This contest period's winners were Beth V., Dennis H. and Linda S., who each received a copy of THE MAIDENS by Alex Michaelides and MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS by Joshua Henkin.
Pauline
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
This book is totally a page-turner. The narrator is funny, smart and very reliable. I’m taken to another solar system and I didn’t even have to leave my house!
Richard N B
All Quiet On the Western Front by Erich Marie Remarque
Many have called this the “greatest war novel of all time.” I’m not certain I agree with that superlative, but it IS a powerful, emotional, gripping, disturbing, enthralling, and honest exploration of war and its effects on the young who become the pawns of their leaders.
Kim Harrington
The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali
I was hesitant to read THE STATIONARY SHOP because I thought it was a harder read with politics and an unfamiliar country and culture for me. I soon became interested in learning more about their history and foods and language. The writing is beautiful and touched my senses and I often held my breath as I read the story. The last part had me feeling so many emotions and I shed tears for the characters. Through compassion and understanding my mind changed from anger for some into sadness. I cried all through the ending and will remember them and this book for a very long time to come.
Dorothy
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
This book is excellent. It’s a great story and very well written. I learned about people I did not know existed in our country. Outstanding read!
Susan
Finding Freedom by Erin French
I enjoyed reading about Erin French’s journey from her father’s diner to The Lost Kitchen. There was a lot of sadness in her life but she overcame it. I would highly recommend the book.
Andrew
One Kingdom Under Heaven by Alastair Luft
It's 2029 and one year has passed since the Chinese government launched a crippling EMT attack on America. Malcolm's family died as a result of that attack and he sets out to avenge them and eliminate high ranking Chinese officials. He treks across the Taklimakan desert and that's when things take a turn, well it takes many turns and we get multiple perspectives (or truths) of the story each time it is told, knocking loose the reader's grasp of the truth. This near-future story was wild, and real. Character development was on point, no matter what perspective was playing out bringing out different sides of each character. Now to my favorite part that got this story from 4.5 to 5 solid stars --The prose!
Sherrie
Jackpot by Stuart Woods and Bryon Quertermous
Excellent book highlighting Teddy Fay. I love Stuart Woods books and I could also tell Bryon’s contribution to the book. I love Bryon’s writing as well, so for me, this book was a must-read. I look forward to the next book and hope that Stuart continues to team up with Bryon.
Jennifer
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
This is one of my favorite Lisa Jewell books. It was full of twists and kept me guessing. Don't want to give too much away but I highly recommend this book if you enjoy psychological thrillers!
Jennifer
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
What a great psychological thriller! This had me guessing until the end. Highly recommend THE SILENT PATIENT!
Fran
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Five stars is not enough for this novel. I wanted to reread it as soon as I finished the last page.
John
The Speed of Falling Objects by Nancy Richardson Fischer
A girl with one eye gets to spend time with a movie-star in the wild!
Laurie
The Social Graces by Renee Rosen
Set in 1876 Manhattan, the reader is introduced to two intriguing, wealthy, fascinating but complicated women, Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt!
Jayme
In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn
I finished the book in a day and a half and wow! It was heart-pounding and heart-wrenching. It made me dislike a few characters and feel sorry for them at the same time. It is a very thought-provoking book. We all imagine that we will step up and do the right thing when faced with an incredible life-threatening event, but will we? Will we put ourselves first even if it hurts others?
When you finish the book make sure to read the author's notes at the end - Not before. How and why Redfearn makes the reader dislike a certain character makes a lot of sense. So glad I read this book.
Teresa
Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin
Hana Khan is a double minority - both as the daughter of South Asian immigrants and as a Muslim Indian-American. To go one step further in being different from stereotype, she is seeking a career in radio, all while helping her family hold onto the restaurant they own and their very way of life. An enjoyable story of love in its many forms, courage, and strength, all while teaching the reader a bit about South Asian immigrant culture.
Simonne
The Dutch House by Ann Pachett
Bit of a draggy story about two siblings who were abandoned by their mother, had a distant dad who remarried a complete bitch. They cling to each other through their teen years, young adult life and remain focused on rehashing the past, often sitting outside their former grand home. The story is fine, but I just didn’t find any of the characters particularly likable.
Simonne
Letourneau’s Used Auto Parts by Carolyn Chute
Snippets about an extended family of inter-related Maine backwoods folks. I had trouble seeing any story in this or any point of the book.
Cindy
Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann
I wanted to like it. It got good reviews. The characters were well developed, the story was compelling, but it just didn’t come together for me. All of the characters were deeply flawed and not sympathetic, and I found myself not really caring about what happened to them next. But I think I would read another book by this author as she can tell a good story.
Mary
Sunflower Sisters by Martha Hall Kelly
Another fascinating story - same theme as the author’s previous novels in the series, lives of women during wartime. Characters represent very different perspectives of the Civil War years.
Amy
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
More difficult to get through and missing the charm of A MAN CALLED OVE.
Cynthia
Bookstore on the Beach by Brenda Novak
A great story of a book store owner and her family. This book covers so many different topics such as a gay character scared to come out, a spouse gone missing, a terrible incident that the main character experienced and never told anyone until it comes out by someone seeking answers. It was a fabulous read for its characters and problems which are so much like our own in this crazy world.
Carly
Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
This series is so much fun, well written and different.
Liz
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
A story of the great flu pandemic and the heroic fight for one midwife to help her patients. This was written before the current pandemic, how ironic, but excellent story with great characters.
Liz
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
Such a moving and spiritual read on the Native American struggles and the unfair way they were treated here in America.
Alice
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
Was sooo good. Hard to put down!
Jeanne
Outfox by Sandra Brown
OUTFOX by Sandra Brown is, in my opinion, an intense psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. Without giving away any spoilers, she brilliantly created the characters. The serial killer in this outstanding thriller is a coldly calculated, diabolical monster who brutally murders his female victims. In my opinion, the sex scenes were too graphic and didn’t really add to the storyline. I rated it a high five.
Jeanne
The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA by Chanel Cleeton is historical fiction at its best. I automatically know when I pick up a book by this author that I am going to love it and she never disappoints. I was captivated by the story of the fight and struggle and horrific abuse the Cubans experienced as they fought to gain their freedom from Spain. I was intrigued by the newspaper world’s rivalry between William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. This book was excellent and I rated it a high five.
