This contest period's winners were Dawn B., Dorothy F. and Liz P., who each received a copy of BLOODY SUNDAY by Ben Coes and A NOISE DOWNSTAIRS by Linwood Barclay.
Debbie
A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden
I received this book from Bookreporter.com. Thank you!! This was not the type of book I would pick up to read on my own. I tend to enjoy contemporary fiction. I liked the historical part of the book, specifically talking about women in the early 1900s and the main character, Rosalind going to college and becoming a scientist. This was unusual in that time period. Ms. Camden made a point about how a woman's reputation could be easily tainted, especially someone who is in the medical field. I liked the romance part of the book, it seems typical of historical romance fiction. Yet still enjoyable. Overall, I enjoyed A DARING VENTURE and I was glad to read it. Thank you Bookreporter.com for opening my eyes to a new author.
Jill
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
I loved this book from the very first page. The writing is superb with the way the author ties in classic movies that mirror what is happening in the story. If you like Hitchcock you will enjoy this book. Can’t wait to see the movie.
Susan
Clock Dance by Anne Tyler
I have read everything over the years by Anne Tyler. I bought her new book the day it was released. I enjoyed every word. Her quirky characters do not disappoint. A fast, fun read.
Sheldon
The Punishment She Deserves by Elizabeth George
Was it suicide or murder? The wonderful novel, filled with humor and plot twists, is a must for anyone who loves a British mystery. George delivers a spellbinding novel, fast-paced as it twists and turns toward a satisfactory conclusion.
Kim
Bleeding in the Eye of a Brainstorm by George C. Chesbro
Gritty...not pretty...but a great read nonetheless. I love Mongo the lead character - he is very unique in my experience. I don't do plot synopsis in my reviews because I feel that's what the book jacket (and now Google or Amazon) is for, just what I feel about what I've read. As a long-time mystery lover I recommend you research and then read this book. The plot is one guaranteed to keep you turning pages and you'll be upset if you're interrupted before you reach the end - I was. Although warning: it's "real" in its details and language so if that's not your style then I take back my advice. Not the most graphic I've ever tackled but no cozy mystery for sure, although Mongo is a very likeable hero you'll root for.
Warren
The Bomb Maker by Thomas Perry
About halfway through it ran out of steam.
Laurie
The Family Tabor by Cherise Wolas
Family saga at its best -- outstanding characters written beautifully with plenty of discussable themes for book club discussion. Read it!
Kathy
Fear of Flying by Erica Jong
After reading an article about the book FEAR OF FLYING being 40 years old, our group decided to read it. There are six members in our group. Four of us had read the book in the 1970s, two of us had never read it. What a great discussion we had comparing our lives 40 years ago. A couple of us were stay at home moms, two married and working no kids and two were unmarried singles. Reading the Afterword in the back of the book by Erica Jong the author she told about her life (autobiographical) and how she came to write the book. This really gave us a different view of the book and was very eye-opening. She is one very talented author!
Judy
The Last Full Measure by Jeff Shaara
This book completes the story of the Civil War following the Battle of Gettysburg. It is told primarily through the eyes of the commanding generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. While it is fiction, it gives the reader a glimpse of life on both sides of the war. Incredibly, the south kept charging head on at the north - amazing that the war lasted as long as it did. Great details at the end at what happened to primary characters seen throughout the war.
Betty
Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier
Couldn't put it down.
Kate
The Guilty by David Baldacci
Fast-paced thriller with complex characters.
Jay
Lies by T. M. Logan
Congrats T.M. Logan for a fantastic debut novel. I am in awe of your work and have high hopes that you have many more twisty ideas to come. I absolutely loved it. I knew that the simple answer to the mystery couldn’t possibly be the truth and the book didn’t disappoint. I was on the edge of my seat from the first chapter. I felt Joe’s fear, suspicion and concern regarding what he sees by chance when his son has a super sharp eye for makes and models of cars. Is that mommy’s car? Yes, son it is and life will never be the same. Prepare to cheer for the home team, want only part of the home team to win and down with the villains!! What a great page-turner.
Donna
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
A 13-year-old boy whose mother is black and father is white is growing up on the gulf coast of Louisiana. His grandparents are his rock and stability but his grandmother is dying from cancer. I will remember this book for how it made me feel for this young boy. So glad I read it.
Katherine
A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner
Two stories, one about a post 9/11 widow and one about a nurse on Ellis Island in 1911 are woven together in this book. A scarf with marigolds on it unites the two stories. This is a book that was chosen by a member of our book club. I am glad that she picked it as it was an interesting read that I would probably have never heard of.
Michelle
I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
Very well written but lock your doors and batten down the hatches as this may terrify you about the creepy serial rapes and murders that happened over decades. Astounding to read this knowing the author died before finishing and before the culprit was captured just after this was published. A quick page-turner.
