This contest period's winners were Bridget L., Deb B. and Janet H., who each received a copy of THE GOOD DAUGHTER by Karin Slaughter and A STRANGER IN THE HOUSE by Shari Lapena.
Dena
Practicing Normal by Cara Sue Achterberg
Perfect read if you enjoy women's fiction. A story about many issues that we or people we know are dealing with. Life in suburbia is not always what it seems. It also shows you different stages of love, young love, married love, parental love, sibling love and how they evolve or disintegrate. I didn't want to put it down, always wanting to know what was going to happen next!
Ilene
Exposed by Lisa Scottoline
Mary DeNunzio is a law partner with Bennie Rosato. They have to resolve a conflict of interest because Mary wants to represent a lifelong friend, Simon Pensiera. Simon was fired from his job and is suing because he believes that it was due to his daughter's expensive cancer treatment and not to poor job performance. The problem is that the employer is a long time client of the law firm, and presents an ethics problem for Mary, and puts her into opposition against Bennie. I thought that this was an excellent book.
ILene
Home by Marilynne Robinson
Jack was a middle child among eight siblings and was constantly in trouble during his youth. As a young man he left home and disappeared for twenty years. He was the favorite of his father who ironically was a Presbyterian minister, and felt guilty that Jack lacked good character. When Jack returned, he formed a strong relationship with Glory, the youngest child who had also returned to take care of their ailing father. Jack had difficulty living down his past and became a suspect even when petty crimes were committed. Glory wanted to believe that Jack had changed, but did he and what did he do during those twenty years?
Ilene
The Resurrection of Joan Ashby by Cherise Wolas
My most favorite book of the year. I even loved the 500+ pages and was so sorry when I was finished; I wanted more. Joan is a writer of short stories which are included in this book, which also is about her family of husband and two sons where everyone has an interesting story to tell. And then when she goes to India, and has the best adventure, that's when I wanted it to go on and on.
Linda
To Capture What We Cannot Keep by Beatrice Colin
Loved it. It felt like I was in Paris in the 1880s and the story of building the Eiffel Tower was fascinating backdrop for the story.
Linda
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
I found it very interesting at first, but very slow through the middle and sometimes confusing.
Jill
The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry
This book took me back in time, remembering as a child, staying at my grandparent's house on the lake and meeting friends for summer. I enjoyed reading this. It is a fast read and one I would consider a beach read.
Carol
Use of Force by Brad Thor
Scott Hargrath and his band of characters is always a great adventure. Brad Thor continues to keep this series engrossing and sometimes too real.
Sherri
Gretel and the Case of the Missing Frog Prints by P. J. Brackston
P.J. thanks "...Pegasus for taking the frog leap of faith required to launch Gretel onto an unsuspecting U.S. readership." I for one am glad she did. Three years ago I searched for books for a Kindercamp art week, and came across this book and am just now reading it to fulfill a library bingo. This is the most fun I have had reading a book in quite a while - I look forward to reading more by this author. The plot is simple, fantasy/mystery, but the writing style keeps it going. Brackston anthropomorphizes verbs and repeats idea using synonyms in a new way (strung together for unusual but enjoyable long sentences.) The plot involves grown up Gretel (Gretel from fairy tale fame) trying to find who stole Durer's Frog Prints.
Linda
Come Sundown by Nora Roberts
Young women have disappeared on snowy roads while their cars stand abandoned. There are no leads but a hot-headed bully of a deputy has it in for a hard-working wrangler. This goes back to an altercation that occurred during their childhood but it has impaired the deputy’s judgement. At the same time of the disappearances, an older woman escapes her captivity where she has been imprisoned and tortured for over 20 years. She is enjoying the fresh air and looking at the beautiful stars. She is not sure who she is or where she is but feels she has to get back to the shed where she was imprisoned before her captor returns and beats her for getting away. Did her captor take the missing women? If so, where are they?
Linda
Blame It on the Duke by Lenora Bell
A cute love story as a notorious rake becomes domesticated and a studious young woman turns into a lady rake! His father lost at a card game and the winner got his choice of the family townhouse or Nicholas. He picked Nicholas to marry his daughter Alice. As the son of a duke, marriage to Nicholas would ensure Alice’s place in society. Alice and Nicholas had other ideas and drew up their own contract.
Linda
Dark Hunger by Christine Feehan
Juliette and her sister Jasmine have been watching an illegal research lab operated by the Morrison Psychic Research located in the depths of the jungle. One night, they enter the lab to free the captured animals. Juliette is stunned to find a man who has been beaten till he is bloody and has chains wrapped around his body. When she is working to free him, he is shocked when he is now able to see colors where before all was gray and knows that she is his lifemate. When freed, he sinks his fangs into her neck and claims her as his lifemate. He is Riordan De La Cruz, a Carpathian hunter.
Linda
How to Catch a Wild Viscount by Tessa Dare
Rumors abound of a mysterious stag that is supposed to be half man and half beast. Cecily and friends are at a house party when they all decide to go to the forest and search for the beast. She gets separated from the group and is charged by a wild boar when she is saved by a man who appears out of nowhere. He saves her from the boar and disappears. Was she saved by the beast?
Linda
Man Overboard by J. A. Jance
Oden’s father committed suicide and he is interested in cases where a suicide victim’s parent also committed suicide. He wants to push some of the psychiatrist’s patients into committing suicide. To him, it is the ultimate game. He hacks into the file of a psychiatrist using Artificial Intelligence known as Frigg. A patient of the psychiatrist almost commits suicide and complains about someone sending her hateful texts which disappear. The last one she received was seen by the suicide responder and can be verified that it was there and then disappeared. Stuart Ramey works for Ali Reynolds at High Noon Enterprises and is on the case and found links back to the hacker. Then Frigg turns on her creator and wants a new master.
Wendy
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Great.
Kiera
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
It's an amazing book, just like the previous books in the series. It wraps up a great series with a great ending, and leaves you wishing that it wasn't the end.
P.K.
Fallout by Sara Paretsky
I always love the V.I. Warshawski books but I thought this one was particularly good. I think Ms. Paretsky's writing just gets better and better. This book was set in Lawrence, Kansas instead of the usual Chicago setting. It was interesting to see V.I. operate without her usual contacts. She goes to Lawrence to try to find a couple of missing people but ends up revealing a slew of old secrets, too. Great read!
Jennifer
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
This is one of those books that feels like a gift from the author. It's not just because it's good; it's more that it is a book that gives book lovers what they want, and even what they don't know that they want. Every time I opened this book up and started to read, I felt like I was sinking into a huge comfy armchair with a mug of tea and a warm furry dog in my lap. Horowitz did a truly amazing job of capturing that feeling, which so many of us associate with the Golden Age mysteries, and even the TV show adaptations after them. This book felt even more like a gift because Horowitz gave us not one, but two really excellent cozy mysteries, and the book itself is all about books, writing, and publishing. It is simply delicious.
Chris
The Marsh King's Daughter by Karen Dionne
I much anticipated the release of this novel and was not disappointed. An outstanding story, unique in content and delivery. The protagonist's voice is outstanding. Competing tensions build, arising from the protagonist's backstory as a child as she moves toward understanding the obscene truth about her origin and her backwoods existence, versus the present-day dilemma of the protagonist as an adult, needing to track her murderous father who's escaped from prison into the same wild they'd both lived in as family, a father who shows every intention of wanting to again ruin the protagonist's life now that she is an adult with a family. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
Allison
Jack in the Pulpit by Cynthia Riggs
Great mystery.
Angie
The Alliance by Jolina Petersheim
A plane crashed into a field in an Old Order Mennonite Society due to an Electromagnetic Pulse. Being the only self-sustaining food source around, groups of people start heading there when the grocery stores and their cupboards run out. The pacifist community must decide whether to honor their values or use violence to keep themselves and their food supply safe. First book in the series. THE DIVIDE comes in spring of 2018. Good book!
Marilyn
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
WWII story of one woman's courage gathering of refugees at her crumbling Bavarian castle. She made a solemn promise but her struggle for ethics and survival is greatly compromised during this desperate time in history.
Nancy
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
I never thought about my taste in books being similar to Reese Witherspoon, but apparently that's the case. This book was the first selection for a book club she has formed. I loved the book. It's partly about women spies in World War I, something that I knew little about. The writing is captivating, albeit a little graphic for the squeamish at times. There's a second story, involving Charlie, a pregnant, single post-World-War II young woman who ends up with Eve, the World War I spy lead character, each determined to solve a life mystery. How the two come together makes for great reading.
Jill
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
A little slow, but it turned out to be very good.
Nina
My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
Many characters are brought to light in this prequel to ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE, also written by Strout. She has a great way of weaving storylines from the past and present. Marriage, divorce, family secrets and a strong mother/daughter bond is explored.
