January 9, 2009 - January 22, 2009
Last contest period's winners were Amanda, Ed, Greg, Lynn andMargi, who each received a copy of ON THE GRIND: A Shane Scully Novel by Stephen J. Cannell, PLUM SPOOKY: A Stephanie Plum Between-the-Numbers Novel by Janet Evanovich and STILL ALICE by Lisa Genova.
| Louise |
| Gone, Baby, Gone by Dennis Lehane |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I was eager to read this, as it had an interesting plot about the abduction of children. However, the language was so objectionable that I couldn't stand to finish it. |
| Louise |
| Time to Say Goodbye by Judith Gould |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A story about a woman named Joanna Lawrence. She, apparently, has the world by a string --- everything a girl could want. Or does she? It's a beautiful testament of the power of love. |
| Rita C (gandmari@aol.com) |
| The Last Lecture by Randy Rausch |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A fast read but full of insight. I'm going to re-read it more in depth. I would compare it to TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, except that Morrie is about dying and THE LAST LECTURE is more about living what life you have to the fullest. A must read! |
| Rita C (gandmari@aol.com) |
| Quicksand by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This Eve Duncan forensic thriller series novel is a page turner! Although I tend to read "blood and guts" books, I shy away from books that involve children. This was about a serial killer that preys on children and Eve's search for him. I'm definitely going to go back and research all of the books in this series. |
| Rita C (gandmari@aol.com) |
| Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon by David Michaels |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A novel about a super secret Army squadron the manages to slip in and out of dangerous situations without being captured or known. A good read. |
| Kaye |
| Delicate Edible Birds by Lauren Groff |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This latest by Lauren Groff is a collection of nine short stories. Out of the nine, I liked one --- not a good thing! Somehow, Groff seemed to have story lines that became so depressing even though the initial premise seemed to be promising. There is a big difference between depressing and sad. I have read many stories with sad elements that only added poignancy and depth to the overall book. Also, in a few of the stories she felt it necessary to add some sexual overtones that were not necessary to the story. In fact, one of them seemed perverse and had no reason to be in the story at all, other than to turn me off to reading further. She seemed to pick up on the dark side of people's nature. This is okay if it is done within a redeeming plot. Her first book, MONSTERS OF TEMPLETON started out well, but then it seemed the book went into too many rambling tangents. The storyline was a good one and I felt with much tighter editing, it would have been a more enjoyable book. Therefore, I was a little hesitant at first about reading this, but I thought if it were short stories, maybe that would be the fix. Unfortunately, I should have gone with my first instinct. Not recommended. 2** |
| Marsha |
| The Wheel of Darkness by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This latest of the Pendergast novels is the best of all. It takes place on a new superliner and, trust me --- if you are planning a cruise, do not read this book. It will spook you. |
| Louise |
| Miss You Forever by Josephine Cox |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This novel was set in Britain in the 1800s and goes through several decades of Kathleen Peterson's life. Looking through Ms Cox's works, they seem to have plot similarities. However, I would still like to read another one. |
| Peggy Soler |
| My Fine Feathered Friend by William Grimes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A charming and, at times, funny story about a chicken that appears one day in a man's backyard. |
| Judy O. |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wow, what a story! It is based on the real-life roundup of thousands of Jews on July 16, 1942 in Paris, France. The roundup was implemented and planned by the French government and the French police. A young girl locks her 4-year-old brother in a secret closet in their apartment just before the authorities take her and her family away. She puts the key to the closet in her pocket, and promises to come back later that afternoon when they get back home. Well, of course, they never get back home. This is the plot of a gripping book --- one that teaches the readers about an actual horrific event during World War II in France. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| In My Dark Dreams by J. F. Freedman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I enjoyed this book. It kept my interest. It's about a woman who is a public defender and is defending a gardener who has been charged with murder. There are a few twists and turns in this story. |
| Sue W. |
| Capitol Reflections by Jonathan Javitt |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this thriller/mystery by a new author. A young woman dies of an unexplained seizure and her friend, Gwen Maulder, refuses to believe her cause of death is natural. She has to eventually go underground, as too many high-up influential people are trying to prevent her from discovering the truth. |
| Sandsgirl |
| Devil May Ride by Wendy Roberts |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the 2nd book in the Ghost Dusters mystery series. I can't wait for the next one! It's an excellent series for those who enjoy paranormal mysteries. |
| Margi |
| Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Cornwell is back on track with her newest entry in the Kay Scarpetta series. I almost didn't read this one because I was so disappointed with the last one. SCARPETTA begins with a plot that grabs the reader and keeps its hold throughout the book. The main characters are in a brighter place than in the last book and were more enjoyable. It reminded me of her earlier books and worth the read. |
| T. Thomas |
| Dark Summer by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
An OK read. It did not flow well and did not seem well thought out. |
| Sara M. |
| The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Baumeister |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
How can you not enjoy a book about food? Strangers meet at a cooking class led by a spunky restaurant owner/cook. We, as readers, are treated to brief, feel-good stories about their lives. All of the stories are of the feel good variety, and there is a good amount food description thrown in. The story in its entirety is enjoyable and very cute, if perhaps too sugary for some readers. |
| Marsha |
| The Likenes by Tana French |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This extraordinary novel is a brilliant tale of an undercover cop who takes the place of a look-alike who has been murdered while carrying the ID of an alias she has used in a previous job. Her emotional involvement nearly undoes her. |
| Sara M |
| Love Junkie by Rachel Resnick |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Desperate and at times disturbing, LOVE JUNKIE is a memoir that is almost too honest. Resnick, a forty-year-old writer, is our junkie. The book recounts her relationships from childhood to middle age as evidence of her love addiction. An addiction she claims is as gripping as heroin. Resnick opens her story by describing scenes in which her mother threw herself at men while neglecting her children, and segues into history vividly repeating itself over a string of Resnick's own failed relationships. She lives her life choosing one ill-suited mate after another in a frantic need to be loved. She pushes herself beyond her limits in a constant pursuit of an intimacy that evades her. When it comes to sex and love, she has absolutely no control over herself. She tirelessly pursues affection at any cost. Resnick lays out her history for the reader to devour and judge in a completely straightforward way. The author at times is unlikable, but her story is too well told to deny. Her memories range from heart wrenchingly sad to completely outrageous, and at times scarily relatable. The book ends without warning and with questionable hope for the author's fate, but unnaturally haunts the reader long after the story's completion. |
| Crystal Blackburn |
| Mrs. Malory and a Time to Die by Hazel Holt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another great cozy featuring Sheila Malory and her friends and family in and around the village of Taviscombe, England! |
| Louise |
| Love Me or Leave Me by Josephine Cox |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An enjoyable British novel where hope reigns over despair despite a multitude of tragedies, and true friendship endures. |
| Louise |
| Monkey's Raincoat by Robert Crais |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I read two books by this author and decided I wanted to read the whole set ofElvis Cole stories. This one is the first in the series, and, to tell you the truth, if I'd read it first, I wouldn't have bought more. That said, Robert Crais has sort of a unique and humorous style or writing, and I did enjoy the book (wherein Elvis is hired to find a missing child and runs into more adventure than he planned on). |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
This was extremely incoherent. Nothing made any sense, I guess the electroshock therapy worked --- her memory is gone. The book was a terrible waste of time. |
| Cheryl S. |
| Where He Belongs by Gail Barrett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a good girl/bad boy romance and is truly a good romantic read. The tension between the main characters is palpable, and the ending is what you would hope for. |
| Grey |
| Bittersweet Diary by Saundra Seward |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wonderful story with a great young heroine! You could learn a lot about what's important in life. |
| Sandi M. |
| The Christmas Blessing by Donna VanLiere |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the sequel to THE CHRISTMAS SHOES. It continues Nathan's story about his trials and tribulations following his mother's death, and into his medical residency, and the decisions he has to make. I loved it, it was very heartfelt. Have your tissues ready! |
| Judy O. |
| The Good Wife by Stewart O'Nan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Patty Dickerson's husband, Tommy, is arrested for murder, arson, and burglary. This book follows Patty through the 28 years of his incarceration, raising their son and trying to earn a living. It is a remarkable story of dedication and love. It provides good insight into the lives of families who have loved ones in prison. O'Nan is a new author to me, but I hope to find other works of his. |
| Sandi M. |
| Blood Sins by Kay Hooper |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the 2nd book in the Blood series. I liked BLOOD DREAMS a little better....this dealt more with children, so it made it a little harder to read in some places for me. I still loved the mystery, and of course, the characters who are like old friends now. It kept me guessing until the end. Loved it! |
| Lindymc |
| The Glory Cloak by Patricia O'Brien |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this novel about Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton during the Civil War. Information regarding Clara Barton's struggle to identify and publish the names of the Union prisoners who died at Andersonville was especially interesting. |
| Sandi M. |
