This contest period's winners were Dawn B., Karen R. and Marcia L., who each received a copy of NIGHT SCHOOL: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child and NO MAN'S LAND by David Baldacci.
ELEANOR
The Twenty-Three by Linwood Barclay
What a great ending to this trilogy. Explosive, exciting and captivating. The intermingling of the characters was great. Some of the book was sad, some funny but mostly exciting. Was surprised at who was committing the murders. Had already figured out who was doing the 23 events. I have now added a new author to my list of whose books I want to read.
Sandy
The Good Daughters by Joyce Maynard
Loved it! I love all her books.
Sandy
The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini
This one was very good, but I have read some of her books that were better. Easy read and very interesting if you are a quilter.
Marsha
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
When two families are blended with six children drifting between the parents, the story spans five decades as we learn the repercussions of a woman leaving her family for a neighbor man and how the children advance into adulthood still not understanding their parents. Sounds like everyday life today.
Linda
Trump and Me by Mark Singer
Basically a re-presentation of an article Singer wrote for "The New Yorker" magazine in 1996 sprinkled with a brief rundown of Trump's most infamous quotes since June, 1915, when Trump declared his run for the presidency. Singer didn't want to do the piece, but his editor, Tina Brown, insisted. Once he experienced Trump and his life, Singer changed his mind and decided this was a story to tell. Singer opines that Trump doesn't really want to be president. He just wants to win the race. He hates to lose. Sounds about right for his temperament. It's only four more days until the election as I write this. If only that would put an end to hearing this megalomaniac's name and voice.
LINDA
Adam's Obsession (Wired Series Book 1) by Sabrina York
I freely chose to review this ARC and am so glad I did as Ms. York continues her "hotness" in the first of the Wired Series that will blow your mind as the once prim and proper Katherine Hart at work turns into a wild kat online at home when she "chats" with Savage and tells him her kinky side. After all, they won't ever see each other so it was good, right? Executive of Trillo-Maris, Adam Trillo swore off women after his nasty divorce from Betsy when she complained about the hours he put into the company to get the struggling business up and running smoothly. He never noticed his financial analyst as a woman, but her ideas sure saved them a lot of money, so that he was surprised to hear Katherine Hart utter a phrase he head Wild Kat say.
John
Beast by Brie Spangler
Excellent new addition to the trend in YA fiction about transgender teens. This features a boy nicknamed Beast whose broken leg, suffered when he fell off the roof outside his bedroom, is seen by his widowed mom as a self-harm act and lands him in a teen therapy group. It's there he meets Jamie, a transgender teen, and friendship soon becomes more. I had a hard time setting it down to take care of errands and finished it later the same day.
Esther
The Bone Labyrinth by James Rollins
Very well written, as always by Rollins. My rating is based on my limited knowledge of, and limited interest in, anthropology, astronomy and archaeology, which are all involved in this complex story. I found the experiments with engineered genetics interesting if at times cruel. Heroes and villains battle throughout with lots of action. It's a must-read if you are a Rollins fan.
Anne
Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris
I started this debut novel, and I must confess that I thought it might be too slow-going for me. Everything was too perfect at the beginning. This quickly changes, and the novel moves at a quick pace. A young woman who is devoted to her sister with a disability and the charming attorney who is pursuing them both provide a story which is chilling, upsetting and unputdownable. A good read!
Alina
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Engrossing novel from beginning to end, a superb depiction of the horrors of WW II in occupied France. One can't help but empathize with the characters. Best book that I have read in a while --
beautifully written; great for book clubs.
Dorothy
Slender Wish by Kerry Casey
Love his books. They are so well written and keep you wondering what is going to happen, who will be next, etc. They are written in or near an Indian reservation in MN.
Norene
The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
sylvia
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
A very unusual book! The plot skips back and forth from 1930 to after WWII and makes one ponder the idea that if you could "do it over" what choices would you make? I was the only one in my book club who "loved the book"!
Heather
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett is one of my favorite authors but I was just so disappointed in COMMONWEALTH. Her writing is superb but I didn't like the story. Depressing.
Joy
Friendly Fire by John Gilstrap
FRIENDLY FIRE had my heart pumping a mile a minute. From the very first paragraph, it hit the ground running! Awesome book! Best cardio exercise ever!
Lynn W
The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood
I almost quit reading this book because I was put off by the infidelity, drug use, and promiscuity in the early pages. I'm glad I read a little farther. The author did a fine job of "maturing" mother, Ava, and daughter, Maggie. Also liked the book club characters and selection process, the parts set in Paris, and several solved mysteries.
Mike Patt
Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline
I love all her books, especially when a title has two meanings as this one does.
Mike
Off the Grid by C. J. Box
I love all his books
Lee
Surrender, New York by Caleb Carr
Too wordy, (over 500 pages). Long, long lengthy paragraphs on everything from the trees on leaves to a drive from home to work. Storyline is interesting but I did not care for the ending. It was like, "Okay, I've been writing for 500 pages. How do I get out of this?"
Lee
The Obsidian Chamber by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
More of the same stuff about the Pendergast family -- the evil brother and the woman who wants to live in the celler, and the FBI agent that is always missing. I enjoyed the first 6-7 in the series but it is the same old storyline. Diognes, the brother, has more lives that a cat.
Linda
Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole
The book is written entirely through letters between Elspeth, a young poet living on the island of Skye, and David, an American college student. They gradually realize they have fallen in love through their correspondence, but WWI interrupts their courtship. Many years later, Elspeth's daughter finds herself in love with a WWII RAF pilot and is surprised by her mother's vehemence against the relationship.
Nina
These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner
Compelling, entertaining with colorful characters. A story of frontier life in the late 1800s.
Linda
Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt
When Silence Hollingbrook learns that the little girl she has raised since a baby has been taken by the pirate “Charming Mickey” O’Connor, she demands that he let the child return with her back to the orphanage. Mickey has enemies, namely the Vicar of Wakefield, who would love to get their hands on the little girl who is Mickey’s own daughter. He left her at the orphanage knowing that she would be taken care of and he now gives Silence an ultimatum. She can stay with the child but she must stay at his house under his care. Knowing this will completely ruin her reputation, but she has no choice and agrees as she cannot leave Mary. There is something about this pirate that both attracts as well as scares her.
Linda
Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt
Lady Isabel Beckinhall saves the Ghost of St. Giles one night and wonders who the man is, but he won’t let her remove his mask. When she attends a meeting of the patronesses of the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children and meets Winter Makepeace, the Home’s manager, she feels as if she has met him before. They seem to butt heads and are really attracted to one another but Winter feels his calling is taking care of the abandoned children and doesn’t think he has time for romance. Isabel thinks otherwise and intends to change his mind. She begs him to stop being the Ghost before he is killed as she finally realizes how much she loves him.
Rosemary
True Grit by Charles Portis
Big read selection that was okay if you like westerns.