Janet P
A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny
Book 2 in her series with Inspector Gamache. A serious thriller with a lot of humor thrown in. Just when things get tense, the author throws in a witticism! I will be reading the entire series!
Matt
Paradise Valley by C. J. Box
Even though the publisher considers this a stand-alone book, we have seen the major characters before-- a serial killer, the Lizard King and Cassie Dewell police detective. I consider this one of Box's better non-Pickett books. It's a fast read.
Dorothy
Camino Island by John Grisham
A real good read with lots of twists. I recommend this as I couldn't put it down. Found it slow in the beginning.
Judy O.
Defending Jacob by William Landay
This book was published in 2012, and I now have read it 3 times. It explores the idea that there is a "murder gene" that is passed down through families. Fourteen-year-old Jacob Banner is accused of killing a classmate, and the evidence seems pretty strong against him. His father is a well-known DA in Boston, and he and his wife are desperate to see Jacob free of this murder charge. The ending is fantastic and unexpected.
Betty
The Bat by Jo Nesbo
I had the feeling that there was a lot of padding going on here. Did Nesbo start out with a novella and end up writing a novel? I know this was an early book in the series; I'm going to try another in the future. Not quite yet. Too many other books to read.
Mary
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
It keeps you in suspense to the very end.
Trisha
The Light in Summer: A Butternut Lake Novel by Mary McNear
This is a great summer read. The main character is relatable and likable - I could understand her comforting evenings on her porch and her frustrations as a parent. Life sometimes catches you off guard and yet you have to fight to keep your balance. I loved the message in this book. I would recommend it.
Diana
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
A beautiful and tenderly written book about an elderly gentleman who travels through north Texas to small towns where he reads newspapers to citizens who pay ten cents to hear what is going on in the rest of the world. At one of his stops he is asked to deliver a young girl who was a captive of the Kiowa to her to the home of her German aunt and uncle in Castroville. Their journey is long and dangerous as the bond between them strengthens.
Shana
On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety by Andrea Petersen
In ON EDGE, Wall Street Journal reporter Andrea Petersen does an admirable job of not only sharing her struggles with anxiety/panic attacks/panic disorder, but intersperses them with history about how psychology has viewed anxiety and panic, possible explanations for why some people develop anxiety/panic issues, and treatment methods--past, present, and on the horizon.
Sylvia
The Muralist by B. A Shapiro
Interesting combination of mystery, history, and art. The author interspersed fictional characters with real characters of the time period such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Mark Rothko, and Jackson Pollack. The author did not hesitate to include a period in the nation's history which was shameful. The refusal to allow the ship The St. Louis - which was laden with refugees fleeing Europe - to land in this country. She also mentioned Varian Fry, who was active in the rescue of refugees including Marc Chagall.
Kathy
Leaving Berlin by Joseph Kanon
Exciting spy thriller taking place in Berlin during the air lift and beginning of the Cold War.
Becky
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
This book within a book was frustrating at times. It was difficult to know who was the narrator and which “book” you were in. There is a difference of font, but it is a slight variation and easily missed. Susan is a bit too “talky.” I wanted her to just get on with it instead of rehashing all of the clues and suspects. I thought the Atticus book was by far the better plotted and told of the two tales. It just took forever to get to the finish line. Andreas seemed to be thrown in just so he could be around to “finish the plot.” Susan didn’t miss him at all when he was gone for 6 weeks. The end, therefore, seemed too pat a finish. The depiction of the English village was spot-on.
Lori
The Trust by Ronald Balson
I was delighted to have the opportunity to read an advance copy of The TRUST. I had read and thoroughly enjoyed all of his previous books and this one did not disappoint. I was happy that the book was not about the Holocaust which had dominated his other books. This book is mostly based in Northern Ireland. I learned a lot about its history, particularly The Troubles. I enjoyed learning more of Liam’s backstory. This book about murders and a contested estate was quite suspenseful and had great characters. There were many ethical issues which arose in the story which would make good book discussion topics. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but the others are well worth reading. I highly recommend it to both men, women and book groups.
Cheryl
The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand
Loved this summer read!!!
Linda
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
I liked Trevor Noah prior to reading this book. He progressed from "not Jon Stewart" to making The Daily Show his own, where I respected him for his facility with American cultural references despite being a South African native. I have a profound respect for him and what he's been through after reading it. Well written. Expertly narrated by the author. Amazing that he turned out to be a comedian AND as well adjusted as he is. Truly a living monument to his mother.
Elizabeth
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier
Although I liked this book very much, as did everyone but one person in my book club, Daphne du Maurier did not outshine herself. Her book REBECCA, which she wrote in 1938, is better than MY COUSIN RACHEL, which she wrote many years later, in 1951. This story is told in first person by Philip, who is first concerned for his sick cousin Ambrose and his mistreatment by the woman he married, another cousin, Rachel. Twenty-four-year-old Philip hates Rachel, sight unseen. But after his cousin dies, Philip quickly and immaturely falls in love with her. Throughout MY COUSIN RACHEL are displays of Philip's immature behavior and Rachel's suspicious behavior.
Karen
Other People's Houses by Susan Rogers Cooper
Chief Deputy Milton Kovak does a lot of his work in other people's houses as he investigates crimes. His current case relates to the death of Lois Bell and her family. Lois worked as a bank teller at the Longbranch bank in Prophesy County, Oklahoma. She was always neat and well dressed. Her home, however, dismays Kovak. Her death appears to be suicide, and her family died as result of the carbon monoxide from her car. Kovak is suspicious because Lois has a head wound so he tries to find out who might have wanted her dead. Notifying the next of kin is a problem - Lois was in witness protection so he doesn't know who she is. He keeps digging into her past, as well as dealing with his lady friend, his sister and a land developer.
Tessa B C
Expecting Adam by Martha Beck
3.5 stars. The subtitle of this memoir is: A True Story of Birth, Rebirth, and Everyday Magic. Beck writes well, and she is very honest about what she went through. Her self-deprecating humor is refreshing, and a few scenes had me laughing out loud.
Lynn W
Paradise Valley by C. J. Box
Another good book by one of my favorite authors. Unfortunately, this is the last of a quartet. Will miss Bakken County, ND, and Cassie Dewell.
Karen
A Distant View of Everything by Alexander McCall Smith
Isabel Dalhouse, philosopher, wife and mother of a small boy, Charlie and a baby boy, Magnus, is known as a helpful person. Resolving a problem requires some investigation, but it also requires thinking. She tries to discover why people act as they do and suggest a solution to the problem based on this information. This leads her to think about her own dealings with her much younger husband, Jamie, her housekeeper, Grace, Charlie, her niece, Cat, as well as Eddie, Cat's employee, and the people who submit articles for publication to her magazine, The Review of Applied Ethics. She realizes that it would be best to try to consider their circumstances and feelings for better relationships with all of them.
Lynn W
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Read this for the second time for book club this week. The characters are exquisitely drawn, Enzo's (the dog) voice stays right-on, wish I could be as forgiving as Denny...in short, I love this book.
Nicolette
The Child by Fiona Barton
I was disappointed...how did I not see that coming?! What a great book! Before I picked this book for my monthly box I had to go back to my review of THE WIDOW, Ms. Barton's previous book, as I didn't remember much about it except the ending. My review reflects that it kept me turning pages, so I dove into THE CHILD. As the story develops you get to know the different characters' personalities through their own words and thoughts, and it really makes you wonder about the baby in the garden. But I bet you won't figure out the mystery that reporter Kate gets enveloped in before it's revealed! Complete with lovable, questionable, and despicable characters, this novel and it's clever ending is on my top-picks shelf for 2017.
Trezeline
Camino Island by John Grisham
An exciting read. However, the ending was weak in my opinion.
Noreen
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
A completely different view of WWII. A woman in Germany and what she does to survive. She kept her past a secret for 50 years...life would have certainly been better if she hadn't.
Nancy
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
OMG, what a story - it was engaging and imaginative. There was mystery and murder and no shame, which was fun.
Burma
Gather the Daughters by Jennie Melamed
This book was amazing. It tells the story of a group of families living on an island. They have customs that are terrible and heartbreaking. The writing is wonderful and the characters are so well developed. Highly recommend!
Bonnie
3 MPH by Polly Letofsky
Letofsky walked around the world, mostly solo, to raise money for breast cancer education. Her memoir of this walk is compelling and fascinating. It would be great for anyone including young people to teach about different cultures and peoples.
Bonnie
A Life of Adventure and Delight by Akhil Sharma
Book of short stories set in India.
Jan
Accessories to Die For by Paula Paul
NetGalley and Penguin Random House Alibi provided me with a pre-publication copy of this book in return for an accurate review. The best thing about this quick mystery is the setting: Santa Fe. The descriptions of the town and the surrounding area are lovely and accurate. Characters could have been more developed. The only character who was fully written out was Adelle Daniels, the mother of Irene, the owner of a specialty consignment clothing store. Adelle is spoiled, has run out of money and husbands and has returned to Santa Fe to look for new ones (husband and money). For unexplained reasons, Irene has left her high-paying and high-prestige attorney job in New York to come to Adelle’s rescue. There are Native American influences.