Francisca E B
Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town by Jon Krakauer
Krakauer explores the issue of acquaintance rape, and particularly, the ways in which universities dismiss victim complaints in favor of all-star athletes. Disturbing and distressing, but important enough to read. Most rapists are NOT strangers in ski masks hiding in dark alleys; rather, they are the boys next door or men in the office.
Bill
Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett
The novel follows the sometimes funny antics of former actress Dayna Anderson who, short of money and hoping to help her parents save their home, decides to solve a hit and run accident with a $15,000 reward. Enlisting the help of numerous friends, none of whom have any investigative experience, mishap after mishap gets in the way of solving what turns out to be murder. Think Stephanie Plum and you get the idea of how this novel progresses. It’s a decent beach read.
Sandy
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
I love Ruth Ware and I loved this book!!!
Blanche
The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce
A record shop owner with a gift for staying in tune with other people's needs seems incapable of connecting with the one person who may prove to be his soulmate. This journey of two, quirky characters speaks to the healing power of music...and love.
Jan
Thanksgiving by Michael Dibdin
Based on reviews, I expected much more from this book. A man goes to his wife's first husband to learn more about her. She died suddenly and we do not know if either man is involved. Both men are unlikable for many reasons. There is a daughter/stepdaughter and she has a child. This is supposed to be a mystery but there is little mystery involved. I gave it two stars because the writing is beautiful. The plot, the characters, the ending - painful.
Elizabeth
Memento Park by Mark Sarvas
Interesting. I enjoy books about art mysteries.
Kathy
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Two sisters participate in the French resistance during WWII, each in their own way.
Donna
The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams
This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last. Hard-working residents of a lobster fishing island and wealthy families who live on the island three months out of the year cross the line when it comes to romance, secrets, betrayals and a murder. This book has it all.
Stephanie
Dreams of Falling by Karen White
This is not my normal read but I did love it. A little romance, a little mystery and a little family drama. A journalist comes back home because her mother has fallen and is hospitalized unconscious. The book flips between several narrators and time periods - now and back in the 50s when her mother is young with her two best friends.
Donna
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
A unique and beautiful story. It stirs you into thinking about situations and friends. I smiled, I shook my head and I shed tears. I will share this book with my friends.
Emily
The Romanov Empress by C. W. Gortner
If you like historical novels and are a fan of Russian history, you”ll enjoy this book. Maria Fedodorovna, the mother of Nicholas II, the last Russian czar, is a colorful and strong woman. Her story is engaging and will hold your attention from the first page.
Patti
The Bridal Chair by Gloria Goldreich
Famous artist, beautiful daughter, Jewish family, WWII, Paris!! One of the best written book about WWII and the fortitude between art, real life and family that I have ever read. A Jewish family and the loyalty of their beautiful daughter Ida fights to save her parents from the Nazi regime. The extremes of war in their backyard, wanting to have her own life, and keep her controlling famous artist father and her mother safe and out of danger. It is a compelling book!
Jan
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
Lehane never disappoints. This chilling mystery is about a dead girl, brutally murdered, and the search for her killer. The detective is assigned to be lead because he grew up in that neighborhood. The murdered girl was the daughter of a mob boss who was the detective's friend in childhood. This is a brutal book, with many motives and several suspects. Long ago events, kidnapping of a child, a murder of a betrayer come back to haunt the long-ago friends. What I really loved about this book was the strong female characters who have more backbone and wisdom than their men. Far greater reviewers and readers than me have praised this as Lehane's best book ever.
Susan
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Wonderful historical fiction with characters that touch your heart.
Dianne
The Myth of Perpetual Summer by Susan Crandall
I enjoyed reading this book as it was well written and had an engaging main character, Tallulah Mae James, who comes from a dysfunctional family and tries to cope as best she can. Griff, her older brother, and her Gran are her mainstays among all the chaos. The setting is the south, mostly Mississippi, and the timeline is 1958-1972. Tallulah has been gone from this home for 7 years before she returns when one of her younger brothers is accused of murder. But there is also another tragedy lurking in her past, and she eventually learns the truth.
Rosemarie
The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain
Just finished this wonderful book by Diane Chamberlain. I am a fan of hers, but this book is very different and yet I hear her voice on every page. The genre of time travel is not one I am fond of or usually read, but because of the author I wanted to get my hands on it -- it does not disappoint. Chamberlain tells a story that is very creative and takes much talent to keep on together -- all her nuances from today and yesteryear are spot-on. The little twists make it that much more enjoyable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to spend some hours reading it, and once you begin, it will be hard to put down.
Donn
The Wife by Alafair Burke
THE WIFE is the first book by Alafair Burke that I have read. I can't wait to read another. I just loved this book, and it wasn't predictable. I have read mysteries all my life, and can usually figure out the plot line. This one kept me interested until the end.
Patti
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The Allbright family moves to remote Alaska off the grid, thinking this will be a fresh start for them. The book deals with human frailty, the dangers of nature, a father's demons from war, abuse and survival. It is a long book, but it holds your attention so that you don't want to put it down.
