This contest period's winners were Carol C., Elizabeth I. and Miriam A., who each received a copy of APPLES NEVER FALL by Liane Moriarty and BEAUTIFUL WORLD, WHERE ARE YOU by Sally Rooney.
Tessa
Holmes on the Range by Steve Hockensmith
3.5 stars. Well, this was a hoot and a half! I loved the brothers Big Red (Otto) and Old Red (Gustav) and how they worked together. Big Red narrates, as he is the more educated of the two, being able to read and write. But Old Red is the real fan of Holmes and his methods of observation and deduction, and it is he who finally solves the murder. I listened to the audio, narrated by William Dufris, who does a great job performing the audiobook!
Allie
Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain
I ended up not enjoying this book very much. It has super immersive, atmospheric writing, but not a lot happens in the story. There's some magical elements thrown in but without much purpose. The ending is an over-dramatic mess, in my opinion.
Allie
Dear Mrs. Bird by A. J. Pearce
I heard about this book with the release of the sequel, YOURS FAITHFULLY. For the setting and time period, this book tows the line impressively between lighthearted and dark. I really enjoyed the writing and found the characters charming. Looking forward to picking up the sequel.
John
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
An adorable slice-of-life tale about southern women and their domestic concerns.
Jan
Willie Nelson's Letters to America by Willie Nelson with Turk Pipkin
If you don't like Willie Nelson, skip this review and the book. The is probably the best book about Willie Nelson plus it includes lyrics to many of his best songs. It is part history and part philosophy and part jokes and part words of life and wisdom. He wrote it but he had assistance from Turk Pipkin (probably to clean up the spelling and get the words into full sentences.) We know he wrote it because he refers to his typewriter and learning to type at one point. I laughed, I cried, I sang most of the songs that are listed in this book. I realize he is 87 or 88 years old and some day he will be gone from this earth, but I will enjoy him while he is here. I think this would be an excellent book for a book group discussion.
Stephanie
In Every Mirror She’s Black by Lọlá Ákinmade Åkerström
This book is simply fantastic and mesmerizing. Topical (dealing with issues of racism, classism, tokenism, mental illness, refugees, self-acceptance) and so well-written, this novel pulled me in until the very last word. That this is the author’s first work of fiction is incredible. The writing is simple but effective, creating characters that are rich and real-life that I felt like I knew them. Told from the perspectives of three black women living in Sweden, I enjoyed following each character’s storyline, each of which was connected by struggle, hope, and self-discovery. This was a very touching, moving novel.
Debra
Dyeing For Change by Kimberley O'Malley
I loved how Kimberley brought the characters to life. They feel so real as you read them off the page. I found myself rooting for them. It is a wonderful cozy mystery. This is a part of a series, so she leaves you with a few unanswered questions, but the book ends the mystery at hand.
Jane
The Family Plot by Megan Collins
What a bizarre and macabre book but yet entertaining. I was riveted the whole way through to the end. I knew it was going to be different when the kids names were Dahlia (after the Black Dahlia), Andy (after Andrew -- Lizzie Borden's father, Charlie (after Charles Lindbergh) and Tate (after Sharon Tate). See a pattern? All murdered people. Andy is Dahlia's twin and leaves home at age 16 and they have no idea where he went to despite all the research, etc. Dahlia comes home (a secluded haunted mansion yet) after her father's death and finds out that when they bury Daniel (their father) Andy is buried in his father's plot with his head split open with an axe.
Y
Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara
Wonderful,engaging book. Heard about on monthly review books with Bookreporter.com. Story of family culture and mystery all in one. Fast read.
Jeanne
The Last Debutantes by Georgie Blalock
THE LAST DEBUTANTES is a well-written historical novel by Georgie Blalock that gives an excellent view into high society life in London including the last debutante season with the onset of World War II hovering over London and the rest of the world. I found it to be an interesting and entertaining read even though for me, it was slow-paced at times, I enjoyed reading it and I rated it a four.
Jeanne
It’s Better This Way by Debbie Macomber
IT'S BETTER THIS WAY by Debbie Macomber is a fantastic, well-written, heartwarming book about heartbreak, starting over, family, and finding love. I loved this book and was drawn in from the very first page. It is full of surprises, twists and turns and the author brilliantly created and developed the characters. Without giving away any spoilers with a rundown of the storyline, I highly recommend it and rated it a high five.
Teresa
Porch Lights by Dorothea Benton Frank
My life is very hectic right now, and this was the perfect book to sink into and get away from it all. Very likable characters, just enough romance without being a romance novel, and a typical DBF happy ending were just what I needed.
sherry
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
My book group really enjoyed this book. Our discussions were very inspiring and knowledgeable. A book to enjoy by all.
sherry
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
Enjoyed this book so much as did my book club. The questions they asked, the answers we gave, and a general disbelief about past times in our lives. A must-read.
sherry
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Very good book. The strength of the main character was sometimes exhausting. A strong woman. Good book for everyone.
Michelle
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune
Absolutely loved! I had a lot of interruptions and other books going at the same time which pulled me away from the story initially. Because of that, I didn’t get as pulled in at the beginning. But from the midpoint on, I couldn’t put it down. I felt the magic of the book growing (no pun intended) and as the love between the characters grew, so too did my love for them. The messaging in this book is everything. I could go back and reread this all right now. Delightful, imaginative, heartwarming. Highly recommend!
Nancy
Assembly by Natasha Brown
Only 112 pages, I read it in one sitting. Not because this was an easy read, or a plot-driven page turner but it demanded my attention and I had to read it without an interlude, could not step away from the internal world of the narrator as she travels into the dark night of her soul. A successful black woman in Britain, she contends with racism and sexism. Natasha Brown’s ASSEMBLY is startling, original, and unsettling. As an American, I had not realized how in 2021 British viewed people from the countries they once dominated and plundered, with ‘keep Britain white’ and ‘go home’ chants of hate. Confronted by the truth of one woman’s life, we reevaluate our own story, our own culture, and our own participation in systemic racism.
myrna
Sooley by John Grisham
A complete departure from Grisham's law and justice novels but an education on sports politics and foreign recruitment.
Amy
Yours Cheerfully by A. J. Pearce
This followup to DEAR MRS. BIRD takes us back to WWII Britain and the staff of Women's Friend magazine. Pearce tackles the issues surrounding women in the workforce and the lack of childcare, and the hardships of wartime Europe. There is also hope and a wedding! This series is like visiting with your best friends.
Amy
The Man With the Silver Saab by Alexander McCall Smith
McCall Smith continues his Nordic Noir series with THE MAN WITH THE SILVER SAAB. This is our third visit with Ulf Varg and his team at the Department of Sensitive Crimes in Malmo, Sweden. As are all of McCall Smith series, this is a pleasant return to a cast of quirky characters. You will not believe what happens to Martin, the lip-reading dog!
Amy
Cul-de-Sac by Joy Fielding
Wow! Makes you look at your neighbors in a whole different way...
Marilyn
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Sad life of this young woman lost in a world she didn’t create in Africa.
Mary Ann
The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton by Eleanor Ray
I read this book for a book club on the September 22nd. I didn't think is was that great - maybe I'm missing something!!!
Alice
The Searcher by Tana French
I thought it was more of a psychological thriller but I still enjoyed the storyline.
