This contest period's winners were Amber K., Anna R. and Judy R., who each received a copy of IN THE MIDST OF WINTER by Isabel Allende and TWO KINDS OF TRUTH: A Bosch Novel by Michael Connelly.
Ann
Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson
Great read.
Dorothy
A Cup of Tea by Amy Ephron
Takes place in NYC 1917. A tale of a socialite, husband, soldier and the girlfriend. Author is descriptive of the time period. There is author discussion and reader questions for book club discussion.
nancy
Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand
Loved reading the conclusion of the family's story!
Anna
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This book tells the story of two sisters in WWII. Before reading this book, I had no idea how WWII impacted the lives of the women in France. The risk those in the Resistance took was incredible. My book group discussed this book this week and we couldn't imagine the hardships those women endured. Ordinary women did their bit to save the lives of Jewish children. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time, and I read a lot!!
susan
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
First time reading this author. Great story taking place in Shaker Heights, Ohio near Cleveland. The perfect town is less than perfect.
Donna
Mr. Midnight by Allan Leverone
Cait and Milo are twins that had been given up for adoption at birth as it wasn't safe for them to be raised together. They both possess the unusual gift of having visions. Cait is the good twin who always helped people. Milo is the evil twin who was a sadistic killer without a conscience. This book is chillingly graphic in detail of the terror Milo creates. It was truly a page-turner.
LINDA
Fake Marriage with the CEO by Amanda Horton
What a great story that I couldn't put down! I felt bad for Miranda who was homeless at one time until her friend saved her. Now in New York, her only goal was to open a restaurant/soup kitchen. They only thing that stopped her was her savings were not enough and in order to get a loan she had to to find guarantor. I loved that billionaire, Wolfe Hawkins, took care of his mom even though he thought Bruce Simpson convinced his mom to marry him so that he could get her shares of his father's legacy that he managed to almost put the company into bankruptcy. In order to stop her from doing it was he needed to find a fake wife!
Susan
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Our book club loved this book! It paralleled two different women from two different wars. It shines a light on female espionage and relationships. Very importantly, it compared and contrasted how each war was a different time which impacted decisions made. It prompted a lot of discussion.
Karen
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
A great read and perfect for book clubs!
Wendy
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
My book club picked this for our October read. I had never read anything by Bohjalian before but based upon how much I liked this book I think I'll be checking out more of his books. The plot involves the Armenian genocide committed by the Turkish Empire during the First World War. I had heard a bit about this genocide but had no idea of the extent, nor that Turkey was allied with the Germans during that war. Ironically it was a pair of German photographers that brought the horrors of the genocide to the attention of the western world, and part of the plot deals with how their pictures made it from Syria to the U.S.A. There is also a stirring romance and a modern plot line to flesh out the book.
Ruth
The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry
Not like ordinary beach reads. Excellent writing.
Debbie
Murder Wears Mittens by Sally Goldenbaum
I thoroughly enjoy the Seaside Knitters Society series withal the food, great friendship, and lovely community values. I would love to go to Nell and Ben's Friday night get-together. The weather and the sea play important roles in each story. The characters present all ages and levels of society. Goldenbaum shows the pitfalls of life such as drug addiction and greed, so all is not rosy. The knitting draws the reader into plans to knit for causes and for special events. Cass and her bountiful fishing show that the fishing life remains a factor in many seaside towns. The story centers on women and has men circling this feminine perimeter and acting as helpmates.
Cheryl
The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott
This book is a tribute to an order or nuns who hold a loving position in a family's history.
Debbie
Pupcakes by Annie England Noblin
Let me state that I am a cat lover, and barely tolerate dogs. But who can help falling in love with an older pug named Teddy Roosevelt? Many stories deal with women in bad relationships or in the process of leaving a cheating husband. What is going on with these unfaithful men? Brydie Benson divorces her cheating husband and moves into a home that belongs to a lady now living in a retirement center. Brydie must cohabitate the house with the old lady's dog, Teddy Roosevelt. The story begins in fall and escalates to Christmas and all the wonderful and magical events that happen at Christmas. Life displays ups and downs, and a golden future enters very seldom.
Beth
The Best American Short Stories of 2013 by Elizabeth Strout, editor
I liked almost all the stories.
norene
Notorious RBG by Shana Knizhnik and Irin Carmon
Really enjoyed it.
Sue
Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger
Clearly written murder mystery set in northern Minnesota. First in the 16 volume Cork O'Conner series. Truly spellbinding. Good character development with no one innocent of personal deficits. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Tiffany
On Writing by Stephen King
This was a really excellent book, not just as a guide for writing but as a story on King's journey to become a writer as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the autobiographical portion of the story which really set the tone for the second portion which was specifically about writing. His process, what worked for him, significant changes he made to ensure that his work fit in with his family life. And you can tell that King thinks he’s the luckiest guy in the world to have the career does, as well as the family he does. The portion that is specifically on writing is thought-provoking, written in a conversational way as though you were having a chat with an immensely talented but close friend. The insights given into his writing process ring true.
Fran
I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
I did enjoy this book. A good mystery that kept the pages turning. Great twist at the end.
Jill
When We Were Worthy by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
Worthy is a small town in Georgia and its people live for their high school football games. The team is doing well this year. A tragic accident claiming the lives of three cheerleaders rocks the town and many town secrets emerge in its aftermath as the police try and figure out what happened. The story is told from the perspectives of one of the dead cheerleaders' mother, the mother of the boy accused of the accident, and another cheerleader who was supposed with the others and was not. What exactly happened that night and how do the townspeople cope afterwards is the story's thrust. How steep a price are the people willing to pay for blindly worshipping their town football players and ignoring what happens behind the scenes? Good read.
Gina
Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale
I wonderful love story - but with a twist. A great mystery filled with passion. A totally unexpected joy to read!
Patty
The Proving by Beverly Lewis
This is the best Amish book I have ever read and I read a lot. Great story.
Janet
Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan
A great read! Saga of a large Irish clan.
Allison
His Last Letter by Jeane Westin
Great story about Elizabeth I of England.
Donna
The Dry by Jane Harper
Interesting book about the murder of a family on a drought-stricken farm in Australia. I did not see the ending coming.
Andra
The Moon in the Palace by Weina Dai Randel
THE MOON IN THE PALACE is Book One in the Empress of Bright Moon duology. It is the story of a young girl who wants to become the Empress of China, which is a great honor. Book 1 deals with Mei's determination when upon her father's passing the family loses everything because there is no son to inherit, to gain a position in the Emperor's palace as a means to save her mother and family. This book follows Mei's journey. Aided by her book knowledge but made difficult by lack of knowledge of the traditions of woman in the palace, she navigates the court intrigue and alliances to gain the notice of the Emperor and the man he is. Having no knowledge of Ancient China I found this book enlightening. I highly recommend it.