Linda
The McCullagh Inn in Maine by Jen McLaughlin and James Patterson
Chelsea O’Kane is heading home to Maine after shooting her boyfriend Richard Seville. Chelsea was an Assistant District Attorney in Miami and found that Richard was working with cartels compromising cases so they would be dismissed. Arriving in Maine, she runs into her former boyfriend Jeremy Holland who is anxious to renew their relationship. She doesn’t want him to get hurt and tries to drive him away but he is determined to stay around and keep her safe. Chelsea doesn’t know it but Jeremy has an agenda of his own.
Marilyn
Riding the Bus With My Sister by Rachel Simon
A true life journey of two sisters, one of whom is mentally challenged and the other one lonely despite her very busy life. She agrees to accompany her sister on the city transport system for one year and finds that she is able to find meaning in her life, slow down and "enjoy the ride".
Linda
Filthy Rich by James Patterson and John Connolly with Tim Malloy
This book is about Jeffrey Epstein and his hiring of underage girls as masseuses. With homes in Palm Beach, New York, New Mexico, and even a private island in the Caribbean, Epstein was enjoying the good life. He spread his wealth and counted rich and influential people among his friends. When brought up on charges, his sentence of 18 months is laughable and a disgrace to law-abiding individuals. Money can buy your way out of anything and in his case, it did.
Linda
The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas
Jake Sharp is the sniper assigned to the team in Afghanistan. Distracted for a moment, two of his buddies were killed and Jake blames himself. Now out of the Army and back in London, he takes a job as bodyguard to a model. At first he judges her by what he has read in the papers about her celebrity lifestyle, but the more he is around her he sees the real Camille Logan. She is independent and determined to make her way in the world without her father’s money. Her father is being blackmailed and unless demands are met, Camille’s life is in danger. It is up to Jake to find the person behind the threats and keep Camille safe. To Jake, it is not just a job because now he is in love with her.
Linda
Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak
Dr. Evelyn Talbot, a psychiatrist at high-security prison Hanover House, faces obstacles from the never-ending snow and cold as well as rebellion from a fellow psychiatrist. In this followup to HANOVER HOUSE, Dr. Tim Fitzpatrick is turning against Talbot any way he can since she let him know she was not interested in a relationship with him. Then, two of the prison’s employees come up missing and body parts of the two have been found and identified. Sergeant Amarok of the Alaska State Troopers questions whether an inmate could escape from their facility, and Evelyn is wondering whether her former abductor Jasper Moore has found her again.
Linda
French Kiss by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
A French policeman comes to New York to work with NYPD and his female partner is killed. Then his lover is killed. Who has it in for him? Thinking the murders are tied to one of his old cases, he returns to France and reviews files. He goes to the prison where he interviews two prisoners. He was responsible for sending both men to prison and thinks one of them is behind the killings, but which one?
Linda
113 Minutes by James Patterson with Max DiLallo
When Molly”s son dies from meth, she knows who sold it to her son and is responsible for his death. Her brothers go to confront the man who has a heavily-armed compound. With the help of her brothers and friends, they devise a plan to get back at the dealer and keep the bank from foreclosing on the family farm. It works! Needless to say, with Patterson, there are always twists and turns that you never see coming.
Joanne
My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
Very interesting book. A sort of "hidden" love story about a mom and daughter who spend five days together when the daughter is in the hospital.
Linda
Reckless Creed by Alex Kava
A scientist working on a bird flu virus to be used in biological warfare has gone rogue and injected subjects in the United States to transmit the virus in several major cities. Maggie O’Dell, FBI agent, is tracking Dr. Clare Shaw, but she has eluded detection until Maggie learns that she is disguising herself as a male doctor. With the assistance of Ryder Creed’s trained scent-detection dogs, Maggie and Ryder are on the trail. A number of injected subjects have exposed many people to the virus and epidemics are occurring. The scientist must be found and antidotes developed before a pandemic occurs.
Linda
Only Pleasure by Lora Leigh
Kia Rutherford had been fascinated by Chase Falladay for years. He has watched her closely and finally talks her into leaving with him and Khalid one night. He introduces her to a lifestyle that she had never imagined but she grew to realize she had a wild, dark side as did Chase. She fell in love with him knowing that their relationship was for pleasure only even though she longed for something more. But with Chase, she would take what she could get. Then someone threatened her and vandalized her apartment, and Chase realized if something happened to her his life would surely end. He loved her whether he wanted to admit it or not.
Linda
Outrider by Lindsay McKenna
Dev McGuire came to the Tetons for a fresh start after leaving the Smoky Mountains and her stalker behind. He was arrested for assault but only got a minimum sentence thanks to the “good ol' boy” network. The judge even made a remark that it was Dev’s fault for being so pretty. Hired on as a ranger with the U.S. Forest Service, she meets Sloan Rankin, also a ranger, when he stops to help her with a flat tire. There was something about Sloan that made Dev realize he was a man she could depend on. Then she found out that her stalker had found her and he wanted revenge. This is the last book in the Wyoming series.
Linda
Deadly Fate by Heather Graham
Clara Avery and her fellow actors from the cruise ship Destiny left New Orleans for Alaska and are scheduled to sail on the ship named Fate. But first, they’ve been invited to Black Bear Island for a stint on a television show. Clara arrives at the main house, sees bloody parts strewn around, and runs out screaming. She heads toward the other house but stops when she sees a body in the snow. The body has been cut in two. She is terrified and continues running when she is tackled by someone. He turns out to be FBI Agent Thor Erikson. He and fellow law officers are on the island because a woman connected with the crew has been found murdered in her hotel room back on the mainland. Now there is a murder scene on the island.
Linda
Darkest Journey by Heather Graham
Civil War enactors are being used in a film being made alongside the Mississippi River. Two of the enactors have been found murdered and buried in shallow graves. Charlie Moreau is one of the actors with the ability to see ghosts. One of the ghosts is a Civil War general who points to the river and the Journey, a historic paddle wheeler that was actually used as a hospital during the War. Ethan Delaney, FBI agent with the Krewe of Hunters, has been called to investigate and find the murderer. Charlie and Ethan have a history when he saved her from a murderer and he was shown the way by a ghost, the same one who now points to the river.
Bev Denor
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Better late than never, I guess. This warm-hearted book is filled with old-fashioned goodness and simple lessons that continue to ring true no matter what our current climate may be.
Dorothy
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
As with all her books this was just great. A black nurse was ordered not to go handle a white baby by her white supremacy parents. The baby died and the nurse was arrested for not helping the baby. Read it you will enjoy. I couldn't put it down.
Marion
The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
This book was originally called SOMEONE KNOWS MY NAME. A few years ago it was made into a series on BET. I didn't watch the series but the book was interesting because it gave us a picture of the slave population in the 1700s and ended before the Civil War was even thought about. I never knew that blacks who helped the British during the Revolutionary war were granted freedom and were able to go back to Africa and live free. This is basically a story of a black woman who is able to educate herself and others.
Gladys
Somewhere Between Luck and Trust by Emilie Richards
This book has a host of characters who are inspiring with their various acts of kindness toward each other. The dialogue is especially well-written and natural, making the story so true-to-life, the individuals so real. This book introduces a host of characters whose acts of kindness show just how much thoughtfulness or time spent with someone can mean so much. Friendships slowly develop into delightful love matches. This book has over 500 pages you will enjoy. .
