This contest period's winners were Joanne M., Kathleen K. and Lillian A., who each received a copy of THE POSTMISTRESS OF PARIS by Meg Waite Clayton and THESE PRECIOUS DAYS: Essays by Ann Patchett.
Jan
All the Little Hopes by Leah Weiss
This is the second book by this gifted Southern writer. She writes about people in Appalachia as if she knows them. Two young girls are thrown together and form a lasting bond. One loves Nancy Drew so they determine to solve some of the mysteries in this North Carolina town. It is during World War II and that overlays the entire book. The soldiers missing in action, those that some back with body parts missing and the German prison camp nearby. The family grows tobacco and honey and needs help so rents out some of the German prisoners. The young girls know that they are to hate Germans (who are the evil ones in the war) but they come to like and respect the German POWs who help them farm. Plus, the girls find out who killed 3 missing men.
NANCY
Pretty Revenge by Emily Liebert
Kerrie seems to go through a great deal of time, expense and energy to trick her nemesis while declaring to herself that she’s not crazy. She becomes someone she doesn’t recognize, moves to a city that has no meaning to her and befriends her opponent…for the sole purpose of destroying her life because apparently one bad choice or mistake made almost two decades before by a desperate young girl has completely ruined her life. Meanwhile, Jordana has given her fantastic opportunities & opened doors that were closed to her previously. She could have accepted that her life was much better & took that as her due payback. Instead, she’s fixated on getting even with a girl she knew briefly & a woman she hasn’t taken the time to get to know at all.
Elisa
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
Super twisty mystery full of heart.
Carole
Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography by Laurie Woolever
I do not typically tear up when a celebrity of any sort passes away, but the death of Anthony Bourdain was an exception. Actually, I do not think that I was alone in that response and this book of personal reflections by people who knew him fleshes out the reasons why people felt that way about his passing. Anthony Bourdain took us on adventures around the world that we could not imagine in our wildest dreams and explained what we were seeing in a real voice as if speaking to us as our best and bravest personal friend. According to his nearest and dearest as well as his colleagues, he was a shy man but that did not keep thousands of strangers from embracing him in their hearts for broadening and enriching their lives.
Vivian
The People Next Door by Keri Beevis
Psychological thriller not for the faint of heart. Time your reading well so you don't finish the book at night and make sure your door and windows are closed while reading it.
Christine
Bookwanderes by Anna James
Very nice fantasy story with nice illustrations.
Laurie
The Passing Storm by Christine Nolfi
THE PASSING STORM by Christine Nolfi is another example of family drama at its best - so many discussion themes for book review clubs! Secrets galore, love, death, complicated relationships, this novel presents a tale that I found bland, a bit slow, but worthwhile.
Ann Marie
The Jealousy Man and Other Stories by Joe Nesbo
I really love short story books. This was a good one.
Ann Marie
Mouth to Mouth by Antoine Wilson
This book was pretty good but the ending was great. Blew me away!
Arlene
The Mirror & The Light by Hilary Mantel
I read this fascinating, frightening historical novel very slowly. Every word leads to the inevitable tragedies that befall Henry VIII's wives, their children, their courts, England. We are in Thomas Cromwell's world. He has brought us through the first two books of this masterful trilogy, destroying Henry's first two wives, Katherine and Anne. In THE MIRROR AND THE LIGHT, Henry has wed Jane Seymour of Wolf Hall. We know what's coming and read every word with dread and delight. Cromwell is a pleasure to be with. Mantel brings characters to life in a few gestures -- here is the teething toddler Elizabeth: '...a convulsing mass of linen, red flailing fists, a maw emitting shrieks.' I do not want this trilogy to ever end.
Peri
The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff
I have read numerous books about the Holocaust but never one such as this. I didn’t know that traveling European circuses sheltered Jews during WWII. The owners of these circuses were very brave to risk their lives to do the right thing. This story captured me from page one and made me stay up late in an effort to finish the book.
Jeanne
Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey
CHRISTMAS IN PEACHTREE BLUFF by Kristy Woodson Harvey is the perfect Christmas/perfect beach read combined into what is captivating, delightful novel about the Murphy women who are in trouble as the charming town of Peachtree Bluff prepares to weather and struggles to survive the most brutal, savage storm Peachtree Bluff has ever encountered. Kristy Woodson Harvey is a very talented, favorite author of mine and I automatically know when I pick up a book written by her I am not going to be disappointed. She knocked it out of the park with with her latest book in the incredible Peachtree Bluff series.
Jeanne
2 Sisters Detective Agency by James Patterson and Candice Fox
2 SISTERS DETECTIVE AGENCY by James Patterson and Candice Fox was at times humorous; the characters were quirky and made me laugh out loud. It was fast-paced, action-packed and easy to read. I enjoyed reading it but have to admit I much prefer the Women’s Murder Club series.
Arlene
The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes
In the 18th century English explorers 'discovered' Tasmania, and Australia. This book details how the British, ignorant and arrogant, settled those lands, how they misunderstood and harmed the indigenous peoples, then criminalized the impoverished populations of England and Ireland, banished them to those foreign shores on convict ships. Hughes tells the stories of the people on those ships with sober compassion: how they got there, survived or died. He tells the stories of the English men responsible for all those people. He also gives context to the contemporary attitudes toward poor men, women, the Irish, Catholics, and so on. Letters and journal excerpts are weaved into this compelling, heartbreaking history.
Lynn
The Hellfire Club by Jake Tapper
This book is set in Washington DC in 1954 during the Army-McCarthy hearings. I loved the historical comments and characters. Charlie Marder is appointed to fill in the term of a congressman from his district who died in office. As he learns the wheeling and dealing necessary to survive, he finds himself in a situation that causes him to make some moral choices. Some of the things that happen seemed a little preposterous and Charlie never seems to sleep.
pat
The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan
Great story of a cooking contest in England during WWII.
