April 3, 2009 - April 16, 2009
Last contest period's winners were Dave, EMC, Emry, Marjorie andMike, who each received a copy of ILLEGAL by Paul Levine, PURSUIT by Karen Robards and REUNION by Therese Fowler.
| Trulie Deare ([email protected]) |
| Divine Evil by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Clare Kimball is going home to Emmitsboro, Maryland to continue working on sculpted pieces she's preparing for a showing in New York. She's already a well-respected, talented artist, but she's always nervous about a new show and whether she can produce enough to hold her place in the art world. Clare's left behind some demons in Emmitsboro when she left it years ago, and they come back with a vengeance when she returns. With a help of the local sheriff she is forced to confront her past if she's ever going to have a secure future. Engrossing mystery plot; hot love story. |
| Sharron |
| Still Alice by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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Powerful story of young college professor (50) who has early onset Alzheimer disease. Very insightful and emotional. |
| Sharron |
| Mr. Pip by Lloyd Jones |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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Story of a pacific island in turmoil from civil war. One white man left on the island takes on the job as teacher and reads one chapter a day from GREAT EXPECTATIONS. |
| Merle |
| Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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Fascinating fictionalized book about two unconventional people. The author engaged me from the first page. |
| Trulie Deare ([email protected]) |
| Eclipse by Richard North Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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While this story is a fictional account of a fictional country in Africa, it is based upon a true story that took place in Nigeria. Patterson has covered it all: the kidnappings, the government corruption, the idealists, the leaders who will do anything so prevent a change in the status quo that allows them to control the people and (more importantly) the land, the fear and betrayal, and at the very end of the list, the citizens who have to live each day under the pressure of tyranny and the simple misfortune to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Patterson has put names and voices to those who have to try to survive and who also dare to defy the system that is horribly stacked against them. This book is not only an engrossing novel; it is also an education for those of us not fully aware of the deplorable conditions existing in many African countries right now. |
| Trulie Deare ([email protected]) |
| Mounting Fears by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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There's a lot going on in President Will Lee's White House during one long, very eventful week. What makes this novel of politics so good is that any of the scenarios Woods includes could be happening right now in the current White House, and we'd have no way of knowing it. I'm a political junkie, so this book was perfect for me: it's believable, hard to put down, and left me wanting more! |
| Trulie Deare ([email protected]) |
| One Very Hot Day by David Halberstam |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a novel about one day in the lives of a company of American soldiers in Vietnam. They have been assigned to a three-pronged mission, and on their mission they will be traveling with their Vietnamese counterparts. It is the job of the American soldiers to train the Vietnamese in the ways of combat. This is difficult thanks to language barriers, as well as both sides taking a very different approach to fighting the war. There is a lot of information packed into this account of "One Very Hot Day". We come to understand the fears and frustrations of the soldiers on the ground as they try very hard to keep themselves and their counterparts from being killed. While Halberstam's book is about the war in Vietnam, it could just as easily be about any war in any country. The scenery may change, but the basics of survival, boredom, and fear do not. |
| Martha Eskuchen |
| Jerusalem Vigil by Brodie & Brock Thorne |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Good action-packed story based on the first few days as the Jews returned to Jerusalem in 1948. True-to-life characters with bitter experiences from Germany and London are struggling to enter Jerusalem and establish a hold against the opposing Iranians. |
| Martha Eskuchen |
| Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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This is the first in a series and I enjoyed the fast action. Rachel Morgan is a witch and a runner apprehending law-breakers for the Inderland Runner Services in Cincinnati. Rachel decides to leave the Service because her boss keeps giving her the worst of the jobs. Although the Service doesn't mind Rachel leaving, they are furious when their best runner, Ivy, leaves to be Rachel's partner. Ivy is able to payoff her contract but Rachel has to go on the run with a contract on her head. Rachel has to move in with Ivy, a living vampire, who really makes Rachel more than a little nervous. Another "pal" from work joins them, a very sassy Pixie named Jenks. Jenks and his family take over the garden in the church where they all move to live. Meanwhile Rachel finds a store of magic books and supplies in the church and garden that she will find very helpful. Rachel is determined to investigate and bring in a very powerful businessman who is believed to be a drug lord. She is trying to find proof of his crimes while dodging various assassins including werewolves, shape shifters, a surprising and unexpected demon and a group of witches. At one point she turns herself into a mink to sneak into the protected home of the crime lord. When she gets caught she is put into rat fights where Jenks is able to help her with a surprising escape. This story is filled with action, sassy humor and romance. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| The Last Kashmiri Rose by Barbara Cleverly |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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This is a Joseph Sandilands mystery set in India, the first one set in 1922. I have previously read #2, #3, and #4 of the series, many years ago. What strikes the reader is the beauty and brutality of India, as well as the difference between the English and the Indians. Cleverly does a wonderful job exposing the time and dominance of the English Empire. This story revolves around the mysterious deaths/murders of 5 Englishwomen. I can hardly wait to return to Joseph Sandiland's adventures. |
| booklover2 |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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I really enjoyed this book. It takes a look back into the lives of women in the 1960s. It was well written and enjoyable. |
| booklover2 |
| Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Great book! A story of two friends and their trials and tribulations over a lifetime. It was really hard to put this book down and even harder to not think about when you are not reading it. |
| booklover2 |
| The Last Summer of You and Me by Ann Brashares |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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Good read! Very interesting book. Moves along quickly. |
| booklover2 |
| The Reincarnationist by M. J. Rose |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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Interesting, but gets bogged down in a few places. |
| booklover2 |
| Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Very good book! Great pace and does not disappoint. |
| Trulie Deare ([email protected]) |
| When You Come Home by Nora Eisenberg |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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This book begins as the love story between Tony and Lily, a young couple who've known each other for most of their lives and who have redefined their relationship from friendship to love. Tony has just returned home from serving his tour of duty fighting in the Gulf War. He's exhausted when he arrives, and he's facing some stressful situations in both his personal and professional life. Several of Tony's friends have also come home from the Gulf War, and it isn't long before they begin exhibiting symptoms doctors at the VA Hospital write off as stress induced. The men are given doses of Prozac and told they simply need to learn how to manage their stress. But as time goes on it becomes clear that there's more involved than stress, and it's also clear that Prozac isn't going to cure whatever is wrong. Eisenberg has taken a timely issue, one about which many people are unaware, and through her characters shows us how going to war means more than knowing how to clean and fire a weapon. Gulf War Syndrome is the result of exposure to chemicals, and its effects have not been sufficiently studied. Soldiers lives are put at risk in more ways than one on the battlefield; soldiers who have agreed to fight for and defend their country: not be killed by it. This is a well written book with very timely and compelling subject matter. |
| Ruth |
| Big Fish by Daniel Wallace |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
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I wasn't particularly enamored with this book, but it did seem like a good book club selection to discuss when we met on April Fool's Day. |
| MichelleM |
| Julius Caesar by Philip Freeman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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I recently read this biography about Julius Caesar and was incredibly impressed! I was afraid it was going to be boring! It describes his whole life in detail, and I learned quite a bit. It is very interesting and I would recommend it to anyone. |
| MarthaE |
| The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Colt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Robin has moved from the city to the small town of Echo Falls, Texas which she thinks will be a safer, gentler place to raise her twin girls. Unfortunately, she hasn't found a job yet although she has settled them into a one-bedroom apartment in a not-so-good part of town. The twins want a daddy and are saying a secret spell everywhere trying to get one. Chad appears out of no where on an empty road to help when Robin rescue an injured, very pregnant, dog. Can the twins' daddy spell bring their fiercely independent mother and this handsome and kind stranger together? This was a wonderfully charming and sweet story from beginning to end! The twins are adorable. Robin is lovely and understandably cautious. The hardest thing is she cannot believe in a happily-ever-after for herself. Chad is kind, hard working and male! He falls for the cute pixie twins but isn't beyond staring at Robin's wet T-shirt when they first meet! |
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
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One thing I did like about this book --- it was short. This is a book about punctuation. I did learn a little. There are punctuation rules listed in here on the proper use of the comma, apostrophe and hyphen (among others). I just thought the examples chosen were so outdated, I couldn't relate. I understand the author's concern about the fate of the English Language and its punctuation rules due to email and texting. However, I found some of her rambling on and on about the how important it is to place a comma or apostrophe in the right spot was on the verge of becoming OCD. Not my cup of tea. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Double Cross by James Patterson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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An Alex Cross mystery with the reappearance of Kyle Craig, who escapes from prison. I felt that this one spend too much time on Alex lusting for Bree --- it seemed like Alex was a hot and horny 18-year-old, instead of a top detective. But Patterson did a good job getting inside the mind of a killer---very scary, at times. |
| Kathleen Sornsin Boucher ([email protected]) |
| Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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I don't think any of her books will surpass NINETEEN MINUTES. But, this is a very interesting, heart-wrenching story of a family with a daughter who has a terrible bone disease, causing her to have many breaks. Ultimately the novel brings into play the question, "What is a valuable life?" |
| Margi |
| The First Patient by Michael Palmer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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Palmer's books are usually easy reads with good plotlines and FIRST PATIENT is no different. When the President's personal physician ends up missing, he calls on his old college friend, Dr. Gabe Singleton, from Wyoming to come to Washington. Singleton tries to figure out what is causing the President's mysterious illness and at the same time, knowing that someone or something very close to the President is not right. Should he trust the beautiful secret service agent or is she part of the plot against the President? |
| CC |
| The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Lamb puts a fresh spin on a heartbreaking story pulled from the headlines. |
| Jane Howland |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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It is a heart-warming story. A story of family relationships, first loves, and life in an ethnic neighborhood during World War II. It is a very touching story. |
| Marsha |
| The Heroines by Eileen Favorite |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
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Touted as a clever, charming, delightful and quirky novel, this one did not resonate with me. Perhaps fantasy and romance lovers would find it amusing. |
| Jane Howland |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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I loved the letter writing-style of this novel. Nice change of writing style. The book has history, mystery, humor, and romance. It was a delightful read. |
| Sunnie |
| Salem's Lot by Stephen King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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I can't believe it was over 30 years ago when I first read this book! I remember loving it so thought I would give it another read. Couldn't put it down --- again. It's much much better than any TV version you may have seen. The story of vampires in a quiet little town in Maine will have you aroma therapying your house with garlic. |
| Bonnie |
| The House on Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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This memoir will haunt you. Cooper, a journalist, grew up in Liberia of well-to-do parents, and her ancestors were among the founders of the country. Her memoir sheds light on life in Liberia in the '70s and beyond, the political upheaval and day-to-day issues dealt with by a young woman and her family. I listened to the audio book read by the author and was spellbound. |
| Margaret |
| Ordinary Love & Good Will by Jane Smiley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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I enjoyed both of the novellas contained in this book. In the first book a woman relives her earlier family life, when her grown children return home. In the second a family is attempting to live naturally and without money on a farm in Pennsylvania. Both stories are well crafted and portray real families. |
| Frankie |
| The Necklace by Cheryl Jarvis |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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This is a quick and interesting read. I read about it on Bookreporter.com and forwarded the recommendation to a friend so that we could read and discuss it together. Once again, we see what can happen when women unite for anything and what they can accomplish together. The bookstore had the book in the self-help section, but I believe it should be in the philosophy section. It really makes you think about what is important in life, as well as the power of unity. |
| Frankie |
| Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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The book begins well, but gets very slow as you get three quarters of the way through. It certainly shows what one person can do, with determination and will, and the backing of someone who believes in them. |
| Judy O. ([email protected]) |
| The Heir by Paul Robertson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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Jason Boyer inherits a billion dollar empire from his estranged father. He begins to find out how corrupt his father was in his dealings with state officials --- right up to the office of governor. He decides to right the wrongs that his father has done, but it results in disasters. This is a fast-paced story that gripped me and wouldn't let go. Robertson is a new author to me. |
| Genie |
| Kitty and the Silver Bullet by Carrie Vaughn |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Life has taken a positive turn for Kitty Norville, werewolf / radio talk show host. Her book Underneath the Skin is published and soon to be released, her radio show "The Midnight Hour" has good ratings, and she and Ben have settled in as their own little pack. Kitty's life suddenly turns up side down when her Dad calls with news of a family emergency; her Mom may have breast cancer. She and Ben decide to head back to Denver. This brings even more complications to an already complicated situation, since Kitty has been banned from entering Denver by the resident werewolf pack, led by Carl and Meg and they will consider this an invasion of their territory. Kitty gets an additional set of problems when she is contacted by her vampire friend, Rick, who says he is planning to take over the city of Denver from the current Master Vampire, Arturo. He asks her to take sides with him and in exchange his people will help her deal with Carl and Meg. Kitty realizes that this will mean a gang war. Initially she is torn between the seriousness of her mother's health problems and the decision to help Rick. Ultimately, she realizes what she will have to do in order to remain near her family. Her friendship with Detective Hardin (head of the Paranormal Division of the Denver Police Department) is a positive point since it looks like there will be a serious rumble. Although this is a stand-alone book, those who have read the earlier books have seen how Kitty's character has developed. Once a beta wolf, abused by her pack leader she has grown into a strong woman. Now she is capable of not only helping other victims but taking care of a pack. This series is action packed and gets better and better with each book. |
| Sunnie |
| Drood by Dan Simmons |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Simmons has a way of taking you places you never thought of going and where you aren't even sure you want to be but know you can't turn around. That is how I felt about THE TERROR and this one. It's a novel about the strange friendship between author Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens in the mid to late 1800s near the end of Dickens's life. Collins finds himself drawn into Dickens' obsession with the dark side that leads them into Victorian London's underground, and to the person of nightmares --- Drood. |
| Sunnie |
