Liz
Cover of Snow by Jenny Milchman
Nora Hamilton's perfect is shattered when her husband, a police officer, commits suicide. She decides to investigate to find out the reason behind this tragedy and while doing so she uncovers many secrets of the small town in which she lives. I picked this book for my book club because of the good reviews it received. It was just not my taste. I found the story confusing, with too many characters. You are able to figure out the ending long before the book is done.
Karen
Women in Sunlight by Frances Mayes
Great read and perfect for a book club! The author truly takes you along into Tuscany with all its food, art and architecture!
Muriel
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
This memoir of Ms. Woodson growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s is written in a lovely poetical style. The book moves along quickly as Woodson tells the story of her early years living in Ohio, spending time with her grandparents in South Carolina, and eventually moving to New York. She explores who she is and how her ideas were formed.
Lynn
The Female Pursuasion by Meg Wolitzer
I am a big fan of Meg Wolitzer’s writing. Her descriptions of people and place are exquisite and I loved her last book, THE INTERESTINGS. That said, this novel was, ultimately, disappointing. Many will disagree with this opinion, but I found the main character, Greer, to be whiny and annoying. Her feminist mentor, Faith, is a stereotype. Neither is particularly interesting. Given that this is not a plot-driven novel, character is very important and I just couldn’t get invested in the people involved in this story.
Lori
Not My Father’s Son by Alan Cumming
I finished the book because it was for my book club, but it was just okay for me. I became bored with it and found myself skimming pages just to be done with it. I didn’t particularly care for this one.
Diane
The Book of Guys by Garrison Keillor
Funny and insightful, but with the MeToo allegations, a little disturbing.
Judy
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
Albert Einstein and his future wife are in school together. The author theorizes that Mrs. Einstein, a brilliant and physically handicapped fellow student, is actually the brains behind some of Einstein's early theories. After they write a paper together, he publishes under only his name. A pregnancy separates the couple and Albert never meets his daughter who is left with her grandparents. We are left to wonder as their life and family together continues whether there is actual truth in the premise that she is also brilliant. It's fiction worth reading.
Jolene
Jar of Hearts and All the Beautiful Lies by Jennifer Hillier and Peter Swanson
Oh my goodness -- both of theses books were exceptional! Could not put either of these down!! Highly recommend both of these!!❤️❤️
Francisca E B
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
One of the best opening lines of literature: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” It's no wonder this is a classic. Austen is simply the master of dialogue. The way in which the characters interact brings them to life.
Rosa
Anatomy of a Miracle by Jonathan Miles
This is the "true" story (though the book is a novel) of Cameron Harris, an Army veteran who became a paraplegic when he stepped on a land mine in Afghanistan. Four years later, Cameron suddenly stands up from his wheelchair and begins to walk. It's a miracle because it seems that science and medicine cannot explain it. Jonathan Miles has written this story in the format of a written documentary, with accounts of interviews with characters in Cameron's life. It is an epic story, one that is engrossing and intriguing. I could not put the book down. This would be a great book club book.
Nancy
The Letter by Kathryn Hughs
One of the best books that I've read this year.
Krys
The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve
I learned about the terrible fires in Maine for the first time. Enjoyed the story even though it was rather dark; but wish there could be a sequel. I loved how Grace slowly climbed from being submissive to independent. This book is a real page-turner!
Jill
Educated by Tara Westover
A powerful book that was difficult at times to read, but impossible to put down. A father who was an extremist and a mother that was subservient to him. Father extremely paranoid and always preparing for the “Days of Abomination”. Her first time in a classroom is in college and she hears about the Holocaust, civil rights movement, World War II, and slavery. An inspiring story, Tara tells of how she gets away from her family and is able to get PhD from Cambridge and a Harvard fellowship. A book that will stay with you long after the last page.
krys
The Two Family House by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Two brothers running a business together; living with their families in a two family house, intertwining everyday lives in just about all matters, including some very serious twists and turns that make this a very interesting and enjoyable read. It is great for book club discussion.
Cathryn
Still Life by Louise Penny
I've been wanting to read Louise Penny's books for a long time. Finally, I read STILL LIFE, her first book in her mystery series, with my book club. It started out slowly at first, but since it was a book club book, I stayed with it and I'm glad I did. It was a good mystery, and a good introduction to the characters that will appear in the other books in her Inspector Gamache series. There were several times I thought I had figured out who was the murderer, but I had to wait until the end to see that I was wrong!
Lana
One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus
I read this book when it was first published but didn't remember much about it other than its general premise. I won several copies of its sequel, THE VENGEANCE OF MOTHERS, for my book club so we read ONE THOUSAND WHITE WOMEN before VENGEANCE as no one else had read it. Overall it was a good book with an accurate depiction of Plains Indian culture. We will read the sequel in a few months.
Lana
Natchez Burning by Greg Iles
Large book of 788 pages, but definitely kept me reading. Although there were times I got tired of the seemingly almost constant "self-examination" by most of the characters, my interest was held wanting to know what would happen next. I was born in 1952 in the middle of the U.S. so can definitely remember this dark time. After finishing the book, I read some newspaper article and other accounts of this time. The book definitely reflected the horror of those events. The author's love of his family also was apparent throughout the novel. This is a large book with many twists and turns that kept mt interest throughout. It is also a book that I have recommended to friends, which is something I do infrequently.
Linda
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
I'm nothing near a Trevor Noah "fan", so I was hesitant to read his memoir. Memoir - he’s barely into his thirties! And I put it down after only a few pages at first. A year later, though, it was the book club read. Eh, I hoped I’d get through it. May I say, I am glad I went back to it. He’s young: he’s clever. He has good insight. And he has something to say. He lived through the demise of apartheid in South Africa. His observations on his life and the transition will educate you, if, like me, you only have rudimentary knowledge. If you’re better educated regarding apartheid, you’ll appreciate Noah’s wit and skill for putting yourself in his shoes. His writing is conversational, readily approachable. You’ll wish for more when you finish.
Susan
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
This was a fascinating novel based on a true set of events in U.S. history. A time when one woman built a child-selling network, often even stealing children. The story focuses on the imagined lives of children caught up in this scheme and is most effective when narrating those past events. It switches between past and present. The present day story and main character are less compelling and not as well drawn. It seemed like the present day characters and events were solely a vehicle to bring forth the past. However, I do recommend the book as it held my attention and was well written and was a good book for discussion at my book club.
Gerry
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
BIG LITTLE LIES starts out as a light, fun read featuring realistic and likeable characters. It turns more serious toward the end, and includes some important messages that I won't describe for fear of spoiling the novel for others. Overall, an engaging and worthwhile read.
Gerry
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Noah has a very engaging writing style, and presented in this memoir a fascinating look at his own chiodhood and the larger South African society in the years after apartheid officially ended.