LINDA
What Happens in Tortola by Bobby Hutchinson
My, what a story and one most females think of having! The author introduced us to a thirty-two year old family attorney who was always cautious after her failed marriage. Madison Mitchell went on a ten day vacation to forget about men, but a sexy NYPD cop didn't allow her to slip under his radar! I loved that Ben Flores went after Madison and although she said that she was too old for him, age is just a number.
Lana
The Russian Revolution: A New History by Sean McMeekin
Was a somewhat difficult read because of the large number of involved individuals and the Russian names. But is invaluable in understanding the Revolution whose effects still resonate today.
Lana
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and Birth of the FBI by David Grann
Excellent writing of events that had been buried for almost a century. I read in one day. The killers disregard for their Indian victims was truly disturbing.
Jean
The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
The second book in the series, this is another can't-put-it-down complex thriller set in Sweden. Sometimes it is hard to keep track of who is who as some characters have similar names. And I was amused by how much coffee everyone drinks!
Lana
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J. D. Vance
Best book I have read this year. Although I came from a stable home (both mother and father present and caring) I was able to identify with much of the circumstance in the author’s life. I, too, was thankful for my strong, tough granny. Everyone in America, all races and ethnicities, should read this book along with books on black, American Indian, and immigrant experiences.
Jud
Killing Orders by Sara Paretsky
KILLING ORDERS by Sara Paretsky is one of the early entries in the award-winning V.I Warshawski series. Paretsky is an accomplished author, with 2 Gold Daggers and a Silver Dagger on her resume. Warshawski is one of my favorite literary sleuths and certainly one of fiction’s best female sleuths, in a world dominated in by males. She is tough and pragmatic. This book is an early example of Paretsky’s talent in a series that gets better with each new book. I highly recommend this book and give it 3 stars.
Nadine
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school. He's starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But he tries to convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances.
Lois
Underground Airlines by Ben H. Winters
I loved this book. I rarely read science fiction, but this book had so many historical situations that it was entirely up my alley. Unfortunately, history repeats itself in various forms and I see slavery as a recurring theme. It is a little frightening.
LEE
The Japanese Lover by Isabele Allende
Alma goes to work for an aunt and uncle in a San Francisco mansion. Here she meets the family gardener's son. They have a love affair which they must hide. Many decades later Alma goes to live in a nursing home and the story of her secret love affair is discovered by her grandson.
Kay
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
A look at love in NYC in an era gone by.
Karen
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille
Liked the description of Cuba plus the relationship that developed between Sara and Mac.
Sherry
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
This book was very interesting in that it is told from point of view of a dog. If not in a book I would not have read this book as I am not an animal lover. But, it was good, thought-provoking and held my interest.
Shirley
Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda
I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down! Just when you think you know what will happen - believe me you don't!
Sherry
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
An interesting factual book about Frank Lloyd Wright and his affair with a married woman. Very
informative, eye-opening and giving different perspective on the famous architect and his life.
Jan
If the Creek Don't Rise by Leah Weiss
I was born in Appalachia. This is a book about Appalachia. I do not know if others will like it but I recognized all the characters. The mean old women, the rough young men who drink corn (illegal alcohol that they made), earnest folks who have some education and try to make the place better, old women who have the touch - know all the herbs and potions to heal or harm, folks who converse with the birds and dogs and cats, and the people who just disappear. Most of all are the women who are beaten, brow-beaten and weary from doing so much work and never having a chance for a better life. I loved this book, because it portrays the hills and mountain folk of Appalachia accurately. This is a superb novel. I hope for more from this author.
LINDA
Amarna, Book 1 by Grea Alexander
What a unique way to tell a story. Normally I don't read this genre, but I was captivated with Ida, a slave girl to the queen, and how she fell into one nightmare after the other for loving her childhood friend. Book 2 should be very interesting!
Pam
I Will Always Write Back by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda
Inspiring true story about Caitlin, a young American girl, who learns about the power of giving and kindness when she helps her pen pal, Martin, who lives in impoverished Zimbabwe - changing his life as well as her own.
Ruth
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Amazing book about little-known wartime glory.
James
Bears in the Streets by Lisa Dickey
This book is a memoir/travelogue by a journalist who has traveled across Russia three times - every ten years - starting in 1995. She visits the same families and sees how they have changed between visits. I did not appreciate the vastness of the Russian Federation. Her journey in 2015 starts in Vladivostok and ends in Saint Petersburg. While the books describes her journey, it also describes her personal reaction to the changes in the people, herself and Russia since the last visit. The most surprising fact for me was the universal love the Russians have for Vladimir Putin. This love borders on adoration. One of the women she visited had a "shrine" to Putin in her dining room. Very enlightening.
Judy
Tell The Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
While this is a YA style book, the story of two sisters, their uncle, his live in friend, and the coming of AIDS to a family is a good read. June follows her heart after the loss of her favorite uncle, her sister finds solace with acting in South Pacific and a painting of the girls is central to the story. Discoveries about life fill this book with interesting twists and turns.
Sheryl
Cold as Ice (The Country Club Murders #6) by Julie Mulhern
This is the best series! If you like a quirky cozy set in the 70s this one you just can't pass up. I love all the references to things that were popular back in the mid-seventies. Ellison Russell seems to be a body magnet, she has an awful habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She's done it again this time, twice! The witty dialog and her pretentious friends will have you laughing out loud. Ellison isn't pretentious at all even though she was just born into the Country Club set. It's her mental barbs at these people that keep you on your toes. Ms. Mulhern has a terrific sense of humor - this is fast becoming one of my favorite series.
Rebecca
The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation’s Largest Home by Denise Kiernan
I visited Biltmore as a child (around 8-ish I think) and I can still remember the sweeping, breathtaking majesty of this "house" over twenty years older. Denise Kiernan's THE LAST CASTLE captures the great history of Biltmore and those who built, lived in, and loved it. While I had vague ideas about the Vanderbilts and their lives before reading this book, I hadn't really thought much about the economic, social, and environmental impact they had on the Ashville area in the building and maintaining of the home and surrounding area. Kiernan wrote a fascinating and detailed account of an American architectural treasure that will be great for readers of historical nonfiction and biographies.
Donna
Good Me, Bad Me by Ali Land
Milly is 15 years old when she finally reports to the police that her mother is a serial killer. Milly is placed in the home of her psychiatrist while awaiting the trial. She wants to stay in the home permanently, but things aren't going as smoothly as it would appear. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Bonnie
The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld
Dark mystery about a woman who finds missing children and her backstory.
Bonnie
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede
Wonderful non-fiction about the people of Gander, Newfoundland and how they welcomed stranded plane passengers to their small community on 9/11. Restores your faith in humanity.
