This contest period's winners were Alice P., Linda N. and Nancy B., who each received a copy of CROOKED MANIFESTO by Colson Whitehead and EVERYONE HERE IS LYING by Shari Lapena.
Faith
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
The character development in Juliette was definitely well written throughout the book. It was amazing to see how much she grew as a character. It was an overall great book.
Richard N B
Hondo by Louis L'Amour
An iconic work of American Western genre featuring a strong, rather taciturn loner who lives, and is willing to die, by his principles, and a vulnerable but equally strong woman determined to keep her family home and protect what she holds dear. The setting is practically a character: the southeast corner of Arizona, populated by rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, coyotes, jackrabbits and pumas, not to mention the various Apache tribes fighting to regain their historic lands.
Barbara
All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me by Patrick Bringley
If you would like to venture into a world of magnificent art and culture, journey with Patrick a security guard who reclaimed his reason for living after his brother’s early death from cancer. This man’s insights into various pieces of art at the Metropolitan in New York City will bring you to appreciate not only the works themselves but the messages for human living that Patrick sees in them. Totally enjoyable!
Marilyn
I Am, I Am I Am by Maggie O’Farrell
Easy read with beautiful descriptive passages. A lot of time changes which can be frustrating. Relatable "near'' death experiences.
Joan
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
The characters are very likable. My book club was 100% positive.
Peg
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
A wonderful depiction of an intelligent woman's struggles in a man-biased world of science.
Jane
The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan
This book will awaken in you the need for America to wake up. I read all Corrie Ten Boone's books on this time and saw the movies. Elsa was an Australian opera singer who became friends with Hattie, a British typist. Hattie later turned to the art she wanted to do. It takes place in Europe during time of Hitler's reign. Good and bad happen during dark times. A husband may totally change and another couple work together to help the Jews escape Germany and draw closer. The pictures Hattie paints is inspired by what she feels from opera music. The descriptions are so good it is like you see the pictures in your mind. I have never been to an opera but through this book I could picture the scenes. Excellent read for the time we live in.
Nancy
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
What would you do if you had an opportunity to find out how long you would live? Would you change how you live? Would you even avail yourself of the chance to find out? That's the premise of this book, where everyone in the world over 21 wakes up one morning to a box that contains a string indicating how long they'll live. It reminded me of THE IMMORTALISTS, which came out a few years ago about siblings in a similar situation. If you've read one, I don't think you need to read the other, but, if you're reading either one for the first time, they're both great candidates for book club discussions.
John
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
This is an exciting, heart-warming comedy of manners about how much nicer it is to live in Paris than in the Highlands of Scotland.
Nancy
100 Places to See After You Die by Ken Jennings
Okay, just seeing this book cover made me laugh and I had to get inside it. And, it’s by Jeopardy champ and host Ken Jennings. Jennings has scoured sources of all kind – of course mythology and religion, but also literature and art and comic books and video games and D&D and movies a television shows. Humanity has imagined a multitude of possible afterlives, but most seem to involve the same dichotomy: we will be punished for our sins or rewarded for good behavior – or we atone for our sins. So, as Pascal posited in his wager, it’s better to err on the safe side, and you’d better be good.
Linda
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
You will need to set time aside for this one! It's a long book, but you have to read every word because its just that well written! The story jumps to different people and yet you are immediately engrossed in each characters' story arc. And then somehow they all come together throughout the book. Highly recommend!!
Elizabeth
Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea
This novel offers a different take on the WW II novel. The writing is beautiful, and you will fall in love with the beautiful strong women presented in this story.
Nina
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
A thought-provoking idea of basing one's life decisions on the time we each have before death.
Alice
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
One of the best books I have read. It is quite long but well worth every minute. It held my interest from beginning to end.
Roberta
The House of Lincoln by Nancy Horan
An interesting look at Lincoln and other people in Springfield starting in the 1850s. I was intrigued to know about the Portuguese immigrants living in the area.
Rosa
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
I would rate this book >5 stars. CUTTING FOR STONE was a book that stayed with me for a long time. THE CONVENANT OF WATER will have the same effect. I did not want this epic story to end, and I sat for a long time just savoring Verghese's words after I finished the last page and closed the book.
Lucy
Razorblade Tears by S. A. Crosby
Excellent book!
Sean
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
This book made me so sad. Celeste Ng tells the story of the Lees, a mixed race family in the late 70s. James, whose family came from China, is always focused on blending in to America, while his wife, Marilyn, is a determined and intelligent southern White woman whose mother just wants her to marry a Harvard man. Their relationship starts complicated and gets more so when their three kids are involved. How all these characters interact after the death of one of their own is gut-wrenching. The secrets they all keep, the decisions they all make, are severe and depressing. This book focuses on family, blended families, racial consciousness, and more. Like I said, sad, but the book was incredibly well written.
Noreen
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
The story of three women who worked breaking codes during WWII. Based on the women who worked at Bletchley Park during the war. It has suspense, a mystery, love, and betrayal.
Dianne
The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill
Hannah is writing a book about a mystery writer. Leo is critiquing every chapter. But then there a real murder. This is an intriguing murder within a murder. The reader needs to be patient as it confusing at first.
Gretchen
The It Girl by Ruth Ware
Another great book by Ruth Ware. I had missed this one when it was released so now I am caught up with all of her books with ZERO DAYS waiting to be listened to. I have read all the others so listening to her most recent will be a change.
Debbie
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
Delightful reading.
Elizabeth
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
This was up there with SNOWFLOWER, TEA GIRL and DREAMS OF JOY, my favorites by Lisa See. The details of life in China in the late 1400s and early 1500s were just amazing. A beautifully-written novel.
Linda
The Secret Book of Flora Lee by Patti Callahan Henry
In 1939, two sisters were evacuated from London to a safer place in the countryside to protect them from the German bombings. This government push, which had good intentions but was sometimes traumatic, was called Operation Pied Piper. The older sister, Hazel, comforts her 6-year-old sibling by telling her about a magical place called Whisperwood. Flora disappears (drowned in the Thames?) when Hazel leaves her alone. Hazel blames herself and her story telling and continues to search for Flora. The theme was about loss and redemption. A good read!
Beth
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
A mysterious Paris apartment building with plenty of mysterious dwellers and a real mystery to be solved.
Patricia
Such a Good Husband by Rowen Chambers
The characters are very well developed and have you thinking you know what will occur next...then surprise, the story goes off in a different direction! Just enough description without overdoing it! I still can't believe how much I was fooled. I had the ending all figured out - until it ended! Will read more of her novels!
Debbie
My Name Is Iris by Brando Skyhorse
This reader is not fluent in Spanish, and that task is necessary to understand MY NAME IS IRIS. Almost every page contains Spanish words and sentences, and for an English-only reader this detracts from the story. Just when the story piques my interest, more Spanish phrases that eliminate the meaning. Ines/Iris complains all the time about her life, her husband, her parents, her sister, and her job. Iris dwells on the fact that she is a Mexican and not a authentic American because of her birth and skin coloring. When shopping with her daughter, many people think Iris is a nanny to Melanie because Melanie has lighter skin. Yes, life for darker skinned individuals remains difficult, but Iris goes too far in her derogatory saga.
SUZANNE
How Lucky by Will Leitch
Suspenceful, uplifting, funny story told by a 26-year-old named Daniel with SMA, Spinal Muscular Dystrophy. One of the themes is finding purpose in the world. Well received by my book club.
Kimberly
Go As a River by Shelley Read
Beautiful story, wonderful writing. A perfect, uplifting read.