Gerry
The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff
3-1/2 stars for a touching story of two women in Germany and Vichy, France, each holding their own secrets close as they travel and work together in a circus during World War II. I wanted to love this novel, but the writing style and too-pat plotting put me off a bit.Still, it's interesting to note that the story is based on real events that occurred at that time, and to gain yet another perspective on the horrors of that war, and all wars.
Gerry
The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian
What a disappointment! Bohjalian has long been one of my favorite authors, which makes this disjointed novel, full of annoying and sterotypical characters, is even more of a letdown. I had to force myself to finish it, and regret the time wasted.
Gerry
The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper
Very enjoyable conversation between Anderson Cooper and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. I knew virtually nothing about either of them prior to listening to this book, which was read by the two authors. Themes of love, family, aging, regrets, all explored thoughtfully and lovingly in a series of letters between mother and son. "I do now know the world, the good and the bad, and I would rather greet it with open arms. It is worth the hurt, the sting of loss or betrayal, yes, worth it all. Hope is essential. The alternative is to stop living. It never occurs to me that the rainbow will not come back. I know that the rainbow comes and goes, and really, isn't that enough?" ~ Gloria at age 91
Sandra
Vermilion Drift by William Kent Krueger
This series of mysteries set in the North Country of Minnesota is a winner. Cork O’Connor is a great character and the storylines are riveting.
Gerry
The Boy on the Bridge by M. R. Carey
A bit less engaging than its predecessor, THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS, THE BOY ON THE BRIDGE continues the post-apocalyptic tale with the remaining humans turning on one another and nearly destroying themselves in the process.
Gerry
In the Distance by Hernan Diaz
Diaz's IN THE DISTANCE is a very readable story of a gentle man struggling to survive and find his home. Emigrating from Sweden to America, Håkan becomes separated from his brother and ends up on the Pacific coast rather than in New York as anticipated. His life is devoted to trying to make his way to NY to find his brother. Along the way, he meets up with a variety of characters, some helpful and others threatening, and becomes something of a legend himself.
Phyllis
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Stella, a highly functioning autistic young woman mainly focused on her career, decides to get help in learning to handle relationships better by hiring an escort to teach her. Online, she chooses Michael who is working as an escort to pay family bills. From the first meeting, these two have a hard time keeping it a business relationship. The book is funny, romantic, sensitive, sexy, quirky and overall delightful. I hated for it to end and hope Stella and Michael appear in the author's next book. Thanks to Penguin First To Read for an early reading copy.
Sandy
Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler
This is a wonderful novel about two women who take a road trip together. One is in her 90s and is a white woman and the other is much younger black woman. The white woman has a wonderful story she shares on the trip. It is so worth the read!!
Susan
When the Moon is Low by Nadia Hashimi
This novel tells the story of a family that escapes Kabul, Afghanistan in when the Taliban first invades. I love these kind of books that make you aware of the struggles that continue today for Muslims.
Beth
Fortress Malta: An Island under Seige 1940-1943 by James Holland
I received this book as a Christmas present from my father over 10 years ago and waited to read it until I could visit the island. My grandfather, my dad’s father, is from there and I thought my family might be mentioned in it. They weren’t. This was also a history story from a very specific period of time in Malta’s history and was really about how the British military got on there and how the war affected the island. A remarkable story but not the one I was looking for.
NANCY
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
My book club reads at least one classic each year. This year, we did A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN and, now, Rebecca. It’s over eighty years old, and is as good as when I read it in high school. Others must agree, because it has never been out of print. If you’ve read it, re-read it. If you’ve never read it but like JANE EYRE and WUTHERING HEIGHTS, read it.
Amy
Twisted Prey by John Sandford
I always love reading the adventures of Lucas Davenport!!
Ann
Forty Autumns by Nina Willner
Very interesting book describing East Germany following WWII and the separation of the author's mother from her family during that time.
Donna
My Ex-Life by Stephen McCauley
This is a terrific book. It has it all -- laughs, tears, mistakes and life lessons. I couldn't put it down.
Nora
Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? by Alyssa Mastromonaco
I thought the book would include more about her interactions with President Obama, so I was somewhat disappointed with the content until I got into the book and learned about the author and how interesting her job was in itself. And, as she said, she thought the other people involved needed to tell their own story. She had to have incredible stamina and willpower to keep up with the demanding job she took on.
shelly
Cottage by the Sea by Debbie Macomber
When a horrific accident takes Annie Marlow's family, it is shocking and very unexpected. No one would have predicted that in the blink of an eye with no warning her entire family is gone. With only her cousin Gabby and her aunt, she has no family at all. After returning home and hibernating for almost a year and a half, her cousin Gabby suggests she has to move on with her life, find a happy place. What should Annie do next? She cannot stay where she is. Annie is reminded of the wonderful week each summer her family spent when they went to Oceanside in the Pacific Northwest. They enjoyed the water, the town and all the good times her family always shared. Determined to "start over" she returns to the little town.
Carol R.
The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel
How could a person live in the middle of the Maine woods for 27 years in a tent and live to tell about it? The main character did this and shopped in the homes (camps) of summer owners and took the needed supplies from their stored property. How could he live through a Maine winter in a tent? He was sometime near death due to lack of food and heat.
Sean
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
WHO MOVED MY CHEESE? is a basic yet poignant take on stagnation in the workplace. It's essentially about four characters handling change. From a business standpoint this resonated with me because I still vividly remember the days when customers would ask on a daily basis if Best Buy was going out of business. As an electronics/technology company it's obviously imperative that the company grow with the times and stay ahead of them whenever possible while still remaining fiscally responsible to shareholders. From a leadership standpoint I sadly saw aspects of my personality in all four of the characters.
Toni
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
Unreliable narrator, unexpected twist.
Jane
Love and Ruin by Paula McLain
A well-paced story about journalist Martha Gellhorn and her rocky marriage to Ernest Hemingway. A good and informative read.
Janet
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Loved this character! An important novel dealing with loneliness, mental illness and being kind.
k.
Delivering the Truth (A Quaker-Midwife Mystery) by Edith Maxwell
This is a historical mystery. I learned so much about Amesbury, MA, the Quakers, and their customs in 1888. I like the fact that Rose Carroll proved to be such an independent woman. I learned that John Greenleaf Whittier was also a Quaker. This is an excellent book to read - good story and lots of interesting facts.
shannon
The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams
An excellent story about extended families, class "warfare" on an upscale east coast island, mystery and romance. While it is a great summer read, I am not giving it five stars because it bogs down as the story progressives; it needed some editing in the last quarter.
Lynn
The Recipe Box by Viola Shipman
The more I read, the more I remembered other books. Oh so very predictable.