Linda
In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox by Carol Burnett
Carol Burnett always seemed a good friend. Well, my good friend regaled me for several hours on a road trip. Stories about each of the co-stars and some of the guests during the 11-year run of The Carol Burnett Show. Some parts didn't seem as funny as Carol seemed to think. I wonder if it was the difference between watching a skit and listening to a description of the skit.
Sean
The Girls by Emma Cline
Emma Cline pens a coming-of-age novel starring young Evie who recollects her involvement with a insanely unoriginal Charles Manson-esqe group. Cline's writing is fluent and her prose is beautiful. While I liked the book I felt the story of Evie growing into her feelings of belonging and exploring her sexuality in the sixties was so much better than the eventual murders that unnecessarily xeroxed the Sharon Tate murders. The gruesome act eluded to the entire novel actually takes away from the story. I also didn't understand the point of the limited time the author spends in the present with Evie. Overall, a beautifully written but flawed novel.
WALTER
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
It started off a little slow for me. Once it got going, I was more interested. My impression was that this is a modern telling of "Sex and the City" if "Sex and the City" was set in 1937. The writing was fine, nothing special to me. I read it for book club, and I am glad I read it, but it wasn't gripping.
WALTER
A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore
This book was bought when a coworker suggested the author to another guy I work with. I read one line in that book and wanted to start at the beginning. It starts slow, Charlie is not your typical hero, but is worth the wait. The characters develop well, as do the supporting cast of characters...like the hellhounds.
WALTER
To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey
Did not like the journal format.
Suzy G
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
This is my first L.M. book and I've already started her new one! She captures day to day life of a married couple like no one else and her dialogue writing skills are superb. There is a big mystery but (I never spoil!) although you may figure out bits of it, I challenge you to figure out all of it; it can't be done! I did figure out parts but for Ms. Moriarty's books it doesn't really matter; there is so much more going on that while the big mystery IS important, so is everything else in the book. Friendships between women, friends, relatives, neighbors, casual acquaintances, are complicated and there's a lot more beneath the casual, "Hi, how are you?" between characters than is at first apparent. This writer rocks!
Shari
Right Behind You by Lisa Gardner
Loved it! Things are not always what they seem. You are led to believe that Sharlah May Nash's older brother, Telly Ray Nash, is on a killing spree, but ex-FBI profiler Pierce Quincy and his partner, Rainie Conner, think there's more to the story. I could not put the book down.
Helen
The Marsh King's Daughter by Karen Dionne
A really smart thriller full of interesting twists and turns. It's also very different from anything you've read before and timely as it relates to stories recently in the news.
Janet
Down a Dark Road by Linda Castillo
I am a huge fan of Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series and this novel is no exception. Wonderful mystery again, but we get a little more information on her growing up years with the Amish. The mystery had enough twists that I didn't know who did the murder. Castillo's books are always un-put-downable. This is no exception.
WALTER
The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer
This was a great book about the role of a bar in the life of a boy and how one's "family" and "home" are not always the traditional kinds. The story was well written with only occasional lulls and managed to make bars and those who frequent them sound like lost poets and renegade philosophers.
WALTER
My (not so) Perfect Life by Sophie Kinslla
I'm a huge fan, but this book left me feeling a bit blah. No need for a long review from me on this one. It's cute, funny, and nice read, just not anything special.
WALTER
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
May have enjoyed it more if I was younger...the love story was a little sappy. It was just okay.
Jan
The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly just gets better with time. This is one of his best. Harry Bosch, forced to retire from the LA police, now volunteers his time at a small suburb with a small police force. But he has an agreement that he can continue to take on private work when it comes his way. A very wealthy old man seeks Harry and pays him $10,000 to come to his house to discuss a private matter. The money is paid to Harry before he does anything. The old man fathered a child when he was young and his father forced him to terminate the relationship. At the same time Harry agrees to look for an heir, he and his partner get a break on a serial rapist. So Harry has two cases that need immediate attention. We know that Harry will prevail.
Betty
Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker
I found the pace to be very slow. I almost gave up on it several times. I didn’t find any of the characters engaging, and the only one that drew any emotion from me was Witt. While the story is told from the perspectives of Cass and Dr. Winter, it is written in third person. Thus the reader is unable to get into the head of the characters and left me with a feeling of detachment, the same complaint I had with ALL IS NOT FORGOTTEN. The only chapter I felt any visceral response to was the last one, written as a first person perspective from Cass. It is suspenseful, and it does have a twist. If you are not familiar with the behavior of a narcissist and how the disorder impacts those close to the person, it may be worth the read.
Susan
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Absolutely loved this book and I am not a sports fan! This book needs the hockey element though, and I learned a lot from it!
Dorothy
One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline
A great read. I highly recommend it as I couldn't put it down -- finished it in two days.
Deborah
Miller's Valley by Anna Quindlen
I've had this on my "to be read" stack for quite some time and finally got to it. What a wonderful book. A small town has the government wanting to take the land as it's in a valley and fill it with water. Money maker for a lake to provide boating, etc. It's about a young girl living through all the coming changes to her town and the people in it. She also finds out about a family secret. I highly recommend this book. I need to read more Anna Quindlen novels!!
Margaret
The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand
THE IDENTICALS is set alternately on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, a diversion from the author's novels usually being set solely on Nantucket. It's about identical twin sisters who haven't spoken in 14 years because of an argument. One sister, Tabitha, is an astute business woman, who has lived with their mother since their parents' divorce. The other sister has a laid-back attitude, has lived with their father, and taken care of him for a long time due to his illness. Family circumstances force the sisters to talk to each other, sparks fly, and some intriguing scenes develop. All very entertaining. This is a well-plotted novel with an engaging storyline. Included are some interesting characters who help to lighten up the novel.
Margaret
Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson
Joshilyn Jackson writes with a lot of emotion and has a way of making you feel as though you are experiencing what is happening. This novel has so much depth and I found I was interested in her wonderful characters. Single mom, Shandi, her genius 3-year-old son, Natty, and William, the story's hero, are the main, well-developed characters. I didn't know much about the interesting plot and I think that's one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. It is never predictable. There are light, funny, moments and some very intense, dark times which make the novel so readable. Ms. Jackson knows how to skillfully construct her novels and make them into page-turners.
Michelle
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Fascinating story about the corrupt beginnings of adoption in the United States. A historical fiction featuring Georgia Tan (additional reading: THE BABY THIEF: The Untold Story of Georgia Tann, the Baby Seller Who Corrupted Adoption) and the fictional Foss family who were torn apart by Ms. Tan and her legion of corrupt officials. Ms.Tan's stringent requirements for adoptive families were that they were wealthy. She had poor families sign documents under false pretenses and took their children, told poor mothers their children were stillborn when they were not and would steal children walking on the side of the road. This is a heartbreaking glimpse into 1920-50s corrupt Tennessee and the devastating effects still felt today for adoptees.
shelly
Slay Bells Ring by Karen Rose Smith
Caprice De Luca could not be happier, she is looking forward to spending her first Thanksgiving engaged to Grant. Of course he been to her family before but not as her fiance. In addition she is working on a home staging for Chris and Sara Merriweather. These are friends of her dad's and he even plays cards with Chris so she wants to make this an extra special project. Sara seems a little reluctant to sell the house but Chris wants to move to a condo for older residents. Caprice notices the hesitancy in Sara and wants her to be sure this is what she wants. Yes, her children are all out of the house but she does love it. Her husband seems to be pushing her to do it fast as he would like the house sold before the end of the year.
Marcia
The Reckoning by Rennie Airth
Excellent writer - sets the scene so well that history comes alive in this mystery.
Anita
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Beartown is a small community that is in trouble - the economy is bad, people are losing jobs, and stores are closing. The only thing they have going for them is their Junior Hockey Team. Looks like they are headed for the Nationals, and everyone is happy until something very bad happens.
Tessa B C
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce
Oh, I love Queenie! She admits that her first instinct when faced with a difficult situation has always been to flee. Now, at the end of her life she faces the secrets she has been hiding, and hiding from, with courage and grace, and pours out her heart in a long letter of love and forgiveness. Changes in typeface, use of quotations (or not), etc. make it clear when someone is speaking vs. just thinking. And the text also has a lovely illustration of Queenie’s Sea Garden; I’ve looked at it several times now, imagining walking through, feeling the breeze, smelling the sea air, listening to birds and enjoying the peace.
DeAnn
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
I fell in love with this quirky character. I laughed out loud a few times and enjoyed this more than I thought I would. What a terrible mother! She was so lonely that my heart ached for her.
