This contest period's winners were Chris S., Jeanne K. and Margaret H., who each received a copy of THE SENTINEL: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child and Andrew Child and FORTUNE AND GLORY: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich.
Marilyn
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This book was one of the best I have read in quite a while. Fiction but written in such a way that I felt like there must be truth in it. It brought so many different emotions to me while reading that I felt as thought the events were actually happening to me! A child left alone to fend for herself, living on the edge of swampland through her life until she as a young woman is imprisoned as a murder suspect. Could not put this book down!!
Marilyn
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
I must admit that I was a little apprehensive about reading this book, but I figured that after living over 50 years as a minister's wife, someone was bound to ask me if I had read it. I suppose that if Jesus Christ had had a wife, this fictionalized account could have certainly happened. I enjoyed the author's descriptions of life and the social structures that existed at that time. Her descriptions were well written following extensive research which was explained at the end of the book. I wished I had known that she included that section at the end as I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read it first. I have read and enjoyed all of her books and this one was certainly no disappointment.
catherine
Christmas at the Island Hotel by Jenny Colgan
I love the setting. Last year I read her CHRISTMAS ISLAND, same setting and characters a year later. The sense of place is so vivid.
Katherine
The Silent House by Nell Pattison
There were suspects galore, with twisted motives and connections. Paige is a great main character; through her we get information from the police as a result of her role as interpreter, but she's also pushing boundaries and doing some dangerous amateur sleuthing. I loved that the book focuses on the Deaf community, a perspective I don't often see in books, and it's #ownvoices. The book also highlights what a difficult job translation is, as translators are there for some of the worst times of peoples' lives (crime, terminal medical diagnosis, divorce, etc.)
Dorothy
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
It was a good book but not sure I’d recommend it to ladies that I know. It was interesting reading about women suffrage groups though. Something new for me.
Elizabeth
A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
Love it.
Ellyn
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
A page-turner. I was very surprised by the outcome of one of the transports but guessed the outcome of the ship's doctor. The individual peak into each convict's life and crime kept the story interesting. I plan to investigate the history of this era further.
Mary Ann
Happily Letter After by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
I needed something light to read and this filled the bill. I didn't have to analyze anything, just an enjoyable read.
Linda
Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett
I won this book from Bookreporter.com - thank you! I would have missed this memoir otherwise. Jollett was a child in the cult, Synanon, which I didn't know about. That aside, a lot of his story reminded me of my childhood, in subtle ways. His storytelling skill drew me in. I especially enjoyed how he looks at the letters in words. Similarly, I often see the letters of words and names as I say names or think about the situation or person. Jollett almost personifies the letters, which I thought was fun. His journey was not easy, nor was his brother's. Jollett is a talented writer, former NPR correspondent, and apparently a successful musician, too. In that, this story can inspire us all to overcome circumstances if we choose to do so.
Linda
The Answer Is...Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek
Alex Trebek writes his memories and reflections on his life; lovely book to read and discuss.
Laurie
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A well-written tale of the challenges immigrants experience coming to the United States of America blended into quite a love story.
Kat
Best Kept Secrets by Tracey S. Phillips
Exciting story of a woman determined to find out who killed her childhood friend. She linked other cases together to figure it out. Surprise ending.
Betty Jo
The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult
I listened to the audio of her latest book which I enjoyed. However, I am a World Civilization History teacher at the local community college. The Egyptology was enjoyable to me, not sure about the non-history lover. I will be interested to read other comments.
Bob
Blood Highway by Gina Wohlsdorf
Thriller, but different. Interesting father-daughter reactions.
Carolann
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
I read it in two days. Really enjoyed this author. Hope to find more.
Rosa
Camino Winds by John Grisham
This is the second installment in the CAMINO ISLAND series by John Grisham. Bruce Cable, owner of Bay Books on Camino Island, is back, along with author Mercer Mann. This time the story is about the death of an author friend, Nelson Kerr, during the devastation of Hurricane Leo as it passes through the island. Nelson's death is suspicious, and soon enough Bruce and his friends become involved in an investigation that is a great, entertaining story, typical of Grisham. This was a fun read.
