This contest period's winners were Gail G., Marcia P., Michelle M., Norene W. and Teresa G., who each received a copy of CHRISTMAS BLISS by Mary Kay Andrews, IDENTICAL by Scott Turow and STARRY NIGHT: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber.
Carla
Some Kind Of Fairy Tale by Graham Joyce
Suspend your belief and read a tale that glistens like dew in gossamer dreams (or nightmares, depending on your likes). Tara Martin has landed on her family's front porch 20 years after going missing and she hasn't aged a bit. As her parents, brother, and old boyfriend are confounded simply by her presence and looks, they are asked to listen to a most unusual tale. We, the reader, are privy to reunion and what once was buried is now revealed. The pain becomes fresh again especially when Tara tells her story and that, in her mind, she has only been gone for 6 months. Coming back has sets off a chain reaction that impacts everyone that she comes in contact with. Written in a way reminiscent of Irish tales and lore - you will enjoy.
Judy Burgi
Twice Loved by Wanda Brunstetter
My Heart Was Touched!
This is a sweet tender story filled with love. The end of World War II brought a lot of heartaches and tears. Many women were left without a spouse, many children without a Father, the outcome of war.
Not only were there human loses but loses of jobs and income. Women had difficulty trying to make a living, not only for themselves but for their children too.
Author Wanda Brunstetter takes the loss of spouses and writes a heartwarming story.
This story touched me in so many ways, as I too have lost a spouse.
Marjorie Carmony
Christmas on 4th Street: Fool's Gold Romance by Susan Mallery
The Fool's Gold series just gets better and better. Each character keeps developing and new ones arrive to be enjoyed.
Sharon Elliott-Fox
Deep & Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend by Andy Stanley
Hard to rate this book-- not a novel. Stanley gives some of the history of his church start-up and its phenomenal growth- of unchurched people. His ideas are good; difficult to implement in established churches for several reasons. If you are interested in what needs to be changed or done to draw people into church it is an interesting but agonizing read.
Jayme G.
The Testament of Mary by Colm Toibin
It is difficult to read The Testament of Mary without being biased by the Bible stories that defined my Christian upbringing. What Toibin has done is created a “what if” scenario in which Mary, the mother of Jesus, tells her version of the events that led to the murder of her son. In Toibin’s portrait of Mary, Mary struggles with the guilt of being human and not being able to save her son. Mary is a desperate mother who can’t protect the son who won’t protect himself. Finally, a version of Mary that is believable.
Susan Gannon
A Course In Miracles by Foundation For Inner Peace
** I am lost
Ali
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
I had such great expectations for this book but was disappointed. I loved the story, and the tension leading to Mamah's decision to be with Frank and the climax, but the rest was boring.
Tessa B C
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
This is perhaps Christie’s ultimate achievement in mystery-writing. Ten strangers are invited to a private island holiday. One by one the guests die in accordance with a child’s nursery rhyme. Tension mounts as the ever smaller group of guests try to find their murderous host before they themselves are killed. Talk about a locked-room scenario! The detectives (and the reader) won’t know the killer’s identity until a confession appears at the very end. I wish Christie had left that last chapter out; I kind of liked trying to guess. Hugh Fraser does a fantastic job narrating the audio book.
Richard N B
The Paris Enigma by Pablo de Santis
De Santis studied literature and worked as a comic-strip creator. This latter endeavor is clearly represented in his debut novel. The plot is thinly drawn, but the characters are as vivid (if two-dimensional) as the best Dick Tracy or Batman villains. It was mildly entertaining, but he spent way too much time setting up the story. There were too many characters, many of whom had no discernible role. The plot did not flow in a way that built suspense; in fact I lost interest half way through, put it aside and nearly didn’t finish at all.
Julie Mackey
Gone: Michael Bennett by James Patterson
I was disappointed in this book. It was disjointed and slow moving. I only finished it because I am somewhat invested in the main character. Not sure I'll be reading more though.
Susan Currant
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
The authors Mother is dying and, as they sit in Sloan Kettering, they decide to form a book club, just the two of them. Through their discussions the author gets a whole different picture of who is Mother was and he has the opportunity to spend quality time with her at the end of her life.
Izella Cadwallader
Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly
Bill says it is historical, not religious. I found it interesting and learned some things I did not know. Lots of background. I did not think it was as good as his two previous books, Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy. Still worth the read.
Mary Healey
The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
Read this book for Book Discussion. Many situations in the story will provide great questions. The story itself did seem repetitive to me.
Allison Gardner
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Very interesting.
Mellena Driver
Next to Die: Navy SEALs, Book 4 by Marliss Melton
This is number 4 in Melton's Navy SEAL Team 12 series. All of the books in this series are wonderful. They suck you in wanting to find out more of each character. The plot is believable and the the romance is so natural (rocky) that you wonder if they will ever figure it out! So hard to put these books down and when you do you want even more. The Military background on them is spot on.
Lisa Ryskoski
Domenico's Table by Teresa Neumann
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. And yet, how many of us do? At first glance, one might assume this book to be chick-lit. It’s a modern story set in 2001, yet includes flashbacks to 1938 and 1944 during WWII. This is definitely not a lighthearted story. One is immersed into two entirely different worlds, the midst of evil in WWII and the beautiful, picturesque modern day Tuscan countryside.
I appreciate Neumann including a pronunciation table with characters, places and words at the beginning of the book for those not familiar with the Italian and/or German language. As an added bonus, when Italian or German words are used, they are italicized and defined within the sentence structure without having to flip back to the pronunc
Karen Bernier
Practicing Catholic by James Carroll
This former priest tells why he is still a Catholic despite the Catholic Church's tumultuous and sometimes scandalous past and present. His research is amazing. This is a very dense and serious book, but I wanted to read it. I aimed for a chapter a day so I could digest what he had written. I also highlighted many sections. I would recommend this for those who are Catholic, active or inactive, and for those who want to know how the Church ticks.
Mary Rodriguez
The Tenth Witness by Leonard Rosen
For readers who enjoy a smart thriller.
Renee' Booker
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper
The kidnapping of a small child leads a standby stranger to help the FBI to make sense of what is going on. With his co-workers being kill and someone trying to kill him, he knows there is a bad seed in the FBI office in the upper management.
Ivy Pittman
Dissident Gardens by Jonathan Lethem
While the story traverses from Miriam to Lenny to Rose and back again in a time capsule, Lethem manages to tell a compelling story with references to Communism, Judaism and other "isms" that are sometimes funny and resolutely sad at the same time. A bit of a struggle at times to get through for the rambling scenarios and such, It was still a good read.
Fran
The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
This is a story of a real period in history when children who were orphaned were put on trains from one state to another state of the U.S.A. into the care of a new family. I was fascinated with this account of a historical period that I was largely unaware of before. The children in this story were simply given away to anyone who needed a farmhand/cheap labor or help with household chores with only the promise of food/ schooling in return. The sad fates of the children in this tale make hard reading, but the writing style and "Vivian's" story is compelling enough to keep the pages turning. I also love the modern day spin with a young girl who is also unwanted and alone. Highly recommended!
Karen Catignani
The Bones of Paris by Laurie R. King
Paris, 1929, missing girls, American private inquiry agent, art world, historical background of Paris, mounting suspense... couldn't put it down!
Marianne Kranz
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown
I was curious about the Rowing Gold Medal and wondered if it would keep me interested. It certainly did. Brown writes well and the "boys" come alive. I knew the team won, but was still on the edge of my chair.
Celeste
Cartwheel by Jennifer Dubois
Even though there is a disclaimer that this book is only loosely based on the Amanda Knox case, it is close enough that you don't feel as if you are reading anything new and original. There really are no surprises in this book. The only thing about this book that I did enjoy, were the observations of a situation from different perspectives. For example, the simple act of looking in a drawer for a piece of paper can be interpreted completely different by another bystander. The book was okay, just not at the top of my list for recommendations.
Melanie Johnson
The Good Sister by Wendy Corsi Staub
I love Wendy's books! This is the story of a teenage girl that was being bullied in high school and finds a friend online to help her cope. Is "Angel" really a friend, or something more sinister? If you like Mary Higgins Clark, you should pick up Wendy's books.
Elaine Beierbach
Indentical by Scott Turow
Scary concept!
Donna Hessel
Lookaway, Lookaway by Wilton Barnhardt
This story about a strong southern woman trying to hold her family together as well as maintaining her "social status" was very disappointing. While I admired the character of Jerene, I didn't like her at all, and really didn't care about any of her children. Hard book to like. I would not have finished it if I hadn't won it in your contest.
Bonnie Tollefson
Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl
An interesting look at the author's tenure as the New York Times food critic. The experience changed her, changed her family and changed the way I will look at restaurants.
Dennis Beierbach
Indentical by Scott Turow
Interesting concept.
Betty Chrastka
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
One of my all time favorite books. I just read it for the second time.
Karen Cancienne
I Know This Is True by Wally Lamb
This book grabs you immediately and never lets go. It is 800 plus pages you cannot give it up. The story twists and turns, involving mental illness,abuse, family ties and guilt that goes along with life issues. I would recommend it to anyone who loves to get deeply involved in a book and the characters. Wally Lamb gives you a good ride, rough at times... just hold on!
Sally-Jo Waterfall
The House Girl by Tara Conklin
I like the different styles of the character's perspective from chapter to chapter. It melds the stories together.
Kathy Boucher
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
I have always been fascinated with lighthouses and their keepers. This is a poignant story of a keeper and his wife, on a lonely island in Australia, who are forced to make a very difficult choice. This would be good for a book club as the main event is really a moral dilemma, and worthy of discussion. This is Stedman's first novel and I look forward to more!
Joanne Earle
Doors to Past Lives & Future Lives by Joe H. Slate
Everyone is looking for ways to empower their lives. You can search into your past lives for answers as to why you are as you are and why your life has taken the turns it has. This is a great read for those who are searching within themselves for answers that they can't get anywhere else.