Susan
French Braid by Anne Tyler
Tyler is one of the best authors going for unique, quirky but lovable characters.
Jean
Full House by Maeve Binchy
I found this short novel amusing and charming. It deals with adult children who'd rather not grow up and the parents who belatedly realize they have fostered this bad behavior.
Kristen
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
I really wasn't sure if I would like this book despite picking it for book club. I loved it! The characters are well developed and quirky, but the story is solid and it made me think even more about being a woman.
Darlene
The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner
Good quick read.
Ann Marie
Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Loved this book. So unique. A lot of gore, which was fine because it was a dystopian prison. I really love unique books.
Norene
A Bakery in Paris by Aimie K. Runyan
A delicious treat.
Elizabeth
Dinners With Ruth by Nina Totenberg
I thought this book would be mostly about Ruth Bader Ginsberg (from the title), but it is more of a memoir of Nina Totenberg's career, two marriages and famous violist father with stories of her time spent with RBG included. Being that she is one of my favorite NPR correspondents, I still enjoyed the book.
Simonne
The Maid by Nita Prose
Socially awkward Molly the maid happens upon a dead body. Her lack of social skills and OCD help her become the main suspect. The detective assigned to the case is laughably bad. The book was okay, not great.
Simonne
The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill
I love this book-within-a book. Lots of red herrings...and the plot keeps thickening. There also is the creepy “friend” across the sea who keeps making (then demanding) changes to the script even though he is an unpublished wannabe and is making suggestions to a successful author. Great read that keeps you guessing to the end.
Tessa
The Owl & Moon Cafe by Jo-Ann Mapson
Four generations of women work hard to support themselves with their small café, while giving to the community in their northern California town. As happens in real life, things get messy. Major illness, loss of a job, bullying and strained budgets are stressing all the Moon women, not to mention a couple of men added to the mix. Secrets will come out. Fights will be had. Tears will be shed. At the end, I’m certain the Moon women will find a way to deal with whatever life throws at them.
Rose
Homecoming by Kate Morton
A story told in two timelines. Jess, living in London, is called back to Australia because her grandmother has fallen and is near death. Jess was raised primarily by her mother, Nora, when her own mom, Polly, had left her behind. Years earlier, in 1959, a family was found dead on the side of a stream. A mother and her children are all laying in the grass, but the baby girl is missing. A journalist has written about this event, and amended the story, the baby girl had evidently been dragged off by dingos. The family is the sister-in-law and nieces and nephews of her grandmother. Now that Nora's brother has died, Jess decides to dig more into the story and finds out a lot about her family. Wonderful book.
Karen
Million Dollar Baby by Lisa Jackson
Great story. Didn’t want it to end. The characters are so lovable.
Rose
The Girls of Summer by Katie Bishop
When Rachel was 17, she and her friend, Caroline, traveled to a remote Greek island. There, they met Alistair, a handsome older man. They began working at the bar where he was, and going to parties his boss threw, despite warnings from others on the island to be careful. Rachel falls in love with Alistair and stays on the island. But, things begin to get strange with the parties and her relationship. Now, 16 years later, and married, Rachel still pines for Alistair. She tracks him down and rekindles their relationship. Helena, from her past, reaches out to her and gives Rachel some devastating news. This book reminded me a lot of the Jeffrey Epstein grooming of young women and taking advantage of them. It is a quick read.
Rebecca
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I was prepared to dismiss this book as entirely ridiculous after my self-appointed requirement of 75 pages; however, what I discovered was a perfectly delightful, well written and tender character study. The story concerns a 70-year-old woman stuck in grief for a teenage son lost to an early death, a 30-year-old man-child stuck in anger at a mother who abandoned him at age 9 and an aging octopus stuck in a too small “prison” longing for the vast ocean he can hear outside the aquarium. One supporting character I enjoyed was the busybody owner of the grocery store who inserts himself into everyone else’s business. To tell you more would spoil this novel. Read it yourself and be delighted.
Francisca
The Hour of Land by Terry Tempest Williams
Subtitle: A Personal Topography of America’s National Parks. This is a book I would not have picked up were it not for being a book-club selection. Williams is a good writer, and there are times when her descriptions take the reader straight to the park she is visiting. Some of these passages are downright poetic. However, Williams spent less time on the park itself and its natural and/or historic wonders than she did on a political agenda. I don’t even disagree with her point of view, but it wasn’t what I expected or wanted from this book.
Janet
NIght Will Find You by Julia Heaberlin
Page-turning book featuring an astrophysicist who is also psychically-gifted. She uses her talent only at the request of the local police, but then conspiracy theorists find out she's involved in a cold case. Very well-written, entertaining, and thought-provoking.
Wendy
Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews
This book was recommended by another book blogger as a beach read. I'm not a real beach person so mostly I listened to it while walking or gardening. It was quite a compelling read. Maud Dixon is the pseudonym for a writer who published a thriller about two girls in Missouri who commit murder. It became a bestseller and everyone wants to know who the real author is. That includes Florence Darrow, an aspiring writer, who takes a job as a personal assistant to the real writer, Helen Wilcox. Soon the two of them are off to Morocco to do research for Helen's next book. Florence narrowly misses being killed when the rental car goes off a cliff into the ocean. She wakes up in the hospital being called Miss Wilcox; Helen is nowhere to be found.
Janet
The Pilot's Daughter by Audrey J. Cole
Great suspense story.
Betty Jo
Educated by Tara Westover
Selected by the incarcerated men’s book club named “Inspire” in Woodville, Mississippi. This reread for me was even better. Thank you MS Humanities Council and the Mellon Foundation for the opportunity to bring reading to the prison population of Mississippi. This book has taken us from the hot, humid conditions of MS to the mountains of Idaho and Utah, and the discussions have been fantastic. Reading gives each of us dignity and empathy.
Elizabeth
The Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
This was an innovative book for me. It's a series of interconnected short stories that explore a character that is introduced in another one of the stories. The characters are interesting, the stories varied and interesting. The writing is strong. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 for the last story, which projects to 2021, which was in the future when this was published back in 2010 but is in the past now. She doesn't get the future quite right, though she is eerily prescient. Still, it felt off to me. Jennifer Egan is an exacting author though and I am looking forward now to reading her new book, CANDY HOUSE.
Jeanne
The House of Wolves by James Patterson and Mike Lupica
THE HOUSE OF WOLVES by James Patterson and Mike Lupica is a riveting, compelling thriller that I could not put down. I don’t usually read books about sports, but this book about a very powerful family who owned an NFL football team and a San Francisco newspaper as part of their empire was a gripping story about murder, family conflicts, danger, fights for control and power. In the Wolf family all that seemed to matter was winning and kill or be killed. It had all the elements of a good thriller including romance, suspense, drama and intrigue. I thought it was well written with outstanding dialogue and character development that fit perfectly with the storyline.
PJ
The Details by Ia Genberg
The book follows a woman who is bedridden from a high fever, who relives her life with friends and others from her past. The book made me think about the relationships and how people perceive others in the midst of those relationships. I really enjoyed the details and imagery. The only thing that put me off was the lack of paragraph structure as most paragraphs were pages long and the structure seemed a bit strange. Overall, however, I would recommend this book. Translated from Swedish.
Abby
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
This book started out slow for me. Once it geared up, I was more engaged with it and there were a few surprises. However, a lot of unlikable characters. I was much more a fan of her THE GUEST LIST.