Jeanne
Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel
DARLING ROSE GOLD by Stephanie Wrobel is a unique mother/daughter, nail-biting psychological thriller that I found to be both captivating, disturbing and at times depressing. Without giving away any spoilers, the characters were masterfully created by the author and at times I found them to be dark and not very likable. Readers will find that this storyline takes a twisted mom/daughter relationship to a whole new level that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I rated it a four because at times it was hard to follow going back and forth from the mom/daughter perspectives.
Jeanne
Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras
ISLAND AFFAIR by Oliveras is a delightfully entertaining love story centered around Sara who is desperate to find a fill-in fiancé as she meets her family for a week-long vacation in Key West. Without giving any any spoilers, I really enjoyed getting to know the characters that were craftfully created by the author. This is a fun, easy read that will make you laugh, and you will not be able to put it down. My only criticism is the print was a little too small.
Cindee
The Searcher by Tana French
This is my first book by Tana French and love the story and the development of the characters.
Betty
Faithful and Virtuous Night by Louise Gluck
I'm not usually a poetry reader, but this book captivated me. Along with beautiful language, it tells a story. Not a page-turner, but fascinating.
Sheree
Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker
It was an excellent read. Very informative about one family's struggle with mental illness and their contribution to science. I would highly recommend this book.
FRAN
The Last Trial by Scott Turow
Wonderful legal "thriller." Sandy Stern has appeared in many of Scott Turow's previous novels, which take place in Kindle County. This novel depicts Stern's professional and personal conflicts re. drug testing, profiteering, and greed when he agrees to defend an old friend.
Joy
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
This is one of those books that you read and keep waiting for it to get better and after you finish it, you realize, "Hey, that was a really good book." I know a part of it will stay with me to mull over in my silence.
Michelle
Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff
A scary, jaw-dropping ride into the world of meth. For me, this was like witnessing a car wreck where it was so horrifying that you want to look away but you can’t bring yourself to stop taking it all in. I learned so much. At times I felt sick from the intake of drugs and feeling like I was there witnessing the abuse Sheff brought on himself. His writing is not bad either, making you feel like you're on this ride with him the entire time. Powerful. Unforgettable. Deeply sad. Educational. So many other words could be used. A must-read, both Nic and David’s story, especially for anyone bringing up kids who will sadly have to face this in their future world.
Tessa
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
I love reading historical fiction, particularly when it focuses on an element of history about which I know little. This covers two such elements: the Pack-Horse Librarians and the “blue people” of Kentucky. Cussy Mary Carter is a marvelous lead characters – kind, compassionate, determined and tenacious. The author’s use of vernacular dialect helped transport me to a different time and place.
Nancy
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
I really enjoyed this book. The story starts out telling you something big will happen at the end of the end of year school party for parents. Then it sets up the scene. It is the beginning of the school year for 5-year-old students. You are going to meet the students and their parents and will follow them for the next few months. It is so interesting to see the way things are setting up.
Beth
Vanishing Girls by Lisa Regan
After my initial poor reaction to Lisa Regan’s VANISHING GIRLS, I'm pleased to say that it is an excellent mystery. I now recommend it. When the story opens, Josie Quinn has been suspended from her job as a detective for the Denton, Pennsylvania police force. Yet she involves herself in the cases of some missing girls. This seemed a stretch to me, so I did not have high expectations for the rest of this novel. But Regan proved me wrong. Quinn finds mystery after mystery after mystery. And the case of the vanishing girls, she finds, is convoluted. Almost no one is who they seem to be, most particularly the police. VANISHING GIRLS is the first in a series about Quinn. There are more, so you can binge if you have not already done so.
Sandy
Wish You Well by David Baldacci
Not your usual book by Davie Baldacci. I enjoyed every single page! Finally at the end there are some legal parts. Everyone should go past the Acknoledgements and read the part with pictures. Very interesting. Wish my mom was still alive so I could ask her questions about our past.
Sherri
Through the Shadowlands by Brian Sibley
A short bio of C.S. Lewis’ and Joy Gresham's relationship. Nothing terribly new but a good synopsis.
Dianne
When These Mountains Burn by David Joy
Appalachia and the heartbreak of drug addiction are front and center in this story.
Carol
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
This book was discussed in our bookclub. I found it to be very interesting, to learn of the traveling library that Eleanor Roosevelt started, the stories of the women who delivered these library books, on horse, or mule, and the area of Kentucky that it takes place in. It was a good story and I would recommend it to friends.