Linda Reck
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Did you ever wonder what happened to the little boy, Danny, after The Shining? Think no more. Doctor Sleep delves into Danny's life. As an adult, he becomes a drifter and a drunk until he comes to a little town in New Hampshire where he meets a group of people who believe in him. He still have some of the shining within him and a little girl who has the most shining ever contacts him. It's a novel of good and evil. Which will prevail? The True Knot ,with its leader Rose the Hat need the little girl's steam,or shining.to survive.This is where the book gets eerie. Abra, with the help of others, has to stop Rose before she and her group become more powerful. I loved this book.
Terri Roth
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
A historical fiction novel set in Iceland. Very interesting situation and time period. Great character development but I felt the end was rather anti-climactic. I didn't get drawn in as much on an emotional level as I was hoping.
Judy Rigby
Beach House Memories by Mary Alice Monroe
Author's exciting adventures in nature are combined with love ,family relationships,friends and Lowcountry lore. Wonderful read! Loved it! 5 stars!
Donna Kahler
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri
I am enjoying this book with its very complex characters and extremely entertaining historic perspective. Not only does it hold my interest but it keeps my heart and mind engaged in what is truly new and exciting to me.
Lahiri takes us on a journey of two brothers in a politically charged world. We try to understand their parents and all of the decisions that ultimately shape the brothers lives.
It is filled with heartache and joy. It challenges us to open our minds and relax in an often unknown world.
Janis Apgar
The House Girl by Tara Conklin
Great historical fiction. It is the story of Josephine, a slave house girl in VA in mid 1800s, and the story of Lina, a NY lawyer in modern time. The story is told from each character's view as their stories are intertwined. Great writing, insight into a sad time of history and characters...
Mary Lou Wachsmith
To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal
What an engrossing tale! Such a juicy read. Three memorable characters: Judith, her husband and Billy. This one made me cry, I recommend a box of Kleenex be kept nearby. Anyone who has ever had a great high school love, and who wondered where that love is today, will eat this story up. So beautifully written. Highly recommended.
Janis Apgar
And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Great story of family and friendship, as well as betrayal. Have read Hosseini's previous two books and loved them. This one is great too...great writing, character development and story. I am about half way through and look forward to finishing...
Robin Fuller
Between Heaven and Texas by Marie Bostwick
It's one book in a series. I've enjoyed that the same characters are in both books.
Pat Miller
First Sight by Danielle Steel
This is not one of Danielle Steel's finest! It is so boring that everytime I pick it up to read, I start to doze.
Marilyn Clement
It Happens In The Dark:A Mallory Novel by Carol O'Connell
Carol O'Connell's first Kathleen Mallory thriller-mystery was published in 1994. How did I miss this author? I am flummoxed.
The main character, Kathleen Mallory, Detective in the Special Crimes Unit, is now my favorite female criminal detective.
I'm sorry Sue Grafton, Kinsey Millhone is now number 2 in my list. I will keep reading and trying to figure out the equivalent of 'X' Kinsey will contend with in your next book. When I think of 'X' I can't get past thinking about algebra.
Watch out Michael Connelly, I believe Kathleen Mallory could beat Harry Bosch at "Gotcha" .
This is a great read and unlike any crime thriller I've read.
Francisca E B
Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
Based on a real individual – the first Native American to graduate from Harvard – Brooks has crafted a fine work of historical fiction that explores the dangers and exhilaration of crossing boundaries – geographic, religious, and cultural. The narrator is Bethia Mayfield, a curious and intelligent young girl growing up in Martha’s Vineyard in the mid- to late-17th century. It took me a few chapters to fall into the rhythm of Brooks’ 17th-century syntax, but once I did I was fully engrossed. However, I grew frustrated with the focus on Bethia’s struggles to get educated. It’s still a very good book, but it could have been better if Brooks had found a way to give us more of Caleb’s story.
Sheila Kahn
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
A good example of historical fiction. I learned quite a bit about the Armenian "cleansing" at the hands of the Turks which took place during WWI. Well written and well researched.
Mary Hayden
A Stranger in Mayfair by Charles Finch
I have only recently discovered the Charles Finch books and am diligently trying to catch up to the most current one. These are set in mid 1800's England with a mystery involved, and much historical information in each book. I really recommend these to anyone who is not familiar with his works.
Shirley Dameron
One Summer by David Baldacci
Can't wait to see how it ends!
Shelly Itkin
God Save The Kinks by Rob Jovanovic
If you enjoy Rock and Roll heritage from a British perspective this book will grab your attention.
The Kinks were a band that had released two records that seemed to go nowhere until August 1964 when their last chance at making it put them on the charts with their now famous record “You Really Got Me” which not only went on to number one in Britain, but which introduced Ray and Dave Davies and the other members of the band to the United States by reaching the top ten in the same year.
Mr. Jovanovic did lots of research speaking to former band members, their producer, bassist and keyboardist and opens up some deep secrets. You learn of sibling rivalry, on stage violence, overdoses and other unsettling accounts.
Dara Montgomery
The Hope of Refuge by Cindy Woodsmall
Good story about a woman with Amish roots, returning to a place she has vague childhood memories of, looking for a safe place for her and her daughter; They are trying to escape from a stalker who the main character met in foster care.
anne Lunney
Hornet Flight by Ken Follett
Follett delivers one of his most entertaining thrillers in a long time. I just love to read about the early days of World War II. Have just finished reading Churchill's 6 volume World War II Collection. Also excellent reading.
Saundra McKenzie
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
This is the best by far I've seen from Nicholas Sparks and I've read them all. The story of two sets of people in love, one from years ago and one from modern times, all connected. GREAT read!
Judy O.
The Sweetest Hallelujah by Elaine Hussey
This was a "sweet" story, but it was lacking the substance and richness of details that I thought it might contain. Since the story took place in 1955 in Mississippi during the Civil Rights era, much more could have happened to make it more interesting.
Beth Shoemaker
Gorgeous by Paul Rudnick
Eighteen year old Becky Randle is whisked away from her trailer park home to New York City where she meets Tom Kelly. He designs her three dresses and makes her the most glamorous woman in the world. Her world changes for the better... or does it? Does she lose herself along the way?
Janet
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
Great story! Loved it. A story of three people and how their lives intersect and the cause and effect of it all. There's also a mystery mixed in. I found this book hard to put down as I couldn't wait to see how everything played out. I recommend this one!
Donna Shaw
Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake by Anna Quindlen
I'm in my 70's and feel that I've experienced this book in so many ways. I suspect that anyone over 50 would be able to say the same thing. Anna covers each stage of life from childhood memories, though being a mother and into middle age and thoughts on mortality. This book is very easy to read and thought provoking in bringing back ones life and putting it into perspective. I'm looking forward to our book club discussion next month.
Brigitte Dysart
One Glorious Ambition :The Compassionate Crusade of Dorothea Dix by Jane Kirkpatrick
A moving historical fiction about an amazing woman who became a voice for those suffering with mental illness, making a difference with her reforms and steadfast ambition to reach out, when others turned away.
Julie Towson
Jim Henson by Brian Jay Jones
This is a wonderful look into the mind of a gifted, creative genius. It delves into Henson's early childhood and the experiences and friends ( especially his close buddy Kermit) that influenced his work with the Muppets. You also learn how, by chance, he got into puppetry, and the rest is history.
Muriel Logan
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis
While I didn't like some of the crude aspects of this book, I did like it overall and admired Hattie. She raised her many children in a firm, no nonsense way and did what she thought needed to be done. She sacrificed her own happiness to stay in her relationship with August, a husband not well suited for her. I like historical fiction and, reading this book, was reminded again of the struggles of African American families in the 50s and 60s .
Denise Beierbach
Indentical by Scott Turow
Good read...glued to my seat.
Wendy Catalano
Bound By Blood And Brimstone by D.L. Dunaway
Full of intrigue, mystery and suspense, "Bound By Blood And Brimstone", by D.L. Dunaway, has twists and turns galore!
This novel is a non-stop roller coaster ride of bullying, betrayal and murder (just to name a few) that had me totally captivated throughout.
How far do you go to protect the ones you love?
Discovering that life is a challenge this is a story of sisterly devotion and the binds that hold families together.
Unputdownable!
Laura Beierbach
Indentical by Scott Turow
Took some insight to write.
Crystal Blackburn
Gone with the Woof: A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery by Laurien Berenson
Melanie looks into a hit-and-run that could be a murder. Mayhem ensues.
Patricia Lambert
Never Go Back by Lee Child
Another great read by Lee Child. Jack Reacher just keeps on entertaining the reader.
Melanie S.
Long For This World by Michael Byers
Every so often I come across a book that I've never heard of and no one has recommended to me...and it blows me away! This book is one of those rare gems. Set in Seattle at the beginning of the tech boom, this is an intensely human story of a family, each with their own interesting storyline and character development, superimposed on the topics of genetic research and medical ethics as well as a commentary on the instant wealth that many found as a result of the rise of Microsoft, Amazon, etc. It is well crafted, beautifully and emotionally descriptive. The dialogue was spot on. This was our October selection for the medical-themed discussion group at my pubic library. What a great choice and a great surprise. Highly recommended.
Shelly Itkin
It's Not Going To Kill You, and Other Stories by Erin Flanagan
Ms. Flanagan has composed a book of twelve short stories. The only problem is that they are either mini or beginnings of stories that should be finished, its like opening a bag of potato chips and saying I am only going to have one... never going to happen.
Three of my favorites are “It’s Not Going To Kill You” which focuses on the relationship of a divorced mom with a son and her aging mother. Guilt and not living closer is easy to relate to when reading this but she should of gone on as their was so much more that could have been said.
“A Possible Story” has me wondering if perhaps this is something that might of actually happened to the author.
Jennifer Hernandez
The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic by Emily Croy Barker
While I was not a fan of the main character, I love the world the author has built and I think she did a better job of making the magician, Arundiel, more of a real character. I can't wait for a sequel and hope she has polished her writing a little more to make the next book a completely awesome experience.
Mary Schoeppler
The Start, Your Life, Your Future by Anonymous
I have never read anything like this book before. It is about how we choose our destiny, and why we have been put here on Earth. A 92 year old lady was dying of cancer, and she was very afraid of dying until she read this book. Her son said that after she read this book that she was at peace. He promised her that he would tell others to read this book. My husband, his friend, has taken copies of this book to Senior Care Centers. This book has helped many people come to terms with their lives. It needs to be read by all of the leaders of the world, and all of the people that are in power. This book is being "discovered" by people around the world and will help make the world a better place.
