This contest period's winners were Helen B., Maureen S. and Noreen B., who each received a copy of 28 SUMMERS by Elin Hilderbrand and THE PERSUASION by Iris Johansen.
Shondra
The Bone Keeper by Luca Veste
Such a great read!!
Phyllis
Becoming by Michelle Obama
An autobiography of Michelle Obama’s life. It helps one understand what her childhood was like and brings out her determination to do well in life, which manifested itself at an early age.
Lynnette
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel about a 13-year-old boy’s life experiences one summer in Minnesota. The book touched on the repercussions of war, family tragedy, and prejudice. It is the best book I’ve read this year.
Amy
We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall
I won an advanced copy of this new release and am so glad I did. I enjoyed the characters, the setting during the 1939 World's Fair in New York City, and the story itself. I read Schnall’s THE SUBWAY GIRLS last year. Her latest book contains references to THE SUBWAY GIRL'S subject matter and is equally enjoyable.
Dottie
The Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes
Historical fiction of WWII Australian war brides on a six-week journey to England to meet their husbands. Their backstories are told.
Liz
The Nesting Dolls by Alina Adams
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This story is told in three sections by three different generations of family members. The first section was the best and gave me high hopes for this story. However, the second and third chapters were a bit confusing and not clearly written.
Richard N B
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Melville writes in great detail – ad nauseum – about the intricacies of whaling, the various species of aquatic mammals, the arduous and dirty (even disgusting) job of butchering the carcass. But he also explores the relationships developed among the crew, the sights of new ports, the weeks of tedious boredom broken by a day or two of exhilarating chase. I understand the enduring quality of the work, so despite its flaws, I still give it a high rating.
Dorothy
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
This book is about a newly married couple when the husband gets put in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. His wife meets an old friend and they fall in love. The husband gets out of jail early.
Amanda
The Summer List by Amy Mason Doan
A great summertime read!
Kate
A Stroke of Malice by Anna Lee Huber
This is yet another wonderful addition to Anna Lee Huber's Lady Darby mystery series. The book opens with a Twelfth Night celebration and if that weren't enough, it's held in a Scottish castle. The festive celebration of 1832 was all fun and shenanigans. That is, until the revelers encounter a corpse of relatively recent demise down in the crypt between the castle and the old monastery ruins, tucked in among the medieval monks' bones. Lady Darby and her husband, Sebastian Gage, are quickly called upon to do their discreet inquiries. This book features smart writing and well-researched historical detail. The scenes are richly detailed and the action is riveting at times.
Tara
The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton
Should be required reading for all. His hope under insurmountable odds is awe-inspiring. It is the true story of Mr. Hinton who was imprisoned on death row for thirty years for a crime he did not commit.
Nancy
If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha
Wonderful debut novel about five women in present-day South Korea living their lives independently in the beauty-focused culture.
Elizabeth
The Big Lie by James Grippando
Interesting until the end, then it got too crazy.
MH
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
I like reading books about places I know little about. Although the book had more war and Cuban politics than I cared for, it was an interesting book. There were a few questions left unanswered at the end, but I see that the author is planning another book about some of the same characters. I didn’t think either of the escapes from Cuba seemed realistic, but enjoyed the book.
Sally-Jo
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
Interesting idea of Jesus having a wife. I'm on the fence with this one. I've always liked Sue's books but it felt like something was missing. I didn't particularly like Anna and the love between her and Jesus didn't ring true. Otherwise, I enjoyed it.
Maureen
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
My first Jennifer Weiner novel and it won’t be my last. Loved the story of friendship and betrayal with a little twist in there. Highly recommended!
Marilyn
A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
A novel reminding us, as the readers, of the many cultural changes that happen to this family. The Indian-American Muslim family share with us love, betrayal, faith and just how private some things remain in families. Fatima is well on her way to even greater writings.
Michele
One Perfect Summer by Brenda Novak
Great book! Makes me want to have my DNA tested! Brings about strong feelings toward the Catholic church and happy that there is some change there.
Toni
A Second Home by Christina Clancy
Love the setting on Cape Cod, interwoven stories. Plot continued to move forward.
Beatrice
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christie Lefteri
Too hard to read for many. In the first 13% of the book there were young boys tied up and shot in the head, boys blown up, a mother blinded, and two fathers lost their sons. It is a book about immigration.
Noreen
Scent of the Missing by Susannah Charleson
I really enjoyed this book. I was surprised I did as I usually go for fiction. It is Susannah's experiences as a search and rescue volunteer and of her dog puzzle. The fact that these people are volunteers is awesome. Learning about the different traits dogs have is a "who knew that?" experience.
Donna
The Queen's Secret by Karen Harper
This is a story about the queen's "Mum" during WWII. Called by Hitler one of the most dangerous women in Europe, she "carried on". Karen Harper passed away in April and her historical fiction books will be missed!
Judith
If the Creek Don't Rise by Leah Weiss
I absolutely loved the way the author told the story from the points of view of all the main characters. It helped me feel some empathy for even the most flawed of them. The lives of those in Appalachia have been featured in several of the books I read this past year - I definitely felt this to be the best.
Kathleen
Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
When you start reading ENEMIES OF DOVES you will want more. A story of two brothers, Joel and Clancy Fitchett. Their father is a dentist and a tough man, abusive to the boys with words and actions. This book tackles topics such as abuse, PTSD, and addiction. Told in two storylines, one in the early '40s tells the story of Joel, Clancy, and Lorraine, the girlfriend of Clancy. The other storyline is of Garrison Stark, who thinks that Clancy is his grandfather. Garrison travels to Texas on a rumor of his grandfather possibly being there. I enjoyed it immensely and recommend this book.
Sheryl
The Weight of Water by Anita Shreve
This is an older book by Ms. Shreve that I somehow previously missed. It is not an easy book to read as the author tells two tales (separated by more than a hundred years) intertwined with only a rare paragraph break. You can feel the dismal surroundings and decaying relationships as she describes the Shoals and Smuttynose of New England. As the jealousies and tensions rose, I felt my heart racing towards the climax. While I guessed the mystery of the years past, the ending for the current family threw me and reduced me to tears. I don't recommend this book for anyone prone to depression. If you love to curl up on a rainy day with a good story that you can immerse yourself into, then you must read this brilliant novel by Anita Shreve.
Gerry
The Return: Fathers, Sons, and the Land In Between by Hisham Matar
3-1/2 stars for a sad and challenging read. Hisham Matar won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for this memoir of his search for his father in the aftermath of the brutal dictatorship of M. Qaddafi in Libya. Jabbala Matar had been a leader of the opposition to Qaddafi, and was kidnapped and imprisoned when his son was nineteen years old. Aside from a few letters smuggled out of the prison, his family had no word from or about Jabbala, and never saw him again. For decades, living and writing outside of Libya, Hisham Matar pressed his government for information about his father's fate, to no avail. This memoir recalls the impact of the family's loss, their fight to gain freedom for other imprisoned relatives, and Hisham's return to his home in 2011.
Gerry
You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Good but not great. A pretty straightforward story of betrayal and revenge unfolds in alternating chapters told from the perspectives of different characters in the story, and moving back and forth through time to fill in their backstories.
Gerry
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
A bit sentimental, definitely romantic, and not a genre I typically choose, but very enjoyable in audiobook format. A dream about her future upends her every expectation, and perennial planner Danielle "Dannie" Cohan, is determined to prevent it from coming true. Her life is going just as she planned: the perfect job (with a top law firm in NY), the perfect boyfriend (and soon-to-be fiancé), and a lifelong best friend, Bella, with whom she shares everything. Why would she want to change anything? This was a cute, fun novel with some serious moments, and ultimately a realistic and completely satisfying conclusion.
Gerry
Funny, You Don't Look Autistic by Michael McCreary
A solid four stars for this very engaging, witty, and informative memoir by a young man with autism spectrum disorder. He's only in his early twenties now, but I am hopeful that the world will hear more from Michael McCreary in the future.
Gerry
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
Another very engaging read from the author of EXIT WEST. Because the entire novel is a monologue by a young Pakistani man, the audiobook narration made it especially effective. I was captivated throughout, but did wish for a more definitive ending.
