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February 3, 2017 - February 17, 2017

This contest period's winners were Janet K., Marcia S. and Ruth U., who each received a copy of ECHOES IN DEATH by J. D. Robb and PACHINKO by Min Jin Lee.

 

Marsha
Burning Bright by Nick Petrie

4
This exciting book is the second in the series featuring war veteran Peter Ash, who is suffering from PSTD. He is claustrophobic and needs to be out in the open spaces where he meets a girl after climbing a tree. She is being pursued by men and hiding when he joins her in an escape to flee from the dangerous men in black cars. The book addresses computer technology and the efforts one side will go to claim the next cognitive idea as the future becomes more and more revolutionized.

Ilene
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

5
Hard to believe that this is only Amor Towles second novel. It is very good. The story is about Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat who was put under house arrest in the Metropol hotel in 1918 when the Bolsheviks took over the country. Alexander became a waiter in the hotel and formed close relationships and identified with the employees, trying to find the good in everyone. He was also devious in not getting caught by the authorities when he went outside the rules. Alexander played a big part in raising a young girl left in his care. The novel has humor and sadness.

Rhonda
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

5
Wonderful book about Danish Secrets to happy living.

Jane
Below the Belt by Stuart Woods

3
This was one of Wood's better offerings in the last couple years. I am pretty much addicted to Stone Barrington so I read them all. I hope he settles down with Holly.

Margaret
Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg

3
This is the debut novel for Bill Clegg. It's a novel about family and how each individual deals with their unbearable loss of a member. The setting is a small town in Connecticut where a tragedy occurs. It's emotional and moving as the author shows how people were affected by those lost in the disaster. There were family members who eventually find forgiveness and hope. This novel has a lot of characters and it was confusing for me to keep them straight. After putting the novel down, when I returned to it I'd need to page back and figure out who a character was and how they related to the story at that moment. For this reason, I'm giving it only 3 stars.

Linda
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick

5
Most of us loved it.

Donna
Expecting to Die by Lisa Jackson

4
I always enjoy books in a series. This is an ongoing saga in the lives of Detectives Pescoli (pregnant and counting down her days) and Alvarez in Grizzly Falls Montana. Woods, teenagers, multiple murders, and a reality show make for an intriguing storyline, of course with a twist.

LINDA
Scorched (Rulers of the Sky Book 1) by Paula Quinn

5
I freely chose to review this ARC and I was spellbound from the very first page as I love dragon stories, and what's better than the biggest and more fearful of them all, Marrikya, an Aqua Drakkon! Marrikya the eleventh, hated mankind since he was hunted by Knights, and he was the last of his kind. So his reign of terror on every man, woman, and child was bittersweet revenge. He was in one of his caves and he knew that the Council of Elders wanted his hoard and to transform him into a human but he'd fight to his last breath to stay a Drakkon. He smelled them entering his cave and he closed his eyes so that their torches wouldn't give him away, and he waited to hurl a fiery breath at them...

Susan
All Summer Long by Dorothea Benton Frank

3
I thought ALL SUMMER LONG was okay. It is a summer read, the plot is very light weight and character development was shallow. I couldn't recommend the book.

Beverlee
The Heavens May Fall by Allen Eskens

5
This is the second of his books that I have read, and I love how they combine the human interest story with the mystery. The characters are believable and easy to relate to. I will read everything he writes!

Kay
In the Woods by Tana French

5
An interesting psychological thriller!

Kim
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kreuger

5
While it is not a light read, it is a quick read. However, ORDINARY GRACE is a book that renews your faith in good people trying to raise good kids, even when life is hard. This was the first book I read that was authored by William Kent Kreuger and it is a lovely stand-alone novel. I am looking forward to reading his series.

Linda
Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

5
A story about lifelong friends, new friends and family that tells us no matter how well you know someone, everyone has something to hide. The characters are all left dealing with the aftermath of a near tragedy. This is not only when the secrets show up, although not all become known. It is also when their strength shows. Some weaknesses are repaired. Some divisions widen. The first book I have read from this author. I immediately bought another.

Whitney
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

5
Loved it. Great insight into the life of a child who is not comfortable in their own skin yet and who comes from a safe but not necessarily warm home environment.

Heather
Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris

1
Complete trash! Don't waste your time on this horrible psychological thriller.

Heather
The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin by Steven Lee Meyers

5
If you have any interest in Vladimir Putin, I highly recommend this very detailed, comprehensive biography. It took me quite a while to get through it, but I found it to be a fascinating read.

Greg
The Sun Dog by Stephen King

4
It was a great story, not King's best work but very good. Characters were very interesting, especially the character "Pop".

Lee
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin

4
A great story, and interesting characters, all wrapped up in an historical novel. Ms.Goodwin has a great writing style and her knowledge of the period is evident. Enjoyed and recommend if you enjoy reading about the late 1800s.

Pauline
The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin

4
Beautiful New York Society women from 1950s to 1970s who married for money were called "swans" by author Truman Capote, who befriended them. He would listen to their gossip and troubles, then betray them when he wrote about them in magazines such as Esquire and in his books.The central characters were Truman and Barbara Babe Cushing Paley, wife of Bill Paley, the head of CBS. Around them clustered Betsey Cushing Whitney, Minnie Cushing Fosburgh, Gloria Guiness, Slim Keith, C. Z. Guest and Merella Angelli. Truman thought of Babe as his soulmate and she felt she could confide in him. This is a moving fictitious tale of real glamorous people.

Marie
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

5
Beautifully written with an elegant character. One of the best books I've ever read.

Lee
The Dark Room by Jonathan Moore

5
The best crime and police book I have read in years. It was not till I was finished with the book did I find out who the killer was. I cannot remember the last time that happened. I hope Moore writes another one with the same cast of characters.

Cammie
The Girl With All the Gifts by M. R. Carey

5
Wow! I'm not usually a fan of sci-fi or dystopia with creatures, but I could not stop reading!

Carol Pirtle
Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray by Dorothy Love

4
Fascinating book about Robt. E. Lee's wife and her friendship with her slave/servant, Mrs. Selina Norris Gray, in the days before and during the Civil War. I learned many things about Mrs. Lee that I didn't know before (assuming that the novel is based on fact.) Most surprising of all was that this wife of the Confederate General didn't believe in slavery at all and wished to see all slaves given their freedom. She was especially interested in the Colonization Society that attempted to send people of color to Liberia. My only criticism is that it took a chapter or two before I could really get into the story since it was a bit confusing in the beginning just who was narrating. This will be the February pick for my book club.