Lynn
Doc by Mary Doria Russell
This is a great book about the life and times of John Henry "Doc" Holliday, DDS. It's all here: Dodge City saloons, dance halls, and brothels, the Earp brothers, Morgan, James, and Wyatt (Virgil was already in the Southwest), horses, cattle drives, gunfights, and so much more. Loved it!!
Janet
Someone Like You by Susan Mallery
This is an older story by Mallery. I love the characters and storyline.
Martha
The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney
The time is 1867 for this historical fiction piece, set in the Northern Territory of Canada. The murder of Laurent Jammet, a loner who comes and goes as a resident of the Dove River settlement sets several events in motion -- the disappearance of the son of Mrs. Ross who found the slain man, the appearance of representatives from the Hudson Bay Company who believe they are the law and great investigators, the suspicion of any man with native blood, beginnings of romance for more than one character, the resurgence of curiosity about two teenage sisters who vanished 17 years earlier. Truths and lies abound as do suspense and relationships. History and mystery in this harsh landscape, beautifully described. Highly recommend for book clubs.
Dorothy
Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde
The coming together of a widow and a 15-year-old that has run away from the foster "care" program. Both have experienced loss and betrayal. The tale of them coming together to start a new family and experience helps new people they meet on their journey.
Bonnie
Natural Causes by Barbara Ehrenreich
This was a little more technical than I was expecting. Expected more about analyses of alternative medicines, herbal treatments, massage, essential oils, etc. and their pros and cons.
Connie
Need to Know by Karen Cleveland
Very suspenseful. Never knew whether the wife who works for the CIA could trust her husband who she found out was a spy and had been a spy since the day they were married.
Judith
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James
Great book. Held my interest throughout the entire story. Loved it.
Ori
So You Want to Talk About Race? by Ijeoma Oluo
Very thought-provoking and generated a lot of interesting discussion at our book group meeting.
Cindy
The Flicker of Old Dreams by Susan Henderson
This was such an amazing story and so beautifully written. Petroleum is a dying midwestern town with less than 200 residents. Everyone knows everyone and their business. Grudges are held and forgiveness rare. Work has become scarce after a grain elevator incident that crippled the town. Mary is the embalmer who works with her father in the mortuary. Because of her occupation she is an outsider and taunted and feared by children and even adults. She leads a lonely life but takes pride in her art of embalming. She is an artist in bringing dignity to the dead. When Robert, the son of a dying resident, returns home to take care of his mother, the town's and Mary’s life are turned upside down. This story is powerful. I recommend.
Trez
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
A good mystery. An easy read.
Lynn
Love and Ruin by Paula McLain
Hemingway and his third wife, Martha Gellhorn, are richly portrayed in this work of historical fiction. Paula McLain has become a favorite author after only three books.
Susan
Still Me by Jojo Moyes
Moyes does it again! We reconnect with Louisa Clark now working as a personal assistant to a wealthy woman, living on 5th Avenue in New York City, who has many secrets. I finished this novel in two days and look forward to Jojo's next novel. (I have read them all!)
dianne
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
The main character in this book draws you into her life and that's what made it interesting for me. Margaret is the main character, a young woman with a brand new MBA, ready to take on the world and get married to Chip, who is the perfect guy for her -- except for one thing. He loves travel and he loves to fly, something Margaret is deathly afraid of. I thought this book would be somewhat predictable, but was I ever wrong about that. I will say no more about the plot as you must read this book to discover what happens. It was definitely a page-turner, and I was thrilled about how Margaret handled the challenges in her life, and the ending made me smile.
Richard N B
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
3.5 stars. The subtitle is all the synopsis anyone needs: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race. I had seen the movie, but it covers just a few years, and compresses the story of many women into three characters. Shetterly’s book covers the time from the early years of WWII to the moon landing in August 1969. I’m glad I read it and that these women’s stories are finally brought to the forefront of America’s consciousness.
Judy
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Robert Langford at his best helping to solve the puzzle that leads to the ancient mysteries. A very mysterious tattooed man is the villain, his friend Peter is missing, and Peter's sister Katherine is along to help with the puzzle solution. This book was published in 2000, but, if you like Dan Brown's twists and turns, this is the book for you.
Deb
The High Season by Judy Blundell
Amazingly, this was my first book by Judy Blundell. I had no idea that she did the Star Wars book series. Although not really my genre. However, this is her first adult novel, so that definitely explains it. This book, wow! I have never seen so many snarky, greedy, narcissistic and shady characters all in one book. Some of these people were downright vicious! And the mercilessness and attitude of some of them was downright incorrigible!
Deb
How it Happened by Michael Koryta
This book begins with Kimberly Crepeaux, a heroin addict and jailhouse snitch, telling a highly seeming probable story of the death of a young couple. At first, when I was reading this very first part, I wasn't sure what was going on. However, I soon figured out it was the junkie's testimony. And away, the book went. This book was outstanding! I think it is Mr. Koryta's best book yet. You know that the murder is solved very early in the book, but you're questioning it. How can the author tell you "what happened" so early it in the book? How could Barrett get it so wrong? Or did he?
Mary
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
While not a pleasant book to read, I found it most interesting and informative. It is almost unbelievable that young women (girls) could be exposed to radium and the company deny there was any risk. The author certainly did a lot of research to bring as much information (the latest) to the reader. I have recommended it as a read for one of the book groups I am in.
Angela
Final Girls by Riley Sager
I started this book with the audio edition and when that expired with the library before I was very far into it, I thought about giving up and moving onto another book. In audio, the characters seemed a bit superficial, but something made me decide to submit for the digital library version and read it instead of listening to it. Great choice. It did take a bit for the book to hook me, but then it did in a big way. As the book description states, two Final Girls connect and the relationship worried me. It seemed Sam was having a horrible effect on Quincy, our protagonist. I resented her and wondered what her end game was. If you like books that dart in unexpected directions, give this one a shot. Great read.
Lou Ann
Night Road by Kristin Hannah
When I first started reading this book I thought it was going to be a light, beach read. It was anything but. It is a story about coming of age, loss, dealing with grief, family situations. The characters are very realistic and so easy to relate to all of them. I was in tears a few times while reading.
Elizabeth
The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
A charming and humorous story of four English women previously unknown to each other and of varying social class and age who are enticed to escape their rather drab,unhappy lives in their urban city for what they dream will be an adventure of new experiences, freedom, and happiness. They rent, in Italy, an old castle situated high upon a mountain with lush gardens that overlooks the sea. Von Arnim's descriptions of the landscape are enticing and the warm, sunny locale has a transformative effect on the ladies. The author brings the reader into the thought of the characters as they undergo mental and physical changes. Enchantment is abundant and lives are renewed.
Dottie
The Girl from Berlin by Ronald H. Balson
This is a phenomenal book. The story is about a young outstanding Jewish woman violinist and her family in Berlin prior to and during WWII. In addition, it tells the story of an old woman in Italy fighting to keep her land with the help of an American lawyer, her investigator husband, several Italian lawyers, a German lawyer and of course the Nazis. Suspenseful, intriguing and a page-turner.
