This contest period's winners were Karan S., Muriel L. and Nancy B., who each received a copy of MAD HONEY by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan and OUR MISSING HEARTS by Celeste Ng.
Francisca
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Ah, but I love spending time with Austen. Fanny is perhaps the ideal heroine, and reportedly Austen’s own favorite among her heroines. She is intelligent and thoughtful, pretty and graceful, keeps her own counsel, is modest and principled, and still has a loving heart. There is a certain predictable pattern to Austen’s novels, and this one is no exception. Our heroine will remain true to herself, and love will triumph.
Karen
Beautiful by Danielle Steel
Another great book by my favorite author. I read it in two days. I always love her characters.
Elisa
The Every by Dave Eggers
Sequel to THE CIRCLE. Good preview of a future when Facebook and social media rule everything and it’s quite unsettling,
Susan
Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! by Fannie Flagg
I have mixed feelings about the book. I thought the first 3/4s of the book was not very interesting. It didn’t hold my attention. However, once Baby Girl quit her job and started exploring her family history, the book became more interesting.
Andrew
The Veteran: A Psychological Thriller by Will Patching
This was my first from Mr. Patching and this novel completely upended my idea of what a psychological thriller could be - there was not a moment where I felt an insouciant sense of comfort while reading this book and I. LOVED. IT! My skin is still crawling from the innate evil in the world of The Veteran - this was not some scary monster under your bed - this was a cast of real-as-can-be monsters that thrive on deceit, greed, and murder - all in their own creepy ways. We have an invalid veteran, his git of a long-lost son (?), a fat, abused nurse, and a PI who will stop at nothing to figure out what the heck they are all up to. A fascinating and dark look into greed and jealousy with a sprinkling of murder, torture, and lots of surprises.
Ina
A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith
Continued adventures of The Number One Ladies Detective Agency. I love the sensibility and humanity of Botswana that these characters personify.
Ina
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
A lyrically-written masterpiece! A fascinating look at one of our country’s great migrations and man’s inhumanity to man. The story is timeless, and has many parallels to contemporary society.
Ina
The Homewreckers by Mary Kay Andrews
Fun beach read, especially if you are an HGTV fan.
Kristy
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
This book, though difficult to read, has given me more comfort than anything else since my daughter’s Covid-related death a year ago. I’m grateful to Jodi for writing it.
Ina
Force of Nature by Jane Harper
Beautifully-wrought story of the impact of trauma and its aftermath. The flawed characters are sharply written, as is the sense of place, which is a primary character in itself.
Nancy
The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Caroline Huynh
I loved these zany, passionate, intrusive mothers and their rebellious, troubled daughters. I laughed and laughed. It’s is a perfect light read, with a hilarious and crazy climax and a sweet ending, plus it’s filled with insight into the Vietnamese-American experience.
Marilyn
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
I’m from Kentucky and did not know the story of Lexington, although I knew he was an amazing thoroughbred. I also love equine art and to find a novel combining horse racing and equine art was a real treat, even though it was sad to read about the treatment of his groom during those dark years. I devoured the book and mailed it to a New Orleans friend who was also once a Kentucky horse lover.
Jane
The Means by Amy Fusselman
Read this book in one day. This debut was so funny I swore I laughed on every page. Shelly and George (a commercial voice artist) lived in New York City with their 16-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter. She was a stay-at-home mom who was guilty for not working and hiring a dog walker for their dog Twix since she never worked. Shelly wanted a beach house in the Hamptons and was determined to get it, one way or another even if it was on tick infested land made out of shipping containers. Some of the containers she nixed for various reasons, i.e., cat food and chicken nuggets (her son was a vegetarian). I loved her vision board with a Japanese toilet which did everything and the brand name was Toto.
Darlene
Black Point by Jerome T Burke
Very good.
Susan
Fox Creek by William Kent Krueger
Another Cork novel. Always suspenseful and thoughtful.
Linda
The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre
Nonfiction, thrilling historical spy book about the true events of double agent Russian spy. Great book club discussion!
Teresa
The Shore by Katie Runde
A family faces a health crisis that is so big, it changes everything. The mom and two teen daughters are tested to their limits as they take care of the dad, all while dealing with all the usual things people of their ages face. It is written in such a personal way, the reader comes to know each woman personally.
Cheri
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
Not your typical thriller. I loved the twist.
Michelle
The Shore by Katie Runde
There was so much that I connected to in this book to the point where I felt it was written just for me. It’s a heavy family drama about a family coping with chronic illness sprinkled with humor and hope. Readers who dealt with the loss of a parent as a teenager will see how perfectly the author captures the grief, guilt, embarrassment, anger, and unconditional love that goes along with this trauma. Readers who spent time at the Jersey Shore will bask in the familiarity of the setting. In many ways it serves as a love letter to hospice, to parents of teenagers, to daughters needing to learn their parents are simply people who make mistakes, and to anyone feeling emotionally lost.
Michelle
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
Great thriller with an interesting twist. Finished in a 1-1/2 days! Didn’t like quite as much as ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS, but definitely creepy.
Michelle
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
3+ stars. I read MALIBU RISING and was so disappointed in it - felt like the “machine” was pumping out a substandard novel to ride the TJR wave. I know it’s business, but I feel it exploited her popularity. This latest is a better effort, but still doesn’t have the "wow" factor for me.
Mary
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
Many voices - old, young, and ghosts - come together after a death at an historical apartment in South Carolina. Author does a great job with the setting.
Judie
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
The greatest racing horse of the 19th century, Lexington, is the centerpiece of this book. It is seen from many points of view: the slave boy who loves and cares for him on a farm in Lexington who becomes his trainer in New Orleans, the painter who painted him in the 1850s, the art collector who bought the painting in the 1950s, the Australian scientist who discovers his preserved skeleton in the Smithsonian attic in current times, and the Nigerian student who finds the painting in his neighbors trash. A wonderfully woven book about a real horse and its impact on American horse racing for decades.
Nancy
The Gown by Jennifer Robson
It’s been on my tbr pile for a while, but the Queen’s recent passing seemed the perfect time to pick it up! Of course, now I want to go to London and see the dress in a museum! The death of her grandmother drives Heather to try and learn more about her grandmother’s life before she moved to Canada. The book is beautifully balanced between London in the 1940s (and 2016) and Toronto in 2016, and between the stories of Ann, Miriam, Heather, and, of course, The Gown.
Joanne
Fly Girl by Ann Hood
Loved this book! I always thought flight attendants had such glamour lives. Little did I know the crap they had to put up with. Highly recommend this one.
Dennis
Robert B Parker's Fallout by Mike Lupica
Very good character buildup. Tragedy sticks close to home and old “friends” return to assist in investigation. The only negative is that early you sort of know the reason for what happened and it is confirmed with a few character twists.
MH
His and Hers by Alice Feeney
A murder a day! Three narrators - a cop, a TV journalist, and...the murderer! A twist every time the reader turns around. You won’t want to miss this one!
Betty
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
A poignant telling about this mother's last months dying of pancreatic cancer and the books they read and discussed while waiting for chemo to finish.
