This contest period's winners were Karen P., Muriel L. and Toni L., who each received a copy of THE HALF MOON by Mary Beth Keane and THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA by Patti Callahan Henry.
Sandi
The Edge of Sleep by Jake Emanuel
I actually liked this book fairly well until the ending. The ending was not up to par with the rest of the book, and I am not even sure that I understood the ending. It left a lot of questions for me. A sleeping sickness spans the earth and we follow a group of four who are keeping each other awake - for hours and hours. They decide that there is one place where they would be safe and could fall asleep without dying. There are actually other groups also trying to out last this affliction, however none of them amount to much - why there were even included is beyond me.
So a book that has a very good premise - told in a moderately well done story - yet not quite without some confusing parts.
Liz
The Maid by Nita Prose
Molly is a maid in a very upscale hotel. She is very good at her job and is very conscientious. One day she discovers the body of Mr. Black in his bed. Unbeknownst to her, she has been used by several other hotel employees to do some very illegal acts. When thing spiral out of control she must find a way to clear her name. This book is reminiscent of ELINOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE. It is a quick and enjoyable read.
Rose
More Than You'll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez
It is hard to believe this is a debut novel because it is a intricately woven novel with layers that are slowly peeled back and revealed to the reader. Cassie Bowman, a true crime writer, reads a story that Lore Rivera was leading a double life. 30+ years earlier in 1986, Lore was married to two men at the same time, and when they found out, one killed the other. Cassie is intrigued and wants to find out more. She contacts Lore, who agrees to speak with Cassie. As the details of the story come out, and Lore tells of her love for two men, Cassie is drawn into the story. Is Lore manipulating the truth? Is Cassie too close? Will Cassie discover what really happened on that fateful day in 1986? This is a slow build, with a love story,
Karen
It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
Loved this conversation of characters that I was so attached to.
Rose
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
This book is about those with wealth, outrageous wealth-millions and millions. Darley marries for love, and gives up her job for her husband to work. But, when he loses his job, she wonders if she did the right thing. Sasha, has married into the family, and is called the GD for gold digger, but she truly loves her husband. Finally, Georgiana, falls in love with Brady, but their love, while true, is wrong. She is devastated when she finds the truth, and even more so when something happens, putting her in a tailspin. If you want an escape into a world of parties, extreme wealth, and the 1%, you will enjoy this. I liked the parts where characters decide to give their wealth away for the common good.
Jane
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
I wasn't planning to read this book because of all the hype and mixed reviews (however, I didn't read any since I like to draw my own conclusion), but I'm so glad I did and I'm glad someone was nice enough to leave it in my Little Free Library. Not sure why readers didn't like it but that's here nor there. Everyone has their own opinions. I loved everything about it: Elizabeth Zott, a female scientist (I emphasize female) because it was in the 1950s when women were housewives, Mad (aka Madeline), her 6-year-old going on 20, she was so smart and precocious. The other characters were just as prominent. As for Six Thirty - what a smart dog! Can I borrow him even though he's fictional?
WENDELLYN
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
It was an intriguing book about video game developers and their relationships, but not a topic that interests me.
Nancy
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
An amazing epic family drama covering three generations of an Indian family. It will fascinate you, make you cry, and occasionally make you laugh…and bring to mind THE THORN BIRDS by Colleen McCullough.
Chris
The Cage by Bonnie Kistler
Two women enter an elevator - only one leaves alive: what happened? A real page-turner!
Jeanne
Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash
BEYOND THAT, THE SEA by Laura Spence-Ash is a captivating, compelling, suspenseful page- turner. The prose and storytelling by the author was mesmerizing. It had excellent character development which included infatuation, love and loss. Especially interesting was the character development of Bea from a bewildered young girl to a confident young woman. It was a nice touch to see the characters of Ethan and Reginald develop a relationship from America to war-torn England. When each discovered the other’s interest in chess, it established a bond between them. The prose and storytelling by the author was mesmerizing. I felt it was an incredible debut by this author.
Karen
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
A book that is hard to explain to people (an octopus?!?), except that it is a feel good, lovely story, that will stick with you.
Terry
Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson
A sweet historical fiction work about a small hotel that hopes to be saved from financial ruin because of being on the parade route of Queen Elizabeth's II coronation.
Cheryl
A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny
This is the latest in Louise Penny's series. Each book gets better and better. Armand Gamache and his wife Rein-Marie are the best example of a married couple still in love after many years of marriage. The plot of this latest book proves this.
Paula
What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline
Great suspense! Lots of twists in the storyline that you didn’t see coming. Read it in our book club and it was praised by all.
Diana
Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher
A great read! About people who love each other and are king!
Francisca
The Last Midwife by Sandra Dallas
Good historical fiction set in a 1880s Colorado mining town. I was interested in the birthing stories, and in the ways in which Gracy worked among both the men and women of the community. She’s a marvelously strong woman, and over the course of the novel we learn a few of her own heartaches and how she’s overcome and persevered.
Elizabeth
Bayon Moon by Kikuo Morimoto
I received this book as an advanced readers copy and by the end of the first chapter I was all in. The writing is great, a bit of humor tinged with sadness, and the format deftly propels the book forward.
Nancy
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
A disturbing book about a dystopian school to which mothers who have abused or in some way harmed their children are sent for a year. Think 1984, THE HANDMAID'S TALE, or China during Covid, when it actually locked people in their homes. Could it happen here? Never say never. This is a good book for a book club discussion.
Connie
Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes
This plot was a bit far-fetched, but it had me hooked to find out how each woman would get through the switch up on shoes and survive their dilemmas. It was worth reading.
Rona
The Maid by Nita Prose
I attended the Bookaccino Live author interview before I read this book. I was very eager to read the book afterwards. It definitely lived up to all the hype. It was so much more than a mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and plot of this book.
Mary
The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh
This is a book that I thought I had figured out early in the read, but the author had surprises in store. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent in Leo and Emma’s world. Great writing. Believable characters that you can care about.
Laura
The Water Is Wide by Pat Conroy
Great depiction of his year teaching on an isolated island in South Carolina. The school kids are wonderous and his teaching approach was unique.
Jean
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Very, very good. Makes you think about what people went through during WWII. Very hard to read at times, very emotional.
Cecilia
The House is on Fire by Rachel Beanland
Well developed plot and characters.
Muriel
The Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris
Main character Fenna has a strong interest in Houdini. This leads from studying and masterminding tricks, to performing with an escape artist, and later being called by the British military intelligence to act as an inventor. Fictional person Fenna works with real-life person Christopher Hutton to design escape aids to thwart the Germans in WWII. It was fascinating to read of monopoly board games, playing cards, boots, and even soup cans being modified to contain maps and other escape aids. It’s been estimated 35,000 Allied soldiers were helped by these items. Ms. McMorris has researched well and given the reader not only an insight into the escape inventions but a picture of occupied Netherlands and the Dutch resistance as well.
Alice
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
A little slow at the start but it was worth the wait.
Ella
The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman
This is a short story about two sisters who inherit a book store. One sister doesn’t want it the other does. It is such a heartwarming story about how a sister’s love always wins out. It is a beautiful story about family.
Maura
Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls
Over the top. Every Prohibition era cliche is in here.
susan
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
Interesting premise, looking for a father who suddenly disappears in the middle of the day while watching his severely autistic son in the park. The characters seem well-drawn, even if they got on my nerves. (Good work Angie, if that's what you intended.)
Elizabeth
Good Dog, Bad Cop by David Rosenfelt
Another great read by David Rosenfelt.
Dorothy
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
This book was great from beginning to end. It had me captivated from the beginning. I really enjoyed all the characters and my favorite was Billy. The main characters were very important as were the secondary ones.
Rosa
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Geraldine Brooks tells the story of Lexington, considered to be the greatest thoroughbred in American history. The story is told through many points of view, in different time periods. And Brooks's storytelling is fantastic as the reader is led through the horse's life, beginning in the 1850s, with his Black groom, Jarret, an enslaved man who wants desperately to buy his freedom. Fast forward to 2019, where a young Black graduate student in art history is researching the painting of a horse. Then back to 1954, where a woman who owns an art gallery in New York City is intrigued by a painting of a horse. The theme of race is woven through the novel, at times subtly, and at other times in a jarring way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Maura
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Back and forth time lines had me confused for awhile. Figured it all out with the end in sight, then BAM!
