This contest period's winners were Andrew M., Samantha P. and Susan B., who each received a copy of THE LAST DAYS OF JOHN LENNON by James Patterson, with Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge, and A WEALTH OF PIGEONS: A Cartoon Collection by Harry Bliss and Steve Martin
Richard N B
Work Song by Ivan Doig
A totally engaging story! Morrie Morgan has arrived in Butte, Montana just after the end of World War I. The pace is somewhat slow. As events unfold we learn about the residents of Butte. I liked Morrie’s slow, deliberate way of judging a situation. I appreciated his literary references, but he’s no milquetoast librarian; Morrie can, and does, take care of himself. Grace is a marvelous strong woman. Doig’s skill at character building shows in the way her actions reveal her inner struggles. I need to read more of this author’s works.
Andrew
The Rib King by Ladee Hubbard
Where do I start with THE RIB KING by Ladee Hubbard? I guess I will start by saying that I enjoyed some aspects of the story and not so much others. I enjoyed Part One which follows August Sitwell and takes place in and around the Barklay's place. I would have enjoyed the book much more if that were the main setting throughout. Unfortunately, Part Two leaves the Barclay's and throws Sitwell into a background role and although the reasons of this "exile" enhance the overall story. I can't help but wonder what his story looked like in Part Two. The overall feel of the story didn't resonate all that much with me; it presents very real, important, and current civil issues but it does so very slowly.
Sally-Jo
The Hammer of Eden by Ken Follett
Ken Follett is one of my favorites to read. I like the twists and turns this story had. Once I started it was hard to put down.
CAROL
My Name is Anton by Catherine Ryan Hyde
I always enjoy books by this author and this is no exception. It's an unusual coming-of-age story, a love story, and a family story. Wonderful characters (I love Anton!) and a good, solid storyline. Happiness, sadness, unlikely but welcome happenings, all wrapped up in a feel-good book.
NANCY
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
A prequel to THE HUNGER GAMES trilogy, this is the back story of Coriolanus Snow. I enjoyed reading about the early days of the Hunger Games and what life was like in the Capital postwar.
Beth
Chomp by Carl Hiaasen
I am a Carl Hiaasen fan having enjoyed his adult reads and also his YA HOOT. I preferred HOOT over this book, but this story was also fun and engaging which is what I was hoping to take away from it. Recommend.
Cindy
The Exiles by Christina Baker Klein
A novel about the transport of female prisoners from England to to Australia in the 1800s. Well written, well researched and multiple twists keep you reading. The brutal treatment of women is difficult to read, but the story is fascinating. A recommended read.
Pat
Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig
Perfect pandemic reading. Donal, at age 11, has lost his parents in a car accident and lives with his grandma. When she needs surgery he must take the Greyhound for two-day trip to stay with an aunt and uncle he has never met. The trip in 1951 is quite the adventure. The aunt is quite the character...
Jeanne
Gilded Summers by Donna Russo Morin
GILDED SUMMERS by Donna Russo Morin is a very intriguing, interesting story of two young women, Pearl and Ginevra, who grow up under vast social differences during the Gilded Age era. One socializes with the Astors and Vanderbilts while the other is a seamstress. In spite of the difference in their stations in life the girls become friends, but it is a secret that must be kept hidden. Without giving away any spoilers, this book was masterfully created by the author and provides an in-depth view into the immense differences in cultural and economic stations in life during the Gilded Age. I rated it a five and wished I could have given it a higher rating.
Beverly
A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
Great read!
Teresa
All the Forgivenesses by Elizabeth Hardinger
Really enjoyed this book. The young protagonist has lots of strength and heart. Family can be messy, the truth can be hard.
June
The Editor by Steven Rowley
The idea of the novel is good, but I think he does too much reflection on his life, and not much happens.
Laurie
Nowhere Near Goodbye by Barbara Conrey
A bittersweet family drama dealing with serious illness/treatment and the pressures of parenting while holding full-time jobs. Perfect for book review clubs with plenty of discussable issues. I loved it!
Michelle
A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore
I absolutely loved BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE and was eager to devour this second book in the “A League of Extraordinary Women” series. So I’m extremely disappointed to have to give this such a low review. It took about 100 pages to spark any real interest for me, and I felt like the whole storyline and characters were a major flop. What a difference from the first book. The suffrage history aspects were heavy and bogged down and I found myself skimming over a subject that normally fascinates me. There were also so many contradictions between the point of the suffrage movements and Lucie’s actions that were mind-boggling. I will still give the future third book a go, but I do hope it’s more similar to the first book.
