This contest period's winners were Felice S., Francisca B. and Rosa A., who each received a copy of HUNTING TIME: A Colter Shaw Novel by Jeffery Deaver and A WORLD OF CURIOSITIES by Louise Penny.
JaLynn
A Whole New World by Liz Braswell
A twisted version of Aladdin. It's a good read, but some of the others in the series are better. I love her twisted fairytales so much.
Francisca
This Time Next Year We'll Be Laughing by Jacqueline Winspear
Jacqueline Winspear, perhaps best known for her Maisie Dobbs cozy mystery series, turns to autobiography/memoir in this wonderful work. With honesty, humor, tenderness and compassion she explores her family background and her own childhood in the English countryside. I doubt I would have picked up this heartfelt and touching memoir were it not a book club selection. I’m so glad I read it, and I think knowing Winspear’s own background will give me additional insight into her fictional characters.
Rochelle
The Boys by Ron and Clint Howard
A blast from the past. It was great to relive my childhood through this enjoyable autobiographical book, told by the two Howard brothers. They had wonderful parents that guided them through the difficult realm of being child stars and talented actors and producers. It was great to realize how many accomplishments they both had and how normal they both seemed. They had a father who was like a horse whisperer, only instead of an acting whisperer. He was able to guide them through parts that they were too young to even understand. I highly recommend this book to anyone who grew up in the 1950s and wants to relive a lot of nostalgia.
Rose
He Started It by Samantha Downing
Siblings, Beth, Portia, and Eddie Morgan, take a road trip together, recreating a road trip they took with their grandfather when they were children. They take this trip, with their grandfather's cremated remains, in order to get their inheritance. Two of the siblings, Beth and Eddie, are married (to Felix and Krista, respectively) and their spouses come along on the trip. But, things begin to happen on the trip, and they are put in danger by various events. Plus, all the siblings are keeping secrets. At the end, everything you thought you knew is blown up -- and the final lines --- WHAT????? This is a thriller that makes you question the people in your family and whether you really know them. Well done.
Rose
Such a Pretty Girl by T. Greenwood
Ryan Flannigan, former model and child actress, is living in Vermont preparing for her daughter, Sasha, to leave to drive cross-country. She receives a call from her dear friend, Gilly, which up-ends her quiet existence. It seems her mother, who was her manager, had given a photo to a man who is an accused sex offender. So begins Ryan's return to NYC to try to understand what her mother did, why she did it, and to examine what her relationship with her mother was. The famous photo, taken at a particularly vulnerable time in her life, by her friend, Henri, changes everything. This is a heartbreaking examination of a mother/daughter relationship and the price of fame. What will we do to protect those we love?
Kathy
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Loved this book, totally entertaining!
Karan
French Braid by Anne Tyler
Pleasant read but not my favorite - the storyline didn’t grab me.
Rose
A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum
Heartbreaking account based on the author's own experiences of a Palestinian woman forced into an arranged marriage. The marriage is loveless and the husband is abusive. Now, the daughter, who is living with her grandparents is looking at the same fate - being married to someone arranged by her grandparents vs. fulfilling her dreams of becoming educated. Until she meets a mysterious person, she doesn't know the full breadth of her family history. Once she does, she gains the courage to rewrite her own story. So sad, and so unbelievable that this continues to happen to this day.
Rose
Gone to Dust by Matt Goldman
First book in the series, Nils Shapiro is a PI asked to help on a murder of a woman in Edina, MN. Nils is divorced from his wife, and is trying to find fulfillment in a loving relationship. As he delves into the mystery of this woman's murder, who is covered with dust, he is reunited with some childhood friends. He uncovers a secret relationship that the deceased, Maggie Somerville, had with a young Somali American woman. He also works to find the real killer, although there are some red herrings thrown in along the way. I enjoyed this first book, and will look for the next in the series.
Susan
The Winners by Fredrick Backman
His writing is absoluty wonderful and just keeps getting better.
Connie
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This is a story about a woman in the times of male dominance who is struggling to make a name for herself and at the same time raise a child from a pregnancy she never wanted. Along with her intuitive dog and help from a neighbor, she is determined to make a name in the scientific world when along comes an opportunity to do something different.
Barbara
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaughy
Very well written book dealing with the rewilding of wolves in Scotland. Storyline deals with love, betrayal, sisterhood, physical abuse, empathy and nature.
Susan
Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew Sullivan
Knock-your-socks-off read that starts off all nice and quiet and by the end of the book it has laid its meaty hands on you and slammed you to the mat. Not a book for the faint of heart, it is a good story that keeps you guessing most of the time.
Carol
The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson
This was a wonderful book, about finding yourself in places that you would never have thought you would fit. Loved the characters and the storyline.
Cynthia
All is Bright by RaeAnne Thayer
Cute Christmas story of a famed baseball player who becomes disabled and it effects his ability to get around so he hires an architect to redo a home for him and his daughter to fit his needs. Sage McKnight is hired and he pushes against her in every way. She just tries her best and makes him finally adjust to life and melt into her life!