Joanne
The Wedding Gift by Marlen Suyapa Bodden
The book is not just about the half sisters, it is a book of double standards. White black, free slave, man woman. The entangled relationships will make you cry then laugh. You may think you like a character and then discover their dark side. I enjoyed every page of this book.
Terese Tessar
Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford
This was a great book, complete with heart wrenching emotion and a look into the Chinese culture prevalent in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. I liked how Jamie Ford alternated between the two decades in the storytelling.
Sandy Haber
Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg
Cece, a motivational speaker, is trying to get over the death of her best friend. She downsizes, moves into a new home with 3 others from differing backgrounds. After receiving a postcard from an old flame, she decides to go on a road trip to see if there's still any spark. Her roommates join her, all looking for their own answers.
Diane Stedner
Tick Tock by James Patterson
I know I am behind on my TBR pile, but this is another great read from Patterson. It is from the Michael Bennett series. A wonderful Irish single cop with 10 adopted kids. Also in the mix is an Irish nanny and a grandfather who is a preacher. Sounds complicated enough right there but then you throw some criminal element into it and, lo and behold, you have a book you can't put down.
Gail Gavert
Priceless: A Rylee Adamson Novel [Book 1] by Shannon Mayer
I happen to be enamored with good paranormal/urban fantasy books and, as you probably know, these can range from dazzling to ditzy, Criteria for good writing; a little wit and whimsy, enjoyable if slightly broken characters [ie, human, whatever their ilk] who grow with each book, a fairly fast clip, and a reasonable solution to whatever problem was posed. It helps if the secondary characters are well fleshed out and surprises abound. Priceless begins our journey with Rylee who can locate lost or stolen children given a name and a photo. She doesn't always win but she can at least provide closure--and more often than not, return the child home. There are 5 books in the series and I await the next installment impatiently. on Kindle.
Elaine Beierbach
Indentical by Scott Turow
Great tale!
AB
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Awesome story! I never knew much about the orphan trains or the point of them, after reading this I have a better understanding. This book left me on the edge of my seat- couldn't stop reading!!
AB
Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall
Good book!
Robin McKay
The Lincoln Deception by David O. Stewart
We know Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. But was he the man behind the plot or was someone else pulling the strings?? “The Lincoln Deception” begins with a death bed confession of Congressman John Bingham to Dr. Jamie Fraser. Bingham was the prosecutor in the trials of those responsible for the assassination. But Bingham hinted that there was more to the story but even 35 years later, he refused to reveal what he know. He felt honor bound to keep his silence, fearful that his knowledge would ruin the United States .
Jamie, with the aid of Speed Cook, a black, man with a dream to start his own newspaper, set off on a remarkable venture to unearth the truth. What they discover is a believable twist to history as we know it.
Francisca E B
The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai by Riuyan Xu
2.5** Xu explores the most intimate of human interactions – communication. The loneliness and isolation of not being able to communicate our wants, desires, feelings, and hopes are evident in all the characters. It’s the kind of novel that I should have loved. I like character-based novels that explore the intricacies of human interaction. But rather than empathizing and caring about their predicament, I felt so removed from them as to not care at all what would happen to them.
Kathy Vallee
Beef Stolen-off by Liz Lipperman
A fun book it spend time with Jordan finds herself to find out who killed her date Rusty Morales after he shows uo dead on the night of thier date. His mother shows up to beg Jordan to find the truth about who killed her son.
Toni Lordier
Deadline by Sandra Brown
Very exciting book with many switches and turns! Really keep you interested!
Kylie J
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
This is a good book. It's an old-fashioned murder mystery with many believable characters and several interesting plot lines. Best of all, is the lack of excessive violence, cruelty, or torture. I hope Strike and Robin come back with a second installment.
Marsha
The Panther by Nelson DeMille
John Corey Anti-Task Force Agent and his wife, FBI Agent Kate Mayfield have been posted Yemin (a nasty place by anyone's judgment) to hunt down the Al Qaeda operative known as the Panther. He is known to be responsible for the USS Cole bombing and other terrorist acts and murders. This is 625 pages of non-stop action interspaced with wise-cracking remarks by Corey. We begin to wonder who is behind this assignment and what the end game is expected to be.
Francisca E B
The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
Seldom have I read a work that so drew me into the lives of the characters as they go about their business, unaware of the storm brewing. I was reminded of Herman Wouk’s Winds of War. This is a gloriously written testament to the author’s grandparents. It celebrates the courage of individuals, and shines a light on a corner of Europe that has not been written about frequently. Arthur Morey does a superb job on the audio book. His facility with the many languages lends authenticity and brings the work to life. Highly recommended!
Marie Ruediger
Best-Loved Treasure Trove of Children's Country Life Nursery Rhymes by Mariecor Ruediger
Beautifully well-crafted treasure trove of newly-fashioned nursery rhymes about country life for children of all ages------with good-humored limericks, twisters, rhymes, and some clerihews, too. Certainly helps begin a new tradition of lyrical sound, wholesome twisters, and amusing rhyme with this much-adored collection.
Michael McAdam
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
I started this book thinking it couldn't possibly be better than DIVERGENT - a book I loved. I thought it was going to be a disorganized mess. It wasn't. It was as exciting as the first book and, being a YA novel, is a really fast read. 525 pages seems like a lot but it is a page turner - literally. There are some fun plot twists and surprises that set up what should be a very interesting third book that I look forward to reading! Great series!
sandi Ward
Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman
An inside look at the federal correction facility in Danbury Connecticut by a middle aged woman, sentenced years after her crime. The women that she meets and becomes close to, the rules and regulations of a prison camp - a second hand report of life in an adjoining prison and the twists that come as she spends time in a big city jail just as she is about to be released. With the help and support of her family, friends and her fiance' Piper Kerman tells the tale of her 15 month incarceration.
Elizabeth Panik
The Book of Someday by by Dianne Dixon
Three different stories about three very different women which ultimately are intertwined with a surprise twist, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is very well written and so engrossing, I couldn't put it down until I was finished! Highly recommend it!
Linda Harrison
Moonrise by Cassandra King
Helen Honeycutt married Emmet Justice a short while after his wife Rosalyn was killed in an accident. When they moved to Rosalyn’s family home in Highlands, North Carolina, some of their old friends were determined to dislike Helen. Helen tried her best to fit in but with no success. Then, Rosalyn’s closest friend Kit started with sly innuendos trying to turn Emmet and Helen against each other. The book was well written but I wish the character of Helen had had a little more backbone.
Linda Harrison
Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller
When Hutch Carmody stopped his wedding to Brylee Parrish, she was devastated and swore off men. Brylee devoted her time to her home decorating business. Zane Sutton is a movie star but had been a rodeo star. He and his brother Landry purchased Hangman’s Bend Ranch and now Zane has left the neon lights of Hollywood for the peace and quiet of Montana. Once Brylee met Zane, she knew she was in trouble. As she battled her feelings for him, he admitted his feelings for her. This was a sweet love story.
Linda Harrison
Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller
Sheriff Boone Taylor sort of gave up on life when his wife died and sent his two sons to live with his sister and her family. He lived in a broken-down trailer that sat in a weedy overgrown yard. When Tara Kendall, a city girl from New York, moved next door and started raising chickens, sparks flew. She criticized Boone for the disreputable condition of his property and he talked down to her. This changed one day when his two sons and her two stepdaughters became friends and started playing together. Boone and Tara realized that instead of disliking each other, they were actually attracted to each other.
Linda Harrison
Bombshell by Catherine Coulter
FBI agents Savich and Sherlock have been called in when the beaten and naked body of a young man is found in front of the Lincoln Memorial. When the murderer posted a photo of the dead man on YouTube, he was identified by his grandmother. At the same time, FBI agent Griffin Hammersmith is in Virginia investigating the assault on his sister. Rumors of the infamous MS13 gang infiltration have been going on in the area and Griffin is wondering how this affects his sister. This was a fast-paced book with the two stories going on.
Linda Harrison
Burn by Nevada Barr
This book did not take place in a National Park as other Anna Pigeon books did. The location was New Orleans where Anna befriended a bartender named Jordan who later turned out to be someone entirely different. They investigated the child pornography scene and the use of children in sexual houses that were protected by the corrupt police. Anna needs to go back to the peacefulness of the parks.
Linda Harrison
Death Angel by Linda Fairstein
The beauty of New York City’s Central Park hides a lot of crime and horror. When a young woman’s body was found in a pond, Assistant DA Alexandra Cooper and NYPD Detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace began investigation. The woman was thought to be a homeless person so police rounded up other transients for interviews. Clues were obtained linking the woman’s death to the Dakota apartment building and a disappearance that occurred there many years ago.
Linda Harrison
Sacred and Profane by Faye Kellerman
Although the storyline itself was good, the book had too many Jewish words and terminology that were not understandable. LAPD detective Peter Decker loves Rina but not the confines of her Orthodox Jewish faith. He is having to learn Yiddish as well as everything else about the faith and is taking lessons from the rabbi. This is in addition to a strange case involving a snuff film where the characters were actually killed and their bodies set on fire in the film. There are prominent people involved who have used their contacts to have charges dropped. All of this leaves Peter extremely frustrated and burned out and he takes it out on Rina.
Linda Harrison
The Loner by Lindsay McKenna
Shelby Kincaid first sees Dakota Carson during the trial for the murderers of his sister. Years later, as she sees him stumbling to the hospital’s ER after a bear attack, she goes to help him and realizes she has seen him before. Then, she gets word that the two murderers have escaped and the sheriff is afraid they are after Shelby. It was due to her tracking that got them caught before. Dakota is keeping close to Shelby so that the murderers can’t get to her before he takes them out.
