This contest period's winners were Donna G., Lori B. and Michelle M., who each received a copy of FOREIGN AGENT by Brad Thor and HERE'S TO US by Elin Hilderbrand.
Julia
Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
The idea that lists in ink are meant to be heeded is a great analogy for the character of Britt Marie. She's very organized, loves to clean, but a bit awkward with people. When she uncharacteristically leaves her husband, she soon shows up at the unemployment office, looking for work. Enter one of the interesting, unnamed characters, Girl, who finally gives in and finds Britt Marie a job as a supervisor of a rec center in a small town called Borg. The rec center is in shambles, and the town a shell of itself after the recent economic crisis. But, Somebody still runs a grocery/pizzeria and kids still play soccer on what they call a pitch lit by headlights of parked cars. Here, Britt Marie's foray in the messiness of life.
Julia
Clouds in My Coffee by Julie Mulhern
Really enjoyed this installment of the Country Club Murders. This time, it looks as though Ellison's life is on the line, with many close calls on her life after both her sister and Aunt Sis show up in town. Love the 1970s references and the voice Ellison gives with such humor to the country club set. Looking forward to the next one!
Trez
The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki
A very interesting take on an event in history. The characters were well developed and I developed feelings for all of them. As a result of reading this book I intend to research this phase of American history.
Marsha
Power Play by Joseph Finder
This action-packed thriller will keep you reading. When a Jr. executive is invited at the last minute to attend as a replacement to a high level corporate event, he is stunned to learn of plots within the company as they are held for ransom in the remote location. All you ever wanted to learn about money handling is outlined here.
Lyn
The Boy Who Carried Bricks by Alton Carter
In understated first person prose this books brings into focus the heartbreak and the vast needs in our child protection and foster care systems. Suitable for both adults and young adult readers.
Shelley K Hitt
The Turner House by Angela Flournoy
Interesting family saga.
Pat
All Summer Long by Dorothea Benton Frank
Her books always delight -- her humor cracks me up.
Pat
The Lost Boy by Camilla Lackberg
Her books are VERY different but I love them. This was especially good.
Pat
The Judge by Randy Singer
Very different type of reading -- sort of a reality show but based on defending one's faith. I found it hard to put down.
Izella Cadwallader
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
A beautiful love story that breaks your heart but turns out the way you wanted it to.
Chris
The Boatmaker by John Benditt
A beautiful story full of the flavors of a life perused!
Fran
Run You Down by Julia Dahl
I enjoyed this book! Having worked with the ultra-orthodox Jewish community, I find myself fascinated by their culture, values and traditions. The means by which the community remains so cohesive and the portrayal of some of the things that are covered up, so as not to draw attention, is depicted well within the pages of this book. Many people will find this insider view to the orthodox community to be fascinating. Add a bit of mystery and family turmoil and you've got yourself a good novel.
Eileen
Make Me by Lee Child
This is the third book that I have read by Lee Child. It did not disappoint.
LINDA
Warrior (First to Fight Book 1) by Nicole Blanchard
I was given this ARC in return for an honest review, and I loved Ben and Olivia's story! Ben Hart was home in Nassau, Florida where his best friend was giving him a farewell party as he would soon be shipped out to fight in a war he never started. He saw Jack's little sister all grown up. He couldn't believe the girl he'd kissed a long time ago would morph into the beauty she'd become and he couldn't take his eyes off of her the entire night. When she agreed to drive his truck to help him take Logan home, just looking at her soft lips he knew Jack would kick his butt. Olivia Walker had been abandoned when she was five-years-old by parents that didn't want her and she was glad that the Walkers adopted her and gave her a good home.
Linda
Shelter by Jung Yun
Wow! Another good book for a book discussion. I was told it was "dark" and was therefore afraid, but not reluctant, to dive in, and dive I did. Compared to Kyung, Job had no troubles. During Booktopia, the author said that she is constantly trying to figure out where the evil comes from. It seems that it feeds itself in this book. A lot to think about including, "How easy is it to forgive?"
Karen
Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline
Good summer read that kept you guessing.
lisa
I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
She dropped her son's hand for a moment so he could run across the street, race her home. A split second mistake, hit and run and wow what a roller coaster ride of a book!
Linda
M.C. Higgins, the Great by Virginia Hamilton
A YA story written by an esteemed writer who lived about a half an hour from where I live now. A pleasant story about a young boy who has dreams of grandeur sitting a top a 40 foot pole. One summer two visitors intrude and give M.C. thoughts of life away from his mountain. A pleasant read.
Dorothy
The Widow by Fiona Barton
Story is a thriller and about what spouses lie to one another about and why they stay together. A page-turner.
Bill Hamilton
Mercy by Michael Palmer and Daniel Palmer
The book should have been subtitled "Smart People doing Dumb Things." A personal tragedy for the ICU doctor, an advocate for death with dignity, leads her to change her thinking as she must deal with her fiance's reaction to a terrible motorcycle accident. Subsequent events lead the doctor to challenge law enforcement, hospital administrators, and cyber stalking that almost costs her her life. By flaunting established hospital protocol and police support she ends up putting herself and close friends in danger. Convenient coincidences allow her to escape several life-threatening situations that us mortals would never have been able to survive. Good storytelling but too many lucky breaks for the heroine.