Natalie
The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali
Wonderful story of family and political upheaval in Iran.
Bob
The Bitterroots by C. J. Box
Very good book.
MH
Die Before Your Time by Susan P. Mucha
A fast-paced mystery, this book travels from Bermuda to New England and back to the South to chase killers. Just when you think you know who-done-it, another suspect rises to the forefront.
Newlyweds Luis and Elia add to the conflict in the book as they decide what to do next.
Maureen
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
Love Feeney’s stories. This one is creepy and thought-provoking at the same time. A couple goes to deserted chapel in a snowstorm that they won for a weekend getaway. They have been having a rough time in their marriage and after ten years are thinking of divorce. Through a series of letters the the wife wrote on their anniversaries, the reader finds out about the good and bad times they have had together. Now at the church creepy things start happening. It is a perfect creepy read.
Lynn
The Princess Spy by Larry Loftis
Fascinating!
SUSAN
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes
Novel requires a lot of knowledge of recent history. Very interesting. Unique perspective. A veil of sorrow seems to shroud the story.
Shelby
Life by Keith Richards
After the death of Charlie Watts I decided to read Keith Richard’s LIFE, which was long but well worth the time I devoted to learning about this remarkable, troubled, musical genius man whose curiosity, sense of self, and failures came together to paint a very cogent picture of his life. Unlike other musician's biographies, Keith came across as more down to earth, less impressed with his talent/stardom, than some of the other self aggrandizing tomes I’ve read. I highly recommend LIFE to musicians, fans, or anyone willing to read an honest telling of a life well (and not so well) lived. There are a lot of references to his drug use and when I felt it was hitting me over the head, I put the book down for a day or two.
Cait
Her Perfect Life by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Hank Phillippi Ryan can do no wrong. This book is another hit out of the park! I was flipping pages as fast as I could to see what would be happening next. The alternating chapters between Lily, Greer and Cassie were written so well that I was not confused with the alternating POVs. I had an inkling about who shouldn’t be trusted and who could be, though I definitely did not see that exact ending coming to light.
Kelly
Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby
This book really had it all. It manages to combine a mystery with reflections on race, sexuality and privilege in a way that draws the reader in and connect them to the characters without ever resorting to feeling like a lecture. There are thoughtful moments, funny moments, sad moments and most importantly moments that remind the reader both how horrible and wonderful being human can be.
Dorothy
The Red Coat by Dolley Carlson
This book is very interesting. Tells about the live of immigrants in 1922 and how they were treated and really looked down upon.
Simonne
The Children Act by Ian McEwan
So much to think about with this well-written book. Fiona Maye, family court judge, is truly pragmatic and mindful of the law and family relations in her deliberations and decisions. She is still getting over a traumatic recent ruling when her husband expresses his dismay at her non-interest in sex and announces his ultimatum for her to get back with the program or he will look elsewhere. As Fiona faces this rift in her thirty year marriage, another difficult case comes before her. She gets to know the nearly 18-year-old the suit is centered on, pitting the hospital vs. very religious parents. The results are, at first beneficial, then turn disastrous.
Maureen
Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict
I love all of Marie Benedict novels. She is a terrific author.
Sheree
Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose
I needed to read a play for the library 2021 reading challenge and my daughter suggested one she read in high school. I totally enjoyed it and how it reminds you that people go into something with their own prejudices which clouds how they see things.
Myrna
In the Garden of Spite by Camilla Bruce
I certainly would call it a thriller. It was really hard to put down this book about a really awful woman. At the end, I learned that it is based on a true story, which made it even more engrossing.
Linda
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
Outstanding book, takes place during depression when four young people set out down a Minnesota river to search for family, home and the adventures they encounter during their trip.
Linda
Lightening Strike by William Kent Krueger
Beautifully-written who-done-it. I'm so glad Bookreporter introduced me to this author with THIS TENDER LAND, a Bookaccino book club pick.
Linda
Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
This controversial historical fiction novel would be a good book club pick. Vulnerable (mostly poor, uneducated) women were once involuntarily sterilized in NC.
Ivy
Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp
Desire, conflict and resolution makes this a feel-good story.
Elizabeth
The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington
Although written for the middle-grade reader, this book will appeal to the "child" in every adult who reads it. Well-written story with magical realism, including the presence of ghosts and mental telepathy, but also grounded in the reality of discovering who a child is and becomes, memory, family and community ties, feelings of loss and being an outsider to others, true friendship, the invisible but not unheard messages from the wind, and the connections that exist between humans and the animal world. Anyone who enjoys their companionship with an endearing pet can understand the magical experiences that Lexington Willow has with the elephant, Nyah, who he protected and saved when she was a young child.
Elizabeth
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Loved this book and loved Precious Remotswe! As character J.L.B. Matekoni said, "Anything can be fixed. Anything." Written with such warmth, humor, and sensitivity of the human spirit.
Michele
Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
I finished the book and loved the cover, but noir fiction is probably just not my thing. Pace was slow but I'm glad I finished it.
Elizabeth
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
This was a dark, twisted story about a young woman who bluffs her way into a psychological study and plunges into a dangerous relationship with a therapists with a secret agenda. A real page-turner!
Julie
Defending Jacob by William Landay
This was a real page-turner. I read it for a book club and look forward to discussing it.
Donna
Two Old Women by Velma Wallis
Our book club read this old Indian tale about two elderly women who were left behind when the starving tribe moved on to lessen their burden. The women thrived and survived. This book only takes a couple of hours to read, but contains much food for thought.
Janet
The Stepsisters by Susan Mallery
I loved it. Kept me engaged from the beginning.
Susan
Falling by T. J. Newman
I really enjoyed this book, which will make me think twice before flying! This thriller kept me reading to find out what would happen to all of the people involved. The fact that it was written by a flight attendant, while on duty, was also an interesting fact.
CAROL
The Necklace by Matt Witten
Wow! I could not put this book down!!! The characters are vivid and the narrative is riveting. There are so many twist and turns, you could get whiplash from them and the ending left me breathless. I can see why this book is getting hyped as THE book for fall!
Maureen
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
A funny, sometimes sad, heartwarming book about gay Uncle Patrick watching his young niece and nephew after their mother dies and father is unable to care for them. It was a delight to see the interaction of Uncle Patrick with the two youngsters. Highly recommended.
Susan
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Elle slept with her best friend after years of friendship. Now she must face her husband and make a decision to stay in their marriage or go.
Jan
The End of Her by Shari Lapena
I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads drawing with no strings attached. I promised to provide an honest review. Lapena always has twists in her mysteries. She has a wonderful talent of making the bad guys sometime look good - she portrays them as loving, helping the wife in the kitchen, etc. But she always gives us a zinger at the end. I am always sitting there literally with the last page, reading it again, and wondering who really did it. This book has several bad people, even though they appear to be good. That is the fun of her books. I love them all and can't wait for the next one. This book portrays a sweet little lady who is blackmailing one, has blackmailed another in the past and may blackmail a third. Who did it?
Jan
Tin Camp Road by Ellen Airgood
This is a quiet, gentle book about a single mother who struggles in amazing ways to keep her child and make a good life for her. It is a slow book, the author glows over the beautiful sunset or a day at the beach with her child and their discoveries. The mother is not educated and takes any job she can get. She does not realize how smart the child is and when a teacher tries to explain it to her, she does not get it. She is evicted from the place they are living after she could not keep her family homestead and tries to live in her car, after the child has been given to friends to take to Arizona or somewhere. She is lonely. Is she the best mother for the child? Eventually she squats in the trailer of a friend she knew years ago.
