This contest period's winners were Beverly K., Gail J. and Mary H., who each received a copy of HIDEAWAY by Nora Roberts and HOLLYWOOD PARK: A Memoir by Mikel Jollett.
Lani
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
This was a wonderful book. I fell in love with each orphan and got up close and personal to the Great Depression, the plight of Native Americans and boating down the Mississippi. The book concluded with the best ending. I liked it so much I read his earlier novel, ORDINARY GRACE, which was another memorable book.
Jan
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
Some call this a mystery - and it is. But it is more about the horrible situation of babies born to mothers who are addicted to serious drugs. The babies probably suffer more than the mothers. The main character is a police officer - very flawed. I just could not bring myself to like her. She is a single mother with almost no parenting herself so she frequently doubts herself as a mother, as a public safety officer, in relationships with everyone. I got tired of her indecision, whining about her lack of love and caring. She doesn't accept blame for any of her flaws or mistakes. The ending felt too forced - the author trying to make good and they all lived happily ever after. Impossible. The book moves faster at the end.
Dorothy
Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger
Our book club just finished this book. We had a great discussion about it. Only one of the gals guessed who the murderer was, but, not until she was halfway through the book. We found it very interesting that the main character followed her father's way of work even though she did not get along with him.
Padmini
You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley
This was an emotional book that stayed with me even after I finished the book. The book is about a young woman, Mia, who is married and trying to start a family with her husband. Ever since she was young she has been having dreams about a handsome stranger. She ends up meeting this stranger at a store and then finds out that he also has dreams about her. This causes Mia to question everything about her life. The ending is quite unexpected.
Michelle
Little Family by Ishmael Beah
An absolutely beautiful novel about creating our own little families, survival, finding our identity and the strength of the human spirit. Beah's writing is lyrical and draws the reader in from the start. I loved his characters' spirits and how they came alive.
Janet
The Assassion: Harry Starke, Genesis Book 3 by Blair Howard
Harry is anxious to get back to work...but at what cost?
Pat
This Tender Land by William Kent krueger
Set in 1932 in the Midwest, Albert and Opie find themselves placed in the Lincoln school after their parents die. The school is run by a very cruel administrator who the kids call the Black Witch. The school is the home for Native American children who have been taken from their parents to receive an education. The brothers and Mose and Emma decide to run away, and this is the story of their journey.
Jeanne
Home At Last by Judith Keim
HOME AT LAST by Judith Keim is part of the amazing Chandler Hill series and was a wonderful reading experience. I love this author’s books and this one was exceptional. Without giving away any spoilers, the characters were likable, charming and realistic, and the storyline was heartwarming and so enjoyable and easy to read. Judy Keim is one of my favorite authors because her books captivate readers from page one and you simply can’t wait to see what happens next. Rating it a five is inadequate because it definitely deserves a ten!
Jeanne
Summer Darlings by Brooke Lea Foster
SUMMER DARLINGS by Brooke Lea Foster is a novel set in the 1960s. College student Heddy accepts a summer live-in job with a wealthy family in luxurious Hyannis Port. Without giving away any spoilers, Heddy is fascinated by the lifestyle and perfect, fairytale like lives the very rich live. She soon discovers that all that glitters is not necessarily gold and things are not always as they appear to be. The readers will be both shocked and surprised at the ending which you will never see coming. This is the author’s debut novel and, in my opinion, she knocked it out of the park with the storyline, the characters and the ending. I received an ARC of this book and these are my opinions only.
Elly
Southern Lady Code by Helen Ellis
Essays in a Bam Bam-style written, in my opinion, for shock value. Crude, sometimes funny humor but not for me. The best essay was “Serious Women”, characters well developed, story interesting, a proper dose of humor but a message of admiration and support for her friend Meredith. I felt like a female Lenny Bruce had written the book...
Priscilla
Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim
Very interesting book about the old south.
Jayme
Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me by Adrienne Brodeur
This is an unbelievable memoir about how the dysfunctional love and relationship between a needy daughter and selfish mother has deep ramifications. I could not put it down.
Michele
Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews
Loved, loved this book!! It had a mystery twist and some parts of a love story in it. I felt loyalty towards Conley and wanted her to find peace and security in whatever she could. I think she did. Wish I had G'mama in my life.
Sally-Jo
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
This was a really interesting read. I knew very little about Korean history. A good story about friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness. I would highly recommend this book to others.
Maryanne
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Great characters and and several plots to keep you interested from beginning to end.
Bob
Highway 61 by David Housewright
Just an enjoyable book in difficult times.
Nancy
Where the River Ends by Charles Martin
Well written but sad story!!
