This contest period's winners were Janet C., Kimberley M. and Kimberly V., who each received a copy of THE MEASURE by Nikki Erlick and RIZZOLI & ISLES: LISTEN TO ME by Tess Gerritsen.
Leslie
The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner
Another great book by Jennifer Weiner and perfect for a day at the pool or beach. I love how she creates characters and situations that speak to current events.
Beth
Blood Will Out by Walter Kirn
BLOOD WILL OUT, though a true murder mystery, is not the murder mystery you would expect. Although there is a murder and many mysteries, particularly about the man who committed it, the author, Walter Kirn, plays a big part in this story, too. Not only that, but Kirn theorizes about the mysteries, and his theories are good, almost certainly correct. Kirn does not begin with the murder or even what led to it. Instead, he begins with how he met the murderer, Christian Gerhartsreiter. Except Kirn thought he was meeting Clark Rockefeller, yes, of THE Rockefeller family. Turns out, "Clark Rockefeller" was only one of Gerhartsreiter's many aliases.
Jill
The Last Tiara by M. J. Rose
Love reading about the Romanovs and conjuring what might have happened. We read this for book club before going to visit a Russian Tea House. Great character development and little known facts/history of the Imperial jewels and events woven within the story. It's a great read.
Alina
Our Last Days in Barcelona by Chanel Cleeton
In this latest book of her Cuba series, Chanel Cleeton provides interesting additional background on the lives of Alicia, the mother of the Perez sisters, and of Isabel, the oldest sister. As is usual with this author, she provides well-researched historical facts coupled with romantic settings.
Rose
Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li
This is a novel about several young Chinese Americans who get involved in a plan to steal Chinese art and return the pieces to China for a huge payout. Will, a Harvard art history student, along with his sister, Irene, their family friend Daniel and a friend of Will's - Alex, plus Irene's roommate Lily.
The group travels to various locations around the world stealing priceless art. While I understand that the team was extremely intelligent, I found it very difficult to believe that a group of 20-year olds were able to pull off these multiple heists.
Rose
The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
On the cusp of Y2K, teens are working the night shift at the local Blockbuster when the worst happens. They are all slaughtered by a madman, except for one, Ella. Now, 20 years later, a similar event happens at an ice cream shop. There is one survivor. Ella, now a counselor, is asked by the school principal, Dale Steadman, to come to the hospital to meet with the survivor, Jesse. Meanwhile, Chris Whitaker, an attorney, is trying to clear his brother Vince's name. Vince was accused of the Blockbuster massacre, and disappeared once the police let him go. Chris believes Vince is innocent. Finally, Keller is the FBI Agent, working with a young agent, Atticus, to determine what happened in these cases. Many twists - you'll be surprised!
Maureen
The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
A fun Young Adult novel similar to Nancy Drew with a side kick. A girl goes missing and two teens try to solve the mystery with the help of their friends. A fast-paced novel that touches on a few deep topics.
Alyssa
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
I loved both of her last books, and this was one was great, too. A fun, funny enemies-to-lovers romance.
Jane
Her Heart For a Compass by Sarah Ferguson
Love this book. Learning about royalties and standards I would not like. I'd join with Margaret and go after my heart rather than marry someone I couldn't stand.
Jane
Invisible by Danielle Steel
INVISIBLE was one of her better books in my opinion and I loved everything about it. It was sad yet happy, and I don't recall her writing a book like this in any that I've read so far, and that's a lot. The characters were well developed and it was sad the way that Antonia was treated by her father and unfortunately compared her to her mother who left her to become an actress and her father at age 7. It was amazing how she grew up living with a bitter father, but then she got a stepmother who loved her and she loved back. Her life growing up wasn't that great but as she got older and in college she got an internship in at a movie studio, even though she always wanted to be behind the cameras.
Laurie
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
This new family drama does a great job exploring the bond between mother and daughter set in the breathtaking Amalfi coast, which I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. The novel features many discussion themes including loss and love as well as people we care for never truly leave us. Read ONE ITALIAN SUMMER by Rebecca Serle!
Linda
Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson
Interesting read about the redwood forest in California and the impact of generations. The intrigue begins when the women of the town suffer miscarriages and it is linked to the insecticide spraying. It makes us start to think about what are we doing to our environment and to ourselves. Very good read.
Michelle
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Love, love, love! I loved this even more than BEACH READ, which I adored. The antagonistic, sultry love story was delightful and the heart of the story for sure, but the whole book theme throughout was the icing on the cake for me. So well done. I am definitely an Emily Henry fan, and this will be a hard one to top!
Pat
What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline
Oh my, this one keep me turning the pages! You will want to read it in one sitting…it’s that good and suspenseful. I love all her books and this was no disappointment. Read it!!
Lori
Parasite by Darcy Coates
This was a "fun" horror story set in space.
Maryanne
Run, Rose, Run by James Patterson and Dolly Parton
Quick read, good character development.
MH
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
I have always enjoyed Marie Benedict’s books, which shed light on lesser known women connected to important men. This one followed her usual mix of fact and fiction and was good. However, I thought it needed editing and was repetitious in places. I did learn a good bit about old manuscripts and JP Morgan.
Francisca
The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams
I really like Adams’ “Books By the Bay” mystery series and thought I’d give this series a try, though I was skeptical about the “comfort scones” and Nora’s ability to cure someone’s ills by recommending the right book. I didn’t understand why Nora and her friends decided to investigate the death of a total stranger. By the end of the book, we’ve learned each of the women’s terrible secret, and there are a couple of promising romantic relationships. But I just got the feeling that Adams was trying too hard. Still, I did really love all the book references!
Lynn
Death Comes to Durham by Jeanne M. Dams
Her books are always fun!
Alice
The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer
My book club loved it and everyone I have loaned it to has said it was a great read.
Cynthia
Hadley & Grace by Suzanne Redfearn
This book is definitely on my favorites list! Wonderful Thelma & Louise type adventure that ensues when two women coincidentally commit the same crime at the same time! Wonderful characters and fun twists!
Terry
Euphoric by Karolina Rzadkowolska
I'm hopeful this book will finally motivate me to be alcohol free.
Eileen
The Christie Affair by Nina De Gramont
I did enjoy this book, but found it hard to follow at times. The author begins to tell the story from the viewpoint of Archie Christie's mistress, Nan O'Dea. However, throughout the book, she changes the POV to an omniscient narrator, who relates stories from different characters that Nan could never know really happened. Of course, this is fiction, not nonfiction, but if DeGramont wants to tell us the story from Nan's POV, then she should stay consistent, in my opinion. Otherwise, all Nan's surmises seem made up and unbelievable, and it didn't help the story. I would have preferred the entire book be written from an omniscient POV, especially since no one knows where Agatha Christie actually went for those eleven days, who she met or saw.
Rosa
Sparring Partners by John Grisham
Another great escape from John Grisham. The is a collection of three novellas. In "Homecoming," Jake Brigance returns, this time to help his friend Mack following a years-long disappearance. "Strawberry Moon" is about the last few hours in Cody Wallace's life, as he waits on Death Row for his execution. This story is the shortest of the three and stayed with me for a long time. "Sparring Partners" is classic Grisham, about a dysfunctional family of attorneys with a creative scheme to get around the law. All easy reads, all satisfyingly entertaining.