Richard
With Hemingway: A Year in Key West and Cuba by Arnold Samuelson
This is Samuelson’s memoir of a year spent with Ernest Hemingway, learning from the master about writing and living. I can definitely see the influence of Hemingway’s style, and yet Samuelson’s writing is all his own.
Gretchen
The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy
I congratulate the author on her first novel. She did a great job with all the characters and the twists and turns in the story.
Amy
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
I read this novel in one day. It was the perfect summer read. The characters are lovable and the plot isn't too heavy. It reminded me of my college days --- and I learned about fan fiction!
Jola
Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier
Twisty thriller.
Karen
The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton
Lots of hype about the book but it failed on its mark!
Anita
Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris
Jack and Grace are the perfect couple. However friends are wondering why she doesn't have a cell phone, doesn't work, and when the ladies go out to lunch, Jack must tag along. That is because Jack has a need to control Grace. Why is what this book is about. It is a great thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and was difficult to put down.
Donna
The Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel
A wonderful fictional story that takes place during WWII in Paris. I'm sure it's true of many of the special and brave people who fought this dreadful time in history.
Jill
Bring Me Back by B. A. Paris
I love B. A. Paris books! Another good read with lots of twists. Just when you think you have it figured out, you don’t. A compelling read I finished in a day. Recommend all of her books.
Susan
A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Case
I really liked this book. It is a story about love, power over vulnerable people, past hurts, forgiveness and unscrupulous churches. The setting is eastern Tennessee in the Appalachian mountains. It is a very powerful book and one you'll remember for a long time.
Patricia
The Color of Bee Larkham's Murder by Sarah J. Harris
This must-read mystery has a very unique plot where the narrator is a thirteen year old autistic boy who has synesthesia and prosopagnosia. It is a very good mystery and also an opportunity to become a better person. Research says that reading books makes us more empathetic, and this book is a fine example. So follow young Jasper into his mind and see if you can solve a mystery from his perception of reality. It is a challenge. Don't back down.
Elizabeth
Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter
I always like Karin Slaughter's novels. Sometimes, though, I love them. And this is one of those times. PIECES OF HER is one of her best. First is the story of Laura and her 31-year-old daughter, Andrea. After Laura is attacked by a stranger wearing a hoodie, Andrea goes on the run. During her travels, she learns more and more about Laura, and the immature Andrea grows up. Every other chapter is another story, 32 years earlier. Mainly, this one deals with Jane and Nick and the cult-like group of anarchists that Nick leads. Watch as the two stories become one.
This book isn't just another thriller. Slaughter obviously did some research and presents real facts along with her fiction. Plus, it's unputdownable.
Eileen
Tin Man by Sarah Winman
Beautifully-written and beautifully-crafted novel about loss and the true meaning of love. Evocative passages will make you tear up. I recommend this to lovers of art and literature.
Becky
The Twelve-Mile Straight by Eleanor Henderson
Oh my -- incest, moonshine, sharecropping, KKK, lynching, twins (one white, one black), chain gangs and everything else bad about 1920s Georgia. It is all here along with a meandering timeline, numerous plots and sub-plots and the “N” word. If this sounds exhausting – it is. There is just soooo much going on in this 540 page tome that it is WORK to read it. 3 stars for length and confusing timeline.
Karen
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
While the story is involved with many characters, it is not convoluted or construed to carry the storyline. It is about life and that carries the story forward. I deeply appreciated each of the characters and the cultural perspectives of different locations and times. Superb book!
Julia
The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews
It took quite a while to get into this beachy women's fiction/mystery mash up. I felt like the past story in the dual timeline had trouble keeping up with the present. I spent a lot of time wondering what Josephine knew and when she knew it. In her 90s, when the island owning millionaire Josephine Warrick hires lawyer Brooke Trappnell to find her oldest friends to become her heirs, time is of the essence.
Francisca E B
Kissing in America by Margo Rabb
2.5 stars. This is a young adult “romance” with very little romance. Instead, it is more of a coming-of-age story. Eva learns some important life lessons – about grief, friendship, and forgiveness. Final verdict: it’s a decent YA novel. But not really my cup of tea.
Patricia
Death on Windmill Way by Carrie Doyle
Book One in Carrie Doyle's Hamptons murder mystery series is a very enjoyable cozy mystery about Antonia Bingham's venture into the innkeeping business. In DEATH ON WINDMILL WAY, Antonia becomes disheartened when she learns that the previous owners of her inn have all died under mysterious circumstances. So, in addition to her many responsibilities and the financial pressures related to her business, she has the sense of dread that she will be the next victim. Doyle paints a detailed picture of the Hamptons, her characters, and the food Antonia enjoys serving at her inn. The reader has only to sit back and enjoy the tour, and watch as Antonia finds the murderer.
Noreen
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Griffin
I won this book via the Word of Mouth contest. It was good. I'm so glad my children grew up before cell phones, Facebook, Twitter, etc. It's scary being a parent now. Read this book to see what's happening with teens today.
