This contest period's winners were Diane P., Edee W. and Linda M., who each received a copy of CARNEGIE'S MAID by Marie Benedict and THE IMMORTALISTS by Chloe Benjamin.
Thomas
Quick & Dirty by Stuart Woods
It was a very good book to read. I enjoyed the book.
Beatrice
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina
Realistic story about a teenage girl and trouble she encounters from a jealous girl. She tries to avoid the bully while dealing with her own family problems. I loved this book and felt very attached to the characters.
DeAnn
Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig
Well dang! This was a good book to kick off my 2018 reading. Ginny Moon is quite the interesting character! Benjamin Ludwig did a great job of capturing her voice and I felt like I had a brief view into the thoughts of Ginny. This gives me a deeper perspective on foster parents and autism as well. I think it is so interesting that children always want to go back to their parents, regardless of how terribly they were treated. Ginny clearly is in a better place with her "forever family" but is so drawn to seeing her birth mother again that she goes to extraordinary lengths.
Great debut novel. I'll be anxious to read what Mr. Ludwig has on tap for his next book.
Elizabeth
The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd
Excellent historical fiction novel about Eliza Lucas who, in the 1700s, worked to bring indigo as a crop to South Carolina.
Maureen
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
Very enjoyable read, perfect for the Christmas holiday!
Michelle
What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey
Inspiring, motivating words of wisdom from Oprah. Quick chapters, always ending in a main take-away.
Ruth
If I Could Tell You by Elizabeth Wilhide
Very good book about the part women played in World War II -- disappointed that this excellent author used gutter talk in her narrative -- totally unnecessary!
Donna
The Vineyard by Maria Duenas
Story of ambition, heartbreak and desire set in 1860 in Mexico, Cuba, and Spain.
Karen
The Leavers by Lisa Ko
This was an interesting book about abandonment, adoption and family dynamics.
Dorothy
Hardcore Twenty-Four by Janet Evanovich
I have read all of Janet Evanovich books about Stephanie Plum. This was by far my least favorite. She usually has Grandma Masur involved more which makes for fun reading. Grandma lives with Stephanie’s parents and their involvement is usually great. This book included her three men friends which was good. The entire book was about zombies, which I did not care for.
Izella
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Loved this book! I didn't want to put it down, but I was afraid of what was going to happen next. A real thriller and based on true events and people. A must-read if you like historical fiction.
shannon
Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
I finally read this book because my book group was reading it and the author was coming to my town. Let me begin by saying it was an incredible story and every piece of story had my holding my breath or sighing with relief. Sometimes I didn't think I could read another word - then I couldn't put it down! Where were her editors? I felt like she had to add fifty pages and the only way to do it was to use a simile of some sort every time she could! Ward needs a really good editor to be great.
Sandra
The Last Road Home by Danny Johnson
A wonderful historical fiction novel about the coming-of-age of two kids, one black and one white, and how their relationship transforms into a beautiful love story that relates all the prominent social issues of the 1960s. It was the winner of the NC Sir Walter Award for Historical Fiction for 2017.
Pat
The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott
The narrative is so beautifully written that you are able able to visualize the characters, their surroundings and the action of the story. The setting is Brooklyn around the early part of 1900s when a young Irish husband has taken his life and how the local order of nursing sisters reaches out to his widow and child to provide for them. We learn how the women of this community provide for the needs of the community and each other, even if it means bending a few rules!
Marcia
Imagine That by Mark Fins
Wonderful coming-of-age story about a boy named Mark in the 50s. He has a wonderful imagination which gets him into trouble, including being expelled from school. The family moves to a new town and Mark is lonely. Then he meets the neighbor man in the mansion who is the first person to not put Mark down for his imagination. Their unlikely friendship is wonderful and helps Mark channel his imagination. There is healing in Mark's own family and in the neighbor. I enjoyed this book.
Marcia
A Choice of Crowns by Barb Hendee
Part of a series but can stand alone. Olivia is to be married to the king. However, the king is in love with his stepsister, the princess (no blood relation). Olivia and the princess become good friends. Olivia hears a plot to assassinate the Princess. When looking in a mirror, she's presented three choices of what to do about the plot. She also sees the consequences. Then she has to make her choice. This book isn't my usual fare. In fact, I won it. I did enjoy it and would like to read the next installment. It was light reading and a good escape.
Nancy
The Saboteur by Paul Kix
This is the well-researched but easily readable biography of Robert de la Rochefoucault, a French aristocratic teenager turned anti-Nazi saboteur. He talks his way into the Resistance and, although a French teen, becomes an operative for Britain's Special Operations Executive, which was the model for the U.S. CIA. His exploits, imprisonment, torture and achievements seem like the stuff of fiction, but the book is well documented and researched. This is a book for both men and women.
Lois
The Girl Before by J. P. Delaney
Very interesting concept, where similar events happen to two characters at different times. I really was frightened at times due to the fact it is a psychological thriller, but I couldn't put it down.
Sherrie
The Rooster Bar by John Grisham
Totally enjoyed this book. A fast-paced story which makes you root for characters you may typically not understand. I can see a movie in the future.
Linda
Whispers Beyond the Veil by Jessica Estevao
A new author, for me, and the beginning of a new series with a fun new heroine. From Canada to Old Orchard Beach, ME, the daughter of a medicine man in the "carny", Ruby, finds adventure, turmoil and tests herself with "new" family, friends and the law. Fun read!
Donna
First Degree by David Rosenfelt
This is the second book in the Andy Carpenter series, but I wasn't as impressed as I was with the first book. However, I have the third book from the library ready to read. I'm enjoying some light reading after the holidays.
Mary
The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain
Set in 1945 Baltimore and North Carolina, STOLEN MARRIAGE is a story of surviving a marriage between a Italian American nurse and a wealthy furniture maker in WWII's last days. The characters face culture shock, heartbreak and a summer polio outbreak. I enjoyed it but found it unbelievable.
Susan
The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood
Was okay but not a page-turner.
Robin
Hiddensee by Gregory Maguire
From the amazing mind of Gregory Maguire, he imagines the origin of the Nutcracker given to Klara in the story of the same name, the famous balletic story that we all enjoy watching at Christmas. This isn't a quick read. This is a novel to be savored slowly so you can appreciate the wonderful writing and marvelous descriptions of places and people. Wow.
Beth
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler
I really loved this book. Tyler has a beautiful writing style and developed characters that are realistic and complex. I cared what happened to the Tull family and could see the good and bad in each of them. It was written over 30 years ago, but the hopes, cruelties and jealousies of this family are timeless themes that resonated with me and I think will for many of us.
Geri
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
This was a very heartfelt story about how lonely older people who have lost a spouse can be and what they may do to help with that situation. It led to an interesting discussion at our book club meeting.
Gloria
Vengeance of the Lion by Peter Danielson
This is the third in the Children of the Lion series. I am reading this series for the second time. It is very interesting and each book is hard to put down. I feel myself drawn into the story.
Kathie
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn
This YA novel took place during the Christmas-New Year Holidays in New York City. Being from New York I liked visiting all the different places with the characters, especially The Strand bookstore. This book is a nice read on a winter day.
Lisa
Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker
Interesting look at what it takes to become a sommelier and some of the people in this profession. Also, enjoyed reading about the science behind smell and taste.
Noreen
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
A book that will infuriate you. The fact that it is based on facts is awful. It's the story of children stolen from their parents and the horror they endure.
Rebecca
Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
This was a terrific read about a man who had interest in many different fields. It was interesting to learn of many projects begun but never finished, and the world's loss as Leonardo did not put the many ideas of his genius to paper for future generations. Some ideas were predictions for things that did not come to fruition for generations, even centuries. Many things I did not realize about his personal life furthered my interest in the book.
Sharon
All These Wonders by Catherine Burns
A collection of short stories told at various Moth events--most are from the Northeast events and most are by published authors, professional entertainers, etc. A disclaimer: I won this book (one of 7) and I don't think I realized that all were collections of short stories--which are not my favorite thing to read. While each story was personal, I found them a bit too polished and while they were soul-baring, not memorable to me.
Jane
The Dam Keeper by Robert Kondo
A beautiful fantasy graphic novel. Though a "children's" book, I think all would enjoy.