Gerry
The Devil's Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea
For me, this was only an "okay" read. Far too much statistical detail, and Urrea's meandering style of writing, with over-long sentences, made it a challenging read, and one that never felt worthwhile. In the end, this portrayal of the horrors involved in migration from Mexico to Los Estados Unidos was just too dense to hold my interest and elicit real empathy. For all its reported faults (stereotypes, language, possible plagiarism -- supposedly from Urrea's book, though I saw no evidence of that), Jeanine Cummins novel AMERICAN DIRT was actually the more impactful reading experience for me, while THE DEVIL'S HIGHWAY fell flat, leaving me slogging painfully through a desert of disappointing verbiage.
Debbie
Lavender Blue Murder by Laura Childs
The scent of lavender floats through the air, as Reginald Doyle exhales one last time as Theodosia Browning watches. Next begins Theodosia’s quest to solve the death of Reginald but add to this the burning of his mansion and the disappearance of his daughter-in-law. The story provides hours of reading pleasure, but too many loose ends distracting hang at the end forgotten. As always, Drayton, Haley, and Theodosia make a beautiful tea party, this one laced in lavender. Where do all these delicious recipes appear? The scenery sometimes overtakes the characters, and what a wimpy boyfriend in Pete Riley. He is never around when Theodosia encounters trouble and seems oblivious to her antics.
Debbie
My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
MY LOVELY WIFE upset me immensely and I almost stopped reading this deranged story. Millicent, the lovely wife, must control everything in the life of her family. Even though she works hard to sell houses, she must still cook and clean and supervise every household task. Her unnamed husband, a tennis teacher, narrates the story. This seemingly normal married couple kill women and frighten the community to believe a serial killer from the past has returned. Of course, the husband only kills one woman, while Millicent kidnaps, tortures, and kills many women. As the story unfolds, Millicent’s fury and anger encroaches on the children. Samantha Downing uses short chapters in the style of James Patterson.
Camelia
Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler
Micah Mortimer is a bit quirky and by a bit, I mean a lot. He is predictable and thrives on routine. While his life seems to operate like a finely tuned machine, much like the computers he services, his life lacks connection, and that's primarily because he is a poor communicator. This is clear in all of the personal relationships, past and present, in Micah's life. Rather than "rock the boat" or create conflict, Micah seems to avoid anything that will disrupt his regular routine; that is until he's faced with an issue at his doorstep that he has to address. While Micah appears to change and realize the error of his ways, it is in the last pages of the book. I would have really liked one last chapter to show that this change was real.
Joan
The Pioneers by David McCullough
McCullough never disappoints us. Somewhere in his book are my ancestors.
Pauline
Writers and Lovers by Lily King
Seemingly breezy novel that packs a punch on grieving a mother's death, strange lovers, what it takes to be a writer, being a waitress in a high-end restaurant and living in Boston on a low-end budget. This reader was entranced!
Lynn
Used and Rare by Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone
Very interesting to read about beginning book collectors, stores, exhibits and auctions - a new world to me.
Gerry
The Night in Lisbon by Erich Maria Remarque
A beautifully-written tale, mostly in monologue, of a couple escaping from Nazi Germany. What a fearful time, when identities were hidden and traded, every stranger was suspect, and the future so completely uncertain! I read this one for the Goodreads Around the World Challenge, and am so glad to have found it. 4-1/2 stars.
Gerry
The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian
Wow! THE RED LOTUS is an amazing read, and one I hated to put down. The writing is vivid, the characters well-drawn, and the complicated plot holds together through twists and turns until it reaches a frightening, but also satisfying, conclusion. A couple of minor issues that should have been corrected by a good editor led me to deduct half a star, but they were truly minor, and wouldn't cause me to recommend this book any less. In the current time of pandemic, it's not a comforting read, and will certainly stay in the back of my mind every time I return to NYC. But if you're looking for an exciting novel with an exotic setting, terrifying science, and an element of mystery, THE RED LOTUS is for you.
Gerry
Travels With Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck
I've enjoyed some of Steinbeck's novels, especially THE GRAPES OF WRATH and OF MICE AND MEN, but this slim memoir struck me as the ruminations of a grumpy old man. In the early chapters, the word "curmudgeon" came to mind, and that impression stayed until the last chapter. At the end, describing a visit to New Orleans, Steinbeck redeemed himself with a heartfelt commentary on the vicious treatment of a little black girl integrating the local public schools. Otherwise, his generalizations about the "American Spirit" seemed unsupported by any of the events described as he traveled. I had anticipated more interactions with people along the way, but most of those that were described were fleeting encounters, and included little detail.
Gerry
Zone One by Colson Whitehead
3-1/2 stars. Post-apocalyptic zombie fiction is definitely not my genre of choice, but Whitehead is such a good writer, I had to give this one a try. Conditions in Manhattan are grim -- making our current sheltering-in-place seem quite luxurious in contrast. Mark Spitz is one of the "sweepers" cleaning up the buildings and streets in Zone One, the southern tip of Manhattan. The story takes place over one weekend, and includes numerous flashbacks showing how Spitz came to this job and how Manhattan itself, and the rest of the country, were overtaken by the plague that led the zombie "skels" to prey on the remains of humanity. ZONE ONE doesn't compare to other books I've read by this author, but was a nice diversion during our semi-quarantine
Gerry
The Trick by Emanuel Bergmann
Sweeping between Prague during World War II and modern day Los Angeles, this deeply moving debut follows a young Jewish man in 1934 who falls in love and joins the circus as the country descends into war. Decades later, a young boy seeks out the now cynical, elderly magician in the hopes that his spells might keep his family together. I gave this one 3-1/2 stars for a sweet story about an elderly magician (or “mentalist”) and a young boy who needs some magic.
Gerry
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
This mystery novel started off strong, but gradually lost steam with an overly complicated plot and several characters whose actions just didn't ring true for me. It was an interesting read that just went on too long, with too many red herrings and twists.
Janet
The Winemaker's Wife by Kristin Harmel
Travel to WWI and experience lives of courage, fear, and love that tangle together to face the wartime and to live in the present.
joy
Frankenstein by Dean Koontz
This is a new series by Koontz---and I love it and recommend it.
Christine
Dead Ringers by Christopher Golden
This is a suspenseful novel with supernatural elements. The premise is original and interesting. While I enjoyed the storyline, I wasn't a fan of the writing style. There are too many trite details (such as describing a person's clothing, or the precise route a character made while walking somewhere eg: "He took a left on Main, then walked two blocks to Oak and turned right" etc.) If this had been written by someone else (Stephen King, I'm looking at you!) it could have been so much better.
Margo
The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha
What a super fabulous book about happiness. This is an amazing book and very uplifting.
Gerry
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
THE STATIONERY SHOP is a beautifully-written story of star-crossed lovers in a tumultuous period of history. Set primarily in Tehran, Iran, the story spans nearly one hundred years, and includes a great deal of interesting history. Its main appeal, though, is its cast of well-developed characters whose lives are constricted by cultural mores and changed by historical events. The narrative moves smoothly back and forth in time, allowing the reader gradually to see the impact of past events on the future, and leads ultimately to a very satisfying conclusion.
Gerry
You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters by Kate Murphy
I won an ARC of this book from @CeladonBooks in exchange for an objective review. It was a pretty quick and easy read, but I found myself highlighting numerous passages to review again in the future. Murphy's writing style is very engaging, and she provides numerous examples of both positive and negative communication styles that illustrate her main point about the decline of listening (and thereby of communication and connection) in our current society. For those who, like me, read this book in hope of learning to be a better listener, she also suggests strategies to develop what she says is definitely an acquired skill that can be developed and enhanced with practice. YOU'RE NOT LISTENING is definitely a worthwhile read.
Gerry
Oak Flat: A Fight For Sacred Land in the American West by Lauren Redniss
This nonfiction book is unlike anything I have ever read. It combines history, testimony, art, and poetry to examine a serious and controversial issue: the proposal to allow the Resolution Copper Company to begin mining copper on land previously set aside as part of an Apache Indian Reservation. Redniss presents all sides of the debate, leaving the reader to draw his own conclusions. The art work illustrating this book is amazing! I enjoyed the illustrations even more than the text. Colorful drawings portray the beauty of the land, while more somber line drawings show the various individuals interviewed for the book. The combination of text and images provides an enlightening glimpse of a culture with which most Americans are unfamiliar.
Gerry
The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams
THE GOLDEN HOUR is historical fiction centered on the WWII period when Edward (David) Windsor and Wallis Simpson resided in Nassau, Bahamas, where he served as Governor following his abdication from the throne of England. Intertwined with this story is another tale from WWI, which is a backstory for several important characters in the WWII plot. Romance, murder, political intrigue, and wartime spy-craft all play a part in this complicated but satisfying story.
