroiled in a battle with his father’s ex-wife over paintings that she wanted, and Jay was determined to not let her have them. Sara was called in to validate the paintings. But someone was out to get rid of Sara. Who was behind it? And why?

Mary
The Golem of Hollywood by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman

2
Disappointing. I finally got around to reading this book and just didn't enjoy it. For me, the story just dragged.

Mary
Undermajordomo Minor by Patrick deWitt

3
The book was funny, but after loving THE SISTERS BROTHERS, I was disappointed. The humor was too slapstick for my taste.

Francisca E B
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

4
WOW. I was expecting a true crime story, but got an expansive history of the LDS church, and it’s history of violence. Fascinating, frightening and totally engrossing. Krakauer is a good journalist and his research shows, but where he excels is in writing a gripping narrative.

Kara
Stella Bain by Anita Shreve

4
A quick read. An absorbing story of a woman struggling with the traumas of life and with a severe memory loss.

Barbara
The Good Neighbor by A. J. Banner

5
This book was fast-paced and it was well written in a way that kept building up to the climax. Simple story, but plenty of suspense to get you hooked in. It reminded me of a good old fashioned suspense movie. Sarah Phoenix is a newly married author of children's books. She lives in a quiet cul-de-sac with her dermatologist husband Johnny. A raging fire starts at her neighbors house in the middle of the night while Johnny is away at a conference. Sarah is a hero and saves the neighbor's daughter Mia while her parents perish in the fire. Sarah and Johnny's house catches on fire too, so they move to a cottage offered by neighborhood realtor Eris. Turns out Eris is a patient of Johnny's, which Sarah didn't know.

Pat S.
Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon

5
Nothing better than the continuation of the Mitford Series/Father Tim books. Keep them coming, Jan!

Pat
Silver Linings by Debbie Macomber

5
Love her Rose Harbor series books. Will Mark return? That is the question.

Pat
Blueprints by Barbara Delinsky

5
I haven't read her books in a while and loved reading this one. She needs to stay on top of my "to read" lists.

Pat
Getting Real by Gretchen Carlson

4
Really liked the book but wish there had been just a little more of her experiences with FOX Network. The first half of book was about her childhood, beauty pageant, etc., which I enjoyed but still would like to have read more about career, especially after getting to FOX.

Pat
Making the Case by Kimberly Guilfoyle

5
I definitely liked the book - she has had a very interesting life thus far. I actually would have benefited more from it when beginning my career - lots of good info for "working people". I love her values, strong work ethic and feel she deserves every good fortune she's had. Good read.

Vikki
Fear of Dying by Erica Jong

2
This was all over the place and I didn't care for it. I didn't mind the parts where she is sad about the loss of her father, mother and dog, while her husband was in the hospital after a heart attack. I didn't think the part of Vanessa looking to find someone to cheat on her husband with was necessary. Didn't care for some of the language used either.

Michael
The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz

4
I liked it. I knew it would be different from the Stieg Larsson books (and it was but not as much as I was expecting). Similarities: LOTS of exposition and slow beginning, getting better as the book progresses. The characters feel the same. Differences: This book didn't quite achieve the level of excitement that the other 3 books did. It does get good but not as good and not for as long. This book took breaks (a few too many IMO) to explain things and it doesn't get really good until the last 75 - 100 pages. I still liked it but didn't love it. I will read future books in this series if there are any.

Veronica
The Fall of Princes by Robert Goolrick

4
Very interesting. Wall Street and the 1980s were something else.

Veronica
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

5
Beautiful love story. Two wonderful people getting together.

Veronica
The Courtesan by Alexandra Curry

5
I love stories about Geisha's and Courtesan's lives and this is a very good one. Well written and full of fascinating history.

Veronica
When the Moon is Low by Nadia Hasimi

5
This author has such a beautiful way of writing her novels. Nadia grabs you on the first page and holds you until the very last.

Muriel
Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

5
This is an older Kingsolver novel, which I had never read. I liked the alternating chapters of Codi and her father, allowing the reader to get their perspectives on events. Codi returns to her hometown to take care of her father in his declining health and also to sort out her own life. Into the story of Codi and her family was also woven information concerning environmental concerns in the small mining town in Arizona. I thought the book had a lot of substance for thought and enjoyed it very much.

Betty
The Status of All Things by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke

4
Kate is a social media junkie, always posting her latest updates, taking lots of selfies. But now it is the eve of her wedding to Max. Kate thinks they are the perfect couple until her bubble is burst when Max suddenly informs her that he cannot go through with the wedding. She is devastated. She returns home and just before going to bed posts on her Facebook page that she wishes she could do the past month over. Did your mother ever tell you to be careful what you wished for because you might get it? Well, perhaps Kate’s mother should have said it. Kate awakens to find that it isn’t July 1st (the date she went to bed) but is now June 1st. To put it mildly, she freaks!

