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May 29, 2020 - June 12, 2020

 

This contest period's winners were Kimberley M., Phyllis S. and Rene P., who each received a copy of DANCE AWAY WITH ME by Susan Elizabeth Phillips and MRS. LINCOLN'S SISTERS by Jennifer Chiaverini.

 

Patti
The Photographer's Wife by Suzanne Joinson

4
A good story of betrayal during the world war. It has it all - a love affair,betrayal, political intrigue and secrets.

Linda
The Lying Room by Nicci French

4
So many lies! When married, Neve finds her married lover dead in his city apartment, she cleans up the murder scene and tries to remove all traces of herself from the flat, as she does not want her affair to come to light. And of course that doesn’t go well. Lies beget lies beget more lies. It took a while to get invested in the story or the characters, but eventually I was engrossed in the story. I could feel the dread that Neve felt as the detective kept turning up, obviously suspecting that she is the murderer. The dinner party was almost farcical - great addition to the book! Neve looks at her family members and close friends, wondering if one them might be the murderer, wondering how well she really knows them.

Linda
The Other Couple by Louise Candlish

4
First of all, thanks to Goodreads and Berkley Publishing for my copy. A friendship develops between Clare and Jamie - in their forties - and a younger couple, Melia and Kit. Jamie and Melia have an affair. Kit goes missing, Jamie is under suspicion. And from then on, there are so many twists. Just when you think you have it figured out - here’s another twist. Melia is such a double-crosser! And Clare is such a good detective - she figures out - almost - what Melia is up to. Jamie and Kit are lambs to the slaughter - both thinking they’re leaving with Melia and the life insurance payout, both so very wrong.

Jan
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

3
This is not Wingate's best book. She always does her research and writes about things she knows but this book jumped around and never had cohesion for me. And in the end, they all lived happily forever - a mini love story. Wingate makes us aware of the network of former slaves who looked for their relatives after the end of the Civil War. Many ex-slaves were too uneducated or untrained to leave and seek fortune elsewhere. Furthermore, they had no money to live on if they left. So evil people often fooled them into leaving the homes they knew or captured them and took them away to sell them again. A Methodist newspaper started carrying advertising for "Lost Friends" and hundreds of people found their lost relatives.

Karen
Plum Island by Nelson DeMille

5
Great plot. Likable characters. A great read.

Candace
When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal

5
Secrets, secrets, secrets. Family dynamics, dysfunction, sister vs. sister. Barbara O'Neal is one to follow.

Candace
Windmills by Alan Clegg

5
A fascinating history of the Dutch holocaust. The book was addicting, but very long.

Lee
Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall

4
I did not particularly like geography in school, but a review of this book intrigued me. It really fascinated me and I learned a lot. One complaint was the maps did not always list the towns, cities, etc. that the text was describing. I urge you to read this book to find out more of our world to deal better with our universe, though a few things are outdated.

Deborah
Origin by Dan Brown

5
The first of this series I have read. Thrillers are never my chosen genre, but my bookclub read it. I took a chance, since it didn’t seem gritty. I stayed up very late 3 nights in a row....un-put-downable!

Harriet
Writers and Lovers by Lily King

4
Struggling writer searches for love and happiness, finds them, and herself, with an unlikely man.

Janie
Becoming Dr .Seuss by Brian Jay Jones

4
Because of the quarantine, I read every other book available to me, before reaching for this one. I enjoyed learning about the course this clever creator’s life took.

Allison
The Beauty of Humanity Movement by Camilla Gibb

1
Great story.

Laurie
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland

4
Set in Atlantic City, 1934, based on a true story, this multi-generational family drama/coming-of-age novel is filled with many discussable themes for book review clubs: tragedy, pregnancy, secrets and beyond! I laughed and cried with the diverse characters.

Karen
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

4
Childhood sweethearts' dreams are broken when a tragic event occurs.

Sharon
The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie

3
The library did not have a book with this title except by another author, and, not having read Christie that I could remember, I accepted this one. Probably won't read another Christie based on this. It was okay, but this was one of the mysteries that did not always let the reader know whatever clues the protagonist found and thus did not let me participate in solving the crime.

Jeanne
Summer Longing by Jamie Brenner

5
SUMMER LONGING by Jamie Brenner has all the elements of a fantastic summer read. It begins with a baby being left on the doorstep of Ruth Cooperman’s rented house in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Without giving away any spoilers, the author did an excellent job in creating characters that were likable and realistic. This was a heartfelt, easy read that took me on an captivating emotional roller-coaster ride from page one. It definitely deserves a five-star rating.

Jeanne
The Silent Woman by Terry Lynn Thomas

5
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!

Linda
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson

5
I am a big Churchill fan and thought this one the best about him. Some recently released writings bring new insights.

Sally-Jo
The Rabbit Girls by Anna Ellory

4
Well-written story. Sad how sadistic people can become. The horrors of what the Nazi's did is unbelievable.

Jessica
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

4
NOTHING TO SEE HERE is a story about friendship and family - and the bizarre and quirky forms that they both take. Lillian embarks on caring for two 10-year-old kids as a favor to her former (and arguably only) friend, Madison. The book is entertaining and funny, with moments of heartbreak and sadness. About 1/3 of the way into the book you discover the 'odd' condition that the kids have - while a little far-fetched, it leads to interesting moments and challenges. Overall, extremely easy and enjoyable read!

