August 25, 2023 - September 8, 2023

 

This contest period's winners were Jayne B., Michelle B. and Sharron C., who each received a copy of HOLLY by Stephen King and THE RIVER WE REMEMBER by William Kent Krueger.

 

Katrina
Saving Noah by Lucina Berry

A dark heartbreaking read. Loved it and made me cry at the end.

Rose
Shell Beach by Davis Bunn

Both Noah Hearst and Jenna Greaves are mourning: Noah - the loss of his company and the end of his marriage, Jenna is mourning her sister and the patient she recently lost, Dino Vicenza. Dino promised her his boat, but someone trashed it and sunk it before it was insured. Noah buys the boat at a police auction and is determined to restore it. His brother, Amos, the local sheriff and some other police help Noah. Jenna and Noah meet and feel a connection. She is drawn to his quiet, gentle ways, and Noah likes Jenna's calmness. Dino's family, however, believes Jenna stole from them. When Dino's past comes to light, Jenna remembers something that helps her and Noah make some decisions. A nice, clean story with a bit of mystery and intrigue.

Debbie
Poster Girls by Meredith Ritchie

Very much enjoyed returning to Charlotte, NC, in the 1940s. The scenes provided reminders of the atmosphere in the North Carolina “Southern” climate. Very little has changed. This story follows Maggie Sloane as she struggles with life during WWII as she works while her husband fights in the Pacific. The conflict between the male and female workers still raises its ugly head today. As usual, a woman becomes the one to shoulder the blame for any problem, even though a man’s carelessness caused the fire. The recipe suggestions from Kora highlighted how to make fried chicken and sweet potato pie the “Southern” way. The story ends dramatically, and this reader feels a second book could be forthcoming.

Debbie
The Appeal by Janice Hallett

Janice Hallett writes a novel in the epistolary style of Samuel Richardson, who wrote PAMELA. Richardson’s British novel contains letters, whereas, Janice Hallett’s story involves emails. Too many pages of emails! The redeeming feature becomes Femi and Charlotte, who function as a Greek chorus, explaining what has happened. Femi and Charlotte also provide a stirring commentary on what has transpired. The big questions - who is murdered and who does the murder. So many red herrings in the emails. Fraud, jealousy, and revenge enter this lengthy play within a play. The email motif presents itself well in the beginning, but falls into tiresome towards the end of the book. A unique style that works well with the story.

Rose
You Can Die by Rebecca Zanetti

Laurel is shocked when her assistant's daughter reports finding a dead body. He was a philanderer, and was found stabbed to death in a purple tent with Valentine candy hearts around him. As Laurel investigates, more men are found in the same manner, and always near a church. Laurel's sociopath sister, Abigail, is still tormenting Laurel, and Laurel continues to try to find a way to put Abigail away. Laurel's relationship with Huck Rivers is progressing to the next level. As Laurel investigates, she and her team are all in danger. The killer isn't revealed until very late in the novel. Looking forward to the next Laurel Snow book!

Julie
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman

I enjoyed the book very much, but I didn't feel the same attachment to her characters that I usually do with her novels.

Claudia
My Murder by Katie Williams

Interesting story about a murder and human cloning. Had a surprising ending.

Joan
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

I really liked a couple of the characters, but felt the book was too long.

Ann Marie
Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney

I love Alice Feeney. I've read several of her books and they are all thrilling.

Peg
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

She really captures the thoughts of a teenage boy authentically.

Jane
Crime Scene Conspiracy by Jessica R. Patch

You need this book. It will encourage you as you walk through troubles. We don't always see God working in our lives behind the scenes. But He is there. Texas Ranger Emily has trust issues and trusts no one. An event in her life made it hard. Emily and Stone are constantly in danger. But they pull through. Their families are also out in danger. Stone also has past issues he has to deal with. Read and let God encourage you. He will regardless of the troubles you face. Be sure to read the Dear Reader page at end. God bless.

Kim
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin

Enjoyed reading this one - lots of different perspectives on a tragic event. Looking forward to discussing this with my book club.

Kim
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

Loved the characters (grandmother, mother, daughter) and their true-to-life relationships, and the story was a cracking good mystery.

Elizabeth
Zero Days by Ruth Ware

My first Ruth Ware book, but not my last.

Courtney
The Doll Maker by Richard Montanari

Suspenseful and riveting. This book had me on my toes most of the time, trying to figure our who The Doll Maker was and what exactly their motives and backstory were. I enjoyed the writing style, character development and unique premise.

Pat
700 Sundays by Billy Crystal

Wonderful recounting of Billy growing up and his remembrances of his dad with whom he spent 700 Sundays as that was his dad's day off from work. Funny and sentimental!

Francine
Lipstick Jungle by Candace Bushnell

This is an older book (early 2000s) that I picked up in a used bookstore. I vaguely remember a TV series or mini-series based on this book. Although it is dated, it was enjoyable and a very fast read. I found it to be reminiscent of Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz.