Elizabeth
The Night Portrait by Laura Morelli
Fantastic read! Do not miss it! THE NIGHT PORTRAIT is set in a dual timeline ranging from 1492, Milan, to Munich during WWII. THE NIGHT PORTRAIT is superb and a work of art in itself. It is a beautiful tribute to artists of the world and to those who fought to preserve it. Phenomenal!!
shelly
The Blended Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter
Sadie Kuhns loves quilting and after completing a combination of traditional Amish and Hawaiian patterns she is encouraged by friends to publish a book. When she looks into self-publishing a book, she realizes it is much more expensive then she anticipated. Thanks to a huge and unexpected inheritance from her aunt she is going to pursue this idea. She is encouraged by friends and realizes she has a lot to do in order to get the book together. She needs to write information about the two traditions and also have pictures of other quilts and possibly share some of her information with what she learned when in Hawaii with her friends several years ago.
Wyman who has been courting Sadie and wants to marry her is not sure Sadie is interested.
Chris
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
This is a YA novel best categorized as a twisted fairy tale. Admittedly, this book took a while to really get started. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first, but about halfway through it really took off. There is a book that figures prominently in the story, and I liked how the author inserted the stories from that book into her novel. (She subsequently will be publishing a book of just the stories next year.) I ended up enjoying this book and look forward to reading the sequel, THE NIGHT COUNTRY.
Judson
Three Witnesses by Rex Stout
A great, fast read in this 3-for-1 compilation of Wolfe and Goodwin at their best.
Judson
Tom Clancey Power and Empire (Jack Ryan Universe Book 24) by Marc Cameron
Jack Ryan must deal with an evermore aggressive Chinese government using all the tools at his disposal.
Leslie
Hell and Other Destinations by Madeleine Albright
Entertaining and informative book about a dynamic woman!
Gretchen
Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger
Great storytelling. One of the best books I have read this year. Enjoyed the interview as well.
Gretchen
Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
The end of the Irene Steele trilogy. Wonderful series.
Elizabeth
Tell Me My Name by Erin Ruddy
A vacation that was long overdue and needed for Neil and Ellie turned into a nightmare. Because of the gruesome scenes I almost stopped reading, but I’m glad I didn’t. All in all, despite the squeamish scenes, it is a good read with a surprise ending.
Judson
Line of Sight (Jack Ryan Universe Book 25) by Mike Maden
Jack Ryan, Jr. finds himself in a near warzone as he searches the Balkans for a young lady whose sight was restored by his mother decades earlier. When he does find her, he learns the hard way that she isn't exactly as she appears to be.
Jan
Black Sunday by Tola Rotimi Abraham
This book gets two stars because I am pretty neutral about it. Can't really recommend it to anyone I know. It is a family story placed in Lagos, Nigeria. Four children, mother leave to go to America to have a better life, father takes them to grandma who really does not give a damn about them and then he leaves. And they struggle. Floating through the book is a charismatic minister who just wants more money and influence. The storyline is expected when children are abandoned; tragic, painful, often hungry. One of the twin girls convinces the ministry that she is very competent and she is hired. She makes lots of money. The best thing someone can take away from this book is information about Nigeria such as customs, tradition, etc.
Marsha
The Friendship List by Susan Mallery
Single long time friends feel they are stuck in rut. Ellen and Unity create a list of challenges for each to complete. Humor and romance with happy endings for all. I did find that this book had more unnecessary sex in it then I'm used to in Mallery's books.
Marsha
A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber
Bitter sweet story of sisters, Willa and Harper. Loss of their mom, their father's decline into alcoholism after her death and one sister's battle with leukemia make for many challenges in this book. Real emphasis on the strength of family and some uplifting parts.
Sandy
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Very good! Read it in two days. Be sure to read the author's notes at the end of the book.
Melissa
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
An eye-opening look into migrants trying to make it to the U.S. I had no idea. Very well written.
Pat
The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop by Fannie Flagg
Loved meeting again some favorite characters from the Whistle Stop Cafe. What a wonderful reunion and there are new folks as well. Told from the perspective of several time periods and so effective. I read it in one sitting and just smiled when it ended, and really longed for some fried green tomatoes!