Mary
Trail of Thread series by Linda K. Hubalek
I have just read the three book series for the second time because one of my book groups will be discussing it this month. I really was fascinated with all of the detail she puts into the books, and I learned much of history during the days leading up to the Civil War and through it.
Pauline
Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
An epistolary historical fiction/romance novel set during World War I and many years later. Thoroughly researched on the war by the two authors, this novel blends the romance of two childhood friends with the perils and losses of war. The story of how the two authors conceived and wrote the novel is an added bonus!
Linda
The Burial Hour by Jeffery Deaver
Good and as usual, Deaver weaves a good crime story for Rhyme and Sachs to solve. This has an interesting twist I wasn't crazy about. Would love to know why he wrote it that way. Easy read and definitely worthwhile.
Liam
Accidental Exposure by Daniel Norrish
Daniel Norrish's book ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURE is an excellent read and has some interesting twists and turns. I agree with the writer that the use of "you that" and "you this" can be pushy, but it propels the book along nicely. The novel contains some very memorable characters, and you know the author has succeeded when he can elicit sympathy for a character like Rugs. At about 48% in, I could sense the book drawing to a close and was wondering what the second half was about, until I actually reached the conclusion and saw what he had done with regard to points of view. I'd separate them into different editions because the reader starts to get the impression that the whole thing is very wordy.
Richard N B
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznik
This inventive, unusual novel in words and pictures, won the Caldecott medal for illustration. The book is intended for children, but will delight adults as well. The story of Hugo, Isabelle and Papa Georges is enthralling, and kept me guessing. The reader really needs to spend some time pouring over these intricate illustrations.
Pauline
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: A Life by Donald Spoto
I really enjoyed this biography of a beautiful, gracious woman who was for a short time First Lady, wife of President Kennedy. The author divides her life into three parts: before she married, marriage to Kennedy and marriage to Onassis.
Elizabeth
Sons and Soldiers by Bruce Henderson
SONS AND SOLDIERS is fact, not a novel. Also, it should make you want to turn its pages like it is your first World War II book because this is probably a story you haven’t heard before. This is a true story about the “Ritchie Boys”, six of them in particular. They were Jews who grew up in 1930s Germany when it was being changed by the Nazi party. SONS AND SOLDIERS follows these six from then to their escaping Germany for the United States to their eventual service in the U.S. Army. At Camp Ritchie in Maryland, each of them learned to interrogate German POWs.
Julie
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Lately Kontent, the story protagonist, finds herself in high society New York City in 1938. A chance encounter embarks her on a year long journey into this upper echelon of society.
sandy
The Duchess Deal: Girl Meets Duke by Tessa Dare
This was such a fun read! The Duke of Ashbury has come back from war seriously scarred from a rocket backfire. He has withdrawn from society because he scares people and walks the street as a vigilante at night. But he needs an heir. Emma Gladstone shows up in his study wearing an atrocious wedding gown that had been made for his former fiancee, asking for payment. He decides that she'll do. But there are rules...on both sides! The dialog had me chuckling, the story was believable, the ending typical. But it was so much fun!
Sandy
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
I didn't care for the first couple of chapters and I almost put this one away, but the more I read the better it got. Anyone who has loved and lost a dog will enjoy this story.
Jean
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
If you've read the first two books in this trilogy, it is logical to expect a resolution of all the stories and themes in this third book. Since Larsson didn't know this was the last book he would write (he died shortly after finishing them), the end here is not really the end. The tangled web of corruption in the secret police continues with our heroine, Lisbeth Salander, as their target. With the help of author/editor Mikael Blomqvist (and with much reliance on her own talents), she finds a way to save herself and perhaps the world. The writing is compelling. It's a long book you won't want to put down. Still too much coffee drinking for my taste and characters with similar names so it's hard to sort out at times.
Jean
Promise Not to Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz
I read this book in one day. The story is great with several twists and turns that can keep the reader guessing for a short time. It "stars" brother 2 of 3 brothers; the first brother is introduced in WHEN ALL THE GIRLS HAVE GONE. The home base for the brothers is a PI agency in Seattle. I certainly hope brother 3 will be in the next book. I would recommend this to anyone who likes Krentz's writing and an easy-to-read mystery.
Debbie
To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey
Ivey gives a chilling account of the exploration of Alaska and the many hardships faced by the men who charted this vast expanse. The freezing temperatures and the unfriendly natives hinder the exploration of Alaska, but the men continue their journey. Allen Forrester and his wife, Sophie, record the adventure and the difficulties of this adventure. Ivey describes the event very well, but after a holiday season and the mushy Hallmark movies, this presented a food not palatable.
Debbie
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
Too many books covering WWII, but so many perspectives on that event. This story presents the story of three German women before, during, and after WWII. The reader meets Marianne, Benita, and Ania, and their children as Marianne attempts to hold this group together and survive the devastation during and after the war. This story reminds me of MOTHERLAND by Maria Hummel, which shows the hardships suffered by Germany after the war. Both expose that when the war ends, the suffering does not stop immediately. Jessica Shattuck creates Marianne, a woman enduring all to help everyone recover woman, enduring all in an effort to help everyone recover dignity.
Donna
Enchantress of Numbers by Jennifer Chiaverini
Ada is the only legitimate daughter of Lord Byron, the famous poet. She never knew him because her mother and he separated when she was a baby. Her mother was not motherly and was often gone from Ada's life and she was raised by many governess. Her mother was determined that Ada would not follow in her father's footsteps so she was forbidden to use her imagination and was to study math and science. Ada was brilliant in mathematics and met others who were in the field. She is known to be the first computer programmer in the mid-1800s. Her life was not a happy one.
Becky
Host by Robin Cook
Robin Cook usually writes wonderfully interesting medical mysteries. This one – not so much. The story itself was interesting (innocent patients sent into coma and used as drug production bodies); however, the characters were pretty flat and characterless and the ending just – ended. There was no satisfying conclusion or resolution. Was it terrible – no – it just wasn’t up to his usual excellence.
Francisca E B
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
3.5 stars. What I most look for in this genre is a plot that keeps me interested and keeps me guessing. Kubica delivered that. I was caught up in the intrigue and interested in these characters and how they fit together. The changing points of view and time lines kept me off balance, much as the characters in such a scenario might feel.
ILene
The Plea by Steve Cavanagh
Eddie Flynn, a one-time hustler and con man, now a defense lawyer is coerced by the CIA into defending David Child, the wealthy founder and owner of Reeler, a successful social media network. David is accused of shooting and killing his fiance and the evidence against him is overwhelming. The CIA is investigating a suspected money laundering scheme of a corrupt New York law firm which represents David and uses a computer algorithm that he developed for tracking their funds. The CIA is offering David a deal on the murder charge in exchange for his testimony against the law firm. The law firm will do anything to prevent David from taking the deal and testify against them. This is where Eddie Flynn comes in.
Cheryl
A Matter of Chance by Julie Maloney
Julie Maloney's A MATTER OF CHANCE is superb, heartbreaking, and a thrill a minute. This novel starts out with a kidnapping, but soon heads down a road of a cat and mouse tale. It was so unbelievable, I was unable to stop reading until Chapter 29 where I had to put the book down to breath, and absorb what I just read. The characters are so real and animated. You really have time to fall in love with each character individually. Maloney's descriptions of what's happening in the story is so good, you will be terrified of how real it seems. I loved this story and it will stay with me a long time. Fast-paced. Great character development. The plot moves along and takes your heart on a wild ride. This novel is a must-read.
Patti
The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro
Good book. It was a little different from the title.
Sandi
Blood Sisters by Jane Corry
Alison and Kitty are sisters. Vanessa is Kitty's best friend, but very spoiled, revengeful and vindictive. This friendship adds to the spoiled aloofness and attitude that Kitty holds over Alison. It is this vengeance that creates an accident that changes everyone's life. This story takes place mostly in 2016 and 2017. The backstory is told from the year 2001. The ending comes from the year 2024. These years are melded together to create a story that in the end is complete and all secrets are told, but throughout the body of the novel it will twist, turn and double back, creating a solid, very well constructed story. I was pleasantly surprised, not once, but twice, as Corry continued to weave more secrets into an already effective story.