Stephanie
American Princess by Leslie Carroll
A quick look at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
Susan
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
This historical fiction novel gives us a wonderful look at Beryl Markham and her life in British controlled Kenya in the 1920s.
Beth
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
Great page-turner mystery.
Susan
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
This was an interesting story about Christina. I wanted it to be more about Andrew Wyeth so I was a little disappointed that it wasn't. However, the story was a nice read.
Helen
An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear
Part of her Maisie Dobbs series, which I'm enjoying. These are excellent mysteries that are all "stand-alone." The characters are very real and well-developed. They are fully real to me by the end of the book. Each book is about many things. This one about gypsies, large estates, horses, the countryside. All are set in England, around London. I recommend these books.
Liz
The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews
Brooke Trappnell was a successful lawyer in Savannah. She is now a single mom trying to build up her own practice in a small town. She is summoned to Talisa, an island, by an eccentric millionaire Josephine who requires her services. While working for her she uncovers a decades old murder, a fifty year old secret about a child given to an orphanage as well as many other secrets that were kept hidden. This is a quick, well-written story.
Shirley
The City of Lost Fortunes by Bryan Camp
I am not a fantasy reader BUT this one is so well written interweaving the quest with very accurate New Orleans depictions that I am already waiting for his next book.
Kathy
West With the Night by Beryl Markham
WEST WITH THE NIGHT by Beryl Markham is a memoir published in 1942. Beryl was raised on a farm in Africa by a single father. She started her adult life training horses, later became a pilot flying throughout Africa, delivering mail, scouting elephants for safaris, and delivering sick or injured to hospitals. Beryl was a fiercely independent woman, strong and intuitive. Above all, though, she became an exquisite writer -- her books are beautiful, her words profound.
Joan
Angel of the Underground by David Andreas
Young adult book about a girl living in a Catholic foster home that is terrorized by a killer. Readers follow Robin as she is placed in a private foster home and must navigate her way through quirky housemates and young love, all while trying to solve the mystery of who the killer is. Is her faith in God strong enough to see her through?
Kate
How It All Began by Penelope Lively
One event affecting so many people created an engaging plot with interesting characters. Truly demonstrates that no man is an island!
Sandy
All the Castles Burned by Michael Nye
When Owen Webb, the son of working class parents, receives a scholarship to the prestigious Rockcastle Preparatory Academy, the mysterious Carson Bly, an upperclassman from a wealthy and powerful family, befriends him. Their friendship deepened through a love of basketball, becomes an obsession for Owen, who is desperate to avoid the growing trouble at home between his parents. When Owen's father is arrested for a shocking and unexpected crime, his family is torn apart and Owen's anger and fear are carefully manipulated by Carson. Owen has fallen in love with Carson's beautiful but troubled sister. Lots of twists and turns to this story.
Jennifer
That Kind of Mother by Rumaan Alam
This story brings up a lot of questions and it is difficult not to pass judgement and have an opinion on Rebecca’s thoughts and actions. Is she “saving” this black baby by bringing him into a white, wealthy family, or is she doing him a disservice by not allowing him to grow up with black parents who can teach him what it means to be black in America? She doesn’t think much about what prejudices he might face as a black man. THAT KIND OF MOTHER is about the challenges of motherhood, race and how family can be created without being blood-related, but it is also commentary on selfishness disguised as selflessness, lack of understanding blinded by positivity and hopefulness for the future.
Becky
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish
This somewhat disturbing tale is the story of a young Jewish girl living in exile in Holland (Amterdam) in 1660. The characters are skillfully defined and brought to life on the pages. The political climates of Jewish diaspora and England between Cromwell and the renewed monarchy are clear. The tension between the rival philosophies is palpable. Although VERY long, the well-researched story holds one’s attention. Ester is a likeable, although obstinate and often misguided, personage. Her plight will resonant with today’s feminist sympathizers. 4 of 5 stars because of the 600 page length.
Loralee
Every Note Played by Lisa Genova
Lisa Genova has done it again. She is a brilliant writer and activist who utilizes her talents in fiction, developing characters to educate us in the personal struggles of ALS, a horrible, devastating illness.
Becky
Ember by Brock Adams
Oh dear, what to say? First, while science fiction IS fiction, it should also be reasonably believable. A dying sun that in three years turns the Southern hemisphere into a block of ice should also have drowned all of Florida. It didn’t in EMBER. A snowstorm that appears suddenly like a tidal wave and then is over in bare minutes dropping feet of snow, is simply not believable, or survivable. The hundreds of nuclear bombs sent aloft by hundreds (???) of co-operating countries, don’t work to restart the sun. The U.S. government is hiding in Iceland and Lisa, the main character, turns from loving wife to capably murderous fiend in hours. Oh, and befriends her philandering husband’s lover in the process.
Donna
Bring Me Back by B. A. Paris
B. A. Paris has managed to do it again. She grabs you at the beginning of the book and doesn't let you go until the end. Love her mystery/thriller writing.
Sandra
The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman
The story begins with a young girl, ten years old, who is kept in an attic of their home because she was different. Never allowed to come downstairs or go outside and only one small window to see the grounds and the horses that were on the farm. One night her mother comes to get her and takes her to a traveling circus in a field not far from that window. She sells the girl to the circus and there she spends the rest of her life...a good life and sometimes a bad life. I thought there should have been a better ending for this story.
Kathy
West With the Night by Beryl Markham
Meryl begins her life as an adult in east Africa by becoming a horse trainer, later she trains as a pilot and scouts for safaris, delivers mail, and transports I’ll patients to hospitals. She becomes the first female to solo fly across the pacific from east to west and authors several books.
Becky
The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews
Andrews is one of my favorite “women’s lit” authors. Her characters speak and act like real people. Her plots are intricate and satisfying. Her settings are richly described. The tempo is fast enough to keep up interest and yet slow enough for a well-paced read. THE HIGH TIDE CLUB does not fail! Murder, illegitimate babies, broken engagements, crotchety old ladies, absent boyfriends, a private island, a mean sexual predator, a vast fortune, a dying heiress and skinny dipping under a full moon -- what more could one want in the ultimate beach read? This one is fun and will keep you guessing till the last pages, although one of the many mysteries I was able to figure out early on.
Betty
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
I will admit that this was a book that I did not want to like. Yes, that is right – I did not want to like it. It seemed to be pure romance – no mysteries, no murders, no other storyline than pure romance. But it hooked me! That, to me, is a sign of good writing. The characters drew me in. They entertained me. They made me feel such a variety of emotions. I pretty much knew how most of the story was going to go, but I still enjoyed the ride.
