This contest period's winners were Edie M., Jerrie W. and Sheila Z., who each received a copy of SISTER STARDUST by Jane Green and THE YOUNGER WIFE by Sally Hepworth.
Rose
The Promise by Damon Galgut
South Africa during and after apartheid, there is a white family with a Black maid. The mother is dying, and Salome, her maid, cares for her. Ma asks Pa to promise that he will give Salome the house and land when Ma dies, he agrees, and his youngest daughter overhears the promise.
However, when she dies, he refuses, saying it is illegal to give a Black person land. This family has tragedy after tragedy hit. Amor, the youngest daughter, leaves to become a nurse. Astrid, the beautiful middle child, uses her looks to tempt men. Anton, the eldest, is a soldier tormented by killing a woman. All three weave back and forth around the promise. This is a heartbreaking story of race, privilege, differences, and sorrow.
Rose
The Power Couple by Alex Berenson
This book dragged on way too long. I didn't like how the book went back to before after the main event (the kidnapping) took place. I felt it would have been better had the book been in chronological order, but I guess you wouldn't have been as surprised as to why Kira was kidnapped. Rebecca and Brian have been married for 20 years and decide to take their two kids on a European tour. Kira and Tony head out for fun in France, where Kira meets Jacques. They agree to meet the next night in Barcelona. Then Kira is kidnapped. Rebecca, an FBI agent, and Brian, a web coder/hacker, try to find Kira before it is too late. This novel is about blackmail, espionage, traitorous activity. Liked ending. Better if 100 pages shorter.
Cheryl
Wild Irish Rose by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles
Molly Murphy is back on the case involving a murder on Ellis Island. Molly is remembering her own passage through Ellis Island and is chafing at the limitations of motherhood and marriage. But she perseveres and proves to her husband that she is an excellent detective, albeit only too human when it comes to trusting a fellow Irish woman.
Linda
Northwest Angle by William Kent Krueger
Cork O'Connor planned a nice vacation with his family in the waters of Lake of the Woods. But it didn’t go as he planned. A derecho came through as Cork and Jenny were in the dinghy. Cork was tossed out and Jenny made it to a small island. She thought she was alone until she hears the cry of a baby. She finds the baby's mother on the floor of a cabin with a bullet hole in her forehead. Cork gets to Jenny but someone else is also looking around the island. Is he the killer? Is he looking for the baby? Another boat is heard getting near the island and the man takes off in his boat.
Linda
The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
Four employees of Blockbuster were killed right before closing. There was one survivor (Ella Monroe) who remembers the killer telling her “Goodnight pretty girl” before stabbing her. Police focus on one teen (Vince Whitaker) and close their investigation. Vince is set free for insufficient evidence and disappears. Fifteen years later, employees of an ice cream shop are found stabbed and there is one survivor (Jesse Duvall). She remembers the killer saying the same thing as was said to the lone survivor years ago. FBI agent Sarah Keller is determined to get to the bottom of the original killing and finish the shoddy investigation done by police. The killer is totally unexpected and Sarah almost loses her life.
Linda
Nothing to Lose by J. A. Jance
JP Beaumont’s partner Sue Danielson was killed by her ex almost twenty years ago. Now, her son Jared asks Beau to find his missing brother Chris. Both boys were sent to their grandparents in Ohio after the tragedy but Chris left when he was 13 and went to his father’s parents in Alaska. The search takes Beau to the small town of Homer, Alaska. He learns Chris left his grandparents’ house and dropped out of high school. The last anyone saw of him was after his shift at a restaurant when he went to change a tire for a lady. Beau learned of Chris’s love for fellow student Danitza Adams and that trail led to the killer.
Linda
The Marriage Secret by Carey Baldwin
What a great book! Keeps you in suspense till the very end! Holly and Zach Bancroft had a happy marriage (or at least she thought so) until baby Jolene was born. It’s almost as if Zach is jealous of the baby. Holly doesn’t know it but Zach, head of OB-GYN at Mercy General Hospital, is a cheater and has sexual affairs with interns at the hospital. He was a suspect in the murder of one of his students but was cleared. But now another intern is found dead in the hospital morgue and Zach is under investigation and put on leave by the hospital. Holly wants a divorce but Zach does not agree. She confides in a friend Tamara Driscoll but Tamara is not who she thinks she is and she has plans of her own to deal with Holly.
Linda
Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter
Olivia Marshall has recently moved in with her brother Jack and his roommate Colin Beck after she moved back home to Omaha. One night, she gets a text asking what's she wearing. It is obviously a misdial but she sends a snarky reply. They continue to text back and forth and call themselves Mr. Wrong Number and Miss Misdial. Neither knows who the other is. Weeks later, Colin finds out she is Miss Misdial and wonders how he could have missed the signs. She finds out months later and goes berserk and blocks his number but then misses his texts.
Richard N B
Subpar Parks by Amber Share
You can’t please all of the people all of the time, but a 1-star review of the Grand Canyon (“A hole. A very, very, large hole.”)? Share is an avid fan of the USA’s National Parks and had to shake her head at such comments. Inspired, she painted some wonderful depictions, graced with the clueless remarks of seriously underwhelmed visitors, added genuinely helpful descriptions of what the parks had to offer, including Native American culture and significance, and put together this entertaining and informative book.
Maryanne
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Ivanovich
Getting to be same old, same old.
Christine
The Book Smugglers by Anna James
The story was good and the illustrations were of nice quality.
Sheila
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
Excellent writing with well-developed characters and thought-provoking situations.
Karishma
My Wife is Missing by D. J. Palmer
Amazing story. I kept guessing until the end and bam! Climax was so unpredictable!
Susan
1984 by George Orwell
A very depressing book. I just didn’t like the book.
Rose
This Might Hurt by Stephanie Wrobel
Natalie and Kit are close sisters, but Nat hasn't heard from Kit in 6 months, ever since Kit went to an off-the-grid experience called Wisewood, run by a woman the students call Teacher. When Nat receives an email threatening to tell Kit what Nat did, Nat decides to go to Wisewood to tell Kit the secret she has been keeping. When Nat arrives, she realizes that Kit is involved in a cult. The leader, Rachel/Teacher has re-invented herself as a woman who faces fear and overcomes it. She "helps" her students overcome their fears by facing them. However, the truth is darker and more sinister than it sounds. Nat fears that Kit is too deep into the Wisewood culture. Will she be able to save her sister?
Karen
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
A very unique storyline. It gives you a lot to think about. Not what you’d think it would be.
Trisha
The Last Confessions of Sylvia P. by Lee Kravetz
At 264 pages, this book should have been a quick read. The author really packed a punch with this one. The introduced to three characters in Sylvia Path’s orbit that made this book a bit more work, but a great read. Dark and slow, this book picks up steam and really finishes well.
Terry
Call the Midwife: A Labour of Love by Stephan McGann
A lovely refresher of the past ten years of "Call the Midwife" with heartfelt commentary and wonderful photos.
Teresa
The Startup Wife by Tahmima Anam
Too much tech for me. I really struggled to read this one. I could not identify with the characters.
Sheila
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
Although this story is about grieving, it is humorous and up-lifitng. It also provides strategies for dealing with grief. Well worth the time!
Fran
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Loved this multi-cultural novel that spans several decades and countries. It is more than a coming-of-age story and more than a tale of intrigue. If you loved THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE you will love this one. I could not put it down.
Lynn
The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly
Harry Bosch and Rene Ballard team up again to solve two murders. Best team in crime novels!!
Darlene
All the Flowers in Shanghai by Duncan Jepson
Good.
Betty
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
Very readable book. Enjoyed it.
Pat
Premonition by Michael Lewis
Fascinating account of a group of visionary doctors and scientists who predicted the pandemic and tried to convince others that it was a real threat.
Mickey
The Queen of Paris by Pamela Binnings Ewen
This was my first book by Pamela Binnings Ewen and about Coco Chanel. The story is fiction based on facts. I enjoyed getting to know Coco, her personality, the different people in her life and her experience during the four years of Nazi occupation in Paris in the middle of World War II. Overall I enjoyed the book. However, the ending left me with a few unanswered questions.
Jeanne
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
THE MAGNOLIA PALACE by Fiona Davis is historical fiction at its finest. This novel has it all including fashion, the modeling world, art, mystery, murder, intrigue, and drama surrounding dark family secrets inside the magnificent Frick Museum. It is filled with suspense and twists and turns that kept me captivated from the very beginning all the way to the end. It starts in 1919 and shifts back and forth from to 1966. The author did a great job in not only the research, but also the way she created and crafted the characters into likable, vulnerable and relatable people who fit perfectly with the storyline. I especially enjoyed reading about the history and story of why the museum was referred to as The Magnolia Palace.
Jeanne
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
ONE ITALIAN SUMMER by Rebecca Serle is a well-written, heartwarming, captivating story about a young woman who loses her mother and is heartbroken and lost without her. She decides to take the trip to Positano, Italy that she was supposed to take with her mother to try find her way and find herself, not even sure if she wants to remain married. I found this novel to be captivating and read it from cover to cover in one sitting because I couldn’t wait to find out how things turned out. The author did a great job creating and crafting the characters who were perfect for the storyline. The Italian food, the people and Italy were so brilliantly captured I felt like I was right there experiencing everything.
Jeanne
19 Yellow Moon Road by Fern Michaels
19 YELLOW MOON ROAD by Fern Michaels is Book 33 in the Sisterhood series. When Maggie’s friend Gabby disappears, the clues lead to a spiritual, almost cult-like group called The Haven. Maggie is determined to find Gabby and rescue her and turns to the Sisterhood for help. The deeper they investigate, they discover a massive web of crime that is going to take all their abilities and resources to bring them down and save Gabby. It was easy to read and I rated it 4 stars.
Michelle
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
What a ride! This book read like a musical score, with a cadence that kept me engaged through the final page.
Kristen
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
I had been looking forward to this book about the Dust Bowl, but the characters and the plot just weren’t for me. I was in the minority with that; everyone else in my book club gave it 3-4 stars.