Liz
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
Lillian is 85 years old and it is New Year's Eve 1984. She has had a very interesting life, writing and having her poetry published, but more importantly becoming the highest paid female advertising copywriter in the country, while working for R.H. Macy. On that night she decides to take a walk around Manhattan ruminating on her life thus far. The story is told in alternating chapters between the past and the present. I look forward to my book club discussion of this book this month.
Betty
Queen's Play by Dorothy Dunnett
The second book in the Lymond Chronicles. These books will never go out of style, even though they are no longer on most library shelves. Dorothy Dunnett remains (next to Patrick O'Brian) the premiere writer of historical fiction.
Elaine
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
This is a book about secrets. The author deftly moves the story from the WWII era to present time, and in each time period both the secrets of the past and present are revealed. This is an engrossing story with an ending that will satisfy the reader.
LINDA
Sword of Damocles by Andrew Barrett
Wow, what a carefully thought out story from an unknown to me author! But, I quickly signed up for his newsletter even though I only read a few select English authors. I had no trouble endearing Eddie Collins to my heart even though with today's office standings he was sure to have Human Resources and the government all over him for discrimination! Eddie is roped into a promotion that he never applied for and his girlfriend quit working with him and moved away. He is set with a case of a body in a burnt out car and up to his elbows with paperwork he couldn't be bothered with. This book will have readers rapidly reading with maybe a chuckle or two.
Karen
The Leavers by Lisa Ko
Interesting look at adopted children from foreign countries.
Barbara
Locked Rooms by Laurie R. King
I've been binge reading through the Mary Russell series by Laurie R. King. This has been my favorite so far. It delves into Mary's forgotten past and helped to unlock the secrets that have made her who she is today. The books flow very well and are a nice, fun and easy read.
Kathy
I Still Dream About You by Fanny Flagg
A fun read. A former beauty queen turns down her boyfriend's engagement ring to travel to New York in the hopes of finding fame and fortune, but when that doesn’t pan out she takes a modeling job in Texas. An affair with a married man leaves her despondent and she moves back to Alabama to care for her parents and becomes a real estate agent. A mystery develops and all is resolved in the end.
Melanie
Roomies by Christina Lauren
4.5 stars. Better than usual chic lit. Characters had depth and the storyline was unique, engaging and kept me turning the pages. A great light read.
Helen
The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott
Another magnificent read by a much beloved author. Great book club read!
Rosemary
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
I have read the novel twice and never want it to end. Amor Towles is such a talent.
Janet
Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber
Well written and fun, this is a typical story of romance lost and found again just in time for the holidays. Mistaken identity and online dating add to this typical storyline.
Janet
Parting Shot by Linwood Barclay
Thia is a stand-alone novel based on the characters from the three part Promise Falls series by Barclay. While I never read this series, I knew about the main characters, Barry Duckworth and Cal Weaver. The story seemed a bit drawn out with too many not-needed details, but was a twisty mystery and quite readable. Thanks to Bookreporter.com for this book.
Donna
Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman
Emilie is an attorney that works at the Haven, an organization that helps abused women escape their abusive marriages and relationships. Kaylene is a client that wasn't able to escape quickly enough. Evidence points to her murdering one daughter, shooting another daughter, then herself. This is not the Kaylene that Emilie has been helping and sets out to discover what actually happened and find justice for Kaylene. This is a good mystery with a bit of romance thrown in.
Elizabeth
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW kept my interest, but it wasn’t edge-of-your-seat or gripping until the last half of the book. The ending had enough gripping action to make up for the slow start. I think the oddity of Anna and her situation kept things going in the first half of the book along with the wondering about the reason for the separation from her family. All in all, if you can get past the beginning, you are in for a marvelous psychological thriller and lots of surprises.
Elizabeth
The English Wife by Lauren Willig
THE ENGLISH WIFE was difficult to connect with at first, but then the book became difficult to put down. The ending revelations will be "burning" in your thoughts and have you wanting to talk about the book with everyone. If you enjoy the 1800s, drama of privileged families, mystery, and secrets, THE ENGLISH WIFE will be a late-into-the-night read.
Elizabeth
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
THE WIFE BETWEEN US switches back and forth in time with all the characters. The book gives hints about the main issue, the husband, and his possessiveness, but it is very subtle. THE WIFE BETWEEN US was confusing but a good confusing because the authors wanted it that way. Brilliant tactic!! The ending had me saying, "hmmm", but the only way to experience the book is to make sure you read it yourself and form your own opinion. I don't think anyone can tell you what to think or surmise.
Sean
The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta
Tom Perrotta tells an amazingly haunting tale about how a small town deals with the unexplanable. While the event could have been a series of books by themselves, the author instead focuses on a handful of people years later. The book made me sad. I felt for these people as they deal with something no one could be prepared for. Perrotta crafts dialogue that feels realistic and full of life. This world could be just the tip of the iceberg story-wise, but it's just as good if it ended with a somber tone.
Richard N B
The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman
When the Nazis occupied Poland during WWII, many Polish citizens helped to shelter their Jewish friends and neighbors. This is the story one of family, and the wife and mother in particular, Antonina Zabinski, the zookeeper’s wife. It’s a fascinating story, and well told.
Faye
The English Teacher by Yiftach Reicher Atir
This book was written by a master in spycraft and reflects this in its detail. The reminisces of the protagonist's handler were redundant and unnecessarily lengthy. I finished the book feeling like many issues were left unresolved. There was less adventure than suggested in the publisher notes.
Bonnie
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff
I expect at the end of the year this will still be on my list of favorite books of 2018. It's non-fiction, honest, heart-warming, illuminating...can't say enough good things about this book.
Judy O.
My Family for the War by Anne C. Voorhoeve
This is the story of 10-year-old Franziska Mangold who lives a happy life in Germany. She is not Jewish, but her ancestors were. It is 1938 and Hitler is on the rise, so her family puts her on the kindertransport that will take her and many other children out of Hitler's Germany It is a captivating, fascinating book.
LINDA
Something Borrowed (Brides of Cedar Bend Book 3) by Lena Hart
Book Three of the Brides of Cedar Bend is where Truth Richards is dumped at Danny's home so that he could go get his brother. They were not married for long but Danny Jackson's music called to her as she got drinks for the bar crowd. One thing led to another and she was now Mrs. Danny Jackson and not one of his groupies! I loved the tall, hunky, and so fine, Jackson Matoa from the moment he stepped on the scene and I almost pushed Truth out the way to get to him first! I could almost see the sizzle when Jackson kissed her like tomorrow before he learned that she was his brother's wife. I wanted to step up and say MINE!!
vera
Lullaby Road by James Anderson
Ben was a truck driver, but his route was a very hard one in isolated areas that were hard to get to. When the weather was bad it was extra hard. But when he fills up gas, a guy told him to be sure to get the package someone left for him. My goodness, this is a small child with a note pinned on clothes telling him to take the child with him, to keep him safe. Before he leaves a neighbor also ask him to take her baby she can't leave by herself while working. Ben doesn't know what else to do, but this is only the start of his problems. The book was very disturbing at times. His life is in danger. Lots of action. Would recommend to others.
Lisa
Map of the Heart by Susan Wiggs
This was my first book by this author. I preferred the historical fiction part more than the romance part. Initially, the main character seemed too weak and I really didn't like her. As the story evolved, it became more interesting. At times, it seemed like there were too many storylines going at once though. I liked how the past was resolved.
Christine
End of Watch by Stephen King
This is the third and final book in the series that began with MR. MERCEDES. I enjoyed the book, although I did not find it as immersive as the previous two. It's not a bad book, the characters are still the same we have come to know and love, and it certainly took a dark turn (of course). It just seems like he was trying to finish the series and get it over with. I still recommend it to anyone who has read the previous two books, as you will need the closure it provides.
LEE
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
Absolutely love it! I learned so much about the Holocaust in Italy. A gripping, powerful tale that I may never get out of my head.
