This contest period's winners were Betty C., Linda T. and Sean P., who each received a copy of THE DARK HOURS: A Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch Novel by Lee Child and Andrew Child and THE SENTENCE by Louise Erdich.
Marilyn
The Jew Store by Stella Suberman
This is a family memoir set an a small Tennessee town, consisting of one main street, one bank, one drugstore, you get the picture. But the Bronson family, immigrants from Russia, have moved from New York into this community. It is an intimate family picture illustrating a piece of American history and to the immigrant experience of countless Americans. I found it to be quite the charming account of the family as well as the citizens in the community.
Mamie
Mythos by Stephen Fry
A rollicking trip through mythology from its "big bang" to the proliferation of the gods. This was an audiobook and I recommend listening, rather than reading...too many gods, goddesses, nymphs, etc.to keep track of. By listening, you can better grasp the essence of the myths. So much fun!
Tessa
The Art Forger by Barbara A Shapiro
Claire Roth is an aspiring artist who is making a living (just) by painting reproductions of old masters. And then she’s approached with an opportunity she cannot resist. Set against the backdrop of the infamous art theft at the Isabella Stewart Garner Museum in Boston – still the largest unsolved art heist in history – this is a marvelously intricate story. My feelings about Claire kept changing as I learned more of her backstory. Still, I was engaged from beginning to end and Shapiro kept me turning pages to see what would happen next.
Rose
Only the Lucky by Linda Castillo
Novella featuring Kaye Burkholder, chief of police in Painters Mill, OH. In this short story, Alma and her friend, Irene, are heading to a party at an abandoned farm on Friday, the 13th. Kate and her team get wind of the party and go to check on things. While waiting for confirmation from the owner that the party-goers have permission to be on the property, a truck hits a pole and knocks out electricity to the town. Kate investigates but is called back to the farm by Alma’s boyfriend, Aden, who has allegedly found Alma unconscious and bodies on the barn floor. I found this short story to be very obvious as to the suspect and the motive related to the crime. Still, a quick read and short view into the daily life of a small town cop.
Rose
In Dark Company by Linda Castillo
A woman is being chased through a cornfield. When she escapes from her pursuer, she can’t remember her name or who was chasing her. Kate is contacted and tries to help the woman discover who she is and why she is in Painters Mill, as her clothing is not of the Amish sect there.
When they discover her identity, there is some sinister reason the woman was running. Kate is put into a precarious position. Good novella about Kate Burkholder.
Rose
In Plain Sight by Linda Castillo
An Amish boy is dating an English girl, and someone isn’t happy about it. When he gets run down by a car, Kate is called in to investigate. She uncovers a sinister group called the Savages.
Another solid novella about Kate Burkholder.
Rose
A Simple Murder by Linda Castillo
Compilation of 6 Kate Burkholder short stories. These novellas are quick snippets of investigations that Kate is researching, or they provide an insight into her Amish history and how now, as an English (non-Amish) she interacts with the Amish.
Dorothy
Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda
This book started out very slow and I almost stopped reading it. Once a little action started it became very good and hard to put down.
Jeanne
Murder By Page One by Olivia Matthews
MURDER BY PAGE ONE by Olivia Matthews is the first novel in the Peach Coast Library Mystery series. I was intrigued and captivated by the storyline from page one all the way to the end. It is a cozy mystery that is full of twists and turns and surprises as I constantly tried to figure out who the murderer was. Without writing a synopsis and giving away any spoilers, the book is well written and full of suspense. The author did a good job in carefully creating the characters who were charming, relatable and likable. I am ready for a Book 2 in this new series!
Jeanne
The Jailhouse Lawyer by James Patterson and Nancy Allen
THE JAILHOUSE LAWYER by James Patterson and Nancy Allen is an outstanding legal thriller that consists of two novels, "The Jailhouse Lawyer" and "Power of Attorney". Each storyline captivated me from the very beginning with the constant twists and turns as you read about a terrifying psychopathic judge in "The Jailhouse Lawyer" and then a young girl who is continuously brutally assaulted by her guardians. Without giving a synopsis and any spoilers away, the plot in each storyline was not only gripping; it was bone chilling, intense and both were very powerful reads that kept me riveted on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Both stories are definitely favorites of Mr. Patterson’s recent books that I’ve read.
Jeanne
Santa Cruise by Fern Michaels
SANTA CRUISE by Fern Michaels is a fun, easy to read Christmas novel about four high school friends who reunite at their high school reunion. Each is dissatisfied with their live and make a pact if each of them is not in a relationship by Thanksgiving, they will go on a holiday singles cruise to try and meet the man of their dreams. Fern Michaels is a talented author and I found this book well written and entertaining.
Pat
The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
Really enjoyed this tale of a gentleman who gathers lost things and writes a story about them.
Ann Marie
The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig
This book had me on the edge of my seat. It was pretty creepy but had a great message to it, that love can overcome all, even evil!
Ann Marie
The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
I thought this book was extraordinary and scary. I loved it. It was masterfully told and the twists kept coming.
Ann Marie
The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Definitely one of the best of Alice Hoffman's books on magic. A very clever book. Highly recommend!
Beth
Have You Seen Luis Velez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde
One of my favorite reads all year. Such a heartfelt story between seventeen-year-old Raymond and ninety-two-year-old Millie in a friendship, the like of which many of us dream. A must-read.
Alice
The Windsor Knot by S. J. Bennett
Great first in a series with a wonderful look at Queen Elizabeth and castle life.
Anne Marie
The Hellfire Club by Jake Tapper
Rather than a historical book, where the story comes first and the history is added, this seems more like a history book with the story being incidental. The characters simply don't appeal to me.
Cindi
The Complicated Heart by Sarah Mae
Forgiveness and light take the place of dysfunction in this creative book.
Joan
Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson
I learned so much about the logging industry from this book and its well-defined characters. I’ve never been to this part of the country, but the descriptions were so vivid I could really picture the setting. Many layers to this book that are so intertwined. A very satisfying read!
