This contest period's winners were Helen D., Karen D. and Sandy M., who each received a copy of THE DEMON CROWN: A Sigma Force Novel by James Rollins and ENCHANTRESS OF NUMBERS: A Novel of Ada Lovelace by Jennifer Chiaverini.
ILene
The Company of Demons by Michael Jordan
John Coleman is a "stupid" lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio. He cheats on his wife, has sex with his clients and ignores good advice from his friends and family. His life centers on his daughter Molly and ironically, his wife Cathy. John and his family become threatened when the legendary "Torso Murderer" appears to have returned and killed his friend "The Oyster" whose dismembered body is found in a trash can. The Oyster's daughter Jennifer asks John Coleman to handle her father's estate and they become romantically involved. Subsequently, Jennifer's brother Frank is found with his throat slit. John is a prime suspect. A lengthy trial ensues and it does not look good for John who insists he was framed. A surprise ending! I enjoyed the book.
Heather
Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan
We enjoyed reading - and discussing - this book very much. Historic fiction based on Fanny van de Grift Osbourne's relationship with Robert Louis Stevenson, the novel was entertaining to read, primarily because the characters were complex and well defined. The story inspired us to look further into the history of the real people involved which always adds depth to the experience. While we all knew of Stevenson, we were unfamiliar with the facts of his life and the inspirations for his writing. These were only a few of the many aspects we did - or could have - discussed.
Bonnie
The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation’s Largest Home by Denise Kiernan
Fascinating nonfiction about Biltmore House in Asheville, NC and the Vanderbilt family, particularly George, who built it.
Bonnie
The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash
Wiley Cash never disappoints -- beautiful writing, character development and story.
Harriet
Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks
A collection of quite good short fiction. There is a theme running through the stories, all involve typewriters. Tom Hanks is a serious collector of typewriters. And he is a very good writer!
Jud
The Martian by Andy Weir
Excellent book. I look forward to renting the movie.
Jud
The Pyramid of Doom by Andy McDermott
Fun, fast-paced novel that Indiana Jones fans will enjoy.
Jud
The Sacred Vault by Andy McDermott
Fun, fast-paced novel that Indiana Jones fans will enjoy.
Jud
The Solomon Curse by Clive Cussler
One of the best Fargo novels I've read. A must-read for all Cussler fans.
Joanne
Going into Town by Roz Chast
A charming love letter to New York with Chast's gentle humor and unique illustrations.
Kathy
The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
Cormoran Strike is hired by a woman who is married to a missing novelist. As Strike interviews several strange and quirky people in the literary world, he discovers the murdered body of the missing novelist.
Pauline
Cat Shining Bright by Shirley Rousseau Murphy
This is a delightful quick cat cozy read. Joel Grey is a talking cat from Melena Point in northern California. He and other cats help catch the bad guys. I feel that the cats are more interesting than the mystery of the car theft ring. There is a good interaction between cats and humans. This is #20 in the series that started in 1996 with CAT ON THE EDGE.
Shirley
The Rooster Bar by John Grisham
As always, this is an entertaining yarn with lots of complications. But, Foggy Bottom Law School? Is he just ridiculing us for reading his books? Even more implausible than in the past, now his characters are not even particularly engaging. I checked this out of the library; if I had paid for it I would feel cheated.
Fritsi
The Edge of the Earth by Christina Schwarz
Very compelling story that kept my interest from beginning to the end.
Judy
Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly
This new Bosch novel was an interesting read. A current case of two murdered pharmacists mixed with his search for a lost person. Opiod smuggling is the reason for the pharmacy murder, and, as he goes undercover to find the source, he meets someone to help from her drug dependence. The plot is set for the next book with the question as to why Daisy, the daughter of the drug dependent woman, was murdered.
Tessa B C
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
In what she calls a “true life novel,” Walls turns her attention to her maternal grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. Walls is a wonderful storyteller; she really brings Lily and all the other characters to life. And what a life! The author also does a fine job of putting the reader into this time and place. I could practically smell the horses and feel the dust on my skin.
Chris
The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood
This is a great book about a 104-year-old woman and her friendship with a boy.
Donna
Death in St. Petersburg by Tasha Alexander
Mystery of the death of a prima ballerina in Russia. Details of the life of these great dancers in training was very enlightening. Loved the way the author went about solving the mystery of the killer, and the surprise of who it was.