Nina
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
A wonderful story about the women who delivered books to rural mountain areas! It relates the hardships and dangers they incurred.
Susan
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
Loved the character development of these damaged souls who form a family after the death of a neighbor. I am not a fan of magical realism but the little traces just made the plot more poignant.
Melinda
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This is the second time that I have read the book and also saw the movie a couple of weeks ago. This is a really fascinating book that holds your attention throughout.
Lisa
The Palace Papers by Tina Brown
A very interesting book about the modern House of Windsor. Surprisingly, many of the stories were new to me and I thought that I knew a lot about the royals. My timing was spot-on as I was reading this when the Queen died. Don't let the length of it put you off. It is a pretty fast read and I always love books with pictures.
Rosa
Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes
I have read about the Walsh sisters through the years, and this is the latest novel, this time about Rachel. This has so many layers - about addiction and its hold on its victims, about starting over yet never really recovering, about the love and support of family and friends. The sub-stories of the various characters are so real and compelling. And it is laugh-out-loud funny, in classic Marian Keyes' style. I loved it and didn't want it to end. Any reader will find something to relate to in this story, something that will remind them about themselves or about someone they love.
Lorraine
The Marsh Queen by Virginia Hartman
Fantastic family drama and mystery. Virginia Hartman teaches creative writing at GWU in DC. Her writing shows it. Something for everyone. A nail-biting whodunit of the suspicious death of a 36-year-old single woman’s dad 25 years ago. She’s a bird artist at Smithsonian, so gorgeous nature writing. Story takes her back home to deal with mother’s health and digs into the death. Suspenseful, atmospheric, with a romance and shows importance of lifelong friendship.
Laura Beth
The Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe
This #ownvoice was so convincingly real, I had to keep telling myself it was fiction, and that it was a DEBUT!!! THE LAST SUMMER ON STATE STREET chronicles 12-year-old Fe Fe the summer between seventh and eighth grade. This coming-of-age novel was so beautifully tragic, I would read in awe and through tears in the same sentence. She writes with such childlike alacrity when all the while, the reader knows the setting is truly the opposite. Although this novel is on the shorter end, it packs a punch and made me slow down my reading. With themes of family, heartbreak, drug abuse, physical and sexual abuse, education, poverty, etc. I needed to give it my full attention, making me step out of my suburbia bubble.
Joyce
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
Fun to read, if a bit cliched.
Alexandra
One Night on the Island by Josie Silver
A charming and fun story about two unhappy people looking for some happiness in their lives. I liked the characters and it was enjoyable reading after a series of “heavy duty” books!
Eileen
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Sooo good! A entrancing story about a woman living her true life in a time period that stifled womens
choices. Her confidence is inspiring.
Linda
A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith
I've read the entire #1 Ladies Detective Agency series. They are simply written but profound. The messages in this novel inspire me to want to be a better, more compassionate person.
Kathleen
Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout
LUCY BY THE SEA by Elizabeth Strout is the 4th book in the Amgash series. The story is about Lucy Barton, her ex-husband William and their two daughters, and their significant others. It is how Lucy's ex gets her out of New York City during the pandemic lockdown of 2020. William has found a place in Maine that he feels that they can go to to get away and stay safe from Covid. Lucy is an author and she can pretty much work from anywhere. It only starts out to be a few weeks but we all know that that is not what happens. We still have the virus going on in 2022.
Beth
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Very different tone from A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW, which I also loved, but engaging with deeply drawn characters like the former. I felt immersed in 1950s America while I read it and was interested in all the characters and what made them tick.
Janice
Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins
When her husband takes her out to dinner to tell her he wants a divorce, Lillie is devastated. The book is about her reactions to his new wife and how she puts her own life back together. It was a light, fun, engaging romance that I enjoyed.
Janice
The Palace Papers by Tina Brown
This is the story of the royal family in the 21st century. I learned a great deal about royal protocols and the classism of British society as well as information about individual members.
Donna
Overkill by Sandra Brown
A "has-been" football player's ex-wife is suffocated during a wild party of sex and drugs and is brain dead in a coma. Her attacker is out of prison after two years and Zach must decide whether to pull the plug so the man can be tried for murder.
Marcia
The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Very nice story - I enjoyed it. Read it in one day. Who isn't interested in love and pairing soulmates. She had a gift and had to fight to use it.
Wendy
The Missing Piece by John Lescroart
It was fast reading but not his best story or writing. Some areas were confusing.
Nora
On Gold Mountain by Lisa See
I have recently developed an interest in genealogy so it was fortuitous that I read this book! She does such a thorough job of research and adds so much detail to the lives of the family members that it makes for enjoyable reading.
Nancy
The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth
Every married woman has a mother-in-law story to tell. The author swears her story is fiction and not about her real mother-in-law. That's a good thing for her! An easy book to read about the dynamics of marriage, in-laws and out-laws, but with some important lessons to impart.
Lynn
Water Like a Stone by Deborah Crombie
Fascinating to learn about the canals of England and Wales.
Sharon
Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
Kingsolver offers love, compassion and energy in this novel as she writes about folks in the southern Applachian area and the challenges of farming, ecological issues, family, and love. Excellent read.
Sharon
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
This book jumps back and forth in time, often just a year apart and while, the storyline was interesting, I found these time jumps annoying.
Marilyn
The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel
A book I could not put down! The struggle of one woman and her daughter to find answers to secrets held by her grandmother for years. Topics touched on: the Holocaust, survivors' recollections, great bakery recipes and the final answers that allow Hope Smith to bring her "lost" family together and for her to realize that love is a very special thing to share.
Susan
Forty Autumns by Nina Willner
Good history review, not all of which I remember. Strong characters, male and female. True story.
Becky
For Those Who Are Lost by Julia Bryan Thomas
Uncertainty, impulsive, stepping stone, barges.
Becky
The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda
Disappearance, mystery.
Deb
The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
3.5 light, fun stars, rounded up to 4. THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT is a historical fiction romance. Of the two timelines, I liked the older Jewish one better, where the grandmother, Sara, just immigrated to New York City and ran into problems with Orthodox male Jewish matchmakers. The modern character, Abby, was more artificial as a divorce lawyer with a stereotypical mean boss. As with most romances, the plot line is a bit predictable, but the characters are interesting and the writing and plot development solid. The author did her research. She cites matchmaking articles from old editions of The New York Times in her acknowledgements.
Janet
The Sweetheart Deal by Miranda Liasson
A cute story that would make a great Hallmark movie.
Deby
The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner
Loved it!
Kelley
Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill by Sonia Purnell
Beautiful writing with incredible research in the life of "Clemmie", otherwise know as Mrs. Winston Churchill. What a force she was!
Rose
My Dirty California by Jason Mosberg
Jody's younger brother, Marty, returns from CA to PA to visit Jody and their dad. When the pair are murdered shortly after Marty returns, Jody heads to CA to avenge his father and brother's deaths. Jody finds that Marty was working on a podcast called My Dirty California. Along the way, he meets some odd characters, some who help him, and others who wish to harm him.