Cheryll
Home by Harlan Coben
Loved it. Couldn't put it down -- one of the best novels I've read this year.
cj
Hum If You Don't Know the Words by Bianca Marais
One of the best books I've ever read and I read a lot for close to 70 years. The characters and the situations really come to life in this author's hands. Can't wait for her next book.
Barbara
The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman
Interesting read. The story centers around an immigrant that arrives in America in 1913 as a young girl and creates a national ice cream company. It includes all the ups and downs she faced as an immigrant as well as a woman. The reading seemed to get bogged down at times and was hard to push through but overall an interesting read. I would actually give it 3.5 stars but we can't do half stars.
Susie
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Alice Hoffman's pen must be a wand as everything she writes is a multi-layered, engrossing story!
Terri
Death on Windmill Way by Carrie Doyle
Perfect summer read. A mystery surrounding a quaint inn in the Hamptons...just who is behind the deaths of the inns owners? A great cast of suspects and other characters. The Hamptons are described like I always picture them and the shops are missing one thing - me. The only thing this book is missing are recipes for all the great food the current inn keeper/gourmet chef makes. This is the first of three in a series and I am anxiously waiting on my delivery of Books 2 and 3.
gretchen
Woman of God by James Patterson
Kept my interest a la Patterson but was a diversion from his usual. Not for everyone who is a fan of his.
Elaine
The Godesses by Swan Huntley
Mind-blowing prose and the story just makes you continue reading through the night. To see someone manipulated like Nancy was, you kind of say how did she let it happen. How did she not see what a terrible person Ana was. A must-read.
Cheryl
The Blackbird Season by Kate Moretti
Wow. Amazing!!! I've never read a story like this. I had all these emotions. I was angry, I was sad, I was mad. Kate Moretti is a great writer. I loved this story.
Zaina
The Queen of Tearling by Erika Johansen
Absolutely loved this book.
Kathleen
Ghost School by P. Stretton-Stephens
Fabulous book for all ages. A must-read.
Linda
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
The message I got from this suspense novel is that memories and perceptions can change over time and can differ depending on one's viewpoint.
Rosemary
The Little Old Lady Who Struck Lucky Again! by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg
Let's hear it for the geriatric set!
Jill
The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis
The book's title itself is a clue as to its story, once the reader finds out the reference's meaning. This refers to the fact that some men in 1950s New York City nicknamed the famous Barbizon hotel "the dollhouse" because only women lived there. Rose, a journalist, becomes fascinated with one of these residents, Darby, a Gibbs secretarial student. Darby befriends the hotel maid, Esme, who introduces her to night jazz clubs where she meets Sam, a chef with whom she falls in love. Unfortunate circumstances involving Darby, Sam, and Esme culminate in a mysterious night when a girls dies while falling off the hotel's balcony. Rose investigates why this happened while handling her own messy love life. A great fast read!
Loralee
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
I have read many historical fiction books on WWII. Even though sometimes these novels are difficult for me to read, I learn and feel great respect to the real people and their suffering who inspired the author. This is a well-written, first time author's historical fiction based on true accounts of WWII. This is our book group discussion novel for August 2017.
Debbie
Jellyfish by Lev D. Lewis
The book begins with a shot that misses the target and plummets into a story of similes. The comparison starts as entertaining and quickly fall into a haze deeper than noire fiction. I enjoyed, for a while, the resemblance to the writing of Raymond Chandler, but the English setting hindered this reproduction. Frank Bale, like a battered Don Quixote, goes in search of truth and justice, but instead finds walls and detours. Not every hero rides a magnificent stead and win every battle, but this antihero needs more character.
Linda
The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
I am happy to move on to something else as this one will be in my unforgettable category. The book opens in 2014 with Anthony, an elderly man and his caretaker, Laura who loves taking care of Anthony and his beautiful home. There is also the storyline of Eunice and Bomber which takes place 40 years earlier. Eunice works for Bomber who is a publisher, and they enjoy other's company both professionally and personally. Things begin to go south with the lost item stories that Anthony has written as he is a collector of lost items and has a room filled with them. Things become unbelievable towards the end and I just couldn't go along with the silliness. This one is a miss for me.
Emily
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
THE ALICE NETWORK is a well-written and well-researched gem of a book. I greatly enjoyed the historical aspects centered in the novel with the fictional story making it bloom into a fantastic and entertaining read. The novel is told from two different time periods, 1947 and 1915, but the connections of the two periods come together very well. I was able to connect to the main characters, Charlie, Eve and Finn, and felt like I was experiencing the journey along with them. I will highly recommend this novel to anyone and will definitely check out Kate Quinn's other work.
Hailey
Here and Gone by Haylen Beck
An exhilarating, action-packed thriller with believeable characters and the feel of watching NCIS, Criminal Minds, Law and Order: SVU, etc. Woman flees abusive ex-husband with her two young children when she is stopped by the sheriff in a small town in Arizona for traffic violation and her life begins crumbling. The secret is so horrible, you won't see it coming. I can so picture this as a movie on the big screen.
Tessa B C
The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis
In BUD, NOT BUDDY, Bud met a precocious girl at a camp next to a railroad track near Flint, Michigan. That girl was Deza Malone and this is her story. I just love Deza Malone! She’s smart, courageous, resilient and big-hearted.The family’s journey is perilous at times, and Mrs. Malone’s worry is well founded, but they also have moments of joy, and meet with kindness and compassion from total strangers. Curtis doesn’t shy away from the tragedies of the era, but he also gives a strong message on the power of family unity, and of never giving up your dreams.
Bonnie
The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson
If you're looking for a good, page-turning story, this is the book for you. It has romance, mystery, history, and humor. Well worth reading.
Dorothy
The Duchess by Danielle Steel
Angelica grew up in a magnificent castle. Under English law everything goes to the oldest son. Just before her father dies he gives her money and tells her to keep it secret. Her oldest brother inherits everything and throws her out immediately but he gets her a job as a nanny. She is happy there and is very fond of the five children. They fire her and will not give a reference. Without a reference she can not get employment. Read on. It was very good.
Kay
Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin
A wild romp through San Francisco as told by a girl from Cleveland.
WALTER
Vicious Circle by C. J. BOX
Mixed feelings on this one. It was entertaining overall, but it didn't have the tautness and edge that author Box's earlier books--including those involving the Cates clan--have boasted. Regular readers of the Joe Pickett series will find a lot of familiar plot elements. In VICIOUS CIRCLE it seemed to me that those inclusions felt forced at times. The evil mother-in-law, Nate Romanowski, the Wyoming Governor, all make cameo appearances that feel a bit stitched on.
Allison
His Last Letter by Jeane Westin
Interesting story about Elizabeth I of England.
Carol
The Late Show by Michael Connelly
Had a rainy day Monday and treated myself to reading Michael Connelly's new book, THE LATE SHOW. It was wonderful!!! Love his new character - can see a bit of "Bosch" in her! Will look forward to the next one in the series as well as the new Bosch book this fall. Michael Connelly's books are the BEST!
Wendy
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Great.
DeAnn
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
This one was a quick, compelling read. Terribly tragic that this is based on a true story. I had no idea that this was part of our nation's history.
Karen
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
This is a well-researched book on the history of the tea industry of China and the families and lives it impacts. Very interesting read.
shelly
This Heart of Mine by Brenda Novak
Phoenix Fuller is finally released from prison after serving seventeen years for murder. Her mother Lizzie, who is a hoarder by nature, is also obese and is worried for her daughter. Whiskey Creek is a friendly town and everyone seems to know what is going on. All Phoenix wants is to finally meet her son and become a part of his life. Riley, his dad, has done everything he can to make his growing up pleasant and happy. The problem is does Riley have it in his heart to forgive Phoenix for all the pain she has caused him and his family. Now back in Whiskey Creek she is trying to form a relationship with her son and also convince Riley that she is innocent of the murder. Phoenix does not expect this to come easy.
Tanya
Final Girls by Riley Sager
This book hit every sweet spot for me - compelling characters, twisty plot, and an unpredictable ending. I'm so glad I started it on a weekend because I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it!
Tanya
See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt
Despite this being the story of the famous Borden ax murders, at it's heart it's really the story of a terribly dysfunctional family. Sarah Schmidt's novel paints a fabulously unsettling picture of the Borden family - a family ruled by a tyrannical, miserly patriarch, an addled stepmother, codependent and unstable sisters, and poor Bridget the maid, who sees everything but is powerless to intervene or escape. This book is dark, haunting, unsettling, but also beautiful in its style. Schmidt's expert combination of historical accuracy and creepy storytelling makes for a superb and fresh retelling of a well-known American murder.
Beth
It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
A prescient novel and a cautionary tale for our time.
Elaine
The Library of Light and Shadow by M.J. Rose
To fully understand the book you must read it yourselves. You will not be sorry, and I think M.J. Rose will become an author you might want to follow. I know I do.