Sharron
Spare by Prrince Harry

Didn't want to like this book but was curious about HIS side of the story. He definitely has a chip on his shoulder and is resentful of his brother, the heir. He never got over his mother's death and should have had counseling. His life as a royal, albeit a secondary one, was controlled and dictated by the palace and his father. As he grew older, William's awareness of his position caused even more resentment. Hounded by paparazzi made his life, along with the controlling palace,made his life miserable. He worked hard at his army career but limited by his position. Only the last section was about Meghan, portrayed as a victim as well. She wanted to be a princess and didn't realize what that meant.

Marcia
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I loved Evelyn! She was a very interesting character with quite a life story. I'm not sure I always liked her, but I liked her story. Then there is Monique! This is a major opportunity in her career to write Evelyn's story. But why her? Read the book and find out!

Shannon
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This story will stay with me for a long time. I wasn’t sure about reading a book that was partly narrated by an octopus, but what a remarkable book REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES turned out to be. The characters were lovable, interesting, and a little messed up. The plot held my interest throughout the novel, with many twists along the way. It was a book that I hope one day will be made into a motion picture. I can’t wait to read more of what Shelby Van Pelt writes in the future.

Judie
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

I am in love with this book that intertwines the most beautiful part of my state of Michigan with the play "Our Town" that I have loved since first reading it in high school. The story takes one on a journey of past and present, family relationships and examining the "what ifs" in life.

Michelle
Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck

This unexpected and emotional debut about a man transitioning into a great white shark took me by surprise. The lyrical, character driven writing is impressive! I’m not at all surprised it has taken the book world by storm this summer.

Mickey
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

Loved this book. It’s sweet and whimsical.

Cindy
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

An extraordinary tale of relationships among various immigrants groups and the early White settlers of a small Pennsylvania town.

Cheryl
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

I always look forward to Lisa See’s latest book and she doesn’t disappoint with LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN. Many of the side issues she raises in the book can be viewed as a commentary for today. I also always learn a great deal about Chinese history and culture.

Paula
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley

Funny, sad, insightful, love, friendship. This book has it all! The characters intertwine together so well. This is my first time reading a Steven Rowley book. Onto the next! His insight is refreshing.

Laurie
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

Lots of great characters that kept me wanting to learn more about them.

Sheree
Laughing Matters by Larry Gelbart

One of our customers brought this book in to work for me to read. I thought it might be humorous as that is what Larry Gilbert is known for, but it isn't. It isn't even much of a autobiography. A waste of my time to read!

Melinda
Parachute Women: Marianne Faithful, Marsha Hunt, Bianca Jagger, Anita Pallenberg by Elizabeth Winder

I really enjoy reading about things in the rock & roll world, and this book was very interesting from the point of view of the women behind some of the "legends".

Debra
A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay

I became fully immersed in this intriguing, historical novel. As the characters of Anya and Ingrid were brought to life, I was drawn into their world…behind the iron curtain. Ingrid was gifted with intelligence and amazingly keen insight. Her skills of observation were second to none. I read her storyline with awe. I found the details and intricacies of espionage to be fascinating! In the quest to bring secrets into the light, one had to be able to melt into the shadows. I loved this book! So very well done and so very much enjoyed!

WENDY
Horse by Geraldine Brooks

This is a fictionalized story about the record-breaking thoroughbred horse, Lexington, in the 1850s. The story, however, begins with Jess, a scientist from Australia, and Theo, a Nigerian art history student in 2019. I found the beginning of the story a tad boring with these two stories and the story about Jarrett, a slave in Kentucky in 1850, quite engaging as well as difficult to listen to. I found the descriptions of 'owning people' and the cruelty to animals very disturbing. I'm thankful that we do not enslave human beings any longer, but racism is still very much an issue. I'm not so sure the current treatment of race horses is any better than it was back then, as money is still what's important and not the well-being of the horses.

WENDY
Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena

I totally got wrapped up in this story of 9-year-old Avery Wooler and her family. This upscale town of Stanhope suddenly doesn't feel so safe when Avery goes missing. As the chapters move forward, the secrets and lies of the people on this street are revealed in such a way that you will not want to put this book down. Everyone in this story is indeed lying, and uncovering these lies is such reading pleasure. I have enjoyed Shari Lapena's books in the past and this is my favorite so far. The audiobook narration was also very well done.

WENDY
All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers

This is a terrific debut novel by Ashley Flowers. The story is about a 6-year-old girl who is murdered, the cover up, and the discovery of what really happened. It got me thinking about JonBenet Ramsey because this 6-year-old, January, was also a recital dancer at this young age. Twenty years later, Margot, who was January’s best friend and neighbor, is now a journalist and propelled home after a similar disappearance and murder of another little girl. She goes back to her small hometown in Indiana to stay with her uncle Luke, who is suffering from dementia. I really enjoy stories narrated by Karissa Vacker, who reads the part of Krissy, January’s mother. Fans of Ruth Ware, Shari Lapena, & Megan Goldin will also enjoy Ashley Flowers books.