Jeanine
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
It’s a rare occurrence when a book exceeds my expectations, especially when I set the bar high, but this one came out of the gate quickly and finished strong for numerous reasons. Loved each and every member of this band of outcasts and the adventurous plot. Can’t wait to start the second in this duology! After being sorely disappointed with Bardugo’s NINTH HOUSE, I can’t believe SOC was written by the same person.
Alexandra
The Dove Keepers by Alice Hoffman
An amazing book!
Lois
The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White
Second in her series about a mother and daughter relationship, who both see spirits from the past.
Wendellyn
The First Actress by C. W. Gortner
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the flamboyant life of Sarah Bernhardt and the historical time period in which she lived. At times I felt the book dragged on a little too long but in the end I felt all was necessary to understand the struggles and accomplishments of an independent working woman.
Michele
The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley
There is so much going on in this book - it is sad but also happy, it is funny but also mysterious. The island residents support one of their own when her husband goes missing in a boating accident. In this crazy world we live in, this book provides hope.
Lois
That Summer by Jennifer Weiner
I enjoyed the book. It was a bit slow at first but improved as I continued reading.
Trude
Far Gone by Danielle Girard
This is the second in Danielle Girard's series set in Hagen, N. D. and featuring Detective Kylie Millard and Lily Baker. The story is a fast-paced, adrenaline charged thriller that opens with the murder of a young couple and the disappearance of their baby. The story is told in alternating POVs between Kylie, Lily and Hannah, a fourteen-year-old who is addicted to drugs. Hannah and Lily's stories are painful and secrets are revealed throughout this book. Be prepared to become involved in an intense chase as Kylie works to find Hannah before the killer does. There are a lot of threads to pull together, which the author expertly does, leading us to an exciting and surprising conclusion.
Sue
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
An interesting and very readable book about a brilliant woman, Hedy Lamar. I had only heard about her as an actress. Her life was extraordinary and ran the gamut from being married at 19 to the richest man in Austria to being an inventor. Don’t miss this book.
Karan
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
Wanted to read book by a Native American author during Native American Heritage Month. This was so well written. Character development was excellent. Highly recommend this book!
Linda
Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker
This nonfiction case study of a large family with a high incidence of schizophrenia among the sons and how the illness affects the family members is fascinating. I also enjoyed Carol's book club interview with the author.
Rosa
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
This is an astonishing, remarkably entertaining, laugh-out-loud yet poignant story about life. Fredrik Backman is a treasure. A must-read for book clubs.
Stephanie
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Jake Bonner achieved moderate success with his debut novel, but now languishes teaching hopeful novelists in a second tier MFA program. His fortunes change when he purloins the plot from one of his students and becomes an Oprah book pick literary sensation. Although I did not find the mystery at the center of the novel particularly compelling, Korelitz’s examination of the writing life, ambition, fame and moral obligation makes for a sensational read.
Rose
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
I read this book straight through in one sitting. It is the tale of Vincent, a young beautiful bartender at a hotel in a remote area of Vancouver, BC. Her older brother Paul, a recovering drug addict, also works at the hotel. The Hotel Caiette, is owned by Jonathan Alkaitis, a wealthy investor. One night, a sinister message is etched into the glass window of the hotel. This changes several lives. Paul quits the hotel, Vincent and Jonathan get together, and Ella Kapersky-Jonathan's enemy-continues to watch him. This is a well-written book on how trusting a person, when things look too good to be true, will ultimately destroy you.
Linda
The Words I Never Wrote by Jane Thynne
Historical fiction WWII from the perspective of a wife living in Germany and her sister in Paris; read for our book club, and it will be a good discussion. Would recommend.
Rose
Mirrorland by Carole Johnstone
MIRRORLAND is a creepy tale of twin sisters, El and Cat. When El is presumed dead after her sailboat sinks, Cat returns to "the Mirror House". She dreads returning to the house where she and her twin lived with their mother and grandfather. She hasn't been back in 12 years. She returns to find Ross, El's husband, grieving. As she moves through the house, she relives the fantasy of Mirrorland created by the twins, remembering all the characters and the secrets.
Cat is convinced that El is alive, but the evidence doesn't support her theory. As Cat receives sinister notes and clues, she isn't sure what to believe. This is a novel filled with dark secrets-and it also has a nod to RITA HAYWORTH AND THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION by Stephen King.
Myrna
The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton
Having known little about the Hurricane of 1936 that hit the Keys, I found the book very interesting. The interrelationships among the three female characters was clever. We'll be discussing it in book club this week.
Edie
The Lacemaker's Secret by Kathleen Ernst
About immigrants coming to Wisconsin.
Elizabeth
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
I couldn't really get into any of these characters. Charles Ryder is an Englishman who is obsessed with the Marchmain family. Many of his actions- like not even wanting to meet his newborn daughter - were unfathomable to me.
Rose
Perfectly Famous by Emily Liebert
PERFECTLY FAMOUS is about a novelist, Ward DeFleur, and a journalist, Bree, obsessed with Ward's story. Ward's daughter, Stevie, is kidnapped on the night of Ward's book signing of her latest novel. At the book signing, Ward meets Bree, and consoles Bree after Bree bursts into tears. Bree's marriage has recently fallen apart, Bree's daughter, Chloe, is being a typical teen, and Bree is overwhelmed. When Bree learns of Stevie's kidnapping and subsequent death as reported in the news, along with Ward's drop into obscurity, Bree decides she wants to tell Ward's story, pursuing Ward. However, Bree's doggedness puts all of their lives in danger.
The ending of the book was a huge twist- I understand the author's intent,but it didn't satisfy me.
William
Sooley by Johm Grisham
SOOLEY is one of John Grisham's sports novels and a nice break from his legal thrillers. Samuel (Sooley) is a young South Sudan dirt playground basketball player selected to join the U-18 national team playing in Orlando against other national teams. Sooley exhibits incredible raw talent, a willingness to improve, and is the ultimate coach's delight. Tragedy in his home village forces Sooley to remain in the U.S. where his coach is able to get him a scholarship to a primarily black university in North Carolina. Sooley's commitment to improvement leads the team in ways totally unexpected as he continues to worry about his family in a refugee camp in Uganda. Resolution of Sooley and family is one of the book's strength. A must-read.