LINDA
Aloha, Baby! by Ann Omasta
I freely chose to review this ARC from an unknown author to me. I loved the story of the three friends and unrequited love! Leilani Mehele had always been warned to never trust Mainlanders as they would leave once their stay at the resort was over, but of course she didn't listen to her gut when it said Thomas Drake was a jerk! From the moment she checked him in his pompous swagger told the story loud and clear. The at the end of the show, she tried to get away but Tom was there and asked her for a walk on the beach. They talked and laughed all night and couldn't wait to be together off hours. Then after making marathon love, he ups and tells he was leaving the next day and it had been fun.
Sandra
Agnes by Peter Stamm
This was a tiny book packed with raw emotion. The original book is written in German and I believe the translator did a great job on this story of two lovers who looked too far into the future of their relationship.
Donna
Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Outsiders enter a small town with the plan of building luxury housing and upscale stores. All of a sudden greed and murder becomes the issue. A newsworthy suspect is put on trial, but the evidence is questionable.
Karen Dhuwalia
Precious and Grace by Alexander McCall Smith
Precious, owner of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, has some difficult cases to solve in this book. One involves a Canadian woman, Susan, who lived in Gaborone, Botswana when was a young girl, and wants to find the house and the nursemaid, Rosie, who looked after her. She can only vaguely describe the location of the house and has only a faded photo of Rosie. A second case involves a local teacher who has been taken in by a Ponzi scheme. In the course of finding solutions for these cases, she identifies, with the help of an assistant's translations skills, a couple of orphans and finds a home for a homeless dog. In addition, she helps her senior assistant, Grace, arrive at the conclusion that forgiving an enemy is a good idea.
Susan
Bad Monkey by Carl Hiassen
It was alright, but I liked some of this other books better.
LINDA
Between a Ghost and a Spooky Place by Nic Saint
I freely chose to review this ARC and totally enjoyed the first of this series! Henrietta McCabre pedaled to the underpass to make a delivery for Sir Buckley, and she was glad for the cover as it was raining cats and dogs, which meant she'd be soaked returning to the antique store. She wasn't stupid and knew that her employer was on the shady side of the law, especially meeting after dark and receiving a million pounds payment! With the transaction complete, she pedaled back to the shop to see her employer lying in a pool of blood on the floor! Once she dialed 999 and the cops came, Inspector Watley thought she committed the crime! Ghosts are running around all over the place, and it seemed like everyone was in contact with the ancient.
Marsha
Even the Dead by Benjamin Black
Black writes about Quirke, a pathologist, and his family. His prose is exquisite and the mysteries he helps solve are fascinating. Things may be looking up for Quirke. His personal life has be fraught with problems.
Margaret
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I didn't know what to expect from THE NIGHTINGALE. It's been a long time since a book moved me the way this one did. It is definitely on my list of best books I've read in 2016. It's a powerful historical fiction novel set in France during WWII. French women certainly did their part to help during the war. Of course, I realize this is historical fiction but I have read other accounts of how much risk the French women took to help people survive. Everyone should read this novel, especially the younger generations. It would help them to be aware of the horrors of war and the horrible things the Nazi regime did to the people and countries of Europe. 5 stars!
Heather
Journey to Munich by Jacqueline Winspear
This Maisie Dobbs mystery doesn't seem to flow as well as some of the others, but it was still enjoyable.
Judy
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
What happens when a group of cousins and a friend set out to right the family wrongs? Read this book and you will be surprised at what actually happens.
Judy O.
Long Way Gone by Charles Martin
This is the story of Cooper O'Connor, who is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He falls in love with Daley Cross, another singer. Cooper left home as a teenager and went to Nashville to get away from his domineering father and to try to establish himself in the music world. The blurb on the back of the book calls this book "a radical retelling of the prodigal son story." Charles Martin never fails to tug at heartstrings in his books.
Heather
The Whistler by John Grisham
Grisham writes a compelling, fast-paced story with a really engrossing plot, then hurries the ending. I didn't feel a connection the characters in this book like I have with some of his other characters, but overall a good book. The ending was a little lackluster for me; it seemed hurried.
Marilyn
Libertarians on the Prairie by Christine Woodside
Even more insight into the lives of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her daughter Rose Wilder Lane. Woodside explores the facts of Rose's influence on her mother's writing and explains that Rose wrote most of the Little House stories. She writes about Rose's libertarian writings and political views.
Francisca E B
Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
2.5 stars. It’s Paris (and Barcelona), it’s young love - what’s not to like? Teenage angst on steroids, that’s what. I am so over this phase in my life, but I definitely see the appeal for the target YA audience. It was a fast read and satisfied several challenges, so it wasn’t a total waste.
LINDA
In Your Arms by Shannyn Schroeder
I freely chose to review this copy of IN YOUR ARMS and loved the story of Sean and Emma. Emma had a bad day at school with only a hand full of parents showing up to learn about their children, and Emma feared for her job as she was the last one hired and knew if budget cuts were needed that she'd go first and she wasn't thrilled to have to move back home! Her older brother assured her that he'd fixed her car, but it over heated and she pulled off the road with thoughts of putting duct tape on the hose her brother promised to fix when he took her money. Now her trusty emergency kit was missing the duct tape and it was way too hot to wait for auto service. Her brother's phone went straight to voicemail.
Cynthia
Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber
Great Christmas read.
LINDA
Contingent by Liz Crowe
I freely chose to review this ARC and although the author is unknown to me. I am glad to have the chance to read her amazing story! Neil Jensen is a successful lawyer with a farm house, a pregnant wife that he loves more than anything, but he hates her working in the inner city helping the poor get counseling. They argue constantly about it, but one day his life is shattered as he looses his wife and unborn child as she lay on a dirty inner city street. Neil is so grieved that he drinks a bottle of bourbon as he holds a gun in his lap. He goes off the deep end and turns into a man-whore as he tries to get all the women he can in the college town. But one day, he lies to the police when a teenager is arrested, he gets him out, and returns.
Carol
I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
So many twists in this book. It kept you reading and even the ending felt like there may be a sequel??
Marilyn Jensen
The Forever Bridge by T. Greenwood
A very poignant story of a family trying to cope over the past two years with the death of their young son and brother in an accident on a bridge. The character, Ruby, is an amazing child at such a young age. She deals with a mother who is in her own world and not able to escape from the horrors of losing a child, but she becomes an "adult" and saves the life of another lost soul. It has its funny moments, but brings a tear to your eye as she strives to connect with her mother again and find her way in the world.
Toni
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
Heated discussion, could be called Thoughts and Theories. Takeaway: be honest with loved ones and thankful you have them.
Robin
Flash by Tim Tigner
Action, intrigue, suspense, a plot that will send shivers down your back…this book has this and more. When Troy comes to, he is locked inside a car trunk, covered in the blood of a corpse that is also inside the trunk with him. A woman is outside the car screaming. What could be more frightening then that? How about if you have no memory of how you got there, or for that matter, where you are. Then you discover you don’t know who you are either. Who is after you and why? Who do you trust and who do you run from? Nothing is clear for Troy and it will get worse before it gets better.