Karen
The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
Very good book weaving together two stories. 1946, Manhattan. One morning while passing through Grand Central Terminal, Grace finds an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench. She opens the suitcase and finds a dozen photographs—each of a different woman. In a moment of impulse, Grace takes the pictures. She learns that the suitcase belonged to a woman who was the leader of a network of female secret agents deployed out of London during the war and sent to Occupied France as couriers and radio operators to aid the resistance, but they never returned home, their fates a mystery. The book weaves together her story and theirs.
Mary
The Husbands by Chandler Baker
Spot-on descriptions of what it’s like to be a working mom today. Suspenseful, too!
Janet
Three Sisters by Heather Morris
The third in the series of THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ. So well written and hard to put down. I have to admit that the first three fourths of the book is better than the end.
Ellyn
Bough Cutter by Jeff Nania
This is a Wisconsin author whose books are great mysteries but also depict places in my home state that I've visited. Always adds to the fun of reading.
Nancy
Taste by Stanley Tucci
Such an interesting life story and commentary…and recipes as well!
Florence
The Man Who Died Twice (Thursday Murder Club #2 ) by Richard Osman
The second in the Thursday Murder Club series. Better than the first. Four elderly people contribute to solve murder and theft. I really like the characters.
Cynthia
Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan
Times are tough at the book shop. Sales are down and needs are not being met. They decide to give some books away to bring some cheer to some people who are down or worse off than themselves. It works miracles. Good deeds pay off in more ways than they ever imagined.
Judith
State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penney
This nail-biting thriller leaves one wondering how much of the book is based on truth. The tangled web of world politics reminds one of the recent Showtime series,"Homeland". This is an all-nighter book…very hard to put down.
Jayme
Raft of Stars by Andrew J. Graff
Wow! What a great story. I loved the characters, the action, the tension, but mostly I loved the bond of friendship that was formed between two boys as they faced down their fears and the wild river that tries to claim them. Highly recommend.
Jayme
Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann
Wow, this book took me by surprise. I just thought it was a messy story about a very dysfunctional family until I caught onto the correlation between the characters and the Greek gods which made the reading fun and interesting (play the game how many gods are referenced in the book). But when the intensity and focus of the plot changed, I was up all-night reading. Worth reading.
Amy
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towels
It took me a little longer to finish this, but it ended up being one of my favorite books this year. Such a great story with many interesting characters. This is the first time I’ve read this author and I’m definitely interested in reading his earlier books now.
Maryanne
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
A diverse cast of characters and an intriguing plot makes for a compelling book.
LOUANN
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
This memoir had me in tears! I listened to the audiobook, which the author herself read. She describes her feelings about being sexually assaulted from when she awoke in the hospital, her feeling during the trial and afterwards. The most heartbreaking part is when she reads the witness statement that she presented to the judge during her trial.
Connie
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede
Loved the interview with the author so read the book. What an inspiration the folks from Gander are - if only we could all be like them. It was a great representation of the human spirit. So thankful for your having the interview.
Rachel
The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain
I love all of Chamberlain’s books because the characters are so well developed and imperfect. The characters in this book are of her highest quality yet! The tale of the last house on the street weaves through present day Kayla’s tragedy and quest to move on with her life, but somehow she finds herself at odds with and intrigued by a senior citizen neighbor, Ellie. Ellie’s story begins to unfold 30+ years earlier during the height of civil unrest and horrific acts of violence against African Americans. The book does not minimize or glorify civil discourse and it feels so relevant in today’s civil climate. The more you know about Ellie, the more you want to find out how she becomes the woman Kayla has encountered. I highly recommend!
Claire
The Mothers by Genevieve Gannon
What a great story about IVF. One baby, two mothers. Can’t imagine any woman going through that ordeal. Wonderful and informative. Good read!
Joanne
Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
This book explores the short but remarkable life and career of Rosallind Franklin, a female scientist in a man's world. She studied and recorded DNA and its helical structure, only to have her data stolen and presented to the world by three men who received the Nobel Prize for her work and discovery. Tragically, she died at the young age of 37 due to radiation exposure.
Rosa
Sooley by John Grisham
This was an entertaining, fast read. A departure from Grisham's usual legal thrillers, this is the story of Samuel Sooleyman, a young man from South Sudan who is an amazing basketball player. He has the opportunity to play college basketball in America and uses it to bring his family away from the civil war that is ravaging his home country. An up-and-down cycle of emotions. Loved it.
Anne Marie
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
This isn't the type of book I typically read. I won it in a contest and decided to check it out. I loved it. The dialogue was very natural. The feelings in the story seemed real. The author is a pop correspondent for NPR and you can definitely tell by the quality of the writing. It is a book I would recommend to anyone.
Wendellyn
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
This is my favorite book of the year. It contains multiple storylines and Doerr magically brings them all together with his elegant prose.
Margie
The Judge's List by John Grisham
Excellent page-turner, interesting characters, suspenseful. Highly recommend.
Michele
Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey
To be back with Caroline, Sloane and Emerson is a great Christmas gift! Love these sisters and their interactions. Growing pains for all ages abound in this book. Family, friends and your heart always lead you home!
Jeffrey
Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen
I liked THE CORRECTIONS, FREEDOM less so, and PURITY not at all. But CROSSROADS is in an entirely different dimension. It is brilliant, and since it's projected to be the first of a trilogy, I will be eagerly waiting for the next installments.
Deborah
Forbidden in Death by J. D. Robb
Just didn’t have the spark that most of the series I had. No mystery of “who done it” and little variety in how Dallas took the perps down. Maybe Nora’s tired of this series. I’d love to read more of her fantasy.
Deb
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Flawed characters, interesting family dynamics, touching vignettes, heartfelt resolutions to issues most families experience - whether they want to admit it or not.