Nina
Verity by Coleen Hoover
Almost all the major elements of a good drama are included in VERITY: violence, friendship and mystery.
Sharon
Never Meant to Meet You by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans
Death means a casserole, even if you've never met your next door neighbor and their daughter is in your kindergarten class. And that leads to a friendship and more when the neighbor's hunky brother shows up to pick up his niece.
Angela
Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
Great satire from 60 yrs ago that still applies today!
Alice
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Lots of various character voices but they are marked by the chapter header so it is easy to distinguish among them. I have read several of her books and this is not my favorite. But I still enjoyed it and it kept my interest to the end.
Maryanne
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Many twists and turns with eccentric characters.
Bob
The Forever Feet by Dwight Holing
A good change of pace book. I am enjoying reading his books.
PJ
The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick
What a great read this book was!!!! Liv is a house cleaner, she works cleaning for famous author Essie Sterling that has gone off grid and no one knows why. Not only this but Essie is Liv's favorite author. Liv has worked for the author for several years and the two women have a strange relationship when Essie goes in for a surgery and consequently dies. Her last wish is that Liv, who has no training or education as a writer, finish her last book. Along the way of editing and writing the last 8 chapters of the book, Liv learns many things about Essie, but a lot of things don't make sense and she only has 6 months to complete the book. The twists and turns in the book will leave you guessing until the very end.
Rosa
The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
This is the second installment in The Thursday Murder Club series. And just as much fun to read as the first book. The four main characters - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim - pensioners who form a "club" to solve murders, are a hoot. Their friends - Chris, Donna, and Bogdan - make the story interesting, hilarious, and so entertaining. I didn't want it to end.
Mary Lou
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Historical novel depicting the story of a young orphan man who is hired to drive two giraffes from New York to a zoo in California. Taking place during the Depression and Dust Bowl times, it depicts the difficulties of poverty and unemployment at that time, while the courage and determination of the main character to fulfill his dream of getting to California is a thrilling ride. Highly recommended!
Donna
The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham
John Grisham is a master storyteller. Two boys grow up together as best friends in Biloxi but take different paths as they grow older. A legal thriller not to miss.
Cathy
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
A wonderful book about learning it's okay to not be okay and that you can find your own family - even if they are not related to you.
Linda
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
A newlywed wife gets more than she signed up for when her husband suddenly vanishes. Hannah not only searches for him but is left with a resentful stepdaughter to protect. It turns out that her hubby, Owen, has a questionable past that endangers his family. This thriller is a page-turner.
Nancy
The Cloisters by Katy Hays
Loved the atmosphere of the setting at the Cloisters. Had been there in my youth and it brought back the feeling of being away from the city even though you were in the city. Liked the build but figured it out except at the twist end!
Rosemary
My Big Fake Wedding by Jessica Hatch
Bea Corbin gets a call telling her she's won an all-inclusive wedding package, but her boyfriend had recently cheated and dropped her! She decides to accept it and starts looking for a groom, while being involved with an extremely large project at work. Needless to say, this book turns out to be funny, sad and thought provoking all at the same time. If you think your life is slipping off the rails this is a book for you. It makes you put all things into perspective while giving you a good laugh!
Janice
Find You First by Linwood Barclay
I always enjoy Linwood Barclay's novels. There is almost always at least some humor, along with suspense and mystery. In this particular book, I was intrigued with the plot of a wealthy man who had been a sperm donor in his earlier life, but now diagnosed with a life-threatening genetic disorder. When he finds a daughter, it adds an deeper emotional element to this story. When both their lives are in danger, the action speeds up a great deal. This was another satisfying read from this author.
My thanks go to Bookreporter.com where I won my copy of this book.
Melanie
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocum
Very well written, and I learned a lot about the world of classical music.
Janice
The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer
Jonathan Santlofer takes a true event, the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 from the Louve, and creates a rich historical fiction. The thief who was found guilty of this theft, Vincent Peruggia, is one of the characters in Santlofer's story, but the central figure is Peruggia's great-grandson, Luke Perrone. There are multiple storylines, from multiple points of view, but Luke is the character around whom all the stories end up revolving. This author is an artist himself, and his talent at visual art is also reflected in his ability to paint a picture of the cities and architecture, mostly in Paris and Florence. That was an added element to this very engaging story.
I won a copy of this book from Bookreporter.com, and my thanks go to them.
Maureen
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Heartwarming and very quirky novel. Elizabeth Zott is one phenomenal lady. Just a very enjoyable read.
Janet
Noel Street by Richard Paul Evans
A heartwarming Christmas story.
Joyce
Bewilderment by Richard Powers
In the last two weeks I’ve been lucky to read this one plus OUR MISSING HEARTS by Celeste Ng and LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY! All three outstanding.
Darlene
My Travels With Mrs. Kennedy by Clint Hill
Excellent.