Linda
Twisted by Helen Hardt
Ryan Steel and Ruby Lee continue their romance while working together to find the truth pertaining to their fathers and the notorious club they formed while in high school. DNA proved that Ryan is the biological son of Wendy Madigan, supposedly the true love of Bradford Steel. But Wendy is in a psycho ward and half of what she says made no sense. They need to find Theo Mathias but he has proved to be elusive. Then Ryan gets a phone call and the voice tells him it is his father. Could Brad Steel be alive? If so, where has he been all of these years? This is the 8th book of the Steel Brothers saga. This story has dragged on and on and should have ended several books ago.
Becky
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
THE IMMORTALISTS follows four children throughout their lives. The children visit a woman who tells their death date. That knowledge compels each of the young people to follow a different pathway through life. A gay boy who is uncertain of his sexuality and self-worth, a girl who may be suffering from mental illness and infatuated by magic, a girl who is intellectually brilliant but socially inept, and a boy who is the family’s “golden child” intent on doing everything perfectly make up this group of siblings. Each one’s story is told in succession with little interaction between the siblings until each one’s death. Each story is compelling on its own. The characters are well developed. Each life story has a clear beginning, middle and end.
Linda
Angels at the Table by Debbie Macomber
Angels Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy are still getting in trouble with Gabriel for messing in the lives of humans. This time, they have an apprentice angel named Will. Overlooking the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration, Will has two people meet by bumping into each other. They like each other and set up a future meeting but one misses the meeting and the other thinks it was intentional. A year later, they run into each other and sparks are still there. But one has a secret. He is the food critic who gave a bad review to his friend's restaurant and she is angry and hurt over it. What will happen when she finds out that he is the food critic she hates?
Linda
Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon
As a social worker, Alison Taylor’s job is to protect the children. During a home visit, she sees a young boy scrounging for food while his caretaker is making a drug deal. The boy is put in foster care and the caretaker and dealer are arrested. They are sent to prison and Daryl Barnes swears he will get even with the nosy social worker who destroyed his life. When he is released, the torture of Alison begins. Alison’s brothers are in law enforcement as well as her new boyfriend, and they are determined to find who is harassing her. When Daryl eventually kidnaps Alison, they know they don’t have much time until the man will kill Alison and they have to find her.
Linda
Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon
Kelly Warren is determined to prove that her father did not commit suicide but was murdered. She shows Detective Cole Taylor a receipt for tulip bulbs with a note from her father indicating he would be there to help her plant the bulbs. It was dated the day before his supposedly suicide. This seems strange to Cole, too, but not enough evidence to reopen the case. When Kelly searches her father’s house, she finds a wedding photo of her parents but the names on the back of the photo are not those used by her parents. Cole is wondering if her father was in Witness Protection and if so, the investigation could get a lot more dangerous.
Linda
Christmas at Cardwell Ranch by B. J. Daniels
Tag Cardwell came to Montana to surprise his father and spend Christmas with him. His father isn’t too pleased to see him and urges him to return to Texas. But Tag had met a gorgeous brunette named Lily McCabe and he was in no hurry to leave. When a couple of waitresses from her brother’s bar are found strangled, Lily is concerned and starts investigating. Then Lily disappears and Tag is determined not to lose her.
Linda
Wilderness by Lance Weller
A beautifully-written book as an older man named Abel Truman looks back over his life and remembers the horrors of brother fighting against brother in the Civil War. He remembers the last looks on his friends’ faces before they died and the black woman who saved him from certain death as he stumbled around the battlefield and how saving him ultimately killed her. After the war, he set out for the blue waters of the Pacific and settled in a shack built of driftwood close to the shore. There he and his dog enjoyed the peace and solitude until he felt the need to return to his roots in the East before he died.
Linda
Wicked Deeds by Heather Graham
The Krewe of Hunters is back in action in a story with lots of twists and the specter of Edgar Allan Poe himself. The mysterious death of Edgar Allan Poe is one that historian Vickie Preston is determined to solve. She and FBI agent Griffin Pryce stop in Baltimore for a brief visit and meet Poe’s ghost. He doesn’t remember what happened to him but Vickie and Griffin think his death is connected to the recent murder of a well-known author who was also a fan of Poe’s. Once that murder is solved, Vickie thinks they will find out the truth behind Poe’s death.
Linda
The Bed and the Bachelor by Tracy Anne Warren
Obtaining a position as housekeeper in Drake Byron’s household was easy. Now Sebastianne has to steal the cipher Drake developed for the British forces to use in their war correspondence so the French will be unable to learn of Britain’s plans. Sebastianne is a spy for the French and was forced to steal the cipher in exchange for keeping her elderly father and two younger brothers safe. But she has fallen in love with Drake and knows she will see hate and disgust in his eyes when he finds out what she has done. She has no choice and only wishes things were different.
Linda
Tempted by His Kiss by Tracy Anne Warren
When the fierce snowstorm hit, Meg Amberley was on her way to her aunt in Scotland but had to find refuge in northern England at the home of Lord Cade Byron. Cade had suffered injuries in the war and just wanted peace and solitude. He had no choice but to let Meg stay until the snow stopped. When the storm lasted two weeks, he knew her reputation would be ruined so they developed a plot for them to act as if they were engaged. Meg would accompany Cade to London where she would be able to meet many eligible men and find one she wanted to marry. Then they would announce their separation and she could marry the man of her choice. Sounded simple but it ended up as anything but simple.
Linda
Playing with Fire by Kate Meader
The first time Mayor Eli Cooper saw Alexandra (Alex) Dempsey, he wanted her. She was a firefighter and got in his face about the derogatory remarks he had made about female firefighters. But she wouldn’t deny her attraction to the sexy mayor who got numerous marriage proposals each week. Every time they met, insults and wise-cracking comments were traded back and forth. Alex came from a family of firefighters and they did not like Eli or his stance to cut costs, including firefighter pensions. Alex as told by one of Eli’s backers that she was out of her league and would pull him down. But the Mayor usually got what he wanted and he wanted Alexandra.
Linda
Right Where We Belong by Brenda Novak
When her husband was arrested for heinous crimes, Savanna Gray packed up and moved with her children to Silver Springs, California. She found that her grandfather's old house was in bad shape but her neighbor Gavin Turner told her he could help her with repairs as he was a “fix-it” man. Their friendship soon turned into something more but both have baggage. Gavin’s old girlfriend is pressuring him to get married and Savanna hears that her husband could be released from jail due to insufficient evidence. I love Brenda Novak's books. Although I liked Gavin, I found it hard to believe that he could be so naive.
Sherri
Girls' Night Out by Various authors, edited by Carole Matthews, Sarah Mlynowski, Chris Manby
A benefit compilation of short stories. Enjoyable read overall, but there were a few totally out-there ones and none that really knocked my socks off (I had fairly high expectations I guess.) I did enjoy the variety and biographies and have checked out a few other books by some of the authors.
LINDA
SEALs of Honor: Book # 2 by Dale Mayer
My, the second book left me breathless and spent as I had to keep up with that stubborn couple named Hawk and Mia! Navy SEAL Hawk Loring decided to spend some time with his sister as his team was all on leave, but he never expected the small and quiet town to be abuzz with people running hither and there! When he almost hit a person running across the street, he decided to park his jeep and go to the only man in town who knew EVERYTHING worth mentioning. He never expected to see the man on the floor with a bullet in back of his skull! I like Mia from the first with her tough-as-nails style that matched her freckled face and her flaming red hair!
Diana
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Wonderful writing. Great story. Interesting characters.
Alice
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
I couldn’t tell enough people including my husband about the book. My book club is reading it on my recommendation.
Thomas
Haunted by James Patterson and James O. Born
It was a very good book. I really liked it.
Kay
NW by Zadie Smith
An interesting tale of the impact of class structure on one's life.
Angela
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Such a compelling story with unfortunate truth to it. How many families were torn apart because of those who thought they knew better. I couldn’t put it down.
Dorothy
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
I found this book very interesting at times and then some times not so great. Most of the characters in this book were very interesting and very different. I enjoyed reading about them and then reading all the rules at the end of the book was not appealing to me.
Susan
The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers
I love epistolary novels and this one was quite interesting. Loosely based on an actual event, the author used it as a base for her fictionalized novel.
Lana
Love and Terror on the Howling Plains of Nowhere by Poe Ballantine
Quirky combination of a murder investigation, a May-September multicultural marriage, and raising an autistic child.
Janet
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Fast read - loved this story!