Becky
Verity by Colleen Hoover
The twists and turns of my stomach as I read this book we’re intense. Who is telling the truth is what this book left me with. I read this over three weeks ago and I still cannot stop thinking about it.
Rosemary
Sooley by John Grisham
John Grisham does it again with another sports themed story! This tells the tale of a 17-year-old boy from South Sudan who makes his country's U18 team and travels to the USA for a tournament. While here his village is destroyed, his father killed, his sister kidnapped by rebels and his mother and brother disappear. His coach makes arrangements for a scholarship to a small southern college for him, while they try to find out where the rest of his family is, if indeed they are still alive. A touching and yet horrifying story of fiction that realistically approaches what is ongoing in parts of the world.
Elizabeth
Clark and Division by Naomi Hrahara
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.
Judy
The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore
This was a fascinating book that we all enjoyed.
Elizabeth
The Unheard by Nicci French
Nicci French fans will be “thrilled.” What goes on at her ex’s house? The tension is subtle, but evident. Enjoy if you are a domestic thriller fan.
Kathleen
Mercy Creek by M. E. Browning
MERCY CREEK is the second novel in the the Jo Wyatt Series. I have the first in the series but have not read it yet, but that does not deter from reading this novel. An 11-year-old girl, Lena, goes missing and it is up to Jo Wyatt and her partner Squint to find the girl. Lena and her sister Marisa are the polar opposites - Lena is all about horses and the environment, Marisa is all about herself and her wannabe career as an influencer. Lucero and Tilda are Lena and Marisa's divorced parents and there is a lot of angst between the two.
Linda
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
Pino Lella, 17 years old (not yet an adult) heroically leads Jewish refugees through the Italian Alps to Swiss safety and also spies for the Allies as he chauffeurs a Nazi commander. Based on a true story. Wow!
Francisca
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw
In this wonderful collection of short stories, Philyaw explores the modern African-American woman and her hopes, dreams, relationships, and actions both in and away from church. The stories feature all ages, from children to great-grandmothers. Philyaw does a marvelous job of bringing these many characters to life. I could see a few of these stories expanded to novel length, but I find them satisfying in and of themselves.
Betty
The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny
I think this is one of her best, but it took much too long to resolve. Gamache and his team went down so many blind alleys and pursued too many red herrings. I almost lost patience and read ahead -- but I didn't.
Wendy A.
Legal Tender by Lisa Scottoline
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the distinct characters and my interest was held throughout! After reading this, I became a Lisa Scottoline fan!
Thomas
Foul Play by Stuart Woods
Very good book. I enjoyed reading it.
Shelley
Ferryman by Claire McFall
FERRYMAN is a fast-paced journey into the afterlife. Dylan meets Tristan, her Ferryman whose job is to lead her across the wasteland to go "on". Along the way Dylan comes to terms with where she considers home to be. She makes bold choices to make sure she gets there. Life will never be the same for either of them. This is an interesting story that would be great for book clubs - lots of discussion options. It's being made into a movie and is sure to be popular with the YA crowd.
Lynn
The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman
Another wonderful book from Viola Shipman. A good book for anyone who has lost someone and is trying to find the person they once were. For anyone who needs a good read. Includes laughter, tears and some life lessons.
Kay
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Historical fiction always intrigues me to learn about imagined lives of real people. While Belle's life interested me, I found that the emphasis on her life living on the edge of potential discovery was pounded home more than necessary. The historical notes and both author notes were valuable in putting her life in a perspective with the times in which she lived.
Donna
Ballad of Laurel Springs by Janet Beard
Really enjoyed this book. Told the stories of different women in the same family through the generations.
Kay
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
This debut novel was so interesting, portraying a period of time directly after the Civil War and the proclamation freeing the slaves. His writing and use of language was superb! The main characters who were White came alive for us to view the story and how the two Black brothers interlaced into their lives.
Kay
We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange
I will remember this American Irish family long after reading the book. This story is told by interweaving it from one member of the family to another, like in a relay race passing the baton. Intricacies of family, the secrets kept with resulting misunderstandings. Once the truth is out, the unwinding of what was covered up to arrive at the deceits in the guise of not hurting each other are revealed. Once told, the healing begins in a way forward for the Brennans.
Kay
The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson
Libraries are my passion and I enjoyed how this story portrayed the main character and her development as an individual. Parallel to her personal growth, the library community grew as well. The library is lost but in its place the library patrons saved the essence of what the library meant to the town's citizens as a "Community Center". Saving libraries in our communities is so important to our mental health as well as for the community.
Kay
A Million Things by Emily Spurr
The 10-year-old main character was so brave and grown up trying to cope on her own. She rallied around her grumpy next-door neighbor to restore her home and health and created a real tie to her. Meanwhile hiding the fact that her mother was dead in the backyard shed, trying to carry on as though nothing had happened in order to avoid being taken away by family services. I was rooting for her to have a positive outcome going off with her grandmother she barely knew.
Brian
Better Off Dead by Lee Child and Andrew Child
Excellent Reacher read.
Jan
Self Made by A'Lelia Bundles
This book is written by the great great granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker. I won this book in a Goodreads drawing and expected it to be about Madam Walker, the famous woman who invented special facial and hair products for women of color. Thousands of women worked for her and she was a very wealthy woman. She was a leader in philanthropy. This book does not give much new information about Madam Walker. It is a story of her following family members - there were many marriages and divorces. I did not bother to try to keep them straight. Mrs. Walker was a leader in the Harlem cultural scene at the turn of the century. The writing is adequate but dull. It reads like a college thesis. And it has been made into a film. I suggest the film.
Beth
The Unquiet Dead by Ausma Zehanat Khan
THE UNQUIET DEAD Is a mystery with a promising premise. A man has died falling from a bluff, an apparent suicide. Yet, detectives are asked to investigate. That is because the man is suspected to have committed war crimes in Bosnia in the 1990s. If he did, then there are many people who would like to see him dead. So the detectives must determine whether the suspicion is true and, then, who killed him. It’s a great premise, but I expected more of the investigation. It should not have bored me, but it did.
