This contest period's winners were Candace M., Frank K. and Linda H., who each received a copy of THE CHARM BRACELET by Viola Shipman, FOOL ME ONCE by Harlan Coben and THE SUMMER BEFORE THE WAR by Helen Simonson.
Suzy Smith
The Escape by David Baldacci
I admit it; I'm absolutely hooked on David Baldacci's books! THE ESCAPE is a lengthy book (sometimes too long, hence 4 instead of 5 stars) about a guilty man...but wait a minute...IS he guilty? No. 3 in the John Puller series, this book focuses on our hero and his brother who has escaped from a maximum security prison. Some of the "whodunits" are relatively easy to figure out, but there are several surprises. A bit repetitive in details, Baldacci obviously does a great deal of research for each book. His one failing is his female characters: this is the third book with an athletic woman character who "lettered" in the same sport or was an Olympic caliber athlete, and the women are not as descriptively written as the males.
Jane
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
Suspenseful and unique! I truly enjoyed this book, and it was one that I honestly couldn't put down.
Ben
The Book of Strange New Things by Michael Faber
An intriguing book about faith and relationships under extreme circumstances.
Marcia
At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
A story that kept me interested. There are some surprise twists in the storyline. This is a book with a good message. I cared about these characters.
Susan
Chestnut Street by Maeve Binchy
I really enjoyed this book. It is short stories about people who live on Chestnut Street. Some of the characters carried over into other stories, but each short story was a stand-alone story. I really enjoy books by Maeve Binchy and this was no exception. I would highly recommend CHESTNUT STREET.
Susan
Along the Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams
Pregnant, unmarried Pepper Schuyler plans to support herself and baby with the proceeds of her sale of a restored Mercedes. The purchaser, reclusive, mysterious Annabelle, pays an outrageous sum for the car, and through flashbacks, the reader learns Annabelle's fascinating story. Williams does an excellent job of capturing both settings--1960s Florida and Europe during the rise of National Socialism.
Chris
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
Very important topic; characters well developed; great potential for screen adaption.
Leslie
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
The story of THE VEGETARIAN (actually she is vegan, but something may have been lost in the translation) is told in three parts, from three different points of view – more accurately three interconnected stories. I liked the first part, which was told from the husband’s point of view. Despite not liking him one bit, I found it interesting and engaging. The story got a little strange when we switched voices to Yeong-hye’s brother-in-law in part two, and confusing when we switched again in part three. By the end of the book, I no longer liked or cared about any of the characters; ultimately, I found them and their actions upsetting and disturbing.
Burma
The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen Loigman
This book was amazing, the best I have read this year. The story will stay with you long after you've finished it.
Leslie
Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes
The story begins right where the first book, YOU, left off with the same fast pace and quick wit. It is written from Joe’s point of view so we are always aware of his thoughts and motivation. And that is what makes this such a great book. When we get into Joe’s head, he becomes likable, literate, and seductive in spite of all his faults. He appears to lead a normal life until you get to know him. There was a bit of a slow spot in the middle of the story after Joe moved to Los Angeles and we meet a new group of characters, but it soon picked up again with the same dark humor, murderous thoughts, a few bodies, and a quick pace. Just when I thought I knew where it was headed, we were off on a new course.
Leslie
Slade House by David Mitchell
Using a first person narrative, the story is told through interwoven tales of each of the guests as they become trapped in the house. The suspense builds as each each story reveals another piece to the puzzle of Slade House. Slade House occupies the same universe as Mitchell’s previous book, THE BONE CLOCKS, which I had not read. However, I quickly discovered it was not necessary to enjoy this book, which works well as a stand-alone. I had no trouble following and enjoying story. Creepy but not too scary, I would describe this as a literary horror story and a great introduction to the world of THE BONE CLOCKS.
Louise
Nine Parts of Desire by Geraldine Brooks
I have been reading books by Geraldine Brooks. While this one is somewhat dated, it still presents relevant information. After visiting the Middle East, I have been interested in women's lives in Muslim countries.
Josie
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin
A revealing insight into Charles Lindbergh and his wife Anne. He was a controlling person, and it was difficult for Anne to find her inner self. She did, indeed, blossom into an inspiring author.
Jayme
Dead Wake by Erik Larson
History comes alive in Erik Larson’s meticulous and riveting account of the sinking of the Lusitania during WWI. Larson has written a captivating narrative non-fiction that even non-history geeks will enjoy. What I found most insightful and intriguing was “Room 40” and the sinister shortcomings of key political players (Churchill are you listening?). DEAD WAKE has left this history teacher reexamining how I teach this critical event and the U.S.’s policy of neutrality during WWI. Highly recommend.
Phyllis
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
I read this when it first came out and then reread it for Everyone's Reading in SE Michigan Consortium of Libraries who are sponsoring her visit in April to which I am really looking forward.
The story of the bonds of Chinese sisterhood and their immigration to America. Very well written and provided great discussion in our book group. Highly recommended.
Nancy
A Killing in the Hills by Julia Keller
Bell is a prosecuting attorney in Acker's Gap, WV. Three elderly men are killed while having coffee in a café. Bell's daughter is a witness. Bell and the sheriff must find a connection between the men to find the murderer. This is the first book in a series. Julia Keller is a new author to me, but I will certainly be reading the rest of the series.
Laurice
The Girls of Mischief Bay by Susan Mallery
Loved it.
Margie
Murder in Thrall by Anne Cleeland
If you think you've seen every type of mystery protagonist, think again. The two main characters of this series--there are two more installments after MURDER IN THRALL--have a unique relationship which unfolds in a most enticing way. I don't want to spoil it by saying much more. American author Anne Cleeland writes about New Scotland Yard in a convincing way. Give this series a try.
Laurice
Anti-Romance by Cassia Leo
Really good, but I'll warn you that there is a cliffhanger ending.
Cheryll Powning
Cane and Abe by James Grippando
This was a great, fast-paced weekend read. Can't wait to read another James Grippando novel!
Helen
Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan
A mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the main character. The dialogue was snappy. The setting - my home town Boston. I plan on reading more books by this author.
Suzy
See Me by Nicholas Sparks
I loved this book. Best book I've read in years! I loved the family dynamic, the opposites attract dynamic, the "bad" boy dynamic, the "car" scenes, the mystery that ensued, the hints that were dropped along the way, and the drama all written in the most detail as possible. It is a long book but well worth the time. It's a story that will stay with me long after the final page was turned. This is by far my favorite Nicholas Sparks book and is definitely a departure from his normal storyline. I highly recommend this book.
Nancy
Dead Wake by Erik Larson
Another well-researched and well-written book by Larson, but a far second to my favorite DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY. We all know the Lusitania was torpedoed and sank, but the details that Larson provides make you realize that the tragedy might have been prevented and also that Captain Von Trapp was not such a great guy after all.
Janet
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert
A cute romance between a chef and a food critic that takes place in Milwaukee.
Terri
Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline
Very thought-provoking. A childless couple become pregnant using a sperm donor. By chance a breaking news story is seen during a baby shower and the sperm donor has been arrested as a serial killer. Several topics are brought up including abortion, nature versus nurture, honesty in all relationships and how far one would go to find out the truth.
Bobbie
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Started kind of slowly but it grows on you. You laugh a little, cry a little.
Rosa
The Quality of Silence by Rosamund Lupton
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Yasmin and her 10-year-old daughter Ruby set out in the Alaskan wilderness to try to find Yasmin's husband Matt, who has gone missing while on a photography expedition. Ruby is deaf. The story is told in alternate voices between Yasmin and Ruby. In Ruby's voice, the writing is especially beautiful and lush and the author captures life through a child's eyes who also cannot hear. There were many passages that I reread because the writing is so descriptive and unique. This a tense story, one that I could not put down.
Diane Giella
The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Although this book was almost 900 pages, and took a great deal of concentration, it perfectly explained a fascinating chapter in turn of the century American history. It is a thoroughly researched book dealing with so many topics. Facts about T. R. Roosevelt, William Taft, the Industrial Revolution,and muckraking journalists are just a few of the highlights. One of the most amazing aspects is that the issues America faced in 1900 are similar to those we face in 2016.
Donna
Under the Influence by Joyce Maynard
Great novel. Loved the anticipation of waiting to see what was "off" with the Havillands.
Natalie
Us by David Nichols
A fascinating character study of a couple who seem like an unlikely match, and they are. It follows more than 20 years of love, marriage, and parenthood, and all that comes with it. The thing that struck me most is how well the author portrayed this flawed husband, and made him sympathetic as well.
Dorothy
My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
Interesting reflections of the main character -- it makes one reflect on their own past. A re-connection with family. Heartwarming book. Will be great for book club.
Betty
The Widow by Fiona Barton
Does she suspect her husband is a child killer? Does she know it? Told from several characters points of view and going back to before and after the abduction. I couldn't guess the outcome.
Barbara Mardones
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
Don't know why it took me this long to read it. It's a HUGELY satisfying read, partially set at my alma mater, University of WI. in the '30s.
Judith
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Harold's journey was inspirational in so many ways -- it was impromptu, unplanned, full of new discoveries about the land and the characters he met along the way, and filled with discoveries and reveries about himself and his relationships. The book made me want to take a similar pilgrimage -- but with better shoes! My book group loved it and I look forward to reading the sequel, written from the point of view of Queenie Hennessy.
Linda
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessey by Rachel Joyce
I loved every minute of it. I loved every character in it. Perhaps because for the last several years of dealing with parents in nursing homes, it hit particularly close to home. But the joy in it was seeing how these ill and aged people dealt with their reality, all rooting for Harold to come. I will read it again.
Deborah
The Cage by Megan Shepherd
I really enjoyed this book. I believe it may be the first in either a trilogy or series. It's a similar vibe to THE HUNGER GAMES without the killing. Six teenagers are taken from earth and are held in a fantasy-type version of Earth, which has all the variable climates within walking distance. A superior species wants to evolve the human race. I recommend this book. I've never read this author before and I want to read her other trilogy series now.