Tessa
An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor
Taylor tells the tale of a young physician learning the ropes from an older, wiser, well-established practitioner in an Irish village, in the mid-1960s. I’ve heard this described as “James Herriot for people” and I think that’s a perfect description. Some scenarios are quite humorous, and others are tender and heartfelt. A very entertaining book.
Rosa
The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson
I read this book during the COVID-19 lockdown and was struck with how the Londoners felt during the Blitz, which sounded similar to how I am feeling. A lot of fear and anxiety but also optimism and looking forward to getting to the other side. This book is an incredible account of the first year of Winston Churchill's tenure as British Prime Minister, from May 1940 to May 1941. Erik Larson sucks you in to the intimate lives of Churchill and his inner circle and his family. The story is thrilling and engrossing.
Linda
Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains
Kaitlyn Russo arrives in Sweetwater Springs planning to run the B&B inherited from her grandmother. She is shocked to learn she has to operate the inn in partnership with Mitch Hargrove and get it profitable within two months or it will be forfeited to a charity. Kaitlyn recognizes Mitch from pictures her grandmother kept on her nightstand. Mitch grew up near the B&B and helped her grandparents around the property. Although he is a good-looking man, she was not planning on a partner and Mitch was not planning on staying in Sweetwater Springs. Both realize they have no choice but to work together as they make it a success and fall in love, just as her grandmother planned.
Linda
Springtime at Hope Cottage by Annie Rains
Josie Kellum comes to Sweetwater Springs for a short visit with her friend Kaitlyn Russo but her visit is extended when her New York apartment is damaged by smoke. The B&B is fully booked and Josie has to stay in the garage apartment of Tuck Locklear. She had met him earlier when he picked her up at the airport and again when she tripped and hurt her ankle. Tuck is a physical therapist and helped her back to the inn. He thinks she is a stuck-up city girl while she thinks he is rude. Both are attracted to the other although neither wants to admit it. The attraction gets put on the back burner when Tuck finds out he is the father of an eleven-year-old girl he knew nothing about. And this little girl doesn’t want competition from Josie.
Linda
Wake to Darkness by Maggie Shayne
With the death of his brother Eric, Detective Mason Brown thought all the killings had stopped. Eric had donated his organs and Rachel de Luca had received his corneas. Earlier, she could see through the killer’s eyes but now she sees through the victim’s eyes and feels their pain as they are killed. The killer is taking the organ donated via Eric’s body and since Rachel received his eyes, she is afraid she will be next. Mason takes Rachel and her niece along with Eric’s family to a ski resort hoping they can evade the killer. But when a guest is found murdered and he was found to be a recipient of one of Eric’s organs, they realize the killer is with them and a blizzard has cut off all communications.
Linda
Innocent Prey by Maggie Shayne
Detective Mason Brown is asked to try and find Judge Mattheson’s daughter and to use Rachel de Luca in the search. Stephanie Mattheson recently lost her sight as a result of an automobile accident and was with her coach when she disappeared. They both feel that the judge is not being truthful with them. As they walk where Stephanie was last seen, Rachel thinks the girl was abducted and it is connected to the abduction of her assistant Amy. That kidnapper was killed but a second man got away. Could he be the kidnapper? A girl’s body is found in the river and the judge has to see for himself that it’s not his daughter. Mason tells him the girl is Venora La Mere and the judge jerks. He knows more about the case than he is telling them.
Linda
Deadly Obsession by Maggie Shayne
Gretchen Young is determined to get what she wants and kills those who get in her way. When her affair with Peter Rouse was ending, she wanted him back but he wanted his wife back. To get even with him, she burned down his house with his wife in it. The children were saved by Detective Mason Brown and, as she watched the news reports of his heroic actions, she decided that the hero was for her. She didn’t count on Rachel De Luca, Mason’s girlfriend. When Rachel saw Gretchen, she knew that something was off about her but she had no idea she was a psychopath and Rachel was in her sights. Gretchen wanted Mason and was determined to get rid of “obstacles” in her way which included his nephews and Rachel.
Linda
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Olive Torres hated Ethan Thomas since they first met. She thought he was disgusted with her for eating junk food when he really wanted to ask her out but was told no way by his brother. His brother Dane was engaged to Olive’s identical twin Ami. At the wedding reception, everyone gets violently ill except for Olive and Ethan. Ami won a Hawaii honeymoon that is non-refundable and she talks Olive into going in her place. Ethan is going in place of Dane. They have squabbles but also have fun together and she sees him in a new light. Their newfound friendship soon turns into sex and they leave the island as a couple.
Sandra K.
Himself by Jess Kidd
I loved this book in which sometimes the dead characters were more entertaining than the live ones.
Kathy
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
I really liked this book; a very sad look into the lives of the Mexicans trying to get out of their horrific situations, and come to the United States. Seeing this problem from their side is truly an eye-opener! I will never look at immigration the same as I did before.