Elizabeth
The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve
Although the first third of THE PILOT'S WIFE is depressing, it is so well written you won't want to give up on the book. Then it becomes unputdownable. Kathryn's husband, a commercial airline pilot, is killed when his jet explodes over Ireland. So most of the beginning involves her dealings with the airline union and newspaper and TV reporters. She almost comes to depend on one union representative, Robert, in particular. When Kathryn finds small clues that something suspicious may have been going on with her husband in England, THE PILOT'S WIFE becomes so suspenseful you may not want to eat or sleep until you finish reading it. Anita Shreve is known for her portrayals of strong women and Kathryn sure is that.
Heather
Camino Island by John Grisham
Great, fast summer read! Added bonus is one of the main characters is a bookstore owner.
Ruth
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Probably the best book published in 2017! Amazing.
Kathy
Leaving Berlin by Joseph Kanon
Alex returns to Germany after being threatened by the McCarthy witch hunts in California. Working with the U.S.A. Secret Service, he is commissioned to provide information from Russian section of Berlin in order to be able to prove his loyalty to America. Thus begins a thrilling spy story filled with intrigue, murder and redemption.
Diane
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
Though the story is fiction, it was inspired by the life of Margaret Boxfish, the most highly paid female advertising copywriter in the world. On New Year's eve 1984, as Lillian, now 85, walks around the NYC she's loved all her life, she relates bits and pieces of her life story, the decisions she's made, her opinions about the changing society in general and its effect on her own personal life. During her walk, she interacts with a varied cast of characters, each of whom sets her off to tell more of her life experiences. She's lived through Prohibition, the Depression, wars and the AIDS epidemic. I found her relationship with her mother and how it influenced her life intriguing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it.
Sharon
Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone by Phaedra Patrick
A gentle book, but not sappy. Benedict Stone's wife Estelle has gone to stay in a cousin's apartment because she "needs some space" and Benedict fills his sorrow and longing for her with food. Then there's a knock on the door in the middle of the night. Is it Estelle? No. It's a bedraggled, wet teenage girl wearing a blue dress, denim jacket and boots, his estranged brother's daughter from America. Love, loss and llamas, gems, Gemma, and a grace-filled story.
Connie
The Duchess by Danielle Steel
Angelique is the daughter of the Duke of Westerfield by his second wife who died two days after her birth. She and her father have a close, loving relationship but her two older stepbrothers despise her. When the Duke dies, she is booted out by her brothers and sent to be a nanny. She excels at this but loses her job when someone lies about her. Her father had given her some money before he died so she uses it to open a high-class bordelo in Paris. All works well until disaster strikes causing her to flee once again. I am delighted to say that this novel by the author does not contain much of her signature "over the top" descriptions as many others do. I highly recommend this book.
Shelley
Happiness by Aminatta Forna
HAPPINESS by Aminatta Forna reads like a character study where even the most minor people get some in-depth background details. The two main characters, Attila and Jean, meet by coincidence and the story goes on to describe them individually as well as how they interact. "Attila was not unhappy, he was simply living with a grief that had become his quiet companion." It's a slow mover but stories of the two are interesting enough to keep the reader engaged. The first part of the book has a little bit of mystery and the last half has a little romance. The writing style of going back and forth is abrupt and the change of scenes from one paragraph to the next is sometimes disconcerting. The book has many layered themes: loneliness, grief, love.
Sherrie
The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson
The drama and love between stepsisters, along with finding their true selves.
Kelli
Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny
The book blurb on the cover of STANDARD DEVIATION declares it a "marvel". It truly is. The portrait of Graham Cavanaugh's marriage to his second wife, Audra, and his complicated relationship with his first wife, Elspeth, is nothing short of marvelous. Audra is pure delight. She is my favorite literary character in a long time, and perhaps of all time. You will love these characters, and they will remain in your memory long after you have finished the book.
Dorothy
Lockdown by Laurie R. King
This stand-alone suspense story is really very timely. As your meet and read the backstory of the many characters at Gausdaloupe Middle School.you can feel the tension building. It is career day at school and as diverse student and guests come together you can feel the ominous threads of fate closing in on many innocent people. An excellent read.
Wendy
The Last Good Man by Linda Nagata
This book is set in the not too distant future when artificial intelligence has practically taken over the art of war. True Brighton was a career soldier until her job flying helicopters was replaced by robots. Now she works for a private military corporation that takes on jobs regular armies cannot or will not do. Her company is hired by a family to retrieve their daughter from a warlord in the Middle East. While doing so they also retrieve another hostage who has news about the horrific death of True's son in Burma eight years before. Was he the last good man?
Myrna
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce
For those who enjoyed THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY, this is a sequel that answers some questions left unanswered at the end of that book. Just why did Queenie take the blame for Harold's transgression? What was the nature of their relationship? These and more issues are addressed in the second book. I do think one has to be "of a certain age" to fully appreciate both of these books!
Carol Pirtle
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
The story of President Garfield's assassination is one I knew about, but not in the kind of detail this book brings. DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC reads like a novel and keeps the reader's interest throughout. As a plus, readers learn about the personality of a good and maybe great man who would have been an outstanding president had he not been shot four months into his presidency. Also intriguing are the stories of the man who shot him, Charles Guiteau, and the doctors who bungled the care of the president. Garfield might have survived the shooting if the doctors had followed what are now ordinary standards of sanitation. In a sense, the doctors were also guilty of killing Garfield. Highly recommended!
Gerry
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
4-1/2 stars for a quiet, beautiful rendered story of an elderly man who takes on the task of returning a ten-year-old girl to her aunt and uncle, years after she'd been captured and her parents killed by Kiowa Indians. For me, the story was especially touching, recalling as it did a journey my husband and I took years ago, to return a teen-aged boy to his birth mother whom he had not seen in ten years.
Gerry
Woolly: The True Story of the Quest to Revive One of History’s Most Iconic Extinct Creatures by Ben Mezrich
Intriguing account of scientific work currently being conducted in an effort to use genetic manipulation to revive and restore extinct animal species including, among others, the woolly mammoth. This non-fiction book often read like fiction -- Preston and Childs' style, I thought as I read. Though I wished for a more definitive ending, the research is ongoing and the conclusion unknown, but fascinating to consider!
Gerry
The Child by Fiona Barton
3-1/2 stars for a mystery that started slowly, but eventually gathered steam and reached a very satisfying conclusion. When the skeleton of a newborn baby is unearthed at a construction site, there's great confusion about the identity of the child. Reporter Kate Waters, in search of a compelling story, begins investigating on her own, and finds more than she expected.
Gerry
The Wangs vs. the World by Jade Chang
2-1/2 stars for a story about a Chinese-American family and a fortune made and then lost in pursuit of the American dream.
Gerry
Scars by Cheryl Rainfield
4-1/2 stars for a vivid and emotionally-wrenching story of a young girl struggling to cope with memories of sexual abuse. Reading this the same weekend I started watching The Keepers made it all the more powerful.
Bobbie
Do Not Become Alarmed by Maile Meloy
A story of two families taking going on an adventure, a cruise together. Everyone is enjoying the cruise until one day when the husbands opt to play golf at a swanky club with a new friend and the wives and children sign up for a zip line tour in Central America. The tour van breaks down and the tour company mechanic won't be able to get to them for hours. The guides takes the families to a nearby beach so the children can swim. A series of events keep the mothers from keeping a watch on the children and they disappear. The story is alternately told by the children and the adults. I found it a compelling read that turns into a real page-turner with a satisfying conclusion.
Debbie
Hum if You Don't Know the Words by Bianca Marais
What a wonderful and fantastic read this book was. I have just finished reading it and I know my outlook for this day has just notched up quite a bit. The feeling that this book has left me with is amazing. A story of a young girl, Robin, who is 9 years old and how her whole life, her family and those around her changed drastically all in one day during the Apartheid in South Africa. A story that had me laughing, crying, shocked, mortified, and shaking my head a lot. I really grew to love these characters and loved that I got to spend a day and a half with them. Actually, I wanted to spend more time with them, however, the book came to an end.
Helen
The Marsh King's Daughter by Karen Dionne
Unusual story of victims, family, the land-- a real thriller with very sympathetic characters.
Debbie
Blame by Jeff Abbott
Blame is running rampant in Lakehaven, Texas. Fingers are being pointed all over the small little town and they mostly seem to be pointing at Jane Norton. A seventeen-year-old girl who crashed her car with her neighbor and best friend, David Hall, in a seemingly one vehicle involved accident. Jane woke up after four days in a coma to discover that she has lost three years of memories. Those three years contain the death of her father and three years at high school. At first when she woke up, she didn't even recognize her mother. Although that memory came about very soon. Her friends, before high school, she remembers, as fourteen years old, not as they are today.