Tessa
Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer
Thayer writes a lovely, quick romance set against a charming backdrop of Christmas in Nantucket. The characters are mostly straight out of central casting, but I’m not complaining. I read these books because they are comfort food. I know exactly what I’m in for and I’m happy to get it
Michelle
The Field of Wrongdoing by Lili St. Germain
It had promise as a story but got too convoluted. Could have used some major editing for streamlining and character development.
Suzanne
The Judge's List by John Grisham
John Grisham is one of my favorite authors so I hurry to get his book as soon as it's out. I look forward to reading it and letting it last. Our main character, Lacy, works for the Florida Board of Judicial Conduct and is bored of the work after so many years. That changes when a case against a sitting judge is brought to her by a paranoid women. The women has spent over 20 years collecting files and hopes Lacy will bring murder charges against the judge.
Rose
White Ivy by Susie Yang
I had high hopes for this book, having heard people rave about it, but I just thought of Ivy as a user and a manipulator. I didn’t like her at all. I also knew Gideon’s secret very early, and was surprised that cunning Ivy couldn’t see it. I was not surprised about Roux’s outcome either. This book just made me sad for all the excess and the lies and the duplicity. Ivy Lin, born in China, left to be raised by her grandmom while parents head to U.S. for jobs.They send for her when she is 6. Grandmom joins them, teaches Ivy how to steal. While doing so, Ivy meets Roux. They become friends. In school, Ivy develops a crush on Gideon. Years later, reunite and date. Ivy wants wealth and acceptance at all costs. Will do anything.
Rose
The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel
I devoured this book in one sitting. I was captivated by the story of Inge/Yona. Stolen as a child and raised in the forest, Yona is destined for bigger things, but she doesn’t know what. When the Germans start murdering Jews, and Jews begin to find refuge in the forest, Yona becomes a guide to groups, teaching them how to survive. This is a beautiful story of trust, survival, love, loss, perseverance, determination, and empathy. I loved every word.
Tessa
Resistance Women by Jennifer Chiaverini
3.5 stars. This is a work of historical fiction concentrating on the women who worked in Germany as part of the resistance movement to thwart Hitler’s ambitions. I was engaged and interested from beginning to end. The novel spans the time from June 1929 to the year following the end of the war, 1946. I had to wonder at times whether Chiaverini was lifting certain phrases and descriptions of the political climate that led to the rise of Nazism from current-day news reporting and commentary. It was chillingly familiar.
Enily
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
Brilliant essay writing, expressing deep thoughts on a variety of subjects: Three Fathers; no shopping for a year; Eudora Welty, etc. I devoured every page. Loved it!
Liz
The Great Mrs. Elias by Barbara Chase-Riboud
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. This novel is based on the true story of Hannah Elias, a black woman born in Philadelphia in the late 1800s. She has done many things in her life that she is not proud of, but eventually becomes as rich as a robber baron in NYC. The story itself had great potential, but I found the writing to be a bit lacking. There were to many minor details that seemed to make the story drag on in parts and were not really important to the story, and some things were repeated more than once.
Cecilia
Miss Eliza’s English Kitchen by Annabel Abbs
Lovely book!
Anne Marie
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
A wonderful uplifting book with realistic dialogue.
Jeanne
Seabreeze Book Club by Jan Moran
SEABREEZE BOOK CLUB is a book written by one of my very favorite authors, Jan Moran. I automatically know when I pick up a book written by her I am going to love reading it. SEABREEZE BOOK CLUB is book number 6 in her fantastic Seabreeze Inn series. The same charming characters are back along with a few new ones. Without writing a synopsis and giving away any spoilers, this book is full of love, romance, friendship, a little mystery, storms and even the potential for a tsunami. It was an enjoyable, entertaining, easy to read story.
Jeanne
The Devil May Dance by Jake Tapper
THE DEVIL MAY DANCE is a well-written political thriller by Jake Tapper. Mr. Tapper is to be commended for writing a fast-paced, easy to read book about Hollywood in the 1960s. At times it was funny and I enjoyed reading about the Rat Pack which consisted of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Peter Lawford. For me personally, I thought Mr. Tapper did an excellent job in describing how Attorney General Robert Kennedy was anxious and determined to find out if Mr. Sinatra had any ties to the mob. His character development of Congressman Charlie Murder and his wife Margaret was very good.
Cynthia
Falling by T. J. Newman
Bill never knew when he offered to help his boss and flying an unexpected flight what was to come to his family and his passengers. He has to decide between his family and the souls on his flight.
MH
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Not my kind of book. Not only was it Gothic in that it was depressing throughout, but it descended—yes, descended—into the supernatural near the end. Though it had a happy ending, it was not an enjoyable book. The narrator went to help her cousin in a gloomy house in the fog. The cousin’s family were completely weird, except for one cousin, who was only partly odd. The house became a character in the novel, taking over the minds and souls of those who lived within. I will definitely NOT pass it on.
Theresa
We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange
I loved this book and didn’t want it to end. I am hoping there will be a sequel. I cannot wait until Tracey writes another book! I have recommended it to my friends.
Lorraine
The London House by Katherine Reay
A WWII mystery three generations kept secret because thought to be too painful. This is a challenging detective story asking the question: whether a young woman who moved from America to London and worked in Paris during the war was a traitor or a heroine? A significant epistolary format makes the story feel authentic: letters, diaries, war telegrams, an article for "The Atlantic" magazine. Well written, well researched.