Karl
Faster: How a Jewish Driver, an American Heiress, and a Legendary Car Beat Hitler’s Best by Neal Bascomb
Interesting story about a women racer and then owner whose team with a Jewish driver and French car manufacturer beat a Nazi-backed Mercedes team in a Grand Prix race. It is a great story which mixes pre-WWII racing, personalities and impending war.
Linda
The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop by Fannie Flagg
Fans of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE have got to read this sequel that centers on Buddy Threadgoode's life but includes other characters from the original. It's a short, "feel good" read.
Beth
Out of the Dark (Orphan X #4) by Gregg Hurwitz
I won this in the end of the year contest last year. It’s not my favorite genre - thrillers - and I probably lost something by not having read the earlier books in the series, but I found it much too violent for me.
Francisca
The Cat Who Came for Christmas by Cleveland Amory
On a snowy Christmas eve, Amory helped to rescue a bedraggled stray cat. This is a memoir of their first year together. Interesting and entertaining for the most part, even for this reader who is not much of an animal lover. Despite the title there’s nothing very “Christmas-y” about the book.
FRAN
A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
Takes us back to Clanton, Mississippi with the same attorney, Jake Brigance, who was the hero of A TIME TO KILL.
Elizabeth
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune
The story of uptight, rule-driven and downtrodden Linus Baker stuck in a job as investigator of orphanages by the bureaucratic government agency, the Department in Charge of Magical Children. This agency quarantines children with magical powers to orphanages and schools in order to keep an eye on them. His job is to determine if the orphanages are properly run and is guided by strict rules & regulations. His own life is drab, lonely & loveless. Marsyas Island Orphanage is reached by boat from the village where many of the inhabitants have negative theories, fears, suspicions, and hatred toward the magical children who have unusual appearances and behaviors. Linus investigates & is changed as he learns acceptance, love, & the meaning family.
Donna
Called by Phyllis Stump
This book is historical fiction about a real-life character Orlene Hawks Puckett. It is a testament to the tenacity of the mountain people of Virginia near what would later become the Blue Ridge Parkway in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Orlene survived many hardships including the loss of twenty-four children to later become a midwife and helped to birth thousands of babies. She relied on her faith to get her through the tough times and lived to be around 100 years old.
Jean
Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen
Hiaasen is known for his humor and for his concern for the environment. Unfortunately, in this book the latter overtakes the former. I enjoyed this less than other books of his I've read.
Nancy
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland
I enjoyed the author's writing style and descriptions of the east coast area, which were familiar to me as I spent a few summers in the Atlantic City area. I loved her characters as she developed
them and their growth as the story evolved. It was especially interesting because of the true
events that took place in real time. A wonderful book all around and I can't wait until I can read
another of her books. This was her debut novel and so well done.
Jan
The Sentinal by Lee Child and Andrew Child
Same ol' Reacher - just added a brother to the authorship. I kept looking for differences because Andrew has been added as an author. The only thing I saw was a greater emphasis on computer technology. Reacher is no computer expert but he accidently hooks up with a couple who are experts. As usual, the book is quick reading and Reacher is doing the "right thing," i.e., helping others in need. If you are new to Reacher be prepared for many red herrings, but Reacher is smart enough to see the "tells," the things or words or actions that are not ordinary. As usual, Reacher is in a little town, walks out of the cafe and sees that a man in front of him is in danger. Reacher helps him. Welcome to brother Andrew. With Reacher, there is action.
Linda
A Faint Cold Fear by Karin Slaughter
Dr. Sara Linton has been called to the scene of a suicide and her sister Tessa is with her. As Sara goes to meet Jeffrey Tolliver, police chief, Tessa walks into the woods. When Sara goes back to the car, Tessa is gone and she and the detectives search for her. Tessa has been stabbed in the chest and also in her very pregnant belly. Who would do this to a pregnant woman? Then Jeffrey gets a call and finds another student whose death is made to look like a suicide but Jeffrey knows she was murdered. Another student is found dead. What is going on in his normally quiet town? The more he works around Sara, he realizes what a huge mistake he made that cost him his marriage. He loves Sara and wants her back but she is not so sure.
Linda
Indelible by Karin Slaughter
Sara Linton is at the police department waiting to see chief Jeffrey Tolliver when two young men start shooting. They shoot and kill several detectives and others are being told to remain still. Jeffrey was shot in the shoulder and Sara is with him. The GBI is called and try to reason with the men but no dice. One of the shooters is Jared, Jeffrey's son by his high school sweetheart. Why is he doing this?