Jud
House of Spies by Daniel Silva
Daniel Silva has done it again, bringing back Allon, who is now Chief of the "Office," for a 17th time. Allon's focus in this novel is tracking down Saladin, who was in the wind at the end of THE BLACK WIDOW. I highly recommend this book.
Jud
Without Mercy by Jefferson Bass
WITHOUT MERCY by Jefferson Bass is perhaps the best entry in the series yet. The writing pair which uses the pseudonym “Jefferson Bass” is perhaps one of the best in the crime genre. Their books contain a sense of realism that few writers can match. This is by far one of my favorite forensic-themed series and I learn something new with every entry I read. If you are a fan of crime novels, I highly recommend this series and this novel with a 4 out of 5 stars.
**A copy of this book is the only compensation received for this review.**
Debbie
Bring Her Home by David Bell
I love David Bell's books. I know when I pick one up to read that I am assured of a great read. That assurance certainly was true, yet again, with this book. The plot twists involved while Bill Price is searching for his daughter, Summer, are jaw dropping. The suspect list is long and seeing Bill literally beat his way to finding his daughter is heartbreaking, especially so soon after losing his wife. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and my inability to put it down proved that fact. A read that I loved that will have you turning the pages without noticing the time!
Debbie
The Address by Fiona Davis
Excellent read!!! Set in NYC at The Dakota where Lennon was killed, it travels back and forth in time. From the beginning of the building, 1884/5 to 1985. A story of scandal, secrets, intrigue, lies, cruelty, trickery and family lineages. I loved Fiona Davis' first novel and I think this one is even better!! I read this all in one sitting and was mesmerized. I could not put it down. I definitely recommend this book! Thanks to Read it First and the fact that I had points, I got to read this outstanding book.
Janet
The End of Temperance Dare by Wendy Webb
Another ghostly mystery from Ms. Webb. The action takes place primarily at Cliffside Manor, an artist retreat in an abandoned TB sanatorium. The characters, both alive and dead, are well drawn. A great novel if you like puzzles and ghosts and twists. It's an easy, fun read. Enjoyed it.
Janet
Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton
I picked up this book because I have been fascinated with the war between Cope and Marsh and their discovery of dinosaur bones. When my son was young he was really into dinosaurs. The disappointment for me with this book was an almost total lack of even a fictionalized story of the two archaeologists. It was a cowboy story of the old west with other fictionalized people. Good story if you like cowboy soap opera.
Linda
It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
Before BRAVE NEW WORLD, before 1984, before FAHARENHEIT 451 was Sinclair Lewis. In light of the U.S.'s present political situation and president, this book seems very timely (and scary). Nope! It can't happen here.
Ramona
What Could Possibly Go Wrong by Jodi Taylor
This is book 6 in the "Chronicles of St. Mary's" series. It has all the elements of a great read for anytime - romance, mystery, time travel, drama, thrills, and historical fiction! What more could you want? St. Mary's is disguised as an "Institute of Historical Research", which is the headquarters for time traveling historians and techies. Dr. Maxwell, known as Max, is a Chief Training Officer in this book. One of the main characters, she gets into a lot of trouble in every book! Time travel is tricky, so there are the dreaded "Time Police", and a host of characters who want to muck up the works. Join Max and the rest of the team as they traverse history to record and try not to "change" history!
Linda
Jackie's Girl: My Life with the Kennedy Family by Kathy McKeon
Kathy McKeon was a young Irish immigrant working as a nanny for a New York City divorceé and her children. Feeling abused by her employer, she jumps at the chance for a new job she was alerted to by a friend. Unknown to Kathy, her interaction with the young male child is watched by the child's mother. The child was John Kennedy Jr. The way Kathy related to him was enough for Jackie Kennedy to decide to hire the young girl. Kathy's life in and out of the Kennedy family is related in this book from early 1964 to the summer of 1999. Kathy loved the Kennedys and they love(d) her.
Karen
On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service by Rhys Bowen
Lady Georgiana Rannoch, a poor relative of the royal family, is summoned in April 1935 to come to London to meet with Queen Mary. The queen wishes to verify that she plans to marry Darcy O'Mara who is a Catholic. In return for expediting the matter, she asks Georgie, who has been planning to visit her friend, Belinda, in Italy to go to a house party to spy on her son, the Prince of Wales and Wallace Simpson. When Georgie arrives at the party, she finds her mother is there too. Her mother, a beautiful actress, begs her to help her find some photos that another guest, Rudi, is using to blackmail her. Her search leads her to some important information. Then someone dies and all the guests are suspects.
Debra
Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde
This book is so good. An older lady and a teenager...bridge the generation gap. Keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.
Liz
The Excellent Lombards by Jane Hamilton
Frankie is a young girl being raised on her family's apple orchard, which she loves. As she gets a bit older she begins to worry about who will take over the orchard and what will happen to it with the next generation. She would love nothing better than to keep things as they are. She becomes deeply distraught when her brother William, with whom she is very close, decides to go away to college.
Linda
House of Spies by Daniel Silva
Gabriel Allon is hunting for the ISIS mastermind known as Saladin. Tips lead to France and wealthy businessman Jean-Luc Martel. Martel’s wealth comes from the lucrative world of drugs, namely hashish, and his laundered drug money has helped fund ISIS terrorist acts. Gabriel must get Martel on his side to find his suppliers who will lead him to Saladin. He learns of Martel’s Moroccan supplier who is often accompanied by his friend Khalil and Gabriel is sure that Khalil is Saladin. He learns that Saladin has had plastic surgery done on his face but nothing can disguise his limp. Gabriel is sure he will get Saladin and wipe him from the face of the earth. He is patient and there is nothing more dangerous than a patient man.
Linda
Never Lie to a Lady by Liz Carlyle
Xanthia Neville is a partner in Neville Shipping. As an independent businesswoman, she never really fits in with society but this doesn’t bother her as she does what she likes without a care for society’s disapproval. At a ball, she is intrigued by a dark stranger and is stunned when Lord Nash calls on her the next morning when no names were exchanged the previous evening. Before they can act on their mutual attraction and her outlandish proposal, she is visited by the Home Office who suspect Nash of smuggling rifles to Russia. Xanthia is sure he is innocent and sets out to prove it. When he learns of her part in this, he is devastated and feels he has been betrayed by the woman he has fallen in love with.
Linda
The Bedding Proposal by Tracy Anne Warren
Since her divorce from her husband, Lady Thalia Lennox has led a quiet life and has no plans to get involved with any man. Lord Leopold Byron is fascinated with her beauty and also the rumors swirling around about her. He makes a bet with his twin Lawrence that he will be bedding Thalia soon. He does not know Thalia and how strong a person she is. She has to make him see reason and quit calling on her. But the more she is around him, the more she likes him and soon she doesn’t want him to quit calling.
Gina
Broadchurch by Erin Kelly
UNFAIR! I picked up this Erin Kelly book because I enjoyed THE POISON TREE and HE SAID, SHE SAID so much. I wanted to read everything that Erin ever wrote. But BROADCHURCH is unfair for two reasons. One, It is not a true Erin Kelly book but is based on a Chris Chibnall series. Two, it is a plodding British mystery in which no one could foresee whom the murderer was. Now I know that "Life is unfair" but do books have to be also? This mystery had none of the psychological suspense of an Erin Kelly novel. It was readable and the ending did bring a tear to my eye but it was still unfair.
Shelley
Elgin Park: Visual Memories of Midcentury America at 1/24th Scale by Michael Paul Smith and Gail K. Ellison
ELGIN PARK: Visual Memories of Midcentury America at 1/24th Scale is about a unique project created by Michael Paul Smith. He photographs "old-timey" model cars and handmade scenes to recreate childhood memories. These scenes are loosely based on the town of Sewickley, PA during the mid-1960s. This book is a behind the scenes look at where and how Mr. Smith creates these magical scenes. They look so real! He turned his hobby into preserving the past. "...represents a deep nostalgia for...the lost world of people's childhood and adolescence." Originally posted to his Flickr account, visitor comments are included which show just how much these scenes have impacted his audience. Captions contain dates, artist thoughts, and how-to information.
LEE
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
Suspenseful, captivating. Couldn't wait to finish it. Several individuals board a private plane that crashes. Most die, two survive. As the story unfolds, we learn about each passenger's life and the connections they have with each other. Many insights connect plot and characters to the world events of today. Character development of protagonist is strong. Ending leaves one wondering about how things will really end.
Marsha
Dangerous Minds by Janet Evanovich
Worst effort ever by Evanovich. Don't bother.
Marsha
House of Spies by Daniel Silva
This is Silva's latest book featuring legendary spy, assassin and art restorer Gabriel Allon and it is a winner. It is a heart-pounding hunt to find the world's most dangerous terrorist and it takes the efforts of several countries to execute.
Judy O.