Carol Weigel
Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers by Alexander McCall Smith
McCall Smith continues to delight in the latest 44 Scotland St. series. I learn new phrases and new vocabulary words with each novel. A delightful, amusing novel.
Lori
The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett
I found the book to be beautifully written, but the style of bouncing around three versions of a relationship was challenging for me. Ultimately, I ignored which version I was reading and just didn't worry about previous events, names of children, etc., and just appreciated what I was reading (and eventually caught onto which version I was reading). I liked the realism of a book that doesn't pretend that over the course of 60+ years that any relationship won't have its ups and downs. This certainly wasn't a fairy tale in any of the versions; sometimes I even found it disillusioning and depressing, just as in real life. I think the book could inspire a great book discussion and would recommend it for book groups.
Beatrice
Widow Basquiat by Jennifer Clement
Fascinating book about Jean-Michel Basquiat's life in the 80s with girlfriend Suzanne Mallouk.
Shelia
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly
This was a Readers Digest version, but I think it still counts; it was still a book. Also, I think it is the first one I have read of Michael Connelly, although I have seen The Lincoln Lawyer movie and know the author's glowing reputation. Funny, but I couldn't put Matthew McConaughey in the place of Mickey. In fact, Mickey turned out to look more like Michael, and Bosch like astronaut Mark Kelly, husband to Gabrielle Giffords. Great story, and when justice can't wait there is sometimes the Brass Verdict.
Sandra
Death of a Nurse by M.C. Beaton
I have read all of Beaton's books in the Hamish Macbeth series. The Scottish Highlands setting and the wonderfully strange people who appear in the books keep me coming back. Ms. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series is almost as good.
Susan
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
Great story.
Marilyn Jensen
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Excellent read. Kristin Hannah draws the reader into the very separate but combined lives of Vianne and Isabella during wartime. The struggle of women left alone when loved ones go to war is ever present even in our society today. You feel the compassion, lost love and ongoing struggles the characters deal with. A truly great novel; hard to put down.
Jenny
Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon
Wonderful historical fiction account of the Hindenburg disaster. It's a thrilling ride with memorable characters (the author used actual crew and passenger names to honor them). All passengers had an agenda, some admirable, some deceitful. Who will survive, who will perish as the airship counts down the hours before the fatal disaster. The last 50 pages will cause an elevated heart rate. Totally enthralling story.
Marsha
House of the Rising Sun by James Lee Burke
The five stars are for the beautiful writing. There is no author that equals him in the glorious ways he connects his words. Pat Conroy (may he rest in peace) was almost his equal. The story of a father and son set in 1918 is heartbreaking but worth reading for the sentence structure alone. He is a prolific writer and I suggest you read anything he has written.
Judy
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
Totally wonderful story of the emergence of a man's love of life as he follows the clues left on a charm bracelet that he never saw his wife wear. He describes himself as a quiet man, content with a set schedule and evolves to someone who is willing to move forward and become involved with people and places beyond his home.
Sharon
The Stargazer's Sister by Carrie Brown
Caroline (Lina) Herschel was born into an impoverished family -- her father, a musician who composed, transcribed, and taught, an abusive mother who seemed to be constantly pregnant, older and younger siblings, both kind and gentle (William) and cruel and abusive (Jacob). An illness (probably smallpox) left her with a badly scarred face and diminished sense of self worth. Saved by brother William who had gone to England and become a composer and music teacher but an even more accomplished astronomer and builder of telescopes, Lina becomes his secretary, housekeeper, confidant, associate as she learns more and more of the science of astronomy and eventually is recognized for her own accomplishments.
Melissa
The Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza
I love mysteries and this is a good one. I really enjoyed the pacing of the book and there was no lack of great characters and suspects! I look forward to reading more books by Robert Bryndza. I highly recommend this very interesting book!
Laurice
The Other Daughter by Lauren Willig
This is a story of how things are not always as they seem and that what you think you want isn't always what you thought it would be once you get it. Excellent story.
Gail
The Will by Reed Arvin
A story of a father getting back at his family by leaving the majority of his money and property to the mentally ill man in their small town.
Rorsmary
The Steel Kiss by Jeffrey Deaver
Doesn't disappoint!
Karen Catignani
Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa
This is the first in a new series of mysteries. Two private detectives, ex-husband and wife, become involved in a search for a little girl hidden in an underground bunker. The characters are incredibly interesting and off the charts quirky. Parts of the story hinge on the poem by Edgar Allan Poe. I can't wait for the second installment.
Richard N B
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
I tend to stay away from “book club favorites,” which seem aimed at women readers, but my wife kept reading passages aloud, and I was intrigued by her description of the basic plot. I’m very glad I read it. Are we doomed to love “Those who save us,” despite their otherwise reprehensible behavior? Complex issues, well-developed characters, and a compelling narrative.
Joan
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Magical, mystical love story set in Burma in the 1950s to the present day. I loved it - and I'm not a "romance novel" reader. Eastern spirituality, character development and the beautiful story captured my imagination. I will read it again and again to be transported to another place and time, and look forward to sharing it with my book groups.
Dianne
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
Accepting this is not a prequel or sequel to TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, this is a stand-alone novel that shares characters with the later book. The story is uneven at times but the reader can clearly see the writer's talent. Thank heavens for an editor who recognized Ms. Lee's talent.
Lynn
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
I was absorbed in the interactions in this before-and-after survival story.
Lynn W
The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths
The third in this series about forensic archaeologist, Ruth Galloway, and the best yet!
Judy O.
The Girl in the Red Coat by Kate Hamer
This was a very suspenseful book, but I resisted my often-felt urge to peek at the end. Eight-year-old Carmel disappears while she is with her mother at a local outdoor festival. Her mother Beth is frantic as the girl has a tendency to wander. Beth goes on a long mission to try to find her daughter. In the meantime, we find out that Carmel is on an often terrifying journey of her own. The book is told in alternating chapters between the two main characters' lives. A great book!
Helen
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
It is so suspenseful. The characters are likable and you want them to be able to somehow end up
resolving their very different situations.
Mary
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
A young man named Ethan discovers there is a whole supernatural world intersecting in his small Southern town. His life is turned completely upside down when he meets Lena, a Caster torn between identifying herself as Light or Dark. This fits the genres of Southern gothic, YA, paranormal romance. It is the first book in an excellent series. A film version has been made based on this novel.
Jan
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Reading this classic again was total joy. Hurston was a wordsmith; at times writing in the Negro dialect of the time and place, then switching back to perfect English. The story is well known but it was very interesting to read this again after many years. Janie's emotional growth is so viable, so obvious. At one time, she and Tea Cake are talking - discovering that her old age came first in her life, then her youth came late in life when she met Tea Cake. What insight for a writer! And especially since Hurston was so poor and so unrecognized during her lifetime. She was in a "welfare" home when she died and was buried in an unmarked grave, just as were so many victims of the Great Flood she wrote about.
Kathy
The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
This book was beautifully written. It tells the story of a family that imigrates to Boston in the early twentieth century. The role of women in that time period is fascinating -- marriage or a career, not both, are the only accepted lifestyles for women of that time, and education is greatly discouraged.
A great read!!
Christelle
Witness the Night by Kishwar Desai
It certainly isn't an easy book to read. Although it is a short one, it starts as a thriller as the reader is trying to figure out who truly committed the crime. As you go along, you realize that there is truly a much bigger crime, which the entire community is participating in, either actively or by turning their heads. How can a young girl survive in a society which does not value lives of women and which only looks to bring up boys.
Tessa B C
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
2.5 stars. In 1941, Stalin’s Soviet Army invaded Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and deported many of the residents of those countries to Siberia. Sepetys based this novel on the story of her own grandparents. There is an important historical story here, but the writing left me cold. The teen narrator really irritated me. Yes, she was a typical self-absorbed teenager, prone to acting or speaking without thinking, but in her situation her rash behavior could (and would) have gotten her and/or her family killed. Still, on the strength of the history lesson, I rounded up my rating to 3 stars.
Liz
Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon
I really enjoyed this book. I learned a lot and it made me very interested in the passengers and crew of the Hindenburg, so I followed the author's suggestions on where to get more info on them. I have recommended it to a number of my friends.
Jud
The Bootlegger by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott
Cussler has once again penned a winner with his hero Isaac Bell battling bootleggers during Prohibition. I love this series because the heroes have to rely on their wits more than technology.
Marvin
Pimp by Ken Bruen and Jason Starr
After ten long years, award winners, Ken Bruen and Jason Starr are back, with a new Max Fisher novel, PIMP, that is more noir than a black hole. The authors spare no one in this scorching, irreverent and hilarious yarn that lays waste to celebrities, and wanna-bees, from Tinsel Town to NYC. Never thought they could top their Max Fisher trilogy of books, BUST, SLIDE AND THE MAX, but do they ever. Here is back-on-top drug lord Max Fisher, his twisted soul mate, Angela, and a sordid cast of high and low end La La Land losers, writers, producers, cops, and drug-dealers, looking to make that one big score, write that one big screenplay, star in that one big Netflix series. Bruen and Starr remain the masters of modern noir.
LINDA
Deception Book 1 by Stacy Claflin
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review, and Ms. Claflin has yet to disappoint me! Alexis Ferguson is a high school junior concentrating with all her strength to have the highest GPA in her honors classes so that she could go to a college far away from Delphic Cove and her parents who treated her like dirt and favored her younger sister. They made her earn money with her part time job to buy her junk car plus pay for gas and insurance then complain about her bargain clothes. A stranger awakens her long forgotten memories and unleashes a prophecy that was foretold centuries ago. Will she learn her new abilities in time to save herself and those that she loves?