Debbie
What the Devil Knows by C. S. Harris
The Sebastian St. Cyr series descends into ennui. The storyline follows the same direction in each new novel and encourages boredom. The historical background provides a little excitement, but the rest of the story follows a formula. Sebastian and Hero attempt to cure the ills of England, but still enjoy their privileged life. Sebastian continues to search for his mother and encounters possible relatives. Many recurring characters have minor roles in this story as Sebastian dominates every page. C. S. Harris provides excellent description of the setting and the characters but the tale remains flat.
Rose
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hover
This story broke my heart, especially after reading the author’s note at the end of the book. Lily Bloom is a young woman who has recently moved to Boston after growing up in Maine. On the night of her father’s funeral, she meets Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon finishing his residency. There is an instant attraction, but neither wants a relationship. Lily still wonders about her childhood crush, Atlas, a homeless boy some befriended. Ryle is trying to be at the top of his field and doesn’t have time for a girlfriend. Lily is still angry about her abusive father and all his worst days. This story will rip your heart out.
Jane
Missing in the Desert by Dana Mentink
Levi Duke buys a ranch with Seth Castillo. They have plans for a horse ranch. Because all their money is in the ranch, Levi trying to earn money with horse tours at Camp Town Days. As Seth and his sister, Mara, are headed to the ranch they are shot at. Seth is in coma for some time. Mara stays at the ranch to be near her brother and help with his dream. Mara had received a text of one word - Marbles. Only her sister called her that. It rekindled hope she may still be alive. Then at Camp Town Days Mara buys a painting she believes is done by her sister. So many attempts on Mara's life. The text, painting, and more keep Mara hoping her sister is still alive after 5 years.
Tiffany
The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan
I really enjoyed this book. Unfortunately, I didn't love it as much as THE ROOMMATE. It had a strong religious factor that I was not a huge fan of. There was an enormous build-up to a romance that we only got to see so little of.
Jane
The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis
Amelia Devries, Englisher, has a dream different than her dad's. She struggles to follow her dream, Michael. Amish has a dream different from his father too. It isn't what Amish ways would want. He struggles. One night a rain storm causes Amelia to have a flat tire. She ends up where Michael is staying. They become friends. Amelia ends up spending time in an Amish home. Thus Amelia and Michael becomes friends that will last. We all struggle with decisions. You will find encouragement through struggles.
Sherrie
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
I so loved this story; the story of a young "colored" woman with very light skin posed as white young woman after graduating from Princeton University to work with J.P. Morgan in acquiring magnificent works and words of art for Pierpont Morgan Library as the personal librarian. Belle da Costa Greene lives a wonderful life full of family, love, travel along with procuring fabulous and wonderful pieces of art and books from around the world. This is a splendid story of a beautiful woman who makes her place in the world abet with a bit of deception.
Jayme
How Lucky by Will Leitch
This is a really strange book to pinpoint. Part mystery, part introspective, part hopeful, and part funny, but 100% worth reading. First mystery that made me shed a tear.
Dianne
The Order of the Day by Eric Vuillard
In 1933, a German industrialist agrees to support Hitler. Subsequently, the Nazi party rises to power invading Austria five years later. Historic look at the "backroom" meeting that lead to Hitler and the Nazi Party's power.
Jean
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah is a comedian, but this book about his early life is terribly sad. Because he was bi-racial in South Africa where that was illegal, he experienced constant racism. His mother was overly strict. His stepdad drank and abused them. He supported himself with a variety of illegal activities. That he has risen above it all and made a great success is commendable, but I would have been just as happy not knowing about his past.
Julia
An Italian Love Story by James Ernest Shaw
It's as if you are with the author and his wife in Italy. A wonderful travelogue of the Analog Coast and Southern Italy.
Elaine
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
An unsparing look at the Dust Bowl years in the Midwest and how it destroyed the land and the people. Reviews said to have a tissue handy and they were right. I absolutely needed the tissues.
Liz
A Little Hope by Ethan Joella
In a small Connecticut town several lives are beginning to unravel. A young husband and father is diagnosed with a brutal form of cancer, a widow mourns the loss of her husband's death many years ago, a husband has an affair after the death of his son and a young man struggles to overcome his addiction. This story is very realistic; it is about any town and its residents. The author writes a powerful story of love, heartbreak, forgiveness and most of all hope. It makes us realize the importance of enjoying even the smallest moments of joy in our lives. The lives of the characters are all brought together in this small community.
Pam
Rust by Eliese Colette Goldbach
Memoir of a woman who is dealing with bipolar disease and a rocky relationship and working as a steelworker in the rust belt. Very interesting perspective of a difficult lifestyle. Hard to imagine how the corporation thought rotating shift work would not be detrimental to their workers and business.
Rose
The Murder Game by Carrie Doyle
I wasn't aware that this was a YA novel until I was already into the story. A group of teens at an exclusive boarding school sneak out to the woods. While there, they are frightened by voices and overhear a heated conversation. After returning to the dorms, it is revealed that someone was murdered in the woods. Years ago, someone had been strangled on the grounds and now there is another victim. Luke Chase, one of the students, escaped a kidnapping years earlier. He and his friends decide to investigate the murder and catch the killer. A bit far-fetched, and the writing became more juvenile the more I read. The story's conclusion leads me to believe this is the first in a series.
Michelle
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
It's a light read, in a Bridgerton style. 1890s Atlanta, the protagonist is a Chinese-American working-class girl who improbably starts writing an anonymous society advice column aimed at the people she works for.
Francisca
The White Umbrella by Brian Sewell
When British filmmaker, Mr. B, spots a young donkey being abused in Peshawar, Pakistan, he leaps out of his Land Rover to rescue the animal. Told he cannot take the donkey on the plane home to England, he vows to walk, and so he sets off. This is a charming fable of one man’s devotion, determination, and good luck. It was an engaging, gentle read, with a totally satisfying ending. A perfect escape from the hectic and stressful present-day situation.