Jane
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
Quick-moving story of a young Italian boy, who as part of the Resistance during WWII. As the war winds down it is feared that the Germans will send him to the doomed Russian front. Instead, he becomes a driver for a high-ranking SS officer and spies for the Allies. A real nail-biter, this is based on a true story.
Elizabeth
The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian
Chris Bohjalian's THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT is a riveting literary thriller. That is an understatement. It's the best kind of book: the kind you can't put down so you put off doing anything else, including sleeping. The main character, Cassandra, is the flight attendant. She sleeps around with strange men, and she is a raging alcoholic. She disgusts even herself. But that isn't enough to make her stop. As a result, she wakes up one morning with a dead man. And her problems keep escalating daily from there. Although Cassandra is an unsympathetic character, she does redeem herself in my eyes. She cares for cats in an animal shelter every chance she gets. Besides that, she watches reruns of "The Big Bang Theory."
Tessa B C
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri
Lahiri’s lyrical writing is what elevates this work to four stars. I hardly know what to make of these VERY unhappy characters. My heart aches for them, and at the same time I want to slap them upside the head to wake them up to the damage they are causing one another. I wish this was a selection for my F2F book club; I really want to talk about this work.
Francisca E B
The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende
This is a sweeping love story that spans decades. Told in alternating time frames, and with alternating points of view, the story unfolds as Irina and Seth discover tidbits of information about Alma’s past. The title alone is a pretty clear indication of what is to come in the novel, and yet I was fascinated to learn the details.
Jan
Norwegian by Night by Derek B. Miller
A young woman of the world who has married a Norwegian man is concerned about her only living relative, her grandfather, Sheldon. He lives alone in New York and sometimes talks to his dead friends. The granddaughter persuades him to move to Norway with her and her new husband by telling him she is pregnant and assuring him that he will want to know his great-grandchild. Sheldon moves into a bedroom of her home and by the second week hears a violent argument going on upstairs. Was Sheldon really a file clerk during the Korean war as he told his family or was he a sniper, killing soldiers in Korea? Can he save the boy? Will he suffer because he is a Jew as Jews suffered in Norway during World War II? A great read.
Amber
Beast: The Beginning (Hate Story, #1) by Mary Catherine Gebhard
Not my typical read, but I was so engrossed in thus story. I couldn't predict what was going to happen next. Every time I thought I had it, wham, totally shocked. I totally loved it and will definetely be reading the next book.
Rosa
Sleeping in the Ground by Peter Robinson
Oh, this book was such a pleasure to read. Peter Robinson's writing is so smart. And so lyrical, even though the subject matter is murder. This is the 24th installment in the Inspector Banks series, and Robinson continues to develop the character of Alan Banks. Here Banks and his team investigate the tragedy of a mass murder at a wedding. The case is solved quite simply and easily, but the team has its doubts that the story is that simple. This is a great procedural novel that takes the reader on the search along with the investigators. I really need to go back and read this series from book one.
Lyn
Bring Her Home by David Bell
For me this is the best David Bell book to date. I really liked the different spin that he put on the book and the many plot twists. The characters were very interesting and constantly surprised me. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad when it was over.
Marcia
A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
Another outstanding book from my favorite author!
Donna
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
I’ve read some psychological thrillers that have left me in awe. This book is the most tricky and twisted book I’ve ever read. A couple of times I’ve had to stop and re-read what I’ve just read. The lies continue to mount to the very end and left me stunned. I couldn’t put the book down and read it in one day.
Nancy
Camino Island by John Grisham
Enjoyed it due to the book theme, but found it somewhat slow and a little unrealistic.
Kathy
Death After Life by William A. Douglass
Collection of short stories about early Northern Nevada including mining camps, ranching, hunting and trapping. Some reality, some fiction. Very entertaining.
Lynn
Sourdough by Robin Sloan
What a wonderfully quirky little book!! I feel like I have been invited into a secret club. Every time I picked up this book to read, I got hungry. I swear I could smell the sourdough bread cooking and hear the starter singing. Now I want to hear Chaiman's "The Mazg Tapes"!! Thank you Robin Sloan for a delightful read.
Cheryl
Outcry by Manny Steinberg
Great read!! A true story of a Holocaust survivor. It's a fast-paced, gripping read.
Liz
A Sudden Light by Garth Stein
Trevor is a fourteen-year-old boy whose parents are facing a difficult time and contemplating a divorce. His father is called home to the woods in Washington state where the family owns a decaying mansion and all the forest around it. The plan is to get Trevor's grandfather to sign a power of attorney so they can sell the property to a developer. Serena, Trevor's aunt, has lived there all of her life taking care of Grandpa Samuel and she would now like to move on with her life. There is a ghost, quite friendly, who is trying to stop this. The house has many secrets.
The book was enjoyable enough, although it did drag along in areas. It became very interesting about 2/3 of the way through.
Judy
The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood
This is a story to touch your heart. I couldn't put it down and read it in 24 hours.
Catherine
No Time to Die/The Deep End of Fear (Dark Secrets #2) by Elizabeth Chandler
Elizabeth Chandler is an amazing author in my opinion. I love her books so much but I read this book about two years ago and decided to pick it up again. It is an amazing thriller that will surely have you hooked.
Theresa
They May Not Mean To, But They Do by Cathleen Schine
A contemporary story of a family dealing with aging, loss of control and taking responsibility. This book generated one of the best discussions our book group had this year. So many group members thought the book very relevant to their lives and that the author had included dialog from conversations they had at their dining room tables.
Heather
Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton
I love the Kinsey character but this time she seemed a bit flat. What I didn't like about it was the lack of Kinsey's voice, which in my opinion is what makes Grafton such a good storyteller. The dialogs between the teens didn't ring true. That being said, however, Kinsey's wry self-deprecating humor still shines through.The history was laid out from the previous "case", so while the reader can follow the sequence, the people in it were pretty unlikable. I wanted to have someone to root for and the only character to admire or have any integrity (besides Kinsey) was Sloan, the victim. I kept wishing I could have advised Sloan to listen to her gut and NOT go to the party.
Patti
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
A real story of three women, concentration camps and actual events.
Susan
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Enjoyed this book very much. Avery Stafford from a prominent Washington family uncovers a family secret that she is determined to get to the bottom of.
Shirley
Sourdough by Robin Sloan
If you liked MR. PENUMBRA'S 24-HOUR BOOKSTORE you will like this one, too. Interesting take on the fusion of technology with tradition in cooking that still leaves the future open and unresolved.
Tessa B C
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland by Rebekah Crane
Okay, I knew this was a YA novel about a summer camp for at-risk teens going into it. I knew from the title and cover art that some sort of summer romance would come into play. But I am so over the teen angst phase of my life that I find it overly dramatic and cliched.