Linda Harrison
Summer in Napa by Marina Adair
I received a copy from Goodreads and thoroughly enjoyed the book. Alexis Moreau returned home to the Napa Valley after a crushing divorce from her cheating husband. With plans to turn her grandmother’s pastry shop into a bistro, she definitely has no plans for romance but her grandmother has other ideas and fixes her up with bachelors for lunch and dinner. Alexis runs into her ex-husband’s best friend and they agree to fake a romance to stop all her grandmother’s plans. But fate steps in and what was an agreed-upon plan turns into the real thing.
Linda Harrison
When Snow Falls by Brenda Novak
Cheyenne Christensen has had a hero worship on Joe DeMarco since she was 14 and was thrilled when he finally noticed her. That is, until she noticed Dylan Amos. Dylan was the oldest of the Amos boys and had raised his younger brothers after his mother died and his father went to prison. But Dylan was the typical “bad boy” given to fights after his father was sent away. As Cheyenne came to know the real Dylan, they fell in love and had to face the animosity of her friends who tried to steer her clear of the “bad boy”.
Summer Grinstead
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
What a chilling good read. This books give you every emotion you can have. Gillian Flynn is an excellent writer.
shelly itkin
Lies Told Under Oath by Beth Lane
The story mainly takes place in 1912 after a horrendous murder is committed. The Pfanschmidt family was highly respected in the community.
Unfortunately, nobody would have predicted that four people would be found dead after a fire takes place in their home. Among the bodies uncovered we find Charles, his wife Mathilda, Blanche, their fifteen-year-old daughter and Emma Kaempen a schoolteacher all brutally murdered.
Ray their son was not found murdered and since he was not living at home that particular week naturally he is considered the number one suspect, as only he would have something to gain from this.
Lynne Moore
The Whole Enchilada by Diane Mott Davidson
Good read.......more detailed than her last few books of this series. Interesting ending.......series finale?
JUANITA
THUNDER DOG THE TRUE STOY OF A BLIND MAN, HIS DOG & TRIUMPH by MICHAEL HINGSON WITH SUSY FLORY
A great book - so much I learned about being "blind" and how Michael made the best of his blindness. Plus the story of being in the Towers during 9/11 - an amazing story.
Marsha
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
This is the final book by Binchy before her death. All of her books reflect people who have doubts and troubles in their lives and are searching for insight. This one is about a woman who opens a bed and breakfast in Western Ireland the people who gather for her opening week. Binchy has written countless books and brought joy to many and she will be missed.
Linda Johnson
It Happens in the Dark by Carol O'Connell
Detective Kathy Mallory is unlike any other protagonist of any series. I have followed Mallory and Carol O'Connell, her originator since I became aware of them at the publication of O'Connell's fifth book. The review I read then applauded O'Connell for starting out as a quality writer and not suffering from a sophomore slump or a junior slump, etc. She continues to entertain me. This book involves another of my passions, the theater. Three nights, three bodies and Mallory is on top of things. Mallory is not for everyone, but her admirers are loyal.
Linda Johnson
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin
A fictional look at Anne Morrow Lindbergh and her life with Charles Lindbergh. It's tough to acknowledge that one of our heroes has "warts" but these book does not hesitate to show them for Lindbergh. Anne Morrow was an author, an aviatrix and a force in her own right. Interesting read.
Jessica Musselman
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
As an adult I often read YA books and I really felt for both the character and those around him since I can see things from all the points of view. As a parent my heart broke for the ways most of society treats August because he doesn't look "normal". Luckily those who love him, and even he himself, are also not typically "normal" and can see life is far more that just what's on the surface.
Denise Beierbach
Indentical by Scott Turow
Spooky
Laura Beierbach
Indentical by Scott Turow
Good desctiptions
Debbie DeWitt
The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
Our book club loved this book, as did I personally. I am not usually a fan of Ms. Erdrich, but this book was superb. Great character development, engaging story, surprising plot plus rich subtexts for discussion, like: the healing and universality of music, living in poverty, multidimensional fabric of personality, cultural expectations and traditions--I could go on and on.
Robin McKay
Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
In Grace County, N C, Jane Forrester is a county social worker. She is drawn to the Hart family, three generations living together trying to eek out a living. Ivy, the youngest, carries the largest burden on her small shoulders, reminding her Grandmother to watch her diet, check her blood, and keep medicine out of reach. Ivy's sister, Mary Ella, seems unable to cope with her daily burden. The girls' grandmother had signed paperwork to have Mary Ella sterilized when she delivered William. But no one felt it necessary to tell Mary Ella. This was a Necessary Lie, as far as the Department of Public Health was concerned. But Jane didn't think so. She told Mary Ella the truth. Her actions lead to unexpected results.
Brandi
Inferno by Dan Brown
So far I am enjoying Dan Brown's latest thriller - more action from Langdon as he finds out fascinating facts around the world.
Richard N B
City of Falling Angels by John Berendt
3.5*** In January 1996 the Fenice Opera House burned to the ground in a spectacular blaze. Arriving in Venice just days after the fire, Berendt was caught up in the conspiracy theories, gossip, innuendo, half-truths and downright lies surrounding this event. Berendt’s writing puts the reader right at the scene. You feel the warmth of summer sun, smell the salty air, taste the champagne and are dazzled by the cacophony that is Carnival. The book is peopled with plenty of colorful characters, each with an opinion (and some with facts) about the fire and the restoration efforts. It’s a fascinating and interesting look at one of the world’s most recognizable cities.
Richard N B
City of Falling Angels by John Berendt
3.5*** In January 1996 the Fenice Opera House burned to the ground in a spectacular blaze. Arriving in Venice just days after the fire, Berendt was caught up in the conspiracy theories, gossip, innuendo, half-truths and downright lies surrounding this event. Berendt’s writing puts the reader right at the scene. You feel the warmth of summer sun, smell the salty air, taste the champagne and are dazzled by the cacophony that is Carnival. The book is peopled with plenty of colorful characters, each with an opinion (and some with facts) about the fire and the restoration efforts. It’s a fascinating and interesting look at one of the world’s most recognizable cities.
Walter Kretzmann
DEAD DANCING WOMEN by ELIZABETH KANE BUZZELLI
This review is from: Dead Dancing Women (An Emily Kincaid Mystery) (Paperback)
I absolutely hunt out those novels that are written by folks from NW MI because I am one of those folks. I get a kick out of seeing a name, Kalkaska, Munson etc that I am familiar with. I think of Emily's books as comfort food for my brain. I feel very comfortable with her characters which are very well developed...I can see their faces. I'll continue to buy the other "Dead" books, have read Dead Dancing Women
Walter Kretzmann
THE SONG OF ACHILLES by MADELINE MILLER
The Song of Achilles is a good enough book, but not the story I was looking for. I had hoped for another telling highlighting warrior ethos, military brotherhood, etc. This version of the book is more of a romance... and it's kind of a flat romance at that. The dynamics are all there from the original story, but at no point did I feel a strong emotional charge built up between the characters or the events they found themselves in, which is disappointing because the root story has so much potential to be expanded on. Just not in this book.
I'm not sorry I read it, I like almost all re-tellings centered around Homer's work, but I will not mark this down as a book to re-read for myself and I would be hesitant to recommend it to others.
Walter Kretzmann
STROM THURMOND' AMERICA by JOSEPH CRESPINO
Joseph Crespino writes very well in a very readable style, making his subject come to life. I learned a great deal about Strom Thurmond and the time and place in which he lived. The book has given me a better understanding of the modern South and of the Republican Party as it was reconstituted as a southern political institution. I did not gain any greater sympathy for Thurmond or his southern colleagues, but I have a greater insight into the current state of politics in America.
Walter Kretzmann
JOHN SATURNALL'S FEAST by LAWRENCE NORFOLK
As other reviewers have retold the plot I won't re-do so here. I really wanted to LOVE this book, and for the first half of it I did- it was beautifully written with a cast of dynamic characters. The plot line was interesting and unfolded steadily and slowly. Then something happened- the second half of the book contained the same characters but they lost some of their sparkle, the writing was not quite as stellar, and the plot line quickly yanked the story along to a conclusion that was somewhat confusing. So to be honest I am not sure what to make of the book. The story line is interesting, and if the change in pace does not phase you then you will probably really like this book.
Walter Kretzmann
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Seemed like a good time to re-read (probably for the 4th time) after finishing the Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan. The characters still ring true, and having more of a historical background made this great novel even more powerful
Walter Kretzmann
Daughter of Venice by Donna Jo Napoli
The color and fascination of 16th-century Venice come to life in this beautifully written novel of a young girl's determination to pursue a career denied women of her time. Donata's unflinching determination to pursue her dream takes her, and the reader, on a daring adventure filled with drama and suspense.
I could hardly put this book down, so absorbed did it keep me from beginning to end. And although this is a young adult novel, I would recommend it for readers of any age who are interested in the history and culture of Venice
Walter Kretzmann
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Libba Bray's latest isn't your average YA novel. Of course, this comes as no surprise to her devoted readership, but Beauty Queens is definitely anything but ordinary.
Hmm...how to best articulate the strengths of this book? Ultimately, Beauty Queens reads like the most spectacular and ambitious episode of South Park every penned. Only this episode feels like something scripted by Chekhov and edited by Betty Friedan. The novel is fresh (A plane full of Beauty Pageant contestants left for dead after an island plane crash? BRILLIANT.) and the humor has teeth--nobody skewers misogynistic mores quite like Bray.
Walter Kretzmann
The Shadow of the Lion by MERCEDES LACKEY, DAVE FREER & ERIC FLINT
Any book set in the Renaissance is pretty much bound to be a complex amalgam of plots and counter plots. This book lives up to its setting in history. I was cautious in approaching a book that was written by three authors, expecting writing dissonance and perhaps some plot danglies. But the authors did a very good job of developing characters and coherent plot. I didn't expect anything along the lines of a serious historical novel, and so was not disappointed. I would almost classify this as a Young Adult book because the majority of the main characters are in the process of coming of age. This is light fare that is well enough written and well plotted to engage your attention. Very light on the fantasy element, and light on characterizatio
Walter Kretzmann
The Woman Who Dared To Vote: The Trial of Susan B. Anthony by N.E.H. Hull
A truly refreshing, invigorating, and spirited story! Hull’s close legal study of the charges against Anthony breaks new ground and significantly enlarges our understanding of her trial, its degeneration into a theater of the absurd, and its setback for U.S. women’s rights and recognition as citizens. A must read for students of women’s history and law alike.