Susan
State of Terror by Louise Penny and Hillary Clinton
I was sure that all the hype was overboard, but I found myself contemplating skipping going into my office and reading instead. This all-too-realistic drama of what can go wrong when a self-serving former President releases a terrorist who is to stay under house arrest was a nail-biter for sure. Penny's deft hand at chapter cliff-hangers and Clinton's insider's knowledge worked beautifully together to create a thrilling read.
Elizabeth
All Her Little Secrets by Wanda Morris
An attorney running away from a murder scene? What was Ellie thinking? Many people to not trust and lots of things kept under wraps in this tense mystery.
Gayle
If All the Seas Were Ink by Ilana Kurshan
This was a read-worthy memoir by a woman working through her divorce to ultimately find a life of fulfillment and joy.
Ronald
Fan Fiction by Brent Spiner
FAN FICTION by Brent Spiner is a strange, comic mix of fact and fiction. It is Brent’s homage to his well-meaning fans as well as a slap at the fanatics. This wild ride reads like a book written by data on overload. Well, perhaps it was. Brent blends facts and fiction as many of his fans. This madcap trip provides a satisfying glimpse into the darker side of Hollywood stardom through the eyes of young man who seems to lose control of his own life and takes on the role of a fictional character for his millions of fans. This quizzical, thoroughly enjoyable romp was provided by St. Martin’s Press for review.
June
State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny
I love political thrillers and this is one of the best!
Trude
Three Sisters by Heather Morris
For anyone who reads WWII fiction this book is a must-read! It is the third in the loosely connected TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ trilogy. This book is about three Slovakian sisters, their survival of Auschwitz/Birkenau and their ultimate story of survival and triumph by living through the Death March and building a new life in Israel. Based on actual people and events, Ms. Morris' research is extensive. The notes at the ends of these books are as fascinating as the stories. THREE SISTERS also includes letters from family members!
Lori
The Kite Runner by Kaled Hosseini
Well written, interesting plot.
Tina
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
I absolutely loved this book. The writing was outstanding. Don't miss this one!
Linda
Three Sisters by Heather Morris
An historical novel based on the remarkable true story of three Jewish sisters who promise their father that they will stay together no matter what. They end up united in a Nazi concentration camp during WWII. Inspirational is an understatement!
Rachel
Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen
I loved this book! Very fun and easy read with complex relationships and friendships encompassing several generations. I loved how the author included relevant social issues in a modern and relatable way. The characters dealt with real life problems and just like in real life, new problems don’t wait for the last one to resolve. A story of loving others and learning to love yourself unconditionally.
Joy
The Hunger of Crows by Richard Chiappone
A mystery set in Alaska that defines the region though the characters we meet. It is one of those books that after you finish a chapter, you have to quickly read the next chapter to see what happens. Is interesting as to how it got this title. A look into the lives of ordinary people and how events shape them. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut and his writing.
Myrna
Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley
This is a very delightful book. I think it would be perfect to read aloud to the entire family. Children would enjoy it as well as adults.
Elizabeth
Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara
This is the story of a young Japanese American woman whose family is forced from their home in LA during WWII. After spending time in an internment camp, her sister Rose is sent to Chicago ahead of the rest of the family. Rose dies after falling onto the El tracks shortly before the rest of her family joins her in Chicago. The death is ruled a suicide but sister Aki doesn't believe it and sets out to investigate what happened to her sister. The premise of this story is intriguing. I'm from Chicago but did not know how many Japanese were sent here during WWII. And the mystery of Rose's death added another interesting element. But I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I just did not like the author's writing style.
Thomas
A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins
A very good book. I really liked this book.
Carolann
A Comedy of Terrors by Lindsey Davis
Ms. Davis has done the research on life in early Rome. Her first 25 or so books were about the informer (detective) Falco. The new books are about Falco’s adopted daughter Flavia Alba, and her cases as an informer. All the books have maps of Rome. I have learned about the food they eat, how the water flows, how they bathe, how they dress, how the Senate works. I really enjoy these books by Ms. Davis.
Henry
The Titanic Secret by Clive Cussler
I always find his novels enjoyable, although sometimes far-fetched. His linking of his characters of Issac Bell and Dirk Pitt, separated by decades, was an interesting twist.
Kristen
Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
I really enjoyed the rhythm of this novel and learning the ins and outs of Harlem in the 60s.
Elizabeth
The Second Marriage by Jess Ryder
Ohhhh so good...don't miss this one that has an ending you will love. I know you will enjoy.
Rose
Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler
Four friends, Leland, Henry, Ronny, and Kip, grow up in Little Wing, WI, and this story follows them as they become adults, get married, have families, and live their lives. Divorces, fights, joys, sorrows. Lee is a famous musician, Henry a farmer and part-time painter, Ronny a drunk, Kip owner of the town mill event space. Lee is in love with Beth, Henry’s wife, and longs for her all of his life. It causes a rift between Lee and Henry. I enjoyed this story about these friends and their heartaches and how their friendship changed in this small town.
Jan
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner
Save your time and money. This is a boring book. It a random travelogue about several places that the author visited. He has written a lot of stuff, mostly about his travels and who he meets. Weiner claims he is looking for the area/place that has the most bliss, but he really just travels to places that have an institute or study lab or some loose coordination about bliss. He is really talking about happiness and that has been measured for decades, maybe centuries. This would not hold us for a senior thesis/term paper. He likes to describe the people he meets and his activities (eating, being in a lab or office, or walking) with them. At the end, he says that he is not quite happy yet. Big deal. Save your time.
Mamie
The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe
Well-researched story about Madeline Astor and the Titanic.
Jan
Count the Ways by Joyce Maynard
There are differing reports on whether the book is fiction or her autobiography. It is a book about a family, with children, the mother bought the farm, makes the money to feed and support the entire family. The father is a good old boy who does what he wants, when he wants. The only thing he contributes to the family is the enjoyment of the children. He is never the "bad" guy - the mother is. After he tells her he does not love her and loves the 16 year old babysitter, she leaves. She is a good mother but seems to always come up as the bad guy. The father causes something terrible in the family but no one blames him. The mother is not very gutsy but she urges her friend to leave her abusive husband. Much family stuff to discuss in clubs.