Gerry
The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer
A powerful novel told in a dual timeline: Berlin, Germany in the 1930s, and Huntsville, Alabama, USA in the 1950s. Jürgen Rhodes was a German rocket scientist working reluctantly for the Nazis as the buildup for WWII began; his wife, Sofie, cared for their two children and fretted as she watched them become more and more indoctrinated with hateful Nazi beliefs. After the war, Jürgen and other scientists were brought as prisoners to the US and their skills and knowledge were put to use in the fledgling US space program. Some five years later, Sofie and the couple's two young children were permitted to join Jürgen, but found their new neighbors, both Americans and in some cases, Germans, less welcoming than they'd hoped.
Gerry
Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke
BLUEBIRD, BLUEBIRD is a well-written, atmospheric mystery set in East Texas. Darren Mathews is a Black man and a Texas Ranger on suspension because of his actions involving a family friend accused of murder. When a long-time white friend of his informs him that two bodies have been found in the small town of Lark, and encourages him to investigate, Mathews ignores his suspension, heads to Lark, and begins asking questions. Some reviewers describe this story as "gritty" and it was, perhaps more so than I usually enjoy. The ending held some surprises, although at least one was foreshadowed heavily from the beginning. It did hold my interest, but not enough for me to move on to the sequel.
Gerry
Daughter of Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
This sequel to Brennert's earlier novel, MOLOKA'I, focuses on Rachel's daughter Ruth, born in the leper colony at Moloka'i and taken from her parents within hours of her birth. Ruth spent her early years in an orphanage, until she was adopted at age five by a Japanese couple. Eventually their lives took them to California where they prospered as farmers, only to lose everything when Japanese nationals and American citizens of Japanese heritage were forcibly relocated to internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the declaration of war between America and Japan. The portion of the novel set during World War II is often painful to read; the internment camps were desolate places and the treatment of internees often brutal.
Gerry
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
This was a fascinating, complex mystery centered on a wealthy family that had suffered a change in fortune, leading them to substantially reduce their consumption and standard of living. As they are struggling to maintain their beautiful home in Chelsea, another couple with two children approaches, in need of temporary housing, and are welcomed to the home. Later, yet another couple moves in, temporarily of course, but gradually the home begins to be dominated by one charismatic man who imposes strict rules on all residents, children and adult alike, until the original family are virtual prisoners in their own home.
Gerry
The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell
While not as compelling as THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS, this sequel did offer an interesting perspective on the very damaged children (and other characters whose roles in the first book were minor) we met in the first novel.
Gerry
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
3-1/2 stars for a cute story about some fantastical creatures who come together to build a new life for a former enforcer who's decided it's time to lay down her sword. I read this one for a challenge that required "epic fantasy", which is not my usual genre. It was also a Barnes and Noble Best Book of 2022.
Gerry
Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown
I probably need to re-read this in print, as I found the audiobook narration by the author annoying at times. There’s a lot to unpack in this discussion about human emotions, and a close reading seems worthwhile to really grasp the concepts she presents. I’d also like to read more, whether by this author or others, about fostering emotional intelligence in children.
Anne
The White Hare by Jane Johnson
Captivating and memorable historical.
Laurie
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
As a music lover, I am inhaling SYMPHONY OF SECRETS as I did this author’s previous book, THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY. Both novels are compelling page-turners that I can highly recommend. Thrillers at their very best! Bravo, Brendan Slocumb!
Rebecca
King of the Armadillos by Wendy Chin-Tanner
I had a hard time putting this book down. I needed to find out what happened to Victor, his family and his friends in the 1950s. Chin-Tanner made them real people and I was invested in them from the first pages of this coming-of-age novel. Victor, a 15-year-old Chinese immigrant boy living with his father, brother and his father’s live-in girlfriend in New York City, discovers he has Hanson’s Disease (leprosy, a slur) and must be confined to the National Hospital in Carville, Louisiana until he is cured. At Carville, for the first time, Victor is able to make his own friends and decisions and discovers he has talents and capabilities he was previously unable to foster.
Rene
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Great book. Loved the mystery along with the twists and turns!
Rene
Homecoming by Kate Morton
Loved this book. Well-woven story that spanned decades. Interesting and included surprises. Great book!
Sonia
Scorched Grace by Margot Douiahy
This was an unusual mystery, noir in tone but cozy mystery in writing style. Will read the next installment if there is one.
Linda
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny
The Armand Gamache series of the mystery/thriller genre is a contrast between a peaceful, idyllic place, Three Pines, where horrible, evil murders happen. Penny's last fifty pages or so are so suspenseful that I literally cannot put down the book until I finish it.
Jean
V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton
Grafton is a great storyteller. In this book she continued using a new style I don't care for, with other characters being given third person POV chapters of their own instead of the first person writing of the protagonist, Kinsey. The story comes through, but I would have preferred Kinsey telling the whole thing from her POV as was done in the earliest books of the series.
Sheree
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
I didn't think this book was as funny as everyone said it was. It is definitely is geared more toward the younger generation. I think some of the humor was just over my head because of my older age. The book got better when they were emailing back and forth, but it just wasn't a book I would recommend!
Kelly
Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono
I listened to the audiobook and was so impressed with Bono who narrated it. I always loved the music of U2, but did not realize what an incredible humanitarian Paul Hewson is. He really touched me with all his stories and how he is working to make our world a better place. Loved the music he included. It’s one of my all time favorite memoirs.
Karel
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan
It was a very good book. A beautiful relationship between Joy and C.S. Lewis. A loving and tender relationship. A must-read.
Monica
Eternal by Lisa Scottoline
This book takes place in Rome during the rise of Mousellini and then Hitler. It vividly describes what it was like to live in those times as a Jew, as a fascist, and as one opposed to fascism. The story is well researched and told beautifully. It is excellent!
Nancy
Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott
Such a surprise! I very rarely read nonfiction, but a book club member picked three Anne Lamott books and asked that we all read one. Even though the author and I have practically nothing in common, I felt so connected to her and where she was at that point in her life. (Book was written in 2005 and she was just turning 50 with a teenage son). Ms. Lamott has the gift of writing beautifully and making you, (well at least me), feel and connect with her emotions, ideas, feelings and both pleasures and difficulties just living in this crazy world. I will be reading more of her books.
Joan
Under the Magnolias by T. I. Lowe
This is an amazing and heartwarming story of a young daughter and her love and dedication to her challenging family.
Joan
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
From the first page to the last, this book held me in its grip. I cared so much about all of these characters, and each one made my eyes tear at some point. For fans of LITTLE WOMEN, this story of four sisters, each unique, will capture you.
Beth
Murder in the Park by Jeanne M. Dams
I picked up this book because it's about the suburb I live in back in 1925. I learned that there was a women's chapter of the Ku Klux Klan here then which was shocking. But otherwise, the writing was was stilted and its handling of Black characters cringe-worthy.
Debbie
Good Girl, Bad Girl by Michael Robotham
A fan of this author, I thought this was a fast-paced book with a couple of different mysteries involved. The main character is a young woman whose identity was never discovered after finding her in a secret room next to a man who had been murdered. There is much more to her story than it appears, she is a very unhappy, disgruntled character who is nevertheless likable. The forensic psychologist who is involved in the case has his own hidden background but is also quite likable. A fast reading thriller that made me want to read more in the series!
Debbie
Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives by Siddharth Kara
Wow! I don't think I'll be able to look at cell phones or anything with batteries the same way again. The work that is being done in the Congo to retrieve the cobalt necessary for our lives is also taking away the livelihoods and lives of those living there. Lots of food for thought, very informative, but quite depressing.
Debbie
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Many readers absolutely loved this book. I really hated it! The characters were very self-absorbed at best and oftentimes cruel. The writing was pretentious. I just didn't care what happened to anyone in this story. It may have more interest to those in the gaming world.
Debbie
What We Fed to the Manticore by Talia Lakshmi Kolluri
Wow! This book is a set of short stories told from the animal's point of view; each story is linked to some real event, many from the news. Stories have an almost fairy tale like quality to them. They are very, very powerful and I am glad I read the book; that being said, the stories were heartbreaking. Well worth reading, one of my favorite books this year!