Sarah Chao
Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
I'm reading this book in English class, and it's interesting for a boring book. Just kidding! Our unit is on Africa and African writers. It's a little hard to follow and I have to read slower than my usual reading pace, but overall, I enjoy the conflicts, the ups and downs, and the serious drama in it. This is one of the very few books that I recommend from class that won't be too hard to understand.
Wendy Catalano
Love, Lies, And Deception by L.P. Dover
Marissa, a college student, studies and hangs out with her friends. When she meets Alec, her ex-surfer dude hot and sexy neighbor, the sparks fly. They quickly become inseparable. However, Alec is a mystery and once his secrets are revealed evil follows them and their lives become in danger. Marissa soon realizes that the people close to you that you think you know you don't really know at all. Filled with action, suspense and steamy sex "Love, Lies, and Deception" moved at a quick pace and had a surprise ending.
Kathy Vallee
Lemon Tart by Josi S. Kilpack
This is the first book in this series I got hooked right away. Speaks to us more "mature readers" the main person is a mother and sees her self as the care-taker of her neighborhood. The newest member to her circle was a young mother who Sadie has taken under her wing is found in the field dead and her little two year old boy is now missing. But who killed her and took her little boy and how is Sadie's boyfriend tangled in this? How could Sadie have been so wrong in so many ways in her life!
Elaine Beierbach
Indentical by Scott Turow
Enjoyed it very much
Becky
The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers: An Unconventional Memoir by John-Kilmer Purcell
Humorous accounting of two men trying to escape the busy city life by weekend escapes to their country mansion and the wonderful friends they make in the process.
laura beierbach
Indentical by Scott Turow
Great tale
Tessa B C
Food Girls and Other Things I Can't Have by Allen Zadoff
Andrew Zansky is having a tough time his sophomore year in high school. His parents are getting divorced; he weighs 307 pounds; he met the love of his life at a wedding and will never see her again. But all is not lost. His size is an advantage on the football team, and now he’s one of the “popular” kids. Andy discovers inner resources he never knew he possessed and learns some hard lessons along the way. I love how Zadoff lets the reader into the mind of this sensitive teenager whose struggles many of us share: insecurity, body image, unrequited love, betrayal, disappointment, and fear. But Andy is also a champion; he reminds us that we each have talents and dreams that are no less important for being different from those of others.
mal kaplan
The Quest by Nelson DeMille
This author never disappoints. I can see this as a movie and am already casting it in my mind. It is what they call a page turner..read it if you can.
Teresa Garrett
W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton
I really enjoyed this addition to the Kinsey Millhone series. Loved the presence of Ed, the cat, a new fixture in Kinsey and Henry's life. A couple of people from Kinsey's past that I'd been wondering about make some appearances, too, plus Kinsey has some colorful new relatives, much to her chagrin, I'm sure.
I got a kick out of many of Kinsey's thoughts and observances of the world around her. Sue Grafton still has a way of making me grin or nod in agreement as I read along with Kinsey's words. Loved the appearance of Kinsey's black all-purpose dress!
Jan Zahrly
The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg
Wow! Another great mystery writer from Sweden. An author, Erica Falck, with a childhood acquaintance Patrik Hedstrom, who is now a police detective, join to solve the murder of another childhood friend. The writer never means to work on solving the murder but she feels sympathy for the murdered woman's family and then she discovers that she has enough knowledge to write about the friend, the childhood friendship and now the murder. She intends to write a book about it. But, another childhood friend is found hanging from a high light fixture. Is it murder or suicide? If it is suicide, where is the chair or ladder where he stood to hang himself? And he was the prime suspect in the murder of the other person. A great mystery!
Marie Ledin
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
Thoroughly enjoyable mystery and suspense novel. Hopefully there will be others--would be a great series. A new direction from the Harry Potter series, which I also enjoy.
Francisca E B
A Summons to Memphis by Peter Taylor
3.5 *** Taylor gives us a work that explores the complex relationships within one family – the wrongs done to one another, resentment built over decades, petty reprisals, and subtle revenge. I usually enjoy character-based novels. I loved Marilynne Robinson’s Housekeeping and Paul Harding’s Tinkers, and this work reminds me of those. But this is a very slow read, and I’m struggling with what to write because I’m not really sure how to react to these characters. The last twenty or so pages are poignant and lovely, and I finally felt some connection to Philip and his father and sisters.
Debbie Maskus
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Many times, I have viewed the animated Disney version of this classic short story. The setting inspires mystery and foreboding. Irving presents a well-written and very descriptive story concerning the Dutch settlers to New York. The story hinges a little on jealousy and greed. Two men battle for the lovely and rich young lady, Katrina Van Tassel. Which will win the prize? The description of the early settlers and their beliefs and their life displays a people still dominated by superstition. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing one of the first truly American writers emerge and develop his craft, but also leaving a legacy of early America.
Faith Erickson
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Steig Larrson
It was the last book in the series. He is a great author. It is to bad he has passed on. This was the last book in the series of three. It was everything I hoped it to be. Well worth the time to sit down and read the complete series...
Juli Lear
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
This book is about psychic identical twins Vi and Kate. Vi embraces her psychic gifts, while Kate tries to disconnect from that part of herself. The main storyline involves Vi predicting a major earthquake, but the book mostly focuses on Kate, her past, and how she's living her life. I thought it was really well done!
Sharon Shirlen
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Loved the way the characters connected in the later part of the book.
Marsha
Midnight in Peking by Paul French
Haunted by the unsolved murder of a young girl in Peking in 1937, Historian French spent seven years researching the true story. We are taken to a Peking before the Japanese occupation when the expat community was living a privileged life of opulence. He ruthlessly researches the records of the detectives who pursued the case and shows without a doubt how and why this notorious murder occurred. It is a grim story indeed.
Elaine Beierbach
Indentical by Scott Turow
Enjoyed
Judy O.
Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford
Twelve-year-old William Eng is an Chinese-American orphan who has lived in a Catholic orphanage for 5 years. One day, while on an outing with other kids from the orphanage, he sees a woman in a movie; and he is sure that it is Willow Frost, his long-missing mother. He then sneaks out one day to try and find this elusive woman. This was a very sad movie in parts but joyful in others. This is a new book by the author of HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET. Well-worth the wait.
JSW
The Dogs of Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz
Interesting little book chosen for book club this month. As the cover states, "An adventure with sixteen sheep, three dogs, two donkeys, and me." I'm glad I read it.
Becky Haase
W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton
Grafton has written another winner. The characters are real. The conversation is logical. The view expressed of the homeless is very interesting. The mystery is quirky enough to keep you reading. The “new” family members for Kinsey are always a revelation. Not quite sure how this fits with the previous books, but I am happy for Kinsey’s new found wealth. All in all, a good read from a favorite author.
sandi ward
Monique and the Mango Rains:Two Years with a Midwife in Mali by Kris Holloway
This story relates to the 2 years that a young Peace Corp worker spent in Mali, what she learned, what she taught and how this experience changed her life. Kris spent her time with Monique, a midwife, in a little Mali, African village. Monique also in her early 20's became not only a teacher and friend, but like a sister to Kris. You are privy to the trials and tribulations that this small village and its people go through, along with the hardships that Monique personally endures. The differences and the similarities between their life styles and their beliefs. This friendship continued for years and Kris, having married another Peace Corp worker that was also in Mali, tells of their return trip to the small village that was once their home
Elizabeth
The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore
This book was picked for my book club. We had all read the authors previous work and loved it. Unfortunately this was not "Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen" the novel we all enjoyed. This novel takes us to a rural area of Tennessee with a cast of down-home folks. A young un-wed mother named Emmalee and a good Samaritan Leona. The story fluctuates between the two and we learn about women who make collars for a living at the local factory in town. We are educated about breast feeding and abusive fathers and sewing. What this book never does is make the reader feel that they watched the characters get a better life. I thought I had missed pages on my kindle at the end of the story because it ended much too abruptly.
Elizabeth
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
While I think it is more of 4 1/2 star novel this is not an option, so I gave it a 5 star review. Most of us know little about WW1 so it was a great history lesson. The book fluctuates between Sophie in France in the early 1900's and Liv in England today. Both character have been through great hardships and both are inspiring in their own way. There is mystery a love story and some pretty fascinating characters. I won't hesitate to buy another book by Ms. Moyes she is an amazing writer. You will be glad you take the time to read this novel.
Michelle Miller
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Great book! I loved the movie and the book is so much like it which is odd. Usually the book and movie are not alike...at all. Not in this case. Excellent book, excellent movie. If you haven't read this, you should. Don't let the high concept style of it throw you either. It's worth it!
Sean Penrose
Dead Simple by Peter James
Although favorably reviewed, Dead Simple was just that, simple. The main character is interesting enough to carry a story or two, however here he didn't do much. There wasn't much mystery or intrigue and the plot twists were visible a mile away. Until the ending I thought I might try the next book but there just isn't enough to move forward with this series.
GENEVA SAVILLE
Moonrise by Cassandra King
Interesting......a bit slow in beginning but picks up 1/4 in to the book...
Debbie Smith
Always Watching by Chevy Stevens
This was centered around a cult. It seemed like a contrived story line and the main character made terrible decisions on handling various situations. Not a very good book this time around. I made myself finish it.
Deborah M Carlton
Dr. Sleep by Stephen King
I became engrossed in this story from the very beginning. Meant as a sequel to King's "The Shining", we find Dan Torrance as a middle aged recovering alcoholic still "shining". He uses his powers to "help" his elderly patients at the hospice where he works when it's their time to pass on. We meet Abra, a girl of 10 whose shining is greater than Dan's ever was, and they begin to communicate telepathically. There is a group called the True Knot who feed off of children, especially those who shine. Abra needs to be protected from them, and she asks Dan for help. A real page-turner, King's latest will keep you up at night.
Carol
Run Brother Run by David Berg
This book is beautifully written and a convoluted commentary on relationships of all kinds. I loved it.