Mary Lynn
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
The perfect beach read! Lots of fun, sharply written.
Anita
A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
This was another well-written book by Mr. Grisham. A teenage boy of 16 has shot his mother's boyfriend. He has abused his mother constantly and after the latest incident, it appears to him that his mother is dead. Fearful for his sister and himself, he does the only thing he can do to save them. Though very good, I felt it was much too long (460 pages). It also got bogged down with too much legal jargon.
Rose
The Lion’s Den by Katherine St. John
Trashy and shallow. Summer invites her friends on. Mediterranean cruise on a private yacht. Belle, friends with Summer since they were 15, quickly realizes that there is something sinister going on. The guests must hand over their passports, they are locked into their rooms at night, they must sit in assigned seats. Summer’s boyfriend, John, is manipulative and a ruthless businessman. This was nearly a DNF (do not finish) for me, but I put the audio on at 3x speed and wasted only about 5 hours of my life.
Jan
The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean
Very difficult to review this book. The writing is well done. The lead character is well developed. But the topic is horrible: Human Trafficking. The horror goes throughout the book. Her anguish as she tries to escape, her total fear when he catches her and she knows pain is coming. He is evil incarnate. He burns her possessions in front of her - clothes, passport, photo of her parents, etc. The worst thing he did in the first half of the book is wound her. He pulled her out to the tool shed and broke her leg, her ankle, her foot with the wire cutters. She is forever lame and it is very difficult for her to walk. At the halfway point, I was waiting for him to kill her in one of his rages but something worse happens...
Deby
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
It kept me guessing until the end!
Elizabeth
Hairpin Bridge by Taylor Adams
Lena’s estranged twin sister committed suicide according to the police report, but Lena isn’t buying it. Beware of fast-paced, tense action and unsettling, gory scenes. HAIRPIN BRIDGE is a descriptive read filled with twists that thriller fans will completely enjoy.
Elise
Landslide by Susan Conley
Dark and somewhat disturbing examination of a marriage and family on the brink. The husband is a fisherman on the coast of Maine, and I found the setting to be quite unique and interesting.
Kimberley
Labyrinth by Catherine Coulter
This was a twisted, complicated mystery crossing the various American law enforcement agencies. It was heartbreaking to see those entrusted with our safety using their powers illegally to gain wealth and control. The story has some tense, scary moments. It is a longer story but a fast read.
Rose
Until the Day I Die by Emily Carpenter
While I enjoyed the premise of this book, it wasn’t believable. Four friends develop an app to track budgets, make economic decisions, and pay taxes. The app known as Jax is still in its infancy when Perry, the one who has the idea, dies. His wife, Erin, wants to sell, but her partners, Ben and Sabine, do not. Erin’s daughter, Shorie, is off to college, but she resents it, wanting to work at Jax to continue her father’s work. When Erin acts strange, partners and Perry’s parents suggest Erin go to an island to rest. Things start happening there to put Erin in danger. Who is trying to hurt her? Meanwhile, Shorie notices issues with the app, and she needs to uncover the source. The scenes on the island aren’t plausible. Still a fun read!
Sean
The Tourist by Olen Steinhauer
DNF. I'm sorry. I tried. After reading 25% I couldn't care less about Milo Weaver or whatever he was supposed to be doing. Olen Steinhauser's book gets good reviews but I was so bored and could not get into it at all. Overall, a bland look into the CIA's Tourists, which do...stuff.
Linda
All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg
We get to know the Tuchman family as they deal with the death of father and husband Victor Tuchman. Wife Barbra has remained in her unhappy marriage and constantly redecorates her home to distract herself from her husband's infidelities and has shut down her feelings. Siblings Alex and Gary suffered from their father's poor parenting and violent temper, and as adults continue to deal with their upbringing. Told with flashbacks and also in the present, we understand the impact that Victor's toxic personality had on his family. Gary's wife, Twyla, is also a well developed character. I liked the idea for this book; it is well written with believable characters and events.
Linda
The Duchess in His Bed by Lorraine Heath
Aiden Trewlove runs a club especially for women, namely those who are often overlooked. They can gamble, dance, or even get a foot massage without raised eyebrows being aimed their way. Aiden is aware of Selena Sheffield, the Duchess of Lushing, when she arrives and stares at Aiden. She tells him she is not interested in gambling but wants to be bedded by him. He thinks her marriage had no passion but Selena has a plan. She needs to get pregnant and claim the baby was her recently deceased husband’s so his property will go to his child. Otherwise, she will be in dire straits. There was one thing she didn’t foresee with her plan. She and Aiden would fall in love.
Linda
The Earl Takes a Fancy by Lorraine Heath
Fancy Trewlove takes a fancy to the handsome man entering her bookshop. They meet again at a pub and she learns his name is Matthew Sommersby. She informs him she is looking for a lord to marry as her family expects it of her. Matthew’s first wife tricked him into marriage for his title only and he swore he would not be trapped again. He and Fancy would just be friends. They fall in love but Fancy does not want to let her family down and must marry a titled man. Matthew is the Lord of Rosemont but hasn’t told her as he wants her to love him as a man and not for his title. He waited to tell her only to find she had to marry another to avoid scandal. But Fancy is her own woman and tells her family she is going to find a man who loves her.
Linda
One Perfect Grave by Stacy Green
Bodies of a woman and a boy are found in a gully close to an icy bridge. The ME says the boy died from a head injury while the woman was definitely murdered. Dana Rhodes had been trying to regain custody of her son Kellan. Temporary custody had been given to Dana's sister. Dana had been clean but her sister Maggie had someone falsify the drug report. Maggie's husband Joe is a pedophile and Kellan had been abused while in their care. Now another young boy has gone missing.
Linda
Win by Harlan Coben
Windsor Horne Lockwood III (Win) is not a vigilante per se, but when he sees a wrong that won't be corrected by the judicial system, he handles the matter. He is called in by the FBI when a stolen Vermeer painting is found in a high-rise apartment. The deceased occupant was identified as Ry Strauss, one of the members of the Jane Street 6, a group of war protestors. An art curator verifies the Vermeer painting as authentic and shows Win the negatives that were hidden in the backing. They were explicit photos of young girls who had been victims of Win's uncle Aldrich Lockwood. His daughter Patricia had found negatives hidden behind one of the paintings and confronted her father.