This is a sweeping tale that exposes some unsavory operations and unsavory characters. It never seems like Jody can win, as he keeps hitting obstacle after obstacle. Some of the scenes are difficult to read as they depict a very serious and terrible issue. Ultimately, I enjoyed the novel and was satisfied with the ending.
Sheree
Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout
I haven't read any books by Elizabeth Strout before and boy have I been missing out. It was such a good read and it related to the relationship I have with my husband. When she said, "William not talking made me feel lonely" I could really relate!
Connie
Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier
This book has held my interest. A woman who has had a difficult life is accused of murdering her husband and is found to be the woman they thought was found dead in a burned out house many years ago. The twists and turns make it interesting.
Chris
Local Gone Missing by Fiona Barton
A real page-turner; strongly recommend.
Anna
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
This was a fast-paced mystery thriller I enjoyed listening to in just a few days. The story is about a man who is living a lie and running from his past and the wife and daughter who are trying to figure out the truth. The father loves his daughter so much he would do anything for her and he makes the ultimate sacrifice to keep her safe. The story was told in the present with flashbacks of past memories to help the mother understand what was happening. Great characters, great narrator and fast, interesting story.
Anna
The Strongman and the Mermaid by Kathleen Shoop
This was a very good read. I liked the way the author tells the story through both main characters, Lucasz (a Polish immigrant) and Mary (daughter of Czech immigrants). It's about life in the steel mill town of Donora, PA, and how these workers strive for the American dream. Historical fiction is blended with romance set in the early 20th century. I did not read the first book in this series and I thought it was fine as a stand-alone. Because I enjoyed this one, I look forward to reading Book 3 in the series.
Anna
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This book is so beautifully written. The characters are haunting and will stay with me for a long time. The descriptions of events are very vivid like they might be told to someone who is blind. As such, one of the main characters is a young blind French girl and the other is a young German orphaned boy. The dual timeline works well and comes together beautifully in the end. The story is told by the main characters who are in totally different circumstances and depicts their point of view and experiences during World War II. The imagery is amazing because of the the author's writing. I loved it.
Karan
The Club by Ellery Lloyd
Interesting plot with unlikable characters - it kept my interest and I enjoyed it.
Tessa
Life Among the Savages by Shirley Jackson
This collection of essays/vignettes is about Jackson and her family’s 1953 move to a small town in Vermont, where she and her husband settled into a large house and proceeded to fill it with children and books, a dog, two cats, and “literally thousands of socks.” I’ve read two of Jackson’s classic “horror” tales previously so I knew she was a talented writer. But I had no idea she had such a wicked sense of humor!
MaryLou
The Stolen Hours by Allen Eskens
This book was a compelling tale of a newly minted lawyer who is faced by a foe both in the work place and in the court. A crime is being investigated that ties in with previous unsolved murders and brings our young lawyer back to a horrific incident in her past. She faces both with new found courage and determination. I found the book extremely readable and was anxious to see how it played out. Allen Eskens has written other great books and this one is just another in his stack of enjoyable reads.
Francisca
The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie
This is a collection of short stories. The Tuesday Murder Club is a group of friends, including Miss Jane Marple, who regularly meet and take turns relating an interesting murder case they are aware of, but without revealing the culprit. The club members try to guess who committed the crime. Of course, Miss Marple is always right.
Becky
Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews
This is a bit of a change for Andrews. This one is a mystery and family drama with a bit of humor and romance. It is also slightly longer than her usual 300 page length. That said. I really enjoyed this mystery. The characters were “real”, the conversations seemed “normal”, the situations were believable. The political/journalistic themes resonated well. I liked that the characters seemed to grow and change as events unfolded. Altogether a good book with some adult themes – divorce, job loss, old flames and enemies, political intrigue, family businesses and dynasties, corrupt cops, and more. A good discussion starter for book clubs.
Susan
Smells Like A Tween by Laurie Gelman
I have read all 4 of Laurie's books and loved them all. Jen Dixon is the mother of Max, a middle schooler who decides to wrestle. Of course Jen knows nothing about the sport but gives it her all. There are other problems in her life along the way. It is a very fun read but you have to start with her first book CLASS MOM and the rest to get the real picture of Jen's life.
Dianne
All Adults Here by Emma Straub
A mother with a secret. Her three adult children each struggling with issues. Barbara gets run over by a school bus setting our warm, challenging story of family relationships in motion.
Shirley
The Italian Daughter by Soraya Lane
This book is the first in The Lost Daughter series. It was about two love stories - one from the 1940s and the other in the present day. The present day story was about a young woman from London, who receives a call from a lawyer to retrieve a box left by her grandmother. She finds some clue to her grandmother in the box. Meanwhile she goes to Italy to begin an apprenticeship at a winery and follow those clues. The older story is about a ballerina at Las Scala Teatro in Milan who falls in love with an Italian man named Felix. This is a light romance which explores stories of love lost, and broken hearts. The narration was easy to listen to and the characters and timelines were clearly defined.
Rose
Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand
Vicki has been diagnosed with lung cancer, so she decides to spend the summer on Nantucket with her sister, Brenda, and their friend, Melanie. Vicki also brings her two young children, leaving her husband back in NYC. Brenda was fired from her university teaching job after having an affair with her student, and Melanie is pregnant with her first child. She hasn't yet told her husband, Peter, because he has been having an affair with a work colleague. When they get off the airplane, they meet Josh Flynn, and he feels drawn to the women. He ends up babysitting for them to give Vicki some needed rest and becomes intimately involved in their lives. The story follows the women as they navigate their messy love lives and their health concerns.
Michelle
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Sweet book, a bit sad. Looking forward to the movie coming out!
Michelle
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Such a sweet, funny love story. First book I’ve read by this author, won’t be my last!
Michelle
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Great love story about the enduring power of love. Sweet ending! Her descriptions of her summers brought back great memories of the water, ice cream, board games, sunbathing, etc. Would recommend!
Kathy
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This book was is an eye-opening book which describes the plight of women who are intelligent, driven, and ambitious, yet dismissed. Very enlightening read.
Laura
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
A woman witnesses her son committing a crime and in a really clever plot, each day the woman (Jen) wakes up in the past. With each day, she learns something concerning the crime. It is a very enjoyable read.
Sherri
Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Magical realism at its best! Every circus tent is a new treat and the plot line is compelling. Very imaginative!
Julie
Search by Michelle Huneven
I was swept up in this story of the search committee choosing their new pastor for their California church. Dana Podowski is a food writer and is asked to serve on the search committee of her Unitarian church as they find a new leader. Personalities clash, faith is questioned, and church members are lost in the process. Each committee meeting has elevated meals with specially crafted cocktails - Huneven includes recipes at the end of the book. I am a long time member of a Methodist church, and through this novel became thankful for our system, where our bishop/district superintendent choose our new ministers for us.
Katrina
The Couple at Number 9 by Claire Douglas
I absolutely loved this book. There were twists I did not see coming, good storyline, heartfelt, and everything you expect in a good novel and more.