Carole
One by One by Ruth Ware
I love Ruth Ware, and while I find that I still prefer a couple of her other books, I did enjoy this one. The setting was amazing - I wish I could go to the chalet! Erin and Danny were great characters. The other characters were built well so that it made it easy to suspect almost all of them. I did find the ending a little anticlimactic, as we learn who the killer is earlier than I expected. Nevertheless still a very enjoyable book.
candace
Before She Was Helen by Caroline B. Cooney
Every bit as intriguing as her teen novels.
Tessa
Peach Pies and Alibis by Ellery Adams
Book Two in the Charmed Pie Shoppe series, starring Ella Mae LeFaye, who discovered her magical powers in Book One of the series. This installment in the series did serve to better explain the premise and Ella Mae’s family’s magical history. It’s far from literature, and pretty predictable, but I did find it entertaining.
Kimberley
Black Bottom Saints by Alice Randall
The author reminds us of the wonderful characters, athletes, musicians, writers, celebrities and politicians that made up the Detroit that was. Each little expose concludes with a tasty cocktail recipe with which to toast the honoree. It is a very memorable read, no matter where you come from!
Patricia
True Believer by Jack Carr
Similar to a Jack Reacher novel.
Susan
Now That I've Found You by Kristina Forest
I loved this YA romantic comedy! It has great characters, good energy and a fast pace - it's sort of a caper novel. Lots of fun!
Donna
The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz
A light but entertaining read that takes you through three generations of women who share the same wedding dress (modeled after the one Grace Kelly wore). The characters were intriguing and the structure of the novel really moves it forward even as you travel through all three time periods. It wraps up nicely and is a perfect read in between heavier books.
Kathleen
Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger
This is the just right kind of mystery thriller; when you think you’re putting the clues together, Boom, there’s a twist. The characters were easy to relate to, and could be neighbors, coworkers, your family and your friends. When the world falls apart for these people, due mostly to the actions of the father, you can believe it could happen to anyone, to you even. You can imagine the life you’ve made with your husband falling apart when his infidelity becomes apparent. You can imagine being conned by a sincere seeming “friend” and you see that you might have no one to turn to.
Pat
Death in the Family by Tessa Wegert
Kind of reminded me of an Agatha Christie where all the cast of characters is trapped in one place due to a storm. This family is on an island upstate NY where one of the family members is missing and left behind is his bloody bed. Two detectives arrive just before the storm cuts them off and there is plenty of drama here. Great pandemic read or anytime.
Laurie
Greenwood by Michael Christie
An outstanding creative multi-generational (4!) family history saga focused on trees, love, secrets and beyond. Read it!
Sally-Jo
Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz
This is a great book. I highly recommend it.
Jackie
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
Interesting premise, not one of her best. I found it a bit slow moving and struggled to finish it.
Rhonda
The SS Officer's Armchair by Daniel Lee
This is not the type of book that I usually dive into as it is a "true" account of a minor Nazi officer. I was so impressed by the research and detection that went into discovering the man whose papers were hidden in an armchair cushion. An excellent read for those interested in World War II perspectives.
Sharon
All the Devils Are Here by Louise Penny
Once again Penny writes a million dollar book featuring Gamache and his while family as he solves a mystery in Paris while waiting for the birth of a new grandchild and deals with the long-standing resentment of his son. Lovely twist at the very end!
PJ
Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane
I loved this book - what a great domestic thriller. The story was very well developed and gave just enough information along the way to keep good interest in what was going to happen next. The characters were believable and Lila made the story come together in a way that made her attitude a bit off-putting at times but really worked in the end.
Betty Jo
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
Light read which revolves around a coffee shop in London. English characters weave a tale about their troubled pasts which evolve into new friendships of very different people.
Bob
Long Range by C. J. Box
Very good book. Typical C. J. Box thriller.
Carolann
Miss Julia Knows a Thing or Two by Ann B. Ross
I enjoy this series of books. They are relaxing.
Sandra K.
Gone by Mo Hayder
For readers who enjoy gritty thrillers, this book is for you. I really enjoy the flawed characters and nasty villains.
CYNTHIA
A Hundred Suns by Karin Tanabe
1930s Vietnam is the new home for American Michelin heirs. American wife shares appreciation of lush plantations, cared for by economically depressed natives. Instant friendship of peers until house of cards topples.
CYNTHIA
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
Wildly original story of a young man coping with the rare condition of "not aging." Not as pleasant as we imagine. He's advised to never fall in love, yet he yearns for relationships.
