This contest period's winners were Betty C., Helen B. and Nadine N., who each received a copy of THE CONFESSION CLUB by Elizabeth Berg and A MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT: An Atlee Pine Thriller by David Baldacci.
Linda
The Devil in the Saddle by Julia London
I usually love Julia London’s books but this one was lacking mainly due to the infantile actions of one of the main characters. Hallie Prince is the pampered daughter of a wealthy rancher. She had been engaged until she caught her fiancé having sex with her best friend. She turns to Rafael Fontana for his friendship and advice. He is the son of the ranch manager and has grown up with the Prince children. Now adult, he realizes he loves Hallie and probably always has but he is the hired help while she is used being wealthy. Hallie loves Rafe but he doesn’t believe her.
Linda
The Stalking by Heather Graham
Cheyenne Donegal, FBI agent, is in New Orleans hunting down a copycat killer of the Artiste. The Artiste posed pictures of his victims before and after death and sent them to the families and media. Cheyenne’s cousin was his last victim and she named a teacher as her killer. Cheyenne could see and hear the ghost of her cousin and the teacher known as the Artiste was caught. Andre Rousseau is with the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters and is also in New Orleans. He and Cheyenne butted heads at first as neither wanted to admit they saw and spoke with ghosts. Things heated up between them as they worked to find the killer who dresses up as a Rougarou (or werewolf).
Linda
Rival's Break by Carla Neggers
Colin Donovan accompanies his brother to investigate deadly food poisoning aboard a yacht. He finds a British intelligence agent seriously ill and wonders why he is there. Colin is approached by the chef who keeps apologizing for using unsafe mushrooms and then mentions something about a painting that is missing. Colin and his wife Emma Sharpe are both FBI agents and try to find out who is responsible for the poisonous mushrooms. Was it a mistake or intentional? I have read all of the Sharpe and Donovan books and they just keep getting more involved. Too many characters to keep track of. If a person was going to commit suicide as it was thought the man in London did, why ingest poisonous mushrooms?
Linda
Cardwell Ranch Trespasser by B. J. Daniels
Dana Cardwell is excited to learn that she has a cousin she never knew about and invited her to stay at the ranch. Dee Anna Justice is a con artist who is using the name of her former roommate. She came to Montana to start over with a new con but likes the looks of Dana’s husband Hud. She makes plans for getting rid of Dana and the children so she can have Hud. Hilde Jacobson is Dana’s best friend and feels something is off about Dee and tries to warn Dana and Hud. They don’t believe her and won’t listen. A suspenseful book.
Liz
Heartbreak Hotel by Jonathan Kellerman
Alex Delaware is once again working with Milo Sturgis on a case involving the murder of a woman who is almost 100 years old. Thalia Mars calls Alex and makes an appointment with him to discuss criminal behavior and victims. She seems to have a morbid fascination about this subject. They meet once. When Alex goes the next day to see her, he finds she has been murdered. Their investigation takes them way back in time with many seedy characters along the way. This was not one of my favorites by this author. There were way too many characters in the story which muddied up novel.
Margaret
The Chain by Adrian McKinty
This book sucks you in from page one and doesn’t stop til the last page. You're a mother and you receive a call that your child has been kidnapped. The only way you will see them again is to pay a substantial amount of money and kidnap another child. This book presses all the buttons for an intense story.
Kay
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
A historical fiction story about the librarians on horseback in poverty stricken Kentucky during the depression. Eye-opening, scary and tender. I enjoyed this book immensely.
Amanda
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
A cute holiday book!
Laurie
American Princess by Stephanie Marie Thornton
As a historical fiction fan, I was well entertained as I learned much about “first daughter” Alice Roosevelt - quite a colorful woman, indeed!
Allison
Ireland: Awakening by Edward Rutherfurd
Great historical novel.
Elizabeth
Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry by Mary Higgins Clark
Very interesting the way the book combines a murder mystery with the #Metoo movement.
Joanne
The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis
This book explores the past when the McCarthy team investigated and intimidated American citizens in the search for Communists and Communist spies. It demonstrates how the actions of his committee members and the hearings that were held destroyed the lives of many innocent people in the hunt for the guilty. The entertainment industry was particularly targeted, and the Broadway crowd that lived at the Chelsea Hotel along with the other artistic types stuck together and supported each other in an attempt for all concerned to practice their trade and live their lives as free Americans.
Jayme
The Glass Woman by Caroline Lea
Set in Iceland during the 1800s, this is a very atmospheric tale of superstition, secrets, and mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat and reading away an entire afternoon.
Sue
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
While I find it very hard to explain what this book is about, I absolutely loved being with the Conroy family. The love and loyalty between Maeve and Danny was a joy to read. I think ultimately the book is about forgiveness.
Tessa
The Brilliant Light of Amber Sunrise by Matthew Crow
There are some scenes that had me rolling my eyes, but in general, as “teens-with-cancer-romance” genre books go, this is pretty entertaining. It held my attention and was a fairly fast read. And yes, I did tear up.
Sandra K.
The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman
This was an amazing book. The addition of a golem to a story about Jewish children in occupied France during World War II is genius. The mystical note makes the whole story dream-like, which helps the reader deal with the horror these children faced.
Susan
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
This is not the type of book I usually read. However, it was an interesting premise. The book was laugh-out-loud funny at times, made me mad and sad at others. It was a different type of story but worth the read.
Rosa
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell
I read this book for book club and probably would not have picked it up otherwise. So glad it was "required reading" for me. What a life! This is the story of Virginia Hall, a Baltimore-born woman who was a spy during World War II, who devoted her courage and life to the French Resistance and the Allied effort. The book reads like a thriller despite all of the details that a novel would likely not include. This was obviously very well researched, and Sonia Purnell tells a compelling story that kept me up into the night, not able to put the book down.
Linda
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
The story told here is a compelling tale of survival under appalling conditions. I’ve read many books about the Holocaust, and this one doesn’t quite convey just how bad those conditions were, though I was glad to be spared the very graphic descriptions. As I already wrote, the story was compelling, and I didn’t realize until reading the author’s note, that the character Lale was a real survivor of the camps. I’ve wavered between three and four stars for this book - as compelling as the story itself was, the writing style was quite simplistic.
Priscilla
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
This was one of the best books I have read this year. I never heard of the Pack Horse Library initiative and thought it was a wonderful idea. I enjoyed how she wove a romantic suspense story around this historic event. I love to read a book and learn something I never knew. The author did a wonderful job with character development. Her books also don't seem to be written using formulae as some other authors use.
Ilene
The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths
Archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway is called in when several human bones are discovered in one of many underground chalk mines in the city of Norwich, England where an architect is planning to open an underground restaurant. And at the same time, two homeless people are stabbed to death on the street along with three mothers going missing. This is when DCI Nelson and Dr. Ruth Galloway work together to find out what is going on. Could it have anything to do with the building of the restaurant? Another great Ruth Galloway mystery; they just keep getting better.
Deb
Tiny Little Thing by Beatriz Williams
Another story about secrets kept which, when finally exposed, eventually change the trajectory of relationships and futures for those in the political public eye in the mid-1960s. While some changes can be devastating, others can launch an entirely - and positive - trajectory into the future.
Becky
Small Days and Nights by Tishani Doshi
I so wanted to like this book. And I did –parts of it anyway. Doshi in some places (mostly descriptive parts of the book) is lyrical and enchanting, but in other parts (mostly conversations and character development) she is stilted and unpolished. Did she need a good editor? I also found the general outline of the book to be confusing as it jumped back and forth in time. That said, the maturing of the relationship between the sisters grows and changes in lovely ways. Both sisters and Teacher developed as the book progressed. Mother, however, seemed static, even as Grace reveals more and more of her personality and their relationship. Lucia was my favorite part of the book and was sympathetically drawn.