Jan
Golden Prey by John Sandford
I have never read a bad John Sandford book. This one is no exception. New to this book is that Lucas has joined the Federal Marshall corps for "special" projects. He is all over the South and Southwest U.S. trying to get a murdering robber. Lucas was drawn to the case because the fugitive killed a very young girl in "cold blood" and the photo of the young slain girl reminds Lucas of his own child. The killer robbed a powerful drug cartel; the cartel folks do not care that their members were murdered, but they are angry that the killer got their money and they want it back. So the thief is being tracked by two groups - the good guys and the bad guys and girls.
Lee
Overkill by Ted Bell
The title of Ted Bell's latest Alex Hawke novel says it all - overkill. The book is absolutely the worst I have ever read from Bell. The main character doesn't even make sense anymore and the book is filled with unbelievable characters and plots, starting with the tale of the falling ski lift and disappearance of Hawke's son. Perhaps it's time to retire Lord Hawke from the active rolls of MI-6.
Francisca E B
Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova
A diagnosis of Huntington’s Disease affects not only Boston cop Joe O’Brien, but his entire family. Genova writes so well about neurological disorders, making the story both entertaining and informative. I really felt as if I knew these characters – their fears, joys, dreams, and anxieties.
shelly
I've Got My Eyes on You by Mary Higgins Clark
Kerry Dowling is found dead in her families pool and the obvious suspect is her boyfriend since they had a fight before he left the party. Jamie, who is a disabled young man and their next-door neighbor, might also be a person of interest. When Kerry's sister Aline returns home she is determined to find the actual killer. Ms. Higgins always gives us many suspects or hints as to who might have been the actual murderer, but probably most of your guesses just like my own were wrong. Thanks to some investigating and help from a detective they are determined to solve the mystery. Great summer read.
Deby
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
I loved this book and how it seamlessly twisted through time telling the life stories of so many people whose lives intertwined.
Cindy
Sunburn by Laura Lippman
This book has a great plot, interesting characters, and a nostalgic 50's feel. Lippman’s subtle clues threw me off and I had to rethink what I thought I knew. Does that make sense? I loved this cat and mouse game that had passion, lies and ever-changing rules. I’ll be reading more by this author in the near future.
Kay
Death of a Cozy Writer by G. M. Malliet
A murder mystery in the Agatha Christie style.
Susan
She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper
If you appreciated the movie Kick Ass, then you will love this book. On one hand an action adventure story with a truly unique young protagonist and on the other a father daughter relationship that while unconventional is still moving. Definitely deserving of its Edgar award!
Sue
The Girl Before by Rena Olsen
I love a good story that keeps you guessing, and this book did. Well written. The last 100 pages grip you and make it hard to put down.
Michelle
The Child by Fiona Barton
A good twist at the end. It did have me guessing throughout the book and flipping the pages to find out the truth. Definitely more of a plot-based novel, good for a quick read. Not sure if all the hype is worth it though.
Nancy
Murder in Little Italy by Victoria Thompson
I love this book. It's my 4th time reading it and I never grow old of it. The story is good and the characters are great.
Helen
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
A riveting read! Great for book clubs !
Karen Overstedt
Henry's Sisters by Cathy Lamb
Complicated, funny, heart-wrenching and all about love.
Nancy
The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry
This is a nice, fun read and with summer coming, I recommend it to take on vacation.
Kathy
West With the Night by Beryl Markham
A memoir of Beryl's life in Africa as a young child growing up in a farm and playing with natives, later training horses then deciding to become a pilot delivering mail and packages, scouting for safaris and transporting various people. A wonderful book of prose.
Elizabeth
Fortress Malta: An Island Under Siege: 1940-43 by James Holland
I received this book as a gift from my father years ago. My grandfather is from Malta. I read it now as I am visiting the country this summer. I was hoping to learn more about the history of Malta but it was really a story - a remarkable story - about the crucial but largely unknown story of Malta’s role in WWII.
Sean
The Fireman by Joe Hill
Joe Hill masterfully crafts an epic novel that melds multiple genres into something completely unique. The book pulls no punches and has tons of mysteries that become complete upon reveal. The characters are realistic and sad, like life. The main protagonist has ridiculous flaws like all of us and she's likable and heroic. The novel is sizable but never feels like it as I flew through it. Joe Hill has established himself as a can't-miss author. Overall, I simply loved it.
Sandra
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
This book was so sad at the beginning. Although her life never returned to how it was, things kinda ended up okay. Parts of it made me cry.
Nancy
Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout
I liked the beginning of the book and the end of it, but in between it seemed to slow down
and much of it became repetitious and depressing to me.
Sandra
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
I could not put this down. Read it straight through. Wow, so many twist and turns. Things were not always as they appeared to be. I will not say more, but this is a MUST read, if you like a book that keeps you on the edge of the seat!
Sandra
How Hard Can it Be? by Allison Pearson
Reentering the workforce, after being out for so long. It is hard...
Sandra
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
I got this as an early review copy. Sometimes having all you want is not the blessing you think it is. Money changes people.
Gil
The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood
Ava is a very lonely woman and joins a book club. After many years of marriage, her husband has left her for another woman. The club meets once a month, and the theme for the year is "what book has mattered the most in your life". Ava's book is about a mother's love for a dead child. Ava relates to the book because her younger sister Lily died when very young. Ava's enthusiasm gets the better of her when she volunteers to bring the author to a meeting. This proves to be very difficult when the author cannot be located anywhere. Ava has had a troubled life. Her mother jumped off a bridge a year after Lily died and Maggie her daughter is into drugs. Lots of great characters in this book.
Marcia
Stricken by C. K. Kelly Martin
Not my usual fare. Ireland is stricken by a disease that wipes out the elder populations's memories. Seems it's an other-world infection. The ending didn't answer the question of what happens, so I'm sure there's a second book coming. Young adults would like this book, which is who it is for.
Marcia
Population 485 by Michael Perry
True story of Perry's return to his home town in Wisconsin. He is an EMT and firefighter and as he puts it, "reunites with his hometown citizens one tragedy at a time." I enjoyed the sections about members of the community and his family. I got bored when he waxed too long on some subject he was hung up on. The best part was the last chapter, Sarah, about his brother's marriage and loss.
Marcia
The Pisces by Melissa Broder
Strange story of a woman who falls in love with a merman. Lucy's missing the man she's left and goes to house sit for her sister in California. Her attempt to find solace in one-night-stands didn't bode well. The book portrays her well — as a weak person trying to find her way. Neither she, nor the merman, were wonderful characters. (I'm reviewing an advanced copy I received.)
Marcia
The Raspberry Danish Murder by Joanne Fluke
Hannah's husband, Ross, disappears without a trace. Before he left, he signed everything over to her without her knowing it. The investigation leads to murder, but not Ross's. Harriet's passion is cooking so every chapter has at least one recipe. Too much time was spent on her preparing recipes and it would have been better to put the actual recipes at the end of the book.
