This contest period's winners were Brenda M., Debbie M. and Donna H., who each received a copy of A CHRISTMAS REVELATION by Anne Perry and YOU DON'T OWN ME by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke.
Nancy
If I Fix You by Abigail Johnson
It was more of a 4.5 star book but not a 5. I did like the book, the story was intense and engaging. It kept me awake till 3:30 in the morning reading it. It was intense.
Lois
The Bridal Chair by Gloria Goldreich
I loved this story about the daughter of Marc Chagall. The relationships and characters were fascinating and well described. The ending turned out to be a bit of a surprise.
Sue-Marie
A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg
The perfect book to read during the holiday season. Interesting characters and setting, and a hopeful story.
Laurie
Little by Edward Carey
This talented author has written a unique fictional history which is set in Paris...narrated by Madame Tussaud of the waxworks world. I loved the story, colorful characters and excellent illustrations -- over 400 pages but well worth the entertainment!
Jayjme
Radical Beauty by Deepka Chopera and Kimberly Snyder
I would consider most of this book a refresher course. I have been reading a lot lately about what really constitutes a healthy sustainable life-diet and this book reinforced several life changes that I am planning on implementing in the New Year. I did learn new information about the reasons for taking probiotics and the importance of sleep which was useful. Overall, this is a good book to read in the off-week between Christmas and New Year's when a brand new year is winking at us.
Sheila
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
Amazing twists and turns. You can't guess what will happen next in this book!
Joanne
The Story of Arthur Trulov by Elizabeth Berg
A wonderful book both for young and old. Helps one to understand how much each can help the other and was a good book discussion book.
Joanne
The Three Beths by Jeff Abbott
A first read for me from this author (I do so love discovering a new author). Plot kind of twists and turns on itself until you’re just not sure what’s going to happen next. The ending had me gasping in surprise - I love it when I can’t second guess the end. Highly recommend.
Joanne
Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo
Good read about the lengths a couple goes through to have a baby.
Anne
Six Geese A-Slaying by Donna Andrews
Enjoyable, light-hearted story with extremely quirky characters - sometimes too quirky for me. It helps if you have read previous books in the series, otherwise it can be difficult to keep characters straight - which happened to be my problem.
Rosemary
An Univited Guest by Shari Lapena
Ten people meet in a luxury inn in the Catskills, 3 couples, 2 best friends and 2 individuals, for a winter weekend retreat. One guest is found dead at the bottom of a staircase the next morning. Accident or murder? Suddenly, another is found strangled! There's a blizzard outside and the power & phones are out...outside help is unavailable. Who is killing off the guests? Another guest? An unknown intruder? Who would have a motive and who can be trusted? In the manner of Agatha Christie's TEN LITTLE INDIANS, a delightful read that will keep the reader guessing right up to the end.
Linda
I’ve Got My Eyes on You by Mary Higgins Clark
A great suspense-filled book by Mary Higgins Clark! A teen is found at the bottom of a pool but the cause of death was a blow to the back of her head. Suspicion falls on her boyfriend who had argued with the girl earlier. Then suspicion falls on a mentally-challenged neighbor when he said he went swimming with the girl after the party. Police interview a man who bought liquor for the party but surveillance cameras prove he was miles away at the time of the murder. The girl’s sister is helping the detective with clues she obtains from friends of her sister and finds a clue that breaks the case.
Linda
The Gray Man by Mark Greaney
Court Gentry is known as the Gray Man. A former agent for the CIA, he is now a wanted man and works for the private sector. Although he is an assassin, he does have a personal code and takes out those he considers to be truly evil. When waiting on an extraction team, he sees a group of insurgents celebrating the downing of an American helicopter and watches as they kill one of the survivors. He knows he shouldn’t but he can't stand it and kills many of the terrorists. Then he has to find a way out of the area. He heads back to England and his handler Sir Donald Fitzroy, where he learns he is now wanted by a French conglomerate and kill teams are on his heels.
Linda
A Tall, Dark Cowboy Christmas by Maisey Yates
At 18, Grant Dodge married Lindsay knowing that she would soon die of cancer. He loved her and felt she was responsible for turning his life around. Their marriage lasted eight years and ever since then Grant has been morose and bitter. He found McKenna Tate staying in one of their abandoned cabins and offers her a job at the ranch he runs with his brothers. They are attracted to each other but he feels it would not be right for him to enjoy life when Lindsay died. It takes McKenna’s love and wisdom to bring Grant back to life.
Linda
Snowed In With the Cowboy by Maisey Yates
Chloe Nolan’s mother married Tanner Reid’s father and they lived in the same household. She has always thought of Tanner as her knight in armor and he fell in love with her when she was 18. On the way to their family’s cabin to celebrate Christmas, they are stranded and have to share a room with one bed. Chloe tells him she wants to have sex with him and they can blame it on the storm. That’s the way he feels too. But after the storm, they don’t want it to end but worry about what their families will think.
Linda
Field of Bones by J. A. Jance
Joanna Brady, sheriff of Cochise County, AZ, is on maternity leave and her chief deputy Tom Hadlock is in charge. He wonders if he is in over his head when a teen brings in a human skull found in a remote corner of the county and Tom follows him out to the site. It appears that the site is used by the killer as a dump site as more bodies are found and one is a relatively recent kill. A search for the killer leads to an abandoned ghost town. An FBI profiler tells them to look for a long-haul trucker who will have easy access to the interstates. Joanna ends her maternity leave and heads to the office.
