This contest period's winners were Leslie R., Peg S. and Rita G., who each received a copy of THE SENATOR’S WIFE by Liv Constantine and YELLOWFACE by R. F. KUANG.
Katrina
Run on Red by Noelle W. Ihli
Such a very fast-paced, suspenseful novel that made me finish it in less than 24 hours. Loved every second of it. Completely worth the hype.
Kay
The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly
I could not put this book down! Being the child of parents who experienced living in the Liverpool area during WWII, I could relate to life, evacuations, Anderson bomb shelters and everyday hardships and sufferings that were endured, from events they told me. I found the storyline sad for the characters, but can understand how all the events could definitely occur. The conclusion was not what I expected! I look forward to reading more of Julia Kelly's books.
Rose
My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa
MY SWEET GIRL is about a young girl who is adopted from an orphanage in Sri Lanka, leaving her friends behind, when she moves with her new parents to America. Now, Paloma is a young woman, and goes to her apartment to find her roommate, Arun, dead. However, when she awakens from a drunken night, the body is gone. She starts to think she is going crazy. She returns to her parents' home, but she is haunted by a monster that the girls in the orphanage believed was present. There is a big twist in the story. Reasons for my rating - Paloma came across as a whiny and unstable drunk. Her voice was irritating to me. The use of the F word was so prevalent, it could have been cut by 50% at least! I also had a good idea of the twist.
Ann
A Court of Thrones And Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A nice introduction to fantasy which I’d left years ago. I finished the entire series in two weeks. I also finished the two Crescent City books and am looking forward to her next book to tie up all the loose ends.
Rose
Gwendy's Magic Feather by Richard Chizmar
In this installment, Gwendy is now married and a representative in Congress. Mr. Farris returns with the button box, and this time, Gwendy uses it to help solve the mystery of the disappearance of several young girls. Her parents remind her of the time that she purchased a magic feather when she was a young girl. The feather appears multiple times throughout the book, with a special meaning.
Rose
Gwendy's Final Task by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar
It was hard to say goodbye to Gwendy and this trilogy. This one had me in tears at the end.
Gwendy is now in her 60s and she is on a trip to outer space. Gwendy is now a senator and on her trip to space, she is confronted with a decision. There are some evil ones that are trying to get the button box and want to release its powers. Gwendy has to decide how to handle this, and to keep the box out of the hands of those who want to harm the world in the pursuit of power.
This one has the most "horror" element of the books in the trilogy. But, Gwendy and her plight had me rooting for her, and I was touched by the ending.
Peg
Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls
Depicts the familial and romantic challenges in the life of a strong woman raised in Virginia during prohibition. The characters are vividly drawn.
Madalyn
You Can't Joke About That by Kat Timpf
I have always liked Kat Tinpf (FNN) but now I know her better.
Michelle
Drowning by T. J. Newman
A perfect summer thriller! I read this in one sitting and my blood pressure is still in recovery phase. Loved every page.
Meggan
Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts
Roberts takes the reader inside the minds of her characters in the aftermath of a mass shooting. The victims are not just those who are killed, but also the survivors, the first responders, and those who set it all in motion.
Erika
You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith
Beautiful memoir.
Jayme
The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
What I love about good historical fiction is how it leads to google deep dives into the actual lives of the main characters. This book was a fascinating look at the Mitford Sisters and the roles that they played as Hitler rose to power in the 1930s. Tragic is an understatement.
Sheila
All the Broken Places by John Boyne
Brought two big issues together - the young daughter of a war criminal as she grows old, and the abusive father of a young child.
Elizabeth
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
Interesting. Some twists and not what I expected.
Marcia
The First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer
This is the story of a plot to assassinate George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The history is very interesting and opened my eyes to the struggle to free this country from England's rule. It is well written and easy to follow.
Lana
They Called Themselves the KKK by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
I read this book because I had seen it on several lists of books that conservative activists want to ban from school and public libraries. After reading it, I honestly cannot figure out why there would even be a consideration toward banning it. It's a clear concise recitation of a very ugly decades long part of our country's history. Our young people must receive a clear view of our history, good and bad. With the expansion and attempted normalizing of white supremacy in the USA, it is more important than ever that the ugly parts of our history not be covered up. Although written for young adults, adult readers will learn a great deal from this volume.
Sharon
So Shall You Reap by Donna Leon
A man is fished out of the river, Brunetti is called. And as he investigates the death of the Sri Lankan man, old robberies and old murders, old terrors come into the light along with some modern day issues. No gunfights by the police, but Brunetti's careful analysis of the people, the place and his ability to talk with anyone lead to the conclusion of the current death along with some that are quite old.
Alexandra
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
A who-done-it that keeps you wondering what is happening. Then when you think you have it figured out, everything changes. Over all, it’s quite good, but unfortunately, it’s not the best mystery our book group has read, but is still fairly entertaining.
Midge
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
I am not a huge fan of rom-coms, but picked this one up because of the comedy and SNL-type of comparison. This book was so much more than I hoped for. It was funny, it was sweet, and though I enjoyed the first half where they met at the comedy show, I loved the second half where they reconnect during Covid. I especially loved that they got to know each other through email and writing. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a wonderful summer read.
Rosa
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark
Agnes Lee is the author of the celebrated children's book series WHEN NAN. Now in her eighties, she is focused on two projects: to write one final book for her Franklin Square series (written under a pseudonym and no one knows that she is the author), and to find a way to preserve her beloved Fellowship Point (the Maine peninsula on which her family settled many years ago). I loved all the characters for their depth. There are so many relationships to reflect on - the friendship between Agnes and Polly, the relationship between Agnes and the book editor Maud, the dynamics in the Lee family, the marriage of Polly and her husband Dick, and so much more. This is the ultimate book club book.
Connie
I Will Find You by Harlan Coben
Another great novel from this author. Man convicted of killing his son now thinks his son may be alive and someone switched his son with a child battered beyond recognition. Great storytelling.
Tessa
The Last Word by Ellery Adams
This is Book 3 in the Books By the Bay cozy mystery series featuring Olivia Limoges, her dog Haviland, and a group of writers who meet regularly to discuss their works in progress. This plot involves an historical mystery of an escaped German POW during WWII, and a current-day award-winning author who is found murdered in his rental sea-side cottage. One thing I like about this series is how Adams slowly gives out the backstory of the characters, letting readers get to know Olivia, her extended family, and the residents of Oyster Bay over the course of the series.
Marilyn
The Daughters of Yalta by Catherine Grace Katz
Interesting look into the Yalta conference through the daughters who helped their fathers negotiate the settlement. Learned some things I found disappointing and discouraging about these great (?) men and some others fascinating characters.
Jean
All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay
Not as great as DEFENDING JACOB, but had some twists that redeemed it.
PJ
Full Circle by Katherine F. Gomez
Liz is an amazing woman. She is very goal oriented with her career. She has horrible luck with men and makes some bad decisions hoping for a normal relationship. Liz seems to go all in, without regard for future consequences but at the time seems to be happy. Fortunately she has an amazing group of friends that provide support and love. This book is real life in all it's messiness, joys and heartbreaks. Reading this book, it kept me up wanting to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book for a look into one woman's trials and tribulations and finally an amazing outcome.
Jean
The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes
Excellent historical fiction regarding the treatment of the Chinese immigrants in the Northwest at the turn of the 20th century.
Jean
The Oracle: The Jubilean Mysteries Unveiled by Jonathan Cahn
An amazing account of the Jewish Jubilees and what happened in history on those days.
Laurie
Strangers in the Night by Heather Webb
Very interesting fictional history, but Hollywood is not my favorite genre. STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT by Heather Webb focuses on the relationship between Frank Ibarra and Eva Gardner.
Alice
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
Loved the story and reading about the history. We have friends living in Delft and have visited them.