Brady
Burn Down the Ground by Kambri Crews

4
What a father, what a brother, what a mother, what an author. You must read about this family if you're looking for something unusual and, at times, sordid, and then again most uplifting after you learn of each individuals history. The author always did get straight As while going through school, and it tells in her eventual hold on what life is all about, i.e., failure and success. WOW.

Pauline
Fiercombe Manor by Kate Riordan

4
Atmospheric Gothic novel about a young pregnant woman from London who stays with the housekeeper hidden in a valley British manor house. She discovers many strange facts about the owners. Full of suspense and a satisfying ending!

John
Not Alone by Gaelyn Whitley Keith

5
The details of Joe's life coming apart are covered in great depth. As a reader, it can be heartbreaking to see everything taken away from a man who is unaware of any reason why he should be so punished. Perhaps one of the greatest and most fascinating surprises of this book was the amount of action contained within. Despite its zoomed-in focus on Joe and Grace, the movements and deployments of the demons and the observatory defenses of the angels are covered in a fashion one would expect of a military history story. Additionally, nearly every demon is accompanied by a harrowing description of grotesque features and actions designed to complement their respective nefarious specialties.

Lucy
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

5
I was completely immersed in Naples in the 1950s in this book. I was drawn to the two main characters and many of the supporting characters as well.

Debbie
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

3
This book titters back and forth between being a so-so book and being an interesting book. Many of the chapters blossomed into words and stories, and other chapters fell flat, but life follows this pattern, until one has an exceptional life. I listened to the book on audiotape, and find that I really enjoy "reading" a book in this format, as I seem absorb more of the story. Many of the references to books or short stories pointed to works omitted from my musings. A warm story that could illicit multiple questions.

Debbie
The Gold Bug by Edgar Allen Poe

2
I usually enjoy Poe, but this short story left me feeling empty. I felt that time had been wasted on nonsense. Nelson DeMille explores the Captain Kidd lost treasure, and does a better job than Poe. Both works gush with silly formulas and codes for finding the treasure. Poe uses hoity-toity language for one character and poor slave vernacular for another character. Then the story ends abruptly.

Debbie
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny

4
Louise Penny knows how to write a memorable novel, and her writing seems to improve with each story. Of course, I enjoyed the story, the setting, and the characters. Penny explores the insecurity and fears of Ruth in this story that spans the development of Three Pines. The story centers on the discovery of a huge missile that hides in the forest, but is discovered by a young boy. Of course, no one in Three Pines believes the boy's story, until he is found murdered. Louise Penny delves deep into the individual's psyche to show an individual's vulnerability. I enjoy the interaction among Jean Guy and Armand and Ruth. The book balances among sadness, joy, and fear, but maintains that delicate balance.

LINDA
Stilleto: The Avengement Series Book 1 by Caddy Rowland

5
I was given this book in return for an honest review, and I was amazed and overwhelmed with Jasmine's struggle!! Former New York City exotic dancer Jasmine had arrived in the big city with stars in her eyes, only twenty-five dollars left in her pocket, and dreams of making it on Broadway. What a surprise to an eighteen-year-old small town girl on her own. She was befriended by Tory, who offered her half his sandwich and the offer of a job. Once she knew the ropes, a man constantly asked for her to dance on his table. After a few months, they married and went to LA where Stu was excited that he got a position with his old college buddy. Then Stu was accused of running a Ponzi Scheme.

Linda
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

3
I was expecting more, so I may have set myself up for disappointment. A strong woman, calling herself the town spinster (at 35 - is that really old enough for a spinster?) is getting ready to leave town. She is in search of something, but I don't think she knows what she is looking for. Over the course of the book, the strong female protagonist prepares to leave her home town, but something unexpected (to her) comes up. She does leave town, but not the way she originally planned.

gretchen
Gutenberg's Apprentice by Alix Christie

4
Very interesting learning about the beginning of the printing press, it's inventor who is eccentric as well as manipulative, his apprentice who comes of age and emerges out of his shell, the investor who believes in a return on his investment and the Catholic Church's politics.

Brenda
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

5
This book was about how life trips you up and tries to make us change. Sometimes we go along with the changes and other times we fight them every step of the way. Ove did not want to live after he lost his wife, but life kept getting in the way of his death. This story took my emotions on a roller coaster ride. For a serious book, I really am thankful I took the time to read it. I think I will try and read this author again in the future.

Hedwig
Undermajordomo Minor by Patrick deWitt

4
A fun book and nice light reading for a change!

LINDA
Millennium Stone by Jacob Emrey

5
I won this book in return for an honest review, and although the book is for children, I quite enjoyed it and want to read more! William Locke is summoned home, and as he gets there the king tells him that he is the only one that can defeat the darkness that is covering the land. Will is just a boy and he saw the defeated soldiers, so what can he do? The king's wizard assures Will that only he knows the answer to the question and that he must go alone to save the land, but Will's dad insists that Will's dog go also. Will is warned that he must go alone. Unknown to Will is that the darkness knows he's coming and sets numerous traps for the pair. Can they venture through imps, witches, harpies, and giants?

