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October 5, 2018 - October 19, 2018

This contest period's winners were Christine F., Claire S. and Liza G., who each received a copy of EVERY BREATH by Nicholas Sparks and WINTER IN PARADISE by Elin Hilderbrand.

 

Sandra
Bad Mother's Diary (Bad Mother's Romance Book 1) by Suzy K. Quinn

5
Loved this. First book read by this author, will not be the last. This will make you laugh, be sad, be angry and cheer at the end. Enjoy!

Janet
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

4
Loved this book! Kya, as a young gir, is virtually abandoned by her family and grows up alone and lonely in the marsh lands of North Carolina. Her story of lost and survival resounds in my head long after the last page has turned.

Sandra
Outage Boxed Set: Books 1-3 by T. W. Piperbrook

5
Awesome read! Nothing is as it seems. Town is taken over by creatures after dark. They go around trying to kill everyone.

Sandra
The House Girl by Tara Conklin

3
I enjoyed this when it was Josephine's story. When it came to the part where the investigation started it was a bit long. Changed to someone else's story.

Joan
The Glass Ocean by Beatrice Williams, Karen White and Lauren Willig

5
Hard to tell which author wrote which part. Story of Lusitania, love, espionage. Great story and highly recommend it.

Tonni
Drawing Lessons by Patricia Sands

4
I first read DRAWING LESSONS by Patricia Sands last year when it came out. I went to France recently and decided to reread this book as it was set in Provence. With the food and scenery descriptions, this is the perfect book to have taken along. If you can’t take off and go to France yourself, DRAWING LESSONS will give you a mini vacation from the comfort of your armchair.

Gladys
Hope Flames by Jaci Burton

4
I love dogs, so I enjoyed the start of the new veterinary clinic as well as the personally owned dogs of the characters. Two individuals have no desire to start a new romance, so it is intriguing seeing what it takes to change their mind. A few robberies involved here and a lovable cop. A bit overloaded with sex, but the dialogue is very well done.

Dorothy
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

3
This is a book about a family of Jewish heritage. The children visit a fortune teller who tells each of them when they will die. It describes all the trials they go through when most of them believe her. Parts of the novel can be sad as well as funny.

Raymond
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

5
I couldn't put the book down. Even though the main storyline about kidnapping a baby didn't especially interest me, the main characters in the book and the subplots were riveting. The author, Shari Lapena, has a new fan and I can't wait to read more of her books. You won't be able to put the book down. That's how good it is!!!

Cherie
Tatooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

5
This book was a masterpiece. It was heartbreaking, profound and life-altering. It is a story of hope, courage and survival, as it tells the story of life in the concentration camp, Auschwitz. A must-read for everyone.

Laurie
Button Man by Andrew Gross

4
Historical thriller family saga. Transported me into the garment district of New York (thus "Button Man") and the birth of organized crime! Colorful true to life characters, very interesting. Bravo to talented author Andrew Gross for another great book.

Shelly
The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain

5
What a beautiful story and beautifully written. This was my first novel by Diane Chamberlain and I just absolutely loved every little bit of it. I really didn't want it to end. I could have read the story of Carly and Joanna till at least 2022. If you want a moving, touching story of love, loss, heartache, and hope you must read this.

Jane
The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman

4
I'm so happy that I won this book since I loved her first book, so I knew I would love this one as well. I was not disappointed in the least. I'm a fanatic of Jewish women's fiction and books set in the 1940s. Ruth (the oldest sister) and Millie (the youngest) grew up in Brooklyn, NY. Ruth always resented Millie because she was the pretty one and her parents favored her which was sad. Ruth moved to Springfield, MA with her officer husband and Millie stayed behind in Brooklyn, marrying a no good man. Eventually, Millie finds her way to Springfield and moves in with Ruth with a lot of resentment between them and throughout the whole book. I love family books and this was one of my favorite ones I've read in a long time.

Jayme
Pavilion of Women by Pearl S. Buck

3
I started off really enjoying this book. I was engrossed in Buck's descriptions of the role of women and their place in society as seen through the eyes and life of Madame Wu, the matriarch of the very wealthy Wu family. Where the book fizzled for me was when Madame Wu has her spiritual epiphany and immediately stops being self-centered and loves everyone. I started to skim the sections where she speaks to Brother Andre for pages and pages hoping Buck would wrap it up quickly. And she did. The last few pages cover about ten years and everyone...(no spoiler).

Jayme
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

4
This was a fast-paced, exciting story that had me reading nonstop. I don't read a lot of science fiction, but I really enjoyed the idea of the plot, even though I did figure out where it was heading.

Jayme
One True Thing by Anna Quindlen

5
This is really a remarkable book filled with several unpleasant, believable people who you care about. I wept like a baby. Highly recommend.

Elizabeth
The Prague Sonata by Bradford Morrow

4
Interesting. Made me want to go to Prague. It was long.

Donna
The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain

5
What a ride Diane took us on. Didn't think I'd like reading about time travel, but I enjoyed the journey very much. It was fun remembering each era and things that happened that I'd forgotten all about. I couldn't put it down.

Lois
Years of Minutes by Andy Rooney

3
A compilation of short anecdotes and experiences which are very entertaining and fun to read.

Bonnie
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

4
Award-winning novel about Achilles and other gods.

Sally-Jo
The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell

4
This is a dysfunctional family on steroids. It gave me a perspective on why people become hoarders. As I read it, I just wanted to order a dumpster and clean up the house. No wonder the children harbored guilty feelings.

Johannah
The Reunion by Simone Van Der Vlugt

3
Starts slow, gets interesting and then has a predicable ending. I didn't get to like/relate to the main character and all characters seemed to me to have real depth. Read a book recently that did the exact same plotting, with totally different story of course, but seemed familiar as I read this one. Honestly would have preferred a surprise ending (because of the predictability).

Alexandra
The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

3
A gritty story of a very dysfunctional Kansas family. Despite not liking any of the characters, it was a difficult book to put down, until we discover the terrible secrets the everyone is hiding. The conclusion is a bit anti-climactic.