Michelle
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
I was eager to read this book after reading Whitehead’s THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. While I appreciated the telling of this story, inspired by the true horrific stories from the Dozier School in Florida, I felt like it was lacking something, or a mix of things. It could have been 100 pages longer. I wanted more. More details, descriptions, stories and feelings. It felt very much scattered, took a while to get to the Nickel, and there was so much more that could have been told about his time there. I liked the twist, which I was not expecting, and I know why he ended it the way he did. But I closed the book feeling disconnected and hungry to know more.
Michelle
The Late Bloomers’ Club by Louise Miller
A light-hearted, enjoyable read that made you hungry for mouth-watering diner food or burnt sugar cake. A great read for the summer! I very much enjoyed Miller’s debut book, THE CITY BAKER'S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING and I recommend that one especially!
Thomas
Masked Prey by John Sandford
I enjoyed this book very much.
Linda
Cry Wolf by Maggie Shayne
Rachel DeLuca is asked to work with psychic Natalia DaVine to find a missing boy. He went to a local carnival with friends and started home on his bike but he never got there. Natalia thought he might be in a state forest since one of his sneakers was found near a trail. Rachel doesn’t believe Natalia is a psychic and is sure of it when she finds a map of the forest with a starred area marked in green glitter ink. Natalia uses a pen with green glitter ink when she signs out of her hotel. Coincidence? No way.
Linda
Girl Blue by Maggie Shayne
When a man is found murdered and partially buried next to the river, Rachel De Luca saw the murder being committed through the killer’s eyes. At the man’s funeral, no one mourned the man but all felt relief that he was gone. He was found to be a pedophile who was abusing his own son. Rachel knew that Ivy Newman had committed the crime but she saved a little boy by doing it. Ivy had been kidnapped when she was five and held a prisoner for years until she escaped. Now she is attending a support group of women who have been victims of sexual abuse as a child. Rachel sees the women wearing a pendant identical to the one worn by Ivy during the crime. Are the women vigilantes? That is what Detective Mason Brown thinks. He just has to find proof.
Linda
The Billionaire in Boots by Julia London
Nick Price always wanted to be a pilot and had dreams of flying commercial airliners and seeing the world. His plans of attending flight school ended when his father died unexpectedly and Nick had to take over running the ranch. He resented this duty being forced on him but had no choice. Charlotte Bailey ran the ranch office and Nick would be lost without her. They bickered back and forth until they both realized they loved each other. Charlotte wanted a family and Nick did not so they broke up and Nick went to flight school. They never stopped loving each other and Nick wants another chance.
Linda
The Accident by Chris Pavone
Dave Miller became friends with Charlie Wolfe in college even though they were from two different worlds. An accident occurred one night when one of Charlie’s girlfriends was killed and the accident was covered up by Charlie's father. Dave wrote a manuscript about Charlie and told about the accident and coverup. The manuscript also told of Charlie’s unethical ties with the CIA. He is planning to run for the Senate and wants the manuscript destroyed. He hires a man to destroy all copies and anybody who gets in the way. Dave sent the manuscript to his ex-wife Isabel Reed for publication. She told Hayden all copies were destroyed, but were they?
Linda
Unbridled Billionaire by Dani Wade
Kane Harrington and his brother Mason have purchased a farm and plan to breed horses. But the wealthy horse breeders are pretty close and Kane needs Presley Macarthur to help ease him into the group. Presley has her own stables and is well thought of in the horse breeding industry. She agrees to help him to keep him from prosecuting her stepmother for selling a horse that was not hers. The more Kane and Presley are together, the greater the attraction between them grows.
ILene
The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff
THE ORPHAN'S TALE is an historical fiction of two women just trying to survive World War II in Germany by hiding and performing in the Circus Neuhoff. Noa is a 16-year-old, originally from Holland, kicked out by her parents when she had a baby by a German soldier. The baby was taken away and she flees to Germany. One day she sees an unprotected boxcar full of dead Jewish babies and hears one of them whimper. She grabs the baby and flees until someone in the circus discovers her and saves them. In the circus, she meets Ingrid, a Jew, married to a German soldier until he decides it isn’t a good idea to have a Jewish wife. He tells her to leave. Fortunately, she has a circus background.
Becky
Camino Winds by John Grisham
Wade your way through the first half of the book to get to the exciting second half. True Grisham but without the lawyers (until the final third). A book store owner, caught in the storm of the century in a small beachfront Florida town, has a dinner party just before the storm. The party serves to introduce all the main players, including the soon to be murder victim. The first half of the book lays out the ground work for the shenanigans of Bruce and his crew of would be crime solvers and sets up the intricate details of the much bigger crime than the small time murder of a bestselling author. Tautly written, full of surprises and fully fleshed out characters, this is a tale not to be missed.
Donna
The German Heiress by Anika Scott
Germany, two years after the end of WWII, and Clara, a sought after Nazi criminal, returns to her home town to find her best friend. She is caught by a British soldier who has been diligently seeking her. This novel builds with intrigue, secrets and betrayal as Clara learns truths that had been held from her since her childhood. It was interesting to read a book following the war even though it is fiction. I loved it.
Sheree
False Tongues by Kate Charles
The book kept my interest. It is a book you can put down and pick back up and still remember the story.
Debbie
The Whisperer by Karin Fossum
THE WHISPERER by Karin Fossum reminds of novels by Elizabeth George. But Karin Fossum story pivots on the mental stability of Ragna Riegel. The reader enters the mind of Ragna as she struggles with an unknown man leaving messages in her mailbox and seemingly stalking her. Not long after the story begins, Inspector Konrad Sejer begins questioning Ragna, as we learn that Ragna has been arrested, but the details of the arrest are not disclosed. Ragna leads an uncomplicated life working and living alone. Through Ragna’s story we learn that she had an affair with an older man and had a son. Both Ragna and her son, Rikard Josef, lived with Ragna’s parents. After the death of her parents, Ragna and Rikard lived in the house until he moved.
sherry
Tailspin by Sandra Brown
This was another hit by Sandra Brown. The characters are engaging and the plot was exactly what you expect from this author. I love reading her books!!
Gretchen
The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben
So many paths in this action packed thriller with a surprise ending. Plenty of twists and turns.
Betty Jo
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
A great look into a true hero, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and his actions during the Third Reich. The only complaint...it is a long one and it took me awhile to read it. I usually don't spend a month reading one title. However, I am the better for it. I wanted to know his role in the assassination plot of Hitler, and now I am informed and the better for it.
Betty Jo
All My Mother's Lovers by Ilana Masad
I am only giving this novel two stars. While I could relate to some of the characters and there is much love in this story, I still had some problems with its crudeness. I usually have no problems with explosive language, but I felt the F bomb could have been lessened when people were talking to people about most any subject. It almost lessened the effect of using it.
Susan
The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian
I really enjoyed this book. Loved reading a little about Vietnam. The story kept me interested as to how it would end. I thought it was a great read!
Tami
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Twisty. Dark. Captivating. IMPORTANT!
Elizabeth
A Million Little Lies by Bette Lee Crosby
What else can a reader say about Bette Lee Crosby’s books, except you need to read every one of them. Bette's books make your heart lighter and have you joining in the joy as well as the sorrows of the characters. Do not miss reading this one!!
Iris
The Prettiest Star by Carter Sickels
This book, set in 1986, tells the story of a young gay man with AIDS. He is living in New York after having run away from his small town life in Ohio. After watching his lover and many friends die, he makes the decision to reach out to his estranged family with the hope that they will allow him to come home to die. This heart-wrenching story is especially timely as we live with a virus which raises fear and prejudice as to contagion. I truly loved this book and found the characters real and believable.
John
Hood by Jenny Elder Moke
This book is about a young woman named Isabelle and how her mother chooses to spell her name "Marien," which is just freaky!
Carolsue
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Since I loved THE HUNGER GAMES I had to read this one! It was a prequel to the original series, so it was interesting to read.
Elizabeth
We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall
Happy pub day!! You will be treated to secrets, gossip, lovely characters, a great storyline, and the beauty of friendships.
Jan
The End of October by Lawrence Wright
Wow! This book came out at the end of April, 2020. It is frightening because it so accurately details a world wide pandemic. Henry Parsons is a brilliant epidemiologist who works for the Center for Disease Control in the United States. He wants to be home in Atlanta with his wife and two children but gets caught in a refugee camp where a mysterious disease is killing most of the people, including the three young doctors from Doctors Without Borders. As I read this, I wondered how this author could so clearly write about a world wide pandemic, such as we are experiencing now. There are terrible moments in the book - but I could not put it down. If you want a novel that really mirrors life right now, this is the one.