Jill
Roseanna by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo
This is the first entry in the Martin Beck mystery series of 10 books the authors penned. They are set in Sweden where Martin Beck, an experienced, world-weary cop, investigates the murder of Rosanna McGraw, an American on tour. The case is a tough nut to crack because very few clues exist about the murder and the fact that the suspect is smart and withstands the police's interrogations. This book reminds me of Ed McBain's spare, yet effective writing style. Sjowall and Wahloo add a touch of sophistication in their writing, which makes one want to continue reading. Henning Mankell wrote a thoughtful introduction, which I kept in mind as I read the book. A satisfying read even though patience is required as the police work through the case.
Lois
Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks
Two separate stories become intertwined to make a surprising conclusion.
Jeanne
Little Souls by Sandra Dallas
LITTLE SOULS by Sandra Dallas is an emotional, intense read set in Colorado in 1918 while World War I is raging full blast and the United States is battling the deadly Spanish Flu. Without writing a synopsis and giving away any spoilers, it is a well-written story about sisterhood, love, loss, and a fight for survival. It was a compelling read and I felt the author did a great job in masterfully creating the characters who were relatable and likable. I found it to be sad and heartbreaking at times. I loved the ending which was unique and special. It’s a great historical fiction story that I highly recommend.
Jeanne
Home Sweet Christmas by Susan Mallery
HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS by Susan Mallery is a delightful, warm, fuzzy storyline about grief, love, secrets and second chances. It’s a perfect holiday book to curl up with and I loved reading it.
Tessa
Naughty In Nice by Rhys Bowen
Book Five in the Her Royal Spyness cozy mystery series had Lady Georgiana Rannoch headed to the Riviera to try to retrieve a snuffbox that has been stolen from Queen Mary’s collection. I came late to this party, but I’m really enjoying this series. Bowen took inspiration from some real-life historical coincidences to build her mystery. Coco Chanel really did spend time in Nice with her business partner Vera Bate Lombardi; she really did put on a fashion show that featured jewels on loan from Queen Mary. I enjoyed hobnobbing with these people as much as Georgie did!
Sue
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
Since I am originally from Williamsburg, VA and spent time in the 18th century apothecary shop buying rock candy, etc. I was thrilled to see this book was available. I could certainly relate to the topic and I was hooked from the beginning. Loved the little shop and who was able to purchase spices and their reason. Then when we got back to present day time I wanted to be there to explore the shop. Really did enjoy the book. Even bought spices to give to our book cub members to make our review session more fun. I don't give many books 5 stars but this is worth it.
pauline
Babel by R. F. Kuang
Historical fantasy, all about the wanting of power.
Pauline
In Love by Amy Bloom
All about her husband's battle with Alzheimer's disease.
pauline
Trust by Hernan Diaz
All about rich and poor.
pauline
An Immense World by Ed Yong
All about nature.
Denise
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
I can’t imagine woman, young or old, who would not enjoy this book.
Rene
Triple Cross by James Patterson
Good book with two cases to solve. One for Bree and one for Alex. Interesting.
Rene
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult
Very good story with twists that you do not see coming.
Rene
No Plan B by Lee Child and Andrew Child
The old Jack Reacher is back. You will want to read this one. Great story.
Katrina
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult
This book completely changed my way of thinking with the subjects she brought to light in this beautifully-written novel. Made me tear up, made me have empathy where it once did not exist and made me appreciate her more as a writer than ever before.
Beth
Educated by Tara Westover
For about the first half of EDUCATED, Tara Westover's autobiography, she describes the circumstances she grew up in. Her father was a survivalist who did not trust the government. So he didn't do things like register his cars or send his kids to public schools. Westover's mother made a stab at home schooling her seven children, but, to say the least, it was inadequate. Luckily, Westover's older brother taught her to read. Her father was also careless with his family's safety and didn't trust doctors or hospitals. So, when they were hurt, often as a result of his carelessness, the family depended on their mother's homeopathic remedies, even for severe burns and head injuries. In spite of it all, though, she is now educated and has a PhD.
Sydnie
Dire: Born by Andrew Seiple
DIRE: BORN by Andrew Seiple is not a story about a hero. It is the awakening of a super villain doing what needs to be done. Awakened, not knowing who or where she is, Dire sets out to try and remember what she has forgotten and along the way she finds herself on the opposite side of the "law," helping a ragtag team of unwanted civilians fight to stay alive in a gang infested cesspool of a city. As she learns more about herself and those around her, Dire decides the world doesn't need more heroes but the ones controlling things do need to face DIRE consequences. I truly love the DIRE saga by Andrew Seiple. Hes been writing this anti-hero's story since 2015! With six books already completed, it's a superhero read you'll never forget!
Felice
The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
I am surprised that this book won the National Book Award. This author has tremendous potential and THE RABBIT HUTCH exhibited extraordinary writing with interesting characters and a well-placed setting that was incredibly described. The book truly needed some editing. I expect extraordinary works to come from Ms. Gunty, but I don't think this book reached the level of the National Book Award. The main character was infatuated with religious mystics. At other times, she went on political rants about ideologic concepts and constructs that had her fighting within her own identity and brilliance. There was so much inner tension within the main character, that Gunty was still struggling to develop her identity at the end of the novel.