| Blood Dreams by Kay Hooper |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The 1st book in the Blood Trilogy from the Bishop series. I couldn't put it down until I was finished. They are a special crimes unit in which every member has some type of psychic talent, and the whole series is amazing! I'd give the whole series more than 5 stars --- they are my favorites. |
| Tanya |
| Elvis and the Dearly Departed by Peggy Webb |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
If you like a sweet little mystery you will like this book. |
| Marsha |
| Ask the Parrot by Richard Stark |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The Parker novel seems to be a follow-up to NOBODY RUNS FOREVER. Parker is a career criminal whose escapades are interesting, intriguing and mystifying. Donald Westlake, who wrote these books, has recently died and we will miss his talent. He wrote some of the best crime novels ever written. |
| Sandy |
| Testimony by Anita Shreve |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
At Avery Academy, a prestigious New England boarding school, the headmaster finds himself in possession of a videotape of sexual acts starring 3 male students and one 14 year old girl. For all the tape reveals, it provokes more questions than answers. How did this happen? Who is to blame? How many lives will be ruined? This is an awesome book! |
| Mary Anne K. |
| Death and the Family Tree by Linda Berry |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
DEATH AND THE FAMILY TREE is filled with southern charm and small-town murder. It is a pleasant, quick read, with a twist or two. Set around an interesting group of people and personalities with enough suspense to keep you reading! |
| Marsha |
| Rough Weather by Robert B, Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Parker, the author of the Spenser series, is highly acclaimed and this is perhaps his most perfect novel. His mastery of dialogue is unmatched. His characterization is a delight to read. What fun! |
| CC |
| Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwall |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I had stopped reading the Cornwall series because the books all started sounding alike to me. I enjoyed this one--- like re-visiting people I know to see what they're up to. |
| Marsha |
| The Book of the Dead by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the best of the Pendergast novels. But I suggest you read them in order to really appreciate the character development and plot twists. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Dashing Through the Snow by Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Mother and daughter come together each year for a Christmas novella. The story is sugary sweet with good things at the end of the story. And this time, a New Hampshire town has lottery winners who show the true spirit of winning, even though the prize itself is huge. |
| Kay Keller |
| One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful historical fiction novel!! It's amazing that this male author writes so convincingly from the female perspective as the main character, May Dodd! I understand that many people are convinced that the U.S. government really did "swap" 1000 white women to the Cheyenne Indians for 1000 horses in a proposed peace pact in the late 1800s. This book is so well-written that it is easy to forget that it is a novel. |
| Bonnie |
| The Snowball by Alice Schroeder |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Fascinating biography of an extraordinary businessman. We could learn a lot from his business philosophy ,i.e. don't buy what you can't afford, among others. I suggest everyone read this book, then go out and buy a copy for a young person you know. |
| Sherry Fraser |
| Fifteen Minutes of Shame by Lisa Daily |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great Chick-lit! Fun read! |
| Shelly Itkin |
| A Good Woman by Danielle Steel |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Sometimes life can be tough and the main character certainly has to undergo many obstacles. A marriage that is not what she hoped it would be and a child she least expected. This is one of her better books. |
| Sharon |
| Night Kills by John Lutz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Frank Quinn is back with his team to investigate the Torso Murders. I like Lutz's way of telling the reader what all of the characters are thinking including the victims, antagonists and protagonists. The book is a great thriller, but be prepared for the gruesome death descriptions. A thriller that makes you think twice about signing up for an online dating service. |
| Sharon |
| Capitol Reflections by Jonathan Javitt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I couldn't put this book down. What's killing people across America? Dr. Gwen Maulder wants to find out after her best friend has a seizure in the courtroom right before trying a case. It's an adventure that takes you from the FDA, to Hawaii, to the political board rooms. The characters are very well thought out and draw you into their lives. This terrifying story line could be the front page news. Excellent read! |
| MarthaE |
| Give Him the Slip by Geralyn Dawson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Really 4 Plus. Cute romance with murder and mystery. Madeline (Maddie) Kincaid has made herself a new life and her neighbors do not know her famous background. But in spite of her desire for "normality", she lands in trouble with illegal substances and suspected murders following her. She is a bright, independent, sexy lady trying to make a home and business for herself. When trouble finds her she seeks out help and ends up with ex-DEA agent, Luke Callahan who has just buried his partner and is looking to get lost on a fishing trip with his brothers. He isn't looking to help a beautiful red-head damsel and definitely doesn't want to be her rescuer or knight in shining armor. Unfortunately, he can't seem to stop from trying to protect her. She has past issues that she seems to have come to grips with as she directs her life to stability. He has issues that he clearly hasn't come to grips with and she would like to help him while he protects her. |
| MarthaE |
| A Prince of a Guy by Shelia Rabe |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Psychologist Kate Stonewall is a radio host trying to help women pick appropriate mates, including recognizing and dealing with sports addicted males like her first husband. Her colleague, Jeff Hardin, is a sports show host who intrudes on her air time with pre-game shows. Next thing you know, he moves in next door to her and her two young children. Her animosity helps fight the attraction between them but after she makes his younger girlfriend decide he is a "frog", he realizes that Doc is the one for him. But she meets "Mr. Right" and keeps fighting with Jeff. |
| MarthaE |
| Shadow Dance by Julie Garwood |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Computer tech-wizard Jordan Buchanan is the daughter of a federal judge. She is also sister to a younger sister and six brothers most of whom work in law enforcement. Jordan is ecstatic that her best friend is getting married to her brother. But an unexpected guest reveals that historically there is bad blood between the two newly formed families. Jordan begins to investigate the findings for herself. I like Julie Garwood but thought this book was a little weak in comparison to her other books. Still worth 4 stars though. |
| Shelly Itkin |
| Dashing Through The Snow by Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A delightful holiday story with some mystery and laughs. It is fun and easy-to-read and is a great gift idea. |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A very entertaining, informative book about walking the Appalachian Trail. Bryson has some very funny recaps of his adventure with his friend Steven Katz. He also has some very informative information on a variety of subjects including botany, animals on the trail, the area around the trail and the government's role in maintaining the trail. Love this book! Highly recommend. |
| Gina |
| The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck, Kevin Balfe and Jason F. Wright |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved it! Great story that will have you re-evaluating the way you live. Great surprise ending! |
| Bonnie |
| The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Exceptional and very interesting novel. It is well-written, educational, and the characters stay with you long after you're finished. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Final Breath by Kevin O'Brien |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In California, a serial killer who murders heroes is on the loose. Sydney, the reporter who covers the hero stories, and her son Eli may be the next victims. This was a page-turning thriller about a damaged individual and ghosts from the past. |
| Gina |
| Q is for Quarry: Kinsey Millhone Mystery by Sue Grafton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am working my way through this series and feel that these only get better as I go along. I am not even half way through this one and I am hooked. Love how Sue Grafton takes us a little further into Kinsey Millhone's past with each book. |
| Jean M |
| The Real Lincoln by Thomas Dilorenzo |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
THE REAL LINCOLN: A NEW LOOK at ABRAHAM LINCOLN, HIS AGENDA AND AN UNNECESSARY WAR really gives you pause. The author has done much research and makes his case that had Lincoln not begun the "War of the Rebellion" AKA the Civil War, slavery would have come to an end as it did in other countries...without the terrible bloodshed of a war. |
| Jean M |
| The Killer's Wife by Bill Floyd |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A relative of one of the killer's victims finds and stalks the killer's wife to get revenge. She had changed her and her son's names and thought she was safe until he confronts her. This is a real page turner. |
| Linda L. |
| Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Richard Russo's portraits of small towns (also Empire Falls, Pulitzer prize winner) may be read not only as fine novels, but as invaluable guides to the economic decline of small town America. BRIDGE OF SIGHS is Russo's splendid chronicle of life in the hollowed-out town of Thomaston, NY, where a tannery's runoff is slowly spreading carcinogenic ruin. At the novel's center is narrator Lou C. Lynch, and it covers more than a half-century of the intersecting lives of Lou's somewhat distant and tormented friend, Bobby Marconi, as well as Sarah Berg, a gifted artist who Lou marries and who loves Bobby, too. Each family (Lynch, Marconi and Berg) has its share of woes and drama. Gripping, engrossing and satisfying read. |
| Carol |
| The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday by Alexander McCall Smith |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love this series, by the same author of the series The Number 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. This one is about Isabel Dalhousie, who edits a magazine about ethics and philosophy, but is always getting involved in little mysteries. It's a very fun series. |
| Judy O. |
| No One You Know by Michelle Richmond |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Ellie Enderlin's sister Lisa was found murdered twenty years ago, and the killing has never been solved. After a chance meeting with the man who was accused of the slaying, Ellie decides to try to find the truth. This book was a fast read and an interesting story, but not one of my favorites. |
| Carol |