Diana
The Light After the War by Anita Abriel
Two young Jewish girls survive Budapest, avoid Auschwitz, flea to Austria then make their way to Naples. They manage to get to the United States because Samuel Rothschild saw a picture of them in LIFE magazine and sent them tickets to sail on the Queen Elizabeth. He died before they arrived and without a sponsor could not stay in America. Venezuela was accepting refugees without question so they ended up in Caracas. This is an incredible true story of two brave and determined woman who survived unbelievable circumstances.
Susan
The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan
Very suspenseful book with many twists and turns.
Donna
Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter
Zoe leaves her hometown pregnant to peruse her dream of being a singer with a band. She has no intention of ever returning. Five years later, her beloved grandmother dies and she returns for the funeral. She has been named in the will to receive her grandmother's home and peach orchard. She feels the obligation to remain and keep the peach orchard business successful. This is a love story with a secret and is about going home.
Deborah
The Crossing by Michael Connelly
Crime suspense at its best as all Michael Connelly novels are. THE CROSSING is another Harry Bosch novel. He is teaming up with his half-brother Mickey Haller in this crime thriller.
Donna
A Game for All the Family by Sophie Hannah
This book is a complicated combination of two stories. If you like a twisted, psychological puzzle, this is the book for you. Fortunately, it does tie up at the ending.
Donna
The Silent Woman by Terry Lynn Thomas
This was an easy and quick story to read taking place in England just prior to WWII entering their country. Catherine's husband works for the Air Ministry and brings home classified plans nightly for safekeeping. Someone in the household is feeding these plans to the Germans. Catherine is enlisted as a spy to occasionally switch the plans. Who can be trusted? Who will survive?
Donna
Some Choose Darkness by Charlie Donlea
An exceptionally well-crafted story filled with suspense, intrigue, chilling and twisted plots. The truth is easy to miss, even when it's right in front of you. "Some choose darkness, others are chosen by it" is a line that stood out to me. This is one of the best psychological mysteries I've ever read.
Donna
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
This is an amazing and thought-provoking book. I belong to a book club and take notes when reading a book in preparation for the meeting. My notes for this book are three times longer than any I've written in the past (almost 17 years) and they don't begin to cover all that is going on. This book packs a wallop. The dilemmas, betrayals, the heartbreaking pain of the characters and their stories will not be forgotten.
Donna
The Lawyer by John Ellsworth
Another wonderful mystery by this author. There are good guys and bad guys in this book and it's hard to tell them apart. The twists are quite a surprise and cause you to shake your head. This is a quick read because you don't want to put it down.
Rosemary
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Written by the author of THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD and based on the true history of a boys reform school in Florida, this is a chilling story of how sadistic staff mistreats the inmates with beatings, sexual assault and sometimes death. This book is not for the fainthearted, but it shows the truth of how some people in power treated blacks in the Jim Crow South. While I can't say I "enjoyed" it, it opened the eyes of a Northern white woman, now living in the south, to a world I never knew actually existed.
Donna
A Noise Downstairs by Linwood Barclay
Paranormal or something more sinister? There are good people in this story and there are evil people for several different reasons. This is a quick book to read because you really don't want to put it down.
Donna
My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
This is a short story, but a powerful one written from the heart. Everyone has a story, just one story, and this is Lucy's filled with painful memories and complicated love of family.
Donna
The Kind of a Girl by G. C. Allen
It's interesting how quirky people can get into ridiculous situations and come out of them on the positive side. This book is humorous and there are surprises along the way which keep you reading.
Donna
Three Flames by Alan Lightman
Life in a poor Cambodian farm community as told by the members of a fictional family is difficult for me to imagine. This story is about a controlling father and his family. Each have their own stories of hardship, sacrifice and survival in a culture not supportive of women. An eye-opening and alarming book.
Donna
Some People Deserve to Die by Colin Knight
Alan spent 20 years terrorized by guilt for an action taken by him as a teenager. These years are spent drowning his guilt with running, drugs, alcohol and violence. He finally goes to rehab and decides what he must do for revenge. This is an excellent book with a blindsiding twist.
Donna
The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
An outstanding story of love, loss, hardship, courage and sacrifice set in Poland during the German occupation during WWII. The story starts in 1942 and later during current time when it was safe to say "the things we cannot say". This is definitely a book worth reading and sharing.
Lois
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Fascinating flight from slavery. Enjoyable reading and very educational.
Donna
The Forgiving Kind by Donna Everhart
A well-told story of a family growing up in the fifties on a cotton-growing farm in North Carolina. This story deals with the struggles of a strong family facing loss, drought, desperation, sacrifice, a tyrant neighbor and survival. An easy read that will keep you involved.
Dottie
To the Land of Long Lost Friends by Alexander McCall Smith
I always enjoy his books.
MICHELLE
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
THE HANDMAID'S TALE meets THE HUNGER GAMES. I could not put this book down. At times horrifying and bewildering, but I loved every detail of both the madness and magic. Not the best written book but there were passages that moved me with their symbolism and beauty, and all of the meaning behind such a story would make for a great discussion.
Jill
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
I loved this book. It is such a beautifully-told story and the writing is outstanding. It is one those reads were you don’t want it to end. Four orphans from a Native American school escape the abuse of the school and start a journey down the Mississippi River to find family of two of the orphan boys. The story is told by one of them named, Odie. One of the best books I’ve read in 2019.
Bonnie
Blue Moon by Lee Child
As per usual, our lone hero, Jack Reacher, takes on two mobs and takes them down with a little help from his friends. You may not remember this book two weeks after you've read it, but it's good fun. And we all could use a Jack Reacher working in our communities.
Dorothy
The Tatooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Excellent novel.
Catherine
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Alice, who is English, marries an American in a whirlwind romance and finds herself in rural coal mining Kentucky. She becomes one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s traveling library ladies. Funny, sad adventurous and plucky story. Based on a true story - enjoyable.
Aimee
The Map That Leads to You by J. P. Monninger
I listened to the audio of this book. It was a very captivating story of first, true love. I would have liked a little more closure at the ending, but I can also see why the author chose to end it the way he did. This was my second book by J. P. Monninger. He is a wonderful storyteller.
Elizabeth
The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams
This book was a real page-turner and I loved the love story.
Elizabeth
The Current by Tim Johnston
It’s been a while since I’ve read a five-star book. THE CURRENT by Tim Johnston definitely is one, though. This book is outstanding. When it’s sad, it’s not just sad; it makes you want to cry. And so much is sad. But the story will still grab you and won’t let go, even an incident between Audrey and the bad guy (no spoilers here) that stretches the possible and the probable. There are two mysteries going on here, each 10 years apart. In both cases, girls drown in a river, probable murder. One girl, though, lives to investigate. But there are other stories as well - the stories of the girls’ families and of other families also affected, how they live with what happened. And there’s a heart-wrenching story of a sad old dog.
Cynthia
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
This wonderfully suspenseful novel about a young nanny accused of killing one of her charges will keep you guessing to the very end. If the idea of haunted houses is too much for you, you might want to pass on this one!
Nina
Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout
OLIVE, AGAIN is like seeing an old friend. Witty, tender and right on target for Olive's special personality making it a fun read. I hope this is not the last we hear from Olive.
Margaret
The River at Night by Erica Ferencik
This is an impressive debut novel. I look forward to reading more by this author. It's intense & deals basically with survival. The first 1/3 is spent developing the 4 middle-aged women who are friends & vacation together every year. This one will be a rafting/camping tour in the remote Maine wilderness. Wini, the narrator, is not a nature person & doesn't want this type of trip, but she relents & decides to go. She is determined to make the best of things & enjoy being with her friends. The action has lots of secluded nature scenes, rafting, and camping. The friends end up learning things about themselves & each other as they try to survive the wilderness. The river turns out to be a character also! Great job of pacing this page-turner!