Sean
A Killer's Wife by Victor Methos
Wow! I really enjoyed this novel and then the last two chapters made me love it. There were a couple twists, some obvious, some not and it still was done so well. There were a handful of strong characters and especially the female lead. The antagonist(s) were delightfully evil and sadly, believable. Overall, I'll be looking for more from this author.
Elizabeth
Spring Girls by Karen Katchur
Thriller fans will not be able to put down Ms. Katchur’s new chilling, pulsating read. SPRING GIRLS is filled with secrets, lies, and a crime no one wants to even imagine happening.
Donna
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Naples, Italy in the 50s. This first book of a four book series tells story of the childhood into teen years of the friendship of two girls quite the opposite of each other. Lila is mean, but intelligent. Elena is sweet, kind and brilliant, but is captivated by Lila and tries to be like her.
Donna
She Was the Quiet One by Michele Campbell
Twin sisters, Rose and Bel, have always been close, until they enter a prestigious boarding school. Rose is intent on being a perfect student, while Bel is drawn to the popular troublemakers. In spite of their love for each other, the wedge between them drives them apart. Bel spins out of control making bad choices involving betrayal and eventually a murder.
Donna
The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
This novel draws you in and never lets go. Four high-power Wall Street investment corporation executives have no limits to what they will do to for a dollar. The pressure is tremendous and they have learned to master it. They are ruthless and someone seeks revenge in an elaborate escape room exercise.
Donna
A Good Man by Ani Katz
When people fall in love and marry they believe their life together will only get better. As their lives go on with good times and bad times, you realize that life will either get better or worse. In this book, the bad times spiraled and in the end horrific action was taken.
Donna
The Will to Die by Joe Pulizzi
Sandusky is a small town in Ohio and well described in this story. The businessmen of the town want to rebuild the community and greed overcomes their intent. A conspiracy is formed involving insurance settlement and people are dying. A funeral director wants to put an end scheme. He leaves an elaborate trail of information for his son to set things right. This complicated scenario is exciting to read,
Donna
I Can't Sleep by J. E. Rowney
This is an engrossing story about a young girl who lost her brother in an automobile accident. After the accident, she could not sleep. She fell into taking micro-sleep of very short periods of time without knowing it happened. Becky became paranoid, delusional and trying to appear normal. The full story comes together at the end and it's a shocker. I have a new respect for mental illness after reading this book.
Donna
29 Seconds by T. M. Logan
A terrific psychological thriller that won't let you put the book down. Sarah has spent her life to be successful. Her boss is a powerful man and controls women by manipulation. Sarah is pushed to her limit and decides she will not be one of his victims. She has options for revenge and chooses the most risky and elaborate to end the cycle. A shocker.
Donna
Husbands and Other Sharp Objects by Marilyn Simon Rothstein
I loved the writing and story in this novel. It was a lot of fun to read. In fact, it’s the funniest novel that I’ve ever read. I was smiling from the first page to the last. There are serious life situations involving family and friends, but they don’t take away from the enjoyment of the book. I felt I was part of the story.
Donna
Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
A story begins in 1940 when a young artist is selected to paint a mural in a small Southern town. In 2018, another artist takes an assignment to restore the original mural. The mural holds many secrets of madness, violence, drama and forgiveness. This is a wonderful novel and is impossible to put down.
Gil
The Company Man by Robert Jackson Bennett
A futuristic book with unimaginable machines, events and people. Machines that take over minds to change personalities, memories and values; a person who can read minds within fifty feet of his target; and most concerning of all the murder of eleven people in an underground trolley where the same identical wound was inflicted on each of the victims all in a total of four minutes. A major theme of the book is conflict between a major company and the union. Was it a coincidence that the eleven victims in the trolley were union members? Interesting book. Makes you wonder what the future holds.
Pat
Ashes by Sharon Gloger Friedman
This book was amazing! It is historical fiction but is based on a period of time and events that actually took place. The time period and the way the author has told this story is so heart-wrenching and an easy read. The book was so well written you could place yourself as a character in the book!
Debbie
An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart
I enjoyed AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER by Ann H Gabhart. The story, set in 1933, shows love, turmoil, beauty, and love of nature. The story centers on Piper Danson, a young woman who must reason with love and her future. Will the future be with Braxton Crandall and a life of easy comfort or with Jamie Russell and a life of struggle and of uncertainty. For Piper, the summer brings her as a volunteer as a courier in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky with the Frontier Nursing Service. What dedication of these women who assist the mountain women in childbirth and sickness. The story flows with the beauty of the mountains, but also with the hardships and the persistent belief in God. The ending proves to be too predictable.
Liz
44 Chapters About 4 Men by B. B. Easton
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. This was a total disappointment. The writing was poor and boring and I could not find anything worthwhile about it. The author goes into explicit details about her sexual life as a teen and how disappointed she is in her husband now that they have been married more than ten years. She decides to write about her past in the hopes that her husband will read her journal and become more amorous, which of course he does. Why anyone would write about this and why Netflix would choose to make a series about it is beyond me.
Liz
Human Touch by Mitch Albom
The author is giving away this book either in an eBook or audiobook. Four very different couples live in four different corners of a town - a doctor, a pastor, an Asian family and an older couple. When the virus hits, it affects them all differently, but the manage to pull together and come out ahead. This is not only about trial and tribulations, but about love and forgiveness and helping one another.
Donna
Mountain Road, Late at Night by Alan Rossi
This story deals with the dilemma of which family member will become the guardian of a four-year-old boy when his parents are killed in an automobile accident. The four sections of the book cover the viewpoint of three family members and the father while he is dying. I've never read a book quite like this. I felt as though I was experiencing the subconscious of each individual. I won't forget this novel.
Karen
First Comes Love by Emily Giffin
I love the characters. The story moves along and keeps you interested. It’s funny. It’s sad. It’s serious. It’s heartfelt.
Karen
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A great summer book club read!
Jan
Deacon King Kong by James McBride
This is the best McBride book I have read. The characters are wonderful - this is fun reading in this time of covid when we stay away from others. And the book is funnier that any of his other books. There are a couple of screwball characters, one who can not stay out of trouble and always brings his friend along. For example, a local hit man hiding behind his target gets hit in he head with a stray baseball, he falls into a broom closet, the dirty water in the bucket he is sitting in wakes him up, he puts his hand down --- I can not give it away. You will recognize it. There are some great characters here, a preacher's wife who does all the work for the church, a good cop, a Mafia man looking for love, his wacky mother. Wonderful read.
Katherine
Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien
DEATH BY DUMPLING is the first in the Noodle Shop cozy mystery series. I loved Lana Lee and her family, as well as the charming plaza of Asia Village in Cleveland.
Nancy
The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs
I really got into this book and why not, it is about a bookshop. Natalie's mother dies and she must come home and take care of the bookshop and her grandfather, who lives above the store and is in failing health. She must make many choices, try to save the bookshop and get it out of debt and try to decide what it the best plan for her grandfather. This story takes her though her struggle to make the best choices.
Chris
Barkskins by Annie Proulx
Amazing story with bits of history woven in and imagined.
Nancy
Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho
3.5 stars. I’ve heard it described as a cross between CRAZY RICH ASIANS and BRIDGET JONES and that description is very accurate! Andrea Tang is a thirty-something high-powered lawyer and her quests are to become a partner in her firm and find a husband. Will she find achieve both or either? You’ll have to read to find out!
Nancy
After Sundown by Linda Howard and Linda Jones
I have always loved the books that L & L write and this time is no different. The story of a CME taking the earth's magnetic core is so well written that I was there in that valley living there with everyone. I am old enough to realize that if something like that could happen, and I prayed that I would have the strength to help not hinder the town and people. AFTER SUNDOWN is perfectly written and well researched so I could be, in my mind, part of the town. Great book!
Mary Ann
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
I've read all of Elin's books; this is in the top five.
Amy
Out of the Easy by Rita Sepetys
Enjoyed this historical fiction set in 1950s New Orleans. It’s filled with interesting and diverse characters. I would love to revisit them in a sequel.