Laura
The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
I really enjoyed this book. Very strong feminist characters that I liked. Greer is a young college student when she first meets feminist Faith Frank. The story is about how Faith becomes a mentor/idol to Greer. It explores their current and past lives and how they evolve and change.
Marilyn
Never Caught by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Compelling account of Ona Judge, a slave on George Washington’s farm who escapes to freedom. Despite Washington’s attempts to get her back, she remains free.
Christine
Woman No. 17 by Edan Lepucki
This was a quick, easy read, which is probably the only reason why I stuck with it. It is about a newly separated woman who hires a live-in nanny, and the stories behind both women. The main problem with this book was that nothing really happened. It was boring.
Lory
The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
Greer Kadetsky is a shy college freshman when she meets the woman she hopes will change her life. Faith Frank, dazzlingly persuasive and elegant at sixty-three, has been a central pillar of the women's movement for decades, a figure who inspires others to influence the world. Upon hearing Faith speak for the first time, Greer -- madly in love with her boyfriend, Cory, but still full of longing for an ambition that she can't quite place -- feels her inner world light up. Then, astonishingly, Faith invites Greer to make something out of that sense of purpose, leading Greer down the most exciting path of her life as it winds toward and away from her meant-to-be love story with Cory and the future she'd always imagined.
Elizabeth
Worth Killing For by Jane Haseldine
A sign of a well-written series is the ability of any one book in that series to stand alone. Jane Haseldine’s WORTH KILLING FOR is one such book in her Julia Gooden mystery series. Although this is her third book in the series and I haven’t read either of the first two, Haseldine did not leave me in the dark but ensured that I always knew at least what Julia knew. There, again, is a sign of a good mystery, that the reader makes discoveries along with the main character.
Shelley
Otherwood by Pete Hautman
OTHERWOOD is about friendship, family, secrets, and memories. Is there more than one reality? Can a person be in two places at once? OTHERWOOD is a fantastic read full of real emotions, suspense, and contemplation. Two kids meet in the woods between their houses, one disappears, years go by, changes happen but maybe don't happen. Read this great book to find out!
shelly
A Nantucket Wedding by Nancy Thayer
Allison has been married twice before and never dreamed she could possibly find love again. David is an extremely wealthy widower who thought after his wife died he would remain single for the rest of his life. They both meet and the chemistry is magical and they are planning on getting married. The first problem is the joining of both families. Alison wants it to be one big happy family of her two children and David's two children celebrating all the holidays together and living happily ever after. That is more fairy tale-like than real. Alison has two daughters. Jane and her husband Mark are two successful lawyers and live a wonderful life with good food, lots of travel and just being together, but now Jane wants to change things.
ILene
An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
What a great book! Clyde Griffith comes from a poor but very religious family and seeks the American dream of bettering himself but makes all the wrong decisions. He finally gets a chance from a rich uncle that owns a collar company in New York who gives him a starting position at the bottom. He works his way up to the second floor where he manages all women and falls in love with Roberta who is very poor, although the policy is to stay away from the help. Their romance is secret. Eventually, a group of very wealthy people start inviting him to join many social events where he falls in love with a very wealthy girl that would make his life just like his dream. But now Roberta tells him she’s pregnant, what is he to do?
Lory
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
This was a good story about how environment and community can foster resilience and love. Alaska played a protagonist in this book and although it's known for it's rugged terrain, harshness, and isolation THE GREAT ALONE shows us another side: it's beauty, unworldliness, and sense of community. The story of the Albrights is heightened by Alaska. They learn how to tame the climate and demands of Alaska but, alas, Alaska is unable to tame the gravity of their dysfunction. Despite the unraveling of their lives, their new Alaskan, extended family stand by them unconditionally. Leni is able to learn about values, love, and relationships as she grows into adulthood from what Alaska has given her in contrast to the destructiveness of her family.
Gladys
Forever Mine by Cheryl Holt
In over 300 pages, Cheryl Holt has packed so much action that the reader is held spellbound constantly. So many characters, so vividly portrayed and such delightful dialogue. Rogues, unfaithfulness, loyalty, untruthfulness, truthfulness, love, hate, wealth, poverty, every type of personality you can imagine. So many twists in the plot. You will enjoy this book.
Lois
Moving Day by Jonathan Stone
Very exciting, a page-turner and a thriller. An elderly couple are moving to California and are tricked by some very innovative thieves. What follows is a back and forth by the thieves and the couple.
It is very clever and a great read.
Tessa B C
The Longest Night by Andria Williams
Start with a young military couple, Nat and Paul Collier, pit them against his supervisor at the nuclear power plant where Paul works, and MSgt Reynolds’ mean-spirited wife, Jeannie. Add a handsome local cowboy and a reactor with problems that are being ignored and it’s only a question of which will blow first: the reactor, Paul’s career, or Paul and Nat’s marriage. Great character-based novel with a gripping storyline. I was engaged and interested from beginning to end.
Trezeline
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
A very good book. It gave good information about PSTD and our country's reaction to returning soldiers. Also a beautiful love story.
Judith
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J. D. Vance
Five stars to Vance for bringing attention to a long-time problem, only addressed more recently in the early 1960s by the federal government, and still only half-heartedly at that. Vance's intelligence stopped him from immediately attending college after high school. He joined the military for the life skills and discipline he would need to finish four years, then pursued an intense three years at Yale law school. During that time, Vance adapted his working-class poor values to mediate social capital so he would not have to live a life in debt, while shedding the "learned helplessness" of the poverty in which he grew up. He recognizes the shortcomings of his family, yet also reveals how government involvement has failed.
Marcia
The Leavers by Lisa Ko
Well-written story of a boy (Deming/Daniel) and his undocumented Chinese mother. She goes to work one day and doesn't return. Deming is adopted by an American couple who try to mold him into what they believe is successful. The story of Deming and his mother (Polly) is the story of many immigrants and what they face. Where do they belong? Why don't they fit in? It is worth the read.
Angie
I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman
In I HAVE LOST MY WAY, Gayle Forman writes a beautiful, moving story about three teens whose lives intersect one fateful day in Central Park. Freya, Harun, and Nathaniel are all fighting their own battles, and could each use a friend. Together, they empower each other to make some tough choices. The story alternates between each of their perspectives, as well as between the past and the present. Forman reveals each layer masterfully, opening your eyes in each chapter to something you hadn't noticed. I HAVE LOST MY WAY is a quick read about loneliness, loss, friendship, and perhaps, fate. I appreciated the diversity of the characters, and really felt like I was part of their day in New York.
Sandy
Bullseye by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
I love the books from these two authors! Short chapters and easy to read! Always a great story with a twist.