| The Right Dog For You by Daniel Tortora, PhD |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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I bought this book when trying to decide if I should add a 22 lb Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle mix) to my smallish house where a 140 lb Great Dane resided, and ended up reading it from cover to cover occasionally chuckling out loud at the dog descriptions. Torotra is a dog expert, a dog psychologist from before Cesaer Milan who has worked with nearly every breed. He doesn't tell you how to correct your or your dog's behavior, but is very informative and useful if you are considering adopting a dog since he rates all of their behavior in easy-to-read charts for each breed and many humorous tales to go with them. And if you are a dog fan you may simply enjoy the stories of the dogs quirks. (Like the Great Dane who rearranges the furniture every time the family leaves him alone. Doesn't damage anything --- just redecorates!) |
| Kathy Vallee |
| Goody Goody Gunshots by Sammi Carter |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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This is the latest in the Candy Shop Mysteries series. It is a fun read and follows Abby and her boyfriend along on her latest murder mystery. No one believes her because there is no body, and then it looks like the whole town is in on it. |
| Mona Hooton ([email protected]) |
| Hidden by Shelley Shepard Gray |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Plain woman runs to Amish life. |
| Sara M |
| Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane AUsten and Seth-Grahame-Smith |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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The PRIDE AND PREJUDICE we all know has been re-imagined. England is overrun with brain lusting Zombies. Elizabeth and her sisters are trained and practiced in the deadly art of Zombie slaying. Elizabeth's best friend has been stricken with the "strange plague" and a true gentleman beheads the zombies for his lady, so that she will not soil her dress. Without offending die hard Jane Austen fans, maybe PRIDE AND PREJUDICE should have always had a zombie element. The zombies contrast our characters so nicely that they manage to make the sarcasm funnier, the villains more disgusting, and the story even more dramatic. It's like classic literature in high definition. For instance, when propping Lydia, Mrs. Bennett or Wickham next to hordes of zombies, the reader does briefly wonder who is viler. Seth Grahame-Smith's ingenious idea for a lethal mix of classic Austen text with zombie references and battles spawns pure entertainment. This re-telling is obviously deliciously over the top. Here's a taste: "But the presence of a woman who had slain ninety dreadfuls with nothing more than a rain soaked envelope was an intimidating prospect indeed". And my favorite quote, "Elizabeth and Darcy happened upon a herd of unmentionables.crawling on their hands and knees, biting into ripe heads of cauliflower, which they had mistaken for stray brains". This edition also contains illustrations detailing the action and adding to its charming ludicrousness. I plan on gifting this to everyone. What a sneaky way to get my teenage brother to appreciate some classic literature. Literary types and zombie lovers alike should appreciate the spirit of this reinvention, if they don't relish every word. I have never read anything like it, so I'm officially begging for a series of classic literature injected with zombie mayhem. |
| Kelliea ([email protected]) |
| Middlesex by Jeffrey EUgenides |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was quite a book. It took me forever to read it. I am still not clear in my mind exactly how I feel about it. I can say the last half of the book was much better than the first half, which would get a 2 out of 5 and the last half would get a 4. I thought the author was very thorough in his storytelling. So much so that I think the novel dragged, especially in the beginning. I don't understand why he went into so much detail about the grandparents of the main character. Yes, their history does play a part in Callie's life, but I thought some of the story went off track. I enjoyed the part where Eugenides talks about Men and Women characteristics today and how they relate to primitive life (evolutionary biology). I need to write it all down because it makes so much sense. "Why won't men ask for directions? Because asking for directions is a sign of weakness, hunters never show weakness." I can understand why this book won the Pulitzer. It is truly a work of art. I just can't call it one of my favorites. |
| Mona Hooton ([email protected]) |
| From The Valley of the Missing by Grace Miller White |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Excellent, but very old. It was written in 1911, and is all about Ithaca, NY and its surroundings. |
| Ed Hahn ([email protected]) |
| Betrayal by John Lescroart |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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I am a big fan of Lescroart, but this story doesn't quite hit on all cylinders. The publicity would lead you to believe that this publication heralded the return of Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky, the dynamic duo of the Irish-Catholic Lawyer and the Black-Jewish police inspector. Au contraire! 70-75% of the book was taken up with the back story of Evan Scholler and his struggles with betrayal, brain damage, unrequited love and eventually a murder conviction, all growing out of his service in Iraq. It was a good story but not the story I expected. It dragged in spots and there were some plot holes that I'm not used to seeing in Lescroart's stories. The characters, other than Scholler and of course Hardy and Glitsky, were somewhat stereotyped, something else I'm not used to seeing in Lescroart's efforts. The suspense was well drawn out, though, and I ended up reading well into the wee hours to find out what happened. While the denouement was not a total surprise, it did have the benefit of tying up loose ends and somehow providing justice for all. Not a bad way to end a book. I'm looking forward to reading his next effort, A PLAGUE OF SECRETS, which appears to be a complete return to the Hardy/Glitsky days. |
| Julie H. |
| Echo Park by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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Solid police procedural story featuring the recently returned to the force Harry Bosch. |
| Margaret ([email protected]) |
| My Lover's Lover by Maggie O'Farrell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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This was such a well-written book. Lily met a man at a party who is looking for a roommate. Since she is dying to leave her mother's house, she accepts. When she arrives at the apartment, there is a real mess in the room that she is supposed to occupy. It looks like the former tenant has left in a hurry. Thus the story begins, and it has enough twists and turns to keep the reader glued to the book. It is a great read. |
| Marisa |
| The Devil's Necklace by Kat Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Historical romance at its best. A winning couple, three-dimensional characters, a good plot and believable feelings. This one is a cut above the usual. |
| Margaret |
| Long Spoon Lane by Anne Perry |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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Anne Perry writes interesting mysteries that are set in Victorian England. Thomas Pitt, a special agent, is often assisted in solving cases by his wife Charlotte. In this book, there are mystery bombs being set off in England. Is it the work of anarchists or police? The story has a good pace, but I found the ending to be expected. |
| Marisa |
| The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
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Awful doesn't even begin to describe this dreary tale. It somewhat mirrors Shakespeare's Hamlet, but we're talking a family of dog breeders. Unless dog breeding and depressing dreariness appeals to you, run away from this one. I only read it because of my book club. |
| Marsha |
| Almost Home by Pam Jenoff |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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This is a charming and thrilling blend of politics, mystery and romance. An American State Department intelligence officer is drawn back to her university days at Cambridge and into dangerous memories as she tries to detangle a ten-year old mystery involving the death of her boyfriend. Quite the treat! |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| A Matter of Justice by Charles Todd |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In this Ian Rutledge mystery, revenge and greed play a role in the murder of an important man. But the murder is revenge for a deed done 20 years ago based on greed. I like this series, set in England in the 1920s, for the description of village life, and the brief glimpse of London society. |
| Julie H. |
| Oolong Dead by Laura Childs |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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Theodosia's old boyfriend, Jory Davis, returns to town after the death of his sister, newscaster Abby Davis. Theodosia stumbled across her body at a charity equestrian event and Jory, of course, wants her to inquire into her death, along with the police. All the old favorites return --- Drayton, Timothy Newell, and Delaine --- in this tenth outing of murder for our tea shop owner. |
| Judy |
| Fault Line by Barry Eisler |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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When he is attacked in his home, ambitious patent lawyer Alex Treven reaches out to his estranged brother, Ben, an undercover agent. Alex is banking on a patent from an eccentric inventor who misses the most important meeting --- because he was murdered. Two stories are at play here: one is the estrangement between two remaining members of a tragic family, and the black ops-type scenario about the deaths, attacks, "Obsidian" & the entanglement of the beautiful Sarah Hosseini, a young Iranian-American lawyer from Alex's firm. A fast-paced thriller and satisfying read. |
| Julie H. |
| Here today gone to maui by Carol Snow |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Jane's boyfriend, Jimmie, who has a dive suit business, travels to Hawaii often for work and on this trip, has invited Jane along. Her disappointment in not staying at a fancy hotel is warranted, but the plain condo on the beach is an ok substitution. Jimmie seems to be full of plans that don't materialize for Jane, but she gamely motors on. Things get interesting when Jimmie disappears while diving, adding many twists to what may have been just another chick-lit book. |
| Debbi Burton |
| Deep Blue Alibi by Paul Levine |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Can't wait to read ILLEGAL. Can it possibly be as smart and cynical as theSolomon & Lord series? |
| Jessica |
| One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I know this is supposed to be one of the best books of all time, and it's been on my wish list forever --- but honestly, I've been having a hard time getting through it. So many of the characters through the generations of the central family have the same name; I find them very difficult to keep track of. And the resulting confusion definitely hinders my enjoyment of the book. Still, if you can get past that, the stories are quite imaginative and lovely. I have about 100 pages left and do plan to finish; maybe I'll ultimately change my mind then! |
| Ana Marie |
| The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the second book I have read by this great author. MY SISTER'S KEEPER prompted me to read another of her books, and now I am hooked. I know that any book I pick up by Ms. Picoult will be great. THE TENTH CIRCLE is about a family tragedy that anyone who has teenagers could face. MY SISTER'S KEEPER is a tear jerker (it was for me anyway) about a girl who questions why she was born. Was she wanted or needed? This story has the saddest ending I have read in a long time. If you don't like sad endings, don't let it keep you from reading this book because the story is a great one and you don't see the end coming. Keep tissues handy. |
| Ana Marie |
| Lying With Strangers by James Grippando |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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What can I say other than James Grippando! If you like suspense, you will love this book (all his books that I have read are great reads). The story is about a woman who thinks that her husband would always believe anything she told him and when she needs him the most he isn't there for her. Who can you turn to if not your spouse? You can always depend on you! You won't regret getting this book for yourself. |
| Mel K. |
| Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I've heard great things about Ann Aguirre's books (GRIMSPACE, WANDERLUST) so when I was given the chance to review her new book, BLUE DIABLO, I was thrilled. She didn't let me down. The book is fantastic! BLUE DIABLO is Ms. Aguirre's first book in the Corine Solomon series. Corine is a "handler", a person who holds an object and can tell you it's past history. Living a quiet unassuming life in Mexico City, Corine gets a visit from her ex, asking her to help him find his missing mother. She agrees to help, but their search subjects them to some serious black magic, as someone, or something, doesn't want his mother found. Great lengths are taken to slow them down, keeping readers guessing until the end. Who is responsible? Who can be trusted? BLUE DIABLO is an exciting read!! |
| Joan |
| Malachy McCourt's History of Ireland by Malachy McCourt |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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From the Celts through St. Patrick and Brian Boru to the Troubles, this book has short, very readable chapters on the history of Ireland. |
| Laura Emerson ([email protected]) |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book takes place in 1961 Mississippi. It is about a young white women doing interviews with African-American maids and their experiences in working for white families. I live in MS and I can honestly say that, at times, I have to put the book down. Not because of the content, but because of the anger I feel at how much injustice and humiliation these women have to suffer just to earn a living for their own families. This book is so well written, that it evokes almost every emotion the reader has. Although this is a nonfiction, it so aptly describes the conditions that existed in this era. I am an avid reader and through my lifetime have read thousands and thousands of books. I can honestly say without any exaggeration, that this is the best book I have ever read. |
| Bonnie |
| The House on Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Terrific memoir which gives the story of a life as well as the story of a country, Liberia, from its founding by freed American slaves to its unrest and coups. Cooper's family was integral in the life of the country and her recollections are fascinating. I listened to the unabridged audio version read by the author. |
| Cindy |
| The Reader by Bernard Schlink |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This novel is a haunting look at human behavior. |
| Julie Rand |
| Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A family of love, hard knocks, resourcefulness and eventual redemption. The big question is always, "What will happen next?" |
| Fran |
| Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Once again, Janet Evanovich outdoes herself with a laugh-out-loud funny story. I couldn't get enough of it! |
| Anna R |
| Among The Mad by Jacqueline Winspear |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is the latest in a series about Maisie Dobbs. Set in England after World War I, Ms. Dobbs is a single woman making a living as an investigator. AMONG THE MAD was the best yet! Once you start the book, be prepared to just sit and read! |
| Julie Rand |
| The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
From the innards of a Parisian apartment house, two intellectual protagonists entertain and enlighten the reader with satire and whimsy. Is there redemption for their heartaches so cleverly smothered in their caustic observation of others? Only the last page will release this revelation. |
| Candice Michalik |
| The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Having lived on the east coast all my life, I am captivated by Ford's descriptions of 1940s Seattle. This is definitely a bittersweet book about an older Chinese-American man who reminisces about his childhood friend, a young Japanese girl who was sent to an internment camp with her family. |
| Bett Norris |
| Red Audrey and the Roping by Jill Malone |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book was just shortlisted for a Lambda literary award. Rarely has a debut novel impressed me as deeply. If the gods of literature exist, they are smiling right now. Jill Malone's debut novel has certainly made me smile. I feel like an explorer who has just discovered a wondrous territory, and I can't wait to tell everyone, show them this miraculous landscape that Jill Malone has created for us. Mention any author whose skill and maturity and dexterity with language makes you happy, And Malone compares favorably. Joan Didion's novels. Jane Rule. Jane Smiley. Jane Hamilton. I am not overstating when I say that RED AUDREY AND THE ROPING measures up, more than meets that standard. Honestly, I got chills reading this novel. It's that good. It's not often that a writer of such skill, such ease with tone, style, dialogue, setting, comes along. Set in Hawaii, the story moves with Jane Elliott through a series of failed relationships, a series of disjointed scenes that all have to do with Jane's inability to trust herself and trust that anyone can love her. She struggles to come to terms with her dissociated life. "The fire flickered without much warmth or enthusiasm. Emily rubbed her hands against the outside of my legs like a trainer. Her hands burned the surface of my skin. I shivered into a towel, her body bright and warm against mine as if I still shielded the match in my palms. I name that moment, I name that place, as the one that moved beyond what I could handle. As the one that moved." What Jane can't handle is the crux, the heart of this novel, set in rich language, lush descriptions of both physical setting and the emotional geography of Jane's constant attempts to break free of the scars left by her mother's death. Until her repeated efforts to feel something lead to jumping off cliffs, until she can't feel anything. Hurling herself at challenges, at walls, at lovers, at anything she thinks will break her, Jane finally finds that, like Icarus, brief moments of flight that bring her closer to destruction don't just burn away her wings but burn scars that begin to show on the outside as well as inside. Tethered to the ground, tied to the thing she would throw herself against, Jane breaks. This is a novel of such depth and skill that I can only record my awe at Malone's immensely engaging, readable, memorable first novel. |
| JUANITA |
| Dark of The Moon by John Sandford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It is very intense with lots of twists and turns. I thought I had solved it and then something else happened! This is a very good read. |
| Julie |
| The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am loving this book! If you love to travel and are interested in other cultures this book is for you. Weiner's great sense of humor make this book a wonderful, fun read. |
| mary ann |