Linda
The Maid by Nita Prose
The protagonist, Molly (the maid), is socially awkward and not a good judge of character - people take advantage of her. That is until she discovers a dead man while cleaning his room...and she's accused of murder. A fun, poignant read.
Rose
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Feyi lost her husband and best friend, Jonah, in a car accident 5 years ago. Since then, she has closed herself off to relationships, except for her best friend Joy. One night she meets an attractive man, Milan, and they immediately come together. Later, she sees his friend, Nasir, and begins dating him. When Nasir offers her a chance to show her art in an exhibition where his father lives, she jumps at the chance. What she didn't expect was that she would immediately be attracted to Alim. My initial thought was that this woman was deprived of love for so long that she fell for any man who was attractive. It was reckless and foolish. However, her relationship with Alim was more - but difficult, since she had dated his son. Steamy.
Dorinne
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
Maggie O’Farrell is a master of prose. HAMNET is so beautifully written that, even if you knew this was “A Novel of the Plague,” you would find it so poetic and engaging that you would enjoy every moment of the reading of it. The story is really about Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare and mother of Suzanne and twins, Judith and Hamnet. Life in the 16th century is difficult; the black plague is rampant and cures are uncertain at best. Agnes is an herbalist who concocts poultices and potions from the plants and seeds she is constantly gathering, trying to help the sick and wounded in her family and her neighborhood of Stratford. HAMNET is a story about a subject of which we know little: William Shakespeare’s family.
Dorinne
The Boy by Tami Hoag
The characters in this book were some of the ugliest, meanest, rudest people you’d never want to meet. At first, I thought – what is this? Pulp fiction? This was my book club’s pick for June, and we discussed it earlier this week. Not surprisingly, the ratings went from “2-1/2” to “4” out of “5” (being the top mark). In spite of my introductory remarks though, it was actually a very readable story, and although I didn’t like many of the characters, the good guys (the two detectives, Nick and Antoinette Fourcade) manage to crack the case and bring it all to a satisfactory (and somewhat shocking) conclusion. One of the good things about this book is: it takes place in the Louisiana bayou region so the language is interlaced with French.
Betty
The Allingham Casebook by Margery Allingham
One of the 1920s era classic crime fiction writers. Her main character, Albert Campion, is one of a kind -- nerdy, seemingly vacuous and easy to disregard.
Beth
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamili
I liked the history of Iran aspect of the book, but found the love story too saccharine.
Janet
Nightwork by Nora Roberts
This was a very exciting book, in fact, the best book I have read in the last six months.
Jeanne
Summer Love by Nancy Thayer
SUMMER LOVE by Nancy Thayer is a well-written, entertaining beach read set in Nantucket as four young adults become friends and spend their summer in Nantucket. Twenty-five years later they meet up again with their families at the newly renovated Sand Palace (now called the Lighthouse), which owned by one member of their summer group. I think the author did a good job creating and crafting the characters who were charming, likable, relatable and fit perfectly with the storyline.
Jeanne
Our Last Days in Barcelona by Chanel Cleeton
OUR LAST DAYS IN BARCELONA by Chanel Cleeton is another exceptional historical fiction novel by this author. It tells the story of the beautiful Perez sisters and the Perez family after they were exiled from Cuba and the struggles and challenges they faced. It ranges in time from 1936 through 1964 as Spain is on the brink of a civil war. Without writing a synopsis and giving away any spoilers, this book is well written, full of suspense and drama, surprises and twists and turns. The characters are masterfully crafted and created and fit perfectly with the storyline. I absolutely loved it and read it cover to cover in a day.
Sherri
Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog by Lisa Scottoline
Humorous collection of essays - some by her daughter as well as some poignant ones about her mother. Entertaining, relatable light reading!
Linda
The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay by Lori Wilde
Heartwarming story of two sisters reconnecting not only with each other but with an aunt they had never known. One sister finds that the old rat race of Manhattan is no longer attractive and she prefers the laid-back atmosphere of Moonglow Bay. The other sister calls on inner strength she never knew she had to confront her abusive husband when he demands she return to him.
Linda
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Jess Hadley comes to Paris to stay with her brother Benjamin Daniels, but when she gets to his apartment, he doesn’t answer. Jess questions the other residents of the building about the last time Ben was seen but no one seems concerned. She finds his editor’s card in his wallet and calls him. Working together, they find the scoop that Ben was working on that got him in trouble. But where is he?
Linda
Fallen Creed by Alex Kava
Ryder Creed and his dog Grace are called back to Nebraska to help the Human Trafficking Task Force. Grace alerts to microSD drives, hard drives, or other components that have a particular chemical coating. She finds drives that contain a catalog of trafficked people. While in town, he is asked to look for a missing girl. He and Grace set out but the snow is coming down fast and soon their tracks are covered. He finds the girl but a knife is shoved into his side. He missed that she had someone with her. Will he be able to get out of this?
Aimee
One Night on the Island by Josie Silver
This is the second Josie Silver book I've read, and I will keep looking for more. I love the way she writes. Her characters are relatable and real.
Linda
Unspeakable by Kevin O'Brien
A great book that you will not be able to put down once you start reading! Collin Cox is a former child star who now lives with his grandparents on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington. When one of his friends hypnotized him, a strange voice came out of him and told about killing people. He contacts several psychologists but gets Olivia Barker to listen to him. She researches the murders he spoke of under hypnosis and is shocked at what she finds. Now murders are following Collin and he’s freaked that the murderer is reincarnated in him. Both are shocked when the truth comes out.
Linda
The Wedding Season by Katy Birchall
Freya Scott is told by her fiancé Matthew on the day before their wedding that he can’t go through with it. She is stunned and doesn’t understand why he would do this. They have been together 12 years. Her friends rally around her. She has seven weddings to get through in the next few months and her best friend Ruby gives her a task list to do at each wedding. Each task involves something she would not normally do but will take her out of her doldrums. She is asked to give a guest a ride to one wedding and meets Jamie. She dislikes him at first and considers him rude but, the more they are around each other, their attraction grows and she doesn’t think about Matthew anymore.
Linda
Deadman by J. H. Smithson
Ben Treager hears of an enormous tiger caught in Russia and is determined to bring it to an isolated area in British Columbia for wealthy and powerful men to hunt. Even though the Siberian tiger is an endangered species and it is illegal to hunt or kill it, laws don’t apply to wealthy men like Treager. He only has to grease a few palms and the tiger is his. A blizzard brings the plane down and the tiger is loose and determined to get revenge on the men who took it from its homeland. He watched men kill his mother and sister and the male tiger hates all humans. He recognizes the scent of Ben as one who took him away and is determined to get his revenge.