Linda
Shiver by Allie Reynolds
Former skateboarding friends get together at a resort high in the Alps for a reunion. They arrive to find it deserted and their only way down disabled. Someone is here and is taunting them about Saskia, fellow skateboarder who disappeared ten years ago. Someone in the group knows what happened to her and the one who set up the reunion wants to know what happened to Saskia. Who is the person who set all of this up?
Linda
Relentless by Mark Greany
Very confusing! Hard to tell who hired who. Lots of action and Sultan Al-Habsi (known as Tariq) is behind the turmoil. He wants the fighting and unrest blamed on Iran so that America will destroy that country. Court Gentry is sent by his boss Matt Hanley to Germany to find out why so many intelligence experts are disappearing. He meets up with Poison Apple agent Zoya and they work together. Cameras are everywhere and their faces are soon recognized. Now killers are after them.
Linda
Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis
Lanie Jacobs comes to the Capriotti Vineyard to work on new logo designs. She meets and falls in love with Mark Capriotti, but he tells her he is not into a relationship until his twin girls are grown. But he soon changes his mind when he falls in love with her. Lanie had been married to Kyle for five years and at his death, learned he had three other wives. River Green, destitute and hugely pregnant, comes to the Vineyard looking for Lanie. She was Kyle's last wife and Lanie wants to hate her because Kyle told her he never wanted children. Lanie was resentful and jealous and it took Mark's love for her to face her feelings. She realized how strong and reliable he was and how much she needs him in her life.
Marilyn
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Our book club felt many similarities with the divisions that have her recently divided our country. Most of us lived through the time of World War II and that experience influenced our conversation. We saw how easily one could be sucked into a situation beyond our control.
Carol
Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig
Best book of the year. Smith College women off to France to help in the Somme. Totally idealistic? Yes. Based upon an article about some college girls helping near the Pyrenees in WWI. The author kept the characters charming while dragging the reader through the mud of war. Great job.
Aly
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
The plot twists spread throughout the book left me gasping and wanting more! I couldn't put the book down!
Richard N B
Little Big Man by Thomas Berger
3.5 stars. Berger’s novel purports to be a memoir/autobiography of Jack Crabb – frontiersman, Indian scout, gunfighter, buffalo hunter, adopted Cheyenne. I was completely entertained by this novel of the American West. Berger gives the reader quite the raconteur in Crabb, with a gift for storytelling and colorful language. By the narrator’s own account, he certainly has a gift for landing on his feet, managing to get out of more than one potentially deadly scrape by his wits or sheer dumb luck. If the scenarios stretch credulity, well that is part of the fun.
Jan
Brain Storm by Elaine Viets
This is not the usual Elaine Viets book. This book is complicated with lots of characters. We know a lot about Angela Richman, the main character who is a death investigator because much of the book is her thinking, planning, trying to solve some mystery. She has suffered several brain strokes as did Elaine Viets, the author. Angela can mix up anything and most of what she says is not to be believed. For example, her dead husband and mother come to the hospital room to visit her. Part of the problem is what should anyone believe. Is Angela thinking straight or has her brain damage taken her to a false track? Someone killed a much loved but incompetent doctor who misdiagnosed Angela so she is not sad when he is killed. Who killed him?
Elizabeth
Moonlighting: An Oral History by Scott Ryan
Fans of the show (like me!) will appreciate Ryan's evenhanded approach, deep knowledge of the material, and attention to detail. I learned more about the complexities of screenwriting and television production from this book than in any other I've read about the industry.
Rose
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
THE MAIDENS is Alex Michaelides' highly anticipated second novel. This would have possibly been 5 stars for me, but I just didn't like Mariana, the main character. I thought the mystery itself was interesting, as well as the clues left in various places, but there was something that just didn't sit right with the clues and where they were pointing me. I knew there was something else there, but just didn't know what it was. The reveal was surprising, but not altogether a big shock. There were various clues to the reveal. I didn't understand the need for Henry in the story. Perhaps that was to be a diversion. I did enjoy learning about Greek mythology as I don't really have much background in it.
Laura
Things That Grow by Merideth Goldstein
What a pleasant surprise. I picked this up because in takes place in Massachusetts and it was about gardens. I really thought it would be fluffy and Hallmark-y. It was thought-provoking, had great character development and was believable. I love that they "family" fulfilled their mother/grandmother's request in her will. I would recommend this one!
Nancy
Hidden by Fern Michaels
I had trouble with this book in that it didn't "seem" like a Fern Michael's book. I even wondered if someone else wrote it. The bad guys were so contrived and over the top. I guess it was supposed to be humorous, but the dialogue that tried to be fun was awkward.
Sandra
The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews
Letty runs away to Florida with her 4-year-old niece after she finds that her sister Tanya was murdered in New York. Letty is determined to find out who killed Tanya although she has her suspicions. It is an easy to read book, the plot isn't too difficult to figure out. I gave it only 4 stars for that reason and the fact that I didn't find Maya's dialog to be authentic.
Susan
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
This story will stay with me for a very long time.
Nancy
The Cape Doctor by E. J. Levy
To gain an education and become a doctor to support herself and her mother, Margaret Brackley becomes a man. She tells her story of transformation from a subservient and invisible female to an authoritative and competent professional man of society, a successful army doctor in Cape Town. When her true sex is discovered, she has a love affair and must chose between love and her career, and more importantly, “the right to think and speak and move as I chose.” As a first-person narrative in the style of the early 19th c., Margaret/Perry speaks to issues of gender, identity, and freedom, often in pithy epigrams, and most are quite timeless, including, “You can judge a culture by its medicine, by how it treats its most vulnerable - the ill.”
Teresa
The Girl from the Channel Islands by Jenny Lecoat
Any story that’s intriguing or puts me on the edge of my seat is hard for me to read these days, with the frighteningly uncertain state of our world right now. Still, I keep going back to find out what’s going to happen to the young Jewish woman from Romania via Austria who is encountering the Nazis for the second time. Will she fall for the German officer who has fallen for her? What will be their fate?
