| Rita |
| The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I have come lately to reading this nonfiction bestseller from a couple of years ago. This is not an easy book --- definitely not a summer beach read --- and I heartily recommend the audio version. However, the information given will affect your thinking and understanding about world economy, politics and technology and, perhaps, show you what an exciting world we inhabit.
|
| ck |
| The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
A group of women gather in a NYC shop to chat, knit and eat cookies. Each has a little drama in her life that is more important than the needles and yarn. Ms. Jacobs skillfully developed the men and women so the reader knows their history. However, it's not a new or original story.
|
| Kay Keller |
| Black Out by Lisa Unger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I enjoyed reading this psychological thriller written in first person! It was hard to put down and impossible to figure out the ending.
|
| Amy Mahnke (mack4@bex.net) |
| Back Roads by Tawni O'Dell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Full of mystery and suspense, this is very good right from the beginning. A mother kills her husband to protect their children...but, is that the real story? The 4 kids are living on their own, trying to survive with mom in prison and dad dead. The only son is very messed up --- he is raising his 3 sisters on one income, barely making ends meet. The book is written from his perspective. I cannot put this one down; I've never read anything like it. I usually read romance.
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| Rita |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
For some indecipherable reason, this is listed as a book for young (read teenage) readers. I see this as a book for everyone, and one that will leave a lasting impression. When I started the book, I thought it was just another World War II story about the treatment of Jews. When I finished this book, I had tears streaming down my face! It is about treatment of the Jews, but more so about treatment of the German people and mostly about the power of love! Truly, I recommend this for your "must read" list.
|
| Rita |
| The Reader by Bernhard Schlink |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
The setting of this book is post World War II in Germany. It concerns a teenage boy who is seduced by an older woman who wants him to read to her in exchange. It is an interesting story, but not the most compelling that I have ever read.
|
| Angela |
| The Good Guy by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Dean Koontz gives readers another thrilling adventure with strong characters and chillingly believable villains. This tale is captivating from the first page and will leave the reader rapidly turning pages long into the night. Recommended for any thriller fan.
|
| ck |
| The Romanov Bride by Robert Alexander |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Another winner in the author's series about Russia during the Revolution. Grand Duchess Elizabeth, sister of Czarina Aleksandra, was married to an unpopular member of the Romanov family who was assassinated. She dedicated her life to caring for the indigent through her hospital and an orphanage in Moscow. The parallel story concerns the activities of one of the Revolutionaries. This well-researched book of historical fiction would be appropriate for summer reading for teens as well as their parents.
|
| Ruby Davis |
| Eternal Pleasure by Nina Bangs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Kelly Maloy gets a job as a driver for Ty Endeka, one of 11 missionaries. What she doesn't know is they are souls that have been awakened after sixty-five million years for one purpose --- to save mankind from extinction.
This was an unusual paranormal and kept my attention throughout the book.
|
| cn |
| sTORI Telling by Tori Spelling |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
I'm not reading a mystery this week, which is very unusual for me. I decided to take a short break to see if Ms. Spelling would really spill the "beans." I haven't started it yet, but will this week. I just finished the last book in the Harry Potter series.
|
| Honey Johnston (Hon2724@aol.com) |
| Copy Cat by Erica Spindler |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
My new author search turned up a gold mine....for mystery readers. This is what is known as a "page turner". Well developed plot line with very interesting characters and a full surprise ending. My summer best so far.
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| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| My Father's Keeper by Norbert and Stephan Lebert |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
What an interesting book this was! I liked the way Stephan took his father’s work and expanded it. It is almost as though Stephan was learning about his father and his work right along with us, the reader. The subject is the children of the Nazi leaders. Norbert interviewed them in the 1950s. Stephan made the attempt to interview the same ones in the 1990’s. Some of them who interviewed with Norbert, refused to meet with Stephan. Some of the children agree that their fathers were behind something evil and could not be forgiven. Others still loved their fathers, didn’t believe they did anything wrong and spent their lives trying to prove it. This is a subject that I feel compelled to learn about. It was such a unique time in history, I am fascinated by it. I like reading various aspects of Nazi Germany, especially like this one. I highly recommend this to WWII history buffs.
|
| Judy |
| The Dead Room by Heather Graham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Archaeologist Leslie MacIntyre survives an explosion that killed her fiance, Matt. She is back at the site of the now-rebuilt historic house and she sees dead people. Not only does she see dead people (very helpful for an archaeologist), but she dreams of her Matt by night and by day, she finds herself attracted to his lookalike living cousin, Joe. Add a missing social worker (who is from a wealthy family) and several missing prostitutes to the mix and you have a twisty, turny story that keeps you interested to the very end.