Katie
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
This book explores the topics of drug addiction, domestic abuse, and the foster care system. As difficult as this book was to read at times, I think it's an important book to read and sheds light on the perspective of a child growing up in tumultuous environments. I have not read DAVID COPPERFIELD, so I look forward to reading that book to see the parallels. This is the second book I have written by this author, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Linda
A Killer’s Wife by Victor Methos
Jessica Yardley was a loving wife to Eddie Cal until she was forced to the ground by police when they came to arrest Eddie and learned that her husband was a violent killer. Fourteen years later, Jessica is a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's office. She is approached by FBI agents Cason Baldwin and Oscar Ortiz who want her to look at two recent murder scenes that are similar to the murders carried out by Cal. Cason wants her to go to the prison and talk to Cal and find out if he has a copycat or someone he could lead them to. She doesn't want to go but after she sees the crime scene photos, she changes her mind. They have to find the copycat and put him out of business.
Linda
Crimson Lake Road by Victor Methos
Another great book by Victor Methos! Cason Baldwin, FBI, is called to the scene of a murder by local detective Lucas Garrett. Cason calls Jessica Yardley, federal prosecutor who helps him on his cases. The murder scene reminds Jessica of paintings she had seen while she was married to Eddie Cal, who was also a painter. The murdered woman is arranged as the woman in the painting. A second woman is found similar to the second painting but this woman suddenly gasps a breath. She is alive but can’t give a description of her assailant as she was hit over the head. Authorities try to find the murderer before scenes depicted in the remaining two paintings are carried out. There are a lot of surprises toward the end of the book.
Linda
Long Shadows by David Baldacci
Another Baldacci thriller featuring Amos Decker. This time he is partnered with FBI agent Frederica (Freddie) White and they are sent to Fort Myers, Florida to investigate the killing of a judge and her bodyguard in her home. The guard was found shot to death in the judge's house and the judge was found stabbed to death in the bedroom. Amos thinks there were two murderers and the judge had found the guard dead when her assailant came after her. Since she was viciously stabbed, the murder appears to be personal and full of rage. Thoughts first went to her ex-husband but he appeared distraught, or was this an act?
Linda
The Wrong Victim by Allison Brennan
Kara Quinn is attached to the FBI’s Mobile Response Team headed by Mathias Costa, Special Agent in Charge and also Kara’s lover. The team is sent to San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington to investigate the explosion of a charter boat that killed nine people. ATF has determined that a bomb of C4 set off the explosion. Was the explosion the work of Island Protectors, a group of environmentalists who picket West End Charters for pollution? Or was one of the passengers on the boat the target? Neil Deveraux, retired FBI agent, was the skipper on the boat and had been investigating several cold cases that he thought were murders not accidents. Was he the target?
Linda
Burner by Mark Greaney
Many factors are working both to assure that the upcoming Peace Accord is signed with Russia as well as to prevent the signing. Russia has many politicians on its payroll to ensure that the signing occurs. Alex Velesky, Swiss banker, was used to convert Russian rubles into crypto currency and he is on his way to the New York office of journalist Ezra Altman with proof of the money transfers. He is helped by Zoya Zakharova, love of Court Gentry (Gray Man). Court was sent to the Caribbean by Suzanne Brewer, CIA, to get the duplicate material sent by Velesky to an attorney. Court and Zoya work together to get the material sent to a reporter who Court trusts. They just hope she gets it in time to stop the Accord.
Linda
Dark Angel by John Sandford
Letty Davenport is sent to infiltrate a group of hackers known as Ordinary People who took down the Russian railroad before ransom was paid by the Russians. She was hired as security for NSA computer expert Rod Baxter. Several members of the hacker group have been killed by Russians on U.S. soil. Letty works for Senator Colle and both have been contacted by Agent Nowak of Unspecified Agency (CIA) to help the hackers take the railroad back down after the war started in Ukraine. Russia has several of its GRU assassins go after Letty and her friend Barbara Cartwright, CIA, but the women are underestimated and take the assassins down.
Lois
City on Fire by Don Winslow
Very exciting mob and gang warfare. Shows us family and relationships within these family gangs. Are we so different?
Sandra
Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Beautiful writing.
Stefanie
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell
Such a fun cozy mystery centered around six contestants on a televised baking show when someone is found dead. Reminds me of the "Great British Baking Show" meets Agatha Christie's AND THEN THERE WERE NONE.
Stefanie
The Sanctuary by Katrine Engberg
Decent detective story about a body that is found in a suitcase in a park and the mysterious Norse island at the heart of the death. A little too perfectly rounded out at the end, but an easy "beach" read for those that like crime thrillers.
Stefanie
The Ruins by Scott Smith
Story of four Americans vacationing in Mexico when they go on a hike to some ruins in the Mayan jungle with a few other travelers they met on their trip. They then are held hostage on the ruins by the locals where they encounter a lethal plant vine. The story is a ridiculous premise, so there is a good bit of belief suspension, however, the writing is phenomenal and filled with so many eggs and allegory. A true testament to the human condition.
Lynn
A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver
Fun to follow this series.
Debbie
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
Deanna Raybourn’s book, KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE, focuses on four sixty-year-old female assassins who are now the hunted. As the baby boomers grow older, more authors turn to tales of senior citizens launching a new career in crime management. One of my favorite writers in this new genre is Richard Osman. Too many writers show these new detectives as young and carefree of the issues of an aging body and mind. Raybourn describes four women still physically fit and beautiful and desirable. The story focuses on why certain males of the museum want each of the four women killed. Why? Male ego! I attempted to read this book in October 2022, but found the premise and story too trite, but had to complete the book this time for a book club.
Richard N B
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
As the world struggles to escape the Great Depression, and on the cusp of a new World War, orphan Woodrow Wilson Nickel finds himself cast adrift in the wake of the devastating Hurricane of 1938. Stumbling about hoping to find some shelter, he comes across a scene that completely changes his life. Rutledge based this work of historical fiction on an actual event: in 1938 two giraffes were transported across America from the Port of New York to the San Diego Zoo. Woody is a wonderful character and narrator, and I enjoyed following his journey.
Liz
The Monk Downstairs by Tim Farrington
Rebecca Martin is a single mother. Her house has a mother-in-law apartment that she is trying to rent out. Michael Christopher is an ex monk looking for a place to live. He has no job, no money and few prospects. What starts out as an unlikely friendship, soon develops into something else.
This is a lovely book to read with very engaging characters.
Debbie
A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson
My first Christmas novella for 2023, and what a Cinderella theme story! Enter Adelaide Smith, a worker at a local coffee café as she prepares to complete her goal of becoming a lawyer. Out of the blue she receives a letter claiming she is a princess! Adelaide travels to Montovia, a principality nestled close to Austria. Adelaide meets her dying father, King Maximillian V, and learns the story of her parents. Of course, Christmas dances in the future of the kingdom and Adelaide’s plans. Her uncle, Prince Farcus, the heir to the throne has disappeared, and King Max hands the crown to Adelaide as next of kin. Mayhem and mystery surround Prince Farcus’s disappearance. A lovely tale of Christmas customs and traditions.
Claire
All You Have to Do by Autumn Allen
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO follows two young Black men: Kevin, a student at the University of Columbia in the 1960s protesting the expansion of the Columbia campus at the expense of the residents of Harlem, and Gibran, his nephew in the 1990s as he tries to get permission for himself and the other Black boys at his majority White prep school to attend the Million Man March. Both navigate racism both in the education system and America at large and struggle with striking a balance between their commitment to resistance and social/political change, maintaining their relationships with their families and communities, and accepting their own needs and limitations.