Marilyn
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Incredible historical book.
Debbie
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
What fun with Agatha Christie’s super mystery as she indicated herself. Christie labored with this story and the reader can easily see all the nuances. Ten people arrive on Soldier Island off the coast of Devon, but none escape the island. Each of the deaths follows the lines of a child’s nursery rhyme. So who is the killer and what is the reason for these deaths? Each of the victims had previously caused the death of someone else. The killer plays judge and executioner. The story moves quickly from line to line of the rhyme. Of course, police arrive on the island too late and relate the deaths as listed by the killer in the swan song of the events as recorded in a bottle with a note.
Barbara
Pretending to Dance by Diane Chamberlain
A dual storyline exploring issues of motherhood and adoption. Molly and her husband are in the process of adopting but she has a past which she has never revealed to him. The story alternates with Molly as a 14-year-old "adoptee" herself, complicated by the emotions of being a very naive teenage girl plus her adoration of her handicapped father. Two "mothers" and other family issues make this particular summer really difficult for Molly who revisits this while she struggles with impending motherhood herself.
Trez
Sunflower Sisters by Martha Hall Kelly
Very interesting and educational. Beautifully written.
Jeanne
Somebody Like Santa by Janet Dailey
SOMEBODY LIKE SANTA by Janet Dailey is a heartwarming, uplifting story about a single dad named Cooper, his troubled teenage son, Trevor, and a youth counselor named Jess who has a secret from her past. The chemistry and attraction between Cooper and Jess is undeniable as he relies on Jess for guidance and help with Trevor and before you know it, the sparks begin to fly. It is set in a small Western town in Texas and is a perfect holiday story to read and experience all the magic and joys of Christmas. I am one of those people who loves to read a Christmas story anytime of the year and this is no exception. I received an Advance Uncorrected Copy from the author and Kensington Publishing.
Jeanne
Falling Stars by Fern Michaels
FALLING STARS by Fern Michaels is a delightfully entertaining Christmas story set in Colorado that centers around Emily who is hired to train Zach, a famous actor, how to ski on one of Colorado’s most challenging and treacherous slopes. It’s not long before their chemistry and attraction to one another is undeniable and no matter hard they fight it, romance and sparks are in the air. Fern Michaels is a favorite author of mine and she never disappoints me whether it’s a mystery or a Christmas story. The characters are carefully created and crafted and a perfect fit for the storyline. I’m one of those people who likes to read Christmas books all year long because we all can use some magic and joy in our lives regardless of the time of year.
Rose
Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras
ISLAND AFFAIR is the first in a series from Priscilla Oliveras. When Sara Vance arrives in Key West for a week long vacation with her family, her "boyfriend" Ric tells her he isn't coming. Now Sara, who told her parents that she was dating seriously, is stuck. She sees handsome Luis Navarro and proposes that he pretend to be her boyfriend. Both Sara and Luis are dealing with some emotional baggage, Sara from an eating disorder, and feeling that she doesn't measure up to her siblings. Luis is still hurting from the death of his fiancee who cheated on Luis with his younger brother. This is a cute romance, but I thought there was a lot of repetition about why they were sad and needed to overcome these issues.
Jenny
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
I loved this book and as always, Ms. Brooks’ beautiful writing. It is the book I’m recommending to everyone because it vividly creates believable characters, interwoven with historical figures and events, and even deals with current realities. I’m not even a big horse fan!
Tessa
Evan Help Us by Rhys Bowen
Book Two in the Constable Evans series has Evan looking into two seemingly unrelated deaths. I like Constable Evans, but this one dragged a little. Still I enjoy spending time with the colorful residents of Llanfair.
Pam
Solito by Javier Zamora
Liked the fact that this was a memoir about the immigrant experience of a young boy, traveling alone to the U.S. from El Salvador, but the excessive use of Spanish in the dialogue didn't work for me. I don't know the language and there weren't enough content clues to help me determine what was being said. The flow was interrupted as I struggled to understand. I got the gist of the story, but didn't enjoy the struggle to read it.
Leslie
When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole
Very topical but also historic. Interesting characters in a plot. About gentrification that quickly turns dark and moves to a quick conclusion. I’ll be ruminating on this one for a while.
Kay
The Stranger in the Mirror by Liv Constantine
The first part of this book is uneventful, establishing Addison who has experienced amnesia not knowing her name or her personal background. Enter Julian who is searching for Cassandra. All appears to be normal once Julian discovers Addison to bring her home and re-inserts her in the family as wife and mother. Up to this point it seemed pretty sedate. But not so safe for Addison! Keep reading.
Leslie
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark
Absolutely engrossing tale of two lifelong friends, the divergent paths their lives have taken, and their beautiful but endangered summer compound in Maine. Just gorgeous!
Karen
This House of Sky by Ivan Doig
Ivan Doig has a beautiful writing style. As he describes his boyhood memories of Montana, I was swept away by his landscapes, ranches, and townscapes of small-town saloons. He takes the reader on a journey through his nomadic life with his father as he works the various ranches of Montana territory. There are hills and valleys of writing that make you hungry for the next section of great descriptions. Have patience at the beginning. It gets a lot better.
Rose
When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin
Absolutely beautiful writing, beautiful story. Reese (Dr. Jonathon Mitchell) is hiding away in GA, when he rescues a 7-year-old girl, Annie, who has been hit by a truck. He discovers that she is awaiting a heart transplant, and lives with her guardian, Aunt Cindy, since her parents were killed. Annie has the same heart disease that Reese's wife, Emma, had. Emma and Reese were childhood best friends who grew up and were married. Emma's condition made Reese want to be a heart surgeon, but when he couldn't save Emma, he abandoned his calling. Emma's brother, Charlie, begs Reese to return to his work, read Emma's letters that she wrote to be opened after her death, and to open his heart again. The story is full of love and heart.
Bonnie
The Ski Jumpers by Peter Geye
Peter Geye continues to write his beautifully descriptive works of fiction that feature strong relationships and incredible scenery.
Lana
Guernica by Dave Boling
I had this on my Nook for 17 years and finally read it with my book club this past month. Characters were extremely well done with Guernica and its village life also being an enchanting character. The novel contains a strong believable storyline that did sag a little bit after the main event of the book, but it picked up again and drew to a satisfying conclusion. Very glad that I was “forced” to pick it up it as it was a very satisfying read.
Francisca
The View From Penthouse B by Elinor Lipman
3.5 stars rounded up. Two sisters and a handsome, cupcake-baking young man share a Greenwich Village apartment and support one another's efforts to get back into life. What a charming comedy of manners, reminiscent of Jane Austen, but updated to the 21st century. The scenarios and the characters are believable and relatable. Their dialogue sparkles. I love how they support and encourage one another through thick and thin, and many complications relationship-wise. Just delightful fun.
Michelle
The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman
Great historical fiction! A story of lost loves, hope, and starting again.
Michelle
The House Party by Rita Cameron
A great book about how one decision can alter the course of your life. A glimpse at how class and money can sometimes determine how you will be treated, whether or not you have to face consequences, etc. Sad but very eye-opening. Brought back memories of all the stupid stuff I did in high school!