| Cameo Lake by Susan Wilson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's the story of a mother/wife who needs to complete her novel. She goes to her friend's cabin on a lake in New Hampshire. While there she befriends her neighbor who lost his wife a year ago. Many think he was guilty. What ensues is semi-predictable between Ben and Cleo. But at the heart is the betrayal she feels when she finds out her husband has been cheating (again), when she realizes she loves her mother in law and wants to continue that bond, and how important her children are. There is a surprise regarding Ben's wife and all the repercussions that follow. Overall a nice read. |
| Genie |
| Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love by Jill Conner Browne |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
You don't have to be from the south to enjoy this book, but it helps. I found a lot of familiar topics from my own childhood mentioned. RC cola with moon pies, favorite foods found at family reunions, wakes and birthday parties. Got a laugh at the descriptions of covers for Kleenex boxes and toilet paper rolls; I had an aunt who made those. Sweet Potato Queens Jackson, Mississippi (organized in 1982) refer to themselves as "fallen Southern belles". They stress the importance of a sassy attitude and a good sense of humor. Browne offers queenly observations and advice on all aspects of life. Some topics are about everyday activities such as tanning, the importance of big hair and the need of the right make-up. All of these items are a must for ladies who are so often featured in parades. Food is an important need for all occasions so there is a chapter dedicated to the four main food groups (sweet, salty, fried and au gratin) suitable for both therapeutic and recreational eating. I made the effort to copy down the recipe for "Chocolate Stuff" as I'm sure I will need to make this from time to time. Of course the main topic of the book is love in all its types and phases. The importance of friendship, family, girlfriends, boyfriends, husbands. Well, as you see this covers a lot of territory. Of course the topic of dating, engagements, marriage and divorce are also covered in detail with a generous helping of humor. |
| Janet Stewart |
| Jury Rigged by Laurie Moore |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Fairly predictable, but oh what a madcap romp! |
| Judy O. ([email protected]) |
| The Help by Kate Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a fabulous book! One of the best I've read in ages! The story takes place in Mississippi and is about black maids in white households during the early 1960s. It will take you back to those awful times of segregation and Martin Luther King. Skeeter is a white girl who befriends these maids and starts a project with them that has severe consequences for those concerned. I can't wait for this author's next book! |
| Sandra |
| The Road by Cormac McCarthy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book was very dark and sad, but hard to put down. Very easy to read, I read it in 2 days. You never really find out what has happened to the world but that doesn' t seem to matter, it is a story of love and surviving. |
| Sandra |
| Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed reading this book, a bit deep at times, but the humor was great, had me laughing and thinking about my own life. |
| Marsha |
| Mommy By Mistake by Rowan Coleman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Pretty predictable but may appeal to those who enjoyed FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB. It's about consequences and a baby group. This is possibly a good choice for a Mother/Daughter Book Group. |
| MJB |
| Pursuit by Karen Robards |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Jessica Ford is a young lawyer working for a law firm in Washington, DC. She is called late at night by her boss to go to a hotel and get the First Lady, Annette Cooper, out of there without a scene. All she can remember is getting into a limo and leaving. She wakes up in the hospital and her life starts to unravel. Someone wants her dead and she doesn't know who or why. Mark Ryan, Secret Service agent, assigned to the case, may be the only person she can trust. |
| Jean |
| Night and Day by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This latest by Robert Parker features police chef, Jesse Stone. You can't turn the pages fast enough while reading this book. As usual with this author, the pace is quick, the plot entertaining, and the dialogue witty. |
| Anna R |
| Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The only thing I knew about Frank Lloyd Wright was the amazing buildings he designed and built. This book shows another side of him that couldn't have been imagined. This is a great book for reading groups. My group had one of our best discussions ever! |
| Anna R. |
| Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another long awaited Father Tim story has arrived and gives a good look at his childhood. Not all childhoods are ideal; not even Father Tim's. A lovely story that made me eager for more. |
| Renee |
| Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A title suggestion that came from bookreporter.com! Reapply enjoyed this first of the series, and have the second one on order. This is a period mystery from the tale end of WWI. It's a great story. Thanks fellow readers! |
| Asha Smith |
| Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is Maeve Binchy at her best. A definite must read. |
| Sandra |
| Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Took me a little to get into the book, but really enjoyed the book and the circus life. |
| Suzanne L. |
| The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Sort of a "spoof" on the "intense" fiction about India. Engaging and funny. |
| Cheryl Stillwell |
| Web of Deceit by Anthony Toro |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In the era of the predator, Anthony Toro's WEB OF DECEIT is a socially relevant work of realistic fiction. Much to the reader's delight, Toro deviates from the traditional formula of the thriller. The reader meets the protagonist, Annette, and lives the story through her. There are no long drawn out background scenes. Flashbacks are used sparingly. There are no investigators, nor investigations. The reader meets the antagonist, Michael, through Annettes eyes. The reader knows what Annette knows. The story is fast paced. From the beginning to the end, the reader rides rides the waves of nerves and adrenalin with Annette. Bored upon settling with her family in blazing hot Tuscon, in the middle of the summer, 15-year-old Annette turns to the internet to pass time. Quickly becoming bored with the typical teen websites, " . . .She wandered to the more adult-oriented sites. Her favorite became the divorce chat room." Ever cautious, Annette " . . . began to join in the chats and fabricated fictitious names and characters. . . ." Meeting a man with whom she had a lot in common, Annette begins to chat with her new friend daily. " As Annette became more involved in the fictitious character's life, she felt herself getting more engulfed in the story and became proud of her apparent success in pulling it off." Then one day the friendly tone of the conversation disappeared and her new friend became her stalker. Can Annette disentangle herself from her stalker before anyone gets hurt? WEB OF DECEIT reads like a fast-paced, drama-intense "Lifetime" movie. |
| Suzanne L. |
| The Shadow Catcher by Marianne Wiggins |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A novel based on the life of Indian/Western photographer, Edward Curtis. Well written, although I didn't like it nearly as much as the rest of my book club did --- they would rate it at least a 4. |
| Suzanne L. |
| Lloyd Jones by Mister Pip |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Winner of the Kiriyama Prize. Set on the island of Bouganville during a Civil War and describes how reading Charles Dickens helped the inhabitants get through the war. Very engaging. |
| Rosalia DeNardo |
| Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The idea was great and the author definitely kept you going until the very end. However, there were a lot of characters and it kept jumping all over the place. |
| Donna P. ([email protected]) |
| Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Based on medical examiner, Kay Scarpetta, this is my favorite of the series. I finished it in two days, could not put it down. |
| R.Schaafsma |
| Little Heathens by Mildred Armstrong Kalish |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great memoir of a childhood spent in two locations in Iowa. It describes what it was like to make everything last "forever" with recipes too. |
| R.Schaafsma |
| Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Jodi Picoult has such a wonderful way of expressing things from the inside out that I would probably read anything she writes. |
| R.Schaafsma |
| Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the first of a trilogy and makes me look forward to the next two. It has a shoemaker in New York City, a big Italian family and a lot of heart. |
| Debi |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is definitely a 5-plus! One of its best characteristics is that it is multicultural. It's based in Ethiopia, the main character is Indian, and he travels to the United States. Not only is it a story of loss and suffering, but also, of love and forgiveness. Even though it's over 500 pages, it felt as though it were shorter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! |
| Donna P. |
| The Heroines by Eileen Favorite |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Based on the premise that famous heroines of literature (e.g. Scarlet, Gone with the Wind) visit a single mother and 13 year old daughter's bed and breakfast. Story sounded interesting but the book wound up confusing and hard to follow. I gave up about halfway thru. |
| Carol Grubbs |
| Beside a Burning Sea by John Shors |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This story, set during WWII on a deserted island, inhabited by the hospital ship's survivors is a superb story. Very well written. The book was read by our book club and loved so much that the following month we read John Shors BENEATH A MARBLE SKY. Mr. Shors we are waiting for your next book. |
| Donna P. |
| The Book of Dahlia by Elisa Albert |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Dahlia, 29 year old unemployable pot head, spoiled and narcissistic, discovers she has a terminal brain tumor. I did not like the main character much, found her rather annoying. Didn't really care what happened to her. |
| Sandy |
| Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love the Reacher series and this one did not disappoint. Once in a while, I didn't get what was going on, but the ending was great. |
| Josh P. |
| A Lion Called Christian by Anthony Bourke and John Randall |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is such a touching story about unending love. Christian does not forget his "dads" and he does not forget how much he loves them, even thought they were apart for so long. This story is amazing, and is so much fun to read. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| A Pale Horse by Charles Todd |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An Ian Rutledge mystery set in Berkshire with a backdrop of a huge, chalked white horse etched in the earth and a village intended for lepers. The mystery starts with the death of a war scientist, and quickly escalates to three more deaths before the killer is discovered. Again, Todd begins to discuss the use of poisonous gas to kill and injure British soldiers during World War I. Charles Todd, a writing team of mother and son, does an excellent job in setting and character. I especially liked the "simple" Slater, who proved to be an excellent judge of character. |
| Jill |
| Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The first in a series of mysteries with Venetian police man Commissario Guido Brunetti. I love the Italian references throughout the mystery and bits of Italian language referenced. An interesting and easy read. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| A False Mirror by Charles Todd |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an Ian Rutledge mystery set in England after WWI, when the country and its inhabitants are still raw from the war. This story is set in southern England and involves love and money, and the death of two women and the brutal beating of a man. Charles Todd (a mother and son writing team) does a wonderful job with setting and character development. Again, I am in awe of their perception of WWI and the ravages of that war. Also, the mentality of the village inhabitants shows a personality rampant with gossip and caution of outsiders |
| Jeanie |
| The Help by Kathryn Sprockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The setting is the turbulent '60s and three women are spotlighted. Two of them are black domestic help in Jackson Mississippi and the other one a white society lady who decides to write a book telling the true unbiased stories of the lives of domestic help. The women tell the good and the bad sides of spending their lives waiting on the white families. This novel is very gripping and tells the strife of the civil rights movement and how it affected the lives of everyone. I loved this book. I hope it is made into a movie. |
| Sonja Keller ([email protected]) |
| Misfits Country by Arthur Knight |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a must read for any fan of the classic movie The Misfits. Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable brought to life. A fascinating look at the end of Hollywood's golden age. |
| Fran |
| Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I've only read about a hundred or so pages of this book and am not getting into it. Perhaps it's just not for me. I don't plan on finishing it because I realized that I could care less what happens next. |
| Betty |
| The Associate by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am not usually a legal thriller reader but everything I read about this book, including the bookreporter reviews made me want to read it. This is a wonderful book that leaves you wondering to the end what will happen to the main character. |
| Elizabeth |
| Still Life by Joy Fielding |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I just started reading this book last night and stayed up past midnight reading. Anyone who has had a number of friends who are gossips can appreciate the intensity of this book. |
| Terri Bray |
| The Last Summer (of You and Me) by Ann Brashares |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Really, really sad but was worth the read. I think about the characters even when I'm not reading the book. |
| Debi |
| Revenge of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love reading funny mysteries, and this one did not disappoint me! In fact, I've read the entire series of this dysfunctional detective family! What makes this one different from others is the writing style (love the footnotes!) It's light, entertaining, and really a good mystery! |
| Debi |
| The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
My friend gave me this book for Christmas, and said I would enjoy it! And I did! The simplicity in which the main character speaks as well as her understanding of the human character is endearing. I especially like the way she solves her cases. It's a very good read. |
| Beverly |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An interesting story that was published in the UK as THE OTHER HAND, which I think fits the book better. Two women met again two years after an incident on a Nigerian beach. The second meeting takes place in the UK. The book illustrates the point of individual behavior on issues that society to trying to resolve as a whole. |
| Beverly |
| The Writing on My Forehead by Nafisa Haji |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love debut novels and based on this one, I look forward to reading more work by this author. It is a wonderful coming-of-age story of a second-generation Muslim woman as she navigates her way around her American culture, while trying to understand where her heritage fits in. |
| Marsha |
| Harm's Way by Stephen White |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A thriller that involves murder in theatres is the premise of this Alan Gregorynovel. Intriguing, mesmerizing, chilling and just a darn good story. |
| Fran |
| The Dogs Who Found Me by Ken foster |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A sweet book capturing the author's experiences with various strays that he meets and finds permanent homes for. A heartwarming memoir that is also filled with information re: care and keep of dogs. I loved this. |
| ck |
| The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a lovely story of first love, the bitterness of racism, and the gulf between parents and children. I have told everyone to read this! Book Clubs will love it. |
| sal williams |
| Forever, Erma by Erma Bombeck |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This collection of columns had me laughing and crying as I re-read some of her best columns and strolled down "Memory Lane" remembering life back when the kids were small and all of our days lay before us. If you enjoy nostalgia, Erma's collection will please you immensely. If you are a young parent who just needs a grin and a chuckle about daily living from an enormously talented writer, this book is it! Enjoy! |
| ck |
| Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the sixth novel featuring Maisie Dobbs who is an investigator in London following World War I. She is hunting a truly insane murderer, but also is concerned with the mental deterioration of her co-worker's wife. Her best friend is exhibiting unstable behavior and Maisie herself may have some psychological problems as a result of The Great War. Unfortunately, the author's story resonates with readers who are troubled by the problems of our soldiers and their families who have been hurt from serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. |
| Donna P. |
| Starvation Lake by Bryan Gruley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Book is based in my home state, Michigan which provided a scenic background. It described a small town with lots of secrets. I loved the main character, reporter and now editor, Gus Carpenter. Main story involves accident/possible murder of star hockey coach. Secondary story involves members of the team and how their lives have changed since then. It was hard to believe STARVATION LAKE was a debut mystery by Gruley. A good read that will keep you guessing. |
| Denise |
| The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarity |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I picked this book up because it was sitting around; no great plan to read it. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. The central character is a Mom --- who is often not that nice --- dealing with an an unimaginable crisis after her teenage daughter accidentally kills another teen while goofing around in the car. You can feel the pain of all of the characters, as they say and do the wrong thing. And the mother/daughter communication is scarily and beautifully written. |
| Teresa Steinert ([email protected]) |
| Knit Two by Kate Jacobs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Loved the first book, FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB and I'm glad to be visiting these women again five years later. I hope no one dies! |
| Tamara ([email protected]) |
| A Deadly Brew by Susanna Gregory |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A 13th-Century University of Cambridge mystery. Set in Cabridge, England, Dr. Bartholomew is trying to find out where the poison wine came from and how many will be murdered with it. This author writes so that you feel you are there --- you can sense the damp of the rooms and the damp of the one blanket you sleep under and the mud and rain of the surrounding forests and fells. Very thick with atmosphere and ner-do-wells. Fun read. |
| Jean H. |