Charles
The God Engines by John Scalzi
Curious, but entertaining, like a lot of Scalzi's stuff.
Elizabeth
Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage
This book is creepy good. I couldn't stop reading it.
Linda
A Good Day to Marry a Duke by Betina Krahn
Shunned by New York society because she comes from “new money”, Daisy Bumgarten heads to London to find herself a duke. She aims for Arthur Graham, the Duke of Meridian, when she learns that his family has need of her family’s wealth. Arthur’s uncles do not like the American upstart and demand proof of her lineage. Ashford Graham is a scholar as well as a good-looking rake and agrees to help her. They fall in love. Ash has no money and knows Daisy is determined to marry a duke. He is in love with her but will stand aside as she marries his brother. Can Daisy go through with marriage to Arthur when she’s in love with Ash? A cute love story.
Linda
Accidental SEAL by Sharon Hamilton
Navy SEAL Kyle Lansdowne is at a fellow Team member’s house, meditating in the nude, when a young woman comes in, sees him, and makes a fast retreat. Before Christy Nelson can get out the door, Kyle has her. His buddy has disappeared and he questions her to see if she knows anything. She returns a few days later and finds the house has been ransacked and tells Kyle about a message on the answering machine. He thinks this might be Armando leaving him a message. The initial attraction between Kyle and Christy has turned into a hot affair that leaves her vulnerable to Kyle’s enemies. He knows they will try to get to him through her and he vows to keep her safe.
Linda
Beyond Control by Kat Martin
Tory Bradford is on the run from her abusive ex-fiance but he always finds her. Her small daughter Ivy is terrified of Damon Bridger and she has reason to be. Tory was almost killed when he beat her senseless and is determined that he not find her. She answered an ad for a ranch hand at the Iron River Ranch and had no idea the work was so hard. She is determined to prove to Josh Cain, the owner of the ranch, that she can do the work. Then she learns that her best friend Lisa has been shot. She was kidnapped and beaten until she escaped and Tory knows that Damon is responsible. Now a terrorist has Josh in his sights after killing two of his Marine buddies. Loads of suspense in this book.
Linda
The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne
Lorelei Weatherstoke rescues a man who has been badly beaten and left for dead. She nurses him back to health but he doesn’t remember who he is. They fall in love but he doesn’t feel he is good enough for her. Her brother has him shanghaied on a ship and it is twenty years before he returns to Lorelei. He is now known as The Rook, a notorious pirate, and he has come to claim Lorelei as his wife. She knows him as Ash, a name she had given him when he was first injured, but he tells her the boy she knew as Ash is no longer. She loves him and longs for him to tell her the same. It takes her being kidnapped for him to realize how much she means to him.
Linda
The Exes’ Revenge by Jo Jakeman
The book begins at the funeral of Phillip Rochester and then goes back to what led his ex-wives and girlfriend to plot ways to make him pay for what he did to them. Phillip was an abusive manipulator and blamed his violence on the victim. He would say, “See what you made me do!” Imogen is the current wife and in the midst of a divorce and is determined Phillip not get their son Alistair. Naomi is the girlfriend who has recently felt Phillip’s fist and is terrified of him. Ruby is the first wife and always looked for the good in Phillip but finally saw him for who he really was. These former adversaries bonded together and became close friends. Fate took care of Phillip.
Linda
One Last Breath by Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush
Rory Abernathy and Liam Bastian married in a civil ceremony. His wealthy family wanted a big wedding so a second wedding was being held at an upscale hotel two months later. Rory was late and Liam was getting worried when he saw her stepbrother run down the aisle and suddenly fall. He had been shot. Shots continue to be fired. Liam and his father were shot. Where was Rory? Five years later, the private investigator hired by Liam has found Rory and Liam wants answers. But when he sees her, he knows he still loves her and does not believe she was behind the attack. Who was behind the attack and why was his family targeted?
Linda
The Cutting Edge by Jeffery Deaver
The latest Lincoln Rhyme thriller pits Rhyme and Amelia Sachs against a new foe known as The Promisor. The Promisor is angry about diamonds being taken from the earth and vows revenge on engaged couples. A world-renowned diamond merchant has been murdered along with two of his customers and approximately five million in diamonds are missing and believed to have been taken by the killer. Trying to find the witness to the murders, Lincoln and Amelia learn about the discovery of rough stones containing diamonds found near a geothermal drilling site. Then explosions start occurring and shafts are being covered up. It is urgent they find their foe before more murders occur.
Linda
Fifty Fifty by James Patterson and Candice Fox
When she hears crude remarks about her brother, Detective Harriet (Harry) Blue loses it. She hauls off and hits the prosecutor, knocking him out. An agreement is reached to keep Harry out of jail. She is sent to the Outback to cool off. There, she finds that the retired police chief has been murdered by a bomb. Evidence is found indicating that more bombs will be placed around the town to kill all of the townspeople. Harry has to find out who the bomber is and stop him before more people are killed. Not my favorite Patterson character.
