August 14, 2009 - August 27, 2009
Last contest period's winners each received a copy of SECRET OF THE SEVENTH SON by Glenn Cooper, THE SIEGE by Stephen White and THAT OLD CAPE MAGIC by Richard Russo.
| Sandra F. |
| Seeking Whom He May Devour by Fred Vargas |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I just could not get into this book, but I think that it was the fault of the poor translation from the French, and not the book itself. |
| Sandra F. |
| Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexander McCall Smith |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A lovely, entertaining book. This is my first introduction to this series and I will certainly read more. |
| Sunnie |
| THE READ LEATHER DIARY by Lily Koppel |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Koppel is a journalsit in NYC, where she finds an old red leather diary that belonged to a 14- year-old girl, which chronicled her life from 1929 to 1934. Ms Koppel manages to track the writer down --- now a lively 92-year-old woman, who fills in the blanks before, during and after the diary entries. A fascinating true story of another time in exciting New York City. |
| Ruth |
| Summer Reading by Hilma Wolitzer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I loved the way the author was able to weave together the stories of three such different characters. |
| Ruth |
| Country Bride by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is one of my favorite authors, but I was a bit disappointed with this book. It was obviously a reprint of one of her earlier serial romances. |
| Ruth |
| Mercury in Retrograde by Paula Froehlich |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I kept thinking of "Sex and the City" as I read this book. |
| Ruth |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I liked the letter format that was used in this book though it was bit confusing at first getting the characters straight in my mind. |
| Genie |
| Promised Land by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In this fourth book in the series, Spenser is initially hired to find a runaway wife. He finds the woman who has become involved with a group of reactionaries and has no idea how to untangle herself. As Spenser is trying to come up with a way out for her, he ends up helping to bail her husband out of a messy situation of his own. The main plot turns out to be a calculated maneuvering to allow the "killing two birds with one stone" principle to work. Aside from the case, we begin to see Spenser's relationship with Susan Silverman evolve from the beginning stage. Although not as a friend, this book is also serves as the introduction of Hawk to the series. Spenser's musings, witty remarks, and ethical action are as apparent and the plot is both strong and entertaining. |
| Louise (LouBabe@juno.com) |
| Black for Remembrance by Carlene Thompson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I think I like Carlene Thompson more every time I read one of her books. They have excellent and intriguing plots that are always a little bit different. My teenage granddaughter often goes through my books, looking for something to read, and I always have to refuse her and then try to explain why. With Ms. Thompson's books, one can feel completely comfortable letting anyone read them. In this particular story, Caroline Webb starts believing that she hears her daughter Hayley. The problem with that is that Haylee was murdered 19 years ago. Is someone coming after her "new" little girl? |
| Hedi Hopwood (hedihopwood@comcast.net) |
| Eleswhere by William Peter Blatty |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is great ghost/haunted house story and at only 222 pages a good quick read. I thought I had it all figured out and it really got me at the end. He is the author of THE EXORCIST and THE NINTH CONFIGURATION. That was enough for me to buy this book. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Death in Holy Orders by P. D. James |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An excellent book with much information about the Church of England and the English countryside. Many characters and more than one dead body. James uses detail to set the mood, her characters are fully developed, as well as the setting. This is not a book to read quickly, but to be savored and comprehended. |
| Sandy |
| Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Well, I plugged my way through this one, not really understanding what was going on or who was the bad guy until the last third of the book. I am glad it is finished. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| Sandstorm by James Rollins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is non-stop action. The storyline is great and has well-developed characters. After an explosion at a London museum, a group travels to the Arabian desert looking for answers. They are not alone in their search. |
| Genie |
| Blood Orchid by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Woods's third book in the Holly Barker series finds the savvy ex-MP is now police chief of the Orchid Beach, Florida Police Department. As the story begins, two out of three Miami bidders for a swanky gated residential complex with a golf course have been murdered. A third bidder, semi-retired real estate developer, Ed Shine, narrowly escapes the same fate. Shine brags about his big plans for the property he has renamed Blood Orchid, after an exotic hybrid blossom he has developed. After doing some investigation into the sale of the property, Holly suspects the Miami mob is involved. The murders being investigated, combined with evidence that Barker herself is being targeted, reinforce Holly's determination to intensify her investigation. When the body of the man she discovered breaking into her house is found in the Indian River, it's obvious he has been murdered execution style. Soon the trail, littered with victims murdered by a psychotic hit man, leads to the one she initially suspected the least. While somewhat predictable, this is still a quick, entertaining read. |
| Genie |
| The Red Hat Club by Haywood Smith |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
They've been friends most of their lives; these five middle-aged women in Atlanta, meet once a month to share lunch, gossip drinks, tacky jokes and true confessions. Wearing their red hats and purple outfits in honor of Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning" ("When I am an old woman I shall wear purple/ With a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me"), they have a long-standing reservation at a well-known restaurant. Strictly abiding by a list of 12 time-honored rules labeled the "Sacred Traditions", they serve as each others' support network. There's nothing these feisty friends don't know about each other, nothing they wouldn't do for each other. When Diane's husband is discovered having an affair, who else can she call on to help catch him red-handed? The plot moves along quickly. The one element that grates on the nerves is the Red Hatters obsession with proper behavior. The aspect that is the most interesting and fun are the flashbacks to their sorority days. |
| Judy |
| The Defector by Daniel Silva |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
"Promise me one thing, Gabriel. Promise me I won't end up in an unmarked grave." Gabriel Allon (art restorer/assassin) made a promise to a Russian intelligence officer who has vanished from London. And the chase is on. Silva has a staccato way of writing that takes a bit of getting used to and there is a plethora of characters to keep straight as well as location changes nearly every chapter. Having read other novels with Gabriel as the protagonist, it's easier to keep who is whom straight and from what agency, and for whom the other agents work. I hadn't liked MOSCOW RULES as much (the previous book) and this is a continuation. However, I enjoyed the book and its escapist fare. Plus, I've grown to like Gabriel & team for their personalities, despite their penchant for bloodshed. |
| Beckie Dicke (rjdicke8@gmail.com) |
| Pompeii by Robert Harris |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This historical fiction relates the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Along the Mediterranean coast, citizens of the Roman empire were relaxing in seaside resorts, spending money and enjoying the last of the summer days. The impending eruption and cataclysmic events are hardly fathomable or comprehensible. This is the story of the final hours of the empire. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| In the Heart of the Canyon by Elisabeth Hyde |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
From the author of THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER comes this exciting story about a rafting trip down The Colorado River in The Grand Canyon. Head guide J.T. Maroney is making his 125th trip down the river, and he is accompanied by guides Abo and Dixie who are also experienced guides. We meet a very disparate bunch of rafters on this trip, and also a dog who joins the group after they find him abandoned in some brush. This is a very interesting bunch of characters, and the guides really get more than they bargained for. I really loved this book, as it was most interesting, but exciting too. |
| Sunnie B |
| Deadwood by Pete Dexter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I don't give many books 5 stars, but this one deserves even more. I'm also not a big fan of the Western Genre, but this one is not your typical Western. It's a wonderful novel that takes place in the wild days of Deadwood, SD where Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Preacher Smith, and Seth Bullard roamed the streets. Though it's fiction, it is based on actual events and real people, and is a real page-turner. Loved it, can you tell? |
| Sunnie B |
| Pride & Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Graham Smith |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is one of my favorite novels so I almost passed this one up. Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett killing zombies?? Ridiculous! And it *is* ridiculous! But a fun read, which I ended up getting a kick out of in spite of myself. I definitely prefer the Austen version, but this is fun. |
| Tanya (tanyaisnow@hotmail.com) |
| The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO but this book was even better. Lisbeth Salander is a character you won't forget. I do recommend reading the books in order so you get to know all the characters. I can't wait for the third book in the trilogy to be released. Knowing there won't be anymore books by this author is upsetting, to say the least. I would give this book 10 stars if I could. It was great. |
| Trudy |
| Knock Out by Catherine Coulter |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book is part of a paranormal suspense series. The concept was interesting but it was too wordy and I found myself skipping pages to just finish the book. I have read other books by Coulter and enjoyed them more than the last two about Savich and Sherlock, FBI characters. |
| Gaby @ Starting Fresh |
| Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is Amanda Grange's latest entry into the creative interpretation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and my first time to read a creative interpretation of this sort. To be honest, I wasn't sure how much of a purist I would turn out to be. I enjoyed reading Amanda Grange's characterization of Elizabeth and Darcy because she captured their personalities and interaction so well. For those willing to imagine Elizabeth and Darcy taking an odd turn into an alternative reality, this book is an enjoyable read. You have your beloved characters in a new setting. I highly recommend MR. DACRY, VAMPYRE to those who enjoyed PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and would be interested in exploring different directions that Elizabeth and Darcy might take, particularly those who enjoy vampire stories along the lines of Anne Rice. |
| Gaby @ Starting Fresh |
| The Green Green Pear by Maruja Naraynan |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The book is colorfully illustrated and carefully thought out. THE GREEN GREEN PEAR would be a good book for children learning colors, sounds, food names, and learning to read. It also has an important message of self acceptance. |
| Gaby @ Starting Fresh |
| Damas, Dramas and Ana Ruiz by Belinda Acosta |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Before I started DAMAS, DRAMAS AND ANA RUIZ, I had suspected that the book would spend much of its time with teenagers and their concerns. It was a delightful surprise to find that the novel followed the mother, Ana Ruiz, and not the daughter Carmen. Belinda Acosta's writing is funny, heartwarming and touching at the same time. The characters are carefully and sympathetically drawn - you can't help but care for each of them. I particularly enjoyed reading about the close friendship between Ana Ruiz and her childhood friend, Bianca and her love for her family, Diego and his kindness towards his mother. Belinda Acosta does a wonderful job giving you each person's story and hinting at how things work out for them in the future. The book was beautifully done - and I am so looking forward to the next in the series. I plan to give my copy to my mother and hope that she enjoys it as much as I did. |
| TerryG |
| A Room of My Own by Ann Tatlock |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Excellent story of the Depression era. This centers around the daughter of a doctor who loses her room when relatives must move in. You get a good understanding of shanty towns and labor strikes during this period of time. |
| T. Thomas |
| We Two by Gillian Gill |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Wonderfully researched account of the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. I do wish that the family trees had been placed together at the end so that they could be easily referred to. Also more illustrations or photographs would have been nice. |
| Dian Boysen |
| The Killing Tree by Rachel Keener |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
My book club just read this and had a visit with Rachel via telephone. It is an incredible story of Mercy, a girl who lives in Appalachia who tries to escape to the outside world. Beautiful language and incredible description. |
| Marsha |
| Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Stephanie Plum and her cohorts enter a barbeque cookoff and the wild times begin. I laughed out loud several times during this read. You will too. What fun! |
| Nikki (gramanik2001@comcast.net) |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I bought this book because of an advertisement I saw on the side of one of the Bookreporter.com book reviews. I was very pleasantly surprised at how good this book is. I was amazed at the black maids' acceptance of their treatment by the white people in their lives. I read the last quarter of the book so fast because I needed to know if the maids would be okay once the book was published. I can generally say that any book by Jodi Picoult will be my favorite for that year, but Kathryn Stockett and THE HELP is my #1 for 2009 by a mile. |
| Marion miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
| The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A page turner that made me very nervous. I kept wondering what dreadful thing would happen next to this family. There were drugs, cancer and family feuds. |
| Jean M |
| The Missing Ink by Karen E. Olson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book. It is #1 in a new series. The main character is Brett Kavanaugh, who owns a tattoo shop in Las Vegas. Her brother is a cop and she gets into all kinds of predicaments. |
| Jane Squires (jrs362@hotmail.com) |
| Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Mattie Evans loves the land where her family lost their ranch. Gil McCray has gone away from home to play pro football. The horse he grew up with doing rodeo is hit by a car with drunk drivers in it. Gil retires from pro football and returns home to tend to his horse and pay for his recovery. Mattie is the Vet in town. I loved the rocky start and the rocky relationship with Mattie and Gil. Because life can be truly rocky at times. Also Gil has problems with his father and they butt heads a lot. Parents and kids do that. I loved learning about horses, ranching, and most of all faith bringing people together in forgiveness. The ending was a surprise and one I truly enjoyed and will not tell you so you will want to read the book. |
| Genie |
| The Laughter of Dead Kings by Elizabeth Peters |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Elizabeth Peters has finally decided to add a new volume to the Vicky Bliss series. Vicky, art historian / Assistant Curator of Munich's National Museum, always seems to find herself in job-related, chaotic situations. Last seen in 1984, Vicky (and her gang) were first introduced in 1973. As is only possible in fiction, Vicky is still in her early thirties and still involved with former art thief John Tregarth (formerly known as Sir John Smythe). Their friend Feisal, the Inspector of Antiquities for Upper Egypt, arrives unexpectedly and informs them of the theft of King Tut's mummy from its tomb in the Valley of the Kings. The bad news is that John is the prime suspect. From this point on Vicky and friends, including her overly inquisitive boss Schmidt, set off on a whirlwind search beginning in Europe and ending in the Egyptian desert to recover Tut's remains and clear John's name. |
| Crystal |
| Above Suspicion by Lynda La Plante |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
From the author of the Prime Suspect series comes a new female detective, Detective Sergeant Anna Travis of the Metropolitan Police Department, London, England. Anna is young, talented and the daughter of deceased, much-beloved senior murder detective. She still has a lot to learn, but she has great instincts. She joins a murder inquiry that is long overdue for some clues. The case quickly heats up with Anna right in the middle of it all. |