| The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I loved this book until near the end. It's a really entertaining, endearing story of a mute boy growing up with parents who raise dogs. The dogs have been bred to be exceptionally intelligent and interactive with humans, and they are also characters in the story, although they are not treated as anything more than exceptionally wonderful dogs. Edgar's father dies tragically and that event is the beginning of unhappiness for Edgar, whose uncle begins to take his father's place in many ways, much to Edgar's dismay. The story has huge echoes of Hamlet, and is riveting, but like another reader who reviewed this book for Word of Mouth, I was quite disappointed with the ending. But I haven't read a bad review --- they're all raves. And I would definitely recommend it. |
| Fran |
| Breakwater: Mira Romantic Suspense by Carla Neggers |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Although I read the book to the end, I did not find this one to be as gripping as some of her other romantic suspense novels. I think I could have put it down at any time without regret. |
| T. Thomas |
| Private Patient: Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries by P. D. James |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was good but not as good as some of her earlier books. |
| Linda Fast (lindacfast@hotmail.com) |
| Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Emma spills all of her secrets to a stranger who is actually the CEO of the company she works for. This was a quick read that made me laugh. |
| Marsha |
| Breach of Promise by Perri O'Shaughnessy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you aren't familiar with the Nina O'Reilly legal thrillers that take place in Lake Tahoe, California, you should treat yourself. This one is especially gripping. |
| Debbie W. |
| Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the story of a family from a small Welsh town in Nebraska that lost their mother in a tornado in 1978. It revolves around the 3 adult children and how their lives were impacted by the loss of their mother. It has many quirky characters who are holding onto various secrets. Welsh history, customs and language are sprinkled throughout the story. |
| Readingrat |
| Jumper by Richard Barth |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a good little mystery/thriller about a roller coaster designer and a roller coaster saboteur. As a coaster fan, I enjoyed the in-story references to popular parks and coasters, and the coaster design and development details the author included. Certainly, a true "techie" could find a few technical details to object to in the storyline, and the ending is purely formulaic. But overall, it's a thoroughly entertaining read. |
| MJB |
| Wife Goes On by Leslie Lehr |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the story of four very different women who meet and become friends. The one thing they have in common is divorce. They are all members of a club no one wanted to join. They are afraid, insecure, and vulnerable, but with each others help they all manage to get their lives back on track and realize that WIFE GOES ON. At times you will laugh out loud and other times you will feel their pain. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msnc.om) |
| The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson and Reg Keeland |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really liked this book and found it hard to put down. It takes place in Sweden, and I loved getting to know that country a little bit. Forty years ago Harriet Vanger disappeared, and now her uncle hires Mikael Blomkvist, an investigative journalist, to find out what happened to her. Mikael must move to the tiny town of Hedestad and live there for at least a year in order to do the research. There is also a sub-plot involving a wealthy industrialist who may be a corporate thief. Everything was nicely wrapped up at the end, and the getting there was compelling. I can see why this has been a best-seller. |
| Carol |
| Santa Clawed: Mrs. Murphy Mysteries by Rita Mae Brown |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Brown's series featuring Mrs. Murphy and the other animals owned by Harry Haristeen are always a fun read. Brown continues to delight anyone who loves animals and knows they have a distinct personality. This murder mystery took place at Christmas time. The story dwells with the murderer only a bit to keep the reader off the scent. If anyone is homesick for the hills of Virginia, reading this will allow you to dream you're there. |
| Diane |
| The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Amazing family saga which has wonderful realistic locales and characters. I just loved this extraordinary novel. |
| Marisa |
| Numbered Account by Christopher Reich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Thrilling look into the dark world of Swiss banking and international money laundering. It may sound boring, but it isn't. A great thriller. I couldn't put this book down. |
| Marisa |
| Where the Heart Leads by Stephanie Laurens |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The latest from historical romance writer Laurens is very satisfying. We get a good in-depth look at very 3-dimensional characters and a mystery that brings them together. Mix in fiery passion and we get a book that's a notch above the typical faire this genre usually offers. |
| Debbie W. |
| Defending Angels by Mary Stanton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the first in a series about Bree Winston-Beaufort, fresh out of Duke law school. She sets up her practice in Savannah. Her office is set in the middle of a neglected cemetery. The story is about a woman who wants to sue the estate of her dead business partner. The woman tells Bree that her dead partner told her he was murdered. Quite a funny story! |
| Louise |
| Here Comes Trouble by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This story was so familiar to me. At times, I was sure I'd read it already. At others, I was sure I hadn't. Finally, I checked and found that it was a redo from a book she'd written in the early '90s. Debbie changed the story around a little. Both times I enjoyed the relationship of two rival newspaper columnists who are in love with each other but don't realize it. |
| Joanne |
| Small Town Christmas by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the quicker read of the two of Debbie Macomber's novels with Christmas in the plot. |
| Jean |
| Rough Weather by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Robert Parker is always a sure thing! He NEVER disappoints. He delivers snappy dialogue and a quick moving plot. This is a winner. |
| Jean |
| Asking for Murder by Roberta Isleib |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the first time I read Roberta Isleib. I really enjoyed ASKING FOR MURDER and will definitely check out her other mysteries centered around this psychologist who also writes an advice column. |
| Leslie |
| The Floating Brothel by Sian Rees |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The subject of the novel is the voyage of a convict ship of females bound for Australia. Book depicts true events and is well written historical fiction. |
| Leslie |
| Ada Blackjack by Jennifer Niven |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An account of the Inuit woman stranded alone on Wrangel Island for several months. Book details events leading up to and during the ordeal; a true story. |
| Leslie |
| Let It Be Morning by Sayed Kashua and Miriam Shlesinger |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
You have to stay with this one as it has its depressing moments but provides account of Israeli invasion. |
| Leslie |
| Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and Francis Abiola Irele |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Vivid descriptions of life in Nigeria before the "pacification of savage tribes" by a well-respected Nigerian author. A can't put down book. |
| Fran |
| Leaving Ireland by Ann Moore |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
LEAVING IRELAND is the second book in the Gracelin O'Malley series. This book captures Gracelin's journey from Ireland to America. Having survived the potato famine, severe illness and the death of her beloved husband Morgan, Gracelin and her daughter are off on a new adventure to the new world. Circumstances force her to leave her father and newborn son in Ireland, with the hopes that they will one day reunite. Gracelin makes it to America, but soon finds that all is not what she expected. The historical fiction aspects of this book capture the stark realities of Irish immigrants, who flee their home country seeking a better life, yet found discrimination and hatred in America. I am looking forward to see where the third book in this series takes Grace and her family! |
| Louise |
| Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I believe this was my favorite of the Jack Reacher stories. In his former military days, he headed a team of special investigators who were a very tight-knit group, who knew each member almost as well as they knew themselves. Even after all these years, when one member of the group is in trouble, they all will go running to protect and defend him. In this case, all eight of their lives are in jeopardy. |
| Sandy |
| Against Medical Advice by James Patterson, Hal Friedman and Cory Friedman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Read this one in 2 days. I loved it. I learned so much about Tourette's, OCD, and Anxiety and how brave one family can be. I would give this one more than 5 stars if i could. |
| Louise |
| Captive Star by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Last month I gave the first in the trilogy, HIDDEN STAR, a 3 rating. The last two get a 4, mainly because of the connection among the three books. There are three extremely valuable and huge diamonds, known as The Stars of Mithra. Three different girls are each holding one of the blue stones. This is the story of the second, running from evil men who want to possess the collection. |
| Danelle Drake (drake6jdttha@charter.net) |
| Prolepsis of Sexual Love by Shuangti |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Interesting subject matter with tons of potential. I enjoyed the fresh take on sexual relationships and what could come of the personal contact with all of today's technology. |
| Danelle Drake (drake6jdttha@charter.net) |
| Exhumed by Elizabeth Joyce |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great suspense thriller that will have you reading the entire thing before putting it down. I can't wait for part 2 to come out. EXHUMED is more about the fallout to a tragedy than the tragedy itself which is a fresh twist. |
| Louise |
| Sarah by Kaylene Johnson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A NY Times bestseller that tells of Sarah Palin's life. I have even more respect for her after reading it. She's an outstanding and unique person who often bakes cookies for the press, dignitaries, those she wants to thank, etc. I think even Democrats will enjoy the book :) |
| Louise |
| Blowing It by Judy Astley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A cutely written and humorous story of a family in Britain who each have different ideas about how the family money should be spent. |
| Louise |
| Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The book was intended for people in the business world or "anyone seeking to increase their [should be "his"] financial and emotional wealth." However, I read it to get information for a talk on positive thinking, and found it of value to a "normal person" like me, as well. |
| Louise |
| There's Something about Christmas by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
4.5, maybe. Cute story about a newspaper reporter who finally gets her first break --- the assignment to write a series of articles about FRUITCAKE! But said reporter hates fruitcake. As you can probably guess, by the end of the story, she loves it, and there are three very good recipes included with the book. I intend to try at least two of them! |
| Louise |
| Secret Star by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