Helen
The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks

4
A new take on the life of King David, especially the women in his life. In the time of Trump, it was revealing to follow the life of a flawed leader, used by God.

Phyllis
The Passenger by Lisa Lutz

4
Wow! The reader is a passenger and what a ride!! A real page-turner as you go along for the ride with the main character which leaves you wondering where you are going?? A satisfying ending for everyone!

Nicolette
The River at Night by Erica Ferencik

3
This book starts out with your typical city ladies looking for adventure in the great outdoors. Then once they're really out there the first twist comes and you think things might actually get interesting. But the hope only leads you to be more disappointed when nothing really comes out of that but your typical ending. This book was as exciting as this review is.

Helen
The House Girl by Tara Conklin

3
Could have been a great book, but just too much coincidence for me. A slave story with a contemporary story tied together by paintings and sketches. Parts of this book were really interesting but when it all came together it was just too coincidental for me. Interesting female characters, and lots of art.

Jud
Dogs of Riga by Henning Mankell

4
Great book featuring Swedish detective Kurt Wallander, # 2 in the series. Well-written novel about two bodies that show up on the coast in a rubber life raft, leading Wallander to Latvia and a corrupt detective.

Becky
The German Girl by Armando Lucas Correa

4
The liner St Louis left Germany with 900 German Jews bound for Cuba in 1939. Most had left behind their fortune, their property and the heritage of many years. They carried with them signed documents allowing them to stay in Cuba until their visa numbers allowed them to move on to the U. S., Canada or Mexico. The ship was not allowed to dock. THE GERMAN GIRL follows Hannah, a young girl aboard the St. Louis, from her sheltered life in Germany until her death many years later. Finely crafted characters people this tale of love and loss through the war, the Revolution in Cuba and the fall of the Twin Towers. Hannah and her great niece, Anna, carry the plot to its not-quite-satisfying conclusion. Conclusion aside, this is a lovely story.

Betty
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

4
Well written page-turner, but the ending was a little too pat.

Bonnie
The Blue Zones by Daniel Buettner

4
We all know we should eat better, exercise, etc. etc. But here Blauttner spells it out with amazing examples. He analyzed the lives of healthy people aged 100+ in several "blue zones" around the world. What he learned can benefit all of us. This is a life-changer.

shelly
The Mistress by Danielle Steel

2
Natasha Leonoa is a natural beauty who was saved by Vladimir Stanislas. He took her off the freezing streets of Moscow and personally nursed her back to health. If not for him she would have been dead. Now, however, she is living with probably the richest man in Russia but that all comes at a price. Her freedom and life are totally controlled by Vladimir. She sold her soul along with her body to cater to his every whim. He picks out her clothes, tells her what to wear. She is never included in business meetings and is told only what he wants her to know.Theo Luca is the son of a world famous artist named Lorenzo Luca. When he died he left a legacy of his work behind. His wife, Maylis has many of his works of art.

Alina
The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee

3
Interesting perspective on the lives of American expatriates living in Hong Kong.

Paula
All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker

5
Great book. Had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Didn't guess the ending at all.

Jayme
The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood

3
Though the ending is a little far-fetched I enjoyed this story about a woman who reviews her past by rereading the book that was pivotal in helping her survive a tragic event from her childhood.

Shelley K Hitt
Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance

5
Great.

Emily
More by Hakan Günday

5
Relentless in a way that you won't want to look away. You'll feel like you're apart of Gaza, the main character's life...despite eventually learning he's probably a psychopath. The plot is epic and engrossing but at the sentence level this book is unbeatable. I wish everyone could know about it but since it's a translation from Turkish most people won't hear about it.

Elizasbeth
We Could Be Beautiful by Swan Huntley

1
Author blurbs describe Swan Huntley’s WE COULD BE BEAUTIFUL as a thriller and a page-turning mystery. First, I would not call this book thrilling. As for mystery, sure, a little bit, but not until after about 200 pages describing a woman’s excesses with all her money, more than she knows what to do with. Speaking of “woman,” Catherine is 43 years old but sounds like a teenager for most of the book. When she doesn’t sound like a teenager, she sounds like a 5-year-old.

Sandy
Time Is a River by Mary Alice Monroe

5
I enjoyed this one very much!!

Donna Di Mauro
Bound by Sally Gunning

4
Historical fiction that transports you 250 years in the past and immerses you in a dramatic storyline that exposes injustice of indentured servitude...sequel to THE WIDOW'S WAR.

Marilyn
Lucky Boy by Shanthi Sekaran

5
I just finished this wonderful book! It is the perfect book for these times, telling the story of the life of an illegal immigrant and the hassles that she has to go through. A book club will have plenty to discuss about the hardships and everything else that she has to endure and whether she makes the right decision in the end I highly recommend that people read LUCKY BOY.

Lori
Because You're Mine by Colleen Coble

5
I really enjoyed this book! Read it in a day and a half! Story flowed perfectly from beginning to end, loved the mystery of it, the characters were easy to envision, and it held interest throughout the story. This was the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely be looking for more of her books!

Judy
The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood

5
Could not put this book down! The tales of women drawn together to read, but each one's life is like a book plot unfolding.

LINDA
Wind Catcher (Chosen Book 1) by Jeff and Erynn Altabef

4
I freely chose to review this ARC and was surprised by Juliet Stone's grit when faced with a prejudice for being Native American in an all white world. I found her to be quite settled and with almost adult-like thinking for being so young. I liked her defending those she loved and standing up to The Seeker who wants her to betray her people and side with him. Will she listen to her grandfather, save her mom, protect her friends as she battles The Seekers evilness?

Hedwig
The Red Sphinx: A Sequel to the Three Muskteers by Alexandre Dumas

3
First - the title is misleading - the musketeers are not in this book. Secondly, I found the translation a bit off as I do not believe that the it fits the period in some instances. You need a lot of time and patience to wade thru the characters with extremely long French names! The book was never really completed and was finished using another book called THE DOVE.

Hedwig
The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian

5
Another great book. I really like his books as they always have interesting topics and he is not stuck in writing the same book just changing the names. I have learned history and social issues from his books as they are well researched. They make you think.

Julie
Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay

4
This book is the first in a trilogy by Linwood Barclay. If you like murder mysteries that take place in a small town (in this case, Promise Falls, New York), which I do, you'll really enjoy this page-turner and want to read the entire trilogy to tie up all the ends.