Linda
The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers
Very interesting story that caught me at page one. Well written and much enjoyed.
Alexandra
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
An interesting and fast-moving book from the first page. I enjoyed reading all the references to music and composers. Loved this book.
Linda
The Dressmaker's Gift by Fiona Valpy
Great book. I felt so torn between the two “mothers”. No matter which one was to get to raise the child, it made my heart break for the other. I also loved the vivid description on the lighthouse and its location. I don’t think I could of lived so far away from civilization.
Jackie
The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty
Very depressing book to me but also very thought-provoking, so all was not lost on reading it. It is a subject that definitely is out there and occurs more then we would like to imagine but not one I have ever come upon in a book. I have to say kudos to the author for bringing this difficult subject matter to our attention.
Paula
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku
Such a heartbreaking experience and yet he lived a very fulfilling life. An example of love and kindness. Quick read and very thought-provoking.
Lori
The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben
This was my first actual read from Coben. I’ve watched several adaptations of his stories. I really liked this story. Lots of twists to keep me interested.
heather
Kitchen Yarns by Ann Hood
Wonderful to read. Full of great recipes and family history.
Donna
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
I found the flow from the two time periods very confusing and it did not flow well. Otherwise interesting to know how people in that time would be able to come together around keeping a library open.
heather
Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner
Wonderful book. It is quite a good mystery.
Nina
The Eighth Sister by Robert Dugoni
Part spy thriller and part legal drama makes this a fast espionage drama. Great character development with compelling and fast-paced action is definitely in store for the reader.
Barbara-Ann
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
A unique outlook on how twins decisions can affect a family.
Sheree
Zorrie by Laird Hunt
I did not like the book. I didn't like the character and it was a depressing book.
Jeanne
Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson
RUN ROSE RUN is an easy to read page-turner with short, snappy chapters and well-drawn characters. The book provides an excellent depiction of the music industry, a really good description of Nashville’s music scene, and it contains a slowly developing romance too! The book is not literary genius and it won’t help you expand your vocabulary, but you’ll truly enjoy this fun-to-read book.
Pat
The Last Chance Library by Freda Sampson
This book had some foul language, which I don’t like, but book was good otherwise. I love libraries, totally support them. Book had a great mix of characters - all ages - thoroughly enjoyed each. A really good book!
Pat
Three Sisters by Heather Morris
I read a lot about Holocaust - fiction and nonfiction. The promise the sisters made to their father was heartwarming - and one they kept - to always take care of your sisters! Beautiful, heartwarming book.
PJ
The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon
Monsters are real and sometimes they are not who you would think they are!!! A seemingly innocent treatment center for mentally ill in Vermont run by a seemingly innocent Dr. Hildreth (aka Gran) who has her two grandchildren Violet and Eric living with her. Until Iris shows up one day with Gran. Iris is a damaged child, she doesn't talk, she always wears a dirty orange hat and has no memory of her past. The story chronicles Violet's life in 1978 and 2019. She is a monster hunter but all is not what it seems. It's a well-written novel that will have you guessing to the very end!!!
Sally-Jo
The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny
I'm a fan of the Gamache series. This one was quite different, veering away from the usual setting but digging deeper into the character's personal struggles. I'm curious to see how it plays out in the next book of the series.
Susan
The Judge's List by John Grisham
Lacy gets a call from a unknown caller about a judge that is a serial killer to investigate. The plot thickens with every page. While I didn't think it was a page-turner, I did think it was interesting.
Gayle
The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher
This was a fascinating story of how the bookstore Shakespeare & Co. in Paris came to be and all the writers of that era.
Kathy
The Queen of Paris by Pamela Binnings Ewen
Our book group loved this book. Historical fiction about the tenacity and strength of one woman who fought for what she wanted.
Phyllis
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
A delightful story of four young men and their travels and encounters with people they meet on their journey.
Linda
On Gold Mountain by Lisa See
This lengthy nonfiction book is a biography that details See's family history and her Chinese/American heritage. It's so interesting that it almost reads like historical fiction. Good choice, Carol.
Mary
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
In our personal online book discussion group this book was in topic for over a month. The book holds within all a book can provide, interesting story, a great mystery, diverse personalities, and best of all "food for thought". It keeps the reader pondering long after the story is read.
Michele
The Amish Baby Finds a Home by Barbara Cameron
Great book! Even the Amish make mistakes but forgive and forget. It's never the baby's fault. Book shows the bond between friends and neighbors.
Sheila
Mustique Island by Sarah McCoy
Imagine a private island that caters to the rich and famous. That's the charm of Mustique Island. A place where the wealthy can do what they want without the eyes of the world watching. Willie May Michael thinks she has found the perfect place to build a home and settle in to the peaceful atmosphere. There's more to the island though as she finds out. An amazing cast of characters and a beautiful setting make this an excellent read. I definitely recommend it!
Suzanne
The Trial by Robert Whitlow
I like lawyer books. This was first time author for me. Guilty or innocent, Mac knows everyone deserves a defense so he decides to take the case. An enjoyable read that went quickly.
Elizabeth
The Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson
I listened to this book. It was a very hard listen but a good book that exposed many of the cruelties of slavery. The author created a story out of the bare-bone facts of a mixed race woman married to a jailer in Richmond, VA in the years just before the Civil War and presented a complex story told from the point of view of the enslaved woman, Phoebe, who is forced into a common law marriage with the jailer and bears 4 children with him. It describes how she survived and protected her children in unspeakable circumstances.
Ellyn
A Gambling Man by David Baldacci
Post WWII. Enjoyed the "underdog" ex-con turned private eye under the tutelage of older, established PI. Even though I got the large print edition which was huge, it was a fast read. Would recommend it.
Mary Ann
The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
I couldn't put this book down. I read it in 24 hours. Never guessed the ending.
Lisa
Penne Dreadful by Catherine Bruns
This book was a great diversion from all the gloom and doom in the world. When Tessa's husband dies, she is lost until she finds out that his death wasn't an accident. She is determined to find the killer and in the process learns surprising things about her husband that cause both disappointment and admiration. If you are Italian and/or love Italian cooking, check it out. There are even a few recipes in the back.
Tricha
Seven Steeples by Sara Baume
Bell and Sigh move in together and it is a story of their and their dogs' lives as they become reclusive.
Monica
The Book Woman's Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson
I enjoyed this book and the very descriptive writing style. I could almost feel myself living in that day and time. Honey Lovett was a young girl of 16 who exemplified more courage and determination than many do in a lifetime. One of my favorite set of lines in the book: "Freedom. It was all I could think about. I picked up a book and rubbed its worn cover, fanned through the pages, marveling over the power you could get from books."
Michelle
Last Girl Ghosted by Lisa Unger
Great book! Very eye-opening as far as how dangerous online dating can sometimes be. A bit sad, but the ending was both surprising and happy.
Janet
Mornings on Main by Jodi Thomas
Loved the characters and storyline.
Maureen
The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book but it seemed like it had a rushed ending and left some things a bit unfinished. I did enjoy the different time lines.
Jessica
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
Great thriller that kept me guessing until the end.
Maureen
Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
Love her books!
Rose
Nine Lives by Peter Swanson
I am a huge fan of Peter Swanson and his thriller novels. NINE LIVES is a homage to AND THEN THERE WERE NONE by Agatha Christie. In this novel, people receive 9 names on a list. One of the names is FBI agent Jessica Winslow, and she automatically considers the list to be evidence. When one of the people on the list is the victim of a murder, Jessica realizes that her suspicions were correct. She and other agents begin searching for a connection between the names. Several of the people are in their 30s-40s, and others are closer to 70-80. No one seems to know the other names, but Jessica thinks she knows of a connection. As more and more people die, the FBI knows that they need to move quickly to discover why this group has been targeted.
Michelle
The Wish by Nicholas Sparks
This is the first Nicholas Sparks book I have read in years. I forgot how a lot of his books can be a little sad, although the ending was happy. I loved how there was some closure in the story. Would recommend!
Gerry
Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West
The audiobook narration was excellent for this novel told from multiple points of view. Three of the narrators are women, two are men, and the sixth (and most effective, in my opinion) is the community church that ties all of them together over several generations. I thought the author did a very good job of structuring the story to maintain some suspense and allow the backstories to be revealed gradually, but did find it a bit difficult to keep track of the relationships between the various characters. Though a little melodramatic toward the end, this is a very engaging and enjoyable story. As one reviewer commented, it's a "multilayered love letter to South Side Chicago’s African American faith-based community."
Gerry
Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights by Gretchen Sorin
I listened to the first half of this book in audio format, and read the rest print in order to see the photographs in the book. I found the text a bit repetitive, perhaps including multiple examples and anecdotes in an effort to persuade a skeptical audience. The basic theme of the book was the impact of the automobile on daily life in the Black American community, and the very slow erosion of the barriers to Black travel that was facilitated by car ownership and publications like The Negro Motorists' Green Book, first published in 1937 and updated annually, serving as an indispensable guide for Black travelers to safe stops along the way at a time when so many amenities white Americans took for granted were denied to Black people.
Gerry
The Purity of Vengeance by Jussi Adler-Olsen
This Nordic noir mystery was a bit slow getting started, and the characters were pretty universally unappealing, and in many cases downright villainous. Although it's not a new book (published in 2013) its main theme, the rise of an alt-right political party with an Übermensch vision reminiscent of Nazi Germany, is all too timely. This is the third novel I've read in the Department Q series, and I'm a bit disappointed that the recurring characters remain rather flat and uninteresting. This book was headed for a rating of 2 or 2.5 until a clever twist at the very end gave it a boost.
Gerry
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
This is a novel of Cyprus, and portrays the transition in the 1970s from a time of harmony with the two groups living comfortably together to the civil war that divided the island and the two populations, and resulted in terrible loss of life. It's also a novel about nature, the interdependence of all its creatures - plants, animals, and humans - and the toll that our human belief in our own primacy has wrought on the rest of nature. One remarkable narrator in this story is a 100+ year old fig tree, transplanted from Cyprus to England, where it flourished under the care of a devoted arborist and carried the memory of its past. Finally, it's a story about memories, trauma, and family histories, beautifully written and always compelling.