|
| Maureen H |
| Hold Tight by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
What a great read. I loved it!!
|
| Judy O. |
| Nothing to Lose by Lee Child |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
I have long been a fan of Lee Child's character Jack Reacher, reading all of the books in this series with great pleasure. However, this new one was not as much to my liking. I found it to be very slow moving, and it took me almost a week to read because I wasn't compelled to pick it up. I won't give up on the series, though, but maybe my next one will come from the library instead of from a bookstore.
|
| Lorna |
| Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a little different for this author. I did enjoy it, but can understand some of the mixed reviews. It's not your typical Picoult novel --- it had some eerie situations. If you are a Stephen King fan, I would recommend this. It reminded me of some of this works. It also provided very interesting info on the death penalty.
|
| Connie |
| Capital Crimes by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This was an older book from Woods. I usually find his books to be very gripping and hard to put down. For some reason, this book was neither. It was good, but not gripping. The ending was also somewhat left open.
|
| T. Thomas |
| The Last Time I Was Me by by Cathy Lamb |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Wonderful book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and laughed and laughed.
|
| Robin |
| Dead Time by Stephen White |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I am only a few chapters into this latest Stephen White book, but I already know it rates 5 stars. I wouldn't rate any of his Allen Gregory series any less; they are all excellent. He compares to Jonathan Kellerman, in that he writes what he knows. He is a psychologist and so is his title character, with the added depth of his wife's struggle with MS and his relationship with Sam, his detective friend. I have yet to be disappointed in a book by Stephen White and recommend them frequently to patrons at our library.
|
| Readingrat |
| Songs for the Missing by Stewart O'Nan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Kim Larsen is simply enjoying the summer before she heads off to college --- just an all-American teen. Then one day Kim fails to show up for her shift at the local Conoco, and the nightmare for her family begins. The police think she has run away, but her family knows better. They organize search parties and television appearances to bring attention to Kim and her plight. But as the weeks wear on, and the tip line brings in one dead end after another, Kim's family has to face the fear that they least want to voice.
O'Nan has done a wonderful job portraying the day-to-day life cycle of this type of tragedy and its effect on those left behind. When reading the book, you get the distinct feeling that this is exactly what it would be like to go about locating your missing daughter. Where the book falls short is in conveying the depth of the emotions the friends and family of this missing child must surely experience once the search parties have gone home and the t.v. cameras have left, which has the effect of consigning the reader to the sidelines to watch the story unfold instead of bringing them right into the midst of it.
|
| Laurel |
| Beautiful Boy by David Sheff |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book should be required reading for every parent of a pre-teen to young adult and anyone who works with this age group. It is sad, informative, uplifting, hopeful; it is everything I needed to read at this time to know I'm not alone.
|
| Carol Hoyer from VA (pageant4u@hotmail.com) |
| From Vilayur To Baltimore by Gopal Dorai |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
An excellent story of a young boy born and raised in India. He works hard and gets himself out of poverty. In a country where arranged marriages are still going on, he chooses to marry a young gilr whom he loves. In an attempt to get a better education, he moves to the US.
A wonderful story that beautifully describes customs, cultural issues of India. I learned so much.
|
| Laurel |
| Death in a Strange Country by Donna Leon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This series takes you to Venice. The first, DEATH AT LA FENICE, draws you in, but the second, DEATH IN A STRANGE COUNTRY, sealed it for me. I will read more of Donna Leon's Guido Brunetti. He's smart, charming, and the conversations he has with his 'superior', Patti, are priceless.
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| Carol Hoyer from VA (pageant4u@hotmail.com) |
| Letters to My Granddaughters by Linda Abbott Trap |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A very inspiring book involving all of life's mysteries that we all went through. With great guidance these topics range from understanding love, having it all, things that get in our way. It is a self-help book that will guide you through what is important in life. Easy reading.
|
| Laurel |
| Redemption Street by Reed Farrel Coleman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Need a new mystery/suspense series to engage you this summer? Start with Reed Farrel Coleman's WALKING THE PEFECT SQUARE, the first in the Moe Prager series, and immediately follow with the even better REDEMPTION STREET. If you enjoy Robert Crais' Elvis Cole, you'll love Moe. Both have a humanity and irreverence that's hard not to love.
|
| Laurel |
| The View from the Seventh Layer by Kevin Brockmeier |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
If you've avoided short stories because you feel shortchanged, give these a try. "A Fable Ending in the Sound of a Thousand Parakeets," the first story in the collection, is an excellent example of what you're in for when you open Brockmeier's book. Each tale is satisfying and complete; each will have you thinking long after you've finished.
|
| Donna Marazzo |
| The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This novel defies description, nonetheless, it is totally enthralling. Can you say conceptual sharks attacking/eating away at memories of the protagonist (who is already calling himself the 2nd Eric Sanderson since the 1st ‘disappeared’ or at least all cognizance of himself did)?