Lynn
Exile on Bridge Street by Eamon Loingsigh
This is an astonishing story of the Irish Immigrant families arriving trying to bring their families over and living in New York City. A well-researched, thought-out book – with a heart-wrenching, sad accounting of life in the early 1900s. So very many truths to a very sad beginning of life in America. Well written, well plotted --- a book to make you love all your legal immigrant family members! Wonderful read!
Lynn
The Quantum Brain (Pulse Science Fiction Series Book 2) by John Freitas
This was really an exceptionally remarkable book --- a combination of science, astronomy, alien super brain, computers --- and a cleverness that just doesn’t let yo go! Read it in less than a couple of hours and was left with a true sense of wonder…and, what happens next!!!??? Wish it had been produced as one complete book!
shannon
Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams by Louisa Thomas
This is the story of the wife of John Quincy Adams. He was not a nice man and it took her a while to become her own woman. Thomas brings her readers through this growth. A powerful story. Nonfiction and reads like fiction.
Patty
Vulnerable by Mary Burton
Loved this book. Mystery, thriller.
JEAN
Flight Patterns by Karen White
You can learn a lot about bees if you take the time to read the information at the stair of each chapter and how much influence they can have on life. This story is full of very interesting, different types of people and includes family conflict, secrets, lives twisted by choices made. How is it possible to overcome past mistakes and make a new start in life. Past history can so affect the present. A book that is hard to put down until the end and then you are sorry when it's done. The ending was great!
Beverlee
Only Beloved by Mary Balogh
Beautifully written story - easy summer read!
Jennifer
The Stolen Ones by Owen Laukkanen
Laukkanen's style is gritty and raw. He puts you right inside the action. The story deals with sex trafficking so it's a scary ride, but one you want to be on. Do the Feds get the sister back and break up the ring? You won't put the book down until you find out. It made me want to binge read every book he's written.
Summer
The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank
Witty, funny, sad, too. Interesting characters.
Betty
The Son by Jo Nesbo
I entered for this book because I like the author's series (starts with THE BAT). Well, this one was about a man who managed to break away from a gangster who expected him to become a killer. He's been hiding in a tiny town...looking over his shoulder, expecting them to find him and kill him. He makes friends with a couple of townspeople while trying to figure out a way to survive. Well, the caliber of the writing is not up to the other books and the story is lackluster. Disappointing, but not enough to be a waste of time.
Danna
The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight
Excellent pacing in a suspenseful tale of betrayal and imagined betrayal, friendships rekindled and survival.
Lori
Karolina's Twins by Ronald H. Balson
As a big fan of Ronald Balson's previous two books, I was delighted to be able to read an advance copy of his latest book, KAROLINA'S TWINS. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book; it reminded me a lot of his book, ONCE WE WERE BROTHERS. I found the contemporary part of the story compelling and wish there was more to it, but the Holocaust part of the book was reminiscent of many others. I hope his future books will be about another subject. I enjoyed the suspense in the book and read the whole thing within 24 hours. I found the premise of the lawsuit frightening but also thought-provoking. I would have liked to have heard more about the investigative work that was done in Europe. I highly recommend the book.
Phyllis
Baby Doll by Hollie Overton
A fast, page-turning thriller. After 8 years, Lily escapes from her captive prison with her daughter. BABY DOLL is the story of what comes next for Lily, her daughter, her family and her captor. An easy to read, interesting book. I received an advance reader's copy of the book from the publisher.
Lillian
Die Again by Tess Gerritsen
This is a first for me. We do not have cable so I was not familiar with the Rizzoli and Isles series. I also had not read any of the books on which the series is based. I thoroughly enjoyed how Detective Rizzoli ties together clues from Botswana and the U.S. to solve murders in both places. I would have liked to see more character development, but that probably would not have been an issue had I either read earlier books in the series (which I will now seek out) or if I had seen the TV program.
Steve
The Tenacious Five by Kyle Amador
I had the opportunity of buying this book for my sixteen-year-old daughter. It was random, I was originally looking for another book I had in mind, but I stumbled across this one. I read the synopsis on the back and found it to be rather intriguing. My daughter read it, and said she feel in love with the story as well as the characters. I highly recommend this novella.
Lynn W
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
Subtitle: The True Story of an 11-year-old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny. Uplifting, inspirational book of a deep, lifelong friendship between two very different people.
Phyllis
The Wedding Sisters by Jamie Brenner
A triple wedding? When Meryl and Hugh Becker's three daughters get engaged within a matter of months to men in high society, it's a time of panic and chaos. THE WEDDING SISTERS is a very entertaining novel, just right for summer reading.
LINDA
The Billionaire's Ruthless Intrusion by Nic Saint
I received this ARC in return for an honest review. Kristy Walker had loved Geoffrey Holland for as long as she could remember, and at twenty-one she figured it was time to make him notice that she was not a tomboy that wore buggy clothes but a woman with curves. At her parent's party, she decided to call him up to her bedroom and kiss him. Billionaire of Knight Enterprises, along with his two brothers, Stuart Knight, had warned his cousin to stay away from Geoffrey before he deployed to Iraq, but apparently she didn't listen to him. It was bad enough when his father met his stepmother and she turned him into an addict to drugs and booze that caused him to wrap his car around a tree while she only had bruises.
