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September 22, 2017 - October 6, 2017

This contest period's winners were Helen W., Louise G. and Sheila D., who each received a copy of DON'T LET GO by Harlan Coben and MANHATTAN BEACH by Jennifer Egan.

 

Jane
The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson

5
Have kleenex handy. At times you will need them. Amelia learns her intended has been shot down and considered dead. She had their marriage license filled out but wedding never took place. James was deployed before they could get married. James doesn't know about his son, Jimmy. Because of Jimmy, Amelia sets out to find the grandparents. From here the story grips you and you cannot lay the book down. A surprise ending makes for a Christmas blessing. Amelia and James' mom become friends. Melody's books are all hard to put down and will encourage you.

Jane
Freedom's Crossroad by Romona K. Cecil

5
Three stories. In Sweet Forever, Rosaleen Archer comes to a crossroads in her life. While she is deciding to end her life a boiler on riverboat explodes. So she decides not to end her life. Jacob, a preacher, is building a church and finds Rosaleen on the shore. Rosaleen finds acceptance in the town. There are so many crossroads in her life to face. In Everlasting Promise, Susannah meets Captain Thad Sutton when he comes to the inn she manages. He brings her last letter from her husband who died in the war. Her daughter falls in love with Thad. Susannah is afraid to get close to Thad because he works for railroad and she fears the canal will be closed thus closing the town. So many things happen.

Vivian
Lie to Me by J.T. Ellison

4
This was a taut psychological thriller-suspense read that kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end. There were so many twists and turns that I was surprised I didn't have to deal with motion sickness. Bottom line is this is a fantastic story where it's close to impossible to tell who's lying and who's telling the truth.

Ann
Windfall by Diksha Basu

4
Fun read.

Kimiko
The Color of Fear by Marcia Muller

5
The next great read in the Sharon McCone series. This one about racism (I can relate).

Gina
Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent

5
The first sentence of the book sets the tone of Oliver's viewpoint: "I expected more of a reaction the first time I hit her." Told by several characters, this book describes the rise and fall of friendship, love, and madness. I could not put it down. Think you know what is coming? Think again.

Karen
Come Sundown by Nora Roberts

4
This is a good quick read with multiple turns. A little something for everyone.

Jill
The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan

4
A charming read and enjoyed it very much. Shows true strength of women on the home front when the men have gone to war. They thought they would have to quit singing because the Vicar said without men the choir needed to end. The women formed a bond with one another, defying the Vicar and formed The Chilbury Ladies' Choir.

Gina
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware

3
This book moved a little slow for me. And I didn't really like the characters- as in I would have been okay if they were all arrested. Yet I needed to finish it.

Jeanie
The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin

5
Generated a lot of good discussion at book club. Most of us found ourselves researching the characters while we were reading, and watching biographies about Truman Capote and his Swans after finishing as well.

Mary
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

5
Popular author Jodi Picoult tackles the difficult topic of racism in this well researched, heartfelt novel. An African-American nurse is placed in an impossible position when the white father of a child in her care demands that no one "like her" touches his child. Based on an actual situation that took place in the United States, this story explores the prejudices that run below the surface of a society we would like to think is more progressive than it actually is. An eye-opener for all readers.

Elizabeth
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

2
I found this book very frustrating. I did not follow what was happening in the beginning and then had to return to earlier pages frequently to remind myself of a character's back story. There were too many characters to keep track of. Many concepts were never fully explained and the ending was very abrupt. I read TENTH OF DECEMBER- one of George Saunders short stories (and the title of a collection of his short stories)- and liked it very much, but I don't think he has made the transition to a novelist yet. I don't think his concept here works in a full length book.

Karen
Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks

4
Well written.

Wendy
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

4
Great.

Elizabeth
Enigma by Catherine Coulter

4
I enjoyed this book much more than her most recent one.

Sharron
Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde

5
A touching story of an aging woman, Bea, who finds herself scammed out of her meager savings living homeless in her van and Allie, a teenager who had everything suddenly take from her. Allie is put in foster care when her parents were taken to jail for tax evasion. After several events she ran away and jumped into Bea's van. The story of their travels is full of unexpected kindness that reaffirms your faith in people.

Nancy
The Girl From Venice by Martin Cruz Smith

3
I have loved this author ever since I read GORKY PARK years ago. I haven’t read all his books, but the ones I did had the same protagonist. This book is a complete departure, moving the action to Italy instead of Russia and plotting a love story as well as a tale of Italy in the waning days of World War II. I learned a lot of interesting history, and enjoyed the book, but I liked his Russia-based mysteries much more.

Lee
Are You Sleeping by Kathleen Barber

5
I absolutely loved this book, and thought it was smart how she incorporated the podcast into the story. I loved the characters, too. You can tell she put a lot of time into building them up and bringing out their personalities, especially the lead character. You really get an understanding of what it must be like for real people involved in real murder cases; the family members who are left behind to pick up the pieces and make some sense out of the tragic deaths of their loved ones. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from Katherine Barber!

Lois
Life Without Summer by Lynne Griffin

4
One learns that no one is exempt from difficulties in life and must find ways to cope with them. Very readable and allows one to feel compassion for those with life troubles.

CAROL
The Vengeance of Mothers by Jim Fergus

5
I loved ONE THOUSAND WHITE WOMEN and this is a worthy sequel.

Dee
Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance

3
Not as enthralling or enlightening as I had been led to believe. The author is not a naturally talented writer. Therefore, there is much repetition and awkward paragraphs.

Allison
His Last Letter by Jeane Westin

3
Interesting story about Elizabeth of England.

Betty
Oxygen by Carol Cassella

3
Novel by an anesthesiologist about an anesthesiologist who is accused of causing the death of a young girl. A pretty good-turner for anyone who enjoys medical-themed fiction.

LINDA
Vengeance of an Evil Man by Robert D. Turvil

5
Oh my, I don't EVER want to get on Oswald Bardolf's bad side! This book had more twists and turns than a game of Twister! I didn't like how Bardolf was set up to be the fall guy by a bunch of greedy men starting with Chancellor Lundetto's blackmail attempt! The author shows how a greed for money will turn any man or woman's desire to do ANYTHING for the chance to be rich. I truly enjoyed this book!!

Marilyn
Death Stalks Door County by Patricia Skalka

3
Too much murder, mayhem and foul language dotted with descriptions of Door County. I found myself skimming faster and faster! One review said it was LEAN prose and I'd say LEAN content.

Wendy
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

4
A slow-moving character driven novel, but once you get started it makes you want to read until the end.

Vivian
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

4
This historical fiction about three women in WWII was fascinating. I learned about the rabbits, which was a group polish women that the Germans operated on as experiments in a concentration camp. It was hard to read about what these women had to go through and how they struggled even after the war. Most stories that I have read until now stop when the war was over. This book highlights how our government today is in some ways not that different than it was back then.

Kay
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny

5
Another Gamache thriller!

Kelly
Final Girls by Riley Sager

5
I could not put down this book at all - I read it within two days! I was captivated by Quincy, the main character and one of the "Final Girls." She is one dynamic character in this book! I couldn't put down this book at all. I read this book within a day and I was sad when the story ended! I personally think there should be a sequel or prequel! It's a must-read!

Jud
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

4
Inaugural book of the a cozy mystery series set in Botswana. Fast, entertaining read.

Jud
The Sixth Station by Linda Stasi

4
A religious thriller which emulates the DaVinci Code with a similar plot. I finished the book in about a day because it was hard to put down.

Thomas
Hide Your Fear by Kevin O'Brien

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

Thomas
Unbelievable by Katy Tur

4
I liked the book very much. It was a very interesting book.

Lori
Need to Know by Karen Cleveland

5
After reading Carol's recommendation, I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of NEED TO KNOW. I blasted through the book in 24 hours; I couldn’t put it down. It was the most compelling book I’ve read recently. What differentiates this spy novel from others is that there were fascinating and scary ethical issues, and it was hard to imagine a good solution for the scenario. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and all the twists and turns. I look forward to reading future books by Karen Cleveland and highly recommend this one.