Theresa
The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry
What a lovely story! This book explores the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, successes and failures of life, love, friendship, marriage, and the combination of love and struggle between mothers and daughters. I want to visit the bookstore at Water's End and have Mimi find the perfect book for me. This is the first book I've read by Patti Callahan Henry. I'm a speed reader, but I forced myself to slow down while reading this book so as not to miss one word. I will be seeking out more books by this author.
Judy
Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford
I really enjoyed this! Hard to believe there was a time when a child could be raffled off as a prize. It was fascinating to see where life took this young man.
Sean
The Stand by Stephen King
I finally got around to read another Stephen King epic, THE STAND, and I'm so glad I did. Nearly 1200 pages and it could have been even larger. Fantastic world/character-building. King creates so many characters with personality and unabashed realism. The plot is basic yet complicated at the same time. The book was scary/creepy at points but isn't necessarily a horror novel. I love that all the answers aren't spoon fed to the readers. The book shows an interesting take on good vs. evil and I loved it. Fantastic read.
Debbie
The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen
I have enjoyed the beginning of the holiday season by reading many Christmas novels, and THE TWELVE CLUES OF CHRISTMAS presents a wonderful English country holiday. Lady Georgiana ventures to a quaint village to spend Christmas close to where her mother and Noel Coward are working on a play. Her grandfather and his girlfriend also join the excursion as help for Noel Coward. Unfortunately, death enters the joyous season daily and Georgie and Darcy hasten to find answers. Rhys Bowen does an excellent job in describing the various customs and events of the season, and all the delicious food. The twelve days of Christmas theme briefly appears in the final chapters.
S
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Our book club read for November.
Sally-Jo
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Excellent story. The culture differences were fascinating and the development of the friendships and relationships was done well.
Nadine
Night School by Lee Child
It is 1996. U.S. Army Major Jack Reacher is issued orders for what is ostensibly classroom training in some unspecified and presumably terminally boring military sub-specialty. He is teamed up with one male agent from the FBI and one male agent from the CIA. Their true assignment is to identify an American who had requested $100 million from certain Middle Eastern contacts in return for unknown merchandise or information. Reacher determines that he is an enlisted man from Sugar Land, Texas, named Horace Wiley who had gone AWOL in a reunified Germany four months previously.
Sheryl
Losing Leah Holloway (Claire Fletcher & Detective Parks Mystery #2) by Lisa Regan
This is a fast-paced mystery that will not let you down. I was hooked from the very beginning and I could hardly put this book down until the end. Leah Holloway is an exceptional mom, she has three young children who she adores. So why choose to die a horrific death? Detective Parks is on a task force on the hunt for the "Soccer Mom Strangler" while he's also trying to help find out what caused this terrible accident regarding Leah Holloway. This author is new to me. I loved the way she had several subplots moving through the storyline. There wasn't a moment of downtime in this mystery. This is the second book in this series - the first one was published in 2012, but it's written so well that you're not lost. I highly recommend this read!
Sheryl
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
This novel is written in the magical way that only Alice Hoffman can pull off. It's one you can devour in one sitting. I love her lyrical prose, the lovely descriptive scenes. Susanna Owens has desperately tried to shield her three children from the heartache that she had to face while growing up. But things change when Franny the eldest sibling gets a summons from her great-aunt Isabella to come spend the summer with her in a small Massachusetts village over the summer. All three children decide to make the journey with Franny. Isabella teaches them never to deny the gifts that they were born with. It will have you tearing up at certain times but it leaves you a valuable lesson. This is one novel that you just can't pass up.
Sandi
The Tragedy of Brady Sims by Ernest J. Gaines
Brady Sims kills his own son, then asks for two hours before he is taken into custody. Cub reporter Louis Guerin is tasked with putting together a human interest story on Sims and hits the small town local Bayonne, Louisiana barber shop to learn more about him. Sheriff Mapes, a lifelong friend of Sims, travels out to the Sims house to bring Brady in. Brady Sims is ready to go. Short book by one of the best, in my opinion. Gaines writes from experience and from a no holds barred mentality. He is unafraid to bring his characters to life and show them as they lived - whether good or bad. He is able to say so much in so few words. You become that fly on the wall as the story unfolds and you are thankful for it.
shelly
Snowbound with an Heiress by Jennifer Faye
To the world, Serena Mae Winston seems to have it all - money, looks, and fame, but the thing she was missing was real happiness. Her father had passed away rather unexpectedly and she never got to tell him how much she loved him. Her mother was another story as she was always running around with a much younger man. Her father and Serena might not have seen eye-to-eye but he did love her in his own way. The icing on the cake was when she heard Shawn bragging to his friend "how great Serena was for his career" and here she thought they had special relationship. With the holidays shortly approaching Serena realizes she must get away and just clear her mind and relax. She recently adopted Gizmo (a dog) and together they are going away.
Gina
Don't Let Go by Harlan Coben
I love this author but this new book was confusing. The ending was pulled together without making sense. I had to reread parts of it but still was left wondering. Before the ending, DON'T LET GO was a page-turner. It just did not follow through at the end.
Jud
Origin by Dan Brown
Robert Langdon is back, this time to solve the mystery of a former student's death. The student was supposed to announce a discovery that would turn the world's three major religions on their heads but some want to prevent this discovery from ever being made public. This may be my new favorite Langdon adventure. It's well written with a tremendous amount of true history incorporated into the plot.
Bonnie
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
One of the best memoirs I've read in a long time. Noah is thoughtful, thought-provoking, funny, self-deprecating and very wise. I'm so glad I read this book.
Becky
The Player King by Avi
Can a scullery boy become King of all England? In 1486, Lambert Simnel is proclaimed Edward, Earl of Warwick and rightful King of England. This young adult book tells his tale. Written from a young boy’s point of view, the story is exciting and well told. Henry Tudor has seized the throne from his young nephew. Was Edward killed or was he allowed to escape and become a scullery boy? What of those who “taught or reminded” Lambert/Edward of all he needed to know? Boys will love this tale of intrigue and power, fear and hope. Girls will also like this tale of poverty to great riches. Adults who like their history in tiny gulps, told with great skill, will also find this short novelization to their liking.
LINDA
Catalysts of Chaos, Books 1 - 4 by C. Greenwood
Oh My Goodness, What a WONDERFUL story that just went on and on and on! I was quickly intrigued and I was snatched up in the once again battle of good versus evil where a young girl was chosen to trained for The Mother. Eydis had only survived the famine that stole through her home by her acceptance into the seclusionary to live a life of devotion within the sheltered walls. Unknown to her, The Mother chose her to see a vision of the end of the world, and she was led on a journey to find two other Catalysts to help her. And so the journey begins...