Elizabeth
With My Little Eye by Joshilyn Jackson
Meribel had to move across the country because of a stalker. She thought she had lost him, but he kept sending letters to her old address and then left a basket on the doorstep of her new apartment.
How could he have found her? She was being so careful.
Elizabeth
The Dutch Orphan by Ellen Keith
Two sisters on two different sides. Johanna was married to a resistor and Liesbeth was married to a man supporting Hitler. It’s a good one!!
Elizabeth
Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen
Estee Lauder and Gloria Downing both came from money, but both families had lost their fortunes. It was fun joining both women and spending their days with them and learning about their lives during this era. Fans of Ms. Rosen, cosmetic lines, this era, women succeeding, and name dropping will enjoy this book.
Elizabeth
Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner
WOW - another beautiful read by Susan Meissner!! ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL is another marvelous, marvelous read that fans will not want to miss and one I didn’t want to put down. Enjoy, and have some tissues ready!! Her books are always amazing!!
Elizabeth
Where the Coyotes Howl by Sandra Dallas
WHERE COYOTES HOWL was a sweet but tragic, sad read.
If you need something different with genuine characters and would like to learn of the difficult life on the prairies of Wyoming, give WHERE COYOTES HOWL a try.
Joanne
A Borrowing of Bones by Paula Munier
Really loved the plot line and especially loved the personalities of the two dogs in this story. But I did get somewhat bogged down in the story flow. Found myself skimming paragraphs just to get to the end.
Betty
Down Cemetery Road by Mick Herron
A twisty story that gives no clue to its ending.
Toni
The Farewell Tour by Stephanie Clifford
This is a fabulous book! If you like country music and women's fiction, you'll love it, too. While I was reading it, it felt the same as watching a movie or reading a memoir. It's definitely a book about women for women. Lillian Waters starts life out on a hardscrabble farm, and by age ten she leaves for good by herself. What follows is a fast living, hard life, and I loved it.
Rose
I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai
Bodie Kane returns to her boarding school to teach a course 20 years after graduation, she is thrown back into the story that dominated her senior year: the death of Thalia Keith, her roommate. The athletic trainer, Omar Evans, was arrested, but Bodie doesn't think he did it. Bodie remembers things about the night of the murder, and she has some questions. During her course, a student wants to revisit the case and do a podcast. This forces Bodie to examine all the things that happened, and the students that treated her poorly. Were they all innocent? And, who is the person that Bodie has questions to ask? All is revealed. Plus, the violence against women is highlighted many times. I enjoyed the book, I wish it were ~50 pages shorter,
Tessa
The Paris Hours by Alex George
Paris 1927. Home to Josephine Baker, Maurice Ravel, Gertrude Stein and Marcel Proust. But in addition to the many famous “lost generation” members, the City of Light was also home to many who led much quieter lives. George tells the story of four such souls, whose stories converge over the course of one day and night in Paris. George deftly handled these different storylines to produce a cohesive tale. Despite the constant change in point of view, I never lost interest in where it was going. The connections between the characters really didn’t gel until the last couple of chapters, and the ending was a nice surprise.
Barbara
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
One of the most heartfelt books I’ve read. Love how it dealt with so many different issues and weaved them in throughout the story. Couldn’t put this one down. Great book - have recommended to many friends!
Jonell
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
Fast-paced, clever, and loved that women "of a certain age" were the main characters.
Beth
Picture in the Sand by Peter Blauner
Unusual story set in Egypt in the 1950s during the filming of "The Ten Commandments" and present-day USA. Written as a set of emails between a grandfather and grandson, it is both a political and family drama. The reader learns about the political and social struggles of modern Egypt as well as long kept secrets. The ending is both dramatic and somewhat expected.
Charlotte
Catfish Alley by Lynne Bryant
Very interesting and thought-provoking.
Katie
Spin a Black Yarn by Josh Malerman
I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher. Josh Malerman is one of my favorite authors and my favorite books by him are INSPECTION, UNBURY CAROL, and BIRD BOX. I was excited to see what he had in store for us with this collection of short stories. I read them mostly at night, and while reading "Half the House is Haunted" my cell phone rang and I jumped! I found Argyle just as scary and wondered how the author conceives of his ideas as they are so original. I enjoyed the next three stories, but they didn't scare me in the same way as the first two stories. I felt the first two stories earned 5 stars, and the other 3 earned 3 stars, so I decided on an overall 4-star rating.
Teresa
The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly
At first the story confused me - so many characters in three different time periods. But the book quickly sucked me in as I came to know these women. This story of five women whose connection is an amazing English garden made me wish the book wouldn’t end.
Ann Marie
The Eden Test by Adam Sternbergh
I really enjoyed this book on a relationship in trouble and what duplicitous things people do to each other. My book club had an interesting discussion over this one!
Barbara
The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy
This was a quick little read that I stumbled across in my library. It is a story about a witch coming into her powers and how there is a curse that is visited upon the family every 50 years. It is about how one generation's decisions can plague the following generation.
Barbara
M. King's Bodyguard by Niall Leonard
This is a novel based on real people and centers around the death of Queen Victoria and the in-fighting of the family. It is based on a real attempt to kill the Kaiser of Germany during the funeral procession of Queen Victoria. The author takes us through the intrigue of the time that is surprising similar to what we hear about today. Just shows that what we are seeing today isn't new, it is just more visible. The bodyguard for Bertie has to work his way around the needs of the monarchy and the directives of his boss at Scotland Yard, all while keeping what he knows a secret because there is a leak with someone around him and the anarchists behind the plot are always one step ahead. It was a fast read that had me comparing to history.
Elizabeth
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano
The third title in a cute, sassy, fun series about a crime/mystery author who has a crummy husband, a smoking cop crush and bodies turning up in unexpected places. 3.5 stars.
Chris
The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield
Entertaining and captivating read.
Rose
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
This book had such great advance reviews, so I was really looking forward to reading it. It started off okay, with a tension between a few of the characters, and the intrigue of a writer's retreat. However, things go quickly off the rails. It is dark and twisted and gory. It is a book I was glad to end. There is a lot of drug-induced dreams, graphic sex scenes, demons, and murder. My advice? Skip it.
Trez
The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate
Very interesting and well-written historical novel.
Rose
Meant to Be by Emily Giffin
Very loosely based on the Kennedy family. Joe Kingsley III is expected to follow in the footsteps of his father, a hero who died during a NASA mission. His mom, Dottie, expects much of him, and would like him to enter the world of politics. The Kingsleys are a wealthy and polished family. Enter Cate Cooper who is also fatherless. After her mother marries an abusive man, Cate realizes that her only way to escape this situation, is to accept a modeling contract at age 16. This leads to her being in the Hamptons when Joe Kingsley comes down the beach and they meet. Joe pursues Cate, but she resists, as she doesn't feel worthy of the Kingsley status. Her insecurity and concern for the difference in social status threatens their love.
Stefanie
The Witchcraft of Salem Village by Shirley Jackson
This is a concise short story about the witch trials in Salem Village. Shirley Jackson does an excellent job relaying the details in an easy to read/listen to narrative which sheds light on the societal beliefs of the time and not just the actions of the girls involved, which provides excellent context. This would be a great story for those who've never read about the trials, and Jackson does an good job of not interjecting her own bias into her writing as it's factual without being boring.
Lori
French Holiday by Sarah Ready
I want to start this review stating I typically do not read romance novels. However, I was drawn to the fabulous cover of Sarah Ready’s FRENCH HOLIDAY and was so glad I picked this book up.
Merry is at a crossroads. Her sister just married her best friend. She has quit her job. Enter her quirky godmother who owns a castle in Annecy, France. When Merry is offered to stay at her castle for three months, how can she turn it down? Upon her arrival, she learns she will be sharing the castle with a man she detests. There were many funny parts of this book, and a little mystery was thrown into it as well. It is definitely worth a read!