Diana
The Saint, the Sinner(s) and Eddie by Eddie Love and Christina Ledbetter
Eddie watches an episode of Oprah where she talks with a group of people discussing DNA results to discover their ancestry and he gets interested. So of course he sends for a kit. He is excited to learn he has a bit of Native American AND has a half-brother no one knew anything about. Thus begins testing of his known siblings and the results are not what anyone expected. True story.
Bonnie
The Killer Next Door by Alex Marwood
Mystery that'll keep you guessing.
Bonnie
An Island Away by Daniel Putkowski
A novel about the proverbial hooker with a heart of gold in Aruba. Aruba is almost another character in this book.
Michelle
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
I can't believe I haven't picked up this book until now. I didn't even remember I had it on my shelf. When I searched for it just in case, and discovered it with my other Alice Walker books, my eyes lit up, for I knew I held something special in my hands. I've seen the movie several times and it's one of my all-time favorites. It took some time to get used to and embrace the small, yet significant, differences in the book compared to the movie (though I tried not to constantly compare). But I was pulled into the story from the very first heartbreaking page, and it took me a little more than two days to finish. Walker is truly a storyteller in her own league. Her style and the meaning behind her stories are something to be appreciated.
Michelle
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Quite a different book. Seductive stories told by Indian widows interwoven between a backstory with a mystery. A unique one for sure! Fun, tantalizing and intriguing!
Suzanne
Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Just finished FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE. Didn't really like the writing style. very prosy and wordy. Pace of the book was too slow moving. Found the main characters very unlikable and neurotic. Read very good reviews on this book and was excited to read but ending up feeling very disappointed and letdown.
Ilene
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwam
The honeymoon takes place in a Georgian Hotel. It is the 1960s. Florence and Edward sit down to an enormous dinner on the patio, before going into the bedroom next door. Tragically, once there, they find out they never should have married. Edward came from a dysfunctional family and Florence never liked being touched and was not interested in sex. She was only interested in music. What a dilemma.
Amanda
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
This book touched on some controversial matters. I did enjoy the book.
Marsha
Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deeanne Gist
It's an oldie, but in a pandemic I read what I can find. This was a fun story of Essie, independent and outspoken daughter of an oil man in Texas and a man she knows she doesn't want. Tony is the disinherited son of a rival oil baron and trying to work his way up in her company. The road to happiness is rather bumpy, but a good ride.
rhonda
Murder in Bloomsbury by D. M. Quincy
Historical mystery. The characters are engaging. A well-plotted novel. Recommend.
Gil
A Dangerous Man by Robert Crais
A DANGEROUS MAN is another Elvis Cole and Joe Pike adventure by Robert Crais. Isabel Roland, a bank teller, gets kidnapped just outside the bank during her lunch hour. Joe Pike, on his way to the bank, gets involved. Isabel has no idea why she was kidnapped. Unknown to her, it all goes back to something her parents did, involving embezzlement and witness protection. Not sure who the 'Dangerous Man' is. Is it Joe Pike or the man behind the kidnapping still harboring a grudge? An exciting book with many surprises which makes for an interesting read.
John
Lobizona by Romina Garber
This is a fun and puckish story of a young female werewolf finding her place in the world!
Gil
The Fallen Architect by Charles Belfoure
Douglas Layton was a well-respected architect in London around 1905, and considered one of the best. He designed a music hall where, on opening night, the balcony tragically collapsed and fourteen people were killed. He was held accountable and spent five years in prison. He was much despised and called a monster. He believed he was framed but how could he prove it. Why these particular people, and who would want to frame him? His investigation was truly, truly remarkable. Unbelievable but true. Well worth reading.
Julia
A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
I learned a lot about the Spanish Civil War that I never knew, woven into a family saga. Allende is a gifted writer who captures your interest from the beginning to the end.
Gil
Murder in the Marais by Cara Black
Aimee Leduc is an expert in deciphering computer code. However, one of her jobs leads to finding an elderly woman who has been strangled and a swastika carved in her forehead. This took place in 1993 and her search for the killer goes back to the World War II era when Jews were being outed for deportation to concentration camps by their neighbors. One of these informants, who had gained considerable influence, was recognized years later. How? It was his eyes, even though he had plastic surgery to conceal his identity. The woman was murdered to cover up the past. The book is intense.
Ilene
Rose's Garden by Carrie Brown
Rose and Conrad met as children. They fell in love and were married for 50 years and then Rose died at 75. Conrad was left alone neglecting the perfect garden that Rose was so proud of after winning so many prizes. Now he has time to think back over all their years together and what a great life that was. What I like so much about Barrie Brown’s book is the descriptions of the gardens and the beautiful feeling each of them have about each other.