Hedwig
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

4
It never fails to amaze me that no matter how much I read there is one more story from history that I have not heard of and I am a history buff. Very well written. Although I have not seen the movie I believe the book will give a better picture of the women involved. There were many more then just the three shown with the older women leading the way.

Donna
Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance

4
A well-written and powerful memoir with no sugar coating of his life and love of family growing up in poverty as a hillbilly in Appalachian Kentucky and Ohio. J. D. describes the plight of hillbillies and the hopelessness of breaking the cycle of this life. They have incredibly strong family ties regardless of how dysfunctional the family is. He was the first in his family to get a college education and pull away from that life. I have a much greater empathy for those caught in this cycle.

Anna Schechinger
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

4
Adichie's book engrossed me in a new perspective of settings both familiar and exotic- from the streets of Lagos in Nigeria to the suburbs of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Ifemelu's story begins by looking back on her time in America as an ex-pat from Nigeria; she reflects on the homeland she left behind as well as the challenges she faced coming to America as an impoverished college student. Her perspective is especially relevant today when we must push ourselves outside the boundaries of our own experiences to understand our common humanity in the face of our differences. Though not always fast-paced, this book is definitely worth the patience and time to finish it and see Ifemelu regain the love she left behind in her home country.

Brady
Filthy Rich by James Patterson and John Connolly

4
This is a true story of a man who is extremely rich and loves very young girls. His wealth has bought safety from all kinds of legal problems and even when he was sentenced to jail, it lasted only a few months and he still was able to go home or do whatever for around 14 hours every day. Justice is a joke when linked to the "star" of this book. Privilege can get you out of all kinds of nefarious activities. The book is interesting for sure.

Francisca E B
The Girl Who Played Go by Shan Sa

4
Set in Manchuria circa 1931, the novel is told in alternating points of view: a 16-year-old Chinese girl who has mastered the game of go, and a Japanese soldier in disguise who challenges her to a game. I’m glad that Shan Sa included footnotes on the Japanese and Chinese history, because my own education in this is woefully lacking. What really shines in the novel, however, is how the characters come to life. I was engrossed in their lives, and completely stunned by the ending.

LINDA
Bayou Bound by Linda Joyce

4
I freely chose to review this book as I, too, am from The Big Easy and felt at home throughout the book. I enjoyed Ms. Joyce's attention to places and the culture that made me homesick. I couldn't help but to feel sorry for Nick Tranhan when his mom left him when he was ten years old. That made him wonder why, but as a grown man he hired the best people in business to find her or to let him know where she was buried, but twice two firms struck out. Then he saves Biloxi Dutrey from a raging storm and instantly falls in love.

Jan
Hard, Hard City by Jim Fusilli

2
Reviewers wrote that this was a great mystery. It is not. It is a bit of a mystery but it is mostly about the lead character whining to himself, "Am I good enough? Did I say something wrong? When I said something wrong, was anyone hurt?" Maybe that is what the writer wanted - a complete self-analysis from a biased view. The lead character makes so many mistakes and others rescue him at the last minute. I hope this is not a spoiler -- but you should know -- just as a big brute is going to shoot him or beat him to a pulp (the brute has a gun and the good guy does not), the brute has a red spot (like blood) on his shoulder and falls on the hero. A cop friend has been following him and shoots the brute just in time. Save your time and money.

J
The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston

5
Fascinating true story of a modern search for an ancient culture based on a five hundred-year-old legend. Bestselling author Doug Preston joined a team of scientists in 2012 to explore a lost world in Honduras that had been overtaken by the rain forest, poisonous snakes, sand flies and mud holes for the last 500 years. It's fast-paced and riveting. A thrilling and powerful adventure story.

LINDA
Nothing Ventured by Jane Oldaker

4
I freely chose to review this book from an unknown author. I loved the way Molly Malone stood up for herself and built a small but successful contracting business to build a prestigious housing development. All she needed was a big wad of cash from an investigator to make her dream a reality. In an all male business Molly first had problems with them showing respect in her field, but she quickly put a team together that were almost like friends who respected her talents. I fell in love with Paul Farnsworth the moment he set eyes on Molly and hoped that he didn't confuse Molly for his deceased wife, and I was giddy with joy when their relationship grew to much more than business!

Debbie
The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly

2
I usually enjoy Michael Connelly, but I dislike the Lincoln Lawyer series after seeing the Lincoln Lawyer movie. The movie instilled a nasty, distasteful image of Mick Haller which I find difficult to shake. In this story, Haller must join forces with disbarred and imprisoned lawyer to prove his client is innocent. Along the way, the reader encounters other unsavory characters and witnesses the depths of Haller's quest to have the jury return a not guilty verdict. The book does not dwell upon graphic scenes of violence nor on crude language. Connelly delivers chapters rich in describing the sights and sounds of California, and circles the wagon with Haller's emotional issues.

Debbie
The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore

3
The book is not what I expected. The Supremes are three young school girls that narrate their lives ups and downs over four decades. The male author brilliantly captures the feelings and emotions of these three women, but the language hinges on coarseness. Does one woman stand out as the ultimate narrator or the reader's choice of favorite character? Odette seems to be the woman with the most street sense and the most compassion. Odette has the perfect husband and life until an obstacle jumps in between her and utter joy. Clarice finds that her rapture with playing the piano as opposed to being with a handsome husband. And Barbara Jean needs to find herself or sink into the abyss. Moore develops his characters with rich, colorful words.

Liz
Crane Pond by Richard Francis

4
Although I love historical fiction, the time of the Salem Witch Trials is not one of my favorite periods. But I am so happy I picked up this title and gave it a chance! To get an inside look into one of the minds of the judges and his family was very enlightening and will remain in my memory.

Stephanie
My Days with Princess Grace of Monaco by Joan Dale

5
Loved it!

Pamela
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

5
This is a Jodi at her best. She dealt with issues such as bigotry and the justice system with total authenticity. I absolutely could not put the book down. It really deserves 10 stars out of 5.

Susan
The Dry by Jane Harper

5
Excellent book - loved reading a mystery set in Australia. Learned a lot about the country while trying to solve the mystery.

Susan
Duplicity by Ingrid Thoft

5
This is the newest book in Thoft's mystery series. The setting of this book is Boston, MA and since I live in Massachusetts, I enjoy being able to picture exactly where the action is taking place. Fina, the detective, is a great character and her family life adds to the excitement of her writing.

Frank
The Sunlight Pilgrims by Jenni Fagan

4
Jenni Fagan has only written two books, but she is already one of my favorite new authors. This book, set in the near future, is about the lives and families we are born into, and the ones that we choose to live in.