Carol
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
Liked that it made for laughs and tears.
Tessa
A Spook in the Stacks by Eva Gates
Book number four in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. This series features Lucy Richardson, the librarian (and resident) at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library of the coast of North Carolina. It’s a fast, fun cozy mystery. As the title and cover imply, this one is set around Halloween.
Joanne
Descendent of the Crane by Joan He
This was a good book.
Rose
Cold Snap by Marc Cameron
This is Book 4 in the series, which I didn't know before beginning it. I think it would have helped to read the earlier books to understand some of the character's back stories and relationships. However, it could be read without knowing that info. This is set against the cold backdrop of Alaska's wilderness. The team of Arliss Cutter and his partner Lola Teariki are chasing a killer after finding a human foot in Anchorage. In remote Deadhorse, Cutter is escorting prisoners to Fairbanks. But, the pilot takes a detour, and the plane goes down. Now, Cutter must deal with the prisoners, as well as the bleak wilderness including grizzly bears and wolves. It is a non-stop action thriller, and the ending is a cliffhanger.
Rose
Reputation by Sarah Vaughan
I really enjoyed this novel about a woman in Parliament who advocates for regulations and protections for women who have been targeted by others and have suggestive photos and videos posted about them. When Emma is found over the body of a journalist at the bottom of her stairs, she is pulled into a drama that she never expected. Emma's daughter, Flora, in a moment of rage, posted a video of her ex-friend and the papers were going to publish a story. Emma begged Mike, the journalist, not to print anything. But, when Mike dies as a result of the fall at Emma's house, Emma is put on the spot. This story asks what you would do to protect your reputation, and whether you can depend on others to protect it. Very tense drama.
Tracy
The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes
Ms. Moyes writes about love in a special way. The movie does not do the book justice! Also loved the two settings and how the two stories compared to each other. A good read (or listen - I had the audiobook format.)
Muriel
And Then There We’re None by Agatha Christie
This book had an interesting plot. Mrs. Christie has said this was her favorite book due in part to the difficulty in putting together a murder mystery involving ten people who all died in various ways on an island that was deserted. The story was carefully crafted with suspense each time a person died. I thought I had it all figured out until the person I suspected as the murderer perished. Ms. Christie tied it all up in the end in a believable way.
Trisha
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
Sweet story with just a touch of magic.
Jan
Recessional by James A. Michener
Michener's last book, a wonderful complex story about a doctor who is managing a retirement center, with a hospice attached for wealthy people. They are on the west coast of Florida and the doc performs miracles, always trusts the right people, interacts with the residents. It is a novel - not like some real life situations. But it is like the residence you would like to have when you retire. People are nice, the food is always good, the staff is always attentive. The residents are pleasant, some very smart, some very famous. Michener shows the love and attention that spouses and family have for those who have dementia. Just a wonderful, detailed, lengthy book about nice people and the way they deal with not-nice people.
Kathleen
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
The premise of THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB is fun and unique, centering on a group of retirees who meet weekly to discuss and hopefully solve cold cases. The lighthearted, sarcastic tone had me smiling, laughing, and reading quotes out loud to others quite a few times. I really enjoyed the main characters, but found it too confusing to keep track of the side characters and plot. As a result, the book felt very slow and eventually I became I uninvested in the actual mystery.
Cindy
The Power Couple by Alex Berenson
FBI agents teen daughter gets kidnapped while on a family vacation in Europe and the race to find and rescue and figure out why. While the characters aren’t particularly likeable, there is a lot of backstory to explain how they got to the current point and strains on the marriage. Many unexpected twists and turns, some implausible, that move the story at a fast pace.
Karen
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
Very good! Novel set in Jaipur, India in 1950s. Woman leaves her abusive husband and works hard to become a well-liked henna artist to the upper class in a new city. Things change when her 13-year-old younger sister, whom she didn't know existed, comes to live with her.
Nancy
The Personal Librarain by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Wonderful and interesting story. Loved it.
Teresa
Election by Tom Perrotta
Quirky characters and regular kids populate a high school during student body during election time. A teacher who is way too involved, both in the election and with his friend’s wife, an über ambitious student willing to do almost anything to win, and a brother and sister with their own secrets, all make up quite the election story.
ML
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark
Heartwarming, endearing, beautifully written.
MH
Blue Marlin by Lee Smith
What a wonderful tale of days gone by! The plot is a couple’s trip to Key West to save a marriage, accompanied by their daughter, who narrates. Smith’s excellent turn of phrase and style makes this short novella memorable.
Teresa
The Shore by Katie Runde
Living in a beach resort town sounds like a wonderful life, and it is until Dad develops a brain tumor that turns him into an unpredictable, crazily different person. Mom, who would like to leave it all behind, is left to cope with looking after Dad, running a complex resort business, and still raising two teen daughters. It’s the daughters who get the least of her time and attention, while forced to grow up too soon. All of it makes for far less than the ideal summertime families dream of.
Teresa
Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore
Louisa, a summer resident, and Kristie, a stranger, arrive in a small Maine seaside town, hoping to get their lives back on track and solve problems that could overwhelm them. It’s their connection to one another that makes for an interesting summer. This is what a Hallmark movie could be, if anyone bothered to make them more interesting.
Nancy
Hardland by Ashley Sweeney
From the first sentence, Ruby Fortune leaps from the page, fully realized and vital, raw, and unpolished, lusty, and strong. To survive in the Arizona Territory in 1899 a woman had to be determined. It was a hard land, and the people had to be just as hard. Especially the women, and Ruby is a victim of abuse. This is not a romanticized view of the West, but shows the hard realities, the deaths, women strong and women victimized and women used. It’s a harsh land, but has its beauty. At the core of Ruby’s story is the impact of abuse on her and her sons, and how Ruby faces life’s challenges and survives. And, in the end, thrives.
Darlene
The Book of Speculation by Erica Swyler
Grabs you at first - lots of twists and turns.
Jeannie
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I loved this book so much. It was written in alternating characters, but the best part was one of those characters was Marcellus, the octopus. He was so kind and intelligent, and loving. Just such a sweet story with characters that come together in a very special way.
Susan
Acceptance by Emi Nietfeld
A story of a fractured childhood. This is an excellent memoir about incredible strength, perseverance and triumph in the face of trauma and so many obstacles.
Beth
The Whisper Man by Alex North
3 1/2 stars. The first half of THE WHISPER MAN rated 3 stars, the second half 4. The mystery in this book is good. Tom Kennedy and his young son Jake have moved to a new home where there are not so many memories of Rebecca, Tom‘s wife and Jake’s mother. It is their move to that particular house that involves them in the mystery of the Whisper Man. In the city where Tom and Jake have moved, the Whisper Man has taken the lives of several young boys. Although the Whisper Man has been found and is now in prison, did he have an accomplice and is the accomplice now after Jake?
Susan
The Palace Papers by Tina Brown
In light of the Queen's recent death, interesting reading about the family.