Gerry
Honor by Thrity Umrigar
HONOR is a story of love and a story of hate. Love between a Hindu woman and a Muslim man that a closed-minded community, mired in patriarchal tradition and internecine hate, could not accept. Smita is an Indian-born American journalist, returning to the country of her birth to help a friend and fellow journalist who's seriously injured. Her friend needs Smita to follow up on a story of a young Hindu woman who has filed suit against her brothers for the murder of her Muslim husband. Interviewing people on both sides of this horrific incident, Smita is also forced to confront issues from her own past and to rethink her future. This was a compelling story with well-developed characters that held my interest throughout.
Gerry
To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara
This is a tough one to rate. I liked Part I a lot, though the non-ending was an annoyance. Part II was just weird, and added little to the story. Part III was initially odd, but gradually drew me in as the characters' and their histories were revealed. Mostly what it all felt was utterly depressing. What a pessimistic view of the future -- the time during which, I couldn't stop thinking, my grandchildren will come of age and spend their adult lives. While current events make this grim outcome seem scarily possible, I remain hopeful that she's wrong, and that the rest of this century will not devolve into the dystopia Yahagihara envisions. But she certainly deserves credit for creating a world that rang eerily true, however unwelcome.
Gerry
No Land to Light On by Yara Zgheib
Beautiful, almost poetic writing in a heart-rending story of a young couple separated by the 2017 so-called "Muslim ban" that, among other things, suspended the entry of Syrian refugees -- even those with previously-approved visas, indefinitely. The novel is based on the author's actual experience, though certain details were fictional, and was written, according to one reviewer, to help her process the painful experience of giving birth, isolated and alone in the U.S. when her husband was prevented from returning to the U.S. despite his legal visa. I read most of it in a single afternoon, unable to tear myself away from this emotionally stirring story.
Gerry
Recitatif: A Story by Toni Morrison
I read Toni Morrison's only published short story on what would be her 91st birthday. Morrison has created a puzzle for her readers: we know the two girls in the story are of opposite races, one Black and one White. But which is which? Every apparent "clue" is contradicted by another, and in the end, the point is clear: there are NO innate differences, nothing about the speech, or customs, or behavior of of either girl that marks her clearly as one race or the other. Morrison constructs the story in such a way that we are forced to admit the fact that other categories, aside from the racial, also produce shared experiences. "We are like and unlike a lot of people a lot of the time," as Zadie Smith notes in her introduction.
Gerry
I Let You Go by Claire Mackintosh
This was a compelling mystery centered on an automobile accident that killed a little boy. More than once it took an unexpected turn that caught me off guard. It's narrated by multiple characters, each sharing his or her own perspective, and moves back and forth in time to slowly reveal the characters' histories leading up to the events. The author is a former police officer and clearly understands both police procedures and the politics that can impact on officers. The story flowed smoothly, and the characters, though not all likeable, were well-developed and interesting.
Gerry
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
I loved this gentle story of a young Irish girl who emigrated to the US in the 1950s. Eilis was uprooted from her family with little notice after her mother and older sister determined that this was the plan that offered her the best future. She arrived at Ellis Island and settled in to a boardinghouse in Brooklyn and a job at a family-owned dry goods store, but struggled mightily with homesickness until she began to fill her time with evening classes at Brooklyn College and dreaming of a future as a bookkeeper rather than a lowly shop clerk. Eilis also met a young man who captured her heart, and the two began to plan a future together until Eilis was suddenly called home when her sister died. Will she stay or return to her life in America?
Gerry
Four Hundred Souls by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, editor
I listened to this collection of essays, most read by their authors. I won't say I enjoyed it, though both the writing and most of the narrations were very good. But it's a challenging collection, sharing events and perspectives that were often unfamiliar to me, and sometimes contradicted the history I thought I knew. All the essays were short, each lasting about ten minutes in the audiobook, probably taking even less time to read in print. At times, I wished for more detail about the individuals and events being described, more support for the opinions being expressed. I own a copy of the hardcover book, and plan to begin reading it soon, taking time to gather more information about those issues that were least familiar.
Gerry
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
I enjoyed listening to this YA novel about a young Chinese girl in Atlanta in the late 19th century. The story seemed a bit more complex than many YA novels, and I wonder if it would really appeal to that population. It did offer a somewhat different perspective on the racism of the Jim Crow era, since the main character and narrator didn't fit neatly into either racial category.
Gerry
The 7-1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
What an amazing book! I didn't love it while I was reading it, and would give it three stars from the perspective of my enjoyment of it. But the construction of the mystery and the writing itself were both worthy of five stars. So my final rating is a compromise. I won't even attempt to summarize the plot; the publisher's blurb on Goodreads does that far better than I could. It's a murder mystery, a time-travel story, and to some extent an unreliable narrator story that winds around and around until I felt my head spinning. I decided early on I wasn't going to try to figure anything out, and just went with the flow of the confusing narrative until the secrets were revealed (mostly) at the end. Quite a ride!
Gerry
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell
The main character of this book, Virginia Hall, was a courageous woman who led a fascinating life, and was unquestionably a true hero of World War II. On that basis, this book should be a five-star read. But I often struggled to keep going with it, finding the writing repetitive and dull, especially in the first half. The pace did pick up in the second half, and by the end I was glad to have read it.
Gerry
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
THE GOOD SISTER: but to whom does the title refer? Fern and Rose are twins, though very different from one another. Fern has severe sensory processing issues, limited social skills, and a tendency to interpret language very literally. Rose is her protector, the person who guides her and looks out for her. Fern’s budding independence and her involvement with a new boyfriend give Rose pause. Will she save her sister from this new danger as she has done so often in the past?
Gerry
The New Neighbor by Karen Cleveland
This is a compelling mystery that grabbed my interest right from the beginning and never let go. It's a quick read with a lot of twists and turns and a frighteningly believable glimpse into a world of espionage and counter-espionage set right here in suburban America. Written by a former CIA analyst who clearly knows the ins and outs of that agency, as well as its rivalry with the FBI, the story centers on Beth Bradford, a female CIA analyst who's been searching for years for an Iranian agent who appears to have infiltrated the inner circle of the CIA with a goal of compromising the agency's intranet, a goal that, if achieved, would open up the agency's most top-secret data base and destroy America's security networks.
Gerry
The Toni Morrison Book Club by Juda Bennett, Winnifred Brown-Glaude, et. al.
I'm inspired to read (and in some cases re-read) all of Toni Morrison's novels after listening to this group memoir, made up of essays based on conversations among four readers who love her works and who gathered together to discuss the impact of her works on their own lives. I'm sure I'd find even more depth in them now after re-visiting them from the perspective of the Toni Morrison Book Club members. The authors discuss four of Morrison's novels, drawing connections to conditions and events in the U.S., both at the time the books were written and also into the twenty-first century, and share incidents in their own lives that serve as poignant reminders of how far this country has yet to travel to reach anything like racial equality.
Melinda
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Great read. Makes me want to go to Italy. Beautiful story!!
Dvora
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Excellent narration on audio.
Toni
The Dachshund Wears Prada by Stefanie London
This was a tenderhearted romance about a very rich and very private, misunderstood man named Theo and the woman he hires to dog sit for his hilarious and spoiled dog, Camilla. When Isla starts working for Theo, she had just lost her job in social media because of a huge mistake she made during a live interview with a rising star. She needs a job fast because she's been raising her teenage sister after their mother left them. Isla's sister Dani is hoping to become a ballerina and Isla needs money to pay for dance lessons. The more time Theo and Isla spend together, the more they see who each other really is and they fall in love. Their love story is very unique and the book is filled with tender moments and a few spicy bits. I loved it!
Jane
French Braid by Anne Tyler
I finished this book in two days. I'm biased since I've loved all of Anne Tyler's books except for one. This is no exception. Her characters are well-thought out and they have their own personalities, of course. It starts in 2010 sort of the present. It then goes back to the 1959 when Robin, Mercy and their three kids, Alice, Lily, and David are young and go on their first vacation ever. Then come the husbands, kids, etc. and their lives growing up. Alice and Lily were always rivals and I felt that they just tolerated each other. David was the only boy and I felt like he was always left out and different and awkward. It ends during the pandemic when even the kids are "elderly" (in their 70s I'm guessing).
Susan
Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr
This story takes you into the dark side of the international art world. The characters are intriguing and the story is fast past-paced with many twists and turns.
Jean
One by One by Ruth Ware
The characters are engaging, although they aren't all nice. There are so many I found it hard to keep them all straight in my mind. The story is told in first person by two characters in alternating chapters. This device didn't totally work for me. The pace starts slowly and then zooms toward the end. I did want to see how it turned out but didn't find the ending that satisfying.
Evelyn
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
Loved every minute of this book. Ms. Post led a very interesting life and the author captured it beautifully. Highly recommend this book.
Debbie
The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
The journey into the mysteries of Nancy Drew begins with THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK. What a joy to read about stylish Nancy Drew and her wardrobe of matching clothes. And this eighteen-year-old has a dark blue convertible at her disposable. Nancy interviews and aids so many people in this story who have been swindled out of a hefty inheritance. Of course, the amounts mentioned in the book seem paltry compared to modern amounts, but the people involved gladly accept their inheritance. Nancy encounters a few detours in her investigation, but helps the police locate furniture thieves. The vivid description of the characters completes a poignant story.
Debbie
A Death in Vienna by Frank Tallis
Frank Tallis writes an extremely descriptive and thought-provoking novel. His novels have been adapted by PBS into a series called Vienna Blood. The novel outranks the television series immensely. One of the distractions in the novel is the frequent use of German for coffee, desserts, and buildings. Frank Tallis should have added a glossary. The detailed description of the setting and characters embellished the story. Of course, I had seen the PBS episode and knew many of the sequences and the mystery of the locked door and absence of a bullet. The introduction of Sigmund Freud and his psychoanalysis proved very interesting. I adored the Jewish jokes of Freud. Music provides a dramatic sense of relief during the most gruesome aspects.