Jamie
Mistletoe at Moonglow by Deborah Garner
I loved this novella. It was a quick, easy Christmas read and just a feel-good book. I love books about Christmas and this one was so descriptive. Mist is the Assistant at the Moonglow Inn and she also runs a cafe set up within the Inn. She describes so vividly the decorations, food and atmosphere of the Inn that I could picture it all in my mind. Visitors from all over gather at the Inn to spend Christmas...some of them return visitors that have been there many times before and some of them there for the first time. I enjoyed learning about all the different characters and reading about them all, getting to know one another and become friends for life. I highly recommend this novella!
Jamie
The Murder List by Hank Phillippi Ryan
I absolutely LOVED this book. The title is a little deceiving when you start to read the book. Most would think "The Murder List" would be a list of people that are targeted for murder. Nope. "The Murder List" is a group of very well-known and extremely talented attorneys who are assigned to defend murderers. The wife of one of the lawyers, Rachel, accepts a position in the DA's office to fulfill her study course for becoming a lawyer herself. Of course, that affects her marriage. You will be wondering throughout this wonderful book just who is telling the truth, just who is using the other person, and, ultimately, what the end goal is. This story is well written, the characters are engaging and I was swept in from the first page.
Nadine
The One in a Million Boy by Monica Wood
I love fiction where the characters are developed, there are no unnecessary scenes to fill up white space, and you're happy at the end of the book, even if someone died. This book puts together the wisdom of age and the enthusiasm and innocence of youth.
Linda
Grand Portage by Scott Seeger
Tyler Chambers is a billionaire with a PhD who invented the pool noodle and finds his life has gone stale. A meeting with a group of rich entrepreneurs sparks his imagination, and so he buys a Russian nuclear aircraft carrier, and uses an ingenious scheme of tractors and inflated rollers to haul it across Minnesota, intending to set it up as a power plant on an Indian reservation. As you can imagine, the government took a dim view of this. The story tells how he overcomes all the obstacles thrown in his path. It was certainly a different kind of story - I learned some things, though I did skim some of the technical stuff. 3.5 stars.
Ilene
Saving Sin City by Mary Cummings
If you like reading about 'The Gilded Age’ and historical fiction this is the book for you. On June 25th, 1906, in Madison Square Garden, while hundreds watched in horror, the great architect Stanford White was shot dead by unbalanced and obsessed Harry Thaw in retaliation for taking the virginity of his wife Evelyn Nesbit. And then we have the ambitious district attorney William Travers Jerome, having a brilliant career bringing down corruption during the early days in New York, prosecuting the case. Will big money save Thaw?
Gil
Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston
This is a nonfiction book about The Monster of Florence who is credited with 8 double murders, starting in 1968, and as yet these murders have not been solved, accumulating in the death of 16 people. The victims were couples engaged in sex while parked in out-of-the-way places. A gun confiscated during the various investigations showed that the same gun was used in all cases because of unique markings on the spent shells. The book is mostly about the incompetence of the investigators unwilling to accept facts that argued against their theories. Comically, they embraced a theory developed on a conspiracy website. No real progress has been made. Arrests were made, but then The Monster struck again.
Francisca
Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler
3 stars. As I read this, I kept thinking it was remarkably like a Hallmark TV movie I had seen last week. No matter, really. The movies are still fun to watch, and the schmaltzy Christmas romance books are fun to read.
Jan
Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke
This is a follow-up to the award winning BLUEBIRD, BLUEBIRD, but it easily stands alone. Darren Matthews, a Texas Ranger who happens to be black, returns in this book. He is sent to a red-neck area of Texas to help look for a missing young white boy. This is no big deal except the boy's father is in prison and is a White Supremist (a leader in the Arian Brotherhood). We see some of the racial hatred that exists in this country and the book is placed in time when Donald J. Trump has just become president of the U.S. The FBI is involved because the father has been convicted of federal crimes. Matthews often questions himself - what is he doing helping find the son of an evil man who wants to harm him or even kill him? Attica Locke is great!
Sherri
The Secrets of Flight by Maggie Leffler
4.5 stars. Enjoyable read about a teenager Elyse accidentally going into a writer's group of older people where she encounters the leader of the group, Mary Browning. Elyse reminds Mary of her sister and Mary asks Elyse to listen to and transcribe her memories of her time as a WASP. Secrets are disclosed and healing begins. The William Morrow (Harper Collins) copy has an author essay about the background of the book and a nice reading group guide of questions that I enjoyed seeing as well as bedside table author recommendations. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Maureen
Inheritence by Dani Shapiro
True story about a in vitro birth.
John
Crown of Oblivion by Julie Eshbaugh
This is the heartwarming story of a girl running a race to fulfill her destiny and "be all she can be."
Jamie
A Nearly Normal Family by M. T. Edvardsson
This was an extraordinary book. It is set in Sweden and getting to learn about the Swede lifestyle and landmarks was a bonus. The story is told in a "unique" format. You first hear the story of what happened from the father, Adam's, point of view. Then, it is told from the daughter, Stella's, point of view and finally from the mother, Ulrika's, point of view. It all culminates in the courtroom during the trial. It was interesting to learn that Sweden has a different criteria for finding a person guilty of murder. Stella is a very complex and complicated individual due to her being an only child who has, in my opinion, way too much freedom. The story shows the extremes that parents will go to to protect their children. I highly recommend.
Bonnie
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
If you're a fan of books and/or libraries, then this one is for you. It's about the great fire that destroyed much of the Los Angeles main library, but is so much more. Great characters abound in this work of nonfiction.
Bonnie
Blue Moon by Lee Child
Typical laconic Jack Reacher who can leap tall buildings at a single bound and catch the bad guys. It's a hoot cheering him on.
Bonnie
Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout
Lovely writing and interesting characters, but not quite as good as the original, OLIVE KITTERIDGE.
Shari
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
I loved this book. Alice and her mom have spent most of Alice’s 17 years on the road, seemingly a step ahead of bad luck. When news arrives of Alice’s grandmother’s death, Alice’s mom is kidnapped and taken to the Hinterland. The Hinterland is a cruel supernatural world where Alice’s grandmother's stories are set. The characters in this story are strange and scary. The storyline is tense, fascinating, and unpredictable. I could not put this book down!
Jud
The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri
Excellent opening book to this series featuring a seasoned Italian detective.
Jud
The Road to Wellville by T. Coraghessan Boyle
If you saw the movie 20+ years ago, this book is every bit as funny. Most of the "treatments" would appall the medical community of the present day.
Tamara
Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman
An engrossing and sometimes sad story about heiress Huguette Clark, daughter of a forgotten copper "robber" baron. She lived a life of luxury and privilege but also was a social recluse most of her life. In later years, her caretakers, bankers, and some family members took advantage of her generous nature by bilking her and her estate out of millions. Written by Pulitzer prize-winning author Bill Dedman.
Jud
Texas Ranger by James Patterson
Patterson introduces Rory Yates, Texas Ranger and family man. This is a great book and I hope the first of a long series.
Jud
Cross Country (Alex Cross #14) by James Patterson
Cross goes on a global hunt for a contract killer that puts his life and the lives of his family at risk.
Jud
Purgatory Bay by Bryan Gruley
This tale of revenge in this small New England town is a riveting read.
Jud
Epidemic: Ebola and the Global Scramble to Prevent the Next Killer Outbreak by Reid Wilson
Excellent book which explains in detail what happened in the 20-teens and shows how close we came to a global outbreak of Ebola. I was truly shocked at how large the "bullet" we dodged was.
