This contest period's winners were Susan W., Beverlee A. and Jennifer P., who each received a copy of BEFORE SHE DISAPPEARED by Lisa Gardner and THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD by Melanie Benjamin
Cherisse
What My Husband Did by Kerry Wilkinson
Wow, this book was crafted so well it hooked me from the start! Right away we meet Richard who offers twelve-year-old Alice a ride home. “Stranger Danger” comes in my head and does Richard have ill intentions? Hours later Alice is found lying in a stream and Richard is missing. Madeline and Richard have been married five years; she was the student and he the lecturer. The small village of Leavenfield is full of gossip. As Alice fights for her life in hospital, nobody will speak to him, and when they do it's to ask if he didn't hurt Alice, why hasn't Richard come home? Madeline begins to put the pieces together; there’s tons of secrets to be discovered!
This is fast-paced, very suspenseful story with a bunch of well-developed characters.
Cheryl
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah gives us another great performance with this time piece epic story, this time set during the Great Depression and the dust bowl era. Ella Martinelli and her children are trying to survive the great plains of Texas after her husband runs off in the middle of the night. Ella makes the decision to drive with the children to California, for a better opportunity, or her son will soon die living on the Martinelli farm. The family winds up in a squatters camp in the worst conditions, living on the bare minimum, living on credit, paid back by picking cotton in the fields for a wage that barely gets them by. It's a vicious cycle that keeps them bound to Mr. Welty, and Welty Farms. This story will stay with you a long time.
shelly
His Christmas Baby Bonus by Donna Alward and Jennifer Faye
Madison Wallace wants Liam and Luke her twins, who are just a little over a year old, to have a wonderful Christmas. The problem is Maddy is still grieving the unexpected loss of her husband and living with the rumors circulating around town. Cole Hudson is single and lives on the ranch with his parents and younger brother. With money being tight, Cole, who has a big heart, comes up with a plan to help Maddy earn some extra money for the holidays, and she decides to take the job. In the meantime a "Secret Santa" is giving her gifts like a new set of tires, a live Christmas tree and other items that are perfect for her. She believes it is her parents who are the Secret Santas.
Melissa
The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester
This is a deeply emotional book which is heartbreaking, while being filled with courage and love, and of secrets that were necessary during the German occupation of France.
Debbie
Bluebird Bluebird by Attica Locke
Many black writers portray the horrors and problems of the black community, mostly in the South. Attica Locke shows the issues in a small community in Texas in 2016. The stories of Black Lives Matter ring true in this novel of racial injustice in the South. The main character, Geneva Sweet, operates a small store and restaurant that sits across the street from a huge, beautiful replica of Jefferson’s Monticello. The owner, Wallace Jefferson III (Wally), wants Geneva’s small patch of land. Geneva is an old black woman who has lost her husband and son to violent crime. And Wally, a white gentleman, owns basically the whole town. The story opens with the recovery of two bodies from the bayou.
Debbie
A Crime of a Different Stripe by Sally Goldenbaum
Sally Goldenbaum writes a novel overrun with friendship and loyalty and sense of community, and this reader applauds her endeavor. The love and camaraderie among the Seaside Knitters amazes me and creates a sense of wonder and envy. A famous photographer arrives in Sea Harbor to host a lecture series, but Harrison Grant also plans something else in his return to Sea Harbor. Cassie and a new, young friend, Elena, plan the birth of their first babies. So many stories unfold in this short book: the disappearance of Rico’s wife over 20 years ago, the yoga teacher Harmony and her past life, and Elena’s adoptive parents. Ms. Goldenbaum deftly moves the story and the friendship of the characters and the community’s attitude.
Katharine
Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips
Beautifully-written chapters about women in an isolated part of Russia who have been touched in some way by a kidnapping.
Elisa
Adrianna Geffel by David Hadju
Fantastic story that you need to be continually reminded is fiction because it feels so much like a true biography of a young musical genius who mysteriously disappears. It is told through interviews of her family, friends, teachers, lovers, and journalists. So unique and a total page-turner.
Elisa
Monogamy by Sue Miller
An intimate look at a marriage, what keeps it together and what can almost tear it apart. I loved the main character and really enjoyed hearing her innermost struggles of what it really means to love someone. Best family drama I read in a long time.
Sheldon
Under Pressure by Robert Pobi
The story about a series of bombings is a mystery solved by an astrophysicist working with the FBI. There is suspense and a twisted plot making for a compulsive read.
Karen
Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin
I really liked this book. It had a good storyline. I liked the characters. I was never sure which way the story would go.
Susan
Tuesday's Gone by Nicci French
Very dark, complex novel. Quite a different protagonist from other mystery books.
Bev
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Somewhat disturbing.
Laurie
What You Wish For by Katherine Center
The unforgettable colorful characters of WHAT YOU WISH FOR crawled deep into my heart, especially Samantha Casey, elementary school librarian. Brava author Katherine Center for another excellent novel which has many discussion opportunities for book clubs.
Jeanne
The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little
THE CHANEL SISTERS by Judithe Little tells the story of the three Chanel Sisters, Julia-Berthe, Antoinette and Gabrielle. This is an enchanting story that takes the impoverished sisters and their dreams to be “something better” to a lifestyle most people only dream about. Without giving any spoilers, the author did a brilliant job in describing life of the young Chanel girls who were abandoned at a convent by their father after their mother passed away. The author gives readers an in-depth look into their lives in such a carefully constructed manner you feel the frustration, fear, but most importantly the strength and determination to rise above their station in life. The research that went into this book is very detailed.
Jeanne
Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Saranna DeWylde
FAIRY GODMOTHERS, INC. by Saranna DeWylde is the first in a new series. I loved this book from the very first page. Without giving away any spoilers, this is a fairy tale love story that readers will watch unfold when spellbound meets love struck in this truly enchanting romantic funny novel. The author did an incredible job creating the main characters, Lucky and Ransom, and the fairy godmothers. The characters are quirky, charming, delightful and you will fall in love with them. The storyline is heartwarming, magical and enchanting. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I can’t thank Saranna DeWylde and Kensington Publishing enough for sending me a book which I truly enjoyed.
Pat
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Patchett does it again! From the first page you are fully engaged in the lives of those who live in the Dutch House. Narrator tells the story of how life changed for him and his sister Maeve when their Dad marries Andrea...
John
The Wrong Family by Tarryn Fisher
This book teaches that you should never eavesdrop.
Nancy
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
This book tells the story of a young woman who escapes an abusive marriage and makes her way to a "big city," where she becomes henna artist to the wealthy and privileged. She is well on her way to meeting her goal of owning her own house and establishing her independence and freedom, when both her husband and a teenage sister she never knew she had show up. Not only is her life thrown into turmoil, it forces her to reconsider what really matters. I had read another book on henna artists, which concentrated much too heavily on the art itself for my liking. I much preferred this book, which explains the art but concentrates more on the dynamics of family, friendships and loyalty.
Susan
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Great read and it educated me more on the racial divide.
Donna
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Danny is 7 years old and his sister, Maeve is 15 years old when their mother leaves their mansion of a house for the last time. They believe she is dead. Their father is a real estate developer and emotionally distant from his children. Maeve takes on the responsibility of taking care of Danny though there is a nanny, cook and housekeeper. Danny and Maeve have been trained to take over their father's business. Their father remarries and the wicked stepmother enters the home. Upon his death, the stepmother tells Danny and Maeve to leave the house as it is now hers and she sells the real estate business. As Danny and Maeve struggle over the course of nearly 50 years, they are drawn to the house and their memories.
Mary Ann
Deadly Cross by James Patterson
I really enjoy the Alex Cross books. I shut off the news and read this book in a few days.
Donna
Two Minus One by Kathryn Taylor
Katherine is not a naive woman and has already been through a divorce. Jim is a helpful neighbor who courts and misleads her and over time convinces her to be his wife. She is happily married for 15 years cherishing, trusting and sacrificing her needs for his. They take trips abroad, he buys her gifts and professes that she is a perfect wife.Out of the blue without an explaination, he blindsides her by saying he is done with this marriage. This memoir is detailed with the pain of abandonment, the loss of self and her learning to let go of the past and become the woman she is meant to be.
Donna
Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass
A Great Eclipse is about to take place and thousands of eclipse chasers are gathering in Iceland at the Moon Shadow Campground. Ally and her family have lived here for many years, isolated from civilization and they are passionate about the Solar System. Bree, the Queen Bee at her school in Chicago, is self-involved and plans to be a model. Jack, another major character in this book, is failing science in school and is given a chance to skip summer school by assisting his science teacher at the eclipse. This event brings the three teenagers together and by "making the best of it" their lives are changed.
Donna
The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck
Virginia Hall, an American woman working with the British during WWII as a wireless operator in France, is a national treasure. She was told that she would have six weeks to live as operators who don't survive. Virginia took on the mission and through her determination, she helped liberate France. This novel takes you from village to village meeting with French resistors and reporting back to HQ in England on their needs of food, medicine and weapons which would be dropped by plane for them. In reading the novel, you come to know the people, their sacrifices and dedication to the love of their country. This is a marvelous book.
Donna
The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott
This novel is about a young Irish immigrant couple settling in the Catholic section of Brooklyn and their struggle with life. Jim commits suicide leaving a pregnant wife. Sally is born and raised among the Little Sisters of the Poor. She believes that she wants to become a nun and serve with the order.
Donna
Truths I Never Told You by Kelly Rimmer
This story is told in two timelines that are forty years apart. 1957: Grace has four children under the age of five and is pregnant. She is losing herself in depression following her pregnancies. She mysteriously dies before the birth of her fifth child. 1997: Beth, the youngest of the four children, is also going through depression after the birth of her son. Her father has dementia and is dying. When sorting through his home, notes are found that had been written by her mother while her mental health was declining. The family begins the search for the truth they had never been told.
Donna
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
This novel is inspired by a true story of the service provided by French forgers to save Jews fleeing to freedom in Switzerland during WWII. Eva's father is arrested in Paris. Eva and her mother flee to a free zone where she discovers many of the townspeople are hiding Jewish children and taking them Switzerland. They must have ID papers. Eva is a skilled artist and assists in creating the new identities for the children. THE BOOK OF LOST NAMES is in code and lists the new names and actual names so it might be used to reunite these children with there families after the war. This story covers the fear, suffering, betrayals, bravery and even a miracle.
Cynthia
The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead
So inventive!
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. This is a great, entertaining story, typical of Grisham. This was a fun read.
Connie
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Really enjoyed the suspense this book had. Many characters and different plot lines all leading up to a wedding and reception. Would encourage reading it.
Alexandra
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Our book club discussed this book yesterday and we had an in-depth conversation about what a learning experience reading this book had been. Many of us had not fully understood the immigrant experience and this book taught us much. We felt the ending seemed rushed and left us wanting to know more, so we hope that the author left the door open to a sequel.
Aimee
The Confession Club by Elizabeth Berg
This is the last in the Mason series books, however, all books can be read as stand-alone novels. This was a great series to read over the holidays, with multiple storylines across different characters living in the small town of Mason, MO. Elizabeth Berg has a way of writing genuine characters that you feel you've met after reading her novels.