Karen
The Daughters of Yalta by Catherine Grace Katz
Anna Roosevelt, FDR's daughter, helped by assidously guarding FDR's health that was fading fast. Sarah Churchill had military experience, and Kathy Harriman, Averell Harriman's daughter, spoke Russian. They all had experiences that guided their fathers throughout the long journey and delicate meetings. The book reveals behaviors that will never be in any "history" book.
Pat
The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny
Gamache is asked to provide security for an event at the university which he knows is a mistake as the presenter is controversial. But no luck convincing the university president to cancel and yes he manages to deflect the speaker from being killed while being introduced. Set in pandemic times, we follow the clues after the murder occurs the night after the event. Beautifully written, you are on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds in the village of Three Pines.
Tiffany
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
This book is absolutely amazing. Definitely worth the wait. This book broke my heart so many times and mended it just the same.
Nancy
The Secret Life of Dorothy Soames by Justine Cowan
Very interesting true story.
Barbara
Eternal by Lisa Scottoline
Loved this book. Lisa's attention to detail has you feeling like you are walking down the streets in Italy along with the main characters. Narrating character by character makes this a quick read and so interesting!
Barbara
The Summer Cottage by Viola Shipman
Another great book by Viola Shipman. While reading this book I so wanted photos of the Summer Cottage though his descriptions were very detailed. A heartwarming book where everyone will want their own cottage by the time they are finished reading.
Elly
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
Exceptionally well written, influenced by Mark Twain and THE ODYSSEY. Heartfelt history of the treatment of children in the Indian Schools, great characterization of those met along the way and the evolution of faith.
Rona
The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad
With Afghanistan much in the news, I chose a book that had been waiting patiently in my TBR stack, THE BOOKSELLER OF KABUL. Seierstad spent three months in the Sultan Khan household, living as his wives, mother, and daughters lived, waking early to serve the men of the house, leaving the home only in the company of each other or a male relative and beneath a burka. Khan, a bookseller, survived several regime changes--seeing his books burned multiple times. In 2002, reading was once again allowed. The Taliban had been banished, yet the women stayed beneath the heavy blue cloaks, faces hidden behind a grille of fab. A question in the reader's guide: What are the prospects for the future? Answer: 20 years later we have the answer.
Rosa
And the Mountaines Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Given the recent events in Afghanistan, I was inspired to pick up this book to learn more about the Afghan people, their history, and their culture, albeit through a fictional account. Hosseini has a wondrous gift of storytelling. This book spans several decades, interweaving the stories of siblings Abdullah and Pari and their family members and friends, starting in 1952 and through the following decades - as the country goes through war with the Soviet Union, the ensuing years of the rise of the Taliban, and then post-9/11 rebuilding with the U.S. and its allies in the country. It was sadly ironic to know "how it ends" in 2021. Hosseini's writing is beautiful and poetic, and he developed characters that I empathized with and cared about.
Allie
Together We Will Go by J. Michael Straczynski
Probably the worst book I've finished this year. It annoyed me on several levels. It's written as a series of journal entries written by multiple characters, which was interesting at least, but the storyline is bad and the characters are hollow. Explicitly condones suicide. Waste of time.
Allie
Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson
What an incredibly immersive story about a specific place and time. It's about a logging community in the 70s and the way that pesticides were used to make the job easier/cheaper but impacted the environment and the people who lived there in irreversible ways. The main characters are deeply empathetic and what made this a new favorite of mine.
Allie
The Seep by Chana Porter
A short, speculative book about the most unconventional of alien invasions. The "seep" is like a hivemind that "gently" invades human minds, but they recreate the world into a utopia where there's peace and people can do and be anything. It's very, very weird, but I wish it was longer. Enjoyed the read as it is, though.
Nancy
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
I really enjoyed this book, I had a hard time putting it down. Hannah marries Owen, who has a teenage daughter. The company Owen works for is caught steeling money. Owen disappears and leaves $60,000.00 cash in a bag in his daughter's locker. He also gets a note to Hannah telling her to take care of Bailey. It is up to the two of them to find out what happened to Owen.
Ann Marie
The Husbands by Chandler Baker
I loved this book. Go powerful women! I could not put it down, I wanted to see what's going on in this neighborhood where the men seemed to be in the place of "a trophy wife". Excellent idea for a book!
Ann Marie
Velvet Was the Night by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia
I wasn't crazy about Sylvia Moreno-Garcia's latest book. Just because the cover really drew me in. This "noir" type book was not for me!
Ann Marie
The Unheard by Nicci French
I really liked this book. The author wrote beautifully, and even though I wanted it to be more scary, it was still a page-turner.
Ann Marie
Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
Kudos to author Paul Tremblay for giving me goosebumps and scaring the pants off of me. Creepiest book I've read, hands down and I loved it!
Ann Marie
For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing
I only gave this book 4 stars because even though I enjoyed it, her first book, MY LOVELY WIFE blew me away, but of the four books I have read of hers, this one about a crazy teacher comes in second. However, I would always recommend her books.
Nancy
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede
We read this for two book clubs. Unlike most books related to 9/11, this book is uplifting, and a tribute to the people in Newfoundland, Canada -- Gander, written about in the book, and St. John, where my London-to-New-York friend's plane was diverted on 9/11, and the outpouring of care, concern and friendship offered by those two, and surrounding, towns to complete strangers. It's a great discussion book for clubs. If you ask where people were on 9/11 and what their reactions were to the day's events, I bet you'll find stories, reactions and tears that you never would have expected.
Pam
A Million Things by Emily Spurr
Great story that hooks you from the very beginning. Poignant, sad, and surprising with great character development.
sherri
Farewell Summer by Ray Bradbury
A sequel to DANDELION WINE. Bradbury tries too hard and fails to capture the magic of DANDELION WINE. The magic isn't there.
Michelle
Final Girls by Riley Sager
Twist I did NOT see coming!
Sandy
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Kept wondering who would survive the war, would lovers find each other again? I learned more about the very important part the French and Swiss played in helping Jews to escape. I find so much inspiration from the faithfulness and endurance of people’s will to live, as horrific as their struggles are.
Amy
Vortex by Catherine Coulter
Caltherine Coulter never disappoints in her FBI Series with Dillon and Savich. VORTEX is no exception. If you are a fan of this series make sure you read this one. Great book.
Paula
Billy Summers by Stephen King
Loved, loved this book. Not what you expect, was very pleased. Wonderful story of a man's life who has one last "job" to do. I liked the different style the author used.
Gerry
Trail of Broken Wings by Sejal Badani
4-1/2 stars. This one has been on my shelf to read for a good while, but once I started it, I didn't want to stop reading, and actually read the whole thing within 24 hours. Badani writes so empathetically about the abuses her characters suffered, and explains their inner thoughts and emotions so vividly, I can't help but wonder if she had similar experiences. This story of three generations of a family, and the impact of their violent and abusive patriarch is one that will remain with me for a long time.