Rose
Some Danger Involved by Will Thomas
Set in Victorian London, a inquiry agent, Barker, hires a new assistant, Llewelyn. Llewelyn has been recently released from prison and is down on his luck. They are hired to investigate the crucifixion of a man in the Jewish ghetto by the Anti-Semite league. Much of the novel is to get us familiar with the main characters. They are both smart and quirky. There is a bit of a morality lesson in the story as well. I had high hopes, but it was just okay for me.
Rose
Night Will Find You by Julia Heaberlin
Vivvy Bouchet has a unique quality, she is able to feel and see things that others can't. Years earlier, she saved Mike via a prediction, who is now her brother-in-law and a cop. He brings her in on a cold case. As Vivvy tries to help Mike and another detective, Jesse Sharp, she is haunted by old memories. Her mother was a psychic, and people expect similar things from Vivvy. A podcaster and conspiracy theorist targets Vivvy. Vivvy also visits the woman accused of killing the girl. I liked the majority of this, but the supernatural/psychic piece was a bit much for me.
Rose
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
A sweeping story of family, love, loss, grief, and forgiveness, and a homage to LITTLE WOMEN.
After William Waters is born, but still in the hospital, his 3-year old sister Caroline dies. The family is then defined by tragedy. The parents never speak of her and treat William as if he is an afterthought. William is unloved - and finds happiness in basketball. At college, he meets Julia Padavano, a planner, and later becomes a part of her family. Sisters Sylvie, wants to marry a great love, and twins Cecilia, an artist, and Emeline, a caregiver are a part of this loving family.
However, William deals with depression, and after Julia has a child, Alice, things go dark for them. Beautiful book.
Rose
In the Lives of Puppets by T. J. Klune
Another heartwarming book from T. J. Klune. In this one, an android, Gio, creates Vic, a boy. In the forest, other robots work to rescue another android by giving it a heart - Hap. However, Hap alerts others that Gio is helping humans vs. hunting them. Vic and his friends set out to rescue Gio from the City of Electric Dreams, where his mission had once been to hurt humans. As Vic, Nurse Ratched, and Rambo - a unique family - work together, a story of love and family and trust emerges. A bit of a homage to PINOCCHIO.
Rita
Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt
Andy Carpenter is a defense attorney who seems to end up with the most impossible cases to defend. It's been a rough year for Andy. He ends up getting divorced from Nicole, and just before his father passes away he asks Andy to file an appeal and represent Willie Miller. Andy is really confused by this request since his father was the prosecutor on the case. The evidence is stacked against Willie and no evidence has been produced. This doesn't deter Andy though. This book was great to listen to and had some pretty funny moments.
Rebecca
Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu
The turmoil in China from 1938 to 1998 is the background for this family tale. Meilin, a young wife and mother, loses her husband to the Japanese invasion and then must flee with her 4-year-old son when the marauding Japanese attack her family’s village. The book continues with mother and son as World War II, the communist uprising, the Nationalist movement and other calamities affect them. Renshu, the son, quickly becomes the focal character in this richly descriptive and harrowing tale. Fu’s character study of Renshu as he progresses through life, first in China and then the United States, education, then marriage and a family of his own, makes the book believable and engrossing.
Rose
The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson
I love books about libraries and the people who visit them and use them as a place of community. This book hit all the feel-good vibes for me! June Jones is a library assistant in a small town in England. As she goes about her duties, she interacts with various library patrons: a young boy, an older man, a crotchety old woman, and more. When the library is in danger of being closed by the council, a group bands together to try to save the library. As June learns more about the patrons' lives and the importance of the library in their lives, June gets a new understanding of what the library community means. It is a sweet, heartwarming book.
Rose
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
I love a summer romance. Percy receives a call from Charlie Fraser, notifying her of his mom's death. This brings memories flooding back - of all the times that she spent summers at the lake with Charlie and his brother, Sam. Sam and Percy were best friends, and then they fell for each other. But, something happened 12 years earlier that broke them. Now, seeing Sam again, Percy wonders if it is too late to repair their relationship and for Sam to forgive her for what she did. A great summer romance!
Tessa
The Department of Sensitive Crimes by Alexander McCall Smith
Gosh, but I enjoy visiting with Alexander McCall Smith’s characters! This is somewhat of a farce of police procedurals. Detective Ulf “the Wolf” Varg and his team certainly have “interesting” cases. There is no case too strange or confusing for this team. I particularly liked the case of the missing imaginary boyfriend!
Suzanne
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
After reading a review on this site, I decided I would enjoy this book. I enjoyed all the characters even the bad ones. The author added a twist that kept my interest to a fast finish.
Linda
Take the Lead by Alexis Daria
Stone Nielson has agreed to appear as celebratory participant on The Dance Off to earn money for his mother’s medical bills. He appears in his family’s show Living Wild as they show how they live off the land. Stone meets his partner Gina Morales who has been with the show for five seasons and hopes to win this time. She has her work cut out for her because Stone is not a dancer and does not like the skimpy costumes they have to wear. Gina is patient and they soon begin earning high scores. They start to fall for each other but Gina says her hopeful future is on Broadway not the wilds of Alaska where Stone lives.
Linda
The Heiress at Sea by Christi Caldwell
Lady Cassia McQuoid is tired of her boring life in London and wants to see the world her seafaring brother tells her about, so she hatches a plan to stow away on his ship. The only problem: she's on the wrong ship. Thought to be a young lad, she sees to her chores until her cap falls off and her long braid is seen. Captain Nathan Ellsby is not amused and has her put in his chambers with a guard on the door. He grows to love her feisty nature but not so much her yapping mouth. Does she ever shut up? A cute story, but her stupidity ruined the story for me.
Linda
In Her Highlander’s Bed by Lynsay Sands
Alissaid did not want to marry Maldouen and escaped by jumping out of the tower window into the deep waters of the loch. She took off toward home and spied a tartan laying on the ground while its owner was bathing in the loch. She grabbed it and ran but Calan took off after her and slammed her to the ground. She pretended not to know who she was as she was unsure whether his clan were friends of Maldouen's clan. But the care and concern Calan took with her convinced her of his sincerity and, if it takes marriage with him to ensure her safety from Maldouen, she will gladly go through with it.
Linda
Yours Truly, the Duke by Amelia Grey
Fredericka Hale is the guardian of her sister’s three children but is afraid she might lose custody to another relative. She knows her odds will improve if she was married and starts interviewing prospects. The Duke of Wyatthaven only has a few days to marry in order to keep part of his property from being turned over to a society. She would rather think about it for a few days but he doesn’t have a few days, so she agrees to marry him and finds the love she has searched for all her life.
Linda
The Trackers by Charles Frazier
Valentine (Val) Welch is hired to paint a mural in the post office in Dawes, Wyoming. He is offered free room and board at the ranch of John Long and his wife Eve. There he meets Faro, an older man reminiscent of the Old West. Eve runs off with a small painting by Renoir and Long hires Val to go after her and bring her home. Val finds her but is infatuated with her and delays bringing her back. Faro comes after them and drives Eve back to the ranch. Val returns the car he used and finishes the mural quickly. It’s past time he left Wyoming.
Linda
The Sorority Murder by Allison Brennan
When her son is killed and her marriage ended, Regan returned to her father’s house in Flagstaff, AZ. They listened to a podcast one night where a university student was investigating the murder of a fellow student. It happened three years ago and is considered a cold case by police. Regan’s father turned to her and said it would be a good case for her to get interested in. She agreed and contacted Lucas Vega. They worked together to solve the mystery of what happened to Candace Swain.