Katie
A Minute to Midnight by David Baldacci
Another adventure from the always reliable baldacci!
Sean
Birdman by Mo Hayder
What started off as a pretty run-of-the-mill police procedural turned into a depraved, sad, and powerful book from author, Mo Hayder. She writes a very interesting protagonist, Jack Caffery, who is anything but super cop but she makes him someone to root for. The book, for me, is almost too British at times, as I was looking up words/phrases quite often but it didn't take me out of the drama. The ending was dramatic and unexpected. This is a series I'm now very interested in. Overall, a surprisingly brutal display of what humans can be capable of and how to overcome that to survive.
Richard N B
In the Distance by Hernan Diaz
A 14-year-old Swedish immigrant tries to make his own way in the mid-19th-century American West. This is a Western unlike any other I’ve ever read. The “romance” of the West is nowhere to be found here. This is often a barren, dangerous place with few allies and many enemies. The novel covers decades, taking Hakan from age fourteen to “white-haired” old age. In places the novel takes a philosophical turn as Hakan ponders his fate and occasionally despairs of every achieving his goal. I think fans of Jose Saramago would like this. Final verdict: Marvelous writing and a fascinating character.
Linda
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
The main character in this book has the perfect life, has always worked hard to meet her goals, is about to start an amazing job after getting her MBA, has the boyfriend of her dreams, and his has just proposed...and suddenly, life is turned upside down, never to be the same again. Margaret wakes up in hospital, and eventually finds out that she is paralyzed. The book is hard to put down! I read it in two days. I did find it to be predictable to a certain extent - as soon as Ian appeared, I was fairly certain they would end up together, though I couldn’t predict the twists and turns on the way. But that predictability didn’t stop me from wanting to read more. Full of colorful characters, and all the emotions that exist!
Gladys
Low Country Hero by Lee Tobin McClain
This is a delightful story. The small town of Safe Haven currently enjoys not just one, but three different and intriguing romances. You'll be held spellbound by this book.
Nancy
Blue Moon: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child
I've read all the Jack Reacher books, and I think this may well be my favorite. It starts out with Reacher helping an elderly man across the street, and ends up with him in a heap of trouble. There's truth to the saying, "No good deed goes unpunished." In this storyline, Reacher has to contend with two gangs who are at war with one another, but view him as a common enemy. It's not all bad guys; there's a love interest, too. If you're not familiar with the Reacher books, you can read this as a stand-alone, but I recommend you start at the beginning and read them all. There are a lot of them, but, if you like one, you'll want to keep going.
Dorothy
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Enjoyed this novel from beginning to end.
Jamie
The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
I found this a fascinating read. It details the tumultuous and sometimes ruthless world of Wall Street finance. The storyline is one that I have never come across before and the details in the story are so vivid. It shows the very worst side of those who are infatuated with greed and power, and also the power of revenge. A naive young woman is only trying to better herself and gets sucked in to a world of lies and power struggles. There are two settings in the story: past and present. Both keep your interest and I just could not put the book down! The ending of this book leaves it open to MAYBE a second book. I hope so!! I highly recommend this book.
Laurie
The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms
I laughed and cried as I read this charming family saga that addresses issues of parenthood, divorce, dating and everything in between - done very well with many discussable issues for young female book review clubs. Loved the literary/library setting!
Jeanne
The Neighborhood by Erina Bridget Ring
THE NEIGHBORHOOD by Erina Bridget Ring was very entertaining, delightfully funny and enjoyable. It grabbed me from page one to the very last page with a fantastic surprise ending! Gretchen and Jarrod O’Malley move into their new home in a beautiful picturesque tree-lined fairytale setting thinking they’ve moved into a perfect neighborhood. As they begin to meet each new neighbor, they become a bit amused, and at times confused, overwhelmed and annoyed. This is a story of some very quirky, strange people. The author did an exceptional job describing how people interact with each other. I found myself laughing at times and being astonished at other times because it seemed as though there was some chaos or a different crazy event happening.
Jeanne
Mumbo Gumbo Murder by Laura Childs
MUMBO GUMBO MURDER by Laura Childs is a charming New Orleans scrapbooking mystery. An owner of an antique store is found murdered with his little dog Mimi as the only witness. Friends of the murder victim, Carmela and Ava, take Mimi home and begin their search for the killer. Laura Childs is a master in writing cozy mysteries and this book is no exception. The author did an exceptional job in portraying life in New Orleans during the Jazz Fest, the culture, and the wonderful New Orleans food. At the back of the book there is a short section on scrapbooking and craft tips and some delicious favorite New Orleans recipes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading MUMBO JUMBO MURDER and highly recommend it.
Allison
Tout Sweet by Karen Wheeler
Cute story.
Karen
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
Good but long-winded. Story of two sisters' lives in an evolving world from 1950s until today.
Judy
Tidelands by Philippa Gregory
A fascinating tale of life in England in the mid 1600s when the King and Parliament were at odds with each other as to who was going to rule. In this setting, on an island, is the Ferrymand family. Ned, who operates the ferry, is a secondary character. The main family members are Alinor and her son and daughter, and James Summer, a tutor to the lord's son, who is actually a Catholic priest in hiding as this is a time when Catholicism is not being openly practiced. You will have to read this book to find out the twists and turns of these people's lives. Quite a departure for the author who normally writes about famous people.
Mary Jo
Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah
My book club enjoyed this book. The story is an interesting one about a child apparently raised in the wild with no communication skills who is found in a tree in a small town.
Lucy
Leonardo and Gabriel by Tim Tigner
Love a book that makes you think long after you read the last page. This is one of those books. I'm looking forward to our group's discussion to see if we have different opinions on the meaning of God.
Sheree
The Guest Book by Sarah Blake
This family saga was so well written. I didn't want to put it down. I thought is started out slow but then it really got going. I would highly recommend it!
Wendy
Ten Days in a Mad-House by Nellie Bly
Incredible account of Nellie, a journalist, getting committed to an insane asylum and writing an account of the horrors that go on in there. It gave society a good look at what was going on and changes that needed to be made.
Joyce
Have You Seen Luis Valez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Wonderful story reflecting a myriad social issues to discuss.
Pat
The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott
We loved this story. So rich a narrative that I hated for it to end. Several in my book club are from Brooklyn and attended Catholic school and it was a treat to go back to the way it was!
Sally-Jo
The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams
Okay read. The story premise was a little convoluted. Good beach book.
Betty
Witness to the Revolution by Clara Bingham
Puts the late 1960s in perspective with interviews with some of the leading figures of the time. Chapters on Vietnam War protests, Woodstock and the 1968 Days of Rage.
ILene
The Second Home by Christina Clancy
The best reunited siblings family relations book takes place on Cape Cod. With the death of their parents, they each are fighting over a third of their family’s second home. Ann, Poppy and Michael each have a story and so many secrets that happened 15 years ago. Thank you St. Martin Press for the best book, I loved it.
Rosemary
Blue Moon by Lee Child
While trying to keep an old man from being mugged, Jack Reacher becomes embroiled in a battle to help the man and his wife in a dispute with a loan shark. Somehow, this leads Reacher to be caught between two rival gangs, one Albanian and one Ukrainian. In usual Reacher form, with the help of a waitress and a couple of musicians, he handles the situation successfully.
Jean
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
The story starts slowly and then unfolds with increasing excitement. I loved the characters, the setting, and the ways the author placed things in their historical context. When it ended, I was exhilarated - and sad.
Patricia
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
What a great story of young boys trying to get away from reform school! But so much more than just that. So many interesting characters. Very touching story. And exciting!