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| Eileen Rusk |
| Comfort Foods by Kate Jacobs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Wonderful characters in a fun and thoughtful plot make Kate Jacobs's book my new favorite read!
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| DD (jddistef@aol.com) |
| Odd Hours by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
I am a fan of Koontz's Odd Thomas series, but this installment left me unsatisfied. It was obtuse, dropping hints with no solutions, apparently to be addressed in the next tome. While I normally don't mind this sort of connection from novel to novel, it proved maddening in this one --- the secrets referred to and then left dangling repeatedly. It's annoying to think I will have to reread this before the next book.
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| DD (jddistef@aol.com) |
| Woman's World by Graham Rawle |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A work of art or a novel? How about both? This clever story, reminiscent of a pulp fiction novel, is told via a collage of clippings of words and letters from '60s era women's magazines. The format lends a very interesting facet to the unusual story. A great summer read!
|
| Bridget |
| The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
I really don't know how to describe this book. It starts with the main character, Laurel, seeing the ghost of a little girl who just drowned in her pool. Laurel, it seems, sees ghosts. So, is this a paranormal, sci-fi book? Not really. It goes into her dysfunctional family and even more dysfunctional extended family. She tries to resolve differences with her estranged sister, her distant computer-nerd husband and her adolescent daughter, who's happiness is no longer dictated by mom. There was just too much going on, but not enough in any one main direction. I just did not like this book and was disappointed with it.
|
| Patricia W. |
| A Million Little Pieces by James Frey |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
What a great read! I don't care that it's not 100% truthful, it still gives you a look into the life of an addict. Some parts just made me want to slap him and other parts made me cry. Highly recommended.
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| DD (jddistef@aol.com) |
| The Front by Patricia Cornwell |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
Cornwell, the characters in your novellas (these short, lacking tomes cannot be qualified as novels) lack depth and are patently unlikeable. Stick to Scarpetta.
|
| Jane Squires (jrs362@hotmail.com) |
| Seaside Cinderella by Anna Schmidt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A Cinderella story about a woman who comes over to America from Ireland to work in a sewing factory. She lives with an Aunt whom she loses when the factory burns to the ground. Had she not been working late that day she would have perished too. She works for the parents of the guy who was part-owner in the factory. This is a must read. It is very very good.
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| Jane Squires (jrs362@hotmail.com) |
| Relocating Mia by Rebecca Lerwill |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is Rebecca's first book out and it will grip you and hold your attention. Let's all get on board and help get this Author moving forward. It is about relocating clients who need to move because of business or other reasons.
|
| Judy |
| Black Out by Lisa Unger |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Annie Power's life looks perfect --- affluence, a loving husband, beautiful daughter --- except Annie used to be Ophelia March, a troubled young girl on the run with a killer. Annie is experiencing (or is she?) odd occurrences and fractured memories are pushing her to question her very existence. This is a fast-paced psychological thriller with plenty of twists and excitement.
|
| Crystal Blackburn |
| Trophies and Dead Things by Marcia Muller |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
The eleventh title in the Sharon McCone mystery series is just as good as the previous ten!
|
| Sharon |
| The Steel Wave by Jeff Shaara |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A very readable account of D-Day from the plan developed by the generals to the execution by the soldiers. Did you know that Churchill wanted to be on the beaches on D-Day? Nothing Ike could say swayed him. So, he had to go over Churchill's head. King George was the only person who could tell Churchill to stay at home!
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| DD (jddistef@aol.com) |
| Charley's Web by Joy Fielding |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I wanted to hate this book; for some reason I had the impression that it would be predictable drivel. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was a fast-paced, while somewhat predictable thriller. It's good for a beach read, but readers who have extensive experience with the thriller genre will not be surprised by any of the twists.
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| DD (jddistef@aol.com) |
| Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
I have a love/hate relationship with Palahniuk's work. This one earns my hate. The story of a porn star who sets out to win a world record by ... you know... with 600 men on film in a single movie is basically disgusting. Looking for porn, this is it. Looking for a good story? Look elsewhere.
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| d (jddistef@aol.com) |
| Phantom Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Sandford never lets me down as he recounts the endeavors of Lucas Davenport. A great series that I recommend highly.
|
| DD (jddistef@aol.com) |
| Three Girls and Their Brother by Theresa Rebeck |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
Mildly entertaining, but ultimately shallow story of three sisters who break into the world of modeling and show biz and their brother who is along for the ride. The story is told through the eyes of all four, alternating as narrator. Interesting, diverting, just not fantastic.