Bonnie
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Reminiscent of ROOTS, this is a fascinating novel.
Bridget
The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews
Perfect summer reading! Loved Mary Kay's newest book. Was not at all disappointed. Characters are funny, but still realistic. Part mystery, part family relationships, part romance. Serious issues (diabetes, alcoholism, conservation) are all touched on, but not in a preachy way.
Jane
To Dance with Dolphins by Bonnie Leon
Four disabled people decide to travel together to dance with the dolphins. What a journey. Bi-polar and other illnesses affect them. Others don't know how many times they don't attempt life because of their difficulties. On way they pick up a hitchhiker who they hire to drive for them. Each learns new things. As one who suffers with chronic pain, I could so relate.
Jane
Seek and Find by Dana Mentink
The title definitely fits this story. Hawk, a bloodhound, can seek out anyone he is given a scent to find. Madison, a reporter, seeks for the truth and comes close to death too many times. James Harrison, a K-9 officer, seeks a killer killing people in the town. But neither Madison or James are seeking love or trust. An adventure from beginning to end. Got to love a 100 lb. bloodhound that, in spite of training, still tears up stuff. But he can find a killer and protect those he cares about.
Emily
A Song of Ice and Fire (The Game of Thrones Series) by George R. R. Martin
The book is outstanding -- I've never read anything like it! Right from the first page Martin manages to capture your attention, and keeps you hooked throughout the entire book. It's filled with so much suspense, I couldn't wait to read the next chapter to find out what happens next. Martin manages to bring the characters alive with this words, and the images he was able to conjure in my mind were incredible! It felt almost as though I was a part of the book; I got to know the characters so well I feel as though I've met them all in real life! Now I can't wait to read the second addition to the A Song of Ice and Fire series!
shelly
The Apartment by Danielle Steel
Claire, Abby, Morgan and Sasha are four roommates who share a large loft in Hell's Kitchen. Each women has a different type career and is very involved in it. Claire designs shoes, Abby is a writer, Morgan works in the financial district and Sasha is doing her residency in OBGYN. These women are close in age and are family to each other. Claire and Abby are only children, Morgan has a brother, and Sasha has an identical twin named Valentina, who loves playing tricks on all of the roommates. Sasha remembers when Valentina would switch places with her in school, taking tests and even when they went out on dates, but now she is a top paid model and lives a jet set life. But she does not always make the right decisions.
Donna
America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
An excellent book about President Thomas Jefferson and his family as viewed through his personal letters and the eyes of his eldest daughter. This was a complicated time in history and isn't always pretty. I chose this book for my book club. My copy is littered with tabs for discussion.
Laura Ellis
Finders Keepers by Stephen King
FINDERS KEEPERS is the second book in a trilogy, following MR. MERCEDES. The story continued the Detective Hodge story and was full of suspense and adventure to figure out if they would catch the person that "did it". King is a master of intertwining characters and keeping the reader intrigued by what might happen next.
Sherri
A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan
Well-written story of a couple both facing mid-life career crises at the same time. I liked the struggles to deal with jobs that didn't fit their values/integrity. I want to run with her Book Lady idea. Easy but interesting read with a hopeful outcome.
Betty
The Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell
A quirky novel about the last living descendant of the Bronte family and her search for her "legacy."
Danielle
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling
What an incredible book introducing young kids to the imaginary world of magic! I am actually re-reading this series before the new book comes out in July. I am so glad that I am because there are so many wonderful details that I forgot or maybe did not understand when I was first reading them in middle school. J. K. Rowling is such a great author and paints the whole picture for her readers with all her details. It is definitely an easy read!
Danielle
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
This book was so good --- it had many plot twists and introduced new things such as palmistry, crystal ball reading and time travel. Kids these days lose their imagination and Harry Potter definitely keeps it alive!
Terry
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
1939, three women in Poland, Germany, United States. Three very different scenarios. Hitler. Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. Based on real life incidents, this is the story of three remarkable women before, during, and after WWII. Two are sent to the concentration camp. The third, living in the U.S., does what she can to help. Women are undergoing experimental surgical procedures under the watchful eyes of the Nazis. At times the descriptions of the experiments are so graphically disturbing you feel nauseated but don't skip these parts --- it is necessary that you know the atrocities that went on at Ravensbruck.
Debbie
Witches' Bane by Susan Wittig Albert
WITCHES' BANE is my second foray into the spicy world of China Bayles, and in this installation the reader glimpses the dysfunctional Bayles family. Halloween enlivens the atmosphere with whisperings of witches, use of magic, and mysterious deaths. As usual, our heroine must risk life and limb in an effort to find truth and justice. Why do female detectives shun relationships and commitment? China Bayles closely parallels Deborah Knotts in the Margaret Maron mystery series in many aspects. Each author follows their own path in presenting a story. Susan Wittig Albert focuses on herbs, flowers, and women. The supporting men characters present a one-sided individual, whereas the women grab center stage. Albert gives a fun read.