Linda
Collision Point by Lora Leigh
Riordan Malone is bodyguard and lover of Amara Resnova. When he was sent out of the country on another job, Amara was kidnapped, beaten, and left to die in a dirt pit. Riordan came and rescued her and almost lost his life when his team was attacked. Months later, she still remembers nothing from the attack. Riordan has to find out who tried to kill her as “accidents” are still occurring and it doesn’t look like the assassin will stop until he succeeds in killing Amara. Parts of the book seem to jump around and don't make much sense. Riordan's brother was Nathan who was thought to have been killed but he comes back with a new face and a new name. Yet nothing is disclosed of Nathan's (now known as Noah) past. Not as good as her other books.
Linda
The Other Woman by Sandie Jones
Emily thinks she’s found the perfect man in Adam. The only thing wrong is his controlling mother, Pamela, or Pammie as she prefers to be called. Every time she sees Adam, she rushes to hug him and starts in belittling Emily. Pammie fakes having cancer and Emily catches her in her lie. She accuses Emily of making a play for Adam’s brother James. Emily loves Adam but realizes she will have to put up with Pammie because Adam won’t have Emily saying anything negative about his mother. The book has an unexpected twist at the end that will catch you by surprise.
Linda
Desperate Girls by Laura Griffin
Brynn Holloran was one of the prosecutors in the James Corby trial. Incarcerated in a maximum security prison, Corby has escaped and is seeking revenge. He has murdered the woman who was the lead prosecutor and was now a judge. His next victim was the lead homicide detective on the case. Brynn is now an attorney with a private law firm and her boss has called in Wolfe Security to provide bodyguards for Brynn and fellow attorney Ross Foley. Brynn meets Erik Morgan, the lead man on the team assigned to her. Sparks fly between them and Erik is determined to keep her safe.
Linda
Imposter's Lure by Carla Neggers
A prosecutor has disappeared and FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan have been tasked with locating her. Agents recover the body of a man found floating in the bay and his wife is found unresponsive in her London home. Was this couple being targeted? Are they connected to the missing prosecutor? The agents’ investigation points to suspected art fraud.
Beth
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
This was a book that made me think about the hard subject of racial prejudice. There was some criticism in my book club that a white woman can’t authentically write about a black woman’s experience - it nonetheless lead to some serious discussion about an important topic.
pat
Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg
For those who loved Arthur Truluv, this book is a wonderful follow up. We learn more about Lucille and Maddy after Arthur's death. New characters are introduced and you feel an attachment to all and take joy in a community that cares! You need this book in today's troubled times...
Judy
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This is a beautifully written story of "Marsh Girl" also known as Kya Clark who lives by herself, starting at age 6, in the marshlands of North Carolina. She leads a lonely life until she becomes friends with the gulls and other marsh creatures. I loved the book.
Bonnie
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
One of the most beautiful novels I've read in a long time. The writing is gorgeous and the story will break your heart.
Charlene
The Shining by Stephen King
Although I thought there were times that were slow, I became more and more disappointed as I flipped through the pages. I was so shocked at the turn of events that were occurring and surprised at the clever descriptions King was conjuring. I was so incredibly disappointed in the MOVIE. I can't believe the movie did this book so much injustice. The devices used in the plot were just fine and used correctly, but the movie portrayed everything wrong. Wendy is a sweet and careful character, and definitely not stupid. And King writes about such specifics that you as the reader see glimpses in the plot's progression. The build is very strong.
Liz
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Alicia is found in her home with a gun and her husband's body. He has been shot five times in the face. She is arrested and goes to trial, but never speaks a word to anyone. Psychotherapist, Theo Faber, has become obsessed with not only finding out why Alicia committed this horrific crime, but also why she will not speak about what happened that fateful night. With several twists and turns, this is a well-written thriller and you will not see the ending coming!
LouAnn
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
The book is part historical fiction, part mystery. It is based on a true story of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. The setting is in 1939 and tells about how poor children were often taken from parents and adopted out to wealthy families. It is well written although it is a hard subject to come to terms with. Highly recommend.
Marion
The Last Palace by Norman Eisen
A really interesting history of Prague and a palace built by Otto Petski before WWII. The palace
Became the American Embassy and was the home of Shirley Temple Black for a short time. She
was once the American ambassador. It shows the Communist influence in the area and the
German stay prior to the end of World War II.
Betty
Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal
If you're a foodie, this is a book you shouldn't miss. An interesting set up -- each chapter deals with a different character, but the central character is in each chapter at a different stage in her life.
Ruth
The Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel
One of the best books I have read this year, about Paris during WII, two of my favorite subjects. I could hardly put it down. I highly recommend it!
Donna
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
I couldn't put this book down. I told people about it before I finished it (no spoilers given). This book was unlike anything I've ever read before. It was based on whether you lie or tell the truth and the consequences. It is intense and intriguing. I was guessing the outcome from beginning to the end. Loved this psychological thriller.
Linda
The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
While this book initially seemed similar to A MAN CALLED OVE, it was much more touching, heartwarming, and with an ending that affirms your faith in people helping people. It brought up a good discussion of our perspective and comfort in visiting cemeteries, and what truly makes up a family.