Linda
You Will Pay by Lisa Jackson
Two young women disappear from a camp and no one ever knew what happened to them. Now twenty years later, human remains have been found but authorities are not sure who they belong to. One of the missing women was making a play for the guy a fellow camp counselor was seeing. She was supposed to have been scared and sent running. But something went horribly wrong and she disappeared. The camp counselors concocted a story then and are sticking to the same story now. But the truth is about to be revealed. Lisa Jackson's novels are always full of suspense and this one is no exception!
Linda
The Scandal of It All by Sophie Jordan
The widow of a cold and unfeeling man, Gaciela (Ela), Duchess of Autenberry, longs for a man who will bring love into her life. She meets Colin, Lord Strickland, when he saves her from unwanted advances at a pleasure club. She had known him for many years as he was her stepson’s best friend and spent a lot of time at the Autenberry home. Colin had dreamed of Ela for many years and once they kissed, that was it for him, no matter that she was older than him or that a scandal would occur. Colin wanted Ela as his wife and no one else would do.
Donna
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
I loved the WWI story about the female spies in France. There was a lot of suspense to see if they would get caught. The parallel story of the pregnant college student didn't grab me as much, hence the 4-star rating.
Linda
Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan
Emeline Sanchez was rescued from master vampire Vadim and is safe in the compound of Carpathian Tariq Asenguard. But Vadim has impregnated Emeline and wants her back. Dragomir Kozel, one of the Carpathian ancients, is also at the compound and recognizes Emeline as his lifemate. No way is Vadim getting Emeline. Battles with Vadim and his vampire puppets follow and Dragomir finds that Vadim’s brother Sergey is stronger and more dangerous than anyone realizes.
Terri
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
A truly compelling story based on the real Tennessee Children’s home in the late 1930s. The children and their parents are well-developed characters and their life path is amazing. The current-day characters are interesting and how they weave together with the past will keep you riveted.
Kathy
To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey
I enjoyed both the historical aspects of the book and the Native American lore. I've read other books that talk about this and it fascinates me, especially the Native American Indians of Alaska.
Jayme
Doc by Mary Doria Russell
I am not a big fan of western books, but my husband just finished reading it and said that I would really like it - and I did. This is a thoroughly researched and captivating story about the life of Doc Holiday. Russell brings all of the characters to life and I felt that I was really living in Dodge City. The only problem I had while reading the book is that I kept visualizing a young Val Kilmer (not a bad thing) as Doc Holiday from his role in the movie "Tombstone". Which was a little distracting.
JoAnne
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
Lead the discussion at book club. Several besides myself shared a love of reading with the experience of having pen-pals in our youth.
Karen
Origin by Dan Brown
I got this book from the library thinking that it might be a good read for the book club I run, but I changed my mind. While it is an interesting read, it's just not a good fit for the group.
Suzy B
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
As a big fan of Dickens, and a lover of the discovery of new authors, I was delighted to find this book this year! The author's use of language is excellent and she draws the reader into Dickens' world as he attempts to write a new book quickly since he is facing financial difficulties (No spoilers here!) Not a terribly long read, just long enough. In fact, I could visualize much of the events of this book due to the richness of detail. It would also make a terrific movie (and frankly sounds somewhat like the current Dickens movie but it's not!)
Nancy
Haunted by James Patterson and James O. Born
Another excellent addition to the Michael Bennett series. This book does have some sad twists and turns.
Becky
Dead in the Water by Denise Swanson
If you can suspend credulity and don’t mind at least one cliché per page, this frothy mystery is a fast read good for a lazy afternoon. More laws are broken than you can shake a stick at, (even by the police.) The characters are mostly stock, but are likeable – except for the biker bad guys who have a heart of gold. The conversations are stilted, but good-hearted. There are only chaste love scenes. The bad words are limited to “geez” and “f***”. (Yes, there are stars in the print.)
The audience this is written for will love every word – but it is not my cup of tea. (This review managed to contain more clichés than some chapters.)
Beth
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
Good page-turner.
Kay
A Secret Kept by Tatiana De Rosnay
The author of SARAH'S KEY gives us another story with some interesting twists.
Ruth
Lost Among the Living by Simone St. James
Amazing story from WW II.
Pat
Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand
One more book after trilogy -- and what a tender ending. So glad Elin wrote the 4th book.
Pat
Exposed by Lisa Scottoline
She is a fave author. Can’t wait till the next book.
Donna
Finding Heather by Alison Ragsdale
Heather’s husband and her children’s father passed away months ago and they are overwhelmed with grief. Heather decides to sell her home and belongings in Virginia and move to her childhood home in Scotland where she can be with family. It is a difficult transition for everyone and, eventually, being with family is healing.