My favorite of the trilogy. This particular book has beautiful socialite, Grace Fontaine, "coming back from the dead" to protect the precious gem in her possession. |
| Angela Satalino |
| The Awakening by Kate Chopin |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A book that expands the centuries, literally. Written over 100 years ago, it's as topical today as it was then. |
| Cheryl |
| The Host by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Humans on Earth have become hosts for unknown beings. These beings or souls are known as "wanderers", who take over the hosts' minds, while leaving there bodies intact. The humans do not suspect anything is wrong as they still go about living their lives and performing their daily duties. Melanie Stryder has also become a host but there is something special about her. She refuses to give up her mind as well as her memories. While she is fighting to take control back, the wanderer is trying to retrieve information from Melanie as to the whereabouts of the last few remaining human beings. Melanie has other plans. She starts thinking about the man she loves.Jared, who is in hiding from the wanderers. Melanie can't stop thinking about him. Will her thoughts and memories expose Jared and the rest of the humans? When I read about the concept of THE HOST, I thought, Ok this should be a book I will enjoy as I read INFECTED by Scott Sigler and loved that book from the get go. Unfortunately, like TWILIGHT, I had a hard time getting into this book. I found myself wanting to put it down a few times. After TWILIGHT, I thought I would give Stephanie Meyer another chance, but I have come to realize that this author is not for me. The beginning started out strong but shortly after that the story slowly started fizzling. I did find Melanie to be a good character. I think the problem for me was that the storyline was all mashed together and I didn't catch on right away as to why or how come new characters were appearing in the book. I am glad though that I gave Ms. Meyer another chance. I just wished I could say it was a better experience. |
| LORRAINE M. LAROSE |
| Cold Pursuit by Carla Neggers |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of her best suspense novels ever. |
| Amanda Jordan (ajordan09@earthlink.net) |
| Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Great story about a young woman who can locate the dead. After being struck by lighting, Harper Connelly can sense when she is in the presence of the dead. This is the first book in the series and it gives a great insight to Harper's life and also gets you hooked. You never know what Harper will find or who will come after her next. |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| The Clock Winder by Anne Tyler |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
"He thought his mother was like a hunter who set traps and coaxed and baited until the animal was safely caught and then she forgot she had wanted him and went off to some new project". Interesting quote from this book. I have read quite a few books by this author. I have loved some of them and disliked others. One thing I am beginning to learn about this author, her character development seems to lean toward dysfunction. Not with just one character but several. This book was about Elizabeth and the Emersons. Elizabeth just shows up in the yard of Mrs. Emerson one day. How she appears in Mrs. Emerson's yard is very vague. Elizabeth is then hired as Mrs. Emerson's handyman and thus begins the story. The Emerson's are very odd. None of the characters seem normal. That makes it difficult for me to enjoy a story. The story was interesting. The character development was just too odd for me to relate to, leaving me with an uneasy feeling at the end. |
| Lisa K. |
| The Choice by Nicholas Sparks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Excellent book. Sometimes the novel got a little slow but it had a spectacular ending. It is a must read for every Sparks fan. |
| Lisa K. |
| Hocus Pocus by Fern Michaels |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Part of her Sisterhood series. Sometimes the plot line is a little unbelievable. Yet it still makes for a good lose yourself on Sunday afternoon read. |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fictionalized account of a long term affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mrs. Edward Cheney. The writing is superb. The closest I've been to a page turner for a long time. Fascinating to think this actually took place 100 years ago. |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The book chronicles the author's drug addiction. Earlier in the year, I read his father's book BEAUTIFUL BOY recalling the same period. I liked the father's book better. This was still a look into a part of life I have never experienced and hope I never will. |
| Cheryl |
| Murder on the Down Low by Pamela Samuels Young |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
L.A. attorney Vernetta Henderson is back for an all new case in this drama-filled legal thriller titled MURDER ON THE DOWN LOW. Someone is killing successful business and family men. The police are clueless as to who has it out for these men. Vernetta and her partner, Special, are helping to seek justice against a lawyer whose secret life has caused the murder of his girlfriend. What Vernetta and Special come to discover is that their case is connected to the murders. Pamela Samuels Young likes to entertain her readers as well as educate them on important topics. Though I can't say Ms. Young kept me entertained the whole book, she definitely educated me on the subject matter of men maintaining another life on the down low. As for me, I wasn't as interested in the story as I would have liked. I didn't connect with the main characters or feel like I could really join in their world. If I can't connect with the characters then, for me, no matter how good a storyline a book has, I lose interest really fast in the book. I do finish books that I have started, but when this scenario happens, I kind of muddle along reading the rest of the book.But despite this fact, MURDER ON THE DOWN LOW was a pretty good book. |
| Cheryl |
| The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
THE MONSTER OF FLORENCE is based on a true story. The story is surrounding numerous killings that took place in Florence, Italy, that transpired in the late seventies and early eighties. The killer was dubbed "The Monster of Florence". By the time the year 1984 rolled around, the "Monster" was the most talked-about killer in the world. He had already killed about seven couples that the police were aware of. The killings went on for many years. The search for the "Monster of Florence" became one of the longest man hunts. I have to admit that this is the first time I had ever heard about "The Monster of Florence". Having said that, from what I heard about the accounts.I thought that Mario Spezi, a former crime correspondent and then newspaper reporter for La Nazione could be credited as one of the most influential people to help bring to light that Italy's killer. Author Douglas Preston and his family were living in Italy for a while in the year 2000. This is where Mr. Preston first learned about the "Monster of Florence" as the olive grove behind the place they were living at, was the site of one of the murders. Douglas became intrigued by this information and sought to learn all he could about this famous killer. Mr. Preston decided to go right to the source that could help him fill in the blanks.Mario Spezi. Together Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi met and set out to finally find the truth about who really was the "Monster of Florence". In doing so, Mario Spezi was accused of involvement in the killings; in addition to Mr. Preston being accused of obstruction of justice, planting evidence and even being an accomplice to murder. Because of this, Mr. Preston can no longer return to Italy. I listened to the audio version of this book. I have to say that while I found the recounting of this true story to be fascinating.if I had been reading the book, I know that I would not be agreeing with what I am saying now. This is due to Dennis Boutsikaris, who brought to life this story for me. I have always found true crime stories to be interesting. I have even tried reading a few of these types of books. I would find myself skimming over some of the parts in the book; because I would find them almost too much detailed and it would start to bore me. I know this probably doesn't make much sense. I am happy to comment through I have found a new way to enjoy these books in the form of audio books. |
| Cheryl |
| Demon's Hunger by Eve Silver |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Forensic anthropologist Vivien Cairn has been feeling weird lately. She wakes up having missed hours of time. Dain Hawkins is a sorcerer. He is part of a brotherhood, sworn to protect the space between humans and demons. Dain saves Vivien from a demon attack. Vivien being rescued is just the start of how quickly things go from bad to worse for her. She gets propelled into Dain's world filled with demons, sorcerers, succubus and other creatures. Dain has never seen anyone so beautiful as Vivien or felt such a strong attraction. But before Dain can make a move, he will have to stop a killer. There is a succubus killing people. It has no mercy. It only knows one thing.and that is thirst. The closer Dain gets to put a stop to the succubus, the closer he puts Vivien in harms way. Dain may have to make a decision to which is more important to him.stopping a succubus or protecting Vivien. DEMON'S HUNGER is the second book in The Compact of Sorcerers Series by Eve Silver. I found myself memorized by this book. I came close to almost forgoing sleep to finish reading DEMON'S HUNGER, it was that good. The attraction between Vivien and Dain was hot. This is because they lusted for each other and they never hooked up till close to the end of the book. I have read many paranormal novels but very few of them were about demons. Eve Silver did such a wonderful job with DEMON'S HUNGER that I find myself lusting for more. I have already made sure to pick up a copy of DEMON'S KISS as soon as possible. Now that I have discovered Eve Silver, I will read the rest of the books that follow in this series. |
| Readingrat |
| The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
After reading THE PARTLY CLOUDY PATRIOT, I was really looking forward to reading another of Sarah Vowell's works. I enjoy her humor and the way she draws astute parallels between her topic of research and current (and sometimes not so current) events. While I did still enjoy reading this account of Puritan New England, I didn't really hear this author's unique literary voice in this work as much as I would have liked. Which, for me, made it not quite as good as THE PARTLY CLOUDY PATRIOT. |
| Cheryl |
| Try Darkness by James Scott Bell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Trial lawyer Ty Buchanan is back again in James Scott Bell's second novel, TRY DARKNESS. He left the glamorous life in LA and can now be found living with Father Bob, Sister Mary Veritas --- a nun who can run laps around you on the basketball court --- as well as the rest of the nuns at St. Monica's. Ty may have taken on more then he can chew with his new client. Reatta and her six-year-old daughter Kylie are living in a hotel. They are about to be evicted. Ty instantly takes a liking to Kylie. What he learns is that the people in charge of the goings on with the hotel are Ty's old law firm agency and former best friend, Al Bradshaw. When Reatta is found murdered, Ty finds himself the sole custodian of Kylie. Join Ty as he takes the reader from the courtroom to the streets. As far as lawyers go, Ty Buchanan is one of the good guys but don't let him know that. Ty thinks of himself as kind of a badass. Being the mean guy isn't always a bad thing as sometimes you need to be tough in order to get the job done. I have to say though that my favorite person in this whole book was Sister Mary Veritas. If it wasn't for the fact that she dressed like a nun, who would never be able to tell she is a full-fledged nun. From her sharp-witted tongue to her smooth moves. I thought TRY DARKNESS was a good book and I know want to pick up a copy of TRY DYING. James Scott Bell has a great talent as a book author. |