| Dog On It by Spencer Quinn |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The first book in a new series about a dog named Chet and a detective named Bernie. You will like Bernie, but you will love Chet. |
| Kay |
| Terminal Freeze by Lincoln Child |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Enjoyable! The best part about a Lincoln Child novel is that there are so many twists and turns, always lots of suspense and a surprise. This novel delivers also. Set in Alaska, the story revolves around an "animal" found frozen in the base of a mountain and the filming of a documentary. Permafrost, northern lights, Inuits, ice, cold. Another good story from Lincoln Child. |
| Darlene Reid-Rericha ([email protected]) |
| Blood and Ice by Robert Masello |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Photographer Michael Wilde takes a month-long assignment to the South Pole. On a routine dive in the polar sea, he finds a young man and woman, bound with chains and sealed forever in a block of ice. Beside them a chest filled with a strange, and sinister, cargo. From there, it's an intense adventure. Vampires Antarctica style. I loved it! |
| Kathryn |
| The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book has been hyped for a while, even before Oprah picked it for her book club. I was excited to read it, and boy was I disappointed. The book was OK, it's a good story, but just too much and I hated the ending. All I have to say is I'm not sorry I read it because it makes me appreciate the ones I love so much more. Not even sure I should give it 3 stars, but I did enjoy the dogs and some parts of the story really appealed to me. |
| Jan Kanowitz ([email protected]) |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A novel about three women, two black and one white, and the changes taking place in 1962 Mississippi. It's a terrific first novel by a woman who knows the subject firsthand having grown up in Jackson, Mississippi. Segregation is rampant but change is on the way for two of these women who are the "help" referred to in the title. |
| Betty Vincent ([email protected]) |
| The Chili Queen by Sandra Dallas |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am discovering, all over again, that many times picking up a new book by a new author just by the way it jumps out at me can be a wonderful read! |
| EC |
| The Longest Trip Home by John Grogan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you have read MARLEY & ME by this author, you might want to read his wonderful memoir. Even though Grogan was raised in a strict Catholic environment, everyone will identify with the author's journey in discovering what is important in life. Also, the writing is easy to take and entertaining. |
| Betty Vincent ([email protected]) |
| Lords of Corruption by Kyle Mills |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I got an advance readers copy of this and was sucked into the story at the first page! I had never read any of Kyle Mills's books, but now I have him on my "look for books by author" list. |
| Joanne |
| Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This story is set in the distant future. The author seems to think that products, language, relationships and service will be different. If you want to look at what the future will not be have a peak into this series. |
| Betty Vincent ([email protected]) |
| Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I had forgotten how funny these Stephanie Plum adventures were! |
| Pat |
| True Colors by Kristen Hannah |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I have found this book a tad tedious compared to her others. It's taking me longer to read rather than her previous books. Will get through it! |
| Sharon |
| The Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another gentle "mystery" in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Again, Mma Ramotswe sets out to solve the mystery of a woman who wants to find her birth family but does not know what her family name is. And Mma Makutsi's fiance buys a new bed --- but what happens to that bed? |
| Marsha |
| Higher Authority by Stephen White |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
There is much to learn here about the Mormon faith and its fanatic followers who will justify almost anything to attain their goals. It's a good mystery set in Utah and the surrounding areas. The geography is well-described as well as the history of the Mormon settlements in the West. |
| Madeline |
| The Keepsake by Tess Gerritsen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fast-paced thriller with an archaeological bent. The story carries you along but it's the characters who take you to the end. I'll definitely read more of Gerritsen's work. |
| Jaye |
| The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Not much is known about the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II. Here's the story, told alternately before and during the Occupation (1940s) and afterwards (early 1950s). It's sad, sometimes horrifying and the ending is very surprising. I loved it! |
| Julie |
| The Domino Men by Jonathan Barnes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Unlike Barnes' SOMNAMBULIST, this story takes place in current time London. But you have to suspend belief, if you're familiar with Barnes, and just go with his fantastic tale of forces trying to take over London, along with involving the prince of the House of Windsor. |
| Jaye |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II is a horrifying piece of American history. Here, it is given additional poignancy by telling the story of two 12 year old friends who are separated during the internment period and get back together in middle age. |
| Eileen Quinn Knight ([email protected]) |
| The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a delightful love story about the consequences of choices made under stress-filled situations. It was a very compelling but relaxing story, as it transports the reader out of time and space one usually inhabits. |
| Gail S. |
| The Leisure Seeker by Michael Zadoorian |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wonderful story of an elderly couple, both with medical problems, using Route 66 to travel to Disneyland. It is both funny and sad and very entertaining. |
| Donna |
| The Private Patient by P.D. James |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Nothing is ever as it seems in a P.D. James novel. In novels where the crime is almost secondary to the characterization, James shines a light on the psychology of each character. Thoroughly engaging. |
| Patricia Ferguson |
| The Gate House by Nelson DeMille |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A sequel to GOLD COAST. Both books are written in an easy style, rather tongue in cheek at times, that makes me laugh out loud! A Very intriguing story about the Mafia and the old-moneyed folks who live on Long Island. The relationship between the narrator (John Sutter) and his socialite wife (Susan Stanhope) is well developed and interesting, and takes many twists and turns. She is definitely a flake of the first order. Just excellent escapism! |
| Bridget |
| The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was like reading two (maybe three) books at the same time all, more or less, on the same theme --- religion, Mormonism and polygamy. By far, the most interesting was the contemporary murder mystery as told by a young gay man who had been thrown out of the cult. His mom is accused of killing his father (the husband to at least 18 other women). |
| Leslie |
| Blessed by Thunder by Flor Fernandez Barrios |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
It's a story about growing up in Cuba during the revolution and immigrating to the States. |
| Jean H. |
| The Widow's War by Sally Gunning |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great read! Widow Lyddie Berry is a character you will not easily forget. |
| Carol Pirtle |
| The Mascot by Mark Kurzen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Fascinating nonfiction about a World War II story that is unbelievable, but true. The author keeps you in suspense so well that you can't turn the pages fast enough. |
| Ivy |
| The House at Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Helene Cooper writes a fascinating memoir of life growing up in Liberia as part of the upper class. But once the coup takes over the government, and the bells and whistles are abruptly removed from her life, and her family is uprooted and separated from each other, she is forced into a new world where she learns to cope and ultimately accept and excel in her new life. |
| Jan Atkins ([email protected]) |
| I Am the Central Park Jogger by Trisha Meili |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I am only on page 70 of 274 pages, so this is an early review. However, it is easy to put down and I have even started another book in the midst of this one. It is listed as a New York Times bestseller, but I can't figure out why at this point except that so many people seem to have heard of this crime victim from 1989. I don't remember this incident in the news so can't really connect with it. The woman describes her attack in Central Park based on what others have told her because she has no memory of it. It is a story of her recovery from near death and at this point it is merely interesting. |
| Jan Atkins ([email protected]) |
| Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am just about 1/3 of the way through this book, but I was hooked after the first page. The main character, Valentine, is funny and lovable, as is her entire family. If you have ever read any of the Stone Gap books, this is just more of the same great reading. If you haven't, get to the library now and start reading while you wait for VERY VALENTINE to come in. |
| Kathy Stephens ([email protected]) |
| Twilight by Stephanie Meyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Vampires, romance, an easy read. This book has it all! It is 500 pages and I read it in 3 days (great for me). I could not put it down and did not want it to end. |
| Rebecca |
| Beneath the Marble Sky by John Shors |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is the story of the Maharaja who built the Taj Mahal for his dead wife, but it is told through the eyes of his daughter. A great love story. I highly recommend it |
| Gale Kearley |
| Taken by Thomas Cook |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
It's a pretty good book. It's not my type reading, though --- It's more sci-fi. It's an older book. |
| Bethann |
| Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As with all Binchy's books, the characters lure you in to each of their personal stories. |
| Teresa Steinert ([email protected]) |
| Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Really enjoyed it. Picoult is one of my favorite authors, but did find it a bit similar to MY SISTER'S KEEPER, one of her earlier books. |
| Bill |
| Fault Line by Barry Eisler |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Fairly good plot and interesting family interplay. Eisler introduces a new assassin, this one an ask no questions puppet of a shadowy U.S. government department. The action moves seamlessly from Silicon Valley to the Middle East and back to the Bay Area with the requisite violence and brotherly tension. I would like to thank Eisler for not writing a 400+ page thriller that seems to be in vogue today. His 300 pages do the job very nicely. It's a very good read. |
| Dorothy ([email protected]) |
| Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Kallos has written a moving story about people who come together to create family. People with broken lives caused from various heartaches find each other over a period of time. They learn to trust one another; as a result, they create a new family out of whole cloth. |
| Carole |
| The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a very good and very long book. It takes place in the 1200s and a large part of the story concerns the building of cathedrals. Very good character development and a really good story. |
| Pam ([email protected]) |
| Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I used to be a huge fan of this series, but the latest books seemed to get bogged down in many, many technical details and were just too wordsy. Not this one, though --- It is a great book with just the right amount of detail. It was great to catch up with Kaye, Benton, Marino, and Lucy. Lucy is one of my favorite characters and her storyline was quite interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed Cornwell's books in the past, as well as newcomers! |
| Barbara |
| Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would. Oh my goodness! This was my first Dekker book; now, I'm searching for his others. I highly recommend it! |
| Barbara |
| At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great book of love and sorrow. This is one you'll hate to put down. I love how the author brings things full circle, unexpectedly. I enjoyed IN SEARCH OF EDEN, and this second book was no disappointment. |
| Tamara ([email protected]) |
| Napoleon's Pyramid by William Dietrich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was an Indiana Jones-like adventure set around Napoleon conquering Egypt. It's steeped in history and the war with Lord Nelson over Africa, aswell as love, treasure and a fast-paced adventure quest in the land of the Nile and ancient wonder. |
| Chris |
| Revenge of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the third book in the series. I still love the characters --- they make me laugh out loud. I really enjoy the writing style of this author as well. |
| Jake ([email protected]) |
| Serena by Ron Rash |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is one interesting lady. She surely does know how to get what she wants. |
| Jennifer DeFoy |
| Gatekeepers by Sheldon Robert Stone & Rudolf B. Schmerl |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
The conversations are a bit dry for me. It also seems as if the authors are trying to put in too much detail. |
| Mz Betty |
| Oolong Dead by Laura Childs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Theodosia Browning discovers the body of an on-air television reporter who also happens to be the sister of Theo's ex-lover, Jory Davis. This story keeps readers on their toes while they are searching for a killer who is hiding in plain sight. Laura Childs's Tea Shop Mysteries are always clever, interesting, and great fun. |
| Kaye |
| Life Sentences by Laura Lippman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Cassandra Fallows has written two successful memoirs and is thinking of writing fiction next. When she hears the name Calliope Jenkins on the news, she thinks it must be the same woman she knew as a girl. Memories start to wash over Cassandra. This is when she decides to do her next book on Callie, as she and three others in her group called Calliope. Calliope's name was in the news because like a current case in New Orleans, she pled the Fifth more than twenty years ago, when she would not disclose the whereabouts of her son. Although no body was ever found, nor would Callie say anything else, she spent seven years in jail. Cassandra wants to talk to Callie and get her story, along with the stories of the other three girls they both knew. Cassandra tries contacting the prosecuting attorney and the detective in the case. Unfortunately, this takes a lot of digging because no one will reveal where Callie is and no one seems to want to talk about the case or even their youth. When she does talk to the three other women she knew as a girl, it seems their memories don't jive with what Cassandra wrote in her memoirs. She starts to question her own memories and the motives of the people involved. Through persistence, Cassandra starts to put the pieces of the puzzle in order. Throughout the story, there are some intriguing concurrent sub-plots going on. Cassandra's parents are divorced and he is remarried. Her father played a big part in Cassandra's memoirs but it turns out she based her memories on false information. Most of the main characters have their own life dramas going on which does make for interesting reading. I will say Lippman does a great job of fleshing out her characters, particularly the detective and the lawyer. Her location descriptions are also excellent. This is not your typical mystery. I felt like I was reading background material for a good part of the book when it dawned on me, this IS the book. It's more of a character study than a traditional mystery. Maybe I was expecting something different than this format or something more from this author. Not sure. Even though I have never read Lippman's work before, I have read gushing reviews about her mysteries. There is a real twist to the ending that I didn't see coming. The last twenty pages tie it all up rather neatly and most of the misconceptions and unknowns are revealed. Overall, I did like the book even though I felt that I was waiting for something more to actually happen. |
| Kaye |
| Palace Circle by Rebecca Dean |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
From the cover of this book, I was apprehensive that the story would be a light romance, a la Harlequin. I was not prepared for the depth of the characters and the most intriquing historical parts of the book. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of romance in this book. In fact, there is a lot of romance, some dalliances and even true love! I hadn't even begun chapter two when I knew I would be immersed in a fascinating novel. It drew me in immediately and I was so enrapt with the world of the Conisborough family and their circle of friends and family, I resented when real life intruded and I had to put the book down. For some reason, I am always enthralled with stories set during war time and sagas written over several decades. That multi-generational aspect is always interesting. I like to see the continuity of the characters and the growth they experience. As for the historical parts of this novel, they were woven into the story so expertly, I was captivated. I had no real knowledge of Egypt's part in World War II so this was most enlightening to me. It just made the story come alive as there are numerous real life people in the book. It is so well done, it is almost hard to tell where reality ends and fiction begins. PW is so correct in saying Ms. Dean captures the tone and mood of the time. I felt like I was transported, both mentally and emotionally, into the scene. The characters were fleshed out to perfection. I found it extremely easy to imagine all of them. I am really anticipating Ms. Dean's next book. I just loved PALACE CIRCLE. Circle 5***** |
| Mellena ([email protected]) |
| Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a teen book, I wouldn't let anyone under the age of 16 read it because it does have adult sex discussions. It is written by mother and daughter, and it's a really great read. This is the first book of their series; they have about 5 books out. |
| Kaye |
| Oolong Dead by Laura Childs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