Jud
On Target (A Gray Man Novel, Book # 2) by Mark Greaney
This is one of the best books I've read this year. Court Gentry is the newest version of Jason Bourne and James Bond. This book has it all: action, romance and a cliffhanger ending. If you pick this one up, be prepared to lose a lot of sleep.
Jud
Summit Lake by Charles Donlea
This is the first Donlea novel that I've read and I wasn't disappointed. A reporter investigates a murder in a small NC town, only to find that someone doesn't want the truth to come out.
Thomas
Desperate Measures by Stuart Woods
I really liked this book. His books are always good.
ILene
The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
THE WORD IS MURDER, another great book by Anthony Horowitz, a takeoff of a Holmes and Watson. It starts with Diana Cowper, the wealthy mother of a famous actor, going into a funeral parlor and planning her own service. Shortly after she is killed. Now we have Daniel Hawthorne, a brilliant but disgraced police detective who is investigating this case as well as others so as to redeem himself. Hawthorne goes to Anthony Horowitz (yes, the author of this book), where he tries to partner up with him to write a murder mystery together. The bodies start piling up. It soon becomes clear that Hawthorne is hiding some dark secrets of his own. What a great pairing of two working together - we can only hope for a series of these two working together!
Liz
The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans
Elise is dreading the upcoming holiday season, as is Nicholas. They both work in the same building and he sees her every day in the food court eating lunch alone. Nicholas decides she is dreading the holidays as much as he is so he approaches her with a propositions that for the next eight weeks they will pretend they are a "couple" with no strings or intimacy attached. After much deliberation she decides "why not"; after all, she has nothing to lose. The unexpected happens and they both have secrets to hide.
Kevin
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
In DARK MATTER by Blake Crouch, I was taken for a wild ride within the multiverse where each and every choice of the protagonist (Jason Dessen) took him further away from his real world until his mindset changed to that of a realistic optimist. A great novel I would recommend to anyone who enjoys great science fiction thrillers and or literary works that challenge the status quo.
Judy
My Absolute Darling by Gabrielle Tallent
This was a lot darker than we expected it to be. Sexual and mental abuse of a 14-year-old girl was a big part of it. Also, the father's rants on his life philosophy were too convoluted and they ruined the flow of the story. When it was the girl's voice it was interesting. When it was him it was boring. I hung in there though for her part of the story and I was satisfied with the ending.
Judy
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
I had wanted to read this for a long time but my book club never chose it. I finally found a used copy and I would say it's the best book I read all year. I thought it would be just about learning the meaning of the flowers, but the story is a deep look at someone who does everything to not be happy. Running away and/or causing trouble so that happiness was always pushed away. With her flower knowledge she brought happiness and good outcomes to all she serviced and in the end found her own happiness.
Janet
The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain
I love this author but did not think I would like a time-traveling theme. Well, I was wrong. This is a good story and Diane didn’t disappoint!
Richard N B
Christmas in Harmony by Philip Gulley
If the Christmas Eve service has become a burden, why not take Dale’s suggestion of a Progressive Live Nativity Scene. What could possibly go wrong? With Dale in charge…a lot. Funny and tender, but Sam always finds the true meaning of Christmas. An enjoyable holiday read.
Robin
The Moroccan Girl by Charles Cumming
From the first page, the reader is thrust into the action. The main character, Kit Carradine is more of an anti-hero. He isn’t a spy, although he writes thrillers. And some of the knowledge he has learned along the way will come in handy when he is approached to undertake a small task for his government while traveling to research his upcoming book. He agrees without hesitation
But as Kit undertakes his mission, the line between who is a "good guy" and who is a "bad guy" starts to blur. As he sets off to find out the truth, he finds himself caught up in a revolutionary movement and spy-counter spy agenda. A thrilling ride, a questionable mission, and divided loyalties will keep your head spinning.
ILene
November Road by Lou Berney
NOVEMBER ROAD starts when President Kennedy is assassinated and everything is in turmoil. That’s when Charlotte Roy takes her two young girls and runs away from a drunken husband, until she has a car breakdown and meets up with Frank Guidry. It just so happens he is on the run from a mob boss who wants to see him dead thinking he may be the last link to tie him to JFK’s murder. What an adventure this is, each hiding many secrets. What a great book! Thank you, William Morrow, for the chance to read it.
Robin
A Thousand Devils by Frank Goldammer
I love period stories, they whisk you to another place and time. A THOUSAND DEVILS takes the reader to Russian occupied Dresden. It is post World War II and the occupying forces are not making friends among the East Germans. When a frozen body is discovered, detective Max Heller is assigned the case. But solving the murder isn’t the only problem Heller has to deal with. He has to make nice with the Russians in order to get the information he needs. The body is that of a Russian officer, and the military are keeping their information close to their vest. Heller’s investigation leads him down a rabbit hole of possibilities and suspects. And it isn’t long before the bodies begin to pile up and the suspects keep multiplying.
Elizabeth
Finders Keepers by Stephen King
In FINDERS KEEPERS, Stephen King returns to one of his old themes. In his book MISERY, a character was obsessed with a certain author’s books, and here King repeats that theme. As a young man, Morris commits a crime because of his dissatisfaction with the way that certain author, John Rothstein, has ended his book series. Morris then buries a trunk full of notebooks containing Rothstein’s stories, poems, even novels that no one has read yet. The idea is that Morris would come back for them later; the notebooks would stay there waiting for him. Thirty-plus years later Pete, who coincidentally also loves Rothstein’s novels, unearths that trunk. Pete has also found lots of trouble.