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| susan dyer (Susandyer1962@aol.com) |
| The Hollow by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Awesome 2nd book in her trilogy! I'm starting to feel as if I know these characters personally and get totally wrapped up in all they are doing! Can't wait for the last book to come out to find out what happens!!!
|
| Asha Smith |
| Big Russ and Me by Tim Rusert |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I'm so very glad I read this book long before the author left this earth. Every father and son (daughters too) should read it. Some parents, fathers in particular, find it difficult to verbally communicate their love. Take a leaf from Big Russ.
|
| Readingrat |
| Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I have to give credit where it's due. Stephanie Meyer has certainly grown as an author since her debut novel, TWILIGHT. In this book she has given her characters character and her plot conflict. It is also very apparent that Meyer has constructively used the criticism leveled at the first two books in the series. I found this book very enjoyable to read, and as a mother, I appreciate the improved message that this book presents to her young female readership (as opposed to those that were presented in her first two books). My only wish is that this had been the first book of the series and that it had grown from here.
|
| Marsha |
| Easy Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
One of Sandfords' Prey series featuring Lucas Davenport. He is right on the money with police humor, stresses, musings, pressures, etc. If you enjoy mystery books, this one will captivate you.
|
| Chelsea |
| The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Vida Winter was well known for all of her books, but one above all others, TALES OF CHANGE AND DESPERATION, formerly known as Thirteen Tales of Change and Desperation. The book is so intriguing because it was quickly pulled off the shelves when it was discovered that there was no thirteenth tale. Along with the thirteenth tale, people have been wondering about Vida's past. Anything that anyone knows is all fictionalized, like her many stories. But, with her approaching death comes an opportunity to learn about her past when Vida asks Margaret Lea to write her biography. Margaret soon agrees, even though she is more interested in historical nonfiction, not knowing what she gotten herself into. Along the way, she discovers things that she never could have imagined, as well as learning more about herself.
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| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Heart of Dixie by Tami Hoag |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
I was very disappointed in this book and found it to be a big waste of time. A predictable beach read by Tami Hoag, not what I expected.
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| Mellena Driver (mellenad@yahoo.com) |
| Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
It is interesting. I picked it to read for my book club. I am enjoying it.
|
| Linda M. |
| Dawn Patrol by Don Winslow |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
What a fantastic book! It's a thriller/mystery revolving around a group of characters who are surfers. The book gives great insight into the evolution of the surfer culture in California, while at the same time delivering a fast-paced, extremely taut narrative.
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| Ricki (rickimc@aol.com) |
| The Black Tower by Louis Bayard |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A fast-paced, suspenseful mystery concerning the lost Dauphin of France. Very, very good.
|
| Mellena Driver (mellenad@yahoo.com) |
| Blood Noir by Laurell K. Hamilton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Her books are always great, and this one is no exception. The only problem I had with it is that it was too short.
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| Mellena Driver (mellenad@yahoo.com) |
| The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is so funny and is an adventure. It is the first in a series.
|
| Marjorie Clark |
| Them by Nathan McCall |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Entertaining book about gentrification within the southern states. The characters in this story are great, and puts you in the frame of mind that you might know these people if not under these circumstances in others. This is the first book I have read by this author and will surely go back and read some of his previous novels.
|
| Tammy |
| Extreme Danger by Shannon McKenna |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
My new favorite author. EXTREME DANGER is edgy and intense without letting up. She takes provocative to a whole new level.
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| Dorothy Horan |
| The Host by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
It's not just science fiction, it's a masterfully written discussion between two parts of a woman --- her own mind and that of a parasite that has occupied her. The woman was a freedom-fighter, and initially, the alien explores her memories to try to assist in the capture of the rest of the fighters, but then the parasite "Wanderer" becomes interested in her host's former life and love.
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| Barbara Sharpe (barbara.sharpe@yahoo.com) |
| Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Kitty is a werewolf. What a name for a werewolf, right? She's also a DJ who hosts the midnight radio show. She gets a phone call that surprises her --- it's about a werewolf. Before she knows it, she has a hugely popular radio talk show and a stalker. For me, the sign of a good fantasy book is when you forget that werewolves don't exist and just get caught up in the story. I got so caught up in the story that I've already ordered the remaining books in the series from Amazon.com!
|
| Brad |
| Moe Howard Died For Our Sins by Dale Andrew White |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A collection of hysterical short stories with wacky, twisted-ending plots and an array of misfit characters: a cult that worships the Three Stooges; a dastardly school bus driver; a toddler militia; a felonious bibliophile... Very funny!
|
| Judy |
| Lost Souls by Lisa Jackson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
Kristi Bentz (daughter of famed New Orleans PD Rick Bentz) has survived a serial killer in the past. Now, girls are disappearing from her All Saints College, and she re-enrolls and starts sleuthing. The college has changed since she first attended --- with new classes on vampirism in literature & morality plays. There are rumors of a vampire-like cult on campus, and Kristi tries to become a part of it all to discover the truth.