Rose
Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Historical fiction set in 1971 Mexico. When a neighbor asks her to watch her cat, Maite, a comic book lover, agrees, but plans to take a few items from the apartment as part of her payment. Then her neighbor, Leonora, disappears, and people come looking for her and some photos Leonora hid. Maite can’t find them and her involvement with her neighbor brings her danger. She meets Elvis who is a thug, and he is also searching for Leonora. I really wasn’t interested in the story, it was just okay. However, if you are interested in the corruption of Mexico in the 1970s, you might enjoy this.
Clare
The Last Graduate and A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
These two titles comprise vols 1 and 2 of Novik's trilogy, set in the wizard world of magic as the protagonist Galadriel learns that she does not need to right the injustices inside and outside the wizard school all by herself. Gathering a team of trustworthy allies and friends, Galadriel works out her plan to end injustice within the wizard world by starting at the source of where inequality begins: the school --the Scholomance-- itself. These books are complete page turners! Compelling, funny as all get out, lead by a protagonist as grumpy as she is brilliant, Novik uses the fantasy genre not simply to entertain readers but to examine the roots of inequality in our societies through the context of education. Novik is just brilliant.
Gwen
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Nella is the only Black employee at Wagner Books. Things seem to be on the upswing when another Black employee joins, but then anonymous notes start to appear on her desk, encouraging her to leave Wagner before it's too late. All is not at is seems, and the other Black girl may be part of the problem. I was with Nella until fairly close to the end when she seems to cave. Is this tongue-in-cheek? Are white men really controlling everyone, including Black women? Should we worry about our haircare products?
Sheila
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
This was a stunning read, an immense tale that connects five characters over hundreds of years through their relationship to a single book. I regretted listening to it (although the narrators were wonderful), rather than reading in hard copy, as I often wanted to flip back to check a reference or to remind myself of a character. In the end, I let myself trust the author...and I'm so glad I did.
Dennis
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
I enjoyed this book, even with a few comments about it. The beginning was tedious with what I thought had way too many irrelevant details. The plot was something I am sure has happened before, but never admitted to by its author. About halfway through, I anticipated the ending and was sure I was right as the book proceeded. The characters were interesting yet not particularly likeable. I gave it four stars for “the plot” of the story.
Jayne
Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill
Having read several books set in this time period, I didn't expect to learn more but this book was a wealth of facts in a fiction format. Narrated by Aminata, the book tells her story from the day she is kidnapped at eleven years old. Fascinating yet horrific, too. The novel is long but I couldn't put it down.
Deborah
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
Interesting premise, choppy writing.
Judy
Better Off Dead by Lee Child and Andrew Child
Really enjoyed the book; I am a big Lee Child fan so was probably prejudiced even before I started the book. It did, however, live up to my expectations.
Connie
What Could Be Saved by Liese O'Halloran Schwarz
A long-lost brother seems to appear on the scene for two sisters. They have different opinions about whether it is their brother or not.
John
Blackout by Alex Segura
P.I. Pete researches a religious cult and finds fascinating clues that might solve a murder.
Wendy
The Very Marrow of Our Bones by Christine Higdon
Although this book came out in 2018 I didn't hear about it until 2020. And it's such a great book that I don't understand why it didn't get more publicity when it came out. It starts in 1967 when a mother of five leaves her house one morning and is never heard from again. Confounding her disappearance is the disappearance of another woman from the same neighborhood on the same day. Did they both fall victim to a homicidal maniac? Did they run away together? For the people left behind, but especially the only daughter, the disappearances cause long-lasting trauma. But 40 years later the people left behind form a close-knit group that supports everyone.
Rose
Awful Reckoning by John M. Vermillion
Cade Chase is back with another mission, this time to help his friend whose college-age daughter was kidnapped by antifa. This is a military style thriller, and if you enjoy the intrigue of military thrillers you would enjoy this. There is a lot about tactical operations as Cade and his team try to recover the young woman. In my opinion, this could be improved by tightening up the narrative and laying off the heavy-handed political commentary. This is very heavily slanted in that direction, which didn’t appeal to me at all. I also think that the ending seemed a bit abrupt.
Again, for those who enjoy military thrillers with vigilante justice, this is perfect for you.
Rose
Get Rich or Get Lucky by Max Nowaz
Adam is in over his head. He is trying to renovate a house but he is running out of time before his loans are due. When he can’t pay a contractor a high rate he tackles some of the work himself. In doing so, he discovers a brick wall hiding a basement entrance, and in the basement a magic book of spells. When he tells his friends Charlie and Dick about the book, he inadvertently turns Dick into a crayfish. With Dick out of the picture, he starts an affair with Dick’s wife. Then he moved onto another married woman, Vera, as well as others. Some of the people he encounters are after the magic book. He spends time at the Three Witches pub, rumored to be named after the three witches that lived in the house he is renovating.
Francisca
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
What a delight to listen to this again. Having done so previously, and also having watched the PBS miniseries, I have an even greater appreciation for Austen's send-up of gothic novels. It's just a charming story and so well told! And, of course, we have a romantic HEA ending! What's not to like?
Vicki
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Very different from A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW but a good read. Great characters.
Rebecca
The Witch Elm by Tana French
I love these Tana French stories set in Ireland. This is a stand-alone mystery that does not disappoint.
Rose
Betrayal at the Border by Mark M. Bello
BETRAYAL AT THE BORDER is the latest Zachary Blake novel and is very timely. It is focused on the issue of immigration and how 45’s administration (without naming him) targeted families of Latino and Muslim descent. It follows a Venezuelan couple who overstayed their visas who have American citizen children, and an American citizen of Syrian descent and her harrowing kidnapping by terrorists in Syria. Blake takes on both of these families as clients and fights for citizenship rights in both cases. What a sad period in American history that anyone is treated without respect due to ignorance and racial bias. We need serious immigration reform, and this novel focuses a spotlight on the issue.
Suzanne
The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel
Hidden in the woods till she was 22, Yona has learned to survive even when the Germans invade. She becomes the teacher to others so they can survive after escaping the Getto. Learning all about surviving on the plants to eat and heal plus how to evade enemies. I enjoyed this book and all the knowledge that Harmel gave us.