Madison
The Jetsons by Jimmy Palmotti
Not my favorite of the Hanna Barbera DC comics, but pretty solid and a good modernization of the Jetsons story.
Rose
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
I think this might be my favorite one of the Thursday Murder Club novels. Now I know the characters, and the conversations and antics they go through are quite hilarious in this one! The current case is the murder of a journalist who was investigating crypto currency and money laundering. Her body was never found, and the club are determined to solve the mystery. Also, Elizabeth is given an ultimatum - to kill or be killed. The Viking wants her to kill a former KGB spy or he will kill her friend. Elizabeth knows that she is in a precarious position. I like how this novel explores the relationships more fully and the side comments are quite funny. Very enjoyable.
April
The Time in Between by Maria Duenas
Captivating and memorable historical.
Simonne
Joyland by Stephen King
A broken college romance drives Devin Jones south for a summer job at a seasonal amusement park. He hears about an old murder in the haunted house ride and the ghost of the girl who was stabbed to death there. He also befriends a terminally ill child and ultimately his mother. A satisfying coming-of-age tale.
Simonne
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Lots of twists and red herrings in this thriller. Jess arrives in Paris to seek refuge in her brother’s swanky apartment only to discover that no one has seen him in awhile. It appears that he came to some sort of foul end and all the other tenants in the building know something … but no one is saying anything,
Mary Jo
Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
Had never heard of this woman. Especially liked her time in Washington, D.C. and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Sally-Jo
Crow Lake by Mary Lawson
Good story of children surviving after the death of their parents and the love and sacrifices made to keep them together and live the parents' and grandparents' legacy to become educated.
Rhonda
The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks
Excellent historical novel based of the kidnapping of baby Charlie Lindbergh. A plausible and well-researched conclusion.
Sandy
Faith Bass Darling's Last Garage Sale by Lynda Rutledge
I read WEST WITH GIRAFFES by this author and it was so good I had to see what else she had written. This is just as good as the other one!
Sandy
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Some people have not enjoyed this book because of the content of homosexual content, but I loved every page!
Jill
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
This book follows a delightful gang of four senior citizens who band together to solve a murder near their retirement community, which evolves into solving two murders! They are a delight and employ their wiles and life experience to resolve the murders and are accompanied by a colorful cast of characters including two police detectives, other community members and assorted hangers-on. Despite the way this group solves these murders, this book is a revealing meditation on aging.
Kathleen
Dead Winner by Kevin G. Chapman
DEAD WINNER is a standalone novel, that tells the story of Rory McAvoy and his old friends Tom and Monica. Monica and Tom come to see Rory out of the blue to help them with an issue. They won the lottery and want Tom to set up a trust. They have the ticket and all seems above board, until Tom is found dead, an apparent suicide, or is it? Monica as the grieving widow comes to rely on Rory for companionship and help. Is she really the grieving widow though? People start coming out of the woodwork to try to get the ticket and whatever else they think Tom had. The detectives on the case are trying to figure out what really happened to Tom and why. Rory finds that the firm that Tom worked for is not above board.
WENDY
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
This is the tenth book by Jodi Picoult that I have read. I have read so many because so many of them are really great. That said, this one is my favorite, hands down. I really liked mom, Olivia, and how she worked so hard to give her son the best life possible. I loved the love story between teenagers Lily and Asher, the initial attraction, the doubts, the fights and friendship. The way the story followed the life cycle of bees and how it related to the story was fantastic, I learned so much. The contribution from Jennifer Finney Boylan just opened my eyes to so many things and added depth and perspective. Read this book and open your heart to these characters. I'd love to discuss more but I want you readers to be surprised.
WENDY
One of the Girls by Lucy Clarke
In this suspense/thriller, you meet the five women who accompany their friend on her 'hen' (bachelorette) party, a few weeks before her wedding. Those five include Eleanor, her future sister-in-law, high school friends, Bella and Robyn, a friend from yoga, Ana, and Bella's girlfriend, Fen. You know from the beginning that somebody dies while they are away on this long weekend celebration, on a fictitious Greek island. As secrets are revealed, I was thinking okay, this one will die and then, after reading on, change my mind. This happened so many times and so often I thought, okay, now I know what's going on, only to be rewarded with another possible outcome, brilliant!
WENDY
The Winners by Fredrik Backman
I loved being back in Beartown, it's been a long time, and yes, I forgot a lot of the people who live there. But, Backman in his amazing writing, reminded me of who everyone was and where they are now. My memories came flooding back, one person at a time. There are so many things I loved about this one, things like, winners, we take happiness for granted if we've always had it. The town's best hockey player, in the poorest of town, is discovered because his mother is the cleaner at the rink. One beloved player is homosexual, there are best friends with absolutely nothing in common, and we even have a dad whose favorite musician is Springsteen. Great coaching lines!
Joan
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
It is an unforgettable book. I enjoyed most of it.