Gladys
The Magnate's Marriage Merger by Joanne Rock
I enjoyed this book. There are lots of twists and turns to the plot that keep one interested. The road to true love truly did not run smooth. Sex was not so hit-you-in-the-face and more like real life. The tropical settings and wealthy lifestyles painted a dreamlike vacation for the reader to take.
Muriel
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
I really didn't know much about the comedian Trevor Noah or apartheid in Africa until reading this book. I found it quite interesting to learn about Noah's "growing up" years as a colored ( not black or white) person in South Africa. His journey to the person he is today from his boyhood in Africa is amazing.
Kim
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
I saved this book to read during the cold weather. It was perfect. I so related to the couple that moved to Alaska after not being able to have children. The descriptions were wonderful and I really enjoyed the storyline.
Dottie
The Memory of Butterflies by Grace Greene
This is a story about secrets, heartbreaks and love. Family love, devotion, secrets, joy and an unraveling occur. Heart-wrenching secrets are discovered throughout the book and then exposed. The characters are well developed, with many twists and turns.
Patricia
Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain by David Eagleman
A fascinating look into the subconscious brain. Explores the mind, its inner workings and its contradictions. I can only hope that my brain retains a fraction of all the twists and turns, the truths and the fallacies of the mind.
Melia
Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit by Chris Matthews
A book that makes you wish we still had politicians that care about people and who have heart like Bobby Kennedy. Great quotes and good historical read.
vera
Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh
Anna lost her Dad; it was ruled suicide. That was hard enough, but only seven months later the same thing happened to her Mom. Then on the 1 year anniversary of her mom's death a card arrives (Suicide Think Again). This upsets her so bad that she goes back and ask for the case to be reopened. Then things begin to happen, blooded rabbit on her porch, rock through bedroom window with a note. Author keeps us wondering about what really happened. Enjoyed very much and would recommend to others. Several twists and turns before the story ends.
Gina
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
This sprawling history of a Korean family has been compared to CUTTING FOR STONE, which was a favorite of mine. It doesn't measure up but did teach about the Korean and the Japanese cultures.
Allison
His Last Letter by Jeane Westin
Interesting story about Elizabeth I of England.
Jayme
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
This based on true events historical fiction novel was a riveting account about how the poor and poor children were abused and betrayed by an organization of kidnappers and profiteers at The Tennessee Children’s Home Society from 1920 - 1950. This is a powerful and heart-wrenching story. Highly recommend.
Judy
At the Edge of the Orchard by Tracy Chevalier
Story of a family, set in pioneer Ohio, before the Civil War. The Dark Swamp wants to claim everything in its path, so life is hard. But, plant the orchard and the garden and then watch the struggle between James and Sadie. Watch what happens to their youngest son, Robert, as he travels West. You will love his striving to make a life for himself, his sister Martha, and his nephew.
Angela
The Cuban Affair by Nelson Demille
I have always enjoyed his books - especially his casual style and humor. This one was right-on with that but was not as compelling a story to me. I seem to compare all of his books to PLUM ISLAND.
Bea
The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams
Another book from Beatriz Williams about the lives of the rich. It is a soap opera-ish mystery that kept me interested until the very end.
Marguerite
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
So good, you will want to take a trip to Connecticut to visit the The Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden, which is a historic house/museum at 9 Main Street North in Bethlehem, Connecticut.
Cindy
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Maybe the last book one reads is often the “best”, but after 62 books last year, this book was my hands-down favorite!
Nina
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
This first novel for Finn was a knockout. Suspenseful, beautifully written with great character development. Anna was too terrified to step outside, so she watches her neighbors from her bedroom window.
Kathy
I Still Dream about You by Fannie Flagg
Alabama beauty queen stumbles at the Miss America pageant, goes on to model in Houston, Texas, has an affair with a married man, moves back to Alabama to care for her parents and becomes a real estate agent.
Simonne
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
Starts out pretty good, but I thought the end fizzled. The ending was pretty easy to figure out (the title gave it away) and the characters didn’t ring true. The dad was too evil. The mother contradictory - a wonderful, loving mother, but the daughter doesn’t recognize or acknowledge her.
Simonne
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Wonderful story with keen personal insights about a young Nigerian woman's journey to America and back, with a tragic love story thrown in. Some bad choices made by the main characters make for a difficult road, but isn’t that life? Some of the book was a bit too political and preachy for me, but I understand the author’s point.
Tessa B C
Eventide by Kent Haruf
Continuing the story of the residents of fictional Holt, Colorado, the novel features some of the same characters that readers came to love in PLAINSONG. Life can be hard in Holt. Accidents cause injury and death. Alcohol fuels violent tendencies and foolish behavior. Then again, some people rise to the occasion and help one another, moving forward with courage and grace. I came late to the party when it comes to reading Haruf. But better late than never.
Gina
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
This is the rare book where I did not love any of the characters and yet I loved the book. There is so much manipulation and conniving! Every time I thought I knew which character should come out on top, there would be a twist. Let’s just say money doesn’t buy happiness. Ultimately I did start to cheer for one character and she brought the book to a very satisfying conclusion. This book was somewhat similar to THE WIFE BETWEEN US but there were enough differences that I was able to really enjoy both novels. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a psychological mystery and I look forward to other books by this author.
Emily
Deep in the Heart of Texas by Texas Stready
Ms. Stready relates the story of her 28 year struggle with drugs. After all these years she came to find sobriety and drug-free living in Jesus Christ. An inspiring story of faith.
Miriam
A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith
Anyone who lives in Florida or loves this state must read this classic. Three generations of MacIveys in Florida battle to survive. Wonderful.
Emily
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The writing is descriptive, and it feels well researched. But time-travel romance is just not my cup of tea.
Kathy
The Paris Secret by Karen Swan
I love any book revolving around art, especially a mystery. This book did not disappoint. It would make for a very good book club discussion.
Donna
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
I have been meaning to read this book for many years and finally got around to it. What a beautifully-written story about friendship. It's a very quiet story in comparison to more modern novels, but the characters were so real to me. I plan to read more of his books.
Phyllis
The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd
A very readable account of how indigo growing got started in the Carolinas in 1750'\s. The story is told through the life and times of Eliza Lucas, whom we find in the afterword was a real person and forgotten in history by her major accomplishment. A side story is slavery and teaching slaves to read and write which was a crime. The search for a suitable husband for this outgoing young girl limited by the times is also related. Highly recommended.
Marcia
The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood
LOVED IT!!!!! I loved reading why the characters chose the book they did. As one character stated, a lot of times the book that matters most changes with what is going on in your life at that moment. And reading changed so many of their lives.
Sandy
Learning to Breathe by Karen White
I read this book a long time ago and this past week I read it again. Very good!
Linda
The Gift of Years by Jean Chittister
This was my first read for the new year because at 70 years old I'm feeling a little mortal. It's an uplifting, optimistic look at aging with a variety of essays on topics like gratitude, relationships, loss, etc. I want to live the "good" life and this book was very helpful.
Patricia
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
A great read; could not put it down. Loved the writing and the characters were very well drawn. A very timely and even-handed commentary on the difficult issue of immigration.
Karen
The Dry by Jane Harper
I enjoyed the book very much. It kept me guessing until the end.
Izella
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Loved the book! It was a thriller. I wanted to keep reading but was afraid what I would find on the next page. I've read lots of WWII books and this is one of the best.
Phyllis
Love Literary Style by Karin Gillespie
A fun, quirky read about two very different wanna-be writers - a romance writer and a literary one.
Angela
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
Amazing story lost for too long. The author of the story digs up a tale so amazing that is almost unbelievable. The story is set in Italy during WWII. Our main character, Pino, is a teenager, who in the beginning seems like any other teenager. He goes to movies, he sneaks out of his house, and he asks a girl on a date. A bombing changes that. His father sends him away to keep him safe and he becomes a rescuer and eventually a spy. Along the way there are mysteries, fast cars, and a glimpse of the atrocities that he can barely wrap his mind around. Great read! It’s amazing that it is based on a true story and that this story has not been widely told.
Lisa
X by Sue Grafton
I've read this series practically from the beginning. Still have Y to buy and read. I'm so upset that the series will be ending. I loved and savored this story knowing that there is only one more to go.