Marsha
Fatal by John Lescroat

5
This is a police procedural to remember. The spur of the moment affair has long-reaching consequences such as misunderstandings, friendship splits, business problems and murder. This is a stand-alone novel from an author who writes of Dismas Hardy and his cohorts in San Francisco.

Vivian Taylor
Always by Sarah Jio

4
I loved this story about love lost/found and the decision of the primary character to stay with her fiance or go back to her old love. A truly moving and heartwarming story.

Maxine
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

4
A thoroughly enchanting story of a curmudgeon who is mourning the passing of his wife to such an extent that he wishes to join her in the afterworld. His many attempts to end his life are constantly interrupted by neighbors who need him to do him a favor. The characters are charming and delightful. I know that a book like this doesn't sound humorous but actually it is. I enjoyed every minute of it.

Dorothy
The Munich Girl by Phyllis Edgerly Ring

4
A good historical novel about Eva Braun - good for book club.

Karen
Victoria by Daisy Goodwin

4
Loved this book. I am also watching PBS Masterpiece's Victoria, screenplay also by Daisy Goodwin. Great story about Queen Victoria's younger years. If you like historical fiction you'll enjoy this book.

Marion
Echoes by Maeve Binchy

3
This book moved too slowly until near the end. It is not as good as her usual books. After I got interested, I did not like the ending.

Frances
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick

4
Such a delightful read.

Claire
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

5
Listened to the audiobook during a trip. Loved the book and gave me an insight what it means to be African American.

Heather
Never Never by James Patterson and Candice Fox

3
I was a little disappointed in NEVER NEVER. However, the ending left a wide opening for a sequel. The characters were okay; Harry Blue is definitely not Lindsey Boxer.

Vicki
The Dry by Jane Harper

4
Good read. Australian setting. Ending a surprise.

Cathy
Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough

5
A psychological thriller of two women wanting the same man.

Laura
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

5
I read this in high school - some 30 years ago - remembered really liking it. So, decided as a 40- something adult it would be interesting to listen on audiobook.

Mary
News of the World by Paulette Jiles

5
I loved the way the author creates characters of such strength and depth. She describes settings in language so real you feel you inhabit them, and the historical details she includes contribute to the feeling of reality.

Elizasbeth
The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian

4
Chris Bohjalian never disappoints. With THE SLEEPWALKER, he has again written a novel that is both plot - and character- driven, heavier on character. He gives the reader a can’t-put-it-down engaging story and examines its main characters as we, along with the narrator, try to figure out what happened to a missing wife and mother, Annalee. THE SLEEPWALKER is told from the viewpoint of Lianna, one of Annalee’s daughters, years after the incident. When Lianna’s college professor father goes to a conference for the weekend, she and her younger sister wake one morning to discover their mother is not in the house. Immediately, they (and soon most everyone else) suspect that their mother had wandered off while she was asleep.

LINDA
Bond Ambition by Gemma Halliday and Jennifer Fischetto

5
I freely chose to read this short ARC as I'm a huge fan of these authors. I loved the way Charley and Elaine, the wannabee Bond girls, took a food class that ended up in a murder on their very first night! Then the women couldn't stand by to let the police handled the case, but they decided to talk to all the women in the class and an older woman out power walked them! I am still laughing at them!

Donna
The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure

4
1942 and Paris is under German occupation. Lucien is a young up-and-coming architect with special insight when designing a building. Manet is a wealthy Frenchman who recognizes Lucien's unique design ability and hires him to design safe places for Jews to temporarily hide. Lucien and Manet put their lives on the line in this page-turning story.

Margaret
Always by Sarah Jio

4
This is a romance novel about Kailey & Cade who are in love. He suddenly disappears & Kailey is heartbroken but gets on with her life. She falls in love with Ryan and they are planning their wedding. One evening Kailey sees a homeless man & it's Cade. Later she searches for & locates him. She is determined to find out what happened since he now has a severe brain injury & can't remember. Most of the novel focuses on how she helps Cade, investigating to find out what happened, when to tell Ryan what she is doing, & how to decide which man she truly loves. The info about the homeless helps us to understand how they cope with life living in shelters & on the streets. Ms. Jio does a great job in getting inside the heads & hearts of characters.

Dorothy Flood
The Mistress by Danielle Steel

5
Natasha is the mistress of a Russian billionaire. She is spoiled and protected by him. Theo Luca is the son of a famous artist who left his wife and son with a fortune in his art work, which they refuse to sell. Theo's other has turned their home into a restaurant decorated with her husband's paintings. Natasha and her Russian go there for dinner and the Russian wants to buy a painting which is not for sale. Read on - you will enjoy.

KC Davis
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Klein

5
This is the story of Andrew Wyeth, one of America's most famous artists, and his muse. Christina Olson and her family lived on a remote farm near the coastal town of Cushing, Maine. Born around the turn of the century, she contracted a terrible fever as a very young girl that left her debilitated. Although the smartest one in her class (a one room schoolhouse), she was left with the only option to not further her studies and tend to her childhood home and help out her parents. Her brother Alvaro also stayed behind to aid his sister. This is a powerful story of family, commitment, hardship, sacrifice, loss, and love. 2017 looks promising because this is a must-read and a favorite of mine!

Georgene
The Care and Mangement of Lies by Jacqueline Winspear

5
Winspear with her meticulous research and understanding of people brings to life the residents and county of Kent, England during WW I. She knows friendship, young married love along with the yearnings and aspirations of young adults in a tumultuous period of world history.

Mary
The Girls by Emma Cline

2
I was disappointed. The characters, except for Edie, were two-dimensional. The plot did not feel logical and only Edie had an authentic voice. I could picture her being taken with Susanne, but as bright as she was, I expected her to "wise up" much sooner to the deplorable environment and characters of the ranch. I read to the end only to find out how Edie's situation would be resolved. (We knew from earlier comments that she did not participate in the crimes.) I know I'm in the minority in my opinion, but it didn't measure up to the hype.

Gladys
The Wedding Game by Christine Merrill

5
This is a delightful and well-written book. It includes a lot of plot twists and turns that intrigue the reader -- humor, sister devotion, hero competition, romantic surprises, just a lot of things. The over 300 pages will keep the reader eager to read to the end.

Tessa B C
Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman

4
This is a novel, but it is based on the real life story of Katherine Mary O’Fallon. It’s a great adventure story, love story, and pioneer story. The young couple endure several misadventures and tragedies, including wildfires, floods, and epidemics of diphtheria and influenza. It is their deep love for one another that sees them through, as well as their willingness to understand the cultural mores of the Indians and adapt to, or at least tolerate, their differences.