| TerryG |
| The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Very interesting story that takes place in 17th-century Persia. It's about a girl who weaves carpets and becomes more than she expects. |
| TerryG |
| Hanna's Daughters by Marianne Fredriksson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very good story spanning 3 generations of Swedish women. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Shanghai Girls by Lisa See |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I found this novel to question certain ideas based on cinematic endeavors. My idea of Chinese living in America has been based on FLOWER DRUM SONG, and this novel by Lisa See greatly showed my error. I had no idea how the Chinese suffered in the years up to the 1960s-1970s. Many of the Chinese never became US citizens, for fear of being deported. The story also shows the great love of family and honor. The love between the two sisters creates the climax when each sister brings up long-hidden jealousy for the other. Will this jealousy destroy them? I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but did not enjoy PEONY IN LOVE, also by Lisa See. |
| Laura Ann Adams (Laura.Adams@ky.gov) |
| The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Interesting book about a girl and her past. Her family are lace makers and lace readers. Many of them can also read your thoughts. She has left this world, but is forced to return in search of the woman who raised her, who is missing now. As the story unfolds, you find that nothing is as it seems and the past holds many secrets and tragedies. |
| Brenda Rupp |
| Comanche Heart by Catherine Anderson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love books written by Catherine Anderson. She is one of those authors who can grab you at the beginning of the book and you don't think about it again until you close the last page! A little stay-cation on the couch for the day! |
| Sandra F. |
| A Bucket of Ashes by P.B. Ryan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A governess in a posh Boston household in 1870 with a shady background --- I did enjoy this. |
| Carla Rosen (rosenstl@peoplepc.com) |
| Paul Newman: A Life by Shawn Levy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Everything you wanted to know about Paul Newman and more. I gained a real appreciation for his dedication to the craft of acting, how he got into race car driving, and ulitmately how his legacy as a philanthropist really outweighed the other facets of his life. I wasn't that familiar with his life or his work, and this mentions every movie he made and a lot he passed on...It is also interesting because he was in World War II and his lifetime paralleled that of my parent's generation. |
| Patty Shogren (p12a11s49@aol.com) |
| Bel Canto by Ann Patchett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Reread one of my favorite books for the summer. I love her writing and I fell in love with the characters all over again. This is a story about a hostage situation. |
| Kathy Boucher |
| Factory Girls by Leslie T. Chang |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I learned so much about China, and the lives of the working girls in the factories! This is a tragic, yet uplifting and hopeful look at the working climate for females in China; and also some history, as Chang weaves in her family through generations of life in China. This is a mesmerizing book; I couldn't put it down! |
| Mamie |
| Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The author captures life and all its raw emotions in a way that I've never experienced before. I haven't seen the movie, but reading the book is like having a movie come to life on the pages. Excellent dialogue, exquisite prose. |
| Marisa |
| 18 Seconds by George D. Shuman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Beautiful, blind Sherry Moore has an agonizing gift --- the ability to see the last 18 seconds of a dead person's life. It's not supernatural, in her telling; it's science imperfectly understood. It's also the defining characteristic of Sherry's life; orphaned and injured at a young age, she cannot say no to the bereft who want her help in solving gruesome crimes. This edge-of-your-seat debut novel mercilessly depicts the horror wrought by serial killer Earl Sykes, who specializes in young women out for a good time at the New Jersey shore. It's only a matter of time before Sherry is able to "identify" him. The novel builds suspense that leads to a gripping climax. I could not put this book down and it was truly suspenseful. Sherry is a unique character and the author has written two additional books about her and her special ability. I can't wait to read them. |
| Laura |
| The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I read this book when it first came out in hardback years ago. Knowing that the movie was coming, I checked out the audio version from the library. I had forgotten how good this book is. It's romantic and sci-fi all in one. It's a long book and I'm anxious to see if the movie can be nearly as good as the book. |
| Carol B. |
| The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a story! An very interesting mystery revealed in flashbacks. A history lesson along with intrigue. Nesbro is one of Europe's leading crime writers. Once you read this, you will be a fan. |
| Laura |
| The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I loved THE SHADOW OF THE WIND. I liked THE ANGEL'S GAME. Zafon's characters are amazing. I love the sense of humor, the mystery and the film noir quality of the book. However, I have to say --- I was a bit confused at times about what was going on and I'm not sure that I get it yet. I may have to read it again. |
| Sandra F. |
| Crusader Gold by David Gibbins |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An exciting read following the pursuit of treasures looted from the Jewish temple by the Romans. The author is an underwater archaeologist and seems to know his stuff. |
| Laura |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just adored this book. I loved that everything is written in letter format. I laughed and I cried. It was a terrific read. Not too long --- so perfect for summer. |
| Laura Ann Adams (Laura.Adams@ky.gov) |
| The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is about a man who is involved in a car wreck and is horribly burned. He is in a burn ward and thinks only of getting out and then committing suicide. He has a strange female visitor that changes all of that. She is a patient in the psychiatric ward, but before long, he has fallen in love with her and their adventure begins. This book really makes you think about different beliefs you hold in life and what is possible and what is not possible. |
| Sandra F. |
| The Body on the Beach by Simon Brett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is a great book in the tradition of the English country mystery. Simon Brett is an accomplished writer and master of this genre. |
| Sandra F. |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful book written in the form of letters. This is a format that I like to read and this book did not fail in any way. |
| Jane |
| Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I could not put down this book. She was writing about me! The characters were just like my family and the feelings struck so close to home. Rarely do I read a book, close it and say, "Wow." But this one hit on target with me. Book clubs will love it. |
| Marsha |
| East of the Sun by Julia Gregson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a story set in 1938 Bombay about three Englishwomen who turn to each other for support in their new adventures in India. It is an ode to friendship and a reminder that all life is a journey. |
| Juanita |
| The Bean Tree by Barbara Kingsolver |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very interesting and thought provoking, with lots of twists and turns. Would I be as brave as Taylor? I doubt it! |
| Chris |
| 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I'm not loving this book. Piper's description of his accident is horrific and compelling. He's not a warm, fuzzy kind of guy (not that he needs to be), and it shows on the page. However, that lack of warmth detracts from his tale in some way. His is an interesting version of heaven, though, and hopeful in that he is unswerving in his belief of that vision. |
| Kathy Vallee |
| Touching Evil by Kay Hooper |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The more I read this author's books, the more I like them; they are very hard to put down. In this one, the kidnapper / murderer blinds his people by taking their eyes. The way they finally stopped him is great imagination. |
| Renee |
| Camilla by Madeleine L'Engle |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Read this at the suggestion of Oprah's summer book list. It was an unusual, and valuable story. Published in the fifties, this time and place (Manhattan) seem as foreign as possible. but L'Engle is a storyteller who captures so much more than plot. Beautiful and timely! |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter by Sharyn McCrumb |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
McCrumb does a wonderful job in describing the mountains and people. I adore her use of old-time folk lore to enhance the story. In this tale, two brothers and the parents are brutally murdered by the oldest son, who also takes his own life. The story has other tragedies besides this: the burning death of a young mother, the environmental cancer death of an old man, the stillborn death of the preacher's wife. But, amid all this heartbreak is inspiration and hope; and a sense of renewal. I thoroughly enjoy reading McCrumb's book because I am reminded of my own short experience of life in the TN/NC mountains. |
| Betty Stern |
| The Defector by Daniel Silva |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Silva has kept me intrigued with his talents in writing about international spying and revenge killing in previous books; however, he has outdone himself in this one. Gabriel Allon, a Mosad agent whose other life is as a restorer of Old Masters, is again called to action to bring down a Russian arms dealer and murderer. When a Russian defector, and then Gabriel's wife Chaira, are kidnapped on the orders of the arms dealer, Gabriel goes back into action. This is a story of "love, vengeance and courage." |
| Lorna |
| Table for Five by Susan Wiggs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful story about 3 children and the happenings when their divorced mother and father are killed in an auto accident. The fathers half brother is awarded custody but he has no clue how to care for 3 kids. The mom's best friend steps in to help and it all takes off from there. You learn how 3 children grieve and get through a tragedy, you see how 2 adults are thrown into something willingly but with caution, and how they handle everything. Aside from the loss of the parents, it really is a great story about getting through a tragedy and finding love in a most unusual situation. Highly recommended. |
| Dale |
| The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am only 250 pages into this 973-page book but am having a hard time putting it down. I was a little hesitant with a book so long that it could keep my interest, but it certainly has. |
| Theresa N (weceno@yahoo.com) |
| The House On Tradd Street by Karen White |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful mystery set in Charleston, SC historic district. The characters in this book are dead on target, they're very realistic and act just the way you would think they should. |
| Lorna |
| Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
How can you not love anything involving Stepanie Plum. Again I read and laughed out loud. Of course, Stephanie is up to her usual. I do think the story could have been more interesting but the laughs make up for everything. I wish that there was more of Morelli and Bob in this one, but I'll hope for them in #16. |
| Marjorie Clark (marjorie_clark2000@yahoo.com) |
| B is for Beer by Tom Robbins |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Just started this book and it is hilarious. |
| Gerry Chevalier |
| Medusa by Clive Cussler |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I would say this is one of Cussler`s better novels of late and holds you in suspense throughout the entire book. There's lots of action as you would suspect, and also interesting characters who all work together to create an enjoyable read and the expectations that the next book will also be equally enjoyable. I look forward to next one. |
| Judy Fraley (fraley250r@windstream.net) |
| Slash by Slash |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is great for parents to read if their kids are in to heavy metal and would like to understand what that life is like. This guy makes no excuses for what he went through. Totally self-inflicted, he says. He was not tormented, he was just partying. |
| Jan Berg |
| Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
What a waste of time. I was so looking forward to reading it after enjoying THE FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB. No plot, a mishmash of characters, no meaning. |
| Sandra Hughes (s.hughes@rocketmail.com) |
| Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stout |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A book in short-story form but all the stories tie together. I'm not one to like short stories that much, but this book is great and one you will definitely want to read! |
| Jon |
| Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wonderful book by a talented writer who spends a year in Rome with his wife and newborn twin boys. Highly recommended even for those who have never visited this enchanted city. |
| Jaye |
| Exiles in the Garden by Ward Just |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I wish there was a 3 1/2 star rating, because that's how I feel about this book --- indecisive! So many (including this one) of the author's books convey the atmosphere of Washington DC that I really feel that I am back there for a short visit. And the storyline is complex --- many points of view, many lifestyles, multiple flashbacks. But, I found the characters either unlikable or just plain dull. |
| Sally |
| Dark Dreams by Michael Genelin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A creative take on the police procedural, this mystery is set in Slovakia and is the second in the Commander Jana Martinova series. She travels far afield, to Ukraine and Austria for example, to solve murders and absolve herself and best friend Sofia of corruption charges. |
| Sally |
| No Mercy by John Gilstrap |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The excitement just keeps building in this fast-paced thriller. John Gilstrap creates believable characters and non-stop action as Jonathan Grave tries to prevent an unfolding catastrophe. |
| Julie H. |
| Me, My Elf and I by Heather Swain |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was an fish-out-of-water tale. In this case, our heroine is a teenage elf, not the little guys who work for Santa, but a tall, forest-loving elf. Zephyr's family has moved from the wilds of the Upper Pennisula, MI to Brooklyn, NY. Her father, Drake, is an indie/folk musician determined to see if he can make it mainstream. He's the one who finds a performing arts high school in Brooklyn for Zephyr to attend. There, she must learn to deal with highly emotional "erdlers" (humans). A bit of romance, revenge and true friendship make this a delightful little story. |
| Julie H. |
| Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love it when I read a book, and sometimes, it's just what I expect it to be! TWENTIES GIRL was a fabulous story, one of Kinsella's better stand alones. Lara Lington is in her 20s, recently on her own in the job world, the kid her parents always worried about "making it." The book begins as the family (what little of it deigns to attend) her Great-Aunt Sadie's funeral. Her only claim to fame, goes the eulogy, is that she made it to 105. Suddenly, Lara is being haunted by the young ghost of Sadie, who is unable to rest without her beloved dragonfly necklace. The story goes on at a mad-cap pace, with people thinking Lara is either crazy and talking to herself, or on the world's smallest hands-free set. There are a lot of laughs mixed in with a few poignant moments --- just a great read. |
| Bett |
| Beside Myself by Sandy Moore |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Moore's memoir of her childhood, growing up in Frost, Texas on a cotton farm, is both hilarious and moving. Her fondness for the place and the town, her love of the animals and her family shine in this first book, and it contains both photos and drawings from the author. Using the perspective of the little girl who rode horses, drove tractors, went fishing with her daddy, played with generations of barn cats, Moore manages to give us an intriguing glimpse of a very personal family dynamic that is both touching, funny, sometimes sad, but always full of warmth. |
| ck |
| Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Short stories from Kenya, Nigeria, Ethopia. They're painful to read, but are about unforgettable situations. |
| Joshua Weinstein |
| The Adventures of the Nature Family by Angela A. Andrews |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
My daughter, Annalisa, loves this book. It is about an Australian family's adventures along the Queensland coast. They go on trips to islands and the Great Barrier Reef to swim, snorkel and explore. They discover the exotic animals and enjoy the natural surroundings. The book has many different stories about this family that loves nature and animals. Really good for the kids and teenagers! |
| Ozarks Reader |