Jan
Fast Falls the Night by Julia Keller
A great mystery that covers 24 hours of a terrible time; placed in the fictional town in West Virginia. The people are poor, uneducated, have no jobs and are taking a lot of drugs. One night it catches up with some of them. First, a young woman in a bathroom of an all night gas and convenience store was dead on the floor from shooting up with tainted drugs. This is a fast-paced mystery with a lot of debate about just how much public money should be spent to save people who willingly take poison into their bodies. At one point, the county prosecutor thinks about the money that is being spent on drug addicts and how many streets it would pave. The story takes place in a 24 hour period - dozens of poisoned addicts and three deaths.
Elizabeth
They May Not Mean To, But They Do by Cathleen Schine
THEY MAY NOT MEAN TO, BUT THEY DO is worth reading because of its perspective on growing old (as in 80s) and dealing with adult children. They may love you and mean the best, but they demean. That pretty much sums up this short book. It’s a quick read if you skip the occasional boring paragraphs.
Jane
Falling for the Millionaire by Merrillee Whren
An adventure in accepting love, even when it seems two are from different worlds. Melody tries her best to not fall for Hudson. Past experiences can affect how a person acts toward another. Both Melody and Hudson have things to conquer. Family can interfere and cause doubt in a relationship. But love will win out. Isaiah 26:3 sums it all up. "God will keep him in peace who minds are steadfast, because they trust in him." Trusting God overcomes the worries. I recommend all Merrillee Whren's books. You have trouble putting them down.
ILene
Oliver Loving by Stefan Merrill Block
Good relationship book, mother, father and two sons, Oliver and his younger brother Charlie, but all things change when a terrible act of a school shooting changes life for everyone in the family. Oliver was shot and in a coma, mother and father breakup, and Charlie with a writing skill, loses his grip and starts taking drugs. After 10 years, because of all the medical discoveries that have been made, Oliver's mother remains hopeful. With medical science, the doctors find a way for Oliver to communicate and tell what really happened. In addition to the story, I really liked all the medical science and learned a lot.
Helen
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
A great book club read!
Jan
Sulfur Springs by William Kent Krueger
This is a Cork O'Connor book, one of a series, yet it can stand alone. Cork, a competent detective with years of law enforcement experience is newly married to a long-time friend. She gets a garbled telephone message from her son in Arizona. The message indicates that someone has been killed; Cork and Rainy (his new wife) decide to go to Arizona to find out what the message means. Cork hardly knows her son, who was in drug rehab at an expensive facility, later worked there and is now missing. Rainy and Cork begin asking questions of local law enforcement and others in the community. The next morning their rental cart blows up! BOOM! Krueger is a wordsmith - the descriptions are beautiful, the mystery is complicated. A great read.
Donna
Christmastime 1940 by Linda Mahkovec
A lovely story of a widow with two children and a grumpy neighbor who was alone. They all are dealing with the pain in their past and their situations. The description of the time period is exceptional and I relived many of my memories of that time. Near the end, I kept thinking of Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL. This is an easy read and a good book!!!
Liz
My Enemy, My Earl (A Laird to Love, Book 1) by Tammy Andresen
Clarissa has been humiliated at her engagement party by her fiancé. She has lost all trust in men and decides to leave London and go to Scotland to spend time with her cousins while she tries to overcome her humiliation. Evan is a Scotsman who is returning home after fighting for the English. He is on his way to meet his would-be bride, Fiona, who he has not seen in ten years. Fiona happens to be Clarissa's cousin. Their paths cross and they take a instant dislike to each other, but, there is definitely a sexual attraction. Only time will tell if they can overcome their differences.
Sheryl
The Boyfriend Swap by Meredith Schorr
This is an adorable, romantic comedy where an overachieving attorney and an elementary school teacher come up with a scheme regarding the Christmas holidays. Robyn, the music teacher, is dating a guy that her parents are not that crazy about and it causes some tension for her because he's a pretty boy and an aspiring actor. Sidney, the attorney who is dating another attorney, and Will who would be the perfect boyfriend in any parents eyes is afraid if he meets her family it wouldn't work out in the long run. This is a wonderful Christmas novel, plus the concept of the boyfriend swap hilarious. The members of this swap each learn a valuable lesson about themselves. I highly recommend this read!
Sheryl
Altered to Death by Christina Freeburn
This is a fun cozy that's set around a scrapbook shop "Scrap This". It belongs to Faith Hunter's two grandmothers, Cheryl and Hope. Faith, who manages the shop who is also notorious for doing a bit of sleuthing on the side has taken on the challenge of putting together a scrapbook regarding the town of Eden. The town has decided to preserve the Everton's house which belongs to the Everton's who at one time owned most of Eden. Faith finds herself drawn into a murder mystery when a body is uncovered while they are restoring the property. There is a lot of speculation regarding secret heirs that think they are entitled to a windfall if it can be proved that they are long lost heirs of the Everton's.