This reads quickly, but I was disappointed by the quick wrap up and the convoluted involvement of some of the characters. But if you're on the beach and don't need much intellectual stimulation, it isn't a bad choice.
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| Sandra F. |
| The Field of Blood by Denise Mina |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
An excellent book with a very unusual main character, set in 1980s Glasgow.
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| T. Thomas |
| Queen of the Road by Doreen Orion |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Insightful, but also laugh-out-loud funny.
|
| Linda M. |
| The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
One of the best epic fantasy novels I have read in a long time, with great characters and a wonderful story. This is the first book in the series and I am so sorry that I have to wait until 2009 to hear the second installment.
|
| Tammy |
| Express Male by Elizabeth Bevarly |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
Witty and sharp. It's a bit predictable, but overall, it is clever and intense.
|
| Tammy |
| After the Night by Linda Howard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
The author describes the characters in this work as among her all-time favorite. I can see why... They've become some of mine, too.
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| Kathy (kboucher@cableone.net) |
| The Appeal by John Grisham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Very interesting!! Really grabbed me, and I couldn't put it down....a real eye-opener about the Supreme Court. Even though it is fiction, it stil gives lots of information about how our Supreme Court operates.
|
| Lisa Garrett (lag110@mchsi.com) |
| Unraveled Sleeve by Monica Ferris |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Another great book in the Needlecraft Mystery series. Super Sleuth Betsy Devonshire is at it again!
|
| Christy H. |
| Running Wild by Sarah McCarty |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Sarah McCarty's alpha's are the best ~ whether they are cowboys from the old west, or werewolves wearing Stetsons.
RUNNING WILD is a fast-paced, steamy fantasy romance that you will want to devour all in one sitting.
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| Sara McGraw (hummingbird_07@hotmail.com) |
| The Diary of V: The Breakup by Debra Kent |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
This book was really good. It is a few years old, though. But what I liked about it was that I didn't feel lost since I hadn't read the other books that cam before it.
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| Robin Coker (hillcoker@yahoo.com) |
| Twilight by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I bought this book for my daughter, but started reading it and fell in love with the characters. I love the fact that there are 3 more books in the series. It about a 16-year -old girl, Bella, who moves from Arizona to Washington to live with her dad. The struggles she has fitting into a new small town school and the very odd family that she becomes involved with and the trouble it brings her.
|
| Marsha |
| Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This powerful novel written before 9/11 details terrorist takeover of the White House and the ensuing battle to save the President and hostages. There is plenty of action, along with plenty of characters.
|
| Gale in Houston |
| Phantom Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
The 18th Prey novel finds Minnesota cop Lucas Davenport chasing goths and staking out drug dealers while preparing for a large political convention. As with any Sandford novel, PHANTOM PREY has plenty of great action. A few psychological notes in the plot seem a bit off, but not to be too petty --- this is another good, solid read from a real pro.
|
| Shannon |
| Tempting Evil by Allison Brennan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This is my current read and the second in Brennan's newest trilogy, following KILLING FEAR.
A strong winter storm is bearing down on a Montana area and Joanna Sutton is prepared; prepared for everything, except for an escaped convict who is taken with her and shows up on her doorstep. But, can she separate the good guys from the bad guys? I don't know yet, but I know that Brennan won't fail to deliver.
|
| Shannon |
| Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I truly enjoyed this 4th book in Caine's Morganville Vampire series. Although they are written for young adults, I really like this series.
Claire Danvers goes to Morganville to attend college as a 16-year-old science nerd. What she doesn't expect is a town full of vampires. This book continues the drama that she and her roommates at the Glass House go through. Other books in the series are GLASS HOUSES, DEAD GIRLS' DANCE and MIDNIGHT ALLEY.