Lindy Lou
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
Perfect October read for book club!
Ina
Next in Line by Jeffrey Archer
Fun read. Typical Jeffrey Archer. While beach season is over, it’s purely a beach read for easy entertainment. No surprising plot tests, just joy if you love the characters, William Warwick and his wife, Beth. Third or fourth in a series, which should be read from the beginning.
Susan
Lessons by Ian McEwan
Beautiful writing but I felt distanced from the characters. There is also lots of references to historical British politics for which an American has less knowledge.
Barbara-Ann
The Anatomy of Desire by L. R. Dorn
Third book written about a 1906 true crime.
PJ
Sombody Like Santa by Janet Dailey
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are real and the story is amazing. Every relationship has its ups and downs and Cooper and Jess's is no different. Both moved to Branding Iron to start new lives and leave the past behind, but will the past stay there? Along the way, there are challenges and redemption. This book is uplifting and leaves the reader with positive feelings. This is the second book so far that I have read by Janet Dailey, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
Ina
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Loved this book! The protagonist, Elizabeth Zott, is a fabulous character, and her character development jumps off the page! I hope we meet her again.
Kathy
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
A marvelous insight into a woman’s life in India: the caste system, women’s role in society, etc., all are depicted in a moving, sometimes maddening story of a woman trying to better herself. It is a remarkable book which gives us a real understanding of a culture different from ours.
Linda
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
At first I thought this novel with mystic realism (ghosts and fantasy) was weird, but I kept reading because of its good reviews. A quote: "There are birds, and then there are other birds. Maybe they don't fit in. I'd much rather be an other bird than just the same old things." Me too!
Elizabeth
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark
This book is long - 579 pages. But, I loved every page. It tells the story of two women in their 80s and their long-lasting, candid friendship. Two women who were complete opposite of one another with one goal. It may not have ended exactly as planned, but it sure was great reading about how they got there.
Terry
Should I Fall by Scott Shepherd
I read a prior book of Scott Shepherd and enjoyed. The author continues with the same main characters, Austin Grant (formerly of Scotland Yard), Rachel Grant and John Frankel (NYPD Detective. The former wife of Detective Frankel is found dead in his apartment. He is the prime suspect. This happens on the eve of marrying his fiancée Rachel. Austin, Rachel and John follow the clues. Just when the mystery is solved a suspect appears. I enjoyed the characters as well as the pursuits to solve the crime.
Denise
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
This is the sweetest book, which I never imagined saying about a book written in part from the point of view of an octopus. I fell in love with the characters, the setting, and the story.
Barbara
A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
This is a re-read for me because my book group will be discussing it. I've already read Egan's newest (and somewhat related) THE CANDY HOUSE and am glad to review the initial introduction to her style and characters.
Elizabeth
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuistin
This was a romance novel, not a genre I normally read, but it had a nice twist. In an alternative world that didn't happen, a woman is elected president in 2016 (the author in an afternote stated that they started the book in early 2016, long before the 2016 election) - she has a son who slowly realizes he is gay and is in love with a male heir to the throne of England - during his mother's run for a second term in 2020. The characters are nicely drawn and both amusing at times and believable. All the love talk was a little much at times but did not feel cliched. An enjoyable read about a world I wish existed.
cherie
The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick
Wonderful book - very engaging. About an author and someone who helps her with writing. I wanted to be the writer in the story.
Sandy
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Easy read and entertaining.
Amal
How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine
It’s a fun YA horror book. Throughout the book, some twists and turns will keep you on your feet. There are a lot of horror movie references, if you are a horror movie fan, the connections will make sense. It had me suspicious of everyone being the killer. It came down two suspects, and I was wrong. This book will make you think you know who the killer is, but you don’t. Not until it's time for the final reveal and then you'll know. Danielle Valentine knows how to keep the suspense going and how to put in enough twists and turns that you're never quite sure what's going on or who did the deed. I picked up this book because of the title, even though I don’t read YA. Even though it’s YA, I think that anyone can enjoy this book.
Janet
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
Perfect read for my last summer book.
Michelle
Properties of Thirst by Marianne Wiggins
For me, one of the most important elements of a book is the writing. Even with that though, is tough for me to rate PROPERTIES OF THIRST. On one hand, there were so many page-stopping, gorgeous passages that were like poetry. It would stop me in my tracks and I would have to go back and re-read them, in awe of the prose. When I look back on 2022, and I think about some of the most beautiful writing I read, I am betting this book may make it to the top or near top of the list. For that element, I would rate it 5 stars and I think Wiggins is one of the most talented writers without a doubt. Yet at the same time, I do have complaints about this book.
Cindee
Sugar and Salt by Susan Wiggs
I loved this book and read it in a day. It was a perfect way to end a very stressful week in Florida where the eye of the hurricane came right over my house. Feel good books are my go to right now and this was a great one.
Jill
The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart
If you like creepy reads, you will love this book. It is a brilliant debut by Alaina Urquhart and written from the point of view of a medical examiner and the point of view from a serial killer. The setting in the Bayou makes it even more creepy. The ending left it hanging for a second BUTCHER AND THE WREN book. Alaina has a true crime podcast, Morbid, that I will definitely check out. I was hooked from the first page and finished in one day.
Rose
Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter
Very well done thriller about a young girl, Emily, who is pregnant in 1981, and her parents want to keep it quiet because her mom is being considered by Reagan to be named a judge. When Emily decides to defy her father and go to her prom, she sees members of her clique, but sadly ends up dead. 40 years later, Andrea Oliver, a new U.S. Marshal, is being assigned to protect the judge but due to her own past, she is very interested in investigating the death of Emily. This is a very tense thriller which delves into the months prior to Emily's death and all the people that she considered guilty. Andrea follows these people and tries to determine who was the culprit, while also uncovering some shady dealings.
Judy
Fox Creek by William Kent Krueger
I have followed Krueger seems like forever and always enjoy his books. This one is quite good - both the storyline and the locale descriptions. Perhaps memory is failing but it does seem Krueger's earlier books were without profanity/vulgarities (I have not looked back at his earlier books to confirm this). Or, maybe he is going the way so many authors are now going and using fillers, i.e. words that could be left out without changing the story. I think there are probably some of us older readers who enjoyed clean books and would like for them to stay clean.
Lisa
On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster
Historical fiction set in Southampton and New York City. Everleigh meets Rolland by chance in New York City. A courtship and engagement soon evolves. As the couple heads to Southampton for the summer, things don’t go smoothly.
Sheree
Grace and Power: The Private World of the Kennedy White House by Sally Bedell Smith
This book was interesting because I realized that I did not know a lot about the Kennedys. After reading this book I do not like the Kennedys. The womanizing, the expensive parties, clothes, vacations really was eye-opening. A good history lesson.
Carolann
In the Galway Silence by Ken Bruen
I have been reading all Bruen’s books in the Jack Taylor series. He can say more with one word! I am finishing the last one now, GALWAY GIRL. Looking forward to more.