Kathy
The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
Cormorant Strike is hired to find a missing author by the author's wife. Cormorant interviews a very interesting group of people in the literary community and eventually finds the author murdered.
Diane
Envy by Gregg Olsen
Interesting read, but too much product placement.
Mary
Grace by Paul Lynch
GRACE is the most powerful and intense novel I have read in recent memory. It is centered around a 14-year-old girl who must leave home during the Irish famine to find work to feed her family. The experiences she has and the people she meets as she walks the roads give the reader a searing, unforgettable picture of famine-stricken Ireland. The author’s language and writing style require a close reading but are very poetic and creative.
Sandy
The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
One of the best books I have read lately. THE BOSTON GIRL follows one woman's life through a period of dramatic change. Watching Addie Baum escape the constrictions of her upbringing, find ways through literature and work to broaden her own appreciation of the world, and in retrospect draw the outlines of a life fully lived is engrossing and captivating. I am a little sorry I read it so quickly and may have to read it again someday.
Helen
The Children Act by Ian McEwan
An interesting combination of dilemmas. Needless to say, beautifully written. Some of his other books are better but this one is worthwhile.
Karen
The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans
When asked by a journalist to describe a Christmas memory, author Jacob Churcher describes being beaten by his mother for opening his presents too early. Afterwards, she packed his suitcase and told him to go find somewhere else to live. After being outside for 3 hours, he asked his mother if he could live there. A family tragedy caused his mother to become depressed and unbalanced. Jacob's father left, and Jacob had to look after himself. He finally left home for good when he was 16. He came home and found all if stuff thrown out in the front yard. A friend from work gave him a place to stay, and he had a new direction, His mother died, and now he is trying to understand her and her actions with help from a neighbor. .. . .
Karen
The House of Unexpected Sisters by Alexander McCall Smith
A young widow is dismissed unfairly from her job, so Mr Polopetsi, a part-time employee of No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency asks Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi to look into the matter. Two separate investigations with different focuses are opened. Mme Makutsi"s investigation is local, and Mma Ramotswe's is background from further away. There are bits of misinformation as well as unexpected surprises that relate to Mma Ramotswe's life. A disaster that would have impacted Mma Makutsi is averted, an illicit romance is uncovered as well as misuse of funds. A firm hand takes charge of the business and the young widows job is restored.
Lynn
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
Excellent, balanced look at the era between the Wars and the lives of Scott and Zelda...and Hemingway.
Shelley
Roomies by Christina Lauren
ROOMIES is a hilarious, quick read about a girl in her 20s named Holland who has a crush on a hot guy playing guitar in a NYC subway station. Their worlds collide after a bit of dramatic suspense and laugh-out-loud comedy. She helps him land a prestigious audition with a Broadway playwright (her uncle). He inspires her to start using that MFA to write stories again. I thought this would be a standard he said, she said set in New York. It is so much more. Some scenes get a little steamy, which was unexpected but not a bad thing. The character and plot lines have depth and the reader will want to know what happens next. I enjoyed reading this and plan on recommending it to my close friends.
Elizabeth
The Other Mother by Carol Goodman
Part I of THE OTHER MOTHER is Daphne, who has a 6-month-old baby named Chloe, talking about her new friend, Laurel, who also has a baby named Chloё. (Note the special character on the “ё” in Laurel’s baby’s name.) It is some year in the 2000s. Interspersed with these first-person accounts are pages of Daphne’s journal from the 1970s. Every character (Daphne’s husband, Laurel, her husband, even Daphne, herself) may not be who they seem to be. It’s kind of corny.
Then comes Part II. Now Daphne’s accounts are interspersed with pages from Laurel’s journal. This part gets interesting. Who is Daphne, really? Finally comes Part III and back to the corn. Interspersed throughout this part are pages from the journal of a mental patient.
Lana
Fates and Traitors by Jennifer Chiaverini
An interesting way to present the lead up to President Lincoln's assassination, but I found the language to be stilted to the point of overwhelming sweetness.
Elizabeth
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Another great mystery by Ms. Penny!
Tess
Troublemaker by Leah Remini
The story of her life and experiences with Scientology. We learned how she had a difficult life when she was young and how her mother brought her into Scientology.