Susan
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
This is another wonderful book by Kristin Hannah! I really enjoyed learning about the Dust Bowl and this period in time of our country's history. The main character was very interesting along with the other's and made the story come to life. I hated to see the book end.
Dorothy
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
I did not enjoy reading this book. I thought it was too wordy and at least one chapter could have been left out because it really had nothing to do with the rest of the book. So many characters and name changes. Definitely not my choice of a book, but it was a book club selection and we had a good discussion about it.
Lois
Pawleys Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
A relaxing weekend read. A lawyer who has stopped practicing due to unfortunate happenings within her family meets a woman who needs a good attorney. This novel gives us their relationship including their acquaintances.
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MH
The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton
Although I liked the book, I didn’t find it as logical as some of her other novels. Hard to believe that a ship would have such a lax manifest as not to know who was on board. The question of who the man was who attacked Katie was not resolved, and the ending was a little too pat - all tied up with a pretty ribbon.
Sandy
The Summer That Made Us by Robyn Carr
I have found a new favorite author!! Absolutely loved this book!!
Marilyn
The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda
This book held my interest and kept me guessing.
Maryanne
The Windsor Knot by S. J. Bennett
A just okay read.
Carol
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber
I love to read magical realism and this book is one of the best. It has many characters and they all have secrets to find out. The setting is a fictional town in Alabama. Maybe the reason that I like it so much is because I also live in Alabama! Great book!
Linda
Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell
This novel takes a deep dive into a family's personalities, conflicts and relationships with significant others. Great character studies. I think the title was chosen because emotions and tensions are heightened during a heatwave.
Gerry
The Trackers by Charles Frazier
This novel started off very slowly, so much so that I put it aside a couple times. It took almost to the middle of the book for the pace to pick up, but the characters remained flat and underdeveloped. What's left is an interesting portrayal of Depression era conditions in the American West, as seen through the eyes of a painter working for the WPA, a wealthy rancher with political aspirations, a young woman who's spent too much time riding the rails and singing in bars to ever settle down in one place, and a mysterious cowboy about whom we know almost nothing. 2-1/2 stars rounded up to three means a little better than just okay, but I can't say I really liked it.
Gerry
In the Lives of Puppets by T. J. Klune
After seeing so many excited comments from readers looking forward to this novel, I found it sadly disappointing. The premise, a future world in which man-made machines have been programmed to annihilate the human race, with a single human having somehow escaped, sounded potentially interesting, but ended up being boring and trite. The main characters, all machines but one, seemed juvenile and overly-preoccupied with the human's sexuality and other bodily functions. So with flat, simplistic characters, juvenile dialog, and a plot that meandered far too long to reach a predictable conclusion, it all adds up to a waste of time for this reader.
Gerry
The Golden Cage by Camilla Lackberg
Part One of THE GOLDEN CAGE is filled with unlikable characters behaving badly, selfish, often brutal men and weak women who allow themselves to be bullied and put down in exchange for a prosperous, status-filled life. I came close to abandoning the book before I reached the end of that section. In Part Two, the tone of the novel changed completely, and Läckberg redeemed herself with a fast-paced, well-plotted tale of revenge that had me captivated. Faye has been transformed from a simpering, dependent housewife to the smart and savvy businesswoman she could have been all along had she not succumbed to Jack's superficial charms, and I couldn't help but cheer her on as she set out to destroy him at his own game.
Gerry
We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz
I listened to this audiobook after seeing it recommended by someone whose taste in books I admire. It did not disappoint. WE WERE NEVER HERE is a compelling contemporary mystery centered on two young women, best friends since college, who take a trip together each year, exploring unusual, non-touristy sites. When frightening events occur on two trips in a row, Emily begins to question whether they are somehow attracting evil, and whether the friendship is a good or safe one to continue. Is Kristen just protective of her, or trying to control her? Twists and turns continue right to the end, keeping readers in suspense throughout.
Gerry
The House on the Lagoon by Rosario Ferre
3-1/2 stars. The first half (or perhaps a bit more) of this book dragged for me. The writing was dull: this happened, then this happened, then this happened. The transitions back and forth in time were sometimes confusing. But gradually, it became clear that the entire novel was structured as Isabel's first draft of a novel about her family and her husband's family, from the time they emigrated from Spain to Puerto Rico and through the several generations since their arrival. Isabel's writing "improved" as the novel progress, and was interspersed with notes and commentary from her husband Quintín, as he secretly read and critiqued her writing and her recollections or perceptions of various events. Worth it for the history of PR it included.
Gerry
A Planned Occasion by Angie Kim
A simply beautiful short story about an elderly widow, and a picnic basket she discovers while packing up the contents of her home as she prepares to move to a nursing home. The moral of the story: don't wait for a "special enough" occasion to use special possessions; make every day special enough.
Gerry
The Devil in the White City by Eric Larson
It's been more than ten years since my first reading of this book, and it continued to intrigue and engage me throughout this second reading. The enormous amount of research by the author allowed him to include massive amounts of detail about the design, building, and maintenance of the Chicago World's Fair, as well as the story of serial killer Herman Webster Mudgett aka Henry Howard Holmes. So much that we take for granted now resulted from this fair; one major example is the Ferris Wheel, an incredible feat of engineering at the time, but a commonplace feature of local fairs and amusement parks around the country today.
Marilyn
The House on Prytania by Karen White
I loved it.
jane
History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund
The book was not what I expected. It is a coming-of-age book. It takes place in Minnesota over a few years. The protagonist is a teenager who ends up as a babysitter for a 4-year-old boy. Her relationship with the family grows to be more than a babysitter one. The latter part of the book has her looking back at those earlier years. If you were ever a teenage girl, you might recognize yourself in some of her behavior.
Beth
The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante
I had a hard time getting into this book - maybe it was the translation but it didn't flow well for me. It dragged in the middle. But the narrator - an adolescent girl coming of age and learning about the weaknesses of her elders did ring true and brought back memories of the insecurities, crushes and angst of that time in life.
Alyson
The Bone Collector by Jeffrey Deaver
This is the first of the Lincoln Rhyme Novels and it's a fast-paced thriller with many twists. The end will be unexpected. Yes, bones play prominently in the serial killers MO. I'm hooked.
Susan
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
I loved this book. The characters are very powerful along with the tragedy that shaped William and inevitably the sisters. The book is a story of love, grief, family and friendship.
Teresa
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
This tale of a very WASP-y, very wealthy family, very set in their ways, is told from the perspective of several women’s intertwining experiences. It’s interesting to see into their different perspectives on the same events.
Judy
Yours Cheerfully by A. J. Pearce
A great book, particularly for our all-female book club.
Debbie
Marple: Twelve New Mysteries by Agatha Christie
Miss Jane Marple solves mysteries in the 1960s during visits and trips with her nephew, Raymond West. Twelve mystery writers create adventures for Miss Jane Marple in England, America, Hong Kong, and other locations. Not all the short stories contain a murder, but the majority of deaths fall under poisoning. Miss Marple complains constantly of her age and being tired, I guess so as she must be close to ninety years old. For that age, Miss Marple remains very active and nosy. Each writer brings in different stories concerning greed over an inheritance, mistaken identity, hiding benefactors, stealing pearls, and snubbed children. None of the stories remain in my mind as outstanding, but each attempted to show Miss Marple as brilliant.
Debbie
The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan
Dervla McTiernan writes interesting and page-turning novels. McTiernan captures the characters in explicit detail. Hannah Rokeby invents herself as a third year law student and forces her entrance into the Innocence Project at the University Virginia, supposedly to enhance her profile, like Sheldon Cooper attempting to enroll in a program in Germany to beef-up his college application. As the story progresses, Hannah plots and completes plans that does not seem in line with the Innocence Project. Hannah appears to be on a quest to make sure that convicted rapist and killer will not be set free. But why? Hannah’s mother, Laura, an alcoholic, had written a diary that detailed a summer of romance and heartache.