Judy O.
The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian

3
I guess I'd give this book a 3.5 rating. I enjoyed most of it but it got rather muddy at the end. I'm not quite sure I'm clear on how it ended. It is about a woman who disappears after a bout with sleepwalking, a problem she has had all of her life. Even her children have the gene. This is a good look at a real problem that afflicts many people.

Sandy
The Girl Before by J. P. Delaney

5
Great psychological suspense!! I couldn't put it down!!

LINDA
The Ghost Who Came in from the Cold by Nic Saint

5
I freely chose to review this ARC and I laughed throughout the story! I liked that Aime and her momager had a good relationship and that Aime's fashion label was all the rage. Once it was known that her dad never deserted her and her mom almost died as spy before Russia fell and that once Aime knew about it, she rallied to his side, but then he wanted to stay with them as a family even though he'd been dead for twenty-five years.Her beautiful flirting mom wanted him to stay buried as he cramped her style, spooking off younger men she had her sights on.

LINDA
Last Summer by Holly Chamberlin

5
I freely chose to review this book and I wish more reader's could read this! At this time, more and more children are bullied and some take their life, while others hide at home and cut themselves as it was the case with Rosie Patterson. Once her lifetime next door friend blabbed a secret about her to the high school clique girls, her life went downhill from there with teasing and insults. Meg Giroux only wanted to be in the clique and didn't how Rosie's secret flew from her mouth! To make it worse, she lost her best friend, divided their parents, and the clique girls hated her even more just because she blabbed Rosie's secret. How could she betray her best friend and what could she do to make it all go away?

Lia
Kissing the Sun by Keri Arthur

5
Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton will love this supernatural mystery based in Australia!

Elizasbeth
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

1
Although OUR SOULS AT NIGHT appears to be a quick read because it is a short book, it is not. That is, the book seems much longer than it is. Even a slow reader like me should be able to finish such a short book in less than a day. But no. I looked for excuses to put it down. The end did not come soon enough. OUR SOULS AT NIGHT has an interesting beginning. Addie proposes to her neighbor, Louis, that they keep each other company in bed at night. From there, the book continues: something happens, then something else happens, then something else happens, then something else happens, etc. It’s not much of a story.

Bonnie
Little Deaths by Emma Flint

3
Interesting character study coupled with whodunit murder mystery.

Noreen
Gray Mountain by John Grisham

4
You will be furious reading this. You'll have your eyes open about a lot of things that go on with mining. It has realistic people in it.

Catherine Coyne
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney

5
Octogenarian Lillian Boxfish takes a walk around New York City on New Year's Eve 1985 revisiting many personal landmarks and sharing her life story. Lillian is a spry and proud woman who refuses her son's pleas to move from the city she loves despite how much it has changed since her first arriving in 1926. Lillian was renowned as the highest paid woman in advertising during her career at R.H. Macy's. She was also a published poet of light verse. As Lillian makes her way around the city she reflects on her life, both the professional and the personal. Readers will greatly enjoy this stroll through NYC's distant past with this strong pioneering lady inspired by the life of Margaret Fishback.

JANE COOK
Razor Girl by Carl Hiassen

3
After his last mediocre novel, Hiassen is back in form. Enjoyable read.

Sandy
The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt

5
This was a most fascinating book about the relationship between Anderson and his mother. It was a very honest look into their life.

Helen Powers
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

4
Interesting fictional account of the lives of the very, very rich Asians and their families. Enjoyed the love story that was the main core of the story. Also, enjoyed reading about the elaborate lifestyle these people lead.

Susan
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

4
I really enjoyed this book. Kent Haruf did an excellent job of character and plot development. The plot was very believable and had me championing for the main characters. I would recommend this book to readers and to book clubs.

l
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick

4
Most of us loved this book. He writes like fiction, weaving a story of suspense even when you know the outcome.

Elaine
All the Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani

5
Fantastic book - loved every word. Quick read because you do not want to put it down.

Cammie
The Girl With All the Gifts by M. R. Carey

4
I'm not usually a fan of dystopia with creatures, but I couldn't stop reading.

Kay
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra

4
An interesting story about people's motivations that takes place during the Chechen and Russian conflict.

Marlene
Heartless by Marissa Meyer

4
This is a story of the Queen of Hearts. It tells her story and how she came to be like she was. It was good, the ending was not what I expected, but should have. All in all I liked it, and it was a really good book.

Jill
The Girl Before by J. P. Delaney

4
Fast read, hard to put down psychological thriller.

Karen
The Ambassador's Wife by Jennifer Steil

3
This was an interesting read, very timely in light of everything that is going on in the Middle East.

Lani
Dark at the Crossing by Elliot Ackerman

4
Clearly this author was experienced in the vagaries and cruelty of war. As a former Marine who did 5 tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, he produces an authenticity that makes this novel ring. So timely, it explores the push and pull of individuals wanting to fight in the Syrian war, and the human consequences affecting the Syrian expatriates. Raw, real and so human.

donna
Right Behind You by Lisa Gardner

5
Well written and suspenseful -- abusive families and foster parents ready to adopt when tragedy enters their lives. Hanging on to the end to get the final twist and secret and who is behind the murders -- I shall not tell or spoil for others.

Suzanne
Splinter the Silence by Val McDermid

5
This book started of slowly and before I even realized it, I was hooked. What a great read. Two old familiar friends, Carol Jordan and Tony Hill, are on the trail of a serial murderer that makes his victims appear like a suicide. I would invite any to enjoy if this is your genre. Full of fascinating characters, true to life, just a really good story.

Judy
The Most Dangerous Place on Earth by Lindsey Lee Johnson

5
Wonderful book dealing with multiple story arcs of high school students and a teacher. High School is indeed a very dangerous place.

Marilyn
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

5
A Russian aristocrat is sentenced to life in a luxurious hotel during Stalin's dictatorship. He is given an attic room to live in but makes it a refuge. Somehow he carves out a life of dignity and worth in his confined environment. He becomes friends with a Communist functionary's daughter and eventually raises that woman's daughter. He is elegant, considerate and becomes an employee of the hotel's famous restaurant. Interesting historical view of life in USSR in Moscow under Stalin and thereafter. Well written page-turner.

Julie
Far From True and Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay

4
These are the first two books in the Promise Falls trilogy. I am currenty reading the last book THE TWENTY-THREE. I love mysteries that take place in small towns and involve the local citizens. As I am now on the third book, I feel like these characters are old friends. Each book ends with a cliff-hanger and keeps you guessing. Can't wait to see how it all wraps up.