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| Shannon |
| Undead and Uneasy by Mary Janice Davidson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the 6th book in her vampire series about Betsy Taylor. When she's tired of everyone around her while she tries to plan her wedding and wishes they'd all just leave her alone, her wish is granted! A fun installment in this easy-reading series with a shoe-fanatic, undead main character.
|
| CC |
| The Quickie by James Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This was an easy-to-read mystery with a few intriguing twists and turns. A great beach read.
|
| Denise |
| Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Fantastic, poignant story of two friends as they grow up in 1850s China and become "same sisters" to each other. Interesting info about foot binding and other cultural and historical details.
|
| Paula Bertin (pdbertin@aol.com) |
| The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A riveting and exciting book; I could not put it down but didn't want it to end.
|
| Lea Ann in Seattle (baxtergr@msn.com) |
| The Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
At times, this book is somewhat bewildering. A young woman happens upon the love of her teen years; they marry, have a child and live a somewhat "different" life. Then, a lover from the husband's past comes back into the picture and life changes for all of them. This is not, however, the usual love-triangle book, but rather a very different set of circumstances than what we might expect. A book filled with surprises.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
| Healing by Design by Dr. Scott Hannen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I found this nonfiction health book to be very thought provoking and inspiring. Readers who are interested in taking charge of their health by more natural means than that which regular medical doctors are quick to throw at you (ie Rx drugs, surgeries, etc) should read this book. You might not agree 100% with everything the author has to say, but I think if you read it with an open mind you'll find yourself looking at life through a different scope.
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| Lea Ann in Seattle (baxtergr@msn.com) |
| A Camera, Two Kids and a Camel by Annie Griffiths Belt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
An outstanding pictorial publication with stirring narration. Ms. Belt has been a National Geographic photographer for 30 plus years. Her husband is a writer, also for NG, as well as other publications. As she says, her older child, now in college, traveled to many countries before she was born. The accounts of the travels by this family and the breathtaking photographs make this a volume to return to many times.
|
| Denise |
| The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Fantastic book written ages ago by a Dickens contemporary. Don't let the age of this book fool you --- it is a great story of intrigue and mystery in Victorian England as two sisters become involved in a plot devised by a very wicked baronet and his friend, Count Fosco.
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| Becky in Chicago |
| Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book eally makes you think about what you put in your mouth --- not how much it costs in dollars and cents, but in loss of flavor, variety and future! This one will make you head out to the nearest farmer's market and have you planting carrots and chard in your yard or on your window sill. The recipes are good, too! Kingsolver is a wonderful writer who can make you laugh out loud at the same you are horrified at what we have managed to do to the food we eat in just over 50 years.
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| Denise |
| Pieces of My Sister's Life by Elizabeth Joy Arnold |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
The story centers around two twins, one who is empathetic and the other an amoral self-centered brat who lies, cheats and steals, and somehow the author does her best to justify not only the selfish twin but parental abandonment by an absent mother, who just says she couldn't stay or take care of them when their father died. The sisters separate when the bad one decides to lie to trap the good sister's boyfriend into marrying her and then pretends the life is happy and the marriage would be good anyway. Any woman who has a sister knows that this is a line you never ever cross and if you do you are lower than amoeba living off pond scum.
Basically I'd say the book is not worth the paper it's printed on and I would return it if I could. Only those interested in a dictionary of moral relativism should bother.
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| David J. Jones |
| So Brave, Young, and Handsome by Leif Enger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is easy to read, yet has a fascinating story line. I am truly enjoying it.
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| David D. Jones |
| The Answer by John Assaraff and Murray Smith |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I am learning and being challenged by the book. It is motivational.
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| Jackie Callanan |
| Nothing to Lose by Lee Child |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Being a Child/Jack Reacher fan, I plodded along with this book, thinking it was a sleeper...until the last 1/4 of the book, when I actually had to re-read a bit because it had all of a sudden come alive! A whirlwind ending brought back my faith in Lee Child. Did he use this book as a forum for his own political viewpoint? Absolutely --- and why not! It was outstanding and worth the slower beginning!
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
| Call of the Highland Moon by Kendra Leigh Castle |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Debut novelist Kendra Leigh Castle knocked the ball out of the park with this paranormal romance. Fans of werewolves must read this. It's such a good book.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
| Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsey |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I listened to this one on audio from Audible.com on my iPod, and I highly recommend it. If you enjoy a good suspense/mystery, this is a book for you. I'm sure the print version is awesome to read, but the narrator on the audio version did an amazing job. I can't wait to read the next books in this series, and actually hope I can find them on audio by the same narrator. Haven't looked in to that yet though.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
| Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Great book! Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a quick read with a hint of paranormal/history to it. I flew through this one.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
| Baby Vamp by Laura Hogg |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
This is far from my favorite (an e-book), but it's okay. This was a short story, and I found it by way of the title. Unfortunately, it is misleading because it was not a story about vampires, but a historical period piece with the title referring to old Americana slang. Again, an okay read, but a bit disappointing when your thinking it's going to be about one thing and ends up being another. Plus, it seemed a bit rushed towards the end.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
| Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
By far, one of the most enjoyable vampire novels I've read in a while. This urban vamp tale was the first from Ready in this vein, but there's a sequel coming and I am all over it!!