Lori
All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby
S. A. Cosby’s latest thriller, ALL THE SINNERS BLEED, is a prime example of why Cosby’s novels should not be missed! The story opens with a school shooting. When everyone’s favorite teacher is killed and questionable photos appear on the teacher’s phone, Sheriff Titus Crowne jumps to investigate and soon discovers a serial killer is on the loose. Cosby’s writing is detailed, and can be graphic at times, but these details are what make his writing stand out! Cosby makes it easy to picture the setting and characters and get immersed in the story.
Lori
The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin
WOW! What a remarkable debut! THE STRANGER UPSTAIRS is the first book I have read in a long time that kept me at the edge of my seat throughout! Author, Lisa M. Matlin introduces the reader to Sarah Slade, wife, self-help author, therapist, and SO much more! After Sarah and her husband, Joe, move into a home in which a murder occurred previously, Sarah begins to hear noises and question whether the house really wants her in it. This is definitely a book not to be missed!
Lori
Where Ivy Dares to Grow by Marielle Thompson
What a fabulous debut! Marielle Thompson’s lyrical writing is evident from the first page. She spins the tale of Saoirse Read, a woman who deals with depersonalization-derealization disorder (DPDR). Thompson aims to educate her readers about the reality of this disorder through this well-written tale of fiction and definitely does just that. Be sure not to miss reading the Author’s Note! The comparison of MEXICAN GOTHIC meets OUTLANDER could not be more true! The book takes place at Langdon Hall, a family estate that has been around for many centuries. The setting creates the MEXICAN GOTHIC vibe while the spicy romance between Saoirse and a man from the past incorporates OUTLANDER'S time travel and spice.
Rose
Lost Hills by Lee Goldberg
This was my first mystery by Lee Goldberg and it is the start of the Eve Ronin mystery series. I am excited to read the following books. In this one, Eve is newly assigned to Robbery Homicide following a video of her arresting a celebrity superhero for abusive behavior. She and her partner, Duncan, are called out to investigate a dead man with his throat cut. When Eve realizes that the truck has been moved into their jurisdiction, they leave to investigate another call. This time, they find a bloody massacre, but no bodies. It seems that a mom and her two children have been killed. As Eve investigates, she relies on her instincts to follow clues. I liked the movie industry references and the old-fashioned police work. Great series!
Debbie
All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay
If you liked DEFENDING JACOB, it's likely you'll enjoy this, too! A middle-aged woman disappears. Why? Did her husband kill her? There's no proof, and the poor kids don't know who to trust. Filled with lots of mystery and suspense, you never really know what's coming. It's a very quick read, and you won't want to put it down because you'll want to know what happens next.
Karen
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
Pataki tells us about Post's lovely mansions, lavish parties, fabulous jewelry and gowns, famous people she met, travel, generosity during hard times, and the faults of all her husbands. I never got a sense of Marjorie as a person. What were her faults? What were her strong characteristics other than her business sense? She had four husbands, so there had to be some quirks. Why didn't Pataki tell us that the Russians initially obtained many of Post's artwork, sculptures, china, floor coverings, etc. from looting during wartime?
Beth
The Woman Inside by M. T. Edvardsson
THE WOMAN INSIDE takes place in Sweden as its author, M. T. Edvardsson, is Swedish. So it's a translation. And with translations we run the risk that they will not read the way the author intended. So maybe I would have given THE WOMAN INSIDE more than three stars if I were Swedish and had read this in its original Swedish. As I see it in English, though, the writing style seems too simplistic. But the story is a good mystery.
Elizabeth
The Last Word by Taylor Adams
A book's nightmare coming true all because of a negative review? The book is very cleverly written as the real drama unfolds and we read the story the author is playing out - Emma knows what will happen because she is living it. It is pretty gruesome, but those who know the work of Mr. Adams don’t need to be forewarned.
Rose
The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel
Three women enter into an unlikely friendship to care for a baby that isn't theirs. Lauren and Leo live in a beautiful, but outdated, brownstone in NYC.Their life is constant chaos. They have two children, and when Lauren is given a lucrative contract by celebrity entrepreneur Felicity to create unique ceramic pieces, her mother comes to live with them. Lauren has encouraged Felicity in her affair, advising her to go for it, causing her to become an enemy of Melinda, the ex-wife. Melinda is bitter, seeks revenge. She not only goes after Lauren but also gets young Olivia fired from her job at Felicity. When Melinda's ex leaves town to go after Felicity, he leaves the baby, and these three women come together to care for the child.
Richard N B
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusack
I picked this up because I enjoyed Zusak’s THE BOOK THIEF and was hoping for…well, not more of the same, but something that would spark some of the same feelings I had reading that work. In the end, I wound up confused about what was actually going on and found the entire premise rather unbelievable. Zusak joins the likes of author John Boyne for me – an author I’ve enjoyed at least once, perhaps even loved, but who is just as likely to completely disappoint me in another work.
Francisca
The Cat Who Played Post Office by Lilian Jackson Braun
Another charming episode in the life of journalist James Qwilleran (known simply as Qwill) and his precocious Siamese, Koko. I like the series because I like Qwill. His work as a journalist gives him a reason to poke his nose in where it doesn’t belong. If he doesn’t pick up on the significance of a clue, trust that Koko will point him in the right direction with a yip, yowl or repeated scratching at a seemingly ordinary box.
Claire
Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
I found this overwhelmingly mediocre. The plot is a pretty standard teenagers in a death game scenario with the main character as average, reluctant, and unprepared next to the more murderous characters she's pitted against. Even outside the cannon fodder, it didn't feel like the characters had much presence in the story; they were kind of flat. The deaths and and the danger wasn't impactful because of that. I appreciated the social commentary around classism and racism, though I didn't find it uniquely insightful or especially poignant. This sort of plot and these sorts of themes have been done better and they've been done worse. If you're into them and just want something new that fits the bill, go for it. Otherwise, maybe not.
Claire
I Went to See My Father by Kyung-Sook Shin
This was hard for me to get through. The slow pace and somewhat disjointed, stream-of-consciousness structure made it hard for me to get into the story and the characters' lives. There was a lot to like from this book as it delved into complicated familial relationships and all the sides of people you love that you don't always recognize. It was just hit-and-miss with poignant thoughts scattered in stretches that could barely hold my attention.
Claire
Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirby
That ending sure was abrupt. There were a lot of potentially interesting ideas left unexplored and most of the characters were left underdeveloped. The story could also have been enriched by making the characters more defined and developed. If a big element of the story is going to be about what makes people who they are, and a part of the conflict and horror is that even though the dead can be brought back in this world, a part of them will be lost, then it really seems like a story that needs to explore its characters more than it did. There was interesting world-building and some solid themes with respect to the concept of personhood and identity, but it didn't bring it all together in a way that felt complete.
Claire
The Everlasting Road by Wab Kinew
I thought there was an opportunity to do more with the Waawaate AI which was squandered. I was more let down by what felt like wasted potential than anything the book actively did wrong. Bugz’s grief over the loss of her brother and the way she copes were a central point in the narrative. I appreciated the commentary on how people judge others grieving process conveyed through members of Bugz’s community judging her for grieving “wrong” or appearing to move on too quickly. Bugz’s creation of an in-game bot that looks like her brother seemed like another way to dig into Bugz’s experiences of grief and loss in a deep way. Instead, the Waawaate-AI has a very generic evil AI plot line that felt shallow compared to the real world struggles.
Deby
Off the Map by Trish Doller
Great, heartwarming love story!
Rose
Verity by Colleen Hoover
This was disturbing. A young author, Lowen, witnesses a car crash on her way to an important meeting. A man, Jeremy, assists her in cleaning herself after getting blood on her clothing. Thus begins a connection between the two. Jeremy's wife, Verity, is a successful author who is unable to complete her book series due to medical reasons. Lowen agrees to finish the last three books. To do that, she must read Verity's notes to understand her process. However, Lowen also discovers a manuscript of Verity's autobiography, and she believes that Verity has sinister thoughts about her family. Verity, although immobile in bed, terrifies Lowen. As Lowen reads more of the manuscript, she wonders about Verity, while deepening her feelings for Jeremy.
Joanne
Daybreak by Belva Plain
Somewhat emotional and often interesting. The story covers two families miles apart geographically and in culture. However, one day they were in the same place. Twenty years later they meet.