Linda
Anonymous Source by Krysten Bennett
Jennifer Gibbs investigated murders committed in Chicago before she moved to her hometown of Colsboro, Ohio. It seems a murderer moved with her and sends her clues as to his identity but she is unable to figure out who he is until it is too late and she is caught. Police come and she is freed while he is in custody. She is physically free but mentally, she blames herself for the murders of the women. If she had only figured out who he was earlier, lives would have been saved. Now she has to live with her guilt. Thanks to Goodreads for the free book. It would have been rated higher if it hadn't ended in a cliffhanger!
Elizabeth
The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark
LOVED IT...and that cover!! All around so good!! THE LIES I TELL is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing, have you shaking your head, and one that you won’t want to put down.
Kathie
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
I had no idea what a dynamic woman she was. A savy business woman with vision and ability to lead a multi-billion dollar business. Philanthropist. Ambassador. Designer. World famous hostess. Adoring mother. Sadly, four unsuccessful marriages.
Dorothy
A Sunlit Weapon by Jacqueline Winspear
This is the 17th book in the Maisie Dobbs series. She is now happily married to her American diplomat/agent. While he deals with top secret goings on as Americans have finally joined the fight against the Nazis, Maisie is doubly busy. She has adopted the war orphan Anna and all is not well with her at school. Maisie still an investigator and has been asked to looked into an incident of someone using a fire arm to shoot a Spitfire flying low being ferried to an airbase by a female ATA transport pilot. The plot thickens when they she and the pilot go to see the area where the attack occurred and find an American soldier bound and gagged in a nearby barn.
An intricate plot, well written with insight into prejudices at the time.
Sheree
You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Very good, suspenseful novel. It had me guessing how it was going to end and why things were happening. I would recommend this book.
sudan
The Hacienda by Isabel Canas
Reminiscent of the Gothic novels that I loved 50 years ago but with a supernatural twist.
Rose
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
As a former patron of The Hillwood Estate in DC, I was familiar with much of Marjorie Post's history and her amazing artifacts and treasures. I enjoyed reading this account of her life, from her start helping her father C.W. Post build his cereal empire, to the end of her life. She was a philanthropist, building hospitals, volunteering with the Red Cross, and of course, donating her homes and treasures to the Smithsonian (Hillwood in DC) and NY State, and of course, the US Government. I knew about the first 3 of her marriages, but not her final marriage. This was an interesting story of a woman that was an incredible businesswoman and philanthropist, as well as a friend of many presidents. I am glad that more people will learn about her.
Sandra K.
The Witch Hunter by Max Seeck
This had all the ingredients to be a good suspense novel, but somehow managed to feel like a chore that I had to mentally trudge my way through.
Barbara
Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia Macneal
Great historical fiction. Very interesting to learn about those (men and women) who served as secretaries.
Sherri
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
Amazingly creative and otherworldly.
Elizabeth
The Last Dress From Paris by Jade Beer
A search for Dior dresses from the 1950s - how fun would that be? A very enjoyable read with a bit of a mystery as grandmother’s life is unraveled. A marvelous read with that gorgeous cover.
Elizabeth
The Lost Summers of Newport by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White
Three women, three timelines, one house, family secrets that were to be hidden forever, and individual secrets.
Debbie
Dumb Witness by Agatha Christie
An old maid dies, but her will just recently was changed. What did Emily Arundell discover before her death that made her change her mind concerning her heirs? What a delicious story of a limited number of suspects like the previous story of CARDS ON THE TABLE. This story presents a better story and with more understanding. Agatha Christie utilizes many quaint phrases such as “nigger in the woodpile” that would be very incorrect today. Poirot must wade through many piles of mud to uncover the most important source of greed. The killer attempts murder by leaving a thread for Miss Emily to catch her foot and fall down the stairs. This attempt fails.
Debbie
Gone by Midnight by Candice Fox
I have finished the Crimson Lake series and wonder if Candice Fox will return to these characters. The main characters: Ted Conkaffey and Amanda Pharrell do not fit the mold of investigators. Amanda, a petite fairy-like woman, has tattoos all over her body, plus multiple scars on top of the tattoos. Amanda has so many rules: no touching, no riding in cars, etc., but I like her. Both Amanda and Ted have internal and external scars from their time in prison. In this adventure, an eight-year-old boy has disappeared. Has he been kidnapped or is he dead? Ted’s three-year-old daughter comes to visit for three days. One of the geese, Peeper, must go to the vet due to a fungus. Enter a love interest for Ted.
Janet
Every Secret Thing by Laura Lippman
It had its moments. I actually thought it would get better because it's two mysteries going on in one story.
Sharon
Meant to Be by Emily Giffin
Delightful. Loosely based on the Kennedy lore.
Rose
American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
At the beginning of this book, I didn't think I would like it at all. Rap and hip hop are not my thing, so I wasn't excited about a book featuring a rapper. Once the setting of the book moved to England, and the Prince and "Duchess" Dani met, things began to heat up. Dani was actually a down-to-earth woman, with a kind heart. However, she was a bit raunchy. The chemistry between the prince and Dani was definitely there, and there were many, MANY, steamy scenes which portrayed their interest in bed. I know that this novel is in response to the Harry/Meghan marriage, as well as referencing some other celebrities with business ventures, but although I liked the romance between Dani and the prince, it was difficult to believe.
Cecile
Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore
VACATIONLAND was my first book by Meg Mitchell Moore but it won't be my last! It was the perfect read to start off the summer! You'll begin by getting to know Kristie and then Louisa. They're both on their way to Rockland, Maine and while this is Kristie's first time traveling there, Louisa has grown up going to her family's home, "Ship's View". As characters are introduced, you'll fall in love with all of them, especially the kids who, for me, stole the show! Kristie's new reality is a challenge but she finds a home, a job and hopes to find herself. Louisa is spending the entire summer at Ship's View and faces several obstacles as well. Will these two women find their way?
Tessa
Reading Up a Storm by Eva Gates
Book Three in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. Cozy mysteries are my go-to comfort reads and this doesn’t disappoint. The books in this series are fast and fun, and I love Lucy’s cat, Charles Dickens!
sherry
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This was the first book I have read by this author. I loved this book! It kept you guessing to the very end. Will definitely read more books by this author.
Liz
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor is thirty years old and socially awkward. She leads a very mundane life never doing anything that alters her routine, until one day while walking with Raymond, an IT guy from work they see Sammy, an elderly gentleman take a fall. He is unconscious. They call emergency services. Thus begins a relationship that will eventually bring Eleanor out of her shell and hopefully into a fulfilling life. The story started off slowly but did pick up. I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next.
Rose
We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange
Growing up in an Irish family, the Brennans looked out for each other, especially when Shane was born with a mental disability. When Sunday left town 5 years earlier, leaving behind her fiance, Kale, and her family, they were stunned. Now, Sunday has returned, but things are different. Her mother is dead, her father is dying, and her brother Denny is struggling in both his marriage and his business life, being deeply in debt. Kale is now married and has a son. As the story develops, we finally learn why Sunday left so abruptly. This is a story of shame (which is not warranted), and love and resilience. I enjoyed the story and this family, although they are flawed in many ways - but what family isn't?
