This contest period's winners were Angela F., Pauline B. and Sherrie P., who each received a copy of ELEVATION by Stephen King and THE RECKONING by John Grisham.
Liz
Heads You Win by Jeffrey Archer
Alexander Karpenko and his mother, Elena, must flee Russia and the KGB after the mysterious death of Alex's father. With the help of Elena's brother who is a dock worker they are able to do this. There are two ships leaving at the same time, one to America, the other to England. With a toss of a coin their fate is chosen. This book is told in alternating chapters, spanning three decades and following the Karpenko's lives depending on which boat they chose. This is a fabulous read and would be great for book clubs.
Thomas
You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott
Intriguing plot with a few twists and turns and for some reason you become emotionally involved with the characters. This fiction dealt with the world of competitive gymnastics, not necessarily a field that interests me or it would have been a 5 star book.
David
Fear by Bob Woodward
Bob Woodward book FEAR is a very interesting look at a different type of presidency. Whether you are a supporter or not, he is a well sourced journalist reporting on previous presidents' administrations.
Becky
The Lines We Leave Behind by Eliza Graham
Maud/Amber is a young woman in a secure mental facility charged with a crime. As she speaks with her psychiatrist we learn what led her to the hospital is she “remembers” the past. She was a special agent for the Allies in the Balkans during WWII...or was she? Told in flashbacks, this very interesting tale winds itself out in drips and drabs. The infighting between the Partisans, the Chetniks, the Home Guard and the Germans for control of multi-ethnic Yugoslavia is clear as Maud/Amber carries out her assignments. Modern-day ethnic strife is foreshadowed as the various parties and their doctrines become clear. The land and peoples of the Balkans are well developed and made clear.
Diane
Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps by A. J. Massey
Filled with unique characters in an interesting fantasy landscape, reminiscent of "The Wizard of Oz" books!
Jeffrey
Grant by Ron Chernow
Maybe the best biography I ever read. Over a thousand pages, and I never lost interest. Highly recommended.
Kathy
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
One of my book clubs just finished reading this book and loved it. I haven't read a book in a long time that made me exclaim, "OMG" out loud to myself or laugh out loud so much. It was absolutely delightful and fun and yet, had so much history woven through the story. As the author says about his book, "An intelligent, very stupid book". I highly recommend it.
Nancy
The Girl Before by J. P. Delaney
This book isn't all that great as a book to read, but it is wonderful as a book for book clubs to discuss. The main characters are Jane, who lives in a high-tech house designed by Edward, the architect, who used to rent the house to Emma, who's now dead, so she can't pay rent anymore. The house itself is a prime character in the book. What makes discussions so fascinating isn't the story or even the characters; it's the questions that Delaney puts at the beginning of each chapter, such as, "If you could save your own child or 10 other children, which would you choose."
Harriett
Educated by Tara Westover
A story of a Mormon survivalist family who oppose the government, schooling, doctors, living in the mountains of Idaho as they are self sufficient in the extreme, especially the father who is intimidating. Some of the siblings rebel as they get older and more courageous. Wanting a different life they manage to leave, get a college education or develop a skill. The rebellion causes a severe split in the family but changing circumstances allow a tempered reconciliation with limitations. It's a story of dysfunction, love, the power of the will and determination to change life's path.
Sharon
The Adults by Caroline Hulse
It was supposed to be humorous. It was not. A Christmas outing gone wrong.
Judy
Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice
This is the first book I have read by this author. While I found it very interesting (and I never did see the film version), I don't think I will continue into the series as reading an excerpt from the newest book, BLOOD COMMUNION, left me a bit underwhelmed. This book was an interesting tale with lots of twists and turns. Worth reading as a change of pace.
shannon
Transcription by Kate Atkinson
I don't get it -- between the editorial and reader reviews, I was expecting something really great! What did I miss? While the writing was good, it was slow, repetitive, repeating itself. I didn't care about any one of the characters and when I was finished I said, "So what?"
Laurie
The Collector’s Apprentice by B. A. Shapiro
I adore a fictional history with an art theme, especially a thriller by talented author B. A. Shapiro. Reading THE COLLECTOR'S APPRENTICE, I felt like I was back in college, sitting in my art history class! This book transported the reader from Philadelphia to Paris and back -- loved it! The reference to the Barnes Collection was interesting.
Gretchen
Desolation Mountain by William Kent Krueger
This was #17 in the Cork O'Connor series and the first one that I have read. Found it very interesting and will probably backtrack and read the others.
Donna
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
This book is beautifully written. It took some time to fall in love with Eleanor because of her eccentricities, but she truly is a heroine.
Sandra
The Forbidden Door by Dean Koontz
Written in the true style of Dean Koontz. Hard to put down.
Francisca E B
Bitter Grounds by Sandra Benitez
This is a sweeping historical epic covering three generations of two families in El Salvador: the wealthy land-owners, and the servants employed by them. Through these families the reader learns something of the history of El Salvador from about 1932 to 1975. I really enjoyed the way Benítez showed these two classes interacting. As much as they tried to remain separated, they were inextricably linked and their lives held many parallels. Winner of the American Book Award, 1998.
Susan
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
Love her books. I enjoyed her character development
Suzanne
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
This was our book club selection. I personally did not care for the book. I had read her first book and in both books there is a downer quality to her books. Reactions by members were all over the place. Many felt they were reading YA fiction. We were equally split. Some times I would put it down and not want to continue use, others couldn't wait to read. There was this up and down quality that sort of kept me off balance.