Jackie
Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber
My first Debbie Macomber book. I'll definitely be reading more of her books!
Jan
The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez
This is a book about people trying to come to the U.S.A. the legal way. The focus is on a couple who has a daughter who needs specialized medical attention and they get visas, a job, and pay a fortune to someone to bring them into the U.S. It is an interesting book in that they are housed with a lot of other immigrants and this is a very normal action here in the U.S. The book is about the many struggles immigrants have and the misunderstandings that happen. However, this is one more book that details how people who have children make choices to let the children do what they want and do not give them parental supervision. Tragedy follows. I only finished the book because my book club is to discuss it.
Jan
The Power by Naomi Alderman
This book is not my usual preferred reading. I read it on the advice of a friend. I am an old women's lib fighter so this was pleasant reading. The women win. The absolute best part of the book is the symmetry. After you finish the book, read the letters at the very beginning and the very end. The story is one of women growing (literally) physical power over men. That leads to political and financial power and women doing a better job some of the time than the men. Some of the women are as corrupt as the men in power today so there is no improvement in honest, fair play or a better world. If you are a feminist, read it and enjoy. If you have no clue what I am writing about, perhaps you will learn from the book.
Cheryl
Meet Me There by Judy Corry
MEET ME THERE is a YA story of two high school teens going through all kinds of teenager issues. One is on the rebound from a breakup, the other a jock who can have any girl he wants, until he meets Ashlyn. Hiding from her ex Noah, Ashlyn runs into a darkened chem lab where she finds British Boy. She doesn't know it is Luke. Ashlyn thinks she is meeting a very sensitive boy who understands all her problems. British Boy and Mystery Girl wind up helping each other without knowing who they are outside the dark chem lab. It was very sweet watching these relationships play out. This is my favorite book this year. I felt like I was there as Ashlyn and Luke feel in love. I look forward to reading more of Judy Corry's novels.
Cheryl
Tainted: Lance and Mary (Cliffside Bay Book 5) by Tess Thompson
Loved this story!!! What starts out as a kiss leads to a one night stand with complications. Lance and Mary make a deal to have a "fake" wedding, and hold up appearances. What they don't count on is falling in love. I liked how Thomson played the characters out so you got to know them and love them right from the beginning. This novel is like a fairy tale for the romantic at heart. I definitely have to read all the books in the Cliffside Bay Book series.
Harriet
Family Trust by Kathy Wang
Soap opera-like, Chinese American family in Silicon Valley. Issues include divorce, upward social climbing, aging and terminal illness.
Judy
My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
This historical fiction of the life of Eliza Hamilton, wife of Alexander Hamilton, looks at the momentous events surrounding the founding of our country through the eyes of Hamilton's wife. Ever present, through good times and bad, she is an example of the life behind the life of famous people. While this is fiction, there are many events, traced through letters, that really happened. Eliza outlived Hamilton by almost 50 years, doing charity work for orphans among other things. A really good read!
Barbara
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
This was my second time reading this book in a book club, and they were about 7 years apart. The book is interesting and provided a great deal of conversation in both of the groups. Only a few of us were of the age that we were children during WWII, but we who were, shared memories of that time and were able to explain how dangerous it was for the book club members of the "Guernsey" group if they had been "discovered" by the Germans.
ILene
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
STATE OF WONDER starts when Dr. Marina Singh receives a letter that her colleague Dr. Anders Eckman is dead from a fever while researching a project of a valuable new drug deep in the insect-infected Amazon. What really happened? Is he even dead? Now Marina is assigned to go down there and find out the truth. While there, she will meet up with her former mentor Dr. Annick Swenson and it will bring up memories of a terrible tragedy that happened years ago. Deep in the jungle of the Amazon isn’t for the faint at heart.
Karen
The Comforts of Home by Susan Hill
Simon Serrailler loves his home but being stuck at home recovering from injuries received in the line of duty as a police officer is too much. He goes to a remote Scottish island to recuperate. The overstretched local police ask him to help when a local woman is found dead. The cause of death must be determined, and the islanders interviewed. He is very thorough, and has an idea about the cause of death as well as why she died. The local police come and take over the case. During this time Simon's supervisor requests that he review a cold case. A young woman disappeared five years ago, and her mother wants the police to investigate again. She complains to the press. The police are plagued by many fires, and Simon finds answers.
Gil
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
The housekeeper was found dead at the bottom of the stairs in Pye Hall. Initially, it was considered an accident. But was it? A few weeks later, Magnus Pye was found decapitated in Pye Hall. Was there a connection between the two deaths? So many suspects! To solve the cases, Atticus Pfund, a famous detective, entered the investigation. This was a story within a story. The Pye Hall deaths are in a novel by Alan Conway who it was believed committed suicide. But did he? An excellent whodunnit.
Liz
A Christmas Wish by Engy Neville
I was given this eBook in exchange for an honest review. This is not the normal type of book I read. While the story was a quick and entertaining read, I found it to be a bit repetitive. If you are a fan of Hallmark movies, you will certainly enjoy this story.