The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain
Riley McPherson has believed all her life that her older sister, Lisa, committed suicide after she was implicated in the murder of a man who was her violin teacher. One day, twenty years after the murder, Riley finds evidence that seems to say that Lisa is still alive! This was a good story, and I'd probably give it a 3.5.
Shirley
Crime Scene by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman
Not as compelling as Jonathan's Alex Delaware series but still a good read. I think Jesse must have written a lot of this book and it is good to see a new, younger protagonist. I hope this develops into a series.
Diane
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
I loved this book! Set in New York city, an 85-year-old woman, on New Year's Eve 1984, decides to walk a circuitous route to and from the restaurant where she always goes to celebrate this occasion. Along the way, she meets people of all walks of life. Each meeting sparks a memory and the reader gets to learn about Lillian's life which was filled with achievements, passion, excitement and heartbreak.
Rolsemary
Bibliomysteries by Otto Penzler
Good selection.
Dianne
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
A must read for WW II readers about the war in Italy. Things I never knew. A book that you can't put down and a fast read.
Sheryl
Murder in White Lace: A Bridal Shop Cozy Mystery by Karen Sue Walker
This is the first installment of new cozy mystery series. The next installment MURDER IN CRIMSON VELVET was released in July and I can't wait to read it. It's a quick read set in a fictional town on the coast of California. The characters are very likable and there are several sub-plots going on so I wasn't bored at all. When I finished this cozy, I wanted to read more of Max and the wedding boutique where she is working.
Judye
Time of Fog and Fire by Rhys Bowen
Another satisfying book in this series. Also, the reader learns a lot about the San Francisco political shenanigans, the earthquake and General Funston. A great way to learn about history while reading an extremely satisfying mystery.
Angie
The Animators by Kayla Rae Whitaker
THE ANIMATORS has been my biggest surprise read of 2017 so far - I honestly didn't expect to like it as much as I did. The relationship between animation duo Mel and Sharon is the heart of the book, and its evolution drives the story. Mel and Sharon are fascinating and complex characters with their individual struggles. I devoured the last two thirds of this novel, and felt that the middle third to be the strongest, most riveting part of the story.
Ilene
Shiver Hitch by Linda Greenlaw
Jane Bunker leaves her job as a homicide detective in Miami to relocate to Green Haven, a small fishing town in Maine, hoping to leave behind the violence. She becomes a marine insurance investigator and has to evaluate a case where a woman is burned to death in a home fire. Was it accidental or foul play? If murder, many suspects. Ending not obvious. Very good book.
Deb
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
Absolutely loved this book! I would love to have my own floating bookstore! This book allows you to read while sailing away thinking about your own past and discovering something new about yourself. A must-read!!
Jan
What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan
This mystery is like the perfect storm. There is a beginning - a single mother allows her 8-year-old son to run ahead of her on the forest path that they have traveled many times. When she gets to the meeting place, he is not there and neither is his dog. She looks, enlists others to look, finally contacts the police to report a missing child. And then the storm builds. Everyone in this mystery has a secret she or he is carrying around and it influences their judgment. Just when you decide who has kidnapped this child, a new revelation about someone else sends you and the police and the mother in a different direction. Don't start this if you have to go to work tomorrow.
Richard N B
Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam
Homer Hickam, Jr. (a/k/a Sonny) grew up in Coalwood, West Virginia – a “company town” built and owned by the mining company for whom his father worked. In his memoir, Hickam brings the residents of Coalwood to life. He shares stories of growing up, of high school football, a beloved teacher, unlikely allies, young love, and his mother’s determination that her boys would NOT go into that mine.
Sherman
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
I won this book on Word of Mouth way back in Oct. of last year. I put it in my to-read-later pile and so didn't read it until just this month. (That is how tall my pile is!) I should have put it at the top because this is an excellent book and I really enjoyed it. I didn't know too much about Einstein so found it interesting and at the same time felt so sorry for Mitza. She really had a sad life with him and deserved so much more. She deserved so much more credit than what she got. This is one you will enjoy- just don't wait too long to read it.
Donna
The Silence of the Sea by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
A luxury yacht carrying a crew of 3 and a family of 4 that traveled from Lisbon to Iceland crashes into the pier where family members are waiting for its arrival. There isn't anyone on board and no sign of what happened to everyone. This is a good mystery.
Joy
The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman
This was a heartbreaking story, written beautifully. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading other books by this author.
Bridget
The Paris Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal
Maggie Hope heads to Paris in the 7th novel in this series. She's going to rescue another female sister as well as her recently discovered half-sister. Will she or won't she? Her mission moves forward with an appearance by Coco Chanel. While I was not crazy about the ending of this novel, I did find the depiction of Paris society during the Nazi occupation to be interesting.
Bridget
Same Beach Next Year by Dorothea Benton Frank
Every year I look forward to new novels by my favorite "summer authors." I was somewhat disappointed with this one. The plot was thin. Two couples meet in a beach resort where they discover husband A and wife B were high school sweethearts. Will they or won't they goes on and on. Family issues (dealing with aging parents) pop up here and there. Overall, I was disappointed.
Nancy
Karolina's Twins by Ronald H. Balson
I had read and enjoyed ONCE WE WERE BROTHERS and was looking forward to this book. I was not disappointed. Like the first book, this is a World War II and Holocaust saga, told by Lena, an elderly woman whose son threatens to have her committed, believing that her fixation on finding her friend's twins, lost during the War 70 years ago, is a sign of mental instability.
Marilyn
The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
The writing is lyrical and beautiful to read. I love reading books where I can learn something. I found myself looking up information about the Khmer Rouge and people who make a living going through a dump for recyclables. In this story two women give each other hope and redemption. One teaches the other to read and the hope it gives her to give her son a better life.
Marilyn
The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer
This is a memoir of a man who grew up without a father. He was always searching for a father figure as his home life was rather difficult. His mother tries hard, but doesn't have an education and most of the time they live with the mother's parents with other cousins. His uncle works in a bar in town and many of the men who frequent the bar take the place of J.R.'s father. J.R. ends up going to Yale but finds it hard to fit in. He falls hard for a very popular girl who toys with his heart even years after they graduate. I was getting a little tired of all the drinking during college and after.
Marilyn
The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure
I have read many books about the occupation of Paris during WWII, but this one really gave me the feeling of what it was like to live in Paris as a Jew and Gentile. A young non-Jewish architect is asked to build a hiding place for a wealthy Jewish man. He does it as he is desperate for money. When one of his hiding places fails and a couple dies due to his design, his feeling for saving Jewish people turns to something very personal as he is hiding a young Jewish boy in his home that he has become very attached to.
Marilyn
The Pearl that Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi
The story takes place in Kabul where the Taliban rules and girls can not attend school. The story goes back 100 years to also tell the story of Rahima's great grandmother. Both women feel powerless against society. Their stories are fascinating and disturbing at the same time. The book is a real page-turner as you want to know what happens to each woman. Not too much has changed in Afghanistan today for women, but the book does leave you with a glimmer of hope for the future.
Irene
All the Little Children by Joe Furniss
Two women and their young children go camping in the wilderness. While they're there, terrorists attack England with a deadly virus. Scary!
MH
The Kommandant's Girl by Pam Jenoff
I wanted to read the book because I'd read THE ORPHAN'S TALE. I enjoyed the book but
found it predictable.
Ruth
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Outstanding book! Probably the best book published this year.
Barbara
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
I loved, loved, loved this book! It goes back and forth between 1915 & 1947 and is about a French female spy during WWI and later in her life. One of the characters is based on a true female French spy and I especially loved that part. I am recommending this book to all of my friends - you won't be disappointed.
Karen
The Address by Fiona Davis
This was a really great historical fiction. Written in two different time lines, 1884 and 1985, it starts with the opening of the Dakota, the famous residence in New York where quite a few famous people lived. It's the place where John Lennon lived and where he was fatally shot. Great detail from both time periods. It also touches on Blackwell's Island Insane Asylum, when Nellie Bly exposed the horrendous conditions the patients lived under. Loved the book. If you like historical fiction like I do you'll enjoy this read. This was an advanced readers copy. Loved the picture on the cover.
Barbara
My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
I really wanted to like this book since I had heard rave reviews as a must-read. I enjoyed the story, but I think my expectations were way too high.
Linda
Quicksand by Malin Persson Giolito
Wow. I started this book as an e-book without the benefit of flap disclosure. I did not know for several chapters the gender of the accused nor did I know what the crime was. That only heightened the enticement. Maja is arrested for a school shooting the prosecuting attorney is sure Maja planned with her boyfriend, Sebastian. Partially told through Maja's recollections and partially through the trial. It is a page-turner.
Beth
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Somehow I never read this amazing book over the years. It was a compelling, page-turning story that sucked me in immediately. This book has tragedy, drama and light moments. Rosie the elephant is my new hero!