Laurie
The House I Loved by Tatiana De Rosnay
Paris, France 1860s, another powerful fictional history/family drama by an exceptional author! I loved the colorful characters and buried secrets.
PJ
Cassandra Files: Genesis by Rod Pennington
What a great read with an amazing amount of twists and turns and mean looking black rubber duckies!! Cassandra is a Naval pilot on an aircraft carrier and it all starts when she and her grandfather are shot out of the sky during a presentation of a new fighter plane made by a company that is not on the government's current purchasing list. It all goes south from there. A definite must-read if you like a good mystery. This is a new author to me and I will find more of his books to read as I really enjoyed his writing.
Francisca
Where We Come From by Oscar Cásares
The setting is Brownsville, Texas, a border town with a mean reputation as a haven for human traffickers and drug runners. But it’s also a community of hard-working, middle-class people who want nothing but a safe home for their children, decent schools, good roads, a thriving business district and reliable city services. Cásares focuses on one such family. I really enjoyed this exploration of a complex issue. There are multiple layers to the novel and much fodder for a stimulating book club discussion.
Sally-Jo
A Permanent Member of the Family by Russell Banks
I'm a Russell Banks fan and although I don't often read short stories. I loved his selection of flawed people. Each story made me stop and think about who we are and the choices we make in life.
Alexandra
The Best of Friends by Lucinda Berry
A book that would scare any parent of teenagers! The kids keep secrets even among each other, long time friends keep secrets from each other and it all leads to an unspeakable tragedy that cannot be resolved until the secrets are revealed. A very interesting book, keeps you wanting to know more. A page-turner that I liked very much!
Cheri
Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan
The author's vivid details of the sinking of the Pulaski steamship held us in awe. This book sparked one of the most lively book club meetings that we've had in a long time.
MH
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
The premise of the story was good: Four children visit a fortune teller and find out the dates of their deaths. However, part of the story was rather unsavory; I do not enjoy reading about drugs and explicit sex. Also, I thought there were several loose ends at the conclusion, and the last character’s section left me very unsatisfied. It didn’t seem as well developed as the other three.
Sherrie
This Shining Life by Harriet Kline
Ollie is a young boy with autism whose dad has died. He wants order and tries to keep everything together and in the correct place. His mom, Ruth, on the other hand is mess and very unorganized. It's a story of them trying to make it together after the death of a husband and dad. It's a life dealing with death, trauma, uncertainty and loss. Sad and sweet.
Sheree
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
This book was very well written but I found the entire book depressing.
June
While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams
Wonderfully written, bur I thought parts were a little far-fetched. I loved the ending.
Denise
Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
This book had several surprises. I love that! It goes back and forth telling the stories of two female artists that agree to paint/restore a commissioned mural for the local post office. The ladies are separated by several generations. The book is part mystery, part human interest, and has a little romance sprinkled in. I really enjoyed it!
Marilyn
Unfollow by Meghan Phelps-Roper
True story about a woman who was born into Westborow Church. A little repetitious but is an interesting story.
Kay
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
The narrator, a girl maybe in her late teens, drives to Arizona and she experiences adventures on the way there. The adventures, some to her detriment, she resolves with common sense. It was a joy to follow the story of Taylor (Missy).
Henderson
The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs
A story that I liked, set in an historical bookshop in a city that I love, San Francisco. The characters are engaging and the author has so many wise things to share, many of which touched my heart. I cried and pondered and enjoyed.
Elizabeth
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
I know this is Waugh's most famous book but I did not relate to its main character, Charles Ryder, and could not understand his complete disinterest in his children.
Helen
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
A thriller about a woman whose husband disappears, and the plot involves his wife Hannah unraveling the reason for his disappearance. A riveting mystery.
Gretchen
Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
A great book. Easy read.
Jay
The Guilt Trip by Sandie Jones
This book kept me on my toes trying to figure out the real story over and over again. A good mantra for this book is Trust No One. It follows our main character, Rachel, her childhood friend, Noah and their spouses as they travel for a destination wedding of Ali, a former coworker of Jack, Rachel’s husband and Will, Jack’s brother. Rachel is best friends with Paige, Noah’s wife. Paige is not a fan of Ali’s and takes every opportunity to remind Rachel of this. It’s going to be a tense trip as the three couples share a villa. Something is up with Ali and Jack is acting weird. Rachel is trying to figure it all out and she’s pulling all the threads to unravel the mystery. Great fun!
Dennis
A Matter of Life and Death by Phillip Margolin
The characters were interesting and well defined. The plot believable and well thought out. This is a book you definitely do not want to put down. I enjoyed it greatly.
Sharon
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
A story of dysfunctional families, the damage to children, the long-term effects of divorce. I had some difficulty keeping the families straight as there seemed to be a lot of mixing, or children living with stepfathers or stepmothers. In some instances all worked out, in others it did not. There were sometimes I felt manipulated by the way certain issues were addressed or not.
Rose
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardino Evaristo
I truly did not expect to like this book, but I really enjoyed it. It was refreshing and interesting to read with its free verse. The story follows 12 women as they go through life, exploring their relationships, their sexuality, their families. It discusses feminism and their male friends/spouses response to it. It shows women as young girls, young adults, middle-aged women, and elderly women, along with their struggles, hardships, and triumphs. I loved how these women’s lives entwined, and how they each discovered themselves.
shelly
This Matter of Marriage by Debbie Macomber
Hallie McCarthy and her friend Donnallee have worked hard to establish their business and have put most of their time and effort into it. Now that they both have successful businesses they want to move on to the next step. Hallie has a plan to meet someone, get married, and start a family. Sounds easy but when you have hardly been dating finding Mr. Right is not simple. Donnalee suggests they sign up for Dateline and an online dating service that is rather selective with who you are matched with but the cost is two thousand dollars. Donnallee decides to give it a try and thinks she might have found the "perfect" match for her. Hallie is a little jealous but keeps thinking about her new divorced neighbor who lives next store, Steve.
shelly
Mona Lisa by Robyn Sheridan
Mona Lisa Cicciarelli is left at the alter by Joe and it is his overbearing mother Alice who breaks the news to her. Upset and disgusted as she feels, the entire neighborhood is talking and feeling sorry for her. She is a hairdresser and the final straw is when Alice, Joe's mom, tells her she went on the planned honeymoon with her son since it was already paid for. That seems to be the final straw. Her dad, Chick, wants her to meet a nice Italian-Catholic boy named Dante Coletti. Maybe at another time it would be good but not the same week that you were left at the altar.