LINDA
Lone Star by Paullina Simons
I won this book and agreed to give it a honest review. I really enjoyed the story of four high school graduates enjoying an overseas trek before they started college far from their small town in Maine. One meets a skinny man on his way to Fort Benning and on to war.
Pauline
No! I Don't Want to Join a Book Club: Diary of a 60th Year by Virginia Ironside
A grandmother's take on the third phase of life. Don't know why I left it on my desk for so long without reading -- it's wonderful! It made me laugh and cry.
Sandy
The Forgetting Tree by Tatjana Soli
Very good. Tatjana delivers a breathtaking story about a complicated California ranch family struggling to find peace in the aftermath of a tragedy. She is now one of my favorite authors.
Jane
Blue Plate Special by Kate Christensen
Prolific and wordy are the two best words to describe this autobiography on appetites by Ms. Christensen. I would recommend to readers who enjoy honest writing and who don't mind seeing a little bit of themselves in the pages.
Susan
Still Life with Breadcrumbs by Anna Quindlen
I reread this book for a book club but it never disappoints. The story of a tenacious photographer
who at 60 years of age needs to rent out her Manhattan apartment to pay the bills. The poignant theme, however, is what we call art and what intrusion of privacy is often sacrificed to make it. There is a lot more going on in this seemingly simple novel - caring for aging parents, romance for older women, accidental fame in its perplexity and a feminist survival story.
Gloria
The Train to Crystal City by Jan Jarboe Russell
It was a very interesting part of our country's history, but a very sad part. I wondered why we had not heard about this sooner as it began at the beginning of WWII. The reason was the people signed a paper that they would never tell. I'm glad for the people that someone told their story.
Sharon
Far From True by Linwood Barclay
I loved this book even more than the first in the trilogy, BROKEN PROMISE. What is so great about this trilogy is that each book has its own plot, but there is also a larger plot throughout all three books. The books are set in Promise Falls, NY, a small town. We found out in Book 2 that its citizens have some dirty, dark secrets. The third book, THE TWENTY THREE comes out in November and I can't wait to see how Linwood brings all together. But I know it will be terrific.
Debbie
The Summer Girls by Mary Alice Monroe
A spoiled and worthless mama's boy begets three daughters with three different women and names each daughter after a Southern writer: Dora for Eudora Welty, Carson for Carson McCullers, and Harper for Harper Lee. Parker, the drunken womanizer, has passed to greener pastures, and his 3 daughters convene in Sullivan's Island for the summer at the request at Mamaw, their grandmother. Dora presents a picture of a Southern matron who loves hearth and home, Carson darts from location to location, and Harper illustrates a quiet mouse. The story recites many old and worn platitudes about breeding and good manners, and throws out lectures on the importance of conservation and marine life. Carson monopolizes the novel.
Vikki Cabral
A Doubter's Almanac by Ethan Canin
Family of dysfunctional mathematics geniuses. I found some parts hard to get through, especially the mathematical theories, but it's well written with a good ending that I'm still thinking about. Worth reading through 558 pages.
Bonnie
Revenge Served Cold by Jackie Fullerton
If you like mysteries, this should do the trick.
Laurice
The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin
Oh. My. Goodness! What an amazing story!
Linda
Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne
This book is written for children of all ages and, in the same way that an animated movie, has levels of understanding for children that differs from that for adults. Noah Barleywater is an 8-year-old who does what I would like to do at times - he runs away from his problems. On this journey he comes across a talking donkey, moving trees, and a magical toy shop. Loosely based on a childhood favorite. John Boyne first pulled me in with THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS. I will read anything this gifted author writes.
Marsha
Private Paris by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan
Love reading the Private series but this one is a bit much. Muslim terrorists, crazed police and a plot that gets confusing. However, let's bet the next Private is from Rio. They are always on the target and very up to date.
Nancy
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
A sequel to the popular book, THE ROSIE PROJECT, this book is very entertaining, and laugh-out-loud funny at times. Great characters, good insight into the mind of the main characters. A lighthearted look at marriage and parenthood.
Marilyn
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Although this book was published after the author's death, it is a wonderful meditation on the meaning of life and living in the moment when faced with the devastating prognosis which comes with a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis. Kalanithi's use of language is masterful.
LINDA
Repent by Bev Pettersen
I was given this book in return for an honest review. Although the story was not long enough, I found myself rooting for Lizzy and Billy. Billy Tanner opened his eyes to discover he was in a barn and chained up. He didn't know how long he'd been there or what had happened, but when he yelled out obscenities a scary man tasered him and said no talking, and that kept him quiet.
P. I. Lizzy Gardner looked in Billy's grandmother's tired and faded blue eyes and she didn't have to heart to turn her down, although she knew he had run away from his punishment, but she didn't understand why when he'd served most of his sentence and she was determined to get answers
Cathy
Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz
Evan Smoak, the protagonist, is such an interesting character. You never know what he will do next. Loved this page-turner.
Betty
Off the Grid by C. J. Box
This is a Joe Pickett book. I have really enjoyed this series and this is no exception. The story is about friend Nate Romanowski getting into trouble with some really bad guys. With Sheridan Pickett in the mix, Joe is on his way...into the desert with no way to contact help. The bad guys have taken over an originally no harm to people protest by a man who wants attention to his cause. An exciting story with a nerve-wracking ending.
Kathy
The Pumpkin Muffin Murder by Livia J. Washburn
What a great series. This is Book 5 and they just keep getting better. I hope she does not stop writing them. In this book, Phyllis is helping set up a fall carnival outside in a park. She helped make the scarecrows and set them up the day before. Then on the day of the carnival she brings the muffins she is going to enter into the baking contest and just as she was about to set them down she sees a scarecrow in a place it is not suppose to be. As she and a friend go to move it they discover a dead body, and another mystery starts.
Phyllis
Elizabeth the First Wife by Lian Dolan
Take Elizabeth, a young professor of Shakespeare, her ex-husband, FX, who is a hot film star, an eclectic family who are involved in politics, medicine and academia, throw them into a summer of the Ashland Shakespeare Festival and you get a wonderful novel full of humor, warmth and romance. Elizabeth finds herself in over her head at times during the summer with trying to look out for FX’s best interest when he is in a stage production for the first time in years, keeping up with her seventeen-year-old niece who came along to the festival as her assistant, and trying to write a book comparing Shakespeare’s romantic plays and characters to contemporary romance. Along the way she finds her own romance unexpectedly. An easy, fun read.
Cammie
Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline
I was so excited to receive an advance copy of MOST WANTED. I could not wait to start it, and now I cannot wait for my book club to read it. Like Scottoline's other novels, I was hooked from the opening page, and the last 100 pages were un-put-down-able! Like the protagonist, I was never convinced of anyone's guilt or innocence. I will definitely be sharing and recommending Lisa Scottoline's work with others.
Nancy Nau
Stones for Ibarra by Harriett Doerr
My love of Mexico, and missing it, has led me back to the bookshelf time and again, and how fortunate to find Harriett Doerr's STONES FOR IBARRA. It is a quixotic tale of two Americans who sell everything and take off for a rural part of Mexico to re-open an old copper mine. Doerr's writing is both lyrical and socially accurate, about the people and the beauty of the country. I love this book, an old book, published some 30 years ago. It should be re-issued and available.
Marsha
Paradise City by Elizabeth Day
A very charming story told in four alternating, interweaving voices. Her characters are acutely observed and believable. How each finds the meaning in their lives is well-crafted.
Sandy
The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth
I loved this book!! It is about two people in their late thirties whose minds are no longer their own, but who want to cling to the few things they can keep (love, identity, independence, self-reliance). They voluntarily go into an assisted living facility and it is there that they meet and fall in love. This is for people who loved STILL ALICE by Lisa Genova. I hope you love it as much as I did.
Susan
Hostage Taker by Stefanie Pintoff
First book by this author and I really enjoyed it a lot. Looking forward to reading more of her books.
Tessa B C
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
This was a pretty entertaining high-school romance, set in Paris. I’m way past the teen angst stage, but I was rather charmed by Anna and this teen drama. It was a fast read with characters right out of central casting, but it held my attention. I can certainly see the appeal for the YA crowd at which it is aimed.
Nissa
The Unfortunate Englishman by John Lawton
A well told Cold War spy novel with plenty to hold the interest, and an occasional crackle of dialogue, of the kind which Lawton is known for.
Veronica Earley
The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster by Scott Wilbanks
The cover caught my eye; then the title. Opened the book and could not put it down. Time travel, not really my genre, but this was a wonderful story that takes place today in San Francisco and then you time travel back to the 1800s in Missouri. The characters are full of life and very unique. The descriptions of the places makes you feel you are traveling with the characters. I recommend this to all. Even if fantasy and science fiction aren't your cup of tea, you will enjoy this story.
Bobbie
A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold
I found myself really drawn in with this book; I couldn't put it down. I tried putting myself in this mother's footsteps. I can and cannot understand what this mother went through in her community. I really felt sorry for her, being the first shooting in a high school, how would you have any clue what your child was up to? I would never have jumped to that conclusion. I feel that as parents we are more aware of the possibility of this happening now, and I still don't know that I would be able to jump to the conclusion that my child could kill a bunch of his classmates. I would recommend this book to anyone with kids. It really gives you the perspective to delve deeper into your kids' feelings and thoughts.
Gerriann
Stella Bain by Anita Shreve
We enjoyed this book but felt it needed more description of people and places. We spent most of our time talking about nurses and shell shock during World War I. This book gave us great insight to the problems the war left, and our discussion was intense.
Veronica Earley
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
Loved this book. The story was original and beautiful. Characters' stories were original and full of feeling. I highly recommend this book.
Donna
Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline
I was drawn into the storyline because of the subject matter as I, too, had infertility problems. Fortunately, I didn't have to go the route of the book. This story was filled with many emotions, well expressed through the characters. You have a couple that discovers that their donor is possibly a serial killer. The mother instinct kicks in and Christine sets out to meet him and to determine if he is a killer.