Patricia
Death on Lily Pond Lane by Carrie Doyle
It's the second in the series, and I recommend reading them in sequence because there are spoilers. Although the background and characters are fully described, it helps to recall them from the first book. Besides, it is a very enjoyable series and you'll want to read all of them.
Innkeeper Antonia Bingham, in order to supplement her income, is monitoring a couple of homes for absentee owners. The task is a breeze until she discovers a body in one of them. Initially, the death appears to be accidental, but Antonia's radar kicks in leading her on a path she'd hoped she would not see again - looking for a murderer. Soon, there are more bodies, and suspects accrue as she decides that she is in too deep to back out.
Donna
Don't Look Back by Vicki Tharp
When a stalker wants to find you, it doesn't matter how much protection you have...he will find you.
Diana
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
Good beginning then slowed some and I was going crazy how irresponsible Erin became. The things her and Mark went through made me think. What would I do? The ending is very good and quite a surprise.
pat
Hope Never Dies by Andrew Shaffer
A very clever mystery with Obama and Biden as the sleuths. It was such fun to read their interactions and relive the camaraderie they enjoyed in the White House.
Judy
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
What a masterful biography of a prominent figure in the early American experience. From his days as an aid to George Washington through his time as Treasury Secretary in Washington's cabinet and then beyond into the time when he is a private citizen, this book holds so much information about the things that Hamilton was instrumental in doing to make our country what it is today. The Coast Guard, taxes, the Navy....and these are just 3 of the many institutions that he helped found. He was also a writer of the Constitution. Recommend this book to anyone who loves history.
Christine
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
My sister recommended this book to me. It's not something I would normally read, but I did enjoy it, even though it was mostly sad. Not "a box of tissues" sad, but sadly wistful if that makes any sense. I liked the writing style, and the characters were well developed. The historical aspects were interesting, and it made me think and imagine how it would feel to be in Tom's situation. I just found out there is a version illustrated by Chris Rydell which would also be worth checking out. All in all, this was a good book.
Danny
Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand
This is really enjoyable and a must-read for anyone who like mysteries.
Lory
Remind Me Again What Happened by Joanna Luloff
This was a different book about a journalist who loses her memory after contracting a rare form of encephalitis while on assignment in another country. It reads almost like a fictional compilation of varying, connecting memoirs - that was pretty cool. There are pieces that are not fully explained, which is frustrating, but does coincide with the overall memory loss. What does become inherent throughout this read is that our memories are what create our identities, solidify our relationships, and define our purpose. When Claire loses her memory, she becomes a different person, and this reality therefore affects her husband and best friend in a multitude of ways that seems salvageable.
Lory
Clock Dance by Anne Tyler
Although I knew from the beginning how this venture to Baltimore would end, I was left with many unanswered questions and didn't feel I truly understood Willa. I see that the overall "clock dance" of her life left her feeling blurred and unsettled and when she finally realized this, she every so slowly grasped the opportunity to make a positive change and surround herself with loving people, but I felt her character was not fleshed out well enough to understand how she got to this point. I'd have to say that my favorite part of this book remains the neighbors calling Sergio, "Sir Joe", because that's how they understood his name (LMAO again and again). I also enjoyed reading about all the colorful characters on Dorca Road.
Tessa B C
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore
Moore brings to life the stories of the brave women who painted luminous watch dials in the early 20th century, using radium-infused paint, which ultimately became their death sentence. The reader is in turn incensed and outraged, surprised by the ignorance and cavalier attitudes, and heartbroken by the pain and suffering these women endured.
John
Doc Holliday by Karen Holliday Tanner
I enjoyed this book very much. It reflected a sharp insight into the real man behind the legend of this colorful Old West figure, written by a distant cousin. I found it quite easy to read and definitely well researched.
Nancy
The Disappeared by C. J. Box
I love Joe Pickett, the game warden that is the hero in C. J. Box's books. This is a very good one. Joe must help a British businesswoman, who has disappeared in Wyoming. This book will keep your interest all the way though.
Sue
God Help the Child by Toni Morrison
Creative character development which comes together with an outstanding ending.
Gail
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
This is a quick read for the summer that leaves you in suspense trying to figure out if the narrator of the story is crazy or if the events that she sees are really happening. The book is reminds the reader of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller. There are references that also are similar to THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN and REAR WINDOW.
Lois
The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah
Loved this book. A combination of wine-making and history and romance.
Jud
The Perfect Liar by Thomas Christopher Greene
I was lucky enough to be sent a ARC of this book, which won't be released until Jan, 2019. It is intriguing mystery with a surprise twist that many will never suspect. The story centers around Susannah and Max, along with their son Freddy. When mysterious notes start to show up on their door, Susannah and Max, each with a secret, believe they have been found out. What happens next is something no one expects. I heartily recommend this book to all mystery lovers.