Robin
The Girl With No Last Name by David Chilcott

3
Artist John McBride comes face to face with a young woman reaching out for help. Lucy is able to slip him a note explaining that she is being held against her will. But before he can get anymore information, her "guardians" swoop in and hustle her away. McBride realizes that the police aren’t going to help, not unless he can give them a compelling reason to do so. Summoning up all of his skills as a former SAS soldier, he begins to dig. And what he uncovers is horror with a capital H. Follow along as McBride faces fire and kidnapping, in an attempt to bring to justice a pedophile who is living off the backs of young children. This book will compel you to keep reading to see that justice is served.

Richard N B
Days Without End by Sebastian Barry

4
Historical fiction that looks at America in the mid-19th century, through the eyes of Thomas McNulty, an Irish immigrant teenager. Beautiful, poetic, powerful writing that tugs at my heart and alternately disturbs me and cradles me in a loving embrace.

Robin
Love & Chocolate by Gail Cleare

4
I love the cover. Sinfully rich chocolate cupcakes and decadent chocolate icing. What more could a girl crave? Well open the cover and find a delectable story of love, family, dogs and chocolate. This tale will make you fall in love. Sarah Westwood instantly captures your heart. She works at her family’s restaurant, The Three Chocolatiers, along with her cousin and their grandfather. But when her grandfather suffers a heart attack, Sarah’s is suddenly thrust into a role she wasn’t prepared for. Her one release is chatting/sexting on line. In real life, she has no time for relationships. The restaurant’s supplier, Blake Harrison, has his eye on Sarah. Trouble is, she isn’t looking back. Blake has to find a way into her heart.

Sybil
The Little French Bistro by Nina George

3
It took a bit for me to get into the book. Normally if I don't get into it the first few pages I don't finish. But I had read THE LITTLE PARIS BOOKSTORE so on I went. I did find it interesting and as a woman of a certain age could fully understand the character. Some of the other characters appeared to be unnecessary to the story.

Kelley
Boardwalk Summer by Meredith Jaeger

4
Good book lots of twists and turns and secrets. A piece of history interwoven in the story as well.

Lee
Lethal White by Robert Galbraith

2
The 4th in the Strike Corcoran series is not up to Rowlings' first three. Too many characters with too many weird names. I really don't want to read about Robin's marriage or Strike's girlfriends ad nauseam. The book is long (too long) and takes forever to get to the plot and the final outcome. Loved the first three but not so much the 4th.

Connie
Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon

5
This book had so much insight into the elderly and how they feel, what they experience in their daily lives. I enjoyed her writing so much that I copied down a page and a half of dialogue because it was so well written and thought-provoking. I am going to recommend this book to my book club. I think it will give us much to discuss.

Donna
On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves

2
A mash up of ROBINSON CRUSOE, THE BLUE LAGOON and NOTES ON A SCANDAL: WHAT WAS SHE THINKING? by Zoe Heller. Not believable; the characters were so thinly developed that I didn't care about them or about what happened to them. Not particularly well written either. Disappointing because I'd heard good things about it.

Kate
The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain

5
Amazing. Incredibly clever and unique. A riveting story that is equally exciting and heartwarming. This is one of the most creative time-travel books I've ever read - it's not sci-fi, it's not fantasy, it just seems SO REAL. It makes you believe crossing time is a possibility in the future. Or maybe it already is. Hands down - a new favorite for 2018! I adored every single character. The spanning of decades seamlessly jumps from one to another, with a bit of wonder and novelty at the heart of the story, it's fascinating and so fun to watch unfold. You root for Carly the entire time, and desperately hope she can save her child. I was entranced from the very beginning and in tears by the last page. Do not pass this one by. A must-read.

Phyllis
An American Marriage by Tayari Jomes

5
I really liked this book from Oprah's latest book pick! It is very readable alternating chapters among the three main characters and keeps the story moving. From page one I was captivated and finished it in three days! Highly recommended!

Traci
Year One by Nora Roberts

5
I really liked this book. I don't usually read futuristic-type books but this one grabbed me from the beginning. The characters intrigued me and the more I read, the more I needed to know what was going to happen to each character. Can't wait for book number two!

Susan
A False Sense of Well Being by Jeanne Braselton

4
This was a very refreshing book. Made me laugh at times.

Michelle
Beartown by Fredrik Backman

3
This is a really tough book to review. There was a lot I didn't care for, the overdone hockey details (and this is coming from a hockey mom), the at times cliche characters, the whole first half of the book frankly. But then, there is this surprising core of the book, the story of a rape and the effects on the characters and the town - that is handled well, especially by a male author. Some of the writing, and the heart behind it, was hard not to like. It had moments where the writing and the story was beautiful. Some of the characters really grew on you. Especially with recent news events, this was a book that hurt. I can't say that I'd recommend it to everyone, but I am glad that I finished it, and the overall message is important.

Ruth
The Winter Soldier by Daniel Mason

5
Outstanding novel by one of the best authors I have read this year.

Linda
The Circle by Dave Eggers

3
Good discussion.

Helen
The Little Red Chairs by Edna O'Brien

4
A great book club read!

Joan
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

5
This is one of those (for me rare) books that I cannot stop thinking and talking about, even several days after finishing it. It is a gorgeously written, heartrending and soul-filling story that is hard to put down. The characters are believable, it has romance and a murder mystery and sumptuous prose. Best book I've read this year.

Sandy
Bring Me Back by B. A. Paris

5
Loved this book! Finn and Layla are young, in love, and on vacation in France. They're driving along the highway when Finn decides to use the restroom. When he returns Layla is gone - never to be seen again. That is the story Finn told to the police. But it is not the whole story. Twelve years later Finn is engaged to Layla's sister, Ellen. Their shared grief over what happened to Layla drew them close. Still, there is something about Ellen that Finn has never fully understood. Not long before they are to be married, Finn gets a phone call. Someone from his past has seen Layla - hiding in plain sight. I did not see the end coming!!

Eva
The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende

5
A beautifully-written historical/love story. Story builds and builds until finally becoming a completely engaging and interesting page-turner. Great plot twists of wonderfully fleshed-out characters.