Vicky
To the Nines by Janet Evanovich
Another great Stephanie Plum novel!!! I barely finish the latest book I’m reading and I’m on to reading the next one.
Ann Marie
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
I loved BLACK CAKE. May be one of my favorites this year!
Margaret
Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson
I hate to say it but I give it one star. It is predictable and just awful…sorry Dolly still love you! I even picked it as my book club selection! Two out of eleven members like it. I tired to finish it on audiobook and it was not any better! Not at all. I owe my club a better read! We have been together since 2017, so this is not our first disappointment.
Chris
Violeta by Isabel Allende
As usual, Isabel Allende writes a captivating story, spanning decades, about Violeta who is born in Spain in 1920. Her family is witness to the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak, the Roaring Twenties, two world wars, and so much more. The story is told through her letters, documenting the ups and downs and amazing events of both the 20th and 21st centuries. Bravo!
Rose
Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen
First in trilogy. I read this book for a literary fiction book club. Russ is a minister, who has been excluded from the youth group. He is married with four children, each with their own issues. Clem leaves for college, Becky is popular, Perry is extremely bright but troubled, and Judson is nerdy youngest son. Marion, his wife, feels frumpy and unwanted. She is hiding a secret. Russ is lusting after a widow in the parish, Frances. Half the story takes place around Christmas, and what happens to the family over this holiday. It stirs up memories for Russ, and the children all have different experiences that change their lives. The other half of the book leads up to Easter, and preparation for the mission trip to AZ. Interesting family saga.
Jana
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
Very fast-paced and had you guessing who commits the crime. First novel and will definitely read her next one.
Jana
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Enjoyed reading this latest book from Ms. Serle. Was a very good read.
jana
The Saints of Swallow Hill by Donna Everhart
New author to me and the book was so very good!
Sonia
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
We haven't had our discussion yet, but I think it will be a good one based on this book.
Rose
W-What H-Happened by Tobias Prince
Scott is in a relationship with his old neighbor, Abigail, yet is still married to his wife, Jackie. A waitress, Heather, also has eyes on Scott. Scott has dreams that his children are in danger, and one day, this comes true. His children have a terrible accident, causing 2 of the 3 to be hospitalized. During this trauma, he goes to the hospital with Heather. He begins a sexual relationship with her while still communicating with Abigail. He also continues to have sex with his wife, and finally consummates his relationship with Abigail. Seriously, sex with 3 women, sometimes in the same day? While his children are fighting for their lives in the hospital? Plus, Abigail gives him permission to continue his sex life with his wife. Skip this!
Marilyn
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
This is not "another Abraham Lincoln book" but more like a coming-of-age book when 18-year-old Emmett is driven home from a work home by the warden. Emmett has served 15 months for involuntary manslaughter. He intends to pick up his 8-year-old brother and head to California to rebuild his life. Two friends from the work home have stowed away in the warden's trunk and have different plans altogether, plans that find them in New York City where they meet any number of intriguing people, many of whom become friends. They learn the values of discipline and happiness.
Aly
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Absolutely phenomenal. A new favorite!
Francisca
Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray
Ruth Hopson likes to bake cakes. She finds comfort in comforting others, and lately everyone – including Ruth – needs some comfort. I have loved every book I’ve read by Jeanne Ray, and this one is no exception. Her writing reminds me of Anne Tyler and Elizabeth Berg. Her characters experience everyday life, with all its joys, crises, heartaches and triumphs.
Beth
Fragile by Lisa Unger
This book is a quick read not only because it’s relatively short, but also you won’t want to put it down. FRAGILE is the story of two missing-person's cases set in The Hollows, a fictional town in upstate New York. The Hollows is a mysterious place where people grow up and never seem to be able to leave, at least not for good. So most everyone knows everyone, went to high school together, and judges each other on the basis of who they were back then.
Rose
Probably Lives in Tahiti by R. A. Cramblitt
PROBABLY LIVES IN TAHITI is about a man, Jim, who meets the woman he desires, Cassie, at the advertising firm where he works. Only problem? Cassie is already in a relationship with Peter. Jim also has visions of being a star in a band, and travels up and down the east coast playing gigs. Cassie and Jim do fall in love, but again, Peter is there. This book goes back and forth between endless lists of songs and artists, the ups and downs of being on the road and playing gigs in towns, and the relationship between Jim and Cassie. I felt the book never could decide if it wanted to focus on the love story or the music story. I also thought the book spent too much time on background vs. present situations. Not for me.
Rose
Christmas at Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop by Jenny Colgan
Story of love lost and then found again. Set in England, Rosie Hopkins is prepping for a white Christmas. She is settling in with Stephen, and trying to navigate a rocky relationship with his mother. Then, tragedy strikes the small town, and children are injured. Meanwhile, in a nursing home, a new man, James Boyd, has come to live. His son brings him, and James is suffering from dementia. But, then he sees Lillian Hopkins, and instantly feels a connection. Lillian is reminded of her old love, Henry, who died in the war. Rosie and Stephen have a rough patch, and Rosie is resigned to believe that they will never marry. Christmas brings a pleasant surprise to all. Cute story, just okay for me.
Jayme
Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig
This was a compelling "based on a true story" historical fiction set during WWI about a group of Smith University alumnae who go to France to aid the war-torn villages on the front lines. Though it was a bit slow in the beginning, the last 100 pages had me riveted and holding my breath. I love it when historical fiction can give insight into little-known events.
Julie
Break-Up Book Club by Wendy Wax
I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice cross-section of different ages and stages of women who became friends.
Kathleen
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
I just picked up this book to take a break from reviewing/blogging. Wow and I'm glad I did. The story of a young woman, Casey Fletcher, who lost her husband is in a downward spiral of grief and drinking. Her mother sent her to the family's lake house to dry out or just plain get mended. While there along with her drinking, she starts watching the house across the lake. Befriends Katherine Royce, when Casey rescues her from drowning. They become friends but not is all it seems. Things just don't add up and the longer Casey watches the house, the more she is sucked into the story. Never take things at face value, because you may just be surprised. Plus a bit of supernatural to suck you in.
Samantha
The Resting Place by Camilla Sten
OH MY GOSH. I finished this one 12 hours. Like I seriously just couldn't put it down. A huge thank you to a dear friend on Instagram who sent me this ARC version of THE RESTING PLACE a few days ago, this one DIDN'T disappoint. We all know I love a good "Who-Dunnit?" narrative and boy did Camilla Sten keep me guessing until the very end. Poor Eleanor has had it hard enough lately what with her grandmother being murdered and bumping into her killer on the way to her grandmother's apartment...but she wasn't able to identify this murderer because of her Prosopagnosia or "Blind Face" illness. That's right, she can't recognize people at all, unless she's meticulously memorized tiny features, mannerisms, or voices.
Rose
The Girl I Never Knew by LaDonna Humphrey
WOW! This book is a true crime thriller, and it is written with passion and determination. LaDonna Humphrey has dedicated her life to finding the killer of Melissa Witt, a young woman killed at just 19 years old while on her way to visit her mom at a bowling alley in 1995. Humphrey is a journalist and this case captivated her. She has worked to track leads and interview countless people to try to find the killer. I was completely transfixed by this story, and read the book in one sitting. Humphrey details other cases, as well as possible motives for the murder. I admire her determination and perseverance in working together with law enforcement to close this case. Hopefully, with her book, and help from social media, justice will win.
Elizabeth
The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth
The book starts out with the wedding and then a scream. What happened? Lots of twists, secrets, lies, and lots of drama.
Elizabeth
The Shadow House by Anna Downes
A dark theme with odd, angry characters and a sci-fi/paranormal feel. An okay read for me. I was a bit disappointed because I really enjoyed her first book.
Michelle
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
This was the first book I’ve ever read by Kate Quinn and I loved it! Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I always learn so much! Quite a fascinating story about this female sniper. Would definitely recommend!
Leslie
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
I cannot say enough good things about this book. It's beautifully written and speaks to themes of family, trust, and self.
Becky
The Immortal King Rao by Vauhini Vara
I thought this was going to be an Indian dalit makes good in the tech world, creates a new world order that turns on him and he responds with more techie intrigue book. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a wide ranging but superficial family drama with a vast cast of characters that jumped from past to present to near past to middle past and back to present with jarring regularity. Oh, yes, there is some techie stuff thrown in but it is an obvious afterthought to the family drama.
The techie part was interesting. Can you turn your mind into a computer and then pass it on to another? What an intriguing idea. I wish more of the book revolved around this idea. I was disappointed.
Betty
Requiem Mass by Elizabeth Corley
The first in a series -- a police procedural and then some. A serial killer with vengeance on his mind. A little long, but I enjoyed it very much.
Rose
Love Auction: Too Risky to Love Again by Sharon Carter
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. Sage lost her husband and mother in the same way - a horrific car accident after an argument. When she meets Nick, she isn't ready for another relationship, but the attraction is extremely strong and undeniable. An associate of Nick's, Max, has his eye on Sage and will do what it takes to claim her as his. Fortunately, Sage's best friend Parker is a cop, and Nick has the money to hire a bodyguard to keep Sage safe. This novel explores several subjects - love, loss, abortion, obsession, cancer, foster care, drugs. There was a lot in this tale. Some of the scenes seemed like they stopped abruptly, so I would suggest that they be reviewed. Wrap-up too neat.
DeeAnn
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
I’ve never read an Agatha Christie book so when our book club selected club this book I was intrigued. I’ve been waiting patiently for a Marie Benedict book to be selected, so I was thrilled when that happened. THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE will leave your jaw dropping over and over when you read the biographical account of her life as she was embarking on a career as an author at a time when women were not recognized for having careers. From her courtship and marriage to Archie, to the birth of her only child Rosalind, to her 1926 disappearance for 11 days, Agatha’s life was not always happy or content, and Ms. Benedict’s book will leave you captivated and compelled to keep the pages turning. Marie Benedict has done it again!