Debbie
As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner
With the current Covid epidemic going on a book on the Spanish flu pandemic is very interesting.
Peggy
The Talented Miss Farwell by Emily Gray Tedrowe
Gripping story that reads like fiction (it actually is fiction) but is based on real life events. I didn’t know this until the end and found it hard to believe this scenario could have happened. Well written and as so often happens when the protagonist is a criminal, I kept hoping...
Alice
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
I am a little late reading it but I have really enjoyed it. The four stars are because I’m not a fan of swamps and marshes for the setting.
Jayme
The Southeast Native Plant Primer by Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross
I picked up this book because I recently decided to start planting more native plants in my established garden and wasn't sure which plants would work best in my area of the Southeast. This book has a nice introduction to native gardening and the reasons people should. If you want a more in depth look at the "why" behind native gardening, check out BRINGING NATURE HOME: HOW YOU CAN SUSTAIN WILDLIFE WITH NATIVE PLANTS by Douglas W. Tallamy. His research is referenced in this book. The book showcases 225 different native plants with detailed information on best region, type of pollinators it attracts and tips on how to grow it best. They share honest insights on how the plants will work in an actual suburban/urban garden.
ELIZABETH
The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin
We meet two sisters who are teachers and a blizzard that is wreaking havoc on the Great Plains just as school is about to be let out. THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD is based on a true event that took lives and maimed many. Another of Ms. Benjamin's beautifully written, well-researched historical fiction.
Peggy
They Left Us Everything by Plum Johnson
Excellent writer, story moves along well, nonfiction but read like fiction. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jayme
Cantoras by Carolina De Robertis
I originally was going to give this 4 stars, but then bumped it up to 5 stars because it is a really powerful story. This is a beautifully-written and insightful look at how oppression and living in fear impacts everyone, but especially those who are considered "deviant" in society and by law. The story of five women who create a secret place on a beach cove where they can be themselves - Cantoras - women who sing - is truly worth the read.
Barbara Ann
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Story of WWI as seen by a farm horse sold into the army. A JF book which I found cute and an easy read.
Sally-Jo
Burden of Truth by Robin James
A good page-turner. I like a good courtroom novel.
Dee
The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner
Historical fiction from a dependable author. A Japanese/American girl and a German/American girl form a friendship while in an internment camp in Texas. Very informative and a good read.
Susan
The Mermaid from Jeju by Sumi Hahn
A wonderful historical fiction that takes place in the aftermath of WW II. Based on true facts,
the story follows Gohn Junja, a successful deep sea diver in a family of strong Haenyeo.
Amy
The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis
Recently discovered this author and thoroughly enjoyed the setting of THE MASTERPIECE in familiar landmarks of New York City. This book allowed me to travel to NYC and learn about the city in a different time period as well as providing a mystery to solve, which kept me turning its pages.
Linda
The Spider by Barry Levine
This book goes into a more detailed account than the Netflix “Filthy Rich” great documentary. It also includes information on Epstein and Maxwell that continues past the show telling what has happened since, including Epstein’s “apparent suicide”.
Rebecca
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
This is a comical novel that is a perfect read for this time of many anxious people. It brings together a group of people who are filled with surprises...you will be surprised and delighted! This is the best of the three novels I have read by Backman.
Linda
Woman at 1,000 Degrees by Hallgrimur Helgason
An Icelandic woman dying of cancer shares her life story, her experiences during the war and her tales of survival.
Susan
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
Yes, it’s an older book, but my book club choose it. It’s complicated. Diaz is telling a multi-generational story from several points of view, and he packs the story with footnotes, because he says, we are more than what appears on the surface, and untranslated Spanish, and historical events. It’s a novel requiring a guide. In some ways the life of Oscar Wao became irrelevant for me as a reader awash in all of the above including magical realism, as well. Despite all the awards, guides, critical praise, I found the story to be repetitive from each generation and my sympathies were not really aroused.
Muriel
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Ms. Bennett has given the reader a lot to think about. Colorism and “white passing” is talked about in the black community but not something a lot of us are familiar with. Using twin sisters to compare how different people handled this made the story particularly interesting. Themes such as racism, loneliness, family, and finding your own identity are explored in reference to many of the characters. The book reads quickly, and gives one lots to ponder.
Michele
First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard
To think that your past will keep you from having a future is unmasked in this book. The bishop, the highest authority next to God in your church is willing to give you a future. There are costs to that, some may not be known for years to come.
Sheila
Low Country Wedding by Mary Alice Monroe
The continuing story of three half-sisters and their struggles with relationships among each other, their families, jobs and life in the beautiful south coast country.
Michele
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
Beautifully written historical fiction - absolutely couldn't put it down!
Monica
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
I read this book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. This book is a lot memoir and a lot philosophy. Matthew has lead an incredible life, full of risks and adventure. He leaves no stone unturned. If he ever decides to enter politics, there will be no “dirt” to be uncovered. It takes a lot of guts to lay out every aspect of your life. This book is highly informative and entertaining. I highly recommend it!
Beverlee
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
Such a well-written and interesting book - I loved the development of the characters and the descriptions of the culture and city!
Bev
The Plague by Albert Camus
This books depicts how a plague begins and spread, as well as how it affects various segments of the population. Many, many similarities to Covid.
Rosemary
The Secrets Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
This sequel to THE SPACE BETWEEN US could be considered a stand-alone book because it explains the complete background of its characters as the new story is told. It address the difference of gender and class in India. It tells the stories of two women, one a maid in a wealthy household who was dismissed for telling the truth and another, a woman sold into prostitution as a child who meet and end up as friends helping each other survive the modern world. A compelling story that will make you cheer for most of the characters presented.
Joanne
All the Flowers in Paris by Sarah Jio
This was historical fiction, which I dearly love, but the plot seemed a bit lacking in the “history” part of the equation. Dual POV, and a couple of surprises along the way, though one of them left many clues for you to follow. I do recommend this one to lovers of historical fiction.
Nelma
New Waves by Kevin Nguyen
Excellent character development, slightly suspenseful in the secrecy involved, a story about millenials in a startup who live lives different from ours - and the people they portray themselves to be in loss and love.
Kat
The Girl With the Key by Mary Kay Simmons
She lived in an apartment across from a man who had her hold items for him while he 'disappeared'. She didn't know he had stolen money. She started getting her apartment broken into and attacked. The new man in his apartment was looking for him. He was the only one who believed her.
Bonnie
Finely Knit Murder by Sally Goldenbaum
This is Book 9 in the series. I felt the characters are becoming predictable in their responses to the murder. They are even set up about the same. The first 1/3 is set up, the murder happens. Everyone dithers for half the book, then the murderer is named. For the last quarter of the book I was yelling "It's _______ you idiots!" Blank left to eliminate spoiler. I think I keep reading them for the knitting shop setting.
Susan
Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
It was an okay book - not as good as 28 SUMMERS.
Joanne
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Enjoyable, suspensful read.
Gerry
The Truths We Hold: An American Journey by Kamala Harris
All I knew about Kamala Harris prior to reading this book was what I saw of her during the several Democratic candidates' debates. While I was already comfortable supporting the Biden/Harris ticket in the upcoming election, listening to her narrate this audiobook got me EXCITED to vote for her, and for the energy, compassion, and goodwill she brings to our government. Though there may be policies on which some voters would disagree with her, I truly find it hard to understand anyone who rejects her as an individual, as one who is committed to doing everything she can to make this country better for ALL its citizens, and who encourages each of us to do the same.
Gerry
Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man by Mary Trump
Mary Trump leaves no doubt that her grandfather was a cruel vindictive sociopath, and that her uncle, our current president, is completely unfit for office. “Donald today is much as he was at three years old: incapable of growing, learning, or evolving, unable to regulate his emotions, moderate his responses, or take in and synthesize information. Donald’s need for affirmation is so great that he doesn’t seem to notice that the largest group of his supporters are people he wouldn’t condescend to be seen with outside of a rally.” And she continues in that vein, in a concluding chapter that is cogent in its analysis and terrifying in its implication. If you can’t bring yourself to read the whole book read the last chapter and the Epilogue.
Gerry
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
Short stories have never been a favorite genre for me, and when I downloaded this audiobook I was expecting a novel. But the stories quickly drew me in, with characters and situations that resonated with me and made me want to know more about them. The last three stories could be considered a novella of sorts, as they form a continuing story of two young people who meet as teens, separate for a long time, and then accidentally meet again as adults. Lahiri is an impressive writer, and certainly has me re-thinking my automatic rejection of this format.
Kathy
The Great Influenza by John M. Barry
Long, and sometimes very technical, but a fascinating look at the Pandemic of 1918. So much to compare with our present-day virus! It is a tale of the effort to blend science with medicine and the obstacles faced in the early years of medicine. It is a tale of trial and error, trying to pinpoint the cause of the ravaging disease, and it is a history of the great leaders of medicine, especially William Henry Welch, founder of the Hopkins Medical School. Includes references and index.
Gerry
All the Devils Are Here by Louise Penny
The Three Pines series continues and gets better and better. Set in Paris rather than Three Pines, ALL THE DEVILS ARE HERE is a complex mystery wrapped in the story of the Gamaches’ loving family. I loved the development of Daniel’s background in this novel, as well as the touching detail about Idola, Annie and Jean-Guy’s first child. Louise Penny is truly a brilliant and inspiring writer who has created characters and circumstances that linger with the reader long after the last page.
Martha
Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce
Miss Benson is a misfit, losing all of her immediate family in her early years. Her aunts who took her in are not cruel, but not nurturing. Her one ambition is to find the legendary golden beetle of Caledonia and settle the question of its existence once and for all. One day she just walks away from her job and goes home to prep for an extraordinary journey, quite accidentally, hires a somewhat brash young woman as a companion for her expedition and sets off, unknowingly followed by a man suffering from PTSD who is dangerously deluded about his role in this venture. There is also a mysterious past for the young woman Miss Benson has hired that will come forward in a huge way. This is a sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, sometimes mystery.
Gerry
The Winter Palace: A Novel of Catherine the Great by Eva Stachniak
This is the first of two books Stachniak has written about Sophie Anhalt-Zerbst, the woman who become Catherine the Great. The novel is narrated by a Varvara, Polish daughter of a bookbinder, who came to Russia with her mother seeking favor in the Imperial Court. She is quickly recruited by Chancellor Bestuzhev to become his eyes and ears in the palace, and gradually makes herself indispensable to him, to Elizabeth, Empress of Russia, and to the wife of Elizabeth's nephew, Crown Prince Peter, Sophie/Catherine. It's quite a balancing act, maintaining herself in the good graces of the three powerful figures, as their interests do not all align, but Varvara succeeds in doing to long enough to survive until Catherine's crowning as Empress.