Gerry
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe
Keefe's reporting is detailed and damning, and also gives an excellent example of the damage to our society by a legal system that regards corporations as "citizens". Even when corporations are penalized for misdeeds, the resulting fines are simply the cost of doing business, and are mostly passed along to consumers. But the crimes described in this book are not simply corporate actions; they are the acts of individuals, driven by greed, who actively conspired to hide the detrimental impact of their main product, Oxycontin, and promoted this product through deceptive advertising and marketing strategies that encouraged physicians to over-prescribe. Their despicable behavior remains unpunished by recent settlements.
Gerry
Margreete's Harbor by Eleanor Morse
I loved the characters in this novel about a family coming to terms with an elderly parent's increasing dementia. So engaging that I read it in one day! I recommend it especially to those who grew up, as I did, in the fifties and sixties. It was a wonderful tour through the events of those years, as seen through both adults' and children's eyes.
Gerry
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
A heartbreaking story of impoverished and oppressed women, struggling to survive, and banished to Australia as convicts. Very well written with memorable characters.
Gerry
Snow Hunters by Paul Yoon
3-1/2 stars for this beautifully-written glimpse into the past and present life of a young man from North Korea, captured and imprisoned in South Korea during the Korean War. In post-war years he declines repatriation to the North and remains in the prison camp, assisting the doctors and learning to sew and repair clothing. His new trade eventually leads him to emigrate to Brazil, where he is offered housing and a job as an apprentice to a Japanese tailor. The narrative moves back and forth in time as Yohan recalls and examines his earlier life with his father, his time in the army and later in the POW camp, and the life he had anticipated but which had been stolen from him.
Chris
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
There are details on top of details in this book. You’ll need every one of them to insure that people are safe, families are protected and secrets kept forever. Sometimes the tightest friendships develop when the strangest personalities join forces and that’s the heart of this book. Tight friendships mean love, honor and all-out slyness to make wrongs right. WWll stories will get scarcer as our sources leave. This book is to be read and studied.
Cecilia
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
Great description of characters and of the time after the Civil War.
Jackie
Summer on the Bluffs by Sonny Hostin
Great beach read, about the family we choose rather than the one we are born into.
Richard N B
Babylon's Ark by Lawrence Anthony
Subtitle: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo. Lawrence Anthony was a well-known conservationist and advocate for animals, running a game reserve in South Africa when images on CNN of the war in Baghdad caught his attention. Horrified at the potential loss of wildlife at that war-ravaged city’s zoo, he had to somehow go help. And so, against all odds, he did. This is the story of his work there. It’s informative and exciting. Quite the adventure!
Rose
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
I typically like Alice Feeney books, and I was really looking forward to reading ROCK PAPER SCISSORS. However, I was disappointed. I thought it was pretty obvious what was happening, especially as you read the anniversary letters. I felt the story was quite predictable, and the final chapter added nothing to the story. The premise is that a husband, a writer, and his wife go off for a weekend to a secluded Scottish chapel. Each of them is keeping secrets, and there is a stranger that is determined to ruin their weekend.
Rose
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
This book is quite different. While the protagonist is an Asian American, he is always cast as a generic Asian man, in real life and in Hollywood. The novel blurs the lines between real and imaginary. It pushes the reader to think about stereotypes.
Dale
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
Once again, loved Hannah's writing style. She always puts a twist on the ending. Loved the two time periods and how she melds them together.
Deby
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
I could tell where the story was going, but I wanted to keep reading to watch it all play out. That's how much I loved the main character. I loved that the book was written as a narrative from her perspective.
Claire
Smile: The Story of a Face by Sarah Ruhl
This book was easily one of my favorites that I've read this year. I'm not normally a fan of nonfiction, but Rhul's poetic prose, each line laced with meaning and metaphor, often had me forgetting that this wasn't a meticulously crafted and controlled work of fiction. There was so much depth and meaning to this story about illness, but for me, the pieces that really hit home was the exploration of womanhood through the lens of family. This story was such an interesting exploration of the roles we play as both daughter and mother, the things these roles take from us, and the immeasurable bounty given back to us through these roles as well.
Donna
The Smallest Lights in the Universe by Sara Seager
More than a memoir, a well-written account of a personal life and the life of the universe. One of my book clubs read it and everyone rated it at #1 favorite of our picks. I recommended it to others.
Pat
It’s Better This Way by Debbie Macomber
Debbie always writes good, entertaining books. I liked the constant reminder of, “it’s better this way". I think we’ve all had times like this in our lives.
Pat
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
I really, really enjoyed this book. Quite an interesting woman and certainly had a difficult life of deceit. Super interesting piece of history that I knew nothing about.
Pat
The Charm Bracelet by Viola Shipman
What a special story of telling of one’s life and handing down information to the next generation. A beautiful story that is written very well.
Kimberley
Tsarina by Ellen Alpsten
An amazing journey of female strength, resiliency and allegiance, this epic follows the life of Marta/Catherine, Tsarina and wife to Peter 1 of Russia. The author deviates little from fact and shares her story, leaving nothing to the imagination. It was a time of brutality and unimaginable horrors so the reader must be prepared to stomach the ruthless leaders. It is an extra long novel and very descriptive. It is a journey that stays with the reader.
Karen
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
A very intriguing read. Hooks you in from the beginning. You want to keep reading to see what happens next. Definitely worth reading!
Marti
Leonora in the Morning Light by Michaela Carter
A fascinating book!
Allie
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
I finally read this book, and I'm not surprised that it got to be so popular among so many different kinds of readers. I do think it's very good, but I don't think it's amazing. I assume a lot of people were blown away by the ending. I didn't see it coming, but wasn't shocked by it either because I was expecting something to be revealed.
Allie
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
LENNI AND MARGOT is about the friendship between a terminally ill teenager and an old woman, and the stories about their lives that they share with each other. I thought it was lovely and sad, and would count it among my favorite 2021 releases.
Allie
A Clash of Steel by C. B. Lee
I loved this sapphic YA retelling of TREASURE ISLAND! I love C.B. Lee's writing, and I loved the dynamic between the main characters, Xiang and Ahn. There are some darker elements to the story as well concerning the dysfunctional family dynamic between Xiang and her mother, and I was really surprised and pleased with how things played out between them in the end.
Allie
Afterparties by Anthony Veasna
Brilliant interconnected short stories starring various Cambodian American people in California. The writing and characters were vibrant and alive, and the experience I had with each story was immersive and satisfying. Probably one of my favorite short story collections.
Aly
The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
THE BOOK OF FORM AND EMPTINESS was one of my most anticipated September releases, and I must say it did not disappoint! The structure of this novel is inventive and utterly brilliant as Ozeki has a book narrating a book. Benny’s Book becomes a character within itself as it narrates the Oh’s struggles. The Book provides an insight Benny’s perspective alone cannot provide, diving into the minds of his mother and other characters. The novel forms a conversation, a frame-tale so to speak. The Book provides a godly telling of Benny’s life, and Benny responds back in his own voice. By structuring the narration in this way, Ozeki brilliantly puts readers in Benny’s head.
Tessa BC
Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce
Two women no one would ever consider as compatible form an unlikely team as they travel to the other side of the world in search of an elusive beetle. What they find is a strong vocation, and an ever-lasting bond of friendship and love. I absolutely loved these characters! There were times when I had to laugh at their foibles. There were times when I feared for their safety, and quite a few tears were shed as well. Ultimately, they teach us a lesson about courage and perseverance, about not being afraid to fail...or to succeed.