Francisca
The Diva Haunts the House by Krista Davis
Book Five in the cozy series featuring Domestic Diva Sophie Winston and her rival Natasha. There’s no lack of suspects, and plenty of costumed vampires around to confuse everyone from the police to the amateur sleuths. I like the decorating tips at the beginning of each chapter. And the recipes at the end were a nice addition. All told, an entertaining cozy mystery.
Linda
A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler
All the stars for this one! The neighborhood is a beautiful peaceful one. Valerie is a long-time resident, and single mom of a biracial son, Xavier (Zay). He’s smart and has his future planned. The house next door is razed and a modern home built there, with pool. All the old trees in the lot are destroyed - and all the destruction there begins to harm the root system of the ancient oak in Valerie’s yard. And that sets in motion a chain of events that can only end in tragedy. Beautifully drawn characters, with a hero to love and a villain to hate. The writing is calming and soothing. The point of view that fills us in on so much, is “we” - the people of the neighborhood. And that works well. I didn’t want this one to end!
Patricia
A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum
Iconic story of a Muslim/Arabian family, their culture and mores in America. A young Isra is married off to an American and travels with him back to Brooklyn. She is told go and be a good wife but most important...have male children. Isra has three girls and suffers the consequences. Her story is heartbreaking as told to us by her oldest daughter, Deya. Very well written, very interesting story.
Harriet
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Entertaining story of a group of people putting on a thester production in 1940s New York.
Ruth
Midnight at Mallyncourt by Edwina Marlow
Published in 1975. Victorian era mystery.
Lynn
Pumpkin Spice Peril by Jenn McKinlay
One of my favorite series, it was fun catching up with Angie and Tate and Melanie and Joe. While full of excitement, I felt this story dragged a bit in the middle when comparing it to the other books in the series, but I wouldn’t let that stop you from enjoying these characters and fun escapades in the cupcake shop and most recent murder in town!
Sharon
The King of Lies by John Hart
Rereading this one. This is my favorite John Hart book and I've read all of his. Also had the pleasure of meeting him in person - great guy!
Mac
Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman
This nonfiction book gives us the details of the tragic Van Gogh brothers and their complicated relationship. It was a classic "Can't live with him, can't live without him" story which gave me a new appreciation of Van Gogh's work. Hoffman not only describes the lives of the brothers, but also the history behind many of the paintings. It inspired me to take a second look at them in a new light.
shelly
The Little Teashop on Main by Jodi Thomas
Zoe, Emily and Shannon all met at a tea party before they even started school, hoping this way all three girls would know someone when kindergarten began. Each of these women could not be more different. Zoe is free-spirited and has aspirations of being a star in New York, Shannon wants to serve her country just like her dad, and Emily who has mental health problems has a huge heart and wants to be a writer. These three women face some scary and unexpected circumstances but through it all, they are always bound to continue the regular tea parties and try to help solve each other's problems. Light and wonderful read, especially during these stressful times. Think you will totally enjoy it.
Betty
The Library of Legends by Janie Chang
First, you have to get beyond that gorgeous cover. Go ahead and gaze at it, absorbing that artistry. Then once you are ready, open the cover and enter the fantastical world Janie Chang has created, a story blending Chinese history and Chinese folklore. Stunningly written.
Diana
Camino Winds by John Grisham
Too much hurricane description. The book was well-plotted and the story gave you a lot to discuss.
Liz
Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett
I received my copy from Celadon Books. Mikel Jollett was taken from his mother at six months. They lived in an experimental commune in California, along with his brother. Synanon became one of the most notorious cults there was. His mother escaped the cult and came back to rescue her two sons; Mikel was five years old. They lived in hiding and fear they would be discovered. This memoir tells of that very hard life of mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse.
The beginning and end of the story was very interesting. However, I found the parts telling of his years in his band, The Airborne Toxic Event, to be a bit drawn out.
Carol
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin
There was once three gods, until one is murdered. Unbalanced and corruption reign as one family takes over a world. But then the soul of the murdered god is born again. Different, interesting read.
Ivy
The God Game by Danny Tobey
This one took me by surprise since I am not one for anything thing that sounds remotely science fictionish. From the first page I became enamored with the nerdy albeit genius-minded students, Vahni, Alex, Peter and Charlie who fell in deep with the God game. From the in-fighting among them and the terrifying adventure to save themselves. I held my breath until the last page.
Sean
The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows
Annie Barrows tells the story of a little West Virginia town during the depression and how a couple of people can change everything. Twelve-year-old Willa and new-to-town Layla turn the Romeyn family upside down and it affects the entire town. This is not the normal type of book I read but I really enjoyed it. The past haunts so many here and readers get to look back into that history from a few different perspectives. The is tied up a little too neatly but that's a minor complaint. Very good read.