Linda
The Book, The Witches, and the Doorway by Humphrey Quinn
AWESOME! I found myself rapidly reading as there was SO many chills, thrills, and nonstop action! I found myself wavering between the twins as Meghan got on my last nerve with her constant whines and complaints, but she was there to defend her brother from bullies. I felt sorry for Colin who was so sensitized about his height and he hated that his sister was taller than him. I am not sure that this book is the correct one as there were three books in one!
Linda
Fearing the Fall by Sammie Joyce
I wanted this book to go on and on! I enjoyed Lowell Carey's story and that she was inquisitive by what she and her friends thought they saw while smoking pot. A man had disappeared and a huge grisly stood in his place. She was so intrigued with staring that her feet refused to leave! She just had to find him and she thought of a plan. Davis Locklear had been told to not shift until he knew that no one was around as he could put everyone in his community in danger, and now that some kids had saw him change, he had to find away to dispel what the kids saw. I can't wait to read the next book.
Brenda
Wilson by A. Scott Berg
Very thorough biography of Woodrow Wilson. I am learning so much of his life and career that I was not familiar. Such an amazing and brilliant man, yet with flaws.
Mary
Motherhood So White by Nefertiti Austin
Thanks Bookreporter.com and Sourcebooks for my ARC of this book. Austin, a black, single, professional woman, legally adopted a non-family member in 2008. Most black families who adopt do so unofficially, taking on young family members without going through the court system. This book explains the legal processes and is a handy guide for other African American women who hope to do as she did. Most guides focus on white adoption, so this book is a valuable aid.
Marilyn
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Fasinating book to read and discuss. Never realized the work and mental stamina it takes to be on a rowing team.
Janet
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
Very suspenseful story with twists you kind of see coming but are still surprised when it happens.
Beth
Along the Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams
This is the first Schuler Sisters’ book I’ve read but it won’t be my last. It’s a story of two women - one who comes of age in Paris and France as Hitler is gaining power in the 30s and a Schuler sister who’s life intertwined with hers in the early 60s. There’s romance, suspense and witty dialog - a page-turner!
Kristen
Postscript by Cecelia Ahern
A really great and heartfelt sequel the author's novel, PS, I LOVE YOU. I loved it!
Carolann
Vendetta in Death by J. D. Robb
I love this series. I have read all of them. I feel I know Eve and Delia and Mira. I have listened to some and whoever voiced Roarke nailed it. This one moves the story along as Mavis is going to have another baby. It is sci-fi and a lady detective book for those interested.
Lois
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Great! I felt like Cora (the main character). What she endured!
Pat
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
I like her books but not thrilled with them. This was quite different - spooky. Maybe her books are just too “out there” for me.
Pat
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Very interesting about LA library fire - was never aware of the fire. Lots of interesting facts into life of libraries and how they operate. Not a book for just relaxed reading but definitely learned some things.
Pat
What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
Second of trilogy set on St. John Island. Book you can’t put down - and then mad because you finished it and have to wait a year for third book. One gets so caught up in characters’ lives. Great read.
Diana
Everyone’s Son by Thrity Umrigar
This is one of the most thought-provoking books I have ever read. The plot revolves around a young, poor black boy taken from his negligent mother only through the deceit of the prominent white family that adopts him. The characters are all flawed in different ways, but none is shown as a villain. The story presents balanced points of view and the ending is not rushed, nor tied up neatly.
Susan
The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan
Very good with lots of twists and turns.
Jamie
The Perfect Son by Lauren North
Talk about a psychological thriller! This story is about a young woman who loses her husband in an airplane crash. She grieves for her husband but throws her entire being into taking care of their almost 8 year old son, Jamie. The story tells how much she loves her son and will do anything, absolutely anything to protect him and keep him safe. The surprise ending of this book was wonderful - I had all kinds of scenarios in my mind of what was going on but, it wasn't even close to what actually was happening. I highly recommend this book.
Margo
The Institute by Stephen King
I love Stephen King novels. They are great and they keep my interested in reading. Loved this book what a great read.
Gretchen
The Guardians by John Grisham
Typical Grisham. You have feelings of happy and sad with moments laugh-out-loud laughter.
Ruth
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
At the end of the World War II, Cyril Conroy propels his family to enormous wealth by purchasing The Dutch House, which becomes the undoing of everyone he loves.
Elizabeth
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Of the four Lisa Jewell books I’ve read, THEN SHE WAS GONE may be the best. She calls the story "bizarre," herself. Laurel and her husband Paul were in their 40s when their daughter Ellie went missing. Ten years later some of her bones are found. So they know she is dead, but for how long? And how did she die? Was she abducted or did she go willingly? By this time, Laurel and Paul are divorced. Paul has gone on with his life, but Laurel cannot. Then she meets Floyd. As the two spend more and more time together, Laurel notices too many coincidences and, before long, she puts two and two together, to her shock and dismay.
Debbie
The Island of Sea Woemn by Lisa See
Lisa See always provides an interesting story, and THE ISLAND OF SEA WOMEN delves into the friendship and history of female divers in Jeju, Korea. The story follows Young-sook and Mi-ja from the 1930s to current times. The reader learns of the effects of Japanese colonialism, WWII, and the Korean War on this island and the island’s inhabitants. The friendship of the women and their fight against the bitter life resound in this detailed novel. The women go off to work in the sea every day, while the men stay home to tend the young children. The men are weak and not conditioned for hard labor. Lisa See portrays the brutality of the Japanese in so many scenes with the mass killing and the stern rules for the already poor Koreans.
Debbie
The Elephant in the Room by Tommy Tomlinson
The beginning of this book, THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, sent a wave of understanding, but that quickly changed to utter disgust of the story. Tommy Tomlinson talks of his plight in the everyday fight against food. Yes, I understand his dilemma of overeating in a world centered on food, and typically the wrong types of food. Once Tomlinson hits his college days, the story seems filled with boasts of eating and partying with no regret for these indulgences. Tomlinson’s parents worked long and hard in cotton fields and factories in order to give him a better life, and he wastes that money for his gluttonous pleasure. The work ethic of his parents disappears in Tomlinson’s search for the easy job.
Jan
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
I delayed reading this award-winning book because I knew that it was sad. And it was. Two young black educated people are newly married, hardly know each other when the husband is wrongly identified as a rapist. It is the age-old story of they all look alike. He is tried and found guilty while the white woman who was raped insisted that he was the criminal. All friends and family know that is not possible since he really was with his wife at the time of the rape. Nonetheless he is convicted and sent to prison in racist Louisiana. How can the young marriage survive? How can either of them survive? This is such a sad tale but is so realistic. The writing is beautiful - characters are painfully developed. Read it and weep.
Claudia
The Last Midwife by Sandra Dallas
Gracy had been delivering babies since she was ten. She had been the only midwife on Tenmile Mountain for years. But this story is about more than just her helping women. She is accused of murdering a newborn. As the trial draws near, Gravy tells of some of the difficult births she has helped with. Now she must testify to say herself. But maybe not as the secrets come out. Loved the twist at the end of the novel.
Tessa
The Christmas Scrapbook by Philip Gulley
This little novella is book 5.5 in the Harmony series featuring Quaker minister Sam Gardner, his wife Barbara, and the Friends of the Harmony meeting house. I love the gentle stories of one man’s efforts to make a difference in his community. The results of his efforts are predictably hilarious, but also impart a lesson about faith, tolerance, love and the spirit of Christmas.
makaela
Alice Had a Palace by Brenda Rae Schoolcraft
One of the best I have ever read! I love a book that can hold me, keep my attention to the point where I can't put it down. This one did just that. I love a book with ghosts, and there are a few, a lot of drama and sometimes profane language, this book has it all. Based on true life, but a story that will resonate with the reader long after. I just fell in love with the protagonist Alice. I cried for her more than once, and the story of the family and the abuse is overwhelming. I just needed to know what was going to happen next. The writer's voice is raw and powerful. A read like no other. If you need a great book to keep you up late, and early in the morning, give it a go. Guaranteed, long, amazing read. Congratulations, Brenda!!