Kathy
Where the Wild Cherries Crow by Laura Madeleine
In 1919, Emeline is suffering from depression as she has lost two brothers in WWI and her mother shortly thereafter. Her uncle has decided she must go to a sanitarium to recover. Emeline is terrified of the idea and escapes a train while in route. She lands in a small village in southern France. In 1969, a soliticer is hired to prove Emeline is dead so that the family can sell the family estate but instead he goes insearch of Emeline.
Elizabeth
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Terrific read. Unexpected! Told a fictionalized account of children who were stolen by Tennessee baby thief Georgia Tann.
Tessa B C
A Lone Star Christmas by William W. Johnstone
I was seduced by the title, but should have quit with the book jacket. It seems that the writers threw everything they’d ever come across in a Western into this book. It was a pretty fast read, and fit several challenges, but there’s really very little Christmas to this story.
Cheryl
The Leaving by Tara Altebrando
I usually don't read YA books but this one came highly recommended. And they were right. The story and characters grip you from page one.
Amy
Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart
Loved the creative style, being written "backwards", and all the action kept my attention. However, I just didn't love the book.
Liz
Paris for One by Jojo Moyes
This is a collection of stories, one novella and several short stories. All are perfect for this time of year. In the novella, a young woman plan a surprise for her boyfriend by booking a weekend getaway to Paris only to be stood up by him. After much debate, she decides to stay and make the most out of her situation. Along the way she finds true love. The rest of the stories are equally enjoyable.
Kay
A Secret Kept by Tatiana De Rosnay
Another tale of secrets from the author of SARAH'S KEY.
Tracee
Rosemary by Kate Clifford Larson
I already knew some about Rosemary Kennedy, but this book shared so much more of what she went through as a child and then what happened once she was an adult. It was slow reading to start but then a lot started to happen and I just couldn't believe how different things are today compared to how it was back in the early 1900s. My heart broke for her and I understand now why her siblings did some of the things they did in their lives to change how others see people with disabilities of any kind. Even though Rosemary went through so much in her life, a lot came out of it in the end to help others like her.
Tracee
The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander
I did not know anything about the Romanovs before reading this book. Even though this is historical fiction, it read like a true story. I enjoyed this book very much and it was a very fast book to read. A lot of what happened in the book was based on true events and it made me want to read a biography of the Romanovs to see if there are similarities. This book was very shocking, especially at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read. It would appeal to many types of people.
Donna
Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent
Very dark psychological thriller. One almost feels sorry for Oliver as different layers of his background are revealed, but he's still a very bad man. The book kept me turning pages and was a very quick read.
Judy O.
The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd
This is historical fiction at its best. This is the story of Eliza Lucas in 1739 in South Carolina. She is a 16-year-old girl when she is left in charge of her father's three plantations. He goes back to Antigua to fight in a war going on. She hears that French indigo is a very lucrative product and sets out to discover the little-known facts about how to grow it. She never dreams about all the problems she will have, some natural and some man-made. Her slaves are a big part of her success, but it is not easy dealing with racial strife.
Linda
Wilde in Love by Eloisa James
Lord Alaric Wilde wrote about his travels around the world and his books became best sellers. Arriving back in England, he learns that a play has been written about him and women are going crazy trying to get a look at him. He relaxes in the comfort of his father’s home and meets Willa Ffynche, who is not one of his avid followers. In fact, she wonders if any of his writing was based on real adventures or just fabrications. The more she scoffs at him, the more determined he is to change her mind. Willa is a private person and wants to marry a man who is not in the spotlight as Alaric is. But the more she is around him, her feelings begin to change and maybe marriage to this handsome man would not be so bad after all.
Linda
If Only in My Dreams by Wendy Markham
Great story deserving of more than 5 stars! While filming a movie about a small-town hero killed during World War II, Clare McCallum was zapped back in time to 1941 and met the real Jed Landry. They fell in love and she told him if he enlisted, he would be killed. She wanted to stay and knew that if she did, he would not enlist and would not be killed. She had been diagnosed with cancer and if she didn’t return to 2006 with modern cancer treatments, she would die. She returned but he told her he would never stop looking for her and he would find her again. A tearjerker but totally worth the read!
Linda
Christmas in Icicle Falls by Sheila Roberts
The town of Icicle Falls is getting ready for the holiday season. Storefronts are decorated and everyone is looking forward to the annual tree lighting ceremony. The “girls” decide to work on their attitude toward others, especially those people who are difficult. Olivia’s son Brandon has brought home a wife, one that Olivia would not have chosen. Muriel sees her longtime friend Arnie in a new light and hopes she isn’t too late. Sienna has a neighbor who always seems hateful to her and her son but he has a handsome nephew who visits. This is the final book in the Icicle Falls series.