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| Michele L. |
| Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A sensationally creepy paranormal romance novel about Vampires. Sookie Stackhouse is a cocktail waitress and meets the man of her dreams. He is everything she has ever wanted in a man, plus she can't hear a word he is thinking. You see, Sookie can read minds. Action, murders, romance, and comedy fill the pages of this snappy-paced novel that leaves you wanting more! This is the first novel in Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire series novels. Definitely put this on your to read list! You will not be disappointed!
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| Michele L. |
| Body Movers by Stephanie Bond |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
What's a girl to do when her life doesn't go as she planned? Carlotta Wren is wrestling with her 9 to 5 job at Neiman Marcus in order to pay bills and her brothers debts. Her brother gets into hot water gambling. When he is arrested, a handsome cop is assigned to him, and also reopens the case about her missing parents. Her parents left town suddenly after skipping bail years earlier, leaving Carlotta to raise her brother.
Meanwhile, her brother gets a job with a morgue to help pay for his debts. His boss at the morgue is attracted to Carlotta. Not only is the cop and the guy at the morgue hot for her, but a third one pops on the scene!
Carlotta was engaged to be married years earlier when her fiance dumps her for another woman. Now her former fiance's wife is murdered and he is trying to get back with Carlotta. Unfortunately, the murder of his wife points towards Carlotta as the murderer. Disaster breaks loose as bodies pile up, scary men threaten Carlotta, mysterious messages come in from her parents, while the three men try to make the moves on Carlotta.
A terrific complicated plot, with many twists and turns, that will leave the reader breathless as you race to the end to see how it all turns out or not? There is a sequel! Go out and catch the next novel in this series called BODY MOVERS: 2 BODIES FOR THE PRICE OF 1.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
| The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book was an awesome paranormal romance that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was unlike any I'd read before, and I am now hooked on the story. Showalter wrote two additional books to this series (one due out June 08 and the other in July 08), and I can't wait to get my hands on them.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
| Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This was a sweet contemporary romance/chic-lit read. It was light hearted, but had enough back bone to make it class as a wonderful women's fiction read as well. Readers will likely laugh and cry upon reading this one.
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| Paula D |
| Hold Tight by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
This started strong, but gets sluggish in parts. I feel there are too many plot twists --- too many stories going on that involve the same people. HOLD TIGHT is a good read, but it is definitely not one of Coben's best.
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| Allyson Crawley |
| Blood Noir by Laurel K Hamilton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This latest installment in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter books was good, but not long enough. Of course, I think that is the sign of a good book --- I never think her books are long enough. Now I can't wait for the next one.
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| Karen Barash |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
An amazing book that is marketed as young adult fiction, but is very much for adults.
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| Jennifer Baker |
| Ice Trap by Kitty Sewell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A really good debut. I managed to figure everything out, but only just before the author laid it all out.
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| Jennifer Baker |
| Heart Sick by Chelsea Cain |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This was a great debut novel! The serial killer, Gretchen Lowell, is introduced early in the book and she's one of the most intriguing characters I've seen in a long time.
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| Jennifer Baker |
| Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A very good book that I enjoyed much more than her Shopaholic books.
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| Jennifer Baker |
| Diablerie by Walter Mosley |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
Not what I expected. This was my first book by Mosley.
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| Jennifer Baker |
| The Dollmaker by Amanda Stevens |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Good suspense/thriller.
|
| Renee Reel |
| Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is an absolute gem of a book. I wasn't expecting to like it nearly as much as I did. Hale takes one of the lesser known Grimm tales and transforms it into a tale of love, friendship, and struggle. The characters are all beautifully drawn and the challenges they face are daunting but they all handle them realistically. Beautiful book.
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| Jennifer Baker |
| The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
It got off to a slow start, but turned out to be a good story.
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| Corky Mayo (imardr2@yahoo.com) |
| Mercy Street by Mariah Stewart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This marks the beginning of a new series for this author and I cannot wait for the next installment. Stewart has hit her prime in romantic suspense.
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| Debby Creager (cleo@hbeark.com) |
| Blood Noir by Laurell K. Hamilton |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
I gave this 3 stars because it is a fairly good book, but certainly not her best. Her early books have been her best. Her latest ones have been better than some of her work but still not as well written as her early books in this series. She seems to be getting into the sex for sex's sake without having much of a plot or anything else going on.
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| Corky Mayo (imardr2@yahoo.com) |
| Black Out by Lisa Unger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
BLACK OUT is Unger's third novel and her best to date. I could not put it down. Well, I had to, but I sure didn't want to. I finished it in two sittings. The psychological drama will keep you glued to the edge of your seat!