Rose
My Murder by Katie Williams
I found this book to be a bit odd. I wasn't sure what to expect. It is a bit futuristic, sci-fi mixed with a mystery thriller. Lou is married with a baby, however she has been recreated after her murder. So, she is herself, but not herself. She joins a support group with other women who were murdered by serial killer Edward Early and then "re-created" by the replication commission. However, when Lou goes to see Early, he tells her he is not her murderer. She then tries to discover why she was murdered, who did it, and what else is going on with this group. A virtual reality game plays a part in her discovery. Creepy.
Susan
Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
The book club readers all liked the book. We learned a lot about horses and horse racing. We liked Hillenbrand‘s writing style and the research she did for the book. We would highly recommend the book.
Rose
The Other Mistress by Shanora Williams
Adira is deeply in love with Gabriel and wants to start a family. But, she finds out that he is having an affair with someone. When she confronts the person, they decide to help her in her quest to win Gabriel back. But, it was more complicated than that. I was really enjoying the novel until the big twist, and then I was disappointed. I won't give away the twist, but I didn't like it.
Rose
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Lucy Hart, a teaching aide, longs to be a mother to Christopher Lamb, a boy who was tragically orphaned. However, Lucy can't afford it, and she is resigned to the fact that he will go to another foster home. Lucy was raised by parents who didn't love her, and she doesn't want another child to feel that way. When she was young, she read books to escape her loneliness, loving books by Jack Masterson about Clock Island. When he announces he will write another book, and award a prize to a special reader of his, Lucy hopes this will be a way for her to adopt Christopher. The story is not what you would expect, there are disappointments and sorrow, but ultimately, it is a triumphant story. I loved the fact that books and stories saved Lucy.
Dawn
Go As a River by Shelley Read
I was pleasantly surprised by this book…not sure what to expect, I had chosen it for a reading challenge and thought it would be a slow, rather “boring” novel, but I found it anything but that. I loved the author’s style of writing; it was almost gentle or soothing, but hit on some very tough subjects through the story and transported me to Colorado, a place I’m rather unfamiliar with but would love to revisit now. I can’t wait to listen to the author interview now that I finished (and go eat a peach!)
sherry
The Prison Minyan by Jonathan Stone
A fiction based on some fact, this book was humorous, educational and a good read.
Nancy
The Madwomen of Paris by Jennifer Cody Epstein
THE MADWOMEN OF PARIS imagines the lives of two women in the asylum. One broke down after the death of her father left her homeless and separated from her younger sister. Another tried to jump off a bridge after attacking her employer who was sexually abusing her. The novel is disturbing, recounting the lives of women under the complete power of the men at the asylum. The exams and experiments are invasive and upsetting to read. The trauma brought into the hospital is only enforced by the treatment endured there. The story has a Gothic horror to it.
Jeanie
Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton
Really well written. Difficult to read at times because of the subject matter, (and close to home, as a retired teacher), but one of those most suspenseful stories I’ve read in a long time. A bit different in that this school shooting takes place in the UK instead of the US. Adding in a heavy snow storm to hamper rescuers, and presenting the story from differing characters, all during a three hour period while the characters are locked down in several different locations built the suspense beautifully. The writing was terrific. Rosamund Lupton obviously did her homework in researching how something like this can happen.
Dona
The Winners by Fredrik Backman
The last book in the trilogy about two towns and their rival hockey teams, those who thrive and survive and those who don’t. Wonderfully written, character driven.
Francisca
The Frederick Sisters Are Living the Dream by Jeannie Zusy
This is a novel of family in which the key events are the kinds of everyday disasters many families must deal with: a hospitalization, a teenager learning to drive, an accident, a holiday dinner that goes awry. The family dynamics in this book are spot on. Ginny may have some intellectual disabilities, but she is a master manipulator. Maggie, albeit the youngest, has taken on the role usually assigned to the oldest sibling, and the supporting cast includes two wonderful home health aides, Philomena and Lika. A lovely debut work.
Dvora
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
Interesting, in a way educational about different customs in this period in China. Well written.
Alice
The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony
It is not a book I would normally read, but my husband read it and liked it so I gave it a chance. It was a wonderful read. I could hardly put it down. I mentioned it at my book club meeting, not even recommending it, and it became our October book.
Cynthia
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
Interesting time-travel journey of a young woman who "sells her soul to the devil", only to discover that, not only does she become immortal, she also becomes "invisible", as no one remembers her once she leaves their sight!
Gerry
The Mythmakers by Keziah Weir
Described as a "debut novel about a young journalist who discovers a short story that’s inexplicably about her life—leading to an entanglement with the author’s widow, daughter, and former best friend," THE MYTHMAKERS was filled with beautiful, if sometimes pretentious, writing, and a complicated plot centered on that young journalist as she tries to get to know Martin Scott Keller, a now-deceased writer she had long idolized. The novel started off strong, and I generally enjoyed the first half, though I did find that when I put it down I was not quickly drawn back into the story. By the midpoint, the plot seemed to have lost focus, and the characters meandered through their days as if they, too, had lost the thread of the story.
Gerry
The Last Ranger by Peter Heller
This was a compelling read, set in and around the great nature preserve that is Yellowstone National Park. Ren Hopper is a park ranger, tasked with maintaining the safety of both human visitors and non-human residents of Yellowstone. His job is made more challenging by the foolish behavior of tourists, by the willful ignoring of rules by poachers, and by personal animosities and rivalries among members of the local community. A good and decent man with his own complicated history, Ren often struggles to balance all these competing needs, especially when his own life and those of other close to him are threatened. Fascinating descriptions of the natural world of Yellowstone, and of the habits and interactions of its non-human residents.
Gerry
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
This was a well-plotted mystery that held my interest and kept the suspense going until the end. A teenage girl goes missing, and ten years later her mother is dating a man with a young daughter who strongly resembles her own missing child. Could the resemblance be imagined, or just coincidental? Or is there some connection to the past that Laurel isn't acknowledging even to herself?
Gerry
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
Kuang's prose in this novel was far different than in BABEL, more simple and straightforward, less descriptive and atmospheric. None of her characters are especially likeable, but their circumstances are realistically portrayed and offer a lot to consider on the whole issue of cultural appropriation and who gets to tell which stories. Toward the end, though I'd been captivated by the story, it was quickly unraveling and I couldn't imagine how the author was going to pull it together to reach some coherent ending. But the ending was completely fitting, and probably the only scenario that could make sense for this story.
MH
I Know What You Did by Cayce Osborne
It seems every book I’ve read recently features a character with Asperger’s or a similar condition. Let’s move on to other ideas! Petta finds herself featured by name in a book claiming she committed a murder. She returns to her hometown to attempt to unravel the mystery of who wrote it.
Gerry
The Spectacular by Fiona Davis
This is my favorite Fiona Davis book so far. Set mostly in 1955, it's the story of a young woman who dreams of being a professional dancer, despite her domineering father's disapproval of her ambitions. Responding to an open audition for the Rockettes, she's selected to join the troupe. At the time, New York City is being terrorized by an individual known as "the Mad Bomber" who has been leaving pipe bombs in prominent locations around Manhattan for some sixteen years without being apprehended by the police. Davis's focus is primarily on her characters and their story, but she weaves into the novel a descriptive history of Radio City Music Hall and its famous Rockettes, as well as a fictionalized account of the Mad Bomber. 4-1/2 stars.
Gerry
Susan, Linda, Nina & Cokie: The Extraordinary Story of the Founding Mothers of NPR by Lisa Napoli
Interesting story of the development of public radio (and eventually, public TV) and of four women who supported each other through the turmoil as they broke sexist barriers to forge careers in journalism. I liked it, but found it less engaging than DINNERS WITH RUTH, which was the earlier read that prompted me to get this one.