Vesna
You Let Me In by Camilla Bruce

4
This book was gifted to me by a fellow Booktopian as part of a virtual book swap. A debut novel from Norwegian writer Camilla Bruce. Fantastic fantasy suspense a book I would not have thought to pick up on my own. Follow along on a hauntingly lyrical folkloric tale of what happens when a brother and sister stand to inherit their outcast aunt's fortune. What happened to Aunt Cassie? She has been gone over a year and now it’s up to her niece and nephew to read her last manuscript and decide if they can solve the family mystery. But at what price? I read this book in one afternoon. The pages drew you in to the magical story and you had to keep guessing if what you were reading was real or was it fairies to blame.

Vesna
House of Correction by Nicci French

4
First time reading an ebook, and what a story to start with! WOW! Excellent writing, fast-paced, full of twists and turns. Follow Tabitha on her quest to find out the truth of whether she is guilty or not of the murder she is imprisoned for. I felt like I was inside the prison where she is struggling to decipher the events of the day. Truths and lies are uncovered and the reader is taken on a fantastic journey full of suspense. I did not see the end coming, but if courtroom, crime, suspense driven novels are your preferred reads, get this book - you will not be disappointed. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Sherrie
The Dilemma by B. A. Paris

5
I have been eagerly waiting for this book as I adore this author, B. A. Paris. There was no disappointment here. The story is told in chapters of the wife, Livia and her husband, Adam. It's Livia's 40th birthday and she has forever been planning this big party, the biggest most wonderful party they have given. They have two twenty-something children, Josh and Marnie. The story is filled with love, angst, choices, parenting, friends and family; it is not without dilemma. I loved this book and the way the author builds and builds and your heart is pounding and pounding over decisions, expectations, the past and choices, a dilemma. I couldn't put it down!

Michelle
Life Among the Savages by Shirley Jackson

1
I got a kick out of the first 30 pages and thought I’d be in for some amusing tales. But I think it was too dated for me. I was interested in some of the 1950s housewife experiences (i.e. the whole hospital experience when having a baby), but the endless children’s stories had me skimming and trying to keep my eyes open.

Michelle
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

3
A little underwhelming for me. I was expecting something more to happen or more profound for Edward to experience. I also found it a little sad, especially towards the end and was hoping the ending would make up for it.

Michele
On Ocean's Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe

5
Once again we are back on South Carolina's coast and living the island life. Mary Alice makes you see and smell the flowers, hear the oceans roar and root for all the turtles to make it back to their ocean home. Great feel good summer read!

Helen
Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel

5
Complicated family relationships and all kinds of scenarios. I love books that keep me guessing as to what happens next.

Pat
Roses by Leila Meacham

5
I just discovered this author with another book of hers, TUMBLEWEEDS. She is a fabulous author! The books are long but you can’t put them down...so are fast reads. Lots of family interaction and drama within her books. Snagged another of hers, which I am reading now. Great books!

Susan
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

4
I enjoy all of Jennifer Weiner's books and this one was one of her best. Characters you can relate to, a bit of romance mystery and more. Perfect summer reading. A quick read.

Lucy
The Lincoln Consipiracy by Brad Meltzer

5
Fascinating! And the book was of particular interest since my great, great, great grandfather Samuel Felton was the train executive involved in helping with the unfolding of the assassination conspiracy and hiring of private eye Pinkerton. Meltzer's writing leads the reader through the story as if it's a true crime novel with cliff hangers at the end of every paragraph.

Rosa
MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed bin Salman by Ben Hubbard

5
In this book, Ben Hubbard gives an account of the unlikely rise of Mohammed bin Salman to his powerful position as Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. I knew nothing about the politics of this country and became intrigued with it following the death of the journalist Jamal Kashoggi. This is a compelling chronicle that was difficult to put down. It reads like a spy thriller and in parts, it is hard to believe that it is true. A very worthwhile read.

Rosemary
The Fifth Column by Andrew Gross

5
It's 1941 in NYC and Charlie Mossman is just released from prison after serving two years for punching a young man and killing him accidentally. While trying to reestablish himself in the eyes of his wife and reentering the life of his young daughter he meets their neighbors, an older "Swiss" couple. Something doesn't ring true with them to Charlie and since the U.S. government had just broken up a German spy ring, Charlie begins to investigate them. Are they what they seem to be or are Charlie's suspicions right? An interesting complex mystery with enough twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of her seat.

Sandra
The Grave Soul by Ellen Hart

4
I really enjoy Ellen Hart’s books about PI/restaurant owner Jane Lawless. They are well written and the characters are wonderful. I also love the fact that I am usually in the dark about whodunnit until the very end.