Marcia
The Winter Soldier by Daniel Mason

5
(I'm reviewing an advanced copy I received.) I loved this book about Lucius, a wealthy French medical student who enlists in the war. He's stationed in a remote medical center in the mountains where he meets Sister Margaurete. It's a beautifully-written war story, and an unrequited love story. The two are torn apart by circumstances during the war. I really felt that I knew all of the characters, except one! That is the mystery of the book. The book has an unexpected ending. I recommend it.

Marcia
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

4
(I'm reviewing an advanced readers copy.) Why does Alicia not speak? She's been silent since she murdered her husband six years before. She is retained in a mental institution. Theodore Faber is a psychotherapist who believes he can unlock what is keeping her silent. Both Alicia (the silent patient) and Theo have secrets. How do his intertwine with hers? Can Theo reach Alicia and free her demons? It's a book that keeps one reading.

Marcia
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

3
I'm wavering between a three star review and a four star review. I loved the main characters, Renee, 12-year-old Paloma, and Ozu. However, it takes over 100 pages for Ozu to appear. He is the healer in the book and brings life to Renee and Paloma. I actually think he brings life to the whole book. There is too much philosophy and I sometimes found myself skimming those parts. However, seeing the characters come into their own was rewarding. The ending was a total surprise. This is a deep book. Read it when you have time to really think about it.

Elizabeth
The Wife by Meg Wolitzer

3
THE WIFE, for the most part, is a diatribe on the unfairness of it all, of being married to a selfish man and of the uselessness of a woman’s trying to make it in a man’s world. Joan and Joe meet when she is a student at Smith College and he is her professor. They have an affair, and Joe leaves his wife and infant daughter for Joan. No surprise, he continues to have affairs throughout their marriage, although he never leaves her. Joe has never wanted anything more than to be a writer. But, so far, he has published only a short story in a small periodical. After he marries Joan, though, his career picks up. (It was at this point that I predicted the “surprise.”) Joe becomes a successful and highly praised author.

Gretchen
Bring Me Back by B. A. Paris

3
I found it difficult to get into this strange story. Can't say much without giving away the plot. I have read both of the author's previous books and will say that BEHIND CLOSED DOORS is still my favorite.

Diana
Code Girls by Liza Mundy

5
An exceptionally well-written book about the recruitment and training of young women shortly before and during WWII. The women themselves are very interesting and it was exciting to watch them develop their skills and gain confidence. The work was so secretive that their families and friends did not know what they were doing. It is so rewarding to read a WWII book where women rein!

Elizabeth
The Girl Before by J. P. Delaney

5
Creepy good.

Thomas
Fear: Trump in the White House by Bob Woodward

5
This was a very good book. I really enjoyed it.

Susan
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

5
AMAZING! One of the most inspiring and incredible books I've read so far. From the first page I was hooked and it took me about 2-3 days to finish the entire novel. It truly is a novel that will stay with me forever. It was well written and easy to read through; a true page-turner. Just overall amazing!

Linda
The Other Woman by Daniel Silva

5
A Russian spy is about to defect when he is shot and killed on a snowy Vienna street across from the Israeli safe house. A British official thought to be a Russian spy is killed in a hit-and-run in Switzerland. Gabriel Allon, head of Israel’s secret intelligence service, and Graham Seymour, director-general of the UK’s intelligence services, know there is a mole within their ranks. Alistair Hughes was thought to have been the mole but with his death, they realize they have been played by the Russians. The mole must be found before any more secrets are divulged to the Russians. Allon’s investigations take him back to England’s greatest scandal, Kim Philby.

Linda
Egomaniac by Vi Keeland

5
An arrogant attorney meets a naïve young woman and, against all odds, they fall in love. Emerie Rose thought she got a bargain on her office lease but finds she was scammed when the real occupant of the space turns out to be Drew Jagger. He is a divorce attorney and doesn’t believe in love. His mother abandoned him when he was a child and his ex-wife is a number one bitch who married him for his money. Emerie is a psychologist specializing in marriage counseling and believes in happy endings. They bicker back and forth as he lets her stay in the office and grows to depend on her. His ex puts him through hell again with their son, but this time Emerie is beside him and gives him the support he needs.

Linda
An Earl to Enchant by Amelia Grey

4
An enchanting love story as the reserved Earl of Morgandale meets a young lady who will change his views on matrimony. Arianna Sweet arrived at Morgan’s country estate looking for his grandmother who is deceased. She had been living in India and had no idea Lady Elder had died. Attraction soon blooms between them but Arianna has not told him that her father was murdered in India and his killer has been seen in London. Morgan is a confirmed bachelor and tells himself he can forget about Arianna but he knows he is only fooling himself. She is headstrong and impetuous and he can’t get her out of his mind.

Linda
A Gentleman Never Tells by Amelia Grey

4
Viscount Brentwood is walking his dog in the early morning mist when he sees a beautiful woman with a huge mastiff. The woman comes up to him, puts her arms around is neck and kisses him. Her irate father arrives on the scene and Brent knows he has been caught in the parson’s mousetrap. But why? Why did the woman choose him to accost that morning? The more he is around Gabrielle and more kisses are exchanged, he doesn’t think the deal is so bad after all.

Linda
A Gentleman Says "I Do" by Amelia Grey

4
Iverson Brentwood is irate to read the parody loosely based on his life. He and his twin brother Matson are not the biological sons of their father but are identical in looks to their biological father and all of London is talking about the resemblance. The parody casts a slur on his mother and Iverson goes to the writer’s home to confront him only to be met by his beautiful daughter Catalina Crisp. As they are seen conversing, rumors start up about the two of them. This time, Iverson doesn’t mind because he has fallen for Miss Crisp and has every intention of courting her.

Linda
A Gentleman Says "I Do" by Amelia Grey

4
Iverson Brentwood is irate to read the parody loosely based on his life. He and his twin brother Matson are not the biological sons of their father but are identical in looks to their biological father and all of London is talking about the resemblance. The parody casts a slur on his mother and Iverson goes to the writer’s home to confront him only to be met by his beautiful daughter Catalina Crisp. As they are seen conversing, rumors start up about the two of them. This time, Iverson doesn’t mind because he has fallen for Miss Crisp and has every intention of courting her.