| Gifts of War by Mackenzie Ford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of the best I've read in a long time. A British solder, Hal, and a German soldier, Wilhelm, meet at the famous Christmas Truce of World War I. Wilhelm gives the Hal a picture of his British sweetheart, Sally Ann Margaret, better known as Sam, and asked if he sees her, to please give her the picture and wish her well. Hal, the British soldier, finds Sam and the story goes on from there. It's obvious what will be the end of the story, but how will we get there? In short, GIFTS OF WAR is a historical, fascinating, romantic, suspenseful story that will keep you turning pages and --- at the same time --- not wanting the story to end. |
| T. Thomas |
| Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I really expected more from Dalziel's story. |
| T. Thomas |
| Black Hills by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I usually like Nora Roberts but this one seemed to go slowly. |
| T. Thomas |
| Knock Out by Catherine Coulter |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Fast-paced thriller. |
| T. Thomas (toy@tuffmail.com) |
| The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Traditional "whodunit" with a twist --- the detective is 11 years old. |
| Carol H. |
| The American Painter Emma Dial by Samantha Peale |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Emma is an artist who not quite sure of her ability to make a living at it. Instead, she paints huge canvases for a well-regarded artist, and puts his name on them. She needs courage to strike out on her own! |
| Carol |
| My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud'Homme |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a very enjoyable memoir. I have only been exposed to Julia Child through her cookbooks. Child's great nephew has done a wonderful job capturing Child's character and tones. Our book club will be reading JULIE & JULIA in the spring. I'm so glad to have read this first! |
| Jud Hanson |
| Lucifer Gospel by Paul Christopher |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Archaeologist Ryan returns in Paul Chrisopher's second novel of the series, THE LUCIFER GOSPEL. This adventure takes Finn on a trip to Africa in search of the lost tomb of the apostle. She is teamed up with photographer and pilot Virgil Hilts on an expedition to Libya to find the tomb. After narrowly escaping death in Cairo at the hands of an assassin, they figure out that they are part of more than just a simple expedition. When the mysterious leaders of the expedition start making daily trips out into the desert to cave, Finn and Hilts sneak out there on their own and discover a medallion bearing the name of the fallen archangel and an old plane wreck. They are soon running for their lives, as they try to learn what the medallion really means and what it can lead them to. Their journey takes them around the world and they must decide what to do with the treasure if they find it, since it could shake the foundations of Christianity. This book is an interesting one, but not nearly as good as THE DA VINCI CODE, which I think most people would agree is the gold standard for these information-could-turn-Christianity-on-its-head novels. I like the premise of the novel but don't think that it goes far enough. The characters are believable enough and the story follows pretty much the same format as similar novels. The difference here is that the Catholic Church isn't involved at all, which would have added a lot to this novel. However, this is a good book and may be a good choice for someone if they find THE DA VINCI CODE too involved to follow. Overall, I'd give this 4 out of 5 stars and believe fans can look forward to many more good novels from this author. |
| Kim S. |
| A Trace of Smoke by Rebecca Cantrell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Without ruining the suspense --- It's 1931 Berlin and Hannah Vogel, a crime reporter working under the pseudonym Peter Weill, is walking the Hall of the Unnamed Dead. She's looking for a story and is shocked to find a picture of her brother, Ernst --- a cross dressing cabaret singer --- at the infamous El Dorado. He had a very bad habit of getting involved with the wrong people. Hannah can't immediately report his death to the authorities, or even claim his body for burial, for no one must know, not even her sister. Facing a city immobilized by staggering inflation and unemployment, the growth of Nazism and political corruption, Hannah has no one to turn to for help. Who can you trust when it is hard to know where the sympathies of even your co-workers lie, people you share your life with every day. Hannah's resolved to investigate Ernst's death on her own, jeopardizing her job and her already fragile relationship with friends and family. This historically accurate and suspenseful plot will have you racing through the pages. Cantrell does an exceptional job of conveying the fear, isolation, and brutality of a pre-Hitler Germany but she also deftly reveals the resolve and sacrifice it took to stand up and fight. It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel as it provides a lovely balance of political intrigue, mystery, history, and suspense. The amount of research Cantrell undertook to insure historical accuracy is impressive. |
| Kim S. |
| Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Tim Blake is just your regular guy: a car salesman in Connecticut who's divorced, but trying to maintain a civil relationship with his ex Susanne and her successful new boyfriend. He has their 17-year-old daughter, Sydney, living with him for the summer, and working down the road at the Just Inn Time Hotel. Sydney is good looking, bright, friendly and it's not surprising she got a job right up front on the desk. A regular guy, a regular day... until his daughter doesn't come home from work and no one at the Hotel knows where Sydney is; even worse, they don't know who Sydney is --- she's never worked there. A parent's worst nightmare a missing child and a Police department that's treating her has a runaway and you as a suspect. Obviously Tim and Susanne didn't know their child, or did they? Tim will do anything to track his daughter down, anything. This book is a fast read with enough plot twists to keep you turning the pages, although a number of the threatening situations and blind alleys are rather predictable. The use of everyday people caught up in extraordinary circumstances is certainly captivating but the flat characters hurt the narrative a bit. If you want a fast-paced thriller with plenty of violence, give it a try... it's worth a summer read. |
| Fran |
| The Sunday List of Dreams by Kris Radish |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Overall, the storyline was cute. A woman has a mid-life crisis and sets out on a journey to find and make amends with her daughter. She reawakens her sexuality when she locates her daughter who now runs a sex toy shop. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Seven-year-old Calli Clark has not said a single word in four years. This "elective mutism" began with a very traumatic episode between her drunken father and her pregnant mother. Now Calli and her best friend, Petra, are missing in the forest near their Iowa homes. Of course, everyone is frantically searching for them --- except Calli's father, who is missing too. Very compelling book. |
| Laura Barbich |
| Roadside Crosses by Jeffery Deaver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have always loved reading Deaver and this is one of his best. A lot of action with a lot of twists --- and I mean a lot of twists!! I could not put this book down, and finished in 2 days! Read this one! |
| Julie Sorum (julyso@grandecom.net) |
| I Can See You by Karen Rose |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am reading I CAN SEE YOU right now and I am loving it! It is a suspense novel about murders that are somehow connected to a virtual world online game. The main character, Eve WIlson, is intriguing and is in the middle of it all --- can't wait to finish it:) |
| Mary |
| A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is full of surprises and the harsh Wisconsin winter is a perfect backdrop for deceit, poison and love. |
| Julie M |
| Etta by Gerald Koplan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
There is very little known about Etta Place, who was a member of the Hole in the Wall Gang and was the Sundance Kid's woman, but Koplan brings her to life and I especially loved that she was tough and kind. I loved her relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt. It seemed fitting that these women would be drawn to each other. Great read! |
| Lesa D |
| The Moscow Club by Joseph Finder |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Good, but kind of a plodding thriller about a coup during Gorbachev's time and a McCarthy era mystery. The storyline itself is somewhat believable but the action is pretty unbelievable. Still, a good beach or rainy day read. |
| Lesa D |
| The Price of Butcher's Meat by Reginald Hill |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
I have read almost all the Dalziel and Pascoe mysteries, but I had to force myself to get through the first 100 pages of this one. And then I stopped because I just couldn't go any further. The style of telling the story through e-mails and rambling taped conversations with oneself just didn't work for me. Although I love Dalziel, I just couldn't stay with it long enough to care about how he solves this case. I will give the book one thing --- the cause of death is unusual! |
| Lesa D |
| Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Funny, literate coming-of age mystery. This book is hard to describe because it's all of those and more. You just have to read it for yourself! |
| Elizabeth V |
| The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Put shortly, Audrey Niffenegger's THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE is the story of Claire and Henry. They meet when she is 6 years old and he is an adult, but in real time, he is only 8 years older than she is. Henry is a time traveler. Because Claire is not a time traveler, she is always in real time and grows up with Henry at various ages, sometimes older, sometimes younger. Sometimes they're both in real time. And we watch as their love develops. But Niffenegger has put together a beautiful love story, not something drippy as love stories almost always are. And this certainly is not a romance novel. But THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE is also, obviously, science fiction. After I began reading THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE, I thought it was going to be monotonous even if not a silly love story. The dialogue was so well written, though, I continued to read it. But I'm not the love story type, so I still wasn't optimistic. It was the continual time travel that I thought would get monotonous. Instead, I became attached to Claire when the story was told from her point of view, then attached to Henry when it was told from his. I can count on one hand the number of novels that have affected me the way this one did. I suggest you see if it does that to you. |
| Dave Siegel |
| One Step Behind:A Kurt Wallander Mystery by Henning Mankell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a fine police "mystery" set in Sweden with interesting characters and a bizarre crime. My only complaint is that this novel could have been set in almost any locale. Despite the critical commentary to the contrary, I don't see all that much sense of unique place in the story. |
| Tom Carrico (tomcarrico@comcast.net) |
| The Spectator Bird by Wallace Stegner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
1977 National Book Award - a primer on how not to grow old. |
| Elizabeth V |
| Courting Trouble by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Lisa Scottoline's COURTING TROUBLE is a novel she wrote back in 2002, a continuation of her series about an all-female law firm. It had seemed to me that Scottoline likes to present legal dilemmas, and I said so when I reviewed another of the books in this series. But COURTING TROUBLE doesn't do that to the extent that other book did. While there is a legal dilemma, a sexual harassment case, that seems to be just a sideline to the real action: one of the law firm's newer associates' life is being threatened. Anne has recently moved to Pennsylvania from California, where a man had stalked and attempted to murder her. He has de Clérambault's syndrome (also called erotomania), the delusional belief that someone (Anne, in this case) is in love with him. But he's in jail now, Anne thought. Surprise, Anne, he's here! So the other associates, Judy and Mary, and the law firm's owner, Bennie, join Anne's search for the escaped convict. And it all takes place over the 4th of July weekend, making for lots of crowds in Philadelphia but easy disguises. I won't say this was a bad book. It was one I would have liked when I was young, say high school age, and many other people would enjoy this as I would have then. But I found it to be a bit Nancy Drewish mixed with romance. I'm not saying romance novels are bad. But it all seems silly in a book purported to be a thriller. Therefore, the book hit me the wrong way. I read it, though, because it deals with de Clérambault's syndrome. I first read about de Clérambault's syndrome in an Ian McEwan novel, ENDURING LOVE (not a romance novel, in spite of its title, and which I highly recommend). This novel involves a married man who is stalked by another man who has de Clérambault's syndrome, although, as stated in an appendix to ENDURING LOVE, the "subject" with the syndrome is usually a woman who has an intense delusional belief that a man, the "object", usually of higher social standing, is in love with her. COURTING TROUBLE would have been a far better book, certainly more interesting, if de Clérambault's syndrome had been more central than the activities of the four lawyers (Anne, Bennie, Judy, and Mary), which came off as corny. If the "subject" had been described, maybe even examined, from the beginning of his delusion, if the story included the time before he was imprisoned and after he escaped, I might have enjoyed this book more. But I did find interesting one paragraph in COURTING TROUBLE: ". . . It was an erotomanic who stalked Madonna and Martina Hingis. And Meg Ryan. The man who killed that TV actress, Rebecca Schaeffer? He had de Clérambault's." |
| Kelley Tackett |
| At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream by Wade Rouse |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have read Mr. Rouse's other two books (AMERICA'S BOY and CONFESSIONS OF A PREP SCHOOL MOMMY HANDLER) and this one does not disappoint. Mr. Rouse and his partner Gary move to Saugatuck, Michigan to live a more "Thoreau"-like existence. Hilarity ensues. If you like David Sedaris, give Wade Rouse a try. He is a truly gifted writer and is laugh -out-loud funny. |
| Janet English Griffin (nhrambler@yahoo.com) |
| The Big House by George Howe Colt |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you have ever had a special place where you went for the summer or any season, you will connect with this book. This is a story about a place and the families down through the years who spent their summers there. |
| Gail C. |
| Raven Black by Ann Cleeves |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was the first book I've read by Ms. Cleeves. I found the setting of the Shetland Isles very conducive to a mystery. I already have the next book in the series, WHITE NIGHTS, and look forward to the final two books in the quartet when they are released. |
| Susan Farrand |
| Testimony by Anita Shreve |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Anita Shreve is an amazing writer and this novel, while based on a disturbing pretext, is very well executed. The characters develop so well and each contributes to the story. This book shows that you don't have to like each character in a book to be fascinated by them. |
| Julie M. |
| Brooklyn by Colm Toibin |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Story of a young Irish girl who comes to America because she is unable to find work in Ireland. I read this because it is longlisted for the Mann Booker, but I am questioning why. It was just ok. |
| Jean M |
| The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A really great thriller. It's the first in a series, all of which I plan to read. |
| Coral Harrison |
| The House on Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper Stuart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a true story about Liberia. It tells the horror of the wars there, and how Helene is able to get to England and the US. She goes back to Sugar Beach later, but knows she will never really go back there. Very well written. |
| Coral Harrison |
| Whisper to the Blood by Dana Stabenow |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a continuing story of Alaska. Each one is better than the last. You do not need to go in sequence, but it helps. |
| Sal Williams |
| Forever, Erma by Erma Bombeck |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I remember reading her first syndicated column in the Cleveland paper (she is from Ohio) and laughing madly and proudly at this local gal's humorous take on life as a mother and a housewife over a 30 year span was a window into family life and its treasures and tribulations. This book brings back so many fine memories of days and columns past. She died way too early. One of my favorite columns begins with the words, "I am one of those devoted wives who wants to up retirement age for men to age 95." Another is "I have the social life of a sedated parakeet." Both lines got an out loud chuckle out of me...again. Need a lift? Read some Erma. Think your life has no reward system? Read some Erma! As Phil Donahue said at her memorial service, "We shall never see her likes again." True to form for a woman of her fine character, all book sale proceeds go to charities and educational causes Erma supported in her lifetime. |