Debbie
The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies
Hooray for Dinah Jefferies and THE TEA PLANTER'S WIFE. The book truly forces the reader to continue reading in a frenzied pace to discover what will happen with Gwen. The book's prologue presents a woman preparing to leave, but the reader will not discover the true nature of the prologue until later in the book. The story begins with Gwen arriving in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) as a new and young bride of an older and widowed tea planter. The story races up and down through Gwen and Laurence's triumphs and tribulations during a decade of change in Ceylon. Jefferies describes rich and colorful scenery and characters. Like the South dependent on slavery for hard labor, Ceylon entraps the darker people of India and Ceylon as their slaves.
Fran
The Wolf's Hour by Robert R. McCammon
An interesting juxtaposition of a werewolf story set the time period of World War II. I found myself feverishly turning the pages to see what happened next.
Tessa
The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman
In Book Three of the series, the CIA’s least-likely courier is sent on a mission to Bulgaria. I love this series. Mrs. Pollifax is charming, smart, resourceful and calm in a crisis. If the situations she finds herself in stretch credulity, who cares? The books are fun to read and pure entertainment.
Shelly
Damaged by Lisa Scottoline
Ms. Scottoline always writes exciting, page-turning books, but for this one you might want to have a pack of tissues while reading it. Edward, Patrick’s grandfather, has been taking care of him for many years. Patrick's mom died in a car accident and Edward's wife died several years ago, so it's just the two of them. Ten-year-old Patrick is dyslexic and has special needs. When the school aide quits his job and sues Patrick and the school district, Edward realizes he needs a lawyer. Mary is extremely knowledgeable about the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act and the fFderal law and is determined to represent him.
LINDA
The Amber Project by JN Chaney
I was given this ARC of book one in exchange for an honest and I want MORE! Terry's birthday was today and he'd be going to school. He was seven years old and promised his younger sister that he would tell her all about school when he returned, but he didn't understand nor had his mom told him he wouldn't return! At the school academy, he learned that every child was the same age as him and they all had the same birthday. Later, the children were put through one test after another where some never returned and he had the feeling that the adult's were not telling the truth.
Michael
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Utterly fascinating! I got this book as a gift, which is a good thing because this is probably not a book I would pick up otherwise. It the about the years leading up to and including the 1936 Olympic games for the American 8-man rowing team. It follows mainly one of the rowers, but you get to know the whole cast of rowers and teachers and the whole bit. Very well written - informative, well paced (even though you pretty much know how every race is going to end, it is still thrilling every time!) and enjoyable. Only one time did I think, "Okay. I don't need to know this much about how to build a rowing shell." Huge thumbs up!!!
kris metoyer
Happy Family by Tracy Barone
Excellent! Stupendous! Bravo! Merci! Where do I begin? Okay. Maybe I am swayed by the fact I live in Chicago, and was adopted. This is what drew me to this newfound author of mine, which happens to have a new release. The synopsis pulled me in so quick I paid full price for the book. This book interlocked faultless and blameless characters. Each individualized in a fantastic storyline, leaving the reader agonizing over strenuous and spectacular events. The phenomenal persistence of Cheri has her maintaining inspirational persistence. Sol and CiCi have wisdom and imperfections. The immense radiance of the plot entices the reader, creating uncertainty, interlocking each character together.
Gretchen
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
Great book. Read it in one day!
Wayne E.
Zoo 2 by James Patterson with Max DiLallo
A very good, light summer read. Continuing the ZOO story. Perfect for a day reader or two days if you're slow. Interesting to see where this story has gone. Not a huge J. Patterson fan, but this is a continuation of a title of his I did read.
Sean Penrose
The Complaints by Ian Rankin
Can a book be too Scottish? Well, if so, its THE COMPLAINTS by Ian Rankin. While I'll fully admit I'm a semi-uncultured American, I felt lost at times trying to discern where and what was happening. The novel is a decent crime book, but the mystery wasn't super compelling and the dialogue, especially between two of the main characters (Malcolm and Jamie), was truly awful. The protagonist is at times very hard to like and the antagonists are cliched. I've read good things about the author, but this was not very good.
LaDonna
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Excellent novel set around WWII.
donna
Guilty by David Baldacci
Intense mystery with lots of twists and turns. A page-turner that you can't put down. Small town and family issues from childhood compound problems in this murder mystery.
LINDA
Pandemonia: Combustable by Darcy Abriel
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'm not a fan of this genre, but this is the story of Drayce Eth, a draogen spliced humanoid, and the leader of the most militant group on Earth's Pandemonia penal colony, and a young boy named Crispen Willis, who turned Drayce's life around. It is 4024 and the elite and wealthy humans left the dregs of mankind behind to fend for themselves once their DNA experiments were no longer controllable. Now, Drayce finds himself in lust with Crispen and he wanted to take him from his enemy and rub it in his face, but he feels the boy knows more than he's saying.