Susan
Paris For One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes
Jojo Moyes' latest book is a collection of short stories, all containing a strong female as the main character. With wit, humor, romance, and twists, this book is a fast read and would be great for a book group discussion.
Beverlee Abell
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Gripping, horrifying, sad, sweet, overwhelming, riveting, disgusting -- all words and emotions that overcame me when reading the book. So well done - only my second book by him but will definitely read more!
LINDA
A Dubious Plan (Colton Banyon Mystery Book 5) by Gerald J. Kubicki
In the fifth book of the series, Banyon is needed at Death Valley as an old German war plane has been discovered in the sand and discovers an heinous plot that dates back to World War 2! I guess the wedding he was going to attend was missed or postponed!
Gladys
A Bramble House Christmas by C. J. Carmichael
A delightful visit to Montana's mountains and snow. The hero and heroine stay at the Bramble House Bed and Breakfast for vastly different reasons and each conceal secrets that should have been shared much earlier...but it all makes for an entertaining story.
Nadine
Blue by Danielle Steel
It makes you realize that we as ordinary people can lend a helping hand to another person.
Linda
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
What a story based on history I knew nothing about. The author's research is deep and rich. She developed the characters in heartwarming ways.
Jan
Manitou Canyon by William Kent Krueger
I have no idea if one could read this as a stand-alone book. It is the 15th in the series. Familiar people appear, Cork's friend and mentor Henry Meloux, Meloux's niece Rainy, Cork's sister-in-law Rose and others. Cork is hired to find a childhood friend who has been living elsewhere for decades. The friend has disappeared in the Boundary Waters and his grandchildren hire Cork to find him. The granddaughter insists on going with Cork to find him. Then Cork and the granddaughter disappear. Law enforcement officials and friends have spend hundreds of hours looking for the grandfather and now they start again looking for Cork and the granddaughter. There are some twists at the end of the book but nothing that was not there all along.
Fran
The Survivors by Robert Palmer
This mystery had good premise and characters but the plot lost a little steam. I kept losing interest but I did finish the book.
Dorothy Flood
No Safe Secret by Fern Michaels
A young girl lived in a trailer park with her absent drug addict mother and her twin brother. On the night of her senior prom she was raped by her brother's friends. She had hardly any money but drove until she arrived in Boston and took a different name and found a new life. She married a wealthy dentist who abused her. Read it. It was very good and a short read. You'll enjoy.
Mary Lou
Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson
Really awful storyline, well written, which is why the two stars and not one. Christine has lost her memory and each day she must reconstruct it when she wakes up. There is a sinister air throughout the story, and repetition after repetition. So tiring and really boring. I presume it is meant to create the same sense that Christine has each day when she awakes with no memory of her life. This does not translate well to a novel. I finished it only because it is my book club's selection for the month. It was dreadful and depressing.
Marsha
Manitou Canyon by William Kent Krueger
Cork O'Connor and his family band together for another interesting visit to the Boundary Waters and the Native American tribulations. What lovely descriptions of nature are written for our pleasure. It is a lovely read.
Robin
Tangled Vines by Frances Dinkelspiel
I’ll admit that crimes concerning wine were never on my radar until I read TANGLED VINES. I was astonished by the breadth and scope of fraud and theft that has gone on throughout the centuries. This book is not only a primer on the history of wine in the California, it is about a delusional man who thought he could get away with a crime so horrendous in magnitude that it is nothing short of astounding. Thank you, Frances Dinkelspiel for a fascinating book.
cindy
The Next by Stephanie Gangi
Joanna DeAngelis dies young of recurrent cancer surrounded by her young daughters Laney and Anna, and her bestie 90-pound poodle, Tom. But instead of getting her life in order, she’s glued to Twitter, obsessing over her former lover, Ned, a Columbia professor who left her mid-disease for Trudi, a celeb dermatologist. Once she passes on, she takes her anger with her. Gangi puts a modern twist on seeking revenge from the afterlife. Fun! Looking forward to what she writes next.
cindy
Fractured by Catherine McKenzie
In Catherine McKenzie’s novel, FRACTURED, bestselling novelist Julie Prentice, her husband, Daniel and their twins move from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest, and to what they believe will be a slice of heaven. Julie has been the target of a stalker after writing the bestselling novel, “The Murder Game” and it’s no longer safe for their family to stay in Tacoma, Washington. An accident happens on their street and she finds herself wondering if her stalker has hunted her down.
Lynn W
Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
Good book club discussion about this wonderful book. Most of us are going to read the next two books about the author's summer living in Tuscany.
Linda
Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo
This book is a weak three star rating for me. I've read other books by Russo which I enjoyed more, EMPIRE FALLS and BRIDGE OF SIGHS come to mind. This book about Sully, a likeable, highly flawed character in an upstate New York setting in the small town of North Bath. It takes place at the end of 1984. With 549 pages from my paperback copy, this book is too wordy. There are several characters to keep track of and I liked many of them, but Russo writes as if he is getting paid for a longer book rather than a better one. He gives too much background and too many past events causing for long narrations and little interest. Also, the use of profanity and sexual matters is way over the top for me. I am happy to be finished with this one.
Shelley Thompson
Welcome to the Club by Raquel D'Apice
WELCOME TO THE CLUB is a hilarious gift-sized book for new parents. Each of the 100 "parenting milestones" highlights the craziness your life becomes once that little person enters the world. Memory lapses, poop explosions, hysterical crying like a bullhorn, eating cat food...told as if it's part of a comedy routine, but it's all true! My favorite line is, "It is important to remember that a baby is not a jazz musician who is softly playing in the background of your existence." This book should be a part of every baby shower gift package!
Alex
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
I expected a book about Mileva Einstein but I did not expect a semi-love story with just a little bit of science thrown in. I was disappointed in this book and had been looking forward to it for months. Little is known about Ms. Einstein and not much more is to be found in the book since it reads like a romance novel, and not a particularly well-written one at that. I know. We just don't know how much involvement she really had in Einstein's work, but it is suspected that she did have a lot of influence. Therefore, any book about her, of this type, would be a made up story.
Judy O.
The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly
Harry Bosch is a new private investigator and takes on the job of finding an heir to a fortune. Harry, although retired, also takes on a volunteer job as an investigator for a small police department in the Los Angeles area. This job is finding a "screen cutter", otherwise known as a dangerous rapist. The two cases are intertwined in the book and are both very fascinating in their own right. Connelly never writes a bad book, and I really enjoyed this one as much as all his others.
Emily
Mercies in Disguise: A Story of Hope, A Family's Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Rescued Them by Gina Kolata
Thanks to an advanced reading copy I read this fine book before its publishing date of March 17, 2017. It was a riveting read from the first page and read like a medical suspense novel. It is a true story of a South Carolina family that for several generations was plagued by a degenerative disease - GSS. While there is no cure for the disease, there is a blood test to determine who has the gene and who doesn't. The question that faced every member of the family was,"Should I or shouldn't I take the blood test to determine whether or not I have the gene?" I was personally in the same situation for another disease. My answer was no blood test for me. What would you do? A great book that I was unable to put down. I highly recommend it.