Linda
Faithless by Karin Slaughter
Jeffrey Tolliver and Sara Linton are walking in the forest when he trips over something. As he looks to see what it was, he finds a pipe covered with screening sticking out of the ground. He and Sara dig frantically and find the body of a young girl in a box. When Sara did the autopsy, she found that the girl was poisoned by cyanide. The girl was a member of the Ward family who operated a Christian farm and were thought by townspeople to be different in their beliefs. Jeffrey’s intuition acts up when he meets with Cole Connolly, foreman at the farm and former convict. He acted like he really cared about the girl, but Sara got an anonymous note that this girl was not the first one who was buried alive.
Linda
Beyond Reach by Karin Slaughter
Police chief Jeffrey Tolliver gets word that his deputy Lena Adams has been arrested in Elawah County and he and Sara go to rescue her again. Once there, his intuition tells him there is more to this than it first appears. A body is found in a burned-out car and Sheriff Jake Valentine acts as if it is no big deal. Jeffrey and Sara soon find their lives at risk in the seemingly quiet small town. Lena continues to get herself in trouble and Jeffrey always saves her.
Linda
Piece of My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke
A great mystery with a twist at the end that is the signature of Mary Higgins Clark! As Laurie Moran celebrates her upcoming wedding to Alex Buckley, Alex’s nephew is kidnapped. Laurie wonders if the kidnapper is connected to Darren Gunther, a felon who has accused Laurie’s father Leo Farley of lying when he said Gunther admitted stabbing a man to death. Gunther has a cult following and one of his fans could have kidnapped the boy for revenge. During the investigation, Laurie receives a call that changes everything and the kidnapper is someone she had never considered.
Linda
One Last Lie by Paul Doiron
Mike Bowditch is concerned when his mentor Charley Stevens disappears without telling anyone where he is going. Charley’s wife tells him about an old game warden badge Charley had found at a flea market and gives Mike a letter from Charley. He is after someone who might have got away with something. Mike learns the badge had belonged to the grandfather of a warden who disappeared while undercover. The man thought to have been responsible drowned after being shot by Charley. But as Charley thinks back, he remembers who gave him the tip that the man might be crossing the lake trying to get to Canada. And this man knew more than he had let on.
Linda
The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak
Eve Harmon is celebrating her 35th birthday and, while most of her friends are either married or in a relationship, she is still single. At the local bar, she spies a good-looking man and starts dancing for him. After a few dances, they leave together. The next morning, Rex McCready leaves and heads to town. He has no way of knowing that Eve owns the B&B where he is staying and is startled when she delivers breakfast to his room the next morning. That is the beginning of their romance. Rex is on the run for undercover work he did on a prison gang and has no intention of putting Eve’s life in danger. Some of the gang members arrive in Whiskey Creek looking for him. Eve's friends have a solution to his problems.
Linda
The Girl That Vanished by A. J. Rivers
After her rough case in Feathered Nest, FBI agent Emma Griffin plans to take a vacation, but she gets a call from her friend Sheriff Sam Johnson asking for her help. Two children have disappeared and now a third child is missing. He tells her searches have led them nowhere. Sam gets a call from a local reporter about a package that was left on his porch and it could be related to the missing children. They follow clues and find the child deceased. Sam and Emma feel that time is running out for the others.
John
The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman
This is an exciting fantasy novel full of curses and extraordinary passion and amours!
Liz
The Naughty List by Thomas Conway
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is about to end and all are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. However, the parade ends and Santa is a no show. He has been kidnapped! The North Pole is in chaos and the elves turn to The Naughty List in the hope of finding out who has Santa and where he is. The starts and incredible journey as a team of kids from The Naughty List begin the quest to find Santa and save Christmas. This is a beautiful story for middle-grade, but adults too, with many life lessons to be learned.
Jennifer
Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan
FRIENDS AND STRANGERS tells the story of Elisabeth, a new mom and recent NYC transplant, and the friendship she develops with Sam, her college-age babysitter. Both women are struggling with personal decisions and turn to one another for support. The novel follows them over the course of one year as they make choices that forever change the direction of their lives.
Like Elisabeth, I moved from the city when my children were young and struggled with adjusting to life in the suburbs. I felt the author really captured what it's like to be a new mom, as well as what it's like to be a young woman starting to discover oneself. Her writing is elegant, insightful, smart and funny. I highly recommend this beautiful book!