Claire
Wrong Side of the Court by H. N. Khan
The relationships between Fawad and his family were the most interesting part of the book to me. There was a lot complexity there and their conflicts and fears made sense with situations and personalities. The narration was also read authentically as the voice of a teenage boy, but at times the stream-of-consciousness, jumping from thought to thought, felt annoying or shallow. With that distractibility and shallowness, some of the ideas the book explored like the cycle of violence didn't feel fully explored or incorporated into the story. Also, that ending had its issues. The resolution between Omar and Fawad did not make sense with their characters (Omar's character mostly) and how far their conflict had escalated at that point.
Richard N B
The Cold Millions by Jess Walter
This novel focuses on the two Dolan brothers: sixteen-year-old Rye and his older brother Gig. The story is told from multiple characters’ points of view, and some scenes are related more than once, giving the reader additional insight as the point of view changes in the same scenario. Based on actual events in 1909 Spokane, Washington, at the novel’s core is a class struggle that is reminiscent of what America is undergoing now just over a hundred years later. Walter is a masterful storyteller and I was engaged and interested from beginning to end.
Susann
The Love of my Life by Rosie Walsh
Part mystery and part romance have kept me intrigued as I read this beautifully-written novel.
Liz
Holy Moments: A Handbook for the Rest of Your Life by Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly is, among other things, an author, speaker and spiritual leader. This book explains how we can all make the world a better place by initiating holy moments into our lives. It is a well-written and thought-provoking book.
Rose
You're Invited by Amanda Jayatissa
When Amaya realized that her ex-best friend Kaavi and ex-boyfriend Spencer are planning to get married, she races from LA to Sri Lanka to stop the wedding. Amaya is crushed by what happened 5 years earlier that caused the break in the friendship and the dismissal of Amaya from the lives of the Fonseka family. Kaavi Fonseka seems to have it all, a successful charity, a wealthy family, a handsome fiance, and it is all on social media for everyone to see. Amaya stalks Kaavi and watches all her posts. So, when she is invited to attend the wedding after 5 years of no communication, Amaya knows she must attend and stop the wedding. I loved all the gossip and the transcripts of the security interviews, and was intrigued by the big secret.
Rose
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
Ms. de Gramont has written a clever tale to explain the disappearance of Agatha Christie for 11 days in 1926. After her husband, Archie, asks Agatha for a divorce so he can marry his lover, Nan, Agatha is distraught. That is all we know until Agatha is found 11 days later. This twist on the story is interesting. Nan and Archie become involved. However, Nan's true love is Finbarr, and she was pregnant by him at age 19. She goes to see Fin but he is sick with influenza, and his father takes her to an Irish convent where she can have her child. The nun takes her baby, Genevieve, for adoption against Nan's will. Agatha wants to stop the divorce, and runs off. She meets up with Insp. Chilton in a manor house when he comes to investigate.
Harriet
Why Fish Don't Exist by Lulu Miller
Fascinating book - a combination memoir and study of Stanford University founding president David Starr Jordan. The author's mind takes the reader on an interesting journey.
Jayme
Aesthetica by Allie Rowbottom
A dark and drug-filled look at how social media and the desire to be the "it" influencer can warp a person's sense of reality and idea of what is beauty. This book will make you rethink and think about what you see and follow-on social media as our main character tries to climb out of the rabbit hole of Instagram.
Jayme
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
What a funny, dark, sad, and thought-provoking story. This book takes on domestic violence, rape, and the caste system in modern day India and doesn't hold back. My takeaway: don't mess with middle-aged housewives - they have had enough.
Chris
Other People's Houses by Abbi Waxman
This was an entertaining read; lots of opportunity for book club discussion.
Susan
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
As women working in a male-dominated field, we found the book to be interesting, maddening and at times, not hard to believe. Garmus did an excellent job of plot and character development. LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY has generated a lot of discussion. One of our favorite books.
Marti
Happy Place by Emily Henry
I love Emily Henry’s books. But, this one was a little all over the place. But I guess that was the point. All of our lives are all over the place. But, the last 50 pages made it all worth it.
Sharon
So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Can't remember when I've laughed so much while reading a book. Chester Wheeler (old, homophobic, dying and crotchety as can be) and Lewis Madigan (just-fired gay software developer and Chester's newly hired caregiver) set off in a 12-year-old Winnebago on a trip from Buffalo to Phoenix to see Chester's ex-wife (the dying man's last wish). Filled with vivid scenes, acerbic comments by both men, and revelations to both. Loved it!
Donna
Homecoming by Kate Morton
A page-turner. Why I love reading.
Linda
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
Outstanding book club selection about the plague in the 1580s.
Cynthia
Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls
This book was filled with characters dealing with hardships but a comfortable life as well. Sallie adores her father but is tossed out into the world way too soon. Eventually she makes her way back home and has to deal with hardships at home and figure out what she can do to save her herself and others as a sometimes reckless female bootlegger.
Lauren
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT is such a fun ride! This book is all over Bookstagram, but I think it's best to go into it blindly, like I did. I had no idea what to expect and it was such an entertaining read. It's very "campy" and you pretty much have to suspend disbelief in many parts of the book, but it's not meant to be taken seriously. This is a fiction novel, after all. The characters are nicely developed and I found myself rooting for Finlay Donovan, even though she gets herself into many messy situations. The friendship duo of Finley and Vero is endearing and their dialogue is hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud in many parts. I read that it is being turned into a film and I think it will translate really well to the screen.
Kim
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Korelitz’s style of storytelling is brilliant. This novel develops with a cast of strange, egotistical, and tangled characters from the literary world. It quickly becomes mysterious as the “plot” unravels. The reader realizes this may have an unexpected conclusion.
Lori
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Told from alternating perspectives - a young man, a senior woman, and an octopus, this novel has a heart. Although I was able to predict how the story would end, I still enjoyed reading this book. I appreciated the point of view of the senior protagonist - something not often seen in new fiction. Decades of life can bring so many disappointments and sadness. It was uplifting to read this novel.
Ellen
The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins, MIT, and the Fight for Women in Science by Kate Zernike
Dr. Nancy Hopkins and her distinguished female colleagues at MIT fight bias and discrimination in the 1970s. Why does that feel so current in 2023?!
Susan
Count the Ways by Joyce Maynard
A story about a family as the couple’s marriage spread over a good number of years. I was glued to this book as you see all the ups and downs of their marriage and the lives of the children. I have never read anything by this author before, but I certainly will now. If you like a family saga I do not think you will be disappointed at all.
Reba
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
Justin Cronin is one of my favorite authors and I have been impatiently waiting for this book! I loved THE PASSAGE trilogy, and I loved THE FERRYMAN. I was completely absorbed in this story!
Paula
The Match by Harlan Coben
Enjoy his writing and the twists he leaves open until the end.
Michele
The Weaving of Life by Linda Byler
What Amish book ends with a cliffhanger? This one! Can't wait to read Book 2 in this series!!
shelly
The Wedding Planner by Danielle Steel
Faith Fergson is considered one of the most demanded wedding planners in New York. She seems to make every bride not only feel special but feel like Cinderella. She works with all different sizes and type weddings. It could be a small intimate wedding of around one hundred guests or a lavish and extreme weddings with six-hundred guests. Also her fees are not cheap but you know that before booking her. It can range in the thousands and several times in the millions. She goes above and beyond to make the day one they will never forget. She is also like a therapist in helping unexpected pregnant women salvage and still give them the day they always wanted not to. She encounters unhappy brides, family secrets and also abusive type men.
Katie
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
A fascinating read about a part of history I knew nothing about - horse racing in the south! The addition of art history was brilliant. However, I could have done without the ending.
Beth
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finley Boylan
I listened to this book and I loved it. It gives insight into the lives of trans people, abused women, fractured families and young love. It also tells you a lot about bees - though I didn't focus on that much. It also contains a murder mystery and courtroom drama - and the twist at the end was not what I expected! I kept finding excuses to listen to the book. It is a sensitive, nuanced story that works on many levels.
Rebecca
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
The book begins with a tragedy - a daughter is dead. We see previews of the event mixed in with the family's present-day life. This Asian family lives in a small Ohio college town, and being children of a mixed marriage has caused anxiety and struggle in each in different ways. We learn of secrets kept and finally revealed - we know the causes of Lydia's death.