Lindy
Sarah's Song by Karen Kingsbury
Number 3 in The Red Glove series.
Elizabeth
The Last Affair by Margot Hunt
The book opens with a dead woman in her back yard face down and bloody. Who could the attacker have been? It could have been a number of people - the flirty neighbor, the wife having an affair with Gwen's husband, the husband, or even the daughter. Who is the most likely one? And, this isn't the only crisis in this book...it is only the beginning. We have two families, two unhappy marriages, unhappy children, unhappy adults, an affair between one of the husbands and one of the wives, and a lot of drama with both the children and the adults. The characters all seemed to be distant with each other and focused on themselves with little regard for the other family members.
Jan
Salt Lane by William Shaw
This book is the beginning of a new series featuring detective Alex Cupidi. Like many women featured in mystery books she is complex, has a child, a former lover, and conflicted relationship with her mother. Her character is well developed - so much self-doubt, so much mentoring of a young detective, so many conflicts with her mother and daughter. This mystery is multi-faceted; there are several murders but are they connected? This is a great mystery. The writing is lovely, set in England. This is my first book by this British author but it will not be the last. If you love mysteries, discover this writer and you can start with this new series.
Kara
Our Souls At Night by Kent Haruf
Beautiful story that shows the importance of human connection, friendship and love.
Tessa
Fat Cat At Large by Janet Cantrell
Great premise, set in a city I love, with a lovely cat. But this amateur sleuth is just too stupid to live. My stars but Chase got on my nerves. She is whiny and a terrible businesswoman. Oh, well, it was a fast read and it satisfied a challenge, but I’m not likely to continue to series.
Evelyn
Recursion by Blake Crouch
Fascinating novel of mathematics, physics, and human need. Involves time travel, and the human desire to change the past and the future.
Jud
Birdman by Mo Hayder
Great opening book to a new series featuring CID Det Jack Caffery on the trail of serial killer.
Jud
November Road by Lou Berney
Average book set against the backdrop of the JFK assassination.
Donna
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty
A family living on an island with a secret that has been a good source of income for a couple of generations.
ILene
Spirit of the Season by Fern Michaels
Joy Preston just moved to Colorado a year ago and is now CEO of a successful nail polish company. Her life and career are in Denver when in the middle of the night she receives a phone call that her grandmother and owner of a successful B&B died and she is needed to come home and help straighten things out for at least 6 months. It is the height of the busiest holiday season. It just so happens "The Heart and Soul B&B" is in a very small town in North Carolina where there are many B&Bs that are very competitive with their holiday decorations, and their annual parade of homes, and best of all judging the gingerbread houses. Joy thinks she is in over her head. There are so many great characters and family relationships.
Julie
Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
This is the third book I’ve read by this author, as I love her writing style. This book, like her others, has memorable, believable characters that you really care about. Also like her other books, this book has a strong element of mystery that drives the plot and is slowly revealed as you read. It has some good twists near the end, but I found them rather predictable, thus, not a 5-star rating from me on this one. Good themes about what makes a marriage and a friendship, as well as the different ways people deal with hurt and guilt.
Jean
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
EXCELLENT!! This is not the type of book/story I normally read. I bought it as a gift but decided to read it before Christmas (gift). It is the story of the 8-man crew that went to the 1936 Olympics. It is absolutely amazing what these boys went through in their personal lives and in training. I have recommend this to all my reader friends. Fantastic story that would have probably been lost if not for this author.
Joyc e
Olive Again by Elizabeth Strout
Everyone else has been loving it but I am not enjoying reading it. Too confrontational...though probably an excellent character study.
Mary Lou
The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan
A fun read. A bit slow to start, but becomes a page-turner around page 50 or so. Jocelyn's nanny disappears when she is about 7, and the story revolves around that event. The family dynamic is crazy dysfunctional, and there are secrets galore. The setting is a manor house in England. I had a little trouble with the resolution at the ending, but I can't really complain about the book in general, as it gave me a day or so reading pleasure. I'd give it 3-1/2 stars if I could. Very well written, however.
Izella
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stout
I enjoyed the book very much. Olive reminded me do much of my Aunt Flora who always told it like it was. Outspoken, but loved by so many. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
Mary Lou
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
I can't believe I almost gave up on this book after a few pages. Something made me keep turning said pages, and suddenly the book took off for me. The problem I had initially is I couldn't figure out where and when things were happening, and who they were happening to. (Sometimes I am a lazy reader and want the who, what and when handed to me on a silver platter.) However, I quickly figured it out and then the reading fun began. This is a slim volume at only 196 pages, but oh does it get the family saga and family drama job done, with a heavy dose of coming-of-age for some of the characters. I wound up loving this book and wishing it was longer.
Gil
Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan
Serena works for MI5 and is assigned to select and recruit an aspiring novelist whose writings would be used to counter communist rhetoric during the cold war. MI5 does not do this directly. Instead Serena pretends to work for a literary group. Tom does not know that Serena actually works for MI5 and that he is being exploited. Although against MI5 policy, Serena enters into a romantic relationship with Tom, and she struggles with ever telling him the truth. She is afraid of losing him. It turns out that Tom may have not been delivering what was expected and perhaps not the appropriate writer for the assignment, and while Serena is deceiving Tom, he is deceiving her. I was surprised at the ending.
Gladys
Tyson's War by Amy Gregory
After twelve years in the Army, Tyson Ellison owned only what was in his duffel bag plus his Ducati superbike. After telling his buddies goodbye, Tyson headed off on his bike for not sure where. Darkness caused his stopover at a bed and breakfast in a small town in Kansas. At breakfast one morning he spotted a waitress who drew his interest and Tyson didn't leave the town. That waitress had a fabulously beautiful sister, but could that sister attract Tyson? You'll enjoy this story.
Donna
The Old Success by Martha Grimes
Richard Jury and his group of friends are back in a convoluted and connected series of murders. Grimes infuses her mysteries with just the right amount of humor, and the characters are as interesting as the mystery. It's been a long wait and well worth it.
Cris
Firestarter by Stephen King
I began a rereading of all of my old Stephen King books this year. Except for a few favorites, I have not read the earliest of these books since shortly after they were published. All I really remembered of FIRESTARTER was "little girl starts fires with her mind" followed by a visual memory of cute little Drew Barrymore from the movie. Mr. King's signature writing style is really starting to emerge by this time (I suppose writing 1150+ pages of THE STABD helped with that.) Yes, some passages were still a little awkward, but that's the case with nearly every book ever written by anyone. Now we all know Stephen King's books don't always have a happy ending, but this one was at least a bit hopeful. I'd like to see a sequel of grown-up Charlie.
Tessa
The Marseille Caper by Peter Mayle
This is Book Two in the Sam Levitt crime caper series. Think James Bond with less danger and more emphasis on enjoying life. Beautiful (and smart) girls, fantastic yachts, private jets, mansions with gorgeous sea views, political intrigue, sumptuous repasts, and good wine. A fast, fun romp of a comedy crime caper that reminds me how much I will miss Peter Mayle.
Katrina
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
A very well-written psychological thriller. This book kept me guessing until the very last page with twist after twist. She is one of my favorite authors and definitely does not disappoint here with her newest novel.