Kathy
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
Prejudice comes in all shapes and sizes. The “blue “ people of 1930s rural Kentucky felt that sting. The brave women who delivered books to the isolated people in the mountains were so dedicated. The WPA program during the Depression brought hope to the community. The laws discriminating against the Blue people were so ignorant. A doctor produced a medication that changed their skin to white. The medication caused dangerous side effects. The main character turned “white” and found herself still discriminated against. In the end both her father and her husband and all her readers let her know they loved her for herself no matter her color.
JAN
Wise Gals by Nathalia Holt
About the female spies who built the CIA and changed the future of espionage in the wake of WWII. Holt focuses of four women who were smart, courageous and groundbreaking agents and played a vital role through the Cold War era. It's a well-researched, honest accounting of a little know time in CIA history.
Elizabeth
Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl
This is a book I won in a Bookreporter.com End of the Year contest in 2019 - I likely would not have picked it up on my own. It’s the memoir of Ruth Reichl, the editor in chief of Gourmet magazine for the last ten years of its existence. It was mildly interesting to read about this very foreign world to me, but I was somewhat appalled at the outrageous spending on expense accounts of Ruth and other staff - drivers at their disposal, first class flights, expensive parties. Maybe the magazine wouldn’t have folded if they didn’t waste money like that.
Maryanne
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Eccentric characters and good plot development makes an entertaining read.
Andrew
The Dead Man in the Garden (Aggie Morton: Mystery Queen #3) by Marthe Jocelyn and Isabelle Follath
Such a fun mystery story with amazing character development and a setting to die for! I had a great time with this story, I will definitely be continuing this series, as this was my first book from this author. With that said, there is no need to have read the preceding installments to fully enjoy THE DEAD MAN IN THE GARDEN.
Susan
A Million Things by Emily Spurr
This was a great book full of emotion and hope.
Paula
Lightning Strike by William Kent Kruger
Fast read. Great characters. My first Cork O’Connor book. Will definitely read more of this series. Read it for my book club. All of us enjoyed.
Cindy
The Talented Miss Farwell by Emily Gray Tedrowe
Great story about a woman who is both an art collector/dealer and an accountant for a small town. When she starts ‘borrowing’ from town accounts, things eventually spiral. Well written, well-developed characters, good (if somewhat unlikely) plot. Fun read.
Susan
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Very interesting dystopian setting.
Connie
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Hard to get into but worth reading. A woman of science tries to make a name for herself and runs into difficulties until she is offered a TV show and she decides to make it what she wants rather than what the station had in mind.
Tessa
An Amish Christmas by Cynthia Keller
A family living the American dream in North Carolina discovers they’ve lost everything. With little more than the clothes on their backs, they head for a family’s home in Maine, only to crash their car in the midst of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where they learn what’s really important in life. It’s a sweet, and somewhat sappy, holiday story.
Martha
The Winners by Fredrik Backman
Another book about Beartown! This may be my all-time favorite series. Backman understands and writes about human nature so well. He also presents a microcosm sports world in the two small towns of Hed and Beartown which are next door to each other and are each other's biggest rivals in hockey, and maybe, in other ways. Backman is able to include themes of racism, gender discrimination, etc., making this a very topical read. This is a long book, but totally worth the read. May be my favorite book of the year. If you haven't read the two that precede it, do! Then read THE WINNERS!
Melissa
How Can I Help You by Laura Sims
How can I describe this devilishly fun book? It is dark, twisted, creative and very unsettling! So much fun, I truly hated to see it end and yet, I really enjoyed the ending. Highly recommend!
Debbie
August Snow by Stephen Mack Jones
I am not too impressed with AUGUST SNOW by Stephen Mack Jones. Too much chatter about food and guns and killing and too little information on the psyche of the characters. August Octavia Snow once was a Detroit policeman, but he saw graft and injustice in city officials and the police department and blew the whistle. Snow received a $12 million settlement for his tattling, and the loss of his job, but who needs to work when you have $12 million? Snow returns to Detroit after time in Europe and heavily falls into an investigation into the death of Eleanor Paget and the mishandling of her financial empire. Food, drink, and killings follow Snow as he tries to uncover the person responsible for all the destruction.
Debbie
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
An small Irish village in 1985 at Christmas and Bill Furlong’s journey to kindness and understanding. The village has suffered job loss and financial hardship, but the Catholic convent stands tall and prosperous in the wake of town’s poverty. The nun’s run a laundry for the village and many a weary female works at this slavish establishment. Bill Furlong, a father of five young daughters, delivers coal for heating throughout the town. When Bill delivers coal to the convent, he discovers something that bothers him. The story hinges on this discovery. This extremely short book shows Bill’s anguish as he thinks of his own life with his single mother. Does this fact push Bill to his deed?
Debbie
Deadly Declarations by Landis Wade
DEADLY DECLARATION by Landis Wade borders on similarity to the Richard Osman series. Both writers employ senior citizens as the main characters. The story by Landis Wade concentrates on Charlotte, North Carolina, and the mystery involving a Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence that supposedly preceded America’s Declaration of Independence. The three main characters provide many hours of laughter, but the long discussion into history wastes too many pages and hinders the story. A nasty woman at the beginning of the book rotates her personality and changes into a warm and fuzzy character, which seemed too good to be true.
Sandra K.