Gerry
A Girl is a Body of Water by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
This excellent novel is part coming-of-age story and part family saga, with a good dose of Ugandan customs and mythology as well. It's the story of Kirabo, a girl being raised by her paternal grandparents. She knows and spends time with her father, Tom, who lives in the city, but he is married and has two children who are her half-siblings; her own mother's identity is a mystery to her. Additional mystery surrounds the feud between Tom's mother Alikisa, and Nsuuta, the woman regarded as the village witch, whom Tom never fails to visit when he comes home to their village. In a male-dominated culture, Kirabo is beginning to rebel against the constraints placed on her by her society, and is supported in this, surprisingly, by her grandparents.
Gerry
The Lightest Object in the Universe by Kimi Eisele
This is an all-too-timely dystopian novel about the aftermath of a pandemic flu coupled with other unnamed events that led to the collapse of the U.S. government and crash of our electrical grid. It's always interesting to see people's different responses to terrible events - some give up, some turn predatory, others find ways to help and rebuild community.
Gerry
Everything Inside by Edwidge Danticat
This was not a fun read; though well-written, most of the stories were sad and painful, with female characters in particular who struggled to survive and were constantly deferring their own dreams in the service of others, or simply due to challenging circumstances. My favorite story was "Sunrise, Sunset", a story of three generations: Carol, the mother, is coping with the beginnings of dementia, her daughter, Jeanne, is struggling with post-partum depression and also with her recognition that she is losing her mother, though she's not aware of her mother's diagnosis, and Jeanne's baby boy, at whose christening it becomes clear that Carol is soon going to need more care than the family can easily provide.
Sue
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
I could not put this down! I read it in one day!
Regina
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
One of the best books of 2020 transports us to England and the plague of the 1580s. We are immersed in the everyday life of the Shakespeare family. Will courts Agnes (later known as Anne) and they have children in Strafford on Avon. Their son, Hamnet, dies at age 11 of unspecified causes. The death of a child is life changing and plunges the family into grief. How each family member handles the death is the crux of the novel. Very sad. Very haunting. Very original.
Linda
The Ultimate Betrayal by Kat Martin
I had to force myself to finish the book due to the character of Jessie Kegan. Her father and brother had been military and she had seen her mother’s worry due to their careers. When Brandon Garrett uses torture on a suspected terrorist, she does not like it. You don't shake hands and play nice with terrorists! When he asks her to go to Dallas with him, she tells him she does not think she could live with him knowing that he faced danger every day in his job. Does she want a man who sits behind a desk every day? This is the dumbest woman!
Linda
The Girl and the Hunt by A. J. Rivers
Another murder has occurred in Feathered Nest, VA and a cryptic note left for Emma Griffin. The dead woman was Marren Purcell who sent a note to Emma along with the train ticket. Emma calls the person “Catch Me” and tells Sheriff Sam Johnson there are two unknowns out there. A photo of one looks like her father but has a different facial scar than her father, and she reminds Sam of the birth certificate indicating multiple births. She had no idea her father was a twin and has never met her uncle. If he is “Catch Me”, then who is the other one leaving clues?
Linda
The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne
Olivia (Liv) Harper returns to Cape Sanctuary to help her mother Juliet after she fell. After her father and sister died, Liv left town and its bad memories. Now she has to help run the garden center for Juliet as well as handle her own business. She runs into Cooper Vance, the brother of her best friend and the man who was the subject of her dreams when she was a teen. Attraction soon blooms between them but Liv plans to return to Seattle. She wonders what would happen if she were to stay but Cooper just tells her to keep in touch.
Gerriann
Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen
I needed this very funny novel to offset what is happening in the world. Carl Hiaasen at his best.
Linda
At the Pleasure of the President by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake
After his wife was killed at a campaign stop, Zack Hayes is elected president. He has been single and alone for three years and finally admits his attraction for Elizabeth Matthews, his press secretary. Zack wants to marry her but his chief of staff Roman Calder advises against it. Several threats have been received from the Russians and all have been delivered via Liz. Roman thinks she might be involved with the Russians, but Zack doesn’t believe it. His heart says no way, but evidence points to maybe.
Linda
The Last Christmas Cowboy by Maisey Yates
Logan Heath has been in love with Rose Daniels for years, but now she’s making a move on him and he is powerless to stop it. They all work together on the Hope Springs Ranch where Logan is part owner with Ryder Daniels. Rose tells him she is in love with him and he tells her he is not the best catch for her but she won’t listen. He goes to Ryder and asks him to buy him out, and Ryder agrees but tells Logan he is making a mistake. It takes intense soul searching for Logan to realize what he is searching for is already here at the ranch.
Gerry
By Fire, By Water by Mitchell James Kaplan
Set in fifteenth century Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, it explores the conflicts faced by both Jews and Muslims as the Catholic hierarchy moved against them, in a siege based as much on consolidating and expanding power as on religious conviction. Historical events, including the effort of one Cristobal Colombo to gain the support of the monarch for his hoped-for sea journey to the Indies add context to the story of individuals navigating the pressures of this clash of civilizations in Granada. Well-drawn characters and Kaplan's engaging narrative style make this a worthwhile and enjoyable read.
Linda
Dark Hollows by Steve Frech
After years of being a bagman for a local drug dealer, Jacob Reese decides to end it and meets with Reggie who pulls a gun on Jacob. They both hear a girl call out Jacob’s name and it is Laura, a girl Jacob had dated in the past. Reggie shoots and Jacob feels a burning pain as the bullet goes in and out his side but then it struck Laura. Jacob grabs a metal rod and slams it down on Reggie’s head killing him. Jacob hesitated to call 911 and Laura bleeds out. Bodies are hidden and Jacob tries to forget about it but someone else was there and knew what Jacob did. The book ended abruptly as Jacob was meeting with detectives. Did he admit to what happened to Laura or did he just continue on acting like he knew nothing?
Gerry
Blood River by Tim Butcher
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author, and found it fascinating, but also very sad as it highlighted the grim conditions on this second-largest country in Africa. Since achieving independence from Belgium in 1960, conditions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have deteriorated due to ongoing wars, greedy local rulers, and continued interference by imperialist nations including the U.S. Details of Butcher's grueling journey, first overland, and then down the Congo River itself, followed the course taken by Stanley Livingston in the 19th century. His account of this journey is interspersed with historical background about the country, and it all made for very interesting reading (listening).
Gerry
The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett
I do think this was my very favorite of the whole Kingsbridge series. Follett is an amazing writer, and creates characters and settings so real that the reader is immediately drawn into the story. I loved everything about this book! If there are still readers of historical fiction who have not read the Kingsbridge series, I recommend all four books without reservation.
Gerry
Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff
4-1/2 stars for a fascinating account of the 2012 exploration of the Greenland ice cap that solved the mystery of the crash of three WWII planes in 1942, and located the remains of the Grumman Duck, one of two military planes that attempted to rescue the survivors of the original crash. Author Mitchell Zuckoff not only wrote this book about the crashes, and the trip that located the remains of one of the planes, but also he helped to fund the mission to Greenland, and participated actively in the trip. The suffering and sheer terror that the stranded soldiers must have experienced is hard to imagine, but the experience is brought vividly to light by Zuckoff's excellent writing.
Linda
The Only One by Lauren Blakely
Ten years ago, Penelope met Gabriel and they had three wonderful days in Spain. Plans were made for him to meet her in New York but Gabriel never came. Now, she is meeting him to discuss his restaurant catering a fund raiser for the charity she oversees. He remembers Penelope and there is something about this woman named Penny that resembles his old love. It is not until he sees the back of her neck that he knows Penny is his Penelope. He tells her about the misfortune that kept him from New York. He still loves her and tells her he is never letting her go.
Gerry
Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith
The latest installment in the Cormoran Strike series is one of the more complicated mysteries I've read. Right now, I'm wishing it had been a shorter book, because my first thought upon reading the resolution was that I would need to re-read the entire book to see just how I could have so completely missed the clues. The ending certainly leaves open the option of the series continuing, with Cormoran and Robin's relationship still unfolding and another new detective apparently waiting in the wings. I'll look forward to the next installment.
Gerry
The Antidote for Everything by Kimmery Martin
This was a quick, light read that touched on a serious subject: discrimination against people in the LGBQT community. Georgia, a female urologist, and Jonah, a male physician who specializes in treatment of gender dysphoria, are both in danger of being fired when the private clinic at which they work notifies all its LGBQT patients that they will need to find new doctors, in a "morality" policy move that's unfortunately completely legal in South Carolina. I enjoyed the story, but found the characters stereotypical and unrealistic.
Gerry
Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez
3-1/2 stars. FURIA is a YA novel about a girl obsessed with soccer and hoping to play professionally, growing up in a patriarchal culture in which her aspirations are not taken seriously and much of her life has to be lived in secret. The novel explores issues of misogyny, race (Camilla's is a multi-ethnic family), and cultural norms within a touching coming-of-age story.
Gerry
Book of the Little Axe by Lauren Francis-Sharma
This book sounded promising, and its selection as a Great Library Read also piqued my interest. Set in Trinidad and in the Oregon Territory, it tells two stories that eventually wind together about three-fourths of the way through the book. Until that point, the Trinidad story is vaguely interesting and the American story just confusing. The characters remain flat, underdeveloped. Rosa is a dark-skinned girl and something of an outcast within her family; her mother and siblings seem to regard her as ugly and undesirable, but she holds a special place in her father’s heart. The American story features Rosa as an adult and a mother, continuing to struggle to find her place, and again feeling herself an outsider among the tribe she lives with.
Linda
Murder Thy Neighbor by James Patterson
Two stories based on true murders. The first is "Murder Thy Neighbor" written with Andrew Bourelle and is about a feud between people sharing a row house. One kept her side neat while the other was a slob. The second is "Murder IRL" written with Max DiLallo and is about a woman who lived her life through the internet until she met a handsome man she fixated on. He had no interest in her but fell in love with another. Jealousy made the woman start her rampage where she terrorized the couple and their new baby. She got her family involved which led to tragedy for all.
Gerry
A Dangerous Crossing by Ausma Zehanet Khan
3-1/2 stars. Like all the books in this series, A DANGEROUS CROSSING deals with serious humanitarian issues, in this case, the Syrian refugee crisis. Set on the Greek island of Lesbos, where political refugees and economic migrants in huge numbers seek entree to Europe, the story is a compelling one, and the mystery complex. What would have been a four-star novel for me was downgraded slightly because of the overemphasis on the various characters' romantic issues, which were largely resolved at the end, but repeatedly intruded in the narrative with a lot of miscommunication and hesitance to acknowledge feelings.
Gerry
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
Sam Hell's life may have been extraordinary, but this novel was not. Instead, it was an overly preachy and largely predictable story that meandered through his life and included every stereotype imaginable: the vicious bully who was, of course, the son of a vicious bully, and who grew up to be a vindictive and violent man, the mean-spirited nun who pretended to piety while mistreating the students entrusted to her care, the kindly parish priest who chastises the mean nun and reassures the students he'll take care of them, the pious mother with her unshakeable faith and perfect marriage to the perfect man straight out of Father Knows Best, and finally the poor victim, supported by those wonderful parents and two lifelong friends.