Jodi
A Mother's Reckoning. Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold
Nobody is prepared for a catastrophe of this magnitude yet alone to be a parent of the person doing harm. I can only imagine this woman's every waking moment since "Columbine" has been a living nightmare of trying to find sense in what happened or led up to it. The incomprehensibility of it escapes us all. This is the first time Sue Klebold has broken her silence since it happened. No matter how you feel towards her son Dylan, you can't help but feel her trying to reach out to an entire nation through her story. Innocent people were murdered that day but she also lost her son and was blindsided by it as well as everyone else was. The circumstances took away this family's time to grieve and mourn the loss of someone they loved.
Patti DeMares
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Wonderfully written book, great book club read. Lead to great discussion.
Patti DeMares
Stella Bain by Anita Shreve
The book was very good book. It was a good book for discussion in book club.
KC Davis
The Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza
This was such a well-written, straight forward British crime novel that I bought a copy and donated it to the library where I work just so others could enjoy it as much as I did! One of my favorites of the year so far.
Julie Bockstiegel
Everything She Forgot by Lisa Ballantyne
I had read reviews that this was a real page-turner and very suspenseful, but I did not find it to be that way. I thought you could quickly figure out what was going on and it wasn't that interesting.
sharon Berger
The Time In Between by Maria Duenas
Memorable and unforgettable historical novel which is beautiful, emotional, captivating, with realistic character portrayal and vivid descriptions of the locale.
Pearl
The Golden Son by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
Wonderful and extraordinary novel which was a treasure to read. Profound and deeply emotional with strong characters and a story that has depth and beauty.
Rena
The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Superbly crafted, exceedingly well written, deeply developed characters, quiet and elegant plotting.
Rhonda
Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen
A fun mystery with Georgiana, a relative of the Royal Family. Set in Scotland near Balmoral Castle.
Lynn
A Lesson in Secrets (Maisie Dobbs #8) by Jacqueline Winspear
Maisie goes undercover at The College of St. Francis. She's posing as a junior lecturer while looking for activities "not in the interests of His Majesty's government." She soon finds herself investigating the murder of Greville Liddicote, the college's pacifist founder. Love this series, but not this book so much.
Evelyn
See Me by Nicholas Sparks
Keeps your attention from the very first page.
Nicolette
No One Knows by J. T. Ellison
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There have been a lot of novels recently that seem to want to play off being the next GONE GIRL. Hearing the comparison made me hesitant, but I thought I'd give NO ONE KNOWS a shot anyway. I'm glad I did! It took me a good portion of the book to figure out how it was all going to fall into place for the conclusion, so the suspense was just enough to keep me from feeling like I knew what was going to happen the whole time. Balancing the suspense was the love story portion of the book. This piece gave me the connection to the main character that kept me as a reader turning pages. A solid novel from
J. T. Ellison.
Susan
Under the Influence by Joyce Maynard
One if those books that keeps your interest to the last page. I liked the author's style of writing. It would make a good book to discuss for a book group.
Kathy
Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay
I was so happy to find a new author when I read his book BROKEN PROMISE. I like murder mystery books. I found BROKEN PROMISE a little different than most of the books I read as it has a kind of a folksy feel. I wasn’t sure I would like it, but as I read further I was taken away to Promise. By the time I finished BROKEN PROMISE I couldn’t wait for the next book in the series. It is titled FAR FROM TRUE.
Jill
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
He really gets to the heart of the horrors incurred in human trafficking. Bohjalian tells the story of a family indirectly involved when a bachelor party goes terribly awry. He also narrates it from the point of view of a female sex slave who's been lured in by false promises of a new and exciting life in America. He raises issues related to this problem that never occurred to me. I admire him for donating book earnings towards organizations that fight this problem.
Phyllis
Soil by Colin F. Barnes
SOIL is the second book of The Last Flotilla series. After several years of living on a flotilla, some survivors find out that certain leaders of the world had escaped to a hidden bunker before the earth was flooded. After searchers find the bunker they find a few living, healthy survivors among ill and dead people in the bunker. They also find out that the flooding was caused by a man-made device had caused the flooding and the man responsible is still alive. The search for the bunker and the device leads to a fast-paced story and a satisfying conclusion.
Phyllis
Salt (The Last Flotilla, #1) by Colin F. Barnes
Solar storms and extreme flooding leave only a few human survivors banded together on a flotilla of various size ships and boats. They fight a deadly virus which causes the person to become violent by bathing with salt and wearing facial masks tinged with salt. Supplies gathered from the ships and boats are stored and rationed. After only a few years survivors have divided into factions, tempers are flaring, and people are being murdered. SALT has drama and mystery and is a fast-paced thriller.
Lynn Thomas
Set the Night on Fire by Libby Fischer Hellmann
This is an older title, published in 2010, that I've been meaning to read. A standalone "thriller" set in Chicago, the action alternates between the late 60s and the present. I found a lot of the mystery predictable, though I liked the setting.
Gloria
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
A wonderful read about life, love and friendships. Ove is so distraught after the loss of his wife of 40 years. All he wants to do is die and so he can join her. And then an unlikely thing occurs - new neighbors move in next door, and his orderly, solitary life is forever changed.
Kathleen
Georgia: A Novel of Georgia O'Keeffe by Dawn Tripp
I won this book from Bookreporter.com and was glad I did. I absolutely loved this historical novel. Dawn Tripp did an amazing job researching Georgia O'Keeffe and telling the story of her complicated relationship with Steiglitz and her feelings about her art and how it was meant to be seen. As familiar as I am with O'Keeffe's work, I knew little about the person she was prior to reading this book. The author's writing is poetic and the descriptions of Georgia painting are so vivid and intense I felt like I was actually in the studio and could smell the paint. This book has led me to read another non-fiction book about Georgia O'Keeffe and has also made me pull out my paints!
Inga K.
John Adams by David McCullough
Absolutely fantastic story about a founding father. Beautifully written! Won a Pulitzer. Reads like fiction. Totally enthralling. Have also recently read his book on Harry Truman, which also has won a Pulitzer. I was not able to put either of these books down until I finished them.
Cecile VanTyne
The Martian by Andy Weir
This book was a wonderful roller coaster! I was amazed with Mark's ability to make the most out of every bad situation he found himself in, and each situation got worse and worse. But he prevailed. I learned a few things and now I'm ready to watch the movie.
Barbara
Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline
I reviewed an early readers edition of this novel. It gave an interesting take on a subject many couples deal with, one partner having difficulty conceiving. When a tragedy occurs and it jeopardizes your hopes and dreams, it posses the question, What would you do to save your marriage and unborn baby? It was fast-paced with intriguing twists along the way. I enjoyed that Scottoline used real places in the story that a reader could relate to, especially in the Philadelphia, PA area. I usually love to figure out a good mystery, but the ending did surprise me! If you enjoy Jodi Picoult novels, you will definitely want to read this book.
Bonnie
Evicted by Matthew Desmond
Desmond takes and even-handed view of both landlords and renters in Milwaukee's poorest neighborhoods.
Bonnie
13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl by Mona Awad
Short stories.
Susan
The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel
This was a fairly good read. I think I would have liked it better if I hadn't just read THE NIGHTINGALE by Kristin Hannah. Seemed quite similar but it was an interesting story and a quick read.
Michele
Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand
I love this author. Her characters are inviting and very real. The narrator for this book on CD, which I've heard before with other Hilderbrand's books ( THE RUMOR, WINTERSTREET) is excellent. As always, it's an exciting read with all the sub-plots!!
Karen
The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler
There were enough unanswered questions to make the novel true to its name and therefore frustrating with the curiosity created for the reader.
Cindy Sheets
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
I just completed this book. It's a far departure from my usual mystery, detective, special forces, action-packed thriller, but a wonderful trip nonetheless. Major Pettigrew is charming and I found myself longing to visit his home and village and hoping that it never changes. The characters were so real I felt that I knew them personally. I'd love to check in on the Major again soon and see how things are going for him and his family.
Susan Steacy
At the Edge of the Orchard by Tracy Chevalier
Another great book by Tracy Chevalier.
LINDA
Unstoppable by Lynn Crandall
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review, and although I never read the prior books, I couldn't help but fall in love with Booker and Lara! For years Lara had been molested by her uncle since she was six. She loved her uncle and often they took trips through the forest, but finally at twelve she told her dad, but he didn't believe her nor did her mom. Years later Dr. Lara Monroe was part of the Laurelwood were-lynx colony and the colony was there to protect the humans, but then Darren Sage and TNG held the town in its destructive plans to take over the town and put Senator Sage in the White House with their lab created super soldiers! Doctor Booker Chase had his own problems with PTSD plush is wife is murdered.
Vivian
The Passenger by Lisa Lutz
I can't stop raving about this book. Loved the characters, the action, the thrills, mystery and, obviously, the writing. Ms. Lutz has crafted a psychological thriller that puts the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page to the very last. Is the primary character a murderer or isn't she? Will she be vindicated or won't she? There's quite a lot going on in this fast-paced and highly enjoyable psychological thriller, and you won't want to miss out on the fun.
Barbara
A Girl Like You by Michelle Cox
I really enjoyed this first installment for a series that encompasses mystery, history and a little romance. Henrietta is a feisty character living in Chicago during the 1930s. She's trying to help her mom support their family after her father's suicide. She gets involved with a police detective at her job working as a taxi dancer and goes undercover to solve the mysterious disappearance of her friend's sister.