LisaMarie
The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson

Love his books so much. Read THE KIND WORTH KILLING first as this mentions characters from the book THE KIND WORTH SAVING. Highly recommend.

Jeffrey
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

A monumental achievement, a huge book, but not quite the level of CUTTING FOR STONE, which had a more compelling narrative drive. The scope of Verghese's knowledge is awesome, and I would have given it five stars except for his very occasional lapses into sentimentality. However, the medical details are riveting, and there are some scene you're not likely to forget for a long time, so recommended if you're looking for a really big read.

Judie
The World Played Chess by Robert Dugoni

Read this after reading THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SAM HELL. Worlds apart in storylines, yet both told with grace, empathy, and raw emotion.

Denise
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

This book, about a podcast, is very timely. It seems like everyone is listening to true crime podcasts lately. Lisa Jewel has a way of consistently building suspense right up until the novel's stunning conclusion. I haven’t read a book of hers that I disliked.

Susan
The Other End of the Line by Andrea Camilleri

Always an enjoyable read, this Montalbano detective mystery is particularly intriguing. The way the character actually ages in the series adds another dimension to the story and enhances the portrait of the Sicilian policeman. The incorporation of current day immigration from Africa into the story opens your eyes to what Europeans and Sicilians are dealing with. Camilleri's empathy for the plight of the immigrants and his portrayal of Sicily's sympathetic response is heart-warming. Really brings the tragedy of this situation center stage and real.

Margaret
Exiles by Jane Harper

Jane Harper makes me feel like I am in Australia with every book. The locations and plot are so well described. I can't believe she starts with the ending and works backward. She is my new favorite author in addition to William Kent Krueger and Sarah Addison Allen.

Rebecca
The American Way of Death Revisited by Jessica Mitford

Not a book to be recommended to morticians as it reveals the many ways they have studiously learned to present options on burial. Death services are usually not pre-planned, and decisions are made during times of bereavement with little time to study options. This book is a presentation of the many years of investigation that Mitford had devoted for the awareness of the the burial process. I highly recommend this book.

Bridget
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

Eric Weiner wrote this book to make us happier, and he succeeded. A self-described “mope”, he embarks on a journey to find some of the world’s happiest places, and perhaps more importantly, to find out why they are so happy. A longtime foreign correspondent for National Public Radio, he has seen and reported his share of adversities and misfortunes. But now he wants to explore the flip side of all this misery. Eric Weiner has revealed to us that happiness can be measured in many different ways in several different countries by religion, culture, and even politics. And we’re all in search of happiness, yet we tend to forget that it sometimes comes with a price, perhaps not always monetarily, yet an expense nonetheless.

Sheila
The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty

I enjoyed this book with interesting views on grieving, ethics, couple responsibilities, etc. More depth of insight than I expected. And with great characters to love and hate!

Myrna
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. Very emotional look at a family of four sisters, their parents, and a young man throughout several decades. Love, betrayal, abandonment, and mental health are all themes. Not all characters' actions are easy to support, but neither can we condemn them outright. Keep your tissues handy.

Sharon
The Beach at Summerly by Beatriz Williams

When Olivia Ransford, part of the wealthy Peabody family, moves into Summerly, there is a shift in the well-worn ways of Winthrop Island. Emilia Winthrop is drawn into Olivia's friendship - a friendship that will be sorely tested in the future as an FBI agent attempts to pull Emilia into the effort to capture a Soviet spy.

Susan
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

Family saga about growing up with privileges.

Linda
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

A heartwarming story that has both sad and funny moments. I'm more fascinated than ever about sea creatures including the Marcellus, the fictional wily octopus.

Deb
Mrs. Porter Calling by A. J. Pierce

4.5 fabulously fun stars, rounded up. Set in 1944 England, MRS. PORTER CALLING is both entertaining and educational, “We’re here to help people as well as entertain them.” A. J. Pierce makes the Homefront come alive with hope, tragedy and working together. I delighted in the Britishness of the book and how it humorously puts wartime issues in perspective. The book has lots of predictable enthusiasm, (“Everyone agreed. It was time to crack on.”), but A.J. ‘s writing has really grown, exploring the element of grief with sad and tender moments. No spoiler details! I appreciate balancing the fun parts with war-time seriousness. The pacing and continued character development are superb.

Deb
Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson

4 lush coming-of-age stars. SMALL WORLDS is a lyrical book about a musical Ghanian family living in Great Britain. As a musician, I loved the rhythmic language of the book. It’s a book about a young man finding his way. Our main protagonist, Stephen seems a bit too ‘go along with it’ sometimes, instead of forging his own way, but he is a kind, thoughtful man. Like most people launching into adulthood, he struggles over finding his place in the big world and his own smaller one. I’d recommend SMALL WORLDS to anyone pondering their place in the world, those who enjoy family stories or immigration stories, musicians and those who cherish words and rhythm. It just might transport you to a time when your world was small.