Ruth
The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers
Delightful first-time novelist!
Eva
Call the Midwife: Shadows of the Workhouse by Jennifer Worth
Second book of Call if Midwife series. A charming tale of nuns delivering babies. Story told with charming characters depicting life in the poor slums of London.
Tara
The Girl Who Was Taken by Charlie Donlea
I absolutely loved THE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN by Charlie Donlea! This book kept me on the edge of my seat, dying to know what was going to happen next! I definitely did not predict any of the surprising twists that were packed within these pages. And, the ending...wow! Never even crossed my mind the story would end up that way! Charlie Donlea is a great storyteller...to plan out and then write a book like this takes some serious skill and patience! I recommend this engaging read to those who love the thriller/suspense/mystery genre, as well as to those who enjoy books told in alternating viewpoints as the chapters progress. Those who enjoy the writing style of Author Mary Kubica will definitely enjoy THE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN.
Marion
Autumn by Ali Smith
I did not think this book was very good. I will say it held my interest but the story was not so original. I know it is part of a series and I will try to read some of the other books in the series of which she is writing about just to see if I missed something.
Shirley
Origin by Dan Brown
I really did not like INFERNO and I am not a huge Dan Brown fan, but, nonetheless, I really enjoyed ORIGIN. It was like an art history of Catalan and I think a lot of the charm was mention of places, things I was not familiar with. And, it was not as much travel action nor gruesome death as his other works which enhanced his sharing of so much arcane info.
Julie
The Rules of Civility by Amor Towels
Wonderfully-written novel about a young working class woman who has a front-row seat observing the powerful and wealthy during the Great Depression.
Marcia
Anatomy of a Miracle by Jonathan Miles
(I'm reviewing an advanced reading copy I received.) I enjoyed this story of Cameron Harris who was paralyzed for four years, then miraculously rose from his wheelchair to walk. Is it a miracle? His doctor, reporters, and the Vatican try to answer that question. (It's one you'll have to answer yourself when you read the book.) The book is an interesting read.
Marcia
Eat the Apple by Matt Young
This is a very well-written book, the memoir of the author who served three tours of duty in Iraq. It is the story of his life as a Marine, and the effect it had on him. His experiences are those of a very different world, which changes what he views as reality. I wanted to pull him out of that world and help him find peace. This book won't be for everyone, but it's worth the read.
Susan
The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood
Ava's husband has left her for another woman so she joins her friend's book club to meet new people. I enjoyed this book but it wasn't a page-turner.
Ramona
The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash
Ella Mae Wiggin's life has been one tragedy after another. The only bright spot in her life is her four children. She works a 12-hour night shift at the American Mill No. 2 in Bessemer City, North Carolina, trying to keep her children fed. She is the only white woman in a African-American neighborhood, of shacks. My husband and I moved to this area 14 years ago. It is amazing to learn of the history behind the closed mills, abandoned mill homes, the family names that exist here, to this day! There is more to this sad story of the 1920s. Ella Mae becomes involved in the Union, that says it will better their lives; colliding with the Communist menace sweeping the area. Filled with strong characters and local sites, this is a moving story.
Lisa
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
It's important to note that this book contains scenes of domestic violence which can be a sensitive issue for some. Lily takes us from her teenage years of writing to Ellen DeGeneres, befriending a strange boy next door to her adult years where she falls for a doctor who turns out to be more than she imagined. The book started out slow for me, especially when the focus was on the teenage years, but eventually picked up when the triangle of the past meets the present. For the most part, the characters were likable, my favorite being Atlas, and I would have liked to see more of his role in the adult years. The writing style was simplistic; it was a typical contemporary romance, but I did enjoy that things ended differently than I expected.
Myrna
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
I loved this book that explores families, traditional and nontraditional, in the wealthy community of Shaker Heights, Ohio.
Joyce
Holding by Graham Norton
Really quite good for a first novel. His other books were memoirs. He's the BBC talk show host and a born Irishman. His work reminded me of Maeve Binchy, only HOLDING was a who-done-it.
Jennifer
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
An incredible underdog story! Even though you know the outcome before you start reading, you are rooting for Joe Rantz and team throughout this book. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm not typically a big non-fiction fan.
Lory
Illegal by John Dennehy
This was between a 3 and a 4-star read for me. I found it an easy read for non-fiction and not too complicated to follow along with. Dennehy's writing flowed well and I quickly was able to get into the story, identify with his ongoing struggles, and understand his perspective. I was impressed how at such a young age (early twenties) Dennehy was so emblazoned with politics. The risks he continually took left me dumbfounded and, often times, I did think he was just "dumb." Although I couldn't personally identify with his experiences, I have several family members and friends who are from Cuba and Latin America, those who have witnessed similar political struggles and daily trials as John describes he had in Ecuador.
Beth
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
This is meticulously researched book. I was finding the first few chapters to be tedious and perhaps needing some tighter editing, but as the outrage of what happened to these women grew, I became more deeply involved in their story - a story that, in these days when science is questioned and our government wants to take away hard-fought regulations that protect people - should tell a cautionary tale.
Trude
The Devil's Claw by Lara Dearman
Edgy, atmospheric mystery/police procedural set on the island of Guernsey. Recommended if you like a good police procedural.
Trude
Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley
I loved this book. An engaging heroine, a fascinating historical mystery and an interesting look at life in the servant's quarters in the 19th century.
Marcia
The Unkillable Kitty Kane by Colin Falconer
Interesting journey through turn of the century history. Although it's possible that one person could have survived both the Titanic and Lusitania, it didn't happen. But I loved the idea!
Marcia
Noble Beginnings by L. T. Ryan
It was a quick and easy read that kept me entertained. The main character is Jack Noble and very "Jack Reacher-esque". So I kept thinking I was reading a Reacher novel.
Kirsten
The Idea of You by Amanda Prowse
This is my third Amanda Prowse book and my least favorite. It was actually difficult for me to read because I couldn't stand Lucy. After her first miscarriage is when I started to dislike her. I understand how difficult conceiving a baby can be, I just didn't like how she handled herself. I know that sounds terrible and if you haven't read the book you may not understand. I wanted to like her and I did feel bad for her, there was just something about her that rubbed be the wrong way. She was so whiny, needy, and selfish and I had a hard time reading her parts. She turned everything to make it be about her. I thought her relationship with Jonah was weird too. He would cater to her and call her his brilliant girl.
Mary
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
The story was interesting but I skimmed the short chapters on trees and flowers.
Liza
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
Loved this thriller. A private plane carrying eleven people crashes into the sea on a short flight from Martha's Vineyard to NYC. Only survivors are a man and a 5-year old boy. Each chapter concentrates on a different passenger, their background story and why they were on the plane. In addition, there are FBI, TSA and Homeland Security officers each competing with each other to solve the mystery of why the plane crashed. Add a Bill O'Reilly-type sensationalist news anchor getting leaks before anyone else, and it's a great ride! Highly recommended.
Sheree
Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart
I was surprised it was a true story. She was able to do so much as a woman in the time period she lived in. It was an interesting story.
Donna
The Judas Dilemma by Robert Heath
Rian is a criminal lawyer living in Florida is having some thoughts about a possible serial killer committing horrendous murders on women. Years ago, when she was living in Alabama, there was a series of similar murders. These murders seem to have ties to her. The investigation comes around to her and she discovers who is committing these murders and believes she could be next. A very well done mystery that keeps you guessing until the last page.
LINDA
The Predator and the Prey by K. C. Sivils
Oh my, what a story! I was drawn to the inspector from the very first and I liked his "take no bull" attitude, plus he sounded a little creepy so it's a good thing he's on our side! Thomas Sullivan had seen much in his career and he knew that being "sent" to Beta Prime to clean up the corrupt officials was just a coverup. His superiors didn't like the way he took over their office and it never phased him a hoot, all he knew was that they thought he was a pasty to set him up for their crimes! This is my first introduction to the inspector and I can't wait to read the next book!
Liz
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
In 1939 children are being kidnapped. Their parents are told in order to get care for the children they need to sign over temporary custody, which turns out to be giving up all parental rights. Some families are told their babies have died in childbirth or were stillborn. All of the families in the Memphis area are poor indigent people with little education. These children are taken to the Tennessee Children's Home Society where they are abused and mistreated until they are adopted out to wealthy families. While a work of fiction, it is based on true events.