Suzanne
Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance
This book gave an eye-opening description of families growing up in the hill county of Kentucky and southern area of Ohio. It also encouraged me to examine my own family.
Kathy
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Powerful story of a young Indian girl and an elderly man...and a look at the bleak, dusty landscape of Texas in the 1870s. Jiles captures the beauty and heartbreak of human relationships and her characters remain with the reader long after the book is finished. Wonderful writing!
Kelley
Dancing With the Sun by Kay Bratt
Great book dealing with so many facets of life.
Linda
Santa's on His Way by Lisa Jackson, Maisey Yates, Stacy Finz and Nicole Helm
Four short stories centering around Christmas. "A Baby for Christmas" by Jackson is about a baby found on a doorstep and her angry father demanding his child. "What the Cowboy Wants for Christmas" by Yates is about a trio who have been brought up together in foster care and one man watches while the other claims the heart of the girl he loves. "Snowed in by Finz" is about two competitors vying for the same property who are now snowed in. "A Cowboy Wedding for Christmas" by Helm is about a young woman returning to her roots after leaving for the big city only to realize she missed her small town and the man left behind.
Linda
Dagger's Edge by Lora Leigh
Journey Taite (now known as Crimsyn Delaney) has been attracted to Ivan Rosnova since her teens. Running from assassins, she is saved by Ivan and falls totally in love with him. Crimsyn’s evil father and grandfather are in prison but they could still send assassins after her. Ivan vows to keep her safe and to keep her his. Lots of steamy sex between Syn and Ivan, but this series has so many unanswered questions that you feel as if you’ve been dropped into the middle of the book and missed the first half. Journey is said to be the favorite cousin of the Queen. How is this? Not enough background information given to truly understand the characters.
Rina
The Subway Girls by Susie Orman Schnall
Excellent book! I recommend it highly -- especially for people interested in New York City history.
CAROL
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
I usually like Jodi Picoult's books so I was looking forward to this one. She tends to get a bit preachy in her writing so I was bracing myself for that with this touchy subject of abortion. Though I could easily sense her bias, she did a good job overall of presenting a balanced viewpoint on the issue.
Jayne
From Away by Phoef Sutton
Started out promising but...
Charlene
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Wow, this really had a great impact on me, and I can see why it's so well renowned and well-liked in the reading community. Original plot, original ideas, original world, this very much builds you up higher and higher in suspense as well as joy, curiosity, worry, and also incredibly humorous as well. It's very easy to get into, stay into, and you really do feel like you are right there next to Todd in the book. His journey is not an easy one and it can be terribly heartbreaking too. You are rooting for him the whole time because you want him to be successful, and you can sympathize with him when he's down low too. I can't get over seeing, "Poo, Todd," over and over again.
Ju!ia
Love and Ruin by Paula McLain
This novel is about Hemingway's third wife, Martha Gelhorn. Wonderful read. McClain brings her characters to life. I felt like I knew them personally. I highly recommend this novel.
Karen
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Great look into the lives of the upper and lower class while in the upper-class neighborhood. Nuances are easy to miss unless looking for them. Note how are people addressed. Characters are juxtaposed in class revealing situations. The innocent are not treated fairly. Society reminds us that life is not fair.
Sandy
The Letter by Kathryn Hughes
Tina Craig works all the hours she can and volunteers in a charity shop to avoid her unhappy home. Going through the pockets of a second-hand suit, she comes across an old letter, the envelope firmly sealed. Tina opens the letter and reads it which is a decision that will change her life forever. This is one of the best books ever!!
Liz
Bloody Sunday by Ben Coes
Well-written thriller about a Special Services operator who is trying to retire, but at the request of the President of the United States, agrees to do one more job. Things get way out of control. He has less than twenty four hours to not only save his own life, but save the U.S. from a nuclear attack.
Phyllis
Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield
The Swan on the Thames is known for storytelling and becomes the focus of this one when, on a winter solstice night, an injured man holding a small girl bursts through the door. It is a story or life and death, love and family, good and evil, magic and realism. The author enchantingly leads the reader along the flow as, like a river has tributaries, the story of the man and girl adds characters from the Swan and others to it telling multiple stories leading to the end. It is not a fast read but intrigued me from the beginning to the end.
Linda
Gone So Long by Andre Dubus III
3.5 stars. I am a fan of Andre Dubus III and consider THE HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG one great page-turning book. This one is different, though, as it is slower-paced and a bit boring in places. He goes over the same things many times. There are three main characters: Daniel who has killed his wife and served 15 years in prison, Susan, Daniel's daughter who has had a troubled upbringing and struggles with relationships, and Noni, Susan's grandmother who has problems of own and struggled to raise Susan. Things don't pick up until the last 120 pages, and Susan's novel that she is writing is included in the book which appears is be autobiographical. Still, Dubus writes with passion and about believable events and people.
Betty
The Glass Ocean by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
The book was written as a collaboration of the three best-selling authors. The story flows so seamlessly it is impossible to determine which author wrote which portion of the book. It is a pure joy to read a book in which the characters come to life and I feel like a participant in the story rather than just an observer. My heart raced as people were frantically attempting to flee the sinking ship. I could feel the fear, hear the screams, see the panic on the faces. This is masterful writing!