Gerry
Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris
FINDING NOUF is the first of two books featuring Katya Hijazi, a female Saudi who works full time in the coroner's office, and Nayir Sharqi, a male desert guide/tracker who become acquainted over the investigation into the disappearance and death of a young Saudi woman shortly before her wedding day. A very engaging mystery, it also provided an interesting glimpse into the lives of Saudi women, especially those in traditional families.
Donna
The Return by Nicholas Sparks
This was the perfect book to be reading when all the chaos in Wash, D.C. was happening. It's just a lovely story about a veteran who returns wounded and with PTSD who goes to fix up his grandfather's home and bee hives left in his grandfather's will. I didn't even need a tissue!
Gerry
The Organ Thieves: The Shocking Story of the First Heart Transplant in the Segregated South by Chip Jones
Jones has an important and well-researched story to tell. His account includes background on a vast number of related topics, including the history of anatomists, first in art and then in medicine, the history of the Medical College of Virginia and its push to compete with larger and better known medical schools in the country, research and experiments across the country and the world that discovered techniques to enable organ transplants, and of course, the incident itself and the trial that followed. Jones highlights the bias against and disregard for the rights of the poor, and especially of poor blacks in Virginia, resulting in the cavalier decision to take Tucker's heart without seeking consent or even notifying his family.
Gerry
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
The writing in this novel was unimpressive, but the story it told, based on true events as told to the author by the former tattooist himself, was well worth reading for its portrayal of the unspeakable cruelty of life in a WWII concentration camp, and the occasional glimpses of humanity and kindness that stood in such sharp contrast to the day-to-day harshness and horror of the detainees' existence. Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, was transported to Auschwitz at age 25, and soon found himself in a position of some stature, responsible for inking the identification numbers on the wrists of other prisoners. There he met another Slovak prisoner, Gita Furman, and the two formed a bond which sustained them through nearly three years of prison.
Gerry
The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After by Clemantine Warmariya
Clemantine's early life in Rwanda was happy, surrounded as she was by loving family members who cherished and cared for her. But when she was six years old, Rwanda erupted in war, and suddenly Clemantine and her older sister were sent away to live with their grandparents. From there, as war and terror spread, she and Claire moved from one refugee camp to another, and one country to another, never knowing if they would see their parents and their home again. After a U.N. worker assisted them in getting visas to come to America, Clemantine needed to reinvent herself once again, learning to speak English and to adapt to American ways. Her success in doing so is evident in her many achievements as an adult. An inspirational story!
Anne
The Peacock Summer by Hannah Richell
Captivating, unforgettable, beautiful and emotional novel which is a treasure.
Laini
The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair
An excellent historical which was fascinating, intriguing and very entertaining.
Trude
Life, Part 2: Lydia's Story by S. W. Hubbard
What a wonderful book! So much more than I expected! 45-year-old Lydia married a much older man when she was 25, giving up her plans for the future to be a wife. When she unexpectedly becomes a widow at 45 she sets out to experience everything she gave up. What follows is a joyous, emotional journey of a woman finding her true self again. I loved this book!
Dana
Bone Thief by Thomas O'Callaghan
Lieutenant John Driscoll is a homicide detective on the NYPD. His wife is in a coma and his daughter is dead after a auto accident. He is dedicated to his job and his wife. Margaret Aligante is his work partner and she puts her life on the line to help John bring down a killer. Moira Tiernan is a 15-year-old computer genius who insinuates herself into the investigation. Her skills are impressive and she discovers the killer's online persona and the lures he uses to select his victims. Dr. Colm Pierce, a wealthy radiologist, is a serial killer with a very troubled past. He is clever, arrogant and merciless. This is a real page-turner and a memorable cast of characters. Triggers: the violence against female victims is very graphic.
Elizabeth
The Street by Ann Petry
This excellent book was a real eye-opener for me. It tells the story of a young black single mother in war-time Harlem and the struggles she endures while trying to better herself and provide a better life for her eight-year-old son. In addition to illustrating the racist barriers she faced, which are sadly not much improved today, the book also highlights the double indignity of sexism that a pretty young woman also often faces. I listened to this book - the narration by Shayna Small was excellent.
Betty
The Woman in the Water by Charles Finch
A prequel to the Charles Lenox mystery series set in Victorian England. This actually has two mysteries in it, both very well done. Charles Lenox is a great character that shows the best of what a gentleman in that time could have been like, but also shows the inequities of life.
Linda
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
I'm so glad that this historical fiction novel is the next Bookacino book club pick. Now I want to reread Huckleberry Finn to find similarities.
Dorothy
What Could Be Saved by Liese O'Halloran Schwarz
A captivating read about a family torn apart by the kidnapping of the son of a family living in Bancock 1972. Story goes between 1972 and 2019. Good for book club. Well written.
Lisa
Memories in the Drift by Melissa Payne
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I was hooked. A very interesting story about a woman with anterograde amnesia and how she creatively lives her life. It is fascinating to view the world from someone with a short-term memory deficiency. It reminded me of ELIZABETH IS MISSING, which I recently watched on Masterpiece Theater, which looks at dementia from the point of view of the person with dementia. That also took me awhile to get into, but I was glad that I stuck with it. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Richard N B
Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier
Frazier’s sophomore effort returns to the rural Carolina landscape, covering nearly a century from the 1820s to the very beginning of the 20th century. The tale is told by Will Cooper, who as a twelve-year-old orphan was sent into the wilderness as a “bound boy.” It’s a marvelous story, and well told. Will’s life is full of adventure and opportunities, as well as peril and mistakes. Frazier puts the reader into an America that is long gone but vividly portrayed. On finishing, I find that I want to start again at the beginning, savoring every word.
Anne Marie
Telling Tales: A Vera Stanhope Mystery by Ann Cleeves
I love Vera on PBS and enjoyed reading this book and comparing it to the episode that was based on it. Both were excellent.
Gretchen
His & Hers by Alice Feeney
A page-turner with several twists which makes for a good read.
Kim
What Could Be Saved by Liese O'Halloran Schwarz
The characters were not particularly likable, but the story was! I enjoyed learning a bit about what Southeast Asia was like in the early 1970s, and I really wanted to know what had happened to Philip, the little brother who disappeared one day while waiting to be picked up from his Judo class. The book was a long one—over 400 pages—but the story flowed well and the book was hard to put down, once the story got going.
Nancy
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
This is the story of two women living in modern day India. One is a upper class lady and the other her maid, who lives in the slums. These two women have been friends for many years and have many conversations, yet Bhima is not allowed to sit on the furniture or share cups or plates belonging to the family. She sits on the floor. Yet, their lives intertwine. They both have had abusive husbands and children problems. I really enjoyed reading this book
Jennifer
Second Chance on Cypress Lane by Reese Ryan
A romance novel based around a couple who are dealing with their feelings from when they were together and the breakup that ended their relationship. This is not a speed read of mind candy with no substance. While it is a romance, it has the meat of a great fiction novel. Reese Ryan captures the complicated messiness of real life in her prose. Her descriptive language is so vivid the scenes seem to be playing out in front of you. She carefully builds her characters until you feel like you know them as well as your good friends. The only thing I did not like is that the last chapter wraps everything up in a neat verbal bow and solves all the problems in one swing. At least it didn't end with either a wedding or baby, or both.
Kathie
The Girl in 6E by A. R. Torre
This was a compelling 5-star read for me. Hooked me from the beginning. So glad I finally picked up this page-turner. Graphic and disturbing, not for the faint of heart. I couldn't put it down.
Dorothy
Death and the Maiden by Frank Tallis
This is a wonderfully-written historical mystery. Inspector Rheinhart and his friend Doctor Leibermann investigate the death of an beautiful opera singer. An apparent suicide, she has many secrets and suicide is not the actual cause of her death. Connections are made to powerful people. A wonderful recreation of 19th century Vienna.
Debbie
Forbidden Hollywood by Mark A. Vieira
FORBIDDEN HOLLYWOOD traces the Pre-Code years in Hollywood right after the Silent Film years. Of course, these risqué movies all were filmed in black and white. So many young and unknown actresses rose to fame in this era: Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy, Joan Crawford, Norma Shearer, Greta Garbo, and many others. The 1934 Code outlined what was acceptable in films: violence, sex, topics, and language. The book includes pictures of these beautiful actresses in their films and scenes from Scarface with Paul Muni. The book covers all the problems and the solutions to many of the banned films.
Debbie
The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie
A very enjoyable day diving into an Agatha Christie mystery. Today, I read THE ABC MURDERS and at times I find Hercule Poirot’s French phrases a little too much, especially when challenged with the translation. What caught my fancy? The description of a maniac/serial killer by Poirot made me think of Donald Trump and his quest for power and fame. As Poirot mentioned, the maniac will blunder due to egoism. Agatha Christie presents a delectable novel on all the processes that Poirot employs to catch the killer. The scenery gives an important clue in the story. I love the characters and had mistakenly picked the wrong killer several times. Captain Hastings, like Doctor John Watson in the Sherlock Holmes series, narrates a majority of the book.
Beth
The Barrowfields by Phillip Lewis
Alternatingly melancholy and laugh-out-loud. Story of Henry's growing up in a rural mountain town in an eccentric family. He goes off to college where he meets a young woman who is also from an eccentric family. The question: will they get together, stay together and if they do, will they be able to break the chains of their family histories. The writing was beautiful and largely melancholy BUT when it wasn't, I did laugh out loud a few times, which is very much not my reading style!
Helen
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
A wonderful narrative on facing and enduring adversity through the author's perspective. During these turbulent and unprecedented times this book is a wonderful resource and comfort on confronting hardship and learning from it. Beautifully written.
Norma
Harry's Trees by Jon Cohen
Harry always dreamed of some other vocation with trees - an arborist, a tree farmer...anything except data entries and forest surveys. When his wife dies from a bizarre accident, Harry retreats into the remote woods of the Endless Mountains of NE PA. There, a young girl, Oriana, saves him from his determined fate. Her mother, Amanda is also a member of the "One Year Club" - both she and Harry being recent widows. Oriana deals with her grief by delving into fairy tales and believes her father is still lives in the forest as a wingéd creature. Amanda offers a beautiful tree house to Harry to live in amongst his beloved trees, and there he grows stronger in body and mind. What he does with the lawsuit money is truly heartwarming and fantastic!
Donna
Camino Winds by John Grisham
A beautiful setting, a devastating hurricane, a murder, a group of authors and one murdered, coupled with an intriguing crime makes for a great read. The ending (and in lots of Grisham books the ending is sometimes a little too pat) does wrap up very neatly and one part is a little too convenient, but if you suspend disbelief it is still a good read.
Jane
Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda
I kept wondering how Mia could put up with Paul's women, as one who learned last year you don't always know your spouse. Until the end I thought there was more to Buck than strawberry plants. Be sure your sins will be exposed. Paul's finally were. Thankful Mia was kept safe. Not all women have someone like Buck. Lois didn't. I'm glad I finished this story. I reached a place I was disgusted with Paul's actions. But by then I had to see the ending.