| Tanya |
| Twisted by Andrea Kane |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great mystery. Many twists that keep the reader guessing as to who is kidnapping and killing women. I read it because of the bookreporter reviews. |
| Heather |
| Poisoned Love by Melanie Cane |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Readers will be drawn in by Melanie Cane's account of her "perfect" romance turned heartbreak, as she details the psychological drama that eventually led to a catastrophic mistake of poisoning her boyfriend. Her straightforward openness inspires empathy as she explores the pain of growing-up with a mentally ill father, abandonment and loss, and her subsequent long struggle toward mental health and the achievement of a productive life. |
| Sandy |
| The Condition by Jennifer Haigh |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I loved the beginning and then there were a couple chapters i didn't care for, but i am glad I kept on reading!!! Very good tale of a dysfunctional family with lots of problems. |
| Margi |
| Quicksand by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The latest in the Eve Duncan Series and it doesn't disappoint. Eve is taunted by a serial killer whose victims are children. He tells her that he can lead her to where her daughter Bonnie is buried. Author Johansen interestingly weaves in the main characters from PANDORA'S DAUGHTER who make a brief but critical appearance. The ending has a big twist that leaves us waiting for the next book. |
| Janice Hoaglin (jhoaglin@sbcglobal.net) |
| At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love the wisdom and sweetness derived from the people and stories in this book. |
| Jeanie |
| The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
How do you review a book that you part loved (5 stars worthy) and part loathed (2 stars worthy)? The story of Caelum and his wife is in itself a maze but that was the good part. The part I didn't like was the journals and history of his ancestors, (I felt like it was homework and not for my reading pleasure). I think it would have been a much better book and about 200 pages less than the 723 pages, if this part had been left out. |
| Sherrie Gil |
| Mutant Message Down Under by Marlo Morgan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am really enjoying this inspirational book. |
| B Broadway (Broadway1b@aol.com) |
| In the Woods by Tana French |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This first book of Tana's was published by Penguin. I was absolutely taken away with this book. Although I was let down a bit by the ending, so what! That is the way life goes... it isn't always what you would expect. I really did not want the story to end at all. Nice going Tana! |
| B Broadway (Broadway1b@aol.com) |
| Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a good read most of the way through. There were several boring bits that made it difficult to get through... but I am sure glad I persevered! It was a slightly different way of looking at an old storyline, and I would recommend this book to my friends and try at least one more to see if he improves. |
| Katie |
| Just Listen by Sarah Dessen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book really moved me and was just cute overall. |
| Fran |
| Switchcraft by Lowri Turner |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Average chick lit story...lots of fluff, little substance. At times, the book seemed slow, other times it was cute. |
| Judy O. |
| Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a story of deep loves: the love between a man and woman and the love between a woman and a ten-year-old child. The man is a childhood friend of Cornelia Brown's, but he is married to her sister. The child, Clare Hobbs, has been abandoned by her mother and needs a family. What follows is a wonderfully warm story. This book is the prequel to BELONG TO ME, and should ideally be read first in order to get maximum enjoyment out of both stories. |
| Fran |
| A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A heartwarming Christmas story of a developmentally disabled man and his parents who adopt a dog for Christmas. Soon enough, this endearing dog changes their lives and leads to a community wide Christmas pet adoption program. I loved the way the author captures that special bond which develops between a human and their furry friends! |
| Readingrat |
| Good Harbor by Anita Diamant |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This story was pretty so-so for me. I didn't really connect with either of the main characters and didn't find the plot very compelling. When I set the book down, there wasn't all that much reason to pick it up again. |
| T. Thomas |
| Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm on a Stephanie Plum marathon---I finished HARD EIGHT, TO THE NINES, TEN BIG ONES and I am reading ELEVEN ON TOP. All of these books have been laugh out loud funny. |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| The Book of Lies by Brad Meltzer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is my first Meltzer novel and it won't be my last. I love the style. The author reveals a piece of the mystery at the turn of every page. Great suspense. I also enjoyed the Superman angle. Very interesting. I was a little disappointed with the ending. I wasn't sure if I understood it all. I may have to go back and re-read it to make sure I understand. The author obviously did a great deal of research which makes the book more credible. It isn't just another mystery. To quote: "There's the life you live and the life you leave behind. But what you share with someone else-especially someone you love-that's not just how you bury your past. It's how you write your future." Bravo! |
| Jud Hanson |
| The Associate by Phillip Margolin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Daniel Ames, a blue-collar associate at a preppy, white-shoe law firm, gets snookered by a pretty colleague into reviewing thousands of pages of documents. The client, a pharmaceutical company, is charged with falsifying test results on a new drug that appears to cause horrendous birth defects. Daniel is sure the company didn't do it, but among all the documents he overlooks a letter that could destroy his client's defense. The opposing counsel gets hold of it, and the next thing you know, Daniel's smack in the middle of a murder as well as the attendant legal fraud and chicanery. Who else, besides its manufacturer, wants the truth about the drug trials covered up? Whose body, charred almost beyond recognition, was found in the lab along with a score of dead test monkeys? And what's the connection between a double kidnapping and murder that happened years ago in Arizona and the headline-grabbing lawyer that's trying to pin the blame on Daniel's client for the drug's terrible effects? |
| marleen davis (marleenandlouie@cox.net) |
| The Whole Truth by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A slightly different genre for Baldacci, yet it is pretty good. He can be a really great author or he can be mediocre, you just take your chances with each book. I like it when he goes away from the "usual" because he gets better. |
| marleen davis (marleenandlouie@cox.net) |
| 7th Heaven: The Women's Murder Club by James Patterson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Pretty disappointing. Patterson just has too many books going at the same time and they've lost their quality. The Women's Murder Club and Alex Cross Novelsare the only ones I read now and they are starting to disappoint as of late. |
| Sandra F. |
| The Architect by Keith Ablow |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book about a serial killer who makes it his mission to re-make families by killing a family member was a great read. It was difficult to put down. |
| Sandra F. |
| Malice in Cornwall: An Erskine Powell Mystery by Graham Thomas |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This mystery set in Cornwall has a good plot and characters, but my mind tended to wander as I was reading it. |
| Vicki |
| The Good Wife by Stewart O'Nan |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Not his best, but still an enjoyable read about a wife who's husband is sent to prison for murder. |
| Tanya |
| Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I got this book because of the great reviews it received on bookreporter.com and boy am I glad I did. It is a wonderful story about friendship between two women. Kate and Tully are the main characters. The end is sad so have a tissue ready, but a wonderful story. |
| Lorna |
| The Academy by Bentley Little |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very Strange! If you like horror this is a book for you. It's about strange happenings at a public high school that changed to a charter school. Very Stephen King like, if you like gore and eerie stories take a chance on this. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book started out slow but got better as it went along. The closer I got to the end, the less I wanted to put it down. It switches back & forth from 1830 to present time. The present time's main character is a newly divorced woman who finds human bones while digging in her garden. She gets a call from a relative of the previous owner and they start going through some old letters which tells them a story of a young medical student and a young Irish girl. |
| Kaye |
| The Secret Papers of Madame Olivetti by Annie Vanderbilt |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
After her husband Paul dies very unexpectedly, Lily Crisp feels she needs a brief respite from everyday responsibilities to ponder the future, but mostly to savor the past. Her destination is France, to the house called La Pierre Rouge, an inheritance from her mother-in-law. When Lily hires Yves, a local handyman, to fix the tiles on the roof, he listens to her past in musings spoken only in English. As Yves only speaks French, it makes it easier for her to unburden herself completely. As she explains in the beginning, she has been living in her memories and needs to talk. When she is alone she is also reliving the past on paper as she pours out her loves and losses to Madame Olivetti, the old fashioned manual typewriter. Madame Olivetti is almost a character in the book as Vanderbilt manages quite nicely to breathe life into the old machine. The story just flows off the page as Lily remembers her past life filled to the brim with love, some transitory, some long lived. She also has many memories of family relationships over the years as she always had an interest in family histories. When her catharsis is done, Lily feels she can now move forward to the next stage in her life. Vanderbilt has done a wonderful job of writing this charming and captivating story. With beautiful, lyrical descriptions of locales. Nature's elements, like wind and sea are given animation. Her main characters are fleshed out well enough and the peripheral characters only add to the charm. I really liked the book and rated it 4****. Note: The end of the book contains a conversation with Annie Vanderbilt and a guide with discussion questions that would be most helpful for book clubs. |
| Marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
| Lulu in Marrakesh by Diane Johnson |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
The other books by Diane Johnson were better. This particular book went nowhere and was only interesting from the middle of the book to the end. |