Muriel
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
This is a touching story about 7 year-old George and his sister Megs who tries to find answers for George about where C.S. Lewis’s story about Narnia came from. George was born with a heart condition and doesn’t have long to live. When he finds out Mr. Lewis, Jack as he is called, is a professor at the neighboring college Megs attends, he beseeches her to talk to the author. Megs and George are fictional characters, but the stories about his life Jack tells Megs are true. He never answers her questions directly about about the origins of many parts of THE LION, the WITCH, and the WARDROBE, but leaves her to infer things. I think Patti Callahan has researched C.S. Lewis’s life well and written a touching story.
Linda
We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange
I really enjoyed this novel. The story of a family and their trials and tribulations and how they deal with situation. Make you feel as though you are in the room with the family as they go through trials and tribulations of life. At the end you feel as though you were involved in their decisions as each family member struggles with those trials and the eventual solving those problems with the strength of the family as a whole. I do hope to see a follow-up novel as I fell in love with each family member and would like to find out where they go in their future.
Nancy
The Return of the Pharaoh by Nicolas Meyer
Meyer spent his Covid-19 lockdown writing a new mystery featuring Sherlock Holmes and John H. Watson, M.D. THE RETURN OF THE PHAROAH takes us to Egypt and the search for unfound tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Holmes is contacted by the wife of one of the many neophytes with Egyptian mania who hoped to discover an unopened tomb and its gold, but who has gone missing. Watson’s second wife is battling tuberculosis and her physician has suggested he take her to a sanitarium in a dry climate, like Egypt. They see each other at meal times, but otherwise Watson must entertain himself. So, when Holmes shows up undercover on a case, it doesn’t take much to convince him to join in.
Michelle
Matrix by Lauren Groff
Beautiful prose, albeit a bit disjointed, which was possibly a product of the spare dialogue. Enjoyed it and will be looking more into the history of Marie de France.
Jocelyn
Mostly Dead Things by Kristen Arnett
I pushed myself to finish this one, thinking there HAD to be a purpose, some redeeming quality. But no, my precious reading time had been squandered! Grrr. This book must have a very limited positive following...definitely not me.
Jocelyn
Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict
I enjoyed this book because of the excellent writing. The premise and plot were plausible and the family dynamics very interesting. I enjoy the historical fiction genre, especially those books that set a wonderfully believable period. I was a bit disappointed by the abrupt ending.
Michele
The Christmas Promise by RIchard Paul Evans
Promises are meant to be kept. Richelle does just that, but in a different way than what was asked of her. You feel for her since she suffered two big losses in one year. She doesn't think the one loss really affects her, but it affects her more than the first death.
Bob
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
Very, very good book...a must-read.
Michele
A Little Hope by Ethan Joella
At times slow going, but in the end I enjoyed this small town with characters who had overlapping stories.
Ann Marie
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
This book was extraordinary and unique. I enjoyed it more than THE SUN DOWN MOTEL.
Elly
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Filled with metaphors reminding us to share with those less fortunate joyfully. A great classic!
Phyllis
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
This was a book full of "inspiration and passion" just like Emoni's cooking. Emoni Santiago, an Afro/Hispanic high school senior and single mother of a two-year-old daughter, lives with her Puerto Rican grandmother in Philadelphia and contributes to the household finances through her part-time job. Her passion is food, and cooking is a way she expresses herself. Everyone who comes in contact with her speaks of Emoni's cooking as being "magical," but Emoni thinks that her dreams of working in a restaurant kitchen after graduation are unrealistic. This is a feel-good story of overcoming limitations, learning to trust, choices, and how food brings people together.
My book group read and discussed this, and everyone loved it.
Phyllis
The Apology Project by Jeanette Escudero
This was a fun chick-lit/romance with a thought-provoking premise that bumps this engaging novel up to five stars. Amelia Montgomery is a no-nonsense workaholic attorney with strong principles. When her misogynistic bosses ask her to compromise those principles for a high-profile case, she ends up leaving the firm with a large severance and non-disclosure agreement. Soon after, her sister Nina convinces her to throw herself a lavish fortieth birthday party - and no one shows up except John Ellis, the new associate at her ex-firm who she hadn't even met before she was fired...um, I mean left. I recommend this satisfying, feel-good novel. It was an entertaining rom-com about second chances, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
Phyllis
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Wow!! This is now on my "Favorites" shelf. Five stars means "amazing" and that's how I'm feeling about THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY - the story is amazing, as is the writing, the characters, and the creativity that were combined to produce this must-read novel.
Phyllis
The Library by Bella Osborne
I'm a sucker for a save-the-library story, so when I saw this one I immediately wanted to read it. Of course, as is usually the case, the library is only a catalyst for the real story, which in this novel is the developing friendship between 16-year-old Tom and 72-year-old Maggie. The novel begins with two lonely people seemingly having nothing in common other than the library. But as Tom says when he thinks back to meeting Maggie: "A chance encounter at the library had changed so many things. I was now a proper bookworm. I’d loved all the books I’d been lost in and all the characters I’d shared ups and downs with, but what I’d got most from the library was my friendship with Maggie. She’d taught me loads about life, about myself."
Beth
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Otessa Moshfegh
This book had a very interesting concept - a young orphaned woman in NYC decides to drop out of life for a year and sleep. She takes copious amounts of drugs, aided by a very bad psychiatrist. It is clear she’s very depressed but the book is also tongue-in-cheek funny. It’s very smartly done but does not get five stars because the ending felt abrupt and not realistic, though none of it really was as anyone who took that many drugs would likely be dead.
Rose
Did I Say You Could Go by Melanie Gideon
Ruth and her daughter, Marley, befriend Gemma and her daughter, Bee. Ruth is an extremely wealthy divorcee, and Gemma is a widow. Ruth sees in Gemma someone that she can manipulate so that Gemma is indebted to her. This is a story of obsession and manipulation. It shows what lengths people will go to become number one in the eyes of others. However, this will shock you as to the extent. There are several twists and turns in this thriller.
Elizabeth
The New Wife by Sue Watson
At first they thought it was an accident, but then it was ruled a homicide. Secrets abound along with a great storyline. This is an oh so good, do not miss read.