Gwen
The Genius of Women: From Overlooked to Changing the World by Janice Kaplan
Kaplan argues that genius is hard to define, and harder to spot. She also argues that because women were (and are) excluded from lots of spaces (the arts, education, politics, sciences) their genius was not harnessed, or allowed to be exhibited, or acknowledged. On the plus side, two women she mentioned have received the Nobel Prize (without the potential man who was trying to lay claim to discovery) in October, and one woman is the feature of PBS's American Masters in January, so one might argue that more and more there is some recognition.
Leslie
Greenwood by Michael Christie
Lush book spanning many generations and continuing into the future. A twisty turn of events over
and over creates an interesting story about what a family is.
Holly J
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
Historical book that reads like a dream. How a Hollywood star, also a scientist, had an invention that could have helped America win the war.
shelly
It's Never Too Late by Kathie Lee Gifford
Although many people remember her from the many years with Regis and on the Today Show Kathie has decided to move on. To say she is busy would be an understatement as she is releasing two new books, three films shot in Israel, a Hallmark movie not to mention a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. One thing that impressed me is her faith in God and how God blessed her with two children she did not think she could have. She has had many ups and downs in life from scandals about her husband and other media events but she has never lost faith. What I really like is her saying that she "will continue to believe in the truth about people, that you personally know." I found that very interesting and inspiring.
Heather
The Orphan Collector by Ellen Marie Wisemsn
Heartbreaking story of the Spanish Flu which shows the resilience of a young girl searching to reunite with her family.
Alyson
The Attributes by Rich Diviney
Leadership qualities or attributes are more important for a worker being hired than their skills. The book is written by a former Navy SEAL Commander who looks for grit and guts and gives speeches on motivation. It's good for everybody and especially supervisors and managers.
sherry
When You See Me by Lisa Gardner
This book is hard to put it down. I love her writing style and how she makes each character come to life.
Amy
NYPD Red 6 by James Patterson and Marshall Karp
Love this series with Zach and Kylie. Great read.
Michelle
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
“You just never know how it ends.” What a perfect book to end 2020 with. THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY was an enjoyable, quick read with some similarities to "It’s A Wonderful Life", my all time favorite Christmas movie. It was thoughtfully constructed with well written ways Nora could live her life, building to an immensely satisfying ending. Any story with a library in it is a bonus for me and THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY was perfectly fitting. The premise also made you reflect on one’s own life, decisions and regrets with a positive outlook. An enjoyable, touching read!
Sherri
The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey
Nice story about coming out of self-imposed isolation in later life. It's never too late!
Liz
Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson
Amy Whey is living the good life, until one evening at bookclub, a new neighbor, Roux, joins the group. Roux seems to take over, encouraging the women to drink and play a game where secrets are revealed. Everyone has a dark secret that they keep hidden. Exactly what will people do to keep those secrets and what will others do to see those secrets exposed? How far would you go?
Laura
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
I love this kind of book, when an author takes a piece of history where very little is known and turns it into a book. Hamnet was the only son of Shakespeare. He was a twin and lived to be 11. How he died is unknown, but Maggie O'Farrell imagines a wonderful story about Shakespeare and his wife and the death of his child. The ending was one of the better endings I have read recently. Hits you right in the heart.
Elizabeth
Lana's War by Anita Abriel
Lana lost everything the night the Gestapo shot her husband because he was hiding a Jewish child in his piano, and she also lost her unborn child because of the shock. She had to avenge her husband's death, and an opportunity arose. Lana was approached by the French Resistance to help out at the Riviera. LANA'S WAR is very well written, well researched, flows nicely, and pulls you in with Ms. Abril's writing style and storyline.
Ivy
Dark Horses by Susan Mihalic
A sad story about secrets and pain. Mihalic had me holding my breath as I turned each page, wondering what if and when the nightmare would end.
Barbara
Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin
Good writing style. Enjoyed that it showed how the French reacted to the German occupation and wanted to forget as much as possible at the end of the war. Writing style easy to hold my attention. Learned a lot about the main characters and there were surprises.
Kay
Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon
This is a book about tenacity and bravery - similar to THIS TENDER LAND by William Kent Krueger. A group of immigrants take off for Salt Lake City - going from west to east on the Oregaon Trail in a covered wagon group. There are hardships, deaths, Indian attacks and sickness. But overall there is love between two unlikely people on the trail. One is Naomi May and the other is John Lowry. Based on facts of the time and some of the author's past family. A very haunting story. Well worth the read.
Joan
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
This book is both mystery and suspense. Picture a world where most animals have become extinct. Fish and birds are few. Franny Stone is determined to follow the last Arctic terns on what may be their last migratory flight. This may be her only chance at redemption from the mistakes of her past. What is she running from? Why is it so important for her to leave her life behind on this perilous journey? As the reader travels with Fanny on a dangerous adventure the mystery behind her plan is revealed.
Katrina
The One by John Marrs
As always, John Marrs' books are always amazing. Very well written and a lot of twists, which are my favorite. I will be reading the rest of his books. One of my favorites.
Lindy
With All Due Respect by Nikki Haley
Fast, clear and moral. Loved the book and its concise explanation of UN policies/behaviors. Fascinating woman.
Sharon
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
A long book but delightful as it explores the stories of identical twins, born to a nun at the medical facility known as "Missing" in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, their adoptive parents and their adult years when they are separated because of the civil war, one staying in Ethiopia, the other heading to the U.S. for additional medical training.
Kay
Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin
When I first started reading this book, I found it difficult to determine exactly what the book was about. Lost love? Vietnam vets? Immigration? It was about all of this, and more, as the story evolved with many truly unbelievable events taking place. There were some graphic moments, but there were also so many sugar coated situations that I quickly lost interest. Not for me!
Dorothy
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
A truly excellent book which will keep readers following the four orphans as they make their way down the Mississippi River.
Sandi
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
This is a great story written in 2018/2019, before our current pandemic started, about the great flu of the early 1900s. It takes place in three days in a special maternity ward. The story is rewarding and interesting enough to keep you turning pages. My one complaint is that in this book Donoghue did not use quotation marks. I read for enjoyment and I cannot believe the lack of quotation marks is done for the reader. It takes the enjoyment out of reading having to constantly be on alert for conversation. This lack of quotation marks appears to be a trend with authors - a bad trend. I deduct ratings for this lazy trait. And I also refuse to read a second similar book by an author. I do my research. Once burnt - always alert!
Francisca
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Book One of the All Souls Trilogy introduces the reader to Diana Bishop, descended from a long line of powerful witches, but uninterested in learning to use her magic skills, and Matthew Clairmont, who is a renowned vampire. It’s a combination of fantasy, romance, suspense, mystery, and historical fiction. I was engaged from page one and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Debra
Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson
Jennifer Robson never disappoints. She always weaves history throughout her stories. This book will keep you interested throughout. I actually wanted to give this a 5+ rating.
Becky
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
This was a wonderful book – after I got past the dialect the main character and narrator speaks. Adunni, the young Nigerian girl with the “louding” voice, is fourteen as the novel begins. From an extremely poor family, she is sold into marriage with an older man who stops her schooling although she is a good student with the promise of a scholarship to continue her education. The rest of the books deals with the vicissitudes of her life. The dialect improves as the novel proceeds and by the end I no longer noticed the dialect. In fact, the use of dialect enhanced the impact of Adunni’s story. Adunni’s story, unfortunately, is not unusual in Nigeria or many parts of the world.
Elizabeth
The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous
If you enjoy mysteries, an old house that the story was built on, and characters that are an odd sort, you will like THE PERFECT GUESTS.
Judson
A Minute to Midnight (Atlee Pine # 2) by David Baldacci
Pine returns to her hometown in search of answers. What happened to her sister all those years ago? Her search brings back a lot of memories and stirs up what many want left alone. A good book and excellent follow-up to LONG ROAD TO MERCY.
Judson
Countdown 1945: The Extraordinary Story of the 116 Days that Changed the World by Chris Wallace
I found this to be a fascinating inside look at what Truman faced when the presidency was thrust upon him. Wallace gives a detailed insight at what was involved in Truman deciding to use the atomic bomb not just once but twice. Anyone who is a student of history should read this book.
Elizabeth
The Children's Train by Viola Ardone
The war is over, but Italy is still recovering and is filled with underprivileged children. THE CHILDREN'S TRAIN is a story based on true events that happened post WWII.
Dale
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Love historical fiction and novels that switch from one character to another. Loved this book!
Angela
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
This book was great. It had dual timeline and characters, and you don't understand the true connection until close to the end of the book. It kept me guessing right up until the end. It's basically about how far would you go to get your life back?
Elizabeth
Thin Ice (Alaska Wild Mysteries #1) by Paige Shelton
Enjoyed this mystery-within-a-mystery involving the protagonist, Beth Rivers, who survived a brutal kidnapping, head injury, and surgery that left her with an impaired memory of the incident. The fanatical stalker who attacked her is still on the loose, and Beth decides to escape to the Alaskan wilderness to the little town of Benedict where she becomes entangled in the suspicious death of a local resident as she continues to wrangle with her own fears and memories. Beth experiences flashbacks and mental snapshots of her horrific attack, which continue to terrorize her as she tries to acclimate to her new remote, wild and isolated environment. The author does a great job of describing the Alaskan wilderness and the town's inhabitants.
Elizabeth
Death Stalks Door County by Patricia Skalka
Part of the fun and intrigue in reading a mystery is the ability of the reader to perceive clues that lead toward discovering the guilty party. In Patricia Skalka's book the clues are elusive as there are numerous characters who could have motives in the several deaths that occur rather early in the book (six deaths in seven days). At one point in the story, the principal character, Dave Cubiak, a former Chicago police officer who, guilt-ridden and mournful about the death of his wife and daughter and who has accepted a park ranger job in touristy Door County, Wisconsin, even reviews in his mind the various suspects and possible motives. But the lack of reader clues enhanced the reading in this case.
Thomas
Chase Darkness With Me by Bill Jensen
Excellent book to read.
Jennifer
Temptations of the Single Girl: The Ten Dating Traps You Must Avoid by Nina Atwood
I wish I had read this book when I was dating. Now I really want to give it to both my step-daughters and all my single girl friends. This book could be life-changing. This falls into the category of things someone should be teaching us but no one is. Even though I read it as an already married woman it gave me a lot of insight into what went both wrong and right in my relationship with my husband. A key take away should be that marriage itself is not the goal. Loving yourself and your life is the goal. This book shows you how you do that and find someone who you can share that wonderful life with in a manner that enriches both of you. The right connection, to the right person, at the right time, for the right reasons.
Claudia
Educated by Tara Westover
A very insightful look into a childhood that is shaped by the teachings of the Mormons. Tara grows up without a formal education until she leaves for college. Her father is totally against everything she does and declares her evil. Through all of this, she finds herself and earns a PhD. Most of her family refuses to have anything else to do with her.
Wendy
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
This book is about many important issues, including parenting, marriage, mental health, and loneliness. It balances the seriousness with humor and there is also a mystery. Backman makes his quirky characters come alive and they keep the story moving toward the surprise ending.