Tessa B C
The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson
Bryson clearly loves this landscape, these people, the lovely views, the crazy laws or regulations, and even the food. There were some aspects not to my liking, but on the whole, it’s an entertaining read.
Andra
The Murder House by James Patterson
I love a good mystery with characters whose traits and actions make them all suspects. The hero becomes the villain, the villain the victim, the victim the hero. Once again, James Patterson has written a mystery that keeps you guessing. I loved this novel as it kept me intrigued, sure I knew the answer, then put me on shaky footing and in the end, I had figured out who the murder was but missed the plot twist. Once again James Patterson has delivered.
Cheryl Olivera
For Love or Magic by Lucy March
Very interesting book if you like a little love and magic.
Matt
Dead Wake by Erik Larson
This book is an account of the sinking of the Lusitania during WWI. One might ask why read about an event that you know the outcome? This book explains the events leading up to the sinking, personal details about many people associated with the event and the after effects of the sinking. Details of the U-boat captain, President Wilson's courtship of his second wife, and of a secret room in England are examples of extensive research. Apparently there is a ton of data available and Larson seems to have read and touched almost all of it. I think most of us today know little about WWI. This book opened my eyes a bit. I have read a lot of history and biography in the last 12 months and this was the most interesting.
Joyce
The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand
I don't usually read this genre of books. I prefer mysteries/thrillers. But I found myself really enjoying this book and hating to leave it to do other things. Very good!
Judy O.
Whiskey and Charlie by Annabel Smith
Whiskey and Charley are identical twins, and even though they look alike their personalities are very different. Whiskey is injured early in the story by a runaway motorist. He is in a coma, and the devastated family hovers near his bed for months. Charley is particularly distraught because he and Whiskey had a falling-out years before and have never reconciled. Will he ever get a chance to make amends with his brother? I really enjoyed this book.
Linda
Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple
I feel as if I'm the last person (at least in my circle of book readers) to read this book. And it had a LOT of good word of mouth. Zany, quirky, captivating. I was completely invested in Bernadette. I inhaled the first 200 pages of the book, then life got in the way for what should have been an easy finishing read. It took two more days to finish the last 100 pages - not because I wasn't interested. I even thought about stealing time with the book from my job. That really explains how much I was into this book.
Pauline
Back from the Dead by Bill Walton
This is a very inspiring memoir of a great basketball player. He tells of his life-threatening surgeries and amazing recoveries. He had heart, talent and a burning desire to win each game he played from high school through UCLA and in the NBA teams. John Wooden, Walton's coach at UCLA, was perhaps the greatest influence in his life, after his parents. Walton played for the Portland Trail Blazers. the San Diego Chargers and Boston Celtics, receiving many honors. Wooden said greatness comes with sacrifice. Walton learned that well with all his broken bones, which forced him to lose almost two-thirds of his playing time. He spent three years flat on his living room floor, unable to walk. He also overcame his stuttering and became an announcer.
Hailey
Center Ring by Nicole Waggoner
I absolutely loved CENTER RING. From the very first sentence to the very last, I knew I just had to find out what was going on with Norah, Camille, Leila, Ellison and Kate. The book was so well written that I felt like I was side-by-side with the sister-friends, living through their trials and tribulations.
Trez
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Very tender, moving and touching story. I enjoyed the book very much.
Lori
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
This story is about quite a few things with different people. It was easy to visualize all the characters in this story, which made it very enjoyable. I was surprised about the letter that was found; it wasn't what I thought it would be. I loved the way the story intertwined the people and was all relevant to the story. I loved the story but the ending made me want to seek out all this author's books. I haven't been held in a book like this in a while -- it was wonderful! Gives you something to think about at the end -- how life can stray off in different paths. This was my first read by this author and was very happy to see she has more.
Lynn W
Born With Teeth by Kate Mulgrew
Excellent! Mulgrew's memoir is honest, funny, and beautifully written. Already suggesting it to my reading friends.
Julie Bockstiegel
Rich and Pretty by Rumaan Alam
I found the characters in this book uninteresting and I'm irritated I kept reading it. I thought I would find out the reason they (kind of) stayed friends through many years and never did find out anything. I felt it was a waste of reading time.
Diana
The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee
Fascinating story of an American circus trick rider who ends up a European opera sensation. As far-fetched as that sounds, it is written so well you imagine it could really have happened. At times it was a little too long and somewhat confusing, but overall it was a riveting and unorthodox novel.
Karen
Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline
Great read with twists and turns that you don't see until the end.
Michael
Maestra by L. S. Hilton
This was an odd book. Compelling at times, but ultimately lacks focus or a defined storyline for very long stretches. I also had a hard time liking any of the characters. There is nobody to root for and just about everyone is unlikable, which meant I didn't care what happened. The book ends on a "to be continued", but I think I am done. I didn't hate it but it never drew me in either. I can't recommend this one.
Beth
Journey to Munich by Jacqueline Winspear
Love Maisie Dobbs!
LINDA
Under the Dome by Stephen King
I finally got to know what happened as CBS kept jacking the series around and what if I died before the conclusion ended? This book is the second longest I think by this author and it's worth it!