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Brooks is an outstanding writer and every book she writes deserves 5 stars. This book of a famous racehorse is no exception.
Jeanne
The Couple at the Table by Sophie Hannah
THE COUPLE AT THE TABLE by Sophie Hannah was hard for me to follow at times. It has all the elements of a good thriller including suspense, drama and romance and was well written, but I felt it was confusing and not my favorite by this author.
Jeanne
Righteous Prey by John Sandford
RIGHTEOUS by John Sandford is Number 32 in the Prey series with Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport as they try to catch a group of vigilante billionaire killers known as The Five who are brutally killing people they deem the worst of society. It was intense and captivating, though I found certain parts seemed to drag on.
Jeanne
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico
MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS by Paul Gallico is the first book I’ve read by this author. A very dear friend recommended this book to me and when she makes a recommendation, I automatically know I have to read it because she knows what she’s talking about. It’s two stories in one book, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris and Mrs. Harris Goes to New York. I love, love, loved this book and was captivated from the very first page. It is well written, adorable, enchanting, magical, entertaining, easy to read and so much more. The author did an outstanding job in creating and crafting the characters, especially the delightful and charming Mrs. Harris. It is an uplifting story that has a storyline everyone could benefit from reading in these troubled times.
Linda
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons
Although funny and heartwarming, the story has a very serious theme about "end of life" decisions.
Rosemary
Going Rogue: Rise & Shine Twenty-Nine by Janet Evanovich
Once again Stephanie Plum risks life and limb with the help of her usual cohorts. This time a coin used as collateral for a bail is missing and the owners want it back. With the usual insanity involved in her stories we see kidnappings, threats, cars and building destroyed, as well as an unusual field trip to a comics convention leaving the reader laughing out loud. If you're looking for a book to take you away from the reality of the world, this is a MUST read!!
Richard N B
Neither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson
Subtitle: Travels in Europe. First published in 1993, this has not aged well. I’ve read several of Bryson’s books and found some of them hugely entertaining. But not this one. He seems far too snide and complaining – the “Ugly American” come to life.
Kim
Total Control by David Baldacci
This fast-paced thriller takes place in the mid nineties. A veteran FBI agent has the case of his career as he must unravel the mysterious activities of a young executive. The young father and husband had unfortunately got himself entangled with corrupt businessmen. Unbeknownst to his wife, her life and those closest to her are in grave danger. The thriller focuses on the early stages of e-mails, communication and record keeping which now make our world so small.
Melissa
Come Here Often? by Ellie Center
This is a very creative story that was a fun read with sardonic humor and a look at how debilitating anxiety can be. How long can a person live in their local gym? After awhile I was so invested in this story I couldn’t help but stick with it to see how the ending would play out. Can’t believe this was a debut book. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Sherri
The Librarian Always Rings Twice by Marty Wingate
A cozy mystery - third in A First Edition Library Mystery. I found it hard to get into but plowed through to solve the mystery and liked the ending. Lots of tea and literary comparisons between Daphne du Maurier and the fictional writings from the book which might be more interesting to others.
Francisca
Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber
Last minute plans to travel from San Francisco to Seattle nearly thwart Ashley Davison and Dashiell Sutherland. Stranded at the airport they decide to share the last remaining rental car. Their road to HEA includes several detours: an abandoned puppy, a pair of petty thieves, and an FBI agent who has mistakenly identified one of them as an international terrorist. But never fear. It’s a holiday rom-com and a lovely distraction, so curl up in a comfy chair with a warm blanket and the beverage of your choice and enjoy.
Vicky
Triple Cross by James Patterson
Another Alex Cross hit by James Patterson! The Family Man has murdered another family and Alex Cross Dc Metro and the FBI are on his trail. But a crime author has come on the scene...is he involved or just a coincidence. While Cross is investigating the latest murders, his wife is investigating a fashion icon. Is her business in trouble is she involved in sex trafficking and who is the mystery person who is the client? Then who starts killing those around her? Hard to put this book down when you start reading.
Rose
Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar
I heard about this book on social media, and since it was getting such fabulous reviews from people I respect, I decided to read it. Wow, it was so good! It reads like a true crime novel. Richard Chizmar narrates the book and tells a tale of when he was young, just out of college, returning to his hometown of Edgewood, MD planning to be a journalist. When his neighbor, Natasha, and other young women are discovered dead and mutilated, he investigates, hoping for a story. As he gets deeper into the details of the crime, befriending the police officer, he learns more. The killer must be local, since they know the area so well. I loved how this book read like a true crime novel. I enjoyed reading about the area, and loved the photos!
Rose
The Twelve Topsy Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas by James Patterson and Tad Safran
Funny, yet predictable Christmas story of a family that has been missing Christmas since their beloved mother died that day a few years earlier. Will and Ella are at their wit's end because their father, Henry, seems lost without their mom. They enroll him on a dating site, to which Ms. Truelove replies. Henry catches them, and tells Ms. Truelove it was a mistake. But, then, gifts begin arriving to the Sullivan house. It becomes a complete disaster, with Ella, Will, and Henry trying to cope. But, in the end, you will find out why - and who is sending them these gifts. Which to me was quite obvious, but it was still an enjoyable and sweet story.