Jud
The Seventh Plague by James Rollins

4
Sigma Force is called into action to prevent a global catastrophe. Lots of action and a fun read.

Tessa B C
Death, Taxes and Hot Pink Leg Warmers by Diane Kelly

2
2.5 stars. This is book five in the series featuring IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway. I like that Kelly has given us the premise of a strong female heroine, but she doesn’t really deliver. I could do with fewer segues to think about what Tara and Nick might be doing in bed, and more concentration on the professional woman. In fairness, the hot-pink cover, not to mention the title, was a pretty good clue that this would be a lighter, fluffier “crime” novel. Just not my cup of tea.

Sue
The Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Hero by Timothy Egan

5
A concise biography of a currently little-known Irish revolutionary who was imprisoned by the British in Tasmania from which he escaped. Traveled to New York where he organized the Irish Brigade, became a General in the Civil War and eventually became the governor of the Montana Territory. Egan continues his engaging exploration of historical events and/or persons to add to the reader's knowledge of history.

Ivy
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins

5
Another dark mysterious ride worth staying up late to devour. A drowning, which is not the first, makes everyone a suspect for various reasons.

Emily
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

5
Crisp writing with excellent character portrayals. About a female spy ring in WWI. Be sure you clear your calendar before you start reading. Gripping from page 1 to the endYou won't be able to put it down until you finish he book.

LINDA
The Bonded: The Allseer Triology Book 1 by Kaitlyn Rouhier

4
I liked this book from the beginning and greedily read the pages as I was intrigued with the lives of the people, especially Kirheen, and can't wait to continue her story!

Linda M.
Kindred: The Graphic Novel by Octavia Butler

5
I first became aware of the book with this title when my son was in high school and it appeared on a list of books he was to choose from to read. It was not his selection, but his best friend did. Over the years, I familiarized myself with the author and saw this book title on numerous lists, but never felt compelled to put the title any higher on my TBR until I became aware of the graphic novelization. I am so glad I grabbed the chance to read it and will definitely look to read the novel. Loved it.

Linda
Neither Snow nor Rain: A History of the United States Postal Service by Devin Leonard

4
Very, very interesting. Did you know that the price of sending a letter in Ben Franklin's day was 6¢ and that was for one sheet of paper but if you wanted it to go further than 25 miles, the cost was doubled? Did you know, in the 1840s, a child was mailed from her parents house to Grandma's house 50 miles away? It was cheaper than a train ticket. That started a trend that was ultimately outlawed. A lot of interesting tidbits. I really enjoyed it.

Susan
I Let You Go by Sarah Mackintosh

4
Jenna Gray escapes to the Welsh seaside to escape incidents in here life that starts with an accident involving the hit and run accident and death of a child. This book takes several twists and turns that I did not see coming.

ILene
Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde

5
Two lovable characters, Allie, 15 years old has to go to a group home when her parents are jailed for tax fraud, and Bea, a widow in her late 70s. loses her motor home and all her money when she falls for a telephone scam, and is now penniless. She still has her husband's battered bakery truck, and takes off with her old cat and heads toward the Pacific ocean when she meets up with Allie who is running away after being threatened by other residents of the shelter. They have many good adventures and good people to meet. I loved this book along with her other wonderful book, TAKE ME WITH YOU.

LINDA
The Wing Man by Natasha Anders

5
I truly enjoyed Daisey's tale and even sympathised with her with her thoughts of being the "other one", not like her beautiful older sisters with their toned bodies and height while she was pudgy, brainy, and short. I didn't like the way she accepted others treatment of her and never stuck up for herself. At first, I was angry with Mason for agreeing to Spencer's plan to get next to Daff as he had always had a thing for her, but the Carlisle were bad boys from the wrong side of town and it was always known that they were not good enough for the McGregor sisters. I loved that Mason finally opened his eyes to see that Daisy was the only woman for him, even with their whole town sneering at them.

Bonnie
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

5
Superb novel, great writing and wonderful character development.

Bonnie
Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda

4
If you're looking for a real page-turner with a psychopathic narcissist as the main character, this is the book for you.

Elizabeth
Pines by Blake Crouch

5
PINES is definitely a nailbiter, and you'll enjoy it. But as the first of a trilogy, it will not only make you look forward to reading the next two books; it will make you feel incomplete until you do. After a secret service agent is in a car accident and regains consciousness in a small town, he can only think of returning to his wife and son in Seattle. But, for some reason, no one in the town wants him to leave, and when he tries to escape, he finds there is no way out.

Linda
The Risen by Ron Rash

4
I love the way Ron Rash writes and have enjoyed several of his books. The story of two brothers, Eugene and Bill, with a North Carolina setting and with two time periods of the present and 1969. Kudos to Rash for making the setting so clear and for his wonderful descriptions of this area. Bill is five years older than Eugene and protective of Eugene, as they have grown up without their father but with a timid mother and an overbearing grandfather. The focus of the book is on the summer of 1969 when the boys meet a teenage girl from Florida who is spending the summer with relatives. The prose reads smooth and crisp, and the storyline keeps things moving along at a good pace. This is a good book and I am still mulling it over.

Richard N B
Farewell My Lovely by Raymond Chandler

3
I came late to Chandler’s series about P.I. Philip Marlowe, but I sure am enjoying them now! The action is non-stop, and the characters so vivid they virtually jump off the page. I’ll definitely keep reading the series.

Kristen
Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Jazz Chickens by Eddie Izzard

5
Fantastic read, especially for fans of Izzard.

Rosemary
The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter

4
Kept you guessing!

Ilene
The Memory Box by Eva Lesko Natiello

5
This was a very good book with a surprising and unforgettable ending. Caroline Thompson is a suburban housewife with husband Andy and young daughters Lilly and Tess. Her life seems pretty ordinary until she discovers some disturbing information when she Googles herself. She has no memory of past events but becomes obsessed with finding the truth. Just when you think you have it figured out, you don't. I recommend this book very highly and look forward to more books by Ms. Natiello.

Sheryl
Second Acts by Teri Emory

4
This is a great read about three women who all met in college in New York during the seventies. They remained best friends all through marriages, children and everything in between. Ms. Emory does an excellent job of breaking the book down into different sections that gave each woman a chance to narrate that particular chapter of her life. I found this book to be very well written and the characters are well developed as was the storyline. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of contemporary fiction.

Sheryl
Fool Me Once by Catherine Bybee

2
This is the first novel in Ms. Bybee's "First Wives Club" series. I've not read her "Weekday Bride" series but I believe this is a spinoff of that series which is very popular. I wasn't lost regarding the concept of the Alliance as it was broken down for the first time reader. A very wealthy woman and a sharp divorce attorney came up with the Alliance in which they would match a powerful, rich man with the perfect wife who is under contract to be his wife in name only for a certain amount of time and then when marriage dissolves the "contract wife" walks away with a small fortune. I found the series to be really interesting and I'm looking forward to the next book.

Brady
Dean Martin: King of the Road by Michael Freedland

4
A good compendium of a performer's life that had poor beginnings and a wealth of life forming inspirations at the end. A man who was an enigma to most, but loved my most. A private person as a homebody, but a big celebrity who reveled in the attention.

WALTER
Scythe by Neal Shusterman

2
Although I like the idea behind this book, the execution really wasn't that great. I think one of the reasons is because of the setting itself. In a near-perfect world, what is there really left to do? Shusterman was at a disadvantage from the very beginning. The greatest takeaway from this book also happens to be the setting. Imagine living in a world ruled by a infinitely powerful artificial intelligence that serves humanity. I personally think this is what the collective human race should be aiming for - the anti-apocalypse. Honestly, this book is okay for passing time, but I don't recommend this if you have a list of other books to read first

WALTER
Home by Nightfall by Charles Finch

4
I've enjoyed other of Finch's Lenox mysteries more. An inordinate amount of time is spent in the countryside in terms of where the intriguing mystery lies (at least to my taste). Yet it is the time in the country and the mystery there that gives the novel all of its nostalgic character, an element I prize in this series. The motivating mystery gets short shrift, frankly. Perhaps it could be so easily solved that, in effect, Finch decided the story within the story had to come into being to create a novel-length book. It feels a little like that.