Susan
The Cat Who Saw Red by Lillian Jackson Braun
I read this over 24 years ago and I am enjoying it as much today as I did then.
Karen
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
This is a great read and well worth all the awards it has won. A great book club choice!
Jill
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Really enjoyed this book. Would be a good book club pick for discussion. I did not read her first book, but will now because I enjoyed this one very much.
Tina
The Promise Between Us by Barbara Claypole White
I received an advance review copy of this book. Katie Mack, a former middle-school teacher, now metal artist, has a chance meeting with the daughter she left behind nine years ago. "Did I do the wrong thing? All these years I thought she was better off without me, but what if I'd never left?" As Katie gets to know her daughter, Maisie, she realizes that Maisie exhibits OCD tendencies that caused Katie to leave her all those years ago. Maisie is a sweet, serious and funny little girl; you couldn't help but smile, laugh, cry and want to hug her as she faces her fears. I was rooting for Katie's character and was happy to see how she progressed throughout the story.
Kathy
The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
Cormoran Strike searches for the killer of a very disliked author in the literary world of London.
Ray
That Which Remains by Terry Daly Karl
Set in the upper Western New York State town of Akron, located outside of Buffalo, is the Akron Hotel. This is the location for this outstanding, atmospheric story. To refer to THAT WHICH REMAINS as a horror, supernatural or mystery tale would not be enough of a description. This novel contains all of those elements and more. Author Terry Daly Karl is a resident of Akron and clearly knows the territory. She imbues her story with rich detail while at the same time using a modern-day time frame to tell a tale that contains the rich elements that have made up classic ghost stories for centuries. THAT WHICH REMAINS includes ghost hunting, séances and a murder mystery which includes an other-worldly character as a potential suspect.
Janet
Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
I never realized that eugenics was practiced in the U.S.A. and to find out that it happened in the 1970s in North Carolina was unbelievable. This historical fiction novel was well written and an excellent read.
Mary
Proof of Life by J. A. Jance
J. A. Jance has several series, which I always enjoy. PROOF OF LIFE is the latest Beaumont book. I have read them from the very beginning and he is now in his early 70s and basically retired, but a reporter is dead, supposedly routine, but family believe it is not so. Beaumont investigates and has the usual adventures doing so. I really recommend this author very much. Check out her other series, also.
Nancy
The Baker's Secret by Stephen P. Kiernan
This WWII story takes place in a small French village that is controlled by the Germans. Emma, a young baker, makes bread for the officers every day. She sees how everyone is suffering and tries to find ways to help them. One way is by adding straw to the flour the army gives her so she can get two extra loaves every day to sneak to the hungry in the village. Most of the villagers believe help will come, Emma does not. She has no faith left.
Linda
In Love with a Wicked Man by Liz Carlyle
Ned Quartermaine was riding his horse when another rider suddenly came from the side and he pulled up on the reins to avoid a collision. His horse reared up and Ned was thrown. He hit his head on a stone and was knocked unconscious. Waking up in a strange room, he had no idea where he was or even who he was. He was nursed by Kate Wentworth, Lady d’Allenay, and enjoyed the peace and restfulness he found and wished he could remain with Kate. But his memory returned and he realized he was unfit to be in a Lady’s presence. They have fallen in love with each other but Ned tells her a love between them can never be. Ned is the owner of a notorious gambling den and would never be accepted by society
Linda
The Earl's Mistress by Liz Carlyle
Unable to find a job as governess due to her beauty, Isabella Aldridge is at her wit’s end. Funds are low, rent is overdue, and she has her two sisters to care for. She decides to take the advice given her by her last prospective employer and find a wealthy man to marry or become his mistress. She goes to Lady Petershaw for advice and is sent to the Earl of Hepplewood, the man who said he would like her in his bed. And now he will get his wish. He shows her what real passion is. Loathing him at first, she slowly falls in love with him and he with her. He wants to marry her but she doesn’t think she would be accepted in society. He doesn't care. He loves and wants her.
Karen
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Lisa See presents a vivid, touching story of a mother-daughter relationship within the larger family and even larger Chinese community. The reader is exposed to a culture that depends on tea and secrecy for survival. And then it shows one member who breaks away from the clan and struggles in a modern world. There is a section that bogs down with technical business.
Muriel
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
This book was a little difficult to get into at first but eventually moved along quite quickly for me. Eleanor is a quirky, different sort of person but so likable. It's easy to care about her. After such a horrible childhood and not being able to come to terms with events in her life for about 29 years, one just wants life to become better for Eleanor. Author Gail Honeyman has done a nice job allowing the reader to follow a broken person as she figures out what is important and how to move on with her life.
Linda
Knife Creek by Paul Doiron
Feral pigs have been seen and Mike Bowditch, game warden, has been sent to kill them. Accompanied by his girlfriend, they set out to the area where the pigs were last seen. After killing the boar and two sows, Mike goes to see what the pigs were rooting for and finds the body of a baby girl. Mike was in the area two days earlier and the body was not there so he knows the burial was recent. Who would leave a baby’s body to be eaten by pigs? Solving this mystery will solve a missing person case that has baffled detectives for four years.
Linda
Irresistible You by Kate Meader
Harper Chase inherits the lackluster Chicago Rebels hockey team with her two sisters upon the death of their father. They have to get the Rebels to the playoffs or the team will be sold to a consortium waiting in the wings. To succeed, Harper is getting Remy DuPre from the Boston Cougars. DuPre is considered the unluckiest guy in the NHL but is a good player and Harper needs him to get the Rebels in shape. But DuPre is angry about getting traded as he was planning on leading the Cougars to a championship and winning the Stanley Cup and this is his last season to play.
Linda
Shattered by Helen Hardt
Ruby Lee is the daughter of Mathias, one of the men who abducted and raped Talon Steel when he was a child. Ryan Steel is the youngest of the Steel brothers and was saved by Talon as the men closed in on them. He told Ryan to run and he got away. Ruby was almost raped by Mathias when she was 15 but she got away and supported herself the best she could. She is leery of men and keeps to herself. Even though Ruby and Ryan both have baggage and everyone is searching for Mathias, Ruby and Ryan are attracted to each other at the island double wedding of Jonah and Talon. Cliffhanger ending again!! Steel Brothers #7.
Linda
The Night Sister by Jennifer McMahon
Amy lives in a family-owned motel that went under when the new interstate came in and rerouted the traffic from the old highway. Piper and Margot are two sisters who moved to London, Vermont when their parents divorced. The three girls became close friends and decided to solve a mystery. The motel advertised 28 rooms but the girls are sure there is a 29th room and start looking. Beside the motel is a stone tower built by Amy’s grandfather. They look there but there is only the main room, or is it? Amy has the feeling of being watched as she sleeps but can never catch anyone. Who is watching her and why?