Elizabeth
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This was both a fun, escapist read and a book with some heft to it. I loved the way the characters were written. The Riva family itself was complex and interesting, the parytgoers at the party of the decade were caricatures, but fun ones - I felt that they were very togue-in-cheek and kind of funny. It was a great summer read.
Kay
The Man Who Came and Went by Joe Stillman
Our book club just read this book which was a perfect summertime read. Bill Bill was a very calming character plopped into a desolate Arizona town. A desolate town where there is little hope for young Belutha, who longs to leave a mother who ignores her three children and is always looking for love in the next guy to come around. Nothing changes here. Enter Bill Bill who arrives without fanfare in the body of a young man who has died of an overdose. He ignores what's going on around him but creates mental "strings" of attachment to those around him. Watch how he influences the lives around him!
Kay
Murder on Mustique by Anne Glenconner
Mustique Island was bought, controlled and run for an exclusive clentele, notably one villa was presented to Princess Margaret. It has always been the safest place imaginable. A young girl goes missing and bodies are found. Soloman Nile is the only policeman on the island but he doggedly pursues the case to the end. Interesting details about this special island.
Kay
Murder at the Porte de Versailles by Cara Black
Each step of the way to solving this mystery had me tracing Aimee's path around the 15th Arrondissement on my Paris maps to identify the landmarks and streets. It was a complicated plot but very satisfying to finally find it solved.
Edie
The Enlightenment of Esther by Joshua Berkov
A fun light read that keeps you interested. Funny and surprising! A good, easy-to-read book.
Debra
Afraid by Lisa Jackson, Alexandra Ivy and Lisa Childs
The suspense novel AFRAID had me hooked from the beginning. It consists of three stories each written by a different author. I like the unique aspect of these three stories being connected by the female characters in each story. All three characters attended the same boarding school at a young age. This event lays the foundation for the suspense as their lives are intertwined together, discovering secrets when they become adults. It was a book that I hated to see end, making it a 5- star read.
Kimberley
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
This popular book club read is a historical fiction which follows Belle da Costa Greene. Belle lands her dream job as the personal librarian to JP Morgan. While hiding her true race and identity she rose to become one of the world’s leading art and cultural professionals. Belle was truly gifted. The novel deals with the racist and misogynistic post American Civil War. The authors jointly shared their research and passion for Belle to create this compelling story.
Sandra K.
Law & Disorder by Mary Jane Maffini
One of my favorite authors! And a Canadian! Combination of great characters and a swift plot make LAW & DISORDER another winner.
Rose
Luck of the Draw (Chance of a Lifetime - Book 2) by Kate Clayborn
I didn't realize this was Book 2 in the series, but I think it was okay to read Book 2 without having read Book 1, although I am planning to read book 1 and Book 3! I do enjoy Kate Clayborn's books; she takes characters who are dealing with some difficult issues and brings them to life. In this one, Zoe is an attorney who can't shake the remorse she feels about the O'Leary settlement she handled at her former law firm. This guilt leads her to Aiden, brother of the deceased. and his proposal to her to assist him in a plan that he has. This plan involves a camp where he and Aaron attended. As Zoe and Aiden pretend to be engaged, their relationship develops, and the inevitable happens. However, it isn't supposed to last.
Rose
A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson
This magical novel is told in three voices. First is Clara, an almost 8-year-old who misses her sister, Rose, who has disappeared. Clara's family lives next to Mrs. Orchard, who is in the hospital. As Clara keeps a vigil at the window for her sister, she notices a man, Liam, has moved into Mrs. Orchard's home. Clara has been asked to watch Moses, Mrs. Orchard's cat, so she has a key to the house. As Clara despairs over Rose, she is upset that Liam is moving Mrs. O's things around, so she moves them back into place when he is out of the house. Liam is trying to make sense of his life - he is recently divorced, and out of a job, so he is searching as he goes through Mrs. O's things. Mrs. Orchard recounts her own story. Loved it!
Claire
Return From Darkness by Peter Servidio
This book takes place in a future ravaged by nuclear war, where all of humanity has been forced underground to avoid the disasters making the world above uninhabitable. It stars Loreto, a Topsider, tasked with exploring the above world for signs that it might be habitable or on track to be. Sort of like Wall-E. The initial plot twist/inciting incident comes when exploring, Loreto finds a perfectly healthy girl who claims to be running away from a band of mutant marauders in the world above, and Loreto is forced to question whether he has been told the truth about how uninhabitable Topside really is.
Thomas
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
This is an excellent book.
Brenda
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland
This was a good book to read at the pool the other day. It was entertaining, yet not heavy reading. The flow of the story was smooth. At the center of the story was family and how the different generations see a situation. I think this was a "new" author for me and I will look forward to her new book out later this summer.
Francisca
The Creation of Eve by Lynn Cullen
Based on the true, but little known, story of Sofonisba Anguisola, the first renowned female artist during the Renaissance period, this is a captivating work of historical fiction. I knew nothing about this extraordinary woman, and only a little about the court of King Felipe II. Cullen crafts a compelling story that includes intrigue, romance, mystery, politics and the frustration felt by a woman shackled by society’s conventions.
Barbara
The Family by Naomi Krupitsky
A story about how lives are affected with decisions made within "The Family" and how difficult it can be to extricate yourself from generations of commitment. Two lives took slightly different paths based on a decision made one night but they still ended up in the same place. I listened to this story while on a road trip and there were times when I found myself drifting to other thoughts. Sometimes the story just dragged and then there were times when I was fully drawn in. I actually had to listen to the ending a couple of times to figure out what happened.
Linda
Always by Sarah Jio
Deserves more than 5 stars! Cade McAllister was the love of Kailey Crain’s life until he disappeared without any explanation. She looked for him but could never find him and went on with her life. Ten years later, she is engaged to Ryan Winston. Leaving a restaurant one night, she hands her leftovers to a homeless man. When the man looks up, she is shocked to see Cade. She leaves but she can’t rest until she finds Cade and learns what happened to him. She finds him but he doesn’t remember her. She puts him in a program for traumatic brain injury victims. As the doctor works with him, his memory comes back. Now Kailey is in a dilemma. Cade was her first love and that love has never died but she also loves Ryan.
Linda
In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer
Franny Doyle’s day was not going as planned. Laid off by her job, she juggles items in her arms as she jumps into the subway car. Only not everything got inside. She hears an ominous rip and the back of her dress had caught in the door of the subway car. A gorgeous man takes off his jacket and gives it to her but leaves before she can find out his name. Others have seen what happened and filmed it and now they are a media sensation known as the Subway QT's.
Linda
Summer Love by Nancy Thayer
Four people arrive in Nantucket for summer jobs and live in the basement of a hotel that is being renovated. From different backgrounds, they become friends as they learn about each other’s hopes and dreams. Twenty-six years later, Nick Volkov owns several hotels including the one on Nantucket where he and the others lived. He invites the others and their children for a reunion and to tour the island and see how it has changed. Being back brings back memories for each, some not so good.