Wendy
The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

4
Interesting.

Sharon
After You by Jojo Moyes

4
This is the sequel to ME BEFORE YOU, which I found to be the most incredible book that I read in a long time. If you have not read it, skip this review and read the first book. If you have already read ME BEFORE YOU, you will enjoy reuniting with Louisa Clark and her crazy family. Lou is living in an apartment purchased with Will's money. She has not been able to move on after Will's death until she accidentally falls off her apartment building and is cared for by Ambulance Sam. This is clearly a book that will be continued, but it was so nice to find out what happened to Lou after the devastating end to ME BEFORE YOU.

Ruth
The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin

5
Delightful book about one of the "Little People" of the world.

MH
The Trespasser by Tana French

5
French's plots are always complex with plenty of red herrings to pull the reader deeper into the story.

Rita
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

3
The idea of a book store on a floating barge with the owner suggesting books based on your emotional state was very appealing. However, the book didn't live up to its promise and had very little to do with the book store. The book was mostly about love - the importance of love, lost love, finding love, old love, young love and every other kind of love you can think of. Some of the scenes were a bit unbelievable and the love theme became tedious. Not a book I would recommend to others.

shelley
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian

4
Searing portrait of sex trafficking with dire consequences. Well written and gripping.

Christy
A Serpent's Tooth by Craig Johnson

5
As usual, Craig Johnson delivers a another great read.

Marcia
Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler

4
I really enjoyed this story of four childhood friends and their ties to each other and their small town in Wisconsin. The diversity of their chosen careers (rock star, commodities trader, rodeo bull rider, and the farmer that stayed home) lent much to the richness of the story. The story is well written and one that keeps you reading. I recommend it.

Donna
Monticello by Sally Cabot Gunning

4
Very interesting insight into the life of Thomas Jefferson's oldest daughter, and the part she played in the life at Monticello.

Tracee
The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

5
This was a good book. She was a very interesting person in life I think. The way she looks at things is cynical with a funny twist to it. The book made me laugh and at other times it made me sad. She looks at her self, like I think many of us do, seeing the worst parts of herself, and she put it down on paper. It looked like she had somewhat of a roller coaster life and she tried to include us, her fans, into that life. She will be greatly missed.

cj
Mischling by Affinity Konar

4
Difficult book to read. It's fiction so that actually lessened the pain...but only a little. However, that being said I don't think the tragedy of the holocaust should be written by fiction. There was ample horror and pain from first-hand stories.

Sharon
Death of a Policeman by M. C. Beaton

4
Another good Hamish Macbeth mystery as Hamish's nemesis, Blair, get a new policemen to spy on Hamish in order to confirm that he does nothing and should have his police office removed in the upcoming purge. Only poor Cyrus is the victim of a madman/madwoman himself and creates another mystery for Hamish to solve. And that, of course, leads to the discovery of other situations wherein members of the police force are being held hostage to the crooks.

Matt
Books for Living by Will Schwalbe

3
This is one of the two books I received from Bookreporter.com for a review. The other was the "Monkey God" book. The only thing they shared in common is that they are non-fiction. I finished this book several weeks ago and have delayed comment because I still am not sure how I feel about it. It is not really about books but is a series of personal experiences from his life. I think he had stories to tell and then picked a book to go along with it. He does spend a lot of time on Lin Yutang's THE IMPORTANCE OF LIVING, which he brings up again in many of the chapters. The books range from very a young child's picture book to a cookbook. A word of warning, if you are homophobic you will not like this book.

Matt
Night School by Lee Child

5
If you have read any of the Jack Reacher books you do not need this review. You probably either love or hate them. When I read the first book in the series I was hooked. I thought they would appeal mainly to men but I have found as many women as men who love the series. This one departs from the usual current time period to go back to 1999 when Jack was still in the army but it is still a wild ride. If you haven't read a Reacher book, try one.

Jane
Paws for Love by Dana Mentink

5
This book is a story about Jellybean and all the people struggling with problems. His antics draw people together and bring to light many situations. The Chocolate Shop chocolates sound divine. Troubles are all through story so life experiences people deal with just like us. How God helps others help one another, "Let their light shine", is all through story. A dog no one owns but his love is unique for those he lets in. As a dog owner, Jellybean is like most dogs -they love but cannot be controlled. Misty overcomes her desire to hide to help out the town. Just the book I needed right now. It was hard to lay down. I recommend you read all Dana's books. All will uplift and encourage you.

Patricia Lewis
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

5
Devastatingly hard to read and believe this doesn't happen when it certainly can and does.

Mary
Swing Time by Zadie Smith

4
This is the story of two girls girls who grow up in public housing in London. They bond over dance despite the antagonism of their mothers. After high school their lives take very different paths. The story expands to Africa as the author explores issues of race, poverty, ethnicity and how extreme wealth can distort even the intent to do good.

Sandy
A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen

5
All cat lovers out there must read this book! I hope Bob is still alive. I will have to go online to find out.

Janet
The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner

5
An amazing story of survival. Our book club loved it and had one of our best discussions.

Sheryl E.
A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

4
A beautiful scarf connects two women who bear witness as two tragedies occur 100 years apart in New York. Both characters have to overcome survivor’s guilt, face truths in their lives, acknowledge their strengths and learn to move on. While this may not have been a perfect piece of literature, I gave the book 4 stars because the topic was one I will not forget. I did find myself caring about these women who lost loves in the Triangle Fire and 911. I also learned much about the hospital at Ellis Island. This was a book club selection and was enjoyed by most of the group.

Sheryl E.
Orphan #8 by Kim van Alkemade

3
This was a very sad and interesting story based on the truth about experiments done to children in an orphanage in the early 1920s. One of those children grows up to work in an old-age home and tends to the doctor who conducted the experiments on her. How she deals with this encounter is the main premise of the book. I found there was quite a bit of redundancy and additional stories within stories that were over-exaggerated and didn't ring true. I wish the author concentrated more on the main character without sending her clear across the country, and I would have liked a parallel story of the doctor's life prior to their meeting. My heart went out to Rachel in the beginning.

Diane
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck

2
I had read good reviews of this book but found it boring. I couldn't get interested in any of the characters. There was focus on the politics of the time, the World War II era. I passed the book along to a friend without comment, and she also did not enjoy reading it.