WALTER
Gold Fame Citrus by Claire Vaye Watkins

3
While the apocalyptic drought scenario feels a little too potentially real, this was a tough read and the characters had few redeeming qualities to really make you care for them.

WALTER
The Kept Woman by Karin Slaughter

5
Karin Slaughter is a great author. Truly, you don't need to know more than that. Just read everything she writes and you will not be disappointed. She's been one of my favorites forever. This one is edge of your seat, can't put it down, must keep reading even if it's 3 a.m. material.

WALTER
Arsenic with Austen by Katherine Bolger Hyde

4
I am baffled by the reviewers, Publisher's Weekly and individuals on Amazon, who are put off by the portrayal of the negative characters; the exaggerated portrayal of their natures is very Austen-esque - as is the emphasis on romance that was obviously written to parallel PERSUASION. I think the key to enjoying this series fully is being a lover of BOTH cozy mysteries and the classic authors that will be stylized in this series. Appreciating a romance doesn't hurt.

WALTER
Testimony by Scott Turow

2
Divorce should have been the title. I didn't count, but I'd bet more than half the pages of the book deal with introspection about divorce - before, during and lots about after. Since books tells us most about the author, I'd have to guess that Mr. Turow was going through a divorce during the production of this book. His discourse on the topic did nothing to enhance or enliven his story. As expected, Mr. Turow is a pleasant writer. The mystery had the potential to be quite good, but when you spend the last 20 pages of so explaining it to the reader, you have seriously missed the mark.

WALTER
Power Play by Joseph Finder

3
Expected "Die Hard". Got lots of talk instead. Endless talk. I'm a big Joe Finder fan and this ranks low in his oeuvre. Read PARANOIA or KILLER INSTINCT instead.

WALTER
Open Season by C. J. Box

3
Great book.

WALTER
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

3
This was a wonderful telling of a tale of innocence, loss, and being embraced by others who gave protection and love unconditionally. The characters were interesting and the coming-of-age and recognition was tender. Wonderful adventure.

WALTER
Modern Lovers by Emma Straub

3
I enjoyed this book and ended up giving it only 3 stars instead of 4, solely because of the light subject matter. It was an entertaining read and the characters were for the most part very likable. There were enough twists along the way to hold the readers interest,and love at all ages was well portrayed. Things were all wrapped up nicely at the end.

WALTER
My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

3
I am giving this book three stars which designates "okay". I have read all of Strout`s work and enjoyed them all but was blown away by OLIVE KITTERIDGE and THE BURGESS BOYS. The prose is so well done and is in this book, too. However, the plot is quite depressing and I found it confusing as well. When I sat down to read this book, I expected greatness or at least a very good story, but it was just okay, if that.

Heather
Something Like Happy by Eva Woods

5
Luck was on my side when I won this book on Bookreporter.com. Although not a member of the thriller genre, which I’m drawn to, I enjoyed this book just as much as one filled with suspense. Written in short chapters so you can grab tissues when you need to, this book was part poignant, part funny, and all about relationships. Relationships with friends, relatives, and in business. I highly recommend it for its humor, sometimes sadness, but also, but also for the hopefulness it generates.

Linda M.
Reading with Patrick: A Teacher, a Student, and a Life-Changing Friendship by Michelle Kuo

3
The story of a first generation Taiwanese American who, after graduating from Harvard, decides to volunteer with Teach for America. First her parents don't understand this decision. Secondly, she gets assigned to a last-chance high school in Helena, Arkansas. The school has students who are the poorest, least attendant, and worst students who will probably, eventually fall through the cracks. Kuo's relationship with Patrick starts then, but spans much in both of their lives. The book ends when Patrick is the age that the author was when they met. Along the lines of other books that allow us to read about a part of America many of us do not experience.

Francisca E B
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

3
One snowy December evening A. J. Fikry finds that someone has left a baby between the shelves in his bookstore. This is a fable about second chances and the redemptive power of love. It’s a somewhat quiet story as novels go, but it is full of the drama of every day existence. I loved all the literary references.

Angie
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

5
I picked up THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS primarily because of the stunning cover, but it absolutely turned out to be beautiful and compelling inside as well. I could not put this book down! I loved the Walsh-Adams family - my heart broke for their struggles. This was thought-provoking, heartfelt, and inspiring, and undoubtedly one of my favorite 2017 reads.

Shirley
The Salt Line by Holly Goddard Jones

3
Near-future post-apocalyptic fiction has more appeal to me all the time, especially as well-written as this one. Here the reason for the change in the world is novel and interesting, but I am giving it 3 stars because the author does not really stick to that premise but instead falls back on hackneyed concepts of conspiracy. Nonetheless, you want to know what happens next to these characters and it begs for a sequel, which I will read if she writes one.

Sheryl
Divinely Yours by Karin Gillespie

5
This is an adorable book about a greeter in Heaven who falls in love with a man whom she has a chance encounter with. Ms. Gillespie has a wonderful imagination - this book is such a treat. It's a light romantic comedy that has something for everyone.

Thomas
The Breakdown by B. A. Paris

5
It was a very good book. I liked it very much.

Joan
Camino Island by John Grisham

3
This was an interesting premise about stolen first edition manuscripts, but it wasn't my favorite Grisham book by any means. The story was too convoluted and the characters were not completely believable, and lastly I was very disappointed in the ending. The main character was a writer suffering from writers block as she is working under cover to help solve the mystery. Give me a break -- Grisham truly lost me on this story.

Anita
Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig

5
This was a wonderfully-written book, told from the voice of an autistic teenager named Ginny Moon. She has been adopted by her "forever" parents. However, for some reason she still wants to get back to her birth mother who was abusive. She keeps asking about her baby doll. Everyone thinks she misses her doll and offers to buy another, but she insists on trying to look for her other one, left behind.

Debbie
Desert Flowers by Paul Pen

4
Wow, what a secret this family is hiding! The story starts out with the day to day life of Rose and Elmer and their four daughters, all named after flowers. They seem to be a normal family other than the fact they live in the middle of nowhere. When a stranger happens upon their land one day, they treat him with kindness and allow him to spend the night. His ever increasing questions, however, have them considering their choice. Was it a mistake to let the stranger into their household? Oh yeah, this secret was a jaw dropping one. I did not see it coming, at all.

Debbie
Are You Sleeping by Kathleen Barber

4
I loved this book! Josie has made huge strides to let go of her family and her past. However, it all comes back to bite her in the butt when a blogger decides to do a podcast about the murder of her father a decade ago. This brings everything back to the surface and Josie has to put herself back into the family again. Unfortunately, Caleb, her live-in boyfriend, thinks her parents died in a car crash and she is an only child. The secrets that come out when Josie has to attend her mother's funeral are dark and jaw dropping. I sped through this book and enjoyed it very much. Huge thanks to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Debbie
Shadow Girl by Gerry Schmitt

4
This was my second book by Gerry Schmitt and I am definitely looking forward to the third. As a matter of fact, I can't wait! This book starts out with a helicopter being shot out of the air with a missile. The helicopter was bringing a new heart to the CEO of Diamond Shopping Network. He was all set to receive it. Well, that didn't happen. But it started this book off with a bang, literally.

Nadine
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

5
This story takes place from pre-WWII England through the blitz to the ‘60s and beyond. It explores longings and dreams and the unexpected consequences they sometimes bring. It is the secret history of three strangers from vastly different worlds - Dorothy, Vivien and Jimmy - whose lives are forever entwined.

norene
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

5
Light years ahead of its time.

Annette
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

3
A lot of people really liked this book but it wasn't a favorite of mine. I did enjoy the story of Marie- Laure.

Kimiko
Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton

5
A nice read about a ten year old murder. Set in the late 80s, using the technology of the time (you can really see where the description of "gumshoe" is so appropriate here). I will be sad after she finishes the alphabet.