Laura
Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie
Dark and sad story. I finished as it is a book club book. If not, I would have put it down. I personally have a problem with repetition of slang. Yes, it makes a point but unnecessary. The story didn't grab me as the characters seem undeveloped. The supernatural references were undeveloped.
Sue Em
On Animals by Susan Orleans
First and foremost, Susan Orleans is an incredible writer and an Indefatigable researcher. Her THE LIBRARY BOOK was simply riveting. This book collected her articles published over the years that focused on animals combined with ones about her personal experiences as an animal lover and caretaker of chickens, guinea hens, turkeys along with dogs and cats. Wide-ranging from rabbits to panda bears to donkeys to the lion whisperer to a taxidermy convention, each article is personal and jam-packed with fascinating facts and tales. Highly recommended!
Helen
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
Fascinating story involving three heroines, going between Victorian England and present time. This historical fiction is a tale of poisons and elixirs and many plot twists. A great book club read.
Kimberley
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
Don’t let the title deceive you. This is not a manual but rather a lovely contemporary novel following a young female firefighter. She struggles with acceptance at the Station, her broken family and friendships. It does deal with the day-to-day struggles of firefighters. These heroes have their own lives outside of the station.
Michelle
Going There by Katie Couric
Just when I thought I couldn’t admire you more, Katie, you did what you always do, you went a step further. You had me at the title, GOING THERE. And wowzers, did you ever. What a brave, honest treasure that you have captured for your girls. I have to think Jay would be proud of you. Thanks for showing ladies of all ages (including us working moms) that it’s okay to have moxie, it’s okay to be emotional and that it can be used in a positive way, to never stop going after what you want, to be self-reflective, that it’s okay to not always be perfect, and that women can be spunky and hardworking and not have to tolerate a sexist environment, ever. Thanks for Going There and bringing us along for the ride.
Trezeline
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
A very good and informative book.
Mary Ann
The Wish by Nicholas Sparks
I read this book in two days -- loved it!!!
Laura
Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce
One of my favorites in recent years. A wonderful story of two unusual women who have a great adventure.
Marsha
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
A definite page-turner. Hannah struggles to find her vanished husband and fulfill his request to protect his daughter. She slowly discovers nothing she believed about her husband is true and he has several reasons to stay hidden. The ending may disappoint some, but it is the logical conclusion.
Marsha
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
I expected much sadness in this book, but I was pleased how the author brought the story to its end. I usually avoid these types of books that are no substitute for the Bible. If you want some fiction to add to your view of God, this does it.
Lea
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
I loved the storyline, the writers style and I didn't want to put it down.
Jean
Defending Britta Stein by Ronald H. Balson
Excellent!!! When Britta reads in the newspaper that a man she knows was a collaborator in WWII is going to be honored by the Chicago Danish-American Association, she starts leaving graffiti on his restaurant walls. Eventually she is arrested and the tale comes out in the trial of what really happened in their Denmark town. Well written. It is so well done, it could be a true story...but it's a novel.
Jan
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
This book was painful for me to read - it demonstrated the inherent racism that exists in this country. We make decisions about people based on their language, the shape of their eyes, the color of their skin and that is so wrong. It may be why we have so many troubles in the U.S. today. Fortunately for me, I lived in Korea in the 1970s as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I had people spit in my food, threaten me when we were on a fast train to the south, knock me down in the snow while waiting for a taxi. I even had an old lady pull my hair when I was on a country bus. It hurt, I yelled, the bus girl came running and sorted it out, moved the old lady away from me. This book shows the racism that exists for oriental people. Painful.
Rose
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
What a beautifully-written and wonderful story!! Odie O’Banion and his brother Albert are students at an “Indian school”, the only white children in the school. They were put there after their parents die. The superintendent of the school, Thelma Brickman, is evil, called the Black Witch. When one of their kindly teachers dies, Odie, Albert, their friend Mose, and the teacher’s young daughter, Emmy, all run away. This story is the tale of their adventure in 1932, as the Depression is changing the lives of Americans. The group of four, called the Vagabonds, face many hardships, meet all sorts of characters, all in the hopes of finding home. I absolutely loved this story. Read it!!
Tessa
A True Cowboy Christmas by Caitlin Crews
I was surprised by how entertaining I found this, despite some totally ridiculous dialogue. I thought the miscommunication between Abby and Gray was belabored. Would have liked to see a more gradual coming-to-agreement, meeting-of-the-minds story arc rather than the abrupt “Come to Jesus (i.e. Christmas)” turnaround. But hey, it’s a cowboy Christmas romance, so it’s okay. And I did like looking at that cover...
Beth
An Obvious Fact by Craig Johnson
AN OBVIOUS FACT is the twelfth book in the series about Wyoming Sheriff Walt Longmire. I have read other books in the series and have enjoyed them, as I enjoyed the TV series on AMC (now on Netflix). This book, though, is both good and not so much. Craig Johnson writes very good dialogue and includes lots of interesting trivia. Also, In AN OBVIOUS FACT, a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle plays a part. I used to edit MRAP manuals for the army. However, Johnson seems to try a little too hard to make Vic, Longmire's undersheriff, both tough and feminine and expert at everything she does. She comes across as unreal. And all the bad guys are also caricatures. Therefore, the book was a sleeper.
Linda
Gate 76 by Andrew Diamond
Freddy Ferguson locks eyes with a woman standing in the airport security line. She is terrified but later boards a plane bound for Hawaii. Minutes later, he watches as she runs out of the plane and to a restroom. She changes her appearance and emerges to board a plane for Chicago. Wondering what is going on, he hears the news that the plane bound for Hawaii blew up and everyone was killed. Freddy is an investigator working with the airline to find out what happened and who was responsible. He knew the woman he saw was involved somehow and learns her name is Anna Brook. He was just supposed to check on backgrounds of passengers but finds himself getting involved in the actual investigation going from corrupt police to the governor’s office.
Linda
The Stolen Sisters by Louise Jensen
The Sinclair sisters were abducted and the news made headlines around the world. When the girls escaped, it became a media circus. Although stories were given out, the truth was kept silent. The abduction and later hiding from the two men until they could escape affected the girls their whole life. The oldest kept blaming herself even though she was eleven at the time while her twin sisters were eight. One of the twins kept telling her sisters to pretend it was a game and not act scared. The truth came out and the girls went from being pitied to being made fun of.