Betty
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfield
I loved how she made these characters and story her own despite being an updated PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.
LINDA
Red Death by Jeff Altabef
I freely chose to review this ARC of RED DEATH and can't wait to continue the story as Mr. Altabef held me spellbound! Seventeen-year-old Aaliss was a Guardian in Eden and she killed her share of the Soulless human outside of the zone as per Jacob law; they were diseased and had red eyes to show their infection and she was told they were not human any more. One day she heard the high priest and her uncle plotting to kill her and her thirteen-year-old brother and tell the brethren that THEY were traitors! With her oldest brother scarred from and fire that killed their parents she hope to come back and get him soon and hoped as he was a priest that he'd be safe, but her and Wilky needed to flee and go into the zone.
LINDA
A Remarkable Kindness by Diana Bletter
I enjoyed this book and it is a very touching story about four friends who discover the real meaning of life as they try to survive in a war torn country, perhaps find love and experience the sadness of death. The story is rich on traditions handed down from generation to another and it will linger in the back of your mind for the longest time.
Richard N B
The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells
“It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature!” I cannot think of a more succinct way to describe the basic theme of this book. And yet, it is so much more – a strong, philosophical and ethical argument both for and against vivisection and experimentation. A moral tale of one man’s descent as a result of his ego, and how he is able to draw others into his twisted way of thinking.
Linda
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
I originally picked this up at BEA, then it was the book club read for the Hachette Book Club brunch. I loved this book and I learned about another culture and part of history that I was not familiar with. This is the saga of a Korean family, from 1910 to 1989. Their story stretches from the Japanese invasion of Korea, the division of Korea into two countries, and the loss of dignity faced by the Koreans by both the Japanese and other Koreans. At the center of the story is Sunja, whose father dies early in the book. Sunja was a young girl at the time. Her family deals with many indignities throughout the years, but it seems because of that, the people respond with a dignity that is remarkable and that probably enhanced their survival.
Thomas
Damaged by Lisa Scottoline
I thought this book was a very good read.
Thomas
The Sherlockian by Graham Moore
I enjoyed reading this book very much.
Nicolette
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
This book was surprisingly enjoyable. It is so unique and with the pictures intermixed, a vivid picture is painted in your head. I'm excited to see if the movie lives up to this incredible book!
Gladys
Anything You Can Do by Carol Rose
Trying to get out from under her father's control, she moves out of his home and starts her own business. Her desire for independence makes it hard to consider the thought of being under the control of any man. Can love overcome such a stubborn attitude? Book is a quick-read with only 10 chapters.
Carol
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
I loved this book. It is beautifully written with rich prose and interesting characters. It is fast-paced with a surprise ending. A delight to read.
Mary Pat
The Storyteller by Jody Picoult
THE STORYTELLER held my interest from start to finish. Jody Picoult tells a believable story pulled from history.
Ivy
The Whistler by John Grisham
Grisham does it again. This time it involves a judge, Indian casinos, dirty money and two investigators who put their lives on the line to put all the pieces together. A riveting read!
Norm
The Whistler by John Grisham
Superb read.
Dee
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Very interesting premise, but didn't think she captured the "voice" of each character as well as she should.
Coni
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
A captivating story of family relationships and the pitfalls of lack of communication. Our group had an active discussion.
Carol
Manitou Canyon by William Kent Krueger
One of my favorite authors! His knowledge of the Native American tribes and their language adds so much to his books and you always wish some of their culture would infiltrate our American ways to make it a kinder nation of people. I love how his family is always woven into his stories and you feel like you've watched his children grow up.
Peter
Chasing the Last Laugh by Richard Zacks
An excellent book about Samuel Clemons' (Mark Twain's) exploits as he was touring around the world to pay his debts to creditors after investing in the Paige Typesetter. Great in-depth writing about his state of mind and the interactions with his wife Livy and his children. Just a wonderful read! I highly recommend this book!
Blanche Tyrkko
You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott
A novel that reveals parents finding success in their gymnastics prodigy and Olympic hopeful. Then, a violent death rocks their close-knit gymnastics community.
Barbara
All the Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani
This book kept me interested because when I started reading it I didn't know a lot about Clark Gable, David Niven, Loretta Young and Spencer Tracy. I enjoyed reading about their relationships, their flaws and their passions. I felt as if I knew each one by the end of the book.
Blanche Tyrkko
The Atomic Weight of Love by Elizabeth J. Church
Meridian Wallace is enamored with her brilliant physics professor. Professor Alden is recruited in creating the atomic bomb at Los Alamos, New Mexico. Upon marrying Alden, Meridian (Meri) gives up her graduate studies, continues her study of crows, and finds her scientific ambitions subverted by the expectations of that era.
Linda
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Well written. Great story. One of the best books of the year.
Toni
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
Patchett's flair. Loved the well-drawn characters. Compelling read.
Kay
The Billion Dollar Spy by David E. Hoffman
An excellent account of a spy and how he was cultivated!
Dorothy
Slender Wish by Kerry Casey
This is the third book in a trilogy and all of them are wonderful. They take place in Minnesota near or on an Indian reservation. Each character is very important in each novel. This one had a new wealthy character named Vargus. You almost hated him immediately! The author keeps you in suspense and you hate to put the book down. I highly recommend it.
Nancy
Through the Milky Way by J. D. Stark
This book will leave you wondering, "What just happened?" Even though I was warned beforehand, I was totally unprepared for the end. We follow a little boy who hears music that no one else can hear. Because he lives with his parents on a small farm outside of town, his antics are often overlooked. He directs the orchestra that only he can hear with great enthusiasm, and this causes problems when it is time to start school. His enthusiastic actions soon make him the target of a bully, and we see him develop in spite of the bullying.
Kaye
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
An excellent view of racism -- especially for those of us who don't think of ourselves as being racists. There's a difference between equality and equity. Picoult's unusual twist.
Alice
Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes
Predictable short stories but an enjoyable read.
Yaritza
Some Writer!: The Story of E. B. White by Melissa Sweet
When art is combined with a biography, it becomes a work of art. Absolutely the most spectacular biography I have ever read with pictures of E.B. White and beautifully created scrapbooks with vivid illustrations. Any lover of E.B White books and poems should definitely read this wonderful book. Melissa worked very hard to create a book that simply gave us Mr. White's true meaning of life through his thoughts, stories, pictures and most of all his wonderful children's books. White was a free spirit who loved animals, the environment and calmness. He loved to share his poems and stories while not looking to receive anything in return. He was a person that lived simply and enjoy sharing life. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Marilyn
The Distant Land of My Father by Bo Caldwell
We all loved this book as we learned so much about the Japanese invasion of Shanghai. We felt the characters were well developed. The narrator is six at the beginning of the book and a young mother at the end. The story is told through her eyes and the book reads as if it were a memoir.