Linda
The Woman Who Couldn't Scream by Christina Dodd
After Helen Brassard’s manipulative husband died, she disappeared. With a new look and the new name of Merida Falcon, she showed up in Virtue Falls and looked up her old friend Kateri Kwinault, the newly-elected sheriff. Merida’s real name was Merry Byrd and she and Kateri became friends while Kateri was with her father in Baltimore. That is also where Merida met and fell in love with Benedict Howard. She thinks he was behind the plane’s explosion that almost killed her and has sworn revenge. But her late husband has hired an assassin to kill her and Merida is afraid.
Linda
The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler
Simon Watson receives an old manuscript written by the owner of a circus. As he wonders why it was sent to him, the bookseller calls and tells him Simon’s grandmother’s name was in the book and he thought Simon would be interested. The more Simon reads of the book, the more interested he becomes. He learns that his grandmother as well as his mother performed in circuses as mermaids as they both had the ability to hold their breath for long minutes. Both died by suicide by drowning on July 24 and both were young. That date is several days away and he is worried that the curse might find his sister. This book was unusual but was not my cup of tea.
Linda
Thin Ice by Irene Hannon
Christy Reed contacts the FBI when she receives a letter addressed by her sister but her sister was killed in a house fire months before. She talks to Lance McGregor, newly hired by FBI after leaving Delta Force. Lance has the remains of Ginny Reed exhumed and the body is not that of Ginny but is found to be that of a local prostitute. With the letters she is receiving with Ginny’s handwriting, Christy thinks she might be alive, but as she looks closer at the photo of Ginny, she sees clues that the photo is an old one. Then, the body of Ginny is found in the river where it appears she has been dead for some time. Someone is targeting Christy but she says she has no enemies. She has one and that is all it takes.
Linda
Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon
After a leg injury ended his Army career, Finn McGregor has come to the cabin retreat to determine what to do with his life. Relaxing on the porch one evening, he hears a woman’s screams and runs to her rescue. Dana Lewis has left New York and retreated to the peace and tranquility of her cabin after she was held hostage by bank robbers. Nightmares of the event end in her screams of terror. Finn came to her rescue and their friendship began. Then vandalism starts on Dana’s property and it appears that someone is targeting her.
Linda
The Island House by Nancy Thayer
Susanna Vickerey is the matriarch of their home on Nantucket. Her life centers around her home, her family, and her children’s friends who she calls her “summer children”. She is married to Dr. Alastair Vickerey who usually shuts himself up in the study when he is not at their Boston apartment. Henry is the oldest child and a brilliant surgeon but prone to bipolar attacks. Robin is the oldest girl and wants to stay on the island. James is the younger son and owns a medical transcription business. Courtney Hendricks, Robin's best friend, is one of Susanna's summer children and is in love with James, but one of her longtime friends is in love with her and comes for a showdown with James.
Linda
Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn
Kate has loved Shane since they were teens but she embarrassed him and he ignored her. When he married her best friend Rachel, she was crushed but put on her happy face. She helped Rachel with the kids when Shane was deployed and said nothing when Shane came home and she was pushed aside. Now he is a widower and she is caring for the kids. One night, they were drunk and had sex and Kate got pregnant. Shane feels shame and disloyalty to Rachel but realized there was always something about Kate. She was tired of being a doormat for Shane but she loves him and the kids and couldn’t imagine life without them. They struggle on until a problem with one of the kids brings them together. A great story!
Mike
Grant by Ron Chernow
Revealing treatment of a complicated and committed man.
Linda
Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas
As she sits beside her dying father, he tells her he wants his children near him and she is not his child. Helen Ravenel sets out to find her biological father and is repulsed by the man she finds. Albion Vance is notorious for using women and casting them aside when he is tired of them. And worse, he is the man most hated by Helen’s fiancé Rhys Winterborne. Helen is afraid of what Rhys will say or do when he learns that she is the daughter of his hated enemy. Will he turn away from her in disgust?
Jan
Wit, Wisdom, and Practical Advice by Editors of the Old Farmer's Almanac
What a fun book! Easy to read with a page dedicated to each day. A lot about nature, when to plant, what to feed the birds, witty sayings by Franklin and others. Best of all are wonderful recipes for different times of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book one page at a time during the year. A great Christmas book for someone for whom you do not know what to get. I am giving it to my brother who hardly ever reads. Bet he will read this and leave it in the living room by his easy chair so he can read it during commercials. I am even giving him a bookmark to go with it.
Bill
Hardcore Twenty-Four by Janet Evanovich
Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter with questionable skills, continues to have cars totaled, lose bond violators, and fret about her love live. In this twenty-fourth installment add a healthy dose of zombies, a missing boa constrictor, and headless bodies to round out another plot that seems to have lost its steam. Hopefully the next edition returns some missing mojo.