Linda
Cold Snap by Marc Cameron
While Anchorage police officers are investigating body parts found on the mud flats, Arliss Cutter is called to go to Prudhoe Bay and accompany three prisoners back to Anchorage. He has no way of knowing that one of the prisoners is connected to the body parts found. His partner in crime is caught and sings to the police. The pilot Dave Larson makes an unauthorized stop to check on his girlfriend. While away from the plane, prisoners took control and killed the guard and copilot and set the plane on fire. Now everyone is trapped in below freezing weather with a hungry grizzly and wolves around and no one knows where they are.
Linda
Learning His Lesson by Ellen Brooks
Luke Ashford was brought up by nannies and tutors as his father was too busy running AV Industries to pay attention to his only child. Now that Luke is grown and working for his father’s company, his ambition is taking his father’s place as CEO. These plans take second place when he meets Penny Pierce, elementary school teacher whose students were selected for the science fair promoted by AV Industries. He is stunned when he sees her consoling a student and imagines her arms around him. But Luke did not receive love as a child and does not know how to show his love for Penny. It takes a little help from others to show these two that they belong together. Thanks Goodreads for a heartwarming book!
Linda
A Duke for Diana by Sabrina Jeffries
Lady Diana Harper and her two sisters were shunned by London's society when their mother ran away with another man and their father sued for divorce. Although they were innocent victims, the scandal touched them, too. They formed a successful company (Elegant Occasions) that helped young debutantes meet the stress of their debut and coming-out ball. Geoffrey Brookhouse, newly Duke of Grenwood, needs Diana’s help in launching his sister Rosabel into society and he needs a little help in navigating the ins and outs of society. He is attracted to her the first time he sees her but he has to think of Rosabel's future now.
Claire
The Stone Mermaid by Aisha Urooj
This author definitely has a narrative voice made for fairytales! From the moment I started reading, I felt like I was being tucked into bed and told a magical story about mythical kingdoms both on land and under the sea. It is billed as a retelling of The Little Mermaid, but I think that sells short all the hard work this author put into her world building and plot line that span years of many different characters' lives. While some elements are similar (the sea witch, the mermaid who falls in love with a prince) many were refreshingly different from the original tale (Sirens, selkies, and fleshed out characters inside the Prince's kingdom).
Cecilia
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
An engaging, emotional journey through the legend of Achilles and Patroclus, their relationship and how it affected their lives and choices.
Karen
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
The cast of characters includes Marcellus, a remarkably bright Octopus, who was rescued and lives in an aquarium, Tova Sullivan, aquarium cleaner and recent widow, who lost her son, Erik, 30 years ago, and Cameron Cassmore, a 30-year-old man, whose mother left him with his Aunt Jeanne when he was 9 years old and who hasn't been successful. Cameroon decides to leave Modesto when his aunt gives him a box of his mother's stuff. containing a photo of a man who may be his father. He drives to Sowell Bay, Oregon in a camper and is assisted by friendly people there. He takes over Tova's job when she is injured. As time goes by he makes some discoveries about his origins. Tova is finding answers to questions about Erik.
Rose
Love in Color by Bolu Babalola
This is a wonderful assortment of mythical love stories, many of which I didn't know, and they have been updated and re-imagined. This is not something that I normally would read, but I found it very entertaining. Bolu Babalola brought a unique approach to these stories, making them fresh and interesting. The final story is about her parents, and I found that endearing.
Rose
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
I have wanted to read this book for a long time, solely based on its title. It is an epistolary novel set on a fictional island called Nollop, after the man who created the phrase, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." When the tiles of the letters of this phrase begin falling off the statue of Nollop, the town council takes it as a sign that Nollop wants the letter banished from the alphabet. First comes Z, then Q, and so on. While the book is highly entertaining as the townspeople must find new words to use to avoid penalties and banishment, it is really a look at how totalitarianism is a problem in society, and the overreach of zealots who misinterpret or cast their beliefs on others, and how we must fight back against it.
Margaret
The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler
I have read many of Anne Tyler's novels. It's amazing how she can take any routine situation and create a storyline with wonderful character development. This novel starts at the beginning of WWII (1940s) and spans about one-half century. It begins with a short relationship between spirited Pauline & serious Michael, they fall in love & marry. From the start, they were a mismatched couple with very different personalities which put a strain on both of them and eventually their 3 children. One child as a teen ran away & that put more problems in their lives. The novel also focuses on other family members & their relationships to the two protagonists. Tyler lets the reader feel sympathetic with the characters despite their foolish behavior.
Ann Marie
Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore
Wonderful book for summer.
Beth
The Old Man by Thomas Perry
I pretty much ignored Thomas Perry, the author of THE OLD MAN, for years. But I started watching the TV series based on this book and was unclear about things that I was sure the book would explain. Yes, it did. And I was also surprised: Perry is a darned good writer. The man we first know as 61-year-old Dan Chase seems at first to be a regular old man living with his two big black dogs in Vermont. (I assume that Perry was quite a bit younger than 61 when he wrote this, or he would not have said this is old.) But he has let his guard down. An attempt is made on his life, and he goes on the run. Again. And he changes his name again, too. Next he is in Chicago. Little by little we learn why he is running and who he is running from.
Elizabeth
The Second Husband by Kate White
What could have caused the police to re-open the cold murder case of Emma's husband? She was cleared as a suspect back then.
Richard N B
Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
3.5 stars. Subtitle: The Story of Success. Gladwell looks at hugely successful people who are “outliers”…far out of the norm. Examples include Bill Gates and The Beatles. He tries to explain how luck, opportunity, and the right birth year or month help these people succeed. Of course, ten thousand hours of practice is also a key element. I was interested in what Gladwell had to say and found the various essays easy to absorb and understand.
Elizabeth
Little Sister by Gytha Lodge
Those readers who “really” enjoy guessing will not want to miss this twisty, creative read. Ms. Lodge brilliantly kept us at bay and created another amazing thriller.
Elizabeth
The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer
Gorgeous cover…great read!! Ms. Rimmer did an amazing job of research. I had never heard of Operation Paperclip/Rocket Program. THE GERMAN WIFE is simply marvelous - well researched and has a terrific storyline.
Vicky
Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich
If I had as many cars stolen or blown up as Stephanie Plum I’d never drive again 'cause I’d never afford the insurance! I get very involved in these books and even catch myself snickering at the antics these characters get themselves into.
Elizabeth
Japan on American TV by Alisa Freedman
JAPAN ON AMERICAN TV examines how U.S. shows portray contemporary Japanese society, often through certain conventions (bumbling American tourists committing faux pas, depicting cute and cuddly or strange and startling Japanese pop culture). It’s a great topic, and Alisa Freedman’s explanations of the fine points of Japanese language and society are fascinating. On the other hand, several typos and some errors about topics I know well (vintage SNL, Sesame Street) shook my confidence in the book somewhat. 3-1/2 stars.
Beth
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
A satisfying sequel to THE HANDMAID'S TALE, though a disquieting read given what’s going on in our country right now.
Denise
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
BOOK LOVERS was my kind of book! It has a romance, a family story, a small town story and an all-around heartwarming book. Everyone should read this! You will instantly feel uplifted!