Linda
The Dolls by James Patterson with Kecia Bal
This eerie book reminds me of THE STEPFORD WIVES. Robotic dolls are made for man’s pleasure but two men have been killed by a vicious stab wound to the chest and their dolls have not been found. Lana Wallace is the new reporter and went to interview Elliott Farr, the man responsible for making the dolls. When she finds a photo of herself attached to a whiteboard, she freaks out and calls Detective Andre Davies. They find another man tied up and the knife beside the bed but his doll has escaped. The next man murdered is Elliott and police have the doll as the murderer. The doll tells Lana that Elliott’s assistant Marlene Bird murdered him but no one believes her except Lana. A Patterson Bookshot.
Linda
Paradise Valley by C. J. Box
Cassie Dewell is chief investigator for a small sheriff’s department in North Dakota. She is still after Ron Pergram, known as the Lizard King, a fugitive long-haul trucker who has killed and dismembered prostitutes across the country. She received a tip that he’s headed her way and a plan was devised to catch him once and for all and end his reign of truckstop terror. She hopes her plan works but something goes horribly wrong and the truck erupts in a fireball and officers are killed. She only hoped the Lizard King was in the truck when it blew up.
Linda
Damage Control by Lisa Renee Jones
Shane Brandon has found that his brother Derek is partnering with a Mexican cartel by shipping a performance-enhancing drug under the label of a low-selling drug produced by Brandon Pharmaceuticals. Shane bought the pharmaceutical company since it was profitable and would counteract the dirty money earned by ventures that were risky or illegal. Now the wife of a pro baseballer is screaming illegal drugs and Shane has gone to his father about paying her off. He wants the cartel to get out of Brandon Enterprises but once they have a foot in the door, it’s hard to get rid of them and they want total control. This is the second book in the Dirty Money series.
Linda
Bad Deeds by Lisa Renee Jones
This is the third book in the Dirty Money series. Brothers Derek and Shane are battling for control of Brandon Enterprises as their father has terminal cancer. Derek got in bed with the Mexican cartel and Shane is trying to find a way out of the mess without getting his family killed. Shane is talking with Adrian Martina and trying to get him out of their company but the drug money is too good for the cartel to leave. The brothers learn that Mike Rogers, their major shareholder and friend of their father’s, has plans to try and take over their company. But Shane has an idea that will take care of Mike and get Martina off their backs at the same time.
Beth
Best American Short Stories 2013 by Elizabeth Strout, editor
Most of the stories were enjoyable.
Nancy
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The best dog book ever. Told from Enzo the dog's perspective. This book should be read by all animal lovers -- but have the Kleenex ready. It's also a good book club discussion book, with interesting characters to discuss, as well as lessons and the idea of what would this book be like if it were written from the perspective of Denny, the lead character, or in the third person.
Allison
His Last Letter by Jeane Westin
Great story about Elizabeth I of England.
Lynn W
Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford
Twelve-year-old Ernest Young discovers that he's the raffle prize at the 1909 Seattle's World Fair. The reader catches up with Ernest at the opening of Seattle's 1962 World Fair. His life story (so far) is told in back-and-forth chapters. Good writing, fascinating!
Kay
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
A chilling tale of a network of spies who operate in France and surrounding areas during the war, told through the eyes of one of the former spies.
Rosemary
Kiss Carlo by Adriana Trigiani
This sometime poignant, sometime hysterically funny story tells a tale about an American-Italian family from the ending of WWII, while tying in an Italian Ambassador from a small Italian village. If you're Italian, Catholic, or just grew up in the 1950s & 60s while knowing someone who fit either category, this is a must-read. Adriana Trigiani once again tells a story of family love, conflict and honor while making you laugh and cry.
Irene
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
I like how Ng brings her characters to life. Like Mia, the photographic artist in this book, Ng splices and transposes and blends until she has something quite striking. But such an artistic process forces one image into a different, creates unnatural juxtapositions in order to conjure the desired message. Likewise, Ng gives us numerous unlikely coincidences throughout this book. She makes it work because she is so talented. But I found some of the forced plot twists rather jarring at times. 3.75 stars.
Angela
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
One look back turned two lives around. A simpler version of THE BLIND SIDE but more endearing. Ms. Schroff took such a leap of faith when she saw Maurice panhandling and bought him dinner. That stop changed his life forever and gave him a chance to survive the NYC streets in a family fueled by drugs. A definite read for everyone and a great suggestion for schools.
Myrna
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
When our book club decided we should read a classic this month, I was all for it. REBECCA was the choice, and as I had never read it before, I was looking forward to it. I have to say that I was disappointed by it. I did appreciate du Maurier's vivid descriptions, but the plot, in my opinion, took much too long to get anywhere. Sorry to have to give such a well-loved classic only three stars.
Gina
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
A really great read about some amazing women! The characters are based on real people who really put their lives on the line for their countries. Perfect read for people who love historical fiction.
Gladys
Rebellious Desire by Julie Garwood
Lots of various situations in this book. It starts out in a rather strange manner, but that fits in the plot later. Two cousins, close as sisters, leave Boston together for England because each feels she has been abandoned, one by her English fiancée, the other by her English father. Both cousins intend to return to Boston later. Totally unexpected events occur while in England that involve a Duke, an Earl and a Marquis, but this book does not picture English history. The dialog is what held my interest. It is well-written and I feel you will enjoy this book.
Mary
The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg
A delightful romp about seniors in a retirement home who long for more excitement in their life. They get that and much more!!
ILene
The Trick by Emanuel Bergmann
A great historical fiction book, starting in Prague in 1934 when a rabbi's son joins the circus and becomes The Great Zabbatini, the best Magician around. During World War II the Germans find out he is Jewish and his only hope of surviving the concentration camp is his battered trunk of magic tricks. Seven decades later, 10-year old Max living in California finds a scratched-up old LP of the Great Zabbatini performing his love-spells. This is just the thing his divorced parents need to get back together and he finds The Great Zabbatini close by in a old retirement home. Well what a great idea! Wait until you see what happens. Loved the book.
Jud
Need to Know by Karen Cleveland
NEED TO KNOW by Karen Cleveland is the debut novel by this former CIA analyst. All in all, this is a well-written novel which demonstrates the potential for Cleveland to be a successful author. This novel is particularly timely, considering the tensions that have developed between Russia and the United States in recent years. Although not as hard-core a novel as those of Clancy or Follet, I believe that Cleveland can develop her own niche in the spy thriller genre. I would recommend this novel to all readers and give it 3/5 stars.