Linda
The Rogue Steals a Bride by Amelia Grey

4
Matson Brentwood sees the woman of his dreams when he first sees Sophia Hart. He is warned off by her guardian and his biological father, Sir Randolph Gibson. Sophia made a vow to her father that she would marry a titled gentleman and that is what she will do whether she loves him or not. She had no idea she would fall in love with Matson, a wealthy businessman but untitled. It takes wisdom from Gibson and her aunt Mae for Sophia to follow her heart. This is the ending of the Rogues’ Dynasty series and was a perfect ending to the series. I especially liked the surprise ending for Gibson.

Linda
Dark Sentinel by Christine Feehan

4
Lorraine Peters has gone to the forest in search of peace but finds herself fighting three vampire hunters who have driven a stake through the chest of a man thinking he is a vampire. Andor Katona is one of the Carpathian ancients who was weakened after battling seven vampires who left him with mortal wounds. He was unable to fight off the three men. Lorraine went into action and the men were taken care of. Andor looked at Lorraine and realized he was seeing his lifemate. After centuries of darkness, he was able to see colors and feel emotions. Andor takes her to the compound of Tariq Asenguard for safety. Vampires are after Carpathians and they will be safe inside the compound.

Mary
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore

3
It is hard for me to rate this book. As a story, I can't say that I liked it, but that is because of the subject matter.Radium poisoning was not known, or rare in the early 1900s. The book is outstanding for telling facts about the situations, but the book itself is rather disorganized and could have been a lot better if it had been organized more. It was certainly fully of facts most people are unaware of, even though scientists knew them.

Ivy
The Good Son by You-Jeong Jeong

5
Hae-Jing may not be responsible for the destruction he causes but he does cause it nonetheless. Mouth=dropping scary right up until the last page.

Lois
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

4
Loved the book. Historical data before each chapter made the historical events very clear.

Cheryl
The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis

4
Another love story to a new York City landmark. I love Grand Central and will now look at it with different eyes.

Tessa B C
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L Sánchez

4
Fifteen-year-old Julia narrates this coming-of-age story set in Chicago. The novel opens shortly after her sister has died. Her mother and father are absorbed in their grief, and Julia feels smothered by their over-protectiveness. I really like Julia; she’s talented, bright, resourceful and tenacious. But she’s also a hurting teenager and at risk for major depression.

Angela
The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

5
I really enjoyed this book. It was about redemption. A young man who was an artist was not happy doing the work he was doing.

Charlene
The Honey Farm by Harriet Alida Lye

3
I truly feel that this book encompasses what a book should really be like. It has the perfect set-up, great characterization for more than just one character, lots of what-ifs, worries, and a drawn-out plot. It's a type of book where not a lot happens during the course of it, but everything that does happen is important and meant for a reason. We meet Silvia, an unsure twenty-two-year-old who is navigating the ocean of her life, and Ibrahim, a passionate lover who wants his passion to become something more. The ending I surprisingly enjoyed and found that I could view the characters in my mind, continuing where life will take them. It's a good story, not the kind you want to hear, but the kind that is real and you accept it all the same.

Elizabeth
The Dictionary of Animal Languages by Heidi Sopinka

2
Although the title of Heidi Sopinka’s THE DICTIONARY OF ANIMAL LANGUAGES and its (loose?) basis on the life of artist Leonora Carrington are intriguing, this does not read well. That is, this is a confusing book. First of all, this would have been easier to read if Sopinka had used quotation marks. When quotation marks are missing, the author has done a disservice to her reader. Also, this book has many sentence fragments, further instances of disservice to the reader. Sopinka’s use of present tense, even in flashbacks, is also confusing.

Marcia
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

5
I am a slow reader so the number of pages (500 plus) kinda turned me off along with not being a big fan of historical fiction. But I'm so glad I finally picked it up and read it. I loved the history of this book about war-torn France, the suspense, the love and diverse relationship between the two sisters. A great read and am anxious to see how closely the movie (supposedly coming out in 2019) follows the book.

Gil
A Time of Love and Tartan by Alexander McCall Smith

5
This is the second book of the new series about the tenants of "44 Scotland Street". The most delightful character is 7-year old Bertie, whose mother Irene is so insufferable that Bertie's little brother Ulysees throws up whenever she picks him up. Nobody likes Irene. Her husband Stuart uncharacteristically rebels. Pat, another tenant brought forth from the previous book is considering going back to narcisstic Bruce against the wishes of her psychiatrist father. What adds charm to this book is the way the author always refers to people by their full names, like Bertie's friend Ranald Braveheart Macpherson, never just Ranald or a nickname but always Ranald Braveheart Macpherson.

Jan
A Killing in the Hills by Julia Keller

4
This is the first of a series by an award-winning author. Her series takes place in West Virginia, featuring a hometown county prosecutor who has returned because she loves the mountains and she wants to do something about the epidemic of drug abuse in her community. She has a teen-age daughter who witnesses a cold-blooded murder of three old men. And the mystery is on. While Bell Elkins is trying to decide whether to charge a low-IQ boy for killing his 6-year-old playmate, her daughter is acting out in the usual teenage way. And someone tried to kill Bell on her way home. This is a great mystery, with great writing, and a heart-breaking ending (as usual with all illegal drug operations). A great read!

Kirk
The New South by Cing A. Song

5
This is a great story that puts an extraordinary twists on the ways and traditions of the South. A couple traveling through Mississippi have their trip interrupted by a sheriff not too friendly to people not of his race. In the beginning, there is hope for the couple to make it through Mississippi but as the story develops there is an understanding for the sheriff's beliefs. At the end of the book, you may side with the couple or the sheriff or be left captivated by the thought the conclusion is possible.

Rocky
The Late Show by Michael Connelly

5
This is the tenth book by Michael Connelly that I have read and I'm already reading the eleventh. A new series with a female LAPD detective stuck in perpetual late show (therefore The Late "Show"), this book is both similar and different to previous Connelly books. While there is brief mention of Connelly regular Harry Bosch, the locale of L.A. and the LAPD in particular give the readers of his books a strong sense of familiarity at the onset of the book. This time though, our hero/heroine is a woman who is quite unlike the female protagonists you may be familiar with such as "Bones," V.I. Warshowski, and the late great Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone. Quirky, enthralling, and about to star in her second book, I recommend this book!