Nicole
Ghosts of Harvard by Francesca Serritella
Unbelievable storyline.
Nicole
Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby
Cosby creates such a well thought-out plot and a beautifully written one. He creates great characters.
Nicole
How Lucky by Will Leitch
Boring!
Sandi
The Magician by Colm Toibin
An in-depth look at the life of Thomas Mann. Although described as fiction, this book is about as biographical as a nonfiction biography can be. Tóibín's interruption of Mann is quite long, but never tedious or dull. The story, in cased within one family, as it is, moves right along. It helps to know going into this book that this will be the life story of Thomas Mann. The sooner you focus your attention on this one man and his family the smoother the story and more realistic your expectations of this book will be.
Laura
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Fictional story ... or is it? I enjoyed the relationship between stepmom and daughter. How the mom had everyone giving her advice on what she should do but in the end she chose her own route.
Jan
Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby
After I read the preview I was anxious to read this book. I do not like violence. I do not like racism. And they both occur in this book. However, this appears to be a very realistic book. Two married gay men are horribly murdered, mutilated. The police (white boys) just can't seem to get a clue even after interviewing their friends. Like gay men are eager to tell police the truth about anything? Our culture is so awful that the police can get nothing and I, a lover of justice, did not feel that the friends should help them. Both fathers have been to prison. Both are out. One is very successful at his yard cleaning business; the other is hanging on living in an old trailer. They love their sons and set out to bring justice to the killer(s).
Rose
Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay
EVERY LAST FEAR begins when NYU student Matt Pine receives the news that his parents and two younger siblings have all died while on a vacation in Mexico. This is just the latest in a tragedy-filled life for Matt. Several years earlier, his older brother, Danny, was accused and convicted of murdering his girlfriend. Matt and Danny’s father was never convinced that Danny was guilty, and traveled to Mexico to try to find evidence of Danny’s innocence. I enjoyed this novel, especially the family dynamics. I liked the FBI agent working the case, and I liked Matt and his friends. I had a sneaking suspicion as to the outcome of the story, but not the motive behind the conclusion. I look forward to reading more from Alex Finlay.
Ralph
Pacific Dash: From Asia Vagabond to Casino King by Chet Nairene
He is Dash in a tropical wonderland. When a job transfer transplants young Dash Bonaventure from rural Illinois to scintillating Hong Kong for high school, he thinks the move is just temporary. But thus begins his lifelong odyssey drifting between continents. Dash meets flamboyant characters, falls in love, saves lives and almost loses his own. After several decades in Indonesia, Malaysia and Hong Kong, he winds up in Macau where he reinvents the casino industry and becomes enormously rich. And just when he feels he has it all, that's when his problems really begin.
Pat
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
The only reason that is not a 5-star is because of the length -- some editing needed there.
shelly
Amish Friends Baking Cookbook by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My family loves desserts and thanks to Wanda's "baking cookbook" we will enjoy trying many of 200 recipes. Before starting our experimenting with some of the recipes I enjoyed learning some history and how the word Amish was derived. The Anabaptist history was very interesting and, ad they say, you learn something new each day and I did by reading this. So far we have tried Honey Sugar Cookies, Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies (a little different than the recipe I had), Easy Chocolate Cake, and Chocolate Brownie Pie. Some of the members of my family liked some of these more than others but we will continue to try some new ones. This is perfect to experiment with before the holidays and would even make a lovely gift for the holiday.
Becky
The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore
This tragic story with a (relatively) happy ending follows the wife of a Hollywood star and mother to small children as she battles leprosy. In the 1920s no cure is known for the disease and Mirielle is sent to the United States Marine Hospital Louisiana. Carville, as the leprosarium is known, is home to sufferers of Hanson’s Disease until they are cured and can return to normal society.
Becky
Three Words for Goodbye by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Estranged sisters Clara and Madelaine are sent by their dying grandmother on a journey to Paris, Venice and Vienna as World War II approaches. In each city they are to deliver a letter to someone Grandmother Violet knew many years earlier. The trip is one of luxury - they take the Queen Mary first class to Paris – but fraught with the growing threat of Hitler. As the sisters complete the journey, they discover much about themselves and about their grandmother and the life she lead forty years earlier. Secrets are discovered and sisterly affection may be rediscovered. An interesting story that unfolds in layers as the sisters travel.
Richard N B
The Cobra Event by Richard Preston
A deranged, disgraced biotechnician is intent on releasing the deadly Cobra virus in New York, to kill as many “useless humans” as possible. This is a great thriller that kept me enthralled and turning pages as quickly as I could. I’d read Preston’s nonfiction bestsellers so I knew he had the research background to make this a very plausible scenario. I appreciated the details on how the teams of scientists, public health officials and FBI agents worked to decipher the clues. If you’re at all squeamish you might want to skip some of the autopsy scenes.
Becky
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
Two intertwined stories combine to tell this tale. One story tells of three women in 1875 heading to Texas from Louisiana searching for lost family members or lost fortunes. The second story concerns a first-year teacher in a tiny Mississippi River town and her uninterested students. In encouraging her students, Benedetta and her students discover a long lost book. Wingate did her research in discovering the background of the “Lost Friends” sections of some southern newspapers. Her research is the basis for this book. Wingate always gives us well-developed characters and well-plotted tales. This book is no exception.
Sherri
Memory Man by David Baldacci
Read another of his books (on audio) while traveling and decided to start at the beginning of the series. Interesting plot and premise of the series as Amos Decker - policeman turned detective - uses his perfect memory to help him solve cases including the death of his wife, daughter and brother-in-law. One my husband and I can enjoy together on trips.
Becky
Dial "A" for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
An accidental murder, a collection of “helpful” aunties in an Indonesian/Chinese immigrant family, a wedding at a posh estate, and a wedding cake cart that appears and disappears all combine for a comedy of errors. Deftly plotted with a cast of developed characters, this funny novel is a winner for a lighthearted afternoon read.
Becky
The President's Daughter by Bill Clinton and James Patterson
This second outing of Clinton and Patterson is the same kind of heart-pounding thriller as their first book. The President, a former SEAL, leaves behind his security crew and searches for his kidnapped daughter alone. Off to a slow start but soon is full of action and daring-do.
Becky
Blind Tiger by Sandra Brown
I don’t usually read Brown, but I got this as an ARC. Moonshine, murder, false accusations, a pretty girl, corrupt politicians, what more could you want! When the stranger to town becomes the default sheriff, and the pretty girl is a target of the bad guys who abound in this 1920s Texas thriller, the reader is in for an entertaining afternoon or two. Tight plot, well-drawn characters and an interesting premise make this a surefire hit. By the way, a “blind tiger” is an illegal saloon and this is about prohibition in Texas.
Kendra
To Protect His Children by Linda Goodnight
I enjoyed the book because it had little kids in it and I really enjoy books with children in them because I come from a large family.
Laurie
Universe of Two by Stephen P. Kiernan
Chicago 1943. A war story in a love story. This excellent historical fiction book is based on the life of Charles Fisk, effectively giving the reader a peek into his guilt for his part in the development of the atomic bomb. Bravo talented author, Stephen P. Kiernan!