Allison
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
DNA Duo is a groundbreaking service that matches individuals based on their DNA. At the helm is brooding, handsome River Peña who’s commitment to this project spans decades. On a whim, single mom Jess submits her data as part of their pre-launch testing. Neither of them expects an off-the-charts result to pop up…“Destiny could also be choice, she’d realized. To believe or not, to be vulnerable or not, to go all-in or not.” THE SOULMATE EQUATION is a unique, heartwarming story that I fell in love with.
Sean
Deception Point by Dan Brown
Dan Brown tells a very "Dan Brown"-like tale. The story is basically a mashup between Michael Crichton and the show Scandal. It moves incredibly fast and has impossible coincidences but it does entertain. The plot is intriguing but the secret antagonist's reasoning is pretty flawed. The book divides the story between Washington intrigue and the main character's field work. The Washington stuff was more interesting as I never felt the field team was ever in actual danger. Not Brown's best work, but passable.
Carrie
Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce
An absolute delight! One of the best books I have read in quite a long time. For fans of historical fiction and adventure stories.
Christina
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
This book was a good read if you're interested in friendships. The book was moving and emotional as the story moves along. There are some funny parts as well. I would recommend the book and don’t watch the movie before you read the book because the book is way better; the movie has a different storyline.
Kay
The Maid by Nita Prose
A mystery told through the eyes of an endearing sleuth.
Maureen
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Jess arrives at her brother’s apartment in Paris and he is no where to be found. She starts getting worried and asking around. It becomes apparent something is wrong. All the people in the apartment behave strangely at the mention of her brother's name. A great thriller with a beautiful setting.
Erin
What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline
This book was amazing from start to finish! You are drawn in immediately and the story keeps you engaged. There are so many unexpected twists and turns. I was unable to put this book down.
Barbara
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Action in THE PARIS APARTMENT actually takes place in several apartments in an old Paris building, not just one. As the reader "explores," she realizes that there are lots of secrets to be discovered. First, the secret to the disappearance of the protagonist's brother. And who are these other residents? And who is that creepy concierge? And why is there a mysterious spot on the floor where some blood might have been? And why all the spooky comings and goings? Add in the underbelly of Paris nightlife and some thugs, crooked cops, and ambitious journalists. Not to mention the really strange family relationships, close calls, and sex and violence and blood and lions and tigers, oh my. Enter this Paris apartment at your own risk.
Rose
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
Beautifully written! This is a love story to books as well as a ghost story. Set in Minnesota, it begins with Tookie describing a terrible mistake she had made years earlier. Yet, she met her husband as a result of this terrible act. Later, Tookie works at a book store, courtesy of her friend, Jackie. This is Louise Erdrich's actual bookstore, and Erdrich makes an appearance in the story! The ghost story spans from Nov 2019 through Nov 2020, and addresses the Covid-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd. A patron of the store, Flora, wants so badly to be Native American, and when she reads a particular sentence in a book, she dies. Flora then haunts Tookie in the bookstore. Finally, Tookie understands why. Magical writing!
Rose
Catch Her When She Falls by Allison Buccola
Psychological thriller about the death of a high school girl, Emily, 10 years earlier, resulting in the imprisonment of her lover, Alex. Sadly, that young man was the boyfriend of her best friend, Micah. Now, years later, the death is getting attention from some blogs that are trying to claim that Alex is innocent. Micah has returned to the town, and is now with Ryan, another friend that was there that fateful evening. Micah is relating the tale, while mentioning Joshua, Emily's brother, who was always hanging around the friends. Micah looks into the death, begins to question what she remembers from that night, who was there, and what they were doing. She is asked why she didn't look for her friend, why she didn't help. Surprising.
Michelle
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Great thriller! Lots of twists and turns. Liked how it was told from different characters point of view. Would recommend!
Jamelyn
Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris
SOLD ON A MONDAY by Kristina McMorris is an incredible domestic historical fiction dating back to 1930s when era of depression, hunger and poverty blanketed the nation prompting some parents to sell their children to survive. However, this novel’s fictional story paralleled to some real stories paved many interesting points and reasons for readers to ponder. The book is truly easy to read and page-turner. The novel is written in continuous order; thus, even if I stopped for the night it was not difficult to pick up the reading/story the next day. A must-read!
Linda
Shadows Reel by C. J. Box
A mysterious album appears on the step of the library and Marybeth Pickett opens it to find photos of Hitler and his cronies. She has no idea where it came from but someone really wants it and has killed two people trying to get it. In addition to that, Nate Romanowski's wife has been beaten and his birds of prey stolen and he's on his way to retrieve them. He calls Joe Pickett for help and he takes his shotgun. Nate tells a friend it's good Joe brought his shotgun because he can't shoot anyone with his handgun.
Linda
Informed Risk by Robyn Carr
Firefighter Mike Cavanaugh carries Christine Palmer out of her burning house. She got her two children out but ran back inside for her computer and the smoke got to her before she could get out. She tells Mike she has no place to go and he offers to let her and the children stay in his house since he is at the firehall much of the time. He joins them for dinner and enjoys spending time with her and her two children and it’s not long before they are having a relationship. Then he learns she is an heiress and doesn’t really need him. He feels insecure and heads to his cabin as she starts to go to her aunt in Chicago. Is she sure this is what she wants?
Linda
Taking the Heat by Victoria Dahl
Veronica Chandler returns to Wyoming after living a miserable life in NYC. While it had been her dream, it turned into a nightmare. Now she is home writing a Dear Veronica column that has been expanded to a live performance once a week. She has stage fright but once she gets in front of the audience, she is a natural. Her friend introduces her to Gabe MacKenzie, the new librarian. When he learns she had lived in NYC, he thinks she is one of those high-maintenance types but finds he is so wrong. They begin a relationship but he knows he has to return to NYC to run the family business. He will have to choose between the woman he is beginning to fall in love with and his family.
Linda
Shattered Justice by Susan Furlong
Brynn Callahan is a deputy sheriff in the small town of Bone Gap, Tennessee. She had attended a bridal party one night where a stripper rode a stick horse and she noticed the shamrock earring he wore. The next day, a pair of ears are found strung up on the bars of a jungle gym at a playground with the words "Hear No Evil" spray painted on the concrete. The same shamrock earring is found in one of the ears. A few days later, a tongue is found in a park pavilion with the words "Speak No Evil" spray painted nearby. She knows what is next. Someone is about to lose their eyes but they have to find the person who is doing this before it happens.
Linda
The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh
The Earl of Wingrave is fed up with his two sons’ profligate ways and tells them they have a year to find a respectable wife. Finn Ransome is not too concerned but his younger brother Kieran asks society darling Celeste Kilburn to help him get accepted back into society so he can find a wife. She’ll help him on one condition. He must show her the seamy side of London. Her father is pushing her engagement to a stuffy Lord and she wants to experience life before then. He reluctantly agrees.
Linda
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Great book! Novelist Verity Crawford is severely injured in an automobile accident and her publisher hires Lowen Ashleigh to write the three remaining books in her series. Lowen arrives at the Crawford home and Jeremy Crawford shows Lowen into Verity's office. As Lowen searches for notes or outlines for the three remaining books, she finds a manuscript titled “So Be It”, which appears to be an autobiography written by Verity. She flips through it and is stunned by what she reads. She finds it hard to believe the actual hate felt by Verity toward her twin girls, both of whom are now deceased. Should she show this to Jeremy? The ending will blow your mind!
Richard N B
Devil's Peak by Deon Meyer
Book #1 in the Inspector Benny Geissel mystery series, starring the South African detective. Benny is such a flawed character and watching him try to make sense of his life and keep away from the bottle while he tracks the serial killer had me backtracking and re-reading sections to try to make sense of what was happening. Meyer does a great job of adding layers to an already complicated plot. And the final chapters are a wild ride!
Dorothy
Lightning Strike by William Kent Kruger
William Kent Krueger always writes a good book. His storyline and his style of writing is always good. This book has all of that.
Patricia
French Braid by Anne Tyler
Tyler’s novels are like a visit to your quirky relatives in a familiar neighborhood - you can just settle in for a few enjoyable hours. Her ability to fully create her characters in just a few well-chosen sentences continues to delight.
Ann Marie
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
Wow. My book club really had a field day with this book. So clever and thought-provoking, we all really enjoyed the debating though. THE CANDY HOUSE as in Hansel and Gretel...things are not what they seem.
Karan
One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow by Olivia Hawker
Strong interesting characters, beautiful lyrical writing.
Rose
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune
I absolutely loved this book! It was a magical look into a place where children have been sent just because they are different. When Linus Baker, a case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY) is sent to the house in the Cerulean Sea, he doesn’t know what to expect. But, what he does find is an island filled with beauty and love, and a unique cast of characters. This novel is touching, but also laugh-out-loud funny, especially when Lucy speaks his thoughts. I highly recommend this book of tolerance, overcoming fear, and becoming comfortable in your own skin.
Amanda
Verity by Colleen Hoover
A strange but interesting book.
Jane
The Last Dance of the Debutante by Julia Kelly
This is the second of the series. I would have liked to read the first one to learn more about Sam, but I got a good idea how his life went before. It was a good mystery that had a lot going on and kept me interested until the last page with characters that were interesting. I like how they were interwoven together, strangers and colleagues.
Cherie
The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain
Another wonderful book by this author. Draws you in, bridging what happens today and what happened over 30 years ago during the 60s.
Sheila
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
A great look at the secrets that impact families. Loved it!
June
The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel
I enjoyed the overall story, the incredible strength of character Anya displayed. She was smart, tender, resilient, cautious, yet deeply empathetic to human struggles to survive. She is a clean slate of emotions, eager to know about the world. She learns the world is not always kind but goodness can be found when searching for it. My only negative comment is about the birth father storyline. I would have preferred that she found her true history in a way less violent and definitely without the final scene with her father in the forest. The writing technique kept my interest and I finished the book in a weekend! This book led me to put other Harmel books on my future reading list.