| Tami Winbush |
| First Family by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
So very descriptive and wonderful! I cannot remember when a book has had me on the edge of my seat so often and so wonderfully. Kudos! |
| Tami Winbush |
| Twilight by Stephanie Meyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Love this! Very good even though this is a young adult book. |
| linda (bedelljp@bellsouth.net) |
| The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
After a while, you forget that a dog is telling the story. This novel really reels you in and makes you think you are reading nonfiction. My emotions really took hold when I read about the in-laws and what they did to the main character and his daughter. |
| Janice Hoaglin (jhoaglin@sbcglobal.net) |
| The Writing on My Forehead by Nafisa Haji |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is excellent writing in what I believe is the first novel by this author. This is the story of a family that spans the globe, from the U.S. to England to India and Pakistan. At the center of the story is Saira Qadar and her immigrant parents and older sister. The mom is a traditional Muslim, though not in the strictest conservative sense, but raises her girls with a close rein. Ameena, the older sister, is the ideal daughter, but Saira is much more independent and curious about the world. As Saira becomes an adult she crosses the globe exploring stories as a journalist; she also frequently visits family in Karachi and London. The tragedies and joys of this extended family are so finely articulated that this book was hard to put down. The story encompasses both the personal and the much broader implications of world events. |
| Marsha |
| The God of War by Marisa Silver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
You will not soon forget this heart-rendering coming of age tale of a boy whose burden of responsibility for his mentally challenged brother and his desparate longing for a different life will stay with you for a long while. This is food for thought for book groups and a fine read for anyone who has experienced the woes of a burdenson childhood. |
| Lea Ann in Seattle (baxtergr@msn.com) |
| Columbine by Dave Cullen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
While revisiting this horrendous event is not pleasant, learning the truth about what happened, what led up to it and the aftermath from an authoritative source with the skill to put it all together in a readable manner was interesting and fascinating. It sets aside the rumors, speculations and just plain misinformation. Well worth the time spent with it. |
| Audrey Anderson |
| Walking in Circles Before Lying Down by Merrill Markoe |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the story of a dysfunctional family that ends up coming out on top in the end. Well, maybe not the apex, but they do climb out of the pits. Helping this come to pass, is Chuck. He's a dog and our heroine suddenly begins to hear him talking. Not only him, but all the other dogs in her life of which there are many since she works at a doggy daycare. |
| Darby Lohrding |
| The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Totally unnerving and on your seat the whole time you read this book...I feel like I'm missing clues, which makes me reread and then I realize, no I haven't missed anything...this is a goood mystery! |
| Lea Ann in Seattle (baxtergr@msn,.com) |
| The Language of Bees by Laurie R. King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The latest book in Ms. King's series of books re Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell is as entertaining as those which preceded it. Like the first book in the series (which are best read in order) Sherlock's bees hold a clue to the mystery as danger is afoot for both he and Ms. Russell. A book, a series, of which Conan Doyle would no doubt approve. |
| Julie H. |
| The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
After almost 50 years as a wife and mother, Enid is ready to have some fun. Unfortunately, her husband, Alfred, is losing his sanity to Parkinson's disease, and their children have long since flown the family nest to the castastrophes of their own lives. Desperate for some pleasure to look forward to, Enid has set her heart on bringing the family together for one last Christmas at home. |
| Julie M. |
| The Vagrants by Yiyun Li |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Set at the end of the Cultural Revolution, it follows revolutionaries and their family and acquaintances through a troubling, unsettled time in China's history. A side of China I had not read about before. I look forward to other offerings by this author. |
| Laura Phillips (loranmu@hotmail.com) |
| Night Over Water by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
As usual, an excellent book by Mr. Follett. I really like this one because it has a lot of humor in it. I'm not finished with it yet, but I am enjoying the trip! |
| Louise |
| Last Witness by Jilliane Hoffman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you can get past the language (I had a hard time with that and almost quit reading several times), you will probably enjoy this book. The 2nd novel written by Ms.Hoffanm it's a sequel to RETRIBUTION. After reading it, I bought her next 2 books, and it was the connection to RETRIBUTION that kept me reading. In fact, I do not believe that the book would be very easy to read without having gone through the original--there are too many references to happenings in it. State Atty CJ Townsend who was targeted for murder in the previous book finds herself in the same position again, and it's involving the same case. |
| Louise |
| Dearly Beloved by Wendy Corsi Staub |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I wanted to go back and read Wendy's first book. She has improved over the years; nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read with interesting characters. Three single gals have each gone to an inn on Tide Island. They are strangers to each other, but another "stranger" directed each of them to come, and they don't realize there is a connection to them all being there at the same time (until it's too late). |
| Louise Pledge (LouBabe@juno.com) |
| The Perfect Couple by Brenda Novak |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In my opinion, this is Brenda's best. I'm watching for it to make the NY Times best seller list. This is an addition to the Last Stand seriesand features Jonathan, the PI for the Sacramento group who aids victims of crime. He becomes involved in the case of a missing 13-yr-old and acquainted with "the perfect couple" who live next door to the missing girl. |
| Audrey Anderson |
| The Rats, The Bats & The Ugly by Dave Freer |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
#2 in this sci-fi series by Dave Freer. Maybe because I did not read #1 or maybe because my mind was just having a hard time focusing, I almost abandoned this book about 4 times. Every time I was about to put it down, it got good. Finally I was hooked and after taking 2-3 weeks to read 200 pgs. I got through the next 300 in 2 days. This is a book for those who like things with a sense of humor. Reminded me of the first one in the Disc World series, which I gave up on. This finally hooked me, though. The rats and bats have cyber chips implanted and are conscripted to the military. The rats speak Old English and the bats have Irish accents. There are two levels of society --- the land owners and the vats. Our hero is in the military and he is a vat. There are also two alien species. One has crash-landed on the planet in an effort to warn the people that the other is on their way to conquer them and by doing so ruin their ship so they remain to support the humans against the second group. This is all a ruse as the second group and them are in cahoots. Our hero rescues a landowner who has been kidnapped by them with the help of the rats and the bats. The powers that be who are conniving with the aliens are wanting him tried on trumped up charges so he can be done away with. She is brought home under the "care" of their appointed physician. The question is, who will save the day --- the hero or his lady love --- and will humanity finally realize they are being infiltrated by aliens planning to take over rather than being helped by them? It has lots of characters that I stumbled over at first and which, I think, would have been easier to cope with if I had read the first one. But, I finally focused and got with it and enjoyed the read. I can think of two guys I know who would devour this. Good ending. It's amazing the places Elvis sneaks into. |
| Susan |
| The Deep Blue Sea for Beginners by Luanne Rice |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The books is well written but some plot moves seem contrived. She has characters explain things that I prefer to read as the plot unfolds. Interesting concepts about connects between mothers and daughters on a postive level. |
| Carol Lane |
| The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Illes |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This phrase is seriously overused, but I could not put the book down. It's a fast moving plot featuring Penn Cage as the Mayor of Natchez; he must deal with a corrupt casino riverboat organization which threatens the well being of his town, family and friends. |
| Mary Ann |
| Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Jodi doesit again! She makes you think and presents characters points of view. Here we are dealing with a young man who murdered a little girl and step dad. The mom was 8 months pregnant. Eleven years later the little girl needs a heart. The man on deaths row wants to donate his. Is he atoning? Is he Jesus reincarnated. His spiritual advisor and priest was on the jury that convicted him and he has been remorseful all these years. The lawyer who takes the case is Jewish. The agnostic gospels are mentioned. Its quite a journey and when you think its over another stunner about the "murderer". |
| Mary Ann |
| True Colors by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very good look at the dynamics of sisters and life on the ranch, spanning 16 years. The oldest is a perfectionist lawyer, the middle sister a junior league wannabe and peace maker, and Vivi, the youngest, is the golden child. Their mother dies when they are all young. The father is remote and reclusive. Jealousy abounds and there is a time that sides are chosen. Vivi's life takes a turn when Dallas, the new ranch hand, comes to town. More scandal. There is betrayal, murder, teenage angst, children, drinking and drugs... A very enjoyable read with the right ending. |
| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
| Loose Girl by Kerry Cohen |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A story of a young girl's promiscuity. |
| Laura Barbich |
| True Evil by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Greg Iles is one of my top 5 and TRUE EVIL is one of his best! I love a story I can really get into and this one has it all. If you have not read Iles before give this one a try and you will be hooked! |
| CC |
| The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This author always comes through with great thrillers and he didn't disappoint this time. |
| Penn Chone |
| The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Set in 1950s Hong Kong, an English piano teacher is caught up in a complex scenario of love and war. The vividly described setting, and the variety of well developed characters make this a very enjoyale read. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| The Sugar House by Laura Lippman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is another in the Tess Monoghan series set in Baltimore. This novel deals with eating disorders and political favors. With all the favors and corruption in politics, you wonder how any laws are passed. Lippman also touches upon the role of the lobbyist--what a sleaze. I enjoy Lippman's Baltimore setting with all the smells and tastes. The characters could use a little more development. In this novel, Tess's parents' house is burned. Also, Tess is forced to move out of Kitty's loft apartment. But, Crow and Tess are buying a house together. A great way to spend an afternoon. |
| Jean M. |
| New Tricks by David Rosenfelt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is #7 in David Rosenfelt's series featuring Andy Carpenter. It has all of the fun dialog that we expect from Andy. It is a legal thriller that you'll love. |
| Anne G. Edwards (EdwardsA@missouri.edu) |
| Jericho's Fall by Sephen L. Carter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I found this spy/mystery novel on the New Books shelf at the library, and once I got it home, I couldn't put it down. I had enjoyed the author's EMPEROR OF OCEAN PARK but missed his two novels which followed that one. I will need to go back and read them too, as Carter can involve one in a tale and not let go! |
| mary Ann |
| Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This fun summer read is the story of triplets and their 33rd year leading up the an astonishing 34th birthday celebration. One is a perfectionist, one a drifter, and the other reeling into anger and depression after her husband admits an affair and she miscarries. Add in the spunky grandma, the overbearing mother, the absent dad re-appeared and a sweet boyfriend, prince of a husband, a bratty step-daughter and a precocious 2 year old... and a lot of alchohol! A fun read. It's pretty realistic because they fight and laugh and the mother does not rose color their growing up years. Set in Sydney Australia. Fun. |
| Marsha Miller |
| Children of Jihad by Jared Cohen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
What I liked about this book is the way the author teaches us how homogeneous young people of the middle east are NOT. Each group he highlights has a really different perspective on life and politics. He describes how young people disregard religious differences in the nightclubs of Lebanon. He describes the almost Mormon like work ethic of the Kurdish young people. It was fascinating, though the author's personality was a bit of a distraction at times. |
| Nancy |
| Where the River Ends by Charles Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful love story about Doss Michaels and his wife Abbie. The story goes back and forth between the present and the past. Abbie is from the upper class of Charleston, SC - her father is a Senator and former Governor. Doss lived in a trailer park. But they fell in love and brought out the best in each other. The story deals with Abbie's struggle with breast cancer, how she teaches Doss to feel the beauty in things and to paint them. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. |
| Rebecca Cox |
| The Mystery of Grace by Charles de Lint |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Grace rebuilds antique cars, has tattoos and meets the love of her life two weeks too late. De Lint always tells a wonderful story with mystery, a touch of fantasy and memorable characters. Everyone will love THE MYSTERY OF GRACE and it will stay with you for a long time. I highly recommend this book. |
| Marisa |
| When Night Falls by Cait London |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An above-average romantic suspense novel. What lifts this above the multitudes are three dimensional characters that the reader really cares about. The romance is sweet and sweaty, the mystery was well-done. A great summer read. |
| Richard Bartels |
| Debt of Honor by Tom Clancy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The world is at "peace," and Jack Ryan is the National Security Advisor. Here Clancy is exploring what has become known as the "new world order." As always, great plotting, and fast paced. |
| Linda (bedelljp@bellsouth.net) |
| The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An absolutely absorbing story that melds the story of the 19th wife of Brigham Young and a murder of a current polygamy practicer. This is a historical novel at its best. |
| Marsha Miller |
| Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing by Leslie T. Chang |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book gives us a window into the lives of the people who make most of the stuff we buy these days. Eighty percent of the factory workers in China are women because the male children are obliged to stay in the village and care for their parents. The whole family dynamic is changing as these young women return to their families for holidays and diffuse innovations they've adopted in their city life. The author also weaves in some historical info from her own Chinese ancestors, who emigrated to the States. In addition to recommending this book, I'd like to recommend people watch "Manufactured Landscapes" - a documentary about an artist who photographs landscapes changed by humans. There is a major portion of this film about factories in China, which helps flesh out the visual aspect of the FACTORY GIRLS book. |
| Julie H. |
| Summer House by Nancy Thayer |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The extended Wheelwright family comes together every summer at their Nantucket home. This year, the Family Meeting may be tempestuous, as Charlotte has finally made a go of something--her organic roadside garden. The other arms of the family are crying foul, as Charlotte rents her acres from Nona for a pittance. The story shifts between matriarch Nona, her daughter-in-law Helen and granddaughter Charlotte. Nona's story shines, her memories of being a young war bride entering the wealthy, staid Wheelwright family are great and in the present of the story, she is the type of old lady anyone would want to be. I enjoyed Nona the most, Charlotte was certainly necessary for the propulsion of the story, but Helen just felt like filler. |
| Jeannie Hoover (jeanniehoover@embarqmail.com) |