Beth
All American Christmas by Rachel Campos-Duffy and Sean Duffy
ALL AMERICAN CHRISTMAS is a book of Christmas memories of some of the crew at Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. For me, it was a quick look into the lives of some of the people I get my news from nearly every day. I enjoyed the writing but was a bit disappointed in some of the pictures each of them contributed. For example, Dana Perino showed a picture of her with her dog and not her husband (although I suppose the picture of Santa Claus may have been her husband). I also can’t imagine why Emily Compagno would have thought I’d be interested in pictures of her parents when they were children.
Jean
The Dark Hours: A Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch Novel by Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly is one of my very favorite authors. This book just adds another winner in his Harry Bosch series. He pulls out another cold case and you think that he is not going to be able to solve this one but he does it. This one ends with a surprise finish, a very surprising (for me) finish.
Jean
The Judge's List by John Grisham
Grisham does not miss. He hits 5 stars every time. THE JUDGE'S LIST is no exception. Each of his books is different but each is just plain good reading. I recommend this book to everyone.
Jean
The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan
I wanted to like this book. It is a good story but it is just too disjointed to be a good read for me. With the time changes, which would be enough, there is also so many changes of narrator that I just could not enjoy it as I do most books.
Donna
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
Story of a daredevil who circumnavigates the globe. A must-read
Phyllis
Blind Tiger by Sandra Brown
Story of the 1920s with action, romance and intrigue throughout. Great book.
Lisa
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
I approached this book with hesitancy because I haven't always agreed with the reviews of her books in the past. Also, I try not to get my expectations too high. Well, THE FOUR WINDS certainly delivered and deserves all the praise that it has been receiving. Interesting storyline and characters. Sad without being relentlessly depressing. I highly recommend this book.
Alexis
The Orphan Collector by Ellen Wiseman
While this book might come off as depressing due to the fact it was set in 1919 during the Spanish Flu, the tenacity of the young main character brought optimism to the story. Never mind the many people who succumbed to the flu, the plight of the orphans for the most part was horrific. I loved the character development, even of the nuns in the orphanage. I give it only four stars because I felt the ending was a bit rushed.
sherri
A Light in the Window by Jan Karon
Another wonderful installment in the Mitford series. A loving, gentle book that gives you the warm fuzzies. There's no sex or violence; it's full of warm, quirky characters, Mitford is a place you'll want to visit again and again.
Alexandra
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
Beautifully-written book.
Deby
The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner
Really enjoyed this book about events that happened during WWII.
Tessa
Christmas Cow Bells by Mollie Cox Bryan
First in a new cozy mystery series set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and featuring artisanal cheese maker Brynn MacAllister. This was just delightful. I love the basic premise of a micro-dairy farmer who is trying to make her way in a new community but facing difficulties from traditionalists who do not want any change. I’m not really an animal lover, but I did really love the animal characters: Petunia, Buttermilk, Marigold and Freckles. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Betty Jo
Four Hundred Souls by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
Fantastic essays of African American history in the United States. I highly recommend this book!
Marilyn
Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II by Robert Matzen
An exploration of Audrey's parents, father a Nazi agent and mother a Nazi sympathizer, and how she dealt with this information. We learn of her involvement in the resistance movement, her career as a young ballerina, her bout with cancer. It is truly an extraordinary look into the life of this woman whose life ended too soon.
Linda
Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian
This is better suited to younger readers than me. It's all about college students, with lots of sex, drinking, and drugging. The plot is quite interesting and it's well written, but at least 50 pages too long at 389 pages. It seemed to take a looong time to get to the big finish.
Linda
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
This is a sweet story about learning to love reading, and how love of books can bring people together in tough times. Lots of fascinating information about living and working in London during the WW II Blitz. However, it seemed to be quickly and rather amateurishly written. I would have enjoyed it more if the writing had been tightened up. I'm turning into an editor in my old age!
Rose
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
This is a story set in Texas at the start of the Great Depression. Elsa, married to Rafe and living at her in-laws’s home with her two children, struggles to express her love. However, Tony and Rose show her how much she is loved as they care for her and teach her how to cook, clean, and farm. When the dust storms destroy their livelihood, Elsa and the children head to CA to find work. They are treated terribly by the Californians who look down on those who were displaced. They become migrant workers. Many say this is a depressing story, and yes, it is sad, but I saw hope and determination in Elsa as she navigates the trials of her life, rising to meet each difficulty, finding strength, and showing kindness along the way. Recommend audio!
Richard N B
Bangkok Wakes to Rain by Pitchaya Sudbanthad
In general, I had a difficult time getting invested in this collection. I think it was not the book’s fault, though, but the press of other things occupying my thoughts. Sudbanthad’s prose conveys a certain vibrancy, and he gives us characters that demand attention. Throughout, the neighborhoods and culture of Bangkok tie the work together. On the other hand, the timeline is not strictly linear. The settings range from historical to the present to a future that does not appeal to this reader and is a little more science-fiction than I was expecting.
Sharon
Doctors and Friends by Kimmery Martin
I could not stop reading this book. It centers on five physicians who all went to medical school together and gather for yearly reunions. However, they meet up in Spain just as a new pandemic begins. This was written pre-covid-19 and the descriptions are eerie. I struggled along with each of the characters and the decisions each had to make in their personal and professional lives. I was surprised at the ending of the book and I won't give away the ending. I encourage readers to pick up this book if they are interested in friendships which survive immeasurable circumstances and the love they continue to share.
Thomas
The Judge's List by John Grisham
Excellent book to read.
Carol
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
Good storytelling, again. Binchy always comes through with interesting circles within her stories. Ireland was the setting, Western Ireland small town and all the small town morals. People running off to Dublin or America, but somehow brought back to this small town.