Lisa
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

4
When I started this book, I had already read THE GIVER OF STARS with a similar subject matter, so my enthusiasm wasn't the highest. However, this book is very different and introduced me to the "Blues" of Kentucky, which I had never heard of. Also, I appreciated that authentic dialogue was used. It was well worth the read. Because one of the plot lines was pretty predictable, I didn't give it 5 stars.

Helen
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

4
Wonderful read based on the life of Hedy Lamarr. Fascinating!

Linda
Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera

5
This novel features three women who courageously face adversity and eventually are supportive of each other. They rise above.

Pat
Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

1
I got this book free. I immediately disliked it and was going to trash it. However, I thought it might get better so did finish it. Awful book. I cannot tolerate vulgarity...especialy some vile words...and this book had plenty. It also had other sexual issues that I disagree with Biblically. I just can’t recommend it at all. I threw it in the trash‼️

Susan
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher

5
I really enjoyed this book. It's a very interesting, fast-paced suspense filled novel about a plural marriage between one man and three women. The women know they are in a plural marriage but they know nothing about each other, and it keeps you reading till the very end.

Susan
All Adults Here by Emma Straub

5
A lady in their small town in New England is killed by a school bus and it makes Astrid Strick think over her mothering skills she used with her three adult children, with a secret she has been keeping of her own.

Betty
Golden Poppies by Laila Ibrahim

5
I truly cared about the characters, holding my breath when some of them were threatened and endangered. The story invoked a wide range of emotions within me – grief, joy, fear, anger, triumph, pride. I enjoyed Ibrahim’s smooth style of writing and will be reading more of her books. If you love a story with strong female characters, I highly recommend her books.

Emily
The Cartiers by Francesca Cartier Brickell

5
The Cartier family established a jewelry empire. The author, a Cartier great granddaughter, uses family letters, journals, and other parts of the family archives, to write a riveting account of the building of the family business. I highly recommend it.

phyllis
Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher

5
Read this great book years ago and went for it again. Set in the 1930s when Judith Dunbar is left at a British boarding school when her family moves to Singapore. What follows is how her life unfolds and all the interesting people she meets through the years. Interesting to the last page.

phyllis
The Leisure Seeker by Michael Zadoorian

5
A couple in their 80s, both with serious illness and ignoring the advice of their doctors and children, take off in their motor home and tour Route 66. Their goal is to reach the Pacific Ocean and Disneyland. Lots of laughs and some tears along the journey. Loved this book.

Chris
Barkskins by Annie Proulx

4
Really vivid storytelling!

Francisca
The Milagro Beanfield War by John Nichols

5
In a New Mexico valley the power is held by one man and his company. He who owns most of the land and virtually all the water rights. One day, Joe Mondragon decides to cut a trench in the irrigation ditch, diverting some of that water onto his late father’s beanfield. I've had this book on my TBR "radar" for a bajillion years and I don't know why I waited so long to read it. I really liked it a lot! The quirky characters, the message, the humor, the pathos, and the landscape all made this an especially moving book for me.

Cammie
Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham

5
The timeliness of DREAMLAND BURNING is eerie. The events feel like they come straight from the nightly news or the daily newspaper. DREAMLAND BURNING alternates between Rowan Chase in present day Tulsa and William Tillman in 1921 Tulsa. Their lives become enmeshed for the reader when a skeleton is found on the Chase property during renovations. Rowan and her friend James begin to investigate. Will's Tulsa is ruled by Jim Crow laws and the impending arrival of the KKK. The chapters from 1921 lead up to and include the Tulsa race riot of May 31-June 1 when mobs of white citizens attacked black residents and businesses of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, killing around 300 people, and not a single white man or woman faced charges.

Betty
Sister Dear by Hannah Mary McKinnon

3
Honesty here – this book is not a thriller. It sounds like it would be, but it’s not. I never got that adrenaline rush that comes with a good thriller. I really could not muster any sympathy for Eleanor. Her life was messed up, and she continues to make choices that will make it even messier. She becomes a person I really did not like. But then none of the characters in this book are very likeable.

Barbara
The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith

4
The part of the story that I enjoyed best was the description of Sara De Vos's life. It was so interesting to learn what female artists had to contend with in a male-dominated field. Our book club had a lively discussion of this book and it was enjoyed by all.

Dianne
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

2
Really having a difficult time getting into this book. It is easy to put it down and pick up something else. The poetry of the language is outstanding. It is just a slow and depressing read.

Rene
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

5
This book was amazing! I have not been so drawn into a book in a long time. Although it was historical fiction you could actually believe it was happening before you. It has drawn me in to do more research on the books and lives of C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman.

John
The Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae

5
This is a book about a lady who talks to animals and takes a hike across a desert!

Laura
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

5
I loved the comparison of the lives of the orphan train riders of the 1920s and the experience of Molly, a girl in the foster home system of today. Enjoyable read with lots of depth.

Trezeline
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

4
Very interesting story about man’s inhumanity to man.

Ivy
Belladonna by Anbara Salam

4
When an obsession becomes an obsession there is no way it's going to end pleasantly. Bridget and Isabella become friends. But one sees their friendship as more than what it could ever be. From quaint Connecticut to northern Italy, the story takes an unusual turn that upsets a convent, but not as much as it does for both girls, each with different motives.