Deb
Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly

TELL ME EVERYTHING by Minka Kelly is one I’d recommend because of her honest transparency and resiliency. Actress Minka Kelly grew up with a single mom who was a stripper. Dysfunctional with a capital D – abusive boyfriends, drugs, a lot of alcohol, homelessness. Minka learned survival skills at a young age. Minka’s writing is strong, using vivid verbs. “Even as I try to craft a healthy and safe container in which love and tenderness might bloom, that old wrecking ball of learned behaviors keeps crashing into whatever I try to build, raising dust that clings to my hair and hurts my eyes, splintering my effort to smithereens.” Kudos to Minka Kelly for laying out hard things with honesty.

Lonnie
500 Miles from You by Jenny Colgan

Loved everything -- characters, setting and plot. Enjoyable romance.

Laura
The Whispers by Ashley Audrain

This is the story of four women (and spouses and children) from what is becoming a gentrified neighborhood. There is a tragic accident with one of the children and slowly the story of how the lives intersect is revealed. It is fast-paced and exciting and no, I did not see that last sentence coming.

Mary
A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton

1998 Edgar Winner. Mystery set in UP Michigan area, fast-paced. Alex McKnight is a former Detroit cop, new PI in Paradise, MI, with a few ghosts from his past he has to deal with. Loved the descriptions of the Lake Superior area. Enjoyed the characters. Heard William Kent Krueger mention this book in an interview.

Sandra
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

The individual stories in each chapter were very good, but overall felt the novel skipped around too much and it was difficult to remember who all the characters were, of which there were too many in this very long book. I found myself continually looking at how many pages were left, which is a pretty good indication the book is too lengthy. Four stars because I enjoyed the individual chapters.

MARILYN
The Maid by Nita Prose

Molly Maid struggles with social skills and is know to misread the intentions of others, or does she? By the time I had finished the book, I wondered just how much of her behavior was real. Maybe she knew all along what was real and/or perceived by the reader. The book is an interesting murder mystery.

Katheen
Hidden Pieces by Mary Keliikoa

The story begins with Sheriff Jax Turner, contemplating ending it all when he gets a call that will change life drastically. A young girl has gone missing and it is up to Jax to find her and bring her home to her mother. This particular case mimics one from 25 years ago that Jax was unable to solve. There are a lot of suspects that Jax and his department need to wade through. Some perfectly innocent and others are more questionable. As the story goes along and Jax is running out of time to find Allison alive. Drugs and illegal trafficking come into play, which thoroughly baffles Jax and his team.

Rose
Mastering the Art of French Murder (An American In Paris, #1) by Colleen Cambridge

This is a great start to a new series! Tabitha is happily living in Paris with her grandfather and "uncle". She has also made friends with Julia Child, and Julia includes Tabitha while she cooks meals. Tabs's gentlemen love that, as Tabs is not a great cook. After a party at Julia's, theater friends invited by Julia's sister, Dort, a dead body is found. Tabs makes it her mission to investigate, although the inspector repeatedly warns against it. Everyone at the theater is a suspect. Due to the coat check girl's death, Tabs fills in. Handsome doctor, Mark, helps her some nights. But there are additional murders, and even Tabs is in danger. This is a new mystery series with enough clues to help you decipher the mystery. I liked the humor.

Darlene
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

Excellent.

Susan
Horse by Geraldine Brooks

I really enjoyed this true story combining horse racing, love, art and racism all in the same book. It's rare that a Nigerian/American art historian and a Smithsonian scientist from Australia find themselves having an interest in a horse for different reasons.

Richard N B
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

George Takei, best known as Lt. Hikaru Sulu, science officer aboard the Spaceship Enterprise, recalls his childhood growing up in an internment camp after the U.S. government required that even US-born persons of Japanese ancestry be treated as “enemy” during World War II. I found the graphic novel format really engaging and accessible. Becker’s illustrations were excellent; not too dark so it was still easy to read the text. The facial expressions she gave the characters really helped to convey the emotions they were feeling.

Debbie
The Silence by Susan Allott

This story set in Australia spans 30 years with events that happened in 1967 and a return to the place in 1997. Isla Green returns to Australia for her father and also due to her life falling apart. Isla struggles with alcoholism, just like her father. Isla’s mother, Louise, works to escape from the hum drum life of a housewife. A neighbor, Mandy, babysits Mandy while Louise works. In 1967, a pregnant Louise returns to England with Isla. Joe Green, Isla’s father begins an affair with Mandy. Mandy and her husband Steve quarrel over babies and Steve’s police job of taking aborigine children from unsuitable homes. The story follows the demise of spousal relationships and the bond between parent and child.

Donna
The Last Orphan by Gregg Hurwitz

I just love the ORPHAN X books. Evan Smoak is such an interesting character and so different from most thrillers. He's trying to escape his past life as an assassin trained by the government. He doesn't know what a normal life would be and wants to find out, but he keeps getting put into circumstances that call on his training. Great character development and it's been interesting to see how his character grows and changes through all these books. My husband likes all the action in the book but I just like Evan Smoak.