Becky
The Last Midwife by Sandra Dallas

5
WOW! What an ending. Sandra Dallas, who is a genius with characters, has written a fascinating tale of a good woman accused of killing an innocent babe. Secrets abound in the vicinity of Gracy, the last midwife. Gracy, her husband Daniel who wanders each year looking for a gold strike and son Jeff who has left his home under strange unexplained circumstances are the main characters in this tightly plotted mystery. The mining town of Tenmile, a desolate outpost in the mountains, and its inhabitants are the supporting cast. Gracy, accused of murder, staunchly refuses to tell the secrets she is privy to during the labor and delivery of babies when women are at their most vulnerable. Yet there are untold secrets.

Tessa B C
Not Becoming My Mother by Ruth Reichl

5
What a wonderful tribute to a mother’s love and lasting gift to her child. Reichl conveys humor and compassion, frustration and pride, and above all a great love for her mother who helped make her what she is – and is NOT – today.

Louise
The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott

4
Thought-provoking novel about reactions to tragedy.

Sandra
Ripper by Isabel Allende

4
I enjoyed the book and "who-done-it" took time to figure out. I enjoy a lot of background about characters and history of the setting, but if you don't, avoid this book. A detective and a navy seal are involved in solving the crimes, but it is far from a hard-boiled thriller. Some people said they didn't like the magical realism, but I didn't feel there really was magical realism. Some characters were into spirituality and claimed to have visions, but the reader can chose whether or not to believe them because those visions are not critical to the storyline. Overall, a good read.

Sandra
Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood

3
I read THE HANDMAID'S TALE a few years ago and I liked it, so when my book group chose this collection of short stories, I was happy. However, for me, it was a bit hit or miss. I liked a few of the stories, such as the story Stone Mattress, and the first three stories which were linked by recurring characters discussing the same event in the past but from different POV. But the other stories appealed to me less. I know the subtitle is Nine Wicked Tales, and I know she writes non-realistic fiction, but I still was a little surprised. I found the story Lusus Naturae about a girl who contracts some disease that turns her into an animal esp. confusing. I am sure there is some symbolism, but it escaped me. At least not depressing like Munro

Sandra
lawrence in arabia by Scott Anderson

2
I was very interested in the subject and I liked that the book was not just about Lawrence but also incorporated the story of three other key figures of the time and place. I listened to the audiobook and I may have felt differently if I had read the pages myself, but the book seemed long and bogged down in details of battles that I could not keep straight. But it was very well research and would probably be very enjoyable to someone who enjoys books about battles.

Sandra
Whitechapel Gods by S.M. Peters

3
Don't read this review if you are trying to determine how this book compares to other books in this genre. This is my first steampunk novel, and it is not a genre I would chose if it weren't for a book club challenge. I'm not big on fantasy or battles. I finally broke down and watched Game of Thrones because it seemed inescapable, but I fast forward through the battle scenes. The relationships between the characters are what carried me through Game of Thrones and this book. Downton Abbey is much better aligned with my sensibilities. Having said that, there was something about the book that kept me reading until the bitter end. So for that "je ne sais quoi" I give the book three stars.

Sandra
Still Alice by Lisa Genova

5
The writing was prosaic rather than "beautiful." You can tell that Genova did not graduate from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, but the style is not simplistic or ungrammatical. Genova's knowledge of Alzheimer's really came across. I listened to the audiobook and I really felt Alice's fears and confusion. It was a difficult experience, something I would never hope for in real life. But isn't that why we read? To vicariously experience the reality of other people? I think so, and therefore STILL ALICE was an extremely successful book.

Marsha
Make Me by Lee Child

5
The Reacher novels just get better and better, but what is with the title? Reacher is interested in a town call Mother's Rest so he hops off the train and looks around. Meanwhile, an ex-FBI female agent is looking for her co-worker and Reacher decides to help her out for a while. One thing leads to another and we are taken to LA to Chicago, to Phoenix to San Francisco and the thrilling chase begins.

Lynn W
Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole

3
Book club discussion next week. Think the ladies will have loved this book and have lots to say.

Claudia
Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford

5
I had read Jamie Ford's first book, THE HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, and loved it. I was afraid that this one would be a disappointment since it was his second novel. I was wrong. This story was just as good. It was historically based once again and very realistic. The characters were well developed. The chapters alternated between the past and present. I like that in plots. I would definitely read any new novel of Jamie Ford.

Deborah
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

5
A wonderful read of a collection of short stories. Each character is captured in a very realistic manner. The stories are about the lives of Indians who have immigrated to America or are living in India as an immigrant of another country. Each story tells of a universal theme of love or loss or life in another country.

Sandra
The Pearl by John Steinbeck

3
My father recommended this book, so I read it. It didn't really move me, but I'm not sure why. It is told as a type of morality story, with lots of lovely description of the landscape and the human interaction. It felt like THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA by Hemingway, which I did not really enjoy either.