Joy
A Blizzard of Polar Bears by Alice Henderson
A novel about wildlife biologist Alex Carter, fighting for endangered species in the Arctic. But as she gathers information on the hearth of individual bears, things go wrong.
Debra A.
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Loved everything about this book. I started by listening to Carol's interview with Miranda, then read the book, then listened to the interview again. I found it fascinating how she unfolded the family story and history over a 24-hour period and at the same time over a 50-year period of time. We all have family history. Does our history ever really get completely exposed?
Nicolette
Constance by Matthew FitzSimmons
This book called out to me from my library one day, and I just started reading. It made the story even more exciting, not knowing the premise. An enjoyable read with a satisfying ending.
Sandra K.
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
A bit slow to start, but a compelling read.
Donna
Our Women In Moscow by Beatriz Williams
Excellent read. Held my interest.
Allie
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
I've read two of Riley Sager's other books, and really enjoyed them. There's more of a supernatural element to his new book, and I liked that aspect. I liked the big twist too, but...it didn't end on as strong of a note, in my opinion. Still, I liked it and couldn't stop reading!
Jane
Flying Solo by Linda Holmes
It was a cute and fast read. Laurie goes "home" to clean out her late great Aunt Dot's house after her death and finds all kinds of stuff. She wasn't a hoarder but just had a lot of stuff. She finds a decoy duck in a chest and she's not sure if it has a history or not. The guy who has a service of cleaning out houses tells her it might be an original of a famous sculpturer that her Aunt Dot knows since Laurie found a picture of it maybe with him. Long story short, she gets conned and she does something about it. Then she meets up again with her long time friend and ex-boyfriend Nick. You see what's coming right? I loved her best friend June and new friends she made when she was trying to get her duck back.
Judy
Sparring Partners by John Grisham
Always enjoy Grisham and even though this book was three short stories, each story was enjoyable. I recommend the book!
Susan
The Violence by Delilah S. Dawson
Interesting premise, a page-turner.
Teresa
The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth
While mom is still declining rapidly from Alzheimer’s, dad has already found a new, younger wife, and the daughters are struggling with not only that, but their own serious emotional health issues. And now it looks like something dreadful has happened at dad’s wedding.
Rose
The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill
Four strangers meet in the reading room of the Boston Public Library when they hear a scream. Frightened, they find out later that a woman has been murdered. One of the four, Whit, worked with the woman on a publication. Marigold has an affection for Whit, Freddie (Winifred) is an Australian, working on writing a mystery novel, and finally Cain, a handsome man with a secret past. This is a story within a story, as the author writing the story of the woman in the library is an Australian author, Hannah, communicating with another writer, Leo. Leo provides editorial suggestions to Hannah. The story within a story is well done and the ending leaves you wondering! I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author!
Rose
This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar
Bizarre! Red and Blue, the two main characters in this novel, are competitors and enemies. However, over time, they fall in love and the novel is a series of letters detailing their ill-fated love, as they are expected to kill one another. While I don't normally enjoy this type of work - science fiction/fantasy, the writing was beautiful. I listened to the audio, and I found the reader did a great job with the voices of Red and Blue, conveying emotion. The two characters, while they are enemies, try to find a way to be together, doing what they can to keep their romance a secret, while attempting to continue to fight the war. They devise a plan where they attempt to thwart the powers that be, so that they can be together.
Jackie
Robert B. Parker's Revenge Tour by Mike Lupica
I love the Sunny Randall character, and the insertion of the Hawk and Spenser characters into this story made it more fun.
Sherrie
The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams
THE VANISHING TYPE is a wonderful story. A delightful sleuth, a group of lovely and very close ladies, along with Sheldon! I loved all the characters and the story around a bookshop called Miracle Books. I wish there was a "Miracle Books" in my town filled with all the fun and a bit of sleuthing they experienced. Ellery Adams has written another charming book!
Lori
The Pallbearers Club by Paul Tremblay
I liked the concept of the book. The main character, Art, is writing his memoir and his best friend makes notes in the book that his memory is not quite factual and it should be a novel. Art hints at his friend being a vampire but he isn’t a reliable narrator. There isn’t much to the story. I would have preferred this being a true horror story.
Cheryl
The Homewreckers by Mary Kay Andrews
I love to start my summer off with a Mary Kay book. THE HOMEWRECKERS was the perfect beach read.
Allison
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Katy Silver, 30, was planning a trip with her mother, Carol, to Positano, Italy, before Carol died from cancer. Katy decides to go alone, and while she’s abroad she considers her rocky marriage. She also somehow meets her 30-year-old mother, along with Adam Westbrooke, a single man in the hotel acquisition business, who offers a bit more adventure than her predictable husband. Katy explores the Amalfi coast and eats fabulous local food, she sees different aspects of her mother, a woman who, as an art gallery assistant, dreamed of her own design business. Katy and Carol’s friendship deepens, until a big dispute and reveal.
Elizabeth
Save It For Later by Nate Powell
Nate Powell’s SAVE IT FOR LATER is his graphic memoir of parenting in the intense years encompassing the 2016 election and Covid. The MARCH cartoonist has thoughtful and passionate arguments, though I wish he had more visual variation in the villains he draws. (I was offended that most of his fascists are fat, and in one case have a rosary hanging off a rearview mirror.) This would be an intriguing compare-and-contrast companion piece to Mira Jacob’s GOOD TALK.
Linda
The Restoration of Celia Fairchild by Marie Bostwick
Celia inherits and plans to fix up her aunt's rundown historic home in Charleston, SC after her life in NYC falls apart. She finds a new life there, not just restoring the house but herself also. A perfect "feel good" read.
Linda
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons
Our book club really enjoyed the discussion for this book, and the characters are sweet and memorable. We highly recommend it.
Jill
Thunder Bay by William Kent Krueger
This is another outing for Cork O'Connor in the mystery series by William Kent Krueger. Cork helps his Ojibwe friend, Henry Meloux (a character and good friend to Cork who is present in other books of the series), find his long-lost son. Meloux is 90 and wants to figure this out before he dies. Cork, Meloux and Wally Schanno, former sheriff of Aurora, MN, where they live, go to Canada to find the son. The story revolves around their search and of shady characters who have malevolent motives. A story closer to home centers around Jenny, Cork's daughter, who's just found herself pregnant in the summer before she is to go to college. Krueger brings the stories to satisfying conclusions. A fine read.
Rose
My Summer Darlings by May Cobb
Well, this is definitely what I would call a beach read. Shallow characters and a lot of racy scenes. It is the summer and Jen has just moved back to her east Texas hometown after a divorce, with her teen son, Casey. Her best childhood friends, Kittie and Cynthia, are happily married, but Kittie has always taken what Jen wanted, and Cynthia wants more from her husband in the bedroom. Kittie's daughter, Chloe, is a mini Kittie in looks, and is bucking her mom's rules. Enter a handsome new neighbor, Will. Jen is VERY interested in him. But, his appeal is overwhelming for both Kittie and Cynthia, and neither can resist. However, something isn't right and tragedy is imminent.