Pauline
Pages in the Wind by Sally Saylor De Smet
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller and found it to be a page-turner. The author draws you into her tragic tale and keeps you with her to the end. In fact, I read this debut novel twice. Emily Quinn, a beautiful nineteen-year old girl, is in jail for the brutal murder of her abusive father, but she does not know what events brought her there. A renowned psychiatrist using hypnosis reveals Emily's past. Emily tells her story from age five when her twin sister was killed crossing the street. I do not want to reveal what happened but I do recommend reading it.
Sherry
Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke
Loved the book. Historical fiction is my favorite. You learn a lot about history when reading these kinds of books.
Mona
Once Upon A Spine (Bibliophile Mystery #11) by Kate Carlisle
In this eleventh book in Carlisle's Bibliophile Mystery series, Brooklyn Wainwright, book binding/restoration expert/artist and amateur sleuth, returns as the narrator. She and Derek, her fiancée, love their charming neighborhood where they have lived for the past five years. They live across the street from the Courtyard shops, which they visit often to browse and socialize. It's a community in itself as the owners know one another, live above their shops, and are practically a family. Coincidentally, the owners of Brooklyn's favorite haunt, the Brothers Bookshop, are family, brothers-in-law. But, in this installment, Brooklyn is on edge. Their beloved Courtyard shops are in danger of being torn down and replaced.
Mona
A Murder of Magpies by Judith Flanders
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The story is set in the London publishing world. Samantha "Sam" Clair, the protagonist, is a book editor and the narrator. Her client, Kit Lovell, goes missing. Kit is a fashion journalist at the Sunday News whose dishy manuscript on the fashion industry has also disappeared. Inspector Jake Field shows up at Sam's office to investigate. I enjoyed Sam's voice. I was immediately drawn in by both her humor and by the vivid descriptions she provides of everything and everyone. The supporting characters are also introduced in a timely fashion as the plot progresses. We meet Sam's colleagues and clients, her neighbors, and, especially, someone flamboyant and charismatic.
Anna
The Red Field by Jason Taylor Morgan
This book is a must-read.
Kelley
Morningstar by Ann Hood
I loved this book. Ann details in each chapter how certain books shaped her early years. Who doesn't love a book about books!
Amy
The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley by Hannah Tinti
This novel is amazing! It's one of the best books I've read this year. It's a father-daughter coming-of-age thriller that examines the effects of a parent's past on their child. It's beautifully written and a pleasure to experience.
Kara
The Girls in the Garden by Lisa Jewell
Great mystery that reads well and will keep you engaged.
Betty
Best Intentions by Erika Raskin
Without a doubt the best suspense read this year!! Erika Raskin has delivered an amazing work. The characters are totally relatable. The book is fast-paced and the suspense builds keeping you turning pages. I wanted to seclude myself so I could just read. There are many “psychological thrillers” being released lately. Most promise a “surprise twist” at the end. But many of these books have left me feeling the end was contrived in order to give that twist. I did not feel that with BEST INTENTIONS. Everything falls into place carrying you to a satisfying end.
Bonnie
My Sister's Bones by Nuala Ellwood
Don't you love a mystery where, at the end, you can honestly say...I didn't see that coming at all! This is it.
Bonnie
What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons
I found it somewhat disjointed.
Bonnie
The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson
Some novels are simply great stories that you don't want to end. Savor this one.
Mary
The Outermost House by Henry Beston
A book for any nature lover - reminiscent of Thoreau's Walden. The author spends a year on Cape Cod in the 1920s and draws you into his world with eloquent, but precise, language describing the waves, wildlife, and shipwrecks, of the Massachusetts coastline.
Margaret
The House Girl by Tara Conklin
This is a historical fiction set in two time periods: (1) present day NYC with Attorney Lina who works on a class action case on behalf of the descendants of slaves who were never paid for their work, and (2) mid-1800s Virginia on a failing tobacco plantation where Josephine is a slave house girl. Josephine is artistic and brave and dreams of running away to escape the hard life and abuse. The chapters switch between the viewpoints of these 2 protagonists. There are several stories going on making the book too long plus the author writes many detailed descriptions of various settings with information that seems like it's just to make the book longer. There are well-developed characters in Josephine and Lina, both of whom I was routing for!
Dorothy
Country Bride by Debbie Macomber
I really enjoyed the Rose Harbor and Blossom Street series but this was a waste of time. You knew in the first chapter what was going to happen.
Liz
Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks
Russ is thirty-two years old and believes his life s perfect - beautiful wife, fantastic daughter that he adores, great job and a successful career. All of that changes one day. He must now reevaluate what is truly important in life and somehow find the strength and courage to go on. At every turn, when he feels he is making headway another roadblock pops up. Fans of this author will not be disappointed.
Janet
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
I thought the first half of the book was excellent. By the second half of the book, I was tired of the main character and all his problems.
Francisca E B
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
The subtitle is all the synopsis you need: A Modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. This is the fourth installment of the planned retellings that comprise The Austen Project, wherein contemporary authors tackle one of Austen’s works and reimagined in a modern setting. All told, I found it entertaining and fun. Definitely helps if you’ve read the original, though it spoils any surprises as you anticipate “when will they…?” or “how will she include…?”
Lois
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
An excellent insight into the lives of people during slavery. It examines the lives of the slaves, indentured servants, and masters at the time.
Thomas
Sons and Soldier by Bruce Henderson
Very good and interesting book.
Gina
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
This book has everything! It follows the life of a Russian count sentenced to live in hotel the rest of his life. The book spans fifty years in which we learn about the friends he makes and what is happening in Russia during the Stalin years. It is a big book but I thought it went quickly. The author's writing style is just beautiful. I definitely recommend.
Helen
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
Wonderful story about a family's encounter with death, particularly the middle child, a boy. The characters are all so vividly described. It's like readying about people you know and circumstances you've imagined. Easy read but thought-provoking.
Debbie
Buried Secrets by T. J. Brearton
Wow, the secrets are never-ending in this action-packed thriller. Newlyweds, Brett and Emily, are ecstatic about their new house. Lots of room for the kids they are hoping to have and lots of land for the garden that Brett wants so bad. Everything is going their way, that is until Brett uncovers human bones while working on his garden. That is just the first secret that that is unveiled in this unputdownable, riveting, hold onto your horses book that should most certainly be started well before bedtime. And, just when you think there are no more secrets to be had and the book is winding down - SURPRISE - there's more! An excellent read that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Debbie
Wish You Were Here by Renee Carlino
Oh, this book. There were times I was SO frustrated with Charlotte and times she actually had me crying. I actually cried through several parts of this book. And, when I finished, I cried some more. This was such a heart-rending story. I absolutely LOVED it. I knew something was up with Adam almost right away, but my guess about his issue was totally wrong. Yay!! The characters were so real and had me totally mesmerized and engrossed in their world. A story about love, loss, growing up and somewhat cheesy at times that I absolutely loved and enjoyed. Huge thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley.
Debbie
Best Intentions by Erika Raskin
This was a very entertaining read for me. I really liked the main character, Marti, a loving mother of three and a wife of a resident doctor, who has just recently returned to work as a social worker. The "demands" of her husband in his job as a resident usually leaves her holding the bag and doing everything regarding the household and the kids. Marti is a very likable character and I really enjoyed meeting her. She has the biggest heart and is constantly trying to overcome her frustration with things at her home between herself and her husband.
Dave
The English Girl by Daniel Siva
One of Silva's better books.
Chris
In This Grave Hour by Jacqueline Winespear
Great summer book! Quick and captivating read. (A Masie Dobbs mystery)
Heather
Naughty in Nice by Rhys Bowen
I just started this wonderful mystery series, set in the 1930s, starring Lady Georgiana Rannoch who is 34th in line to the English Throne. She has lots of connections and no money but assists the Queen with undercover work. Just a fun, quick read...perfect for summer reading. NAUGHTY IN NICE is the fifth book in the series. I'm going back to read the first four.
Heather
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
I'm now hooked on this fun mystery series. Lady Georgiana Rannoch is 34th in line to the English throne, sassy, smart and basically penniless. Her Royal Spyness is the first book in this series. I highly recommend the series to anyone looking for a light, fun mystery.
Phil
Painting Sage by Rachael K. Hannah
Wonderful story of bipolar 15-year old girl. Both Sage and her family, cope with a myriad of mental problems, and ever changing family dynamics. Well written and touching.
Sandy
The Child by Fiona Davis
There are lots of twists and turns to this one, and has a very surprising ending. Highly recommended.
Sheryl
Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke
BLUEBIRD, BLUEBIRD is a great racially charged murder mystery set in a small East Texas town, where the secrets are hidden yet right in plain view. Ms. Locke has another winner with this novel. Her characters are full of depth and the setting is very typical of some of these backwoods counties. I couldn't put this one down; it's very fast-paced and held my attention to the surprising end.