| Even Steven by John Gilstrap |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved the book, the author and the way he tells his story. He had me hooked from page one. Small chapters that keep you reading, great characters and story line. A story of dirty deals gone bad and a young mother who suffers the loss of her little boy, to be found by strangers who were also suffering from loss. A story of justice being served, love, faith and a wonderful ending!! A great law enforcement system working together to solve the puzzle. Amazing author!! |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| Apples and Oranges by Marie Brenner |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Ms. Brenner and her brother were polar opposites. She moved to NYC to make a career as a writer. Her brother left a lucrative law practice to become a conservative apple farmer. They were like oil and vinegar - apples and oranges. I had looked forward to reading this book since I heard of it and I had read previous works by Brenner. This was a disappointment. It was not told in chronological order, she threw in first names anticipating that the reader would figure out who was whom. It took until the end of the book before I knew which name was her husband. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| A Deadly Affair by Tom Henderson |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is true crime book about a woman who has been shot. Her husband claims he was out of the room & it was an accident but the police are suspicious. This book plods along with too much detail that doesn't matter. It was hard to get through it. |
| Patricia Ezzell (patriciart@aol.com) |
| Midnights Children by Salmon Rushdie |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
So far I am enjoying this completely. I love reading authors who have a different voice than I am used to. This is filled with witty views on a terrible time in the history of India told through fiction. |
| Julie C.C. |
| Game Control by Lionel Shriver |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
Well-written, but a terrible story. The characters are awful people, and it makes no sense why they would care about each other. The "plot" is so, so dull! All they talk about is population control. I suppose the suggestion on how to control the world's growing population (particularly in Africa and Asia) is supposed to be shocking, but the whole story is so awful, you aren't shocked and you don't care. Shriver's newer books are worlds apart from this junker. |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| The Might Queens of Freeville by Amy Dickinson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Amy Dickinson, the heir to Ann Lander's column, now dubbed "Ask Amy," comes from a long line of single-again, strong women. She relates stories, mostly about herself, of her life as a native of Freeville, NY. |
| Peggy Kincaid (cali_lb@msn.com) |
| Wrongful Death by Robert Dugoni |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a great story. Mr. Dugoni has written only a few books but they're all keepers. In this book he brings back the main character from THE JURY MASTER. Once you start this book you won't want to put it down but you also won't want to finish it too fast. It is simply that enjoyable. David Sloane's life seems to be settling down to a more normal ine and then a rather unusual case arrives, one he should turn down but doesn't. From there the ride is on and this is a well paced book with a lot of action. Take this one with you to the beach or on vacation and just immerse yourself. You won't regret it. |
| Marsha |
| Drawing In the Dust by Zoe Klein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An American archeologist risks her professional reputation when she follows her instinct to help uncover spirits who are reputed to be the prophet Jeremiah and his lover. Full of lyrical language and beautiful prose this moving tale written by a rabbi unearths not only bones and spirits but buried emotions and explores the power of love and passion. |
| Sue, Saratoga |
| House on Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A true story, written by a journalist who grew up in Liberia as a child. Her family adopted a poor child but lost her when they fled during the war. she goes back as an adult & searches for her. |
| Rebecca Cox |
| In Their Blood by Sharon Potts |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Jeremy and Elise's parents are murdered. Now Jeremy tries to find out who killed them as he deals with becoming responsible for his little sister Elise. This mystery is a good easy read that deals with growing up, family love, greed, hate and finding a way to get through it all. This debut crime novel keeps you guessing till the very end. |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The tie-ins between and among the characters is interesting, but somewhat unbelievable -- too many gaps and unanswered questions. The sexuality became confusing. My reading club will be discussing this book later this month -- we'll see. |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This a superb thriller, featuring Jack McEvoy (The Poet) . Don't be discouraged by the computer tie-in -- I didn't have any idea about some of the "geek speak," but it didn't overwhelm me. It is fascinating that computers could be so invasive -- amazing. This is one of Connelly's best yet. |
| Patricia Gibby (pgibby1@yahoo.com) |
| Evermore by Alyson Noel |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a YA novel about immortals. Surprisingly I like it because I usuall read mysteries. |
| Barbara S. |
| Morning Glory by La Vyrle Spencer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful story of a pregnant widow barely making a living on a run-down farm and an ex-convict who answers her ad for a husband. Two needy people become a truly loving couple who suffer through World War II and a terrible crime. |
| Tanya |
| Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The book was slow with incidents thrown in to keep the reader interested. The end was much faster paced. This is the first book I have read by this author. It has short chapters so it was a quick read. Not one of favorite books. A father looks for his daughter through a web of lies. |
| Kathy Vallee |
| Sleeping With Fear by Kay Hooper |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a wonderful writer this is one of the best series I have read in a long time. In this book Riley who is a clairvoyant finds herself up against one of the best killers she has met and to top it all of it seems her senses have left her and she is all alone since all the other FBI are on other cases. Hard to put down. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| In Big Trouble by Laura Lippman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
#4 in Tess series set in Baltimore. This story takes Tess to Texas and the Alamo to aid ex-boyfriend, Crow. I like the story's jump into history with the little tidbits of history on the Alamo, and of course, the local customs and taste in food. The plot is a little weak at times, but the characters and setting work very well. |
| KD Wolff |
| Executive Power by Vince Flynn |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I don't usually read action books about CIA and terrorism, but this book was excellent. It would really make a great movie. Vince Flynn is an incredible writer and really does his research for reader believability. |
| Mrs. Mattison (nursemims@msn.com) |
| Girl on a Motorbike by Helena Mims |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Buy it on Amazon.com. There isn't another book out there that dishes out the raw truth of what women go through to ride motobikes in a male dominated sub-culture. If you liked CATCHER IN THE RYE you'll appreciate this books style. Honest. |
| Laura Barbich |
| Trust No One by Gregg Hurwitz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The only thing wrong with this novel is I wish it were longer! This book is nonstop from the first page on. The action never lets up and there are a lot of great twists. Pick this one up for sure! |
| Fran |
| The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
What a unique little story! I love how Garth Stein chose to tell the story of this family through the eyes of the dog! Hilarious at times and touching at other times, we are taken on a journey into the world of racing and the life of Denny. Denny is fighting for custody of his daughter, after his wife passes away. Very cute! |
| Lee |
| The Wise Woman by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I'm not sure what to make of this dark tale of betrayal and obsession. None of the main characters were likable, yet I felt great sympathy for them anyway, especially the young girl Alys. Her descent into lust and despair was as heartbreaking as the stunning conclusion. I can't say I enjoyed this book, but the story gets under your skin and stays with you in a haunting kind of way. |
| JaneAnn Railey |
| Before I Wake by Dee Henderson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Good read but I figured out the killer before half way through. Just kept reading to see about all the characters and how they go about gettin bad guy/gal. Worth the time but not to die for. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Official Privilege by P. T. Deutermann |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
OFFICIAL PRIVILEGE is a fascinating book that takes the reader inside the workings of the Pentagon and the Navy. The book opens at a Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where the U.S.S. Wisconsin is being prepared for storage. While making the final preparations, one worker makes a grisly discovery in the boiler: a body in a Naval Lieutenant's uniform. Still reeling from the Tailhook fiasco, the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) assigns employee Grace Snow is paired with Cmdr. Dan Collins of the Pentagon to investigate the discovered body. The reality is that the forced collaboration is politically motivated-one government agency trying to outdo another. When they discover that the Naval Lieutenant found in the Wisconsin had a sister, also in the Navy, who was killed in a supposed hit-and-run accident 2 years earlier, the investigation takes a strange turn. As it turns out, the sister was pregnant and her brother suspected the father was a high-ranking Naval officer. Snow and Collins both know that the last thing the Navy needs is another sex scandal. When they voice their theories to their superiors, they are both removed from the case. This only strengthens their resolve to get to the truth. Unknown to both Snow and Collins, they are both in the crosshairs of the Naval officer who was having an affair with the female Naval officer killed in the hit-and-run. He has been directed to ensure that Snow and Collins cease looking into this matter and actually tries to kill them by blowing up Snow's house. The race to find the killer and solve the mystery will leave the reader breathless. What I liked about this book was the realism of the plot. Tailhook, of course, was a real scandal and it did damage the Navy's reputation for many years. The plot appeared to be well developed and the way that both the NIS and Pentagon were portrayed as working comes across as very real. The characters are well developed and believable. All-in-all, this is a good book to have when you need to pass some time. |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was an odd book. It wasn't really a novel that told a story from beginning to end. It was a series of chapters that jumped around and told about this girl, Jane and her life. Her love life, her life and relationship with her family. The author thru in a chapter about some neighbors of Jane's aunt. I wasn't sure exactly what the point of it was or why it was even in the book. It was interesting and I was hoping for another chapter so I could find out the "rest of the story". There was a saying in this book that really stood out for me. "Sometimes you're loved because of your weaknesses. What you can't do is sometimes more compelling than what you can". Very interesting thought. I can't say I didn't like this book because I liked the main character. She was funny and her story is entertaining. However, I wish the book flowed better. I wish the chapters were linked instead of sporadically placed throughout the book. The book kept my interest, I read it in a day but it is definitely not one of my favorites. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Lisabeth Salander, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, is back in this new thrilling sequel. During much of the book, Lisabeth is being hunted all over Sweden by the police for her alleged part in the murder of 3 people. But Lisabeth is very elusive, and the police have no idea where she is. But we, the readers, know; and we follow her through her life as she attempts to find out the truth behind the murders. This is a multi-layered book, and it's not a fast read. There is so much information on each page that I had to read rather slowly at times to take it all in. It was well-worth it though, because the ending was about as thrilling as any I've experienced. There is one more book to be released about Lisabeth and her friend Mikael Blomqvist. The author died shortly after finishing the three manuscripts, so there will be no more. Darn! |
| Jud Hanson |
| Deep Fire Rising by Jack Du Brul |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Jack Du Brul once again does a superb job with his hero, geologist and Presidential Science Advisor Philip Mercer, who has the charm of James Bond and the ingenuity of MacGyver. This book opens in typical fashion, setting the groundwork for the primary plot, in this case a global apocalypse. As the story opens, Mercer is hired to excavate under the highly secretive Area 51. He begins to suspect all is not as it seems when a saboteur tries to kill him and his team. Then, while recuperating in the Luxor in Las Vegas, he barely escapes with his life after he is attacked by unknown assassins from a secret Order based in Tibet. Du Brul takes the reader on a wild ride across the world with Mercer dodging attempts on his life and trying to stop the Order's plans for global domination in the wake of an unimaginable cataclysm. . What is so striking about this book is the depth of research that Du Brul did in researching his topic. As in all his books, many of the places are real and much of the plot is real, i.e., the Canary Islands are a real place and they do have a history of violent volcanic eruptions. The science contained in the book is also quite factual, perhaps embellished a little bit by virtue of literary license. The flow of the story is steady and there are no awkward timeline shifts which require flipping back to a previous chapter. Overall, I found the plot very believable and the characters quite engaging. The book started strong, kept me interested throughout and finished with me wanting more. There are few authors that make me want to call in sick in order to finish the book and Du Brul is near the top of this list. Du Brul has hit the one out of the park with his fantastic and believable characters and plot development, every bit as good as Clive Cussler with NUMA's Dirk Pitt or Jeffrey Deaver with forensic expert Lincoln Rhymes. |
| Carol Grubbs:Dade City Lib Book Club |
| The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book and could not put it down. Fantastic is the one word I would use. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| A Whole New Life by Reynolds Price |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A very poignant memoir about dealing with life's struggles. I am experiencing my own problems, and was very wary of reading this book, but Price handled the situation very well. He never demanded pity, but stood adamant against the loss of his legs and healthy life style. I found the use of hyponosis and biofeedback a wonderful way to control/manage pain. |
| Brady (bradylee@myway.com) |
| Easy Company Soldier by Don Malarkey with Bob Welch |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you saw "Band of Brothers" on HBO, then this story is a different outlook on what happened during WW II in the Battle of the Bulge and elsewhere. This is a grand memoir of one soldier who lived through the carnage of those times with an excellent rundown of the paratroopers training. If you are into WW II action, you will love this book. |
| Maria (maria.d.tana@gmail.com) |
| Dragon House by John Shors |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
My sister is a part of the Amazon "Vine" program, so I got to read this novel before it's publication date. I'm so glad that I did! What a wonderful novel. DRAGON HOUSE is the story of a group of Vietnamese street children who are helped by two Americans and a Vietnamese police officer. The Americans have come to today's Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to open a center for the street children. This center will educate, protect, and house the street children. And they need protection, because many are the pawns of Saigon's petty thieves. I was so happily surprised by this novel. I knew almost nothing about Vietnam, but fifty pages into DRAGON HOUSE, I felt like I was there--driving a scooter, smelling the spices, seeing the sights. The country and characters came to life in such a powerful and profound light. I cried and rejoiced in this book, which isn't usual for me. I am telling everyone I know about this novel, because I feel like it's one of those rare novels that can change your life. I know that it's made me want to volunteer, to make the world a better place. I know that it's in my power to do so. I couldn't recommend DRAGON HOUSE any more strongly. I highly recommend it to book clubs and to individual readers. I'll be on the lookout for more of the author's work. |
| Maria (maria.d.tana@gmail.com) |