Lynn
Cry of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia Owens

4
Nonfiction written by a young couple who go deep into the Kalahari Desert to study the wildlife, especially the lions and brown hyenas. Absolutely loved it! Will definitely read their other collaborative books and Delia's first novel, WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING.

Lynn
Knife Creek (Mike Bowditch #8) by Paul Doiron

4
When this series started when Mike was a very young, rookie Maine game warden. I really like how both the author and his character have matured. Stayed up too late to finish it...could not put it down!

Lynn
The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis

4
I've read all of her books...this one is the best. Who knew there was an art school in Grand Central Terminal?! Great story!

Lynn
Paris by the Book by Liam Callanan

3
I will read anything about Paris and books and I did finish this one. I found it difficult to believe that a man would abandon his family like this.

Phyllis
Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson

4
There are two sets of sisters involved from different generations in the same family. The reader isn’t totally sure which two the title is about. The books deals with black-white relations in Alabama in present day, as well as reflections back to the past. Excellent book club book!

Michelle
Descent by Tim Johnston

5
I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a book like this. The writing was absolutely beautiful, with every word carefully and perfectly chosen, providing the most vivid descriptions. I found myself not wanting to miss a single word, wanting to slow down and savor each sentence. And this was not easy to do because I wanted to know what was going to happen next, especially a third of the way into the book. What really struck me as different though was the marriage of this type of writing with a kidnapping story. Not your typical plot-based kidnapping novel at all. I can’t wait to read more from this author. This story will haunt me for a long time. It has been a long time since I found myself up past midnight because I couldn’t put a book down!

Ruth
The Winter Soldier by Daniel Mason

5
Wonderful novel about a Polish medical student and young woman who work in a field hospital during the war.

Dianne
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

5
One of the best suspense books I have read and this would make a great movie. As the newlyweds start their honeymoon the adventures begin on one of their outings in Bora Bora. After a duffle bag is found they wonder if they should keep it or notify the police. Deciding to keep the bag, the adventure begins and the couple begins to have different ideas and wonder if they truly know the person they married. It’s a book you can’t put down!

Judy O.
The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain

5
I finally read a book that I want to share with you. It's called THE DREAM DAUGHTER by Diane Chamberlain. This is a brand new book by her and quite a departure from her other works. Carly Sears is a young pregnant woman who lives in Nags Head, NC and is waiting for her husband to come home from Vietnam. In the year 1970 her unborn baby has been discovered to have a heart defect and that nothing can be done for it. Her physicist brother-in-law, a man with a mysterious past, tells her that perhaps there is a way to save her baby. This procedure would involve a huge amount of strength and courage on her part. This book is largely implausible, but it's such a good story -- who cares? I loved it and could hardly put it down.

Muriel
The Address by Fiona Davis

4
I enjoy historical fiction, and Ms. Davis’s book featuring the Dakota Apartment Building in New York combined interesting information about the architecture and history of this building along with a fictional story. The book contains stories of characters in two time periods, Theodore Camden and Sara Smythe in the late 1800s and Bailey Camden in 1981. Of course there is some mystery about her ancestors that Bailey eventually solves.

Carolyn
The Mermaid by Christina Henry

5
Historical, fantastical, wondrous! P.T. Barnum, the circus, Maine, the sea, true love!

Alice
Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford

5
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and this novel toggled between two Worlds Fairs in Seattle. This was our book group's recent selection and we were unanimous in our favorable opinions. Previously we'd read THE HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET and were enamored of that as well! We decided that some attitudes have changed dramatically in the past 100 years (i.e. raffling off a baby!) and others, not so much (i.e. wealthy men doing dicey things without repercussion).

Cheryl
The World's Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne

5
This book was light but serious and sometimes really funny. One man's struggle to overcome or contain an illness when no one in the medical world has answers or treatment. How faith and family can help you through your life more than you ever expected.

Becky
A Well-Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler

5
Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont was anything but a well-behaved woman. Left near penniless as she approached marriageable age in the 1870s, she set her aim for a wealthy man. William Vanderbilt, a younger son in the ultra-wealthy but socially ignored family, caught her eye, as she caught his. This fictionalized account of her life as a philanthropist, suffrage activist, society hostess and intelligent, opinionated woman is a bit too long, but is vastly entertaining. Alva, her sisters, her children, her husbands, the Vanderbilts, the Astors and others of upper-crust New York society are clearly, and unsparingly, drawn. The day-to-day life of Gilded Age society is the backdrop.

Rita
Varina by Charles Frazier

4
This is the story of the wife of Jefferson Davis. My book club read this and we found that it gave us much information that we were totally unaware of. It is a different perspective of the Civil War aftermath as she and her children flee from the dangers of being a high profile family sought by the Yankee soldiers moving into the south.

Karen
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski

4
This N.Y. Times Bestseller is a true story and a great book club read. It's inspiring and in this trying time it helps to restore one's faith in human kind.

Susan
Heads You Win by Jeffrey Archer

4
Loved the premise and enjoyed the book as Archer writes an entertaining story. But, the ending was disappointingly uncreative and the great "twist" was obvious about halfway through the book.

Kim
Trouble Brewing by Suzanne Baltsar

5
A very sweet, very funny romantic comedy. I laughed out loud and got looks from others in the room several times. Piper and Blake seriously made my day "cheery". This story of a lady beer brewer and gentleman pub owner is the perfect read when you need a lift, so there for I lift my glass to Ms. Baltzar for writing such a delightful story. It is officially released so "head" to your local bookstore and get it for yourself.

Harriet
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

4
Good story with very interesting historical background.

Connie
The High Season by Judy Blundell

4
Kept me reading. Deals with a woman who lost her job and her ex found his big love. She is trying to raise a 15-year-old and deal with all her losses.

Liz
Bloody Sunday by Ben Coes

5
I won this in a Bookreporter.com giveaway. Dewey Andreas is America's top special forces operative. Living this life has taken its toll on him and he just wants to retire. That is until the President of the United States steps in and asks him to do one more job. That's when things go horribly wrong. He now has 24 hours to save himself plus the U.S. and Korea from a nuclear attack. This is the first book I have read by this author and I found it to be well written and very entertaining.