Anne
The White Hare by Jane Johnson
Captivating, intriguing and a beautiful novel that is unforgettable.
Linda
Meet Cute by Helena Hunting
Kailyn Flowers was a typical teen growing up with crushes on teen rock stars. Her major crush was on Daxton Hughes, star of It's My Life weekly television show. Now enrolled in law school, she is on her way to class when she walks into a frisbee game and collides with Dax. When she opens her eyes and sees who she ran into, she blurts out, "I'm your number one fan!" They competed against each other all through law school but he graduated in the top spot and she thought it should have been hers. She is named as conservator for his sister, but after his parents are killed, their aunt Linda battles Dax and Kai for guardian of Emme, not out of love but for the money involved.
Linda
A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting
Rook Bowman usually goes fishing in Alaska with his brother, but this year he’s on his own. He met Lainey Carver when she fell into his lap on the flight from Seattle and later on the smaller plane to Kodiak Island. She moves into his family’s cabin when the cabin she rented is uninhabitable and their friendship moves to the next level. They plan to be together a few more weeks when he is called home unexpectedly. In his hurry, he failed to get her telephone number. Fourteen months later, he sees her at an aquarium and does she have news for him. He is the father of a four-month-old boy named Kody.
Linda
Owner of a Lonely Heart by Eva Carter
Gemma married Andrew Box and thought their love would be forever. But cancer took Andrew shortly after they married. Gemma had a life consisting of her loyal dog Bear and her art commissions. She ran into Dan Lennon as they were walking toward the hospital where she volunteered to cheer up the children. He was going to see his daughter who was in for treatment of a brain tumor. Both felt a flash of something when they looked into each other’s eyes. Dan had been an absentee father and wants to be with the daughter he has come to love. Neither was expecting to fall in love but it happened.
Linda
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Two writers suffering writer’s block agree to write a book in the other’s favorite genre. Whoever wins and sells their book first will promote the other’s book. Augustus (Gus) Everett wrote literary fiction usually with dark themes. January Andrews wrote romantic rom-coms. Gus told her he did not believe in happily ever afters. She kind of agreed with him after her beloved father died and she learned of his secret life. It’s hard for both to get started so they agree to write a certain number of pages per day. They find themselves falling in love and he tells her they will enjoy their happy for now.
Linda
The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man by Paul Newman
Several anecdotes by Paul Newman, his family and friends. He felt he never received approval from his father but felt suffocated by his mother. He married young and had two children and another on the way when he started seeing Joanne Woodward. This went on several years before he and Jackie divorced. He should have spent more time with his children and less time with homewrecker Joanne. I found it odd there were no anecdotes from Robert Redford.
Linda
Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey
Bethany Castle has been responsible for staging the renovated houses that her brother Stephen flipped. Bethany wants to do her own house-flipping but no one takes her seriously until a home improvement show hears about it. They decide to produce a house-flipping competition between brother and sister. Bethany has no one on her crew until Wes Daniels leaves Stephen’s team to go to Bethany’s. Wes and Bethany have been attracted to each other but hurl insults to each other to cover up the attraction. Working together brings them closer together and love blooms.
Linda
The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson
Henry Kimball is now a private investigator after careers as a high school teacher and a police officer. He is visited by one of his former students who wants him to follow her husband to prove that he is cheating on her with his office manager. Following them, he is outside when he hears gunshots and finds both dead. It looks like the man shot the woman and then killed himself, but Henry is suspicious. His suspicions raise flags and he is almost killed. On his last case as a police officer, he fell in love with a woman suspected of killing a couple and she stabbed him. He saved her from prison and now it is her turn to save him. The end is a little confusing but the storyline is great.
Sheree
Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling
I usually like everything Jenna Bush picks but this one just didn't hold my attention. I was very glad when it was done.
Linda
Ship It by Evie Blum
This was the author's first work of fiction and I can't wait for her next book! SHIP IT is a cute love story about a couple who met at a bar, had a night together, and then Sarah left early the next morning before Nathan woke. Thinking they would never see each other again, both were surprised when he was introduced as a member of senior management at the company where she had just started working. Neither had forgotten that night and they gradually eased into a relationship. Things were going well until his old girlfriend returned. Nathan was supposed to befriend her to get an “in” with her boss, but Sarah doesn't see it that way. Nathan is devastated as Sarah means everything to him and he does not want to lose her.
Linda
A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
I'm gradually reading the entire Armand Gamache series in order. I'm loving these mysteries because they are not just about a dead body. Sometimes my hero, Armand, is portrayed as the most brave, kind, loving person; but of course he's only human and has his flaws. The big theme of this book is forgiveness.
Myrna
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
We can always count on Jodi Picoult to give us a well-researched look at a current and often controversial topic. MAD HONEY does not disappoint! Adding the perspective of Jennifer Finney Boylan only added to the book's authenticity. I'm being careful not to include spoilers here, but I can only urge her fans to rush to read this latest masterpiece. I learned a lot about bees and also of another subject of which I was honestly less than well informed.
Mary Anne
Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline
What a great book! I couldn't help but learn some of the history of Sicily while racing through this book to see what will happen next to a variety of complex characters. It was very enjoyable and entertaining. I always look forward to Lisa Scottoline's books, and this was one of the best.
NANCY
I Will Find You by Harlan Coben
I’ve read all of Coben’s books and this is one of my favorites. It’s a story of a man convicted of killing his son. But did he KILL him? Or did he kill HIM? He escapes prison in order to prove…so many things, including his innocence if no such crime was committed. So many twists. It’s not very plausible, but it’s a great story.
Dorothy
The Confidante by Christopher C. Gorham
The untold story of Anna Rosenberg, who served four presidents, was the first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. An amazing immigrant woman with just a high school education.
Dianne
From Scratch by Tembi Locke
A love story for the ages. After his family's resistance to his marriage, Saro and Tembi settle in California. His cancer reconciles the family.
PJ
Community Board by Tara Conklin
Darcy is a mess, her husband left her for a skydive instructor, she heads home to small town Murbridge Massachusetts to be comforted by her parents only to find they've left and gone to Arizona. All she wants to do is lick her wounds and figure out what to do next. Along the way she meets colorful and random characters who help to shape her existence in her hometown. In spite of the characters seemingly random and not connected at all, they are in fact all connected to the town and its future. The Community Board comments are very interesting and somewhat disjointed, although once you know the story behind the posters they don't seem nearly as strange. I really enjoyed all the interaction and the book is very well organized,
PJ
This is the Way the World Ends by Jen Wilde
Not everything is what it seems at Webber Academy in New York City. Waverly is a scholarship student at the prestigious school. The Academy is holding a Masquerade fundraiser at the Sewing Factory, a building that helped the Webber family build it's fortune on the backs of immigrants. Waverly has been tutoring Caroline whose father is one of the benefactors of the school, and as the Gala approaches Caroline asks if Waverly wants to attend the Gala in her place as her and in the most beautiful red gown. It all seems innocent at first since the attendees are all upper class, but then people start getting murdered. The Gala turns into a nightmare as the lights go out all over the city. What else could possibly go wrong? Amazing read.
Mary Ann
Worthy Opponents by Danielle Steel
I struggled with this book. I've read everything Danielle Steel has written but I just couldn't concentrate on this book.
Donna
Simply Lies by David Baldacci
Micky, an ex-cop with two small children, gets a call from a mysterious woman wanting her to investigate a murder. She finds herself in more and more danger as the woman manipulates her investigation.
Marilyn
Fallen by Karen Slaughter
Always enjoy seeing how an interesting mystery with good characters develops.
Teresa
Foster by Claire Keegan
A beautiful story that shows how a child given enough love and care can flourish, but to do so without those gifts would be a nearly insurmountable challenge. I loved this tale, but was dissatisfied by the ending.
Claire
I Will Find You Again by Sarah Lyu
I enjoyed the very flawed relationship between Lia and Chase. They were nearly always there for each other but very often not what the other needed. They'd been a part of each other's life for so long and seen sides of each other that no one else did, but they still fundamentally failed to understand or accept each other's struggles. The education system, the mental health system, and their own families really failed these girls, leaving them stressed and unwell with very few people to turn to other than each other and not in a position to be good for each other either. I will say though at times their arguments and misunderstandings get a little repetitive.