Anita
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
This was a wonderful book which takes place in 1932 in Minnesota. Two brothers who are orphans are sent to an Indian school even though they are white. There they befriend an Indian boy who cannot speak. They become friends and decide to run away and fend for themselves because they are treated horribly by the owners, husband and wife. They also befriend a little girl who joins them on their journey. This book was difficult to put down. I loved it!
LisaMarie
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
So got lost in this magical book. I loved it so much. Not typical of me to pick. I have read in my younger years Stephen King, but this book I highly recommend.
Jeanne
Reckoning by Catherine Coulter
RECKONING by Catherine Coulter is part of the FBI thriller series and the first book I’ve read by this author. It is a well-written, nail biting, intense story filled with drama, romance, surprises, twists and turns. From the very beginning I was drawn in and couldn’t wait to find out who murdered Kirra Mandarian’s parents fifteen years ago, who kidnapped twelve year old piano prodigy Emma Hunt and figure out how these two vicious crimes were linked together. This was one of those compelling books you can’t put down until the very end!
Rose
Something Wilder by Christina Lauren
Leo and Lily had fallen in love 10 years earlier when Leo worked on the ranch Lily's dad owned. Leo had to leave suddenly when his mother was in an accident and never returned, until now, when he and his friends take their annual fantasy trip to Lily's Wilder Ranch where she runs outdoor trips with her friend Nicole. However, a few of the participants on the trip have another motive in mind. There is a rumor that Lily's dad had found and hidden Butch Cassidy's treasure and they are determined to find it. Working together, Leo and Lily need to untangle the riddles her dad left her to find the treasure - both in love and in the world. I like puzzles, so I liked that aspect. I also liked the letter from her dad, great advice.
Michelle
When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner
Thank you Bookreporter.com, I believe I first learned of this new book through one of your emails! Great historical fiction book. I had no idea what these army and navy nurses experienced during World War II. A beautiful story of love and hope. Would definitely recommend!
Jamie
The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell
The second half was definitely difficult to put down. Another Lisa Jewell book that did not disappoint.
Marcia
Channel of Peace by Kevin Tuerff
Nice story about the people of Gander and how they went above and beyond and how they inspired Kevin to pay it forward.
Suzanne
The Shadow by James Patterson and Brian Sitts
I liked this book even though it was a completely different genre for me. Lamont Cranstan and his girlfriend are poisoned in the thirties and now a century and a half later Maddy Gomes, a teenager, is going to see a lawyer to receive an inheritance. What a surprise to inherit Lamont Cranstan frozen in time.
Liz
Hostage by Clare Mackintosh
Mina is a dropout from pit lot training. She is now a flight attendant on the first non-stop flight from London to Sydney. Terrorists are on board, they threaten Mina’s daughter, Sophie. Mina does what a mother must do. The plane is hijacked, demands are made and not met and people die. There is only one person left that is capable of landing this plane. This is a fast moving story, but unfortunately at times the writing is very confusing. I needed to go back and re-read several sections.
Michelle
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft
An easily readable, YA-appropriate fantasy romance. Magic, class differences, determination to rise above one's station and pursue happiness are themes throughout this book. A very nice read.
Rose
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
This is the story of Zoey who lost her mother years earlier, and her father has remarried and is engrossed in his new family. He made no secret of his desire for Zoey to move away. So, Zoey heads to the place where her mother once lived and meets a diverse cast of characters that helps her to heal from heartbreak. She brings along Pigeon, a bird that only she can see. This wasn't my favorite of Ms. Allen's books, but it still had a magical touch.
Michelle
All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
Was just okay, a bit slow at times. Seems to be based on the case of JonBenet. I definitely did not like the ending, as there was not really closure.
Tessa
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
3.5 stars. There are many kinds of “happily ever after…” I’d read one book by Center previously and I wasn’t all that impressed. So, I wasn’t expecting much more than a contemporary romance with possibly “relevant issues” for today’s woman thrown in. I was pleasantly surprised that my expectations were exceeded. Margaret’s journey is what kept me interested. She has many downs, and a few ups, but ultimately, she takes charge of her life in a way that is totally believable and had me cheering her on.
Kay
Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini
Lots of detail on WWI which was interesting but sometimes heavy going to keep track of details. I have visited the site for the battles at Belleau Woods and Verdun. The influenza epidemic in the mix felt especially real after what we've experienced with Covid. The three operator characters were interesting to learn what conditions they worked under and what they accomplished. I sometimes had trouble keeping track of which was which character. I learned a lot.
katherine
Going Rogue by Janet Evanovich
Fun! When Connie goes missing, Stephanie and Lula go on the hunt for a rare and mysterious coin. With the guys from Rangeman, and new characters with names like Carpenter Beedle and Sir Lancelot, hunks abound.
Sherri
Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Wonderful magical realism. A treat in every new tent. Compelling characters and plot. A delight!
Gerry
We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza
This is a powerful, well-written novel about two young women, lifelong friends, one Black and one White, who face a crisis that threatens to tear their friendship apart. Jen's husband is a Philadelphia police officer involved in the shooting of a Black boy. Riley is a TV news reporter, vying for an anchor position, who is assigned to cover the story of the shooting and its aftermath. The novel is narrated in alternating chapters by each of the women, as they struggle to reconcile (and sometimes to avoid considering) their different perspectives on this tragedy. The characters seemed very realistic, and the setting of the story in a city very familiar to me only added to its appeal. Good book club choice!
Gerry
The Boy in the Field by Margot Livesey
More coming-of-age story than mystery, THE BOY IN THE FIELD follows three teenage siblings as they respond to a frightening discovery on their way home from school. While it was very different from what I anticipated as I began reading, it was still an enjoyable character study.
Gerry
The Shadow Girls by Henning Mankell
I had high hopes for this novel, having read and loved so many others by this author. The opening chapter was outstanding and engaged my full interest immediately. The last couple chapters were also excellent. In between, the novel bordered on the farcical at times, and I considered putting it aside, but my respect for Mankell and his body of work kept me going. THE SHADOW GIRLS offers a perspective on migration, on the extreme hardships that cause so many to leave their home for a better life in another country, and on their invisibility in the new lands that refuse to acknowledge and accept them.
Gerry
A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
This was a "cozy" mystery set in Victorian England. I did guess the key elements of the mystery well before the end of the book, but still found the characters endearing and the audiobook enjoyable.
Gerry
Red Island House by Andrea Lee
The descriptions of island life and culture and of the flora and fauna of Madagascar were magnificent, often phrased in language that had me consulting online dictionaries for definitions of unfamiliar vocabulary. The main characters, Shay and Senna, were well developed and interesting, as were several more minor characters. The climax of the story was slow in coming but led to a very satisfying conclusion. The novel also offers multiple opportunities for reflecting on cultural differences and the impact of colonialism, as well as a fascinating perspective of a Black American woman confronting her own privilege in an African nation that is one of the world's poorest.
Gerry
The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves
I will stick to print or ebook editions if I read more from this author. The heavy accents of the readers of the audiobook sometimes interfered with my understanding of the text. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this mystery set in the Northumberland region of England, which focused on the murder of a young woman whose car and one-year-old child were found abandoned near a once prominent estate.