Sean
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

5
Neil Gaiman is such a good author. Lesser writers would turn this fantasy novel into a thousand page quest novel in hopes of becoming a hit TV series. What he does instead is tell a nice compelling story of a seven-year-old boy dealing with a new world. It's sweet, eloquent, and pretty fantastic. I flew through this and wished it was a little longer as I, too, had as many questions just as the main character, but I love how it ended. Overall, a delightful read.

Jan
The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai

4
A woman born in Viet Nam in 1973 authored this novel about three generations of women who endured the war and its aftermath. It feels very realistic - from the baby born to a man who was sprayed many times with Agent Orange to looking for the oldest son who ran toward the south when his father was brutally killed by Japanese. For much of the author's life, Viet Nam was in war - south versus north, the French occupation, the Japanese occupation in World War II and the American occupation after the French left. This is not a very happy book but I learned a lot more about the feelings of the Vietnamese and about the terrible poverty. There are some happy family moments and we see the strength of the mother.

Tessa
Hannah's Dream by Diane Hammond

3
3.5 stars. This was a heartwarming story and I really enjoyed it. But then, if a book has an elephant in it, I’m bound to be a fan. I really liked Sam, his wife Corina, and Neva Wilson, the young zookeeper who comes to help care for Hannah. And I loved Hannah!

NIcole
The Guest List by Lucy Foley

5
I could not put this down. Not only did it keep you guessing who the murderer was but also who WAS murdered! With every passing chapter my predictions would change. I highly recommend!

Bonnie
The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe

3
Sad novel about people out of the mainstream.

Bonnie
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

3
LOLITA for the 21st century.

Debbie
The Pope of Palm Beach by Tim Dorsey

2
I am attempting to alter my opinion of Tim Dorsey’s writing, but not much has changed. There is too much violence and foul language and utter disregard for life. In this adventure, Serge and Coleman undertake a literary tour in Florida of notable authors such as Leonard Elmore and Charles Willeford. Two other stories portray The Pope of Palm Beach, Darby, a legendary surfer, and a survivalist hermit, Trapper Nelson. Coleman jumps in and out of his drug and alcohol cloud while Serge punishes or kills the bad guys in exotic ways. Then Kenneth Reese, an author, goes into virtual hiding when he believes the bad guys are searching for him. The writing is choppy, but the characters and setting display finesse.

Debbie
Broken Bone China by Laura Childs

3
I always enjoy a Laura Childs mystery that includes delicious recipes and entertaining suggestions. Of course, each installment of Tea Shop Mysteries follows a writing formula that very seldom changes. Laura Childs starts with a murder, then little by little Theodosia and Drayton are pulled into solving the murder. Of course, minor characters slip in and out of the story like Haley Parker, Miss Dimple, Dale Dickerson, Timothy Neville, Burt Tidwell, Bill Glass, and Angie Congdon. The story contains much talk of fashion and food and tea and the city of Charleston, SC. And of course, Theodosia encounters frightening chases in her search for the truth. The reader follows many suspects and many red herrings.

Karen
Plum Island by Nelson Demille

5
Roller coaster of a story. Very likable characters. Humor sprinkled throughout.

Kimberley
The Library Book by Susan Orlean

5
This is a synopsis of the history of the library. Using the Los Angeles Central Library as the historical backdrop, the reader follows how the library has become an important part of our lives. There are libraries on every continent and the libraries are every shape and size, delivering books by every means. It is fascinating.

susan
The Manhattan Red Ribbon Killer by Owen Parr

5
This is a series of books. This is Book Three. It has a retired New York detective , a female FBI agent, a brother of the detective who is a priest and a female who can get any info you need from a computer-whether legal or not. They are trying to find a serial killer who kills his female victims with a red ribbon after having sex with her. This is a fast-moving story with a lot of twists and turns. I could not put it down. Not graphic, but has some language and some mildly violent scenes. If you like police suspense this is a very good series of books.

Dorothy
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

4
This novel was very interesting and kept me engaged throughout. It was about living in the mountains of Kentucky after the main character had been living the preferred life in England. It’s about her marriage, living and working conditions.

Jill
The End of October by Lawrence Wright

4
So many parallels to the COVID virus pandemic that we have all been experiencing. Strangely enough, this was written way before COVID-19. I can’t say I really connected to any of the characters, however it was a good read. More bleak than what we experienced (thank God). The ending has a bit of a dystopian feel to it.

Allison
The Beauty of the Humanity Movement by Camilla Gibb

3
Interesting book.

Judith
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

4
A young teacher comes to a poor town in the South. In an attempt to get the attention of her students, she brings an elderly Negro woman to speak to her class. They begin to write and then get ready to perform their parts as the persons they are writing about. Flash back to the 1800s after the Civil War and read the story of someone who was a slave and wants to find her family. She travels to TX with her young former mistress and her half sister. Adventures abound, and, both story lines tie together in a great ending!