Jane
On Division by Goldie Goldbloom
Frustrating and hard book to read in my opinion. Sort of sad and depressing but yet I couldn't stop reading it and it was fast reading. I was sort of aware what was going to happen in this life of a Chasidic woman who was pregnant with twins but refused to tell her family, hiding her whole pregnancy, especially from her husband even though she tried to tell him but could not do so for some reason. How can a woman go 9 months without no one noticing and how could she keep such a secret and tell the mid-wife at the hospital where she went for pre-natal care and not her own family of 10 children -- 3 still living at home (boys) and a daughter who lived below her in the same house? Her daughter thought she was just fat. Give me a break.
Laurie
The Late, Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow
Set in Manhattan and Chicago. Hilarious and heartbreaking, I laughed & cried with the colorful characters as Molly Marx speaks from the grave. Worth a second read!
Betty Jo
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Whew! Hard to read, but I was determined to read the horrific story of racism set in the Florida reform school of Nickel Academy. I am determined to wrap my mind around the racism in this country and if I have to keep reading one book at a time to better understand the plight of African Americans in my country, I will do it.
Coni
A Well-Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler
So interesting to learn more about the Vanderbilts and events during the later 1800s. Good discussion for our book club.
Linda
A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler
This is a very timely novel about an escalating feud between two neighbors and the tragic consequences that happen to a young bi-racial male teen especially and others.
Susan
Camino Winds by John Grisham
I didn't read the first book in the series, CAMINO ISLAND, but I don't think you have to. It is different style of writing for John because it has just a bit of humor in it. I liked it very much.
Kathleen
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan
At first, I didn't think that I would like this book. But after I started reading I did not want to put it down. This fictionalized version of the relationship between C.S.Lewis and Joy Davidman is very readable. I did not know anything about either of them and found that I was pulled into the story. I was sad that they had such a short married life but happy that they were able to spend time together. At first, a cerebral relationship that turns into a great love story, love for each other, and love for writing. I think if you love historical fiction, you need to read this book.
Carol
Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman
One of the best books I've ever read.
JULIE
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Good book but definitely not a happy book, although it all turned out well in the end. The true story of love and survival during the worst of times.
CAROL
Dragonfly by Leila Meachum
Fabulously interesting. Really enjoyed the characters and the book.
Francisca
The Fabulous Bouvier Sisters by Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger
The subtitle is all the synopsis anyone needs: The Tragic and Glamorous lives of Jackie and Lee. The authors have crafted a mini biography and exploration of the Bouvier sisters' complicated and tight relationship. I found it fascinating and full of the kind of gossip that enthralls me. It’s an interesting look at the dynamic between these two sisters and their claims to fame.
Cindee
The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman
One of the most heartfelt, uplifting books I have read in a long time. Love, loss, friendship, gardening, flowers and perseverance are all themes. Such a perfect book for our turbulent times.
Susan
A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
This book was an interesting book, especially for the summer season. I thought the beginning left you wanting to read more, the middle dragged for me but, the ending was great. The characters were interesting and worked well together.
Jean
Emperor of the Air by Ethan Canin
All written in the first person, these nine stories illuminate the lives of interesting and believable characters. I enjoyed getting to know them.
CYNTHIA B
Lands of Lost Borders by Kate Harris
It's an adventure of unfamiliar territory and people who inhabit it. It's philosophic at times. Why should we value this beauty, how can these people be happy here.
sandy
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
Mia's a wedding planner whose own wedding didn't happen at the last minute. Max is her ex's brother, and he thought he was to blame for the non-wedding. Well, there's a chance for Mia to expand her business, and guess who is the management company's rep? Yup. Lots of fun ups and downs, a look into a hilarious but loving Brazilian family.
sandy
Deuces Wild by Lori Foster
How can you go wrong? Hart and Dex are identical twins, Hart's an MMA fighter and Dex is a writer.
sandy
Moonlighter by Sarina Bowen
Eric Bayer is on a short break before the beginning of training camp when his brother, Max, asks for his help in protecting a client on a trip to Hawaii. He agrees only to discover that it's an old friend from childhood, Alex Engels, who is now the CEO of a global company and in deep trouble. He agrees to play a jealous boyfriend, until the danger ramps up, and then he becomes her protector...and lover. It's romantic, hilarious, steamy, suspenseful all at once. The characters are real, the intrigue is there, and in this case, the hockey is just the background. But that’s okay. Old friends Nate, Becca and Bingley are there, plus a whole new cast of characters with secrets. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Betty
I Invited Her In by Adele Parks
First book I‘ve read by this author. I did enjoy it and will reading others by her. It kept my interest and I enjoyed the tension and conflict between Mel and Abi. I was not expecting the ending.
Lisa
Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin
Loved how the author surprised me with the characters' secrets. Also loved her ability to create a picture of the Ritz and of that period of time and learn new information about the main characters.
Debbie
Who Slays the Wicked by C. S. Harris
C. S. Harris selects the title of her books from the Bible which gives each novel a different view on murder. The murder of Viscount Ashworth shows that the wicked do not escape forever. Anthony Marcus Ledger, the Viscount Ashworth, lands in a vicious death and now Sebastian St. Cyr, the Viscount Devlin, must find the killer before his niece is suspected of murdering her husband. C. S. Harris provides little tidbits of intrigue from England in 1814. The rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte glimmers in the story. And Hero provides a second story concerning the poor masses of English people who barely survive. Hero relates the burdens of the rag people, the bone people, and the privy cleaners.
Thomas
The Ghosts of Harvard by Francesca Seritella
A very good book to read. I enjoyed reading it very much.
ILene
Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger
BOUNDARY WATERS is the second book in the Cork O’Connor series by William Kent Krueger. It starts when Cork who was the sheriff of the small town of Aurora, Minnesota until he was voted out of office for having a personal and professional meltdown. Now he tends a burger stand, and when trouble arises he is the first go-to-guy to solve the problem. And the newest problem is in the form of William Raye, an aging country singer who is looking for his missing daughter Shiloh, a famous rock musician, who went missing a couple months ago in the Boundary Waters. Naturally, Cork takes on the case since Shiloh is an Aurora native. What an adventure we all have with so many characters willing to help, although we don’t know who is friend or foe.
Gil
When All Is Said by Anne Griffin
Maurice Harrigan, 84 years old, sits at a bar and makes five silent toasts to the people who made him the man he turned out to be. These toasts were for his late wife Sadie who he missed badly, his big brother Tony who was his mentor, his son Kevin a successful journalist, his still-born daughter Molly as he imagined her at various life stages, and his wife's sister Noreen who was challenged. We learn about his life as he relates what meant the most to him and he acknowledges where he could have been better. An important incident was the loss of a valuable coin which influenced his life as well as that of another family. Maurice's toasts were from the heart and the book was enjoyable to read.
shelly
Unleashed by Diana Palmer
Clancey Lang had to grow up very fast in order to survive. After she and her brother Tad had been attacked they are always looking over their shoulders. It was bad enough that her parents died, but then her beloved grandfather whom she lived with disappeared five years ago. Morris Duffy was getting out of prison soon and that meant trouble for them. He had promised to get even with her for having sent him to prison. Texas Ranger, Colter Banks, never really thought about love. He has his job, his ranch and his sister but now things seem to be changing. His sister notices something and Clancey seems to have feelings for Colter but he is her boss. Clancey and her brother have been thru so many dangerous situations in life.
Margaret
My Name is Venus Black by Heather Lloyd
Debut novel. This novel is about family relationships. Protagonist is Venus Black, a 13-year-old who commits a murder. She spends time in juvenile prison and when released, changes her name and tries to change her life for the better. Her mentally-challenged brother, Leo, is kidnapped while she is in police custody; she is determined to find him. Ms. Lloyd writes a heart-wrenching novel about a sister's love for her little brother. I liked that she let us know Leo's fate and the family who cared for & loved him when the kidnapper abandoned him. Her characters seemed like ordinary people who suffer extraordinary circumstances. She wisely waited until near the end before letting us know the whole story of the murder. Great job by Ms. Lloyd.