Donna
A House Divided by Robert Whitlow
A family of lawyers is divided because of a father’s history of alcoholism. After the death of their mother, Ray and Roxy have very little to do with their father, Corbin. Corbin has a failing law practice in a small town, but takes on a tort case against a fertilizer plant because two young boys develop cancer. Corbin stands to lose contact with his grandson and turns to Alcoholic Anonymous. The grandson, AA, the tort case and job losses bring them all together. This is a very good story of how misfortune can bring good results.
Elizabeth
The Address by Fiona Davis
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Two stories, one taking place in 1884, the other taking place in 1985, coming together at the end. Fascinating reading about the Dakota and what it was like living there when it first opened. Also much drama, suspense and a surprise ending.
Ivy
The Silent Corner by Dean Koontz
Jane, FBI agent on leave since her husband committed suicide, is on a mission to find out what evil force drove him and others to take their lives. Thrilling and brave. Koontz takes it to a new level.
Elizabeth
Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian
So far, I've read nine Chris Bohjalian novels. Some have been historical fiction, some suspense/thrillers, all literary. I've been impressed by every one. For example, his 2008 SKELETONS AT THE FEAST. This book is another great one. SKELETONS AT THE FEAST is historical fiction. It is not exactly based on the diary of Bohjalian's friend's grandmother, in particular, but it describes her 1945 terrifying journey, beginning where she lived in East Prussia, and westward to escape the Soviet army. As Bohjalian said, this novel had its origins in this diary.
Francisca E B
Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann
This is Klaussmann’s debut and I see a nugget of a good novel here. But the execution falters. The dialogue is tortured. And the fractured timeline and changes in point of view do little to help the story arc.
Sheryl
Death in the Stacks by Jenn McKinlay
This is a cute, cozy mystery that's new to me. Lindsey Norris and her staff are getting ready to host the town's biggest library fundraiser. They are also having to battle the new library's board president, Olive Boyle, who is impossible to please and making Lindsey and her staff's lives impossible. The fundraiser proves to be a huge success until they find a dead body afterward the dinner. It happens to be someone that has a lot of enemies and they have no idea where to start looking.
Marielle
Blood and Salt by Kim Liggett
This book was beautifully creepy. Two words that don't usually go together I know, but that's the only phrase I can think of to describe this awesome heart-pounding tension gripped story. I'm not a huge fan of horror, so I was a little skeptical about reading this. I am so glad I got over that. There were so many plot twists and surprises I couldn't even keep track! Some I saw coming, which I think was by design because the ones I didn't see coming felt like a double whammy. Just when you think you know what's what, the world gets ripped out from under you. Again. The story was imaginative and will scare you in the best possible way. And I promise you'll never look at a cornfield the same way again.
Emily
Endurance by Scott Kelly
Kelly talks about his early years, his years as a test pilot, his NASA training, and his year on the International Space Station. I loved every page and couldn’t put it down. I was sorry for the book to end.
LINDA
Bloodmoon Cove Spirits Series, Book 2 by Karen Wiesner
Hold onto to your seats! I couldn't stop reading the second book in the Bloodmoon Cove Spirits Series. The story is most fitting for Halloween! I felt sorry for Amberlyn and Cain with the loss of her baby after her accident. They so badly wanted a child, but time after time they were denied. Cain and Amberlyn's faith had been tested with one disappointment after the next. Amberlyn decided to leave Cain and accept a nanny position at Bloodmoon Manor in order to take care of three children. THE BLOODMOON CURSE was a little scary, but I could not stop reading. I can't wait for the next book!”
Heather
The Rooster Bar by John Grisham
Meanders a lot in the first half and then concludes with a convoluted ending. Not one of his better books.
Lisa
Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda
Narrator Paul Strom takes us hourly through his BEST DAY EVER smartly written by Kaira Rouda. Without spoiling the plot, Paul Strom gives the reader his take on the perfect life he leads with his wife, children and fabulous job. But no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors, do they? Paul and his wife Mia begin a trip to their Lakeside Cottage to enjoy a pre-planned best day ever. As the day goes on the reader begins to feel a bit uncomfortable with Paul's version of his best day ever. With many surprises and twists the reader begins to glimpse a not-so-perfect life, both past and present, with quite an explosive ending. I highly recommend this book.
Deborah
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Well-written story of the women of the Alice Spy Network during WWI. Characters were engaging and well-rounded.
Rosemary
Enigma by Catherine Coulter
All's well that ends well?
Tessa B C
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
This is # 1 in the Inheritance series. I am clearly not the target audience for this fantasy novel. However, kudos to Paolini for creating this complex world, with many characters and beings - mythology, history, diverse landscape, and complex social structure. I definitely see the appeal for the intended audience, even if it’s not really my cup of tea.
LINDA
The Narrow Path, Dangerous Men Book #1 by Alex Abbott
After Jamal broke up with her, Angela spent two years in prison. Now she was celebrating with Romy about their successful heist when Jamal showed up at the bar. She couldn't hold a decent job because of her record and she'd been fired from her crummy job. When Jamal convinced her to co-own a strip club, the temptation of it was one she can't ignore. When they meet day after day to get the club in order, they have get over all the lies and secrets of their past or be sucked back into a life of crime. I am so glad that this is just Book One as it left me longing for more.
Lory
Are You Sleeping by Kathleen Barber
Disappointed. I want to feel suspense when I read a book categorized as suspense. Barber did not do that for me. Although it did flow easily and I was able to read it in no time, I felt no shock, no fear, no confusion. It was just a nice little story with a predictable ending. I did enjoy the inclusion of the Twitter posts very much and liked how it framed the events and highlighted doubts of the questioned murder conviction. ARE YOU SLEEPING also alerted me to the world of podcasts (I've never heard one) and I do now want to listen to Serial, the one that seems to have created the idea for this book.
Shannon
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
It took me almost a year to finish this one. I gave up twice and then picked it back up. On my 3rd try, I encountered a twist (way into the book) that engaged by attention but it took a long time to get there. I had a hard time keeping all the parents and kids straight and found the book much more enchanting as a series of anecdotes about family life than a complete book. Finishing the book, I find myself thinking about parts of it over and over, but I didn't find the plot interesting enough to really drive me through the book.
Dianne
My Not So Perfect Life by Sophia Kinsella
Warm, fuzzy chick lit story about female friendships. Poor Katie is so envious of the life she imagined people are living in London. The grass is always greener. She loses her job, returns home and along the way is offered a chance to get her revenge. It turns out her mean boss is really a good person and her "friends" are not. Light, easy read.
Simonne
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
One of the top five books ever! What a great read! What a memorable character! What a terrific location! This book about a former Count, committed to house arrest and confined to an attic room in Moscow’s grand Metropol hotel is a gem. The story zings along with amusing and touching anecdotes, introduces a bevy of characters as the new Russia is formed, and reinforces what inner character is all about. It is truly a testament to making the best out of whatever situation you happen to be in.