Sandy Daily
The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns by Margaret Dilloway
Good character development and story line...along with tips on caring for roses.
Allison Gardner
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Interesting book
Nancy Bader
Stella Bain by Anita Shreve
I love Anita Shreve, and this book, her newest, is one of her best. It deals with post traumatic stress syndrome, but, what makes it different is that it's about a woman and takes place during and after World War I. I thought the ending was a bit of a cop-out, but I enjoyed the book.
Karen Frangoulis
The Quest by Nelson DeMille
Interesting read, however very disappointed in the ending.
Tessa B C
The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander
3.5*** Austin Gray is nearly 15 years old, and tired of just watching the parade; she wants to be one of the “hood ornaments” who ride in the parade, perched atop a shiny new pick-up truck and waving to her adoring public. This is a lovely YA novel dealing with universal themes – bullying, friendship, loss, love, peer pressure, and self-confidence. I like that Alexander doesn’t sugarcoat the issues that Austin faces, and that she has her make some mistakes along the way. Still, Austin is a great heroine, and this is a sweetheart of a book.
Tessa B C
Juliet by Anne Fortier
Moving back and forth between the 1340 “true” story of Giulietta Tolomei and Romeo Marescotti, and the modern day Julie Jacobs’s efforts to find her mother’s legacy, this is a novel that tries to be a romantic epic and a suspense thriller. The result is that it doesn’t quite succeed on either count. I was pretty caught up in the 1340 story, but the modern story just irritated me. On the plus side, Fortier did a very good job of putting the action in the city of Siena and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. She also does a decent job of keeping the plot moving and building suspense. Cassandra Campbell’s narration on the audio book was very good.
Ivy Pittman
Torch by Cheryl Strayed
When Teresa dies rather quickly from cancer, Clair, Josh and Bruce are each struggling with their own demons. How Clair and Josh finally come to terms with their mother's death is through their personal struggles.
Laura Beierbach
Indentical by Scott Turow
Interesting
Gail Rubin
My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shavit
Ari Shavit has carefully researched the path of the Jews over the last troubled century. He includes information about settlements, the occupation, peace negotiations and assassinations. He acknowledges the guilt Israelis must bear for the situation in which they find themselves, and explains why, what they did, though perhaps excessively brutal, at times, was absolutely necessary for the survival of Israel.
The occupation has done irreparable harm to Israel, the influx of immigrants steeped in Orthodoxy has hurt the economy, and the Oslo Accords sold Israel out; the Arabs refused to recognize Israel or give up the right of return, which would effectively destroy Israel as a Jewish state. He expresses his fear for Israel's very existence.
Laura McDonald
The Stranger You Know by Andrea Kane
Ms. Kane packs a lot of suspense in these pages, with a thrilling twist at the end you never see coming. A serial killer is after young red haired girls, and the Forensic Instincts team is in a desperate race to stop the murders. I actually had to stay up hours past my bedtime to finish this.
Sally-Jo Waterfall
The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin
Great book! The characters are well developed and believable. The story is different from anything i have read before. Well done!
John Dallal
Three Lives of Tomomi Ishikawa by Benjamin Constable
I just finished reading this book, and it kept me engrossed from beginning to end. I
was absorbed with the two main characters all the way through. And, in my opinion,
it was a very intriguing story.
Jeanette Mateer
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
It took several of us a while to convince our group to read this book as one member has cancer and has lasted longer than her doctors ever expected. The entire group loved the book and the gal with cancer related it to a great nephew, a high school senior, who recently lost his battle with the disease, and the outpouring of the school to honor him.
The group had been hesitant to read Wil Schwabe's End of Your Life Book Club. Several of us who've read it easily convinced them that each of these titles carry messages that totally out weigh the disease in the books.
Diane Castiglione
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
This is a wonderful little book. Even if you are not really into math you will fall in love with the characters. A emotional book of building a relationship, love and compassion.
We meet the Professor whose memory is the span of 80 minutes and he starts all over again as if everything is new. He has a brilliant mind for math, but can not remember meeting you.The young boy who learns so much from the professor and the young boys mother who work for the Professor.
This is a must read book. It will touch you in so many ways
Belva Wilkerson
The Summer Girls by Mary Alice Monroe
Wow...I just finished reading The Summer Girls and may face is still damp from the tears. What a great story of family and healing! And I'm so excited to learn that this is the first of a trilogy featuring three sisters and their relationships to each other and their elderly grandmother. Having just recently lost my mother and father, I am cherishing the memories these characters are making. This is an awesome book and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in getting completely lost in a good book! I am anxiously awaiting the next one.
judith steelhammer
The History of Love by Nicole Krause
This is another book with parallel and eventually intersecting story lines. It worked beautifully as a multi-voiced audio book. The first story line is related by Leopold Gursky. Leo is old, Jewish, and lonely. He says, “All I want is not to die on a day I went unseen.” (To that end, he answers an ad to be a nude model for a drawing class.) But he wants more than that. He wants to be acknowledged by the son he did not raise. Leo is funny, endearing , heartbreaking and possibly not the most reliable of narrators. He is also the original author of a mysterious, lost and reappearing book called The History of Love.
judith steelhammer
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
In addition to being an award winning author, Ruth Ozeki is a filmmaker and a Zen Buddhist priest. She is married to an environmental artist named Oliver. She lives in New York and British Columbia. She is a character in her own book. The book was bound to be unusual. It is also very, very good.
There are two distinct story lines. Ruth, a successful novelist with writer’s block, and her quirky husband, Oliver, live on a remote island with other quirky characters. Noako Yasutani is a very troubled teenager writing a suicide diary in a Japanese hostess café. Ruth finds the diary while beachcombing one day. It is packaged with some other artifacts in a sealed, barnacle infested ziplock bag.
judith steelhammer
Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
I’d met them before, the Kashpaws and the Lamartines. These inter-related families reappear other books, but Love Medicine was the Erdrich’s first novel. I had the original 1984 version of this book, which it has apparently been revised twice since its original publication. This book is essentially a collection of related short stories. Each story is told from the first person perspectives of various characters. Each story is somehow related to the death of June Kapshaw.
It’s easy to see why Erdrich received so much attention for her first book. The writing is powerful and expressive. The characters seem to walk right off the page. But I’m glad I read her more recent books first. Her writing has only gotten better.
Sharon Lumb
The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
Chief Inspector Gamache returns to Three Pines to discover the murder of a tramp who no one knows. It turns out that the stranger's body has been moved not once but twice. And all evidence points to Olivier the beloved owner of the local bistro. But do the people really know Olivier? And what do the words "woo" and "Charlotte" mean in connection with the murder. I wanted to close the door and read the book in one sitting. Louise Penny is finally receiving deserved acclaim for her Three Pine mysteries.
MJ Arnold
Me Before You by Jo Jo Moyes
A novel which will create a variety of opinions and reactions for a book club discussion. Especially noteworthy will be a discussion of an individual's right to end his/her life when quality of life no longer exists.
Dorothy Cowling
Blind Justice by Anne Perry
Another superb book featuring Monk and his wife Hester.
Myrna Pennisi
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
I am about 1/3 of the way through this book and enjoying it very much. A troubled and orphaned teenager in 2012 finds she and a 91 year old woman have more in common than she could ever have imagined.
Tom Barrington
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
I enjoyed reading this book. It brought back memories of some of the computers I have had years ago. A lot of names that I have heard about over the years.
Linda Reck
The Rosie Project by Graeme C. Stimson
Don is a high functioning Asperger's syndrome person. He's looking for a wife, so he's prepared a very detailed questionnaire to find one. He has no luck and, no wonder. The questionnaire is overly detailed down to do you drink in moderation and do you like ice-cream. Don is also OCD so any change in his schedule puts him off and he has to make up minutes lost. Things aren't going well, so his friend Gene sends him Rosie who is entirely unsuitable, but she only wants to find out who her birth father is; she's not a canidate.Don and Rosie spend a great deal of time on it, so he leaves the wife project for a time. Meanwhile he is falling in love with Rosie. Can he act normal enough for her? I loved this book. It was quirky and funny.
patricia
Cross by james patterson
Lots of twists and turns and lots of action
Marsha
Deadline by Sandra Brown
Brown has outdone herself with this thriller. Her characters are very believable and the action is exciting. A reporter is sent to cover a murder trial and what happens next is quite the emotional ride.
Jan Zahrly
Lifetime by Liza Marklund
Our favorite reporter from Sweden, Annika Bengtzon, is back on the trail of a cop killer, husband of a cop she met years before. And this time a 4 year old boy is missing. Most folks assume the wife (a police officer herself) is the killer but she insists another woman did it and kidnapped her son. As usual, Annika has marriage problems, her home is burned, the editor is demanding and Annika is off on an adventure all by herself. Aside from the actual mystery, I love Annika - impulsive, determined to "do right," cares deeply for her family, driven to perform her job in an excellent manner. There is a real shocker at the end. No spoiler from me!
susan Spencer
He's Gone by Deb Caletti
This book is set in Seattle, Wa. One morning Dani Keller wakes up to find her husband gone. Is he hurt, killed or just wants a new start?
susan Spencer
Family Album by Penelope Lively
A book about family dynamics, very well written and timeless.
Raylene Wauda
Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard
Who would have thought that a novel about the assassination of Pres. Garfield would be so interesting? Pres. Lincoln's son was there, and Pres. Garfield wasn't killed by the bullet, but by the doctors' unsanitary methods of "treating" him. There is also much history of the times presented.
Norene Wittlin
All the President's Men by Woodward & Bernstein
I'm enjoying it very much.
Tracy Melhinch
At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon
I love this book...This is my third time reading it, and I have read the whole series numerous times
Reva Wamsley
V is for Vengance by Sue Grafton
This is one of the series of books about Kinsey Millhone, a private detective living in Southern CA. The book starts out with her shopping for underwear when she spots a shoplifter. She tells the clerk who calls security. The woman is arrested & the next morning her boyfriend bails her out of jail. Later on that day, she is found dead. She either jumped off a bridge or was thrown off. Her boyfriend doesn't think she would commit suicide so he hires Kinsey to find out what happened to her. In her investigation, Kinsey discovers that she was working for a shoplifting ring.