Linda
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
I was engrossed as the story unfolded. Although the content was disturbing and the characters were mostly unlikeable, I had to find out the ending. I loved the description of the protagonist's beloved "Back Woods" of Cape Cod.
Trez
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
The ending left me disappointed. Other than that, the book was enjoyable.
Gerry
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
If I didn’t have so many other books clamoring for my attention (with book club and library due dates coming quickly), I'd go back to the first page and read this amazing novel all again right now. Though fiction, it provides an engaging, insightful, and informative perspective on the history of Indigenous and Black people in America from the 17th century to the present day. Very well written, with many well-developed characters, this is a captivating, though often heartbreaking, family saga that I won’t soon forget.
Gerry
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
3-1/2 stars for another dual-timeline novel, a style that seems to be extremely popular in recent years. THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS was an engaging read that shared some very interesting history, specifically about the ads run in a newspaper, the Southwestern Christian Advocate, in the late nineteenth century by individuals seeking lost family members. The second major thread in the novel is set in the late twentieth century, and focuses on a young teacher in her first year at a junior high school in a small town in Louisiana, who develops a project for her students to research the history of a location, event, or person, and create an oral presentation based on their research. I found the modern-day story more believable and compelling.
Gerry
When Red Is Black by Qiu Xiaolong
Although I definitely found the Chinese characters' names a bit confusing (especially since I listened to this book in audio format), this was still an enjoyable murder mystery that also gave me an interesting glimpse into Chinese social norms in the post-Mao era.
Gerry
Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia
Garcia started this novel as a series of short stories, and connected them into one novel as her graduate school thesis. From 19th-century cigar factories to present-day detention centers, from Cuba to Mexico, Gabriela Garcia's OF WOMEN AND SALT is a kaleidoscopic portrait of betrayals-personal and political, self-inflicted and those done by others—that have shaped the lives of these extraordinary women. I loved the voices of her characters, and the way the stories came together, though I did at times find the time-shifts to be confusing (perhaps more so because I listened to the audiobook). My favorite parts of the novel were those set in Cuba, both in the 19th century and in the mid-20th century. I'll surely watch for more from Garcia.
Gerry
The Burning by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman
This was a pretty quick read, just right for a weekend when I needed to slow down and do nothing. Clay Edison is a police officer and coroner's assistant in Oakland, CA, when he's called to a crime scene. Something at the scene tells him his brother, and ex-convict, is somehow involved, so he tries to do his own quiet investigation without alerting his colleagues. The writing is very flat, matter-of-fact; I hear the voice of a TV detective in my head. Jonathan Kellerman is a writer whose books I used to devour, but this one did not re-kindle a desire to read more of his.
Gerry
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamba
This is an amazing true story of a young man, forced to drop out of his first year of secondary school because his family could not afford the school fees, who began reading on his own, and taught himself enough science and technology to build a functional windmill out of an old bicycle frame and other discarded materials. At fourteen years old in 2001, he was able to generate sufficient electricity to provide light in his home in a small village in Malawi -- the only electricity available for miles around. William Kamkwamba was eventually able to resume his formal education,and to pursue his dream of creating a better life for his family and community.
Gerry
Infinite Country by Patricia Engel
4-1/2 stars for a well-written tale of an immigrant family from Colombia. Unlike Jeanne Cummins' AMERICAN DIRT, this author chose not to focus on horror tales of dangerous travel. This family arrived in the US as most undocumented immigrants do, overstaying their legitimate visitors' visas. But husband & wife are separated when he is picked up by ICE and deported, leaving her in the US with their three young children. Soon Elena must send her infant daughter back to Colombia to the care of her own mother & her husband so that she can work to support her other two children. The focus of the story is on the day-to-day lives of both halves of this divided family, who don't know if they'll be reunited & fear more ICE raids separating them more
Gerry
Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout
4-1/2 stars for wonderful writing and a novel that left me wanting to go back and read (or re-read) everything this very perceptive author has written. Strout is so amazingly attuned to her characters’ inner lives and writes their thoughts and feelings in a way few others can match. This was a character-driven novel, with minimal action and a great deal of reminiscing and self-reflection on the part of the narrator, Lucy Barton. It was a short and fairly quick read, and utterly engrossing and enjoyable. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free eARC in exchange for an objective review.
Gerry
State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny
I grabbed this book eagerly when it was first released, and was quickly pulled in to its tale of political intrigue and dangerous international terror. The lead characters are Secretary of State Ellen Adams, and her long-time friend and current advisor, Betsy Jameson, with Adams' adult son and daughter also in supporting roles. Former President Eric Dunn, who bears no small resemblance to Donald Trump, is portrayed as one whose "ego-driven, uninformed, and outright dangerous" decisions have left the US largely friendless and vulnerable. Adams has just joined the new president’s administration when three Pakistani nuclear physicists are targeted by deadly explosions in London, Paris, and Frankfurt, an event that raises alarms on terrorists.
Gerry
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi
This YA novel in free verse tells the story of a Black teen arrested and jailed after a fight in which a White youth was badly injured and remains unconscious through much of the story. Amal Shahid was a student at a diverse arts high school, and in prison he seeks to continue to pursue his passions: poetry and art. Some of the poems in this novel are the work of activist Yusef Salaam, one of the exonerated Central Park Five, and much of the story is inspired by his prison experience. 3-1/2 stars.
Gerry
This Close to Okay by Leesa Cross-Smith
This was a slow-moving, but ultimately uplifting story about a young man with a mysterious past and the young woman who prevented his suicide. Perhaps it's my age that made it hard for me to connect with these characters, and to find much of the novel too slow-paced. Several times I considered putting it aside, but I persisted because I wanted to learn the secret of Emmett's past. The big reveal near the end -- along with the author's note at the end -- did redeem the novel for me, making me feel my time had not been wasted.