Anne
The White Hare by Jane Johnson

Captivating and intriguing historical which was memorable and extraordinary. Wonderful character portrayal and vivid descriptions of the locale.

Sandy
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena

Shari Lapena is now one of my favorite authors. I read this book in two days and enjoyed every bit of it! Great murder mystery. So many people to choose from for the killer. I have another book by her and I am starting it tomorrow.

Jill
Murder with Macaroni and Cheese by A. L. Herbert

This is an entertaining African American-oriented mystery set in Prince George's County, Maryland, a real place just outside of Washington DC. Mahalia Watkins owns a tea shop and restaurant, and as a result, is hired to cater her high school reunion. The day after the reunion, one of its organizers, a much-hated Queen Bee, is murdered and there is no shortage of suspects. This book featured a mouthwatering mac and cheese recipe (and others) served with a dollop of crime as Mahalia and her niece, Wayvonne, investigate. An entertaining read.

Patty
The Christmas Quilt by Thomas J. Davis

Beautiful story of a family who get together every year at Christmas in the old home they grew up in.

Jayne
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

This book was a page-turner from the minute I started reading. It was fascinating reading about the Paris Library and how it functioned during WWII. The characters were well drawn and memorable. I felt like I visited Paris!

Ann Marie
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

What a great story. So unique! Loved the characters as well as the story!

Jeanne
The Block Party by Jamie Day

THE BLOCK PARTY by Jamie Day is entertaining and the positive aspect is it is fast-paced and has exceptional character development. While I mostly found the characters to be flawed in various ways, Lettie was the exception. Although she seemed to view the works as a dystopian place to be, I did appreciate her dry humor throughout the book. First and foremost, on the negative side, I found the purported heroines of the storyline to have serious issues themselves. The story’s antagonists are men who range from bullies to murderers to alleged sex offenders. These characters definitely are not good guys. However, the female leads have serious issues themselves. Alex is an alcoholic who is drunk throughput most of the book.

Liz
Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

When Vivian Howe, a bestselling author, is out jogging one morning, she is killed by a hit and run driver. She goes to the Beyond and is assigned Martha, her intermediary to help her transition over to the other side. Vivi is allowed to look down on her family and friends and is given three “nudges” to help them along. I am not usually a fan of this type of story, but it was so well written I could not put it down. It was sad, humorous, uplifting and loving all in one.

Rose
Graceland by Nancy Crochiere

Olivia wants her daughter to take her to Memphis to see Graceland one more time before she dies. Olivia was a soap opera star in her prime, and had met Elvis, having her picture taken with him. Her first daughter, Beth, died at just 4 years old. Now, her other daughter, Hope, doesn't want to tell her mom why she absolutely cannot go to Memphis. Dylan, Hope's daughter, agrees to take her grandmother. So begins a chase by Hope and her friend George/Jordan to get to Memphis before Olivia and Dylan, so they don't blow up Hope's life and expose her secret! A family story of love, loss, and chasing dreams. A mad race and some sweet moments!

Sandra K.
Play the Red Queen by Juris Jurjevics

Loved the setting and the factual background: Saigon, 1963, during the war, the intrigue, the tidal river, the stench and the filth, the crowded city, the plots and counterplots, the many characters, from soldiers and Marines to Henry Cabot Lodge and his wife.

Marcy
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason

Funny and devastating at the same time.

Claire
The Visibility of Things Long Submerged by George Looney

There were some solid hits and some real misses for me in this collection. At times the intersection of faith, sin, and sexuality was explored in interesting ways, and the mysticism of the faith healers worked well with the Southern Gothic tone. After other stories, I was left wondering what the point was. It’s all full of taboo sex (rape, necrophilia, incest, cheating, etc.) and violence and constantly went back and forth over the line between having it suit and contribute to the story and feeling voyeuristic or like an attempt to be edgy without substance. With the stories being interconnected, I gave some the benefit of the doubt that they might take on meaning later, but by the end, some of them still felt like filler.

Janet
Ambush by James Patterson and James O. Born

Another great one for the Michael Bennett series.

Rose
Wanderlust by Elle Everhart

Would you go on an all-expenses-paid trip around the world with a random contact from your phone? This is what happens to Dylan, an aspiring writer, when she wins a radio contest. Her random match is Jack, a man she met in a club months earlier, but then didn't contact. As they travel the world, they start with a frosty relationship, but slowly learn to trust each other. They bond over their difficulties with their parents, their jobs, and the paths they wish they could take. As they travel together and share experiences, they start to fall for each other. A sweet romance with a quite steamy love scene!

Leslie
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

LOVED this book and I will share the advice a friend gave me - DO NOT read anything about this book before you read it...go into it blind. It was amazing!

Joanne
The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore

A very good novel about Hansen’s Disease and the Louisiana hospital Carville that housed those with the disease and their efforts to find a cure. A good read and I learned a whole lot about a subject most don’t talk about.