Sean
Violets Are Blue by James Patterson
James Patterson novels will always be fast popcorn novels. Here, Alex Cross is at his most hokey. The twist from the last novel is settled and its...lame. It was done poorly. The main murder mystery was all over the map, literally, and it was trying to be scary and came off as pathetic and soap opera villainy. The overall story moves in the right direction but it's underwhelming to say the least.
Robin
One Taste Too Many by Debra H. Goldstein
A Culinary mystery sure to tickle your taste buds. Sarah Blair finds herself back home, her tail between her legs, after a failed marriage. She is struggling to make ends meet. Her job with the Harlan put food on the table but not much more. The up side of her life is her feline companion RahRah, who once belonged to her mother-in-law, and is now hers. Or so she thinks. Sarah’s twin sister Emily is an accomplished chef. Unbeknownst the Sarah, the restaurant Emily works for has some financial dealings with Sarah’s rat of an ex-husband. When Bill dies at the convention center where Emily is preparing for a cooking event, Emily seems a likely suspect.
Tasty, tempting and full of surprises, ONE TASTE TOO MANY will wet your appetite.
ILene
The News from the End of the World by Emily Jeanne Miller
THE NEWS FROM THE END OF THE WORLD is a novel taking place over four days. The Lake family of Cape Cod is very lovable but highly dysfunctional. Craig Lake, his wife Gina their two children Amanda and Helen, as well as Craig’s twin brother Vance have so many secrets - where to begin? Secrets include infidelity, unwanted pregnancies, unsuccessful business, and job loss. Only when they help each other will the secrets be revealed. Loved reading this very well-written book.
Jan
Holy Ghost by John Sandford
I have never read a bad book by John Sandford. This one features Virgil Flowers, an investigator for the state police. It seems that a church in a small town in Minnesota has a visit from Mary, a person most or you think has been dead for a couple of centuries. The town is coming alive again with all the tourists hoping to see the Virgin Mary and she does come back a time or two. Suddenly, a tourist is shot while standing on the main street. Days later, another is shot. The tiny police force and local sheriff do not have a clue so they call in Virgil Flowers. Virgil has a reputation for having solved many crimes in Minnesota. Suddenly, a leading citizen is shot dead. There are no suspects, then there are two. A great read.
Amy
The Recipe Box by Viola Shipman
I loved this book. The characters are so real. They touch your heart and the ending is fine, but
as with all his books you hate to see it end. Would make a great Hallmark movie.
Angie
Miracle in Shreveport by David and Jason Benham
I was hesitant to read this little book: 1) because I prefer to read novels; and 2) because I'm not a sports fan. Turns out neither of these things mattered. Because this book is all about God's grace and power to perform modern day miracles. It follows the entire baseball careers of twin brothers, preacher's kids, Jason and David Benham, and is an amazing testimony to what happens when you give your life to God and let Him handle the details of accomplishing your heart's desire. It is truly astounding how He is constantly working on customizing the tapestry of each of our lives, day by day, event by event, without our even being aware.
Angie
The Myth of Perpetual Summer by Susan Crandall
I loved this book! It is the first I have read by this author, and now I must read everything else she has written. I had thought this was a women's fiction novel, and it is, but it is also a mystery that gradually unfolds through the remembrances of the main character as a young girl growing up in a highly dysfunctional family in rural Mississippi. Having Mississippi roots through my mother's side of the family, I could truly relate to this area of the country and its way of life, as well as the time period the book is set in, as Tallulah was just slightly older than I am. This is a richly written book that totally engrosses you that you will not soon forget. One of the best of 2018 that I have read.
Angie
She Was the Quiet One by Michele Campbell
I have not read a psychological murder mystery in a long time, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The setting is an elite high school level private boarding school in New England, with a long history of its wealthy student body misbehaving and receiving only a hand slap from the administration. Until the misbehavior escalates...Ms. Campbell's style of writing is deceptively simplistic. She knows how to achieve maximum effect with a minimum of words. The story seems to flow effortlessly, sucking you into its whirlpool on page one, gaining momentum, and shooting you along its rapids at a fast clip. It is one of those unputdownable books. Get it. Read it. You won't regret it.
Angie
Wrapped in the Stars by Elena Mikalsen
People - buy this book! Seriously. It is the perfect combination of all of my favorite genres - historical fiction/romance/magical realism. I guess you could call it Magical Historical Romance!
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Ms. Mikalsen created the book around the theory that we exchange energy fields when touching an object or a person, so that parts of our energy, our memories, our love, are all transposed, and so can transcend time. She combined that idea with the theory of synchronicity, “the simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection.” You will fall in love with these characters and their story.
Angie
Regrets Only by Erin Duffy
This is the first book by Erin Duffy that I have ever read, but it won't be the last. I love, love, loved this book! It was a fun, fast, witty read. Highly entertaining. Just my style. Claire's hysterics did almost get to be too much at one point, I will admit, but the author managed to rein her in just in time for the last part of the book to be entirely enjoyable. You will be rooting for Claire every step of the way along the path of her emotional premarital, marital, and post-marital journey to finding herself and discovering exactly where she belongs.