Sandi
All-American Murder: The Rise and Fall of Aaron Hernandez, the Superstar Whose Life Ended on Murderers' Row by James Patterson and Alex Abramovich
Such a sad story about a young man who took his life, when he had so much talent and so much to give. Aaron Hernandez died while in prison, convicted of murder. He had been a tight end for the Patriots football team, everything going for him. He was dead at 27, from an apparent suicide. CTE was said to play a big part in his death.This book takes you from a very young Aaron to his death. Patterson allows you to make your own decisions, due to his steady, factual portrayal of Hernandez's life. You begin to know the potential that this young man had, you watch as Aaron becomes unstrung. You see the paranoia that sets in. You either like or dislike Aaron Hernandez by the end of this book. A sad story about a wayward young man, gone too soon.
Sheree
Accused by Lisa Scottoline
A very good read. She keeps the reader interested and the humor she installs in the book is great. Her large Italian family made me miss my own and added a lot of humor to the book. I like the fact she writes about her hometown of Philadelphia. I could relate to the book because I only live one hour from there. Every book I have read of hers I totally enjoy!
ILene
The Reckless by David Putnam
THE RECKLESS is about an inexperienced LA county Deputy sheriff, Bruno Johnson, who is living life as a single father with a 2-year-old daughter Olivia, and his father, a postman. Bruno works as a cop in the violent crimes unit with his impetuous partner Ned Kiefer when suddenly they are put on loan with the FBI on a special assignment. Why them? There’s a crime wave of bank robberies by a nefarious criminal called the Dark Man who uses teenage criminals. Somehow the FBI doesn’t want to get involved, but Bruno also knows that the Dark Man is also involved with a triple homicide. Many twists, a lot of excitement, a great book. Loved the relationship with his father and partner.
Marvin
In the Galway Silence by Ken Bruen
As usual, when a new Ken Bruen novel arrives I have to first hold it a bit. Butterflies stirring a little in the belly. Begin now? Finish the one I'm plodding through first? Hell, no. Dive in. Preparing for the read. Turntable on. Stacked by it Johnny Duhan's Winter, Iris DeMent, Tom Russell/Gretchen Peters and of course Emmy Lou's Bang the Drum Slowly. Open to the first pages of, IN THE GALWAY SILENCE – A Jack Taylor Novel. It seems that Jack is currently a happy man. Well, as happy as dear old Jack can ever be. He has survived just about every sort of loss, trauma, and heartbreak, any poor soul should.
Christine
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
This was the first book I have read by Jennifer McMahon, and I am now a fan! This is a ghost story, but it is not a horror story. The premise reminded me of PET SEMATARY by Stephen King but it's a very different kind of story. It's a little sad in places, but that sadness is really the core of the story. The book alternates between the past and the present, and I love how she made connections between the two. The writing style is quite suspenseful, and really grabs you. As cliched as it sounds, it really is a hard book to put down. I definitely will be reading more books by Ms. McMahon.
Richard N B
Honeymoon With My Brother by Franz Wisner
When his fiancée dumped him five days before their wedding, Franz called on his brother Kurt to help him cancel the event. Nonrefundable airline tickets helped make the decision to take the honeymoon anyway. I was expecting much more from the self-proclaimed N.Y. Times bestseller. This should have been interesting, but I quickly grew bored. I found him self-absorbed and immature.
Traci
She's Not Here by Mandi Lynn
SHE'S NOT HERE is a great book with a lot of intrigue and suspense. This is the first book I've read by Mandi Lynn and I really liked it. I will definitely read more of her books.
Jan
Fear by Bob Woodward
I'm not a fan of Trump, so it was logical that I would like this book. And, as usual, Woodward is careful about his sources --- it is easy to guess some of them when he writes of a simple discussion between Trump and someone else. But Woodward has been around DC for a long time, and he discovered acts that brought down another president; I hope it is true this time. A lot of this is the same old stuff: Hope Hicks calms him down, Javanka is always in the way, making things worse, Trump flips back and forth between decisions according to who last blew in his ear. But Woodward gives us a deeper understanding about the staff, especially the senior retired military people. A must read if you care about the USA.
Lois
The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
Family interactions can be difficult. In THE NEST the family have troubles relating to the money left to them by their father. The eldest child seems to be the only one who has benefited from the inheritance and he has absconded with the loot, leaving his siblings without their shares.
Lynn
Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters by Anne Boyd Rioux
All you could ever want to know about LITTLE WOMEN and then some!
Gil
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
This is a story of a very handsome young man who sat for a portrait and admired it so much that he did not want his actual appearance to change as he grew older. The trade-off for this was that the portrait aged and Dorian Gray did not. Dorian was entitled and wealthy but not a nice person, in fact an evil one, and the painting got more grotesque as time went on to account for his evil deeds. Dorian was so dismayed by this, he hid the picture under lock and key and would not let anyone see the degradation of his portrait. No matter his youthful appearance, he could not change his character and the loss of his soul. I am glad that I read and enjoyed the book and can see how it became a classic.
Becky
The War Outside by Monica Hesse
Texas was the site of Crystal City – an internment camp for “Enemy Aliens” during World War II. Crystal City was for those people of German, Japanese or Italian ancestry that the government believed might be spies. Haruku and Margot both accompanied fathers who were suspects. They lived on opposite sides of the camp but became friends – sort of. This story gives a glimpse into the reality of their lives and that of the others interned at Crystal City. They were American teenagers, but their families were suspect, they had been uprooted and sent to a hot, dusty, ill- equipped prison. They were enemies to each other and to their country. Hesse writes clearly of young people confused and conflicted and does it extremely well.
Katherine
I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
The true crime story of The Golden State Killer that terrorized California for ten years during the 1980s. Exhaustive research was done by the author before she died.