Cheryl
Fearless by Fern Michales
Anna Campbell has a vlog on YouTube called The Simple Life. Anna and her 13-year-old daughter live by themselves after her husband Wade died in a motorcycle accident. Since then Anna suffers with anxiety. She meets Ryan Robertson on a cruise, but soon figures something isn't right after she blacks out one night. She flies home. When she returns home she decides to call Ryan and apologize for leaving the ship. Anna and Ryan start dating and eventually meet each other's children. Ryan and the children have secrets of their own and Anna starts to get uncomfortable. At a pool party at Anna's house everything goes wrong, and Anna's daughter winds up in the hospital.
Cheryl
The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain
The year is 1970. Carly Sears is a pregnant war widow. She finds out her baby has a heart defect. Carly goes to extreme measures to save her baby's life. This is a beautifully-written story. It's about the love between a mother and daughter that shows time doesn't matter. Some decisions have consequences, but the idea of what a happy family looks like isn't always the way you expect it to be. I want everyone to read this. Diane Chamberlain writes a time-travel story, but you won't be lost jumping forward and backward through time. I've never read anything like this before. This is my favorite novel this year.
Peggy
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
A wonderful Beach read uniting romance, friendship and mystery. Daphne is surprised when a former classmate asks her to be in her wedding. Drue was not such a great friend as we learn early in the book, but did she deserve to die? Daphne, her roommate and her new romantic friend work together to try to solve the mystery. In the process we learn more about Drue’s life and how it led up to her murder. Food plays an important sidebar in the meals that Daphne’s dad prepares as well as the best day in Drue’s life.
Marilyn
The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton
Love, mystery and family all rolled into one! A great read.
Elizabeth
The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell
THE WOMEN OF THE COPPER COUNTRY Is another of Mary Doria Russell’s excellent books of historical fiction. She keeps the story not only engaging but historically accurate, taking into account that a few characters are composites or complete fiction to show more of the nonfiction.
The Copper Country of the book’s title is Calumet, a copper-mining town in Michigan‘s Upper Peninsula. It is owned entirely by the mining company, Calumet & Hecla, the employer of most of the men in Calumet. During 1913 and 1914, Annie Clements organizes and leads the women of Copper Country in a strike against C & H.
Lindsey
Bad Karma: The True Story of a Mexican Surf Trip From Hell by Paul Wilson
What a fun read!! The author keeps you totally engaged with his witty writing style. From cringe-worthy moments to completely laughing out loud this is an adventure you’ll want to ride shotgun for! Highly recommend!
Thomas
Dead Land by Sara Peretsky
A very good book. I enjoyed reading it very much.
Thomas
Don't Look for Me by Wendy Walker
I enjoyed reading this book. It was really very good.
Jan
The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom
This book won the National Book Award. It would not have been my choice. The autobiography shows the development of a young black girl in East New Orleans. Her single mother managed 12 children after two husbands had died. Sarah herself never really knew her father who died when she was about 6 months old. The book is one of longings - Sarah trying to discover her father, her heritage. Her young life centers around the yellow house that her mother bought with monies from her first husband's death. She complains about "blatant backwardness" of her fellow citizens and about "government stupidity." Both are complaints I could make. The author finally discovers that "the journey itself is home."
Tessa
Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver
Kingsolver has crafted a story of one woman’s awakening, and simultaneously a warning about climate change. I found the story compelling from both perspectives. I know many people criticize Kingsolver for being preachy, but I did not find her message overbearing. Dellarobia Turnbow is a fascinating character and her personal journey was what really elevated the book for me.
Karen
Zoo by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
Jackson Oz is studying biology at Columbia when he sees something unusual in the biological world. Animals are becoming more aggressive. Oz is so concerned that starts doing full time research. He writes papers and blogs about what he is discovering, but his concerns are dismissed by other scientists. Then one day all of the coincidences of missing people meld together. Lions in the L. A. Zoo attack and eat one of their keepers, then break out of the zoo, eat a golfer in nearby Griffith Park and escape. Oz goes to Africa where tourists on safari have been attacked. Animals are uniting and attacking every where. Oz tries to alert officials and scientists so the problem can be dealt with. The animal world will never be the same...
Sarah
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
4.5 stars. I bought this book because: 1) cover love and 2) a witch and witch hunter as the MCs? Oh yes! Lou is a foul mouthed thief and witch. Reid is a Chasseur, a witch hunter. They are forced to marry. How will they work this out? I loved this fast-paced world of magic and those that hate magic. I liked Lou - she's funny and speaks her mind. Reid tries to be stone faced and follow the rules he has as Captain of the Chasseurs, but I loved watching Lou wear him down!