Deciding she must make a move, her boss has a cousin who runs a salon in Atlanta and offers Mona Lisa a job.
Linda
The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy
An historical WWII novel that takes place on Guernsey, a British Channel Island. Beautiful descriptions of the landscape/nature.
Rhonda
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
A well-thought out, dark, layered novel. Plenty of secrets, disturbing events and twists to keep the reader entertained to the end.
Rose
The Perfect Neighbors by Sarah Pekkanen
A perfect neighborhood where everything is lovely, crime is non-existent, all the streets are named after flowers. But no neighborhood is perfect! The book centers around families, primarily the women, their relationships, and the secrets they are hiding. Kellie is attracted to a married man at work, feels her marriage has stagnated. Gigi is trying to manage a sullen teenager as her husband runs for political office, hoping her past doesn’t come up during the campaign. Susan can’t let go of her love for her ex-husband, and Tessa is hiding the reason she and her husband moved into town. Interesting look at the dynamics of families, the struggles women face to manage children and caters, and the need to be honest with yourself.
Julie
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
I really enjoyed this book and the way the author dropped hints that all was not as it first appeared to be.
Jackie
The Note Through the Wire by Doug Gold
An excellent book I chose to read after THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ. The historical significance of books like this cannot be underestimated.
Susan
Sidelines and Bloodlines by Ryan McGee
This book tells the story of Ryan McGee, father Jerry, who was an official for 30 years at college football games. Very interesting and full of funny stories of his time on the sideline of a football field.
Jan
Hunger by Roxanne Gay
This is an excellent book - just not the book for me. Roxanne Gay is a feminist, a fantastic writer and a large woman. The book is a history/autobiography of her life as a big person. She was sexually abused as a child and had always used food to ease fears, avoid truth, compensate for her looks (to herself). It is personal, painful and an ideal book for someone who has identity problems with her self-image. Thankfully, that is not my area of problems - it was interesting to read the various problems that she had with body and body image, but I did not really learn anything about myself. Nevertheless, a good book.
Jan
The Devil's Share by Wallace Stroby
This is the fourth Crissa Stone mystery - and not as good as the first three. Crissa, as usual, develops a perfect plan but it goes bad. People are killed and that was not in the plan. Crissa escapes with several of her crew and realizes that the rich man who has hired her planned all along to resteal the goods from her and kill others. She only has half of her pay for herself and the crew. Crissa understands that she and her crew are in danger. The rich man and his head murder man plan to run all the crew down and kill them so no one will know they have sold the stolen goods. Crissa warns her crew, sends them off to hide but not everyone hides. One is captured and with torture tells about the others. There is a large shoutout. Not so good.
Beth
The Institute by Stephen King
I’ve read enough Stephen King books to say that most of them aren’t silly like most horror books are. Most of King's horror does not involve monsters or vampires; his books have a premise that I can swallow as long as I can accept, just for the sake of the story, a bit of the supernatural. THE INSTITUTE is one such book. If you can accept that there are children all over the world with telekinetic and telepathic powers, then you can enjoy it and won’t think it’s silly. Luke is 12 years old. He has slight telekinetic powers, but that is enough for him to be kidnapped, his parents murdered. He is brought to the Institute (in Maine, of course), where children with telekinetic and telepathic powers are put through horrendous ordeals.
Richard N B
The Old Gringo by Carlos Fuentes
The novel is framed as the reminiscence of a woman. An old journalist heads to Mexico during the time of the Mexican Revolution seeking, not a story, but his death. There has been much praise for this work; it was the first translated work by a Mexican author to become a bestseller in the United States. But I had great difficulty engaging with the characters and the plot, such as it was. A movie was made, starring Gregory Peck, Jimmy Smits and Jane Fonda. I've never seen it, and I'm not likely to do so now.
Michelle
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I loved the setting of the NY Public Library in two different generations. I wasn't expecting as much of a mystery so enjoyed that. I enjoyed the cast of characters but wish Davis went a little deeper into the character development. I wanted more. You could tell the research on the library was extensive though it didn't feel bogged down by it.
Linda
What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
This book has a little of everything. It has some fabulous Ireland history packed in an across-the-ages love story. You will fall in love (or hate) with the characters of this book.
Suzanne
Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout
This book was very well written but not my usual genre. I'm a murder mystery reader for the norm but thought I would try something new. I was looking for the author's first book OLIVE KITTERIDGE but settled for the second. Olive is an interesting character that crosses many paths.
Kay
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
This novel exceeded my expectations. I was aware that Agatha Christie had disappeared for an 11 day period and no one knows what happened during that time. Marie Benedict has presented an intriguing mystery and explanation that really captured my interest!
Marilyn
Good Company by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
GOOD COMPANY, a fast-moving novel by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, will speak to almost all readers. I truly loved this new novel. Family, friends and children all have starring roles as the plot rolls out and relationships are forged and altered over a period of years. You can root for one or all of the characters as the humanity in each is on display. I would recommend you put this title at the top of your TBR pile. I really just wanted to keep on reading it tiIk I finished it.
Hannah
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber
I loved the Southern charm and the love, the healing, and the growth the characters had as the story progressed. The perfect feel-good story I needed. Heather Webber did such an amazing job of depicting the stages of grief and the struggle it takes to forgive and allow yourself to heal.
sherri
The Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
Another fun installment in the OUTLANDER series.
Elizabeth
Lie Beside Me by Gytha Lodge
Waking up with a man in your bed who isn’t your husband and one who is bleeding and dead is what Louise faced one morning. If you like guessing, you will want to read this book.
cynthia
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Very compelling read on AI and "artificial friends".