Jacquelin
The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig
This book has a little of everything. The year is 1908 in rural Montana, and the mother of the family has died and the father is looking for a housekeeper. It was hoped that she could cook as well but that didn't happen. Even so, she provided what was needed for the family. The character development satisfies the reader and the situations that occur involve a bit of mystery. The story depicts a one-room schoolhouse with an interesting teacher that makes learning an adventure for the children. There are many different personalities that make up that little group. Readers familiar with going to school in such a situation would find much to reminisce about. Ivan Doig is a writer that captures your imagination.
myrna
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
I just finished A LITTLE LIFE by Hanya Yanagihara and I loved all 832 pages. "Loved" may not be the most accurate word; I think immersed or mesmerized is more appropriate. It is despairing yet inspirational; dark yet enlightening. A LITTLE LIFE follows four young men from their college days to their maturing and becoming successful in the fields of art, theater, law and architecture. Yanagihara writes beautifully of their relationships, their pain and their joy. I guess I really did love it.
Michelle
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
The entire premise of this book was unrealistic to the point of being almost fantasy. However, if you could suspend disbelief long enough (and I can), you found underneath a completely charming and endearing story of a small town. It was also a book about books and for book lovers there is nothing better.
Joann
The Fiddler in the Subway by Gene Weingarten
Our group was looking for a diversion from the typical genres we seem to gravitate towards in our book selections, so we came across this book and really liked it. Most books are written by novelists, not journalists, which was the author of these 20 entertaining, educational and, at times, comedic pieces of work by Weingarten. It is certainly worth your time.
Kim
Annie's Day by Andy Weir
Very funny short story. It had me laughing at the end, even though I expected something of the sort.
Jacquelin
The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty
I have read many books by this author and am always intrigued with her stories. This is kind of a romance but also has a plot line that absorbs you, wondering how it will all turn out. It has suspense and keeps you wanting to know what the next situation will be. Not knowing anything about hypnotism it seemed improbable that it would actually make a difference in her clients' lives. She is very responsible and professional in her work, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story that is well written.
Michelle
All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
A weird but lovable story of two exceptionally talented young people. This was not really a love story, not really an apocalypse novel, not exactly paranormal literature, not necessarily a comment on man's effect on the environment, but all of these could have been said about this novel. I just couldn't stop reading this one.
Francisca E B
Just Shy of Harmony by Philip Gulley
This is book two in the Harmony Series, and I just love these books. They are gentle stories with a good sprinkling of humor, and a few life lessons learned, but without being preachy.
Kim
Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica
Crazy, crazy, and some more crazy -- this book had me going to the end. Even after I finished reading it, I was still left to wonder. I love Mary Kubica's writing! Simply amazing!
Michelle Caniglia
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
This was such a thought-provoking story. I love Hillary Jordan's writing style. Every word is carefully chosen and perfectly placed.
Michelle
One Second After by William R. Forstchen
In the beginning I thought I would have to give this book 3 stars for writing style and preachiness. I have upped that to a solid 4 stars, however, for the thorough research that Forstchen did and his ablility to translate that into an interesting, believable story. The author took the facts and predictions related to an EMP attack and imagined from them a very plausible version of what that might look like. This book was referenced several time in Ted Koppel's LIGHTS OUT: A CYBERATTACK, A NATION UNPREPARED, SURVIVING THE AFTERMATH, which I read earlier this year and this was a good follow up. Scary to think about!
Michelle
The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
I don't think the author and I would see eye to eye on many topics, but I definitely share her ultimate hope that we can end or change the sixth extinction. I found this book to be very readable and very informative. I actually learned a lot. I had no idea that frogs were headed for extinction. Not sure how I missed it. I have taken an unscientific poll after reading this, however, and I'm not alone. Just an example of many things this book had to offer. So glad I read it!
Kim
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
Loved this book! It is such a cute story. I enjoyed the idea of pen pals meeting in person. I felt sad for Amy passing and not being able to meet Sara. I felt that Sara was meant to be in Broken Wheel. I adored the small town charm. Great read!
Deborah Smith
Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt
Black Elk is an Oglala Sioux. This is his story from a young child living in the Black Hills, his visions/spirituality as told via translation by his son Ben to the poet John Neihardt. Anyone who has an interest of the American Indian and their trials trying to remain living in their "country", i.e. land we took, should find this fascinating. The book was written in the 30s and republished at least a couple more times. Black Elk lived to be in his 80s and this is how he felt his obligation to his visions would be understood by mankind.
dorothy
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
I enjoyed the beginning of the book and it just got better as I read on. One of the most enjoyable books I have read. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Laurice
On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah
Very heartwarming.
Sherrie
Thanks for the Trouble by Tommy Wallach
A great young adult book, even if you don't prefer young adult. A sweet, fun and realistic book which tells a story of a boy and a girl from different families (typical other side of the track) with very different issues. That being said, as different as the families are, the kids not so much. An endearing story with a unexpected but great ending.
Beverlee
Nightwoods by Charles Frazier
Beautifully written story about family. It was haunting and lyrical.
Diane
A Girl's Guide to Moving On by Debbie Macomber
Nicely written and very enjoyable. I found Leanne was a puzzle to me since she acted differently from the way I would have expected. She was portrayed as a very strong woman, yet behaved in a way that was quite unusual. Macomber doesn't disappoint.
Diane
Mrs. Houdini by Victoria Kelly
I found this novel difficult to follow since the time was not in chronological order. Some authors handle this well, but I think Kelly's story could have been much stronger if just told in order. Once Houdini was out of the picture, I felt Mrs. Houdini became a different person.
Dorothy
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
Each chapter is a short story with the common theme of Indian immigrant parents and the children that are born in the U. S. The author writes about the issues of children that are American and not following the family traditions.
Elizabeth
The Widow by Fiona Barton
Wonderful psychological thriller that delves deeply into a marriage where both parties haves their faults - more so the husband. Will she betray him for the crime he may have committed? For fans of GONE GIRL.
Mona
All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage
Thank you, First to Read for my free review copy. George Clare, an art history professor, comes home from work to discover his wife, Catherine, murdered. His young daughter, Franny, is alone in her bedroom. He scoops his daughter up and heads to their neighbors, the Pratts. The police are summoned and the investigation begins. An old farm, (the Hale farm, bought in foreclosure), in a small town in the dreary, grey, and cold dead of winter makes for an atmospheric setting. The vivid descriptions set the scene. The story is told from multiple points of view. Virtually every character in the story is represented, but it was sometimes hard to tell who was speaking. Also, without quotation marks, following the dialogue was difficult.
Laura
The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner
Heartbreaking memoir about a girl growing up in a polygamist colony. So hard to wrap my mind around Ruthie's upbringing. I don't read a lot of memoirs, but this was recommended to me by a friend of a friend who knows Ruth and it does not disappoint.
DeAnn
Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline
What would you do if you discovered that the baby you were carrying was fathered by someone suspected of murder? A very interesting premise with a few twists and turns thrown in. A quick and enjoyable read. I definitely learned more about sperm donor banks.
Susan Dean
The Flood Girls by Richard Fifield
Rachel comes back to Quinn, Montana to make amends for all wrongs she did to others nine years ago, and it is the start of a book filled with quirky characters that will keep you amused through the whole book.
Susan
Secets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner
Really enjoyed this historical fiction set during the London Blitz in WWII. Using a past/present format, Isabel recounts her life before, during, and after the Blitz. The author made me feel as if I was right there. Very compelling read.
Sharon
An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear
Maisie Dobbs is hired to investigate not only a brickworks that James Compton is considering buying, but also the village in which is it located. A series of fires, tight-mouthed villagers, Londoners down to pick hops, and a gypsy encampment all have their own mysteries and connections. As always, the intrepid Maisie seeks and finds.
Helen
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
I strongly recommend this novel. I felt I was running into old friends (books) that I hadn't seen for some time. I also discovered titles of books I haven't read or others that I have and forgotten and now need to reread. This book was pure delight.
Myrna
Tread Softly on My Dreams by Gretta Curran Browne
I knew nothing about the United Irish movement of the late 1700s - early 1800s as Ireland tried to gain independence from England. This book focused on Robert Emmet's efforts to lead an uprising. I believe it's the first of a trilogy about the history of Ireland vs. England.
Elaine
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
This was a coming-of-age story during the summer of 1961 in Minnesota. Five deaths occurred that summer to those of different ages and in different ways. The author nailed that era. The plot dealt with death and the aftermath of rising above it with God's grace. The 13-year-old narrator sums it up best when he says, "Loss is like holding a rock in your hand ... you can use it to beat yourself or you can throw it away."
Janet
The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
This was one of our book club choices. It was good but very sad. At the end of the book, I felt so bad for the main character and wanted (so badly) to give her a hug.
Linda
The Forgotten Room by Karen White, Beatriz Williams, and Lauren Willig
The story is about three different women from three different eras and how their lives are connected through a locket and a picture and a mansion. A little bit of mystery is involved in the story. Writen by three wonderful authors. Left me a little confused at times.
LINDA
Erotic Seduction by Moll Molone
I was given this ARC in return for an honest review. Some of these short stories held my attention while the others I found boring. The series is a modern day historical about Imogene and her Italian lover Jason Brooke. Frequently Imogene travels to meet her lover when her workaholic husband leaves her alone to spend more time with his work, and she is sure that he doesn't care as long as he can work, but Jason seduces her and shows her more than she ever knew about lovemaking!
Nancy
Oil and Marble by Stephanie Storey
Stephanie Storey's first novel is a historical fiction based on the five years that both Michelangelo and Leonardo lived in Florence. Storey, who has done extensive research on the artists and their works, recounts what could have happened between the two geniuses--one older at the peak of his career, the other young and struggling, Michelangelo working on his statue of David, and Leonardo painting the Mona Lisa. While the book is a mixture of fact and fiction, Storey creates a tale that kept me turning pages to learn what happened next to the two masters as they competed for patronage and for fame.
Nancy
Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
After a cancelled wedding, Georgia returns home to her families vineyard. She finds that her family and vineyard are changing and everyone seems to have a secret. She finds out they are planning to sell the vineyard. The story goes on from there, as Georgia wants to get the grapes back to making a profit.