During the Charleston point to point race, Theodosia Browning has a slight mishap when she takes a tumble off her horse. Although she is quite winded from the fall, she begins to take stock of herself. Nothing feels broken and she can move okay, so why does she see blood? As she looks around, she sees the body of a woman. Upon closer look, Theodosia realizes it is Abby Davis, local TV reporter who also happens to be the sister of Theodosia's former boyfriend, Jory Davis. Although the last time she saw Abby, she did not have a bullet hole in her forehead! Even though Theodosia is the owner of the very successful Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston's historic district, she always finds time to do her part in fundraising for the arts and historical societies. She, along with her staff; Drayton, tea master extraordinaire and Haley, the young baker, host many a tea for these events. Theodosia has another talent and that is amateur sleuth. In the past she has managed to solve several of Charleston's mysteries, much to the chagrin of Burt Tidwell, chief of police. So, when Tidwell actually suggests she do a little snooping at the funeral services, and Jory, the victim's brother, asks her to help find the murderer, Theodosia just can't say no. Between running the tea shop and preparing for the Verdi masked ball to be held in the opera house, Theodosia is one busy lady. While investigating who might have wanted Abby dead, Theodosia discovers that there is certainly more than one person. There are a lot of heart stopping moments as Theodosia is unwillingly spirited out of the ball by a masked man, finds a very old skeleton , then is later trapped in the dusty cellar of a crumbling mansion and finally has a close call run-in with Abby's murderer. Childs supplies lots of credible motives and suspects, keeping the reader guessing throughout. This is one cozy that will get your attention and keep it throughout! One of the many delightful parts of this series is the tea shop itself. Childs has created a homey type ambiance with such wonderful characters, it is easy to imagine this shop actually exists. Her descriptions of the other shops and their proprietors in the historic district, along with the surrounding low country, create a very believable backdrop. It is the characters that have kept me coming back book after book with their diversity and appeal. It is like having a splendid luncheon with very dear friends. As always, at the end of the book, Laura has included some scrumptious recipes Haley cooked up for the tea shop and some clever ideas for tea parties with a theme. I have read every one in the series and they always manage to charm and delight me. Highly recommended. |
| jimbo |
| Last Call by JD Seamus |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
LAST CALL is a book that everyone will enjoy reading. Its cast of characters are so true and believable, and relate all too well to the story line the author has developed. The author, JD Seamus, has penned a book which is both entertaining as well as engaging. The story contains neverending friendships, love, caring, romances gone wrong and accidental killings. The story begins with a man named Nathan Melton, who is looking for a place to hang out since moving to the area. He has frequented several bars and found he didn't care for any of them. One day he strolls into Jimmie's bar, where he finds friendship and love and encounters a friend who is dying. What he finds at Jimmie's is people who take care of one another. Jimmie is a part-time crook and the neighborhood psychiatrist and matchmaker. The story continues and Jimmie finds out he is dying and has assurred that his disabled wife and daughter will be taken care of when the time comes. What Jimmie doesn't know is that his so-called lawyer isn't a very trustworthy one and has been scamming him. After Jimmie passes his friends come to the rescue and take over the pursuit of getting his money back. This is a great read and once began demands to be finished, it is one you will not be able to put down. |
| jake ([email protected]) |
| The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblerwski |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A thick book that at the end doesn't seem thick enough. Far beyond the raising of dogs, the story involves love, friendship, tragedy and perseverance. |
| Janice H. |
| Merlot Murders by Ellen Crosby |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I read this mostly to see if I wanted to give it to my sister; she and her husband have started a vineyard fairly recently. Although the writing in less than sparkling, I think my sis will enjoy the references to how grapes are grown and cared for, and how the wine is tended and perfected. There us also some history of grapes/wine industry in the U.S. The mystery part is just okay, but I will probably read more in the series. |
| Elizabeth V |
| Find Me by Carol O'Connell |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I'm still reading his book after more than a week. I'm only half through it. That says something. It's definitely not a can't-put-it-down book. This book has a great storyline: a large group of parents of missing children travel Route 66 together in hopes of finding them, while it is discovered that the person who abducted the children is now murdering their parents. The problem is that the author concentrates more on the detectives working this case and the rivalry between the police and the FBI than on that great-sounding story line. So this book is just plodding along because most of it concentrates on what I think isn't interesting and should play a minor role in the book, not a major one. |
| Judy |
| Betrayal in Death by J. D. Robb |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have just discovered (so I'm slow) the Eve Dallas series by Nora Roberts writing as J. D. Robb. They are terrific, sexy and great fun. I am going through the whole series, trying to do it in order. I highly recomend them to anyone who likes thrillers and romance and snappy dialogue. |
| Nora Hughes ([email protected]) |
| Nora Jane by Ellen Gilchrist |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An interesting romp through her life with NORA JANE. |
| Nora Hughes ([email protected]) |
| The Book of Negros by Lawrence Hill |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A gripping account of the slave trade and the journey of 'Meena Dee.' |
| Nora Hughes ([email protected]) |
| The Secret River by Kate Grenville |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Enticing from the first sentence. |
| David Jones |
| The Associate by John Grisham |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Boring and predictable! I am having a hard time finishing it. As a long-time Grisham fan, I think he needs to take a break and wait for another blockbuster to form in his head! |
| BSTM |
| Three Weeks to Say Goodbye by C. J. Box |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
While it is not as good as his last stand alone, Box's THREE WEEKS TO SAY GOODBYE is a tense and exciting novel. Just think what you would do if you had three weeks to give up someone you loved with all your heart and soul. I especially enjoy the police detective in the story and hope he turns up again in another Box book. |
| Annetta Burch |
| The Grits Guide to Life by Deborah Ford, with Edie Hand |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have just begun reading this hilarious book, sent to me and recommended by one of my best friends, who is a writer also and about to become an author herself! It consists of stories of girls raised in the South, with a foreword included by none other than every Southerner's favorite, Fannie Flagg. I would recommend this book to anyone. |
| Karen |
| Winter Study by Nevada Barr |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Great page turner about Ranger Anne Pigeon, participating in a winter study of wolves on Isle Royale in Lake Superior in January. It is so cold, and the author does a good job of relaying that to the reader --- along with the isolation and suspense as a member of the group appears to have been killed by something bigger than a wolf. I have about 10 pages and hate to see it end. |
| Cynthia Plaza-Harney |
| Absolute Fear by Lisa Jackson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
When you start to read this book, you will not put it down. That is if you like thrillers, I do. I like to guess were the story is going, I could not do it with this book. It just keeps you wondering what is next. |
| Irish |
| Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you have read any of this author's books you know her format. She picks a topic usually one that is in the news, and then four or five characters. She then proceeds to tell the story from the four or five main character's point of view. Naturally these viewpoints are at odds with each other. The trick is that she makes one think that each opinion is correct or at least has a valid point. This book was interesting to read and kept one's attention. It does not disappoint. |
| Pat Miller |
| True Evil by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was an amazing book. It grabs you right from page one and I couldn't put it down. |
| Pat Miller |
| The Choice by Nicholas Sparks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love anything by Nicholas Sparks and this was no exception. I couldn't put it down and read it in 1-1/2 days. Love it! |
| Danielle Estes ([email protected]) |
| Sleep, Baby, Sleep by Jessica Auerbach |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I haven't finished this book, but it grabbed me from the back cover and so far I am really enjoying it. |
| Nancy |
| Godmother by Carolyn Turgeon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Can't put this book down. It's about the godmother from the Cinderella story, and is a light-hearted, fun read. It's creative, comfortable, and a good book to escape into. |
| Sharon Rainey |
| True Colors by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a very easy read that was hard to stop reading. It was the story of three sisters who are very close. Then, problems arise and they aren't so close, but they are always "sisters". |
| Linda |
| The Restorer by Sharon Hinck |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is my first fantasy book, so I'm reading it with a little trepidation. I'm not finished yet, so I don't know the ending, but a worn-out mom finds herself in another country mysteriously and experiences all the demands of their rules. It's getting more interesting as I get further into the book. |
| Debbie |
| Barefoot by Eiln Hilderbrand |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Three women arrive at the local airport, observed by Josh, a Nantucket native home from college for the summer. Burdened with small children, unwieldy straw hats, and some obvious emotional issues, the women-- two sisters and one friend--make their way to the sisters' tiny cottage, inherited from an aunt. They're all trying to escape from something: Melanie, after seven failed in-vitro attempts, learned her husband was having an affair, and then discovered she's pregnant; Brenda embarked on a passionate affair with an older student that got her fired from her prestigious job as a professor in New York; and her sister Vicki, mother to two small boys, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Soon Josh is part of the chaotic household, acting as babysitter, confidant, and, eventually, lover. Elin Hilderbrand has a wonderful way of making you feel like you are right in the book. I cried, laughed, and got ticked off, all in one book. My one major criticism of the book is that the writing towards the end seemed to change in style and the book felt a bit rushed to me. I still loved the book and would highly recommend especially if you or someone you love is struggling with cancer or chemo. |
| Jean M. |
| The Killing Floor by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am playing "catch up". I had not read any Lee Child books until this one. I have found a new "book love". I'm planning on reading right through all of the Jack Reacher series. |
| Enid |
| The Associate by John Grisham |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is the not best thriller of his! A new associate at a top law firm is being coerced through the threat of blackmail, to steal information about a large secretive lawsuit. His college antics return to haunt him, threatening his future as well as that of his friends. |
| Ricki |
| The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A good start to the series, but they did not get to the ruins until towards the end of book. |
| Bonnie Capuano |
| Danger in a Red Dress by Christina Dodd |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Ms. Dodd is a wonderful writer and I always look forward to her new books. She did not let me down with this one. It was about a nurse who was given a deadly secret from her patient before she was murdered. It's a wonderful story and you don't want to put the book down. |
| Pattie Berryhill ([email protected]) |
| Three Weeks to say Goodbye by C. J. Box |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Engrossing tale of an infant adoption gone wrong. Involves a criminal aspect, a corrupt judge, and a child raper. |
| Mike Patt ([email protected]) |
| Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I enjoy the way Jodi writes so I kept reading this book even though I didn't like the way the characters worded their letters to their daughter. I wanted to see how the book ended. |
| Mike Patt ([email protected]) |
| Three Weeks To Say Goodbye by C.J. Box |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love all his books. I just found this writer last year and have read all he has written. Now I will have to wait at least another year before a new book comes out! |
| Susan Myers |
| Recovering Charles by Jason F. Wright |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Jason Wright is the author of THE CHRISTMAS JARS and this book, RECOVERING CHARLES, was a great read. It is the story of a young man, estranged from his father, who goes to New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina to search for him. His descriptions of New Orleans make you feel like you are there, some are very graphic. Great characters, emotional, and even a plot twist. I couldn't put it down! Read it. You'll like it. |
| Marion Miller ([email protected]) |
| Infidel by Ali |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an exciting biography. The author is lucky to have survived. She is an outspoken critic of Islam. She fled to Holland and became not only a citizen, but a member of parliament. She is a great champion of women's rights and to be admired for her risk-taking views. |
| Sally |
| The Art of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book, and I would give it 10 stars if I could. Don't miss it. |
| Sandy |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The best book I have read in a long time! I loved every page! |
| Carol |
| Florabama Ladies' Auxiliary & Sewing Circl by Lois Battle |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The only reason this book earns such a low rating is because it took 100 pages to become interesting. After page 100, the book picked up speed and became a don't-bother-me-I'm-reading type of enjoyable book. The story takes place in Alabama and centers around an Atlanta housewife divorcee. She needs a job, and her father actually finds one for her at a community college. She is to help out-of-work mill workers get a bit of education and help with government programs. They are all thrown in the deep end, in other words --- no experience on either side. They all grow through their time together both at and out of school. |
| Crystal Blackburn |
| Batter Off Dead: A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery by Tamar Myers |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another winner! |
| Helen |
| The Shack by William P. Young |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Great read for a book club --- it will initiate intense discussions regarding religion, faith and forgiveness. |
| Barbara Dormer ([email protected]) |
| Loot: The Battle Over the Stolen Treasures of the by Sharon Waxman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book puts a new slant on how museums acquire their collections. Hooray for Zahi Hawass. |
| Barbara Dormer ([email protected]) |
| Careless in Red by Elizabeth George |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another great Inspector Lynley mystery! |
| CC |
| The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
Many people seem to love this memoir but I thought it was uninspiring and contrived. |
| Sally |
| A Mercy by Toni Morrison |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Although a short novel (167 pages), I read this book slowly, returning often to previous sections to read them again. The story takes place in the late 1600s in our developing nation, and it shows how rough and chaotic life was at that time. It discusses many issues --- the lives of women, slavery, religion --- but is told in an almost poetic way. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Eve: A Novel of the First Woman by Elissa Elliott |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An interesting novel about Eve and her family, and the basis of man's relationship with God. The story is written in a similar style to Faulkner's THE SOUND AND THE FURY, with Eve and her three daughters relaying the story. The story recounts Adam and Eve eating the apple, as well as the story of Cain and Abel, but the main theme is a mother's love and understanding of her children, as it parallels the relationship of God and his people. |
| Sharon C. |
| Winter in June by Kathryn Miller Haines |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the third novel in the Rosie Winters series. Ms. Haines takes us to the South Pacific during World War II. Rosie and gal pal Jayne have joined the USO and are headed to the South Pacific to try to find Rosie's ex-boyfriend, Jack, who is missing in action (MIA). The minute they step foot on the boat, the dead body of an actress/former WAC (Women's Army Corp) is found shot and lying in the water. What a start to an enthralling ride. Rosie and Jayne are wonderfully witty and downright stubborn in their pursuit of finding Jack, and their having to deal with military higher ups and movie stars-all who have something to hide, is an especially difficult challenge. The military slang was a delight and the USO events on the islands were memorable. The historical settings seemed well researched and the characters had a down-to-earth realness to them, but the story was a little too neat and convenient when all those familiar faces were popping up in the same place. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and would like to go back and read the first two books in the Rosie Winters series. |
| Chris |
| Julia's Hope by Leisha Kelly |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A family sets out from their home state of PA in 1929 with $8.00 and their belongings in bags after losing everything in the stock market crash. When a promised job in distant Illinois falls through, they stop at an abandoned farm to take refuge and end up staying. This is a Christian novel about endurance, faith in God and in each other, forgiveness, and the power of the human spirit to overcome and survive. Our book club highly enjoyed it and plans to read the other two in the trilogy. |
| Patricia Tramble |
| A Mother's Wisdom by Patricia Ross |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The author does a good job in constructing and showing the complexity of relationships, life, and spirituality in order to find her peace in the end and a new beginning in the life of someone else. A MOTHER'S WISDOM speaks to the younger and older generation, having something for everyone. |
| Mellena ([email protected]) |
| The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am rereading this. I love how she took true historical facts and made them work so flawlessly in this book. I know she had to add a few 'extras', but its still a great read. |
| Kay |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This novel has a very original plot. Set in 1964 in Jackson, MS, the storyline jumps back and forth between black characters and white characters. I loved the dialogue! It is eye-opening, nostalgic, sad, and humorous. This is one of the very best novels I've read in a long time. |
| pearl |
| Isabel's Daughter by Judith Ryan Hendricks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Emotional, captivating and wonderful. What a great story and writing. |
| Marsha |