Linda
Don't Look for Me by Wendy Walker
This suspenseful novel keeps you guessing and has a "cabin in the woods" vibe. Entertaining.
Donna
The Queen's Fortune by Allison Pataki
The story of Napoleon and Desiree, his first love. They were engaged to be married until he met Josephine. Such an interesting story and I learned so much about the time period and Napoleon himself. Enjoyed this book very much.
Jeanne
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE by Celeste Ng is a psychological family thriller that takes a deep, dark look into the lives of family and mother/daughter relationships. This storyline had me in tears and sitting on the edge of my seat. Without giving any spoilers, I have to commend the brilliant way she methodically created the characters and wove them into the plot. At times I found it to be a little slow moving and for that reason, I rated it four stars.
Jeanne
Once I Was You by Maria Hinojosa
ONCE I WAS YOU by Maria Hinojosa is an outstanding memoir that is heartwarming, yet at times a gut-wrenching story, so appropriate for issues that our country is dealing with today regarding U.S. immigration policies. Without giving any spoilers, this is a very timely and critically important story for Americans. It’s a very emotional read that will make you sad, make you cry and yet it brings you hope of healing and illumination. I read it in a day and cannot recommend it highly enough. I’m so grateful I received an Advance Reader Copy and this is solely my own opinion. I rated it a five, but it is so worthy of a much higher rating.
Linda
Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter
Sibyl Adams is found murdered by Sara Linton, pediatrician and coroner for Grant County. Sibyl is the twin of detective Lena Adams who works for Sara’s ex-husband Jeffrey Tolliver, police chief. As investigation continues into Sibyl’s brutal murder, another young woman is found almost dead spread out over Sara’s car in the hospital parking lot. Sara finally lets Jeffrey know about her rape when she was a student at the university. Jeffrey goes in search of the man and wonders if he could be the perpetrator now. He gets a lead and the suspect is someone no one would expect.
Linda
Kisscut by Karin Slaughter
Jeffrey Tolliver, police chief in Heartsdale, GA, is called to a skating rink where a young girl is holding a gun on a young guy. Jeffrey tries to talk her into putting the gun down but she fires at a sign to show him she knows how to use the gun. She takes aim at the boy and Jeffrey has to shoot her. His backup arrived too late to really help. Jeffrey is wracked with guilt over killing the girl. At the autopsy, Dr. Sara Linton, medical examiner and Jeffrey’s ex, tells him the thirteen-year-old has been sexually active and it looks like she has been brutally raped. Investigations lead to a child pornography group where the young girl and the boy were involved.
Linda
Come Back for Me by Corinne Michaels
Connor Arrowood had one night with a blue-eyed angel before he left for the Navy. When he woke, she was gone but he never forgot her. Eight years later, he is back at the family farm that he swore he would never return to but his father’s will changed all that. Connor is in the field when he hears a crying sound and discovers a little girl in his treehouse where he used to hide from his father’s fists. Taking her home, he learns her mother is his blue-eyed angel only she is married to someone else. Her husband comes and lets Connor know that Ellie is his and none of Connor’s business. Fate intervenes as Kevin is arrested and Connor gives Ellie and her daughter Hadley the safety they were seeking.
Linda
The Midwife Murders by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
Although the storyline was great with a surprise ending, the main character of Lucy Ryuan ruined the book for me. As a professional midwife, she was too arrogant and loudmouthed. To curse at a police detective the way she did should have gotten her arrested or at least thrown out of the police station. She is a hard-headed know-it-all and I hope she will not reappear in any sequels. Babies are disappearing from the hospital but no one seems to be able to figure out how. Then police learn about a Russian couple buying babies from poor or homeless women. Lucy learns that her assistant has been working with these two, but why?
Linda
The Dark Corners of the Night by Meg Gardiner
Citizens of Los Angeles are afraid of a killer known as the Midnight Man. He strikes in the dead of night, kills the husband and wife, terrorizes the children, and leaves. Attacks always occur at the time of the shift change at police stations. The FBI has been called in to assist local police. At the latest crime, the killer was chased away from a potential kill site when the husband was awakened by his daughter. She remembered great details and told one of the FBI agents, who had a hunch the killer was the son of a police officer. The detectives did not agree. That is, until the spent bullets found at a murder scene were found to be the kind only issued to the police.