LARRY
The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian
The book is timely, and obviously written by an infamous, well-known author. It may just be serendipity, but the timing of the book's release along with the driving topic is extremely apropos. A cycling vacation in Vietnam turns suddenly suspenseful when the love interest of the protagonist disappears and is eventually found murdered. Alexis, an ER doctor, tries to solve the crime, and in the the process the attempt to sell a deadly pathogen, involving her murdered love interest is discovered. The mystery is thrilling (think Covid-19 pandemic), and the action is fast-paced, especially at the conclusion. This book was hard to put down! A five-star was denied due to some unnecessary meandering near the end by the author.
shelly
Moral Compass by Danielle Steel
One Halloween night will change the lives of six male students and one female student in an exclusive prep school. Many of these children will go on to Ivy League colleges and some will have there dreams shattered. As we all know kids will be kids but breaking the law and rules of the school will not be tolerated. When a senior female is found unconscious and nearly dies of alcohol poisoning and rape, people have to be held accountable. Unfortunately, many of these privileged students think they are above the law but money cannot buy you freedom. Unfortunately this could be a story that took place on any private school today. An interesting read.
Susan
The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian
Great book! Chris Bohjalian never disappoints!
John
My Eyes Are Up Here by Laura Zimmermann
This is the heartwarming story of a teenage girl studying algebra!
Margaret
Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta
This is a raunchy, coming-of-age, empty-nest syndrome, mid-life crisis novel that's sleazy. Middle-aged Eve Fletcher has a sexual awakening after her son goes to college & faces some moral dilemmas such as becoming addicted to online porn, whether it's okay that she's dating a guy who is her son's age & whether she'd like a lesbian relationship. The son went to college for all the partying: smoking pot, drinking, sex, etc. He was so immature he became unable to cope with the fact that studying was involved. This is about a mother & son who both lost their way, had very little plot, & unlikable characters. The storyline about a transgender was so ridiculous, I found it amusing. I liked nothing about this novel. I expect more from Perrotta.
Debbie
Murder in Morningside Heights by Victoria Thompson
Frank Mallory and his new wife Sarah are not used to the life of leisure that wealth has given them. Frank has begun a detective agency and has Gino Donatelli for an assistant. Of course, Sarah and Mauve jump into the adventure whenever they are needed. In this caper, a young woman has been brutally murdered in a gazebo of a local women’s college. Abigail teaches at the college and lives with two other women teachers. Victoria Thompson presents many interesting facts such as a “Boston” marriage and the rules of teaching at a woman’s college. Is the murder a result of a love triangle or is the murder concerning a scandal waiting to be reported? Victoria Thompson relates many of the customs and rules of Knickerbocker New York.
Jan
Broken by Don Winslow
If you have never read Don Winslow, this is a good book for a starter. Winslow is a smart man, a great writer and has won many awards. This is a collection of 6 short stories. Some of them are sad, some funny, some just a reflection of real life. But Winslow is a wordsmith, a master of vocabulary, sometimes citing famous people or ancient people - through it all, the reader totally understands the characters, knows them, feels for or against them. The good thing for me is that Winslow is a liberal - he is against drug cartels, dirty cops, stealing, taking kids away from their parents at the border, the lack of mental illness treatment and you can add more. But he sometimes shows you a loving, kind crook, folks who do the right thing. Great!
Stephanie
Daughters of Smoke and Fire by Ava Homa
This is a hauntingly beautiful novel that educated me about the Kurdish people in Iran through the story of Leila, her brother and her parents. The trauma, devastation and destruction of the Kurdish people in Iran is exquisitely portrayed and beautifully told. Heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful, I hope it finds a wide audience.
Mary Ann
The 20th Victim by James Patterson
I love the Women's Murder Club series. I've read all 20.
Donna
Lies That Bind by Ashley Farley
I became attached to each of the three women - a mother, daughter and an investigative reporter - who experience dysfunctional family life and are living with lies. They each find peace within their friendship.
Linda
The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren
Carey Duncan has been working for Melissa and Rusty Tripp for ten years and has done much of the designing that Melissa has taken credit for. James McCann is an engineer whose last job ended when embezzlement was discovered within the company. Now he acts as assistant to Rusty. The Tripps have just ended the last season of their home improvement show and are going on a road trip to publicize their book. Everyone thinks they are a happy couple although rumors have surfaced about their fights. Carey and James have to try and keep them together and happy during the trip but this is going to be difficult.
Linda
Long Range by C. J. Box
When a shot from a long-range rifle kills the wife of Judge Hewitt, an uproar demands that the killer be found. Hewitt calls in all the law enforcement from Joe Pickett, game warden, to the new sheriff Brendan Kapelow. All are given orders to talk to those who vowed to get even with the judge and find the guilty person. Kapelow zeroes in on Nate Romanowski, former special forces who has been in trouble with government bureaucracy in the past. The rifle has been hidden in Nate’s home to place the blame on him. Now it is up to Joe and his wife Marybeth to find the guilty person.
Linda
Master of His Fate by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The first book of the House of Falconer series introduces the Falconer family and the Malvern family. The Falconer family were merchants and had a stall in one of the arcades owned by the wealthy Malvern family. James Falconer had dreams of owning a large department store and his family saw that he was well educated and presented himself well. Henry Malvern was a widower and had a daughter Alexis who helped him run his business. A tragedy occurred to Alexis and Henry came to James with a job offer. This is just what James had waited for—the first step in his dream.
Linda
In the Lion’s Den by Barbara Taylor Bradford
James Falconer is Henry Malvern's right-hand man since Henry's daughter Alexis has not returned to work following the sudden death of her fiance. James runs a tight ship and his office is known as the lion's den. He has the support and loyalty of the people reporting to him but still has a dream of owning his own store. His cousin Albert is his enemy and the one he thinks was responsible for the explosion in the new arcade being built. Without proof, James can't accuse him and worries about the scandal this will cause his great-uncle Clarence Venable, father of Albert. Thanks Goodreads for the ARC.
Linda
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
As part of his job in a local bookstore, Malcolm Kershaw wrote a blog detailing his list of eight books he thought were fiction’s most unsolvable murders. The FBI got involved when one agent saw the list and thought some of the recent murders were similar to the murders in the listed books. Mal was questioned but knew nothing. When a customer of the bookstore is killed in a manner similar to one of the listed books, he is concerned. He and the agent go to the woman’s house and find all of the books listed in his blog are arranged in a similar order in the woman’s bookcase. Mal and the agent feel the killer is someone who he knows but who? Confusing ending to this book.
Debbie
Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank
I am incredibly lucky to have received a free copy of QUEEN BEE by Dorothea Benton Frank. This lovely story alternates between two sisters - Holly and Leslie. Their mother is Katherine, the ultimate Queen Bee. Holly leads a dull life tending her bees and catering to her mother with her only joy watching the two young boys of her widowed neighbor. I love Holly and her blind acceptance of her servant existence to her mother and her sister and her neighbor, Archie. Where is her determination to find her own pleasure, but instead she divulges her secrets to the bees? Leslie has her own problems in that her husband has decided to be a performing female impersonator and where does she fit in this equation. Of course, the iced tea cools all.
Debbie
Murder in the Bowery by Victoria Thompson
I am on a roll in reading Victoria Thompson whose mysteries provide hours of entertainment. In this caper, we descend into the Bowery, an unsavory section of New York where ladies do not venture. Victoria Thompson enjoys throwing a little history into her stories and we learn of the newsboys strike in 1899 when newsboys refused to sell newspapers in order to get better wages and the plight of Orphan Trains where orphans in New York were transported to farms in Minnesota, Iowa, and others farming states. Victoria Thompson also mentions that the wealthy citizens would seek guides to lead them into special places in the Bowery so these wealthy could see how the slums looked, hence the term “slumming”.
Alyson
Killer Chardonnay by Kate Lansing
Received ARC from FreshFiction.com and this cozy mystery is delightful even with a food critic dead on page 14. Parker just opened Vivo Valentino, a wine tasting spot, and the food critic's death causes bad publicity. It's hard to figure out who to trust.
Tessa
Honolulu by Alan Brennert
3.5 stars. Regret/Jin is a marvelous character. She starts out a shy, subservient girl and grows throughout the novel into a strong woman. I’ve visited Hawaii several times and could picture many of the settings depicted in the novel, despite the vast differences in today’s Honolulu from that of 1914. I was fascinated by the history lesson and the glimpse into life during that time period.
Elizabeth
Unbecoming by Rebecca Scherm
I am pleased with this novel. It is mostly flashbacks, and so much of it is unexpected. The main character is not likable, but you should really like the story.
Sean
Moon Hoax by Paul Gillebaard
I'm perplexed. What started as such a good premise crumbled into terrible writing and obvious plot points. First off, I feel extremely bad for all the women in this author's life. Every female here is described solely how she looks. The main character, who is supposedly a good person, behaves likes twenty-one year old, not someone in their mid 40s. It's embarrassing. Paul Novak, the main character, is abysmal. Why anyone would say otherwise is astonishing. The plot devolved so quickly. The main crux could have been just ignored. There are no "why's". The writer also has enormous issue with repetitiveness. There are more words for "Wow".