Sheldon
The North Water by Ian McGuire
Not a book for the skittish. This book about a whaler ship and its crew in the 1800s kept me spellbound well into the morning hours. Gritty, emotional and harrowing, the experiences of these men will haunt you after turning the last page. The book is spellbinding.
OSWALDO REYES
The Third Option by Vince Flynn
As an avid reader and book collector. I have read hundreds of books, but none as gripping and thrilling as THE THIRD OPTION. This book was impossible to put down. It is truly in a class of its own. As I got more and more into the story, it was so close to things that are happening today that it got me thinking about how can these talented and amazing writers can predict what is going to happen in the future. Imagine a international crisis in Washington and the president has exhausted all his diplomatic options. He has only one last secret weapon at his disposal. This book tells you the story of what happens when the president makes the final decision.
Barbara Mardones
Rise and Shine by Anna Quindlen
I LOVE the humor and what seems to be very authentic dialogue of New Yorkers working their way up the ladder and clawing out the eyes of others to remain there. However, the love of two sisters is really the thread that keeps the reader emotionally attached to the plot.
Jean
The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand
My first Hilderbrand book...but it won't be the last! I especially loved the sections titled "Nantucket", which explained how a rumor was started and how it was spread throughout the town.
Barbara Mangels
Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty
This book is a good summer/beach book with interesting character development. It is the author's first book for adults, and I'm anxious to read some of her more recent books.
Joan Steinberg
The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson
Not quite as many laugh-out-loud moments as I am used to with a Bryson travelogue, but still had my husband jerking awake a few times while I read in bed. His walks through England detailing the small towns, seaside villages, big cities, and the British idiosyncrasies has actually made me put a trip to England on my "places to visit" bucket list.
Kay
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
A beautiful book!
David
On Fire by John O'Leary
A very inspirational book about how a person overcomes life issues, and how other folks can help with the healing of both the physical problems and the mental problems. John describes how he, with the help of many people, overcame a fire in his youth, to be a guiding light for many others in living life to its fullest.
Jane
Trail of Echoes by Rachel Howzell Hall
A serial killer is loose in the projects where detective Eloise Norton grew up. He is killing 13 and 14-year-old girls whose academic trajectories are leading them out of the ghetto. Hall addresses the questions of why some escape poverty and some don't. She also looks at some of the assumptions made about people defined by their occupation and/or prior history. As someone who is not African-American, I was taken be the way that the author combined the mystery with social commentary. I am going to go back and read her previous books.
Michelle
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
Disappointing. Questions left unanswered, a storyline that seemed flat and even confusing at times.
Susan
Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg
This sad book tell the story of people who lost their loved ones in a house fire and how they coped after it happened.
S
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Our book club pick for July.
Judy
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This tale of French and German people in WWII is full of many lights, large and small, as well as many things heard but not seen. A totally riveting read.
Whitney
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Beautifully written and thought-provoking. True story of a brilliant man who wants to understand more about death. He is drawn to writing and medicine and decides he will be able to learn more through following medicine as a career and passion. Unfortunately he gets a first hand ability to understand death. Couldn't put it down.
Rachel
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
Very informative and enjoyable read. I learned a ton about the famous Wright brothers (Orville and Wilbur), their achievements, and their early family life. There are a lot of pictures and the book is formatted so that the book moved quickly and never felt bogged down.
Tessa B C
Glory Over Everything by Kathleen Grissom
Grissom’s debut, THE KITCHEN HOUSE, became a bestseller; this book follows one of the characters in the first book over several decades. There is a good story idea here, a runaway slave who passes for white and builds a successful life. There are a number of twists and turns in the plot and I was caught up in the story and wanted to know how the characters would fare. However, Grissom uses multiple narrators and the result is that there is less cohesion in the storytelling. In summary, it’s a good story and kept me turning pages, but the writing fell short.
Karen
The King of Lies by John Hart
Excellent story of secrets and lies in a small southern town. Southern fiction at its best!!
John
Wordless by AdriAnne Strickland
Very interesting YA fantasy with one heck of a cliffhanger ending. I immediately ordered the sequel.
Nancy J
Full Body Burden by Kristen Iversen
An eye-opening account of the nuclear contamination at the Rocky Flats plant in Colorado.
Deborah Smith
The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes
Such an interesting book written as fiction, based on fact. A Chinese girl was driven from her home in Seattle when all Chinese were being forcibly removed from their homes. She was an excellent seamstress and told her story via an intricately designed robe. A sleeve of that robe was found by the daughter of the owner of the property. She found someone to research it and the story unfolds. A beautifully written book, which I enjoyed tremendously. Highly recommend it.
Betty
The Wife, the Maid and the Mistress by Ariel Lawhon
Fictional retelling of the disappearance of Joseph Force Crater, a New York Supreme Court justice, in 1930. He was the Jimmy Hoffa of the age. He was never found.
Lynn
The House on Primrose Pond by Yona Zeldis McDonough
Great for women's reading groups!
Lynn
TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod by Garfield Whyte
Everyone needs an Uncle Pete!