Simonne
The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Robotham
A suspenseful novel in THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN and GONE GIRL vein. One feels both repulsion and sympathy for the main character, Agatha. This story is about two simultaneously pregnant women: Agatha who doesn’t have much going for her and has struggled all her life, and the woman she idolizes: Meg with the perfect marriage, two adorable children, a handsome loving husband and a Mommy blog writer. All is not what it seems with either woman...and how their stories clash and mesh is mesmerizing.
Judy
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
The flow of words in this book (which I thought I might never get through before I started) and the twists and turns of the plot make this classic mystery a MUST read. Maxim deWinter, owner of Manderley, and his young bride return from their honeymoon to his home in the English countryside. There are so many questions in Mrs. deWinter's mind...but the unravelling of them makes for compelling reading. What was Rebecca to this place and the people who live here?
Richard N B
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
I’ll dispense with the summary for this classic tragedy by William Shakespeare, but as I’ve said before, I really dislike reading plays. I much prefer to see them performed live by talented actors, the medium for which they are written. There are hundreds of editions of this work, and I recommend that readers get one that is annotated.
Diana
Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
Read for #Spookathon 2017 spooky setting challenge. I loved reading about Jack and Jill and what their portal world was actually like. I have to admit that I thought the first book was better even though this one was still a great read. The backstory of the twins seemed to take forever to get through, even with the book being so short. It probably won't end up being a favorite in the series but I still recommend it.
Liz
Prescription for Love by Zee Monodee
Can an uptight ice queen, who just happens to be a forensic pathologist, find love with her new next door neighbor, who just happens to be a good looking and younger doctor? Add to the mix an eleven-year-old girl that she has now become the guardian of. This is a quick light read, very entertaining, with hints of sex, but nothing graphic.
Elise
The Nazi Officer's Wife by Edith Hahn Beer
An important story that needed to be told. However, many portions of it break your heart.
Kerry
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
There is a murder on a train, lots of witty banter, and great piece for ensemble actors. Can't wait to see the new film.
Ruth
Lost Among the Living by Simone St. James
Spellbinding...could not put it down. Plan to read more by this author.
Jan
One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline
Headline Publishing Group and NetGalley provided me with a pre-publication copy of this book for an honest review. I thank them. Lisa Scottoline never disappoints. Her mysteries are well written; the reader never wonders who is speaking or where the character is. We have someone checking out information about bombing something somewhere. He is the new teacher at the local high school and is an assistant coach of the baseball team. But we know from the beginning that he is using an alias. He is gathering information from the players and is looking for the most vulnerable player to befriend. Then half way through the book - GOBSMACKED! Everything is upside down. A wonderful read. Hang on for action and a great finale! Wonderful!
Lynn W
The Rooster Bar by John Grisham
Edge of your seat "sting" operation. Loved it!
LINDA
The Hinky Brass Bed (Hinky Chicago Book 1) by Jennifer Stevenson
OMG, I never laughed so hard, and Randy is PRECIOUS! Poor Jewel Heiss is caught up between her best friend and her boss who wanted her to trail his wife as he thought she was having an affair. Jewel is loyal to Nina and doesn't want her to end up divorced so see agrees to talk to her "sex therapist". Then the fun really begins! Chicago with smoking pigeons and PINK smog!
Barbara
Good Me, Bad Me by Ali Land
I won this book from Bookreporter.com contest I entered because the premise of the book intrigued me. What would happen to the teenage daughter of a serial killer once her mother is put on trial for her crimes? When Annie finally turns her mother into the police after her mother's ninth victim dies, she is given a new identity and a new foster family. Now she is known as Milly and tries to adjust, but her foster sister Phoebe is a mean girl, intent on ridding herself of this new rival for her parents' attention. Plus, Milly must steel herself to testify against her mother as the court's prime witness. Secrets from her tortured past and present force her to ask whether she can ever be good. A bit predictable ending but very interesting.
Cheryll
Sting by Sandra Brown
Love most of Sandra Brown's novels and this was no exception. Kept my interest until the end.
Tessa B C
Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose
The subtitle is all the synopsis anyone needs: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest. Ambrose profiles the officers and enlisted men alike. Their personal stories, gleaned from hours of interviews as well as their journals and letters, lend great authenticity to the narrative.
Francisca E B
The Gatekeeper by Kathryn Smith
Subtitle: Missy LeHand, FDR, and the Untold Story of the Partnership That Defined a Presidency. This is a fascinating biography of the woman “beside” the man, who despite her influence at the time, quickly slipped out of the public’s consciousness.
Donna
The Copenhagen Affair by Amulya Malladi
An interesting book with characters that are believable though some of the situations are a bit unusual. Sanya has a successful career, but when she is offered a long overdue partnership, she has a nervous breakdown. Her husband, Harry, has some business in Copenhagen and suggests they move there for a year for a change in scenery and their lives. In Copenhagen, they both realize they are changing.
Audrey
The Girl Before by J. P. Delaney
I had heard so much about this book, I couldn't wait to finally read it. It was a great page-turner but wasn't exactly what I was hoping for it to be. I would still recommend; it was a good read just not the 5 stars I had heard from others. Certainly suspenseful and different, certainly worth a look.
Elizabeth
The Deep Dark Descending by Allen Eskens
This book has a great mysterious-sounding title. And THE DEEP DARK DESCENDING really is a mystery. But it lacks suspense and is not a thriller. You might want to finish reading this just to find out what the main character discovers. But his process of discovery may bore you.
Trezeline
The Girl Who Takes An Eye For An Eye by David Lagercrantz
Really good plot. I believe it loses something in translation, but it is really a good story.
Noelle
My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent
Awesome debut novel. The subject in this book is an extremely difficult one. The descriptions in this book are amazing, really and truly. You can imagine you are there it’s so vivid. Characters are so real. It was hard to put it down and it was even harder to let the characters go.
LINDA
Noah Zarc, Mammoth Trouble by D. Robert Pease
WOW, Talk about the story of Noah's Ark, but somewhere in the future! Noah Zarc is a twelve-year-old boy with a knack for getting into trouble even though he's a paraplegic! Noah drives his siblings and parents crazy when he gets into his head that he could do anything even without legs! When his parents are abandoned in the past trying to catch a deer to keep it in the ship to one day return the deer to a restored Earth, his mom is abducted by a mad man that kills animals for fun. Noah, an orphaned girl from the Ice Age, his siblings, and his dad set off to rescue her. Book One is fast-paced and I can hardly wait to read Book 2!
Thomas
Hidden Secret by Donna M. Zadunajsky
I really enjoyed reading this book.
Thomas
Endurance by Scott Kelly
This was a very good book. I enjoyed reading it very much.