Linda
The First to Lie by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Wow! There are so many twists and turns in this book - and trying to figure out who is who among so many lies kept me guessing the whole way. Characters are not always who you think they are; a couple of times I thought I had it figured out, and each time I was wrong! The characters were difficult to like (maybe because of all the lying!) but that didn’t stop me wanting to keep reading. Told from a few different points of view, in a couple of different time periods, it really did keep me guessing. If you like a book that makes your head spin, this one’s for you!
Dorothy
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
We read this novel for our book club. I liked it and you almost believe it really happened.
Michele
Sunrise on Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr
Nice, easy read. Women feeling better about themselves with each step.
Alina
The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton
As always, Ms. Cleeton's plot keeps readers engaged from the beginning of the book to its conclusion. The plot line involves three women who, for different reasons, are in the Florida Keys during the treacherous Labor Day 1935 storm. The women do not originally know each other, but, their lives intersect just prior and after the storm. As in some of her books, Ms. Cleeton takes historical events and weaves romance into the plot.
Sandra
That Churchill Woman by Stephanie Barron
A good read examining the life of Jennie Churchill, the American mother of Winston Churchill.
Jean
Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld
I had to remind myself it was a novel. As always, Sittenfeld has written a novel to be devoured. It was somewhat shocking but oh so good.
Marcia
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
This was such a fascinating character study of a bank robbery gone wrong, a suicide that succeeded and one that didn't, and people facing the truths and untruths in their lives. Those things only scratch the surface. One can't help but feel empathy for the characters in this story. I don't want to give it away and ruin it for anyone, but it's worth the read! (I'm reviewing an advanced copy I received.)
Marcia
Stars Over Clear Lake by Loretta Ellsworth
It's WWII and German prisoners have been brought to Iowa to work camps. Lorraine's father hires some of the prisoners to work their land. Meanwhile, one of the most eligible young men in the area has become her beau. She's envied by many. However, one of the prisoners is becoming a good friend, and maybe more. There's far more to this story than a romantic decision. It's such a good read!
Marcia
The Orphan Sisters by Shirley Dickson
Etty and Dorthy are abandoned by their mother at an orphanage at ages four and eight. They are not adopted and age out of the orphanage, which isn't always a happy place. They carry emotional scars into their adulthood. Both fall in love, but will that bring them happiness? What are the secrets of their mother abandoning them? Read the book to fine out. You won't be able to put it down!
Marcia
The Hemingway Sisters by Annie England Noblin
Three sisters are estranged. They are reunited when their aunt dies. Hadley is a senator's wife. Pfeiffer is a successful editor. Martha is a Nashville star whose husband has left her for another. Their reunion isn't the smoothest as there are old hurts and secrets they are keeping. There is also a grave found in the front yard! It's a great read!
Elizabeth
Evert Tongue Got to Confess by Zora Neale Hurston
Zora Neale Hurston's task as an academic anthropologist in 1927 was to capture the African American oral storytelling in the tradition of the Southern Gulf states. This collection of folklore captures the dialect, culture, humor, fantastical wit, and pantheistic beliefs of the people she met on her journey. Hurston preserved the dialect, not translating into "common English," thus maintained the feeling as if the reader were sitting, listening to an old relative tell stories to entertain, instruct, and reflect their world view. Feelings of hope, grief, joy are not intellectualized but humanized.
Lois
Love and Ruin by Paula McLain
An exciting story that takes place during the Spanish Civil War. Martha Gellhorn becomes involved with Ernest Hemingway while trying her hand at journalism.
Elizabeth
Together: Our Community Cookbook by Hubb Community Kitchen with a Foreword by Meghan Markle
This charity cookbook, an "homage to life, friendship and togetherness," was written by a group of women who cooked dishes of their homelands (the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, &eastern Mediterranean) after the Grenfell Tower fire that killed 72 and displaced over 223 in 2017 in West London. Known as the Hubb Community, they cooked in the kitchen of the Al-Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre. The Hubb women joined in sharing, socializing, swapping recipes and cooking for their neighbors in their time of need after the fire. The recipes are easy and delicious- I made the Coconut Curry Chicken and a vegetable samosa - delicious! Meghan Markle, former Duchess of Sussex, wrote the introduction.
Susan
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
In the Nigerian village of Ikati, 14 year old Adduni has lost her mother and is now going to be “sold” in marriage as wife number 3 to a much older man who wants a son. She faces the end of childhood, frightened and hated by wife 1 and helped by wife 2, until, through a horrible moment when Adduni thinks she is helping wife number 2 is now forced to flee. She once again is “sold” to a wealthy woman in Lagos, where Big Mama abuses her new housemaid and where the cook warns Adduni about Big Daddy. It’s a story about dreams of an education and how one or two people can bring no enormous changes to one person's life. Along the way, we read in Adduni's charming voice about village life and city life, and about another housemaid who disappeared.
Kathy
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
Another page-turner, this historical fiction is about Italy during WWII. Enjoyed this book very much.
Marsha
The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil
A widow with two young boys, Jo leaves London and moves to her hometown to take over her Gran's yarn shop. I loved all the characters and the English flavor of every page. Fun read.
Marsha
Needles and Pearls by Gil McNeal
Second book continues Jo's adventures in her small town yarn shop. Pregnant and no husband she deals with a couple of famous friends, a fire, and a very handsome handy man. I love the English countryside and some unusual idioms and vocabulary.
Donna
Walk the Wire by David Baldacci
Amos Decker and his partner, Alex Jamison, are sent to North Dakota to investigate a murder, although their investigation leaves them wondering why. The woman’s body is found in an open area and has already had an autopsy it appears. Another murder happens and help arrives with the appearance of two other Baldacci characters - Will Robbie and Jessica Riel. The area is pumping oil and fracking which adds another layer of questions. They narrow down clues connected to an old Air Force Base but there are more issues afoot. More twists and turns.
Trezeline
The Hangman’s Daughter by Oliver Potzsch
Very interesting historical novel.
Helen
The Golden Key by Marian Womack
Great book - a mystery that captivated me from the start. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Judson
The Dark Side by Jane Mayer
This is one of the best books I've read on how our government changed following 9/11. Readers of a certain age will remember much of what is covered, but for those too young at the time or not yet born, this book is a must-read to learn about the G.W. Bush administration's reaction.
Judson
Don't Make a Sound by T. R. Ragan
First book featuring Sawyer Brooks, a crime reporter in Sacramento, CA. The book demonstrates potential for this to be a successful series.
Becky
How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior
This is a lovely story about an 86-year-old curmudgeon who decides to go to a scientific station in Antarctica to see the penguins. What ensues is gently humorous, scientifically factual, and full of family, love, disappointment, sorrow, overcoming setbacks, relationships, and coming to terms with yourself. Prior writes warmly, gracefully, and clearly. Her characters live and grow and endear themselves to the reader. I enjoyed the relationship growth between the characters as they dealt with isolation and extreme cold along with the hardships of living and working in the unforgiving environment of an Antarctic scientific base. The relationship of Veronica and her grandson develops in a natural way.
Michelle
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism by Robin J. DiAngelo
I’m still not sure how to assess this book. But I think it’s an important piece to be added to everyone’s library right now.
Donna
Something Dangerous by Penny Vincenzi
Book 2 of 3. Story of the strong women of the Lytton Family & Publishing’s company.
Helen
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
A great beach read or by the pool! Our book club is reading it this month; looking forward to a good discussion.
Francisca
Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
I was expecting something light and breezy and I was pleasantly surprised to find some depth here. Nikki is a wonderful character, but I really loved the women in her “creative writing” class. Some of their stories were heartbreaking, but all of them were so willing to be open and honest in their writing. That their subject matter would “shock” their peers was not a deterrent to their need to express themselves. Brava, ladies!
Debra
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Enjoyable read.
shelly
The 20th Victim by James Patterson
The Women's Murder Club is back with lots of action. Sergeant Lindsey Boxer along with her partner is trying to figure the motive behind the latest killing spree in San Francisco, Los Angels and Chicago. There is definitely a pattern with one gunshot wound to the head and no witnesses? Who and why are the shootings taking place? Cindy is busy trying to always get the story first and sometimes she does not understand that Lindsey cannot make comments to be read in the paper until certain procedures are in place. Yuki is trying to get a young teenager to confess to who actually shot the police officer and whose drugs were in the car. He does not seem to be talking and Yuki is afraid he will be held as an accomplice to murder.