Suzy
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
This book was on the best seller list for a while and I couldn’t wait to read it. I was not disappointed; I really loved the story. This book is long and told in first person by the main character. The story seemed very easy to follow but as I approached the ending, I realize I was fooled for most of the story. his is the kind of story I’m not soon going to forget. I now have more sympathy for people with psychological problems and therapists who help them. I gave this book 5 stars as I could not find fault in any of A.J. Finn’s writing, pace or character development.
Richard N B
Packing for Mars by Mary Roach
Subtitle: The Curious Science of Life in the Void. Another entertaining and informative read from an author who has become a favorite “science” writer for me. As she has done for sex, our alimentary canal, and cadavers, Roach turns her curiosity, sense of adventure and wit to the topic of space travel. Entertaining and informative (and with some laugh-out-loud moments).
Lisa
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Moving story about siblings who were taken from their home and placed into an orphanage. A story of struggle and survival set in 1939 in Tennessee. The story switches between 1939 and the present day as two generations of this family strive for answers.
Ilene
The Secret Life of Mrs. London by Rebecca Rosenberg
What a great historical fiction team, Charmian & Jack London, husband and wife, both writers. The book takes place in San Francisco in the early part of the 1900s during the first war. Charmian was a big part of encouraging Jack to be a better writer. What I liked so much about the book is learning so much about the politics and writing. Also they have a friendly relationship with Harry Houdini and his wife Bessie. That’s when the book really gets good, we learn a lot about magic and all the exciting places they all go together. I really want to learn more about Houdini and read more of Jack London’s books.
Betty
A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
I am amazed that this is Ms. Mirza’s first book. It is beautifully written, describing the family dynamics of a Muslim Indian-American family and their intense desire to remain devout to their religion and continue their cultural traditions here in the U.S. Just like any family, anywhere, of any faith, the children strive to live up to their parents’ expectations of them, often feeling frustration at the constraints they feel their parents have unfairly put upon them.
Barbara
Every Single Secret by Emily Carpenter
I really enjoyed this one! It was a bit of a slow burn for about 30 to 40% of the read, and then it took off, and when I say, "took off", I mean took off! There's not much to say as I don't want to ruin any of the surprises, but if you are able to suspend belief and just go along for the ride, then this one is worth the admission. Two broken souls come together, and it's love at first sight. But, with two broken souls can it last? With two broken souls there's bound to be surprises. With two broken souls there's bound to be lots of secrets. Can two broken souls in love conquer all, or will their secrets break the fragility of true love? A creepy, twisty, love story...perhaps.
Mike
The Victim of the System by Steve Hadden
This book was great fun! I was hankering for a legal thriller and I think this (barely) qualifies. Very little time is spent in the actual courtroom, but the case is interesting and the characters are memorable. I recommend it!
Janet
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
As always, a page-turner. Abused both physically and mentally by the father, the Albright family moves to Alaska to start over.
Marcia
A Dark Oval Stone by Marsena Konkle
Nice book you can read in one day. Miriam's husband, age 39, dies of a sudden heart attack. How will she cope, especially after she finds she's pregnant with the child he wanted so badly. It's really a book about relationships — with her in-laws, siblings, and friends. It's also a question of finding her own strength and her faith. Good read.
Tessa B C
Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper
Eighty-two-year-old Etta has never seen the sea, so she decides one day to leave her Saskatchewan farm and head out on foot. It reminded me of Rachel Joyce’s THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRYE, but it was not quite as engaging. Use of magical realism and non-linear timeline.
Phyllis
The Library at the Edge of the World by Felicity Hayes-McCoy
I always enjoy novels about libraries or bookshops; this one was delightful. I quickly became interested in the characters and the community. I loved the descriptions of the Irish countryside.
Phyllis
Tangerine by Christine Mangan
Tangerine is a psychological thriller. I found it well-written but very predictable.
Barbara
A Yellow Raft in Blue Waters by Michael Dorris
This book was difficult to put down! The story is told from the different viewpoints of the three main characters. The reader is lead to dislike the two mothers in the book, until you read their own stories and you develop an empathy for them. Beautifully-written prose, and a memorable book.
Dianna
The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams
Wonderful book. I recommend.
shelly
Miss White and the Seventh Heir by Jennifer Faye
Sage White is a beautiful and talented woman who is trying so hard to make QTR the publication it used to be. She has six months to prove herself, and with less than a month to go she is not sure the magazine will stay open and that she will have a job. Unfortunately, she has been lied and cheated out of a huge inheritance and control of White Publishing Company by her wicked and deceitful stepmother. She is almost thirty and has been fighting and not giving up since she turned eighteen why stop now? When she gets a resume from Trey (not his real name) who is applying for a position as her assistant, she is beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. With an invitation to attend the Cannes Film festival, this could be her big break.
Tessa B C
Barbaro: A Nation's Love Story by Tom Philbin and Pamela K. Brodowsky
It seemed that some of this must have been written for a contemporary magazine or journal piece, and perhaps the other author came in to expand it to book length. The result is uneven and boring.
Tracey
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
This was a great book! I changed my mind about the ending multiple times! I did not know which characters to believe. I totally recommend this book!
Mona
Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier
I received a complimentary advance readers’ edition from Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. This is the third book of Hillier’s I’ve read. CREEP, and its sequel, FREAK, were both excellent. Her stories are unpredictable page-turners and unputdownable. This one is written in five parts, depicting the stages of grief. Each part is introduced by an appropriate quote. They were unlikely best friends: 1) Angela (“Angie”) Wong, overachiever and murder victim 2) Georgina (“Geo”) Shaw, Angela’s best friend, and 3) Kaiser (“Kai”) Brody, detective with the Seattle Police Department. That is, until Calvin Jones, Georgina’s charismatic, controlling boyfriend-turned-serial killer entered the mix and the dynamic is altered.
Mona
The Good Twin by Marti Green
Mallory and Charlotte Jensen, twin girls born to a young mother, grew up in vastly different circumstances, unaware of each other’s existence. Their mother, Susan aka Sasha, could not afford to keep both her girls so she kept the first-born, Mallory. “Charly,” now an art gallery owner, had a privileged upbringing and lives an affluent lifestyle with her husband, Ben Gordon. In stark contrast, Mallory, an artist, could not afford to go to college. She lives for the art classes she takes at a local art institute and works as a waitress. Her home is a run-down boarding house.
One fateful day, a customer in the restaurant where Mallory works mistakes her for her twin...