Tessa B C
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
In 1913, a 4-year-old girl is found alone on the wharf in Australia. In 2005, her granddaughter inherits a cottage in Cornwall from her grandmother and sets out to solve the mystery of her grandmother’s origins. What a magical story. The action moves back and forth in time, from the late 1800s to 1913 to 1975 to 2005, and changes perspective from chapter to chapter. I was engaged and interested from beginning to end.
Donna
Our House by Louise Candlish
What a tangled web we weave when we conspire to deceive was the first thing that ran through my mind when I was reading this book. Wife comes home to find someone moving into her home and her belongings are gone as are her husband and children. Very twisty and well done story.
Marsha
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
It's a mixture of anti-abortion and pro-choice characters. Their stories unfold during the several hours of an armed gunman and a hostage situation at an abortion clinic. Picoult does an excellent job of presenting the characters and both sides of the issue fairly. I did not like her method of beginning near the end of the standoff and backing each succeeding chapter by one hour. When I finished the epilogue I wanted to read the first chapter again. I found that made more of an impact on me.
Gayle
Dopesick by Beth Macy
Eye-opener about the beginning of the opioid epidemic and how it came to be a problem.
Elaine
Our House by Louise Candlish
Excellent read - you cannot see the ending coming. I recommend this book to all readers who like psychological thrillers.
Brady
Poison by Jon Wells
This is a very good true whodunnit. You know who did it early on, but all of the evil things the guilty person did are cunning, smart, and evil. This work lists all of the bad things the perpetrator did and he continues to plead innocence. It keeps you interested, I assure you.
Jan
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
Caveat: I do not like historical fiction. This is a fiction book about Andrew Weyth and the woman in his famous painting, Christina's World. I only read this because my book club is doing it. The writing is adequate, the story is minimal - there is not a character to like and the author seems to try to get the reader to like the featured woman in the end. In the last few pages, Kline has Christina admit to herself that she has been mean, hostile, selfish, inconsiderate all her life. I did not buy it. I really cannot recommend this book to anyone, anytime, for any reason.
Nancy
The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies
This takes place in Celon during the American Civil War. An English girl marries a tea planter from Celon and goes to live with on his tea plantation. She learns a whole new culture. The plantation is in trouble because their tea ships to America cannot get though the blockades along the coast, There is also a mystery surrounding the death of the first wife. I enjoyed reading this book very much.
Muriel
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
It is easy to get swept away in this story about Punjabi widows living in the United Kingdom. EROTIC STORIES FOR PUNJABI WIDOWS highlights cultural differences but also shows that love, kindness, and even lust are universal to people. Nikki teaches a class of widows to share erotic stories and become artful storytellers in a culture where sexuality is hidden. Through the course of the class, Nikkie learns to embrace more of the traditional Indian customs while pushing her students to be a little more modern. This book has something for everyone - a class full of erotic stories told, mysteries about dead women in the community, family drama, and a romance.
Sue
The Marsh King's Daughter by Karen Dionne
Loved it even though it had a bit too much gore for me. Compelling coming-of-age story of a young girl who was born to a man who kidnapped a 14-year-old girl and kept them hidden in the backwoods of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Therese
My American Dream by Lidia Bastianich
I love watching her cook on TV and had never picked up any of her other books. Picked this one up - I believe it is her most recent. She kind of writes like she speaks, so perhaps the book could have used some better editing. But for me, I found it delightful.
Kathleen
The Address by Fiona Davis
Our book club enjoyed discussing the similarities and differences between the two main characters, the treatment of mental illness, women's roles and rights, and interesting facts and legends about the building, The Dakota.
Kim
Humpty Bumpkin by Sam Cheever
Who knew a mystery with such a gruesome murder could be so cosy? This book had me chuckling out loud. Joey and Hal are a great duo who are terrific at exchanging witty banter. But they are also believable and I enjoyed taking my trip to Deer Hollow with them. Oh, and there is a dog. Caphy is a leading lady in her own right. Ms.Cheever has succeeded in adding the Country Cousin series to my select reading bucket list. I read a lot of mysteries and many are parts of series but rarely do they make it to my list.
Patricia
The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton
A little hard to get into at first but then it takes off. I enjoyed it.
Joan
Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase
Story is the last and present day story. Couple looking for wedding venue. Black Rabbit Hall holds Lorna. She finds out who she really is. Good story.
Betty
We Never Asked for Wings by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Very different from THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. Struggling single mom with two children. Just can’t seem to get a break until she meets a fellow bartender who helps increase her income and move to a better neighborhood. Then the father of her firstborn returns, her son and his girlfriend get into trouble at school, and things get complicated.
Laurie
The Girl from Berlin by Ronald H. Balson
Another great book by talented author Ronald H. Balson. Loved this fictional history thriller with a music theme that transported me all over Europe. I can highly recommend his books with plenty of themes for discussion.
Rita
November Road by Lou Berney
To steal a line by author and reviewer Joe Hartlaub, "It doesn't get any better than this." It's a thrilling, somewhat humorous and racy novel that I just couldn't put down. The story surrounds the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy and the possible involvement of the mob. The character, Frank Guidry, is running for his life and takes you along on his journey. I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting novel and highly recommend it!
Sherri
Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter
Though this was a little hard to get into (the set up was about 1/3 of the book), I found this a very riveting read. It has an unusual narrative style and keeps you reading to find out what happens next. It combines family secrets, hidden pasts, conspiracy, and cult leader charisma and a variety of complex characters. The climax of the book made my heart hurt and the ending left me curious about the possibility of a sequel or continuation of the story. I did receive this as an ARC from a contest I won.