Marsha
Fin and Lady by Cathleen Schine
This charming novel reminds us of what family means to us. When Fin is orphaned at 11, his half sister takes over as guardian and things are never the same. It takes us on quite a ride. The characterization is excellent and the pace keeps you turning pages. It is just a lovely book.
Patricia Gallant
In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl
Historical fiction based on real events, places or people are becoming interesting and relatable. I loved this story about a real place and event with the mention of real people but the story is told around fictional characters. A story about truth. Loved it..
Lynn W
Making Toast by Roger Rosenblatt
Parents should not outlive their children. They should not have to parent their grandchildren. This author (and his wife) faced the most unimaginable pain, but did what needed to be done with grace and beauty. Their family is blessed. We are blessed when we read this memoir.
Fran
Confessions of a Prairie B*tch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated by Alison Arngrim
Alison's Amgrim's biography captures both her personal turmoil as an abused child as well as her life on the set of Little House on the Prairie. Alison shares her personal experiences as the "resident" bad girl as well as her personal friendship with Melissa Gilbert. This was a fun read for any Little House fan!
Lynn W
Trains and Lovers by Alexander McCall Smith
Four strangers share a compartment on a train from Edinburgh to London. These travelers pass the time by telling their stories of life-changing trains. The author has written an enchanting and charming tale of the nature of love.
Judson Hanson
Mister by Terry Brooks
This novel continues the epic of the Elfstones, 50 years after "Sword of Shannara." I am even more hooked on this series now and can recommend it to all lovers of fantasy.
Debbie Maskus
Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler
Raymond Chandler presents a story that a man would enjoy reading due to the rough and tough language. Many of the phrases left me wondering about the meaning. Many African Americans would take offense at Chandler's language such as a dinge or a shine killing. Chandler ranks premiere in his description of characters and settings, plus he does not fill pages with conversation. Many readers skim over the description and read only the conversation and miss the essence of the story. Philip Marlowe shines as a basically good man who prods through life at his own pace. The story shows love as in the constant love of Moose Malloy for his treacherous girlfriend, Velma Valento. Also, we have Marlowe given the sexual opportunity with two gorge
Gretchen Carolan
The Wedding Gift by Marem Suyapa Bodden
Won this book form Book Reporter and so glad I did as this was a great read!! If you liked "The Help", "Whistling Past the Graveyard", "Dry Grass of August" and/or "Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt"
you will love this book! This book goes back and forth of a slave and her family from the Master and his family in the 1800's where slaves were treated badly as well as women. I will look forward to reading more books from this author.
Linda Tilson
Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford
The story is simply written; but with some very profound thoughts. I even felt sympathetic with a mother who left her son at an orphanage. Family dynamics can be complicated!
Kathleen Carn
Notorius Nineteen: A Stephine Plum novel by Janet Evanovich
As always Stephine and her group of bail bonds men have another wild whacky adventure. Always good for a laugh out loud read.
Kathleen Carn
Refusal by Dick Francis
Good story, about racing in England. This is about one of his former characters with a false arm, who turned to being a PI then retired. And is talked into coming back. Good read.
Melanie S.
Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan
Very engaging account of a young woman's rapid descent into mental illness and her subsequent diagnosis with an autoimmune disease, her treatment and finally a cure. I read this book in two days and literally couldn't put it down. It certainly makes you consider the possibility that the diagnosis of a mental illness like schizophrenia could actually be due to an inflammatory process or a disease unknown to the physician diagnosing a patient. Fascinating.
Asha Smith
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Ever wondered what your dog was thinking about or other things? This book was funny, but also made one think.
Summer Grinstead
The Last Cameilla by Sarah Jio
This was my first book by this author and let me say that I loved it! I loved how the old and new mixed perfectly. This book left me thinking about it for days!
shelly itkin
Accused by Lisa Scottoline
If you re a fan of Rosato & Associates then you will be as thrilled, as I was to see Bennie Rosato, Mary DiNunzio, Judy Carrier and Anne Murphy back in action together.
Lisa gets us hooked from the first few chapters first announcing that “Mary” is now a full partner and secondly letting is know that Mary is engaged to Anthony Rotunno. As if that is not enough for Mary to handle in walks thirteen year old Allegra (considered a genius) looking for representation to free a man who is in jail for murdering her older sister Fiona more then six years ago.
The entire staff is a little surprised and baffled at the accusations that Allegra is making. She is saying that the man Lonnie Stall who is serving time in prison for murdering her
Kellie Smith
Hello, Darkness by Sandra Brown
This was a pretty good mystery. It wasn’t like the ones that are loaded with scientific descriptions that are used by the author to show the reader how smart they are. This had suspense and mystery but it also had drama and some heavy romance. A good story line that kept me interested and wanting more though out the read. It didn’t knock me over, but it did grab and hold my attention.
Lynne Zickel
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
From start to finish this is a "I couldn't put it down" type of book.
Jan Zahrly
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
This is a lovely book - expressing a simple life that most of us usually do not experience. The book is a retelling of the Nazi occupation of Guernsey during World War II. The central character is Elizabeth, who has been killed by the Nazis, but we do not know this until near the end. This is not a spoiler -- Elizabeth has been missing for most of the war. She had a child with a German officer and the child was cared for by the group of friends remaining on the island.
The story tells the familiar acts of brutality, cruelty, deprivation that occur in any war but the telling is gentle. Shaffer's character development is extraordinary. There are surprises at the end but you have to read the book. It is a quick read.
Fran O'H
The Guilty One by Lisa Ballantyne
A compelling courtroom drama featuring a young lawyer who relates to his latest client, an 11 year old boy accused of murdering another child. Ballantyne tells the story of young Daniel simultaneously with the trial of young Sebastian. Some of the twists were predictable, but overall it was a good read!
Marcia Sailer
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
I really enjoyed this story of Peekay, an English boy born in South Africa and growing up in the 1940's & 50's. The story tells of the "Power of One", one's innate power to be more than one thinks. It also speaks of the "Power of One" in regard to the influence others have in shaping our lives. Peekay begins the story as a bullied child in boarding school. His life journey is not easy, but he excels because of the love of others and his own perseverance. The other characters in this book are fascinating, as are their stories. I recommend this book.
Laura Genco
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
This was a great book. There are a couple of "secret keepers" making the book very intriguing. The way it moves from one story line to another keeps you captivated.
Nancy Salerno
Deadline by Sandra brown
Romantic mystery that I could not put down.Great twist at the end about the hero.Journalist meets woman with children who is a witness in her ex husbands murder trial.He was the victim or was he?
Robin McKay
The Last Kiss Goodbye by Karen Robards
Dr Charlie Stone has just returned home when a terrified young woman shows up at her door. She claims to have been pursued by a killer .Charlie shelters the woman until the authorities arrive. Amid the confusion, someone leaves a note that taunts Charlie to ‘Catch Me if You Can’. Charlie is once again pulled into the investigation of another killer, this one dubbed “The Gingerbread Man”. With her ability to see the ghosts of the recently departed, as well as her own ghost in shining armor, Charlie and the FBI match wits with this new killer. Despite the futility of a lasting relationship with a ghost, Charlie is drawn to the sexy-as-sin Michael. Their interactions sizzle and really heat up the pages of the newest Karen Robards book.
Bill Hamilton
The October List by Jeffrey Deaver
If you are a reader who prefers reading a book with a beginning, middle, and end take Deaver's "creative effort" of a novel that begins at the end and migrates back to the beginning. As a linear reader I found the book gimmicky rather than his usual well crafted novels.
Sharon Shirlen
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Two couples keep their love for each other despite some hardships. It had a happy, surprising ending connecting the couples.
Jamie
Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Not my favorite one by him, but not my least favorite. You can pretty much predict what will happen in his books, but they are still usually enjoyable to read. I would definitely recommend it to those who like his other books.
Yvonne Jefferson
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
A wonderful addition to the YA dystopian fantasy/fiction genre. This first book in The Testing Trilogy tells the believable story of the future of a world nearly destroyed by war. I look forward to the continuation of the story in Independent Study and Graduation Day scheduled for release in 2014.
Nancy Hausladen
Tamarack County by William Kent Krueger
This continues the books the author has written about the Minnesota Canoe Area in northern Minnesota. Cort is a former sheriff and now a private investigator in this area. The mysteries are always good and the interaction with his family and the Indian reservation add to the story. I highly recommend these books.
Robin McKay
Iron Bonds by Billy Wong
The characters are fantastic warrior specimens that us mere mortal men would cower and run from. The best is Rose Agen. Though she easily carves the enemy fighters into little pieces, her emotional side comes to the front so many times that her inner turmoil becomes the true battle she faces. The wars are the foils that cause her to deeply ponder the grieving widows and orphaned children she creates with every soldier she kills. Once she delivers her twin babies, her conflict spins in another direction. Should she continue to fight the battles for King and Country and abandon her children to be raised by strangers? Or should she raise her children like every normal mother and give her enemies an easy path to overthrow her kingdom?
Eileen Dandashi
The Arrangement by Mary Balogh
This is the second book of a new series by Mary Balogh.
Vincent Hunt, Viscount Darleigh, a war veteran, blind from an injury of war is loved too much by his well intentioned family -- latest help is trying to find him a wife. He escapes with his old friend, previous batman and now valet. From the frying pan into the fire he finds himself almost trapped by an pursuing female. Viscount escapes, but not for long! This is a wonderfully charming, witty and engaging story with well-rounded hero and heroine. Don't miss this series. Mary Balogh writes Regency Romance and has perfected the art of happy ever after stories!
Marcia Peak
The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls
Not as good or as in-depth as The Glass Castle but still an enjoyable, quick read. Loved the character Bean!
Marsha
Never Go Back by Lee Child
Jack Reacher is called back to the Army life amid strange circumstances. Major Susan Turner is an intriguing voice on the phone and she has taken his place as CO of his old unit. They are both arrested and then the chase begins. This one has a few too many characters but the plot is finely tuned.