I also really liked the supporting characters, Coco and Ansel. I can't wait to see more of the covens in the next book. I already pre-ordered the next book...even before finishing this one!
Jeanne
The Silent Woman by Terry Lynn Thomas
THE SILENT WOMAN by Terry Lynn Thomas is a thrilling story set during World War II that is centered around espionage and intrigue that grabbed me from page one. The author did a great job in developing each of the characters so that readers will feel as though they really know them and are part of their incredibly interesting and dangerous journey. Without giving away any spoilers, readers will become captivated by Catherine Carlisle as she embarks on her first adventure as a spy. The twists and turns and elements of mystery will totally immerse readers in this gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way to the very last page. It definitely deserves a five star rating!
Karen
The Women in Black by Madeline St. John
1959 slice of life about four women working in dress department in a nice department store in Sydney, Australia. The book is about their relationships and friendships that help them grow and sustain them.
Jayme
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
This is just a charming, sweet story about friendship, memories, patience and kindness. If we are our memories, then it's important to be surrounded by people who love you and will always help you remember.
Pat
Tumbleweeds by Leila Meacham
I had read reviews on this when it first came out...but just never got around to reading it. My mistake—it is AN INCREDIBLY GOOD READ. It has great mix of sports, orphaned children, life-long friendships, love, etc. I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN...a real jewel.
Sally-Jo
Elmet by Fiona Mozley
Sad story of evil, greedy people. Well written.
Michele
The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman
Viola Shipman books are always, always great. This book shows how there is life after tragedy. PTSD does not only come from war. How broken spirits can really heal each other. I even learned some things about plants!!
Marsha
The Girls With No Names by Serena Burdick
Another book for Covid stay at home borrowed from my neighbor's closet. Two sisters are very close until Luella disappears. Effie believes she has been sent to the House of Mercy and arranges to go there also. It's a bad plan and leads to trouble for several people. This is based on the true story of these houses for wayward girls in the early 1900s that were really prisons and workhouses. Lots of great details about this time in our history. Interesting plot lines involving garment factories in New York and the Romani culture.
Phyllis
Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews
A very good beach read - great characters and setting.
Linda
This is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf
Told from three points of view - Eve, on the day that she was killed 25 years previously, Maggie, her best friend, now a detective in the local police force, and Eve’s younger sister, Nola, who’s always been thought of as crazy. The murder was never solved, but when a new piece of evidence surfaces the case is reopened and Maggie is in charge. The chapters go back and forth between the three narrators. There’s some drama with Maggie’s dad, who was police chief at the time of the murder, and now has dementia. And the author gives us lots of potential suspects - Nick, thoroughly unlikable guy who was Eve’s boyfriend, creepy neighbor, Nola, even Maggie herself, and possibly even Maggie’s husband Shaun. An engrossing read!
Melinda
The Moth Presents All These Wonders by Various authors; Catherine Burns, editor
Great reading about other's experiences.
Noreen
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
I'm a mystery/thriller genre reader, so I was surprised that I liked this book as much as I did. It's about Churchill, his family, and London during his first year as Prime Minister. It's not just 'war' stories. It's an inside look at him and his family...pink silk underwear and all. I watch a lot of WWII movies and series but learned things I wasn't aware of.
Sandra K.
The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman
These interconnected short stories revolve around a small town from its founding. It follows the descendants of the original settlers from 1750 to the present. It is a marvelous book.
Mary
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
Larson's books are always so good, I usually can hardly put them down, and this one tops even the best his has written. I am looking forward to the next one he writes, as soon as I finish his latest.
Helen
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
This book really demonstrates how talented Hosseini is. I think he made the story a bit too broad in order to bring in all the cultures and dramas relevant in the country, but the characters and settings are all magnificently portrayed, making them SO interesting and revealing. If you read this book, make a list of who is who. It will help immeasurably. It's a wonderful story.
Jana
Side Trip by Kerry Lonsdale
Loved, loved this book from this author. Fast-paced romantic trip that was full of surprises!
Megan
The Mirror by Marlys Millhiser
This book was amazingly written. It was captivating and felt very fresh for the time it was written (70s). Time travel is one of my favorite subjects for books. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a gripping storytelling with female leads.
Jane
The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman
I really love her/his books and this one is no exception. I loved this book not only about flowers (which I learned so much about) but about friendship, love, and opening up your life and your fences in life. Abby, Cory and Lily rent a house in MI next to Iris, a recluse who builds a fence to keep everyone out of her life. Cory has PTSD from being in Iran and cannot handle life. Abby is unhappy in her job. Lily is their precocious daughter who is seven years old but is much more mature than that. She befriends Iris and becomes her friend and opens her world to life again after losing her husband in World War II and her daughter from polio in the 1950s. Iris was a remarkable woman.