Michelle
The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore
The extraordinary true story of Elizabeth Packard who was put into an insane asylum by her husband for essentially not agreeing with his views, and how she persevered and went on to make historic systemic change to the mental health system. Told with an abundance of quotes from Packard’s journals and books, on top of extensive research, the format was a bit dry at times. Countering this, the author took some liberties to make it a little more suspenseful, which didn’t quite work. Overall though, a very interesting subject on a remarkable woman.
Stephen
The Maid by Nita Prose
A very pleasant read. Enjoyable!!
Jayme
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
I have mixed feelings about this book. It started out really strong and I thought the focus would be the bond between the brothers Emmet and Billy (characters that I loved), but then the focus switched to another character and my interest waned. I did give it 3 stars because I saw what Towles was trying to do with the story, and several of the storylines were real gems. Overall, I love Towles' writing and I will always read what he writes.
Jerrie
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towels
A very big read, but worth it. Book follows a young man released from a detention center, his brother along with people, and their adventure on a ten day quest.
Donna
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
The Delaney family is a tennis family. Joy and Stan are adjusting to the closing of their tennis academy and retirement. Joy has raised four children and has dreams of grandchildren. Stan is still obsessed with losing the one player that he knew he could have made a champion. One evening a young girl knocks on their door who claims to have been beaten up by her boyfriend. Joy and Stan take her in and offer her a home for as long as she wants to stay. Their children are very suspicious of this stranger. Joy disappears for three weeks and Stan becomes the prime suspect of her disappearance. Many questions arise and secrets are exposed.
Donna
When Silence Screams by Mark Edward Langley
Arthur Nakai, a Navajo Private Investigator, has been asked to find a missing Indian girl. As he delves into the case he enters the world of teenage prostitution, human trafficking and drug smuggling. He discovers that the legal system has been overlooking the cases of Indian girls that have been reported missing. A respected realtor in the community is actually a sociopath and has been kidnapping, sexually abusing, torturing and disposing of young teenage girls for years. This novel is well written though sometimes difficult to read because of the subject matter.
Donna
We Will Be Watching by Ruth Ware
The McCann Fisher Company has decided to send a group of their employees on a team-building experience in the form of the latest London craze of an Escape Room. The group all have secrets and someone knows their secrets. This is a quick and thrilling story, and it is reassuring me that I don’t ever want to try this activity.
Donna
Heiresses by Laura Thompson
This well-researched book covers the life of an heiress in the mid-late 1700s and into the 20th century. The heiresses of England are sought out by and sometimes abducted by men with titles who are seeking wealth. Once they marry, the wife becomes property and everything that was hers is now his. He lives the life of luxury, spending her money and enjoying his mistresses. Later, when women begin to have some rights, she can have some control over her life and funds. The freedom does not bring happiness to the heiresses in this novel. It is a sad situation when a person doesn’t know if she’s desired for herself or for her money.
Donna
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
Agatha Christie is an author of crime novels and this historical fiction novel delves into her 11 day disappearance and her claim that she doesn’t remember what happened during that time. Her mother has passed away and her husband wants a divorce so he can marry his mistress. This story is told through the words of his mistress. This is a love story, a mystery, and an obsession leading to murder. I was quite surprised with the twists and outcome of this novel.
Donna
After She Falls by Carmen Schober
Adri’s dream as a young girl was to become a mixed martial arts (MMA) champion. At the age of 17 years, she left her hometown and got sidelined from her dream by getting married and having a child. Her husband had been a fighter and was abusive to her, so she fled back to her hometown to start a new life. She had a chance to fulfill her dreams of becoming a worthy opponent in the MMA with the help of her friends. I am not a fan of any sports, but thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was an informative, heartwarming and an exciting book to read.
Donna
Passing by Nella Larsen
Irene and Clare were childhood friends growing up in Harlem. Both could pass as White. Irene choose to remain with her people while Clare moved into the White society. Years later, Clare contacts Irene and begins to insert herself into Irene’s life. Clare has a longing to free herself of the risk of being discovered as not being White. There is a price to pay when keeping this sort of secret and a freedom of being your true self. I found this book to be very interesting and informative.
Paula
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Enjoyed! I liked how the ending wasn’t all tied up with a bow. Sometimes life doesn’t end up where you think it will.
MH
The Winter Guest by Pam Jenoff
A World War II novel with a twist - twins taking care of younger siblings. One twin finds a wounded American soldier on a secret mission. The other twin takes her place briefly. With the usual Nazis for villains and hardships of war, there was still enough suspense to make a good novel. I have enjoyed other books by this author, and this one did not disappoint.
Christine
The Happiest Man on Earth, The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor by Eddie Jaku
Incredible, true story that is filled with life lessons and inspiration for readers of all ages.
Lynn
Ambushed! by Gail Jarrow
Fascinating information about the state of medical care in the U.S. at the time.
Sharon
Give Unto Others by Donna Leon
Love the cast of characters Leon has developed in the Commission Brunette books as well as the vicarious trip through Venice.
Sharon
A Chime to Kill by Elizabeth Goddard
Why would anyone bury a clock? Antique at that. When Maggie Watson, local antique dealer, takes the clock home to investigate its provenance, it begins to chime in the middle of the night and won't stop.
Alexandra
We Are the Brennans by Tracy Lange
A family drama of a large family who are supportive of each other whenever a problem arises in their
Iives. But there is a dark secret within the family. It is a good story, but it somehow lacked enough emotion and character development to keep it interesting enough. I liked it overall, but it was not a favorite of mine.
Sherri
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Audio read for me - plan to watch the movie. Back cover says recommended for listeners ages 12 to 17, but I enjoyed it at a more advanced age. Madelyn falls in love with Olly, but it's complicated. I thought the author did a good job of capturing a teenage girl's perspective, but some parts did require a suspension of belief. It kept me listening, even when I thought I knew what would happen, and had several plot twists throughout.
Muriel
Carolina Moonset by Matt Goldman
This story about family was well written, fast paced, and compelling. The plot centered around Joey’s efforts to keep his father Marshall, a compassionate doctor, from being arrested for murder. Marshall developed Lewy Body Dementia in his 70s,retaining memories from the past but losing short term memory. Evidence made it appear he could have been responsible for a recent murder. The plot was tight-knit and moved along logically to the conclusion with a few surprises thrown in. The love between family members was evident as they interacted with one another, making the reader care about them. This is a story containing secrets from the past, mystery, and memorable characters who work to solve a new mystery and uncover past secrets.
SUSAN
Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
Some lovely strong characters populate this story which takes place around Denver in the early 20th century and mid-1930s. Racism, bigotry and poverty in and towards the Mexican-Indian population is examined through several female protagonists, cousins just 17/18 years of age and a grandmother and aunt. Interesting but leaves you wondering what the author was trying to say.
Elizabeth
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
Sad but uplifting. A story beautifully told.
Nancy
Ocean State by Stewart O’Nan
Interesting story of mothers, daughters, and sisters navigating life in working class Rhode Island. There’s also high school love and a love triangle thrown into the mix and that leads, as you might expect, to a terrible event.
Rick
Two If By Sea by Richard McCann
I'm the author of TWO IF BY SEA, a 20-year labor of love that once it was published has received wonderful reviews by those who have chosen to leave a review online. I've received many a review through Facebook, Instagram and other platforms with glowing reviews as well. I hope that you will find a copy to read and enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Jane
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
A wonderfully-written story that is paced so you won’t want to put it down. Although the only music I play is on my Walkman, the author describes the music played so even I understood the beauty. I will read anything Slocum writes in the future.
Heather
The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth
If you haven't read Sally Hepworth yet, you are missing out! She is a great author who can write suspenseful women's fiction like no other! In her latest book, THE YOUNGER WIFE, Sally introduces us to the Aston family. Mom is diagnosed with dementia and the father decides its time to put her into a home. And then there is Heather, the interior designer. their father would never, would he? THE YOUNGER WIFE is a great story! Hepworth keeps you guessing and wanting to continue reading far into the night. I will definitely be recommending THE YOUNGER WIFE to others along with her other works. I will also continue to look forward to Hepworth's future work.
Eileen
The Titanic Sisters by Patricia Falvey
Amazing story of two sisters who emigrate from Ireland to find a better life in America. Unfortunately, they travel on the Titanic. Delia survives and is rescued, but when she searches for her sister, Nora, there is no trace of her. Assuming she's dead, Delia seizes the opportunity and takes her place as governess of a young girl. The story is an in-depth look at family relationships, consequences of deception, and redemption.
Sheree
How to Fly (In Ten Thousand Easy Lessons) by Barbara Kingsolver
Since it is poetry month, what better way to celebrate than reading poetry. I must confess I usually don't like or understand poetry but Barbara Kingsolver's poems were understandable. I did enjoy the poems.
Cindee
The Judge's List by John Grisham
I loved this book. It hooked me from beginning to end and kept me guessing.
Cindee
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarity
I am a sucker for a great mystery and this was fantastic. The characters were a delight and I was guessing until the very end. Absolutely loved this feel-good book.
Leslie
Carry the Dog by Stephanie Gangi
Very interesting story with an even more fascinating and disturbing back story. The main character grows and discovers more of herself throughout the book. It shows that one can turn out okay, even after having a messed up childhood.
June
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
Very readable and enjoyable. The topic is a little dark but handled well.
Jenifer
The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz
I'm not in agreement with most of the reviews I've read about this book. This was a tough one. I found the first 1/3 of the book difficult to get through because I didn't like or care about any of the characters. They seemed self-absorbed and selfish as well as so distant from one another, it made me feel distant from them as well. The middle 1/3 started to get a little more interesting, but I was still felt like I was being dragged through mud. The final 1/3 confused me, as did the ending. Everything tied up neatly (sort of). A long, drawn out story that could have been told in a shorter version and making it possibly more readable. And that, sir/madam, is why it took me so long to finish this book.
Elizabeth
The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel
Maybe I’m not a romantic but this book was a little too trite for me. I did like the parts about how Muslims hid and saved Jewish children during the Holocaust which is why I gave it 3 stars.