Harriet
The Children Act by Ian McEwan
Great book for group discussion. The story covers a moral dilemma as a judge charged with making a medical decision for a minor becomes emotionally involved. The group found we had to suspend disbelief in some of the situations.
Lynn W
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
Widower Arthur Pepper finds his wife's charm bracelet. His quest to find the stories behind each charm is not only far-reaching but self-enlightening.
Karen
Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory
Another great historical read by one of my favorite authors.
Sharon
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
A masterful weaving together of the stories of four generations of women, with just enough mystery to keep one intrigued without confusion.
Tessa B C
Latte Trouble by Cleo Coyle
Book Three in the Coffee House series is fast, entertaining, and enjoyable. I figured out the culprit way before Clare (or the police), but it was still fun watching them work through the clues. As always, Coyle includes some interesting tidbits about coffee, which I liked (even though these segues detracted from the plot.)
Sharon
Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs
A slow book for me as Dakota tries to find out what she wants in life and her support team begins to find other aspects of life than the knitting club. I found her father to be annoying and somewhat controlling by deciding on a "surprise" concerning Dakota's time without consulting her. And too many of the other characters were just too sweet or brash.
Helen
Reckless: My Life as a Pretender by Chrissie Hynde
I like memoirs. Hynde grew up in Ohio, a typical American girl. Her journey to becoming a rock icon made for interesting reading. I especially enjoyed recalling my memories of the 70s, reading about her fellow rockers, and her struggles with life.
Kara
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Touching memoir. I laughed and cried in equal measure.
Bertha
The End of a Roadie by Elizabeth Flynn
From the first chapter to the last, Elizabeth Flynn's book THE END OF A ROADIE is a well-paced mystery with well-defined characters. She keeps you guessing until the very end. The book is the third in the Mystery For D.I. Costello Series. It doesn't matter if you haven't read the other books in the series because the author blends the info the reader needs seamlessly into the storyline.
Dianne
Barkskins by Annie Proulx
One of those books you can't wait to get to. You find yourself rushing through chores and hitting the record button on few favorite shows to READ your book.
Cari
Faithful by Alice Hoffman
Heart-wrenching story of loss and love! I sat on my couch and sobbed. LOVED IT!
Rosemary
Magruder's Curiosity Cabinet by H.P. Wood
When does a "freak" cease to be one?
Nina Morse
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer
Amy writes very candidly about many personal life experiences. Certainly this book is "R" rated.
It is personal and sometimes humorous. I had difficulty finishing it...too self deprecating for me!
Thomas
Chasing the Dime by Michael Connelly
I really enjoyed this book a lot.
Thomas
Smooth Operator by Stuart Woods and Parnell Hall
I really liked this book. It was good.
Thomas
The Trial by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
I enjoyed this book very much.
Rosemary
Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
An incident at a neighborhood barbeque affects the three couples attending individually and collectively. The incident, the outcome and the aftermath causes each person to face his or her strengths and weaknesses in the past, present and future. Will it make them better or worse in the future? A well-written story and in-depth development of characters make this a must-read.
Pam
Manitou Canyon by William Kent Krueger
I found this disappointing, though the premise started out strong. A wealthy grandfather disappears while camping in the Boundary Waters. Unfortunately, the story is bogged down with an abundance of references to Native American lore and vocabulary which destroys the flow of the plot. I had a hard time keeping track of the relationships between all the characters and that slowed me down as well.
Marilyn
A Memory of Muskets by Kathleen Ernst
The latest installment in the Chloe Ellefson series takes place at Old World Wisconsin. It's made me want to read more about Civil War reenactment. It was absorbing and wonderfully evocative of the time period! A great story which combines history, romance, and mystery!
JEAN MESS
Find Her by Lisa Gardner
The Boston Detective, D.D. Warren series continues. Flora Dane a kidnapped college student. A victim? A survivor? Some may find this book hard reading as such terrible events play out. All sides of human nature are on display, but at the end of book you feel good about reading it and happy to recommend it to others to enjoy.
Judy Walker
The Wrong Side of Good-Bye by Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly has done it again. Did not figure out the bad guys (Bosch was working two cases) until they were revealed in the book. Great book - I highly recommend it.
Mike
Shots Fired by C. J. Box
I like separate chapter stories.
Susan
I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan
I always enjoy Terry's books. This one is no exception. Georgia is almost 55 and she starts to evaluate her life. It is such a fast read.
Cheryle
The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt
Interesting look at some rich and famous through email correspondence. The exchange takes place over a year following Gloria Vanderbilt's 91st birthday.
Cheryle
Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
A very readable account of the ending days of WWII. For me, this is the best of the "Killing" series.
Dolores
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
We are reading this for our book club. I didn't particularly enjoy it and would not have finished it if wasn't for it being the club's pick. I pictured him in my mind a little like Charlie Chaplin. He seemed like a very grumpy person yet was always helping out someone in the little area that he lived.
Thomas
Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson
I enjoyed reading this book very much.
Thomas
The Dry by Jane Harper
I really enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend this book to anybody.
Nancy
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri
We just finished this for book group. It is the story of a radical communist group in the 1960s.
It was our selection for book group this month. I enjoyed it very much and learned a lot about India. It is about a radical communist group in the 1960s. The group does terrorist attacks and is still active today, even though it has been outlawed.
Donna
Private L.A. by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan
Hollywood's most popular couple and their children disappear. The top investigative group known as Private are hired to find them. There isn't any limit to what they will do for their clients. This book has a couple of stories going on at the same time.
Louise
Revenge in a Cold River by Anne Perry
Well written.
James
Missing You by Harlan Coben
Could not put it down. That's often a cliche, not in this case.
marion
Dear Mr. M by Herman Koch
After reading THE DINNER years ago I decided to try the new Koch book. I must say this is the most intriguing book. It's a story of a disappearance of a teacher and some of his students are involved. The actual story is told in retrospect. It takes place int he author's home country of Holland. I could not stop reading until the surprise conclusion.
Bonnie
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
I read this for a book club. It's not my style...too much magical realism, folktales, talking inanimate objects, etc. But it might just be your cup of tea.
Bonnie
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
I loved several of the author's previous novels, but this one was just okay to me. Not bad, but not particularly memorable.
Bonnie
Dead Wake by Erik Larson
Fascinating non-fiction account of the sinking of the Lusitania by a German sub and the beginnings of World War I.
Karen
Here Comes the Bribe by Mary Daheim
Judith Flynn, a sleuthing bed & breakfast owner, has some unusual weekend guests. One of the guests thinks Judith is his mother, who gave him up for adoption, and insists on calling her mama. The guests are there for a wedding, but then the bride's mother is found dead in the back yard, and the wedding is postponed. Judith and her cousin start to sleuth when poison is found on the dead woman. The question is was her death accidental, suicide or murder? Other than her husband and daughter, the guests don't appear to be upset by her death. Some of the guests are spending their time trying to buy the homes of Judith's neighbors. The case is finally solved with the help of Judith's cousin, neighbors and the police.