Margaret
Color Me Floral: Stunning Monochromatic Arrangements for Every Season by Kiana Underwood
This gorgeous hardcover book is what every flower lover needs to see. The photography is stunning and, by the way, the author's husband took the pictures! The book is arranged by seasons and each of the 40 floral designs has careful instructions plus all the information you need to complete each design. The tips seem to be easy to follow. For a beginner or an advanced floral designer interested in doing floral arranging, this would definitely be the book to use. And it will look fabulous on your coffee table. Thanks to the publisher, Chronicle Books, via LibraryThing for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Mona
Shot in the Dark (Coffeehouse Mystery #17) by Cleo Coyle
This is the seventeenth installment in the series, but it is the first one I have read. Ideally, I would have preferred to start with the first book, but I didn’t feel lost because the authors (Cleo Coyle is a pseudonym for the husband/wife writing team of Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini) do an excellent job of referencing past events and characters. This cozy mystery series, all with clever coffee-themed puns as titles and beautiful covers, is set in a coffee shop, Village Blend. The plot is centered around the trendy topic of dating apps and is brimming with references to social media and its jargon. The charms of these modern ways of communication are lost on Clare. Thanks, FirsttoRead, for my complimentary review copy.
Judy O.
Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig
Ginny Moon is a teenage autistic girl who is trying hard to fit into her 3rd "forever home". The book has so much realism, and the reader roots for Ginny on every page. It would make a wonderful book club selection.
Linda
How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days by Laura Lee Guhrke
After her reputation is ruined in America, Edie Jewell’s father brings her to London to find a husband. Edie was mostly ignored until she spied a handsome young man entering the ballroom. She knew who he was and that he had inherited a title and estates that were deeply in debt. Stuart, the Duke of Margrave, had returned from Africa after his father’s death and found he had estates to manage and no money. Edie had a proposal for him. Marry her and she would pay his debts and manage his estates if he would return to Africa and never return. He agreed. Five years later, he has returned and tells Edie he wants to have a real marriage with her. She likes the freedom she has had without him and he now has to change her mind.
Linda
No Mistress of Mine by Laura Lee Guhrke
Lord Denys Somerton has sown his wild oats and is ready to settle down. He learns his partner in their successful theatre venture in London has died and his new partner is his former love Lola Valentine. He tries to buy her out but she isn’t budging. This is her chance to prove that she is a talented actress rather than a tawdry dancer and she is going to take it. Denys realizes there is still attraction between them and wonders how they can ever work together. Lola realizes it too but knows she will never be accepted by society. Denys wants to marry her whether he is disinherited or not. He has to make her see how much he loves her and agree to marry him. At first, I did not like Lola's character but her honesty and integrity come through.
Emily
Rocket Men by Robert Kurson
Riveting from the first page. Informative and well written.
Linda
The Secret of Flirting by Sabrina Jeffries
A government official is in France and meets a gifted actress. While he is attracted to her, he treats her in a condescending manner and ridicules the comedy play. Three years later, he meets her again only this time she is posing as a princess of a remote Belgian principality. Belgium has recently been named a separate country and the princess is in the running for its leader. What is she up to and where is the real princess? He also realizes he has never forgotten her and his feelings for her have gotten stronger. He wants her, whether as his mistress or his wife.
Linda
Wallflower Most Wanted by Manda Collins
When Sophia Hastings is startled and falls off a cliff, she is saved by the Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle. They hear a loud voice from the cliff above saying that someone must be eliminated. Later, Ben’s brother arrives from London and tells about a group of art forgers that the Home Office has been searching for and who are believed to be in the local vicinity. Could the threat they overheard be connected to the forgers? The more they work together to solve the mystery, the greater their attraction to each other becomes. And the feelings Ben has for Sophia are not those of a vicar but those of a man, a man who is determined to marry the woman of his dreams.
Linda
Hard-Hearted Highlander by Julia London
Rabbie Mackenzie is mourning the loss of his fiancé when Bernadette Holly tells him to quit living in the past. Bernadette is a companion to Avaline Kent, an English lass that Rabbie is now betrothed to in order to secure his family’s lands. He is attracted to Bernadette but knows he has no choice in the matter. Avaline is a shy young woman who decides to show a little spunk. When she does, all hell breaks loose. I liked how loss and despair faced by both Bernadette and Rabbie made them stronger and they are able to love with a passion.
Linda
Devil in Tartan by Julia London
Aulay Mackenzie starts out on his sea voyage but stops his ship to render aid to the crew of a sinking ship. He is stunned to see a beautiful woman leading the crew and even more stunned when he awakes after being hit on the head and finds his ship has been taken over by the crew of the other ship. Lottie Livingstone assures him they mean no harm. They just have to get their cargo of illegal whiskey to Denmark. Who is this woman? Doesn’t she realize she has cost him the cargo he will have to repay somehow? He wants to hate her yet he admires her courage and is fascinated by her beauty. He assures her that she will face justice and it will probably be at the end of a rope. I did not like Lottie's character and Aulay did not act strong.
Karen
The Little French Bistro by Nina George
Generally, I truly enjoyed reading the book. At times, however, I felt a wee bit preached at. Overall, I would recommend this book to any of my friends, especially if they have as many years of age as the main character, as it was fun seeing a woman of years experiencing life all over again. The author had many interesting characters to support the main gal which surely enhanced the story/ies. I will recommend this to my book club pals.
ROSEMARIE
Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book - I could not put it down. Easy and fast read. A young mute girl and her family. The little girl (Hanna) and her Mom (Suzette) have a complicated relationship and Hanna is evil and dangerous. Don't want to say more, just want to tell everyone to read this one. I feel a sequel coming on -- can't wait.
Betty
Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
The latest entry into the Ruth Galloway series, this novel goes between England and Italy. Ruth Galloway is asked by an Italian archaeologist to look at some bones that were buried in an unusual way -- face down, with a stone in its mouth. This seems to be a pivotal book in the series. In the next book, we (I think) will be finding out if DCI Nelson will commit to a real relationship with Ruth.
Jill
Leave Me by Gayle Forman
A great exploration of what happens when a wife and mother just walks out of her own life one day. The main character discovers what is truly important to her and learns how family bonds run deep.
Sonnie
The Quickening by Michelle Hoover
A story of the Great Depression and two farmers' wives so different from each other but tried by the same events of the time. A story of love, loss and perseverance set in the upper Midwest. Beautifully written with well-developed characters.
Julie
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara
Before you read this book, you should know that the killer has been found! But that won’t ruin your enjoyment of this true-crime story of a cold case from the 1970s that intrigued author Michelle McNamara to the point of obsession. So readable I coudn’t put it down.
Jill
Disclaimer by Renée Knight
One of the best books I have read this year. What an unexpected twist near the end that I did not see coming. Loved this book!
Myrna
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Not just a story about hockey. It's about priorities, perseverance, good conscience, self-examination, community, friendship --- yes, just about everything that matters! Loved it, and I don't even like hockey.
Bonnie
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
I know this is supposed to be an "important" book, but it was all I could do to slog through to the end. Not at all compelling. Read 1984 or BRAVE NEW WORLD instead.
Dorothy
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Ng has created a story full of secrets, and as each is revealed, the readers become more and more engrossed in the story. The "little fires" continue throughout the story. This book is well worth reading and will provide much fodder for discussion.