Linda
The Spires by Kate Moretti
Five college friends decided to take a year off and rent a renovated church. They called themselves the Spires. Willa was the life of the party, Jack was the charmer, Flynn was reserved, Bree was the gardener, and Penelope was the silent one. They all got along until Jack brought a girlfriend into their midst. Grace did not fit in and was killed in a fire at the old building. Penelope and Grace were arguing when the fire broke out and Bree led Penelope to safety but locked Grace in. Of the five, Bree was killed, Flynn imprisoned, and Jack cannot be found. Now Willa is trying to drive Penelope crazy. Why?
Linda
All I Want From Santa by Lisa Jackson
Hank Walsh was the love of Veronica’s life and when he was killed she thought her life was ended, too. It’s just been Ronni and Amy, her four-year-old who was only a baby when Hank died. Amy tells the mall Santa that she wants a puppy and a new daddy for Christmas. Travis Keegan and his son Bryan moved into the old Johnson mansion. He is stunned by his attraction to their new neighbor Ronni. Amy asks Ronni if Travis would be a good dad. But Bryan is not ready for a stepmother and shows it. It takes a near catastrophe for Bryan to change his mind.
Linda
Barefoot Season by Susan Mallery
Michelle Sanderson was left the Blackberry Inn by her father. When he betrayed his family, she had to get away and joined the Army. Now she is coming home to the inn that has been run by her former friend Carly Williams ever since Michelle’s mother died. She and Carly had been best friends until Michelle’s father left with Carly’s mother and both families were devastated. Working together at the inn brings them closer together until they realize they have to lean on each other to make the inn a success.
Linda
A Night of Living Dangerously by Jennie Lucas
One of the worst days in her life ended up as one of the best. She went from being ignored as the dowdy file clerk to being the belle of the ball on the arm of a real-life prince. Lilley Smith works for Prince Alessandro Caetani and accepts his invitation to the ball. He tells her he will not call or see her again but as the evening wears on, he knows he’s only fooling himself. They go to his home in Sonoma and spend a weekend there but he’s gone on Monday morning before she wakes up. She hears nothing from him but soon learns she has news for him. He’s going to be a father, but how will he take it?
Becky
When Ghosts Come Home by Wiley Cash
Cash lives up to his early promise and surpasses A LAND MORE KIND THAN HOME in this family oriented, murder mystery, plane crash, racial tension, political story. That sounds like a lot, but Cash expertly guides the reader through this complicated, but easy to follow, tale right through to its explosive conclusion. Winston Barnes, a small-town Southern sheriff, discovers a too large plane crashed at the local airport along with the murdered body of a local, young Black man. Complications abound with the upcoming sheriff’s election, a grief-stricken daughter suddenly landing on his doorstep, a conniving developer who is also his political opponent, and now, a resurgence of Klan-type bedeviling of the Black community.
Francisca
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
Evaristo’s collection of short stories earned her the 2019 Booker Prize, the first black woman to be so honored. As the title implies, the stories all focus on women and girls from childhood to old age and are primarily set in current-day Britain. The book features wide variety of unforgettable characters that fairly leap off the page, and the stories are loosely interconnected. I can hardly wait for my F2F book club discussion!
Liz
Santa Cruise by Fern Michaels
Four friends from Ridgewood, NJ reconnect at their 15 year high school reunion. They decide if any of them do not have a date for New Year’s Eve they will all go on a singles cruise. They board the ship ready for fun and adventure and perhaps a little romance. This book read like a Hallmark movie. It is a very light and predictable story.
Laura
All the Children Are Home by Pantry Francis
Very well written. I finished in three days. I really like that it was true-to-life. The end wasn't all tied up in a pretty bow. Life is hard and somethings don't get resolved and somethings do end. I do want to know what happened to Jon. Did Jimmy get out of jail and accept his new baby? But, as is life, we may never know.
Betty Jo
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
Nice story which includes bullying, Catholic school and a misfit group of friends who grow up to live productive lives.
Linda
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
The layers of inter-connectedness that the author slowly peeled away were fascinating and sometimes heart-wrenching.
Jeanne
State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny
STATE OF TERROR by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny is an action-packed political thriller. I wanted to read this book because Louise Penny is a very talented author and
a favorite author of mine; plus it is the first book I’ve read by Mrs. Clinton. Without writing a synopsis or giving away any spoilers, this book was well written, intense and I think readers will pick up on certain political jabs. The plot was interesting, full of twists and turns as well as surprises. In my opinion, the authors make a good team and I’d like to see them write together again.
Jeanne
The Duchess by Wendy Holden
THE DUCHESS by Wendy Holden was, in my opinion, a well-written historical fiction novel that provides a different perspective and glimpse into the life and person Wallis Simpson really was, apart from being the woman that captivated and won the love and heart of the King of England. I was immediately drawn into this storyline from the get-go and, in my opinion, the author knocked it out of the park and is to be commended for her excellent writing, research, and the way she masterfully wove fact and fiction into the story that rocked not only Great Britain, but the entire world when the king abdicated his throne to marry the woman he loved.
Sheila
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff
Excellent telling of a real-life chain of events that changed two lives, and the lives of those that followed theirs.
Jeanie
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
A good suspense novel that had lots of twists. It wasn’t predictable. If you’re someone who enjoys suspense, this one is hard to put down.
Paula
Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger
Fast-paced and rich with intrigue. Loved the suspense throughout the story and the character development. Good and bad characters both had flaws so it was difficult to take sides with any of them. Looking forward to reading more from this author. This was my first foray into anything she’s written.
Margie
Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B. Ross
Quick read, interesting story. Witty and charming.
Connie
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Great and easy read. However, both times I read this book I felt like I had to go back and read it again!! It really plays with your mind. Would love to hear a psychologist's impression of the book. Great book for book club discussions!
Jeffrey
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
I liked this novel very much. The characters are well drawn, the story has a lot of drive (so to speak), and the book fairly flies by. It’s a wonderful indication that Mr. Towles was not a one-hit wonder. But, perhaps unfortunately for him, all of his work will inevitably be measured against A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW, and that is a very high bar indeed.