Barbara
The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel
Excellent new book by Kristin Harmel. You will not want to put it down.
susan
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
A very important book! The author is able to intellectually and emotionally involve the reader in what it must be like to locked inside yourself, unable to communicate with the outside world, but understanding what is happening around you. A story about a family, the youngest child of which is autistic AND suffers from Angelman syndrome. All the family characters are well-drawn, and the mystery around which the story revolves is interesting. But best is how well the writer deals with family communications. WOW.
Becky
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
Romp through lives of a one-percenter family with three adult children. Witty, humorous, an easy read.
Becky
The House Is On Fire by Rachel Beanland
Story of the 1811 Richmond Theatre fire. Choices/decisions made will have long-term consequences. Well researched and a realistic picture painted.
Becky
The Last Carolina Girl by Meagan Church
A story of starting over for 14-year-old Leah. Author painted a vivid picture. A slow reveal of secrets. A winner!
Peggy
The Strange Inheritance of Leah Fern by Rita Zoey Chin
Never heard of this book before and picked it up at my local library just the other day. Very well written and author seamlessly moves from 1984 to 1999. Readers who enjoyed Mary Ellen Taylor books will love this!
Myra
Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Ms. Blume's book, ARE YOU THERE, GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET was published in 1970. My daughter was ten. I don't recall knowing anything about the book. In April 2023 there was a lot of hype about this book because it was now a movie coming out that month right after a documentary about Blume. My curiosity got the best of me so I read the book. Took only a few hours to read. I laughed out loud at parts, read issues that made me wish it had been written in my time and at the end cried grown up tears. It is a book that should be read by mothers and daughters or just daughters. It covers subjects for which young girls will always want answers. And there is no better to way to answer those questions than to read how Margaret seeks the answers.
Rose
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Delightful! Vera Wong will worm her way into your heart and not let go! Vera owns a dusty old tea shop in Chinatown in San Francisco. Over the years, her clientele has dwindled down to one customer, Alex, who is caring for his ill wife. One morning, Vera wakes to find a dead man, Marshall, on the floor of her shop. After the police come, and she hounds them for info, she believes the police are incompetent, and decides to solve the murder herself. When strangers come to nose around the tea shop, they become her suspects: Riki, Sana, and Oliver (Marshall's twin). She then meets Julia, Marshall's widow, and Emma, their daughter, and wends her way into each of their lives. The story is cute, clever, and endearing.
Rose
The Kitchen and the Studio: A Memoir of Food and Art by Mallory M. O'Connor
In this memoir/cookbook/art book, Mallory and John O'Connor combine their passion for food, travel, art, and friendship. I enjoyed that they chronicled their life together by remembering menus shared with friends and family to celebrate various events and milestones in their lives, and the lives of their loved ones. The menus and recipes look terrific, and I was impressed by their skills in creating so many varied dishes. The artwork to accompany the recipes and the stories was beautiful. What a special way to pay tribute to a wonderful life filled with adventures and friendships. The bonding over food was very nice.
Rose
Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurnah
Set in East Africa in the late 19th Century-early 20th Century, the story follows several people who are affected by the colonization of Africa. Taken from his home, Ilyas runs off to war, but not before befriending Khalifa. After finding his sister, that he had not known about, he leaves her, Afiya, with Khalifa and his wife, Asha, to raise, and goes off again. As Afiya matures, she meets Hamza, who was also in the war, being chosen to be an assistant to one of the German officers.
The story follows Khalifa, Asha, Hamza, and Afiya, as they navigate the lives during and after the wars in Africa, when the country was being invaded and colonized.
It is beautifully written, but I felt the ending was abrupt.
Rose
A Gracious Enemy and After the War, Volume One by Michael G. Kramer
Beginning in the late 18th Century, the book tells the story of Vietnam, and how corrupt politicians conspired with the French to colonize the area. Then, as other countries started to be concerned with communist activities in Southeast Asia, the book continues through to the 20th Century, ending with the end of the War in Vietnam. As a young child when the Vietnam War was happening, I was not familiar with the past history of the country and what led to the war. This book provides an understanding of that, albeit with conversations that were added to humanize the story.
Deby
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
It was easy to see where the book was going to end up, but I enjoyed the journey that I took along the ride to see how the characters got there. A feel-good romance.
Janet
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
Wonderful page-turner! Loved every page of it!
Michelle
The Half of It by Madison Beer
It might be, in part, because the main character is my age, but I found this second-chance romance completely engaging. I loved that the story of how the characters fell apart and lost touch was told in flashbacks alternating with their current day re-connection. Loved it!
Rose
Triple Deception (The Remmich/Miller Series, Book 4) by Karl Braungart
While this is the 4th book in the series, it is only my 2nd book read. I enjoyed that some of the book highlighted the wives of Miller (Candice) and Remmich (Lilly) vs. Eric and Paul. Iraqi terrorists, Tariq'Allah, kidnap the wives in a remodeling stunt and take them to Istanbul. They hope to leverage the kidnapping to gain control of the U.S. missile gun control system. CIA agents Yilmaz and Damino are on the trail. I wonder how the bumbling Miller and Remmich, who always forget to do something critical, will fare in the next book. Fortunately, Candice is a smart cookie! A good thriller.
Debbie
Standing in the Shadows by Peter Robinson
The author, Peter Robinson, has died and STANDING IN THE SHADOWS will be his last book. I will miss Alan Banks and his extensive knowledge of music and authors. I always intended to list all the songs and books mentioned in each of the Alan Banks mysteries, but laziness excluded that task. STANDING IN THE SHADOWS jumps from 1980 to 2019, and Robinson manages these different times with ease. Nicholas Hartley, a college student, narrates the events of 1980 when his ex girlfriend, Alice Poole’s body is discovered. The police question Nicholas, but then the case slips into unsolved and forgotten. 2019 looms and Alan Banks and his crew must investigate a skeleton found in a shallow grave.
Rose
Burned Out by Dean Mafako, M.D.
This is a novel that reads like a memoir. It follows the story of Dr. Eric Philson who is recruited from Ft. Myers to the CHOB, Children's Hospital of Biloxi, in their pediatric care unit. He recognizes that there are major issues in the department: understaffing, procedures, paper records, etc., and he sees it as an opportunity to make a difference. However, all of his changes can't help the bureaucracy that runs the hospital, and after several years of attempting to be a positive influence, Eric is starting to experience physical setbacks, family problems, and more. Although he has several chances to change jobs, he is steadfast in his commitment to CHOB.
I honestly thought this was a memoir at times, as it rang so true.
Kim
Landslide by Susan Conley
This novel touches on family, marriage, raising teenagers and the challenge of the east coast fishing industry. Jill is raising two boys while her husband is out fishing for weeks. She and the boys are alone on an island while the small community and the extended family live on the mainland. The cold and ruggedness of their home pairs the little families challenges and the marriage struggles. It touches on every reader.
Rita
Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn
A romance novel about Meg, a hand-letterer and calligrapher who does special lettering for brides, people who want specialized daily planners, calendars and stationary. When Meg does a wedding invitation for Reid and Avery, Meg's life changes because her secret comes out. This is a romance novel which has several very sensual scenes that some readers would prefer not to read. If you can get past that issue then I think you will enjoy the book.
Donna
Go as a River by Shelley Read
This novel is the story of Victoria Nash, a third generation peach farmer in Southwestern Colorado, from the age of 17 until middle adulthood. It is a coming-of-age story and includes issues of racism, bigotry, war and the aftermaths, first loves, environmental and women’s equality. This is a debut novel and the author vividly describes the emotions of the characters as well as the beautiful setting. A chance encounter with a young man in town determines the fate of Victoria. An excellent book for historical fiction fans.
Tessa
Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles
In the last months of 1864, the residents of Missouri are being pushed and pulled between warring factions. I found this work of historical fiction fascinating and engaging. Adair is a strong woman even though she is barely out of girlhood. She remains resolute despite hardship. No horse – no problem – she will walk. She never loses sight of her goal – to find her father, to get home, to reunite her family.