Angie
The Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey
I must admit, I was about halfway through the book before I fell for it. I know that had to do with a bit of confusion due to not reading the first in this series in preparation for this one, but I won this one, so...I couldn’t wait to read it. I thought, judging from the title and the beachy cover that it was going to be one of those fun, light, but not very memorable summer beach reads. It was not. And, boy, am I glad. It was so much more. Ms. Harvey possesses the gift of composing short, deceptively simple sentences that express situations perfectly, while tugging at your emotions. I cried more over this story than any I have read in a while. I give this book 4 1/2 stars.
Angie
Feared by Lisa Scottoline
I am a longtime fan of Lisa Scottoline, and her latest in the Rosato & DiNunzio series, FEARED only reinforces my love of her writing. The characters are all relatable, from the dedicated, intelligent members of Bennie and Mary's law firm to Mary's larger than life South Philly Italian family and their kooky but warmhearted neighbors. Ms. Scottoline always strikes the perfect balance between amusement and down and dirty crime solving. And she is one author that I can't outguess when it comes to figuring out who the murderer is. With most other authors, I am usually able to narrow down to several possible suspects and be right a lot of the time. With Lisa, the revelation at the end is always a clever surprise.
Sheila
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Numerous social issues to discuss!
Laura
Dark Life by Kate Falls
Okay, a neat idea but not greatly executed. Seems people were in one spot then another with no explanation of how they got there. Hard to imagine some of the scenes.
Paulette
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
Love the writing and the storyline. Recommend this book to everyone.
Karl
One Shot at Forever by Chris Ballard
It’s a great story and very well written. You don’t have to love baseball, which I do, to love this book. Offers a great insight into what it was like to be in high school in the 70s when so many things were changing. Read it and enjoy the unlikely story of the Ironmen.
Traci
What We Owe by Golnaz Hashemzadeh Bonde
I read this book as a review. I thought this was a really good book. The author writes so well you feel as though you are going through the events along with the characters. The events are true-to-life and could be anybody's life story.
Michelle
We Never Asked For Wings by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Just an "eh" for me. A quick, easy read. Wrapped up a little too pretty for me though. Something was definitely lacking for me in the story. The characters were a little too cliche. I felt like the author didn’t know what to do with the story’s ending. What a contrast to THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS, which was a beautiful story matched by beautiful writing.
Tessa
My Italian Bulldozer by Alexander McCall Smith
Smith is fast becoming my go-to author whenever I feel the need for a gentle humorous break from the realities of life. Like most of his novels, this one is full of the drama of everyday life. Not much happens, but somehow major life decisions get made. Along the way are scenes of heartache, humor, friendship, and romance.
Tessa B C
Mr. Miracle by Debbie Macomber
Book 10 in the Angels Everywhere (a.k.a Angelic Intervention) series. Harry Mills is on his first assignment on earth and he rather smugly believes he’s got it all covered. But he didn’t quite count on human emotions. It’s a cheesy Christmas romance, and the plot is what you’d expect from that genre. It’s not great literature, but it’s perfect for the season.
Norene
A Hanukkah Miracle by J. R. Barrett
A sweet little book.
Matt
Depth of Winter by Craig Johnson
This book is actually a continuation of the last Longmire book THE WESTERN STAR and if you haven't read it you should start there. I don't think this book is as good as most books in the series. It deals with a drug lord in Mexico. Lots of action.
Debbie
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
I expected this to be the story of solving the mystery of who set a fire at the Los Angeles public library based on a podcast where I had heard the author interviewed. It was so much more. A wonderful tribute to libraries and librarians and how they contribute to our society, told in chapters/stories that tell the history of the Los Angeles public library and the very talented people who staff it. I am not usually a nonfiction reader but this story was so well told that I was engrossed in it throughout.
Lisa
Becoming by Michelle Obama
There aren't enough exclamation points to describe how much I loved this book! Entertaining, thought-provoking, informative and inspirational. A must-read!
Brenda
Eliza Waite by Ashley E. Sweeney
I loved everything about this book. The descriptive writing and the attention to detail are second to none. Eliza is an amazingly well-developed character and so likable with all her hopes, dreams, and faults. I couldn't put it down and so I was confronted with the readers paradox: wanting to finish the book to see how it ends, but not wanting the end to arrive. I truly hope Ashley Sweeney has another book (or 50!) up her sleeve. I'm looking forward to reading them.
Sherrie
The Rain Watcher by Tatiana De Rosnay
I just loved this story of the loving and yet dysfunctional family. Secrets kept and exposed along with a longing for each one of the family members to be truly understood. This book is written well, the words are beautiful and the feeling just pops off the page.
Donna
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
The movie "Christmas with the Kranks" was based on this book. I enjoyed the light-hearted read and the spirit of giving in the conclusion.
Laurie
The Kinship of Secrets by Eugenia Kim
I loved this author’s previous novel, THE CALLIGRAPHER'S DAUGHTER. Eugenia Kim’s latest book, set in South Korea and the United States, is awesome, too, as the themes of coming-of-age, sisters and cultural heritage kept me reading well into the night! Book clubs will find plenty of discussable issues.
Jud
Let These Bones Live Again by David Carlson
LET THESE BONES LIVE AGAIN by David Carlson is the third entry featuring Det. Christopher Worthy and Father Nicholas Fortis. Carlson is an accomplished professor of religion and philosophy at Franklin College in Indiana. He is a proponent of peaceful coexistence between different faiths and this theme is apparent in his most recent book. While not a particularly hard-hitting mystery, it is still an enjoyable one, with an engaging plot and well-developed characters. I definitely plan to catch up on the series by reading the preceding books and look forward to the continuation of this series. I recommend this book to everyone.