| The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I actually like a lot of Oprah's picks, but this wasn't one of them. I thought that story was way too long and slow. And the end, it just left so much to be desired. There is some good writing here. There are some things to applaud. But overall, I just don't think this novel is worth the hype. |
| Suzanne L. |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An abandoned hotel being refurbished uncovers long lost possessions of Japanese families that stored the belongings they could not bring with them as they were rounded up and escorted into internment camps. The discovery stirs old feelings long held at bay by Henry Lee, who as a young Chinese boy of 13 fell in love with a Japanese girl named Keiko. Keiko was swept away to an internment camp and due to circumstances beyond their control they never saw each other after one fateful visit. The story is wonderful as we move back and forth in time between the 1940's during the war, and the 1980's after the death of Henry's wife Ethel. We fall in love with the friendship of Henry & Keiko and our heart breaks as Jamie Ford depicts the horrible time when all Japanese Americans were rounded up and imprisoned in their own country. Loved this book! |
| Fran |
| Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
FIREFLY LANE tells the story of two girls, Kate and Tully, who form a lifelong friendship. Although somewhat predictable, this book held my interest and kept the pages turning. The cultural references of the time period was a lot of fun for me since I grew up in the same time period, and could relate to the various references. I loved the dynamics of these two very different women, and how the decisions they made affected each other's lives. At the risk of a spoiler... stop reading if you don't want one.... keep a box of tissues with you for the tear jerker at the end! Overall, this was enjoyable and I read it fairly quickly. A good summer read. |
| Laura Barbich |
| The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have loved every one of Brad's books. Going by the title, I wasn't sure about this one, but it blew me away! I hope he keeps writing for a long time to come! |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| The Corps: Semper Fi by WEB Griffin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
(#1 of The Corps Series)-This was a very interesting book. It is not really a book I would have picked out to read. However, the ladies in book-club highly recommended this so I thought I would give it a try. I am glad I did. I was fascinated by the subject line. This was about Ken McCoy, a Marine who was enlisted right before the attack on Pearl Harbor. You get some really great info on the Marines and the hierarchy of this part of our armed forces. But the author also had a great fictional story that kept me turning the pages to find out what was happening next. Inevitably, I figured out I need to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next and I am very excited about it. This was very good. |
| Genie |
| Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An excellent read, Pratchett once again weaves a tale made up of several plots and sub-plots. There are enough twists and turns in this one to keep any reader interested. A serial killer preys on local merchants. He/she begins, as the rhyme goes, with the butcher, the baker and the the candlestick maker. The murders take a different turn when an Ankh-Morpork Patrician falls ill. He is being slowly poisoned and so Inspector Grimes (with the help of his offbeat crew) must speed up their investigation before its too late. Another plot concerns the town golems. They have begun destroying themselves for no apparent reason. Captain Carrot discovers the hereditary king of Ankh-Morpork and continues to side step the title he doesn't want. Sound confusing? As usual, the solution is found in the chaos! |
| Pat |
| Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In the style of her previous books, Wells brings us a warm and touching story. |
| Kaye |
| The Chocolate Lovers' Club by Carole Matthews |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Lucy Lombard and her three friends Autumn, Nadia and Chantal all have diverse life styles and seemingly have not much in common but one thing: their love of chocolate and man troubles. When one of them has a problem, they call the others and all meet at Chocolate Heaven, a small gourmet cafe that specializes in their addiction. Let's take a look at the characters: Lucy, a somewhat hapless temp has been dating serial cheater Marcus for some years now. Despite her friends telling her to dump the loser, she is holding out for Marcus to change his ways and become a permanent fixture in her life. Ha! On a whim without calling first, Lucy visits Marcus to find him in flagrante delicto with another woman. Lucy gets her revenge by visiting his flat ( yes, she still has a key) when Marcus is not home and leaves some "surprises" in his very expensive suit pockets, his Italian loafers and under the couch cushions. Marcus keeps tellling her he loves her and his wandering will never happen again. Lucy feels bad about what she did to his clothes. Hmmm, sort of. Autumn works at a drug rehabilitation center for teens. Unfortunately, she cannot seem to get her brother off of drugs and he wrecks havoc with her lifestyle. Autumn is somewhat of a wishy-washy character and didn't get too much response from me other than to wish she would grow a spine. Nadia is married to Tim who has an addiction to on line gambling. When she can't take anymore, she packs up her son and moves out despite Tim's protestations that he has kicked the habit and will attempt to stick to his plumbing business. I liked Nadia. She seemed to be a strong woman who really cared about her family and did what had to be done. Ah, now we come to Chantal, a very successful and sexy woman whose husband doesn't care too much about their floundering, almost non-existent love life. Chantal decides to seek out what she has been missing and on her next business trip picks up a handsome stranger in the hotel. When she wakes the next morning, her jewelry, purse and laptop are all missing. How on earth is she going to explain this to hubby? She calls the other members of the Chocolate Lover's Club and tells them the whole story. After virtually calling her an idiot, Lucy comes up with a plan to make it all right again. The four friends will pull off a heist of their own and extract a little vengeance after they lure the thief to a very upscale hotel. This is where the book started to become very amusing to me. Up to this point it was sort of just okay chick- lit but the hotel caper had me in hysterics. Matthews starts hitting her comic stride with the revengeful antics and from then on there are several more humorous happenings to Lucy at work that made the book redeemable and go from an initial 2* (eh, can take it or leave it) rating to a 3*. A lot of the book is predictable and I'm not too sure I would read a sequel but it is still an enjoyable read with an ending that does wrap up nicely. If you like romantic comedy, chick- lit or just want to read something very light and amusing, you might try this one. |
| Kaye |
| Benny & Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Delightfully captivating love story between two totally diverse Swedes. He's a dairy farmer and she's a librarian. What do they have in common? Nothing really. Where did they meet? In the cemetery where Shrimp visits her husband's grave and Benny visits his parents'. Sounds like an unlikely match? That's what these two characters thought too, but they find they just can't live without each other. Quirky yet wonderful characters in a story that will charm you right from the beginning. |
| Marsha |
| The Apostle by Brad Thor |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Covert counterterrorism operative, Scot Harvath, is faced with big rescue problems in Afghanistan. Lots of heart-pounding action, as well as, a side story regarding Presidential wrong-doing. |
| Ann A. |
| Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horwitz |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I really didn't know a whole lot about the Civil War. The author becomes a Civil War reenactor so he can get a perspective on what people currently think about the Civil War. It was really an eye-opener for me. He writes about how people who live in the South feel about the war. And I learned a lot of history without feeling like I did. I recommend the book for anyone who likes journalist's accounts, and for those interested in the south and the Civil War. |
| Donna |
| Mounting Fears by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you have not read anything of Stuart Woods -- try one. He writes exciting suspense books. You will be glad you did. In this book President Will Lee and his first lady and CIA director are facing his re-election campaign, crises and skeletons in his closet. They are also dealing with the return of a dangerous fugitive. So there is plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat. Enjoy the adventure. |
| Jean |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Great character development and a heart warming story. The book leaves you wishing you good correspond with the characters. Great read. |
| Jack Tomai |
| Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Once again Lehane has written an intriguing, clever, thrilling tale that will keep you up long after your bedtime. A modern masterpiece with a terrific ending. |
| Debi |
| Patty Jane's House of Curl by Lorna Landvik |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Set in Minnesota beginning in the 1950's, and spanning about 20 years, Lorna Landvik tells the story of the lives of two sisters. Patty Jane, finding herself raising a daughter alone, decides to open a beauty parlor. I liked the warmth and style of this book, although some of the characters could have been developed a little more. This book made me laugh...and cry! |
| Angela |
| Love in the Corner Pocket by Marlene Perez |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It isn't predicting. I would recommend this book to teens. People can relate to the backstabbing and finding yourself. |
| Debi |
| Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I liked PATTY JANE'S HOUSE OF CURL so much that I decided to read this one! I'm so glad I did! This book kept me more involved than the other one. In ANGRY HOUSEWIVES, a group of women from a neighborhood decide to start a book club. It was interesting to see the books they chose beginning in the 70's and continuing to the 90's. I found it heartwarming as well as heartwrenching. |
| Rita B. |
| The Glassblower of Murano by Maria Fiorato |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I loved this book! I have been lucky enough to visit Venice and Murano so I could picture the settings. This is one book that jumps back and forth from history to present day without totally confusing the reader. Its a lovely first novel. |
| Sara Miller (Skkmiller@live.com) |
| Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fabulously lively story of Italian nuns. As compelling as anything Dunant has ever done. |
| Sara Miller (Skkmiller@live.com) |
| What French Women Know by Debra Olliver |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A pop culture filled revelry of The French Mystique. A fun and entertaining look at the French woman through the eyes of American born and French resident, Olliver. |
| Sara Miller (skkmiller@live.com) |
| Sweet Mary by Liz Balmaseda |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An interesting debut. Suspense fans will surely take to the former realtor turned quasi bounty hunter. It is a story you've read before, but will enjoy again. |
| Sara Miller (Skkmiller@live.com) |
| While I'm Falling by Laura Moriarty |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Moriarty keeps getting better and better as her third novel depicts the changing relationships within a family during its' impolsion. |
| Sara Miller (Skkmiller@live.com) |
| Sweeping Up Glass by Carolyn Wall |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is amazing. Told in the classical southern tradition. It is sure to conjure up deserved comparisons to Harper Lee's TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Read it. |
| Laura Barbich |
| The Footprints of God by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Don't let the title fool you! I have always loved Greg Iles books and this is one of his best. It's not the same old thing, and it never lets up on the action and twists! |
| Laura Barbich |
| Paranoia by Joseph Finder |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a very good book! I was looking for something to get away from all the P.I., Cop novels out there. This book has a great story line, a lot of action and a few good twists!! |
| Mindy (sbmj693@yahoo.com) |
| Sliver Of Truth by Lisa Unger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Haven't finished yet, so far so good though. |
| Shirley Smith (ssmith5811@aol.com) |
| Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just find her novels sooooooooo funny. Quick read. Fun and I learned a great deal about roses, fainting goats, and swans. I can't wait to see a fainting goat up close and personal. Donna Andrew's books are like potato chips--as soon as you finish one you are ready for the next one. |
| Mindy (sbmj693@yahoo.com) |
| Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Gripping debut novel. Very fast paced. Looking forward to the next one. |
| Jane (janebeatty92083@hotmail.com) |
| Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the spiciest book I have ever read. It has alot of twists and turns and keep you up to the very last page. I highly recommed Janet's books. |
| Jessica |
| I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is an underrated classic, and one I can't believe I'm just now reading--I know I would have absolutely loved this book in my teenage years. It's a whimsical coming-of-age story with an unforgettable, spirited protagonist. Highly recommended summer reading, this book is just the thing for anyone looking to escape into another, more enchanted world. |
| Debby H. |
| Escape the Night by Richard North Patterson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I usually enjoy his books. This did not grab my attention as much as his other books. Seemed to take a while to get in to the book. |
| Margi |
| Killer Summer by Ridley Pearson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Pearson's latest installment in his Sheriff Walt Fleming series does not disappoint. While this is a standalone novel, I would go back and start reading from the beginning of the series before reading KILLER SUMMER. |
| Syd |
| The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
You must read this book. Put aside all your other reading and experience the thrill a wonderful read gives you. Remember those days? Well, they are back again with this book. Do not miss it. |
| Sharon |
| Home by Julie Andrews |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
According to the titile this is a memoir of Ms. Andrews' early years. I was surprised to learn that she did not magically appear in My Fair Lady but was groomed for the stage since she was a young child. Her family life did not out of Walt Disney either. With the hand that she was dealt, it is surprising that she has not given into the demons that plagued her family. |
| Glenn |
| Swimsuit by James Patterson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This one was a co-authored book centered around a serial killer, which are the ones I think JP excels at. This one started out pretty good, but for me went kind of flat partway through, when an ex-cop turned reporter for the L.A. Times is introduced as a character. I don't want to reveal anything to spoil it for those who haven't read it, but I thought the storyline from there was contrived and unrealistic. Overall, just an OK read. |
| Candice Michalik |
| Dog on It by Spencer Quinn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am listening to this and it is so funny! It is a mystery told from a dog's point of view and both the author and the narrator have that dog, Chet, spot on. |
| Ali |
| Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I loved this book and can't wait for the next one to see what happens to the characters. I love her writing. |
| Gina R. |
| The Soloist by Steve Lopez |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A tale of courage and the enduring spirit of mankind. Nathanial Ayers is a man broken in mind by a disease, but not broken in spirit. Music is often said to sooth the savage beast, and if disorders of the mind are likened to an unbridled animal, this point is made loud and clear. Mr. Ayers very fibers of being are glued together with his escapes into music. His life struggles show his commitment to staying in this world, while helping to raise the spirits of Steve Lopez, disallusioned columnist. Take a journey in another man's shoes and experience life as seen from the other side.... Happy reading! |
| Ana Marie |
| Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first time I have given any book 5 stars. I can do this with all Ms. Picoult's books that I have read so far. This story takes place in Amish country. A newborn is found dead in a barn, wrapped in a man's shirt. Eventually a young Amish girl is arrested for the murder but she claims she has never had sex and certainly never gave birth. Well the evidence proves otherwise. An "Englisher" who as it turns out is the girls cousin takes on the case even though it means she will have to move in with the Amish until the trial (if there is one). No more luxuries, no phone, etc. She is bound and determined to save this girl from prosecution but doesn't get much help from the accused who won't or can't admit that she gave birth. |
| Mary |