Rose
East of the Sun by Julia Gregson
In 1928, Viva is hired as a chaperone to accompany two young women, Rose and Tor, to India for Rose's wedding. They are part of the "Fishing Fleet", English women who traveled to India to find a husband. In order to make more money to pay for her passage, Viva also accompanies a troubled young man, Gus. While on the ship, they meet Frank, a doctor. Rose is due to marry Jack, who she has only met a few times. Rose is very naive, but Tor is ready to meet a man and never return to England. Viva is troubled because both her parents and sister died, and she wishes to return to India to find some answers. Some of this book is interesting, but in other parts, it just dragged, and had info that I don't think was needed, and other parts were abrupt.
Liz
The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis
Set in alternating time frames, 1952 & 2016, this is a story about the women who once lived in The Barbizon Hotel, at the time a women’s only Hotel in NYC. In 2016, Rose is forced to vacate the apartment she shares with her lover in the hotel and consequently, through a series of events, she moves into one of the rent controlled apartments of an original tenant. 1952, there are stories of seedy Jazz clubs, drugs, drug lords and glitzy living. Rose is hoping to write an article on the Hotel’s past and its residents. This is an interesting story with an ending I did not see coming.
Kathleen
Dead in Tune by Stephanie Dagg
DEAD IN TUNE by Stephanie Dagg is a cozy mystery in a series, which includes Hate Bale. The story is set in rural France with expats. These people have settled in France to have a bit of an easier life. Never expecting to have a murderer in their midst. It is close to Christmas in the small town. The first thing to happen is that the home of a man and woman who are Spanish Flamenco Dancers is set on fire. Then a Dutch man, who is a dancer, is beaten with his own clogs. There is a carol service is part of the Worldwide Friendship Club and a bagpiper had performed and when he does not show up for his performance after the service, he is found in the boot of his car, another murder victim.
Linda
My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey
As Taylor Bassey and her brother Jude head to the beach for a relaxing vacation, they never dreamed they would be in the middle of a murder investigation. Taylor finds their landlord shot to death in the kitchen and bounty-hunter-turned-investigator Myles Sumner tells them both are suspects. Chemistry between Taylor and Myles is off the chart but he tells her he is not looking for commitment, maybe just summer fun. The more he is around her, Myles changes his mind about commitment but she is not convinced. Then the murderer shows up. This was a very disappointing book. Not the funny LOL parts that are usually in Bailey’s books. All Taylor and Myles thought about was sex even before he knew her name! But sex in the vestibule of the church!
Linda
Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey
Georgie Castle has been in love with Travis Ford since she was a young teen and kept his rookie poster on her ceiling. After an injury, Travis has been cut from the team and has been feeling sorry for himself. Georgie is not having this and she goes to his apartment and gets him moving. He goes to work for her brother flipping houses until his agent tells him about a potential job as network commentator but he has to live down his playboy reputation. He and Georgie decide to have a fake relationship that turns real. He doesn’t think he’s ready for settling down but he doesn’t want to lose the woman he’s fallen in love with.
Linda
The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery
Bree Larton, Mikki Bartholomew, and Ashley Burton leased a building together and set up their own shops along the boardwalk. Bree has a bookshop, Mikki has a gift shop, and Ashley has a bakery. Each woman has her own ups and downs but are there for each other when a shoulder is needed to lean against. Each feels free to offer one another advice whether it be with man trouble or something else. A great heartwarming story of how each woman reacts to changes in their life.
Linda
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazlewood
Bee Konigswasser is selected to co-lead on a project for NASA and is upset to learn she will chair with Levi Ward, her nemesis during her graduate program years. She thinks he hates her and complains on her twitter account to one of her followers. Levi has been obsessed with her ever since those early years and has not been able to find anyone who measures up to Bee. He was unable to express his feelings and appeared stern when he was anything but that. Now they will be working together and he is having a difficult time keeping his feelings locked up. So, he responds to the twitter account he follows. Neither knew they were tweeting each other!
Linda
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
Gavin Scott’s wife Thea asks for a divorce and he is devastated. He loves her and doesn’t want to lose her. What can he do? Gavin is a professional baseball player and his buddies are ready with advice. They give him a romance book to read and tell him romance books are usually written by women and tell how a woman wants to be treated. He reads it and uses some words and phrases on Thea. She likes it until her sister Liv tells her to look in the closet. She finds the books with phrases underlined, phrases that seem familiar. He tries to reason with her but she is mad and not about ready to listen. He used the Duke’s way of wooing to make love to Thea and she liked it. He is learning how to express his love for her. A fun book!
Linda
Always the First to Die by R. J. Jacobs
An excellent book with loads of suspense! Years ago, a horror movie was filmed at an old house in the Keys. Some felt the movie was cursed due to the old house. Several of the cast left due to unexplained mishaps occurring. One of its stars was killed in a boat explosion. Now the film director wants to cash in on the movie's fame and film the sequel. The major star is threatening to take legal action to stop the filming. But someone took action against her instead. Not long after the film was released, the director's son disappeared without a trace. Now his image shows up on a security camera and questions arise.