Mary
Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay

5
When I finished this book I played it over in my mind, with a sadness that stayed with me. Paris 1942. The Jewish families were being taken the middle of the night. A young girl who only wanted to protect her little brother hides him from the French Police promising to come back as soon as she is released. Sixty years later the truth comes out about what happened.

Lori
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

4
This book will hook you from the beginning, then take you on many twists and turns. I love when two authors can write one story with so many layers. Thanks to Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen for accomplishing this. I now have to go read their first endeavor, THE WIFE BETWEEN US. This story is told in two voices. Jess is the struggling make-up artist who finds out about a study on morality, which pays well. But, she gets so much more than she bargained for! Dr. Shields is the cold woman heading up the psychology study. This is a book that will have your heart racing and fill you with uneasiness. Characters are complex, with their secrets shaping who they are. The ending will be satisfying, maybe shocking to some.

Laurie
That Kind of Mother by Rumaan Alam

5
Family saga at its best -- motherhood, parenthood, families, adoption, race! Female book clubs will find a plethora of complex themes and issues to discuss after reading THAT KIND OF MOTHER. His RICH AND PRETTY is my next read.

Gin
A Column of Fire by Ken Follett

5
Loved this next installment in the Kingsbridge Series. Follett has a wonderful way of fleshing out multiple characters while weaving them all together and putting the reader in the time and place - all simultaneously.

Lucia
Dracul by Dacre Stoker and J. D. Barker

5
This was an absolute treasure of a mystery to read! From the very first sentence I was entranced by the story, the characters and the excellent writing. The story goes back and forth in time from Bram's childhood to adulthood. The reader learns about his illness-ridden infancy and childhood and Nanny Ellen who had some very mysterious habits and surreptitiously saves his life. Bram's sister Matilda is a precocious child whose curiosity must be satisfied and so begins their quest to discover who and what Nanny Ellen really is. This journey is undertaken with no clear goal in mind, initially. However events conspire to wrap Bram, Matilda, their brother Thornley in a haunting tale that was nearly impossible to put down.

Marcia
The Traveling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

4
As a cat lover, I enjoyed this book. Nana the cat tells the story of his "person", Satoru, trying to find a home for him as Satoru faces a terminal illness. Nana plays a role in getting turned away from every potential home. Thus, he is with him until the end. It's quite a heart-warming story. It's from a translation so perhaps not the most beautifully-written book, but well worth the read.

Marcia
The Girl Before by Rena Olsen

5
I loved this book. Clara (Diana) is the victim of kidnapping and human trafficking, But she's a victim in a very different way which makes the book intriguing. What is her true story? It's a book you want to keep reading. I highly recommend it.

Janet
Cottage by the Sea by Debbie Macomber

4
Very good read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were very realistic and I read this book in no time. I recommend this book highly. Parts of the book were nonfiction. The story takes place in California with the mudslide that was tragic for the main character of this novel.

Traci
Trust Me by Brenda Novak

5
I loved this book and the characters. This is the first book I have read from Brenda Novak. I really loved her style of writing and the way she so eloquently lead us through the story.

Joan
Silence for the Dead by Simone St. James

5
Story of Kitty running away to a secluded mental hospital for soldiers. What happened to the people who had owned this house? Mystery. Very good story. Kept me up a few nights. Could not put it down.

Joan
The Fallen by David Baldacci

5
Another book in the Memory Man series and another great read. I thoroughly enjoy this series. Good read. What happened to Baronville? Who is doing the killing? Why? Lots of questions? Can you figure out the answers? A must-read.

Helen
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

5
This is a book that delves into prejudice and bigotry by people. A man refuses to have a black nurse care for his baby. The story is told from the perspective of the major characters and their feelings, thoughts and actions.

Margo
The Naked Mom by Brooke Burke

4
I love this book, very interesting read from a mother, telling stories about family, real life situations we can all relate to. Loved it.

Dorothy
Southern Lights by Danielle Steel

5
An excellent read about a prosecutor who is trying a difficult case. Her daughter receives threatening letters. She sends her daughter back to her father to whom she has not spoken to in ten years. She moves in with her father and his wife who does not welcome her. She learns all about her Southern family. It was a good read.

Linda
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

4
I would rate this sci-fi novel 5 stars except that it is very media tech savvy, hip and modern, which I am not so I didn't completely understand some parts. The protagonist, April, is a hot mess but very likable. It's a very timely message with UNITY as my takeaway. I read the book in prep for a Barnes & Noble book club meeting and I'm glad I did.

Bonnie
Virgil Wander by Leif Enger

5
I was a big fan of Enger's PEACE LIKE A RIVER and this novel is just as good. The writing is some of the most exquisite I've read in a long time and the characters are wonderful. A fully-formed story with heart.

Helen
The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

5
Beautifully plotted. The story unfolds so naturally and the characters are really interesting with a lot of depth. Really enjoyed this book.

Beth
The Quiet American by Graham Greene

4
A classic I had never read. I enjoyed the protagonist’s voice in this novel and his shrewd and cynical take on war.

Jamie
The Dutch Wife by Ellen Keith

4
This book is about Marijke and Theo de Graaf in the Netherlands in 1943 during the Nazi's occupation of their country. They work for the resistance. One night while they sit in their apartment listening to the BBC radio, the Nazis break in. They are then taken away to two different concentration camps in Germany. The book is narrated by Marijke in 1943, Karl, an SS officer at Buchenwald, and Luciano Wagner in 1977 who is a prisoner during the uprising in Argentina. Each chapter tells how the person is dealing with the life they are dealt in that time. It tells the struggles they go through to attempt to stay alive, often making decisions that will affect their lives for years to come. Very good book but a little slow in middle.

Christine
Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah

2
Could have done without the first 200 pages, all filler and fluff. Meat of the story the last 100 pages. Usually a fan of author but this one let me down.