LINDA
Lakeshore Secrets: The McAdams Sisters Book 1 by Shannyn Leah

5
I fell in love with Kate and Marc's story while I loathe Marc's dad for his callousness and dirty power over Kate! I rapidly read Book One and got to the end before I was ready, but now I'm anxious to continue the series.

Ilene
A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock

4
I was lucky to win A FINE IMITATION from Read it Forward and loved every minute reading it. Vera Bellington and Bea Stillman meet up at Vassar college in the early part of the 1900s and become great friends, although Vera comes with a pedigree and beauty and is easily swayed by Bea who has less going for her. A great historical fiction that teaches us about the times then and living through the first World War.

Michelle
Ordinary Light by Tracy K. Smith

2
I understand this was a memoir but I struggled with this book. I am not sure if it was the large age difference between her and her siblings but I started and stopped this book three times. I was disappointed in her relationship choices and pray she now has a healthy relationship with her husband since she is now a parent.

Annmarie
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

5
This wonderful story of survival and resiliency will remind you of what is most important in life and what doesn't matter at all.

Cheryl
SeQuence: The Heart of the Ocean, Book 1 by Lorraine M. L. M

5
This book shocked me. I don't usually like fantasy books, but this is now one of my favorite books of all time. I would say top 5, with #1 being JANE EYRE. This story took my breath away. Romance at its best, just captivating. Every chapter left me wanting more. I never want this story to end. This should definitely be a movie. Lorraine M. L. M creates a wonderful world of adventure and romance. G rated. The author's writing is superb. I recommend this story for any teen or adult. I can't wait to get the next book in the series. A standing ovation for the author.

Sheryl
Depth of Lies by E.C. Diskin

5
Wow, what a fantastic mystery! Talk about secrets and lies, this one will keep you guessing until the end. A group of neighbors who have been the best of friends for over twenty years are rocked to their core when one of the wives, Shea, dies mysteriously. The police ruled her death as an accidental but her close friends aren't buying it. This novel kept me up all night because I was just as obsessed as her friends were trying to solve this puzzle myself. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a great mystery as I do.

Shelley
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

5
Loved this read. It is a quick, easy read. You can't help but fall in love with Ove. As the novel progresses and you learn Ove's back story you gain an understanding of why Ove is such a curmudgeon. You want to keep reading so you can learn more about Ove's past, and how his life is interwoven with the other characters in the story.

Peggy
The Baker's Secret by Stephen P. Kiernan

5
I loved this book! I usually listen to audiobooks so I can still get my work done and this is the first book I have read in a long time. It was hard to put down! I loved Emma! The book takes us to a small village in Normandy during WWII. We follow Emma, her family, and the village as they live under the restraints of German occupation. The village citizens work together to stay alive and to help each other. Such a great book! Emma is a very strong female character that you can't help but sympathize with and fall in love with. She is someone you would love to have had in your village during WWII. Emma's strength and subtle resistance to the Germans was amazing. Emma knew how to be subversive and still stay alive.

Peggy
The Curiosity by Stephen P. Kiernan

3
I listened to this book because I loved his book THE BAKER'S SECRET. Although the narration was very good, it took me a while to get into the story, because I didn't know if I was going to like the content. There were some characters like the reporter that really got under may skin but I stuck with it and I am glad I did. Amidst all the selfishness, I was so touched by the humanity of the story. I don't want to say too much and spoil the book for anyone.

Peggy
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

1
Now this is a book I did not read much about before I put it on hold because I love everything Lincoln. Boy was I wrong. It was nothing like I thought it was going to be. Even though other people like it, I did not! I found it too vulgar and harsh.

Gina
No Place I'd Rather Be by Cathy Lamb

4
This is a story about many generations of strong women. Not that their lives are perfect but they have the tools to overcome. I loved the story and especially the characters! Definitely some of the more quirky people I have ever met! If I was an editor I would have made some small tweaks but overall a very satisfying read.

Elizabeth
The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell

4
Everyone knows that a well-written book about an animal will make you cry or at least come darned close to it. And THE PENGUIN LESSONS is that good. That's fair warning. Tom, an adventurous young man who grew up in the English countryside, has secured a job as a teacher in Argentina. He spends his breaks traveling as much of South America as he can afford. It is during one such break in Uruguay that he comes across hundreds of dead penguins on a beach. They had been victims of an oil spill. But, wait, did he see one of the penguins making small movements? He comes closer. Yes. He picks up the penguin, decides to clean it up, and there begins his story of Juan Salvador, his pet penguin.

Lynn W
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue

3
Well written, but skimmed large sections of descriptions near the end.

Judy O.
The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman

5
Nine-year-old Lily Blackwood has spent all of her life in an attic room, never able to go out of it or able to interact with anyone but her parents. One day in 1931 her mother comes to get her and takes her to a nearby circus, where Lily was sold into bondage This is the story of her circus life, where she makes a name for herself because of her unusual skills with the elephants there. This was a fascinating book, and I learned a lot about circus life in general. It had a ending that was unexpected but somewhat satisfying.

LINDA
Dragon's Awakening (Dragon Prophecy Chronicles) by Kassandra Knight

5
Oh my goodness, I loved this story and it intrigued me from the very first chapter! Shia, a priestess of the order, found a naked man in a huge crater in the forest and he's injured. I liked that she tried to heal him with her magical powers. I loved that Ammarok tried to protect the woman who healed him and he couldn't explain why his inner dragon wanted to claim a human, but his brother had tricked him and used poison on his claws to claim their kingdom once their father died. I read the story so fast that it ended before I was ready to see,"THE END"

Elizabeth
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

5
Fabulous. I had heard about Georgia Tann and her baby selling, but this book brings it to life.

Karen
Haunted by James Patterson

4
Mystery that kept my attention til the end.

Marilyn
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

5
I felt that I learned a lot about being black in America from reading this book. I see some things very differently now.

Debbie
Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple

3
Finally---a woman who thinks and acts like me. Eleanor, a highly intelligent and creative woman, has been reduced to a life as a mother amid all the trivial happenings of each day. Eleanor spends her days taking classes and interacting with her son, Timby, and her dog, Yoyo. Then chaos strikes and the whole day goes haywire. As Eleanor struggles through this one day, she reminisces on her family, her jobs, and her unfinished graphic novel. Maria Semple paints a truthful look at a woman balancing work, family, and home, but whose dreams exceed her grasp. As an animal lover, the forgetfulness of Yoyo leaves me speechless. But as Eleanor fights her dragons while lugging Timby, Joe, her husband, plunges into a foray alone.

Debbie
The Grave's a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley

3
I jumped into Alan Bradley’s series set in England in the 1950s with the first book. I adore Flavia and her two sisters and many of the minor characters, but Alan Bradley has infused too much chemistry into the story. The earlier books described Flavia’s laboratory and her fascination with poison, but this monstrous motif has ruined many a good story. Of course, Flavia dotes on death. Do you remember her experiments with her dead mother? I have missed a few books of the series due to deciding never to read another Flavia mystery, but fate bombarded my resolve, and I just finished THE GRAVE'S A FINE AND PRIVATE PLACE. The opening chapter presents many changes in the family. Alan Bradley walks into the mind and language of Flavia.

Debbie
Wrong Side of the Paw by Laurie Cass

2
Market a book as a cat mystery and I will jump at the chance to slink to a cozy place and curl up with the book. This series falls into a lovely shore in Michigan at the beginning of fall. Assistant director and librarian Minnie and her frisky cat, Eddie, win the hearts of the small community with her pleasing manner and her winning personality, but when murder strikes, Minnie is all business. I have not read the previous novels in this series, but I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Laurie Cass follows all the set formulas to present a story rich in the importance of a library. The characters fall a little flat, but a cozy mystery omits psychology and emotions of the killer. The story mentions a little food, no big discussion of food nor fashion.

Marilyn
Whiskey & Charlie by Annabel Smith

5
A wonderful read. Two young men who became separated by anger and confusion, only to find themselves needing each other so much. Couldn't put it down. Made me want to call a friend I haven't spoken to in a very long time.