Tessa
The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom
This is the first in a new series starring Israel Armstrong, the librarian in charge of the mobile library van in the small Irish village of Tundrum. It was mildly entertaining, and I did like all the book references, but I prefer more actual mystery in my cozy mysteries. I doubt I’ll read any more of the series.
Rose
Hide by Kiersten White
Horror, supernatural, sacrifice. This really wasn't the book for me, but I did finish it. When people are offered a chance to play a hide-and-seek game at an abandoned amusement park for the prize of $50,000, they soon find that the game is a deadly game. If you like horror and/or supernatural fantasy, you might like this. I am not a fan, so this didn't do it for me.
Sandra K.
Twisted at the Root by Ellen Hart
One of my favorite Jane Lawless mysteries so far! These books are total comfort reads for me, and this one was everything I was looking for from this semi-cozy Minnesota mystery series.
Jeanne
The Lost Summers of Newport by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White
THE LOST SUMMERS OF NEWPORT by three queens of historical fiction, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White has a timeline set during the Gilded Age from 1899 to modern-day 2019. It is centered around the decaying historical Sprague mansion and three strong, determined women. Without writing a synopsis and giving away any spoilers, this book was well written, entertaining and easy to read. I was captivated by the storyline and secrets surrounding the Sprague mansion. I read it cover to cover in two days.
Jeanne
The Guilt Trip by Sandie Jones
THE GUILT TRIP by Sandie Jones kept me in suspense from beginning to end in this drama-filled, suspenseful story filled with twists and turns, and secrets. The author did a good job of creating and crafting the characters who fit perfectly with the storyline.
shelly
The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham
Cora Taylor has traveled to the Blue Ridge Mountains in search of her brother. She is running away from a marriage her father has chosen for her. Cora had hoped to use her nursing skills to help the people who live in the wilderness. She meets Jeb McAdams who actually helps her life on her first day. Her brother and his wife were surprised by her unexpected visit and have plans that will leave her alone after just arriving as they will be leaving her alone. Cora feels after all she has been through on the front lines she is prepared for anything. Much to her surprise Mountain life is very strange and more dangerous from what she expected. Jeb and Cora form an unexpected bond after both have war stories and memories to share.
Rita
The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare by Kimberly Brock
This is a book I received in the Mother's Day contest at Bookreporter.com. What a wonderful gift! I am still working on reading the other 7 titles. This book is dual story from beginning with Eleanor Dare in the 1500s and the Lost Colony on Roanoke and the Dare Stones to Alice Merely Young a Dare descendant and her daughter Pennilyn in WW II era US. The storyline glides effortlessly between the two stories. There is the mystery of the Stones, the Lost Colony and the location of the commonplace book that had been passed down from generation to generation of mothers to coming-of-age daughter. Now Alice and her 13-year-old daughter return to an estate that Alice, the mother, had been bequeathed only to find it in poor repair.
Dianne
Going There by Katie Couric
A look at the professional and private life of the author. For everyone who watched the author on the Today Show every morning, this is a look behind the curtain. What really happens as a person builds a life and career in the public eye. The author presents the good and bad events in her life and does not hesitate to accept responsibility for her missteps.
Sean
The Escape Artist by Brad Meltzer
I have always enjoyed Brad Meltzer's ability to weave history into a fun plot, but here the history part was weak. Houdini's history is worth exploring but I felt like it was more of a side note here. I liked the main character's interactions but thought the entire plot was far too coincidental to be believed. Nola, and her back story, is the star of the book and I'd like to see her life explored more than Zig. Overall, a decent read but far below Meltzer's best work.
Kimberly
Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc by Katherine J. Chen
Katherine Chen has done a wonderful job of imagining the life of Joan of Arc. The story begins with a riveting scene that immediately grabs you and lets you know you are in for an enthralling read. Chen's writing is very evocative to the point that I could easily picture everything very vividly in my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully-rendered tale.
Rose
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
While I have never read THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, this book left me enchanted and wanting to read that classic by C. S. Lewis. It was beautifully-written, emotional, and filled with love. Every page was magical! Young George Devonshire is dying and his sister, Megs, desperately wishes to help him. When George asks her to find C. S. Lewis at Oxford where she is a student and ask him where Narnia came from. What follows is a beautiful story of how Megs meets the Lewis brothers, and the stories she carries back to her brother, George. A fellow student, Padraig, helps Meg forget logic and accept love. May we all discover the magic of a fairy tale and let our imaginations run wild and grow with love.
Rose
Beginner's Luck (Chance of a Lifetime Book 1) by Kate Clayborn
BEGINNER'S LUCK is the first in a trilogy about three friends, Kit, Zoe, and Greer, who win the Virginia state lottery. Kit is a lab tech/research assistant who gets recruited by Ben Tucker, who works for Beaumont Materials in Texas. Kit is not interested in the offer, but she is interested in Ben. When she believes that Ben betrayed her, her world is turned upside down. This was a romance, but I wasn't as invested in Kit and Ben as I was in the second installment, with Zoe and Aiden (yes, I read them out of order). I did like the ending.
Kay
The Book Woman's Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson
I continue to be intrigued by the blue people of Kentucky who migrated from France with a genetic disorder. There are so many interesting topics covered by this Appalachian story of Pack Horse librarians, the fight against illiteracy, women miners, Frontier Nursing Services and fire lookouts. The discussion questions are especially interesting topics you can sink your teeth into for book group conversations.
Kay
Secrets of the Sprakkar by Eliza Reid
Thoroughly enjoyed this nonfiction book by the First Lady of Iceland. Iceland has produced extraordinary women who are changing the world. The author starts out with the story of how she came to Iceland from her native Canada where she met her future husband. The women of this small nation play very different roles from those lead by women in other countries. Thought-provoking about how things could be!
Terry
The Vixen by Francine Prose
Set during the McCarthy era and at the time of the Rosenberg executions, this book is chillingly timely. It exposes the underside of governmental intervention in even the most innocent looking endeavors that have impact on world image and American awareness. Great historical foundation, good application to current times and artfully/suspensefully written. The proverbial "can't put it down" book!!
Rose
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
This story is a re-imagining of the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. When Isabelle is assigned to get reluctant author, Beau Towers, to work on his overdue manuscript, she is surprised to find a gruff and withdrawn man who isn't interested. Fortunately, his assistant knows how he is and she encourages Izzy to push him to write. Beau then asks Izzy to move in and encourage him with daily pep talks. This, of course, leads to a deep friendship and to a love between Izzy and Beau, because of course, it is a fairy tale! Jasmine Guillory's books are always fun to read, and nice easy romances to read. It is nice to read a Guillory book every once in a while.
Beth
The Final Silence by Stuart Neville
I found another great Irish writer: Stuart Neville. I should have found him a long time ago, although I did, unknowingly, read him once before when he wrote under the pen name Haylen Beck. That was a four-star book; this definitely gets five stars. The problem with reviewing a five-star book is that you have to write it well enough to convey just how good it really is. But the problem with reviewing any book is that you might say too much and spoil the story. I choose to say less. Just read it.