Diana
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A very, very interesting book about an aging actress telling her life story to a young journalist who will publish the biography after the death of the actress. There is much more to this story than there appears to be.
Betty
The Radleys by Matt Haig
A family of vampires tries to live as "normal" people, until their teenage daughter does something that is "normal" for her. I honestly couldn't figure out how this was going to end. Great read.
Ruth
The German Girl by Armand Lucas Correa
Poignant novel about Jewish people who were sent from Berlin to Cuba, many of whom were not allowed to leave the ship after arrival.
Lynn W
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Excellent book about the workings of the Los Angeles Public Library and the 1986 fire that nearly destroyed it.
Jill
The Things We Wish Were True by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
This a story of a suburban neighborhood that changes after a near-tragedy at the local swimming pool. People's secrets unfold under the sweltering summer heat. The protagonist is Cailey, whose brother is involved in the accident occurred. She feels guilty after it happened. She stays with an elderly neighbor for a time and they become family. And many of the neighbors grow closer to one another. A good read that dragged some in the middle, hence the 3-star rating. Enjoy!
sherry
Tailspin by Sandra Brown
I loved this book!!! It was engaging from the first page to the end.
Amy
Beauchamp Hall by Danielle Steel
Great book by Danielle Steel. Was enjoyable to read. Always look forward to her books when they are released.
MAUREEN
Disclaimer by Renee Knight
A great twisty plot with lots of human emotion from the characters.
Matt
Pieces of Her by Karen Slaughter
A stand-alone book from a writer of mystery series. As usual lots of action and blood. How the mother got to be where she is today is seen in a series of flash backs. Thus the title.
Noreen
Gracie's Secret by Jill Childs
Should a mother believe everything a child tells her? Gracie is involved in an accident and that leads to all sorts of issues. This book had me thinking in a whole different direction, so the ending chapters were a surprise.
Gladys
Delta Force Defender by Carol Ericson
Lots of danger for characters in this story. Strange beginning, handsome hero, unsuspected actions. Love-making in a novel location.
Linda
Sunday Silence by Nicci French
Frieda Klein is a psychologist who assists the police in their investigations. There is one killer named Dean Reeve who police think is dead but Frieda insists he is still alive. He taunts her by killing a policeman and putting the body underneath Frieda’s house. The man had been helping Frieda search for Reeve. Now people close to Frieda are being targeted and police think it is Reeve. Frieda says no, it is someone copying Reeve. When a policewoman disappears, the search is on for the woman and the killer.
Linda
The Cottages on Silver Beach by RaeAnne Thayne
Megan Hamilton is angry when she learns the cottage next to hers has been rented by Elliot Bailey. When her brother’s wife disappeared seven years ago, Elliot agreed with many in Haven Point that Luke had something to do with his wife’s disappearance. He and his children are still being verbally abused. Elliot is a best-selling crime novelist and Megan thinks he is using the unsolved case as the basis for his next novel. He denies it. Megan and Elliot have had a strange relationship over the years with each acting standoffish when they meet at various functions. They are in love with each other but neither will admit to it.
Linda
Season of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne
Moving across the country to intern at a veterinary office, Dani Capelli is unsure whether the move was right. She loves the small town and knows it is a good place to raise her two girls. She is attracted to her sexy neighbor Deputy Ruben Morales. He falls in love with her and her girls and Dani panics. Her first husband was a terrible choice and, even though she believes Ruben is a good person, Dani doubts herself. I was disappointed in this book.
Linda
Liar, Liar by Lisa Jackson
Twenty years ago, Remmi Storm’s mother left and she never saw her mother again. Now a book has been written about the mysterious disappearance of Marilyn Monroe impersonator Didi Storm and interest has been revived in finding out what happened to her. When a woman resembling Didi and wearing her clothes jumps off the ledge of a hotel and plummets to her death, Remmi feels that it is connected to the book. Then Didi’s first husband is found almost dead after being shot and police agree with Remmi. This is all connected somehow. They just have to connect the pieces.
Linda
Mastering Her Heart by Lesley Clark
Lainie Bryant leaves her boring life behind and heads to her friend’s house in Texas. Bridget and her husband Jack are into the BDSM scene and, while Lainie is not, she envies the deep love Bridget and Jack have for each other. She meets Dr. Matthew Taylor, Jack’s doctor and friend, who is also a dominant. He wants Lainie to be his submissive. She knows nothing about the lifestyle but is willing to learn if it means being with the sexy doctor.
Linda
The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
Arriving at the home of Chase Reynaud to set the clocks, Alexandra Mountbatten is mistaken for a governess. She quickly leaves but later returns and becomes the governess for two girls who are wards of Reynaud. She teaches them in an unorthodox manner and grows to love and care for them. She had virtually run into Chase months before at a bookshop and thinks he doesn’t remember her. She never forgot him as he is often in her dreams. She is stunned when he tells her he does remember her and will never forget her. An unlikely love affair between the heir to the Duke of Belvoir and a girl brought up on her father’s ship.