Gerry
Drowning by T. J. Newman
The quote from Meg Gardiner on the cover says it best: “Pure adrenaline and all heart.” My heart was in the throat so many times during this terrifying journey from a downed airplane in the Pacific Ocean to safety back on land. Engaging characters kept me hoping for a successful rescue. T.J. Newman knows how to write a thriller!
Gerry
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
Very interesting story of a female physician in late 15th Century China. Most upper class women at that time lived their entire lives inside their homes, first their natal home, then the home of their husband's family. Lady Tan was the granddaughter of a female physician who began teaching her the pillars of Chinese medicine, the Four Examinations–looking, listening, touching, and asking—and her methods of treatment, from the time the child was eight years old. She rose to prominence despite the severe restrictions on her movements and her behavior, and at one time served briefly in the court of the Hongzhi Emperor. Based in fact, the novel tells the story of a woman determined to help others whether society approved or not.
Dianne
Sooley by John Grisham
Heartwarming story of a young African basketball player seeking a better life in the United States.
Susan
Rejkjavik by Ragnar Jonasson and Katrin Jakobsdottir
Entertaining crime novel with a journalist and his sister as the primary protagonists. Takes place over a period of 40 years.
Marilyn
I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell
Fast read. We pretty much have each experienced some type of near death experience through this character’s life journey.
Kelly
Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur
I spent some time on Cape Cod summers during my youth and returned last summer for a few days. This author knows the Cape well and it’s certainly reflected in her writing. I enjoyed the characters, setting, and story. I had read reviews that compared it to ASK AGAIN, YES, which I really enjoyed. I would agree and do recommend this. I also recently got the author’s memoir, WILD GAME, but haven’t read that yet.
Stefanie
The Spare Room by Andrea Bartz
If you're a fan of Colleen Hoover, than you'd probably really like this book, but I unfortunately enjoy neither. The story is convoluted, overly sexual while also trying to be a "thriller", and the main character is thoroughly unlikable. The story was okay enough for me to want to finish, but I would not recommend it. WE WERE NEVER HERE was a better story from Bartz.
Sandra K.
The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths
I always make sure to read all that Elly Griffiths writes. I love the Ruth Galloway novels because of the archeological content.
Linda
Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls
This historical fiction novel is about a feisty young woman who ends up leading (via her "clan") a small moonshining county in Virginia during Prohibition. Walls did her research and lives in a small mountain town and so the events and first person narrative sounded authentic to me. Entertaining, a wild ride.
Sheila
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
It is a suspenseful page-turner. I loved the format, with its many twists and unpredictable outcome.
Sandra K.
Nosy Parker by Lesley Crewe
Lesley Crewe’s books are wonderful reads. Lesley is from Nova Scotia and many of her books are set in that beautiful province. This book, however, is set in Montreal and features a wonderful child named Audrey Parker who fancies herself a bit of a spy.
Sharon
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
Set in Sydney, Australia, the characters in this book seem to me to be enmeshed in one another's lives just like a small town rather than a city. I found the premise rather far-fetched and the characters all so very impulsive (unlike most of the Aussies I personally know), although my range of friendships Down Under is fairly small, I admit!
Sheila
Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen
It is speculative fiction rather than science fiction. Very engaging, believable and suspenseful. Great for book clubs with topics of perception and trust.
Rose
A Field Guide to Backyard Birds of North America by Rob Hume
This is a gorgeous and informative book on birds. I love the pictures, the information, and the journal format which allows you to take notes of when you see the various species. This is a great book for all serious birdwatchers, as well as the casual observer of our feathered friends. I can't wait to explore more and research more about the birds that visit my backyard, and that I see when out and about!
Kimberly
The Cup by Melissa Addey
The book is about a girl who can heal that made a promise that forever changed her life. She received a cup that is a gift and may be a curse.
Rita
In the Time of Our History by Susanne Pari
This is a wonderful book set in modern times and centered around an immigrant family from Iran, living in New Jersey, and struggling to find a balance between traditional expectations for women’s roles and women’s dreams for the future. The father, Yosef, is the owner of a very successful real estate firm and expects the power and respect that Iranian tradition dictates. He has two daughters who appear to be quite opposite. Mitra is an independent woman interested in architecture and construction as her father is; Ana is a traditionally compliant daughter and wife with two children. Mitra insists upon not getting married and takes measures to prevent her being a “marriageable” woman; her father disowns her. A compelling story results.
Maureen
The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester
Enjoyed reading this book. Lots of characters.
Rose
Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber
Sweet book about a woman, Joan, who lost her husband 4 years earlier. Her sons are worried about her, as she has let herself and her home go in the 4 years. When her HOA tells her to clean up her property, it spurs her into action. She contacts a landscaper to help with the yard, saying that they must love flowers. She also takes in a boarder, Maggie, a nursing student and barista, against her son's, Nick's, wishes. However, as her son and the boarder get to know each other, they become more than friends. All of this helps Joan to recover from her grief and to welcome love again. Heartwarming and sweet book.
Susan
Killing Moon by Jo Nesbo
Another great Harry Hole book. Loved the parasite infection. As is the norm for his books, quite dark but very good.
Teresa
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
Outstanding book that jumps across the generations from a suffragette to her granddaughter. As they each to try to find their way, family secrets make this a story of feminism, mystery, and family.
Lisa
The Girls of Summer by Katie Bishop
I won this book in June from Bookreporter.com. It follows Rachel, an 18-year-old traveling during the summer before her last year of school. She winds up in Greece and meets some people there; specifically an older man who works for the man who owns the place. Rachel is insecure and introverted. She decides to stay longer in Greece and starts working at the bar and makes friends with all the other girls. And Alastair (the older guy) sets her up in the same house all the other girls live in. This is a take on the whole Jeffrey Epstein saga. I thought the writing was good but slow in parts. Overall, I thought the author did a good job helping the reader understand how these girls were manipulated into doing the things they did.
Lisa
The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall
This story is about two couples in which the husbands are hired to co-minister at a church in Greenwich Village. As the title suggests it is a story with religious themes in it, but in my opinion the author did not shove religion in your face. She was more focused on the characters' growth and how they changed over the 30 years the book takes place during. There are some quirky characters in the story. It takes place starting in the 1950s through the 1970s. There are a lot of current events of enormous significance that take place during this time frame, but the author focuses more on the characters’ lives and the current events are in the background. Good story with good character development.
Darlene
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
Excellent.
Connie
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
Really enjoyed this book. It is about a gay uncle who is saddled with a niece and nephew who are grieving from the loss of their mother. The Uncle is also grieving from losing his partner. Together they provide humor and some sadness. Worth reading.
Gwen
The Partisan by Patrick Worrall
The beginning of this Cold War thriller sets everything up: it's about chess, moving pieces and playing the (really long) end game. Mostly in 1961, it flashes forward to 2004, back to 1920 and 1940s. It's fun, few people are who or what they see, and loyalty runs deep. Or, maybe it doesn't.
Rose
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Kit McDeere, a caregiver, is haunted by her mother's death, and is accused of killing her by giving her an overdose. Kit denies it, but can't shake the suspicion surrounding her. Now, she is hired to care for the paralyzed Lenora Hope who was accused of killing her family in 1929, after her most recent caregiver, Mary, left. Lenora promises to tell Kit the truth and taps out her story on a typewriter. However, there are some sinister things happening at Hope Mansion and a very twisted story emerges. I had trouble keeping up with all the twists and turns that get revealed in this spooky novel. Well done!