Kathy
The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
A story about a Polish family in South Carolina who run a gas station. When all the able-bodied young men leave to fight in WWII, the girls take over and ultimately learn to fly thanks to a handsome barnstormer who enters their lives. Historically accurate in relation to the Women's Air Corp, who ferried planes all over the country during the war. Also woven into the story a family from Georgia and a matriarch who is a true Southern belle. The three sisters are based on the true life story of some of these early women pilots. In true Fannie Flagg fashion, you will not be disappointed. Lovely book told by a master storyteller. Highly recommend.
Cynthia
Sleigh Bells Ring by RaeAnne Thayne
A wonderful Christmas story. A second chance romance. Annie and Tate met as children at Angel’s View. A lot has happened with their families since but by chance they are back to help run the ranch and meet up again. Loved this story.
Linda
Billy Summers by Stephen King
This is not a typical King book. It’s not a horror story. It’s about a hit man doing one last job. No one writes like Stephen King - it is so good and so well written. I could not put this down! A must-read!
Christine
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The book story is very nice and romantic and adventurous.
Sheree
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
When the story kept going from old to modern I didn't think I was going to like it, but then when I got into the story I really enjoyed it.
Lori
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Interesting read about a character who is able to take a deep dive into the "what ifs" in her life.
Michelle
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede
Very sweet stories of how the people of Gander, Newfoundland came together and cared for the thousands of travelers from 38 jetliners who were forced to land after the airspace was closed on September 11, 2001. Simply told, very quick read.
Debbie
The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman
Viola Shipman does it again. This is a book about second chances, learning to live life fully and without regret, learning to love again, embracing your past -- both good and bad -- and the power of family and being who you are. I especially enjoyed this book, as I did THE CLOVER GIRLS because the protagonist is a mature woman -- 50 -- to whom I can relate (although I am old enough to be her mother). It speaks to the heart of what it means to live life to the fullest, while recognizing and accepting the mistakes who have made and the regrets you inevitably have in a life lived fully.
Dennis
Better Off Dead by Lee Child and Andrew Child
I have read and enjoyed all the Jack Reacher books. However, this one lacks the creativity of the previous ones. Also, the ending happened so quickly, I had to go back to make sure I did not miss something. I was disappointed to say the least.
Wendy
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
I have started the Gamache series and am loving them. She writes vividly about Quebec, creating the desire to visit the places she describes. I am on my 6th book and looking forward to the rest.
Elizabeth
Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara
This is the story of a young Japanese American woman whose family is forced from their home in LA during WWII. After spending time in an internment camp, her sister Rose is sent to Chicago ahead of the rest of the family. Rose dies after falling onto the El tracks shortly before the rest of her family joins her in Chicago. The death is ruled a suicide but sister Aki doesn't believe it and sets out to investigate what happened to her sister. The premise of this story is intriguing. I'm from Chicago but did not know how many Japanese were sent here during WWII. And the mystery of Rose's death added another interesting element. But I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I just did not like the author's writing style.
Wendy
The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly
Historical and contemporary fiction centered on a large estate garden in rural Warwickshire in England. There are three timelines: early 1900s, World War II and 2021. Three women (actually more than three which does present some problems in remembering who is who) each shape and are shaped by the garden. I've visited a number of fabulous gardens in the UK so I really enjoyed the parts about garden design and choice of plants. I also thought the characters were well written. I thought it was a little strange that the 2021 plot line didn't mention the pandemic though.
Linda
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
There have been some negative reviews of this book. However, I thought this book was well written and very topical. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in what is happening in Mexico these days.
Betty
The Woman in the Water by Charles Finch
One of the three prequels to the Charles Lenox series, it is a fine example of historical fiction. Charles Finch has given the Victorian era life with remarkable detail and a great character in Charles Lenox. I've enjoyed every book in the series and wait for more.
Jamie
Infinite Country by Patricia Engel
The story of Elena and Mauro who have a baby in Columbia and decide to travel to America on a work visa. They find living in America difficult, but more difficult when their visas expire and they have another baby. Mauro finds it difficult to also stay ahead of ICE, finding decent places to live, and finding work. Then Elena is pregnant again and Mauro begins drinking. Then there is a fight when Mauro is shortchanged money owed him. The police are called, he ends in immigration detention, and Elena and the children are kicked out of their place. Mauro is sent back to Columbia, where his drinking continues. Friends tell Elena to send the baby back to Columbia for her mother to raise. 15 yrs later Talia is headed back to USA.
Joy
The Hunger of Crows by Richard Chiappone
This is a book for mystery lovers. It has memorable characters that a reader supports while they meet the challenges in their daily lives. It takes place in Alaska and the description of that country and its culture is vivid. Interesting how the book got its title. A good book in my estimation is one that stays with you after you finish reading it. This one did. I look forward to reading the next book by this author.
Sharon
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty
Fun read with loveable characters.
Thomas
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towler
I found it too long and confusing with all the side stories.
Norma
Lightening Strike by William Kent Krueger
1963: Young Cork experiences a fateful summer. His father has just been elected sheriff of a small town in the lake district of NE Minnesota. When he and his friend come across the body of an iconic man hanging from a tree at an abandoned logging camp, they set out to discover ‘crumbs’ of evidence to look for answers. Willian Kent Krueger is an excellent storyteller with wonderful readability without all the extraneous vocabulary and language. This one’s descriptions of the Minnesota Boundary Waters, the Iron Lake Northwoods, and the customs and biases surrounding the Ojibwe People just flowed from one page to another. This newly released novel is actually #18 in the Cork O’Connor series.
Susan
The Shadows by Alex North
Very different that I thought. While it is a mystery, it reminds of a Stephen King book.
Patricia
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
This brilliantly-written book started out slowly and at first did not capture my attention. But, as the author fleshed out the characters, the setting, and the time period in which the book was set (1937 during FDR's time in office), it became more and more engrossing. Especially interesting and at the heart of the story is the place of women at that time and place. The characters were truly brave and determined to carry out mission of delivering books to mountain people in Kentucky. The end was so moving and it left me sobbing and deeply reflecting on the story.