Sandra
UPS Driving Gone Bad: 21 True Stories of What Not to Do if You Drive for UPS by Damien Albino
Fast, interesting read. As stated, what not to do, as a driver for UPS. The author, also put at the end of each chapter, what to do, to be successful.
Sandra
Blind: A Memoir by Belo Miguel Cipriani
Wow! This guy is amazing. He lost his sight, due to a beating from his so called friends. God bless him!
Sandra
Chain Letter by Willow Rose
Good, quick read .Chain letters, this one came to life. There is also a bonus book in here. I had already read it.
Sandra
Close Calls: A Sam Archer Story Collection by Tom Barber
Great stories! First read from this author. Three very different stories. All interesting and well written. You will not waste your time reading these!
Sandra
Maple Can Be Murder (An Oh Fudge Cozy Mystery #1) by Grace Lemon
Good read. Clean, fast and funny read. Elderly fudge maker, with the help of her dog, solve crimes. Interesting locale and characters.
Nancy
In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende
I was looking forward to reading this book. First, I'm a big fan of Isabel Allende and, second, its focus is on two female immigrants, albeit from different countries and generations. With so much focus on the immigrant crisis of today. I thought there would be some interesting comparisons and contrasts. From that standpoint, I was correct. I learned a lot about the terrible conditions that lead someone to leave her homeland and make a desperate attempt to re-settle in the U.S. However, the storyline seemed implausible. Much as I liked the characters, it was hard for me to accept what was happening. The writing is excellent, as always, but the story was a disappointment for me.
Judy
Wildlands by Abby Geni
A tornado swirls through Mercy, OK and leaves four children with no home and no parents. Darlene, the oldest, takes charge of the family and they move into an old trailer. Cora, the youngest, is a wanderer and when she finds her brother wounded and waiting for her one day, she helps patch him up and then they leave town together. They stay for a while in the family tornado shelter and then take off cross country on his quest to set animals free to be themselves. They end up in CA and this sets up a very interesting ending.
Sally-Jo
The Leavers by Lisa Ko
I liked the book but sometimes couldn't figure out who was speaking in the dialog.
Judy
The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll
I forced myself to finish this book in order to be fair about reviewing it. I did like the idea of what the book was about, the mess behind the scenes of a reality show. The characters all seemed to blend into one person, except for the teenager. The women in the story were not defined or described well enough to pull them apart. Sorry, I will not go back and forth in pages to remember who is who.
Elizabeth
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
A PIECE OF THE WORLD is historical fiction about Christina Olson, the woman in Andrew Wyeth’s painting, "Christina's World". According to Christina Baker Kline (the author, not the Christina in the painting), Christina Olson and many of the other people in this novel were (and some are, she says) real people. Kline did a tremendous amount of research on them, and A PIECE OF THE WORLD is based on the facts she found. But she did have to let her research go at some points and present this book as fiction. This novel can be slow when farming details and life running a household on a farm are described. But once Christina is a young adult, the book is absorbing but sad.
Judy
I've Got My Eyes on You by Mary Higgins Clark
Good reading describes this book. I always try to guess who the murderer may be. I guessed the suspect halfway through the book. I almost second guessed my self a few times. The book shows how much care teenagers need, but how difficult it can be to give.
Joanne
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
Historical fiction account of the early life of Hollywood actress Hedy Lamar. We learn of her marriage of convenience to Austrian arms dealer Friedrich Mandl, who ends of being a horrible controlling and abusive husband. Hedy eventually leaves him by sneaking away and she goes to America where she begins her career as a Hollywood actress, and inventor (we never saw that part coming). I did have some problems at times with the flow of the narrative, as the story is written in first person, never my favorite method of reading about a situation, but since I’ve become somewhat of a historical fiction fanatic, I enjoyed the story. Thanks to The Book Report Network for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Kelley
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Good book, especially for music lovers.
Judy
Aunt Dimity & The Kings Ransom by Nancy Atherton
I have been reading about Lori and her husband Bill with three children for years. Aunt Dimity is a real treat to get to know. She is the one Lori goes to with each crisis; Aunt Dimity never lets her down even though she passed many years ago. They communicate in a special way that only readers will find out how it is done. Loved the book.
Rosa
Lethal White by Robert Galbraith
The is the fourth installment in the Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith, a.k.a J.K. Rowling. Another compelling mystery, one that I did not want to put down. Cormoran and his team are investigating Billy Knight's story that he saw a child being strangled. Billy, however, appears to be mentally ill and may not be a reliable witness. The plot is complex and character-driven. We see Cormoran and Robin's relationship develop further as they go from employer-employee to partners in the agency. I look forward to more installments in this series.
Melissa
Eternal Life by Dara Horn
In the beginning I wasn’t sure if I would like this book. I did end up enjoying it though. There were slow-moving parts and then other times I couldn’t put it down. I would recommend.
Mary
Wild Things: The Joy of Reading Children's Literature as an Adult by Bruce Handy
I love the author's take on various children's books over the years. It made me want to go back and re-read some of the classics to see if they make me feel the same as they did back in the day.
Elizabeth
The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
This book was hard to get into in the beginning but picked up as the moral issues crystallized. What is a medical professional’s duty when a patient doesn’t want to live? What if that patient is a child and her parents‘ motives are suspect or they are clouded by religious superstition? This book examines those issues.