Donna
Tough As They Come by Travis Mills
Tells the story of U.S. Army Staff Sargent Travis Mills who was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan when he triggered a land mine by setting his backpack down. He lost all his limbs and faced unimaginable difficulties - - there were very dark days but this memoir shows that one can move through difficulties with the right supports and mindset. He has a foundation, foundation that offers training and respite for amputees. They have a huge compound in Maine. Very inspiring about what one can endure and how one can adapt and move past tragedy.
Linda
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Nice story, good twist at the end.
Sheryl
Shadows of Pecan Hollow by Caroline Frost
It's been a while since I've had a book that drew me in as quickly as this one did. I can't believe this is Ms. Frost's debut novel! The intensity of the characters plus the historical backdrop (the 70s-90) makes this a win-win for anyone who loves Southern Noir as much as I do. I can't wait to see what else this author treats us with.
Sally-Jo
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
An interesting plot and characters. I'm curious to watch the series on Hulu.
Edie
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
We never know who our parents were before we were born!
Betty
A Sunlit Weapon by Jacqueline Winspear
Another well-plotted Maisie Dobbs, who is deep into World War II at this point in the series. I love how the involvement of British women in the war effort is highlighted in this novel.
Marilyn
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
I was apprehensive at first with how many pages there were, but not disappointed at all as it was one of the most fascinating novels I have read this year. Beginning with Emmett and his younger brother trying to get to California, to the mischievous Duchess and Woolly who get in their way of their planned travels to possibly reconnect with a long-lost mother, Towles provides great insight and description into so many lives of the others they encounter on their journeys. A must-read. The ending is quite a surprise!
Beth
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
“A magnificent page turner“ THE PAPER PALACE is not, although the author of THE PLOT wrote that blurb that appears on the cover of THE PAPER PALACE. Consider the source, I guess. I admit, though, many others have also reviewed this book favorably. So you may choose to believe them and not me. I found THE PAPER PALACE slow and drawn out. It is almost 400 pages of alternating parts of chapters examining, on the one hand, one day in which Elle has sex with her old friend Jonas and, on the other hand, the rest of her life, her background. The book could have been and should have been half as long.
Betty Jo
Foreverland: On the Divine Tedium of Marriage by Heather Havrilesky
Funny but real also. Marriage is hard but good. It’s all a paradox.
Dawn
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
Fascinating story of the heir to the Post (cereal) fortune and how she amassed her fortune as a woman in a "man's world".
Connie
The Oysterville Sewing Circle by Susan Wiggs
Inspirational book about someone offering to raise two children that were orphaned by an overdose. She realizes that she could have done more for her friend, so she starts a new life and organizes a sewing group that is for those with abuse from a member of the family.
Rose
The Thinnest Air by Minka Kent
This is my first book by Minka Kent and I have just added her entire backlist to my TBR. I love that the book was just long enough, under 300 pages! It was a tense psychological thriller about a woman, Meredith, who suddenly goes missing. Her sister, Greer, refuses to give up on her and pushes everyone to search for her. The wealthy husband is naturally under suspicion. A surprising, but satisfying, end to this novel. Some scenes were a bit far-fetched, but not enough to take away from my enjoyment of this thriller.
Julie
First by Evan Thomas
Everything you ever wanted to know about Sandra Day O’Conner. Well-written book that brings you from her birth through her present-day life. Well-documented stories about her personal and professional life and what it was like for her to be the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court. Insights into what her everyday life was like on the high court trying to forge her way into a man’s world. Takes you through the triumphs and tragedie
s of a woman who forged a path for other women with grit and integrity. Highlights of many Supreme Court rulings from the ERA to Civil Rights and presents Roe v. Wade in a new way. Good read.
Emily
The Hanged Man's Tale by Gerald Jay
A body was found dangling upside down inside the tunnels of a Paris canal – not suicidal buy murdered – with the Hanged Man tarot card tucked inside his pockets! The police inspector Paul Mazarelle was assigned to investigate this homicide. As he dug deeper into the case, he was stonewalled everywhere he went. In addition to that, the body count kept increasing, including the ambitious and prominent journalist Claire Girard who was found dead with a tarot card in her hand – the Hanged Man! So, is the Hanged Man tarot card a curse? This is my first book by Gerald Jay and I was instantly drawn by its suspense and mystery curse.
Emily
What She Did by Kate Gable
Erin Lowry/Bryson, unemployed and depressed found the dead bodies of Derek (her ex), and his wife Susannah on their bed drenched in blood - brutally murdered! But, why and what, at the first place, was she doing at their house at midnight? Hence, she’s the prime suspect in this double homicide...but was she really? WHAT SHE DID is an intriguing and suspenseful thriller that I would recommend to any thrill-seeking readers!
Emily
Her Honor by LaDoris Hazzard Cordell
I am not a big fan of nonfiction and read some once in a while. And, this time, I actually fell in love with HER HONOR by Judge LaDoris Hazzard Cordell, as well as her personality! My interest was piqued immensely by the introduction at the beginning, in which a call from a stranger in 1980 had steered a decisive turn of Judge Cordell’s course of her destiny. Reading those cases that Judge Cordell presided during her service in court takes me on an emotional ride – heartbreaking, upsetting, annoyed, cheerful and humored! HER HONOR is an educational, insightful and informative memoir that is beautifully written by the talented and intelligent Judge Cordell. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good read.
Tessa
Elizabeth Blackwell: Girl Doctor by Joanne Landers Henry
This is part of a series for middle-school readers about the “Childhood of Famous Americans.” This fictionalized biography focuses on Elizabeth Blackwell’s childhood in England and the United States, the incidents that piqued her interest in healing, and her constant goal to become a doctor and practice medicine. It is both entertaining and informative.
Janet
Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella
A cute, lighthearted page-turner. There were times I even laughed out loud.
Kay
Crying at H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Memories of Korean food prepared by her mother was a powerful force in her life, just as Proust with memories evoked by the aroma of madeleines! Comfort foods come in many versions and cultures. Her memories of Eugene, Oregon took me back to my own days at the University of Oregon.
Kay
Penny For Your Secrets by Anna Lee Huber
I enjoyed this story taking place just after WWI. It kept reminding me of the Maisie Dobb stories by Jacqueline Winspear which distracted me a bit. It was a good read.
Kay
The Neighbor's Secret by L. Alison Heller
The plot was tightly put together but I did find it difficult to keep the characters straight as they came in and out of the storyline. Very thought-provoking.
Kay
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
Lots to think about in this story. It's a mystery without a body! I learned a lot about violins, the experience of competing in an international contest, and the discrimination still existing to discourage would-be musicians of color.
Christine
When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
Beautiful depiction of coming of age while honoring tradition, remembering the past and being true to yourself.
Elizabeth
214 Palmer Street by Karen McQuestion
What is the significance of that address? What could have happened there? Another fab mystery with an ending that will have you on edge. Don’t miss it.
Mindy
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
A really interesting story about a topic I never ever thought of and really could not imagine.
Linda
The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers
The post WW II heyday of tobacco farming and manufacturing in North Carolina when cigarettes were supposedly healthy is the setting of this historical novel. But a brave young woman discovers that there's a dangerous cover-up involving the not just the corporate men in Bright Leaf but also their wives. Very interesting!
Jackie
The Maid by Nita Prose
I liked it. I especially loved Molly for her naivety, her honesty and her just plain sweetness. I will miss her.
Jane
True Biz by Sara Novic
It is familiar territory for me as a teacher of the deaf. The book captured the experiences well and kept my interest to the last page. Those readers that have no experience with state schools for the deaf will have new knowledge and understanding of why these schools are so important...and a good story, too!
Trezeline
The Maid by Nita Prose
An delightful, easy to read story.
Lurdes
The Fallen Girls by Kathryn Casey
We actually did a Zoom chat with the author and learned about some of the Mormon “rituals” that were associated with the novel. Everyone enjoyed the murder mystery and learning new things about the Mormon faith.
Janice
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
This is a beautifully-written story about trauma that impacts through the generations, and about a man who tries to remedy the past for all concerned. The two children in this story, Duchess and Robin, and will steal your heart, over and over, in this story. I won this book from Bookreporter.com and highly recommend it.
Claudia
What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline
Enjoyed the twist in the plot line.
Patti
Shadows Reel by C. J. Box
This is a completely new storyline for this continuing series following game warden Joe Pickett and also a sidebar story wrapping up some left-over business from the last novel. Joe is investigating a brutal murder and torture and his wife Mary Beth is investigating a Nazi photo album mysteriously left at the public library - and then these things intersect. (This storyline is inspired by a real-life occurrence where a photo album was donated to a Wyoming library and re-imagined into this suspense novel). As usual, the author knows how to spin a tale, his characters are always great and I enjoyed this and look forward to the next.
PATTI
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
THE WIFE UPSTAIRS is a fun, modern-day rewriting of the Jane Eyre plot, imagined into an upscale neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama. Our Jane is an interesting character - not angelic, not evil - but a real person with flaws. Watch Jane insinuate herself into this moneyed suburb - fun! Who's the bad guy - keep guessing till the end.
Becky
The Tobacco Wives by Adele Meyers
4.5 stars. Wow— how attitudes have changed over the years! A great debut book - I will look forward to future books by this author.
Becky
The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark
4.5 stars. Full of deception and betrayals. A surprise ending!
Debra
Kingdom of Bones by James Rollins
This is my first read in James Rollins' Sigma series. Without giving spoilers I can say it is definitely a thriller. I was hooked from the beginning. Science is intertwined throughout this thriller. As the story flows it just becomes more thrilling and suspenseful.
Debra
The Fields by Erin Young
This is an amazing thriller! From the beginning till the end of the book I was wondering who or what was responsible for the disappearance of characters. The book is filled with suspense and science. It is definitely a book for mystery, suspense, and thriller lovers!
Debra
The Vanishing Type (A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel #5) by Ellery Adams
This is a charming cozy mystery. It was my first cozy read. I would like to read more cozy mysteries. This book is #5 of the series. The sisterhood in the book is charming. The main character works in a bookstore which is cute. I really enjoyed THE VANISHING TYPE.