Jan
Fair Warning by Michael Connelly
Jack McEvoy is back. So is Rachel Walling. For those of you who are Connelly followers, no big deal. If you are not, it is okay. Jack is a newspaper reporter who covers crime and often helps solve the crime. Rachel was an FBI profiler until some trouble got her fired. They are both great characters. Jack now works for a news service that digs deeply into public service information such as certain crimes, safety, health - often finding gaps in safety or public information or lies.
Just as Jack is getting home one night he is confronted by two detectives. They want to know his connection to a woman who has just been murdered. Jack can not remember her. They show him a photo and it is a woman he had a one-night stand with a year ago.
Donna
Whisper Her Name by Jennifer Bacia
Noella is the younger daughter of the president of a South American country. She felt left out by her father due to an accident when she was a young child and started a new life in Paris. When her father, sister and nephew were assignated, she felt that it was her responsibility to avenge their deaths. The country was in turmoil and she knew that she could save the country by carrying on her father's challenges. To fulfill what she determined to be her destiny, she had to give up on love, return to a man she hated and risk her life to bring freedom to her countrymen. This is the third book I've read by this author and I plan to read all of her books.
Judson
High Flight by David Hagberg
This is an action-filled book from the first word to the last. McGarvey is hired by a airline to investigate a series of recent crashes and ends up trying to prevent WW III from breaking out between Japan, Russia and the U.S. Excellent book for fans of Clancy and Larry Bond.
Andrew
The Secret Billionaire by Teymour Shahabi
This was such a good book and my review covers more than will fit here. I can't wait to start Book 2 of the series.
Lori
The Huntress by Kate Quinn
Fascinating story about the Russian female night bomber pilots in World War II and how one of them escaped one of the most hunted Nazi war criminals. Story got pretty predictable towards the end but the subject matter was very interesting.
Shelley
Down World by Rebecca Phelps
DOWN WORLD is a whirlwind book with parallel dimensions and disappearances. Marina lost her brother four years ago and it has destroyed her family. Starting a new school, she steps inside a portal and discovers her brother alive. Then her mother disappears. With help from old and new friends, Marina travels to rescue her brother. But every minute inside changes the outside world - and it's not good. DOWN WORLD is a fun read with lots of twists, turns, and emotion. Looking forward to reading the next book in this trilogy.
Diane
At the Edge of the Haight by Katherine Seligman
A look at homelessness in San Francisco, Seligman puts the reader in the shoes of these young people and creates empathy as we learn to look at this problem in a new way. The characters will remain with me for a long time.
Brenda
The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein by Peter Ackroyd
This was one of the most subtly creepy books I've ever read. The tension just keeps building and building until the final scene, which absolutely blew my mind. I thought I had it all figured out. I did not. Great read!
Barbara
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
I listened to the audiobook version. The narrator was excellent, and there is a conversation with the author at the end of the book. I was wishing that I had listened to that conversation prior to listening to the book itself, as the author discusses his exploration of his own spirituality through writing. I did like the book extremely well. The characters are genuine and likeable, but there is such sadness throughout the book. I'm not sure that the mother would have accepted her daughter's death as she seemed to in the end. The father was such an admirable human being that I would have loved to sit down with him and have a conversation.
Tessa
A Bend In the Stars by Rachel Barenbaum
A debut work of historical fiction set in 1914 in Russia and featuring a brother and sister who are brilliant scientists determined to succeed and worried about escaping. I think the many subplots were a bit too ambitious. I was interested, but I was exhausted by the constant danger, and longed for peace for the characters and for me.
Gina
The Silence by Don DeLillo
Woof Woof! This book is a dog. This is a slim book about a group of people who gather to watch the Super Bowl but the power goes out. Then it dissolves into gibberish about Einstein's Theory of Relativity, interpersonal relationships and blank screens. The amazing thing is that it was ever published.
Trude
Shielding Riley by Susan Stoker
Military romantic suspense. Oz and Riley's story. It's an emotional story about an Alpha soldier being thrust into single parenthood upon the death of his sister. He gets help from his neighbor Riley and falls in love with her as they work to make his nephew Logan feel secure in his new home. Then he finds out he has a niece being kept in deplorable conditions and he assumes custody of Bree as well. Riley's ex comes nearly killing her and kidnapping the kids. The scenes, especially with Oz and the kids, are very emotional...in a good way. And there is a definitely a happily ever after.
S.
All the Children Are Home by Patry Francis
Book club read for February.
Emily
Deep into the Dark by P. J. Tracy
Sam Easton, who is ex-army, is ready to start his life anew. However, he is often haunted by the ghosts of his past and is drawn even deeper into the dark when there are two murders that happen back to back, including his soon-to-be ex-wife! This is a delightful thriller with tantalizing twists and turns, and I highly recommend it to thriller lovers!
Emily
Little Tea by Claire Fullerton
Now in their middle adulthood, the three best friends for decades, Ava, Renny and Celia Wakefield have decided to reunite and to catch up with one another at Renny’s lake house in Herber Springs. As her past in Como, Mississippi of eons ago unfolds, with an unexpected twist, Celia decides to accept the inevitable and acknowledge her life with a different perspective. The brilliantly written LITTLE TEA has taken me on an emotional ride with its beauty prose about family and friendship, love and loss, trust and betrayal. The story is meant to be savored leisurely, like one would enjoy the goodness of a cup of smooth and savory coffee, till the last drop!
Emily
The Tattoo Artist by Lori Lacefield
After the death of her mother, and a few years of homelessness, Zoe Cruse has finally found stability with a loving husband, a great son and a promising career as a tattoo artist. One day, a man walks into her tattoo saloon asking to ink an addition to his tattoo collections. Zoe is fascinated by these inked images with some hidden messages, and is especially shocked by one familiar figure. Zoe can’t stop herself from pursuing to decipher these mystifying tattoos. Her quest to unearth the truth has put herself, her family and others in great jeopardy. THE TATTOO ARTIST is a fast-paced, well-plotted thriller. I was deeply drawn in from the first chapter and the suspense intensified as the pages turned!
Susan
American Spy by Ĺauren Wilkinson
Refreshing point of view and protagonist. Storyline well plotted and intriguing.
Mary
Daylight by David Baldacci
Atlee Pine joins forces with John Puller to catch some very dangerous killers. There's some political intrigue going on and Atlee continues to search for answers in her sister's kidnapping - or was it murder? I just love his writing - every now and then a paragraph will speak volumes to me.
Pat
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
What a great relationship between Maeve and her brother.
Jayme
The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
This one was hard to read because one of my favorite characters in the series shows some deeply hidden character flaws and just might be a murderer. I only hope that Book #6 is about redemption.
Amy
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
I must confess that I was not looking forward to reading this selection for my book club. I saw a couple of negative reviews and I just wasn’t in the mood for another WWII story. What a pleasant surprise this was! The story was captivating and kept me turning pages. There are so many books set during WWII but this is the first I’ve encountered that take place in Italy. Based on true events, I found myself using Google to learn more about about WWII history in Milan. I think fans of UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand would enjoy this book.
Jeanie
Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger
Suspense at its best! I couldn’t put it down. Loved the strong female protagonists. Sometimes novels that switch time periods back and forth are hard to keep up with, but this one really was so masterfully plotted out, and had a very satisfying ending. Loved it!
Maureen
The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger
This book was a great read about four families in Colorado who are friends and all have school-aged children. They are affluent and have intelligent kids with all of the problems that come along with adolescent children. A new school comes into the area, for “gifted kids”. The lengths these parents go to try to get their kids kids into the school and the consequences it has on their lives, friendships and families will keep you guessing and entertained throughout all 400+ pages. I found it to be well written and very much enjoyed the story.
Sharon
Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson
Excellent writing! Johnson brought me into the world of Pheby Delores Brown, slave (and daughter) of her master in Charles City, Virginia who was sold off the plantation and is taken by the master of one of the jails/slave auction businesses in Richmond. One needs a box of tissues and an anti-depressant to read this book as the details of the treatment of slaves is so poignant.
Laurie
The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little
Bittersweet "rags to riches" fictional history/family saga about the Chanel sisters.
Jeanne
In the Shadow of Vesuvius by Tasha Alexander
IN THE SHADOW OF VESUVIUS by Tasha Alexander was an intriguing read about a group of friends who travel to Pompeii to dig for the ruined city. This story is No. 14 of the Lady Emily mystery series and my first read by this author. It was fascinating to learn and read about Pompeii, the buried city and all the history surrounding this era. I enjoyed reading this novel, though at times for me it was a bit confusing to bounce back and forth between the dual storylines and all the characters. The author did a very good job intertwining the ruins of Pompeii, the Roman Empire and the beginning of the twentieth century.
Sally-Jo
Burden of Truth by Robin James
I like a legal thriller. This one kept you guessing.
Alice
Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher
Not all of this pertains to me but I'm getting a lot out of it, and it is written in an easy to relate to format. I highly recommend it.
Monica
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY was my book club's January pick and I could not have been happier with the selection! It won Goodread’s best fiction title of 2020 and for good reason. The book is incredibly relatable and tackles topics I believe everyone struggles with/thinks about from time to time. How would your life be different if you had made different decisions? Would you be happier if you would have made those choices? The book is narrated by the main character, Nora, as she struggles with depression and finds herself revisiting her regrets in life. It is beautifully written and will definitely be a book I reread in the future!
Bea
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Original type of book, takes place in the Dominican Republic and U.S.A. A Dominican Republic teenager loses her father in a plane wreck and finds out he has another family in the U.S. It is told alternating through the eyes of the girl in D.R. and her sister in the U.S. At times a little confusing until I got the hang of it being two different people speaking.
Diana
Cobble Hill by Cecily Ziegesar
The story revolves around the lives of four families living in the upper middle-class Brooklyn neighborhood of Cobble Hill. It is an easy read with interesting characters. After reading some books with pretty heavy topics, this was a palate cleanser.
Daryl
Coast Road by Barbara Delinsky
This is an older book that a friend passed on to me as she was purging some of her books. I love how the father is reconnecting with his two daughters in what is a scary situation for them and how he is finding out about the life that his ex-wife constructed since the divorce and the wonderful friends that she's made.
Nina
The Other Mrs. Miller by Allison Dickson
Nice character development with a twisty plot made this book a fun read. I enjoyed the constant intrigue.
Cynthia
This Tender Land by William Kent Kreuger
Kreuger is such a wonderful storyteller, and this book is a tale told by a storyteller! When four children escape the abusive control of the administrators of an Indian boarding school, their adventure begins. It is a heartwarming, delightful tale which also illuminates the challenges faced by many people during the depression.
MH
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
I found the jumping back and forth in time disconcerting. The book had an extreme amount of coincidence. That said, it was engrossing and kept the reader guessing as to what would come next.
Jaymi
Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst
Each woman had a very distinct voice and I enjoyed each of their storylines. There were sections between Francesca and Allegra that had me tearing up simply because I can relate to how hard it is to be a mother to a daughter. I wanted to not like Francesca since she starts out as an absentee, control freak, workaholic mom but throughout the story she really owns her mistakes. She recognizes how unfair she was to her own mom and how it colored how she raised Allegra.
The romance was very well done and I loved both Enzo and Ian and the roles they played. Lastly, the Italian setting and food descriptions - fabulous.