Karen
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
Complex novel that includes adventure, interesting characters, love and loss. Travel, the jungle, snakes and the promise of a fertility drug combine to make a good read. How we deal with our past does indeed shape our present. Well written, thought-provoking. My first read of the author and I'll be seeking her other works.
Muriel
Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
This book was definitely hard to put down. There's a great deal of suspense as Jake and his son Ryan tried to work through mistakes they made concerning a hit and run accident. Jake, his wife Pam, and son Ryan are basically good people but have family issues to work on, which are compounded by the tragedy of the accident. There are some twists in the plot, and it is quite an emotional thriller. I can't believe I have only read three books by Scottoline. I know I will be reading more.
Phyllis
I've Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark
Another suspense story by well known author and this is a good one. A twenty-year-old murder case is reopened and it becomes clear that secrets are being kept by the fatal night's surviving guests at the graduation gala. Interesting to the end.
Nancy
The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee by Talya Tate Boerner
A good first novel by a southern writer. You may need to have some experience with cotton farming and evangelical Christianity to fully appreciate this moving story narrated by a 10-year-old girl who is wise beyond her years but who still has a lot of unanswered questions--including why her daddy is so mean. However, even without that background, you can appreciate the life-changing decision she ultimately makes.
Michelle
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
The second half made the first half bearable. Made for an excellent discussion for my book group and left me thinking about the characters for days.
Jennifer
The Total Package by Stephanie Evanovich
I'm a huge sports fan and really enjoyed this sports romance. It's about a struggling football player and his comeback, and a reporter he knows from college. The perfect combination of sports and romance.
Julie
Dead Wake by Erik Larson
Another wonderfully readable work of nonfiction by the talented author Erik Larson - this time about the sinking of the passenger liner Lusitania and the entry of the United States into WWI.
Margie
The Only Woman in the Room by Rita Lakin
Rita Lakin is known to mystery lovers as the author of seven novels about senior citizen sleuths in Florida. But she was also a TV pioneer, one of the very first female TV writers, with 400+ episodes and numerous movies of the week to her credit. She was even one of the first female showrunners. How she got there from humble beginnings as a secretary at Universal Studios when she was a young widow is a fascinating and absorbing story, with just enough name-dropping.
Jayme
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
This is simply a lovely story about two elderly people searching for that companionship that links us to our hearts and the human race. I found myself looking at people who are in the winter of their years a little differently after reading this book. I wanted to hold them and let them know that they were not alone. This book is a treasure.
Barbara Jackson
Falling Off Horses by Molly Gloss
The story of Bud, a young ranch hand who, while traveling to Hollywood with dreams of a career in westerns, meets an ambitious young woman who has ambitions as a writer of films. They have enough success to survive in their fields without starving, but Hollywood reality not only threatens their souls but Bud's life. Theirs is a friendship, not a romance, and a rare one. This book is so wonderfully written that I hated for it to end despite its graphic, sometimes tear-inducing themes.
Bridget
Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon
Good novel about those aboard the Hindenburg's last voyage and how their lives connect. Based on real people who were on this flight, but still a novel. Slow moving, I kept waiting for the pace to quicken just a little.
Diane Giella
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi
Just by being set in Afghanistan the book interested me because THE KITE RUNNER is one of my favorite books. The main character is a girl who had to live a very restricted life. The twist in the story comes when she is able to dress and live as a boy until she is old enough to get married. The story goes back into the past and correlates her story and that of her ancestor who had done the same thing. The setting and premise is fascinating and draws you in at once. There is much to think about and discuss and should be a perfect book club selection.
Suzanne
The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron
I so enjoyed this book, written in two time periods, the present and WW II. I immediately started reading the second book in this series, A SPARROW IN TEREZIN, about the same people in the present, and WW II with different characters. So good, I am still reading the latter. I don't usually read this type of fiction, but these caught my heart. Then I threw in C. J. Box's new book OFF THE GRID. Wow -- what a reading weekend with these. Loved the books and loved the contrast. I just must be a reader. Really enjoy your emails, miss them when I am away. Thanks so much.
Jane
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
It is a heartwarming story that will make you laugh and cry.
Lisa Nekich
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Catches your attention from the first page and is difficult to put down. Great character development. Keeps you guessing almost until the end.
Linda S Miller
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
This book is the story of the life of an Australian military surgeon's life during WWII and his private life and practice afterwards. The main character has some womanizing, narcissistic personality traits, which leave you wondering throughout the book whether this character has any true feelings for anyone, be it his wife, lovers, friends, colleagues or the men he took care of while a prisoner of war building a railroad through the jungle from Bangkok to Burma. The book definitely has some surprise findings to make it a thoroughly enjoyable book.
Paula
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
First, I loved this book. I found the thoughts of the characters and romance a bit "sappy" for my taste, but this was such a feel-good novel that I got past that issue. I wanted to go hug all my books while reading this fun book.
Jan
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Just finished rereading this book for the fifth time. It is one of my all time favorites as it has some of everything -- romance, history, suspense and a little fantasy with wonderful characters and engrossing writing.
Kathryn Andrews
Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius
Bio of young man who, at age 12, after flu-like symptoms, went into a coma for 4 years. Then awoke to a somewhat vegetative state, unable to move or speak, until a therapist noted the 'light' in his eyes. A remarkable story of a life being 'locked in' a mind and body, using a computer to communicate. And watching his TED Talk after reading the book was all the more amazing.
Keep the Kleenex handy! Our book club read for this month.
Marilyn
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow
A tragic though simple story about an unexpected challenge when we cross social barriers.
Kathy
The Stranger by Harlan Coben
A favorite author, and he succeeds again with a thriller all the more terrifying because it rings so true. And a cautionary tale to be careful with the secrets that you choose to keep.
Kathrine
The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende
Absolutely marvelous. Keep me wanting to go back to the book. The writing was fabulous.
Marsha
Everything to Lose by Andrew Gross
When a mother about to lose everything comes across an accident she tries to rescue the victim but finds instead a bag of hundreds of dollars next to his dead body. Does she keep the money or turn it in -- and to whom? What happens is a heart-pounding story that keeps you reading way into the night.
Andrea
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
A must-read. This book is truly enlightening on the justice system. If you are black, poor and innocent, you are more likely to spend more time in prison than if you are white, rich and guilty. Congratulations to Bryan and the incredible work he is doing for those unfairly imprisoned.
LINDA
Shifter Black Bear, Book 1 by Emerald Wright
I was given this ARC of Book One in exchange for and honest review. It was read so fast that before I knew the book was read. I was glad that there is a sequel which I must read! Ryker had been orphaned since he was five with his parents dying in a car crash. Since there were no other relatives, he shifted from one foster home to another and he learned to be a loner as he'd scare humans if they knew he was a black bear shifter! At eighteen he joined the military and planned to find a wife to settle down with once he was half done with a career with the military.
Plus-sized Charlene mistakenly thought marrying Trevor was a good idea since she loved him and she thought he loved her as well, but he was abusive and controlling.
Jane Ellen
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
The story was good and the book recommendations were great, but I just could not fall in love with the characters. I finished the book but don't ask me about any one other than the three main characters.
Shelia
Feng Shui Step by Step by T. Raphael Simons
Fascinating, easy to follow book.
Priscilla
Natchez Burning by Greg Iles
This book is a mystery that takes you back to the 1960s and the racial climate during that time. It is centered on two factions in the town of Natchez, MS. They are of course good and evil. Since I was a teenager during that time frame it was interesting to read an account of all of the injustice going on in a southern town. The premise is about the father of Natchez's mayor and the corrupt portion of the town's police department. This is the first of a trilogy which continues in THE BONE TREE, which I am now reading with the third book to come out soon. Loved this book - great plot and story.
Phyllis
The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas
Callie and Tessa were best friends from pre-K until they were nine years old when they had to testify in a trial for the killer of Callie’s cousin. After the trial, Tessa’s older sister left, her mother had a breakdown, and Tessa was sent to Florida to live with her grandmother. She had no contact with Callie until 10 years later when Tessa’s father was dying in prison. Tessa's return to Fayette, PA to see her father opens up old wounds and new questions about the identity of the murderer. Tessa and Callie find themselves getting drawn deeper and deeper in the search for the truth. THE DARKEST CORNERS is fast-paced and has many twists; it kept my attention throughout. I received an ARC from the publisher.
Mary
Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand
Lots happening in this the second in the Winter Street series. Relationship woes abound in the Nantucket Quinn family. I look forward to the next one!!
Fran
Never Tell a Lie by Hallie Ephron
A unique mystery. Held my interest until the very end! Would recommend this to all.
Kay
The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows
This book provides an interesting glimpse into small town life during the depression.
Raylene
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
THE GOLDFINCH is a lengthy book with over 750 pages, however, I could not stop reading at times. At other times I had to sleep or eat. Ms. Tartt uses elegant prose, which is extremely descriptive. for her living, breathing characters as she explores the different levels of self and life's human struggle. We explore the meaning of what it means to grieve, survive, and recover in varying degrees. It's a thriller, portrait of NYC, and a coming-of-age story of orphan, Theo, and his best friend, Boris, that has been selected as one of the best books of 2013 by numerous publications: The Wall Street Journal, NY Times, USA Today, NPR, Christian Science Monitor, Huffington Post, Esquire, Vogue. "Is life an awesome rewarding treat or a catastrophe?"
Janis
Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham
I always love Grisham's books. This one was particularly fun to read! The "rogue lawyer" Sebastian Rudd is quite the character and I enjoyed his exploits!
Becky
The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz
There are volumes of wisdom contained in this young adult novel. Joan, 14, is abused and overworked by her father so she leaves home to seek her fortune. Along the way she comes in contact with a young Jewish man who “rescues” her, a Catholic priest who teaches about her own religion, an old woman who teaches her she is worthwhile, a young boy who teaches her she has talent, and a family that both welcomes and chastises her. Well written, with engaging and true-to-life characters, conversation and incidents, THE HIRED GIRL is well worth reading and even re-reading. You will find nuggets of wisdom on almost every page, but the novel never preaches. The world of 1911 Baltimore is clearly shown, especially the world of the well-to-do.