| Jeannie Hoover (jeanniehoover@embarqmail.com) |
| Hey, Good Looking by Fern Michaels |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a love story, with a hint of mystery asking why Ben's grandfather has been kept drugged. There is a lot of laughter with the zany aunts that are a large part of the story. A wonderful easy read for the busy holidays! |
| kathleen |
| Dead Men Don't Crochet: A Crochet Mystery by Betty Hechtman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Good Read. People, who do not crochet like me, will enjoy this one. I'm not very good at handcrafts, but I liked how it got worked into the mystery. |
| Marisa |
| Mina by Jonatha Ceely |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
MINA is GREAT HISTORICAL FICTION. Mina escapes the Irish famine and ends up working in the kitchen on an English estate but is desperate to get to America where her brother has headed. Disguised as a boy for various reasons, she befriends the head chef, who has his own secrets. The friendship they form is heart-warming and their stories are both so different, yet very much the same. Their story continues in the second bookBread & Dreams If you like historical fiction, this is a must read. |
| Cheryl S. |
| The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a truly great historical romance. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The characters are well developed & believable and the story was well thought out. |
| Chloe |
| The Dead Lawyer Conspiracy by Jane T. Robe |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great blend of thriller with spiritual San Francisco attorney. Good dialogue, great characters, and prologue disclosed based on real case; best of all---lots of dead lawyers. :) |
| Danelle Drake (drake6jdttha@charter.net) |
| Stealing Trinity by Ward Larsen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Good World War II thriller. |
| Danelle Drake (drake6jdttha@charter.net) |
| My Buddy Butch: Confessions of a New Dog Dad by Jeff Marginean |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This novel is a great doggy story. It is very compelling and a great take from this new dog dad. |
| Nanette (MssTish@aol.com) |
| Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Wouldn't we all love to be able to do it all over again with 20/20 vision. This story although far-fetched touched a chord and makes you start to think about your life and your choices. Good read. |
| Sue De Feo |
| The Chocalate Cake Sutra by Geri Larkin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The book simplifies Buddhism tenets. A great change from the heavy topical books. |
| reeca |
| The Given Day by Dennis Lehane |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Excellent book!!! Very well written!!! |
| Ed Hahn (ed_hk@yahoo.com) |
| Gweilo: Memories of a Hong Kong Childhood by Martin Booth |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Best memoir I've read. I love the descriptions of Hong Kong and its people. |
| Ed Hahn (ed_hk@yahoo.com) |
| Deception on His Mind by Elizabeth George |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
It drags but I love her characters. |
| Rashmi Srinivas |
| The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Love the story which beautifully combines past and present, emotions and recipes to create an almost perfect story. I'd have given it 5 stars, if the ending hadn't been a bit abrupt. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| These is My Words:The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine by Nancy E. Turner |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
THESE IS MY WORDS is a saga about the Arizona territory, told by Sarah Prine Reed Elliot, covering 1881-1901. It's written as a journal/diary. Turner has a gift for the language of the times, painting vivid pictures of the hard life the pioneers endured. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Deep South: An Anna Pigeon Novel by Nevada Barr |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Anna Pigeon returns in the eighth entry of the popular Nevada Barr series. The book sees Anna pack up shop and accept a promotion to Mississippi along the Natchez Trace. As if dealing with culture shock isn't bad enough, Anna finds a young girl beaten to death, with a noose around her neck, during her first week on the job. The investigation will take Anna into the closed world of the South, where traditions die hard and everything isn't as it seems. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| True Grit by Charles Portis |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderfully written western tale, the basis of the movie starring John Wayne (for which he won his only Oscar). The narrator is Mattie, and she's telling the tale some 25 years after it occurred. She needs a man with "true grit" to find the scoundrel who murdered her father and she picks Rooster Cogburn. But I think it is SHE who has true grit! |
| Ilene (Papagil@comcast.net) |
| The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
THE MONSTERS OF TEMPLETON is part mystery, and part history with likeable characters, and a story, within a story. |
| Sheree Warner |
| The 6th Target:The Woman's Murder Club by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Detective Lindsay Boxer and her team of "The Woman's Murder Club" are at it again. I always enjoy all of these books. This one didn't disappoint me either. Since this is one of his recently released books, I won't tell much but one of Lindsey's friends and member of the club was involved in a life threatening shooting. Short chapters keep my attention and the book flows quickly. It's another great James Patterson book! |
| Lori (tuatara@sbcglobal.net) |
| Once Were Cops by Ken Bruen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Ken Bruen is an Irish crime writer with a poet's soul. His latest is not his absolute best, but it kept me turning the pages well into the night and marveling at his way with language and laughing guiltily at the dark humor of his violent, damaged characters. |
| Greg Davis (grdavis222@gmail.com) |
| Leading from the Inside-Out by Dr. Mario O. Barrett III, Ph.D. |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of the best self-development books I have ever read. An easy read, with 11 practical leadership practices that will have you living the life you want. |
| leh boyer |
| The Case of the Lucky Legs by Erle Stanley Gardner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I truly enjoyed the great master, Perry Mason, solving this case of a beautiful gal who won a contest for her beautiful legs. Come to find out the contest was a sham. When the promoter is found dead, Mason must uncover the killer to save the girl with the lucky legs. |
| Lisa Kent |
| Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World by John Grogan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wanted to read the book before I went and saw the movie. A must read for any kind of animal lover. Grogan captures the experience of what it means to be a devoted pet owner. Through the good and bad times, Marley always supplies them with unconditional love. |
| Michele (Catsownme4@aol.com) |
| Peony in Love by Lisa See |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
While I didn't think it was as good as SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN, I did enjoy it. There is quite a description of China's underworld, which I found interesting. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| Suitable for Framing: Brit Montero Series by Edna Buchanan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I had read this Brit Montero mystery before, but I didn't remember it until I was half-way through. It's a fast read and I really like Buchanan's writing, so I didn't mind. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Moscow Club by Joseph Finder |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an interesting book, set in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The focus of the plot is a document called the Lenin Testament, something that neither East nor West wants revealed. In an effort solve a decades old mystery of how and why his father was disgraced as a Communist sympathizer, Charlie Stone begins a search for the one person who might hold the key. It will take him around the world to the Kremlin and to the halls of Washington, D. C. Fans of Ludlum will appreciate this book. |
| Merrilee (map5402@aol.com) |
| The Shack by William P. Young |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is certainly not my usual sort of book. I had read about it here and it sounded interesting. It's very hard to explain. The main character spends the weekend with God. A really amazing book. |
| Betty Gene |
| The Wind Comes Sweeping by Marcia Preston |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful character driven story about family, secrets, and ranching in present-day Oklahoma where there are more wind towers than cattle. |
| K Ferg |
| The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
After a fatal automobile accident a list appears of things that would like to be completed by a milestone birthday. Apparently, the list was written by the same young woman who did not survive the crash. To make amends, her fellow passenger sets out to complete the list reminding us it is always good to have goals to strive for. |
| Susan |
| The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
THE SECRET BETWEEN US is a beautifully written story of the consequences of a hasty decision, and how it changes a mother, a daughter, and their relationship. |
| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
| Leather Maiden by Joe R. Lansdale |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It kept my interest till the very end. It is a good mystery and thriller. |
| Beverly |
| The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by Dinaw Mengestu |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a beautifully written debut novel. After escaping to America, Sepha finds himself running a grocery story in Washington D.C. that is going through gentrification. Lonely with few companions, Sepha tries to find solace in a woman and her daughter when they move into the neighborhood. |
| Christy Hawkes |
| Deadly Gift by Heather Graham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The third book in The Flynn Brothers Trilogy is Zach's story and even though it is part of the trilogy it works well as a stand-alone read. It is an intriguing paranormal murder mystery with a little romance thrown in. I was kept entertained and guessing until the very end. |
| Audrey Blake |
| The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Unable to speak, Edgar lives a quiet but busy life in northern Wisconsin. The family raises and trains a special breed of dog. Edgar faces the death of his father and the return of his uncle. I'll be reading this one again! |
| Julie S. |
| Six Geese A-Slaying by Donna Andrews |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
SIX GEESE A-SLAYING is a great little cozy mystery, especially for this time of the year. I love the main character Meg Langslow. She is lots of fun! |
| Mary |
| The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Initially, I thought it was a typical Christmas book, boy was I wrong. It was a thought-provoking, life changing book that based its story on a simple Christmas sweater and a boy's reaction to it. I couldn't put it down and finished it in just a single day of reading. |
| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
| Good People by Marcus Sakey |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It is an exciting novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. |
| Donna |
| Mudbound by Hilary Jordan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an excellent debut novel. This author is one to watch. |