Sharon Elliott-Fox
Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham
How interesting to discover the cause/basis for Fiona Griffiths' unusual talents and proclivity for "talking to the dead". Fiona, a detective constable, uncovers the crimes and sordidness of the seedy world of prostitutes and human trafficking, using her unusual talents to unearth the truth...and at the same time explore some of the truths of her own background.
Kelley Blair
Zeely by Virginia Hamilton
I really liked this book. There are many lessons to be taken from this book. The one that stood out for me was not to be afraid of "the Dark" aka what you don't know. We can easily see something as one thing but in reality it can be something else. I think Geeder whose real name in the book is Elizabeth learned this lesson from Zeely. Geeder had envisioned Zeely to be a Watusi queen because of her height and attire. Geeder had an imagination that was quite lively. This is a book you could read over and over and each time take away something different.
Jeanette Barney
The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore
I thoroughly connected with the heroine of the story. A young, poor single mother struggling with poverty, an alcoholic father and the loss of the persons who were going to rescue her from the terrible home situation she was living in.
Lauren Bailey
The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway
I was attracted to this book because it reminded me of The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I found the idea of time travel mixed with bits of magical realism to be a great recipe for an intriguing book. I do not know if I was comparing this book too much; however, it was still an enjoyable read. There was a love story along with secret societies and historical tidbits. This is a debut novel from Bee Ridgway and it appears that there will be sequel to this novel. I do hope that it comes out soon to tie up some loose ends!
JEAN MESS
Heron's Cove by Carla Neggers
Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan are F.B.I. Agents which always makes things interesting. The setting by the water makes for a great setting. Russians, intrigue, mystery, romance, , Ireland mixed into story makes it hard to wait for book 3 in the Sharpe and Donovan series.
Susan Braun
Cut to the Bone by Jefferson Bass
As always an enjoyable read by the duo who has brought the body farm and its creator to life. This time we are all taken back to the beginning in a prequel with a perfect fit. I promise the reader will not put this book down.
Linda Frashure
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
This is a book that you don't want to say too much about the story because of all the twists.
The author spins a great tale and I personally cannot wait for her next novel. She is a very
talented writer. Do not let this one pass you by!
Susan Kolodny
Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balson
Once We Were Brothers has a compelling plot, with authentic characters, my favorite being the attorney, Catherine Lockhart. I read this fast-paced legal thriller in 2 nights. It was difficult to put down. The legal scenes are genuine and Balsom's writing is wonderful. This historical work of fiction, which spans 60 years, is a must read!
Alice Sliss
The Obituary Writer by Ann Hood
This is a gem of a book. It's the story of two women in different times of the century that beautifully converge at the end.
Crystal Blackburn
The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
A suave conman (male) joins forces with the tenacious ex-Navy Seal FBI agent (female) who had been chasing him for years. Together they start to take down even worse criminals who can't be captured through normal law enforcement means. The caveat: if they are caught they will be disavowed and prosecuted.
robin fuller
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Excellent book, riveting and a great choice for book clubs.
Jayme gruden
Night Film by Marisha Pessl
Interesting concept - it reminded me of the old Mickey Spillane novels, but instead of a detective as the lead we have an investigative journalist. If you can suspend belief, and not roll your eyes, Night Film is an entertaining, spooky novel to read on a rainy October night.
ck
Tell No Lies by Greg Hurwitz
Daniel gave up a high paying position managing money to work as a counselor for paroled violent offenders. Letters show up in his staff mail box threatening people who, unfortunately, do end up being brutally murdered. Daniel works with a team of police in this page turner novel. The author takes the reader all around San Francisco....Sir Francis Drake hotel, Top of the Mark and also the Tenderloin and other not so high end places. Good characters. Great suspense.
ck
The Death of Bees by Lisa O'Donnell
Read for book discussion. All were "put off" by the language. Pretty rough stuff! However, those of us who stuck with the book really liked it. When both parents die within a couple of days, two young girls bury them in the back yard to avoid going into foster care. How to survive! The next door neighbor is overly curious. The girl friends keep questioning them. Lots of plot twists. Think this book will appeal to high school students who probably won't mind the overuse of the "f" word.
Janet P Bedell
The Round House by Louise Erdrich
I loved this book! It was a richly related story of believable characters and family dynamics. Although based on a horrific rape, the interplay of characters was realistic with strong emotional outputs.
Anthony Rudnicki
Bipolar Buffalo - a Mosaic of Minds Journey by Anthony Antek
This is a powerful and beautifully written work of non-fictional literature.With pathos balanced by humor, the struggle of a self-doubting, 2nd-generation, steel-city, working-class youth, growing up Polish, Catholic and bipolar in the Lackawanna/Buffalo, New York region during the mid-20th Century is dramatically revealed. The writing ,a melding of memoir/humor/history/art, told with passion, humor and hope becomes a search for self and an authentic meaning to life. The book’s 52 stories include poignant epigrams, and 29 original artworks & photos.
Kathy Miller
The Collini Case by Ferdinand Von Schirach
The Collini Case by Ferdinand Von Schirach is a well written book about the first defense case for young Caspar Leinen representing the 67 year old Italian, Collini who admits to the murder of 85 year old Hans Meyer but refuses to give a motive. Through his investigation and trial preparation, readers learn of the history of Caspar, Collini, and Meyer. This was an interesting glimpse of the legal system in Germany, a partial evolution of its Criminal Code, and how the law was interpreted while prosecuting Nazis. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading courtroom procedural dramas or WW II historical fiction.
Melanie Backus
Marcie by Carly M. Duncan
Jumped back and forth and hard to follow at times.
Jan Hummel
Sullivan's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
This was her debut book about the Lowcountry and thoroughly enjoyable. It had almost everything. Lots of humor, sadness, warmth and a satisfying ending. It made me wish I was a Geechee girl.
J.W. Zook
The Max Kleinman Reader by Lionel Endenberry
Currently only an ebook. It is weird, yet funny. Hard to tell if it's parody or so serious it becomes parody, but by the end of this fairly quick read I began to think of Max as my favorite uncle that the rest of the family tried to ignore.
Francisca E B
The Life All Around Me by Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons
Nearly twenty years after the publication of Ellen Foster, Gibbons returns to her subject to catch us up on what’s happened in the life of this extraordinary character. I love Ellen Foster. The original novel packed an emotional wallop that is still with me some 18 years after I first read it. But I did not love this book; it didn’t quite meet expectations. Perhaps this is the fault of the audio experience. Gibbons reads her own novel and while I think her voice is a good one for Ellen, after a couple of tracks I grew really tired of her lack of inflection. There is no effort to differentiate the various characters and as a result the entire experience is lacking emotional depth.
Francisca E B
A Taxonomy of Barnacles by Galt Neiderhoffer
Barry Barnacle has no son, so he’s told his six daughters that whichever one of them can find a way to immortalize the family name will be named his sole heir. This eccentric family makes for an eccentric novel. There were parts that completely captivated me, but I also got confused with all the characters having names starting with a “B.” Some of the descriptions in the book completely charmed me, such as passages describing the Barnacle’s library, or Central Park in springtime. Some of the characters charmed me, but I was equally put off by a few of them. The action focused on the oldest and youngest sisters, leaving the middle siblings basically out of the story. On the whole, I was entertained.
Robin McKay
Beautiful Broken by Nazarea Andrews
When Atticus asks Dane to look after his little sister when she is released from rehab, he agrees. But the young woman who leaves the New Horizons is far from the strung-out addict who crashed on his doorstep. In her place is a beautiful, venerable young woman. What Scout needs is a soft place to land and someone she can trust.
Dane has had his own problems with addiction, so he understands where Scout is coming from. But despite turning his life around and becoming a lawyer, he feels like he is not worthy of her. His own past has left him scarred. Suddenly, the thought of looking after her sounds like a very bad idea. He doesn’t want to risk their friendship. How do two broken people find their way to each others heart?
Melissa Monahan
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
I loved it and read it very quickly. An atmospheric read that has lovely language and really draws you into the story and the characters. A twisted tale of the Blackwood family in their isolated estate and the surrounding villagers.
Ayde Long
Cossacks In Paris by Jeffrey Perren
What will you find? A story set in Napoleonic Era, between 1812 and 1814.This is a good page turner. Both plot and characters keep you reading, and the plot is masterfully constructed. Perren knows how to render time and place, people and situations with great skill. Part historical novel, a bit of an adventure and above all a magnificent love story. Two men having a personal dispute over a woman.
I admired Perren's hero, Breutier, especially his courage fighting for his freedom against Napoleon Bonaparte's dictate and for the love he wants!
This novel is engrossing and with its many plot twists and turns it is always entertaining. This is one of those times I can say a novel deserves a word like dazzling!
Bonnie Gluhanich
One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson
I'm a big fan of Bryson's and this book adds to a stellar list. Babe Ruth, Charles Lindbergh, Jack Dempsey, the stock market, prohibition, Al Capone, radio/"talkies"/television etc.... Bryson captures it all including the lesser-known back stories.
Wendy Catalano
Her Mother's Killer by Pam Crooks
Following the murder of her mother, Adrienne Morelli's father hires the very best bodyguard from Silverhawk Investigative Services to protect her. Mick Corrigan, a man from Adrienne's past, is hired to safeguard her from any harm when she has to sign a crucial deal to secure prime wilderness for the state of Tennessee. An unseen enemy tries to put a stop to this and we find Mick and Adrienne fleeing into the wilderness to escape danger. Fighting their attraction and trying to stay alive we follow them on a journey of suspense, romance and adventure.
An exciting page turner!
Lorna
The Good Guy by Dean Koontz
Tim Carrier gets mistaken for a paid hit man. He is handed his "kill' in a bar. Instead of going to the police he decides to save the victim, and the roller coaster ride begins. Great story line but I found this book hard to really get into. Not one of Koontz's best.. and I am a huge fan.
Liz Stamp
Please Don't Tell by Elizabeth Adler
I received this book awhile ago from Bookreporter.com but just got a chance to read it. It did remind me of something by Mary Higgins Clark, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It was pretty suspenseful and I liked the characters, especially the dogs (and no, they don't help solve the mystery). Her San Francisco and Big Sur settings were also well done.