| Show No Fear by Perri O'Shaughnessy |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is a very poor effort on the part of the authors (sister who write under the name Perri O'Shaughnessy) to explain the early years of their heroine Nina Reilly. Shame on you girls! You have done so much better. What happened? |
| Fran |
| Shelter Me by Juliette Fay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I wasn't sure what to make of this book at first, but after reading a couple of chapters it grew on me. I enjoyed the journey of the main character, who initially lost in despair and grief finds her way back to live her life for herself and her kids. I enjoyed the relationship between her and Tug as well as the complexities in her relationship with the "helpful" priest. Overall, an interesting read! |
| Pret |
| Infinity in the Palm of Her Hand by Gioconda Belli |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Imagine the world of Adam and Eve. A world so new...without history, without experience. What were their first thoughts? This book re-imagines what they might have felt, their fears, their perception of creation and how they survived in the aftermath of their expulsion from Paradise. |
| Phoenix |
| Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Marillier is a skilled and creative writer with a talent for making Celtic historical fantasy fresh and engaging. The main character is an ordinary woman who uses her sharp mind, strong heart, imagination and wit to protect her family. Also recommended for those who enjoy romantic fiction. |
| Sally B., San Antonio TX |
| Reunion by Therese Fowler |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I received this from the publisher as an Advance Uncorrected Proof copy. It is about a famous talk show host who secretly tries to find the son that she gave up for adoption before she became famous. Some actions and emotions seem contrived and were not believable. |
| Judy O. ([email protected]) |
| The Associate by John Grisham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Newly graduated lawyer, Kyle McAvoy, finds himself in the clutches of some really bad people. They are blackmailing him with a secret that he has guarded since he was an undergraduate. They force him to take a job in a huge law firm, with the intention of making him be a spy who reports only to them. This was an entertaining book but was awfully similar to other Grisham books. The ending was not real satisfying either. |
| Marisa |
| Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Take a trip back to 17th-century Amsterdam in this wonderful historical fiction novel. THis very atmospheric novel swirls around artists, illicit love and of course, tulips. It's one of the better historical fiction novels out there. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Deadly Appraisal by Jane K Cleland |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is #2 in the Josie Prescott series set in New Hampshire. In this one, a fellow Gala charity organizer is poisoned in front of a crowded room, and many think that Josie was the intended target. In the chaos that follows, Ty's aunt dies and Josie must investigate without her boyfriend. As noted before, Cleland's writing is not detailed, but the novel is fun and a relief from more intense authors. |
| Crystal F |
| Cold Hearted by Beverly Barton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm about halfway through and I can hardly put this down. I'm trying to figure out who the bad guy is but I cannot. |
| Amy Borawski |
| Don't look Twice by Andrew Gross |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Just like a James Patterson book, I can't put it down. |
| Allan |
| Until Proven Guilty by J. A. Jance |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the 1st in her series about JP Beaumont, a Seattle, WA homicide detective. The characters are bright, witty and have a lot of personality. It is hard to figure out who was the guilty party and this is a great read. I have read some of the others in the series, and you see how the characters grow and intertwine. |
| Genie |
| America Back on Track by Senator Edward M. Kennedy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Combination memoir / political science / American history, this book is an effort to reawaken the belief in progress that underlay politics. Using examples of successful government programs begun in the 1960s, Kennedy presents valid points and discusses numerous complex topics. He discusses his ideas about the best ways for Americans to adjust to globalization as well as the steps needed to achieve a sound energy policy. Good examples and suggestions as to the best way to make needed changes to the health care system are given. Kennedy is straightforward in presentation of solutions such as the need to provide equal financial contributions from federal, state and local government agencies for funding education. He explains his stand on the need to increase the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. Valid criticism of the Bush administration for focusing on the military war on terror rather than taking a broader view of global security, the politicization of government agencies and departments like the FDA and for undermining civil liberties. This is an interesting and worthwhile read. |
| Rebecca Cox |
| Lost in the Forest by Sue Miller |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Sue Miller takes us into great losses and enduring love in an easy-to-read and fast-moving style. I liked this book from the start and am just about through. I definitely recommend this as a good read. |
| Melissa Applin ([email protected]) |
| Baby Love by Catherine Anderson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
BABY LOVE is the first book in Catherine Anderson's Kendrick/Coulter Series. It's a very sensual and romantic way to start off a great series. |
| Gina |
| The Grand Finale by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Even though the premise is the same as all the other re-released older novels by this author, it is still enjoyable to read. |
| Kristen ([email protected]) |
| Body Bags by Christopher Golden |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you want a mystery that will keep you holding on to the edge of your seat then this is the book for you. Jenna is heading off to college and while there she will get to know the father she barely saw while growing up, go to class, and oh yeah, and start working in a morgue. |
| Sara M |
| The Long Fall by Walter Mosley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Walter Mosley's THE LONG FALL is a mystery novel set in New York. The main character and narrator, Leonid, is perfection. A private investigator trying to balance what he believes is right and what is necessary to pay his rent and provide for his family. When he ignores his gut and takes the wrong case; inadvertently assisting in murder, he finds himself fighting for his life. Which is only the beginning of his problems, as his youngest son is also plotting a murder. There is a lot of back story and compelling family drama intermixed with the front burner storyline. The book is obviously a series launch. The plot is very intricate (sometimes predictable), but the structure and pace become consuming. I had some difficulty understanding how Leonid came up with some of his conclusions, but it could be that I was racing through the pages. When I wasn't reading this book; I wanted to be reading this book. THE LONG FALL is as near a perfect mystery as I have read lately. I am looking forward to the next installment of the series. |
| Sue W. |
| The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the second time I have read this book and loved it just as much this time as the first. I have always liked bees and learning about being a bee keeper was fascinating. Learning about life in the south during Johnson's presidency was a real eye opener. Our book club is going to see the movie next month and right afterwards we plan to review the book comparing to the movie. Should be a very lively discussion. |
| Sue W. |
| Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I must admit that I had never read a J.D. Robb book so I was somewhat caught off guard when I realized that this one took place around 2053 as all of written under this pseudonym. But I really enjoyed it. The characters were very real and the premise of the book was extremely good. I will definitely look for early books by Robb and read them. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Angels Flight by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a Harry Bosch mystery set in Los Angeles. In this novel, Harry and his team must find the killer of an activist attorney, who routinely went for the police department's throat. The murder scene hints that a cop in fact committed the crime, and the superiors seem to have picked Harry's ex-partner as the sacrificial lamb. In the process, Harry loses Eleanor, his wife. Connelly does an amazing job showing the hatred and tensions in LA that continue to simmer, just waiting for any spark to ignite the fire. As usual, Harry is the lone wolf, trying to remain true to his beliefs. It's an interesting story about the police, child pornography, and the chasm between the haves and have-nots. |
| Bonnie |
| Happy Birthday or Whatever by Annie Choi |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Another self-serving memoir that isn't half as funny or ironic as the author thinks it is. It reads like so many others. |
| EC |
| East of Eden by John Steinbeck |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Our book club chose this classic. Having to read it over again was a thought provoking experience. This is some story, and the manner in which Steinbeck handles his themes is masterful. It is highly recommended again and again. |
| Sara M |
| Etta by Gerald Kolpan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Not much is known about the legendary Etta Place who ran with the Outlaw bank robbing Hole-in-the-wall Gang at the turn of the century. Where the historical record leaves off, Gerald Kolpan steps in, telling Etta's imagined and incredible life story in his debut novel, ETTA. Etta begins the story as both tom-boy and lovely debutante who prefers horseback riding and shooting to the tedium of parties. When her dad commits suicide, leaving her in financial ruin and threatened by some of his shadier financiers, Etta escapes west. On the edge of civilization she unexpectedly finds fulfillment and love in the unlikeliest of places. As expected, the villains are dastardly, the heroines sweet, and our outlaws are gentlemen. The novel is told through diary entries, first person narration from several of the characters, fictional newspaper clippings, letters etc. This structure is as enjoyable as it is effective. The only caveat is beginning the book with an obituary, disclosing Etta was 80 at death which negates much of the suspense Kolpan subsequently works so hard to build. To his credit however he does establish a strong female voice in Etta, and despite knowing the conclusion you will want to sort out the details of her journey. The author admits in his notes that beyond fictionalizing some actual historical figures the bulk of his tale is not grounded in fact. If you are seeking a factual re-telling of the female outlaw or the hole in the wall gang this is not your book. However Etta expertly takes aim and is sure to captivate Historical Fiction and Western fans alike. |
| Kristen ([email protected]) |
| Storm Front by Jim Butcher |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the world of magic in the beginning book of this series. In a world where nobody believes in magic or any of the beings connected with it Harry Dresden advertises himself as a wizard that can find things. Those that ask Harry for help though don't just send him to find their lost keys or dog but instead he ends up on an adventure of a lifetime. |
| Gretchen |
| The Messenger by Jan Burke |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I haven't yet finished this book, but so far it's been quite good. A nice supernatural suspense story with some actual mystery to it. |
| Lyla ([email protected]) |
| The Private Patient by P.D. James |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Ms. James proves that a person can only improve with age. This was without a doubt one of the best I have read. Adam Dalgliesh has finally found love. Kate Miskin is maturing and finding her strengths and learning about life and love. A plastic surgeon, with a private clinic, prepares to do surgery on a woman with a scar on her face. We learn that Rhoda is an investigative journalist who bears the scar after being attacked by her father when he was in a drunken rage. Robyn, a young man who is probably the closes she comes to having a true friend, follows her to the private clinic, where she is murdered. The search is on. And Robyn falls victim to the murderer. The mix of personalities at the clinic in Dorset gives the reader a selection of suspects. AD looks at the personalities of the residents of Cheverell Manor, learns some of the secrets that they try to hide, thinking if they are known will point to them as a murderer. Ms. James' examination of the emotions, thoughts and actions of the people adds to the richness and compelling writing. |
| Lyla ([email protected]) |
| The Mystery of Grace by Charles de Lint |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
As always, I was blown away by Mr. de Lint's latest novel. I have enjoyed everything that I have read and love his "urban" mythos. This book is about a young Latina woman with a love of hot rods, rockabilly and surfer music, learned at her abuelo's knee, who is murdered in a store robbery. She awakens in a world created, unbeknownst to her, by a woman existing in the penthouse of the building she lived in. She meets some of the people trapped with her, unable to go on, but able, if they chose to go back twice a year. Halloween and Beltane. She goes back on Halloween, meets John, an artist, and so begins a very unusual love. They meet once more, and then he is killed in a car crash. She and one of the other residents discover a way to release all of the people trapped in this world, including the bitter, lonely bruja-witch-who created this world. The book, to me, is about the redemption of love, and how undying it can be. |
| Marsha |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Aside from a few interesting historical facts about the island, you wonder how this novel could have stayed on the bestseller list. |
| EMC |
| The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Using auto racing metaphors, and the perspective of an aging dog, the author has written beautifully about being strong in adversity. There are plenty of life lessons in this book, and everyone will identify even if you are not a racing fan. |
| Teresa Hargett |
| Precious by Sandra Novack |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book keeps you hooked. The author has done a great job of making each family member its very own character. It draws you in and holds you there. |
| Rachel |
| Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Jodi Picoult knows how to get you from the beginning of the book to the very end! It tells the story of having a baby with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The story is told by multiple points of view and at times is heart wrenching. A wonderful book that leaves you with so much to discuss. What would you do if you were the mother of this child? Would you have had an abortion if you had known? It poses so many questions. Also, another child who is watching and feels so unloved. Jodi Picoult is absolutely a wonderful writer! |
| Cheryl S. |
| Andrew Carnegie by David Nasaw |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I find the book interesting. However, it is extremely long and wordy. I'm not quite finished with it but have already been reading it for over a month. In my opinion, that's way too long to spend on one book. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| Miss Julia Stands Her Ground by Ann B. Ross |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
3.5 stars. I love Miss Julia, but this book spends a lot of time in reminiscence of their first Christmas with Little Lloyd and Hazel Marie. The main issue of his paternity was only dealt with in the last few chapters. Not the best of the series, though still entertaining. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| Miss Julia Strikes Back by Ann B. Ross |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Miss Julia is up to her usual shenanigans: misinterpretations and jumping to conclusions, but always with decorum and grace. |
| Jessica |
| A Mercy by Toni Morrison |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Beautifully written, as always from Toni Morrison, but I just had a hard time getting in to this one for some reason. |
| Marjorie Clark ([email protected]) |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Just started but enjoying. |
| Jeannie ([email protected]) |
| One Last Scream by Kevin O'Brien |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love this author! This book has so many things going on and you are not sure even to the last page, who the bad guy/girl is. Wow! |
| FRED SMITH ([email protected]) |
| Across the High Lonesome by James McNay Brumfield |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Slice of life read set in the high mountains of California. It follows Molly Mendoza through a summer working for Granite Creek Pack Station. Plenty of humor and interesting characters, mixed with some drama and adventure. Think LONESOME DOVES with mules. |
| Rebecca Cox |
| Hanna's Daughter by Marianne Fredriksson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is set in Sweden and Norway and crosses three generations. It is an in depth study of mothers and daughters, mothers and sons and the differences in the generations. Love and loss, family secrets and self sacrifice are a continuing theme that I could well relate to. I gained a great deal of incite into my own relationships with my mother and mother-in-law and maybe how my daughter-in-law sees me. An amazing book that I will re-read time and again. |
| Leslie |
| The Flanders Panel by Arturo Perez-Reverte and Margaret Jull Costa |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Suspense involving a Flemish work of art and a chess game in which the game that the painting represents is being played in real life with possible murders, intrigue, and a puzzle to solve. Another good read for in-between deeper reading. |
| JUANITA |
| The Shack by William P. Young |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Very good! Such an eye-opener. This is a keeper. |
| Marlene C ([email protected]) |
| Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It was like a visit with old friends, as the author brings in characters from her previous books to interact with characters in this new novel. I did not want the book to end because I wanted the stories to continue. |
| Priscilla |
| Back Story by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
It's a pretty good book but it didn't hold my interest. |
| Louise |
| Courting Trouble by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'm almost through with this and I'm still getting the feeling that I've already read it :) Attorney Anne Murphy, on a short vacation, looks at a newspaper and learns that she was murdered the night before. She goes into hiding in order to keep the killer believing he got the right woman. hen she goes looking for him, herself. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| The Christening Day Murder by Lee Harris |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
What I really like about Chris Bennett (former nun), is that she's deliberate and cautious, but doesn't take no for an answer. |
| Jan Kanowitz ([email protected]) |
| Irreplaceable by Stephen Lovely |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
IRREPLACEABLE tells the story of people caught up in a heart transplant and its implications. Isobel dies in a tragic bicycle accident. This story follows her family, the man responsible for this accident, and the recipient of the heart. |