LINDA
Sugar Creek by Toni Blake

5
I fell in love with Rachel and Mike's story that was similar to the Hatfields and the McCoy's bitter feud. I loved the gutsy Rachel who returned to help her granny. I liked Mike from the beginning when he pulled over Rachel when she was speeding and laughed when she tried to wiggle out of a ticket! This is my first time reading this author and it will certainly not be my last!

Connie
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

4
A very thought-provoking and interesting novel about an older woman and her developing relationship with a neighbor and how the troubles in her own family affect the relationship with this neighbor. A very different look at the older population.

Linda
The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls

5
Excellent listen. Was surprised to look at it just now and discover it was narrated by the author. Great job. So far, I've read everything Walls has written. I see (or hear) no reason to change that. More or less a surprise ending, but I knew SOMETHING was going to happen. Seems to be slightly autobiographical - dysfunctional mother - but I really enjoyed it.

Diana
The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Frontier Landscapes that Inspired the Little House Books by Marta McDowell

5
I think I woke my husband up with my squealing like a fangirl when I saw that I was approved for this book. I have loved Laura Ingalls Wilder's books for years and am always thrilled when something new comes out about her, though much of it is about things I have already learned about her. I grew up reading the Little House books, especially with my family coming from one of Missouri's neighbors. Laura was definitely one of their better-known daughters, though her life took her through many states and territories in the US. Since this year is the 150th anniversary of her birth and with the success of "Pioneer Girl," I was hoping for some new nonfiction books to be released. I believe this one is a great addition to the library.

Christine
The Fireman by Joe Hill

4
It's not really a horror story, but it's strange and very unnerving in places. The characters do draw you in, and it's a very absorbing novel.

Tessa B C
We Are Called to Rise by Laura McBride

4
McBride’s debut novel tells the story of four different people whose lives intersect as the result of one split-second choice. The novel is told by each of these four characters in turn. I was immediately drawn into their personal stories. McBride does a great job of writing these characters, making them real to the reader. I thought the ending was a little too contrived, but that was really my only complaint. I look forward to reading her next book.

Sharon
A Distant View of Everything: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel by Alexander McCall Smith

3
Isabel Dalhousie and husband Jamie have a new son, Magnus. But Charlie, now four, doesn't think much of his brother and would like to leave him at the hospital, among other means of disposal. Isabel, the philosopher, has her usual conundrums with submissions to The Review. She continues to work occasionally for her niece, Cat, at the delicatessen where she tries to soften her co-workers' jealousies and, in this book, encounters her long-ago classmate who asks her to help out with a delicate situation resulting from friend Bea's proclivity toward matchmaking. I would have rated this higher, but I became very tired of Isabel's constant pondering of all the ramifications of any action of her own or the other characters involved in the book.

Bonnie
The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett

3
I guess I'm just not a big fan of fantasy/sci-fi. I found it tedious.

Marcia
The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman

4
I enjoyed this story of Lilly and Julia. Lilly is an albino whose mother sells her to the circus in 1931. Twenty years later, Julia is left her parents' estate and uncovers a very strange mystery. Who was Lilly, of whom her father has hidden circus posters? I won't give the details away, but I found the book fascinating.

Jeffrey
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

5
An oldie (and a longie) but a goodie. Comfort food for the mind.

Ilene
The Driver by Hart Hanson

5
This was a fun book to read. Mike Skellig is a decorated veteran of the war in Afghanistan and now owns a small limo service. He has three unique employees who served with him. Tinkertoy, a six-foot-tall reclusive black woman, does the maintenance; Ripple, a double amputee, is the dispatcher; and Lucky, another driver, was Mike's interpreter in Afghanistan. Mike interrupts a murder attempt on celebrity skateboarder Bismarck Avila and becomes his personal driver for protection against dangerous underworld characters because of hidden ill-gotten gains. The limo characters are very likable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Trude
House of Shadows by Nicola Cornick

5
Part historical, part contemporary, part romance, part mystery. Three women are connected over four centuries. Absolutely one of the best books I've read this year!

Linda
Sugar Creek: A Destiny Novel by Toni Blake

5
I fell in love with Rachel and Mike's story, which was similar to the Hatfields and the McCoys' bitter feud. I loved the gutsy Rachel, who returned to help her granny. I liked Mike from the beginning when he pulled over Rachel when she was speeding, and I laughed when she tried to wiggle out of a ticket! This is my first time reading this author and certainly will not be my last!

Nancy
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille

5
I’ve been a DeMille fan ever since I read THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER. It’s been a long wait since his last book, but it's worth it. This story is about Mac, a former decorated soldier who is now a charter fisherman in Key West. He agrees to go to Cuba supposedly for a fishing tournament, but it's really to recover hidden treasure. I lived in Florida for 20 years and knew the settings, which made the book extra enjoyable for me.

Muriel
Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham

5
I like the colorful character lawyer Sebastian Rudd, who definitely is his own person and does things his way. I also liked the way Grisham ties together the stories of several of Rudd's clients. I found the book to be an enjoyable read.

Terri
Seeing Red by Sandra Brown

5
Her best book yet. A TV journalist was saved as a child from a hotel bombing. Now 25 years later, she is looking for an interview of a lifetime with the man, know as the Major, who saved her life. Unable to get access to the man, she enlists the help of his estranged son to arrange a meeting. After the interview has finished, the journalist excuses herself for a moment, and the Major is critically shot. She escapes from the gunmen who are now looking for her. With the help of the Major's son, the hunt is on for who shot him and why they are after her. A terrific read with at least three surprises before the ending. And what would a Sandra Brown book be without at least one torrid lovemaking chapter?

Kathy
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

5
Two brothers from India choose very different paths for their lives after school, and one brother's choice affects his other brother's life forever.

S
Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of Food, Love, and Manic Depression by David Leite

4
David Leite wrote this memoir about his life living with what is eventually self-diagnosed as bi-polar disorder and his search for love. There are several laugh-out-loud stories. He honestly writes of all aspects of his life, but readers of his food blog might find it a bit light on that aspect. It is pleasingly free of political and religious agendas.

Jill
The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon

5
Suburban neighborhood secrets, two 10-year-old girls searching for God, a woman who inexplicably disappears one day, a misfit resident thought to be a pedophile, and a "vigilante" group of neighbors all come together and causes all hell to break loose during the torrid summer summer of 1976. The author's words sing on the page. I knew all the characters very well by the story's end. This was a book I didn't want to see end, and one I plan on re-reading quite soon, which I almost never do. It's *that* good!!! Do yourself a favor and read this ASAP! You're in for a real treat, but savor it slowly. You won't regret reading the book this way as the story will last longer.

Jayme
Crimes Against a Book Club by Kathy Cooperman

2
Have you ever been on a vacation at a beach house or a cabin, and you have finished your book and need something else to read? That is what this book is --- a book that someone left behind because it was OK, but not worthy of the car ride home. Overall the book was mean-spirited and humorless, but I still wanted to see how it ended, thus the two stars.

Jayme
The Christmas Town by Donna VanLiere

2
I love Christmas stories and am addicted to the Hallmark station in December, so this story seemed like a no-brainier. I liked the idea of the story --- a woman who spent most of her childhood in foster care searching for a Christmas family --- but the problem that I had was there were too many characters and not enough depth to really get to know why they were in the story. They ended up being just names on a page with a one-line bio. It's really too bad because the story had a lot of potential.

Judy
Holy Island: A DCI Ryan Mystery by LJ Ross

4
Ryan is certainly not in a place in time to find the murderer of a young girl, but his training and instincts take over. On the way to solving the crime, he meets and falls in love with a lovely former resident of his island community and together they find the answers to the mysterious murders. I like this so much that I went on to read SYCAMORE GAP, the second book in the Ryan mystery series. If you like mysteries, then you will like this author.

Nadine
The Lake House by Kate Morton

5
Kate Morton has written another masterpiece. Her characters are so believable, you immediately feel close and are eager to find out what has happened. I like trying to figure out what has occurred only to find myself wrong at the end. Everyone should read this book.