Linda
This Is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf
Eve Knox and Maggie Kennedy were best friends until Eve's involvement with a physically-abusive young man. She doesn't have time for her friend anymore. Maggie babysits for a neighboring couple and the man takes advantage of her. Eve finds out and threatens to tell. She never gets the chance. Eve's body is found and the murder remains unsolved. Now it is being reopened with the discovery of Eve's missing boot. Maggie is now in charge of the investigation and sends the crime items to the lab for reevaluation. Eve's sister Nola thinks Maggie killed Eve and wants her to pay. But DNA does not lie and the killer is caught.
SUSAN
Monogamy by Sue Miller
If there were 4-1/2 stars that would be my rating. I loved this book. I adore any book with strong characters and dialogue. I fell in love with the main characters, friends, family, the bookstore, the food parties, along with the emotions of the story. Sue Miller is a wonderful author, and I especially enjoyed MONOGAMY. I think I wanted more out of the ending.
Janet
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
It was interesting to learn what Coriolanus Snow was like in his earlier days. I think there needs to be another book to fill in the gap from his early days to THE HUNGER GAMES book.
Rocky
The Poet by Michael Connelly
I have read every H. Bosch book and this was my first Jack McEvoy book in a three book series by M. Connelly. He is one of my favorite writers and this book was rather different from the Bosch series - in a good way. This is definitely one of the most frightening books I've ever read! I did not see the end coming and I love that in a mystery or thriller because, to be honest, I usually figure out whodunit by a third of the way through. Not so with M. Connelly's very well-written books. The details of our hero's journalist work were fascinating as Connelly was a journalist before becoming a full-time writer. I don't go into plot much since many others do that. I write more about how a book makes me feel. I can't wait to read the next one!
Sheldon
Snow by John Banville
Murder in a ski resort when a small groups is snowed in their condo. Twists and turns and shades of Agatha Christie. Curl up in front of a file for smart winter read.
Nancy
Have You Seen Me by Kate White
Ally Linden is a finance journalist and she has lost two days of her life. She wakes up one morning in an office where she has not worked for five years. She knows her name, but not much more. In the ER she begins to remember some of her life, but not those two days. Ally starts to track her movements to find out the truth about this missing time. This is a very good book.
Beth
Run Away by Harlan Coben
RUN AWAY is, as all of Harlan Coben‘s books are, a page-turner. You can be certain of this before you begin reading it. So many mysteries are going on here, beginning with Simon’s drug-addled daughter, Paige. How did such a good girl get that way? And why did she run away from Simon? Then she disappears. But hers is not the only story. There are at least four more. And every story involves so many mysteries. This is typical of Coben‘s books, each containing multiple stories with even more mysteries. But all the stories join in the end. Over the years I’ve read all of Coben's standalone books and his Myron Bolitar series.
Nadine
Truth and Justice by Fern Michaels
When Alexis Thorn and Joe Esposito encounter a young woman sobbing alone in a restaurant, they step into action and offer their comfort and sympathy. They soon learn that the woman’s husband was recently killed in action in Afghanistan. Before he reported for duty, they took steps to preserve their chances of having children. But when Bella visits the fertility clinic, she discovers her eggs are no longer there - and the circumstances are beyond suspicious.
Heartbroken at this tale of shattered hopes, Alexis recruits the Sisterhood to investigate. Soon they uncover a con artist on an obsessive mission. Tracking the culprit behind such a cruel scheme isn't easy, but with their combined grit, courage, and determination the sisters succeed.
Gina
His and Hers by Alice Feeney
This is a mystery/thriller that is worth your time. It is told in alternating chapters by the detective,
the TV journalist covering the murder and the actual murderer. There is a delightful sarcasm and sense of humor in telling the tale. If you have ever read Susan Howatch's Church of England series, you know about the ironic twists in characters. Like Nancy Drew stories, each chapter seems to end on a striking note. It quickly involved me and had me guessing all the way through.
Pauline
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Another absolute winner by Backman. It was laugh-out-loud funny while simultaneously dealing with serious and complex issues and relationships. If you have not read his other works, this is a good one with which to begin.