Linda
All Is Bright by RaeAnne Thayne
Mason Tucker was a professional baseball player with a bright future when a helicopter crash ended it. His wife and the baby she was carrying were killed in the crash along with the pilot. Mason and his daughter Grace survived. He moved to Hope’s Crossing seeking peace and solitude and hired Sage McKnight to renovate Wolf Ridge, the beautiful but run-down mansion. Mason was grouchy but he was attracted to Sage and she fell in love with him. He didn’t think he had anything to offer her but was told that she had never put this much effort in any renovation before and it was her love letter to him. He had no idea she felt this way but he can’t let her go.
Jane
Falling for a Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
What an adventure! Roping and riding competition attract Ivy but women are not allowed to enter. Read about Buster Bliss. Ivy is only girl with 4 brothers. They protect her. Jericho an old friend shows up. He is drawn back into ranch. No one can know his mission as his job is dangerous. He doesn't want a woman in life because of danger. But Ivy is hard to resist. She goes off to help two men in town find treasure they are looking for. Jericho feels she is in danger so follows. Danger awaits as well as forest fire. You need to read. But don't think you can lay it down. Loved every minute.
Dianne
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Displaced by men and rescued by a cooking show, this is a delightful read. It is easy to understand its selection as the Book of the Year.
Bonnie
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Fun read about a true event that happened at the end of the Dust Bowl. Based loosely on the facts, I learned more about that time period and had my heart pulled a number of times.
Eileen
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
My entire book club enjoyed this book.
Suzanne
The Ninth Month by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
Men would probably not enjoy this as much with the ninth month dealing with pregnancy. Woman will be more relate with this. Would of liked more to the ending but this is how novels let you figure out.
Margaret
The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittall
How well do you know those closest to you? This novel deals with this subject when George, a popular teacher and upstanding community member, is arrested for sexual misconduct with minor girls while being a chaperone on a school ski trip. His family doesn't know how to react since they are in disbelief. We suffer along with them as the author writes in depth on how each of them try to deal with this devastating event. What once seemed like a perfect family has now fallen apart. How do they cope and move on without the man who was their rock? I would have given this novel more stars but I grew very tired of George's daughter's exploits and the sex scenes with her boyfriend.
Katherine
Calm Christmas by Beth Kempton
A short, sweet book about keeping the holidays less stressful.
Sean
The Rosary Girls by Richard Montanari
Richard Montanari tells the gripping tale of a hard-knock homicide detective and his brand new rookie partner. The cliches are evident but that didn't stop the book from being compelling. I really enjoyed the dialogue here because it wasn't cheesy and oft-putting like a lot of similar types of books. The characters were well developed and the antagonist was grotesquely evil. There were a couple red herrings involved in the mystery that had me guessing. The ending didn't go how I expected. Overall, this was a really good crime thriller. I look forward to reading more from Montanari.
Rose
The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. This was a very good audio narration, with multiple voices portraying the main characters. Alex is a social media influencer, but when she celebrates 1 million followers, she ends up drunk. The next morning her social media has exploded based on her post criticizing a teen celebrity. Alex doesn't recall doing this, but knows it is possible. She turns to her husband Patrick, and also tries to reach her personal assistant, AC. AC and Patrick have never liked each other, and when AC doesn't respond to Alex, Alex starts to wonder what is actually happening. Then a back story emerges. Who is AC, what is her background? Why does she want to hurt Alex? Good, but ending was a bit contrived.
Tessa
Being Dead Is No Excuse by Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays
"The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral" is entertaining and has some great casserole recipes. Metcalfe and Hays have crafted a charming book on the etiquette of funerals in the South, specifically in the Delta, from the proper hymns to sing, to the use of Cream of Mushroom soup, to the power of the restorative cocktail. They sprinkle in a wealth of anecdotes on colorful friends and relatives who have had proper send-offs and give us the recipes to create our own funeral masterpieces. Funny and informative.
Robin
You Will Know Vengeance by W. A. Pepper
YOU WILL KNOW VENGEANCE is a fast-paced, whip-smart techno-thriller that will keep the reader on the edge of their seats. Even though I have no knowledge about the world of hackers and the dark web, I was able to lose myself in this book. It’s the kind of book you’ll read late into the night because you want to know what happens next. This book has a very unique plot, taking place in a hacker’s prison, where all the hackers are sentenced to troll the dark web looking for criminals. These guys are known to each other by their hacking handles. To the warden and the guards, they are simply “dog”.
Anita
From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could. It is a beautifully-written story about a very sad depressing time in history. Eva Rosselli, an Italian Jewish girl and Angelo Bianco, a Catholic boy grow up together. They find themselves falling in love. However, Angelo is intent on becoming a priest. As Germany occupies Italy in 1943 and Jews are sent to concentration camps, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent. Parts of this book were very depressing and hard to read at times, but it was told in a wonderful manner.