Susan
The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal
I enjoyed the family dynamics. I did not like Helen, even at the end I do not think she redeemed herself. It is a book of second opportunities. I highly recommend the book.
Nancy
The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Such an amazing finish to the end of the series about the Owens family. Ms. Hoffman’s writing is beautiful as usual, the twists and turns of the story capture your attention, and the prior characters and stories are deftly woven into the book. I did not want it to end!
Suzanne
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. It is full of unselfish love and friendship. As heartwarming and uplifting as it is sad. These characters and their lessons will remain with me for a long time. It may be the first book that I read a second time.
Beth
Someone We Know by Shari Lapena
Great suspense novel with head-spinning twists and turns. Read it in a day!
Marilyn
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Beryl Markum had relationships with Denis Finchhaten, Karin Blixen and others. Her mother deserts her, raised by her father, married for the wrong reasons, forms this strong woman and created this interesting novel
Ella Jean
Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout
Emotional. The reader will learn the process of aging and how it affects everyone. Brilliantly written. Olive tells of her young days as a wife and mother, her two marriages, to the last days of her life. I highly recommend this book.
MH
Ragtime by E. L. Doctorow
How I missed this delightful book, I don’t know. With intricate details of the lives of early 20th century people (Houdini, JP Morgan, Ford) woven into the plot, the story is captivating from the beginning. One story reconnects with another in interesting ways. I recommend the book highly.
Cynthia
The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis
Loved this story of having a feeling for some reason you are drawn to a person or object and shocked when when you find out the way your were drawn there. Loved the story of why Soline and Rory felt a special bond and where it lead them.
Allison
The Southern Side of Paradise by Kristy Woodson Harvey
The heartwarming (original) finale to the Peachtree Buff series, this novel had me laughing, crying, and wanting to visit this fictional town! This is a continuing story of family, friends, secrets, and surprises, not all of which are welcome. Ansley Murphy, her three daughters and family have conquered many problems together. But Ansley has a feeling that something major is going to happen. Her daughter Emerson has major decisions to make that will impact on her livelihood or her romance. Deep family secrets unravel, and things might never be the same. Kristy highlights forgiveness, second chances, and honesty.
Alyson
The People We Keep by Allison Larkin
A teen girl abused by her father drops out of school and makes her way waitressing. She sings her own songs and plays guitar once she is able to replace the one her father smashed. She meets mostly kind people who help give her a chance and surround her like a second family.
Dianne
Anxious People by Fredrik Bachman
This reads like pealing an onion with each chapter revealing a detail about one of the characters. Begins with a suicide and an attempted suicide prevented by a young man who goes on to be a police officer, like his father. A failed bank robbery and a hostage situation follow. Secrets, loves and anxieties are revealed in the following chapters. This is a well-written love story about forgiveness.
Christina
Too Good to Be True by Carola Lovering
I finished the book, so that means I liked it. There were a few thrilling cliffhangers to keep one's interest. The characters were well-developed and multi-faceted. There were three primary personalities throughout, each with good and bad characteristics. I don't know if the author intended it, but the male archetype - weak in character, but lovable and loyal - is an eerily accurate description of far too many men in our society today.
Alexandra
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
I really enjoyed this book! So many plot twists and interesting characters. It kept me interested from the first page.
Janice
You Can’t Write City Hall by Jeremy Nunes
This book is a laugh-out-loud story about what happened when the author, a professional comedian, was elected the mayor of a small town in Illinois.
Linda
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
This very "atmospheric" thriller reminds me of scary stories that begin with "On a dark and stormy night..." There are surprising connections among the main characters. A fun read.
Patricia
Billy Summers by Stephen King
I have loved Stephen King's books since I received SALEM'S LOT back in the early 1970s for my birthday in my early 20s. I am now in my early 70s and nothing has changed. BILLY SUMMERS is such different writing for him. I loved, loved this book about a hitman with a conscience. His attention to the smallest details still amazes me. I highly recommend this book.
Marcia
The Clover Girls by Viola Shipman
First book by this author that I have read and I enjoyed it. It made me think about long lost friendships...not exactly from summer camp (never experienced that) but from my college days, etc. And it was full of nostalgia for me when switching back to the 1980s chapters. A fun read.
Kristine
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
I really enjoyed this twisty literary mystery! I wasn’t a big fan of THE SILENT PATIENT (guessed the twist and found it so slow in the middle!), but this book had me engrossed the entire time! The Greek literature/gods reference was interesting since I don’t know a lot about them. And even if I didn’t like THE SILENT PATIENT much, I loved how Theo made an appearance in this book! Highly recommend!
Pauline
Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger
Great novel on so many levels. I learned about the Relocation Act which sent many Native Americans to cities, not a great idea. The tone and writing style is somehow relaxing to read, yet the story of coming-of-age Cork, his relationships with family and friends, the mystery of two deaths, strained relationships with native tribe members and newcomers are complex and well told. This is a prequel to the author's Cork series, which I intend to read.
JIll
Daughter of Moloka'i by Allen Brennert
Most book sequels don't live up to the hype of a successful author's debut title, but DAUGHTER OF MOLOKA'I was well worth the 15-year wait. This is the story of Ruth, Rachel's daughter that she gave up because of her leprosy. The book explores her growing up years, first, in an orphanage and later as a beloved daughter of her adoptive family. The crux of the story is her internment at Manzanar, the no-kill concentration camp in California during World War II. The author uses her experience there to discuss how horribly it affected Japanese Americans. Later, the story picks up where Ruth reunites with Rachel, her birth mother to a satisfying ending. He clearly did his research and Ruth, a richly, drawn character, made for a great read!!!!
Laura
The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh
This is a novel that takes place in the tidelands of India called the Sundarbans. It was a place I had never heard of and it was very interesting to learn about it through the characters n the book. There is an American scientist, a translator and a boatman who meet and end up working together in this very mysterious land.
Jill
Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes by Kathleen West
This story is an almost-satirically funny send up of how a helicopter mom's actions at her kids' high school one day affects her, her family, the students and the overworked teachers. Julia, said helicopter mom, embodies parental anxiety over their kids' futures to the point where she snaps and loses control. A parallel story unfolds of Isobel's, a liberal-leaning English teacher, struggle to enrich her curriculum and of how that leads to the point where she almost loses her job. Also, an anxiety-ridden new teacher launches a web page, a place for school parents to vent about their kids' educations, to better understand the school's culture. These story strands converge at a 5K run in which all is revealed. A satisfactory domestic drama.
Amy
Lightening Strike by William Kent Krueger
The first book I've read by William Kent Kruger, but it won't be the last. A prequel to his Cork O'Connor series. Written by a man about boys and men, how they interact and how they are influenced by the women around them. Cork O'Connor is the only child of local sheriff, Liam O'Connor, and his Objiwe wife. They live near the local reservation in Tamarack County, MN. Murders occur as does abuse. Cork and his friends get involved and help investigate the crimes. The book is set in the summer of 1963. Any child of a small town the 60s will relate to this story. Beautifully written, simple, yet deep and thought-provoking.I recommend it. Thank you Atria & Bookreporter.com for the ARC and the chance to read and review this book.
Gretchen
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
I listened to a audiobook and really enjoyed it. Narrated by Nan McNamara who did a great job. Liked that the book was set up so that stopping and restarting was very easy which make me able to read it while being interrupted often!