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| Rosalie Altmark (lonarifka@aol.com) |
| Still Life by Louise Penny |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Great read. This book takes us to a small village in Quebec called THREE PINES. A murder occurs in this warm and welcoming English village in the middle of French Canada. We meet the villagers and feel that we know them. Most importantly, we meet Inspector Gamache, who I feel is a brilliant detective with many attributes of the famous fictional detective, Inspector Maigret.
I feel that this book will be enjoyed by all who enjoy a good, warm, and inviting mystery.
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| Debby Creager (cleo@hbeark.com) |
| Night Life by Caitlin Kittredge |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Great book, lots of action and a good plot.
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| Janet Ross |
| Everything Happens for a Reason by Mira Kirshenbaum |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
You can start thinking about the events in your life with a whole new attitude.
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| Janet Ross |
| A Complaint Free World by Will Bowen |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
This is about Past Will Bowen's challenge to his congregation to stop complaining (or spoken negativity in general) for 21 days. It has now reached global proportions. It's an eye-opener to learn just how negative we can be.
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| Janice |
| Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I found this book very interesting, with the history of both the U.S. and the Middle East from the early 20th Century interwoven with the story. Ms. Russell's writing is very precise and descriptive, and the main character, Agnes is very likable, both strong and vulnerable. Her dachshund, Rosie, is one of the stars of this story.
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| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
| A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffery Deaver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A PRISONER OF BIRTH is a story of fate, fortune, redemption, and revenge. It holds my interest and I can't wait to see how it ends. Very interesting.
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| Jennifer Baker |
| Obedience by Will Lavender |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Great read! It pulls you in right from the beginning and doesn't let go. I've read a lot of complaints about the ending, but I didn't have a problem with it.
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| Michelle |
| Dockside by Susan Wiggs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
If you like good romance, you'll love Susan Wiggs. The setting of the book is an inn at a place called Willow Lake. It won't take you long before you're longing to be there.
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| Jennifer Baker |
| The Fifth Vial by Michael Palmer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This turned out to be a great read. It starts off as seemingly three different stories set in different places around the world --- USA, Africa, and Brazil --- but they end up tying together quite nicely. It's a gripping story about a secret society involved in the illegal organ transplant trade. It's very scary to think that this might actually happen.
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| Geraldine Zwergel (gzwerg@webtv.net) |
| The Mccaffertys: Matt by Lisa Jackson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is purely a summer book, but a good one.
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| Geraldine Zwergel (gzwerg@webtv.net) |
| Amber by Night by Sharon Sala |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
This is pure summer reading but a good way to pass the heat.
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| laurie blum (laurieblum@hotmail.com) |
| In The Mouth by Eileen Pollack |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
In 4 short stories & 2 novellas, IN THE MOUTH by Eileen Pollack focuses on family relationships, especially those between fathers and daughters.
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| Jennifer Baker |
| All We Know of Heaven by Jacquelyn Mitchard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A really good, but sad read based on a true story.
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| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
| City of the Sun by David Levien |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
The suburbs of Indianapolis to the seamy underworld are featured in this suspense novel. It is the gripping story of a cop trying to solve the investigation of a boy missing for over a year.
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| Debby Creager (cleo@hbeark.com) |
| Shifter by Angela Knight, et al |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A great anthology. There are lots of differences in the stories, which keeps it interesting. Most of them were fast paced so you could read one then go on to something else if you didn't have much time.
|
| Lori |
| The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book reminds me of the Billy Joel song, "We Didn't Start the Fire" as it progresses through the lives of these wonderful women from Bobby Kennedy being shot until now. I haven't been so engrossed in a book, as I was with this one, in a long time. This book is a clear example of the power of friendship and how it can endure over the years. I laughed and I cried with them and I didn't want the book to end. And when I finished, I emailed all of my best girlfriends just to tell them I love them. This book is a must read for any woman with girlfriends! A+
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| Jennifer Baker |
| Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Laugh-out-loud funny, like always! I've read all three of Jen's books and will pick up anything else that she writes.
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| Jennifer Baker |
| Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Another great book in The Dresden Files series. This has quickly become my favorite fantasy series.
|
| Jennifer Baker |
| Earthly Pleasures by Karen Neches |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
An unexpectedly great read!
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| Jennifer Baker |
| Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
Great concept, but I thought it could have been done better. The book wasn't quite what I was expecting it to be.
|
| Jennifer Baker |
| Dexter in the Dark by Jeff Lindsay |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
The third book in the Dexter series and another good one! This one had a more supernatural flavor to it than the other two did.
|
| Jennifer Baker |
| The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
| At nearly 900 pages, this was a huge book. It was very slow to start too. It did pick up the |