Gerry
Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo
The Sankofa is a mythical bird in Bamanan culture, who flies forward while looking back. The bird symbolizes Anna's search for her identity and history after she discovers that her father, whom she never knew, is alive and is a very important man in his home country of Bamana in western Africa. Anna travels from the UK to Africa in search of her father while she is also coping with her mother's death, her separation from her husband, and her recognition that her adult daughter no longer needs her in the same way as she did during childhood. I enjoyed this slow-paced novel, with its exploration of racial issues, colonialism, and family ties.
Elizabeth
The French Gift by Kirsty Manning
This book is for fans of WWII stories, those who enjoy discovering hidden facts about someone’s life, those who love rare books, as well as for those readers who enjoy seeing friendships blossom, even in times of war. Another marvelous book by Ms. Manning with a mystery within.
Rose
The Family by Naomi Krupitsky
Two young Italian American girls, Sofia and Antonia, are best friends. Their fathers are both part of The Family, or the mob. This novel follows them from their early years until their mid to late 20s, over a span of 20 years as they marry men in The Family, and have children. This novel covers tragedy, depression, unfulfilled dreams, and deep friendship. I liked it, but I felt it was lacking something. I wanted to know more about the women, but I felt the book barely scratched the surface of their lives.
Rose
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
Short story/novella horror genre about friends that travel to Japan to attend the wedding of one of their friends. The setting is a haunted property, where the ghost of a bride is haunting the home in search of a sacrifice. Naturally, something horrific happens and the friends must work together to escape. Very strange. Glad it was quick.
Lillian
100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet by Pamela Paul
It was much better than I expected. I got it as a gift and figured it would be a gimmick but it was surprisingly fun.
Jan
The Story of a Brief Marriage by Anuk Arudpragasam
The title itself gives us a clue. This debut sweet sad story, set in a civil war zone in Sri Lanka's Tamil minority area is sad to read. The beginning is hopeful enough; Dinesh, a young man, who has been moving from one refugee camp to another to stay alive. He suffers when he sees a patient lose a limb. He is alone. One day, while digging a mass grave, a man he does not know approaches him and begs him to marry his only daughter, thinking that a married woman is less subject to abuse in a war. At first, he ignores the man but finally agrees. The father pronounces them married and gives the man a bag with money and goods. War continues; they hide. The title gives you info about the ending of the story. Informative about refugees.
Lynnsey
The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family by Ron Howard and Clint Howard
Loved it! One of the best memoirs I've read!
Liz
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
Nurse Julia Power is working in a hospital in Ireland during the influenza. She works with maternity patients that also have the flu and must be isolated. She is given a volunteer, Birdie Sweeney, and develops a relationship with her. Also on staff is Dr. Lynn, a political rebel. The story tells of the horrors these women, and the patients, must withstand. It is very graphic but the book is well told.
Jessica
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena
Clever, great twists!
Mindy
The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer
I really enjoyed this book which put me in the spirit of the holiday season! It was nice to read a rare holiday story revolving around characters celebrating Chanukah during the holiday season and also a story with a character who lives with a chronic illness like many others. This book was touching and entertaining to me and had quite a few laugh-out-loud moments!!
Susanne
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
Our book club just read this and everyone loved it. This is not a book I would have picked up, but we take turns choosing the book, and this was it for December. I'm so glad to have read it. There is one person in our group who has been coping with a life-threatening illness for several years who said she was hesitant to read it but ended up loving it...it's really about living life.
Dianne
The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell
Mystery unraveled. Two young adults go missing. As the story progresses, their secrets are revealed.
Sean
4th of July by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
Patterson and Paetro craft a solid thriller with some lame courtroom drama thrown in as well. The murder mystery was really good. The who, how, why was all intriguing. Lyndsey out of San Francisco and dealing with a small town was also a nice touch. However, Patterson is not good at courtroom/legal. It never comes across as genuine. The book only focused on Lyndsey as the rest of the "Club" was basically an afterthought. Overall, another solid yet lightning quick read.
Francisca
O is for Outlaw by Sue Grafton
Book # 15 in the popular Alphabet series starring private investigator (and former cop) Kinsey Millhone. I love that the series is set in a time before computers and cell phones, when investigators (whether police or private detectives) needed to be both inventive and persistent in tracking down all the leads and possibilities.
Lisa
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Very good book. Just when you think you might have things figured out, it goes a different way. I have not read this author before, but will definitely look for more of her books.
Margaret
The Speckled Beauty: A Dog and His People by Rick Bragg
When my copy of Southern Living Magazine arrives, the first thing I do is turn to the last page to read Rick Bragg's essay. I am a huge fan of Bragg and have read nearly all of his books. He won the Pulitzer Prize for ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTIN'. He writes about his southern upbringing, his family, and the things that have happened to him during his 62 years.This novel is about his dog Speck & what a bad dog he has been. Speck was a stray Australian Shepherd who appeared at Rick's mother's home in Alabama & stayed due to being fed. Bragg was back home living in his mother's basement due to health issues & the COVID pandemic. Bragg tried to train Speck but to no avail. Bragg's life seemed to be transformed by his love for this dog. Great book.
Debra
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
Charming novel of Victorian life and how Charles Dickens created his Carol.
Trezeline
The Woman Next Door by Sue Watson
Very good and interesting story. There is an unexpected ending.
Maryanne
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
A fantastic read on par with her THE ALICE NETWORK. Great character development and historical review.
Chris
Drawing Blood by Poppy Z. Brite
This is touted as a horror book. There is horror, violence and gore, but it is also a love story of two young men in the early 1990s. It is definitely a GenX book. I wasn't prepared for some of the graphic sex scenes (about a half-dozen in all), but the book was very well-written and enjoyable --- well, as enjoyable as bloody horror can be!
Marsha
The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs
A delightful book. After her mother and boyfriend are killed in a plane crash, Natalie returns to San Francisco to close out her mom's bookstore. Lots of problems occur, and there are lots of wonderful characters.