Rose
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review. THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA is a story set in dual timelines, and focuses on Operation Pied Piper which moved children out of war-torn London and placed them with families outside of the war zone. Flora Lea and her sister Hazel are sent by their mother to Oxfordshire where Bridie and her son, Harry, took them in. Hazel tells Flora stories about Whisperwood to keep her calm. One day, Flora goes missing, and Hazel spends the next 20 years searching for her lost sister. Then, 20 years later, a book about Whisperwood, along with illustrations of the magical land turn up in the rare book shop where Hazel works. Could Flora be alive? A well-told story about this historical period.
Ann Marie
Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez
A masterpiece. This book is scary.
Mindy
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Very good book about an aspect of the Holocaust that I knew nothing about. I highly recommend this book.
Kimberley
Reckoning by Catherine Coulter
This was an intense thriller packed with suspense and danger. Two young women have experienced unthinkable trauma and years after, their lives remain at risk. It is a heart-stopping packed with ruthless characters, a page-turner.
Jeanne
The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden
THE HOUSEMAID'S SECRET by Freida McFadden is a well-written, nail-biting psychological thriller at its very best. When Millie goes to work as the housemaid to the Garricks, the storyline really takes off. The author did a great job in creating and developing the characters who fit perfectly with the plot. The dialogue was excellent. The novel is full of suspense, drama, danger, and twists and turns at every turn. The ending was a total “knock my socks off” shocking surprise. This a compelling, unputdownabe book.
Jeanne
Collateral Damage by J. A. Vance
COLLATERAL DAMAGE by J. A. Vance is an Ali Reynolds mystery. When Ali’s husband is involved in a suspicious serious car accident on his way to the airport things get intense with Ali as a main suspect. The plot is intriguing, full of suspense, twists and turns. It is well written and the author did a good job creating and developing the characters who fit perfectly with the storyline.
Jeanne
Things I Wish I Told My Mother by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo, with James Patterson
THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo is not just a book that will win your heart; it is a book that stole my heart from the very beginning to the very last page. It was an emotional, heartwarming, sometimes turbulent journey that a mother and daughter took. The authors did an excellent job in creating and developing the characters. I found myself laughing at times and crying at times. It’s an excellent novel that I recommend every mother and daughter read. As I was reading it, I thought how nice it would be if the authors wrote another book, this time about mothers and their sons. The ending totally shocked and surprised me, and brought me to tears.
Jeanne
Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline
LOYALTY by Lisa Scottoline is historical fiction set in the 1800s in Palermo, Italy during an era when the Mafioso was just beginning to form its roots in Sicily. It was a little slow reading for me at first mainly because it was difficult at times to figure out who the various characters. The more I read, the more intriguing the storyline was. The author did an excellent job in the research, creating and developing the characters, and the dialogue was good.
Jeanne
A Most Intriguing Lady by Sarah Ferguson
A MOST INTRIGUING LADY by Sarah Ferguson is a delightful, whimsical historical fiction romance novel with characters that were has real-life and fictional characters that, in my opinion, added history and intrigue involving the Victorian Era. I especially liked the characters of Mary and Tre. Mary was a strong-willed, determined woman who was determined to live life on her own terms in an era where a woman’s independence was strongly frowned on. It was well written with just the right touch of drama, suspense, intrigue, romance, secrets, and scandal.
Regina
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Beautiful and original. A literary marvel.
Jean
X by Sue Grafton
In this next to last of Grafton's alphabet mysteries PI Kinsey Milhone has to solve three cases (with some mild overlap between them). As in several of the earlier books, she narrowly escapes death at the hands of a suspect. As in the later books, there are jumps back and forth in time using other narrators (a device I don't care for). The books got longer as the series progressed. They seem to have even more unnecessary detail than before. Do readers really need to know the hair and eye color, height, weight, and attire of every character, the decor of every room, the directions to every place Kinsey goes? I don't care and I suspect I'm not alone. But the stories are interesting and the plots are not too predictable, so I read on.
Linda
Hang the Moon by Jeannette Wells
A real page-turner for me. Characters that you become to know so well. Descriptive scenarios of Prohibition era time. Although many reviewers align the characters and story with Queen Elizabeth I, I personally think the story stands on its own. Sally Kincaid, the main character, is bold and yet deeply involved on carrying out her father, the Duke's, legacy of taking care of his family, friends and his county, no matter what the odds.
Sandy
The Life She Wants by Robyn Carr
She writes the best books!!!!
Francisca
Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas
Book Two in the Ravenels series focuses on Lady Helen Ravenel and Welsh department-store mogul Rhys Winterborne. Her family isn’t so keen on the engagement, but Lady Helen and Rhys will not be denied a wedding, even if they have to … well, if I told you that would spoil it. I certainly understand why Kleypas is so successful at the Regency romance genre. The road to happily ever after is full of bumps and detours to add tension and keep the reader turning pages, but the couple will get there.
Michelle
Harold by Steven Wright
I love Steven Wright's comedy, and was looking forward to his novel about a day in an eight-year-old boy's mind. Unfortunately, this book was a mess of random thoughts, dropped off by birds flying into a rectangle in his brain (which was just odd) and had absolutely none of the humor that I expected. It was just a strange, strange book.
Rose
If You Love Baltimore, It Will Love You Back: 171 Short, But True Stories by Ron Cassie
This is a series of short tales about Baltimore and its traditions, customs, and some colorful people. There are some truly wonderful stories, and others are very interesting. I enjoyed paging through this and learning about some things and sites that I didn't know. The majority of the stories are only 2-3 pages long and you can pick this up and read it as you have time.
Marilyn
Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict
Entertaining novel about a possible influence on Carnegie that changed his attitude. It has had a wide-reaching impact on society. His endowments gave us libraries, art, etc. It’s what he did with his wealth that was a gift.
Robin
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
WOW! Just WOW! Patti Callahan Henry outdid herself on this one. I loved the descriptive detail in every sentence. If Patti doesn't paint a picture with her words, I don't know a writer who does! It was a blend of historical fiction, mystery, and a little fantasy. The "love all things about books" part of me loved Hogan's Rare Book Shoppe as one of the settings. Between the settings, Binsey and London, you will want to plan a field trip to see the amazing countryside that Patti so lovingly describes. I highly recommend this novel, and I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Sharon
Central Park West by James Comey
A real page-turner. Had no idea Comey was a such a compelling fiction writer. Can't wait for more from him.
Rose
The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson
Maggie is unsure what to do with her life, so when her best friend, Rochelle, asks Maggie to help in her Bell River Cobblestone Books store. When Maggie arrives, she is stunned by the town's cult-like atmosphere around Edward Bell, an author famous for his novel "The First Dollar". She finds the bookstore is limited to books published before Edward Bell's time. Maggie realizes the bookstore can't survive this way so she attempts to inject some fun and life into the bookstore and the other town businesses held by the Bell Society, but all must be done in secret. What follows is Maggie uncovering town secrets and finding herself in the process. Cute story.
Rose
In a Book Club Far Away by Tif Marcelo
Story of three women, Adelaide, Regina, and Sophie, with military ties that become friends in a book club while their husbands/partners are deployed. Then, when one of the friends witnesses something affecting another friend, she doesn't know what to do. But, the secret comes out anyway and destroys the friendship. Now, years later, Adelaide puts out a SOS to Regina and Sophie to come to her aid as she needs emergency surgery. This is a long drawn-out story of military spouses, the things they endure, and missteps in friendships. Just okay.
Elizabeth
Night Wherever We Go by Tracey Rose Peyton
Powerful story of six enslaved women in incredible difficult situations. The women, owned by plantation owners The Harlows (they call "The Lucys", short for Lucifers). The Lucys plan to get the women pregnant to ensure the success of the plantation, even hiring out a stockman to impregnate them. It is more a story of survival rather than escape.