Helen
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Two best friends that travel together and then split up for several years. A last chance effort by Poppy brings her and Alex together again for one last trip. Funny, sweet, a great relaxing read!
Jane
The Lights of Luna Park by Addison Armstrong
I learned a lot about incubator babies. Althea was a nurse in the 1920s at Bellevue Hospital and met many women whose babies were premature. She found out about Luna Park and the incubator babies in an interesting way and kept her secret for a long time. This book alternates with Stella in the 1950s, who was a teacher at first and when her mother died, she started going through her things and found out a lot more about her life, not only her mother's but her own.
Cecile
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
THE READING LIST is a very special story! A book about books that changed the lives of two people and touched the lives of several. Mukesh and Aleisha meet in the library where she works. Two different generations brought together by a list of books. Heartwarming and beautifully written, I highly recommend it.
Tessa
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell
There’s so much going on here I hardly know where to start. There’s the mystery of Esme’s commitment to the mental institution, Iris’s mess of a love life, and the intrigue of Iris’s “brother, who is really no blood relation” Alex. I thought it was rather melodramatic as well as being disjointed. BUT… that ending – that wonderfully ambiguous and ethereal ending! Well, she got an extra half-star for that final scene.
Thomas
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
An excellent book. I really liked reading it.
Rosemary
Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian
In 1662 Boston, 24-year-old Mary Deerfield, a young barren wife, is married to a much older abusive man. When he sticks a fork through her hand she actually petitions for a divorce. The hearing is slanted against her and further charges are raised against her, including "witchcraft"! This book shows how prejudice against an intelligent and outspoken woman is nothing new. There are many similarities to modern-day treatment of woman today who "speak out", as well as being a well-written and well told story. Definitely worth the time to read!!
Amy
A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins
Gripping from the very beginning!
Susan
A Fire in the Night by Christopher Swann
I haven't read a book this fast in a long time. Nick is a professor living in the mountains of Carolina when his niece, a person he has never met, shows up after her parents died in a house fire. The fast pace of this book has everything. Questions: Why did the parents die they way they did, who is Nick really? I couldn't put it down read in a day and a half.
Trezeline
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
A very good book which covers history and a beautiful love story.
Debbie
The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich
THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE follows a community of native Americans struggling on Madeline Island by Lake Superior in 1847. A young girl, Omakayas, narrates the story in the same style as Laura Ingalls does in the House in the Woods series. Both girls relate the hardships and problems faced by individuals living in the wilderness where community provides aide and friendship. Both girls are young but are expected to complete specific tasks. What a difference between the 1840s and today for children. Starvation and smallpox massacre adults and children, but everyone remains optimistic. Early preparation eliminates hardship and death during the bitter winter months. Spring brings rebirth, happiness, and a sense of belonging.
Debbie
4:50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie
What a delight to read 4:50 FROM PADDINGTON by Agatha Christie! I loved the 1961 film version named "Murder, She Said" with Margaret Rutherford cast as Miss Marple. In the novel, an older Miss Marple sends the young and efficient Lucy Eyelesbarrow to Rutherford Hall to work as a cook and to locate a woman’s body that was thrown from a train. The film version with Margaret Rutherford, filmed in black and white, provides many laughs as an athletic Miss Marple searches for a body. As I read the novel, scenes of the film enhanced the story. As I raced through the book, hoping to find a different ending from the film I will not relate what I found. Both the book and the film give pleasure and excitement.
Emily
Unholy Murder by Lynda La Plante
When a coffin with the body of a young nun is dug up at a construction site of an historic convent, it opens a can of worms, which leads Detective Tennison and her team to unearth some really unholy and loathsome acts! The suspense of the case intensifies as Detective Tennison prowls her way in the investigation, determines to leave no stone unturned! I highly recommend this UNHOLY MURDER to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers - one won’t be disappointed!
Emily
Circe by Madeline Miller
I have heard so much about Greek mythology but haven’t actually read one, until CIRCE. I was instantly mesmerized by the intriguing bold story of the goddess and the beautiful prose by Madeline Miller! CIRCE has broadened my horizon on everything about Greek mythology and piqued my curiosity in such genre!
Emily
Rabbits by Terry Miles
I am not a gamer, neither have I listened to the Rabbits podcast, I nonetheless instantly gravitated to the mystery and intricate matrix of this sinister underground alternate reality game! Oftentimes, I’m chilled to the bone and my nerves are on edge constantly! With his unlimited imagination and his extraordinary gaming mind, Terry Miles has masterfully crafted this highly dangerous and extremely complicated techno-thriller RABBITS that will take one on a high-octane, twisty and heart-pounding ride!
Rose
A Thousand Doors by J. T. Ellison
When Mia Jensen's husband repeatedly stabs her and leaves her dying, she has a chance to see her life in retrospect. She also reviews all the possible paths her life could have taken if she had made different choices. This anthology, edited by J.T. Ellison, with contributing chapters from 15 additional authors is an interesting take to imagine, "What If?" I have read novels by many of the contributors, and have been introduced to several more to add to my list.
Jan
The Cold Way Home by Julia Keller
Julia Keller is a Pulitzer winner - previously a reporter. This series blows me away. I urge all readers who want a good read to go back to the first of the series and follow it. Bell, educated as an attorney, is the former public defender in her small Kentucky town. She has just returned home from several years in prison and I cannot write the reason - you have to read the series. She remains an honest woman and gathers the former sheriff and an injured deputy sheriff to form an investigative firm - in a dirt-poor mountain town. Will they ever have any business?? However, the three of them are good-natured people and they would take the jobs without pay. While searching for a missing woman, Bell finds a dead one. Another mystery.
Elizabeth
Better to Trust by Heather Frimmer
Family drama at its best. Many issues both personal and professional are within. If you are a fan of family drama and medical settings and issues, you will enjoy this book.
Julie
Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey
This is an enjoyable rom-com read.
Kimberley
Hazards of Time Travel by Joyce Carol Oates
Do not ask questions…Do not appear too smart…Do not challenge the “Government”. This dystopian novel describes a high school girl’s unfortunate punishment for her reckless inquisitive questions. She challenged and questioned the current state of the world. It is eye-opening and frightening. What if…?
Mariam
The Book Thief and A Tale of Two Cities by Markus Zusak and Charles Dickens
I truly enjoyed both of these novels, with THE BOOK THIEF having become my new favorite read of the year!
Lynnsey
Matrix by Lauren Groff
Would have rated one star higher, but the third, and final, part of the book was just not very interesting.
Elizabeth
The Stolen Lady by Laura Morelli
A do NOT miss read!! One woman is the person in the painting while the other woman is trying to save it. LOVED IT!!
Liz
The Book of V by Anna Solomon
This story is about three women living very different lives. Esther is living in ancient Persia, Vivian’s story is told in current times, she is trying to be the perfect political wife, and Lily's story takes place in 2016 as she is trying to manage her role as a second wife and mother. All three women’s stories have some similarities. It was hard getting into this book, but the middle picked up. However, the ending just fell flat.
Deb
The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear by Kate Moore
Why haven’t I ever heard of Elizabeth Packard – even in a college Women’s History class? Thank you, Kate Moore, for bringing this strong, smart, (definitely not insane) woman to our attention! Kate Moore, author of RADIUM GIRLS, did an incredible amount of research, using original sources, to bring Elizabeth’s important story to light. The prose is clear, if not always concise. Quotes used the more formal language of the 19th century, which may bother some readers. I don’t think this book is as emotional as RADIUM GIRLS, but I found myself rooting for Elizabeth, an American hero who deserves much more recognition.