Pat
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

5
Could not put this down!

Jayme
Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn

5
The story of the trauma and sanctity of a family and how they try to survive when one son is touched by the soul of Hawaii. Brilliant.

Jayme
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk

4
In this quirky and odd little gem an elderly woman living in the wilderness is drawn into the investigations of the deaths of her neighbors. She believes that the animals of the forest are responsible for the killings and they are seeking revenge and retribution for the destruction of the forest, but no one believes her. Is she correct? Maybe...

Cheryl
A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith

5
Vivid book written about the trials and tribulations of three generations who survive the wild landscape of Florida from Civil War to the end of the family line in 1968. The family survives alligator- filled swamps, droughts, hurricanes, bushwackers, malaria, floods, and loss of loved ones. Along their family lifetimes they befriend an Indian nation, earn respect of the pioneers of Florida and remain true to their hardworking and conservationist values. They create an empire based on cattle, orange trees and real estate. This book is truly a beautiful saga about Florida's history.

Linda
A Divided Loyalty by Charles Todd

5
Thanks for the previous 'heads up' for the newest Charles Todd. Always an anticipation, but especially fun during these stressful times of pandemic and protests. Good background descriptions, as always, but more than a few neat twists and occasional 'wrong way streets'.

Laurie
Estelle by Linda Stewart Henley

4
Historical fiction with an art theme set in New Orleans, both 1872 and 1971, giving the reader a brilliant tale about beloved artist Edgar Degas. Talented author did a brilliant job interweaving a contemporary story with colorful researched history. Very much enjoyed reading ESTELLE. Brava!

Elly
Blue Marlin by Lee Smith

5
Somewhat autobiographical novel about her childhood trip to Key West with her parents who were trying to save their marriage. They stayed at the Blue Marlin where the movie Operation Petticoat was being filmed. Funny and heartbreaking at times.

Michele
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

5
Jennifer gave those of us that are not 'thin' a voice that is in our heads, a book that details how we see ourselves. Sometimes those who seem to have it all, do not. Those who seem to be looked down on, have it all. Being thin or bigger does not deem true happiness either way. And sometimes, people go to their graves seeming to have it all, but never having what they really want and need.

Amy
We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall

4
I won a copy of this new release in a contest and I’m so glad that I did. I love the setting In New York City during the 1939 Worlds Fair.

Marybeth
Educated by Tara Westover

5
Excellent. Such a powerful story.

Stephanie
Killer Chardonnay by Kate Lansing

4
What a great start to this new cozy mystery series! Love Parker, Reid, Liam, and Sage. Can’t wait for Book 2 to learn more about them and what troubles Parker gets into. Highly recommend this book!!

Marilyn
A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

4
All the elements of family - what holds us together, pulls us apart and leads us to acceptance and forgiveness.

Sharon
The Cafe by the Sea by Jenny Colgan

4
Flora MacKenzie is a paralegal in London with a massive crush on her boss -- a man who runs his firm with a firm hand is is always working as well and never seeing anyone like Flora until a new client asks for her to return to her home of Mure (a fictional island in northern Scotland) to help him with issues with the locals concerning his new venture there. Flora had vowed to never return to her home, but...now she is ordered to - or else no job.

Susan
All Adults Here by Emma Straub

5
As usual, Emma has a book with many different characters. At first I didn't know if I would like it but it got better the more you get into it. The Stricks, a mother and three adult children, are trying to figure out where they fit in the realm of things.

Sharon
Where the Light Enters by Sara Donati

5
Excellent historical fiction dealing with female doctors in 1884. Points out many of the issues of the day and the protagonist is quite delightful.

Teresa
The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams

4
Another wonderful novel by Beatriz Williams - this one set on a New England island occupied by the rich 'summer people' and the people who live there year round. Ms. Williams takes us through three different important years in the three main characters' lives. Very well written and I highly recommend.

Margo
Under Her Skin by Adriana Anders

3
Great book.

Gail
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

5
Smart snappy dialogue of two broken people - one from the sudden death of a husband, the other a professional baseball pitcher whose pitching arm suddenly disappears. Unlike many stories, these two are thinking adults that take time to develop a relationship and don't fall into instant sex as the basis for their recoveries. A refreshing look at a developing adult relationship.

Ginger
The Gilded Hour by Sara Donati

4
An interesting read about two female doctors (sisters) in New York City during the 1880s and the challenges they faced. Well written from an historical view point, but I felt the book was a little long. The ending left me hanging but then I found out there is a sequel. Not sure if I want to tackle another 600+ pages to see how it ends.

Rebecca
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

5
This is based on a true story about a Jewish man, Lale Sokolov, who is put to work as a tattooist at Auschwitz. His survival and interaction with friend and foe kept my interest.

Cammie
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

5
THE POET X by Elizabeth Acevedo is fierce and powerful, sad and tragic, yet hopeful. Xiomara Batista must follow all the rules -- Mami's, church and confirmation class, school and teachers, and society in general. Xiomara is desperately trying to figure out who she is and where she fits into the world around her. The messages from her parents, school, and society are all crashing into her at once. She's finding her voice, yet she's either unheard or expected to stay silent. As a result, she writes poetry, pouring her feelings and frustrations into the pages of a leather notebook, a gift from her twin brother Xavier. (Xavier is a whole other story -- Acevedo also needs to write a book with Xavier as the main character.)