Marsha
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Another Covid relief book borrowed from my neighbor's closet. I am so glad I did not miss this book. It is for youth, but what a great story of Ada and her brother Jamie. In London they leave a cruel mother and are evacuated to the country to wait out WWII. Ada has been mistreated because of her club foot all eleven years of her life. With no education and confined to her room, she knows nothing about the outside world. It is wonderful to see her discover the world and the bond that grows in this new family.
Sybil
Becoming Odyssa by Jennifer Pharr Davis
This book was very inspirational even though you might not be interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail. It shows the power of what you can do if you have a strong desire. Loved this book!
Liza
Broken by Don Winslow
I don't usually read short stories, but I love Don Winslow's writing so much that I picked up BROKEN. Wow. Six incredible stories of crime, vengeance, justice, heartbreak, suspense. Winslow's characters from other novels even make cameos in a few of the stories. The third story, and the funniest, has the best opening line: "No one knew how the monkey got the gun". The collection is highly recommended if you like some blood and guts.
beverly
The Engineer's Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood
Fascinating read about a woman named Emily Roebling who marries into an engineering family right after the Civil War. She is very involved in the women’s suffrage movement. She is not a conventional women of those times. Her husband Washington and his very stern father are invoked in building bridges and events happen which force Emily to get involved. This is a historical fiction book based on many real facts.
Julie
Faithful Place by Tana French
The book takes place in Ireland and used Irish slang and Irish phrasing throughout. Good read about Frankie who ends a 22 year estrangement with his family when he learns a suitcase has been found belonging to an old girlfriend he intended to runaway with. The suitcase was found two doors down from where he lived with his family in a now abandoned building. Frankie has become an undercover agent and knows the way of the police department inside and out. He always assumed that his girlfriend had run off anyway and left him behind. He never went home after that evening either so never assumed anything other than he was left behind by his lover until her suitcase shows up. Good book, strong characters, interesting read.
Julia
The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda
I enjoyed this murder mystery mostly because it's set in a shore town in Maine. The summer shore atmoshere is great. You can almost hear the waves crashing on the rocks and smell of the salty air.
Linda
Delight Me by J. Kenner
Damien and Nikki and their girls are getting ready for Christmas when Nikki finds that her father is stuck in Mexico and will not make it back in time. Damien sees how disappointed Nikki is and gets his own pilot to fly him down there. He makes up an excuse that called him away and she is impatient with him but he wants to surprise her when he brings back her father. Plans are working fine until they arrive back at the small airport in Mexico and find the plane they had planned to use for their return flight is gone. Damien hasn’t met a problem he couldn’t solve and this one is no different. He is determined to be home for Christmas.
Linda
Snowfall on Cedar Trail by Annie Rains
Alex Baker, police chief in Sweetwater Springs, has always been attracted to Halona Locklear but her brother Tuck was one of Alex’s best friends. It was an unbroken rule that a guy didn’t go after his best friend’s sister but things have changed. Halona is now a widow with a son while Alex has never married. He becomes mentor to her son and that gives him a reason to interact with them regularly. But the townspeople have noticed the heat given off when these two are together even though they claim they are not dating. The budding romance is put off by new clues found in the murder of Alex’s father. Threats have been made and he doesn’t want Halona hurt. He is determined to bring the murderer to justice.
Linda
Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon
Luke Carter met Kristin Dane at a wedding and had no idea he would run into her again in a murder investigation. Kristin owns a shop selling items made by workers in developing countries and her assistant was found dead with a slashed throat. Then a customer is found dead in her home with a slashed throat. A sales ticket shows she purchased two of the candles Kristin imported from Syria but they are not in the customer’s house. Ryan Doud runs an insurance agency next door to the shop and is a little too friendly to Kristin and this raises red flags for Luke.
Linda
Mister Black by P. T. Michelle
Talia fled her apartment when she found her sister dead on the floor. She was in a panic and started running. When a homeless man tried to grab her necklace, she realized how far she had run. A young man known to the homeless man as Blackie drove up and saved her. Talia saw he had one dark brown eye and one blue eye. He asked her name but she wouldn’t tell him. He drove her home and waited till she got to the door. She thought of him often over the years and eight years later found him at a masked party. He called her Red due to her costume. They were supposed to meet the next day but she held back. She learned he was a Navy SEAL and was being deployed. Would she ever meet her hero again?
Francisca
Latinos in Milwaukee by Walter Sava and Joseph A. Rodriguez
This is a short history of the various Latino immigrant populations in Wisconsin’s largest city. The authors interviewed many current residents, some whose families had been in the area since the early 20th century and outline the various reasons and opportunities that brought these immigrants north.