Jean
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
A road trip with a couple of giraffes headed to California escorted by the Old Man and a teenaged Woody Nickel, and followed by a red-haired female photographer, Red. Woody encounters all sorts of people, some nice and others wanting to do harm to the giraffes. An engaging read!
Claire
With Every Memory by Janine Rosche
Despite the compelling premise, this book was only a 2.5 read for me. I generally felt apathetic towards all the characters, which was unfortunate for such a character-focused story framed around heavy emotions -- grief, loss, and the way relationships can crumble or reform. The characters' actions and emotional ups and downs - even those of the point-of-view characters - felt arbitrary, more so the further the story went on. At times I was also surprised by how little weight Austin's death had in the story. Michael seemed to have no raw emotions about it at all, despite being the most directly responsible for Austin's death, and Lori came across the same way at times. I think it was a product of trying to do too much in not enough space.
Ann Marie
A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing
I love Samantha Downing. Her books just get better and better, and she doesn't disappoint with this one.
Kim
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
In this novel, the reader meets Tova who has lost so much. Cameron who believes he is a loser and Marcellus who is determined to fix their hearts. Taking place in Sowell Bay, Washington, a cast of characters makes this a delightfully heartwarming story. It is a great length and gives us all hope.
Rose
The Wolves Come At Night by J. T. Ellison
This is my first Taylor Jackson novel, and while it would have been helpful to read these in order to get the background and relationships of the characters, I was still able to enjoy it. Taylor has recently been assigned to be captain of Metro police, but she doesn't want to be a captain. She gets called in on a case to rescue a young Vanderbilt college student, Carson Conway, who was kidnapped. Meanwhile, Taylor is being recruited to work for a mercenary firm, the firm where her nemesis Angelie, works. Together, they must bring down the kidnappers. Lots of action, a thriller of a novel.
Jane
Hunting the Witness by Kate Angelo
Suspense from start to end. Dr. Belinda Lewis sees the face of a killer. Jonah Phillips, FBI agent, in hiding comes to her rescue. Belinda losses her memory and cannot even remember her name. Jonah thinks she says Belle so this is who she becomes. While at Jonah's cabin it is set fire. They escape. Danger seems to follow them on. Stella, a vet, lets them stay at her clinic. The FBI decides to move Belle to a safe house and stop at her house. More danger and another fire. Jonah learns something from his past he never knew and it connects to killer. This is first book I read by this author. Won't be the last.
Jeanne
My Magnolia Summer by Victoria Benton Frank
MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER by Victoria Benton Frank is everything a perfect summer beach read should be. How fantastic to be back on Sullivan’s Island though this well-written, charming book. The author did a great job in creating and crafting the characters who fit perfectly with the storyline. From beginning to end this is a delightful, heartwarming and nostalgic story about family and second chances. The author did her mother proud with this novel.
Janet
Treachery in Death by J. D. Robb
I like the characters in this series.
Sheree
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
I loved how the author developed the character in a way that made you think, "Well, maybe stealing her friends book is okay." I would recommend the book to all.
Debbie
But Have You Read the Book? by Kristen Lopez
BUT HAVE YOU READ THE BOOK? by Kristen Lopez forces me to either read the book made into a movie or to re-watch the book adaptation of a novel. Kristen Lopez does an excellent job of describing the book and the movie of 52 books adapted to the big screen. So many nuances shown that I had not noticed. Lopez explores different genres and different eras of movies. A very concise and informative book.
Debbie
A Pocket Full of Rye by Agatha Christie
So many red herrings in this delicious tale of murder and mayhem, and of course, Miss Marple. Poison enters this murder mystery many times, instead of violent death. Again, Agatha Christie employs a nursery rhyme into her story to list the order of deaths. The rhyme involving blackbirds baked into a pie follows the murders in this story. What a surprise to find the actual killer at the end of the tome, and not who I expected! A gold mine in Africa hinges on the murders. Could one of the children of Mr. MacKenzie hiding under an alias be the killer? Is the housekeeper, Mary Dove, a possible suspect? So many characters to study and analyze for a motive, but a delightful investigation.
Sean
Crimson Lake Road by Victor Methos
Victor Methos' second book in a series about protagonist Jessica Yardley's quest for justice while dealing with a teenage daughter and an ex-husband on death row for being a notorious serial killer. This volume introduces some new, really likable characters as well as worthy antagonists. Methos shows evil in multiple forms and how depraved humans can be. Jessica is a fantastic character and her conflicted emotions are well on display. I enjoyed her daughter's dealing with her own family drama but at times her being a genius is over the top. I also thought one of the twists was very foreseeable, at least in some fashion. Overall, this novel was a very good thriller with solid legal base with characters that seemed real.
Linda
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
This book grabbed me right away, definitely recommend it. It's our July book club selection and it's going to be a good discussion.
Tessa
The Spies of Shilling Lane by Jennifer Ryan
What a delightful romp! While this is a novel of espionage and daring deeds in a time of war, and the background of the blitz adds a consistent and real danger, there are many lighter moments to lessen the tension. The focus is really on the characters and their personal journey rather than on the war. Ryan writes the formidable Mrs. Braithwaite so the reader has no doubt that she will prevail. She may bumble and misconstrue most clues, but she is resolute and WILL find and rescue her darling daughter.
Susann
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Slow start, but then very engaging. I enjoyed it.
Linda
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
Unexpected twists.
Claire
OKPsyche by Anya Johanna DeNiro
A dream-like and disjointed story that at times left me wondering what parts were real and what was only in the main character's mind. Nevertheless, very emotionally grounded and poignant.
Rose
What Remains by Wendy Walker
Wow, this was an amazing psychological thriller. Det. Elise Sutton is married with two small daughters. Life is good, until she is shopping and hears gunshots. She shoots the gunman who was aiming at another man - the tall man. Now, the dead man haunts her and the tall man is stalking Elise. Elise has taught a class talking about mistakes that killers make that lead to them being caught. It seems that the tall man has studied her lessons and is using that against her. Elise knows that until she kills the tall man, she and her family will not be safe. Chilling.
Robin
Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur
I love a good book revolving around family dynamics - the secrets, the betrayals, the flawed characters - with a beach setting!! Too good to pass up!
Loralee
Go As a River by Shelley Read
This is a beautifully-written novel and a captivating story. I loved the prose and writing style. She is a wonderful storyteller. I look forward to her next novel.
Rose
Her, Too by Bonnie Kistler
Kelly McCann is a very successful attorney. After her most recent case defending an accused rapist, George Benedict, which she won, she is raped herself. Now, she is out for revenge. She wants to get back at George for the rape, but as she tries, people in her circle are dying. Is he onto her, and eliminating anyone that could finger him for his misdeeds? An interesting look at the Me Too movement, the Believe Women charge - and what happens if it is you that is affected? A look at social media, at knowing when to fight back, and knowing when to let go. I enjoyed it.
Edie
The Days of Summer by Nancy Thayer
Easy summer read and holds your attention!
Claire
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer Armentrout
When I picked up this book for my Kindle, my idea of what it would be about was way off. I was thinking more A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES, less zombies and intriguing mythologies. That being said, I was very pleasantly surprised by this book that kept me turning pages to find out more about the world steeped in twisty-turney lore, hidden from both main character and reader. It was definitely a great start to a series.
Liz
Banyan Moon by Thao Thai
Minh, Huang and Ann comprise a multi generational Vietnamese family. Each chapter is told by one of the women and it flows seamlessly throughout the story. The author tells their stories beautifully, sharing their secrets, heartaches, love and forgiveness. Each character grows throughout the story and it is wonderful to be apart of it as it happens. Book clubs will love this book and have great discussions.