Joy
Long Bright River by Liz Moore

3
Two sisters travel the same streets, though their lives couldn’t be more different. Then one of them disappears. In a Philadelphia neighborhood their world is rocked by the opioid crisis. Then one of them goes missing and a bunch of murders happen in their district. Mickey can’t help but worry about what happened to her sister Kacey.

Marilyn
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

4
Our book club so enjoyed this book and was very interested to dicuss this book on Zoom. How the times have changed and how we all have adapted.

Katherine
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

5
Our group loved reading this book! Most of us had never heard of this adoption scandal that happened in our lifetime. We were intrigued enough to do more research on Georgia Tann and her horrific scheme.

AnnMarie
Park Avenue Summer by Renee Rosen

4
Loved this book! As someone born and raised and still living in NYC this book was a perfect way to start my summer reading. Juicy, heartfelt and historic all in one!

FRAN
Innocent Spouse by Carol Ross Joynt

5
An unusual memoir. The innocent spouse defense is real and not employed too often. Joynt's story is poignant and frightening. Her writing is succinct and well done. How could she have not known??

Helen
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

5
The author has an amazing vocabulary. Amazing book by an amazing author. Mostly a true story, beautifully written. I will never forget this book.

Patricia
If It Bleeds by Stephen King

5
Typical King, but all four stories were so good. I was really into the one titled "If it Bleeds". I was really interested in the main character who was in THE OUTSIDERS, Holly Gibney!

Kate
The Lost Orphan by Stacey Halls

4
Back in 2010/2011, author Stacey Halls attended an exhibition of tokens and artifacts of an 18th century London foundling hospital. From that moving experience, Ms. Halls spun an impelling tale wherein an unwed mother brings her hours-old child to the Foundling Hospital with the hope that they will accept the child. She leaves a personal token to claim the child later. This book features two strong female protagonists - one maternal and the other icy but wealthy. The interplay between these two woman is richly portrayed. Their character development is strong as is that of the child. I was moved by the story and thought it to be well told.

Janet
The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman

5
I did not want this book to end; I actually slowed down my reading to stop it from ending! I loved the characters and setting of this story that takes place in West Virginia during the Great Depression. I enjoy learning history through historical fiction. Imagine my surprise when I found out this was book #1 of a trilogy! Can’t wait to journey back to Hope River!

Jean
Happy New Year, Herbie by Evan Hunter

5
Well-crafted short stories with characters and events I found fascinating.

Linda
One Little Lie by Colleen Coble

5
Jane Hardy is now chief of police in a small Louisiana town. Growing up in a cult, she was saved by her father when state police raided the compound. She had just given birth to her son and wanted to take her husband and son with them but her father hurried her away. Fifteen years later, she meets Reid Dixon who is filming a documentary of the life of a small-town sheriff. Reid had a purpose for coming to this small town and he is not who Jane thinks him to be. He has to admit his true identity as well as his son’s but is not sure how to go about it. Great story.

Linda
Dark Ambition by Irene Hannon

5
Rick Jordan receives messages from his old Army buddy Jackson Dunn but can’t get in touch with him. He contacts Phoenix, Inc., a private investigative firm. Heather Shields listens to his story and starts the ball rolling. Dunn’s old girlfriend has been killed in a fall from a balcony and Dunn’s body is found in a remote area of a state park with a heroin syringe nearby. Although both were ruled accidental, Rick and Heather don’t believe these were accidents. Leads point to Brad Weston. He served in the Middle East amid rumors of American fuel being sold to locals and monies going to Weston. Weston is planning to run for governor and wants the investigation stopped.

Linda
Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson

3
Krista Galloway and her daughter Emily moved from Phoenix to the small town of Winter Hill, Washington to take a job as city manager. Emily was excited as she wants to see snow. Krista is ambivalent about Christmas as bad things have happened to her around that time of year and she learns that the town goes all out for Christmas. This year Christmasville has a contest to give away a house. Emily wants the house and writes the essay that wins. Winston Palmer, the city’s chief financial officer, says it’s a conflict of interest for Krista to win and turns a good portion of the town against her. He was the rival for the job Krista got and thinks she is too young for the job. Krista has had enough.

Donna
Turtles All the Way Down by John Greene

3
YA novel about a high school girl with OCD. Her boyfriend's father is missing and there is some mystery solving, but the best parts of the book are the way she deals with the OCD. Very interesting.

Susie
The End of October by Lawrence Wright

5
A corona virus causes a world pandemic and brings the world to its knees...could not have come out at a better time. It was chilling to read during our stay at home days!! My husband and I cannot believe it has not been #1 on the best seller lists worldwide!

Francisca
From Scratch by Tembi Locke

4
Subtitle: A Memoir of Love, Sicily and Finding Home. This is a wonderful memoir full of love and tenderness, grief and frustration, joy and a sense of belonging.