Jan
Dear Child by Romy Hausmann
Weird. This is mystery that just keeps adding - one young woman after another disappears and is never seen again. There is a very evil person, physically and mentally abusive. And some gentle people who do not understand what is happening or who completely misunderstand what is happening. The family of the first woman who disappeared continue their search. Add to this mix two small children - very articulate, very smart and eager to obey "daddy." But daddy locks them and mother in the cabin and they never leave. They never see daylight. One woman fights him and suffers in all possible ways. This is not a book for the faint-hearted. It is cruel and scary. The writing is delightful, fast-paced but painful.
Tessa
Something Fresh by P. G. Wodehouse
Book One in the Blandings Castle series, featuring the elderly Lord Emsworth, his son Hon. Freddie Threepwood, and his trusty secretary, Baxter. This was a delightful romp and crime caper/comedy. Wodehouse excels in writing ridiculously-plotted societal comedies that poke fun at the aristocracy and just about everyone else as well. There are unlikely disguises, attempts at hiding identities, and a variety of funny missteps along the way. Just great fun to read.
Cindee
The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult
I absolutely loved this book. It was a different style of writing from Jodi Picoult, but very enjoyable. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. Wow! Love when I read a good book with a satisfying ending.
Thomas
A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
A very good book to read. I really enjoyed the book.
Linda
Scent of the Missing by Susannah Charleson
Excellent book! I had no idea how much time, effort, and training went into working with search-and-rescue dogs or how dangerous the process could be for both the animal and human. Although the job requires horrible hours and working conditions, most of the teams work on a voluntary basis. This book is interesting, educational, and a "must-read" for dog lovers.
Francisca
Booked for Trouble by Eva Gates
Book Two in the Lighthouse Library mystery series focuses on Lucy Richardson’s socialite mother, Suzanne. She may be intent on getting Lucy back in Boston, but Lucy loves her library job and has two potential suitors on Bodie Island. This cozy is full of literary references and peopled by an interesting array of secondary characters, including the cat, Charles (Dickens). An enjoyable read, and I’ll continue the series.
Jan
The Theft of Memory by Jonathan Kozol
I received this book from a Goodreads drawing in return for a valid, honest review. This is not the usual Kozol book but we do get political and social views in the midst of telling about losing his father to Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Kozol's father was a noted MD, a practicing physician as well as a researcher. He was a medical legal expert and an authority of psychological disorders.
This book is a tribute to his father as well as a recording of the author's need to take care of his father as he lost his memory. If you want to know what a child feels when roles are reversed, when the child has to make parental decisions, and to go through losing a parent in slow motion, this is a good book for you. Kozol hung on to his father too long.
Sharon
Anxious People by Fredrik Bachman
Fantastic read, highly recommend! My favorite so far of this author's and one of my favorites of the year.
Susan
The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor
A wonderful historical fiction book. I loved the two character/timeline story - it made for very interesting reading. A great book club book.
Laurie
My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me by Jason B. Rosenthal
A courageous heartfelt memoir about the life and loss of author’s wife, Amy.
Beth
The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess
This is one of the books I won in last year’s End-of-the-Year Contest. It was a nice, light read, probably better as a summer beach read as it’s set on Cape Cod in the summer.
Jennifer
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
I loved the premise of the book, that a young girl traded her conventional life for freedom, but had to pay a price she didn't fully understand. I enjoyed seeing how she made a life, and the consequences for her and those around her, but it was sad. I also really loved watching history through Addie's eyes in both France and modern day NYC. How difficult it was for her to make connections with people - and how joyful when she did. This spiritual world she interacted with was wholly different that what I imagine, and very dark, but I bought into it for this story. I enjoyed this book!
Margie
Midwives by Chris Bohjalian
Good writing, character development, back stories, and courtroom mystery.
Gretchen
Don't Look For Me by Wendy Walker
I love a book that hooks you from the beginning and you can't put it down!
Susan
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Although this book was a bit disturbing to read I though it opened my eyes about the immigrants' plight. Excellent read!
FRAN
A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
A veritable sequel to A TIME TO KILL. Excellent descriptive view of rural Mississippi and its laws and biases.
Linda
How to Raise an Elephant by Alexander McCall Smith
I love the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, and Smith's newest one is very much like his others - simply written but very profound. And it's funny!
Melinda
Runnin' with the Devil by Noel E. Monk and Joe Layden
Great insight to working with one of the most successful bands of their time.