Pam
The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman
This short book had a big impact on me. The tale of a man who is taking stock of his life and trying to see where things went awry makes one pay attention and read between the lines. We see his justification for his behavior, his sorrow and confusion about the results, and his attempt at change. It's heartbreaking, sparse, but rich in emotion beneath the surface. Love this author's writing style.
Ilene
Gun Love by Jennifer Clement
Liked the book very much, 5 stars! A book that could have started like once upon a time there was a young girl called Pearl because she was so light everyone thought she was an albino. She lived with her mother in an old Mercury in the parking lot next to a trailer park. They lived there for 14 years and made many deep connections with some of the trailer park residents who lived around them. They lived deep in the Florida swamps behind a dump where many gun owners shoot alligators for sport. One day, a terrible accident happens to her mother, and 14-year-old Pearl is taken into foster care and many adventures follow.
sandra
From Depths We Rise by Sara Rodriguez
This woman has been through hell and back, yet she still kept going. Not that she had a choice. Do not want to say more, no spoilers.
sandra
Red Clay Girl by Emilie Spaulding
Awesome, awesome read!!! This lady came from a poor beginning, and made a wonderful life for herself!! A must-read.
sandra
Revenge Killings-Chris Dorner by R. J. Parker
This guy was smart, and he was determined.
Vera
Gun Love by Jennifer Clement
Won a copy of this. Pearl's mother gave birth to her, without her family knowing. When she was only two months old, she took the baby and they moved away to live in a car for years. Bad way to raise a child, but it was working for them. But her mother was killed and DSS stepped in. So she was placed into temporary foster care. More changes for Pearl. Author keeps us reading, but really not how I hoped the book would end.
Vera
Paris in Oakland by Eliza Hemenway
Eliza's daughter Katherine is getting sicker all the time. Doctor says depression?? Days mother is called to school to pick her up when she is in lots of pain.This goes on for years, but Katherine gets worse all the time. She traces it back to something happened when only seven years old (Lyme disease), but the doctors won't treat her for this. It's one battle after another, and some doctors won't take her as a patient. Both are Christians and ask for God's help. Prayer groups all over are praying for Katherine. Based on a true story, it is very heart-wrenching. A book that is hard to put down. Would recommend to others.
Vera
Hard Rule (Dirty Money #1) by Lisa Renee Jones
Seems this is to be a new series, and this is Volume 1. I won a copy of this. The storyline is very good, although the sexual parts a little much for me. The Brandon family owns a huge empire, but crime, lies and corruption has gotten into it. Brother against brother, and seems like the dad enjoys this. The dad is dying with cancer, and Shane doesn't want to see his dad's empire end like this. He is a lawyer, but has come back to try and sort things out. Book a little slow-paced.
Donna
Watch Me Disappear by Janelle Brown
Wait for the paperback on this new release. A mother's sudden disappearance while hiking brings the truth to light. Starts off interesting but then becomes dull. It is too long with too much filler.
donna
White Bodies by Jane Robins
Debut fiction for Jane Robins. She's off to a great start with this suspenseful new novel about two sisters and their relationships. Kept me guessing to about the 3/4 mark. I love psychological thrillers and liked the different unique twists in this book. Read it in two days. I would have given it 5 stars if I didn't guess the ending. I recommend this one. Looking forward to author's next book.
Donna
The Separatists by Lis Wiehl
Erica is a TV news broadcaster that is a rising star and her latest expose is a winner. Mary Bellamy is leading a group of Separatists in North Dakota to start their own nation and withdrawing from the United States. They are extremely well organized and prepared, including their own military. As bodies start accumulating, it's obvious Mary is eliminating people who she finds questionable. In order for Erica to survive, she must find the truth and make it known.
Margaret
Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children by Jodie Berndt
Thanks to HandleBar for a review copy. I feel grateful for the chance to read this inspiring book by a mother who knows how to pray for her children. She used her own experiences and those of others to teach us about praying for them. I have 2 adult daughters & have prayed for their needs such as choosing a spouse, their health & safety, their ability to find a job they want & other of life's important decisions. My grandkids are now young adults & I pray for them as well. The author incorporates Scripture throughout the book & at the end of each chapter, she includes Verses where you can include your child's name as you pray for specific help. Read this book slowly for reflection on the full meaning. Definitely a resource book to cherish.