Debbie
Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse
UNDER THE BAYOU MOON flourishes with images of the Louisiana bayou, but the actual characters fall flat. The biggest and brightest character, the bayou, captures all the emotion. The storyline follows a trite pattern of city girl journeying to the backwoods to teach and falling in love with a local man. Raphe Broussand, a Cajun man, lost the majority of his family during a New Orleans storm. The lore in the bayou centers on a huge white alligator that outsiders want to hunt and kill. Raphe, Ellie, and Heywood want the alligator to survive and for the honored few to see this marvelous creature. Again, the actual characters in the story seem supporting cast for the bayou and the alligator.
Nancy
Third River Falls by Brian Freeman
It begins when author Lisa Power rescues a young boy on the run from killers. The boy was nearly murdered and Lisa vows to do anything to protect him. But can she as it seems everyone from the police to her friend Laurel are coming after the boy. The twist at the end of the book is masterful. This is the second time I've read this and I spent time looking for clues to the denouement. They are there, but you won't see them coming. Great job, Mr Freeman!
Martha
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
The world comes to a standstill. A young white family has rented a house away from all of the busy streets of the city only to have the owners, a black couple in their 60s, show up late at night because of a blackout in the city and no information seems to be available. There is still electricity in this house away from any busy streets, but a couple of strange, loud sounds leave some damages to house and some people. There are hints of environmental disaster. Huge numbers of deer come and then leave, a pink flamingo flock appears, then goes. A teenager gets sick and his teeth all fall out. The reader is left hanging, also. Gave me the heebie-jeebies. The subtle racism in the situation is nicely drawn.
Christine
Ghost Story (Dresden Files #13) by Jim Butcher
Harry's ghost is sent back to the living world to solve his own murder. If he fails, his loved ones will be in danger. Not too much pressure, right? It's an interesting concept, and Harry has a bunch of new challenges stemming from the fact that he is a ghost. We have some old friends (sorry to say they are not doing well) and some new allies (and enemies.) I enjoyed this; I thought it was one of the best books in the series so far.
Kimberley
Dead Land: A V.I. Warshawski, Book 20 by Sara Paretsky
This lengthy mystery of intrigue, corruption and self-preservation reminds the reader that Chicago is worth the fight. Our P.I./lawyer finds herself fighting unlawful activity within City Hall and foreign entities. What was supposed to be a missing person assignment takes on terrifying consequences and our main character is a target herself. It’s a complicated story of greed, extreme wealth and abuse of power.
Marilyn
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
The GUNCLE, Steven Rowley’s latest novel, is delightfully fun. The main character is quick-witted and the humor expressed in the rich dialogue had me bursting aloud with laughter at times. The book is so current and almost everyone will find something or someone relatable to in it. Friends, family and relationships and the difficult situations we all must deal with from time to time are front and center. Rowley’s writing style allowed for an abundance of visuals that could be painted fluid and bright as I turned the pages. Definitely two thumbs up on this new work of fiction.
Becky
At the Chinese Table by Carolyn Phillips
This utterly delightful book combines memoir with recipes. The memoir portion consists of a fascinating account of the author’s years in Taiwan sparked by mouthwatering descriptions of the food she eats as she learns Mandarin and falls in love with the country, the cuisines of China and J. H. Huang. Along the way we are introduced to her imperious future mother-in-law who is won over with a time-consuming, challenging recipe for a treat that hadn’t been tasted in 40 years by her now blissful mother-in-law.
Arlene
Dear Mrs. Bird by A. J. Pearce
I really enjoyed this story of friendship, courtship, camaraderie, tragedy, grief, and resilience in the midst of a world war. It also made me appreciate the power of letters and words, and the healing salve of kindness and compassion. I laughed and smiled a lot, sobbed, as well as cheered. This is an endearingly touching book, which I highly recommend!
Arlene
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
I finally had time to read and finish THE LAST FLIGHT (fiction) by Julie Clark. It was a very well-written, well-crafted, amazingly suspenseful, affecting, and thought-provoking story with unforgettable characters! I know that it will be a re-read for me so I bought a print version of the book, with my author-signed copy!
Arlene
You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley
YOU WERE THERE TOO (fiction) by Colleen Oakley is a very accessible, engaging read, but caught me a little off-guard with a very emotional loss. So, there is already that theme of grief and loss being addressed. As the story moves on, the intrigue, mystery, and wonderment are just starting to build. I enjoyed the story and the writing. This is an entertaining, touching book. It felt like a made-for-TV story with a touch of longing in the midst of doubt, pain, regrets, and ultimately, enduring love and connection.
Arlene
Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
This book has been action-packed since the first page, that invites reflection about family, justice, the tribal legal system, identity, and community. I have listened to a podcast interview with the author and it helps to have context regarding what the book is about. Suspenseful, emotional, tragic, challenging, and affecting, I will think about the story long after the last page. The Author's Note was very informative. The last paragraph in the Epilogue signals a sequel, and I may be moving on to that when it comes out. I highly recommend this book!
Renee
Fable by Adrienne Young
I could not put this book down, especially after the turn it took half way through! Already have the second book on the way because I am pretty dang positive that I am going to want to read it after having read this one.
Tessa
Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
ZERO stars. Book # 2 in the Chicago Stars romance series. No. Just NO. A “gentleman” does NOT play mind games for his own amusement to trick a virgin into succumbing to him so that he can then drop her like a hot potato when the fun is over. There is nothing remotely romantic or appealing about these scenarios. Shame on Phillips for propagating such a misogynistic message.
Laura
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
Oh, this was a good one. I listened to it (25 hours) in about 5 days. Highly recommend. It had me from page one. The book was clearly well researched and though Marian was fictional, she sure felt like she was plucked from the history books.
Shelly
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Healthy Options Cookbook by Wanda E. Brunstetter
This Healthy Options Cookbook is something different from Ms. Brunstetter. It contains not only recipes and health tips but also remedies from the Amish. Now that most areas have opened up and people are visiting friends and family, more people will be entertaining --- and that means cooking. If you want to try a new barbecue chicken recipe, I suggest the one on page 79 submitted by someone from Ohio. I happen to be a dessert person and would suggest the blueberry coffee cake on page 122 submitted by someone from Missouri, and the recipe for no-bake chewy chocolate bars, which are easy and fun to make, on page 126.