Marcia
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
It kept me reading, but wasn't the type of book that I would avoid doing other things to keep reading - not a page-turner. Story was okay but some things seemed far-fetched like Agatha and the constable and Nan and Finbar sharing a house to meet each other.
Suliman
The Devil's Detective by Simon Kurt Unsworth
Fool is in Hell and the author never fails to remind you that he is a sinner, no matter how much he accomplishes. Fool is constantly reminded that he is a subject of Hell and of all the ugliness that comes with it. The book never fails to raise your hopes only to smack you down again. The roller-coaster of emotions is gut-wrenching. Hell is a place that makes no sense, has no comfort and delivers no mercy but maybe Fool can change that...
Debra
Willing to Die by Lisa Jackson
This book is a 2019 issue. This was the only book I have read by this author. I definitely would like to read another book by Lisa Jackson. It is suspense/thriller. I couldn't stop reading. The suspense captured me from the beginning. The story plot is clear. The investigator on the case has to deal with her own life issues as she investigates a doctor and his wife found murdered in their home. Who is responsible? Why? It is very intriguing.
Debra
In Bloom by Fern Michaels, Lori Foster and Carolyn Brown
This is an anthology of three stories written by three bestselling authors. The cover captured my attention as well as the title.
Rose
And the Bridge is Love by David Biro
Three women, Gertie, Maria, and Corinna meet one day in 1991 near the Verrazzano Bridge when Gertie, a 60-year old woman who is training for the marathon, chokes on a plum pit. Maria and Corinna come to her rescue and dislodge the pit. This begins a friendship that lasts 20 years. Fast forward to 2011, and Maria wants to plan a surprise birthday party for Gertie. Hopefully, Gertie's estranged daughter will come. Gertie has other plans though. Maria is an Italian grandmother who cares for her daughter and grandson. He is super smart, but has a drug problem. Corinna is German, and is interested in the classics. She also is fond of the professor, but he has eyes for someone else. This book is about friendship, regrets, and love.
Barbara
The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith
THE UNSINKABLE GRETA JAMES is a sweet story of an indie rock star who's just lost her beloved mother. At the suggestion of her brother, "the favorite child", Greta joins her bereaved and difficult father on a week-long cruise to Alaska. Along the way they both explore their love and loss, both new and old. Jennifer E. Smith is a beautiful writer who understands the difficult relationship between parent and child. This would be a very good book group read.
Barbara
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES is such a charming book. I cherished every minute of reading it. Marcellus, the octopus, is a wise and witty character...and the people are great characters, too. This is a book I'll long remember.
Barbara
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Taut, suspenseful mystery. Great collection of characters. Had me guessing until the end.
Barbara
Groundskeeping by Lee Cole
GROUNDSKEEPING is the kind book that will stay with me for a long time. Taking place just before and after the 2016, the book explores the relationship between a struggling, adrift writer Owen and a more established writer-in-residence, Alma, at a Kentucky liberal arts college. The book explores the effects of nature vs. nurture on who and what we become. It's beautifully written in a quiet, thoughtful way.
Peggy
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Enjoyable, however, a little bit too long. Historical fiction a bit too embellished.
Mindy
What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline
I really liked that the storyline was fast-paced. I enjoyed the setting of central and eastern PA, since I grew up in that area. Lisa captured the characters emotion with detail and I wondered how I would of reacted if it happened to me, how would my husband and family react. The witness protection program would be hard if you didn't want to get away but knew that you had to. It was a fantastic book that I would recommend.
Mindy
Find Me by Alafair Burke
This storyline held you to the very end. It had an interesting twist, but at times it was a little wordy to keep the plot moving along. That is why I gave it 4 stars.
Mindy
A Women of Intelligence by Karin Tanabe
I enjoyed the intrigue of the time period. Who could you trust and who was a spy. Housewives were expected to act a certain way, take care of the family and home. But that wasn't enough for Katharina. She once had an exciting, meaningful that she loved and and then quit because she got pregnant. Her husband expected her to now take care of their two children but being a spy was more exciting.
Dorothy
Lightning Strike by William Kent Kruger
I gave it a 4 stars instead of a 5 because I didn't like the way it started. The first chapter had Big John hanging from a tree. Not my choice for a beginning of a book. However, I do think William Kent Kruger's writing is great. I loved THIS TENDER LAND.
Liz
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
Told in 1875 by Hannie and 1987 by Benny, the story unfolds as Hannie is keeping a Book of Lost Friends to help former slaves find their missing relatives. In order to pay off her school loan Benny takes a job teaching in rural Louisiana and discovers the events leading up to the Book of Lost Friends. The book was hard to follow and I felt not very well written, which is a shame because there was a really good story in there waiting to get out.
Rebecca
The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz
THE LATECOMER kept me engrossed from the beginning. The wealthy Oppenheimer family is one of the most dysfunctional of families, and it is most fascinating to learn the reasons why. The narrator tells us what we must know about each of the characters, and each of the revelations further the threads that form the finished tapestry. From accident to guilt, from guilt to marriage, from marriage to withdrawal, from withdrawal to acquiescence, from acquiescence to familial disaster. The pieces all come together fulfilling our curiosity. I think the cover is very clever, front and back, showing the progression of family growth.
Becky
My Wife is Missing by D. J. Palmer
Lots of intrigue. A surprise ending — I did not solve it!
Jackie
The Hope Chest by Carolyn Brown
Nice story. It reminded me a bit of VIRGIN RIVER. Another book where you become attached to the characters.
Rose
The Long Weekend by Gilly Macmillan
This thriller takes you to a remote location for a long weekend. It was supposed to be a couple's weekend, but the men all made excuses to delay their arrival until Saturday. So, on Friday, three women head up to Dark Fell Barn, run by John and Maggie Elliott. Upon arrival, they are handed a sinister note advising that one of their husbands is dead. They are stunned by the note, evidently written by Edie, the woman who lost her husband earlier that year. Edie was actually friends with their husbands, having attended boarding school together. Concurrently, Imogen, Edie's daughter, is asked to be picked up from music camp, feigning discomfort. However, this is not in the plan, and now the person planning the death has to adjust.
Karen
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
I usually don't read science fiction or fantasy. The main character wanted to die because she felt she was useless. Well, all of us feel useless at times. Seeing how a different direction in life would solve the problem didn't work. She had to realize that no life is perfect, and your decisions produce consequences. How did she remember some things and not others as she slid between lives? How do you forget that you have a child? The resolution was short and sweet.
Deby
Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford
For me, the book was disconnected in its writing style and didn't flow well. It was hard to read.
Chris
The Folcroft Ghosts by Darcy Coates
An easy-to-read, "cozy" ghost story involving a brother and sister who are sent to live with their until-then-unknown grandparents (in a big, secluded house, of course) after their mother is involved in a serious auto accident. The writing isn't anything special, but the story moves along very well. The ghosts are not the scary ones in this story. I don't tknow if this is meant to be YA. It is marketed as an adult novel but I think it would work as a YA/adult crossover. I would consider this a "beach read" ghost story.
Cheryl
A Christmas Carol Wedding (KW Consulting) by Courtney Lyman
This story is about a wedding, and weddings, you will not forget. Christmas and fun, with hope and sorrows of the past, bringing together, a cast of characters with different stories that merge into each other's lives. I was able to sit in my favorite reading corner and read this in one sitting, and experience the art of good storytelling.
Michelle
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan
What a beautiful story! A great look at C.S. Lewis’s wife and her life before she met him and how she influenced his work. Would definitely recommend!
Michelle
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
I knew absolutely nothing about Marjorie Post before reading this book, even though she definitely affected my life as far as breakfast goes! Very informative about how outrageously wealthy she was and the way that she lived. I found it a little sad how many times she was married and how things ended, but she seem to rise above that. She really used her wealth to help a lot of people which was great! Would recommend!
Francisca
The Handmaid's Tale: A Graphic Novel by Renee Nault/Margaret Atwood
I’ve read and reviewed Margaret Atwood’s novel previously, so will confine this review to the graphic novel adaptation. Nault’s interpretation of Atwood’s novel is marvelous. Her imagery is even more vivid and memorable than some of the same scenes as described in the original novel. I do not recommend that you skip Atwood’s novel, but this is a great introduction.
Deborah
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
I just did not find the subject matter very interesting.
Rose
Fake by Erica Katz
Emma Caan works as a professional art copier. When she is hired by Lenny to copy his priceless artwork, and to work as an assistant director for an art gallery, she jumps at the chance. However, as she gets deeper into the life of high-priced art, the parties, the people, the lifestyle, Emma recognizes that she may have made a mistake. Additionally, she is haunted by something that happened when she was a young girl and had witnessed her father engaging in an activity. She has never fully come to terms with this. Now, the FBI is investigating her activity. Is she innocent or guilty? I've read a few books about art forgers; I find it interesting how art copiers work to reproduce masterpieces. I thought the ending was a little too pat.
Jill
The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith
I loved this book. It made me cry and yet gave me hope too. Just like Greta says about her song, "Astronomy," written in her grief, it is about hope and sorrow, but mostly about love. Having been on an Alaskan cruise, the author made me feel like I was on board again with the plentiful descriptions and details. I loved the references to Jack London and living your life beyond your dreams. The characters were multi-dimensional and complex. The dynamics between Greta and Conrad, as well as Greta and Ben, showed that there was so much below the surface. You could feel their emotions, their uncertainties, their pain. Every once in a while, you feel an emotional connection with a book, and this one by Smith really did it for me.
Rose
What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline
I really enjoy Lisa Scottoline's books, and this is no exception. It begins with a drive after a game, with the family joking. However, when their car is pinned in by another vehicle, their lives change in an instant. After this incident, the family is whisked away to witness protection, and the reasons and the corruption that come to light are frightening. I enjoyed this look at a family grieving but also trying to take control of a bad situation and come out on top. The non-stop action was heart racing! Although I know this is a novel and not real life, I still couldn't believe some of the things that happened. Would a kingpin let someone go? Would a normal guy be able to pull off the things that Jason did? Otherwise, it's a great read!