Jeanne
Wherever She Goes by Kelley Armstrong
WHEREVER SHE GOES by Kelly Armstrong is a gripping suspense novel filled with twists and turns. It is the complex story of Aubrey, who is a mother and a wife separated from her husband and daughter because of the secret she’s kept hidden for years and would rather let them believe she has to leave because she’s unhappy rather than let her secret out. One day Aubrey witnessed the kidnapping of a young boy and no one believes her. Kelley Armstrong takes readers on a complex, captivating, suspense-filled journey as Aubrey struggles with her past and her quest to find the missing boy. This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author and I am hooked. It is one of those read in a day, can’t put it down books.
MH
The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews
Very typical Andrews book. Set at the beach. Crotchety old woman who wants to make amends to old friends. Quirky characters. Although I guessed the ending, it was a good “beach read.”
Helen
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
A wonderful narrative of courageous women who deliver books and much more throughout their travels.
Cynthia
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
A tragic action alters the course of the lives of all involved, the ripples of which are felt for decades. This insightful novel explores some very complex issues - guilt, blame, loss, and forgiveness, as well as love and intimacy. For these reasons, I will be recommending it as a book club selection, confident that it will spur some wonderful discussions.
Pat
Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer
I’m a sucker for Christmas books and read all my fave authors who write them each year (plus a few others). I fell in love with Wink right away. Keep them coming, Nancy!
Maryanne
The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott
Interesting topic and interesting characters and but left something to be desired - too many changes of characters and times.
Beth
The Overstory by Richard Powers
This is an incredible book unlike any I have read before. It’s about people’s relationship with trees and how remarkable trees are. It made me think about trees in a way I never have before.
Gladess
Smoke Screen by Iris Johansen
A journalist, Jill Cassidy, talks Eve into going to an unstable country to sculpture children killed by politicians during the last purge. It was Jill's way of getting Eve to go. Her husband and son were in England and Joe, her husband did not want her to go. The real leader of the country is Zantac, she has great influence on the leader and can get him to do any thing she wants done. Eve becomes a problem for her but as usual Joe will come to her aid.
Anne-Marie
Sweet Taste of Revenge by Mary Lewis
This was a great romance and mystery novel. A PI finally remembers what happened to her brother causing his arrest and conviction while she works on her case of a wealthy woman killed on her boat. There are plenty of plot twists that are like puzzle pieces that finally fit. The romance is building and hopefully will be carried into Book Three.
Linda
The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott
An intelligent protagonist, a different take on the Titanic and a researched view of the times. Likable characters inhabiting second class status and the conflicts with their first class confrontations.
Anne-Marie
That Old Scoundrel Death by Bill Crider
This is the last novel Bill published; he passed away from cancer. This was a good ending to the Sheriff Rhodes series. There were twists for the Sheriff in investigating a murder and an arson, all concerned with saving an old school or tearing down for a modern one. Thank you Bill Crider for all the novels and sharing the pictures of the kittens on Facebook -3- brothers and sisters he rescued 2 years ago. He will be missed.
Monica
Sisters First by Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is filled with so many stories about their growing up years while they navigated the publicity that comes with having a father and grandfather president. It is told in alternating voices with a few old letters, notes, and emails thrown in. This was a quick read that was even better than I had anticipated.
Laurie
Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris
Based on a powerful true story, we follow the life of 16-year-old Cilka as she is taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1942. A heartbreaking but very important read.
Nadine
It's a Christmas Thing by Janet Dailey
A small town holiday romance. Janet Dailey has given readers a well-written story. Rush is the only vet in town and partners in a ranch while trying to adjust to being divorced and told his child wasn't his. Tracy is a widow and a judge that takes in a homeless cat. Tracy and Rush's story is loaded with drama, humor, spice and Chistmas fun. Loved this real Christmas story and hoping there will be another book to really finish it off.
Malena
The Heartless by David Putnam
Never mess with a cop's daughter! Wow! This book was amazing! The characters just seemed to jump right off of the page. Beautifully and authentically written. David Putnam is going to be one of my new favorite authors. Can't wait to read all of the books that came before this one!
Maureen
Inheritance by Dani Shapiro
Good biography.
Brenda
I've Seen the End of You by W. Lee Warren, M.D.
I’ve never read a book like this. This book was so well written and with such honesty. I had a lot to think about when I finished the book and it stayed in my head for days. I’ve had to call people up and tell them they need to read it! This was the true story or stories from a neurosurgeon who believes in science and believes in God, and has had his doubts regarding God. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Catherine
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Loved the history of the travelling library ladies in the blue ridge mountains and knew of this. However, the characters captured my heart - and the friendships and hardships. Loved it.
vera
Guilty Not Guilty by Felix Francis
Won a copy of this. The author has us hooked from the very start. Bill Russell's wife has been horribly murdered. But everyone seems to think he did it. Papers carried horrible stories, losing his jobs and friends. How can he prove he didn't do it? Very disturbing book at times but now see why many say the author is a New York Times bestselling author. Would recommend to others that enjoy murder mysteries.
Gretchen
The Deserter by Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille
Another great book by DeMille. So much detail! The last 100 pages kept me on the edge of my seat. Loved the way it all came together.
Joy
Killer Instinct by James Patterson and Howard Roughan
Dr. Dylan Reinhart pairs up with his old partner Detective Elizabeth Needham to stop an attack happening in NY. It’s the worst act of terror since 9-11.
Lucy
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Interesting but not compelling to keep me engaged and wanting to pick up to keep reading.
Richard N B
Blind Justice by Bruce Alexander
Alexander has written a mystery featuring a real historical figure - Sir John Fielding. I found myself looking up various references to real people to get more backstory. Alexander paints a vivid picture of 18th century London and the many injustices that her poor endured. Jeremy is a wonderful narrator – intelligent, studious, dedicated, eager to please, and observant. I’ll keep reading this series.
Joanne
Still Me by Jojo Moyes
Ok. Nothing great.
Diane
Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry by Mary Higgins Clark
In true fashion, Mary Higgins Clark has delivered again. She grabs the reader in the first few sentences and doesn't let go. The story is fast-paced and subject matter is timely. Cleverly woven plot. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent reading this page-turner.
Gretchen
Old Bones by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Had never read one of their books. Enjoyed it very much.
Jan
Auschwitz Report by Primo Levi and Leonardo de Benedetti
This is a sad book but important for several reasons. First, it is a report of two people who lived in Auschwitz and lived to tell it. Most did not. Second, it is a report (co-authored by Leonardo de Benedetti) by educated men who saw the reality and were able to detail it, describe in a fairly objective way. In other words, we did not read much about their actual suffering, physically, mentally and emotionally. Third, the report is written after their rescue and after they had some time to think about what they had experienced. Both Levi, a scientist, and De Benedetti, a physician were Italian Jews and probably had the same mind-set, the same ideas about the Nazi encampment and about being prisoners. Both helped in the clinic areas.
Jan
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
This award-winning book is about a black family, educated, struggling, a pregnant teen-age daughter, so many deaths, and so many memories. The dedication is "for the ancestors, a long long line of you bending and twisting," and that is what this book details. Bends, twists, survival. I downrated the book because of the "cutesy" ending but it is well worth reading. Just get to the end and move on. In fact, there are many strong characters here who support the children, provide opportunity for them, and hold them up when trouble comes. The writing is beautiful, characters are so real, and the descriptions of events, feelings and pain are true to life. This is a wonderful book. Most book discussion groups would enjoy this book.
Linda
The God Game by Danny Tobey
I receive an ARC from St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my review. High school students, geek types who are into code, get texts from blocked numbers inviting them to play the G.O.D. Game. They can’t resist - not knowing at first that they are playing against an Artificial Intelligence that is based on the writings of all the world’s religions and philosophers. The book moves along at breathtaking speed, and the characters are well written - all believable high school angst is there. The pace is so fast that it seemed at times confusing, and sometimes the references to coding were way over my head - but in spite of that, I enjoyed this book. Not my usual genre at all - but always good to step out of my comfort zone.