Linda
Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall
This is our book club discussion for January about a young girl running away from home to find her mother in Mississippi who encounters and journeys with a black woman.
Elida
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
What happens when a wife goes missing? The story centers on the husband, but in this book the wife disappears with a neighbor friend, and vanishes with her body never to be found. The neighborhood moves on until the dog walker begins dating one of the husbands! And the gossip begins. Descriptions of the home and stories of the wife who disappeared and her life. Why has one body never been found? Excellent read!
Melinda
Melania and Me by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff
Really interesting book. Very insightful as to what goes on behind the scenes at the White House.
Melinda
Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
Interesting to read about his upbringing and his way to stardom.
Linda
The Scorpion's Tail by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
As with all of their books it is a page-turner. I have always especially enjoyed plots set in the southwest as I have visited many of those places and look forward to visiting new ones highlighted in their books!
Susan
The Arctic Fury by Greer Macallister
This would make a great book club choice. In 1854, a dozen women put together an expedition to the Arctic to find the lost husband of Lady Franklin. Wow.. talk about strong and powerful women, A year later the leader of the expedition is on trial for murder. This is a story of bravery, resilience, hope and perseverance.
Jolene
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I had heard a lot of hype surrounding this book, so I decided to finally read it for myself. I am so glad I did! This book was impossible to put down. I spent a lot of late nights just absorbed in the story!
Dorothy
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Very interesting about how hard rowing a boat in competition can be, especially when it’s the Olympics. A poor young man made good with a lot of honest hard work and determination.
Michele
Called to Be Amish by Marlene C. Miller
Is life without technology, without electricity, without indoor plumbing, without cars what God is calling you to? Can one family's quest for that overcome all of the things they must give up? Can they overcome the language barrier?
Gretchen
The Push by Ashley Audrain
One terrific book! After listening to the podcast I couldn't wait to listen to it.
Kristen
Betty by Tiffany McDaniel
This book knocked me for a loop! So good and compulsively readable. I had a hard time starting the next book for a couple of days.
Susan
Before the Ruins by Victoria Gosling
Andy is doing all right--but only just--when the elderly mother of her childhood friend, Peter, calls to ask Andy's assistance in helping find him. As Andy gets drawn into Peter's disappearance, she revisits the fateful events of the summer of 1996 when she, Peter, Marcus, and Em befriended David, hiding out in the local estate. Both Andy and Peter were drawn to David, complicating their lifelong friendship. After Andy's life shattered, a house party at the same estate fragmented her fragile psyche further, but had much greater impact on Em. Unsure who she can trust, and not sure she can even trust herself, Andy embarks on her own dangerous search for the truth for what happened in her past. Engaging and beautifully written.
Susan
The Lost Manuscript by Cathy Bonidan
Anne-Lise Briard is vacationing for a few days when she chances upon an unpublished manuscript in the bedside drawer of her hotel room. Intrigued by the novel, she writes a letter to an address tucked into the manuscript and soon embarks on an obsession to discover the manuscript's history and journey to the coast. Although the address leads her quickly to the author of the original manuscript, she learns that he only wrote the first half of the story, so Anne-Lise becomes determined to track down the author of the other portion. Told in epistolary form, which limits descriptions of character and setting, and completely eliminates dialogue, THE LOST MANUSCRIPT is a unique, engaging book. I expected to love it, but only liked it.
Donna
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
The is the first book in the series about the Bridgerton family in the Bridgerton Netflix series. I wanted to read it before watching the series to get all the families straight. Sometimes I cannot understand the British accents well enough to keep track of all the people. It was a light, somewhat fluffy book, but I enjoyed the light reading as an antidote to the attack on our Capital.
Julia
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
It felt like reading an Agatha Christie novel in some ways. I always enjoy a Marie Benedict
historical women fiction novel.
Elizabeth
Even the Terrible Things Seem Beautiful to Me Now by Mary Schmich
I love reading Mary Schmich’s columns in the Chicago Tribune so I picked up this book. I liked reliving the columns in the book but I read them straight through and think this is the type of book that is probably better to dip in and out of over time. And if you’re not from Chicago you might not get all her references.
Elizabeth
The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson
Who is cousin Olivia? THE SEA GATE has great characters, pull-you-in writing, and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages to a marvelous revelation of the secrets and an unraveling of Olivia and her life. And...look at that gorgeous cover!
Janet
Born in Death by J. D. Robb
LIked that there was a bit of humor at times in this one.
Joy
Killing Crazy Horse by Bill O’Reilly
A great book about the American west and the cultural clashes between the Native Americans and the settlers.
Kay
Circe by Madeline Miller
I've always gotten lost reading about mythology characters so I chose this book for our book club this month so that I had to read it. I learned so much about these gods and goddesses to keep them in my mind while reading the book. Once I knew the characters I was delighted by the story and the writing is absolutely wonderful! It will be a "keeper" on my book shelf and I look forward to reading her first book on Achilles.
Pam
I'll Be Seeing You by Elizabeth Berg
A poignant account of the emotional toll of caring for aging parents. Full of emotion and honesty, the story follows the author as she navigated the changes in her parents' capabilities and mental capacity. It's heartbreaking, but also serves to show the reader how family support and humor can help make it a bit easier.
robert
The Current by Tim Johnston
Great read. Complex. Good depth of characters.
Kathleen
Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik
Not the dry, boring, legal lingo-infused book it could have been, NOTORIOUS RBG is a fascinating, accessible-to-all telling of the life and work of a most remarkable woman. “There’s no truth without Ruth.” Her focus was on the fight for equality for all women and also for men who were lost in a discriminatory system. From college to the Supreme Court, RBG worked hard and stood up against discrimination against her in particular, and women in general. Along the way, she found her great, supportive love in Marty and raised two children who became successful in their own right. Our America will not see her equal anytime soon.
shelly
All That Glitters by Danielle Steel
Nicole Martin is twenty-one years old and the only child of Tom and Bethanie. She has been very lucky because in all her years growing up she had their full attention and love and discussed and shared so many things. They went on vacations together and besides living in a beautiful apartment in Manhattan, on Fifth Avenue with a great view of Central Park and they owned a home in South Hampton. Nicole had just finished her junior year in college and was going to intern for Time magazine on an assignment she never thought she would be qualified enough for. Her parents had planned a trip to France hoping Nicole would be joining them, but starting a new job she could not take time off.
Fran
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
I loved the writing and was drawn into this book, but struggled reading it because it is too reminiscent of our current pandemic. If only had only read it at another time...
Simonne
The Return by Nicholas Sparks
Typical Sparks, just barely a so-so book. Characters have no reason to fall for each other. Tries real hard to get at your heartstrings. Interesting discussion on PTSD.
Padmini
The War Widow by Tara Moss
This was a fairly fast-paced book about a young woman who becomes a private investigator in Australia in 1946. She is tough and quick-witted. She takes on a case to find a runaway teenage boy but doesn’t realize what kind of trouble lies ahead for her.
Chrisynthia
The House In the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune
I was drawn to the cover of this book but never thought it matched the content of the book, so it took months for me to actually read it. I was instantly drawn in by the characters and their stories.
Debra
The 13th Day of Christmas by Jason F. Wright
This was such a touching book that really showed that the true meaning of Christmas - is not over on Christmas day. I would highly recommend it.
Lorie
Amber Alert by Dan Lawton
I thought this was a very good book and it had some unexpected things happen at the end.
Bonnie
Coal River by Ellen Marie Wiseman
This novel held a special interest to me since my family came from the "coal region" of Pennsylvania and my ancestors were miners as in this book. One gains new respect for miners' lives after reading this.
Bonnie
The Answer Is... by Alex Trebeck
Not really a memoir, more a series of anecdotes about Trebeck's life.
Bonnie
To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins
Nonfiction, about the author's bike ride from Oregon to Patagonia and the people, sites and what he learns about himself along the way. Interesting.
Bonnie
Outlawed by Anna North
I'm not sure what all the hoopla is about this novel. It's workmanlike, basic writing style, little or no character development, but mightily politically correct.
Debbie
I Am the Only Running Footman by Martha Grimes
Martha Grimes builds interesting characters and the setting glistens, but many times too many red herrings creep into the narrative. Blonde women of a certain appearance have been strangled and many police division stumble along attempting to find the killer. Enter the stage with Richard Jury and his cast of detectives. Before the killer can strangle Dolly, Jury and his crew of amateur detectives discover the killer’s identity. The reader learns about many English pubs and food and spirits and the minor personality traits of the characters: Fiona, the secretary of Chief Superintendent Racer, the devilish cat Cyril, the hypochondriac Sergeant Alfred Wiggins, and many others. What baffled me dealt with a character named Ned.
Debbie
Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown by John Lithgow
TRUMPTY DUMPTY WANTED A CROWN surprised me. I had thought John Lithgow had created a children’s book with illustrations, and of course, I wanted to be transported to juvenile stories. Lithgow’s book leans toward an adult audience with delightful poems, sketches after each poem, and a brief explanation of the background for each poem. Yes, I enjoyed reading this short political satire concerning the Trump years in the White House. Many of the events had escaped my notice and enforced my chagrin of the last four years. Thank you, John Lithgow, for your perspective.
Debbie
Rainbow's End by Martha Grimes
RAINBOW'S END provided many interesting aspects but went too far with multiple characters and extreme detail and exposition. Many of the scenes and characters could have been omitted from this story, as the narrative droned like a litany. In this installation, every past character appears in a scene or two. Sergeant Wiggins enters the hospital due to receiving an electrical shock. In the hospital, Wiggins practically solves the murder of three women, but it takes almost 400 pages for the case to be closed. Another aspect falls in the realm of a young girl that aids Richard Jury with the case. At the end of the novel, the young girl exits the stage without her future determined. I do not like open-ended stories.
Dianne
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
Story is told from two perspectives at different points in history. The reader is instantly engaged in what happened in the beginning, what happened to Mrs. Christie, what role her husband plays in all this.
Helen
The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis
Fascinating book on the intriguing world of chess. This book is the basis of the popular Netflix with the same name. The story of Beth Harmon and her journey from life in the orphanage to a master cheese player is riveting. A must-read.
Kimberly
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Better than a movie. If you think your family is a little nuts, you won't after reading this book. GREENLIGHTS is a very entertaining and quick read. Absolutely captivating whether you are a fan or not.
Lorie
West of the River, North of the Bridge by Richard Hill
I really liked this book and couldn't put it down. I loved each story and couldn't wait to read the next. I finished the book in a day!
Jan
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Revenge. Retaliation. Getting Even. Vengeance. I am not giving anything away here. From the very beginning, this is a haunting story. A larger-than-life destination wedding between two superstars is going to be on an almost deserted island. The only people who live there are the wedding planner and her husband who cooks for the venue. One of the delightful things about this novel is short chapters with the primary characters' thoughts: The Wedding Planner, The Bride, The Groom, The Best Man for the bride - a long time male friend, The Bridesmaid, the various parents. A violent storm breaks out during the reception. Lights out. Lights back on. We get a lot of back story about the characters. The moral: Evil matters. We remember it.
sherry
When You See Me by Lisa Gardner
I'm giving this book for 4 stars because it took me reading half the book to really get into it. However, the last half is hard to put down!!