Linda
A Question of Betrayal by Anne Perry
Nice Elena Standish addition. Intrigue, suspense, loyalties split by country and by family. Good read.
CAROL
Take It Back by Kia Abdullah
This is a fascinating book that covers many timely topics and covers them well. The main character, Zara, is a Muslim woman who has achieved success in her profession but paid for it with her continuing strife with her family and her feeling of rebelling against her culture. She's an interesting character - strong yet flawed. She champions Jodie, a 16-year-old disabled girl who is accusing four Muslim boys of raping her. There is the whole "he says/she says" theme, which is why so many rapes go unreported. Who's lying? Who's telling the truth? This courtroom drama has the reader swinging back and forth along with the jury as to who to believe. The conclusion is shocking...and yet the author has one more surprise!
Jan
His & Hers by Alice Feeney
First one woman is killed; then another and another. Strange things occur - the policeman finds the dead woman's phone in his car. A policewoman has a suspect's phone in her pocket. There is something in the dead women's mouths - something tied around their tongues. He is the chief detective in a small town where he grew up. She is a reporter for the strongest TV station around. She grew up in that small town also. Feeney has three characters speak - she, the reporter, newscaster, he - the chief investigator, and the murderer. The reader is led to believe that the detective and the reporter are each guilty because of circumstantial evidence/information. This is a superficial book, lots of red herrings, not much depth. Good airport read.
Donna
Ultimate Betrayal by Kat Martin
Another romantic and suspenseful novel for Maximum-security. A conspiracy, espionage and treason, all entwined. Jesse Keegan, a journalist, is searching for answers and proof to show her father was not guilty of treason and that someone murdered him. She shows up at the Max to get help from her brother's friend - Bran. The backstory is her brother Danny died saving Bran. Bran feels committed to helping Danny’s sister.
Liz
The Red Thread by Ann Hood
After losing her child in a terrible accident, Maya opens an adoption agency called The Red Thread. She specializes in American families adopting Chinese girls. The story goes back and forth between six couples hoping to adopt and six mothers China who must give up their daughters. The Chinese believe there is an invisible red thread that connects children to their mothers. This is a beautifully-written story. Heartwrenching, but also full of love and hope.
Sean
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
Tess Gerritsen delivers a thrilling mystery about the depths of depravity while still showcasing brilliant police work. Thomas Moore, who is the main character, is an interesting protagonist. While this is the introduction of Jane Rizzoli, I didn't like her personality at all. I enjoyed her efforts to stop "The Surgeon", but she isn't likeable. Overall, a very good book but as the beginning of a series it's odd.
Susan
The Sentinel by Lee Child
This is the book that begins the retirement of Lee Child - and him passing the authorship of the Reacher series to his brother Andrew. It was better than I expected. I'll definitely be reading the next book in this series!
Mary
Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
In this, the fifth book in the TWILIGHT series, Meyers revisits how Bella and Edward met, this time through Edward's point of view. This was a fun way to re-experience the storyline of the first book and film, without reading the exact same content again. I enjoyed it.
Tessa
The Amish Christmas Kitchen by Kelly Long, Jennifer Beckstrand and Lisa Jones Baker
This is a collection of three novellas all focusing on the Amish community and the Christmas season. The stories are tender and clean romances, rather straightforward and predictable. The writing is very simple and repetitious. Not my cup of tea.
Marilyn
The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
Fascinating story of a project started during the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt so that people in the hinterlands of our country had something to read. I knew nothing about the blue people who lived in this area and appreciated the struggle of the book woman who was relentless in her efforts to provide ANY scrap available to her to distribute, even when the local leaders of the "library" provided her with only the dregs of their supply. I understand that Jojo Moyes has also written about this intriguing project and the dedication of the book women.
Sheree
We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love reading things about Harvard University and this was interesting because there were so many people that were thought to have committed the crime. All of the suspects were wrongly accused and I am sure that this doubt of whether they committed the crime or not affected the rest of their lives.
Sherri
Hannah's Choice by Jan Drexler
Received from a contest entry at Christian Contest. Story surrounds Hannah's family as she tries to make a choice between a secret abolitionist long-time friend or a recently met Amish suitor who wants to move with the family as they try to separate themselves from the influence of people with beliefs unlike theirs. I enjoyed all the Amish research about family, Mennonites and relationships as well as thought-provoking quotes about grief and marriage. I hope to read more by her.