Margaret
Not So Happily Ever After by Susan Barnett Braun

5
I wanted to know about the life of Mad King Ludwig and I certainly selected the right book! This is a wonderful account of his life and definitely a must-read if you plan a trip to Germany to see his castles. This talented author had to have done a tremendous amount of research to be able to provide so many details. She incorporates a bit of humor which helps to make it even more enjoyable. I didn't want to put the book down, wondering what Ludwig would, or perhaps would not, do! There are facts about his family history and his relationships with various family members. Pacing was perfect, it was easy to read & understand. It would appeal to any age. Ms. Braun shares her extensive knowledge about Ludwig with students & other organizations.

Margaret
The Shades by Evgenia Citkowitz

3
This novel is advertised as a mystery but was not very suspenseful. It's the story of a family coping with the untimely death of their daughter and sister. It studies each of the parents & brother as they cope with their grief in different ways. Not only is the loss of a young person's life a tragedy, but the family left behind is profoundly affected. There are not a lot of characters which I liked but I felt the story line moved slowly, including some details that didn't relate. The ending was confusing, but by that time I just wanted the family members to come together & realize that they still had each other. The author did a good job of getting inside the grieving minds of 3 main characters, but this won't be a memorable novel for me.

Jud
Broken Ground by Val McDermid

4
BROKEN GROUND by Val McDermid is the fifth DCI Karen Pirie novel of the series and was not a disappointment. The series is set in rural Scotland in the locality of Fife. While it may not seem like a series based on cold cases will have much longevity, I foresee a bright future for this series based on this novel. McDermid is an accomplished author with any number of awards to her name, including the Barry Award for Best British Crime novel for the first book in this series, THE DISTANT ECHO. I have every intention of reading all the preceding series’ books and give this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Jud
McNally's Risk by Lawrence Sanders

3
Enjoyable, light-weight mystery that would serve well helping time pass at an appointment or on a long trip.

Claire
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

3
After reading this book, I came to the conclusion that not much changed from the regime of Bassista to Castro. I thought that when Castro was fighting to rid Cuba of Bassista, he was going to make things better for his countrymen. People had to leave everything behind to flee the country and they still do. Enjoyed the book and will be offering it to my book club to read.

Patricia
Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain

5
This book takes place in 1960 on a North Carolina tobacco farm and its environs. A first year social worker is thrown into the throes of two families and their problems. She becomes too emotionally attached and makes some poor decisions. This makes us think of how we would react in the same circumstances. I could not out this down until I found out the results of some of these choices.

Francisca E B
The Terra-Cotta Dog by Andrea Camilleri

3
3.5 stars. Book Two in the Inspector Montalbano series has him solving a 50-year-old crime. Montalbano is a wonderful lead character. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly, nor sweat the small stuff. He’s intelligent, a loyal friend and is always ready to find the humor in a situation, no matter how dire. Camilleri populates the novel with an assortment of colorful characters that complicate Montalbano’s life. Interesting, engaging and entertaining. I’ll keep reading the series.

Lori
The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths

5
I'm a huge fan of the author's Ruth Galloway series and was delighted to read an advance copy of THE STRANGER DIARIES. This standalone book did not disappoint; I loved it. I think she did a masterful job having the story told from 3 points of view, probably better than I've seen in other books with the same technique. I think it enhanced the telling of the tale. As with her other books, she had great characters who are brought to life. I would be happy to have the book turn into the beginning of a series. Unlike her other books, this one had creepiness added to the suspense, but it wasn't more than I could tolerate. Once I started the book I was captivated and hated to put it down. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next.

Trezeline
True Colors by Kristin Hannah

5
A very good love story and mystery. Kristin Hannah creates and develops interesting characters which makes for a wonderful story.

ILene
The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter by Hazel Gaynor

5
THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER'S DAUGHTER, a great historical fiction taking place in 1838 about Britain’s most famous lighthouse keeper, Grace Darling, when she saves many people from a shipwreck. One of the women ties in with another shipwreck a hundred years later. Great story, loved it.

Lynn
Lethal White by Robert Galbraith

3
HUGE book, hugely complex, but also hugely entertaining. 3.5 stars.

Gretchen
A Noise Downstairs by Linwood Barclay

5
Love the twisted ending! The whole concept was outstanding. Highly recommend it!

Elizabeth
You by Caroline Kepnes

4
YOU is a tale of, primarily, two mentally unstable people, one more dangerously so than the other. While I normally would skip a book with as much sex in it as this one has, the story of these two main characters and the extreme obsession the one has for the other kept me turning the pages. The apparently normal Joe works at a bookstore and is well read, intelligent, and funny. He meets (Guinevere) Beck, referred to as Beck. Joe is attracted to her so learns where she lives. After he observes her strutting about her apartment, windows uncovered, naked, he becomes obsessed with her, dangerously obsessed. Joe stalks Beck and, as the story continues, he becomes more and more dangerous and more and more obsessed.

Debbie
Hidden Scars by Mark de Castrique

4
I am not a fan of the Sam Blackman series, but I had only read the first two novels. HIDDEN SCARS happily changed my mind about Sam. The story surrounds the past events in a quiet North Carolina college during the years of civil unrest. A mountain man falls to his death while hiking in his “beloved” mountains, and seven decades later, his sister wants the truth about what happened. Sam and Nakayla investigate Paul Weaver’s death from the past and then become involved in several current deaths during a movie production. I appreciate novels that provide entertainment and education, and HIDDEN SCARS pounded much knowledge into my head, plus the plot forced me to continue reading for fear of missing some interesting tidbit.

Debbie
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn

4
This book presents all the makings of a roller-coaster ride with the constant parallel with classic thrillers of the cinema and with the downfalls of the Internet. The setting provides Gothic scenes as the large, rambling house traps Anna Fox into believing herself delusional and crazy. Anna never ventures from her home, and the book does not disclose the reason until much later in the story. Anna spends her day drinking, playing on the Internet, watching “old” movies, and spying on her neighbors. The horror happens when Anna witnesses the murder of a neighbor, but the police do not believe the story. This is the first novel for A. J. Finn, and he creates a superb thriller that keeps the reader guessing Anna’s condition.

Thomas
Juror #3 by James Patterson and Nancy Allen

5
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very good.