LouAnn
The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty
Loved this book as I have loved her other books. It was interesting to learn a little about hypnosis. The characters were believable and I found them sympathetic. I would recommend highly for a book club read.
Gerriann
Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford
Another wonderful story from Jamie Ford. He weaves together history, culture and heartbreaking, flawed characters in an outstanding story. Our book club has read three of his books and always have interesting discussions. Can't wait for his next book.
Jeffrey
The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman
I have this book, but when I found out Michael Sheen was the reader of the audiobook, I switched to that. He's a terrific reader, better than the written form, in my opinion. I'm a Pullman fan, a real lover of the His Dark Materials trilogy, and this is a prequel to that series. But I'm afraid it's not up the the quality of the trilogy itself. Still, for Pullman's fans, it's great to have another look into this world.
Vesna
Need to Know by Karen Cleveland
Page-turner, interesting, a mystery, a thriller, everything rolled into one easy read. I could not put it down.
Donna
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
I have loved most of Jodi Picoult's books, but this one was very hard to get into and keep the characters straight. She wrote the book backwards and I just had a hard time following it.
Chelsie
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
Another great historical book, told from a bit of a different perspective. This is told from the life of Hedy Lamar, and the secrets she held close. An interesting storyline based on a true story that will have you in awe and angry at the U.S. military at that time. I really enjoyed this writing, and can't believe the crazy life she led.
wendy
An Anonomous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Full of twists and turns. Pulls you in from the beginning with a study of morals through questions in a blind study -- supposedly! There are many different players in this cat and mouse game.
Shelby
The Honest Toddler: A Child's Guide to Parenting by Bunmi Laditan
Being a full time “nanny” to my two-and-a-half-year-old grandson, this book not only made me laugh out loud countless times but it also taught me several valuable life lessons. Written in the voice of the toddler, the book made for a joyful reading experience. I immediately read her other books and was not disappointed. So, for all you new parents and grandparents, I highly recommend giving this and her other books a read. I passed them on to my son-in-law and daughter and they had an equally positive experience.
Lynda
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
Jenny Lawson, a well-known blogger and humorist, lives with several mental health issues and might do some strange things as she deals with them, but her sense of humor and the ridiculous carries her through. As someone who lives with anxiety and depression, I find her entirely entertaining and inspirational.
Lynda
The Outsider by Stephen King
Stephen King is back at the top of his game with this new horrific novel. It's an especially terrifying tale because it deals with all-too-real subjects including the assault and death of a child, guilt and innocence, and the courtroom of public opinion, and still fits in the world of the supernatural without missing a beat. Highly recommended for fans of horror fiction!
Betty
Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell
A beautifully told story with fully realized characters -- Mary Doria Russell has never disappointed me.
Natalie Paz-Storey
The Wife by Alafair Burke
Interesting story. Sloppy ending.
Shelly
A Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri in April 1850 with hopes of going to California and becoming rich. One wagon has Cynthia Cooper and her mother along with the man she has promised to marry, Walter Prentice. In the second wagon was Jack Simpson along with his four-year-old son Alan and her six-year-old sister Amelia. The problem with Amelia is that she witnessed her mother's death six months ago she has given up speaking. The third wagon had Cole who was twenty-six along with his sister Ginny. All were hoping to have there lives change and become rich and start a new life. Since they were only three wagons they stuck close together. They must have gone off track from the others because they find themselves stuck.
Pauline
The 7-1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
The hype is not hype enough! This book sucks you in and never lets you go. There aren’t enough words to describe it. Just read it!
sharon
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
Amazing middle-grade novel about a girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak and can communicate only in a limited manner, until age 10. Melody is an unforgettable young girl who will make you feel so much empathy. You will laugh and cry at the same time. Highly recommend.
Francisca E B
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
3.5 stars. Using three different narrators, the novel tells the WWII story of the women prisoners held at the notorious Nazi prison camp Ravensbrück. Kelly used two real-life women: Caroline Ferriday, a New York socialite and Broadway actress, and Dr. Herta Oberheuser, a German physician who became the only female surgeon operating at the prison camp. The third narrator is Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager who is sent to the camp along with her sister, whose story is loosely based on that of a pair of sisters who survived the operations they underwent at Ravensbrück. It’s good historical fiction and a decent debut. I look forward to reading Kelly’s next book.
Lynn
In Pieces by Sally Field
Told with utter frankness, Sally Field reveals that celebrities do not live charmed lives, anymore than any of us. I suspect she lived through more abuse and toxic relationships than most and am glad she has found peace.
Eileen
Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter
I'm a longtime Karin Slaughter fan, but this one just was okay. The epilogue was long and drawn out. The ending sentence just left me thinking "What???"
Angela
Educated by Tara Westover
What a great read. This memoir chronicles that childhood of the author which was rich, but at times heartbreaking and confusing to her. She had numerous experiences that other kids her age couldn’t imagine. She helped support her family by working on jobs her father asked her to do and which were sometimes dangerous. Her education was through her work, through her interactions with family and finally teaching herself enough to get into to college though she never went to school. It’s a dysfunctional family, but there is also love, mainly from her siblings. What a powerful story of resilience tainted with self-doubt.
ILene
The Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen
DEATH OF THE HEART by Elizabeth Bowen is a wonderful coming-of-age book. Portia, just 16, has become an orphan and has to go live with her half-brother and sister-in-law Anna, and neither have time for her. Most of the time they pawn her off on their friends. Portia puts most of her feelings in a diary which Anna finds and proceeds to tell a friend what’s in it. They find out that Portia is starting to have feelings for an attractive cad that so happens Anna might be involved with too. What will happen now? I loved reading about the books setting in lavish country houses during the 30s.