Margaret
We Are Still Here by Emily Koon
This is a collection of short stories and a novella. They are weird, gruesome, creepy and surreal. There is dark humor among fantasies, and I congratulate the author on her unusual ideas. Good writing and pacing but I wondered how unreal the next story would be even though they are supposed to be related to real life. The title story was my favorite. It's about a family who goes to an amusement park, Ghost Village, instead of Disney World. The worst possible thing happens and I don't want to spoil it for you, but don't go to Ghost Village. Dark Paradise, the novella, features Lizzie Borden telling her life with various endings and you can make choices as you read it. Sounds odd and it was for me although other reviewers liked it.
ILene
The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
The tenth in Griffiths' Dr. Ruth Galloway series which clearly weaves several mysteries into the continuing story of the leading couple and their circle of friends. This time archaeologist Angelo Morelli invites her to come to Italy to look at some bones for a TV series he’s doing, offering her the use of his grandfather’s apartment, a chance to get away and have a little holiday. So Ruth, her 7-year-old daughter along with her friend Shona and her son tag along. Once there things aren’t as quiet as she would like. There is an earthquake, and then a murder occurs in the village and Ruth just happens to find the body. This isn’t her idea of a fun holiday.
Gil
The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian
Annalee Ahlberg walks in her sleep and has gone missing, and the worst is feared. The police believe she jumped off the local bridge into the river. But nobody knows for sure, her body was not found. The story is narrated by her older daughter Lianna who is obsessed with finding out why her mother has disappeared. Did it even have anything to do with sleep walking? Was there foul play? Did she have a lover and just left? Nobody knows. The book talks a lot about parasomnia and the ending is unforgettable. Totally surprised!
Vera
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Charming book about a lady trying to start over after the death of her husband at a young age. Not easy when everyone thought they had the perfect marriage and this not the truth at all. It's been over a year and Evvie still finding hard to get her life back to normal. But with help of friends things will begin to change.
Lois
The Budda in the Attic by Julie Otsuka
A short, very creative way to show the suffering of Japanese women who came to the United States before WWII. It was almost poetic, but told a story.
Francisca
I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
It’s been nominated for a slew of YA awards and I can see the attraction for the target YA audience, but it's not my cup of tea. I found it over-written and melodramatic. Not a fan of the dual timelines/dual narrators device either, which, in this case, just served to confuse and drag out the storyline.
Margaret
Her Detective's Secret Intent by Tara Taylor Quinn
It looks like this is Tara Taylor Quinn's 90th book, but actually the first one I have read from this author. I was blessed enough to win a giveaway and this book was one of the prizes in the gift. Having said this, I am under no obligation to give it a good review, this is my own personal opinion. I found the book to be very well written, and a terrific read. It kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. I found Miranda to be a strong and courageous character, and I also thought Tad was wonderful. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
Elizabeth
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
Diane Setterfield's ONCE UPON A RIVER is four mysteries with the Thames River as the backdrop. The foremost mystery is that of a nearly drowned (not really "returned to life," as explained in Setterfield's "Note") four-year-old girl. No one knows who she is, and she doesn't speak. The other three mysteries are of girls who have gone missing, feared drowned in the Thames. Could the unknown, nearly drowned girl be one of the three missing girls? This book is told in the writing style of a fairy tale, which turned me off for the first 60 or so pages. After that, though, I got used to the style and enjoyed it.
Thomas
Stealth by Stuart Woods
Excellent read. I enjoyed reading it very much.
Linda
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
I am finally reading this amazing book; what a tribute to his college professor. This book should be required reading in every school.
Brady
In Order to Live by Yeonmi Pak
This is a true story of a young girl, her mother, and later her father living in North Korea and later escaping to China and eventually to South Korea. Filled with emotion and details on living in North Korea and why people escape...or try to escape. There are so many twists and turns in this story that a replay would not be appropriate in this statement. You will get a great picture about North Korea from this book.
Tessa
Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
This is a fun chick-lit romance with some over-the-top coincidences and new-adult drama. Not much of a spoiler to say that it all works out with a fairy-tale HEA (happy ever after) ending. I didn’t realize it was a series when I picked it up, and I don’t really feel that I was missing all that much for not having begun with Book One. Have to say I really appreciated the recipes at the end – especially the hot chocolate!
Jan
The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan
This is probably Macmillan's best book. Halfway through I was still debating to myself about who was telling the truth. A young widow with a child is forced to return to her family home to live with her hated mother; her husband had invested all they had in a business venture that turned bad. She has no money, sweet memories of a nanny who loved her and a mean mother and no job or education for a job. There are many mysteries - what happened to her beloved nanny who suddenly disappeared one night, what had she done that was so bad to anger her mother that same night, who does the skull belong to that is found on an island in their lake? The nanny's sudden appearance along with new information about her parents leave her with a puzzle.
Sean
The Siberian Dilemma by Martin Cruz Smith
Arkady Renko is back and its been too long. His dry wit and eternal sarcasm while dealing with Russian politics, the Siberian elements, bears, and his strange relationships are fantastic. Martin Cruz Smith a master storyteller and it's showcased again. I feel like Renko would make a great lead for a show on Netflix or Showtime. The book isn't perfect as its much too short and at times too convenient. Overall, it is another very good read that is always a delight.
Liz
A Day in June by Marissa Labozzetta
Ryan, a woman, and Jason ended their relationship 1-1/2 years ago when he decided to enter the priesthood. She is having a hard time getting over it and enters a contest to win a wedding in a small town in Vermont. She wins the contest and travels to Brockton to make plans for the wedding. In the interim, Jason takes a leave from the seminary and tries to reestablish their relationship.
There are some bumps along the way, but everything is tied up in the last chapter.
Debbie
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
Jo Nesbo writes an interesting and riveting mystery with red herrings leaping upon the banks. In this story, a serial killer targets women with children and leaves a snowman as his calling card. Harry, in his usual method, runs here and there discovering clues, but falls into the alcohol trap when he lacks answers. Nesbo creates memorable characters and the settings of ice, snow, and coldness permeate the loneliness. The biggest problem falls on the names of the characters, as this reader finds confusion with the unfamiliar names. I also enjoy the fact that I can skip novels in the series and not feel lost.
Debbie
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
My feelings on ALL WE EVER WANTED changed drastically throughout the story. Sometimes I feel that Finch and Kirk did not receive justice for their terrible deeds. I was not too impressed with Lyla. I did not like her character, but at the end of the novel she had changed to this heroine that I feel was not justified. Emily Giffin captures the entitlement of the rich very well. Her description of Kirk and Nina’s house and lifestyle show their superficial life. And to buy an eighteen-year-old a Mercedes is unbelievable. The chapters divided into a different character’s perspective seesaws the story between different financial levels and different beliefs, in the end, the poor outshine the rich.
Jeanne
Taking the Fifth by J. A. Jance
TAKING THE FIFTH by J.A. Jance is a no nonsense, straight to the point novel in the J.P. Beaumont detective series. The story involves two murders and is full of suspense and twists and turns. The author does an excellent writing job in intertwining the characters’ personal lives with this murder mystery. This is the first time I’ve read a book written by Ms. Jance, but I was so caught up in the story that I now feel compelled to read the entire series. For me personally, I rated it five stars.
Elizabeth
Reputation by Sara Shephard
An e-mail hack at a prestigious college reeked havoc on the campus of Aldrich University. The hack exposed every single e-mail that administrators, doctors, faculty, and students had written. The e-mails revealed secret affairs, unsavory situations, and other juicy details.