Lori
The Lady from Burma by Allison Montclair
I was delighted to have the opportunity to read an advance copy of the latest Sparks & Bainbridge mystery thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. This book is a great addition to the series which I have loved. I was happy to get reacquainted with the characters and continue reading about their adventures. I became engrossed in the atmosphere of post-war London, and I learned a lot about the horrifying treatment of people with mental health issues at that time. The mystery in this book was very clever and complex. I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this book and the entire series (which should be read in the order written), and I can't wait for the next installment.
Stephanie
Hostage Taker by Stefanie Pintoff
Discovered this book in high school, read half, and then couldn't find it again for years. The plot was fantastic. A hostage situation at St. Pete's Cathedral in NYC the day the Rockefeller tree gets lit? Absolutely Fantastic. Pintoff's character development makes you feel like you are right there next to the investigators. The details of the cathedral made you feel like you were right in the center of the crime. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Pintoff would bombard me with another plot twist that would make me put down my iPad to stare at the ceiling. Overall, an amazing use of character development, details, setting, and plot twists.
Sally
Zero Days by Ruth Ware
Couldn’t put it down. Great thriller!
Suzanne
You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti
On her way to visit her mother, FBI agent Laurel Snow receives a call that women have been found in snow on the mountain in her old hometown. So besides seeing her mother she has to find a killer.
Beth
Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner
Another winner from Susan Meisnner. I kept wanting to turn the page to learn more. What was going on with Rosie and her current plight? What was the nasty Celine up to now? How would the worlds of the survivors collide and mesh? Who would be claimed as a war victim and who would survive? Was Belle honorable? Then there is the tragic true back drop of eugenics... 7.5MM for "reparation" payments to eugenics victims. Really? How can something like stealing the right to have children from you EVER be repaired? Yes, what happened in Germany with Hitler, the Jews and with others that Hitler felt unworthy to participate in life, was tragic, but to know something similarly ugly occurred in MY country is so very ugly.
RITA
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
Leonora Shaw went by several nicknames throughout her life but as an adult she preferred Nora. Nora loses touch with her friends when she moves away. Years pass by and out of the blue Nora is invited to her old friend Clare's hen party. Nora doesn't know why she's being invited since she hasn't been invited to the wedding. Nora doesn't even know who Clare is marrying. Even though Nora doesn't want to go Nina convinces her to go to the hen party together. This book jumps back and forth but it's not hard to follow, and you don't want to put it down.
Agnes
The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li
This novel is about the friendship between two thirteen-year-old girls in postwar rural France. One girl dictates stories to the other and has them published under the other girl’s name. They think she’s a child prodigy, and her life takes off in a new direction. Now twenty-seven and living in America, she learns that her friend has died. The story unfolds in retrospect with her memories of childhood and her brush with undeserved fame. This is a lovely story of enduring friendship and imagination rooted in adolescence, and it is so beautifully written.
Francisca
Eden Close by Anita Shreve
When his mother dies, Andrew, an advertising exec in New York City, returns to the family’s upstate New York farm for the funeral. Intending to stay only a few days, he gets caught up in memories of his childhood, of the girl next door, and of the tragic event that changed all their lives. There is some mystery to unravel here regarding that long-ago summer night. Andrew has always been a person who doesn’t really see things, even when they are right in front of him, and he will have to open his eyes to the truth before he can move forward.
Rose
The Island by Adrian McKinty
Tom, along with his new young wife, Heather, and his two children, Olivia and Owen, go to Australia. Tom is due to deliver a keynote speech at an orthopedic conference, but prior to this, the children want to see some Australian wildlife. They discover Dutch Island, a remote place where they are warned not to go. But, they get on the ferry and attempt to find some wildlife. Yet, while they are there, a tragedy happens, The family living on the island capture Tom and his family and plan to extort them. However, something goes awry, and the family is in increased danger. What follows is a harrowing tale of survival, trust, instinct, and sheer determination. It was exciting at times, but I did have to suspend disbelief often. Good thriller.
Rose
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand
If you like Elin Hilderbrand, then you will enjoy this book. After Hollis fights with her husband one morning, he has a car crash and dies. She is bereft, and posts on her popular blog that she is taking some time off to grieve. Prior to this, she met a woman on the blog, Gigi, who Hollis considered a friend. After 6 months or so, Hollis reads about a five-star weekend, where you invite people from each phase of your life to vacation with you. So, Hollis reaches out to her childhood best friend, her college best friend, her adult best friend, and Gigi, her newest friend. They join her and over the few days they are together, they reveal things about themselves and their friendships, their loves and their losses. Typical Hilderbrand.
Rose
Zingerman's Bakehouse Celebrate Every Day: A Year's Worth of Favorite Recipes for Festive Occasions, Big and Small by Amy Emberling, Lindsay-Jean Hard, et al.
When my son attended the University of Michigan for graduate school in Ann Arbor, we enjoyed visiting Zingerman’s for sandwiches and treats. I cannot tell you how excited I was to get my hands on this cookbook!! I love all the pictures and the details recipes. It is a beautiful book and I am excited to try my hand at the banana bread and Key Lime Pie recipes. I will return to this book again and again.
Claire
Cells: Memories For My Mother by Gavin McCrea
I found this book difficult to get into at first but eventually was able to settle into and appreciate the author's introspection. McCrea plumbs a lot of uncomfortable and off-putting, but deeply honest emotions regarding his relationships with his family and his partners. At times, I found his feelings and relationships deeply relatable and at other times entirely foreign, but they always felt raw and immediate while also being fully examined in the light. His reflections, later in the book, on the nature of homophobia as well as his confrontation with his mother and the realization that it has not and cannot bring him catharsis were particularly well-written and meaningful to me.
Elizabeth
Prom Mom by Laura Lippman
Prom night didn't turn out the way Amber would have wanted it to turn out. PROM MOM is a slow build up with mostly unlikable characters, especially Joe, and a plot that makes you wonder where this storyline is going.
Rose
Varina Palladino's Jersey Italian Love Story by Terry-Lynne DeFino
While I am half Italian, I am not Jersey Italian, so some of this was foreign to me. I did laugh at some of the descriptions of the terms, and the infighting and meddling in each other's lives. Part of the story was very sweet and loving, and other parts were a bit over the top. This is basically a story of a messy Italian family, multiple generations of men and women - butting into each other's lives, usually with a whole lot of love. There are some issues - pregnancy, depression, aging, and more, but overall not too taxing. For anyone with a large family, this is a love story to you!
Tessa
Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas
This is the first in the “Wallflowers” series featuring four young women of marriageable age who are at risk of becoming spinsters if they don’t find a suitable mate. In this first outing, the girls decide to pool their resources to ensure that Annabelle (who is the oldest and most in need of a husband) snags her man. This is a typical regency romance with plenty of heaving bosoms, devastatingly handsome men, one or two scoundrels, and a clash between the classes. The plot may be predictable, but it’s still great fun to read. A lovely escape!
Sandra
The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
This was a cute, light read that is perfect for vacation. It was mildly predictable but just what I needed for a feel-good beach read.
Stefanie
Zero Days by Ruth Ware
A somewhat generic but suspenseful thriller from Ruth Ware. It is a nice divergence from her typical story theme --- interesting, nail-biting and with a twist that was surprising.
Kimberly
The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon
This book was incredible. Everything worked for me: the pacing, the suspense, the storyline. I will be adding Clémence Michallon to my auto-buy authors. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