Lynn
The Reactionary Mind: Conservatism from Edmund Burke to Donald Trump by Corey Robin
Excellent! A meticulously researched history of conservatism from Burke's time to the present day. The author made some points that hadn't occurred to me such as the fact that most true conservatives don't just think that hierarchy and war (to name just two evils) are necessary evils; they adore them and actually think they make societies better!
Marilyn
Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners by Gretchen Anthony
An absoulutely delightlful novel! I had the opportunity to attend a luncheon and meet the author this month with a friend from my book club, and an acquaintance of Gretchen's. This was Gretchen's first published novel and so appropriate for this time of the year. She introduced us to the Baumgartners, a slightly dysfunctional family but one with many secrets. Funny, warm, and with a lot of twists throughout. Could not put it down - a real page-turner. Living in Wisconsin, but attending college in Minnesota, I had a great appreciation for the characters and her vivid descriptions of events and the infamous, "Christmas Letters." I encourage everyone to pick up this book before the holidays - you will love it!
Margaret
Under the Harrow by Flynn Berry
This is a murder mystery that, at times, was a slow read. I didn't care for the protagonist, Nora, although I felt compassion for her. She was dealing with finding her sister, Rachel, brutally murdered, and her sister's beloved dog was killed as well. Nora is a suspect and must deal with trying to prove her innocence. She decides to find the murderer herself since she does not have faith in the police due to an unresolved assault in the past. There was a lot of repetition and time lines were all over the place which made it hard to follow and confusing for me. I did not like the ending which seemed like the author rushed it and just wanted to get it done.
Thomas
The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton
I enjoyed reading this book. It was very good.
Thomas
Ghost Story by John Sandford
It was a really good read. A very good book.
Anita
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
Anne and Marco have a 6-month-old baby girl. When their babysitter cancels at the last minute, they decide to attend their neighbor's dinner party anyway. They will take the baby monitor, and leave Cora sleeping alone. Anne and Marco take turns, every half hour checking on Cora. All is fine, until they arrive home a little after 1 AM to find the baby missing. This was a real page-turner, with a lot of twists and turns, and quite a few surprises. I loved it!
Patricia
The Outsider by Stephen King
This is a wonderful book. It is part mystery and of course being Stephen King has a twist to the tale. There is also a character from the Mr. Mercedes trilogy that appears. Really enjoyed this book. It was suspenseful all the way through.
Lise
Vox by Christina Dalcher
This book was a very good read, although bit disturbing in view of the current political climate. The book has a good plot, well-drawn characters, and moved along nicely. This book kept my attention (which is does not often happen lately). A rewarding read.
Lisa
From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein
In the beginning it was interesting to read about the author's job in the White House, the inner workings of certain offices in the White House, and the people involved. However, despite the potential of the subject matter and story, the book quickly became not only repetitive, but also more like a high schooler's (or maybe college student's) diary. The author's personal issues distracted from what could have been an informative book. The author states that she was advised, after an early draft, to put more of herself in the story. While to some extent personal aspects add a perspective to the story, here they directed, and overwhelmed, the story.
Bonnie
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Great novel that will stay with you after you finish reading it. The story of the Joads and the "dust bowl" they left for California still resonates today, even though it was published in the 1930s.
Tesa B C
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
As she has done for other neurological disorders, Genova crafts a compelling story that educates and entertains. I felt Sarah’s frustrations as she worked with occupational therapists to try to regain some of her lost functionality. I empathized with her inability to let go of the high expectations she set for herself. I thought the book was interesting and informative, but not as compelling as some of her other works.
ROSEMARIE
One Fatal Mistake by Tom Hunt
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of One Fatal Mistake, publiation date is January 2019, so
mark your calendars. This a great thriller with lots of twists. It kept me interested throughout the entire story. The characters come to life on every page. It's about a young boy and his family and how one mistake can mushroom into so much more. I highly recommend.
Gretchen
The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton
After reading 120 pages I was considering not continuing as I was totally confused. I decided to give it another chance to get me into the story. I was finally hooked, although after finishing it I feel like I should reread it to be sure I understand the whole story. Maybe if I had read some of the author's previous books I would have understood the storyline more. Bottom line is that you shouldn't rush through it. Take your time and enjoy it. It's quite a story.
Bonnie
The Summer List by Amy Mason Doan
I thought this book was a beautifully written and engrossing read about friendship, love, secrets, and forgiveness. I loved Laura and Casey. Laura's dad was cool, too. It's a delightful coming-of-age novel, and I highly recommend it.
Betty
The Promise of Provence by Patricia Sands
This beautifully-written book certainly covers a lot of ground, a lot of topics – home swapping, travelogue, cheese, wine, a little about the Holocaust, Ukraine, friendship, and of course, romance. But for me, the main lesson from Ms. Sands’ story is that it is never too late to follow your dream. It may require you to step outside your comfort zone but you may find it was definitely worth the risk. Katherine Price, 55 years old, thought her 22-year marriage was stable until her husband left her a note telling her he was in love with another woman and he wanted a divorce. On top of this crisis her mother Elizabeth fell ill and died. Only after her mother’s death does Katherine learn of her mother’s survival of the Holocaust.
Kate
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
Excellent storyline about why we do the things we do to take care of own bodies.