Sherry
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
I JUST finished this book yesterday morning for our book club. I seem to be very critical on our books we read and I rate this one an A+. I just loved it. I love history and that is what this one was.
Janice
Recipes for Love and Murder by Sally Andrew
Set in South Africa, this novel features the wonderful character, Tannie Maria, a widow who makes her living writing a combination advice/cooking column for a local publication. After corresponding with a woman who is asking for advice about her abusive husband, Tannie Maria's own memories of an abusive husband, and her relief at his death, are stirred, and make her especially concerned for this woman. When the same woman appears to have been murdered, Tannie Maria can't help getting involved in the investigation. The recipes Tannie Maria provides to her readers sound delicious, and are listed at the end of the book. Great descriptive writing of food, landscape, and characters. Looking forward to next installment!
Gretchen
The Widow by Fiona Barton
Author's first book and it could be a big hit along the lines of GONE GIRL and THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN.
Bonnie
Evicted by Matthew Desmond
Non-fiction book about tenants and landlords in inner-city Milwaukee.
Bonnie
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
Sweet novel about books, small towns, and friendship.
Phyllis
Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen
Interesting historical fictional account of life and times of Edgar Allan Poe. Mrs. Frances Osgood, a contemporary woman poet, narrates the story of her encounters with Poe and his young wife and all the literariness in his circle of friends. Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in this period of American history.
Trez
The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
Very good book. Very sad at points and really demonstrated how World War II was horrible for many, many Europeans, especially for those of the Jewish faith. The book demonstrates how strong humans can be and how determined people are to live, despite horrible circumstances. I learned a lot of the history of Hungary and its government during the war. I recommend this book highly.
Melanie S.
The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent
This story started off slow but picked up about one third of the way through and held my interest till the end. Set in the 1600s when the Salem witch trials were getting underway, the story focused on Sarah whose family is persecuted for witchcraft. The suspicious climate of the times that led to many innocent people being accused of sorcery was well drawn. An sad time in our country's history that I knew little about. This is the author's first novel and there were some very beautifully written passages. She is an author with talent and one whose future works I would read. Interestingly, Ms. Kent is a 10th generation descendant of a woman who was accused and hanged for witchcraft.
Jud
Dark of the Moon by John Sandford
Excellent start to this spin-off from Sanford's Lucas Davenport series.
Carol
The Glass Kitchen by Linda Francis Lee
Wasn't sure if it was too "chick lit" for me, but the more I read, the more I enjoyed it. Three sisters try to keep their relationship going after the grandma that raised them passes. The story centers around Portia, the one who inherited her grandma's talent for "the knowing", which she applies to cooking. People just show up that very much need just what she's prepared Especially the widower and his two daughters who just happen to live upstairs The characters are well developed, likable, and I would read this author again.
Sharon
Shelter by Jung Yun
I read the book in one sitting because I was pulled in from the beginning when a debt-laden professor, Kyung Cho, finds his mother running naked in his yard. The book shows disparity between cultures and delves into family relationships. I really enjoyed the book, but felt the ending should have more to offer the reader.
Jan Zahrly
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
Okay - this is the BEST book I have read by Bohjalian and I have read many. The plot is so real-life; a bachelor party for his brother that goes to hell in a breadbasket. Except it ends with two dead Russian goons and the two strippers take off in the goons' car. The police are after them and so are the pals of the goons. I held my breath so many times. Will his wife forgive him? Believe him? And what about his young daughter? This is a mystery but it is also a slap in the face to all of us who have ignored the human trafficking problem right here in our cities, our neighborhoods, our country. A must-read for mystery fans and for people who care about the human race and how we treat each other.
Lisa Taylor
Freedom's Child by Jax Miller
Being a female rider myself and having gone to biker bars, which are far more tame than the ones depicted in this book, I found this book a refreshing change to what I am used to reading. Freedom's vulgarity, the way she carries herself and handles every situation are compared to how a man would react. The love and loss throughout Freedom's life with allow empathy and a great understanding as to why and how she is the person she is. My favorite part in this book was the story about the tree, and how it refuses to die. This book was a good read for me, and I really enjoyed the role reversal. It ends with Freedom finding exactly what she has needed, despite everything that she had been through.
Rita
The End Game by Catherine Coulter and J. T. Ellison
A Brit in an FBI novel.
Deb
The Guise of Another by Allen Eskens
Interesting plot lines, keeps you guessing. This is his second book. I must read the first one!
Suzze
Boar Island by Nevada Barr
In this newest in the Anna Pigeon series, Anna travels with her friends from the previous novel to an island near Arcadia National Park in Maine, when her goddaughter Elizabeth is threatened by cyber bullying. Fast-paced and riveting.
Chris
The Secret Wisdom of the Earth by Christopher Scotton
I loved this book, and I thought I would hate it! Scotton tells of how mountaintop removal has literally decimated some of the loveliest mountains and hollows in Appalachia, and weaves this information into the story of 14-year-old Kevin, who comes to his pop's Kentucky home after the tragic death of his little brother. There, Kevin meets Buzzy Fink, a boy born and bred in the hollow, and their friendship is the basis for many adventures, revelations, and ultimately survival, when an unhinged teenager comes after them on a camping trip.
Kathy
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Beryl Markham was an extraordinary and independent woman. This is the story of her life in Africa.
Kathy
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
The best book I have read in a long time. I have shared the book with friends and they all agree. It's the story of Ove and how he tries to cope (or not) with life.
Gina
Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben
This was a page-turner. The ending was a complete surprise to me. Well done, Harlan.
Gina
The Real Doctor Will See You Shortly by Matt McCarthy
This is the story of an intern's first year in the hospital. He is fresh out of med school, Harvard, no less. Our narrator tells us with self-deprecating humor what he does NOT know about medicine. The first year in the hospital is a cram course in psychology and ethics and procedures. I liked
the everyman narrator who was witty and wise.
Sue
The Girl From the Train by Irma Joubert
One little girl, one big fire, one train, one older man, one big country, one HUGE LOVE -- great book!!
Sandy
China Dolls by Lisa See
Lisa does a commendable job of character development of the three main characters in her book.
The story tells of life for Chinese American women during WWII.
Sherrie
The Dinner by Herman Koch
Totally engrossing in a disturbing way! Dysfunction in many forms...and yet I couldn't put it down.
Maureen
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
A wonderful page-turner with an unfortunate topic of sex slavery. Our book club thought this was a very good book. Anything by Chris B. is great!!
Mary
Under the Influence by Joyce Maynard
It was a good story. I didn't like the characters very much.
NANCY
Capital Dames by Cokie Roberts
Tells of women in Washington, D. C. from 1848-1868. The wives of politicians have so much power and guts. They often approached the President or Cabinet members to get what they wanted. Same old political agendas and problems currently in Washington. Very interesting, behind the usual history of the Civil War.
Donna
Room by Emma Donoghue
A most unusual story as seen through the eyes of and told by Jack, a 5-year-old boy. His mother had been kidnapped 9 years ago and held captive in a small shed that had a skylight and no windows. Jack's mother was very creative in her efforts to educate Jack, but he had no concept of anything beyond the Room. This story is very unsettling.
LINDA
Forever Love by Katie Gallagher
I was given this ARC in return for an honest review, and although the story was good, Ms. Gallagher left me wanting more. What did James do? What happened to Cyn? Did they get married? Will there be a sequel?
Francisca E B
Dream When You're Feeling Blue by Elizabeth Berg
2.5 stars. Berg takes us to Chicago at the time of World War II in this story about three sisters, their lively Irish family, and the men they love. It started out okay, got very interesting in the middle and then completely lost credulity in the last two chapters. What I most enjoyed about this novel was the look at everyday life on the domestic front during this very trying time in history. I especially liked the way Berg talked about the way that the roles of women in America were forever being changed by the requirements of war. Too bad the ending really ruined the novel.
Pauline
Truth Always Kills by Rick Ollerman
It was a good read but a bit dark. I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen and why somethings did happen. The protagonist, Jeff Prentiss, a homicide detective in St. Petersburg. FL. seemed to be self destructive. He was on the Tampa police force but was transferred out. He is a man who often does not know when to keep his mouth shut. He is always on the verge of doing something rash. He says he wants to be an honest cop and do what's right. But does he? The brass seems to be scared stiff of him. I think he is looking for redemption. I kept wondering what he did to his wife's first husband. Did he just scare the stalker off or was it something more? The ending sets the stage for another adventure.
m
Private London by James Patterson and Mark Pearson
The Private series are fascinating reading about the investigative firm. When a young girl is kidnapped the team handles things in their own fashion and the excitement begins.
Diana
City on Fire: The Forgotten Disaster that Devastated a Town and Ignited a Landmark Legal Battle by Bill Minutaglio
Great book about a disaster that many people don't seem to know about. The book is about what happened to Texas City, Texas when the S.S. Grandcamp caught fire with ammonium nitrate fertilizer on board. It also describes the aftermath and the legal issues that followed. This is a re-read for me prior to a trip to Houston, Texas. One of the places we plan to visit is Texas City. If you enjoy unknown history of the U. S., I suggest this reading this one.
Gabriela Perez
Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
This last book of the Vampire Academy series literally made me jump out of my seat! I read it so fast that when I finish it I felt that it wasn't enough. Was a great ending. The complete book was exciting, every leaf that turns and read had something new. The book was full of unexpected events. Completely awesome!! (I also love how finally Dimitri and Rose get together. Love them.)
Candace
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
As long as this book was, it left us hanging at the end! The story was good, albeit there were quite a lot of unnecessary details. It was frustrating to have so many instances of miscommunication between the characters.