Phyllis
Siracusa by Delia Ephron
In anticipation of our holiday in Sicily, I read this novel with great anticipation. It was not a travelogue, but was a fictional account of two couples who traveled to Siracusa. Their relationships disintegrated. Each character was developed and told the story from their individual views which I found difficult to follow and keep straight.
MARILYN
Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig
An interesting book about a child who has been in and out of foster care and her struggle to be part of yet another family while still struggling to find her birth mother.
MARILYN
The Turner House by Angela Flournoy
A family saga of life in the house on Yarrow Street. Thirteen children have lived there, grown up, left and sometimes returned. Takes place on Detroit's east side.
Rosemary
Two Girls Down by Louisa Luna
When two sisters, ages 8 & 10, disappear from a local a strip mall parking lot the local police are baffled. It takes a former bounty hunter turned private detective and a former disgraced policeman to figure out what happened, who took them and why. This is a fast-paced, well-written mystery by a young and talented writer.
Herb
The Soul of America by Jon Meacham
A book that should calm some people who are almost foaming at the mouth regarding our current political climate. Meacham articulates that there were other times when people's angst was an overriding concern but our "better angels" prevailed.
Cheryle
The Last Heroes by W.E.B. Griffin
My stepson recommended this series to me. THE LAST HEROES is the first of the series about the beginnings of the OSS. Set in the early days of WWII, it focuses on two young men who start out as test pilots for a new plane to be used by the U.S. They are then pulled in different directions as America gets drawn into the war.
Cheryle
Beauty in the Broken Places by Allison Pataki
Allison Pataki is a published author of historical fiction. She and her husband are going on a "baby-moon" as they know their lives will be different once the baby arrives. But on the flight to Hawaii her husband suffers a severe stroke. He is young and in the prime of his life, but in a moment everything changes. The book details the struggle to recovery. The future is very different from what they originally envisioned.
Cheryle
The Traveling Feast: On the Road and at the Table with My Heroes by Rick Bass
Beautifully-written memoir. Rick Bass realizes his mentors are aging and he wanted a way to show them his esteem of them. He contacts his friends and mentors and offers to cook a meal for them and enjoy an evening of conversation. Along the way he takes his daughter and sometimes other young authors so they can experience these interchanges.
Cheryle
The Lake House by Kate Morton
Fiction/mystery. Told with two alternating time lines. The story centers around a family with secrets that happened in the 1930s and a disgraced detective who wants answers to her personal difficulties and finds the solution to an earlier disappearance.
Katherine
A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner
A story about two women, one in 1911 and one in the present day, and the scarf that ties them together.
Gretchen
Final Girls by Riley Sager
I decided to pick up a copy of this book from the library after reading about it and the author's second book which is about to be published on Bookreporter.com. I had read 76 pages the first time I sat down with it. I will give a book 100 pages before deciding whether or not to continue. The second time I picked it up I figures I'd go to the 100 and if I wasn't feeling any better about the story that would be it. I did not put it down until I had finished it!!
Elizabeth
Radio Girls by Sarah-Jane Stratford
Fascinating story about the early BBC and a real-life woman who contributed to its success, Hilda Mathieson.
Marion
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
If you want to be taken to a different world, this is it. I never knew about the incendiary relationship between the Japanese and Korean population. I read this book, but reread it for my book club. It is actually an Asian family saga. It also helps you understand this part of the world in the news today.
Sandy
Every Last Lie by Mary Kubica
Mary Kubica is back with another thriller as a widow's pursuit of the truth leads her in many directions, and you will want to turn to the end to see whodunnit!!
Julie
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
One of the books in the top 100 best books. A story of friendship between two boys that involves the Vietnam War era and 1987. A coming-of-age book that will make you laugh in places and make you cry in others. A classic. I highly recommend this.
Bonnie
Clock Dance by Anne Tyler
I found the entire story to be unrealistic and the characters, especially Willa, not believable. That said, it's an entertaining light read.
Bonnie
Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford
Interesting novel about people and a time I knew nothing about. It breezed right along and the characters were believable.
Bonnie
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Very good mystery that'll keep you guessing. The TV show starring Amy Adams should be great too...excellent casting.
Bonnie
Calypso by David Sedaris
Sedaris' sardonic with comes through again in this book of essays. His tales of getting older, walking, the people he encounters are all fresh and bring a smile.
Karen
What We Were Promised by Lucy Tan
Lina's life started off with such promise, but after her husband, Wei, is sent to Shanghai to open a new branch for his company, her life has become unproductive. She misses their daughter, Karen, who is in school in the U.S., and Wei is too busy to pay much attention to her. This leads her to think back to her younger days when she was very close to Wei's younger brother, Qiang. She wanted to marry Qiang, but she had been promised to Wei. Qiang disappeared on their wedding night, and Wei searched for him after they moved to the U.S., but had no luck locating him. He calls them in Shanghai and wants to visit. He and Lina talk, and he reveals that he is married. He also discloses facts about himself, her father and Wei's father.