| Ali Madigan |
| Candy Cane Murder by Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine and Leslie Meier |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a great Christmas read, light, entertaining and never a dull moment. |
| Lynn |
| Heart in the Right Place by Carolyn Jourdan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
HEART IN THE RIGHT PLACE is an entertaining, heart-warming story of a high powered attorney who goes home to help out her father, who is a doctor in a poor rural area. My book club read this and found that it made us think about our lives and if our hearts were in the right place. |
| Cheryl Koch |
| Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Peter Brown is not your normal Manhattan ER doctor. When it comes to skeletons in the closest, he has tons. One of those skeletons has forced him to enter into the Witness Protection Program. Peter has been fighting with his demons for years. Peter was ready to start his day out like any other morning; with a walk in the park but he gets mugged, than he receives an invite by a sexy pharmaceutical nurse for some TLC, and finally as if Peter's day couldn't get any weirder, his new patient has tie-ins with the Mob and is someone who happens to know who Peter Brown is from his prior life. Now Peter has to keep his new patient from dying or pay the consequences. Josh Bazell is one of the freshest new authors I have read. BEAT THE REAPER starts off 2009 the right way. Peter Brown lays it all out. He holds no punches and tells it like it is. This is why I like Peter. I do have to admit that at first when Peter would travel back in time to his prior life and than forward to the present I did get a little lost. But I blame that on the fact that I was so focused and into the book that the storyline ran all together for me. Once I figured out what was going on, I really got back into the story again. The footnotes that Mr. Bazell inserted throughout the book with his medical knowledge were very informative and helped add a little something extra to the book. I hope to see another book soon from Mr. Bazell. |
| Barbara S |
| Comfort and Joy by Fern Michaels, Marie Bostwick, Cathy Lamb & De |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The theme of the book is Christmas and each author presents their own Christmas story. Each story was better than the last. Although it didn't start out to be, "Suzanna's Stocking" by Cathy Lamb became my favorite story. Although Suzanna was in a coma due to a serious accident, she was still able to hear all that went on around her and she told the story as if she was an active participant in all that went on around her. And, of course, the story had a happy Christmas ending. |
| Sue W. |
| Capitol Reflections by Jonathan Javitt |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This thriller takes place mainly in D.C. and is about people having unknown seizures throughout the nation. It seems to be happening where a new coffee shop comes to town. This book really held my interest throughout with its twists and turns. The only slow down was when they were talking of the breakdown of particular molecules. This is a new author who will be coming out with a second book with some of the same people which I always enjoy. This is really a good read and holds your interest. By the way this is a book that I recently won and will be sharing with my book club. |
| marleen davis (marleenandlouie@cox.net) |
| The Whole Truth by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is his first international thriller and it was very good. It is about a secret agency fighting to stop a conspiracy which has to do with the circulation of false information about an impending war between Russia and China, which will affect the entire world. The book is very exciting and interesting. |
| LGP |
| The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A mother takes the blame for her daughter's car accident. THE SECRET BETWEEN US is an average read. The ending was too neat and tidy. Not as believable as it could have been. |
| Kellie |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Oh boy...I should know enough not to rely on all the hype when deciding on whether to read a book or not. It's not like I really disliked this book. I was just prepared to be blown away and I wasn't. Maybe because of the format this book was written in; letter form. I had a difficult time staying on track. I felt like I was missing things and had to go back and reread. I hate doing that. The idea of the book was interesting. To tell a story through letters between several people made it seem very realistic. Some of the story lines were tragic. The description of the island makes me want to go there or study the history of Guernsey Island during WWII. I just couldn't get overly excited about this. |
| LGP |
| So Brave, Young and Handsome by Leif Enger |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I loved PEACE LIKE A RIVER, Enger's first book. Now seven years later, this is his second book. I had high expectations, but SO BRAVE, YOUNG and HANDSOME didn't hit the mark. The main character is an older man, hiding from the law due to his train robber past. He wants to find the sweetheart he left and make amends before he dies. The book dragged on and on and on. |
| Donna |
| Nothing is Quite Forgotten in Brooklyn by Alice Mattison |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is a fascinating examination of friends and family. |
| Donna |
| Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Rose is married and pregnant so why does she make her way to St. Elizabeth's, a home for unwed pregnant girls? A fascinating story told as only Ann Patchett can tell. Of all her books this is my favorite. |
| L. Hann |
| Midnight Voices by John Saul |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
MIDNIGHT VOICES is very suspenseful and is a great read for the winter. There is nothing like curling up with a good book! |
| L. Hann |
| The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The book is very inspirational and is a great gift idea. It makes you realize what is important in life. |
| L. Hann |
| Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The book was a nice read. Mary Higgins Clark is a great story writer. |
| Susan, Saratoga |
| Fault Lines by Nancy Huston |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A family's history (and secrets) are told through four generations of 6 year-olds. |
| Julie Towson |
| Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love stories that take place in the fifties. I grew up in that era and can really relate. The book is wonderfully written and hard to put down. I am really enjoying this book. Can't wait to see the movie. |
| Helen K |
| Cross Country: Alex Cross Novels by James Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It is a fast paced mystery with lots of suspense and a riveting read to the very end. |
| Deidre Durance (deidre_durance@hotmail.com) |
| Jingle Bell Rock by Anthology (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Donna Kau |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm really enjoying these holiday stories. |
| KG |
| Skipping Christmas by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is very different type of story for Grisham. This is humorous. It is about a family who decides not to celebrate Christmas in the traditional way all the people in the neighborhood do. It is quite amusing, and a very light read. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Divine Justice: Camel Club Series by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The Camel Club rides again in an effort to save Oliver Stone from Macklin Hayes and John Knox. The adventures take them to Divine, Virgina, and the supermax prison. In the end, Oliver finally receives something that has been denied him for decades. |
| Judy O. |
| Trudy's Promise by Marcia Preston |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Rolf Hulst attempted an escape past the newly constructed Berlin Wall in the early 1960s. His wife Trudy, who remained in East Berlin, is now branded as the wife of a defector. She must also escape to the west, but in doing so she leaves her baby Stefan behind. She promises that she will be back to reclaim him. The rest of the book chronicles her quest to somehow get Stefan into West Berlin. This is an exciting story about an awful 26 years in the lives of German citizens. To those of us who can remember when the Berlin wall came down, the story is just that much more meaningful. |
| Christy |
| Twilight by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Excellent book! I love the entire series. The movie is based on the book, but the book is waaayyyy better! |
| Peggy Quinlan |
| Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love reading his books. They are always so uplifting. |
| Ellie Shapiro (eshap@comcast.net) |
| Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I like this book a lot. It has an unusual story line and quirky characters. It is simply fun to read. |
| Cheryl Koch |
| Mixed Blood by Roger Smith |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Jack Burn is a bank robber. Unfortunately one of his jobs has gone wrong. Three million dollars and a dead cop, now finds Jack and his family making a new life in Cape Town, South Africa. One night, something terrible happens while the family is eating dinner; something so bad that it causes Jack to take matters into his own hands. Benny Mongrel is an ex- con. He is trying to turn his life around. Benny is now a night watchman for a building site. The site is right next to the Burn's house. What Benny witnesses that night at the Burn's house will change Jack and Benny's lives forever. Rudi "Gatsby" Barnard is a dirty cop who loves killing. Once he gets a whiff of the stolen three million dollars, nothing will stop him from taking it for himself. Then there is Disaster Zondi, a Zulu detective looking to settle an old score. Soon all four men find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse. MIXED BLOOD is author, Roger Smith's first novel. I thought this book was good. It had lots of action, drama, deceit, a nice plot and a great ending. The best sign as to whether a book is worth picking up and reading is when it grabs you from beginning till the end. Each character brought something to the storyline that helped draw me in. Whether it be Jack fighting for his family, Benny trying to change while taking care of his only companion, a dog, or Rudi's ruthlessness, or lastly Zondi's persistence. Roger Smith is one author to watch out for. Anyone who enjoys a good thriller should read MIXED BLOOD. |
| E. Quinn Knight (knight@sxu.edu) |
| Schooled by Anisha Lakhani |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
SCHOOLED is a great fiction tale about a teacher who turns to tutoring to placate her materialist greed. It has some insight into education also. |
| Lynn Clifford |
| The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Being a descendant of Rebecca Nurse, one of the "Salem witches", I was very anxious to read this novel. It did not disappointment me. Kent brought humanity to historical facts, allowing you to feel, see, smell, and taste life in Salem Village leading up to and during the Salem Witch Hunt. The story is told through the eyes of Sarah Carrier, the daughter of Martha Carrier, who was hung as a witch in 1692. |
| Kathy C |
| Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
INFIDEL is the biography of a Somali woman who flees to the Netherlands to escape an arranged marriage, stifling Somali cultural constraints and radical Islam. |
| Janet Ross |
| Alpine For You: A Passport to Peril Mystery by Maddy Hunter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