Liz
Also a Poet by Ada Calhoun
This not-completely-a-memoir, not-really-a-biography, impossible-to-categorize book is an undeniable masterpiece. Ada Calhoun uses the discovery of her father's tapes of interviews for a never-realized biography of Frank O'Hara as a way to explore her complicated feelings about her father, renowned art critic Peter Schjeldahl. Calhoun's crystalline prose and unsparing honesty combine to make this an unputdownable read.
Rebecca
Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner
This two-pronged story tells of the young vinedresser’s daughter, Roseanne, who is orphaned and then turned into a maid/servant by her supposed guardians. The inter twining story tells of Roseanne’s “aunt” who has shown her great kindness and love, but is far away in Europe facing her own devils when Roseanne’s parents die. These two stories are dependent on each other as they tell of man’s inhumanity to man and also great love and resilience. Meissner is able to show both good and characters in all their faults, but also their humanity. She has done her research on vine dressing, wine making and on Europe in the years preceding and during Hitler’s rise.
Mary Lou
All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay
Exciting mystery about a family whose wife and mother suddenly disappears. The loss is devastating for the three young children, and suspicion settles on the husband and father. It is a thrilling, engaging mystery with a very surprising ending. Well written and well told.
Rose
Fool Me Once by Ashley Winstead
Lee Stone is the PR manager for a woman owned electric car company. She writes a bill for climate change and the adoption of green energy. Her ex-boyfriend, Ben, is working for the governor. Lee broke Ben's heart five years earlier when she didn't trust herself enough to love completely. Now, they are back working together to get the bill passed in Texas. However, their past and their attraction threaten to get in the way. As they navigate the political world and the fallout of their actions, and of those around them, they work to find what makes them happy.
Romance book - before Winstead began writing thrillers.
Judith
Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane
Wow! This book is brutal and raw! Following the life and losses of a frighteningly strong woman, Mary Pat Fennessy turns 1970s Boston upside down to find her daughter and the truth behind her disappearance. A riveting page-turner, addressing racism, community, with a healthy dose of Irish mob tossed in!
Judith
The Couple at Table Six by Daniel Hurst
This is my first Daniel Hurst book - it was a twisty fun thriller! A lot of surprises, 4 stars only because I correctly guessed the end, yet definitely worth the read. Who is watching us and noting the mundane details of our daily lives? How much of an impact do we really make on the strangers we meet? The lives of the couple at table six intermingle with a waitress at their favorite restaurant in ways they never would have imaged...pick up this book to find out why!
Rose
Her Last Breath by Hilary Davidson
When Deirdre's sister, Caro, dies, Deirdre is crushed. But, when she receives a cryptic message from Caro that her husband, Theo Thraxton, is responsible for her death, Deirdre is confused. But, she can't ignore Caro's last request, which is to stop Theo and make sure their son, Teddy, is safe. As Deirdre investigates, she finds that everyone is hiding secrets, and the Thraxton Hotel business is also not what it seems. The family saga story was good, but I didn't like the gore in certain scenes. I found it hard to believe that Deirdre could unravel the story the way she did. If this had been a bit more believable it would have earned another star.
Dorothy
The Change by Kirsten Miller
When women of a certain age discover a ring of wealthy men who are killing young women, the women go on a rampage to discover the perpetrators and destroy them. THE CHANGE had me reading breathlessly until the end!
Rose
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
Sadly, because of a brutal father, Ansel's mother ran off and left Ansel and his baby brother to be brought up in the foster system. Now, years later, Ansel is awaiting execution for the murder of several young women: Izzy, Angela, Lila and Jenny. This story is told in alternating voices and allows us to hear from the women who are affected by trauma and tragedy, and how it changes the trajectory of their lives. The author wrote this book so that we focus not on the serial killer, but rather on the women whose lives were cut short.
Betty Jo
Tales the Devil Told Me by Jen Fawkes
This collection of short stories puts a new twist on some of your old favorites. Captain Hook working for the US Postal Service is one, and Medusa dating a plastic surgeon is another tale. Lots of fun!
Beth
Like the appearance of horses by Andrew Krivak
LIKE THE APPEARANCE OF HORSES is the third book in a trilogy. But I cannot compare it to Andrew Krivak's other books because this is the first of his I've read. I had no problem reading it is a stand-alone, though. In spite of some problems, like some overly long sentences and some overly detailed paragraphs, I really did like this.
Trez
The Magdalen Girls by V. S. Alexander
A very revealing and interesting, informative story.
Liz
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER is a thrilling novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The author, Holly Jackson, tells the story of a high school student named Pippa, who decides to investigate a murder case that happened five years ago for her senior project. Although everyone else in her town believes that the case is closed, Pippa's curiosity drives her to dig deeper and uncover the truth. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that make it impossible to put the book down. The author also does an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The novel has a perfect balance of mystery, romance and suspense, making it a must-read book!
Elizabeth
The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring
I would have appreciated some (many!) trigger warnings; the story was too dark for my taste, and the ending too ambiguous. However, Shannon Bowring’s prose style kept my attention in spite of my feelings, and I’d try her work again in the future.
Kim
The Shore by Katie Runde
The reader cannot help but adore this sweet family. Dad has an incurable brain tumor that has changed his personality and the family dynamics. The teenage girls and their mom face this new situation with humor and strength. They all learn they need friends, neighbors and even strangers to give them support; they can’t do this alone. It is a quick and inspiring read.
Rose
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede
Having seen the musical "Come From Away," I was excited to read this book, which recounted the details of the day, 9/11, when 38 planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland. The compassion, humanity and selflessness of the people of Gander is so inspiring. The emotions of the passengers on the planes were incredible to read, and the preparedness of the townspeople and the officials is incredible. Everyone should read this inspiring story, and let's hope that we can all learn from it --- how to care for our fellow human beings and animal friends without expecting anything in return. A beautiful story.
Rose
The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner
Lauren is hired by Abigail to transcribe a diary of a woman accused of being a witch in the 1600s who died by hanging. As Lauren rebels against her parents' wealth, choosing things that don't exude money, she starts to feel a connection to the diary writer, Mercy Hayworth, who is Abigail's ancestor. Lauren sees many similarities between herself and Mercy, and the choices Mercy makes. As she reads more and more, she wonders about Abigail and her decision to hire Lauren. The book is about prejudice, superstition, bending to norms, and making unwarranted judgments about people. As Lauren reads the diary, she comes to understand how she has behaved in her life, and the opinions she has formed --- and whether or not they are justified.
Rita
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Damon Field was his real name, but he went by Demon Copperhead. Demon is the main character, and he takes you through his life from birth until his early adulthood. Demon truly has resilience, but life always seems to keep him on his toes no matter how hard he tries to get by. It can be a difficult book to read at times, but it will draw you into Demon's life and the characters around him. It's well worth the time to read it.
Rose
Four Found Dead by Natalie D. Richards
This YA novel is about teens who work in a movie theater. It is their last night, and the manager is a volatile young man. When Jo, who is still living through the trauma that took her dad nine years earlier, sees him with a gun, she is petrified. Then things start to get worse. The lights all go out, and they are locked inside with no escape. The mall is under construction, and exits have been boarded up against regulations. Jo tries to overcome her fears as she and her friends are in danger. It is a harrowing night. The book was a bit repetitive to me. I got that they were scared and were trapped, but it seemed that this was repeated in multiple chapters.
Elizabeth
Between Two Strangers by Kate White
Skyler has a one-night stand 12 years ago. Then she gets a call from an attorney that some person Skyler hardly remembers has left her 3.5 million dollars. Will you figure out this twisty thriller?
Rose
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell
Baking shows are hot, and this book takes the concept a little further --- into murder. Betsy Grafton, "America's Grandmother," is the owner of Grafton House, a large mansion. To keep the house maintained, she has created Bake Week, a baking competition with prizes and fame for the winner. However, she is not excited about being paired with Archie Morris as a co-host. As the six contestants arrive, each one is excited about the competition for various reasons. However, someone is sabotaging several of the desserts and/or their ingredients. The characters each provide their reasons in various chapters. The most engaging, to me, was the elderly woman who lived in Grafton House as a child. There is a murder and a long-ago secret. Just OK.