Angie
Universe of Two by Stephen P. Kiernan

4
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The beginning pulled me right in, (in fact, it's one of the best openings I've ever read), and the ending moved me. Brenda sometimes got on my nerves, but I really enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the story. Charlie was a sweetie throughout, and I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between them.

Jan
Our House is On Fire by Greta Thunberg, Svante Thunberg, Malena Ernman and Beata Ernman

5
The author is the mother of Greta Thunberg, the teenage girl trying to make the world aware of the physical dangers to our world unless we change our behaviors. The book was written in 2018 and tells the agony of the parents when the child stops eating. She is going to die - the parents have good incomes and work to get the child diagnosed and eating again. Greta is eventually diagnosed as a highly functioning autistic person with ADHD and other concerns. Along the journey to healing, Greta decided that she was going to boycott school and sit on the steps of Parliament until changes were made. Greta has educated herself and her parents. Gradually both parents change, then the younger child becomes ill. She has misphonia. Excellent read.

Trezeline
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

4
A very interesting book.

Debbie
Why Kill the Innocent by C. S. Harris

3
C. S. Harris presents a novel rich in the history of England during the 1810s. The description of the frozen Thames River and the festivities of the Frost Fair show an England attempting to survive a brutal winter with the poor population struggling with hunger and cold, where people are hanged for the mere crime of stealing food and men are pressed into service for the navy. A gruesome murder begins the novel as Hero unknowingly stumbles in the ice and snow across the body of a young woman. The story hinges on the rights of women with even a rich woman dominated by her male relatives. The majority of the story focuses on Sebastian determining the murderer of a young piano teacher and showing his blundering inquiries into Jane’s last days.

Margaret
Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy by Anne Lamott

2
The premise of book is the author's views on what a challenge it is for humans to have mercy & forgiveness toward others. Lamont says she's always trying to improve the way she thinks & she tells many details of her life in this book. There were times when I had to re-read some lines since the author tended to ramble. It was tiring trying to figure out exactly what she was saying. But mostly she writes in a down-to-earth way & seems to give a lot of thought on her faith & her life. She uses many Bible references as she stressed how the human condition has brokenness & lots of uncertainties. However, she had offhanded offensive paraphrases of Scripture. As a Christian, she should know that Budda is not a sub for Jesus. Vulgarity throughout.

shelly
Sisters of Summer's End by Lori Foster

5
Joy Lee and her five-year-old son Jack have been living in Summers End for almost six years now and Joy loves living in Summers End. Maris Kennedy loves her job and life running the Summer's End camp store and cafe. Both women who live at Summers End could not be more different. Joy left a wealthy family and a spoiled life to live on her own. She was divorced and that was something that she does not want to remember. Maris had no choice but to leave home as quickly as she could to escape her family and the horrible childhood left behind. It is funny but suddenly Joy and Maris have become such good friends, they are like sisters and confide in each other and share their pasts and discuss issues and problems in their daily lives.

Emily
Normal People by Sally Rooney

4
This book was excellent! Very engaging, it kept me wanting to read more!! Plus, there was amazing character development throughout the story. While reading, I felt like I had a personal connection to the characters in the story.

Nancy
The 20th Victim by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

5
I have enjoyed all of The Women's Murder Club books. I think this is one of the best. There are three different stories going on at the same time. A sniper is killing drug dealers, a disabled man thinks his father was murdered in the hospital, a doctor finds she has lung cancer and a newspaper reporter is have problems keeping up. All these things will keep you reading.

Carol
Lady Cop Makes Trouble by Amy Stewart

4
Another fun mystery in the Kopp sisters series. Stewart has blended nonfiction into a highly readable mystery. There truly was a Constance Kopp in NJ on the early deputy service. Her family’s trials with her job and an escaped felon lead us all over Manhattan and northern NJ. Looking forward to more of the series.

Jane
Secrets Resurfaced by Dana Mentink

5
This book will take you clear to the end to figure out who killed Mary. Jaggert's dad went to prison falsely accused. Tragedy after tragedy as Dory tries to get to bottom of case. Blaze assumed dead five years found very much alive. Twists and turns. So many secrets hidden revealed.

Kathy
Remain Silent by Susie Steiner

5
Gritty, honest and though- provoking, REMAIN SILENT is an in-your-face look at migrant workers, exploitation and bigotry. Susie Steiner’s Manon Bradshaw is the detective that drives this story and she is the most realistically flawed character - I love her! She faces the challenges of everyday life, a partner and kids, friends, work life balance, co-workers and mid-life crisis with tenacity. The plot is intricate, fascinating and challenges you at every turn. This is a wonderful book that had me in tears one moment and laughing the next - a book I will be recommending to all my friends!

Dawn
Tidelands by Philippa Gregory

5
Philippa Gregory is a favorite author. Her writing style and historical detail draw me in every time.

Kay
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

5
This is set in Jesus's land and around his time of living, BUT is nor about him. It is about Ana - a rich opinionated girl who can write - which is unusual. It is her story of diverting marriage and then marrying for love, a poor carpenter named Jesus, and how she manages to write down her stories and other strong female stories. Pretty great book.