Pat
The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans
I love his Christmas books but this one was extra special. This one really touched my heart,
Pat
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
So very sad that ANY child should have to endure such shunning and heartache...but it is a reality of life. I also saw the movie after reading book and it was well done. Many schools are requiring this read - and I totally agree with this. With so much bullying in schools, perhaps this read will cause many to think more of their actions.
Tessa B C
Saint Monkey by Jacinda Townsend
In the late 1950s, two friends in a small town in Kentucky share big dreams. But their paths diverge and they lose one another in the process of growing up. This debut novel shows that Townsend is a talented writer, and some of the scenes she paints are very vivid, but the novel never really captured my attention. Still, I would read another book by her.
Claire
Moloka’i by Alan Brennert
This book told me about the island of Moloka’i in the Hawaiian Islands that was used to send people with leprosy to live. It’s a story about Rachel who comes down with leprosy at the age of seven and is sent to this island. The story centers around her life on the island, her marriage, her child she has to give away. Before reading this book, I did not know about the Island of Moloka’i. Very informative and a good story.
Deirdre
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
One of those books that really sucks you in, that you can't bear to put down until you have finished. It really lived up to its excellent reviews.
Cathey
Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C. Gwynne
Fact-filled story of the Comanches - their history and their final leader and all the convoluted parts of their story. Very interesting; not biased one way or the other. Excellent narrator.
Sue
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Wonderful story, beautifully written. Transports you to life in an opulent hotel in Moscow after the murder of the Tsar and his family. Experience the transitions in Russia through the eyes of the Count.
Laurie
You Don't Have to Say You Love Me by Sherman Alexie
This riveting memoir had been on my "to read" list even though I wasn't at all familiar with the author. I found myself thinking about the story of his tenuous relationship with his mother and with the Indian reservation that was his home, often as I went through my day. I found his story engaging and his writing style extremely engaging. And to my surprise, sprinkled throughout the book the reader is treated to not only prose, but wonderfully-written "poems" which the author is also well known for. I'd highly recommend this book.
Susan
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
So beautifully written - it did read like poetry at times. I loved the relationship between the Captain and Johanna. I really would have liked to know more about their life - the book ended much too quickly!
shelly
Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins
Unfortunately after Nora's most recent accident (being hit by a van from Beantown Bug Killers) she is returning home to recuperate and possibly solve some unresolved issues with her mother. Sharon and she were never close and she blamed her mother for her father leaving her and her sister Lily when they were younger. Times with Dad were almost always fun and games but her mother was the one who really kept the house supported and together. When she arrives on the island she is greeted by many of the people she remembered in her youth and the memories were not pleasant. She was picked on, overweight and had no friends so she was really not missed by any of the residents.
Sandy
Unlucky 13 by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
Love all of James Patterson's books. I like how he can have several crimes going on at once. I know they are all going to turn out all right, but it is still exciting, and the chapters are short so I can get up and do some housework, or just look out at the falling snow.
Sandra
The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian
Sleepwalking can be hereditary in some cases which I did not know. A mother disappears one night from her bedroom and leaves two daughters and a husband wondering what could have happened to her. The search goes on for months to no avail with only one piece of evidence found...a small piece of clothing found on a branch close to a river. Everyone assumes she was sleepwalking and walked into the river and drowned. However, her daughters never give up hope and continue to try to find out what really happened to her. A mesmerizing story told in true form by Bohjalian.
LINDA
All In by Lori Ryan
OMG! Where have I been without knowing about this author? I was intrigued from the very first with Ex-Navy SEAL, Luke Reynolds and his selflessness to step up and raise his ten-year-old niece who lost both of her parents and his mom in a car accident. I could see the love zinging through the air when Luke fell hard for the adorable twins almost as it sizzled when he met their mom. I CAN'T WAIT to read the next book!
Dianne
Don't Let Go by Harlan Coban
Another outstanding, guilty read from Coben. Great story with a wonderful ending you don't see coming. Hope Dumas will be another recurring character.
Francisca E B
Lamb in His Bosom by Caroline Miller
This 1934 Pulitzer winner deals with a backwoods existence in rural Georgia, following the Carver/ Smith families from 1832 until shortly after the Civil War. They battle weather, wild animals, disease, and injuries, and, when called, the men leave to fight a war they never wanted and have no stake in. Descriptions so vivid you can feel the heat, smell the blood, hear the birds or the wail of panthers. It is a simple story of simple people, but their lives are anything but simple.
Tessa B C
Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton
Subtitle: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef. I’ll say this for Hamilton – she can definitely write. I was fascinated by the stories of her upbringing. I laughed, cheered and gasped at the anecdotes of her years working for the big catering companies, the summer camp and her own restaurant, but she kind of lost me when she got to her marriage. What really shines in this memoir is her relationship with food. I relished in the descriptions of both simple and elegantly complicated meals.
Lynn
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Book club choice. I liked it, but did not love it.
Betty
The Girls in the Picture by Melanie Benjamin
I thoroughly enjoyed THE GIRLS IN THE PICTURE by Melanie Benjamin and learned a lot from it. That is why I have come to love the genre of historical fiction – I always learn something new. I knew very little about the early days of the movie industry and nothing really about Frances Marion and Mary Pickford. This book is the story of the intense friendship between Frances and Mary. In the era of silent films, Mary Pickford was loved and adored by everyone in America. Much of her popularity was due to the excellent screenwriting of Frances Marion, a true pioneer of her time.
Lori
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
This book was so suspenseful that at times, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. At times, I actually gasped out loud. The story moved quickly from the start and I was immediately hooked. A great read.
Lori
The Address by Fiona Davis
This was an enjoyable read about an historic landmark, The Dakota apartment building, in Manhattan in the 1880s. I enjoyed the descriptions of an undeveloped Manhattan and the plight of an immigrant woman trying to survive on her own.
Brady
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
This true story is about how radium is so poisonous to the human body and that it had to be handled with the utmost care. In the middle 1920s a company hired girls to paint radium on watch faces to have them show up in the dark. The company told everyone that was not harmful at all and the employees believed them. As it turned out many many young girls died early deaths because of the danger, and this is the story of the development of what happened.
Catherine
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
This is one of the best books I have read this year. It is the story of a community that has placed all of its hopes for the future on a junior hockey team made up of teenage boys. When the star of the team is accused of a crime, Beartown must take a look at its own culpability. This is a story of friendship and loyalty, exclusion and entitlement, love and violence. The characters are so real that the reader becomes totally engrossed in the story. It is a novel set in the world of sports, but that is only a minor factor in the story of Beartown. A powerful and moving novel filled with can't forget characters. This one is perfect for a book club read.
Bonnie
South and West by Joan Didion
I love Didion's writing, but this was just notes about the southern United States and California from the 1970s. They never made it into a book, but it is interesting to read how things are different and how they are the same in the years since originally written.
Kathleen
Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason
This novel is non-stop action, with a bit of romance.
Nancy
All the Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani
Enjoyed this book very much. It captured my interest from the beginning through to the end. Love the authors style of writing and this book was interesting because some of it was true. It was very different from the author's other books, which I have also enjoyed.
Susan
I See You by Clare Mackintosh
The plot was very interesting and scary considering how easy it is to track people. The author did a good job of plot and character development.
Joan
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Our book club read this for our January meeting (today) and a lively discussion followed. We all loved the Count and his mastery over his circumstances. We have been spurred on to read Chekov stories.
Ilene
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
What a great long book. Starts in New York with Theo Decker, a 13-year-old, and his mother visiting a museum when a bomb goes off. His mother is killed, he survives. His father had already abandoned them. Luckily, Theo is taken in by a wealthy Park Avenue family. It just so happens that one of the victims of the blast, while he laid dying, gave Theo a ring, and from there the story develops in so many different ways. We learn about antiques, pictures and relationships good and bad. What a great story, I loved every minute that I spent reading it.