| Angie |
| The Empty Kingdom by Elizabeth Wein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The stunning, poignant conclusion to Wein's THE LION HUNTER is YA historical fiction that takes place in an early century Ethiopia. Telemakos is our main character who is being held hostage by a man he once considered a friend in a foreign country, unable to have contact with his beloved baby sister. It is a story full of suspense and intrigue, not to mention full of compassion and raw emotion. I wasn't sold on the first novel, but this one really made me see the beauty of the duology --- it is wonderfully written. |
| Barbara |
| Home Before Dark by Susan Wiggs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A beautiful story about a woman who gives her daughter up for adoption to her sister. Sixteen years later she returns home to see her daughter. But there is more to the story than that. It is warm, touching and emotional. Read it, you won't regret it! Susan Wiggs never disappoints! |
| Barbara |
| The Forever Summer by Suzanne Macpherson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book has mystery, humor and romance. What more can you ask for! |
| Julie |
| The Domino Men by Jonathan Barnes |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Not as good as Barnes' THE SOMNAMBULIST. You really have to suspend belief and just go with this one, if you like Barnes. A secret society is out to save London because they are involved in a secret war with the Royal Family who is determined to destroy all of London. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| Big Russ and Me by Tim Russert |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Oh, I miss Tim Russert! I thought the book was to be about his father, it's mostly about Tim Russert. But it is also a poignant and wonderfully written love letter to his father, and to his son, Luke. |
| Lorna |
| The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
You just can't go wrong with a novel by Nicholas Sparks. Yes, it's the same old story, boy meets girl etc. etc. But everyone needs to read a feel-good love story every so often and this author really knows how to tell them. |
| Louise |
| The Invitation by Jude Deveraux |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This story really captivated me at the beginning, as world-renowned pilot Jackie O'Neill crashed her plane in a remote part of Colorado. But I felt like it slowly went downhill, as it became a fairly predictable love story. |
| Pattie Berryhill ([email protected]) |
| Three Weeks to Say Goodbye by C. J. Box |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Intriguing tale of a baby adoption gone wrong. The father did not sign away his parental rights and wants the baby back (for sinister reasons). |
| Marjorie L. |
| Whisper To The Blood by Dana Stabenow |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This Kate Shugak novel, like the previous ones, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Stabenow combines adventure, mystery, and romance with a marvelous description of Alaska's politics and beautiful scenery. |
| Karen F |
| The Why Cafe by John P. Strelecky |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is a book of self-discovery as John, lost and hungry, stops at the cafe and finds himself asking life-defining questions. It is a small book, but tended to be a bit boring. |
| Frank Nigro ([email protected]) |
| The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This novel is truly a classic. It's the story of everyman set in pre-revolution China. The beauty, texture and drama of the novel make it so rich and subtle that the reader will be enthralled reading it, all while experiencing the joys, hardships and triumphs of everyday living in a dark and mysterious country. |
| Elizabeth V |
| Find Me by Carol O'Connell |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Not a page turner, which is my favorite kind of book. It's taking me longer to finish this, but I keep reading because this book got so many good newspaper reviews --- not just reviews by other authors, which I've learned can never be believed. This is a thriller but is different from most others in the genre, which is good. The main character, a young female police detective, is on the run because it appears she committed murder. But it looks to me now like she didn't, like she may be looking for something. We'll see. The book begins with her background as a homeless child looking for her parents. And it looks to me now like she'll get involved with parents of missing children, which is definitely more interesting than the usual cop thriller. So I think this book still may get better. So I continue. |
| Marion Miller ([email protected]) |
| Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson and Anne Born |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read! It's a great "coming of age" story that takes place in Norway. You really feel the cold and beauty of the fjords. |
| Dorothy |
| Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A baby is born with IO, a rare disease that causes bones to break just from being moved. The parents want the child desperately. The mother has a five-year-old daughter from a previous affair. They all love the new baby, including the mother's best friend, the OB who delivered the baby. The expenses in caring for this child is putting them into great debt. When the mother learns that she can sue for wrongful birth, she sues her best friend, the OB. This suit causes much disruption in the family. It is Jodi Picoult at her best. |
| J Siemek ([email protected]) |
| The Last Juror by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of his best. |
| Doro |
| Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII by David Starky |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Want to know more about Henry VIII and his wives? This is the book! Since I was a young girl, I have been fascinated by Henry and his loves. This book answers all questions and is a great read. |
| Anita Nowak |
| Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I thought this was a wonderful book based on the life of Frank Lloyd Wright. Even though it was fiction, it was based on fact. It certainly gave me quite a lot of information regarding Mr. Wright and his personal life that I didn't know. It was written beautifully. |
| Dana Rosenblum |
| Paper Hearts by Debrah Williamson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book was fabulous! It was touching and heartwarming. I loved all of the characters. |
| Sheron Yancey ([email protected]) |
| The Yankee Years by Joe Torre and Tom Verducci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is Joe Torre's story of his times spent with the Yankees. I like to get the story from the person involved. It's very entertaining and interesting. I am a baseball nut and read a lot about it, but this book is about much more than baseball. |
| Jean M |
| On The Grind by Stephen J. Cannell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the eighth novel in the Shane Scully series. Scully goes undercover to help bring some crooked cops to Justice. It's a real thriller from the first to the last page. |
| Doro |
| For Matrimonial Purposes by Kavita Daswani |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book will make you laugh out loud. It is similar to My Big Fat Greek Wedding, only the Greeks are Indians. Enjoy Anju's quest to get a husband --- and he better be Indian. |
| Suzanne Knapp ([email protected]) |
| Sweet Mandarin by Helen Tse |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just was introduced to this book. Four generations of Chinese women living out their dreams, desires, afflictions, tragedies makes this book a walk through each of their lives that I so enjoyed. It's very well written; you might think it is fiction, but it is nonfiction, written by great granddaughter Helen Tse. In an aside comment, our son lives and works in China, not very far from where three of these women lived at one time. When I told our son about SWEET MANDARIN, he said you could go there today and see the same things. I can't say enough good things about it, you need to get a copy and read it. |
| Emry |
| Evie Ever After by Beth Ciotta |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the third book in the Chameleon series. A funny, fast-paced romantic comedy with a little suspense thrown in. All in all, a good read. |
| Phyllis |
| The Vampire's Bride by Gena Showalter |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I always look forward to a new release by Gena Showalter but this was not a favorite. Although sexy, it seemed full of repetition. However, I'm already looking forward to her next book. |
| Carol |
| Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book leads you behind the tents on safari in South Africa and Botswana. It isn't always about seeing the big "5": lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and giraffe. It's about dealing with tourists and animals while living in the wild. |
| Kathleen |
| Death of a Witch by M. C. Beaton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A very good Hamish MacBeth policeman story. I like M.C. Beaton's tales about Scotland, and the small-town people that she writes about. |
| Marsha |
| Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Prepare to laugh out loud as Stephanie, Lulu, Diesel and a monkey named Carl pursue bounty-hunting amidst numerous characters and much devastation. |
| Darbys_Closet |
| Madewell Brown by Rick Collignon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great read! Mystery underlies the story of an older man full of stories from his past and a younger orphan looking for a past to cling onto in order to call her own, along with a monogrammed bag from the orphan's grandfather? |
| Kristi P. |
| Retirement Homes are Murder by Mike Befeler |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a hilarious read! It is about an 80- year-old man with short term memory loss --- each day he awakens and can't remember what happened the day before (or for the past 5 years). He gets involved in a murder on his second day in the retirement home, and then sets out to solve the crime. |
| sue |
| Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really like her books. I feel like I'm on vacation in Italy right along with her. |
| Jennmarie68 |
| Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great book. Mr. Whitehead uses humor to lighten tough situations that we all face when we are teenagers. While we all may not be facing the same circumstances as Benji, we can all relate to some of the feelings that he is having. |
| Linda |
| Guilty by Ann Coulter |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I've always distrusted the media when it comes to politics and now I know why. |
| Phyllis |
| My Husband's Sweethearts by Bridget Asher |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very memorable characters. The book captured my attention from the first page and kept it until the last. |
| Julie S. ([email protected]) |
| Madness: A Bipolar Life by Marya Hornbacher |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Great book --- very informative about bipolar disorder. Her story is fascinating and it will change how you think about mental illness. |
| Phyllis |
| Cartoon Marriage by Liza Donnelly and Michael Maslin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A collection of very funny and cleverly illustrated cartoons on all aspects of marriage. |
| Fred L ([email protected]) |
| A Darker Place by Jack Higgins |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another Sean Dillon novel. It's fairly predictable in its outcome, but there is good action throughout. |
| Terri ([email protected]) |
| Last Call by JD Seamus |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The perverse humor set in gray zones between absolute right and wrong mixed with New York perspective and black humor make this book a real treat. In my opinion, this is the sleeper of the year. |
| Angela |
| Wish You Well by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Thankfully, I stumbled upon this great read as I was headed out for a girls' beach weekend. Triumphant, moving stories like this one should be required reading for high school history courses. I could even "hear" the accents in the characters' voices! |
| Coral Harrison |
| The Mercedes Coffin by Faye Kellerman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another Decker and Lazarus mystery. Decker is an LAPD Detective. He is given a 15-year-old cold case to solve. Very interesting and easy to read. |
| Genie |
| The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday by Alexander McCall Smith |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In the beginning of the series, I liked Isabel Dalhousie. She was a strong, take-charge woman. For that reason, I am disappointed in this book, where her character has developed into an insecure person who is seemingly obsessed about the age difference between herself and Jamie. Her infatuation with Jamie seems to be purely physical with little attention given to his feelings, talent or wit. This time around, there is a lack of plot. Unfortunately this audio book was rather dull. Several times I was on the verge of taking the CD out of the player. Hopefully, the character of Isabel will be given back her strong will in the next book of this series. |
| Chris N. |
| Legally Dead by Edna Buchanan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a great premise and the book fulfilled that promise. The lead character is a US Marshall in witness protection who gets tired of providing new lives for criminals and decides to give new lives to people who are in trouble for no fault of their own. The opening chapter is chilling and unforgettable. |
| Fred L |
| Bones by Jonathan Kellerman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Typical Alex Delaware novel. The bodies of three girls with missing hands are found in a wildlife preserve. Good moving action throughout. |
| Terri |
| Dying for You by Beverly Barton |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I love reading anything Beverly Barton has written, so DYING FOR YOU was a great disappointment. The premise was good: a female bodyguard is kidnapped when she is mistaken for her employer. The heroine is Lucie Evans, a character from Barton's series The Protectors. Lucie is and has always been in love with Sawyer McNamara, another of Barton's characters from the same series. After I finished, I realized I'd had trouble reading it because it was so predictable. The only thing I can say is that this is Barton's last book in the series. I feel that she tied up "loose strings" or finished some relationships that had started in the previous books. Unfortunately, the characters were rushed and the storyline felt short changed. This is not what you expect from this great author. |
| Quinn Knight |
| Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Dr. Wolf explores with the reader the story and science of the brain. Although we are still in our infancy in understanding the brain, Wolf, sheds light on how the brain is not meant for reading. Wolf tells the story of the child and the progression of reading in his or her life. It is a thoroughly fascinating book from a woman who is a professor of child development at Tufts University. |
| Ivy ([email protected]) |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Not quite the thriller that I was expecting. But, it was a great story about how a simple decision and turn of events can turn lives upside down with consequences good and bad forever. |
| Christy |
| Afraid by Jack Kilborn |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first horror book for this author and it's a good read. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. I especially loved the dog and monkey! |
| Genie |
| Spare Change by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In Parker's sixth Sunny Randall novel, the cop-turned-PI helps her father track down a Boston serial killer. After a 20-year hiatus, the "Spare Change" killer is once again executing each victim with a single shot to the head and leaving three coins near the body. Sunny's dad, Phil, headed the original task force that was unable to catch the killer. Calling himself "Spare Change", the killer who wrote Phil taunting letters as the number of victims continued to rise. Now after a recent murder victim is found, Phil receives another letter. When the Boston PD asks Phil and Sunny to serve as consultants to a new task force, Sunny takes the lead in identifying the most likely suspect. She begins toying with him in order to get much-needed hard evidence. How far can she go before he cracks? Once he cracks, is she setting herself up to be the next victim on his list? |
| Margaret |
| The Rebels of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love a book that teaches me something new, as well as entertains me. This is the case with this epic novel. The story begins in 1597 and covers the next three hundred or so years. It traces the history of eight families during this time period. It really humanized the struggle between the Protestants and the Catholic factions in Ireland. I feel like I have a much better understanding of the battle to become an Irish Republic. The characters were interesting and human. It is a lengthy read, so you need to be committed to the subject. But what a great book! |
| Carole in Texas |
| Testimony by Anita Shreve |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Riveting. I couldn't put the book down. Anita Shreve never ceases to amaze me with her unique and timely storylines. |
| Brenna Zinn |
| The Commander's Desire by Jennette Green |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Romance reader at heart gave it 5 stars, so I was willing to give it a try. Great book. The heroine hated the hero at first, which I didn't enjoy because I liked the Commander so much. But given the situation, her attitude was understandable. But what I loved was how the Commander (terribly scarred) won her over with his gentleness, decency and integrity --- an awesome hero. Loved the book. |
| Cat |
| The Suicide Collectors by David Oppegaard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Excellent read about a worldwide plague of suicides that is decimating the world and the US. A survivor, accompanied by an endearing young girl, travel across the US in search of the solution to stop the plague. |
| Cat |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This new novel, which tells the story of white women and the black women who worked for them, is simply wonderful. For a first novel, it never disappoints and the storyline is sad and funny. The one thing that hits the reader is that this takes place in the '60s and that does not seem that long ago as you get enveloped in the best novel so far this year. |
| Teresa ([email protected]) |
| Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's amazingly intense drama about a family dealing with a devastating disease and the financial and emotional cost of coping with the day-to-day realities. |
| Rosalie Sambuco ([email protected]) |
| Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful story about World War II and a Prussian family trying to escape the advancement of the Russians. There are really four stories in this book: the family, the girls from the concentration camp, a Scottish POW and a Jewish survivor. I highly recommend this book. |
| Linda H. ([email protected]) |
| The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Sophya (or Towner, as she has renamed herself) is a lace reader, as are all of the Whitney women. She lives with her mother and aunt on a small island off the coast of Salem, Massachusetts, but moved to California to work as a scriptwriter. Now that her favorite aunt has disappeared, she has returned to Salem and stays in her aunt's house. When her aunt's body is found, suspicion centers on her uncle, who is now associated with a group of religious zealots. Secrets hidden by the Whitney women are brought out in this book. |