Beth
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
What a clever book this is! Really, MAGPIE MURDERS is two books, a book within a book. And both books are MAGPIE MURDERS. The narrator of Anthony Horowitz's MAGPIE MURDERS, Susan Ryeland, describes her experience with the book within the book, MAGPIE MURDERS, written by the fictitious author Alan Conway. Ryeland is an editor for the publisher of Conway's books. MAGPIE MURDERS is the ninth in his series of who-done-its, and, although Ryeland dislikes Conway, she likes his who-done-its. Now we read what Ryeland reads, the MAGPIE MURDERS written by Conway. It feels like reading an Agatha Christie novel.
Sean
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
While it took me some time to become invested in this book, once I was, I was hooked. Towles tells a delightful story of Russian history through the eyes of an aristocrat with impeccable tastes and manners who is impossible not to like. Count Rostov is engaging and the type of lead character that you root for. His life is epic while insanely believable given where and when the story takes place. I was moved by his actions and the amazing supporting cast. As the book ended I wanted more and that's a sign of a good novel. Overall, a compelling piece of fiction.
Rose
When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of WHEN SPARKS FLY. This is a delightful romantic story of Avery Spark and her best friend, Declan. Since college, Avery and Declan have been best friends, so close that they purchased a condo together. However, their relationship is platonic. That is, until Avery has a date and heads out in a sexy black dress. Declan becomes jealous, although he won’t admit it, and makes a bad decision. That decision puts Avery in a situation where she is seriously hurt. Declan feels guilty and wants to do everything possible to help Avery heal. As they spend more and more time together, their feelings for each other grow. Their relationship advances until insecurity rears its ugly head.
Betty
The Inheritance by JoAnn Ross
I enjoyed the cast of characters and formed an emotional investment in them. However, the story itself could have used more development. While I liked the interaction of the sisters, the acceptance and forgiveness aspects of the story moved much too quickly. While classified as historical fiction, the story is actually a romance with a bit, a very little bit, of WWII history sprinkled in. After all, WWII stories are big sellers right now. I liked the grandmother but felt her story was “gimmicky.” Young French girl meets handsome American pilot. Helps him escape. They fall in love and live happily ever after. I recommend this book if you are looking for a romance, but not if looking for historical fiction.
Rose
The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer
One of the most amazing paintings in the world, the Mona Lisa, was stolen in 1911 by Vincenzo Peruggia. I was fortunate to see this painting at The Louvre in 1978, so I was interested in this historical fiction novel. Told in two timelines, 1911 vs present day, it follows art professor and great grandson of Peruggia, Luke Perrone as he tries to discover the story of the theft and what happened to the painting. Along the way, people Luke encounters end up dead. He also meets a beautiful woman, Alex, but is she helping out hurting him. The story speculates whether the real Mona Lisa hangs in The Louvre, or is it a forgery? Does a ruthless and unscrupulous art lover own the real painting?
Tessa
The Whole Cat and Caboodle by Sofie Ryan
Book # 1 in the Second Chance Cat Mystery series, featuring Sarah Grayson, proprietor of Second Chance, a consignment shop in North Harbor, Maine, and her rescue cat, Elvis. This is a cute cozy mystery with a decent premise and a wonderful cast of colorful supporting characters. I love that the crew of senior sleuths is christened “Charlie’s Angels” - with a nod to the movie, NOT the original TV series! I’ll keep reading this series.
Christine
The Dead Girl in 2A by Carter Wilson
This is a very good suspense novel. It involves four people with some kind of connection, but what is it? That question is difficult to answer because the characters are all experiencing differing degrees of memory loss. Little by little the memories return, and a decades-old murder is revealed, but who is responsible? This was a very well-written, thoroughly engrossing book that never ran out of steam.
Marsha
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
Two damaged children, Duchess and Robin live in a small town filled with guilt, grief, and intrigue. Chief of Police, Walker, works to make things right. But it might be too late. Hard to stop reading this tale with unforgettable characters that break your heart and then make you smile.
Emily
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
5 beautiful stars!! I was sucked into Lenni and Margot's stories. I cheered them on, felt their hurt and felt my heartstrings being pulled (which takes a lot in a book). This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time.
Alyssa
Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray
I read an ARC of this book. On its own, this wasn't the adventurous YA fantasy I was hoping for. The plot took a while to get anywhere, and didn't really deliver on the promise of the setting and plot. It's the first book in a trilogy, which might be why it took its time setting things up. I don't think I care enough to read the next in the series.
Tessa
Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan
This is a lovely YA/middle-school-grade novel with some important lessons about doing what is right, and honoring your parents and elders. Rachel is a worthy heroine; she’s intelligent, principled, compassionate and a hard worker. I love the way that she interacts with others and considers the possible effects of her words and actions before moving forward.
NICOLE
Educated by Tara Westover
I thought this was a powerful yet heartbreaking book that took the underdog and made you root for them all the way through. Very good story.
Margaret
The Turnout by Megan Abbott
I won a copy on Bookreporter.com & this is my honest review. This is a book about ballet dancing, management of the dance studio, & a whole lot more. There is a lot of suspense & much disturbing subject matter. I don't want to include what they are because of spoilers. Dara & Marie are sisters & Charlie is Dara's husband. The sisters' mother was a ballet teacher; they inherited the studio after their parents' death. Early on, Charlie was a foster child who lived with the family & was a dancer until injuries forced him to stop dancing & become the manager. These characters have very weird relationships that started in childhood. Enter Derek: he is a conniving contractor hired to repair the studio after a damaging fire. Suspenseful & creepy.
Jan
Nomadland by Jessica Bruder
I did not expect to like this book. I was wrong - this is a fantastic book, written by a reporter who went out and lived the life and had hundreds of contacts. So, it is well written. The focus of the book is on people who just had bad luck, did not plan well, could no longer endure the couch in a relative's home - in short, people who lost their houses and had to live. So they became mobile. There are numerous stories of people in various vehicles that move, most of them struggling for money to live. They buy food, or gas for the vehicle or repairs. All of these people are struggling - and they all live in the U.S. They are our relatives, our friends, our former neighbors. They work short term and long term at Amazon. I am ashamed.
Jan
Be Holding: A Poem by Ross Gay
This is an impressive book of poetry by a young black man. He speaks of his love of basketball and seeing lovely things that touch him. I have been reading it over since I got it. Ross Gay is a positive, happy person in our world, and there is nothing much to drag him down in this book. This is really one long poem with pages and pages of credits. Lastly he thanks his readers. He is generous in his love for life and has now published several books of poetry. The photograph on the cover is a typical mountain woman from Appalachia and a young boy. Common folk. That's what Gay's poetry is --- for common folks, yet elegant in presentation. I am not a poetry critic, but I know when I read something that I like. I like this book and this poem.
Elizabeth
Mujirushi: The Sign of Dreams by Naoki Urasawa
Naoki Urasawa is famous for epic manga series such as 20th Century Boys, but this stand-alone volume packs compelling characters, picturesque scenery, wry humor and touching family drama in a single volume.