Melanie S.
The World to Come by Dara Horn
4.5 stars. I really loved this book. I don't know how I missed it when it was published in 2006. It is a multi-layered story of human relationships, reincarnation, art forgery, philosophy and Jewish folktales reminiscent of Isaac Bashevis Singer. Some of the fantastical and dream sequences rambled a bit for me, which is why it wasn't a 5-star book, but I am so glad I found this gem! I will definitely seek out other books by this author!
Judy O.
Mrs. Houdini by Victoria Kelly
This is a historical fiction account of the lives of Harry Houdini and his wife Bess. I enjoyed hearing about their lives together as a duo of magicians, but I got tired of it and had to keep myself motivated to finish.
LINDA
Raven's Peak (World on Fire Book 1) by Lincoln Cole
WOW! Hold onto your seats as we have liftoff from this awesome Book One story! I was so involved that it ended before I was ready and can't wait to read Book 2! In the world of good and evil, is there hope for mankind?
Thomas
The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was really good.
Marcia
A Quilt for Christmas by Sandra Dallas
This was a better Christmas book than most. So many are just feel-good fluff. The story takes place during the Civil War. Eliza Spooner makes a quilt for her husband who is fighting for the war. Unfortunately, he is killed. She takes in Missouri Ann, an abused widow trying to escape her husband's horrible family. Their story and those of their women friends in the book keep one reading. There is also Clara, an escaped slave being hidden by the Underground Railroad. Her journey crosses Eliza's path. It is a very entertaining book and would make a wonderful Hallmark movie.
Raylene
Spy Secrets That Can Save Your Life by Jason Hanson
This book is not a must-read. The content idea is good, but too much self-promotion on the author's part. A former CIA agent?? Watch what's going on around you, don't have your head in your cell phone, and keep your head. Gouge someone's eyes, kick him in the groin, run if you can, hit him in the vagus nerve (in the neck).
Pauline
Cat Got Your Diamonds by Julie Chase
The author, Julia Chase, has used her love of pets and fashion to write her debut book in her Kitty Couture Mystery series. The heroine, Lacy Crocker, has opened her pet boutique, The Furry Godmother, in the Garden District of New Orleans in which she sells treats such as "Pawlines", animal version of pralines, and adorable dress-up items for all animals. Many animals will look adorable in the up-coming events. The jewelry stores in the area have been robbed and a petty thief enters the boutique and is killed. Lacy is a suspect, but the thief was followed by two people. Now Lacy is targeted. This intriguing cozy had me smiling many times. I am looking forward to the second in series, CAT GOT YOUR CASH.
Lori
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
I was delighted to have the opportunity to read an advance copy of LILLIAN BOXFISH TAKES A WALK. I was intrigued by the description, and it did not disappoint. I found the book to be both entertaining and informative. The main character was a quirky old woman who lead an interesting and ground-breaking life. One also learns a lot about the history that took place during her life from the treatment of women in the workplace to urban living in New York City. I was surprised at the end of the book to find that the novel was based on the life of a real woman. In the book, I found her to be somewhat inspiring, although she was clearly a flawed person, like everyone else. I think book groups would enjoy reading and discussing this book.
Ann
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
Train trip at Christmas brings two lovers back together after years of not seeing each other. Lots of interesting people and happenings when people are in close quarters over a length of time.
Jan
The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry
Really enjoyed this story that kept me captivated and satisfied at the end. This is her second book and I am looking forward to her next one coming out in January. I find myself easily getting lost in her stories.
Margaret
The Troubles Keeper by Susan May
Thanks to the author for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. I didn't know what to expect with THE TROUBLES KEEPER. I had loved Ms. May's novel, DEADLY MESSENGERS & wondered if her latest could be as good. It is! This is a paranormal winner with lots of action, romance, twists & turns, mystery & sci-fi. Due to Ms. May's lively imagination, writing style, & superb pacing, it pulls you in & you won't want to put it down. I have never seen my fingers move across the pages as fast as they were during the last third of this novel. I loved the protagonist, Rory Fine, who has superhuman abilities. Other characters are great & I would welcome a sequel. In the Epilogue the author shares her inspiration & ideas for writing this book.
ILene
Last Days of Night by Graham Moore
Paul Cravath was a 26-year-old attorney, 18 months out of law school. He was thrust into the largest lawsuit in the country between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse. The time was 1888. Westinghouse was trying to invent a better light bulb than the one invented by Edison. Westinghouse was sued by Edison 312 times for patent infringement. The book is fiction but the outcome and characters were real. Turns out that Edison was willing to do anything to win and comes across as unlikable. The book also delves into Cravath's personal life and involvement with a famous singer of the time, Agnes Huntington. A really good book.
Susan
America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laurie Kamoie
I prefer nonfiction over historical fiction, however, I did enjoy AMERICA'S FIRST DAUGHTER. I learned things about Thomas Jefferson and a lot about his daughter Patsy.
Donna
The Girl in the Red Coat by Kate Hamer
Enjoyed this book -- just wish there was more at the end. It all built up to the ending, and then boom it was done.
Bonnie
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
For fans of fairy tales.
Susan
A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny
I just love her books and I'm excited to get to the next book in the series. A lot of discription of the town and the people; I like that.
LINDA
Till Life Do Us Part by Carmen Stefanescu
I freely chose to review this ARC and it's a wonderful story that spans generations and decades of lovers finding each other again. The witch hunts, murders, and reincarnation fate has a way of making things right! Barbara Heyer could hear the dead talking to her when she was a child and now she's twenty-seven with a nurses degree, but she works with her first love as a part-time librarian. Spirits seek her out. Her younger brother, Colin, lives with her as he studies to become a doctor. One evening a police detective knocks on her door to say that Colin was accused of the murder of his girlfriend! Both Barbara and Catherine travel back in time to see why Barbara was so afraid of fire and Catherine learns a true identity.
Chris
The Black Widow by Daniel Silva
3.5 stars. Good espionage book but parts are kind of slow.
Dawn
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
This story was about two families, going through divorces, remarriages, death and things that affect them during their lives. I really liked this book, the characters were interesting and the writing was great! I definitely want to read more from Patchett.
Vicki
Lady Cop Makes Trouble by Amy Stewart
A little bit of history of women making their way into the police force, a mystery, and a hint of relationships perhaps to come in another book. All in all, a very good enjoyable read.
Vicki
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
An interesting read about the west, specifically Texas, after the Civil War. Not just about a released Indian captive being returned to family but also about how news was heard by the citizens of Texas towns.
Francisca E B
Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy
Book number two in the Manor House Mysteries has Marshfield Manor grounds overrun by a group of Civil War re-enactors. When one of them is found stabbed, the Manor’s gardener, Jack Embers, is a suspect. Grace jumps in to clear Jack’s name. I like Grace, but seriously, does Grace really have to get embroiled in this mess? Well, it wouldn’t be a cozy without an amateur sleuth. The character I like the best is the irascible assistant, Frances. What a hoot she is.
Bonnie
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
This novel isn't long but it's powerful. It will remain with you for a long time after finishing it.