Linda
Forever Young by Hayley Mills
The early years story as told in her own words by one of my favorite actresses. An interesting read, she touches on all of her early and independent movies as well as her well known Disney movies. I would have liked a little more about each movie, but it was enough to make me want to go back and watch them all again! Honest about the good times and bad and mistakes made by both her and her parents concerning her career and early childhood earnings. An easy and fun read!
Rose
Iris & Lily: Book Two by Angela and Julie Scipioni
Book Two follows Iris and Lily through their weddings and the first 10 years of their marriages. Iris marries an Italian doctor, Gregorio, and lives in Italy. Lily marries Joe, a salesman, and lives in upstate NY near their childhood home. Neither sister is happy or fulfilled in their marriage, both have trouble getting pregnant, and both turn to others for love. Gregorio, while generous, is controlling, Joe is a gambler and abusive. Not great.
Rose
Iris & Lily: Book Three by Angela and Julie Scipioni
Iris and Lily over the next decade of their lives, their 30s, continue to struggle in their marriage, with each finally leaving their husband. These women are the victims in controlling relationships. Iris, in Italy, has a relationship with Max, before and after leaving Gregorio. Max is also controlling. Lily, in NY, suffers under Joe’s abuse, finally leaving him. Their separation is ugly, and he manipulates the children. Lily is also bemoaning how life isn’t fair and how Iris is the lucky one. Iris doesn’t want to upset Lily by telling her of any successes. Growing up in a large Catholic family with an Italian mother, I saw some similarities of family life, but the depression and angst on these pages were just boring and awful to read.
Betsy
The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny
Another wonderful Gamache novel/mystery, touching on the pandemic and related issues. Robert Bathurst again narrates with precision and tenderness.
Ashley
A Quest of Heroes by Morgan Rice
This was an exciting ride from beginning to end! I immediately came to care about Thorgrin and was rooting for him from the outset. This book had every element I love in a great read, from magic and adventure to romance and destiny. This was the perfect introduction to the world of 'The Ring' and I will absolutely dive into the rest of the series.
Chris
The Handmaid and the Carpenter by Elizabeth Berg
A (not entirely) biblical imagining of Mary and Joseph's love story and the birth of a savior.
S
The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher
A tough read that I forced myself to finish! After looking forward to reading this around Halloween I was left bored, frustrated, and wondering how it has earned so many good reviews. I'm sure that the story made perfect sense to the author but I felt more confused the further I read. The story was unfocused and elements of it that should have been explained never were so it was like I was reading a sequel without having the foundation built in the previous books. I wouldn't inflict it on anyone else; it's going into the recycle bin rather than being passed on.
Rose
Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Lucie Walker is found wading in San Francisco Bath and can’t remember who she is or why she is there. When her fiancé, Grady, comes for her, she doesn’t remember him or the life they shared. All he can tell her is that her parents died when she was a teen, and she hates her only living relative, Aunt Helen, as that is the only family info she ever shared with him. As Lucie regains her memory, or is given bits of her history by Helen, the tragedy of what happened to her family as a teen, and her latest mind break have similarities.
This is a story of family trauma, patience, and forgiveness. Quick read.
Michele
Passing by Nella Larsen
Wanted to read this short book before it comes out on Netflix. The ending blew me away, didn't expect it.
Sandy
The Maidens by Alex Michaledies
Finished it but considered stopping. I really liked the first book by him. This one I just could not care about the characters at all. I kept waiting for it to improve but it never did.
Rose
Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards
YA novel about Mira Hayes, a high school art student attending school in San Diego. She is trying to get to her mom’s home for Christmas, especially because her mom’s twin died last year at this time, and Mira knows it will be an emotional holiday. When Mira’s plane lands in Newark, she finds that her connecting leg to Pittsburgh is canceled due to a blizzard. She is desperate to reach her mom by Christmas, and accepts a ride with a stranger she met on the plane, and three other strangers. Don’t ever do this!! Things get creepy and dangerous as the 5 make their way across the Poconos. Someone is stalking Mira, unbeknownst to her, and she and the others are in danger. Spooky story, but the ending wrapped too abruptly. Big Library Read 2021.
Marcy
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
This book really brings you to a time and place. It is the unusual story of some of the “blue people“ of Kentucky. Also, the book details the delivery system of the WPA for rural America. It shares colorful characters and a heartwarming story.
Dee
Moment of Truth by Lisa Scottoline
Not one of her best, but since it was written in 2000, interesting to read for the many changes in the world since then, especially technology.
Tessa
The Face of Deception by Iris Johansen
First in a series starring Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor, whose job it is to create a likeness based on skulls retrieved from crime scenes. There is plenty of action as Eve moves from crisis to disaster to being chased and having her mother in danger. Political intrigue and power-hungry people with evil intentions further muddy the waters. Then Johansen throws in a romantic tension, with a push/pull attraction between billionaire John Logan and Eve that just didn’t ring true for me. It held my attention and kept me reading – but I’ve already forgotten it.
Linda
You Belong Here Now by Dianna Rostad
An historical fiction account of three New York City orphans from the Orphan Train who end up with a ranching family in Montana in 1925. I cheered on the kids!
Sherri
The Fault in our Stars by John Green
A YA book but a terrific read for adults, too. The sad but often humorous love story of two teens with cancer. Lacks the usual self indulgent teenage angst and instead has believable characters who try to live their lives to the fullest in spite of their obstacles.
Susan
The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny
Another fabulous mystery book by Penny. Penny does a fabulous job of plot and character development. I am always left guessing until the very end.
Helene
The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly
This book really held my interest. I finished it in one sitting.
Donna
The Boys by Ron Howard and Clint Howard
A fascinating peek into the early lives of two beloved childhood star brothers, THE BOYS chronicles the days of television’s youth, the rocky and often fickle road to stardom, and the unvarnished story of the coming-of-age of two boys we so fondly remember as Opie (also known later as Richie Cunningham) and Mark Wedloe.
Kristen
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doeer
This was a bit convoluted but interesting novel that shifts, time and place. Very different from his last book, but I am still thinking about it a week later.
Jayne
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
This book made for a wonderful discussion in our library book club. The character development was outstanding. People cared about the characters. The book was similar to THE LOST AND FOUND BOOKSHOP and THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY in some respects.