Lynn W
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan

4
You were all right. This is the best book of the year --- so far --- and right up there with THE NIGHTINGALE for best WWII book. I will be recommending it to every one of my reading friends.

Lynn W
The River: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

3
Stephen Grant is ex-Navy SEAL and CIA agent. Even though he's now a pastor, his past life keeps coming back and his old skill set is needed to put away the bad guys. I liked this book better than the previous three: less theology, more intricate plotting, and better emotional thinking.

Gerry
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips

5
I read the last 50 pages with my heart in my throat. I loved the writing, the characters and the story. This is a great exploration of what a mother will do to protect her son.

Gerry
My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent

3
I hesitate to recommend this book, which is one of the most brutal and heartrending books I've read. But beyond the language and the violence is a compelling story of human resilience and a young girl's will to survive against horrific odds. The author's ability to portray raw emotion and the inner life of a severely abused child is impressive.

Gerry
In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner

5
Beautifully written with vivid imagery, IN THE SHADOW OF THE BANYAN is the story of Cambodia under the rule of the Khmer Rouge, told in the voice of a young girl. Forced from their home in Phnom Penh, her family was relocated again and again, enduring brutality and starvation in forced labor camps. The story is based on the author's actual experience; she was five years old when the formerly marginal guerrilla group stormed into the capital and declared a new government, a new way of life for all. The book was written, in the author's words, "to give voice to...the memories of all those silenced." Highly recommended!

Marsha
Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton

4
It's good to spend time with Kinsey Millhone again. One villain returns from a previous book and presents a real danger to Kinsey. Her present case involves events that happened a decade ago. I love the blending of the past and present facts to unravel the mystery. The only thing I didn't like was the increased use of bad language, which is not Grafton's usual style.

Cynthia
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

5
A private jet carrying 11 people plunges into the ocean. Every character has a history. Odd coincidences preceded this tragedy. Was it just an accident?

Noreen
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

2
I know it won all sorts of awards, but I didn't care for it. I didn't care what happened to the main character or most others either. It did give historical background of the war, but I saw it all on the nightly news. It gives lessons in torture too.

Betty
Death Wears a Mask: An Amory Ames Mystery by Ashley Weaver

4
This second book in the Amory Ames series is a lighthearted mystery with a setting in the 1930s world of the British society elite. Great descriptions of clothes and sharply defined characters make this a fun read.

Donna
MatchUp by Lee Child and others

4
I enjoyed these short stories by a variety of authors paired together. It was interesting how authors paired their characters together.

Kathy
Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House by Alyssa Mastromonaco

4
Interesting information on working in the White House as a woman and with a very powerful job

Donna
Down a Dark Road by Linda Castillo

5
Castillo's books about a small town police captain set in Amish Country in Ohio always draw me in. Beginning with SWORN TO SILENCE, every book in this series is so well written, although there is a lot of violence. She's fast becoming one of my favorite authors.

Kay
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

4
A Pulitzer Prize winner about the golden days of NYC.

Helen
Red Swan by P T Deutermann

5
One of his best. Not a navel battle (which I love) but a full-blown CIA conspiracy novel (which I usually hate). I loved this book. The main character was outstanding, and the female character was also very well done. I won't divulge the plot, but it is a "honey trap" and just outstanding. Well-written and edge-of-the-seat suspense.

Diana
So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came to Be and Why It Endures by Maureen Corrigan

5
Maureen Corrigan , a literature teacher at Georgetown University, gives us an analysis of F. Scott Fitzgerald and THE GREAT GATSBY. It is well-researched and readable. I learned a lot about the man and the book.

Louise
Unsub by Meg Gardiner

5
A heart-racing thriller to the end.

Chris
Clean: A Mindspace Investigations Novel by Alex Hughes

4
I enjoyed this book immensely --- good characters and a happy ending. The good guys and gals almost get beat and beaten, but still manage to pull a cliched rabbit out of the hat.

Sherrie
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

5
The best book I have read this year! This is a beautifully written story of a man under house arrest at a luxury hotel in Moscow. The characters are alive and wonderfully developed. Many of the places and people are true from history. Simply the best!

Sheryl
Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery Series: Novellas 1-3 by Anna Celeste Burke

4
This is a cute trio of cozy mysteries featuring Georgie Shaw. Georgie is a middle-aged woman who works at a theme park in Southern California, a lot like the one that features a mouse, but this one features a cat. I found this series to be light and very entertaining. Ms. Burke has a great way of telling a story, and she'll have you laughing out loud.

Sheryl
A Tale of Two Kitties: A Magical Cats Mystery, Book 9 by Sofie Kelly

5
This was the first book in this series that I've read, and I fell in love with it. Kathleen Paulson, a librarian who owns two special cats, Hercules and Owen. The cats are from the same litter, yet they each have their own special gifts. I found this to be such a cute series that I'm going to start from the beginning. It's not corny in any way; it's a feel-good series. I highly recommend this series to any cozy mystery reader.

Sheila
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

5
I loved this book. Trevor Noah is a brilliant storyteller with a great ear for dialogue. The story of growing up in Apartheid and post-Apartheid South Africa, it is part memoir, part history lesson, and is sometimes hilarious, sometimes touching and always enlightening. I highly recommend the audio version, as Noah has a marvelous gift for accents and dialects.

Debbie
Working Stiff: A Mattie Winston Mystery by Annelise Ryan

3
I felt like I ran into a more sophisticated Stephanie Plum with all the eating and mishaps by Mattie Winston. Mattie, a nurse, has joined the medical examiner's team, and the adventures Mattie encounters remind me of Janet Evanovich's writing. Wisconsin replaces New Jersey, and the medical profession replaces bounty hunting in this hilarious series. Annelise Ryan saunters into the autopsy lab with ease and utilizes expertise in resolving a murder. I love the small kitten, Rubbish, and would love to catch and hug him. Of course, that euphoria could extend to Detective Steve Hurley. This story does not fall 100% into a cozy mystery, but it's also not a hardcore thriller.

Ilene
Salvation of a Saint: A Detective Galileo Novel by Keigo Higashino

5
What a great mystery. After a husband tells his wife he wants a divorce, he is found poisoned. The wife was hundreds of miles away when it happened. We meet other suspects, and there are so many twists and turns. How did this happen? You won't believe the end. I didn't.

Donna
The Address by Fiona Davis

4
Family history, drama, betrayal and love take place in The Dakota, a luxury hotel in NYC. The story flips back and forth from the 1880s to the 1980s. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Patricia
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

5
My kind of story --- family relationships, psychological questions about the reasons behind why people do strange things, an unexpected ending, with a few tears at the end. This is a lovely book set in Australia at an interesting period of time. The characters are compelling. It left me feeling very satisfied.

Francisca E B
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

3
I definitely see why this is on its way to becoming a classic. Heller’s story of one unit fighting in Italy during WWII could easily be updated to today and still ring true in many respects. It’s funny, irreverent and disturbing. Still, satire is not my favorite genre. I appreciate it, but don’t necessarily like it.

Eleanor
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

5
I loved that every character had their say in this book.

Elizabeth
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance

4
The reason fiction is often preferable to nonfiction is that nonfiction tends to read like a textbook. Not so with HILLBILLY ELEGY, J.D. Vance’s own story of his life as and among Appalachian hillbillies and his analysis of the hillbilly culture. Vance has already received so much praise for this book, so it seems unnecessary to heap on more. But I am. Even though HILLBILLY ELEGY isn’t like a textbook, you’ll learn from it and take something away from it. In my case, this book contributes to my understanding of some of the people around me.

Becky
LaRose by Louise Erdrich

3
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t sustain an interest in these characters or their story. Perhaps it was the jumps from past to present, present to indigenous tale or family to family, I just didn’t care. The whole premise of giving away a child (and then taking him back, sort of) just didn’t seem believable. Emmaline never really seemed to be a “real” person, just a non-entity. LaRose was too good to be true. Nola was too submerged in grief to be interesting. Maggie was my favorite character and the most believable. I couldn’t understand why anyone would believe anything Romeo said. I have read other books by Erdrich and liked them. This one was just a disappointment.