LINDA
Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie
I freely chose to review this book and was delighted to discover this unknown to me author. I will definitely look for more of her books! Andie Miller intended to be done with North for good and ten years after walking out of their marriage she intended to give him back the alimony checks and start a new life with her new husband, but North tripped her guilty card and now she was heading south to the boonies...North Archer needed Andie to go to the southern part of the state to stay with two little kids that had so much death in their lives since he was given custody. Three nannies had already quit on him from the children's antics, and he played the sympathy card to get his ex-wife to agree to a one month trial.
Marsha
Escape Clause by John Sandford
Virgil Flowers, an investigator for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in Minnesota, has been tasked with solving the problem of the theft of two Amur tigers from the zoo. Possibly, special medicines are going to be used with the bodies of the tigers and the people are incensed. Plus, his girlfriend is badly beaten by men who may have mistaken her for her sister, who is writing a thesis on migrant workers in a nearby factory. All in all, never a dull moment.
Louise
The Girl from Venice by Martin Cruz Smith
Well written.
Tessa B C
Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley
This is a delightful graphic memoir. Knisley is the daughter of a chef, and has had a close relationship with food since early childhood. She enjoys experiencing new tastes, textures, and smells, and considers food not just as sustenance but a central enjoyment in her life.
LINDA
The Detective by Elicia Hyder
I freely chose to review this ARC from an author unknown to me, and OH NO SHE DIDN'T leave me hanging! What a fast moving and action-packed book that had me riveted to my seat, and it's only book one! Detective Nathan McNamara was on the case of eleven missing young girls all over North Carolina, and he was nowhere close to much needed answers. To top it off, he had to overlap with burglaries and was working 72 hours! Then a one-night stand wouldn't take the hint and kept popping up to distract him. When burglary turned to murder, he knew he had to search harder to get the scum off the street fast.
Liza
Undercurrents by Ridley Pearson
A great thriller I've been wanting to read ever since hearing the author talk about researching this book. I enjoyed the science involved in this murder mystery that takes place in Seattle, WA. A key part of the story is the marine science of ocean currents in Puget Sound. Highly recommended.
Kay
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Wonderful, descriptive story set in the Pacific Northwest in the early days of the U.S. involvement in WWII. The internment camps for the Japanese, the justice system in a tiny town are woven together in an unforgettable story.
Jan
Down River by John Hart
This may be Hart's best mystery. There are many mysteries and people keep getting killed. Our protagonist is charged with the first murder; his stepmother testified against him and swore that she saw him in bloody clothes the night of the murder. He was acquitted and left town with a hefty payout from his father. Five years later an old buddy phoned him asking for help. Out of his hate for his father and the agony of people believing his guilt, he refused. He later regretted it and went back home to discover more murders and to witness some. The DA is after him because of the first charge. This is a great mystery but also has a focus of a very dysfunctional family, as often happens with stepparents and stepchildren. A wonderful read!
Becky
Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris
A scary psychological thriller.
Judy
The Girl Who Came Home by Helen Gaynor
A new twist on the Titanic story. You will love the characters and be surprised at the ending!
Kim Chase
Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby
Great mystery, full of excitement.
Robin
Follow Me Home by Cathy Woodman
A quaint English village, a sweet gentle romance, and a dog that binds them together. What could get better than that? When recently divorced Zara moves back home to live with her grandmother, her hope is to get back on her feet while helping her grandmother remain in her home. But Zara has one problem: she is afraid of dogs. When she comes upon an abandoned puppy out in the woods what choice does she have but to help the poor thing. In addition, her grandmother is getting more and more forgetful. Maybe she has bitten off more than she can chew. When Lewis, a shepherd who works for her brother-in-law offers to help her train the puppy, she welcomes the assistance. What she didn’t expect was for love to blossom between them.
Michele
I Found You by Lisa Jewel
A fast-paced, suspenseful book with characters that pull you into the story from the beginning. A satisfying page-turner.
Joyce
A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams
I very much enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the world of 1920s New York City was fascinating. A very entertaining story that seemed to come alive with the vivid descriptions of the glamorous and risque Roaring Twenties.
Noreen Brown
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
Loved it. It has everything -- history, romance, and mysteries. Lots of books have a twist but THE DISTANT HOURS has a corkscrew!
Linda
Wintering by Peter Geye
I love what Peter Geye writes about: the Great Lakes. And I love the way he writes. I can easily picture each scene. He makes me yearn to be back home close to my Great Lake (Erie).
Linda
State of the Union by Brad Thor
Book 3 has Scot Harvath deep in the thick of it to stop the Russians' secret mission to destroy the world's only superpower. Scot learns that several suitcase nukes are placed in major cities throughout the country, and the President quickly gathers his NSC to come up with a plan while keeping the unsuspecting American citizens in the dark. Should they launch a first strike against the newly formed Mother Russia, and how do they attack their new online secret defense system?
Francisca E B
The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side: A Miss Marple Mystery by Agatha Christie
3.5 stars. Miss Marple is showing her age, but she’s really not so frail as people think, and she can still out-detect the most experienced Scotland Yard inspector. Christie really kept me guessing on this one. There are plenty of suspects and lots of red herrings. Miss Marple is at her best in using her knowledge of human behavior and deducing the truth.
Robin
A Christmas Bride by Hope Ramsay
Willow Peterson and David Lyndon couldn’t be more different. But they have one thing in common: they both loved Shelly. To Willow she was a best friend, and to David his cherished wife. But now Shelly is gone, a victim of an accident. Willow couldn’t wait to leave Shenandoah Falls and make her own way, while David learned early on to toe the family line with his political parents. The only things that still connect these two are Natalie and Eagle Hill Manor. Natalie is David’s daughter and Willow’s goddaughter. And Eagle Hill Manor is an inn now owned by David. Once it was a place of dreams for Willow and Shelly. But how can a dreamer and a man who never knew how to dream find the magic of Christmas and the beauty of love?
Lynn W
Kindness Goes Unpunished: A Longmire Mystery by Craig Johnson
Maybe it was the setting --- Philadelphia instead of Wyoming's Absaroka County --- and the drug criminals that lessened my pleasure in this third book of the Longmire mystery series. Nevertheless, Walt, Henry Standing Bear and Vic are still some of my favorite characters.
Chris
The Burning Edge by Rick Mofina
An easy read and a good story!
Michelle
Remember the Ladies by Gina L. Mulligan
An excellent read, giving heart and soul to the women's movement, this is the story of a strong and compassionate woman both in her personal and professional lives.
Hedwig
IQ by Joe Ide
This received rave reviews, but I just did not like it. The voice did not reach me, and I did not really care for any of the characters. There were so many of them thrown in that it was difficult to follow who would end being major players and was confusing.
Hedwig
The Girl from Venice by Martin Cruz Smith
Another interesting WWII story set in Italy. That being said, the characters were actually fun to read even with events that took place. It was a difficult time and yet the people endured. I keep saying I won't read any more WWII stories, but they just keep coming with new and brave characters.