Rose
Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena

Super quick read! William is having an affair with his neighbor, Nora. She breaks it off because she can't break up her family. He is despondent and heads home. He finds his 9-year old daughter Avery at home, unexpectedly. She sasses him and he hits her. When Avery goes missing, William can't tell the police he saw her at home as he doesn't want to be a suspect. He also fears that the affair will be made public. Meanwhile, a witness comes forward claiming that Nora's son drove off with Avery. But, as the title mentions, everyone is lying. Everyone has a motive and they are all lying to keep their secrets. I think this is one of Lapena's better novels.

Sonnie
Widowmaker by Paul Doiron

The 7th in a series by a native of Maine and graduate of Yale University. The reader is educated in geography, wildlife habits and habitation, history of firearms as used by law enforcement, forensics, and more while envisioning beautiful landscapes in four seasons. The law enforcement officers of the State Police and the Game Warden Service are portrayed as dedicated men and women who solve mysteries and murders using modern methods and mountain-man wisdom.

Kimberly
The Connellys of County Down by Tracy Lange

Another heartfelt novel from Tracey Lange. With this second novel, Ms. Lange has proven that she excels in telling a captivating, original story centering around family and all its foibles and imperfections. This is a wonderful story about family loyalty, redemption, and new beginnings. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction.

Brenda Diane
Code of Courage by Janice Cantore

This author was new for me, I have not read any of her prior work. This book had a good flow to the story. I enjoyed all of the characters and how they believed or came to believe in God. I was also happy that the main female character adopted the dog that assisted her from getting away from the thugs. I plan to try and get a copy of this book for the library.

Darlene
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

A murder happens and there is a travel back in time to prevent it - kept me interested to see what happens next (or before). Surprises along the way.

Pat
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

A wonderful story of love, commitment and honor. I learned much about the trials experienced by Japanese Americans during WWII in the U.S. Henry, a Chinese American, narrates with humor and sensitivity his passage from preteen to adult. Although, this is not a new book, it addresses situations still occurring today. A beautiful book that provoked a lively discussion.

Rose
The Little Village of Book Lovers by Nina George

This book was born from the story in THE LITTLE PARIS BOOKSHOP. I liked this book much more than that one. A young child, Marie-Jeanne, is left orphaned and Love watches over her. Foster parents take her in, and as she ages she sees a glow around people, noting that they are in love, although they aren't aware. So, she devises a plan to bring them together. This is a beautifully-written story about love.

Claire
The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker

This is the first I've read of this author, so I didn't know what to expect. The world was well thought out in the way it alters history to make sense with the fantasy elements. The characters are also likable; I want to know more about their stories.

Kimberley
Mecca by Susan Straight

This story embraces the reader. Taking place in Southern California, it follows a community of undocumented as well as citizens. It’s heartbreaking and eye-opening. The author repeats the same story following different characters and crisscrossing their journey. From the CHP to the cleaning lady, a cast of characters reveal life during the pandemic while enduring the watchful eyes of ICE. It is a must-read.

Rose
The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy

This is my first Elle Kennedy book, and my intro to the Avalon Bay series, although it is Book 3. I was looking for an easy summer read, and this book was perfect. Cassie Soul is spending the summer with her grandmother and she meets gorgeous Tate Bartlett. Cassie is on the hunt for a summer fling, and although Tate is attracted to her, he says no to a fling, because he thinks she is special. As the summer passes, their attraction grows and there are some very sexy scenes. But, something threatens to destroy their newfound love, and it is a bombshell. Cassie and Tate are full of fun and flirting, but also a deeper connection. Very enjoyable!

Jennifer
Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende

At first I was actually thinking of putting this back on my shelf, but after the first 100 pages or so it really got going. It's a page-turner, though not in the same way a thriller is.

Jennifer
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James

A creepy mystery that you can easily read in one sitting. This is the second book by this author that I've read, and they've both been great.

Lisa
The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Fun, frustrating, uncomfortable, uplifting, readers experience many emotions reading THE FIRST LADIES by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. This historical fiction novel explores the friendship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Civil Rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune at a time when their friendship defied hateful societal conventions. Despite the many taboos they faced, these friends continued to work together to change attitudes and laws concerning race in America and around the world. Readers feel all the discomfort and outrage as well as the beauty of love and the glory of victory. Poignant, educational, and inspirational, THE FIRST LADIES belongs on every library shelf.

Beth
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

This is, in a word, fabulous. How can I adequately review THE COVENANT OF WATER to convey just how fabulous it is? This book is lovely from beginning to end. It's a big one, but you'll wish Abraham Verghese had made it longer. THE COVENANT OF WATER is mostly about a certain family in India, from the time a 12-year-old girl is made to marry a man in his 40s. He turns out to be a good and kind man, but he has a physical "condition" that runs in his family. This condition is real, by the way, and has a real name, but it is a mystery throughout this story. THE COVENANT OF WATER also has another main character, a man from Scotland who comes to India to practice medicine.