Becky
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

5
Although long (perhaps a bit too long), this tale of brothers holds your attention. When an Italian nun, woefully unprepared for a mission in Africa, turns up at a medical mission in Ethiopia, she is welcomed because of her skill with patients and her ability to serve as nurse to a highly skilled but disconnected surgeon. After she gives birth unexpectedly to twin boys, the story switches to the boys, raised at the mission, and the “family” at the mission that raises them to adulthood. World War II and the civil war that later divides Ethiopia into political factions serve as the background for this fascinating tale of medicine, natives, doctors, politicians and family.

Jan
The Perfect Girl by Gilly Macmillan

5
Gilly Macmillan has done it again. If anything, this book may be better than her debut (WHAT SHE KNEW). A young prodigy makes an awful mistake one night and pays for it. She was wrongfully convicted because the victim's sister and friends told outrageous lies at her trial. The book is about Zoe's second chance family that her mother has created --- a new and wealthy husband who likes to have a child prodigy around. The author uses a literary style that is very expository, as each chapter is told from a different person's view so the reader learns much more about the characters and their thoughts and feelings. Macmillan writes a fast-paced book that has an explosive ending.

Linda
Say Yes to the Death: A Debutante Dropout Mystery by Susan McBride

5
WOW!! What a mystery!!! I'd always adored Ms. McBride's books, and SAY YES TO THE DEATH had me rapidly reading as I followed wannabe detective Andrea Kendricks' task to clear Millie of murder as there was no way the kindhearted baker could be guilty. I laughed so hard at Andrea's mom's compulsion to get her daughter out of trouble and into a proper wedding.

Susan
The Book that Matters Most by Ann Hood

5
I loved this book! All the accounts of the books that were discussed in the group --- in the book --- and how they related to the main character's life were so well written. I really loved the ending!

Linda
Alien Warrior's Wife: Brion Brides, Book 2 by Vi Vioxley

5
Wow, how could a short story have readers so intrigued and rapidly reading? Brion people are chosen for their skills --- some healers, some warriors, etc. Urenya had only met the man she was to be bound to as his mate only once, but then he died in battle. No one would tell her anything about the man she'd seen only once, so why should she grieve for him? I loved both Urenya and Narath from the very first! Both tried to fight their attraction to each other as Urenya tended to his leg wound, but it took the chance of losing her as his enemy dragged her away to kick in to know how fighting for more than his country meant.

Dianne
The Taste of Air by Gail Cleare

5
This book was an enjoyable read from start to finish. It is a story about love, regrets and secrets, and revolves around a mother and her two daughters. The author writes beautifully, and the characters are believable, multi-dimensional people. I loved the title of the book, and found it interesting how the author incorporated the title into the story. I wanted to keep turning the pages until I finally reached the ending. This was the first book I read by this author, and I was not disappointed.

Marsha
Secrets of the Tulip Sisters by Susan Mallery

5
Another interesting story from Susan Mallery. I love the changing relationship between the two sisters, and boy do the secrets pile up. There are little secrets and big life-changing ones. This novel keeps your attention until the end and affirms the joy of having a faithful sister.

Marsha
Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber

5
This is now my favorite Debbie Macomber book. Shay will do anything to rescue her brother, and she pays a terrible price for that devotion. I love how the story follows her fresh start after prison and the people who come alongside to help her. Especially interesting is Pastor Drew, who is working on his own fresh start. An encouraging and uplifting novel.

Marsha
Map of the Heart by Susan Wiggs

5
I loved everything about this book. I love historical fiction, especially when set in WWII. As a former French teacher, I love being reminded of the time I spent in France, and I love watching fascinating characters unravel a decades-old mystery. This is beautiful story about family and the importance of doing the right thing.

Linda
It Happened in Vegas by Amy Ruttan

5
I am so mad at myself after looking for this book for so long only to find it at the bottom of my bookcase! I fell in love with Dr. Jennifer Mills, the so-called "black sheep" in her family because she hated anything to do with politics. No matter that she became a doctor while her sister embraced their dad's lifestyle --- she was never good enough in her dad's eyes. I found myself wanting to smack Nick Rousseau and at the same time hug him. He felt guilty for causing his brother to be in a wheelchair.

Linda
Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay

5
Well, this is my first Roxane Gay. It won't be my last. She is a strong, confident voice, even though many of the essays in this book said otherwise. I'm eager to read her fiction.

Donna
The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich

5
A murder story and a memoir are combined in this book. The author is a lawyer who becomes intrigued with the history and story of a young man who murders a six-year-old boy. As a child, the author had been repeatedly molested by her grandfather and became the family secret. She is faced with the dilemma of whether or not she could rule against the death penalty of a child molester and murderer. Every story has a beginning and an ending --- it's the middle that tells the story.

Shirley
Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda

5
I received this book two days ago and finished it today. I absolutely could not put it down. This is the best book I have read in a long, long time. Thank you so much for making it available for me to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the first book by Rouda that I have read, and I am headed for my bookstore and library to look for others she has written. This book was so dramatic and page by page brought new insight. I loved it!

Donna
The River at Night by Erica Ferencik

4
Wow, what a ride. Four friends enjoy taking an annual trip together. This trip was to be an adventure of a lifetime, totally different from anything they had ever done: a whitewater rafting trip in the wilds of Maine. I won't say anything further for fear of being a spoiler. This is a tense story and a difficult book to put down.

Donna
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

4
Addie and Louis live in the same neighborhood of a small town, but don't know each other well. They are both in their 70s and are quite lonely as their children live out of the state. Addie approaches Louis with the idea that he come sleep with her nightly and talk without any strings attached. He accepts the idea, and they become good friends, telling their life stories and enjoying life. Their children do not approve and make demands.

Donna
Perfume River by Robert Olen Butler

4
This book was a little challenging for me to read until I got in the flow of the writing. This is the story of a dysfunctional family that eventually becomes estranged when the Vietnam War enters into their lives. Robert, the oldest son, attempts to win his father's love and joins the military but in a non-combative position. Jim, his brother, leaves home and moves to Canada. Neither son pleases his father. This is a fine story of family, their memories and relationships.

Donna
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

5
Laura is a writer for a travel magazine and is offered an assignment of a lifetime, something she could only dream about: the maiden trip on a luxury, boutique cruise ship through the fjords of Norway. Everything is marvelous until she sees a body that's been thrown overboard. She attempts to discover who is missing on the ship, and then her nightmare begins. This story is frightening and keeps you in suspense until the last page.

Donna
Choose Your Own Adulthood: A Small Book about the Small Choices that Make the Biggest Difference by Hal Runkel

5
A small and mighty book for people of all ages, though written for high school and college students. The lessons are short, and easy to read and understand. Though I'm in my 80s and have already made my choices, I felt validated. I will pass this book on to my grandchildren (high school and college age), as well as my great-nieces (high school) and others.

Sheryl
Mary Jane's Ghost: The Legacy of a Murder in Small Town America by Ted Gregory

4
This is a very interesting account of a double murder that happened in Oregon, Illinois, during the summer of 1948. In 2003, Ted Gregory, a journalist working for the Chicago Tribune, receives a letter from Mike Arians, who was seeking help in solving this murder/mystery of these two young lovers. Mr. Gregory finds himself almost as obsessed as Mr. Arians in trying to figure out what really happened that June night in 1948. This book has a lot of little-known historical facts regarding the state of Illinois that I found very interesting, plus a journalistic account of the slow death of the dying printed newspaper.

Tessa B C
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

4
This is a coming-of-age novel featuring 15-year-old Charlie, who tells the story via letters he writes to an unnamed friend. I like YA fiction like this. Charlie is very real. He is a great observer of teenage and family life. As he describes events and how he reacts to them, he gives the reader a pretty accurate view of high-school dynamics. This is Chbosky’s debut novel. I hope he writes another novel; I would definitely read it.