Merrill
They Went Left by Monica Hesse

5
Very well written YA book that crosses the boundary and is great for adult reading also. It's the story of a teenage girl and her younger brother who were the only members of her family were not sent to the left to be exterminated upon their arrive at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Story picks up after she is saved and her quest to find her brother. I enjoyed her writing so much that I immediately picked up her previous book, GIRL IN THE BLUE COAT, also worth reading.

Elizabeth
A Partial History of Lost Causes by Jennifer duBois

3
A PARTIAL HISTORY OF LOST CAUSES by Jennifer duBois had been an unread book in my bookcase for long enough; I finally read it. But I must have expected too much. I remember all the reviews gushing over this book, but I was underwhelmed. So much has already been written about A PARTIAL HISTORY OF LOST CAUSES, I won't summarize it here. But I will say that duBois' writing is beautiful, really beautiful. It should make you want to continue even when the story is dragging. And that is the problem: the story is slow. In my mind, I was urging duBois to get to the point the whole time I was reading the book. Also, there isn’t much depth to either of the main characters. Therefore, points that should be sad or nerve-racking aren’t.

Tessa
The Story Hour by Thrity Umrigar

5
Umrigar alternates viewpoints between these two women – an Indian immigrant and her African-American psychologist. I was completely engaged from page one through all the ups and downs of the story. I was anxious about how things would work out, sympathized with them when feelings were hurt, felt anger at some situations, and eagerly hoped for a resolution.

Debra
The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda

3
Ending I didn't see coming.

Debra
Three Hours in Paris by Cara Black

5
WWII heroine unlike any other I've read. An endless stream of plot twists. Who to trust? A page-turner that left me guessing up to the end.

Debra
Line of Sight by James Queally

5
Little could I have guessed that this storyline would take our nation by storm just two weeks after I finished reading it. Police brutality, police corruption, the role of journalists in inciting public fury. A must-read.

Betty
If I Were You by Lynn Austin

5
What a lovely book! I quickly became completely absorbed in Eve and Audrey’s unlikely friendship. Eve’s mother was the lady’s maid for Audrey’s aristocratic mother. Yet, during the war, Audrey and Eve became best friends, each relying on the other to survive. After the war, their friendship is sorely tested when Audrey finds that Eve has moved to America and has been impersonating her. This is a story of remarkable courage and determination, and the strength of love and hope.

shelly
The Hanalei House by Bob Puglisi

5
Mildred Meyers, the seventy-one-year-old, a former resident of the Star Bright Senior Residence in Hollywood has now moved to Hawaii. She is now living at the Hanalei House on the Island of Kauai along with some of the residents who moved with her from California. Mildred still misses her daughter Nancy who died shortly before she made the move to Hawaii, a dream for her that finally came through. Mildred is a loving caring woman who helps out with the cooking at the Hanalei House and is always looking to offer her help to anyone who needs it. When her boyfriend Arthur Kulak gets lost and winds up at the "hippie camp", they learn much about the camp once he is found.

Jan
All Adults Here by Emma Straub

4
I loved this book. A widow, 70-ish, grown children all moved out, grandchildren - time to rest and do what she wants. Suddenly, one son phones and asks her to take his daughter because of some trouble at school. Childhood alliances resurface between the grown children, lifelong fears and phobias, mother does not love me best, am I a success? This could have been my family - amazing events - the book covers all types of sexuality but is NOT a sexy book. It covers loyalty and loving and fear of mother's approval. Characters are alive, excellent writing, amazing events happen all the time - the mean girl at school is the daughter of the high-school boyfriend of the pregnant daughter (the aunt of the kid who got shipped off to grandma). Read it

Laura
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

5
Loved this book. Really could feel Edward's anguish and grew to love him. Excellent book.

Elizabeth
Stranger in the Lake by Kimberly Belle

5
Hang on to your hats - Ms. Belle has done it again!! You won’t be able to put down this twisty, surprise-filled, keeping-you-guessing-until-the-end book.

Tessa
Fun Home by Alison Bechdel

3
3.5*** The bestselling memoir of a young woman growing up in a dysfunctional family. This graphic novel is full of Bechdel’s marvelously detailed drawings. Her confusion, anger, disappointment and sadness come through on almost every page.

Betty
Swords and Fallen Lords: A Mitzy Moon Mystery by Trixie Silvertale

4
Mitzi Moon is adorable, funny, klutzy and vulnerable. I have loved seeing her evolve throughout the course of this series. She has evolved in her ability to trust and feel part of a family. Her relationship with Sheriff Erick Harper (aka Sheriff-Too-Hot-to-Handle) is progressing. And she is slowly mastering her paranormal skills with the guidance from alchemist Silas Willoughby.

Marsha
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

5
I wasn't sure I could read another book about the horrors of Auschwitz, but this was a powerful story of love and survival. Lale uses his job as the tattooist to bring some comfort to other prisoners. His love for fellow prisoner Gita gives him hope and an overwhelming desire to live.