Debbie
Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie

I love Agatha Christie’s use of nursery rhymes. Of course, not every rhyme relates to the story, as this rhyme shows that the rhyme is just a rhyme. Also, Christie loves to conclude a book on a happy occurrence such as future wedding bells for one of the couples. Christie displays a tale set with students living in a hostel and the stealing of trinkets that pulls Hercule Poirot into the investigation. Before Poirot jumps into the foray, murder happens. Poirot’s secretary, Miss Lemon, has a sister, Mrs. Hubbard, working at the hostel. Not only murder and stealing, but a secret group of jewelry and drug thieves. The students at the hostel include a wide range of nationalities, who could be the killer and why?

Debbie
An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed by Helene Tursten

I very seldom read a book twice, but Helene Tursten provides a humorous and amusing story with Maud. Maud, an eighty-eight year old self-appointed judge of despicable individuals, swiftly carries out justice. Tursten employs short stories to display Maud’s punishment. Many of the stories seem cruel and show Maud in an unpleasant way, but the last story redeems Maud. Maud has worked hard throughout her life taking care of an elder, frail sister and her helpless mother. Now, Maud has enough money to take a return trip to Cape Town and to meet with friends. The adventure displays Maud’s many skills and strength. A lovely story that enhances laughter and concern.

Francisca
Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams

This work of historical fiction was clearly influenced by the real saga of Amelia Earhart, though it is NOT her story. Although I’ve come to dislike the dual timeline so popular in historical fiction, Williams handles it very well in this case. And it did serve to heighten interest and intrigue. I couldn’t help but try to fit the puzzle together, but I was as surprised as Janey to learn the full truth of the story.

Sandra K.
Slow Horses by Mick Herron

Full of twists and turns, with the devious second in command at MI5, Diana Taverner (nicknamed 'Lady Di') playing dangerous games and using the slow horses for her own purpose, the novel is a delight as the slow horses try to find the kidnapped man. Jackson Lamb wakens from his long sleep to show his true talents. I'm so glad to find this re-invention of the spy novel.

Tessa
Less by Andrew Sean Greer

Novelist Arthur Less is almost fifty, can’t seem to get his writing mojo back, and now his recent ex-boyfriend is getting married! So, Arthur does the logical thing. He runs away from his troubles on an around-the-world lecture tour. This won the Pulitzer for fiction and I’m not sure why. I never warmed to Arthur. There were episodes in his journey that I really liked and that kept me reading, but it’s not a prize-winner in my opinion.

Kalea
The Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

I love young adult fantasy so much, and this book was so fun! it was an amazing conclusion to the trilogy, and this book had me going through every emotion in the book! I know it’s been out for a long time and I’m just now getting around to the trilogy, but if you’re looking for great YA fantasy, I think the infernal devices is the way to go.

Suzanne
1st Case by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts

This mystery pits FBI intern Angela against an intelligent murderer. They are dealing with a cyber crime hacker who seems to have eyes on what they know. My computer skills do not meet this level of technology so this was a slower read for me.

Francisca
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

3.5 stars. This is unlike anything I’ve read before. Part family saga, part paranormal horror, part fantasy, part historical fiction, part quest, part love story. I’m so grateful that there is a family tree in the beginning, as I referred to it several times to clarify relationships of Orquídea’s many descendants. I was fascinated by the story but I think I need to re-read it to fully absorb the magic of Córdova’s storytelling.

Rose
My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon

Thank you to Book Club Favorites at Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review. This book is a psychological thriller about a woman possessed, or at least her daughter thinks she is. When Alison was growing up, her mother changed from a fun, loving mom, to a cruel and sadistic one. Now her mother is dying, and Alison and her husband Mark, along with their two daughters, Isabella and Olivia, agree to have her come live with them. As her mother lashes out at Ali, Ali is convinced that a demon has possessed her mother. This book was terrifying at times. The rat scene, the flies, the carvings, the nasty words, and the final scene -- all combine for a spine-tingling read. If you like psychological thrillers, this one is SPOOKY!

Ella
Never Lie by Freida Mcfadden

NEVER LIE is a thriller that will keep you reading well into the night. One of Freida McFadden’s best. I thought that I knew how it would end, but I was completely surprised by the end. Newlyweds Tricia and Ethan checking out a house to buy and so much happens to them while they are in this house.

Francine
Identity by Nora Roberts

This is Nora Roberts’ annual stand-alone of this year. Nora Roberts has been my favorite author for many, many years. This year’s novel did not disappoint. It’s really scary to see how an identity can be stolen. Very fast-paced and a definite for Nora Roberts’ fans.

Rose
Board to Death by C. J. Connor

I really, really, really wanted to love this book because I love board games and mysteries, but the ‘woe is me’ over his failed marriage and childhood hardships got so repetitive. I get it, bullying is awful, divorce is awful, but telling me that over and over was a downer. I did like the father/son parts and some of the game playing, but overall, not great. I doubt I will continue with the series, but may give it another try.