Marsha
Vanished by Joseph Finder
Nick Heller is tasked with finding his kidnapped brother and protecting his wife and child while he uncovers a powerful conspiracy. This is a very riveting thriller and we will want to follow Nick on his next adventure.
Lynn
Remembrance of Blue Roses by Yorker Keith
Interesting sort of babble along about three people who became friends.
Betty
Late Edition by Fern Michaels
This book was an entertaining story of "girl" friends having fun together. Of a certain age, these ladies were up to just about anything...including nightly seances to speak to past husbands, etc.
I enjoyed reading about senior ladies able to do what they want and having their friends around them.
Donna
The Rivals of Versailles by Sally Christie
A marvelous book about King Louis XV of France and the Marquise de Pompadour. The author goes into great detail of the life and times, the luxury and depravity, of the intrigue, betrayals, lies and loves of the people of that era.
Marilyn Jensen
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
An amazing book to read. Having one of our book club members losing her husband to Alzheimer's disease brought this story so close to our hearts. We have watched our dear friend struggle with the loss of her husband for some time. The medical detail in the book concerning the physical abnormalities that a person with various stages of Alzheimer's goes through enabled us to better understand just how devastating this illness can be. Excellent read. We all did the same with our friend; laughed, cried, prayed, and just let her know we were there for her. We gave her that all important outlook to vent as most caregivers never have anyone to help or be there when they too are struggling with losing a very important partner in their life.
LINDA
Lone Wolf Dawn, Book 2 by Aimee Easterling
I received this ARC in returned for a honest review. Book 2 just blew me away! Fen is now Hunter's mate, they left behind Fen's pack to search for bloodlings together. After a month of setting free the caged and abused wolves, Fen receives a letter that her dad has passed and Hunter talks her into attending the funeral, but when she saw her mom after a decade she couldn't make her feet take the final steps. She returned to the car and he drove her to a hotel not uttering a word. The next morning she awoke to find that he had left her without a word of where he was. Then she found a paid receipt besides a key and she quickly packed but headed in the opposite direction of his rental car's GPS address...
Jan Zahrly
Orhan's Inheritance by Aline Ohanesian
I expected better. This acclaimed book about the Armenian diaspora from Turkey in the early 20th Century follows friends/workers who worked for each other; the Armenians were the higher class in that part of Turkey but the native Turks either killed them or forced them out of the area. In the late 1990s the patriarch of the family dies and leaves the "old family home" to a woman in the U.S. The grandson, now the owner of the company, goes to the nursing home in the U.S. to discover why the grandfather gave this woman the family home. The book rambles with far too much description of everything but little character development. I regret that the author did not delete some of the description and provide an ending.
Jean
All Summer Long by Dorthea Benton Frank
This new book from the author suffers from excesses -- both from the extravagant wealth of their "best friends", her employer, whenever and wherever they need an interior decorator, and our interior decorator and her recently retired history professor husband who relocate to the Charleston area. How many times is it necessary to say "I love you", whether walking down the street or relaxing on your over-the-top Southern mansion sipping cocktails. Definitely a beach read, although I bet you can't finish the book without eating a tomato sandwich.
Bonnie
You May Also Like: Taste in an Age of Endless Choice by Tom Vanderbilt
Non-fiction. Absorbing analysis of why we like the things we do. Lots of information about "taste" in music, art, food, etc. Also how those rankings and "stars" on Amazon, TripAdvisor, etc. work. Well worth the read.
Brady
The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom by Slavomir Rawicz
This true story is one of few that I deem as one of the best books I've read in my life. It is true story of an escape from a prisoner camp (in the middle of nowhere) from Russian Siberia involving 7 convicts who take a year and go through a huge number of harrowing experiences to get to safety in India. The human sense of survival in some people (not all, for sure) is eternal, and the details of that experience is experienced here. A great read!
Jennifer
Goldfish by Nat Luurtsema
This is a book for teenagers and is well written for them. It had me laughing out loud. It's a very easy read and should make teens laugh. There is also a moral built into the story but it isn't overwhelming. My favorite characters were Lou and Lav.
Nora
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
Such an extraordinary story! The man had several lives and any one of them could have made an interesting story.
Luann
Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld
Intense. Can't wait to read it again in order to catch what I might have missed. Loved it!
Betty
All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker
Teenage Jenny is brutally raped in the woods one night while attending a party. In an effort to shield her from the horrific memories, her parents agree to the use of a controversial drug that will erase the night’s events from her memory. A year later Jenny is struggling to feel “normal”. But the attack lives on in her body and in her soul. She knows she was raped and struggles with the damage done to her soul. She wants to know what happened. At this point her parents begin taking her to a psychiatrist in an attempt to regain her memory of that night. This psychiatrist, Dr. Alan Forrester, is the narrator of the book. Very suspenseful.
Bobbie
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Earle Stegner
CROSSING TO SAFETY is quite possibly the most beautifully written book that I have ever read. Stegner wrote 30 books during his career and while this book was written 29 years ago, the story is as relevant now as it was then. I have already ordered two of his other books just so I can be immersed in the writing again. My book club loved the book and Stegner's style too.
Debbie
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I enjoyed this book very much. I didn't know much about the French occupation during the WWII. Our book club had a great discussion.