| Susan Dyer ([email protected]) |
| HeartSick by Chelsea Cain |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an awesome book. It pulls you in from page one and doesn't stop! I'm so addicted to the characters and I can't wait to finish it to see how it ends! You won't be sorry if you pick this book up. |
| JEAN MESS |
| What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Meet hero: Dreamboat movie star Bramwell, who only cares for himself. Meet heroine: Georgie, a down-on-her-luck actress recently dumped by her movie-star husband. Bramwell and Georgie meet up in Las Vegas and get caught up in an incident that leads to elopement and fake marriage. They are two people who don't like each other caught in the spotlight. Everyone is interested in what in the world is going on. Your interest is kept to the end of the book. |
| Linda H. ([email protected]) |
| Winterkill by C. J. Box |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is the third in a series involving Joe Pickett, game warden in the state of Wyoming. In this book, the mother of the foster daughter Joe and his wife have been raising has returned and wants her daughter back. She and her boyfriend are staying with a group of survivalists who are being harassed by the sheriff and his men, as well as an egotistical and sadistic Bureau of Land Management official. One state official has been killed and another seriously injured. The sheriff believes the person responsible is hiding out with the survivalists. It is only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs and Joe is doing his best to avoid that. It's another great book. |
| Linda H. ([email protected]) |
| The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffery Deaver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Deputy Brynn McKenzie is sent to a remote lakeside cabin to investigate a 911 call that was cut short. Upon her arrival at the cabin, she finds two dead bodies and two killers aiming at her with their weapons. Running for cover in the bushes, she finds another woman who is also running from the killers. Together, they must elude the two men and try to get to a phone. This book has a lot of twists and turns and what you think is the story is completely reversed. Jeffery Deaver reels you in with a good read! |
| Linda H. ([email protected]) |
| Killer View by Ridley Pearson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As Sheriff Walt Fleming and his men search for a missing skier, they hear a gunshot. Arriving at the scene, they find one of their own dead. Then, they find out the call for the missing skier was a hoax but who fired the shot and why. The next day, the sheriff's best friend disappears. He also happened to be the brother of the man shot. While investigating the murder and trying to find his friend, the sheriff sets off a biohazard warning. Now, he has to investigate and find where this is coming from. Too much going on causes difficulties on the home front and he is in jeopardy of losing his girls to his soon-to-be ex-wife. A lot going on in a good book. |
| Linda H. ([email protected]) |
| Night Kills by John Lutz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Although retired from the NYPD, Frank Quinn has been assigned to investigate the current murders of women in NYC. Police Commissioner Rentz has asked Quinn to help solve the murders and to use current detective Pearl and retired detective Fedderman as part of his team. Although there has only been one vicious murder so far, Rentz feels that this is the doing of a serial murderer due to the dismembering of the body to avoid identification. Only the torso was found at the crime scene. As Quinn and his crew dig further into the investigation, it gets stranger and stranger. This was a good book that will give a person second thoughts about computer matchmaking services. |
| Linda H. ([email protected]) |
| Ghost Riders by Sharyn McCrumb |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book details how the Civil War affected people living in the mountains of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. It pitted neighbor against neighbor as some were for the Union and some were for the Confederacy. The book is written in the viewpoint of Zebulon Vance, who was governor of North Carolina at that time and was a Confederate colonel prior to becoming governor. The book is also written in the viewpoint of Malinda Blalock, who along with her husband Keith, did not believe in secession and worked for the Union after Keith got himself discharged from the Confederate army. When Confederates started looking for him for conscription back into service, he hid out until he and Malinda could get across the mountains to East Tennessee where they joined with the Union forces there. If you love history, you will love this book as Sharyn McCrumb makes you feel as if you were there. |
| Marie |
| After Elizabeth: The Rise of James of Scotland by Leanda De Lisle |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In her debut book, Leanda De Lisle brings the reader to the time of Elizabeth's reign when all of her countrymen were wondering, "What happens, after Elizabeth?" Elizabeth was the daughter of the controversial Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, famous for having six wives. Henry declared Elizabeth illegitimate during his reign, through an Act of Parliament no less, which undoubtedly gave Elizabeth a complex. Once Elizabeth gained her throne, she ruled for 44 years --- 44 years of wondering who would rule after her. Normally these things would naturally work themselves out, through marriage and procreation. Yet, Elizabeth refused to marry, thus earning the nickname "The Virgin Queen", which put a damper on the possibilities of offspring. Also, Elizabeth effectively eliminated most of the other contenders who had some royal lineage; she scoped out the plotters and made sure she was quite secure throughout those 44 years, with the help of her Cecil. Leanda De Lisle explains the rival factions, the religious difficulties, and the summaries of the people who would be in line to the throne with just enough information to offer the reader a sense of the later years of Elizabeth's reign. The first half of the book comprises of the author touching on all of these aspects, which to a Tudor fan is nothing new. But she writes it effortlessly, attempting to not bog the reader down with mountains of hard-to-follow facts. Oh, there are plenty of facts and a lot of information here, but it fortunately does not read like a textbook. Some of the names come and go, which as always, the titles of the nobility can get cumbersome to follow. Who was Lord Cobham? I had to look that up since he came back a few times. (I really wish these types of books would have a chart other than the genealogy charts that would say, 'Northumberland' is 'this person (real name)' so I can gather relationships easier.) Leanda then moves on to James I of Scotland, who does eventually get the crown of England, quite easily it seems. There is no struggle here until England realizes perhaps having a man to rule is not so great after all. We learn a bit more about James and his personal life, his habits, and his intellect. We get a sense of what Scotland felt to essentially lose their King to England, and how the English felt to get a Scottish King after years of Border Wars and hostility towards one another. The book then details the various plots and the plotters, notably Walter Raleigh, and their effects on England that occurred after James took the throne. The book picks up its pace once getting through the first half and where it picks up after Tudor books have left off. The criticisms I DO have of the book is when the author was trying to convey a certain point and was giving a quick synopsis of an event, that related to another event, which brought us to another. I felt I had to keep track of the dates because there was a bit of jumping around in the timeline. This happened a lot and always aggravated me. I wish it were a bit more straightforward. Also, whereas I found this book to be an engaging read for the most part, most of the information may not be new to the British history buff, and could become a bore if looking for "new" insights, especially regarding Elizabeth. If you have not already read a few books about the era, it would be difficult to keep up with the names of the affected people, which the author flings about. De Lisle in no way "goes slowly" with us as far as name dropping. And then there were some slow parts, like James' very expensive journey through England to ascend to the throne --- the author comprised it of mini-stories weaving in and out. Upon finishing the book, I find myself more interested in doing some follow-up reading on some of the supporting characters that De Lisle touched upon. I have read several novels and biographies on Elizabeth and yet still enjoyed this telling of it perhaps because of the enormous amount of details. Because of the differences in laws between Scotland and England, it was interesting to see how James changed things and how England's nobility reacted. I also enjoyed the color pictures, as there were some that I had not seen before. This is not a light read --- there is a ton of information here, so don't start this unless you are planning on devoting some time to it. I finished it in about two weeks I recommend this for those interested in just the facts regarding the transition from Elizabeth I to James I, and England's journey to becoming part of the United Kingdom. |
| Jaye |
| Never Tell A Lie by Hallie Ephron |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is a quick read. It's a "novel of suspense" but many will work their way through the mystery quite quickly. Plusses: garage sales and old houses! |
| Jaye |
| Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Not my favorite Jennifer Crusie novel, but I liked it! It's a vintage Crusie --- funny, sexy and intricately plotted. Maybe one less character and a few less marriages would have made it easier to follow. |
| Dave Rudy |
| Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The subtitle is "The Story of Success." It is a nonfiction novel that outlines how many events are triggered by people who have certain special (both good and bad) characteristics that we generally do not consider. Thus, they are the "outliers" (do not fit into the normal curve). |
| Bill |
| The Second Opinion by Michael Palmer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I liked the book more than I expected. The plot was over the top, but I found the main character engaging. As with all of Palmer's books, he introduces subplots or characters that just fade away. He is a good writer but needs editors who can tighten up his stories. |
| Jaye |
| House of Daughters by Sarah-Kate Lynch |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What more could a book offer? The story and characters are fun, funny and heartbreaking. I learned a lot about wine making and wine marketing too! One of my favorite reads this year. |
| Fran |
| Lethal Legacy by Linda Fairstein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love the info about the NYC Public Library research branch at 42nd St. and can't wait to take a tour the next time I'm in the city. What a great idea to set a mystery in and around this great institution. |
| Bridget |
| The King's Daughter by Sandra Worth |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Good novel about Elizabeth of York, who married Henry VII. Her marriage helped solidify Henry's shaky claim to the English throne. Richard III is not depicted as a villain in this novel, and, according to this telling, is not responsible for the murder of the princes in the tower. Henry VII is depicted as a dark, menacing character, but there are brief occasions when his character is redeemed a little. The biggest villain in this novel is Margaret of Beaufort, Elizabeth's mother-in-law. It seems she stopped at nothing to gain the throne for her son and never let him forget it. Most interesting is the portrayal of Henry VIII as a child. While physically beautiful, he seemed a disturbed child, delighting in the misfortunes of others, hurting small animals and, in general, envying his brother's firstborn status. |
| Bonnie Capuano |
| Run For Your Life by James Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really like this book. It starts off with Michael Bennett's ten children all coming down with the flu! Ugh. But, it's about a murderer who calls himself "The Teacher," and he is out to kill just about anyone. Most just seem to annoy him. It's one of those books you just don't want to put down! I'm hoping he will do more of Michael Bennett's stories. |
| Vikki |
| The Woods by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Harlan Coben never disappoints and with THE WOODS. He captured my attention from the very first instant and not once did the plot let me go. A real page turner and a book that I'd highly recommend! |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the story of Kingsolver and her family moving to a farm in Virginia and agreeing that they would only eat what they grew, raised or could buy locally for one year. I congratulate the effort, but felt Kingsolver became more and more preachy closer to the end of the book. It was thought provoking, however. |
| Rhoda MacMaster ([email protected]) |
| Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A well-written book about the potato famine in the 1840s, and how the Irish fled to America. It captures you. |
| Kathy Vallee |
| Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When? by Charlene Baumbich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a wonderful series. This is book 6 and I am just crossing my fingers that she keeps writing more of them. So far, this is the last one. In this book, two of the regulars of Partonville get engaged. Can you guess? Dorothy's son, the attorney, moves back home from the big city until he gets his own place. And our favorite Katie is working hard on the mall and to keep peace. |
| Marsha |
| Pictures at an Exhibition by Sara Houghteling |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This amazing debut tells the story of a son's quest to recover his family's lost masterpieces looted by the Nazis during the French occupation. All who are interested in art and have visited museums in France will be fascinated by the research and details the author provides. The author tells us: "France was the most looted country in Europe, with over one-third of all privately held artwork falling into Nazi Hands; in all, over 100,000 works of art and several million books. Two Thousand works whose owners could not be identified were placed in national French Museums, which inventoried them in "recovery collections" under the code of MNR (Musees Nationaux Recuperations). If you are ever in France and from a distance you see a painting that looks roughly handled for a masterpiece --- in the Musees D'Orsay, Pompidou, or any other of the hundreds of museums --- look closely at the placard beside it, and you will likely see the letters MNR. The locations of some 40,000 art objects remain unknown. They are in public and private collections and, many believe, in the former Soviet Union, plundered a second time by Stalin's trophy brigades." It is fascinating history and well-told drama. |
| Hedi ([email protected]) |
| Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Five plus stars. This was another title on my "to read" list. It's a great book --- I loved reading about the old times on the train and, of course, Rosie. |
| John Uzzi ([email protected]) |
| The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Masterful characterization and intriguing plot. A page turner from the past. |
| Bob Hartzo ([email protected]) |
| Comanche Dawn by Mike Blakely |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you like historical fiction about horses and Indians, you would definitely like this book. |
| Elizabeth |
| The Women by T. C. Boyle |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The subject matter is intriguing and an interesting way to explore the life of Frank Lloyd Wright. The writing is exceptionally beautiful, with very expressive use of the English language. |
| Sharon Davis ([email protected]) |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an incredible book. Long for some readers, some in our group said they would rather do it in about 4 months. I couldn't stop reading. It is about two twins whose mother dies at birth, though identical they are very different in personality. I absolutely loved the book. |
| Patricia Stadelbacher |
| The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved the way his determination and motivation helped him live his life. Two things that stuck with me was the fact that it doesn't hurt to ask questions and that we should always send a thank you note, not expecting anything in return, but simply out of thanks. |
| Sharon Davis ([email protected]) |
| Of Men And Their Mothers by Mameve Medwed |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An excellent book, also excellent for our --- and other --- book clubs. I read it in a couple of hours and the time was well worth it. An intertwined family with "adopted" family members made a book that will keep your attention. It is not a chick book, which our book club tends to shy away from. It is a novel that involves both sexes, sons, moms, girlfriends, and so on. I think most people would enjoy this book --- not a deep read, but and enjoyable one. |
| Candace Simar |
| Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penny |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Wonderful! This book transported me to another time and place. |
| Linda |
| Scream by Mike Dellosso |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The story revolves around the deaths of people Mark is currently talking to on the phone, after hearing bloodcurdling, torturous screams. Mixed in the deaths are abductions. Are the deaths to cover up the abductions? Eerie, but a good read. |
| Ramona Young |
| Fault Line by Barry Eisler |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a modern-day thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out just who the good guys and the bad guys were. This was my first read by Eisler, but it won't be my last. |
| Ramona Young |
| Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another great book by Picoult. She never ceases to surprise me with her endings. It is very evident that she spends a lot of time researching to make her books come to life. HANDLE WITH CARE gave me a greater understanding of the effect that not only osteogenesis imperfecta but any disability has on one's entire family and those around them. I enjoyed the analogies between Charlotte's baking and their lives. |
| Bob Hartzo ([email protected]) |
| The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Fairly good read. |
| Gina |
| Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm reading my way through this series and, while the ending is predictable in almost every book, they are surprisingly enjoyable to read. Prepare to end up with a craving for cookies when you are through. |
| Phyllis |
| Addition by Toni Jordan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Grace is a counter. She has to count everything in her life. Toni Jordan has written a quirky romance between Grace and Seamus, which shows acceptance of what makes one unique. |
| Ramona Young |
| With Violets by Elizabeth Robards |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
| Great book for art lovers and the romantic at heart. I love what Robards says about her book --- "It is with great awe and respect for Berthe and Edouard and their nonconforming, artistic spirits that I have asked the question 'what if' and sketched a love story of what might have been..." |