Gerry
The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb
3-1/2 stars for an enjoyable novel set at and around Ellis Island. The two main characters are a young German-American woman living with her mother and stepfather, who views her as a burden and sends her to work as a matron at Ellis Island, and an Italian immigrant of similar age who has fled her abusive father in Sicily and hopes to start a new life in America.
Gerry
The Rising Tide by Ann Cleeves
A dark, tragic, shocking novel about secrets, mystery and murder among a group of people gathered for the 50th reunion of college friends.
Gerry
Legacy by James A. Michener
I read this one on Constitution Day. Michener has long been a favorite writer of mine for his historical fiction that typically spans many hundreds of years in a single location. He wrote this book as the U.S. was about to celebrate the two-hundredth anniversary of our Constitution. Through the lens of fictional ancestors who each played some role in drafting, amending, or supporting the Constitution, Michener tells one version of the history of this revered document. It made for an interesting but fairly inconsequential read, demonstrating what I already knew: that the Constitution is the product of its times and of the brave, often brilliant, but still fallible men who created it.
Gerry
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Set on a once-deserted (and still mysterious and creepy) island off the coast of Ireland, this was an oaky mystery filled with so many unlikable characters that by the end I really didn’t care who was the victim and who was the killer.
Gerry
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
4-1/2 stars for a fascinating tale of horse racing, breeding, and training in the min-nineteenth century, as well as an exploration of the world of equine art in that era and of issues of race then and now. Based on a real horse once prized as the fastest thoroughbred and sire of many other champions, HORSE also includes numerous historical figures and events. Three separate timelines are woven together seamlessly: the 1850s, the 1950s, and 2019. I learned a lot while enjoying an amazing story of bravery and persistence.
julie
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Wow! What a story and what great characters! This is a winner in my book. Unusual book and
beautiful people. The writing is simple and clear with its own cadence. The story is wonderful: I laughed, I cried, but mostly, this story pierced my soul with love and caring for each one of these fictional people.
Gerry
Booth by Karen Joy Fowler
BOOTH, for me, was a fascinating "slow but steady" read. I found I often needed to take a break, and tended to read it in short bursts, but it never failed to intrigue me and hold my interest. I applaud the author for her decision not to center the story on the villain, but to focus more broadly on his family, and the times in which they lived. As she comments in her Author's note, "I did not want to write a book about John Wilkes Booth. This is a man who craved attention and has gotten too much of it; I didn't think he deserved mine." Despite a dearth of historical records about some members of the family, Fowler brought each of the major characters vividly to life, portraying this grossly dysfunctional family in all its virtues and flaws.
Gerry
Exit by Belinda Bauer
3.5 stars for an engaging mystery centered on the practice of assisted suicide in England. Felix is an "Exiteer" -- a volunteer who provides emotional comfort and support to a dying person who wishes to end his or her life, and "cleans up" the evidence afterward to insure that the individual's family can believe their loved one died a natural death. But when one such incident goes badly, Felix finds himself a suspect in a murder investigation. Interestingly, the publisher's blurb describes Felix as "a painfully literal thinker" yet I saw no evidence of that trait as I listened to the audiobook. I found him to be compassionate and highly ethical, wanting to do the right thing, even at great potential risk to himself.
Gerry
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
Very engaging and informative novel set in the 1950s on the Indian reservation at Turtle Mountain. The author’s narration on the audiobook and the Afterward explaining her family’s connection to the events in the novel were an added bonus.
Gerry
The Scent of Burnt Flowers by Blitz Bazawule
A blend of historical fiction and magical realism set in the 1960s, this is the story of a Black American who fled with his fiancée from the US to Ghana after a fatal encounter with racist thugs in Alabama. He hoped his Lincoln College friend Nukrumah, now President of the newly independent nation of Ghana, would provide refuge for them. The couple’s arrival in Ghana, unfortunately, coincided with the coup that deposed Nukrumah, but the readers is treated to a vivid account of the coup and counter-coup along with a brief history of the transformation of the Gold Coast colony into an independent nation. Suspenseful and very engaging, the novel moves deftly back and forth in time for both an interesting history lesson and a rollicking story.
Christina
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J. K. Rowling
I think this book gets better each time I read it. I make different connections and see different instances of foreshadowing. It's a comfort to go back to Hogwarts and read about this trio.
Christina
The Good Nurse by Charles Graeber
Man, what an emotional roller-coaster. To know that this happened so easily is scary. As someone who has had close family in the hospital for extended periods as well as I myself having been in that situation, it's frightening. Really well documented and researched, I wanted to read before watching the Netflix version. We'll we how it stacks!
Rose
On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster
ON GIN LANE is the story of a socialite, Everleigh, in 1957 whose fiancé, Roland, unexpectedly gives her a hotel as a surprise wedding gift in Southampton, NY. Everleigh doesn't want to live in a hotel, having been raised in one her entire life. Tragedy strikes on the opening night of the hotel, and then Everleigh's life begins to unravel, and she begins to see that Roland is not what she expected. As they become more and more distant from each other, Everleigh begins to find herself, as a photographer and as a woman taking control of her life. This is historical fiction, and while it highlights the perils of women in the 50s, the depiction of the socialites and the way they spent money bothered me.
Kris
Don't Suck by Andre LeClair
DON'T SUCK provides life lessons in small, humorous and easy-to-read doses. As you read Andre's book, you'll laugh out loud, nod your head, and relate to the lessons he shares. DON'T SUCK is hard to put down and I finished it in one sitting. Andre has a beautiful gift for storytelling and his experiences provide the perfect fodder for the wisdom he shares. After reading the book, I found myself thinking back on his words and quietly realizing I learned a thing or two. DON'T SUCK is a great birthday or Christmas gift idea!
Trez
Mustard Seed by Lilia Ibrahim
Very interesting and informative book. Beautifully written.
Rose
In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn
Wow! I loved this book. Told from the perspective of Finn, a 16-year old who observes her family and her friend, Mo, after a tragedy has uprooted their lives. Mo and Finn are inseparable, and are headed on a ski vacation with Finn's parents-Jack and Ann, her "aunt Karen" and "Uncle Bob" and their daughter, Natalie, as well as Finn's sister Chloe, and her brother Oz. However, tragedy strikes that night and Finn is killed instantly. It is what the rest of the family and friends do, as Finn watches, that is the story of this book. It is a book about choices, about love lost and found, and about cheering on those you love - helping them past the darkness. I thought it was terrific.
Gina
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
She has done it again. Sumptuous writing, a character I knew nothing about, ancient history that was fresh and powerful.
Deby
The Winners by Fredrik Backman
I love everything written by Backman. THE WINNERS is just as wonderful as the other books in the series. Backman has such a way with words. He is able to look into my soul and write the thoughts that I am thinking.
Kara
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A great comeback story about being comfortable in your own skin. So many great moments throughout.
Michael
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
Book was really interesting and kept me guessing over and over!