| The Bolter by Frances Osborne |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A biography of the author's great grandmother, Idina. Idina was married and divorced 5 times! This is the story of her interesting life in England and Kenya in the 1920s. Better than a romance novel! |
| A. Brim |
| Beyond Eden by Catherine Coulter |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Lindsey is a successful model in New York but is dealing with a past that changed her forever when her brother-in-law assaulted her as a teenager. The story of family relationships and attempted murder. |
| Jon |
| The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wonderful book about food and China. Highly recommended. |
| Kathy Vallee |
| Chill Of Fear by Kay Hooper |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great read I could not put down. A group within the FBI who are all special in their own way. |
| C.C. |
| Homer & Langley by E. L. Doctorow |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book and came to care about these two eccentric brothers. A fascinating look into the minds of unusual characters. |
| Jenn CM |
| Gone (book 1) Hunger (book 2) by Michael Grant |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This series is found in the young adult section, but is worth reading for everyone! In a small town one day everyone 15 and over disappears. The remaining kids struggle with very adult ideas. They are cut off from food supplies and must make the best of what they have, and it is a bit scary when the oldest is 14 and has to take charge. This is a great series for kids and adults and soon two more will come out in this series. I highly recommend these book to anyone. |
| Marjorie Clark (marjorie_clark2000@yahoo.com) |
| The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the family that put the "D" in dysfunctional. Parts of it made me mad to think that these parents were getting away with the way they were raising their children. At some point I stopped reading because the authorities in the states where they lived did nothing and no one noticed that these children were starving, dirty and raising themselves while the father drank and the mother painted. Otherwise it was well written even though I wouldn't put my personal life out there like that. |
| Charmaine Donovan |
| Abercrombie Trail by Candace Simar |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This historical fiction is an excellent story about one man's immigration experience and his assimilation into foreign society in Minnesota during a crucial time in history: the Indian uprisings of 1862 during the Civil War. Told through the eyes of Evan Jacobsen, a Norweigan young adult, we learn first-hand of life in a new country and the perils and joys that await him during these tumultuous times. I thoroughly enjoyed the rich detail regarding the landscape and the day-to-day activity of settlers in very primitive times. Travel the ABERCROMBIE TRAIL with Evan as his dreams take him far from home to a place he grows to love, though it is not without a price. Evan becomes a man as he assumes responsibility for himself and to others. This is a book I will read again--one I will recommend to all avid readers. I came away with a greater appreciation for all who came to America for freedom and stayed despite the incredible adversity. |
| BK |
| The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you enjoyed A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS or KITE RUNNER then you'll enjoy this book too. A highly intelligent Pakastani is sent to Princeton where he graduates at the top and gets a much coveted job and falls in love with a rich American girl. Then 9/11 happens. The novel is a journey from his desire to be an all American guy to discovery of his inner most feelings about the Western world vs. his own heritage. |
| BK |
| The Grave Tattoo by Val McDermid |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A tattooed body is discovered in the peat in the Lake District. Could it be the body of Fletcher Christian who was related to William Wordsworth? Could there be a long lost poem left by the great poet that tells the tale of what really happened on the Bounty? A typically great British murder mystery with good character development and plot. |
| BK |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is Ford's debut novel about an older Seattle man's look back at his youth during The War Years. He relives the glad and the sad of being a 2nd generation American-Chinese boy whose parents wanted him to be American, but keep the family traditions. It's a tale of young love and loss. Misunderstandings and compassion. A warm story of the struggles of fitting in. I enjoyed every scene that the author painted in my mind as the boy's story unfolded. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| The Devil's Queen by Jeanne Kalogridis |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A novel about Catherine de Medici, of one of the powerful families of Florence, who marries Prince Henri of France, and is mother to three kings of France. The tale of political cunning and royal endeavors that involve Nostradamus and occult and astrology are well told by Kalaogridis and greatly follow the history of the 1500's. I will probably read another of this writer's books. |
| Renee |
| Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Published 10 years ago, this book stands the test of time...and has some eerily timely messages for very present day political and social situations. Beautiful, hysterical, moving, intense. READ THIS AGAIN! |
| Stavros |
| Miracle Cure by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Coben hooks you quickly as in the other seven novels of his I have read this summer. A clinic may have found a cure for aids but there are those who do not want it to happen. |
| Cindy |
| Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I discovered this book in one of those wonderful independent bookstores I wandered into on vacation. After reading it overnight, I went back in to buy the rest of the series. Great mystery story with some Minnesota Ojibwe Indian information. The main character has been a sheriff but has some career and family conflicts going on for drama. I've now added William Kent Krueger to my fave list of mystery series writers who create a great sense of "place" with their creative plots. Those faves are: Nevada Barr, CJ Box, Steve Hamilton, Jonathan King, Randy Wayne White, Tony Hillerman and William Kent Krueger. |
| BK |
| The Lace Makers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A young woman from Oregon travels to her mother's homeland to escape a broken heart. She meets and becomes part of a group of women in a remote village who make lace. If you enjoy Maeve Binchy books, then you'll enjoy this one. |
| Mary Preston (marypres@gmail.com) |
| Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The cattle drive from Texas to Montana is rife with renegade Indians, sad whores, young cowboys, ex-Texas Rangers & treacherous outlaws. Brilliantly written with humour & attention to detail. The characters are diverse & beautifully developed. I want to cheer for the good guys & string up the bad guys myself. The land becomes another character - dangerous & unrelenting. A Pulitzer Prize winner for a good reason. |
| BK |
| Los Alamos by Joseph Kanon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you haven't read Joseph Kanon's books, then you're missing one of the best contemporary writers. LOS ALAMOS is set in 1943 at the cusp of developing the bomb. The characters are employed there, but the story is a murder mystery that takes place away from the secure . |
| Sue, Saratoga |
| The House on Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Helene grows up in Liberia as a child & then comes to America. Her family had adopted a poor Liberian child when she was young, but had to leave without her when they fled. Helene goes back as an adult to find her. |
| Elizabeth V |
| The Reluctant Fundementalist by Mohsin Hamid |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Mohsin Hamid's THE RELUCTANT FUNDEMENTALIST is a story within a story. One is the clever telling of the other. At a café in Pakistan, a Pakistani man tells his story to an American man. The two are strangers. We learn about the Pakistani man through his narrative. The American remains a mystery throughout. In paragraphs between parts of the Pakistani man's story are hints about the American, the purpose of his encounter with the Pakistani, and perhaps even the Pakistani man's purpose in telling his story. In this short novel, the Pakistani man tells of coming to America to attend Princeton and then work for high wages at a New York company. He falls in love with an American who's in love with a dead person. But, she's rich and gets him into all the right places. He can live the high life with her. Then, surprise, he decides on 9/11 that he's disillusioned with America and finds that the country is that big, bad, obnoxiously rich and power-hungry nation that waves its flag as if it can't get over itself and is stuck in some black-and-white movie. He smiles at the sight of the destruction of the Twin Towers. I wouldn't have bothered reading more. But I had read so many reviews of THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST that were favorable and praised its suspense. I figured something must be about to happen that would justify all this, and it was such a short book I stuck with it. The Pakistani man continues to describe his disillusionment with America and his doomed love affair. He goes on to explain why he is back in Pakistan and what he is doing there. I guess the reviewers thought the mystery American was suspense. The Pakistani man speaks of the necessity of knowing history but obviously knows little history himself. He complains more than once about the awful Americans invading Afghanistan for no reason and of Pakistan helping America but the Americans refusing to take their side when they go to war with India. He, of course, doesn't mention the Taliban in Afghanistan and their promise of another 9/11. He also forgets (I don't know how since he lived there) that Pakistan and India have been going at it with each other for years and that this war with India was a frequent occurrence. So the Pakistani man's story is told, and he and the American man are still at the café at the end of the day. And then comes the ambiguous end. My guess is one of two possibilities. I can't recommend this book. |
| Elizabeth V |
| Courting Trouble by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Lisa Scottoline's COURTING TROUBLE is a novel she wrote back in 2002, a continuation of her series about an all-female law firm. I've read some of her other books --- LOOK AGAIN is my favorite so far --- and it had seemed to me that Scottoline likes to present legal dilemmas; I said so when I reviewed another of the books in this series. But, COURTING TROUBLE doesn't do that to the extent those other books did. While there is a legal dilemma, a sexual harassment case, that seems to be just a sideline to the real action: one of the law firm's newer associates' life is being threatened. Anne has recently moved to Pennsylvania from California, where a man had stalked and attempted to murder her. He has de Clérambault's syndrome (also called erotomania), the delusional belief that someone (Anne, in this case) is in love with him. But he's in jail now, Anne thought. Surprise, Anne, he's here! So the other associates, Judy and Mary, and the law firm's owner, Bennie, join Anne's search for the escaped convict. And it all takes place over the 4th of July weekend, making for lots of crowds in Philadelphia but easy disguises. I won't say this was a bad book. It was one I would have liked when I was young, say high school age, and many other people would enjoy this as I would have then. But I found it to be a bit Nancy Drew-ish, mixed with romance. I know there are many great romance writers here on Gather along with many romance readers, and I'm not saying that's a bad thing. But it all seems silly in a book purported to be a thriller. Therefore, the book hit me the wrong way. I read it, though, because it deals with de Clérambault's syndrome. I first read about de Clérambault's syndrome in an Ian McEwan novel, ENDURING LOVE (not a romance novel, in spite of its title, and which I highly recommend). This novel involves a married man who is stalked by another man who has de Clérambault's syndrome, although, as stated in an appendix to ENDURING LOVE, the "subject" with de Clérambault's syndrome is usually a woman who has an intense delusional belief that a man, the "object," usually of higher social standing, is in love with her. COURTING TROUBLE would have been a far better book, certainly more interesting, if de Clérambault's syndrome had been more central than the activities of the four lawyers (Anne, Bennie, Judy, and Mary), which came off as corny. If the "subject" had been described, maybe even examined, from the beginning of his delusion, if the story included the time before he was imprisoned and after he escaped, I liked COURTING TROUBLE more. But I did find interesting one paragraph in COURTING TROUBLE: ". . . It was an erotomanic who stalked Madonna and Martina Hingis. And Meg Ryan. The man who killed that TV actress, Rebecca Schaeffer? He had de Clérambault's." |
| Steve (hemingway23@comcast.net) |
| The Book Thief by Mark Zusak |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am not in the YA age arena; however, I have been intrigued by reviews to read several YA books and have been pleasantly surprised on how well written and intricate the plots can get. This book was written with a very unusual approach in that Death tells the life story of a young girl, Liesel Meminger, in Germany during WWII. Throughout the book, Death will give you foreshadow of events to take place in the future. I highly recommend this for both young adults, as well as, older adults. |
| Genie |
| The Dead Sea Cipher by Elizabeth Peters |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It began as a tour of the holy land with scheduled visits to various places of importance in biblical history. The tour turns into more of an adventure than she was prepared for when Dinah van der Lyn hears angry voices through the wall of her hotel room in Beirut. A crash and a brief cry for help (in English) is the beginning of a journey filled with spies and counter spies. Dinah finds herself dragged into a situation she knows nothing about but is unable to convince the main players involved of this fact. The only solution is to put her trust in the stranger who guides her through the streets of Jerusalem, hoping he will lead her to safety and not into a deadly trap. |
| Darcy O. |
| Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is from the Hannah Swenson series. Hannah owns a bakery in central Minnesota and always ends up in the middle of a murder mystery. This one involves a murder during the filming of a movie in Hannah's hometown. This was a fast and fun read with lots of great cookie recipes. |
| A. Brim |
| Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
When the plane that Bailey Wingate has chartered crashes, she and the pilot, whom she has never liked, survive six days on a mountain in the freezing cold. The story of how they survived and formed a relationship. The twist at the end is surprising. |
| Sharon Elliott-Fox |
| The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
There's not enough about lace or lace reading --- it seems to be an artificial element in the book, as many other things could have taken the place of the lace and been just as effective. |
| Jean M. |
| Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is #6 in the Maisie Dobbs series. I love them all. Anyone who has not read any of them should give them a try. They are set in England in the time between WWI & WWII. Very interesting! |
| Sharon Elliott-Fox |
| The Lace Makers of Glenmarra by Heather Barbieri |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Delightful scenery, wonderful, believable characters! Memorable! |
| Billie McHam (bmmcham@cox.net) |
| Purses and Poison by Dorothy Howell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
You will love her books if you are a shopoholic especially if you shop for knockoffs. She reminds me alot of Joanne Fluke. |
| Billie McHam (bmmcham@cox.net) |
| Handbags and Homicide by Dorothy Howell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Funny, suspenseful, and if you are a shopoholic, you will love her books. |
| F. Tessa Bartels |
| God Save the Mark by Donald E. Westlake |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Oh, this was fun! I admired Westlake after reading THE AXE. Now I'm absolutely in love! |
| Steve Barbich IV |
| The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was blown away by THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO --- I didn't think it would be that good, but it was! The follow up is just as good. I like a book you can really get into, and this is it! |
| Lynne Perednia |
| Schemers by Bill Pronzini |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The Nameless Detective series gets better and better as Pronzini shows common themes in separate cases with continuing characters worth caring about. |
| Patricia Gibby (pgibby1@yahoo.com) |
| Savage Run by C. J. Box |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I have never really thought of a game warden as a policeman. C. J. Box is very descriptive and always has a good mystery. |
| Patricia Gibby (pgibby1@yahoo.com) |
| 18 Seconds by George D. Shuman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was skeptical of reading about paranormal at first, but Shuman pulls you in and you want to keep reading until the book is done. Keep em coming. |
| Arthur Harriman |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In the subplot, the mystery of a vanished girl is resolved through the detection of a serial killer. Yet, fascinating as is the detection conducted by the protagonists (a journalist and the girl of the title who are sometime lovers), there is an embracing larger plot that holds the reader to the last page. |