Bonnie
You May Also Like: Taste in an Age of Endless Choice by Tom Vanderbilt
Absorbing non-fiction about why we like the things we do. Touches on Amazon, Trip Advisor, Pandora and other websites that ask your opinion. Also taste in art, food, music, etc. Fascinating.
Marilyn
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
I think it is her best yet! It opens with a scene from the "Mad Men" era, and follows two families as they are split and blended and live on both sides of the country.
Bonnie
I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
I like a good scare as much as the next person and I like offbeat books. But this one was too weird for me. It started off well enough but when I finished it left me more than a little perplexed.
Linda
The Present Deal by Riley Murphy
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review and loved the way Ginger Crawford took control from Keenan and offered him a deal he couldn't and wouldn't refuse, all the while wiggling her way into his cold heart that he never thought would be warm ever again.
Chris
What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman
This is an interesting read about an insane asylum and present day.
Rachel
Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner
Awesome beach read with a great story! Must read for all chick lit fans!
Jan
The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
What a fun read! This debut novel of short stories revolves around a newspaper based in Rome, trying to be relevant and cover the world. The characters are well developed and believable. I recognized myself and others --- getting to the bathroom before one breaks down in tears, someone recognizes you and you do not recognize them, refusing to answer the phone when you know who is calling. A man from Atlanta who made his money in other ways decided to start a world-focused newspaper in Rome. He tried to hire the best people and sometimes did. We meet them and their successors in this book. A great read and would do well in a book discussion group.
Donna
Sister Eve and the Blue Nun: A Divine Private Detective Agency Mystery by Lynne Hinton
This was a fair mystery story. As I read the book, I did learn a couple of things I didn't know. Though I'm not Catholic, I have a sense of the dilemma the female must feel with her limitations as a nun in the church. Also, I was unaware of the story of the Blue Nun which was enlightening.
Patti DeMares
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
Very good storyline but difficult to follow at times, although it was a good discussion book for book clubs.
Miriam
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
Lovely story about Arthur Pepper and what he finds out about the charm bracelet of his late wife. It changes him for the better.
Andra
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Ove is described as a 59-year-old curmudgeon. This is a spot-on description of this man who at first glance is not very likable, but as you read the book you begin to understand what has brought him to this place. But at 59 years old, life is not over. No matter if someone thinks they they have nothing to look forward to in the future, this does not mean life must continue as you have lived. That is the beauty of this book. I can't say more without giving away the story. I recommend this book because it is well written with well defined and strong characters.
Marsha
No Cure for Love by Peter Robinson
Michael Connelly wrote the foreword for this novel outlining his praises for the accuracy and tone in this Los Angeles novel written by a Brit. A beautiful TV star is being harassed by an obsessive fan who has gone off the deep end. A member of the LA squad is tasked with solving the problem and we are taken for a thrilling ride.
Lynn W
All Summer Long by Dorothea Benton Frank
I have read and liked all of Frank's novels except this one. Shallow plot, ultra-rich people with nothing more to do than spend and be mean to each other, and stilted dialog left me shaking my head. Dottie, you can do much better than this!
Francisca E B
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
Miss Jean Brodie is a teacher at conservative girls school in 1930s Edinburgh, Scotland. Rather than follow the school curriculum, Miss Brodie prefers to inspire “her girls” with stories of her trips abroad, favorable remarks about Mussolini, comments about sex, and field trips. She is, after all, “in her prime,” and she wants to instill in them passion, independence and ambition. I’ve had this on my TBR list since the movie came out in 1969. I have to wonder what my reaction would have been had I read it back then.
LINDA
Only For Now by Alana Hart and Mila Rose
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have always been a sucker for second chances and the story of Alexa and Will's story was just as sweet! Four years ago, Alexa Roberts had ran to New York to start her career and get over Will Townsend. Now, in New Orleans for her sister's bachelorette party, she awakes from a night of partying not in her own room as the suite is way too elaborate. She does her business in the bathroom only to hear the voice of the man she'd tried to leave behind four years ago! She thought Will had stooped lower than she thought he would to take advantage of her when she'd had too many drinks! Will Townsend, a playboy and photographer had let Lex run away from him once.
Jan
The Promise by Robert Crais
Not his best book but a thriller anyway. It was hard for me to believe that Elvis Cole could get fooled like he did. This is not a spoiler. This is a usual mystery with someone trying to kill Elvis or his friends (Scott James and Maggie in this case) and an innocent (?) woman. Joe Pike is as great as usual. He must be easy to write about. Elvis has to trust others more in this book and that was delightful. A good mystery, as usual.
Judy O.
Where I Lost Her by T. Greenwood
Tess Waters is taking a much-needed vacation in Vermont. One late evening, she is driving on a road through the woods and finds a very small girl on the road in front of her. She jumps out of the car and tries to help the child, but she runs off. Tess follows but cannot find her. The little town goes on full alert with search parties and helicopters, but to no avail. Tess will not give up and vows that she will find the child. This is the story line in an exciting, suspenseful book. Greenwood is a new author for me, but I will find some of her other books to read.