ALPINE FOR YOU is one of the books from the Passport to Peril mystery series. This is a totally enjoyable read. Emily Andrew is a tour guide for a group of energetic senior citizens bound for Switzerland. Viewing the world through Emily's eyes is indeed a unique experience. Many times, I laughed out loud. When combined with the personalities and antics of her "charges", you do not want to miss this series. |
| Ivy |
| I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Absolutely hilarious! I found myself relating to a few of her essays. She has a shrewd and rich knack for saying the things that are right in front of our face but which we rarely speak on in such a comedic way. |
| Ivy |
| Rose of No Man's Land by Michelle Tea |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
ROSE OF NO MAN"S LAND is a funny and deep road trip into the lives of two teenage girls, one who is clueless and the other who drags her along on a dangerous trip to nowhere. |
| Jo Ann White |
| Riptide: FBI Series by Catherine Coulter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
So far in the FBI Series, there are 12 stories. Each one is just as thrilling and mysterious as the next one. Just when you figure out who the villain is in one story there is a twist that isn't expected. I really love the characters and their stories that intermingle with the plot of the original storyline. The two main characters continue in each book, so you become more familiar with their story too. Great reading for mystery buffs! |
| Tamara Randi (sewradical@gmail.com) |
| The Georgetown Ladies Social Club by C. David Heymann |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the story of Washington D.C. through the eyes of the wives of prominent political figures --- the women behind the power brokers. It is a fly-on-the-wall view of the deals made and lives destroyed during dinners, lunches and brunches put on by the wives during 1940s - early 1980s; names that include Kay Graham, Lorraine Cooper, Evangeline Bruce, Pamela Harriman and Sally Quinn. There are a lot of names to keep track of, but it's interesting all the same. |
| Sandy Greathouse (Muzzley56@aol.com) |
| The Duchess and the Dragon by Jamie Carie |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful historical novel, inspirational and romantic! |
| Toni Blair |
| The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The best book I've read this year. It made me laugh and at times made me cry. The story is a loyal dog's view of his life and the people he loves with a wonderful lesson about what is really important. |
| Kaye |
| The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It is so hard to believe that this is a debut novel. I found it wonderfully written and I was drawn in immediately. The story starts out in 1952 as we are introduced to Claire Pendleton, a recent arrival in Hong Kong with her much older husband, Martin. Claire has been hired by the socially prominent Chen family to teach Locket Chen the piano. When the Chen family invites Claire and her husband to a party, she meets Will Truesdale, the Chen's chauffeur. The story then goes back and forth from 1941 to 1953 as the characters are introduced in preparation for possible invasion by the Japanese. With the use of flashback and differing points of view, we see the growth of the characters and how the war deeply affects them all. Will's importance is slowly revealed when the reader is taken back to 1941 and the beginning of his passionate affair with Trudy Liang, a young, spoiled Eurasian. Trudy has numerous connections with the Hong Kong community and has a tremendous emotional impact on Will. Written with exquisite detail as to location, the reader can immerse themselves into the environs of Hong Kong. It is easy to visualize the center with its European, classical style building and yet, not far away, the local market with its narrow alley ways and frenetic activity amid smoky stalls and clamorous noise. I felt like I was walking with Claire as she becomes familiar with her new home. With her seamless segueing between decades, the character development is tremendous. The characters are so well fleshed out as to emotion and vulnerability, the reader will feel as if they are truly alive. Their emotions and feelings just seem to leap off the page. Lee unfolds each complex layer bit by bit without missing a beat. When the lives of all the characters come to a point of convergence, the past haunts the present in the many intertwined relationships. Alliances forged during the war will have long reaching consequences long after the war is over. People who had high positions now are brought to new lows, the war being the great equalizer. It all comes down to a matter of survival and the lengths people will go to cope with the horrors and atrocities of war. There are so many elements in the telling of this story: romance, loyalty, betrayal, secrets, history along with social commentary. The peripheral characters are easily woven into the story with their own interesting sub plots. The surprising twists at the end only add to the enjoyment of this novel. The progression of the story is orderly with no superfluous details and with a wonderfully engrossing plot, this book is sure to be a success. I absolutely loved it. 5***** |
| Cheryl Koch |
| The Ride by Tom Brandner |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Everything changed for Carl and his grandfather, Thaddeus; the day "Rita" came into their lives. Carl is the owner of Lenoir Auto Body. He came to the rescue of a horrific car accident. Before the police arrived on the scene and the driver of the vehicle died, Carl is handed an envelope containing a small black box that holds a golden car key. Carl gave his grandfather the keys to an old '57 Chevy truck. The same truck that only a few days ago would could have been considered unsalvagable but now looking at the truck, you would never know it had been in any accident. Thaddeus takes "Rita" for a ride. After that, nothing is the same. Thaddeus ends up going for the ride of his life. OK, so I have not read many horror stories, though I love to watch horror movies. As I was reading THE RIDE, all I could think about was the movieChristine, adapted from a Stephen King novel. Also, I couldn't help but feel some elements of Dean Koontz mixed in as well. A book that infuses both classic Stephen King and Dean Koontz into the storyline has got to be a good one. I am happy to report that THE RIDE is that good. The story started out at a fast pace and kept picking up speed, all the way to the last sentence. This is the first time I read Tom Brandner but after reading this book, I now want to check out his first novel, THE RAIN. |
| Cheryl Koch |
| Final Breath by Kevin O'Brien |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Sydney Jordan is a newswoman for a weekly television show called "Movers & Shakers." It is a show about normal people who have done heroic acts of kindness for others. It seems that someone does not appreciate all these different people getting their fifteen minutes of fame. In fact, this person knows just how everyone should be rewarded for their acts. You know how you make someone laugh so hard they can't stop? Sometimes that person will say "Stop it, you are killing me"; well that's exactly what the killer has in mind, but this situation won't be no laughing matter. Someone is killing off one by one everyone that has ever been interviewed by Sydney for "Movers & Shakers." Each time someone dies, that just means the killer is one step closer to killing his ultimate victim, Sydney. And when the times comes for him to make Sydney a star, he will take great pleasure on acting out the final scene. Because the killer will make sure that the last words coming out of Sydney's mouth is her final breath. One of my favorite genres to read is suspense thrillers and it will always be one of my favorites, thanks to outstanding, wonderful authors like Kevin O'Brien. Mr. O'Brien really knows how to keep his readers sitting on the edge of their seats filled with anticipation for what comes next. I first discovered this author when I read THE KILLING SPREE and ever since then I have become hooked. Whenever I hear of a new book being released by Kevin I know without a doubt that I will be purchasing it. I know that picking up a Kevin O'Brien book is worth my while as well as a smart investment. I will leave you with just one final thought to ponder: "Always watch your back, because you never know when you might draw your *final breath*!" |
| Sandy Greathouse (Muzzley56@aol.com) |
| The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop: A Memoir, a History by Lewis Buzbee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am catching up on some older books I missed and am enjoying them a lot. |
| Sandy Greathouse (Muzzley56@aol.com) |
| Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
DARK PURSUIT is a great edge-of-your-seat, page-turning mystery! |
| Fran |
| Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
After falling head over heels for the HBO series "True Blood," I had to go out and get the book which the show was based on. I enjoyed reading the book as much as I enjoyed watching the first season of the series. I was happy to see that the book and series are very close, as many times the Hollywood versions of books are drastically changed. Having seen the series first, I missed some of the characters and storylines that were added to the television series, but overall, it was still fun. |
| Janet Ross |
| Winter Study: Anna Pigeon Mysteries by Nevada Barr |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is another refreshing, "truly novel" mystery by Ms. Barr. It takes place at Lake Royale in Lake Superior and transports you into the wonderful, primitive world of a park ranger. |
| Tanya |
| Keeping The House by Ellen Baker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful read. It does jump back and forth from past to present, but it has some wonderful characters for you to get involved with. Well worth being over 500 pages. |
| Dawn (princesssaurora@aol.com) |
| Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Not as strong as some of the earlier books. I was able to figure it out the first time the 'bad guy' interacted with SCARPETTA. Yet, it was still a worthy read. |
| Patti D |
| The Wisdom Of Menopause by Dr. Christiane Northrup |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is so much more than "just another menopause" book. I am in the 6th chapter and have had so many "aha!" moments. |
| Candace |
| The Leper by Steve Thayer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
THE LEPER is a surprising fictional story about a 20th century leper from Minnesota who is forced into a leper colony in Louisiana. |
| Candace |
| The Shack by William P. Young |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A touching story about a man who overcomes a great tragedy in his life. It will amaze you. It starts a little slow, but well worth the effort. After reading it, I feel like I've opened my heart to understanding more of who God really is. |
| Linda B. |
| Addicted To Love by Lori Wilde |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Rachael, of Valentine, Texas is head over heels in love with love until she is stranded at the altar twice. Scorned, Rachel leaps into her car and heads straight to the town that is home to the famous "big lips" billboard that began her romance with love. If it is the last thing that she does, she is going to paint those lips black! |
| Anita Nowak |
| Puppets by Daniel Hecht |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful book. It's a mystery about a serial killer who starts killing again, after another man is arrested and jailed for the original murders. However, four months later, the murders start again Is it a copy cat? Actually, it is an in depth look into what happens when the Government attempts to control people. This was the first book I had read by this author, and I have since purchased several more. I really enjoy the way he writes. |