Betty
The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers
As their husbands went off to war, wives were left behind to tend to the crops and livestock. But Union troops (and men dressed as troops) took food and livestock from them, not caring how the families were to survive. Newlywed Placidia barely knew her husband when he left her to tend their huge farm and his young son from his previous marriage. This was not a marriage of convenience as they seemed to truly love each other. But two years later when Major Hockaday returns home, he finds that Placidia has been arrested for killing her newborn child, a child that definitely was not his. Can he forgive his love for whatever happened while he was away? And what did happen? Can she be honest with him? Can their love survive?
Richard N B
Groot by Jeff Loveness and Brian Kesinger
Hmmm. Really don’t know what to say about this graphic novel/comics collection starring a talking tree with limited vocabulary, and a perpetually irritated Rocket Raccoon. Clearly I’m not the target audience, but I think I see the appeal. It took my mind off my troubles for an hour.
Linda
Holy Island by L. J. Ross
I liked this mystery so much that I immediately ordered the other 6 in the series. I really liked the characters and the depth the author gave them plus I always like a British setting.
Lara
Days Without End by Sebastian Barry
Deserves its accolades. Excellent historical fiction. Read all of Barry’s books.
Lara
The Muse by Jessie Burton
I’ve enjoyed both her novels to date. This is the second. Both are historical fiction, this one set in Spain. Very well written. A writer to keep watching and reading.
Lara
The Good People by Hannah Kent
Excellent historical fiction. Well written. I also enjoyed her first book. This one is set in 1850s Ireland and involves folklore and fairylore and folk belief. A sad but lovely story.
Debbie
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery
A very delightful story about a young orphan girl in Canada, but what a mouth on that Anne. She never stops talking. The story centers on each season and the beauty of nature in each season with the flowers and animals and weather. Anne flits in and out of adventures, but remains a constant friend to the community. I love all the events that happen in a world without television and Internet. The story contains very few disappointments as Anne never lets life sadden her.
Debbie
In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming
I read one Clare Ferguson book, ONE WAS A SOLDIER, and did not enjoy the story. This book introduces Clare and Russ, and the story progresses from this meeting. Clare, a minister, finds a baby in the church. While Clare and Russ attempt to find the mother, a young woman has been killed. The suspect list enlarges as the police search for the baby's father. The story plunges into several dysfunctional families and a wealthy couple desperately wanting a baby. The winter's bleakness overshadows the story. Julia Spencer-Fleming inserts many characters into the story, but this does not destroy the story as each character arrives systematically.
Debbie
Phoebe's Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher
The book thoroughly surprised me. I loved the two stories: one in 1658 and one in 1767. The two women are both very complex women. I also enjoyed reading about the different times in history of Nantucket Island. I did not know that in the 1660s in Massachusetts that religious persecution existed. The Quakers faced terrible times and risked their life for their beliefs. The story of a whaling/fishing community opened my eyes. I did not realize that a ship could be at sea for two years or longer. The women left behind faced many hazards and learned self-reliance The characters, especially the women, show strength and endurance. Many of the men are shiftless and brutal.
Ilene
Georgia by Dawn Tripp
What an exceptional historical fiction, loved every minute! Georgia O'Keeffe, the narrator, and her husband Alfred Stieglitz are both artists, she with pictures and he with a camera. I would rather have had less romance and more of her descriptions of her art, so vivid, that I could imagine it without seeing the pictures. What a life she lead. Stieglitz was the best husband for her with his encouragement that made her even stronger. I really liked the part of her story when she was in New Mexico - that's when she really shined.
Becky
The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve
I picked up this book because I thought it was historical fiction about the devastating fire in the Northeast during October of 1947. It is, but first you have to get through the bad sex (there is more bad sex later in the book, too). The fire is only peripheral to the book. It is really about a young mother finding herself, standing up for herself and her children and finding her true love. If that is the book you want to read, this one is well written, the characters are interesting and speak and act like real people. There is a bit about the fire that is quite terrifying and a bit about the damage fire can cause to a human being. The psychology part is also well written. I’m not quite sure how the title fits the story.
Karen
Security by Gina Wohlsdorf
Charles Destin, owner of Destin Management Group, builds Manderley Resort, which some say looks like a main sail or a jewel, while others say it resembles a tooth. Charles, whose diplomat father was killed by a homemade bomb slipped into his hotel room, is obsessed with security, which is reflected in the construction of Manderley. Tessa, Charles' assistant, is preparing the resort for its grand opening detail by detail. Unfortunately, someone doesn't want the resort to open, so they have hired a team to defeat the security and kill the staff. One by one, the staff members are murdered, and their grizzly remains are left in different areas of the resort. Who is behind the killings? And will anyone survive?