Susan
Mending Fences by Sherryl Woods

4
Read for a book discussion group. It was very entertaining.

Betty
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

4
Jodi Picoult's commitment to highlight issues that need to come to our attention is exemplary. This novel brings up the elephant in the courtroom -- the topic of race. An African American labor and delivery room nurse is accused of negligence in the death of a White Supremacist couple's newborn infant.

Linda
Spill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara Baume

5
Spring, summer, fall and winter. These are the seasons of our life. In the course of a year, we follow a misfit, outcast man and his companion, a rescued one-eyed dog as their lives entwine. No matter how the man tries to skirt the edges of society, instinctively knowing how different he is, he is dragged into it because his dog gets in trouble. The pair goes on the run and over the remainder of the year secrets come to light. The man realizes the dog rescued him more than the other way around. The man finally realizes what he must do to keep his secrets buried.

Michelle
I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi

5
Beautifully written book from the perspective of a mother, after she commits suicide, and her husband and teenage daughter who she tries to help from above. It's a look into motherhood, marriage and family relationships.

sue
This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel

5
I loved this book. A family trying to do the best they can as they deal with gender change. Such a hot topic and handled very well.

Sue
News of the World by Paulette Jiles

5
I've read all of her books, and this was one of my favorites. It's a fairly short book, and very well written. I loved the characters.

Jayme
The Feelgood Plan by Dalton Wong and Kate Faithfull-Williams

3
This is a good nonfiction book to read if you need that extra boost of motivation to get you through a workout slump, or if you want to read something the last week of December before you start your New Year's resolution. A lot of the information I already knew, but it is written in a gentle, more affirming tone which was nice.

Tessa B C
Emily & Einstein by Linda Francis Lee

3
Alexander “Sandy” Portman dies in a tragic accident, but comes back as an old dog, which his widow, Emily, adopts and names Einstein. Interesting premise, mediocre execution. Much of the drama was over-the-top ridiculous, including the tortured memories and soul-searching. On the plus side, it was an entertaining and quick read. I was captured by the story and enjoyed it as a kind of break from more serious reading.

Bev
No One Needs to Know by Kevin O'Brien

5
I would give this six stars if I could -- 550 pages of pure WOW!!

Karen
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue

5
A well-written debut novel about immigration, marriage, class, race, and the American Dream. This is one of the best books I've read this year by a bright new author.

Lynn W
Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan

3
Historical novel about the life of Robert Louis Stevenson. I liked it, didn't love it.

marion
A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams

2
This book held my interest, but I found the plot to be very predictable. I knew the characters would somehow get together. The young and older generations were not sympathetic. The surprise at the end was something that you knew was bound to happen, even though names were changed and situations added.

Helen
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

4
Another great story based on WWII. Kristin Hannah is always good but this book is better than most. Her talent made me feel like I was there. The descriptions were outstanding, and the women's perspective was particularly poignant and telling.

Patricia
Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton

2
Very rarely would I give a Janet Evanovich book less than 5 stars but this one deserves it.This is the first book in the Knight & Moon series. What is happening to the world's gold supply? This is a really senseless book. A very fast read and somewhat enjoyable but the characters are just plain annoying. I love the Stephanie Plum novels but will not be reading any more of this series.

Patricia
Obsession in Death by J. D. Robb

5
I love, love this In Death series. I am a bit behind in reading them due to the fact I started reading them in the middle not realizing it was a series to be read in order. I managed to find them all from the beginning in used book stores and now I can't put them down. Eve Dallas and Roarke are my favorite couple. In this book someone is obsessed with Eve and is killing anyone who has hurt or disrespected her in the past. Eve and her faithful partner, Detective Peabody, are on the hunt with the help of the ever gorgeous Roarke and his hidden talents. One of my favorites in the series so far.

Debbie
The Girl Next Door by Ruth Rendell

3
I would never have chosen to read THE GIRL NEXT DOOR, but I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. I could greatly appreciate the relationships and situations of the various older characters. Rendell introduces a group of school-aged children, and then quickly turns to sixty years later. Michael's mother disappeared right after WWII, and Michael went to live with his father's cousin. Sixty years later, the children are reunited when a pair of mismatched hands are discovered. Rendell reigns as a mystery writer supreme in England, but this story basks in relationships and the realities of getting older. The events bring laughter and tears and understanding. After completing the story, I went and telephoned my mother and stepmother.

Missie
The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle

5
My heart broke completely in two! I cried with Iris all through the book! I hoped with each page that something good was going to happen to her and everything would return to normal or to the happy lie she was living! But, oh hell no! Down the rabbit hole we go! The only thing I can say is thank God for silent alarms and hidden distress buttons. A true binge read!! Excellent! My favorite quote: "Love and sacrifice. Honesty. Trust. We see what we want to see. We gather information, use it or ignore it to shape our own beliefs, to make our own choices, to withhold love or to give it freely."

Nadine
Home Again by Kristin Hannah

4
Found a beautiful, poignant story of a love of a lifetime. The bad boy and the enduring love of his brother who both saves his life and shows him the road to redemption. We enter into the souls of incredible characters, some of whom become imprinted on our own. Kristin Hannah is superb as the captain of this so called "ship". An excellent read.

Thomas
The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly

5
Excellent read.

Michelle
Lost and Suspect by Michael Robotham

4
These are the first two books in the Joe O'Loughlin series by this author. They were both very good and I am over half way through with the third (SHATTER) in this series.

Jan
A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnay

2
As usual, this is about a family and about secrets that are discovered after a beloved mother died. The story and the character development are not as good as her earlier book, SARAH'S KEY. I rated it a 2 because some of the beautiful description of the area and the interiors of homes. All in all, go to the beach, leave this book at home.

Judy
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

5
Love the way the story unfolded in bits and pieces, all tying together the story of two families. I was torn between wanting to keep reading to find out more and not wanting it to end. Love this book.

Cheryll Powning
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

5
Loved this book from start to finish.

LINDA
Echo in Time (Echo Triology Book 1) by Lindsey Fairleigh

5
I freely chose to review an ARC of an author unknown to me and I can't wait to read the rest of the series! Ms. Fairleigh had me spellbound and rapidly reading. At the time of her birth someone stole into the nursery and marked her. Years later, Alexandra Larson was a graduate student of Archeology at the University of Washington, having visions of the future and the past that she couldn't have possibly known and thought she was going crazy. She was offered a place on a wonderful ancient dig to translate ancient languages for the next year, and it was all expenses paid! I liked the way Lex stood up to Marcus Bahur, and they butted heads often, but then when they kissed it was as if their souls united and became one.