Thomas
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware

5
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was really good.

vera
Somebody's Daughter by David Bell

5
Won a copy of this. Wow, late night and just getting ready for bed and the door bell rings. Never good news at night. When Michael opens door his ex-wife there. She is needing his help, her daughter has been kidnapped. But then she tells him something that is unbelievable that she is his daughter. She had never told him about the girl. How can he not try to help. But he now has another wife, and they to are trying for family of their own. Author got us hooked by this time. Lots seem to be suspect in the kidnapping, even the mother. Very hard book to put down. Will recommend to others.

Bonnie
Virgil Wander by Leif Enger

5
I loved Enger's PEACE LIKE A RIVER and this one is as good or better. Some of the most exquisite writing I've read in a long time and wonderful characters.

Bonnie
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

4
Great fun read. Can it happen here?

Liza
Only Child by Rhiannon Navin

4
Heartbreaking story of an elementary school shooting, told from the point of view of a five-year-old survivor. Fans of ROOM will enjoy this book. The first pages are spellbinding, describing the shooting event from inside a closet, where our narrator and his first grade class are sequestered with their nervous teacher. The rest of the novel is an exploration of the boy's family dynamics following the tragedy. Recommended.

Marsha
Save Me by Lisa Scottoline

5
I loved everything about this action-packed novel. Rose, the mom volunteering at school when a fire breaks out, is torn between saving her daughter or other children. Her decision jeopardizes her child, her marriage, and her life. Ignoring the advice of her lawyers, she does her own investigating and follows many twists to reveal crimes of arson and murder. It has a very satisfying ending.

Sean
1776 by David McCullough

3
I want to be guy who can enjoy nonfiction but, while this book was written amazingly well, I never felt glued to the story because I knew the outcome already. McCullough uses tons of correspondences to help tell the story of the Revolutionary War, or at least a year of it. I actually wish history text books were written like this when I was in school. I imagine this book will be a hit for many readers but for me it was good but not great. Overall, not for me but extremely well done.

Jill
Shatter by Michael Robotham

5
This was my first book by Michael Robotham and I want to read more of his novels. I was immediately taken by the writing style and the story. The author brings you into the book - I could see the places where the story takes place, and feel the emotions of the characters. The storyline is well developed and gripping, as are the characters. Definitely a book to read if you like psychological thrillers!

Betty
The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton

5
Kate Morton’s genius is revealed with her latest book THE CLOCKMAKER’S DAUGHTER. Be forewarned – the book is a journey - a journey through time, a journey through lives, a journey through hearts.

Jean
The 7-1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

5
Superb premise - combination of Groundhog Day/board game of Clue/mystery room. The murder must be solved before 11:00 but our "hero" doesn't know who is the bad guy, who are the other characters or what they mean to him...nor who he actually is himself. Trying to keep all characters straight and keep all the clues straight while trying to put them into a cohesive whole is a challenge. Good book!

Jean
Holy Predator by Deborah Stevens

5
After reading her first book, I looked forward to this story. I was not disappointed. It is a conspiracy story set in Rome and involves the Vatican with a cast of characters, clergy and non-clergy alike. I liked how the story developed and how the reader was made aware of what various characters were doing simultaneously. Good story and am looking forward to her third book.

Mona
Buried in Books (A Bibliophile Mystery #12) by Kate Carlisle

4
This is the third one I’ve read in Carlisle’s cozy Bibliophile Mystery series. I really enjoy the plots and characters (some new and some recurring favorites). In this installment, book restorer Brooklyn is juggling the annual librarians’ convention and her wedding to long-time love, security expert, Derek Stone. Adding to the chaos is the reunion of Heather and Sara, two of her best friends and roommates from grad school. There had been a falling-out between them over -- no surprise here -- a man. And, not just any man, Rod, Heather’s boyfriend. Sara had stolen him from her.

Jan
Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini

5
This short book is about refugees and all the profits go to the the UNHCR (United Nations High Comissioner of Refugees) and the author's non-profit organization which benefits refugees. It is short, beautifully illustrated and speaks of a father's concern for his son as they try to escape by sea at night. There is fear, love, and most of all the beautiful writing of Hosseini. There is hope, love, and sweet memories. This is a great book for you to read and to read to your children. And if you buy it, you support the humanity of helping refugees the world over.

Mona
Tell Me You're Mine by Elisabeth Norebäck

4
For Stella Widstrand, a psychologist/psychotherapist, life with her husband, Henrik and teenage son, Milo, is normal. Her professional life, however, is another story. New patients are an everyday occurrence for those in her field, but this particular one was different. Stella felt an instant connection to her. Could she be Alice, her daughter, who vanished as an infant? But, she had introduced herself as Isabelle Karlsson. Did her daughter seek her out? Was she resentful and looking to exact revenge for what she perceived as negligence and abandonment? These questions would very soon torment her, wreaking havoc on her ordered life.

Tessa B C
Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth

4
Originally titled: "The Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy and Hard Times". This was renamed to coincide with the popular television series. I think Worth did a good job of honestly relaying her experiences during the 1950s, serving as a midwife in London’s East End. There are some graphic scenes, but I felt they were honestly portrayed.

Tiffany
Love In Lingerie by Alessandra Torre

3
I really enjoyed this book! I had a fun time reading it.

Barbara
The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg

3
This one reminded me so much of another quirky tale, THE HUNDRED-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT OF THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED, except this time the characters stayed pretty much in one city. Five old-age "League of Pensioners" go AWOL from their boring and prison-like retirement home in search of an adventure. Of course, committing theft and kidnapping is highly exhilarating for them but who will take them seriously? One could say this story is a laugh a minute, except with them all using "Zimmer frames" (look it up, I had to), the storyline takes a little longer to unwind. But lots of laughs along the way. Characters well-drawn and even poignant make the reader think about how we treat seniors and what they may really be needing.

Lynn
Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini

3
Exquisite watercolor illustrations (Dan Williams), less than 500 words, but will have me thinking and re-thinking the refugee problem.

Lynn
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

3
A mystery, but so much more, written in lyrical language. First half may be slow, but stay with it. It's worth it!

Judy O.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

4
This is the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who is transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz in 1942. Because he could speak several languages, he was assigned the job of tattooist for the thousands of people brought into the camps. While he is there, he meets another prisoner named Gita, and the two of them fall in love. This was a fascinating story.