Tessa
The Porcupine Year by Louise Erdrich
Book three in the Birchbark House series sees Omakayas growing into young womanhood. Her leadership qualities are blossoming and becoming evident to the members of her community. The entire tribe is affected by the encroachment of white settlers who force them from their ancestral lands and send them in search of a new home. They endure a very harsh season, nearly starving, and losing a couple of valued members of the group. But always, Omakayas and her people rely on their traditions, beliefs and cooperation to survive and prosper.
Sean
Blood Work by Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly does it again. He has such a great grip on police work, LA and killers (that's a bit scary). Here, we're introduced to a retired FBI agent with some complications in his life, but not the typical ones. He's coaxed back into looking for a killer, and the case gets intense. We see the main character go a few different directions as the case leads are followed, and the last 25% of the book is a game-changer. Realistic characters propel this enthralling thriller. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was pleasantly surprised multiple times.
Rose
The Society of Shame by Jane Roper
This book was compared to LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY in the description. It is so far from that magnificent novel, I feel disillusioned by the comparison. It tries to make menstruation an activist issue when a politician's wife catches her husband in an affair, but the scandal is her menstruation stain captured in a photo as she confronts her cheating husband. Kathleen is mortified by the photo and its publication, and the ensuing publicity and movement called #YesWeBleed. Kathleen is also trying to navigate difficult issues with her daughter, Aggie. I suffered through this book. It had so much promise, but I didn't like it and didn't laugh at all. It was a struggle all the way through.
Lori
The Long Way Back by Nicole Baart
THE LONG WAY BACK is the story of single mom Charlie and her daughter, Eva. A single Instagram photo goes viral, and their lives on the road become sought-after Instagram posts. When they return from their adventures, Eva goes missing. This is when the truly unique story begins. What a story of motherly love and learning when it’s time to let go. Told in three parts that include Instagram posts, news articles, voicemails and other forms of communication, I felt the book was paced evenly and kept the reader guessing.
Lori
My Magnolia Summer by Victoria Benton Frank
MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER tells the tale of Magnolia trying to find her way between her life as a chef in New York City and her past in her hometown of Sullivan’s Island. Magnolia is summoned home when her grandma is in an automobile accident. She arrives in the Lowcountry to help with her grandma’s care, deal with her difficult mother, and provide support to her sister. You will meet so many wonderful characters along the way. The characters are well-developed and fun. This is truly a perfect beach read!
Peri
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
This book was excellent! Barbara Kingsolver had me rooting for the main character, Demon.
Sheree
Y'all Eat Yet?: Welcome to the Pretty B*tchin' Kitchen by Miranda Lambert, with Holly Gleason
It was interesting hearing about how close she is with certain friends and their relationships, but the recipes use a lot of processed food that I don't consider a cookbook. I made one recipe, and I thought it was very salty --- an enchilada casserole. I did make the hummingbird cake, and it was good. I don't think I will be cooking out of this cookbook!
Jayme
Prayers for the Stolen by Jennifer Clement
What a terrifying fictional account (though based on true events) about the young, pretty girls who are "stolen" from their homes every day in villages throughout Mexico by the drug cartels and sold as sex slaves. Unprotected women have no voice, but this book should be read by everyone and our voices should be raised in protest.
Jayme
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
What an engrossing memoir about child star Jennette McCurdy and the impact that her mother's mental illness had on her life and career. It is heart-wrenching that the only way she could escape her mother's power and influence was through death. The book title is very appropriate.
Shelley
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
This well-written novel kept my interest throughout. The character descriptions allowed me to picture the group and their locations.
Elizabeth
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This is my second reading of LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY. I read it when it first came out, and this time I’m reading it for my book club’s May selection. Yet again it delights! It touches on so many themes --- women’s rights, women in science, relationships, family, etc. I’m sure we’ll have much to discuss.
Susan
Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
An important cautionary tale that everyone should read.
MH
The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly
I had read LILAC GIRLS and SUNFLOWER SISTERS. I didn’t think this one was up to the other two. There were many places in the early chapters where things were referred to that happened in concentration camps. Rather than being “teasers,” they seemed to imply that the reader should know this information from earlier. I found it confusing and frustrating.
Judith
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
I was drawn to this novel after reading THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK, because both books pertain to the historic pack horse librarians of rural Kentucky. While the historical background was interesting in both books, and the characters were well-drawn, THE GIVER OF STARS was less believable, especially the ending.
Lisa
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
Typically, I pass on stories with ghosts, but I certainly am glad that I gave this book a chance. The ghost Grace is delightful and plays an important role filling in the background of the characters. Speaking of characters, there were quite a few interesting ones and many with secrets. This is a great beach read with a very satisfying ending.
Lorraine
The Lioness of Boston by Emily Franklin
An exquisite historical novel about the life of Isabella Stewart Gardner and her art museum, set in the mid-1800s. It's about much more than her art, as she was an early pioneer of feminist thought. The writing is elegant. I love the quality of the books from Boston indie publisher Godine.
Wendy
Ward D by Freida McFadden
Well, I knew when I started this audiobook yesterday that I was going to finish it today. And that’s exactly what happened! Right away you get involved with Amy Brenner, who is a medical student. One night she is assigned to an in-patient mental health unit, Ward D, as all students are for a rotation in psych. However, Amy is very apprehensive about spending the night on Ward D. You find out why pretty early on, there’s no secret there, and the mayhem begins as the hours slowly tick by. It’s a fun ride that gets your blood pumping with a great narrator, which makes it even more enjoyable.
Wendy
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
This is another great fictionalized story about a building in New York City, the Frick building. The dual timeline follows the stories of Lillian in 1919 and Veronica in 1966. Both Lillian and Veronica’s stories are interesting and got me involved in their stories from the beginning. The family of Henry Frick, who made his fortune in steel, raised his family there and then donated the building to the city. It is currently an art museum, at 70th and Madison, that you can tour. I’m looking forward to doing just that. I liked that the author noted what parts of her story were fictionalized and which parts were not, and why she chose to include or exclude certain factual things after the story concluded.
Sandy
Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner
I found another new author I love! This is a historical novel with twists and turns that kept me up late at night.
Jeanne
The 23rd Midnight by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
THE 23rd MIDNIGHT by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro is the newest novel in the Women’s Murder Club series. Detective Lindsay Boxer is pushed to the brink as she and her team rush to find a serial killer who has brutally murdered several innocent people, including a baby. The search intensifies when the killer kidnaps and tortures one of Lindsay’s best friends. This is a spellbinding, mesmerizing thriller with an outstanding plot.
Kay
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
The story takes place in Canada, but the story is more relevant in the US with the reversal of Roe v. Wade in some states. This is Heather Marshall's debut novel. She did extensive research on the topic of abortion. I could not put this book down and did not see the turn of events coming. It is a heart-wrenching, heartbreaking and sad story, but this book is well worth reading.
Debbie
Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
Great writing. The characters are well portrayed --- poetic in a way.
Lonnie
Blue Moon Haven by Janet Dailey
A sweet, clean romance featuring a single-mom/guardian of two kids, ages 10 and 6, who gets off on the wrong foot with her neighbor.
Beth
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
The author’s research was extensive and the story tragic and unknown before he wrote the book, but I had a hard time following all the characters.
Rita
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
In the spring of 1941, life changed for Lina and her family. Along with other Lithuanian families, they were shaken from sleep and arrested. They were unsure of what their future held for them. This book is a young adult historical fiction filled with the lives of the people who suffered at the hands of the NKVD. People survived by becoming a loving and helpful community to each other even under the harshest circumstances. Some survived; many didn't. The author hopes the reader becomes aware of this time in history and that we never forget or ever let this tragedy happen again.