Margaret
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
Loved this book. Being a librarian, the work of the WPA librarians has always spoke to me. This title offered so much history about eastern Kentucky and the blue people of Kentucky. It was very clear that Richardson had done her research.
Betty
What Lies Between Us by John Marrs
What a ride! This is sure to be one of the best psychological thrillers of the year. I was in suspense the entire time.
Susan
Secrets of the Tulip Sisters by Susan Mallery
Very predictable romance novel.
Patricia
First Strike by Ben Coes
Wonderful thriller.
Elizabeth
The Silence by Susan Allott
Because THE SILENCE is Susan Allott’s debut novel, I am sure she is a new author to you. She was for me, too. But you don’t need to be apprehensive about picking this book for your next read, as I was. It's a safe bet. Maybe the biggest reason is that this is not a simple story. It is multilayered, as the best stories are.
Gail
A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo
I enjoyed all the information of how the two Amish orders live in their communities. This is a story of a young Amish boy who leads what looks like a life of Amish principles but he has a hidden side to his personality that is known by some within the Amish community. Since the Amish keep a "code of silence" it becomes difficult for police captain Kate Burkholder determine who has committed his murder. The plot has several twists and turns.
Thomas
Camino Winds by John Grisham
I really liked this book very much.
Thomas
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
I really enjoyed reading this book.
Joy
A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler
The neighbors fight over a historic oak tree and a blossoming romance between two (interracial) kids. The book discusses what it takes to be a good neighbor.
Gil
Eleven Days by Stav Sherez
Ten dead nuns plus another person perish in a fire that demolished the convent. The eleventh person was not authorized to be there. Who was she and why was she there? Was the fire accidental or arson? What do drugs, sex trafficking, and a military compound in Peru run by a priest have to do with the fire? Not an easy investigation for detective Carrigan and his partner Geneva. A truly remarkable book! It seemed that the author was reading my mind and answered my next questions as I progressed through this compelling novel. Highly recommended.
Tami
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
A book filled with mystery, suspense, and a healthy dose of mystery novel love. You leave this reading experience out of breath and a very large TBR stack of new and old mysteries.
Sean
Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
A good idea for a novel doesn't make a novel good. Forty-three ideas for a novel, in the same novel is pretty bad. Patterson and Paetro throw everything at the wall and next to none of it sticks. The characters are almost all ridiculous or cliched to the max. The situations are almost all absurd. There is so much here that it's impossible to care about any one element. James Patterson probably didn't write this, but it's not good.
Kathleen
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
The prose is as rich, nuanced and formal as the gentleman himself, Count Alexander Rostov. The count was declared a enemy of the Bolsheviks, but because of his previous support and heroism, instead of being executed, he was sentenced to a lifetime in a garret room in the elegant Hotel Metropole. The count resolved to make the best of his situation, not to seek revenge, but to make his home where he is. He gets to know every inch of the hotel and its inhabitants, both long-term and transient. He makes friends with a little girl and a lovely woman. He is on the best of terms with the chef and all the waiters and he visits the in-house barber shop and the newsstand, but he can never leave the building. Until he does...
Theresa
Browning House by Lucia Cascioli
Fascinating history of the Browning family during Elizabethan and Reformation times in England. Rich family chronicle with engaging descriptions of historical sites and customs. A joy to read!
Bonnie
The Confession by Jo Spain
You'll know right from the start who commits the crime. But it'll keep you guessing as to the reason. A page-turner.
Bonnie
My Kind of People by Lisa Duffy
Entertaining summer read. Silent Book Club will be doing an online discussion with the author on June 9. Check it out.
shelly
The Promise by Patricia Davids
Henrietta Raber has not gotten over the loss of her husband. He died in an accident and since then her health is failing along with her reason to live. She has decided without speaking to either of her sons Levi, or Issac that they are leaving Lancaster and returning to her home in Cedar Grove. The stables that Levi and his dad had built took lots of work but they loved it. Now in the blink of an eye, the life they knew is over. Sarah Yoder had been close friends with Isaac one summer and to hear that he is returning brings a huge smile to her face. Most of Sarah's friends are married and she feels her chances are very slim with so few single men in Cedar Grove, to find a husband. Unfortunately, Issac is not excited about returning.
Sue Em
Travels of Quinn by Sasscer Hill
Quinn O'Neill is torn between her budding conscience and the realities of her life as an Irish Traveler (also known as gypsies) and when the latest scam goes horribly awry, she must use her wits and get by on her own. While this is an excellent mystery (and perfectly sufficient reason to read and enjoy this book), the heart of this book is Quinn's journey as she discovers her love of horses and the horses power to heal herself. Loved it!