Linda
Starting Over at Blueberry Creek by Annie Rains
Cute romance about second chances. Luke Marini’s fiancé left him for his best friend, yet he stood up for his friend at their wedding. Brenna McConnell’s fiancé left her after her parents were killed and she had to take care of her little sister. Both want to be just friends but their friendship turns into true love.
Linda
Hunting for a Highlander by Lynsay Sands
When the word went out there were three single Buchanan men available, single ladies began arriving at the Buchanan keep to be seen and hopefully chosen as the bride of one of the brothers. Geordie Buchanan had no desire to wed but that was before he met Lady Dwyn Innes. He had to have her and if marriage was the way, then so be it. But a neighbor of Dwyn’s also wants her and her land, and a battle begins.
Linda
No Ordinary Dog by Will Chesney
A Belgian Malinois named Cairo became the responsibility of Navy SEAL Will Chesney. Cairo saved Will’s life while getting shot himself. He was an exemplary dog and accompanied Will on the raid to find and take out Osama bin Laden. When Cairo was to be retired from the Navy, Will put in his request to adopt him. The request was approved and Cairo became part of the family. After cancer was diagnosed, Will had to make a decision. He loved Cairo but hated to see him in pain. Cairo was euthanized and cremated and Will keeps his ashes with him. Cairo was certainly no ordinary dog but a one-of-a-kind. This was a great story. Thanks Goodreads for a great book!
Linda
A Wicked Way to Win an Earl by Anna Bradley
Years ago, Millie Chase jilted Hart Sutherland to marry Captain Somerset and the scandal rocked London. Now her daughter Delia meets Alec Sutherland, Lord Carlisle, and attraction flares between them although both deny it. They proceed in a game of sorts where she flirts with him and he comes back with snide comments. He thinks his brother Robyn is pursuing Delia for nefarious purposes and Alec watches Delia closely. He tells Delia she is his and proceeds to kiss her madly but she remembers the scandal caused by her mother and realizes she could never be a part of his world. She loves him but thinks the best place for her to be is in Surrey with her sisters, even though her heart is aching for Alec.
Linda
Revenge by James Patterson and Andrew Holmes
David Shelley learns that Emma Drake shot and killed herself. The suicide was filmed and shown on social media. He remembers when he was hired as a bodyguard for Emma and her mother Susie, and the day Emma was almost kidnapped by a woman. He had trained Emma what to do in case of kidnapping. He gave Emma her cue and she bit the woman. David then closed the door on the woman’s arm breaking it. Now Susie has been kidnapped and the woman involved was the woman from years ago. Was this revenge on the woman’s part for the injuries done to her arm?
Donna
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
The book opens with a plane flight from New York to Los Angeles. The plane crashes leaving only 12-year-old Edward to survive. The book chronicles the aftermath of the crash with Edward going through his recovery and growing up in the shadow of this tragic event. The story is told through Edward as well as his aunt, uncle, passengers on the plane and their families. A neighbor, Shay, befriends him and her candor with Edward provides some of the best dialogue. I recommend this for book clubs.
Bridget
Gallows Lane by Brian McGilloway
Good mystery set in Ireland. Several twists to keep you guessing.
Milena
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
HOME BEFORE DARK is a spooky, atmospheric, Gothic thriller from a master of suspense, Riley Sager. I love mysteries set in old, haunted mansions, so I was very excited to read HOME BEFORE DARK. I enjoyed this book immensely, even though I guessed some of the twists. It still unnerved me and made my heart race. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Gothic mysteries and ghost stories.
Margaret
Between the Lies by Michelle Adams
Chloe is the protagonist suffering from amnesia due to an auto accident. She is recovering at her parents' home and slowly discovers they have been lying about everything involving the accident and her recovery. Twists and turns. Novel is marketed as a thriller. I consider it a mystery with not many suspects as to who/what caused the accident. Right amount of characters who were well developed. The constant weather descriptions were annoying. Chloe was never dressed warm enough, no matter where she went or what she did outside. Novel started off at a nice pace, the middle was slow moving and repetitive, and the ending seemed rushed.
Jana
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
The two main characters were from the 1880s and the 1980s. With all the current race turmoil this was the perfect time to read this book. There were some unfinished or unanswered questions at the end of the book. This just gives the reader the ability to use their own imagination. I’m the "happily ever after" reader. I like Wingate's writing methods.
Nicole
Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin
Very fun diversion from my usual thrillers. Makes one think - the person we see on social media is just that...what they want us to see. Nobody is perfect!
Elizabeth
You Can't Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie
YOU CAN'T CATCH ME is a novel that is easy to put down, although most of the story is engaging if you accept an unlikely premise. Jessica Williams is a common name, and this story has five of them or so it seems. And one of the Jessicas is trying to scam the others. Another one of the Jessicas ("Jessica 1") tries to catch the bad Jessica ("Jessica 2"). But Jessica 1 tells lots of lies to her lover, Liam, who saved her once and could and would save her again if she would tell him the truth. We learn in the end that she has not been telling us the whole story, either. And what a disappointment the end is! It seems to me a lazy way to tell a story.
Nancy
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Great book.
Elizabeth
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
Another wonderful story from an interesting part of history.
Jayne
Woman 99 by Greer Macallister
Our group read and discussed this book. It was interesting to read about how mental health was treated in the early 1900s. In fact, it was interesting returning to a time when women had little say in their own lives. The book dealt with family relationships, health, and friendship.
Amanda
Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde
The second book in the Thursday Next series; you need to have read the first book, THE EYRE AFFAIR, for this one to make sense. The plot is complex and fast-moving, and the reader has to accept the alternative-reality setting with dodos, neanderthals, and time travel, as well as “book jumping,” where characters come out of books (as in Inkheart) and people can go into them. Once again, I probably would have appreciated this book more had I ever read Dickens' GREAT EXPECTATIONS, as characters from that book appear in this one. I liked the ending the best; there's a clever reference to one of Fforde's other books in it.
Susan
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
I was at first hesitant to read this book about the fictional wife of Jesus. However, this is a beautiful and fascinating story and the writing is lovely. I fell in love with Ana along with all the other strong women in the story. This book would make a great book club choice.
Cherie
Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld
Enjoyed the book thinking reading about the alternate life - how did the author even think of this idea? Author wove events that happened into the alternate story.
Jan
Yellow Bird by Sierra Crane Murdoch
First, was the story of a single-minded Native American woman, Lissa Yellow Bird, and her search for the body of and the story about a young white oil field worker, KC. Yellow Bird was no angel, often in trouble, in prison, not very good with her children but fixated on knowing the story of what happened to KC. People had seen him at his workplace the day he disappeared. His mother had been pleading for information and Yellow Bird was pulled into the web of finding information because she was Native American and had access to the reservation and many people there were her relatives. Also, the story was about the great oil boom in the Standing Rock Reservation in western North Dakota. Outsiders swindled Indians to get access to oil. Greed.
Carol
Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout
This is a great story with so much to think about and enjoy at the same time. It is even better than OLIVE KITTERIDGE. I am looking forward to a discussion with my book group. There is nothing like a really good read to help me get through this virus.
elizabeth
A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler
This is a cleverly written story about a multiracial teen who gets involved with the white girl who moves in next door. These two young lovers have had their share of obstacles to overcome. There are lots of twists and turns and many surprises for the reader! This is a good book to read with the times we are in as the author illustrates struggles of being black.
Christine
The Wrong Dead Guy by Richard Kadrey
This is a follow-up to THE EVERYTHING BOX but can be read as a stand-alone. THE WRONG DEAD GUY is a humorous, tongue-in-cheek heist story. The heist involves a stolen mummy that comes to life and plans to take over the world. It is up to Charlie Cooper, aka Coop, and his colleagues to stop the mummy. It is much better than I am making it sound. The Coop books are not as serious as the Sandman Slim novels, and they are quite enjoyable. I would definitely read this again, hence the 5-star rating.
Marsha
Knit One Pearl One by Gil McNeil
It is great fun to be with wool shop owner Jo and her grandma again. Raising two boys on the coast of England, and now baby Pearl, is a challenge. Two handsome guys make it interesting. Every page is filled with touches of England. I only had to look up one word. This is an older book that I would have missed if not for the COVID-19 stay-at-home order and my neighbor's bags of books.