Betty
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

4
I have read a lot of books about the Holocaust and at first I thought this one was like all the rest. But I was wrong. This book is different and definitely worth reading.

Patty
Hero of Hacksaw Ridge by Booton Herndon

5
Riveting! I couldn't go to the movies so I read it. Worth reading.

Richard N B
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins

2
Entertained as I was by the occasional wild description and laugh-out-loud moment, in general I was bored by the book. All those interludes to wax poetic about this or that philosophy seemed nothing but an attempt to distract the reader from the lack of a story. Clearly, Robbins is not the writer for me.

Robin Rabie
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

5
I have been a Jodi Picoult reader for years and this book did not disappoint. In our shaky political atmosphere, this book shined a light on just how far we haven't come. It made me question my own reactions to situations as well as my core beliefs. In my opinion, it is a must-read for everyone and brings to light those ideas and beliefs we all thought we have overcome.

Phyllis
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

4
This is a cute romance. It involves an office rivalry of epic proportions. When a job promotion becomes available, things get very heated.

Debbie
The Theatre by Marsha R. West

1
For lovers of the Harlequin Romance genre, THE THEATRE follows this genre to a cue. The story resides in the stage of hot passion and many graphic lovemaking scenes too vivid for a theatre's stage. I had not expected the book to gravitate to exclusively romance, and plundered through the story and exhaled a sigh of relief with the last page. The characters are perfect models of a hunky man and a long-legged, sexy woman. The hate shone toward homosexual men ends badly. The tired, blasé description of a Texas good-ole boy needs refinement. Kelly's bird-like cuisine screams for a bowl of ice cream smothered with hot fudge sauce. The book contained little redemption for the time spent in reading.

Robin Nyzio
The Whale: A Love Story by Mark Beauregard

5
I completely missed any reviews about this book so I was intrigued when my mom told me about it. I immediately got it and I just loved it! Historical fiction is definitely a fave of mine and this one delving into the lives of two giants of literature was absolutely the best. I want to get my group to read it so I have more people to talk about it with!

Erin Trimmer
Only Daughter by Anna Snoekstra

4
Fantastic thriller with a plot twist at the end that I never saw coming.

Liz
Somerset by Leila Meacham

5
A wonderful sweeping saga covering several decades. Several families are leaving Plantation Alley and heading, along with their slaves, to Texas. Along the way and once they are settled they are met with love, betrayal, tragedy and forgiveness. Among the concerns are the underground railway and abolition. This is a prequel to Roses, which was also an excellent story, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Leila Meacham's descriptions are superb.

LINDA
Downshift (Book 1) by Bonnie R. Paulson

4
I freely chose to review this ARC and I'm glad I read it! I liked the interaction between J. T. Thompson, a dirt biker champion with a jerk for a father. His dad only took interest in him when he saw he could profit on his son's wins and he had forced him to sign a ten year contract. In just a few weeks he'd turn twenty-seven and would be rid him. What a loser his dad was and he couldn't wait for his birthday to come. Kelsey had struggled to keep her grandmother in a nursing home, but her bank account was anemic and she would never make enough money to get her nurse practitioner degree. She had to find somewhere to stay as the elderly woman couldn't do stairs and she required 24/7 care, so how could she manage?

LaDonna
King of Heists by J. North Conway

5
An entertaining read about a man in New York in the late 1800s that committed some of the greatest bank heists in U.S. history.

Hedwig
Who Killed Piet Barol by Richard Barol

5
One of best books of the year! Looks like a banner year for books. Story set in Africa, shows how bad decisions and lies affect all around. I particularly enjoyed the Bantu mysticism/beliefs. Set in years before and during WWI, it shows again the total disregard for the true owners of Africa and how England and the rest Europe took what was not theirs to take. It was both sad and funny.

Jeri
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

5
Very very enjoyable read. A true affirmation of life and human dignity and friendship.

Donna
Miss Burma by Charmaine Craig

4
The author tells the story of her mother (Miss Burma) and her mother's parents from the 1940s to the 1960s while living in Burma. The family is Karen, a minority ethnic group that has suffered persecution for many years. After WWII, civil war breaks out in Burma and the Karen's discover they cannot trust any one. This well told story explains the decisions made by the family to survive and the after effects of these decisions. One of the resistance leaders believes that "We have to find a way to reconcile. We must find a way to get over the past."

Francisca E B
Signs and Wonders by Philip Gulley

3
Book three in the Harmony series looks at a year in the life of the Quaker community’s residents. I just love this series. Each book gives us a glimpse of all the good – and not so good – in human nature, but with the hope that the good will outweigh the bad. They are a perfect break from the stresses of life, and a reminder that there is much good in this world.

Sandy
The Pieces We Keep by Kristina McMorris

5
I usually don't care for books that go back and forth between the past and the present, but this one is an exception. I loved every page!!

Debbie
Death of a Cozy Writer by G. M. Malliet

3
I have read G. M. Malliet many times, thoroughly enjoying the Max Tudor series. DEATH OF A COZY WRITER, a St. Just mystery, lacked the zest of the Max Tudor series. Malliet brings many interesting subjects into her stories through her characters. I adore how Malliet introduces her characters at the beginning of her books, and this story has discussion questions at the end, which is always a delight. All the characters bring faults as well as strengths, and vivid sex scenes and graphic violence disappear in favor of setting and characters. Names of the characters provide great amusement as the Detective Chief Inspector is St. Just, his Sergeant is Garwin Fear, and the coroner is Dr. Malenfant. The English countryside glitters.

Thomas
Fatal by John Lescroart

5
I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was very good.

Thomas
Settle for More by Megyn Kelly

5
This was a very informative book. Well written.

Thomas
The Sting by Sandra Brown

5
The book was very good.

Thomas
Envy by Sandra Brown

4
I enjoyed reading this book very much.

Fran
Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes

3
Interesting characterization. Joe is a bit twisted but just looking for love. The twist is that he murders anyone who stands in his way. Throughout the book, I kept feeling like I was missing something. Once I was done, I found out that there is a first book, YOU, that I should have read first. Interesting but not a great book. Maybe I'd have liked this better if I read the first one.

Ilene
The Futures by Anna Pitoniak

3
Julia is a privileged girl from Boston, and Evan is from Canada on a hockey scholarship. They date exclusively at Yale for four years, and then move to New York after graduation where they move in together. Evan gets a job at a prestigious financial firm, while Julia tries to figure out what to do with herself. They grow apart because Evan is consumed by work and gets involved in a scandal. The book focuses on what they do separately with the rest of their lives. Well written.