Christina
Dear Carolina by Kristy Woodson Harvey
As an adoptive mom, this story pulled at my heart from the start. Families are built in different ways, and this book tells Carolina's story from both her birth mother's and adoptive mom's points of view.
Barbara
The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
In number five of the Gamache series, again we are in Three Pines, and again the residents are shaken by a murder that the very skillful and discerning Inspector Armand Gamache is called upon to solve. The characters' complex relationships are strained, the small town is aghast, and the "how" and "why" are extremely puzzling. This time the focus is on one of their beloved. During the unraveling, background history is revealed, and art and poetry are again featured. Exposing the culprit proves costly. A subplot takes us further into the relationship between Clara and her art and her husband. We are left with a feeling that, even though someone is arrested, the case is not ultimately settled. Cliffhanger alert.
Rose
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
Dr. James Sheppard narrates THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD. As a physician, he has been called to the home of Mrs. Ferrars and confirms her death. She had been involved with Ackroyd, but he knows a secret about her. Later, Ackroyd, a wealthy man, is found stabbed to death in his home. Everything points to his stepson being the murderer. The staff at his home is all questioned. Hercule Poirot has moved in next to Dr. Sheppard and his sister, Caroline, a gossip. Poirot is asked to investigate the murder. In his quirky way, Poirot is able to put together all the clues and name the murderer. Excellent.
Maureen
Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane
Mr. Lehane has done it again! He captures the pulse and real-life anguish, anger and sadness that lives in the projects of Boston in the early '70s. Mary Pat was someone that you felt real sorrow for, yet couldn’t believe she survived to become as tough as she was. I loved everything about this book.
Linda
The Yellow Envelope: One Gift, Three Rules, and A Life-Changing Journey Around the World by Kim Dinan
The travel descriptions were great. The ongoing complaints about Kim's husband and marriage became tiresome.
Jean
Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton
As the title suggests, Sue Grafton brings back several characters from earlier novels in this series. Unfortunately, most were characters I did not like (and old ones I liked appeared little, if at all). This was the last novel in the series as Grafton died before writing "Z." Way too much time was spent updating readers with the backgrounds of these old characters. Grafton's unfortunate habit of providing details of characters' appearances continued, as did her recent practice of flashbacks told from the POV of other characters. You can see the bloat in the word count of the last four books: "V" had 402, "W" was 433, "X" had 498, and "Y" had a large 543. Less would have been more.
Linda
The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Felicity "Fizzy" Chen is a well-known romance writer who is selected to be the first guest on a reality show. Several men are selected based on her criteria as a romance writer. She and producer Connor Prince got to know each other and fell in love. Fizzy has to choose one of the contestants for her "other." When Connor is shown on screen, the audience loves him. How can Fizzy go with who the audience chooses when her heart wants Connor? The book could have been better if Fizzy was not so crude in her actions and speech.
Linda
Home Sweet Christmas by Susan Mallery
Camryn Neff came home to Wishing Tree to care for her twin sisters and run the family business. She intends to carry on until the twins are in college and then return to Chicago and the life she had there. She is informed that she is a candidate for the wife of Jake Crane by his mother. She knows who he is and thinks he is one handsome man, but she does not want to get serious about anyone. However, a little fun never hurt anyone, and he is one good-looking man!
Linda
The Good Luck Charm by Helena Hunting
Lilah had gone with Ethan all through high school until he was drafted by the Los Angeles hockey team and moved away. He broke up with her via the telephone, and her heart was broken. Eight years have gone by. Ethan has been traded to the Minnesota hockey team, and he’s back home. He wants to take up where they left off, but things have changed. Ethan is not listening to her and only thinks of himself and what he wants. She has dreams too and is taking college courses in order to fulfill her dream of being a nurse practitioner.
Linda
Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey
Hallie Welch has had a crush on Julian Vos since high school when he almost kissed her but pulled back in shock when he learned she was only a freshman while he was a senior. Now he is back in Napa at his family's vineyard, and Hallie is the gardener hired to redo the garden in front of the cottage where Julian is staying. He is a professor who requires order in his life and plans his day in increments, while Hallie is the very opposite. She is lackadaisical and always late. He proves to be supportive of her, and attraction blooms from there. Can these two opposites make a go of it?
Linda
Witcha Gonna Do? by Avery Flynn
Tilda grew up in a family of witches. She has a blind date with Gil Connelly, who has been sent to find out if Tilda has any power as her mother is a powerful witch. She doesn't have her mother's power but wishes she did when her spell makes a mistake and covers her family in ice. Luckily, Gil is there to help.
Linda
For Twice in My Life by Annette Christie
Layla Rockford and Ian Barnett had been dating for a while when he turned to her and said they never seemed to have much time together anymore and ended their relationship. Layla was devastated but went to the ER two weeks later when she was called for Ian. He had an accident and acted like he didn’t know they had broken up, so she treated him as if they were still together. Everything was going okay until Ian's brother, Matt, arrives. He knows the truth and demands that she tell Ian.
Linda
A Guide to Being Just Friends by Sophie Sullivan
A great romance where a man who has witnessed the horrors of his parents' marriage has sworn off love and marriage. Wes Jansen meets Hailey Sharp when he mistakes her for his date. They become friends and make a pact that they will remain so, but love gets in the way. She tells him she loves him and he reels back in horror. He tells his brothers about it, and they tell him he's a jerk and that his heart is not listening to his head. His heart tells him he loves Hailey. Now he has to let her know how he truly feels about her and hope it's not too late.
Elizabeth
A History of Modern Manga by Insight Editions
The year-by-year encyclopedic format details historical and cultural contexts along with the books and authors. This means that the emphasis is on breadth rather than depth, and the layout can be a bit distracting. Even so, there’s an admirable amount of research here, with plenty of jumping-off points for your next favorite read.
Debbie
Death at Greenway by Lori Rader-Day
DEATH AT GREENWAY drove me to utter boredom resembling death. Agatha Christie’s country house beautifully captures the fleeting children, a married couple and two nurses escaping the horrors of wartime London. Too many side stories ruin the novel: a thieving doctor, a murderous local man who lost his son in the war, a grieving mother searching for her dead son, and a group of young people gathering information for the war. Bridget Kelly, a nurse in training, gives a soldier the wrong medicine, and he dies. Bridget, nicknamed Bridey, must find another job and jumps at the chance to play nursemaid to 10 small children along with nurse Gigi. The author’s language and writing style treats the story as mundane.
Debbie
Crooked House by Agatha Christie
I adore the way Agatha Christie incorporates children’s nursery rhymes into the story. This novel features a crooked man and his crooked house. The story opens with Sophia Leonides and Charles Hayward promising to rethink marriage after the war. A problem arises with the death of Sophia’s grandfather, Aristide Leonides. Aristide has been poisoned, and the murderer resides in the crooked house. The police and Charles begin the search for the killer, but a motive must be found. There is no Hercule Poirot in this novel, but Charles, the narrator of the story, guides the investigation. He must solve the crime or lose his beloved Sophia. Christie marked this book as one of her favorites, and her love of this tale glimmers through.
Arlene
How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu
It's quite an unsettling but inescapable read for me: very thought-provoking and emotive for sure. The structure is a different reading experience. Prismatic, kaleidoscopic and novel-in-stories are words that I've heard to describe it. The final chapter was very epic, sweeping and expansive in scope with a lot of reveals.
Anna
Beach Plum Island by Holly Robinson
A fast read and a nice break from the historical fiction I love to read. It would be a great summer read.
Anna
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
A cute, fun read but not a lot of depth. A fast read.