Elizabeth
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

3
I haven’t seen the movie based on BROOKLYN. How can they do it unless they rewrite the screenplay? BROOKLYN starts in Ireland. Eilis is a young lady with no job prospects or male companionship. She moves to America (Brooklyn, specifically) when she is assured that her job prospects there, at least, will be better. What I just said in two sentences, Colm Tóibín says slowly in more than 50 pages. Then he tells us about Eilis’ simple life working and going to school in Brooklyn. That’s the problem. Although BROOKLYN is well written, not much happens in it. And what does happen is slow and so-whatish. There’s nothing here that makes you anxious to turn the pages, not even the love interest.

Linda
Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America by Jack Barsky

4
Really interesting story of a man who grew up in East Germany, was recruited by the former Soviet Union, and lived in the U.S. as a spy. He was "discovered" long after he quit working, after he stopped believing in the Communist form of government and after he'd moved from being atheist to agnostic to...

Linda
Misadventures of a City Girl by Meredith Wild and Chelle Bliss

5
A former SEAL with PTSD issues, Luke Dawson moved to a mountain cabin to live simply and away from people. Recently divorced from her cheating movie star husband, Madison Atwood has come to a mountainous retreat to get away from gossip mags and finally relax. He likes solitude and she likes the big city lights of Los Angeles. Two different people fall in love and wonder if they can make it work. Hot sex between the mountain man and the makeup artist.

Linda
Hard Rules by Lisa Renee Jones

3
Shane Brandon and his brother Derek are fighting for control of Brandon Enterprises. Shane meets and is fascinated by Emily Stevens, a girl he bumped into at a coffee shop. Emily has secrets and Shane is determined to find out who she is and what she is hiding. Good story but I felt a little more background information would have helped. The book seemed to skip something.

Linda
Do Not Disturb by Mary Billiter

4
A cute story where a part-time file clerk/secretary learns that the corporate office has plans to eliminate overtime for part-time employees to keep costs down and pad their year-end bonuses. Katy Flanagan knows this is not right as many employees, including her, depend on the overtime pay to cover the costs of medical care and tuition that are covered for full-time employees. The resort has just received its five-star rating and news of this sort would be detrimental to its image. Katy and Chris Bogart, her love interest, help stage protests. I totally enjoyed this book.

Linda
Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

5
After Sierra Jones was beaten and raped, she left Michigan and headed to her brother Cal in Colorado. Cal had always been her hero and she knew she could count on him. In Colorado, Sierra’s life has turned around completely. She has been sober for a year and has found a man she can love and trust. Conrad is a firefighter and in love with Sierra and vows to protect her. But now the stalker has returned and has her terrified. When Sierra looks in her rearview mirror and sees a man close behind her on a deserted road, she knows it is her stalker. She has to use her wits and not become a victim again.

Linda
Why Earls Fall in Love by Manda Collins

5
Dominic, the Earl of Coniston, has come to Bath to check on his aunt’s new companion to ensure she is not taking advantage of the elderly woman. Georgina Mowbray has taken a position as companion to Lady Russell, a wealthy eccentric living in Bath. He is reassured when he sees her devotion to his aunt. They fall in love but she feels she is beneath him on the social scale. When threats are made against Georgie, Dominic comes to her rescue.

Linda
Nothing Like a Duke by Jane Ashford

4
Lord Robert Gresham was intrigued by the intelligence of Miss Flora Jennings and they loved to argue academic points back and forth with each other. At a house party, another young lady professes her interest in Robert but he is solely interested in Flora. They have to get the young lady interested in someone else. A cute love story.

Linda
Never Romance a Rake by Liz Carlyle

4
Kieran Neville never wanted to inherit a title but did upon the death of his brother. Now known as Baron Rothewell, he spends his nights drinking and gambling. During a card game with the Comte de Valigny, he wins the game and the Comte’s daughter. As a rule of the game, he is to marry her and split her inheritance with the Comte. Camille Marchand falls in love with Kieran but he is haunted by demons which are driving him to slowly kill himself by drink. She is determined to save the man she loves and thinks he loves her.

Linda
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle

5
Tristan Talbot is a good-looking rogue who fascinates Lady Phaedra Northampton. She wants to turn her nose up at him but, like most women, she is drawn to Tristan. Phae is trying to find a woman who was last seen at a house of ill repute and asks Tristan for his help. He gives it for a night of pleasure with Phae. Their one night together turns into many and mutual attraction turns serious. He asks her to marry him and is stunned by her refusal. He realizes he loves her and has never had these feelings for any woman before. He is determined to get her to change her mind and has a plan. Hopefully it will work. Great love story.

Linda
The Intern's Handbook by Shane Kuhn

3
John Lago is an assassin who is hired to kill crooked executives by disguising himself as an intern. He is on his last assignment and has to find which of the three attorneys are selling the lists of names from the FBI’s Witness Protection to the highest bidder. Lago gets himself hired on as an intern. He meets Alice, a young woman who recently was promoted to an associate at the firm, and they hit it off. He thinks she can help him get close to one of the attorneys but finds out she is an FBI agent who has been assigned to find him and bring him down. Their relationship deepens and he falls in love with her. He just wants to end his job as assassin and live a normal life. But is it possible? A different kind of story.

Linda
Illegal Contact by Santino Hassell

3
A tough pro football player is sidelined when he gets abusive toward another driver and pulls him out of his car and hits him. He is sidelined for the season and going crazy with inactivity. He hires a personal assistant to help him as he is not allowed off of his property. The assistant is gay and the football player is bi and they fall in love. He faces the potential loss of his job if he comes out of the closet but realizes he is happy for the first time in his life and doesn’t want to lose his love. If he loses his job, so be it. I won a free copy in exchange for my review.

Linda
Murder Games by James Patterson and Howard Roughan

4
As the author of a book on criminal behavior, Dr. Dylan Reinhardt is asked to assist NYPD Detective Elizabeth Needham with a murder case where the murderer leaves a playing card behind. Dylan thought it was the killer's clue as to who the next victim will be. They work together to find a common denominator for the victims but come up empty. Then another murder occurs in an upscale hotel and the room service waiter took a photo of the dead couple and posted it online. There is no way the murders by The Dealer can be kept quiet any longer. A great who-done-it!

Mona
Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

4
Dessen's books have been on my to-read list for ages. Although I have heard good things about her work and even own some, somehow I never read one. So when I got the opportunity to read an advance copy of her latest, I jumped at the chance. The title refers to an accessory worn by Sydney, the narrator. She is the younger of two siblings and both idolizes and lives in the shadow of her brother. Peyton is somewhat of a golden boy until his antics escalate, and he's eventually sentenced to prison. Sydney's and her parents' lives are turned upside down as a result.

Mona
The Memory Thief by Emily Colin

2
The premise of this book intrigued me. As I started reading, I discovered that each chapter is written from a different character's perspective. This is a style utilized by some of my favorite authors, and I like it because it enables the reader to really get to know the characters. The settings, situations, interactions between the characters, and the characters themselves are true to life. The language is readable. The witty, humorous dialogue provides welcome comic relief. Her descriptions are vivid, and her metaphors are apt.

Mona
Pop Goes the Weasel: A Detective Helen Grace Thriller by M. J. Arlidge

5
I liked the unpredictability. The plot twists and turns and the culprit remained a mystery to me until the story neared its conclusion. Although I would have preferred an alternate ending, it was realistic and satisfying. I had assumed that, because the protagonist was female, the author was too. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was wrong. Also, I appreciated that the setting was a foreign country because it gave me a glimpse into an unfamiliar culture. The varying perspectives greatly helped in character development. I enjoyed the back stories and the relationship dynamics.

Mona
Devil's Lake by Aaron Paul Lazar

5
The novel opens with Portia in a stolen pick-up truck as she is making her escape. I was hooked from the first line. The language is very readable. The descriptions are just vivid enough without being over the top. The dialogue and voice were authentic and realistic. I like that the story is told from alternating viewpoints because it helps with character development. The major characters are introduced early on, so I got a sense of their appearances, personalities, relationships and dynamic.