Elizabeth
Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage
I almost quit reading BABY TEETH after the first 50 pages. It seemed to be a tale of a child's misbehavior and her two wimpy parents, which aggravated me. But I'm glad I kept reading. You, too, may find that your interest is not captured right away by this book. Read on. It turns out to be unputdownable. That's why I give it three stars rather than one or two. Hanna is a 7-year-old who resents her mother. Hanna even wants to kill her mother. Suzette, the mother, realizes that Hanna is a problem child. The father, Alex, is in total denial. That's it. But, eventually, this little dysfunctional family really will grab your attention if for no other reason than to see how each of them turns out.
Sheryl
The Indecent Death of a Madam by Simon Parke
This is the first and probably the last book I'll be reading regarding the Abbott Peter Mystery series. I just couldn't get into this book, it dragged in many places. I didn't like the characters. Abbott Peter was a likable character but his niece, who I assume is his sidekick in solving these mysteries, DI Tamsin, I never got her surname was just totally off-putting to me. This mystery revolved around brothel in a high-end seafront British village called Stormhaven. It was a posh brothel, more like an escort service. There weren't a lot of characters involved; the ones that were the most likable happened to the prostitutes. I hate giving bad reviews and I hate the fact that I can't just give up on them; I have to follow them to the end
Helen
Imagine Heaven by John Burke
Fantastic information about near-death experiences, comparing hundreds of them from all over the world. They are amazingly alike and supported by scripture. I was very skeptical, but blown away. Definitely worth the read.
Jennifer
Chance for Rain by Tricia Downing
I never knew online dating could be such a thrilling ride. The narration vividly takes you on a personal journey that is heartbreaking and uplifting, almost in the same paragraph. The author's word choices are well thought out and make you realize how judgmental first impressions are. I am grateful I have read the author's perspective - it is priceless.
Trezeline
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Wonderful story based on sad facts and history. Beautifully written.
Ivy
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
This enriching tale of magic and Orisha is a colorful journey into the Lagos, rival families and how the sons and daughters of these families fight to the end to end the bitter war and to save the powers of magic and all that it stands for.
Donna
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
A well-done fictional story of a young girl who survived a raid by the Kiowa Indians and lived as one of them for four years. She is found and has difficulty leaving her Kiowa life.
Dorothy
Fairytale by Danielle Steel
It was a good but not of her best. As usual, money was no problem.
Patricia
Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith
This is why I search the old book sales - to find gems like this! Tom Ripley, an American expat of dubious reputation, lives in France with his wife. Reeves, a German contact, asks him to drop in to Hamburg and murder a couple of thugs because they are part of an attempt by the Mafia to infiltrate casinos there. Psychopathic Tom is not available, but he suggests another acquaintance named Jonathan Trevanny, an Englishman who is not a psychopath, merely a shopkeeper in Fontainbleau, where he tries to earn enough to support his French wife and child. Of course Jonathan adamantly refuses. Rather than risk spoilers, I will stop here and say that this is a must-read. It is #3 in the series about Tom Ripley.
Richard N B
One of Us is Wrong by Donald Westlake
Westlake/Holt’s crime capers are not great literature, but they are loads of fun to read. Fast-paced, likeable characters, some funny dialogue, a great sidekick (I need a “Robinson” in my life!), leggy ladies, handsome leading man, car chases, guns, and crazy coincidences.
Bobby
Chance for Rain by Tricia Downing
Tricia's Downing's debut novel CHANCE FOR RAIN pulls of an extraordinarily deft feat - making a story about insecurity in the world of digital dating read like a thriller. Her lovers are accomplished, vulnerable, and human. Rainey Abbott drives race cars and is a world champion downhill skier – she is a woman without fear, except when it comes to telling the man she met online about the wheelchair she uses to get around. Like Rainey, the book is sweet, insightful, and gritty. It explores who we are in a world filled with assumptions and what it means to commit to one another. The plot is meticulously crafted, and the story arcs several times, ultimately leading to a wholly believable and satisfying conclusion. This is a great read!
Dawn
Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts
Nora Roberts just keeps surprising me. Each of her books is better than the last.
Liz
The Bar Harbor Retirement Home for Famous Writers (And Their Muses) by Terri-Lynne DeFino
Alphonse Carducci was a famous writer who is now nearing the end of his life. He is living out his final days at The Pen along with other Writers and editors. He is trying to write a final book, but is faced with writers block. Cecibal Bringer is an orderly that has become his muse. Along with the other residents they take turns writing their final story. This is a wonderful story told in alternating chapters, the first being in current time then going to the story that is being written.
Carol
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
I was guessing until the very end, and the shocking conclusion had me wanting more!
Carol
A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo
This was my first book I’ve read in the Amish series by Linda Castillo. Even though it’s a series, this book can definitely be read as a stand-alone. After reading it though I intend to read all of them! It was a fantastic murder mystery in the Amish community. There were so many suspects I had no idea who the real killer was, the ending was a real surprise! I highly recommend this book.