Jan
Rage by Bob Woodward
Caveat: I detest Trump, always have. Cannot see anything worthwhile in him. Woodward is such a wonderful writer. His writing is straight-forward and detailed. The reader is never lost or wondering who said what. I loved this book. I really did not learn anything new except the following: "A cabinet member once said to another, about Trump, "He doesn't know the difference between the truth and a lie." Woodward had 17 interviews with Trump, all on the record, and shows by Trump's own words how petty, arrogant, vengeful and mean he can be. Trump often never understood what Woodward was asking.
Margaret
A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
Another good "legal" from Grisham.
Isabella
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
The magic system and world building is wonderful!
Debbie
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Kingsolver loves to explore science in much detail and this exploration sinks into boredom. Kingsolver jumps into two family sagas which delight but then fall into tedious dribble. Each family encounters the deterioration of the actual home and the family unit. The language and characters resonate beautifully, but too much detail dampens the story. Kingsolver explores each family, one from the past and one from the present, with complete understanding of the problems plaguing each generation and how each family handles life’s dilemmas.
Debbie
Little House in the Big Woods by Mary Ingalls Wilder
What a joy and an honest look at life in Wisconsin in the 1860s. Laura Ingalls, a 4-year-old girl, relates the everyday struggle of life with clarity and joy. The story presents each season with the hardships and the simple pleasures. The story does not present the glossy picture as presented in the television series but shows the difficult road to survival. Food and clothing are not purchased from a store but are tackled by Laura’s parents. Can you imagine not going to a store once a week? The story drives home the difference from life in the 1860s and today: no television, no telephone, no video games. Toys are handmade items, and every animal provides many options.
Debbie
Burden of Proof by Davis Bunn
BURDEN OF PROOF is not my cup of tea, and I labored in reading this novel. The opening scene impelled me to read further, but then fell into ennui. I am not a lover of science and the discussion of time travel wearied me. The language, setting, and characters followed a pattern and luckily the novel ended quickly. Again, this is not my choice of reading.
Richard N B
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
A proper English butler, known only by his last name, Stevens, reflects on his life’s work. I love the way that Ishiguro reveals Stevens’ character through his musings. As he recalls the glory days of house parties that welcomed influential people to Darlington Hall, Stevens reveals how he allowed his sense of duty and devotion to being butler in a great house to blind himself to what was really happening – both in the world at large and on a more personal level. This slow realization is what makes this book so poignant and thought-provoking.
Beth
A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen
What a sweet story! And it’s all true. It wouldn’t be believable if it were fiction. A recovering heroin addict, James, finds a cat on the streets of London. They become best friends. James names the cat Bob, and they go on to experience together a hand-to-mouth life. A STREET CAT NAMED BOB Is James’ account of those experiences until Bob becomes a famous cat on YouTube. James says that, because of Bob, he has changed his life around. Bob gave him a purpose and a sense of responsibility. If you shy away from books about animals because, in the end, they always die, don’t worry. Bob doesn’t die. Also, if you enjoy movies based on books you have read, you’ll be glad to know that " A Street Cat Named Bob" is now a movie!
Sean
Missing You by Harlan Coben
Harlan Coben is an author I can't believe I haven't read yet. I really enjoyed this. The book wasn't the most new or unique but it was gripping and felt realistic. There were a handful of twists that really paid off. The main character was interesting but flawed. I felt she was portrayed strangely at times, especially how she related to other women. Overall, some good mysteries and action here. I will be checking out more from this author.
Marsha
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
Mallory and married friend Jake are living out the plot from "Same Time Next Year". Nantucket setting is great, but adultery has consequences. Interesting to watch the passing of twenty-eight years in each of their lives as they meet only once a year over Labor Day weekend.
Francisca
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede
This is the story of what happened in Gander, Newfoundland, when, as a result of the 9/11 attacks in America, some 40 jumbo jets landed in the space of a few hours, flooding the town of 10,000 with some 6,600 passengers and crew members. It’s an uplifting story, especially now in these unsettled times. Reminding me that there is kindness in this world, that there are people who rise to the occasion and behave selflessly to help others in distress, without thought to remuneration or reward.
AnneMarie
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
This was my first time reading this author. I really enjoyed her style of writing. The subject interested me as I've spent a lot of time on cruise ships. I found the book to be very suspenseful. I plan to read her book THE TURN OF THE KEY next for my book club. I recommend this author.