Kathy
I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg
Alabama beauty queen just misses the mark at becoming Miss America so she moves to Texas and works as a model and has an affair with a married man. She moves back home to Alabama to care for her family and becomes a real estate agent.
vera
Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo
Won a copy of this. Nice hardback book, but really felt sorry for the main character. Yejide and Akin fell in love at the university. He didn't tell her he was not able to father children. Four years married and no sign of a child. His mom, not knowing the problem with her son, is pushing him to take a second wife to have a child by. Some really rough days for Yejide and Akin. She seeks help for very usual places, and really thinks she is expecting a baby. The story really lets the reader know that secrets can damage a marriage. Not my most fav read.
LINDA
Phase (Phoebe Reede: The Untold Story #1) by Michelle Irwin
I liked that Phoebe Reede wanted to make her own way in the world as living with a legend father is truly a pain as he wants to control her life when he should be watching her much younger siblings. She was a biker racer and her dad knew everything about car racing. He wanted her to be safer and follow in his shoes. Phoebe couldn't take any more and she decided to go overseas to see her aunt unannounced.
Edee
The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce
This book absolutely has my heart! Within reading the first few pages, I was immediately drawn in and wanted to find the nearest chair so I could curl up and immerse myself in this charming book. I can only imagine the amount of research that the author did to make this novel such a moving tribute to music itself and the emotions it makes all of us feel. It really is a musical journey along with an engaging love story but it is also so much more than that. Each character has their own unique charm and are so vividly developed that they simply leap from the pages. Also, I have to say that the cover is spot-on. I just relished each page and savored every moment. Five star read for me.
JUDY
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ng's skill at character development and the easy flow of the story were both enticing and kept me reading this book. It was hard to put down.
Francisca E B
The Complete Maus by Arthur Spiegelman
This book combines the two original graphic novels: MAUS I and MAUS II. In general, I am not a great fan of graphic novels. I usually find the artwork too dark and the text too minimal and simplistic. That’s not the case for this work. I thought it was easily accessible and a way to introduce the subject to an audience that might not read a traditional book. However, while I appreciate it, and understand why it has garnered such acclaim, it just didn’t work very well for me.
Patricia
The Yellow Envelope by Kim Dinan
This book is perfect for reading when you are stuck inside because of cold, snowy weather. The author and her husband quit their jobs and traveled around the world for over a year. A friend had given them a yellow envelope with $1000 in it to distribute to people that they thought needed it or deserved it during their trip. It was a life-altering experience for both of them, and this book is full of adventures that will cure your winter doldrums.
Tawnya
The Woman In the Window by A. J. Finn
Wow! What a well-written book. Great story, and the twists will really get you. Loved it.
Linda
The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood
Most of us liked the book.
Diane
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
Fascinating look at the inner life and feelings of trees!
Elizabeth
Bodily Harm by Robert Dugoni
BODILY HARM is a book in Robert Dugoni’s David Sloane series. I’ve read other books in this series, but I haven’t read any of them in order. So I went backwards to read this one. But the mark of a good series is when any one book does not depend on another; it can be read as a standalone. And BODILY HARM, as with the other books in this series, can stand alone. Sloane is a lawyer, and this book is a legal thriller. He is dealing with two cases here. One is a custody issue; he wants to adopt his wife’s son. The other begins with the end of another case, which he won. Now he discovers that he shouldn’t have.
Francisca E B
Dreams of Joy by Lisa See
This is the sequel to SHANGHAI GIRLS, but this book really focuses on China and the results of the cultural revolution. The novel gives the reader an horrific look at the devastating results of Mao’s Great Leap Forward. I was already familiar with this episode in China’s recent history, but watching it unfold through these characters made is somehow “personal” and gave it much more impact. My main problem with the book was the central character, Joy. She was so immature and naïve…I just wanted to throttle her.
Becky
Escape from Aleppo by N. H. Senzai
War is terrifying. When you are 15 and suddenly separated from your family in the middle of a desperate flight with family members slated for imprisonment, civil war becomes a terrifying reality. Nadia, raised in an upper middle class family with all the modern conveniences Americans enjoy, is left in war torn Aleppo on her own after a bombing raid. Her family is making their way to safety in Turkey. ESCAPE FROM ALEPPO makes war real while presenting the political realities of an international crisis. The book does not sugarcoat the situations Nadia encounters in her flight from the city. The situation is realistic. The characters are complex. The politics are presented from a Syrian’s point of view. The writing is intense.
Becky
As You Wish by Chelsea Sedoti
This teen book asks a lot of heavy questions in a very engaging way. Although the main character is at times a twit, teens will readily identify with him. In the desert city of Madison, Nevada, each person upon reaching their 18th birthday enters the “wishing cave” and makes a wish. Think carefully, and pronounce your wish correctly because it will come true just as you speak it. Some ask for money, some love, some a long time desire, but they all come true.
Eldon’s birthday is quickly approaching. What will he ask for? What would YOU ask for? How will it affect the rest of your life? Tragedy, morality, selfishness, altruism and more are touched on as Eldon’s wish day comes ever closer.
Jan
The Shadow District by Arnaldur Indridason
This author never fails. Get a pen and paper to take names because you will get mixed up -- there are two murders in the book. The first was in Iceland at the beginning to World War II. The second happened 60-70 years later and is connected to the first. Both murders are investigated by interesting detectives; both have almost no clues and no leads. But a retired detective offers to help his friend, the chief of detectives, when the second murder is discovered. He has almost no leads and first murder happened decades ago, but the recent murdered person has newspaper clippings of the first murder. This is a spellbinding novel.
Robin
The Shadow District by Arnaldur Indridason
The death of a man in his nineties of itself shouldn’t be a surprise, but when the "natural death" is deemed to be murder, it warrants a much closer look. Then a link to a long-ago murder comes to light. I don’t like a book when I can figure out "who done it" half way through the story. I want to follow the clues, try to piece together the plot, and jump to my own (oft times wrong) conclusion.
Tessa B C
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
Hercule Poirot may be on holiday in Egypt, but his “little grey cells” are working overtime. There are plenty of suspects and almost as many motives.
Linda
The World As We Know It by Joseph Monninger
Joseph Monninger knows how to describe what people are feeling very well!
Donna
Christmastime 1942 by Linda Mahkovec
This is the third book in the series and I'm getting very attached to the characters. Each book brings back many memories that I'd forgotten of the homefront during WWII, here in the U.S. Linda does a magnificent job of describing the effect on adults, children, family, friends and new relationships.
Patti
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler
Family story, entertaining, moving, funny.
Sandy
Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica
One of the best books I have read in a long long time. Quite a fat book and I finished it in two and a half days and kept my house clean. Helps to have a husband who will go to the grocery!!! So many twists and turns I can't even begin to explain it. Just read it!!
Melissa
Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham
Fun beach read.
Brady
America Double Standard: Patriot vs. Politician by Kristian Saucier
This true story is written by the man who was sentenced to prison for one year because of the pictures he took within the submarine he worked in. This is a memoir that is very interesting and at the same time disturbing. This book shows you how the federal government works when they are "after" someone using the government's unlimited resources and unending dogged attempts to "get" someone. I believe the details he recounts and abhor what has happened and is happening to him while politically anointed personages get away with criminal activities without a worry of recompense. You will learn a lot about our government and the seedy side of it. This is an eBook only as I understand it (from Amazon).
Liz
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
This story takes place in Australia and centers around the lives of three woman and their families. There are lies, secrets, betrayals even a murder. It is a story about the lies people tell in order to save face and it is also about relationships and how far someone will go and what they will do and say so that everyone around them will think they are just like everyone else.
Gladys
The Gift of Christmas Past by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodswall
Unusual love story that begins when characters are very young and runs for ten years in the book. Includes foster care, arrest, parental intervention, speech therapy, just a bit of everything. Devotion to young children is a bit part of the story. It's definitely different.
Kaitlyn
The Plant Messiah: Adventures in Search of the World's Rarest Species by Carlos Magdalena
This is one of my favorite books I've read recently. I haven't read many books about rare plants or botany, but this was still understandable to me. I really loved the section dealing with South American plants, especially the portions where he talked about how local populations were dealing with the deforestation and other threats to the native plants there. The sections where he talked about trying to figure out how to breed different endangered plants and the work (and occasionally luck) that goes into figuring out the exact mechanisms by which they breed were also fascinating. The copy I read was an ARC; the book is due to be released in April of this year.