Pam
How Hard Can it Be? by Allison Pearson
Funny, lighthearted, true-to-life of real-world daily struggles. Loved it!
shellly
The Hope Jar by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Michelle Taylor is not who Mary Ruth and Willis Lapp think she is. Michelle has grown up in a house with abuse and then became a foster child. Since living on her own she seems to be nothing but a loser, lost her job and has a boyfriend who is not a good influence on her. Michelle decides she has to run away, and leaving home is more of a challenge than a problem as she does not have the month's rent and lost her job. She winds up in a bus station in Strasburg, Pa and does something she never thought she would do, she lies and assumes an identity which is not her own. She becomes Sara Murray who is the granddaughter that Mary and Willis never knew that had.
Jan
House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III
A woman with no discipline in her life has the use of her dead father's home. She moves there with her worthless husband. He leaves. She gets lots of official mail which she ignores. She uses alcohol and drugs to excess. One day the sheriff's deputy comes to evict her. It's not her fault, of course, but she is so helpless the deputy feels sorry for her and helps her get a moving van, workers to pack up her stuff, and rent a storage bin to store everything. As it happens, the next day, the house is auctioned off and a hard-working immigrant buys it - hoping to fix it up and make money when selling it. The immigrant has been working two menial jobs and has to flip this house soon to make money. Boom! Clash! A must-ead book!
Cheryl
Make Your Life Better This Year: 35 Simple Ways to Dramatically Improve Your Life by Kia Wakefield
Loved this book! This will definitely help make your life better. Great ideas to think about and implement into your every day life. I will be putting these ideas and techniques into my lifestyle.
I think everyone can benefit from this book. You can read it in about two hours. It's a quick read and very motivating!
Jan
Beneath a Ruthless Sun by Gilbert King
This book, carefully crafted by a Pulitzer Prize winner, details the awful racism and evil actions (including murder) by a cruel sheriff and his cronies in central Florida. For decades, Willis McCall ordered people he did not like to be tortured, killed, and his deputies did it out of fear. McCall ruled with an iron hand, lost interview records, fabricated false evidence. A very brave reporter, Mabel Norris Reese, reported on criminal activities and was often threatened by McCall's flunkies. But her ire exploded when an innocent, somewhat retarded boy was railroaded into a state hospital for raping a white woman. He never committed rape but decades later, he was released from his prison. A fascinating true story of evil. Another Pulitzer?
Mona
Never Be Alone by Paige Dearth
I was hooked from the start! The author’s storytelling and language style is so compelling and readable that it was difficult to put it down, despite of the serious subject matter. Joon had a happy life as the only child of loving, affectionate parents, who adored and cherished her. Tragically, her parents died when she was eight, and she was thrust into the foster care system. A temporary shelter was her home and she was as comfortable there as she could be. But a temporary shelter is just that, “temporary.” Eventually, she was placed in a single-parent home and told by the caseworker that she was “lucky” to be able to have a real family.
Francisca E B
The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
3.5 stars. This is a wonderful debut novel, a character-driven tale that explores sibling relations, family dynamics, and a host of other issues that require open communication…something the Plumb siblings have never learned to do. I got drawn into their dynamic fairly quickly, but I think Sweeney was a bit too ambitious, covering many more issues and including many different points of view. I’ll be interest to see what Sweeney’s next novel is about.
Patricia
April in Paris, 1921 by Tessa Lunney
Kiki Button is taking advantage of the wild and free atmosphere of Paris between the wars. She is gossip columnist, spy, party girl extraordinaire; she drinks to excess and is promiscuous with either sex. But we overlook everything as we follow her dangerous intrigues and exploits among all levels of society. Whatever her sins, she is forgiven because she is emotionally damaged from her work as a field nurse during the war. And more. "More" meaning her secret life from which she is unable to escape. Tessa Lunney will no doubt give us more Kiki Button intrigues to enjoy. This reader is waiting.
Jola
The Fourth Monkey by J. D. Barker
I enjoyed this thriller. The mother of the killer is a sicko so the reader sees how our killer becomes one. I just started the next book, FIFTH TO DIE.
Sandy
Yesternight by Cat Winters
A psychologist arrives in a foggy seaside town where she will be forced to question everything she believes about life, death, memories and reincarnation.
Elizabeth
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR is like an Agatha Christie novel. That is, it has lots and lots of twists as one character after another is a suspect --- first this guy, then that guy, then that guy, then back to one of those guys, then on to another guy, etc. And more and more of the mystery is solved until the surprising reveal. Except THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR doesn't end the story there. A bit of what-comes-next follows and a not-so-surprising but, I think, funny end. It's not a bad book. But it's not so good that I'll be reading more of Shari Lapena. That's because, like the Agatha Christie novels I've read, THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR is long on mystery but short on story. If you are an Agatha Christie fan, you may rate this higher than I do.