Francisca
Death of a Winter Shaker by Deborah Woodworth
3.5 stars. Book # 1 in the Sister Rose Callahan cozy mystery series, set in a Shaker community in 1930s Kentucky. I really enjoyed this mystery. Woodworth has given the reader some very interesting and complex characters. Rose is determined, clear-thinking, intelligent and tenacious. And I learned a little about the Shakers.
Claire
Black Bottom Saints by Alice Randall
Beautifully rich and engagingly written, I really enjoyed this book about Ziggy Johnson and his life and times in the Black Bottom area of Detroit. Ziggy's school of theater's intent was to lift and instill confidence in generations of young black girls and boys. The book is divided into 52 chapters, the 52 Saints of Black Bottom as chosen and described by Ziggy. Bonus cocktail recipes at the end of each chapter. Loved it!
Janet
Our Darkest Night by Jennifer Robson
I thought I was so tired of reading stories that take place during WWII until I read this book! I did not want it to end. I definitely will be looking for more books by this author.
Liz
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Capt. Jeffrey Kidd travels around the state of Texas reading newspaper articles to those that are willing to pay 10 cents. It is the latter part of the 1800s and the country is not safe because of the Indians as well as bandits. At one of his stops he is approached by a government official and offered a $50 gold piece if he will take a ten-year-old girl, who was captured by the Kiowa Indians four years ago, back to relatives in Texas. He agrees and the long journey begins along with many dangers. Finally arriving at their destination he realizes the family will take in the girl, but only because they need help with the chores.Capt. Kidd is torn as to whether or not to leave her.
Molly
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Really good! This was a wonderfully-written queer fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even if it was a bit long.
SAMANTHA
There There by Tommy Orange
THERE THERE was a book unlike any that I have read before, in the plot, themes, and set up. Tommy Orange put together a fictional story of multiple people, their character arcs and backgrounds, that come together in an explosive ending about Native American and Indigenous lives in modern, urban America. I really enjoyed reading as each character, learning their quirks and what makes them individuals within a complex culture, where so many people are actually connected. THERE THERE was a well-written and imagined story about Indigenous peoples in urban Oakland, which goes against many tropes and stereotypes in Native American fictional stories. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good novel.
Jean
The Sentinel by Lee Child and Andrew Child
This book was a great disappointment to me. I have read every one of Lee Child's Jack Reacher books up to and including this one and enjoyed them for the most part. There was no thrill and very little suspense in this book. It was as dull as dishwater. There was too much description of the decor in the rooms in buildings. It appeared that the writers were relying on the detailed descriptions of the actions between the good guys and the bad guys which I believed failed.
Rose
Fallen Angel by Jenny O'Brien
This book will have you trying to guess who the murdered teenage Angelica. Could this person be killing for 25 years and have gotten away with it? This is an exciting police procedural book. I would highly recommend giving this series a try. It is well worth reading.
Rose
The Unwilling by John Hart
I have never read this author before but was really glad I read this book. It is well written and powerful. I would definitely recommend readers select this book. It is one of the best books I have read this year.
Rose
Six Days in August by David King
This book tells the fascinating story of the bank robbery in Stockholm. The author was able to interview the robbers, the hostages, and the police. I would recommend reading this book.
Augusta
Love Starts Here by Traci Borum
In this first book of her new series, Morgan Grove's Book 1, Ms. Borum introduces readers to characters we wish we knew. Jill McCallister's writing pursuits lead her to a small Texas town, Morgan's Grove, and we quickly discover the caring residents, a beautiful library, and a mansion her great-great-great-grandfather built. Jill meets Lucille and her grandson Rick, grows increasingly close to them, and researches her family history for an article she wishes to write. With Lucille soon embarking on a new bakery adventure, Rick and Jill considering a promising romance, Jill ponders her future and makes a decision. A joyful, well-written story with characters we want to meet again! Includes a gingerbread recipe at the end.
Tessa
Be Frank With Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson
This is a delightful, engaging novel. The characters are complex and the author deftly handles the difficulties of dealing with such an unusual situation. While no specific diagnosis is ever given, it’s clear that Frank is on the autism spectrum. He is the catalyst for the book’s most hilarious - and heartbreaking - moments. I love a book that leaves me wanting more, and this definitely did that. I can hardly wait to read what Johnson writes next.
Elizabeth
No Icon by Kim Gordon
The photos will amaze Sonic Youth fanatics and style mavens, but the lack of analysis or historical context will disappoint those looking for more depth.