| Patricia Gibby (pgibby1@yahoo.com) |
| The Dogs of Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really enjoy reading about the author's life on a farm with his dogs. Having two dogs myself, I really find his stories fascinating. If he continues to write them, I will continue to read them. Awesome! |
| Jaye |
| Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great book about friendships enduring even after a period of enmity (in one case) or (in another case) total oblivion. |
| Jaye |
| Hope In A Jar by Beth Harbison |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Like the author's other books about the shoe obsessed, but in this case, the obsessed are in love with PRODUCTS! A lot of fun to read! |
| Jaye |
| Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great-aunt Sadie returns, to urge her great neice (another Becky Bloomwood-like character) to solve some family mysteries. Funny, light and my favorite so far this summer. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| Final Appeal by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Grace is a single mother working for a judge who she adores. When he is found dead, the report says is suicide but she doesn't believe it. This book has enough surprises to keep you interested. |
| Mitch (fourthwhite@yahoo.com) |
| The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am doing this one as an audiobook and enjoying it soooo much. Great styling from the 3 readers for this book. It is one of Gardner's best book and very scary and strange. I am about halfway and have NO idea where this willl end up. I cannot recommend this one enough! |
| Mitch (fourthwhite@yahoo.com) |
| The Chancellor Manuscript by Robert Ludlum |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am going to rediscover my love for Ludlum this summer. I haven't read his books since the 70's so I can actually reread them and they feel completely new! This is a great book. It is very suspenseful and very detailed. It is so easy to understand why he became the master of the spy novel that he was. He would have been a perfect match for Alfred Hitchcock! What great movies Hitch could have made from his books... |
| F. Tessa Bartels |
| Cats in the Belfry by Doreen Tovey |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
2.5 stars Only okay. To begin with - I'm not that into cats. This is dated circa 1950, and very English in its humor besides. I think I see why it has charmed so many, but it's not really my cup of tea. |
| Doro |
| The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
As usual, Anne Tyler's books just grab you because they are so real. The marriage of Michael and Pauline has many ups and downs and how they handle them is what makes this book so interesting. |
| Jean |
| The Paper Moon by Andrea Camilleri |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I found this Italian police procedural to be equally as good as the Donna Leon's Italian police procedurals. This Italian author is beautifully translated into English. The plot was very involving and the sense of place (Sicily) was interesting. I will definitely read more by this author! |
| Marsha |
| The French Gardener by Santa Montefiore |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a romantic tale that intertwines two stories revolving around a french gardener. Those who love romance novels will enjoy the nurturing of love, family, community and gardens. |
| Steve Barbich IV |
| Rules of Vengeance by Christopher Reich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a great follow up to RULES OF DECEPTION. If you love a lot of action and plenty of twists, you will love this book! |
| Cindy DeVore (CindyDevor@aol.com) |
| Smaldone by Dick Kreck |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the story of the Smaldone family's rise in the Mafia in Denver, Colorado. Clyde Smaldone is an enigma. One moment he's fighting for the underdog, building churches, and feeding hungry people, the next he's bootlegging, murdering, running casinos, hanging out with politicians and presidents. If you like books about the real Mafia, this book should be on your reading list. |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an interesting book about the rewards and hazards of a truly close friendship. It will engender an excellent discussion of what friendship is. When are the lines crossed? Caring? meddling? intruding? Invading? Each of our reading club's members had a different take on Kate and Tully as individuals and as friends. |
| John Caldwell (brewerjohn@metrocast.net) |
| The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Just started it as a vacation book. The first 309 pages have had me up late!!!!!!!! |
| Gail White (Joycegail23@aol.com) |
| The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very witty, fun, and original first book by Hester Browne. It's about a woman who goes from doormat to diva when she sets up shop. Quite enjoyable. Nice to read something lighthearted. |
| Diane Pollock |
| Get Real by Donald Westlake |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Last chance to romp with Dortmunder, this time on the set of a reality TV show! |
| Patricia Schrot |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I enjoyed the book and the story behind it of the rounding up of Jews in Paris during World War II. It's about what happened to them, and the Parisians who knew about it --- those who helped and those who ignored the roundups. |
| Patricia Schrot |
| The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I eagerly awaited this new book by Iles and while it had a great plot, I was really turned off by the very descriptive animal cruelty. Friends and fellow readers have told me that they won't read it for that reason. |
| Patricia Schrot |
| The Apostle by Brad Thor |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am a fan of Scott Harvath, but this book didn't quite match his previous ones in my opinion-although I did enjoy it. |
| Patricia Schrot |
| The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved it. It's full of suspense, and kept me guessing 'til the last page. |
| Mike Patt (michaelenepatt@comcast.net) |
| Trust No One by Gregg Hurwitz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just started reading this author and am thrilled to find another great thriller writer. |
| Barbara s |
| The Wine Seekers by Linda Bilodeau |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The story is set in the wine-producing area in Italy. Nicola is the son of a vineyard worker and works in the vineyard himself. He and the daughter of the vineyard owner are in love. When the owner finds out his daughter is in love with a peasant, he arranges for his daughter to immediately marry the son of another vineyard owner, hoping to combine the vineyards and become more rich and powerful. Nicola learns of a secret in his family's past which, when he uncovers, will change his life and social status. The two lovers reconnect after each have married another and the ending is surprising. |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an outstanding book of vignettes about Olive, a retired schoolteacher; her husband; and other residents of their town. Their lives touch and sometimes overlap. The result is an incredible insight into human relationships, oibles, and interaction. |
| Betty |
| Relentless by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another great story. It has all the things I want from A Dean Koontz novel --- the supernatural, not-quite-believable events, and an ending that ties everything together. I'm just glad the critic's review in the story isn't real life or we'd have a lot less reading to do. |
| Julie |
| The Stand by Stephen King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Epic novel about a flu strain that kills most of the people in the U.S. except a few who must band together and fight the evil force that wants to destroy them. This page turner is classic Stephen King. |
| Keith Berryhill (hoodjamesa@aol.com) |
| The Believers by Zoe Heller |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
Boring story about a dysfunctional family with secrets and affairs. Orthodox Judaism is a main idea of this story. It didn't hold my interest. |
| Mike Patt (michaelenepatt@comcast.net) |
| The Crime Writer by Gregg Hurwitz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the second book by this author I have read and will not try to find all his books. |
| Laurie W. |
| A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this coming of age story. It is exciting, happy and very sad at times. The protagonist Francie is very well developed character that you can relate your own childhood too. A must read for everyone! |
| Eileen Quinn Knight |
| Netherland by Joseph O'Neill |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Since I am originally from NY this book captures what it is like to live there. It is a charming and psychologically appealing book as it celebrates the friendship of two very different people. After reading Chirs Cleave's LITTLE BEE this book also adds to the plight of the immigrant in the United States. |
| Ed Hahn (ed_hk@yahoo.com) |
| A Darkness More Than Night by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An excellent example of Connelly's ability to create a plot that twists and turns and in the end, leaves the reader astounded as the truth comes out. I can't summarize the plot without spoilers so I will only say that it follows two threads: tracking Harry Bosch as he testifies and helps the DA out during a sensational murder trial and re-introducing Terry McCaleb of BLOOD WORK, who takes on a profiling assignment as a favor for a friend. The two threads eventually tangle up in surprising ways and also eventually untangle in equally surprising ways. Connelly's characters are, as usual, flawed but in non-fatal ways. I am in awe of his ability to crawl into the heads of his characters as they struggle with their own morality and mortality. While undemanding of the reader, this book is, nevertheless, a fascinating story and well worth the time to read. |
| Ed Hahn (ed_hk@yahoo.com) |
| Absolute Rage by Robert Tanenbaum |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I had ignored Tanenbaum's (or is it Gruber's) Butch Karp/Marlene Ciampisuspense series for a few years. A few months ago, I picked up RESOLVED, enjoyed it immensely and was intrigued by its many references to the previous story, ABSOLUTE RAGE. As in most of these novels, the plot starts out in mundane ways and keeps getting more and more unreal but by the time you are at the point where believability is totally threatened, the story has you hooked. In this case, a family Marlene and Butch barely know is massacred in West Virginia and Marlene gets involved at the request of a surviving son, Dan, who is her daughter's boy friend. Butch is eventually dragged in and the fun begins. Before you know it, dozens of people are killed or maimed and the good guys win though at a high cost. Whether justice is done, becomes a moot question. The characters are interesting, especially Lucy, Butch and Marlene's oldest daughter, a phenomenon who can speak over 40 languages and Tran, an ex-Viet Cong fighter turned gangster, who loves and protects both Lucy and Marlene whenever asked. This series is more than a guilty pleasure but less than a literary adventure. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next offering on my bookshelf, HOAX. |
| Ed Hahn (ed_hk@yahoo.com) |
| Vagabond by Bernard Cornwell |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The second volume in the Grail Series, this story was not nearly as interesting or exciting as the first installment, THE ARCHER. It opens with the 1346 battle of Neville's Cross in Northern England, which is peripheral to the main plot of Thomas of Hockton's search for the grail, supposedly under the control of his family and has been hidden by his dead father. It ends with the 1347 battle of La Roche-Derrien in Brittany between the forces of Charles of Blois and the English occupiers. In between, Thomas struggles with his doubts that the Grail even exists and travels around England and Northwestern France while working off his guilt at not being able to save his two early travel companions from being murdered. As usual, Cornwell's battle descriptions are as good as any in historical fiction. His description of this Middle Ages' environment is also excellent. I was particularly impressed with his analysis of the power and influence of the Catholic Church in those days. The story does tend to drag, though, through the middle of the book. Nevertheless, I will continue with the third book in the series, THE HERETIC. I also recommend this offering. It's just not as compelling as some of his other books. |
| Fran |
| Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Jodi Picoult has a unique way of portraying a story, no matter how terrible, where the reader gets to see it from all perspectives. Through the eyes of the victims, perpetrator, friends and parents, Jodi weaves a fictional account of a boy who was bullied since Kindergarten, and was unnoticed until he takes his revenge. Reminiscent of a real-life Columbine story, Jodi looks at the long-term effects of bullying and its devastating consequences. The stark reality of this story in today's society underlies the potential harsh reality behind this novel. It leaves the reader questioning whether you ever really know someone! And of course, it wouldn't be a true Jodi Picoult novel without a bit of a surprising twist at the end! |
| Betty Wyman |
| Deja Dead by Katherine Reichs |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Just beginning her series, so this is #1 and shows a lot of promise for the others. Good drama but the heroine does not always exhibit good common sense. I find it thrilling so I do not read before going to bed!! |
| Marisa |
| Supreme Courtship by Christopher Buckley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Laugh-out-loud funny, intelligent political satire. A supreme court justice retires. The President's first two nominations are defeated by the polarizing chair of the Senate Judicial Committee. A very angry President then nominates a "Judge Judy" type T.V. personality, albeit much younger and more attractive. The plot moves quickly, the characters are all quirky, but this author does have something important to say. Another wonderful book from Buckley. |
| Michelle Yanew |
| Outlander by Diana Gabaldon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I discovered this fantastic series recently and am enjoying these books tremendously! The series center around a woman who travels two hundred years into the past in Scotland and finds adventure, danger and love. |
| Anita Nowak |
| The Last Jew by Noah Gordon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I thought this was a wonderful book taking place during the 15th century. It is about the Spanish Inquisition when the Jews were forced either to leave the country, or convert to Catholicism. In some cases some of them were tortured and murdered. There was a young man who refused any of this and fled from place to place hiding out and reinventing himself to protect his life. He watched while his family was murdered, and kept up his religiion privately so as not to attract attention. He ended up becoming a renowned physician taking care of people, most of whom never found out his true religion. It was a very moving account, though fictionalized, of true historic events. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it highly |
| Jeff |
| Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you read the book, you will see very clearly why the movie missed the mark. Poor guy never lived to see himself appreciated. But maybe he would have been a bit disappointed that the public had caught up with him. In any case, it's a truly great read. |
| Linda B. |
| The Bravo Bachelor by Christine Rimmer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Eight and a half months pregnant, the widow, Mary Hoftsetter struggled to keep her run down ranch from the Bravo Corporation and no matter how many agents that they sent the answer would be the same. Gabe Bravo was Known As "The Fixer" And Once He Poured On The Charm There as Nothing He Could Not Get, But Once He Sat Down To Make An Offer That She Could Not Refuse, It Was Then That Her Water Broke And He Found Himself Racing To Wulf City Hospital And Praying That She Would Not Have The Baby In His Escalade.... |
| Rita B |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Fabulous story that will never be forgotten. The novel is about the 1942 Paris roundups and deportations of Jewish families who were arrested in and transported to Auschwitz. This is a bit of unknown history and alternates between the life of Sarah, the 11-year-old Jewish girl, and Julia Jarmond, a writer, who is totally consumed with the story of the Vel d'Hiv incident. It is a must read! |
| Ivy (ipittman26@yahoo.com) |
| Cherry Bomb by J.A. Konrath |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another great ride with Jacqueline Daniels, Alex Korn, Harry and Herb! But you have to read DRY MARTINI, WHISKEY SOUR, RUSTY NAIL, FUZZY NAVEL and BLOODY MARY first! |
| Brady (bradylee@myway.com) |
| Against Medical Advice by James Patterson and Hal Friedman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a true story of a boy's experience living with Tourette's syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorder all wrapped up to one horrible medical nightmare. What happens to him is most interesting to read about, but how his problems ended are even more dramatic. This story will keep you enthralled from beginning to end. |
| Terry |
| Songs Without Words by Ann Packer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
| Beautifully written story of friends and how tragedy can rip them apart or hold them together. It covers all the emotions: you laugh, cry and smile. |