Anna
Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up by Selma Blair
Selma Blair spent much of her early life trying to either please her mother or trying to be like her. She got drunk for the first time at the age of seven from Passover wine. She acted out and became known as a mean baby because of how she acted and drank to ease the pain. She felt misunderstood and wanted to be loved and cared for. She did find love, friendship and the gift of motherhood but often was not able to truly appreciate it at the time. Finally, when she was diagnosed with MS, things became clearer but not necessarily easier. In this memoir, Blair shares very personal and intimate and sometimes humiliating experiences as she herself tries to understand what she was feeling and why.
Rose
The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead
I enjoy reading romance novels every once in a while to take a break from thrillers. Funny --- Ashley Winstead writes both! Her latest novel is a delight. It pairs Alexis Stone, a school librarian, with Logan Arthur, a gubernatorial candidate. Neither knows anything about the other, but there is instant chemistry. However, when they are caught in a compromising position, Logan reveals that he is running for governor, and to avoid a scandal, they need to pretend they have been dating for months. Both are so busy avoiding their attraction to each other that they make mistakes, and it is worse because they are under the scrutiny of the electorate and the press. The book has some steamy scenes, but also some funny and smart ones.
Rose
Next in Line by Jeffrey Archer
In the latest William Warwick novel, William and his team are given an opportunity to be part of the Royalty Protection team, with Ross as a guard for the Princess of Wales, Diana. Due to this assignment, Ross is unable to care for his daughter, Jojo. William and his wife, Beth, agree to bring her to their home and raise her along with the twins. Meanwhile, Beth continues to work at the museum, curating art. However, when a new director is named, there is tension between them, and Beth feels unappreciated. Her friend, Christina, is back, as well as Miles Faulkner and his lawyer, Booth Watson. This novel tackles art and terrorism, as well as family. Jeffrey Archer shines again in all the detail and tension in the novel.
Donna
One Second After by William R. Forstchen
An EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) bomb explodes over the United States, which fries everything with an electronic element. The country is automatically put back hundreds of years because we’re not prepared for an event of this nature. This novel is centered on a community living in the Black Mountains of North Carolina and describes the desperation of trying to survive. This book was an enlightening awareness of how dependent and unprepared we are if attacked in this manner. It is a story I’ll never forget, but wish I could.
Donna
Chosen People by Robert Whitlow
While on vacation visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem, a young mother is murdered by a radical terrorist. Her husband wants justice and hires an Atlanta law firm to represent his case. Hana, a Christian Arab Israeli lawyer, is assigned to lead the case. She, along with Jakob, a Jewish lawyer in Atlanta, and Duad, an Arab investigator in Jerusalem, work together to bring down the terrorists.
This novel is informative about Jerusalem and its religious sites.
Donna
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
Amelia and Adam’s marriage is failing. Amelia won a weekend trip to stay in a chapel in Scotland. They both feel that the marriage is doomed but decide to make use of this prize. Both of them have secrets that they don’t plan to share. The first night in the chapel is the beginning of their nightmare.
I’ve read four novels by this author, and she always shocks me with her ability to create twists that I never could imagine.
Donna
The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh
Mirror Lake divides land belonging to the Welsh and the English. Rhys grew up in the area and even as a youngster was considered a “bad seed.” He inherited land on the English side of the lake and was building The Shores with summer homes for wealthy families. His body was discovered face down in the lake during the annual New Year’s Day swim. Even though Rhys was a smooth talker, he was hated by most of the people in the area, and any one of them had good reason to murder him.
This novel is told by alternating people over the period of the winter holidays. It is easy to follow and the ending was a surprise.
Donna
Little Does She Know by Pamela Crane
Ginger’s life has been filled with painful losses: the kidnapping of a child, abandonment by her husband, the loss of her home and the death of her son. She had carried deep, dark secrets much of her life that gradually come to light throughout the book. She is about to lose her closest and dearest friend as the truth comes out in the story because of the lies that have been told. This novel is the beginning of a series.
Donna
The Art of Fear by Pamela Crane
Ari was 10 years old when she saw her younger sister killed by a hit-and-run driver. Her parents blamed her and turned her over to the police for professional care. She attempted suicide and years later formed a suicide group to help others. Sophia attended a meeting where she and Ari made an instant connection. Sophia’s family had lived in poverty, and she had been sold by her parents to a sex trafficker. Her life has been a nightmare. Ari and Sophia (Tina) joined together to find answers for what had happened to them as children and why. This novel is based on real-life experiences involving mental illness, suicide, murder and child sex trafficking.
Donna
Saving Sandcastles by Meredith Summers
Claire has lived in Lobster Bay her entire life. When her husband decided he wanted a divorce, she knew she had to establish her independence. She was known for her pastry baking and opened the Sandcastle Bakery, which was quite successful. There was an empty storefront across the street from her that was sold to a man who baked bread. Rather than being competitors, he wanted to establish a cooperative business agreement. Claire had trust issues for multiple reasons and fought this proposal. This novel is the first in a series of four. It is a heartwarming story and a pleasure to read.
Donna
Her Perfect Lie by M. J. Ambil
Priya and Kavi's parents were killed in an automobile accident. Priya, with great sacrifice, has made it her mission to do everything she can to help Kavi attend college and become successful. Kavi is being stalked by someone who doesn’t want money but something else. Male dominance and violence are common in India, and Priya has obstacles to overcome to protect Kavi.
Donna
Little Girls Sleeping by Jennifer Chase
Detective Katie Scott has returned home from the military and is helping her uncle at the police department. She comes across a cold case of a young girl who has been missing for years, and it brings back a memory of a best friend who went missing 20 years ago. She gets involved with this case and finds a couple of bodies of missing girls. There is a serial killer of youngsters, and she’s determined to discover who it is, even when she becomes a target.
Donna
All My Dogs Go to Heaven by Kay Bratt
Kay is very open in the telling of her journey, from being abused to becoming a rescuer of abused and abandoned dogs. She did not allow adversity to control her life and found her purpose. Her story is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. If you are an animal lover, you will realize and recognize the importance of the unconditional love given by animals. There are short essays from people who can testify to the spirit of their departed pets. She also provides biblical references, the steps of grief and home remedies for dogs. Have a box of tissues handy.
Donna
Reflections of a Bexley Boy by Ken McClure
Ken tells the story of his life beginning when he was a child growing up in Bexley, Ohio, and how the city grew and changed. He lived a full life and contributed to his hometown after serving in the military.
Donna
Crush by Nikki P. Keith
Phoebe is starting in a new high school, and she only wants to make some friends. She is attractive and athletic. She was immediately tagged to be a “Pink Lady,” which is a club consisting of the popular girls who were members of the cheer/dance team for the school sports. These girls did everything together except tell their private secrets. Drama and murder evolve, and suspicions point at Phoebe. This is an excellent page-turning mystery/thriller.
Tessa
The Hindi-Bindi Club by Monica Pradhan
This was highly reminiscent of Amy Tan’s THE JOY LUCK CLUB. We have two generations of three immigrant families --- mothers and daughters. The central plot revolves around Kiran, who, having married against her parent's wishes and is now divorced, has decided to ask for their help in finding a life partner. I enjoyed learning a bit more about the history of India and of the disparate cultures within the subcontinent. Just as in real life, it’s not all drama and angst. There is plenty of humor, tenderness, laughter and tears of joy. Oh, and Monica Pradhan includes some wonderful recipes at the end of each chapter.
Rose
Peg and Rose Solve a Murder: A Charming and Humorous Cozy Mystery by Laurien Berenson
While this is a new series, Peg Turnbull and Rose Donovan are not new characters. They also appear in the Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries as Melanie's aunts. I haven't read those books, so these characters are new to me. This can be read as a stand-alone, but you are missing some background as to the relationship of these two women, who are sisters-in-law. Peg and Rose join a bridge club, and after only two meetings, one of the members of the club is murdered. Peg and Rose decide to question all the members as to their involvement with the victim. By doing so, they put themselves in danger. There is also a lot of Peg and her poodles, which is cute and endearing. I will read more of this series as I find these two sleuths interesting.