Lynn
The Eye of the Elephant by Delia and Mark Owens
Just as good as CRY OF THE KALAHARI. Loved it!
Julia
The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler
This is a story of a marriage and how the couple deals with a terrible tragedy. Sometimes these things tear a couple apart and sometimes it draws them closer together. THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST takes the reader through all the changes the couple goes through until reaching one of these eventualities. A very good read.
Ju!ia
Love and Ruin by Paula McLain
This is the story of Earnest Hemmingway's third wife, Martha Gelhorn. I read THE PARIS WIFE, also by this author, and really enjoyed it. Paula McLain really brings her characters to life. When there is dialogue, you feel as if the characters would actually say those things and speak that way. I highly recommend LOVE AND RUIN.
Lori
Heads You Win by Jeffrey Archer
I've been a fan of Jeffrey Archer's novels for decades, so I was delighted to be able to read an advance copy of his latest, HEADS YOU WIN. Archer made it easy to follow what was happening with the story alternating between two scenarios. As always, it was an exciting read. He did a great job bringing the characters to life and combining fictional characters with real life people and events. This book had many elements - humor, romance, politics, business, family intrigue and much more. I highly recommend this entertaining book.
Sherrie
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Wonderful story of a flawed family building a home in the wilderness of Alaska. Hard to put down!
Karen
The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis
There are two women featured in this novel: Clara Darden, an illustrator and Virginia Clay, a recent divorcee. In 1928, Clara is teaching at the Grand Central School of Art. She is not held in high regard because she is a woman artist, but she is able to overcome this an achieve some success until the depression and other tragic events occur. Virginia starts working at the information booth in Grand Central Terminal in 1974. The terminal is less than grand and is on the verge of being torn down, but Virginia explores and notices the beauty of the building. Another of her discoveries is the now-closed art school where she finds a sketch of a painting. She searches for the artist and campaigns with others to save the terminal.
Robert
Blue Labyrinth by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
While one of their older titles, it was a great read I had missed. These two authors always manage to weave a tale sure to keep you reading much later than you intended. It's amazing how morning dawns when you least expect and you're turning the last page wanting more. BLUE LABYRINTH is exactly that and more!
Shannon
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
I decided to read the book because I happened to catch the movie on Neftlix, and I loved it. It's the first book in a trilogy, but I've also already finished Book #2 and I'm just starting Book #3. I love the teenage angst in the book but without it being dark and depressing as so much YA fiction is these days.
Karen
The Knowledge by Martha Grimes
Det. Supt. Richard Jury meets Dr David Moffit, a physics professor, in the Stardust, a fantasy shop. He really enjoys Moffit's company, and has dinner with him and his wife. They plan to meet again, but David and Rebecca Moffit are gunned down as they are getting out of a cab at the Artemis Club. The killer jumps into their cab and takes the cabbie on a wild ride through London to the airport. A young street girl, a police informant, spots the killer and manages to wheedle her way on to the planes he is taking to Dubai and Kenya. She helps Melrose Plant track and identify the killer, a Tanzanian policeman. Jury follows the clues, tanzanite, paintings, family and money trying to understand the killings.
Jan
The Witch Elm by Tana French
French is one of my favorite mystery authors but this one did not earn the A. It is a stand-alone (no Dublin Murder Squad) and she overburdens this book with explanation and backstory. I tired of all the details of the crimes and the lead character, Toby, when he is musing or wondering about anything and everything, his past, what he missed about the cousins actions and info, what he said to Uncle Hugo. The wonderful thing about French's mysteries is that they are complex. I never guess the ending or who did what. A body is found in the old witch elm tree on the family property, hence the title. The family is close-knit and most of them do not have a clue about the others. A good mystery.
Debbie
Darling Dahlias and the Poinsettia Puzzle by Susan Wittig Albert
I have read Susan Wittig Albert's other series and a few of the Darling Dahlias' series. The story line creates excitement for the new bakery, the jigsaw puzzle contest, the dilemma of Cupcake, the love life of Liz, the suicide turned murder, and moonshining, but too many cooks spoil the bread. Too many events and too many characters confuse the reader, and then Albert references other books in the series in order to explain situations. While this evoked an interest, this reader felt that Albert crammed the other books down the throat, at times. I felt that Albert did a good job mentioning the hardships following the Depression, but all these hardships seemed candy-coated.
Trezeline
On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah
Not as good as her later books but still pretty good story. It's a love story most of all, but there is a little bit of mystery. I enjoyed it.
Tessa B C
Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen
Historical fiction that focuses on the relationship between Frances Osgood, a poetess, and Edgar Allan Poe, and complicated by the attempts at friendship between Poe’s wife and Frances. Well, I wanted to like this. I just never really felt any love between them. I got tired of the longing and yearning and attempts to stay apart, only to be inextricably drawn together. I found the author’s notes at the end of the novel more interesting than the novel itself.
WALTER
Underdogs by Markus Zuzak
Before THE BOOK THIEF, Markus Zusak wrote a trilogy of novels about the Wolfe Brothers: THE UNDERDOG, FIGHTING RUBEN WOLFE, and GETTING THE GIRL. Cameron and Ruben Wolfe are champions at getting into fights, coming up with half-baked schemes, and generally disappointing girls, their parents, and their much more motivated older siblings. They're intensely loyal to each other, brothers at their best and at their very worst. But when Cameron falls head over heels for Ruben's girlfriend, the strength of their bond is tested to its breaking point.