Elizabeth
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
The book deserves high ratings for its historical fiction but is downgraded because of its poor description of the ongoing real problem of Mormon fundamentalism.
Anita
Never Look Away by Linwood Barclay
This was a very good mystery with lots of twists and turns. David's wife disappears during a family outing at an amusement park with their 4-year-old son Ethan. From then on it is a real page-turner.
Linda
Property of a Noblewoman by Danielle Steel
A great story that deserves more than 5 stars! When an abandoned safe deposit box is opened to disclose fabulous jewels, it also opens a mystery. Who was the mysterious Marguerite di San Pignelli? While Jane Willoughby of the Surrogate's Court is trying to find Pignelli’s heir, Phillip Lawton is working with Christie’s auction house to put the fabulous collection up for sale. He shows his mother's photographs that were included with the jewelry and she sees the photograph of a small girl. She is the girl in the photograph. How did her photograph get in the belongings of a woman she did not know? This brings up questions of an older sister who no one was ever allowed to ask about. Could this woman be her sister?
Linda
Private Paris by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan
Jack Morgan, owner of Private, is in Paris when murders of influential Parisians occur and “AB-16” is spray-painted at the scene. What does this stand for? As Jack and Louis Langlois, manager of the Paris branch of Private, investigate, they come up against French detectives who are not glad to see them. Meanwhile riots begin in the sections where immigrants live and martial law has been set up. Authorities need to find the source of AB-16 and stop the rioting before it gets out of hand.
Linda
Where I Lost Her by T. Greenwood
A woman was driving on a dark country road when suddenly a small child appears in the road. She stopped the car and tried to get to the child who turned and ran off into the woods. The woman searched but could not find her. The police did not believe her, but she was obsessed with finding the child. The police said it was a hoax but she knew what she saw. Finally, she found a policeman who believed her and helped in the search.
Linda
Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis
When a young woman returns to her hometown in the Colorado mountains, she runs into the man she ran away from years earlier. Hoping he wouldn’t notice her, she holds her head down but he sees her and realizes he still cares for her even though his heart was torn in two when she left him. Now maybe they will have a second chance together. I love books by Jill Shalvis. Always a great story with humor and you find yourself laughing out loud. Loved the interaction among the Kincaid brothers in this new series!
Linda
You're the Earl That I Want by Kelly Bowen
Heath Hextall, the Earl of Boden, sees his childhood friend Lady Josephine Somerhall at a ball. The gangly young girl has become a beautiful woman. As unconventional as ever, Joss helps Heath solve the coded files he was given by a dying man. Then Heath finally realizes the potential wife he has been searching for is the one he has known all his life.
Linda
Till Dawn with the Devil by Alexandra Hawkins
All it took was one look and Gabriel Housely, the Earl of Rainecourt, was determined to meet and win the Lady Sophia Northam. When he finds out her name, he is not so sure as there are vicious rumors about the Rainecourt and Ravenshaw families. Sophia’s brother is the Earl of Ravenshaw and tells Rainecourt to stay away from his sister, but Rainecourt is determined to win Sophia. I love the Lords of Vice series, and this is the second book in the series. Great stories with steamy sexual action.
Linda
I'll Never Let You Go by Mary Burton
Very suspenseful with an unusual twist at the end! Leah Carson survived her husband’s brutal attack of 23 stab wounds and is now back in the town where it all happened. Leah notices little things happening, such as the misplacement of her keys and her tires being slashed. These would be things her ex-husband would do but he was killed in a car crash, wasn’t he? Could he have faked his death? TBI Agent Alex Morgan is questioning the sloppy autopsy report of the car crash victim. He is by Leah’s side and is determined that her ex will not get to her again.
Linda
Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt
They say opposites attract and, in this instance, they are right. Shy, unassuming Eve Dinwoody oversees her brother’s business investment in Harte’s Folly. Brash and loud Asa Makepeace is the owner of Harte’s and does not take too kindly to Eve’s meddling in his business affairs. As accidents continue to happen at the construction site, Asa and Eve conclude that someone is sabotaging the Folly and does not want it to reopen. They just have to find the culprit before someone is badly hurt. I do love Elizabeth Hoyt's books.
Linda
Saving Laurel Springs by Lin Stepp
I love Lin Stepp’s novels about the small communities located in the Smoky Mountains and the down-to-earth folks who live there. This book is about a man and a woman having a second chance at love. It took a lot for Rhea Dean to forgive Carter Layman for moving away and marrying someone else. She couldn’t forget the hurt he put her through. She listened to her wise grandmother who told her that her inability to forget is another way of saying she can’t forgive Carter. God brings the forgetfulness you need to move on once you set your heart to truly forgive.Your feelings change when you make the right stand in faith. Rhea finally woke up and realized that she loved Carter and wanted a life with him.
Linda
The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
After being a widow for three years, Gaby Summerhill has decided to marry again. She invites all of her family to her farm for a wedding to be held on Christmas Day but she neglects to tell them the name of the man she has chosen. Three of her dear friends are in the running but which one will she choose?
LINDA
Preferred Rewards by Michael Patrick Lewis
I was given this book in return for an honest review and couldn't help but want to clobber Troy! Of course Troy's problem was his eighteen-year-old hormones lusting after that teaser Carrie with her sassy ways and petite body! Even after dating her best friend, Gina, he still lusted after Carrie but Troy got more than he ever expected.
Claudia
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
I read this for an online book club. I have never read any of Karin Slaughters books and I'm not sure I will read another one for a while. It was well written but a lot of the subject matter was worse than watching a horror show. I was surprised that the ending actually was a complete tying up of all the ends and very satisfying. I would not recommend this book to my friends unless I knew that they had read some of Karin Slaughter's other books.
Catherine Acton
The Paris Key by Juliet Blackwell
Made me happy.
Catherine Acton
The First Fifteen Lives Of Harry August by Claire North
Lots of "Should I do this?"... knowing the effects could change so many things. Actually, pretty philosophical. Very interesting...
Laurice
The Hole in the Middle by Kate Hilton
Fairly short and easy to read. I could sympathize with the characters.
Laurice
Lessons in Heartbreak by Cathy Kelly
Awesome book!
Jayme Gruden
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede
When the United States closed its air space during 9/11, hundreds of planes were suddenly diverted to other countries. This is the account of 38 planes carrying over 6,000 people who found themselves in the town of Gander, Newfoundland for an extended period of time and the heroic townspeople who welcomed the travelers. I enjoyed the story premise and the heartfelt message of the kind people who dropped everything to take care of the needs of the travelers. This was an inspiring story about the soul of humanity in the midst of the numbing tragedy of 9/11.
Donna
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
This is a fun, yet thought-provoking story. Ove is a widower and has lost his desire to live. He's a very orderly man who lives strictly by the rules. New neighbors move in next door to him and his life is turned upside down. Every attempt to be with his wife is interrupted by someone needing him to fix or take care of things.
Frank
Black River by S. M. Hulse
One of the best debuts I've read in a long time! A modern-day western about a very ancient idea - redemption. I can not recommend this enough and I look forward to more books by the author.
Jeanette
In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume
After I became familiar with all of the characters introduced, I was totally hooked. It wasn't until I finished that I discovered that the events described actually happened - a nice (ur scary) piece of history!
Trez
The Widow by Fiona Barton
Don't believe the hype. Based on reviews I was expecting a really suspenseful, exciting read. It didn't happen. I was very disappointed. It was a series of interviews and thoughts. No suspense at all.
Patricia
A Small Indiscretion by Jan Ellison
This book wasn't my favorite. I found her writing style to be completely confusing. I get what she was trying to do - she's trying to create some tension by telling the story in parts and moving back and forth between past and present. But I didn't like the way she did it at all. Half the time I was asking myself, "is this before or after the kid had the car accident?" My other big problem with the book is that I didn't truly like any of the characters, especially the main character which, if the book is written well, shouldn't matter (example - GONE GIRL). But I found the main character to be selfish and petty and not relatable at all. I had to force myself to finish the book.
Lynn W
Journeys of a Lifetime by Mary Russell
I really like reading about women traveling alone, but I struggled to finish this one. It just wasn't very interesting.
Lynn W
The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius by Kristine Barnett
Fascinating memoir of the author's successful attempt to bring her genius son back from autism. I will be recommending this book to parents and teachers.
Gail
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
I can’t say enough about this book. It is a very intense, but extremely well-written 800+ page book that requires stamina and emotional strength to read and digest, but it is so well worth the time and effort as it treats a beautiful homosexual relationship with respect and does not get down into the weeds with inappropriate sexual descriptions or contrived dialogues meant simply to entice certain readers. It simply expresses their love, respect and concern for each other throughout the story in the most natural way, without calling the relationship into question because of its sexuality, but rather expressing the beauty of their absolute expression of love and support for each other.
Sally
Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke
This book was a disappointment. Part of a mystery series involving the character Hannah Swensen, the book was given to me by a friend. I have to admit, the recipes at the end of each chapter were more interesting than the mystery. I will not be reading more in this series.
Hedwig
The Last Days of Magic by Mark Tompkins
Great effort for a first-time author. It was a little confusing as there is much Celtic and Irish folklore in the beginning, but the author moves the book along with great ease and gives you enough background on the characters that once the book gets rolling it is a great ride. Highly recommended for anyone who likes mythology and folklore tales.
Gail
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
This is a very intense but extremely well-written 800+ page book that requires stamina and emotional strength to read and digest. It is well worth the time and effort as it treats a beautiful homosexual relationship with respect and does not get down into the weeds with inappropriate sexual descriptions or contrived dialogue meant simply to entice certain readers. It expresses their love, respect and concern for each other without calling the relationship into question because of its sexuality. This brilliant tale is filled with the traumatic events and happy occasions that four young men from diverse backgrounds encounter as they are followed into their futures.