Janet
Black and Blue: A Doug Brock Thriller by David Rosenfelt
This is the third in the series, but you don't need to read the first two to follow along.
Jane
Remember Me by Tracie Peterson
I started reading this book and, at that time, needed encouragement. Danger abounds for Addie at the hands of her own family. And at a time when she thinks she is safe, her brothers locate her. Addie struggled with not feeling like she can marry Isaac because of her past. Isaac had gone off to college with a promise to Addie that he would return and marry her. But just as Isaac found her, so did her brothers --- which spells trouble for her. Addie finds God's forgiveness and learns that God's plan isn't always how we think it will be. But God walks with her through all the hardships. Any book Tracie Peterson writes will lift you up.
Jane
Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman
This adventure grabs you immediately. Dr. Cynthia Myers is a medical missionary. Captain Rick Norton is a Special Forces operative in the Army. He has to get Cynthia out of Katangela, Africa. One thing you can draw from this story is how soldiers have to learn to decompress after a mission. Also, the story addresses how wives sometimes cannot even know where their husbands are or when they will return. You can feel God at work in every situation. This is my first Hallee Bridgeman book, but it won't be my last.
Jane
Anna's Secret by Blossom Turner
What a blessing the year was. This tale about grief over a loved one includes romance, mistakes and a baby, all of which are used by God for good. Anna spent years caring for a sick spouse, which was a very lonely time. Dr. Carmichael was his doctor. He comforts Anna. God uses mistakes to carry through his plan.
Jane
Amish Country Threats by Dana R. Lynn
Lilah's brother is murdered. Lilah gets shot at every time she goes to search for something her brother told her to find. The house was set on fire. Then next is the barn. Lilah escaped and hid in Levi's barn. Levi is a former soldier. So much danger. Ivy's sister-in-law tells her to move out. She is pregnant with Lilah's brother's baby. You will find it hard to put down.
Jason
Tiloran: An Abandoned Home by Julian Fogel
This fantastic read is about what it means to have a family and what it takes to deal with loneliness --- all within the scale of an epic fantasy that is building an even larger picture. I can't wait to see where it goes next!
Marilyn
The Daughters of Yalta: The Churchills, Roosevelts, and Harrimans: A Story of Love and War by Catherine Grace Katz
Here are interesting revelations about the Yalta Conference and the women who attended.
Debbie
The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner
THE ALL-AMERICAN provides a backward glimpse of life in Michigan in the '50s. Will Harding’s two daughters, Bertha and Flossie, glide the reader through the ups and downs of an average family. Bertha, a tomboy, longs to play baseball on a local amateur all-girl baseball team. Her much younger sister, Flossie, an inquisitive and know-it-all force of nature, plans to find fame and fortune as a writer or actress. A bitter, divorced neighbor lady claims that Will Harding is a Communist and forces them to flee their home. The family moves to Uncle Matthew’s house where good and bad fortune follows this average family. Each daughter relates a vivid tale of happiness and heartache in the family’s story.
Elizabeth
Second Star: And Other Reasons for Lingering by Philippe Delerm
These short essays about life’s joys would intrigue fans of Ross Gay’s THE BOOK OF DELIGHTS. Sometimes I wished for more length, but the Gallic mood and evocative phrases come through even in translation.
Leslie
A Death at the Party by Amy Stuart
This was a great story, but the ending came up short. I needed some more information about what happened with the characters after the party.
Kimberly
Ghost Girl, Banana by Wiz Wharton
A fantastic story from a debut author. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys dual timelines and historical fiction centered on family secrets. It was wonderful.
Nicole
The Last Word by Taylor Adams
Emma reads a $0.99 Amazon thriller that she thinks is horrible and writes a one-star review of it. This greatly displeases the author, to say the least. Her life is in danger, and it might be her biggest mistake ever. I won't make Emma's mistake (nor do I think it was worthy of one star). I did enjoy the novel, though some of it was predictable. But it was definitely entertaining enough.
Stefanie
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
It starts slow but picks up about halfway through. If I had to describe this story without giving anything away, it would be that this book is a little THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, a little FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC, and a little THE LAST OF US. It was suspenseful enough, developed enough and intriguing enough to keep my attention and make it a fast read.
Stefanie
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
One of my favorite stories so far this year. The premise is unique in that it is about a mother who witnesses her son murdering someone and then travels back in time to learn why. It was unpredictable in the best way possible, easy to keep up with, and the development of the protagonist was clean, clever and surprising in the most interesting ways.
Hailey
No So Perfect Strangers by L.S. Stratton
Wow! This is an exhilarating, edge-of-your-seat, pulse-pounding thriller. What a wild ride it was!
Karen
The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
It's very different from the movie.
Hedwig
The Will Trent Series by Karin Slaughter
I started watching the series on TV and liked it so much that I bought the entire series right up to date and I am awaiting the new release. I enjoyed all the books and liked the characters even more now that I understand their backstories, which are much richer in the books. The changes from the books to the screen are okay, but I have always found the books to be much better. If you have not found this series please do --- it is great. I have never read anything by Karin Slaughter before. I found a new author.
Sandy
The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
I read this in two days! It's very, very good, and I'm sorry to say it is the only book Ana Reyes has written. I hope she writes another one soon. She is a great author. Her main character, Maya, knows that Frank has killed her best friend and other girls, but can't prove it. No one believes her, and everyone thinks she is crazy.
Sandy
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
In a sleepy town in Maine, recently widowed Eveleth Drake rarely leaves her large, empty house nearly a year after her husband's death. Everyone, even her best friend, Andy, thinks grief keeps her locked inside, and Evvie doesn't correct them. A very good book!
Michelle
The Resting Place by Camilla Sten
A very atmospheric, slow-burn mystery set at a remote family estate in wintry Sweden. The novel uses the strange medical condition prosopagnosia, the inability to see faces, as part of its premise. I read it because my mother developed prosopagnosia for a time after suffering a mild stroke. A very strange condition and a strange time in our family history. This book brings the condition into the protagonist's life as she tries to get to the bottom of her grandmother's violent murder. An enjoyable read for those who like Scandinavian dark mysteries.
Debbie
The Closer: My Story by Mariano Rivera, with Wayne Coffey
Baseball stands as the great All-American game, and Mariano Rivera proudly embraces this dream. As a poor boy in Panama, Mariano never dreamed that a career in baseball would enrich him and his family. This story, as told by Mariano, points to his humble beginnings as a fisherman’s son. But determination and the belief that with God all things are possible propelled Mariano to an amazing career as a major league pitcher for the New York Yankees. Pain and disappointment hindered the path to glory, but Mariano persisted. His story flows easily, with very little bravado. His faith and generosity shine throughout the story. It's an interesting book.
Richard N B
Lake of the Ozarks: My Surreal Summers in a Vanishing America by Bill Geist
This is a charming memoir of the author’s teen summers spent working at his uncle’s resort at Lake of the Ozarks. He did any and all distasteful jobs and enjoyed the company of a bevy of lovely young women who served as housemaids and/or waitresses. The pay was abysmal, but they got free room and board and a sense of independence. It reminded me of the summers I worked at my Uncle Ray's lodge. It wasn't nearly as luxurious as Geist's experience, but I DID get to improve my swimming!
Sharon A.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
One of the best books I have read so far this year. It provides a refreshing and interesting historical perspective on women scientists with science majors and the challenges and disappointments they had to face due to employment barriers in these careers that were not expected to have women candidates back in the early '60s. Especially for single unwed women scientists.
Suzanne
Countdown by James Patterson and Brendan DuBois
I love the characters of Amy and Jeremy. The action is fast, and there is lots of drama. I think there will be a sequel to this book.
Elizabeth
Clark & Lex by Brendan Reichs, illustrated by Jerry Gaylord
This middle-grade graphic novel adds to the origin stories of Superman and Lex Luthor. In spite of some rushed action near the end, the book held my attention by adding a welcome complexity to Clark Kent’s teenage personality.