Myrna
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
I loved this story of a widower coping with life after the death of his wife. Three daughters treat him like a helpless, pitiful old man. When he meets a young girl who introduces him to the world of books, his life changes, as does that of the new people he meets. I would have given the book 5 stars except for my dissatisfaction with the fate of one of the characters. A touching, inspirational book!
Laura
The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
Took me two days to read this. The story's development of mother and daughter was intermingled with death, illegal migration and language barriers. A good mystery - when you don't figure out who did it!
Rose
The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams
Quirky story told in two timelines. Swansby’s New Encyclopaedic Dictionary has never actually been finished. Started years early, at the end of the 19th C, Peter Winceworth is working through the letter S. His colleague, Frasham, is engaged to Sophia, the woman Winceworth loves. After realizing that his colleagues are playing loose with language and facts, Winceworth begins to place fake words, or mountweazels, in the dictionary. A century later, Mallory, is an intern at Swansby’s. The only employee other than David Swansby, heir to the dictionary’s founder, she received threatening phone calls each morning, and tells her girlfriend, Pip about them. I laughed several times, esp. reading the mountweazels. For word lovers.
Carol
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
So much humor included, it was a fun read. Seemed a simpler novel than author's THE MARTIAN. The math was amazing, was not able to follow that and enjoy. Pace and mystery were well timed.
Cindee
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
My book club actually won a set of these and we just finished reading and discussing it. Everyone enjoyed the novel and appreciated the strength of the women who survived terrible atrocities. We loved how well researched the novel was and especially enjoyed the additional information provided at the end of the book.
Susan
A Year of Marvellous Ways by Sarah Winman
I have loved this writer ever since reading WHEN GOD WAS A RABBIT. This novel is filled with beautiful prose, intriguing characters with depth, all in a good story.
Joanne
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
Excellent read. Finished in one sitting. Gives another perspective to some of the mysteries and dogma that we hold dear. Written in a very interesting style as each chapter has three components: the media reporting about the incident, the goings on in the lifeboat and the frantic investigation into the accident.
Jan
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
This is a wonderful, painful book. He is a First Nation child and his parents abandoned him, leaving him with his grandmother - because of religious differences. Grandmother wants to remain with traditional Native American religion, spirituality. His parents have become part of a Christian religious movement and want nothing to do with the old ways. They have few provisions in northern Canada and are out in the wild after the parents take the boat and abandon them. His brother dies and his grandmother dies while leading them to a town where a relative lives. He never meets the relative but is taken to one of the homes run by western missionaries. He becomes an ice hockey whiz. His whole life is one of abuse. He makes it to the pros.
Chris
Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch
BROKEN HOMES is the fourth novel in the Rivers of London series. This book was somewhat slower-paced and a bit more meandering than previous his novels, but picked up nicely towards the end. The ending was a gigantic cliffhanger and I can't wait to see how it pans out in the next book.
Sean
Insomnia by Stephen King
Why Ralph? No, seriously. Why was Ralph singled out for this? This and a few others questions left me wanting more from this book. What I didn't want more of were pages, as the book was about 200 too many. Stephen King does large scale novels better than anyone, but I felt the second half of this book fell apart and was hampered by elongating an already convoluted story. The book is good but too many things didn't connect for me. The auras seemed to inconsistent and a random power set from everyone was taxing. Overall, a big, long story that was more of a quest novel than a horror novel.
Richard N B
Jack Maggs by Peter Carey
I had heard that this was inspired by Dickens’ GREAT EXPECTATIONS. I can see similarities, though the focus here is not on Pip but on Magwitch. I did get quite caught up in Jack Maggs’s story and wondered a few times how Carey was going to wrap this up. The plot is definitely convoluted in places, with many twists and turns, and I did not really appreciate the Tobias Oates subplot. Carey’s writing is very atmospheric, and the city of London is explored in some detail, especially the impoverished slums and criminal underbelly.
Kimberley
Lies Like Poison by Chelsea Pitcher
This YA genre novel was a tough read. Characters flipped names, gender and storylines. As it was a complicated story, this add to the confusion. It dragged and the ending was shared frequently, but the author kept circling.
Jan
The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
Ross Gay is a poet and a faculty member at Indiana University. As always, I admit I know little about poetry, but I wrote a review of his latest poetry book, BE HOLDING, and several people expressed interest. He is easy to read --- not like some convoluted Romantic poet that you have to know so much history to understand. Gay is a young man who is very contemporary and writes about the things he sees. He was thinking about the things that delight him, and he decided to wrote about them in prose, not in verse. And he does. He marvels at his garden (in a backyard in Indiana) about what he sees on various trips. He takes joy in so many things. The book is positive, easy to read, funny at times and always interesting.
Beth
The Buffalo Soldier by Chris Bohjalian
THE BUFFALO SOLDIER is good, as are all of Chris Bohjalian's books. But most of them go beyond good; some are even fabulous. This one is just good.
It’s a pretty simple story, really, starting with the death of Laura and Terry's twin daughters. Their grief is immense, even after two years. Then they become foster parents to a 10-year-old boy, Alfred. Their neighbors give Alfred a book about the Buffalo soldiers.
This story is about Laura and Terry's marriage, their feelings for their foster son, and their foster son’s feelings for them. Saying more than that would be giving too much away.
I expected more from this book and thus was disappointed. Believe me, though, it really is good and won’t be a waste of your time.
Elizabeth
The London House by Katherine Reay
Those readers who enjoy historical fiction, finding diaries and letters from the past, gorgeous mansions, a gorgeous book cover, uncovering secrets and a bit of romance will enjoy this book.
Elizabeth
The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman
From wonderfully warm-all-the-time Southern California back to frigid, snowy Michigan.
Viola Shipman always knows how to cheer you up and keep you on the side of positive.
Another enjoyable book fans won’t want to miss.
Elizabeth
All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris
An attorney running away from a murder scene?
What was Ellie thinking?
Many people not to trust and lots of things kept under wraps are in this tense mystery.
Lisa
Last Girl Ghosted by Lisa Unger
This book was hard to put down. There were lots of twists that kept you going all the time.