Elizabeth
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
My description of Mary Kubica's THE GOOD GIRL will probably not do it justice. It is much better than it sounds. Mia, a young woman from a rich family, is abducted. The story is told from different characters’ viewpoints in “Before” and “After" chapters. Mia would probably be surprised at how much her mother loves her and is afraid for her. But she would not be surprised about her father‘s attitude: uncaring. When you think you have come to the end of the story, you really haven’t. There is an “Epilogue,” and it is a shock. I had to read it twice to believe what I was reading.
Lynn W
The Widower's Notebook by Jonathan Santlofer
A very "real" memoir of grieving and of a 40-year loving marriage.
Francisca
The Time in Between by Maria Dueñas
Fascinating and engaging. A sweeping historical novel about a young woman who begins by cleaning the floors of the atelier where her mother is a seamstress and ends up as a sought-after fashion designer in World War II, and a spy for the British. Dueñas is an accomplished storyteller. I loved the way that Sira grew as a character. Her relationships are wonderfully complex and there are some scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. I recommend this to anyone who loves a fast-paced novel, with fascinating characters, and a strong female lead. The final scene when she decides to take matters into her own hands and go forward on her own terms is marvelous. I wanted to stand up and cheer!
Becky
Vox by Christina Dalcher
The United States has been taken over in an election by seriously ultra-conservative politicians. Laws have been passed restricting females to just 100 words per day and enforce this directive with punishing electric shocks for every word beyond the allotment. The novel starts with this interesting premise and then has a rather boring first 100 pages as we learn about the wife who is quite an acclaimed scientist and feminist but is married to a go-along, get-along politician husband high up in the conservative government. The plot finally gets going when she is coerced by the government to restart her science project and discovers a sinister plot against women all over the world.
Becky
When Winter Comes by V. A. Shannon
The fictional narrator of this account of the doomed Donner Party is never named, but is a good scribe as she records the events that lead up to the fateful decision to take the “shortcut” that will leave them stranded for the winter in the high Sierras. The author notes at the end detail the facts of that winter. Well researched and well written, this novel is a good addition to the many accounts of the Donner Party. This one has the benefit of relating the feelings, decisions and character of those unfortunate enough to be part of the group. The narrator is one of the few to survive. She relates some incidents that other accounts gloss over or leave out.
Trezeline
The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbi
Very sad, very informative. An interesting read.
Becky
Paper Wife by Laila Ibrahim
Mei Ling is the younger daughter in a newly impoverished family. When her sister is betrothed to a complete stranger, Mei is happy it is not her and unhappy to see her sister leaving China for the United States. Very quickly, everything changes when Mei Ling’s sister becomes ill and Mei Ling is forced to impersonate her sister and marry the stranger. Well written and researched, this novel tells of “wives,” “daughters,” “sons and cousins” paid for and brought to the U.S. as “paper relatives” in the early 1920s. It has become impossible to emigrate to the U.S. and China is suffering greatly. This subterfuge to bring impoverished Chinese to the U.S. often results in prostitution and servitude. Mei Ling's fears are not unfounded.
Joanne
Long Road to Mercy by David Baldacci
Loved this new offering by Baldacci which is the first in a new series called “Atlee Pine”, a female agent whose twin sister Mercy was kidnapped when they were six years old. Mercy was never found. We get all of Atlee’s backstory, including her penchant for lifting weights (she almost made the U.S. Olympic team and wanting to be away from it all. Thus she accepts an assignment from the FBI as a Lomé agent in an office near the Grand Canyon. The plot takes place largely in and around the park and includes a nice-sized cast of characters, my favorite being her supposedly prim secretary, Carol. Hope to see most of these characters in subsequent books in this series. A terrific read!
Marsha
Season of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne
An inspiring, uplifting tale just right for the Christmas season. Dani Capelli is trying to escape the criminal past of her ex-husband who's now her late husband. With daughters Silver and Mia she takes on a veterinary practice in a small Idaho town. Next door neighbor, Sherriff Ruben, will become an important partner as she deals with her rebellious teenager and small town gossip. Lots of love and hope in this story.
Richard N B
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
"The name is Bond, James Bond.” And this is the book that started it all. It’s a fast-paced, spy thriller that entertains. Bond’s attitude towards women is rather appalling, but he’s a product of his time, and of the genre.
Jan
Righteous: An IQ Novel by Joe Ide
This is the second IQ book and is as good as the first. Isaiah Quintabe is called IQ because these are his initials but also because he is an incredibly smart young man. The first book details his pain, frustration and wandering after his older brother is killed by a speeding car. This book continues the theme of IQ trying to figure out the death of his brother but also involves the idealized girlfriend of his brother. Her father is a gangster in Las Vegas, and her younger sister is a gambling addict. The sister, along with her dopey boyfriend, need rescuing, but their dumb acts to get money to gamble have them captured by the Godfather of the Chinese mafia in Las Vegas. IQ is a funny and insightful character. A great read.
Donna
Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg
I bought NIGHT OF MIRACLES thinking it would be as great as THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV. Without giving away any spoilers, save your money and wait until it releases in paperback. I must confess that I have finally become bored with my usual mystery and suspense books. They all seem the same and depressing around the holidays. I decided to lighten up with an Elizabeth Berg book with quirky but lovable characters. This was a wise choice as I thoroughly enjoyed THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV. The sequel wasn't as enjoyable to me but was still better than comparable books by other authors. Berg has a knack for characters and relatable storylines without being too hokey and sugary. I look forward to her next book.