Linda
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland
This family tragedy presents a dilemma - what would you do? Not easy to answer. A B&N book club pick that is based on a true story, although it's historical fiction.
Tessa
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
In the 1960s Jim Crow South, a young man on his way to college makes a life-changing mistake and winds up in the notoriously draconian Nickel Academy reform school. I was completely engrossed in this story. I loved how the relationships between the boys at Nickel developed, how they helped one another even when they could not understand one another. The last part of the novel moves forward in time when one of the boys has grown up and is in New York. But while he’s achieved a measure of success, he is still haunted by what happened in his youth. Whitehead’s use of this structure made the pivotal scene all the more impactful.
Lori
Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews
I'm so glad I took a chance on this debut novel. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. I flew through the book in one day; it completely captivated me. I liked the pace of the book. I was able to understand the characters before all the excitement began. There were many twists and turns in the action, and I thought it was very cleverly done. It was great escapist reading, and I highly recommend it.
Linda
The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter
Will Trent and his partner Faith Mitchell are investigating the rape and murders of young women and new tips have led them to the prison to interview a man convicted of the crimes. One of his victims looked at his photo and stated he was not the rapist. Crimes are still being carried out and the man is in prison so he is not the rapist. This leads the GBI to question former sheriff Jeffrey Tolliver’s investigations eight years ago. His former wife Sara Linton now works with GBI and has discovered something in the victims that was overlooked. The rapist/murderer paralyzes his victims and keeps them alive while he comes back to visit them before he ends their life. All agree that this deranged killer must be caught.
Linda
A Haven Point Beginning by RaeAnne Thayne
Josh Bailey was aware of Gemma Summerhill after reading of the traffic accident she was involved in while he was in England to meet with her father. Josh owned a sports store and wanted to carry fishing rods made by the company owned by Gemma’s father. Due to the accident, Josh never met her father but was drawn to a photo of Gemma with her two brothers. He was stunned when he finally met her. Gemma says she was unsure when Aiden Caine first approached her about the job, but something told her she had to take it. They were both attracted to each other but wanted to take it slow and sure.
Linda
Summer at Lake Haven by RaeAnne Thayne
Samantha Fremont is busy making the wedding dress for Gemma Summerhill when she sees two children on her dock. One falls in and she jumps in to get the boy out of the lake. They are the children of Ian Summerhill, Gemma’s brother, who has come from England to be at his sister’s wedding. Samantha and Ian are attracted to each other and both are lonely. They are aware that Ian will be returning to England and long-distance relationships are not good. But what if Samantha got an opportunity to design wedding dresses as she longed to do? Ian’s mother saw how they looked at each other and knew they deserved a chance, and she is determined to help the couple.
Linda
A California Christmas by Brenda Novak
Emery Bliss came to Aiyana Turner’s home to hide out after a sex video of her was released to the media. Her co-anchor and ex-boyfriend Ethan said his roommate posted the video but Emery lost her job and he did not. Dallas Turner is there and helps Emery come out of her shell. They fall in love but Dallas is a mountain climber and has just gotten a sponsor. He travels a lot and feels it would not be fair to any woman to be married to him. Emery doesn’t agree but wishes him well while she is hurting inside. Aiyana tells Dallas he will be sorry if he loses Emery but Dallas is torn and doesn’t know what to do. He loves climbing but also loves Emery.
Linda
You Betrayed Me by Lisa Jackson
James Cahill is a ladies’ man but has a bad habit of taking up with a new woman before ending it with the previous one. When Megan Travers finds he has been going out with Sophia Russo, she is livid and storms off. She disappears into the snowy night and no one can find her. Police might think Cahill had something to do with it, but Megan had lunged at him causing him to fall against the stone fireplace and blacking out. When a nosy newspaper reporter and a Cahill employee are found murdered, Cahill hires a private investigator to find out what’s going on.
Linda
Cross Her Heart by Melinda Leigh
Homicide detective Bree Taggert gets an alarming text from her sister and hurries to her home in Grey’s Hollow. She arrives to find several police cars in the driveway and learns that her sister has been shot and killed and her husband missing. Police zero in on the missing husband but Bree knows it is not all as cut and dried as police think. She meets Matt Flynn, former detective and K-9 handler, at the house as he has known Justin all his life and knows he could not have killed Erin. But where is Justin? Bree and Matt work together to solve the murder and get the green light from Todd Harvey, chief deputy and acting sheriff.
Linda
See Her Die by Melinda Leigh
Sheriff Bree Taggert gets a call about a shooting at a deserted campground. She arrives to find the witness but no body. Bree questions the witness and feels she is not being truthful and there is more to the story than she has admitted. Her instincts prove correct when they find the backpack belonging to the missing girl. In it is a sack of stolen jewelry. Former detective Matt Flynn brings his K-9 to search for the girl. He finds the body of a young man submerged under the ice of the frozen lake. Matt has been looking for the missing grandson of a friend but a tattoo on the shoulder of the dead man proves this man is not the one Matt is looking for. Bree now has robberies to investigate as well as murder.
Saloni
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
I love these books and I want to finish all the books.
Sherri
Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery
Second to last of the Green Gables books. Not the best but sweet and comforting in these troubled times. A peaceful escape to a simpler world.
Gabriella
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
I really enjoyed the story, but I thought the writing sounded immature in some parts. The novel wasn’t as fulfilling as I expected it to be although I do greatly respect the hard work and research Mr. Krueger put forth.
susan
The Survivors by Jane Harper
I got this through Book of the Month as an early release. I loved it. Her writing is spot-on and she covers a difficult subject.
Kimberley
Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
This was a long and tedious story that took several pages to reveal the story’s plot. It was a depressing, rainy yawn. The characters had crazy issues and the husbands lacked strength. The ending was a letdown.
Sean
Let the Dead Lie by Malla Nunn
While a definite step-down from the first in the series, I enjoyed Malla Nunn's work here. She is still able to deliver a compelling tale. I still thoroughly enjoyed the main character, Emmanuel Cooper, and his dogged quest for what's right. However, I didn't love the ending, the "mystery bad guy", and two scenes were written very strangely. I still look forward to reading the next in the series, but this had a lot to live up to and it didn't.
Anita
The Leavers by Lisa Ko
This is an excellent, well-written novel about a Chinese immigrant who comes to the U.S. while pregnant. Her son is born here and she lives in an apartment with her boyfriend and his family members. She manages to get a job in a nail salon, and all seems to be going well. When her son is 11 years old, she suddenly disappears. He is very confused and can't understand why she left him. Unable to take care of him, Leon's sister (the boyfriend) lets him go to a foster couple, who then adopts him. As we continue to read, we do find out why she left.
diane
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
Very interesting and very informative. I love libraries and did not know about the Pack Horse Library Project. Loved the story and learned a lot.
Christine
Promise Not to Tell by Jennifer McMahon
It's hard to believe this was Ms. McMahon's debut novel. It reads as if written by a more seasoned author. The story is a little bit mystery, a little bit ghost story, and a little bit coming-of-age story. It (like several other of her novels) is a little spooky, but not scary. Very well done!
Liz
The Island by Elin Hilderbrand
Birdie Cousins is the matriarch of the family. Her two daughters, Tate and Chess, are going through some difficult times. Birdie decides to have them all get together, along with Birdie’s sister, India, in the family home on Tuckernuk Island off the coast of Nantucket. It is a very remote place with no electricity, running water, or any of the creature comforts. Spending two weeks there will be challenging; they face their fears, hopes and desires as well as coming to terms with things that happened in the past. Nice story - it would called it a summer beach read. No surprises at the end.
Joanne
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
Almost didn’t finish this one as I was turned off by the continual use of the F-bomb throughout the book. Also, none of the characters were likable for me. But I persisted because of the intriguing plot.
Mamie
Beneficence by Meredith Hall
This is a story of a post-WWII Maine farming family that suffers a terrible tragedy. Each family member must deal with their grief and guilt in their own way. Despite all the conflict the farm and the land is the once thing in common which holds them together. This book went right to my heart and is still there. For those who like Kent Haruf, William Kent Krueger, and Marilynne Robinson.
Mamie
Writers and Lovers by Lily King
Casey, a young conflicted writer, deals with a number of upsetting distractions that are holding her back from finishing her novel (so far six years in the making) - her mother's sudden death, mounting debt, a mind-numbing waitressing job, her less-than-desirable living conditions, and, of course, her love life - the older accomplished author or a wanna-be-writer high school teacher. While, at times, Casey can be a whining, indecisive, self-doubting, health-obsessed, and panicked-filled character, King surrounds her with a eclectic cast of characters to tamper the rants and self-pity. It's a great story to lose yourself in. Ask yourself, will things ever get better for Casey? She's a good ship's captain with a fun crew.
Deby
Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
Really enjoyed this look at history and the twist at the end was quite the surprise!
Richard N B
Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
3.5 stars. This is a fast-paced story with several twists and turns and lots of political and personal intrigue to keep the reader guessing and turning pages. Turow’s tight writing gave me the sense of suspense and impending doom that I expect from a mystery/thriller like this. The final reveal is a bit of a stunner.
Dianne
Apeirogon by Colum McCann
This novel was an excellent portrait of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. A story of real people and the affects of a continual war. This book will remain in my brain for a very long time.
Debbie
The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett
This is the prequel to Follett's three volume Kingsbridge series. I read all three books in the series and they were totally fascinating. I was really excited about this prequel, and I was not disappointed. Like every book in this series, Follett's writing was superb and the details about how ordinary people, with little or no education, figured out how to build cathedrals, bridges and other buildings out of stone was amazing. I listed to THE EVENING AND THE MORNING and the narrator was wonderful. I highly recommend this book, either in print and/or audio form.
Jayme
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
If you enjoy historical fiction I think you will really like this book. There are a couple of surprising plot twists, the characters are likeable, and the setting is atmospheric. You will also come away with a little history about the formation of Australia. If you find yourself intrigued by the topic of the transport of convict women in the settling of Australia you should also read the nonfiction book THE TIN TICKET: THE HEROIC JOURNEY OF AUSTRALIA'S CONVICT WOMEN. It is goes into greater depth and detail about this fascinating topic. I won this book in a Word of Mouth Contest last year. Thank you Bookreporter.com for the opportunity to read this interesting work of historical fiction.
SAMANTHA
The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson
THE BOOKSHOP OF YESTERDAYS was a phenomenal story of a woman who has to find out all of her family secrets after her uncle dies. From the beginning to the end I was fully invested in the story and background of all of the characters. Amy Meyerson gave her characters traits that make you love them and hate them, just like real people. The twist wasn't as surprising as I would have expected, but it was told so well without being inherently cliched. Overall, this book was well written, had a great plot, character development, and very descriptive. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries, books, secrets, and fresh starts.
Debra
A Christmas Promise by Annie Groves
The story was set during World War II. I love how all the different characters were woven together during this trying time. A great read.