Rose
The Verifiers by Jane Pek
Claudia Lin is the youngest in her family - and her mother's favorite, which is a source of contention between her and her siblings, Charles and Coraline. Claudia also loves reading murder mysteries and it is humorous as to how she incorporates the mysteries into real life. She is constantly thinking about how one of her mystery novels would handle a situation. Claudia works for a small firm, Veracity, and one of the clients asks them to investigate why their matches have ghosted them. When a client then ends up dead, Claudia decides to investigate on her own. What she discovers is an interesting look into dating sites that perform matches based on algorithms and how they are manipulated. Claudia is a great heroine - let's have more!
Rose
Please Don't Say You're Sorry: An Empowering Perspective on Marriage, Separation, and Divorce by Nicole Sodoma
Nicole Sodoma provides practical advice to anyone considering a divorce, and how to prepare for it, the negotiation, and the after divorce realities. While she writes from the perspective of a divorce attorney, the book also offers advice on how to have a happy marriage. I found some of the parts about the laws in different states interesting. I also thought a lot of her advice was very practical and wise, and should be taught in high schools -- things about how to track your financial health, and how to be sure to track your credit card usage, and not rely on one person to handle all the finances without your involvement. I did find it surprising that she could run a successful law firm, but was not aware of her own financial health.
Rose
Bottled Lightning by L. M. Weeks
This story starts with a high-speed chase through Tokyo and never stops the adrenaline rush. Torn Sagara is a lawyer representing Saya Brooks, a brilliant inventor. Her technology has led to Raijin Clean which will provide energy, making the gas and oil industry nearly obsolete. Of course, that doesn't sit well for the oligarchs in Russia and China who want to prevent this from happening. This novel details what people will do to make sure their cash cow doesn't stop. There is a lot of violence to prevent Saya's technology from getting out to the world. It would be fantastic if there was technology like this to solve the climate change crisis and rid us of our dependence on oil and fossil fuels.
Lorna
20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill
If you like horror, this collection is for you. All short stories to scare you and some that are just eerie. Read them all or just a few - you won't be disappointed.
Colleen
The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark
Loved this book!! This book was a quick page-turner for me. So many twists and turns along the way. What a con artist Meg was! Highly recommend this if you want a good mystery.
Suzanne
The Paris Detective by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
A Paris detective Luc Moncrief comes to NY to help for a while. He has different way of solving cases but it works as his partners try to decide if they can trust his instincts. There are actually three different short stories in this book, but each gives us more of the main character Luc and different cases to work.
Rose
The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
Oh this book was NOT for me. I plodded through the entire thing -- entering the world of Benny Oh and his mother, Annabelle. Her husband, Kenji, a musician, dies, and both Benny and Annabelle's lives spiral downward. Annabelle becomes a hoarder, Benny begins hearing voices and is considering mentally ill. The novel is narrated by a book and is steeped in Zen mysticism. To me, the book went on and on and I couldn't wait for it to end. I know this book won the Women's Prize for Fiction, but it just was a long, drawn out book to me.
Rose
Just My Luck by Adele Parks
Three couples play the lottery as a syndicate each week. When their numbers hit, after the couples have had a falling out, there is resentment towards the one couple that purchased the winning ticket. Lexi and Jake were the poorest couple in the bunch, but now they are the wealthiest. However, there is a lot of resentment between the couples and there is also something more sinister. Jake loves the newfound wealth, but Lexi is more cautious, and wants to do more important things with their money. She is inspired by Toma, an immigrant who lost his wife and son to carbon monoxide poisoning due to shoddy living conditions in slumlord housing. When Jake and Lexi's family has a tragedy, their world is completely torn apart. Greed and revenge.
Claire
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
I had always passed on this book because I hated the movie. However, I found this was a solid example of why it's always important to read the book first! It was really fun for me trying to guess the answers to all of Halliday's riddles alongside the characters as an avid fan of DnD, old school video games, and classic movies myself. It lost points for me, however, because it was so long and a lot of the technical jargon made it difficult to get to the really exciting bits of story.
Claire
Sleeping Beauty No More by Aisha Urooj
A retelling of Sleeping Beauty meets Rapunzel meets Robin Hood. This story follows Devon - a "thief"- and Aurora - the famous sleeping princess - on a quest to get back Aurora's throne from the witch who cursed her and heal Devon's father from a poisoned arrow. This book had a lot going on in it, and I very rarely say this...but I think it needed to be longer. It was hard to follow all the plot threads that were going on and sometimes the relationships felt a bit rushed, due to lack of time developing on the page. While overall I felt I liked her first novel better, I will say that the main couple of Aurora and Devon were incredibly endearing and I thoroughly enjoyed their witty banter.
Barbara
The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan
Set in 1942 in a small town near London, four women eventually come together to prevail over limitations imposed upon them by WWII rationing and food shortages. This "kitchen front" demands much sacrifice and even more ingenuity as each of the four also must overcome personal problems, of love and marriage and loneliness and self-confidence. They compete in a contest to win a prize of appearing on the BBC radio program which seeks to foster self-reliance and creativity among the housewives left at home while their men are at war. Desperation prods them into decision-making and creativity in the kitchen. Their efforts bring about changes in all, resulting in unexpected support and friendship. Recipes included. Heartwarming.
Tessa
Artemis by Andy Weir
4.5 stars. I wondered if Weir could possibly top THE MARTIAN, or at least equal it. Well, now I know. And I love that this time he features a feisty, intelligent woman as the lead character. I love a good crime caper, and this is one. Lots of twists and turns that kept the action moving and my interest high.
Rose
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
I enjoy reading books about people who are involved with books, so I was hoping to love this book. However, I just liked it "okay". The story is about Nora Stephens who is a literary agent in NYC. She is devoted to her younger sister, Libby, and has given up opportunities so that Libby can have what she needs. The male character, Charlie Lastra, is an editor in NYC, and the meetings that Nora and Charlie have had so far have not been pleasant. Libby asks Nora to go on a month-long vacation to a small NC town, Sunshine Falls, written about by Libby's favorite author. Libby has a list of things for them to do, as Libby tries to get Nora to relax. Charlie Lastra happens to be there, running his family bookstore due to a family emergency.
Rose
Hideout by Louisa Luna
Alice Vega is back in installment #3 of this PI series. In this instance, Alice is hired by a wealthy man to find his wife's ex-boyfriend, college football player Zeb Williams, who ran off the field 30 years earlier during a game in which he scored for the opposing team. Armed with only a photo of Zeb in a coffee shop in Ilona, OR, Alice sets out to find Zeb. What she finds is a small-town hiding a network of white supremacists. Alice is a tough woman, not afraid to put herself in dangerous situations, but this time, the danger begins to hit too close to home, and puts the lives of those she loves in danger as well. Alice won't stop until she completes the job she was hired to do, but it looks like she hits a dead end in this cold case.
Brian
Take Your Breath Away by Linwood Barclay
Maybe his best one yet!
Ashley
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
The journey for this novel was incredibly heart-wrenching. The author took you on a journey of loss and heartache and the desire to fix what cannot be repaired. I found myself unable to put the book down and was aching for a perfect ending.