Susan
Earth's the Right Place For Love by Elizabeth Berg
This is the 4th in theArthur Truluv series. It is a prequel and begins when Arthur is a child growing up in his beloved Mason, Iowa home with his brother, Frank and their parents. Arthur is head over heels with the elusive and beautiful, Nola McCollum, but she has her eyes on his older brother, Frank. Nevertheless, Arthur and Nola become friends but it is never enough for Arthur. He carries a torch for her until she comes around to love him back! A touching story about love, loss and home.
Carla
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Bright, witty, engaging, with plenty of witticisms and humorous asides. I'm sick to death of potty humor or in-your-face blatant jokes; this British gem is nuanced and witty. Read too fast and you may miss some of the humor! Interesting, engaging characters that remind everyone that just because a person is older or retired, they are not without an interesting past, surprising experiences, and delightful personality.
Rose
Montpelier Tomorrow by Marylee MacDonald
This is a book about a family dealing with a diagnosis of ALS. It outlines in detail all the physical and mental struggles, the anger, the tempers, the rage and more that a family deals with when faced with a life threatening disease. It is overwhelming. I found the book to be depressing. Mom Colleen, 54, lost her husband when she was a young wife, with two children, and pregnant with the third. Now a teacher in Chicago, she is starting to plan for retirement, yet gets a call to help her daughter, Sandy, before she has her second child. While there, the diagnosis of ALS for her husband Tony is delivered. Sandy and Tony take Colleen for granted. There is a lot of unsettled anger and resentment. Death on top of death.
Beth
Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce
My mother read REEF ROAD and gave it just one star. I don't know why. I disagree. This story is a very good mystery and clever, besides. Linda, the wife of gorgeous, well-to-do Miguel from Argentina and the mother of two young children, is dissatisfied with her marriage. One day a man makes a surprise visit to their home in Palm Beach, Florida. He turns out to be Miguel's long-lost brother, Diego, now an illegal immigrant. Diego stays in hiding in their home for a year, during which time Linda and he have an affair. Interspersed with these "The Wife" chapters told in third person are "A Writer's Thoughts" chapters told in first person by Noelle, the fictitious, crazy writer.
Anne
The House is on Fire by Rachel Beanland
Love the way she develops the four characters. Short chapters keeps you moving along.
Sharon
The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks
Fascinating perspective from the nanny about the kidnapping.
Noreen
My Friend Anne Frank by Hannah Pick-Goslar
I won an ARC of the book. I have read many books on WWII, watched many movies, too, but this had details of things I was unaware of. It is the story of Hannah prior to meeting Anne, losing her, and finding her again. It also covers events before, during, and after the war.
WENDY
The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi
I enjoyed the third in this series as much as I enjoyed the other two. This story revolves around Radha's life in Paris, 1975, with her husband and daughters. Of course, we readers get to revisit India and Radha's older sister Lakshmi (the henna artist) and of course, what happened to her when she was barely a teenager. There's a little bit of a happily ever after ending, which I didn't mind since it happens because a young woman follows her dreams and heart and decides she is going to try and have it all. This is Radha's story of how she tries to handle being a mom and have a career, which was unique for an Indian woman married to a Parisian man living in Paris at that time.
WENDY
Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen
This was the perfect story to finish in May, also Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Mai Nguyen writes a fictional story about a Vietnamese family that emmigrates to Toronto, Canada to make a life for themselves and their family. The story revovles around Sunshine Nails, owned by Debbie and Phil Tran. It’s the story of hard work and children who are raised in Toronto, their need to break away from their tight-knit family and make it on their own, and the family they come back to. The characters the author creates could be real people, especially with the real world problems they face. This is a quick and enjoyable read. July 2023 Pub Date.
WENDY
The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda
This is my favorite of Megan Miranda’s books. It starts out present-day with eight high school classmates who survived a terrible accident. Others weren’t so lucky. As they meet at a beach house in the Outer Banks this year, as they have each year since a survivor’s tragedy, we readers get to know each of the surviving people. When one of them goes missing and others feel they are being stalked, things begin to unravel. With the dual timeline and each of the survivors telling their version of what happened, what is revealed is shocking, up to and including the end. Make sure you leave plenty of time for this one because you are not going to want to put it down.
WENDY
The Accident by Gillian Jackson
I started listening to this story thinking it was a suspense/thriller and mystery. It wasn’t any of those things. Instead, I found the story to be about a bad car/truck accident where a woman lost a leg, a man lost his wife and a couple lost their teenager. The story was about how these three families healed from their losses and how they moved on. The chapters traded off between the three families and I was hoping they would all come together somehow. Great character development and great narration made this one a fast-paced good read. Apr 2023 Pub Date.
WENDY
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
What made this story really likeable for me was that I am familiar with the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood they talk about and the fruit streets. If you haven’t been there, it’s where the Cosby show was set, lots of four story brownstones, some of which are still single family homes. This story is about an uber wealthy family with three children. It’s the story of these three grown children and their lives, nothing spectacular, just their stories.
WENDY
Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner
This story takes place mostly in the 1930s and 1940s, during Hitler’s rise to power and the ensuing war. However, unlike most historical novels set in this time period, this is the story of two families, one in California’s wine region, and one in Vienna, Austria, and their lives during this time. It is an interesting theme the author shows writes about, while unspeakably brutal things were being done to people living in Vienna, horrible things were also being done across the ocean in the United States. While the stories of these families are totally fictitious, they are based on atrocities inflicted on real people and their suffering. The narration was very well done.
WENDY
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
This is by far my favorite Katherine Center book. It's an adorable fun romance novel with laugh-out-loud moments. The characters are very warm and enjoyable people, unless they are not supposed to be and you can't help by like them and anticipate their happy ending. I also learned about prosopagnosia (also known as face blindness). The main character in this story, Sophie, develops this condition and she's a portrait artist. Don't look to be blown away by fancy writing, twists, or depressing events in this one, just enjoy Sophie for who she is, her dog, Peanut, friends and family. It reminds me a lot of Christina Lauren books, a similar vibe to THE UNHONEYMOONERS and JOSH AND HAZEL'S GUIDE TO NOT DATING. Jul 2023 Pub date.
Robin
If We're Being Honest by Cat Shook
First, it's a debut. Second, it begins with a funeral, and I've never read about a funeral I didn't like....such drama! Third, who could resist reading a book when the opening sentence says, "Gerry Williams's funeral was a shit show." And last, I met Cat at an author talk/book signing, and she is delightful.
Sean
A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin
I'm sure I'll get grief for this, but I thought A CLASH OF KINGS was just okay. There was a lot to like but there was just as much that bothered me. Martin's prose is so completely overwritten. He packs so much superfluous info into each paragraph for the sake of creating an enormous world but the book could have been 60% shorter with the exact same story told. His world is fantastic but too much extra that it lessens from what matters. Readers don't need the name of every person in the room, and their parent's and grandparent's names. Or horse's names. Or swords. Another big problem were two of the most interesting characters (Daenerys & Jon) get the least focus and have stories that are next to meaningless.
Francisca
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
This is a series of essays about Patchett’s life and her thoughts on a variety of subjects from marriage to career, to education, to family, to grief. I love Patchett’s writing. Here, she is most herself – honest, funny, empathetic, confused, angry, caring, and passionate. I greatly enjoyed reading about her own journey as a reader, writer and owner of a bookstore.
Elizabeth
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
Clover was a death doula. THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER seems like it would be a depressing read, but the main character pulled you right in, and her thoughts and caring were what will keep you reading. You will LOVE Clover. Readers who are looking for something different, wonderful characters, wonderful writing, and an actual heartwarming theme will like this book.
Elizabeth
No Life for a Lady by Hannah Dolby
NO LIFE FOR A LADY is a funny, entertaining book that will actually have you laughing out loud at times. Readers who need a change of pace and a quirky, lovable main character will enjoy this book. You will be happy you met Violet.
Stefanie
If I Did It by OJ Simpson
The story of OJ Simpson's confession was published by the Goldman family as a way to prevent OJ from profiting off his crime. The story is a first-person interview, and it is engrossing, unnerving and often times manipulative. I often felt empathy for OJ and had to check myself and remember what he actually did versus what he claims he did. The infamous "chapter" was eerie, sad and poignant. I love this shorter book.