Claire
Any Other City by Hazel Jane Plante

All the characters in ANY OTHER CITY felt like real, messy people. The exploration of this segment of punk trans femme queer culture was great - gritty, soft, and funny in balanced portions. The first section, in which the main character has not yet figured out that she’s trans, but is both beginning to have a gender crisis and getting her first connections to a trans community, was the most compelling to me. The way Tracy’s insecurity and denial of her own identity made her made her think and do some pretty unpleasant things to the other trans women in her life and the way they still recognized her before she knew herself were painfully real experiences to read about. The second section lost me for a while, but it came back by the end.

Rose
Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes

I really enjoyed this book! When a woman, Sam, goes to a gym and mistakenly takes the wrong gym bag with her when she leaves, it sets off a whole series of events. Sam is called by her co-workers and told that they have an appt. in a few minutes, and she must rush out of the gym. She realizes that the bag isn't hers. However, she needs the shoes that are in the bag - Christian Louboutin heels. Wearing them, she feels different. But the woman who owns those shoes, Nisha, needs them back. She finds out her husband is divorcing her, has cut off all her funds, and the only way he will give her a settlement is if she returns the shoes. Nisha needs to track down the shoes and regain her life. This is a look at class and friendship, a fun book.

Richard N B
Hiroshima by John Hersey

First published in 1946, Hersey recounts the story of the first atomic bomb dropped on the city of Hiroshima, through the recollections of six survivors. The tale begins with the residents starting their day on an August morning, completely unaware of the devastation to come. Hersey follows them from the initial experiences to long-term aftermath. It's a gripping story, made more so by the personal accounts.

Tessa
The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths

3.5 stars. This is Book Two in the series featuring Detective Sergeant Harbinder Kaur, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. DS Kaur is “assisted” by three amateur sleuths: Natalka (Ukrainian immigrant and caretaker for the dead woman), Benjamin (former monk and now owner of a coffee shop), and Edwin (80-year-old neighbor of the deceased). This is the first book by Griffiths that I’ve read; it won’t be the last.

Rose
Mrs. Plansky's Revenge by Spencer Quinn

This was a fun mystery. When Mrs. Plansky receives a late night call from her grandson needing money to bail him out of jail, she doesn't hesitate. But, the next morning, she receives calls from her bank and her financial advisor telling her that her accounts have been drawn down to zero. She has been the victim of a scam. Having made her money selling products she invented with her late husband, Mrs. Plansky is generous with her money, but never thought she would be scammed. Now, she wants her money back, and she is determined to get it. She heads to Romania to track down the thieves. While highly unlikely, the story is fun and a feel good story. Enjoyable.

Rose
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger

Thank you to Book Club Favorites at Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review. In 1958, Sheriff Brody Dern is called to the site of the Alabaster River where Jimmy Quinn is floating, dead. His body has been ravaged by the fish, but he is identified by his red hair. Sadly, a Native American, Noah Bluestone, and his wife, Kyoko, a Japanese woman, are suspects in the murder, simply because they are not White, and resentments and bigotry are prevalent. The story follows the investigation and the lawyer, Charlie (a woman), trying to defend Noah. Many secrets of the townspeople are revealed, and many of the people are flawed, including the sheriff. The story has its sad parts, but it also has some uplifting parts. Beautiful writing.

Claire
Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender

Both of Ash’s relationships jumped from budding attraction to deep love real quick, which I didn’t fully buy. I appreciated the polyamory rep and that the three of them talked out their jealousy and insecurities regarding that setup. It’s refreshing to see characters in a “love triangle” actively work to figure out a way to be happy that makes sense for them instead of just competing to see who gets a typical monogamous relationship and who gets shoved to the side. I just didn’t necessarily think the way these relationships were developed and discussed always worked. The characters were being pushed a little too hard to show a perfect, healthy, and deep relationship.

Claire
Wren Martin Ruins It All by Amanda DeWitt

This book was everything it needed to be as a romcom — fluffy and fun with enough serious emotions to not be shallow or dull. Wren could be a bit of an ass and a bit wrapped up in himself, but still managed to be very sympathetic and likable. The way both Wren’s and Leo’s personal struggles with grief and uncertainty about what they want from life after high school played well with their romantic misadventure. Both their reasons for rejecting one version of the other (the anonymous Buddy app version or the real-life version) and their reconciliation and reasons for choosing each other in the end made a lot of sense and worked with their character growth.

Francine
Triple Cross by James Patterson

The most recent novel in the Alex Cross series. A very fast-paced thriller. The twist/revelation at the end sets up the next book in this series.

Francisca
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

Wow. You think you know where a story is headed because you know something of the historical figures depicted, and then an author completely surprises you. O’Farrell focuses the story on Agnes, the wife, mother, sister, daughter, stepdaughter and daughter-in-law. The writing is beautiful and engaging. I kept reading passages aloud. The last 20 pages or so were simply marvelous. And the last line…perfect.

Darla
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

A fun read. Life may present you with a roadblock in your life, but out of it may come new paths one never would’ve imagined or thought possible.

Rose
I Know What You Did by Cayce Osborne

Imagine having your very unique name in a book that implicates you in the murder of your best friend 30 years earlier. That is what happens to Petal Woznewski. As she tries to find who the author is, Peta travels to Madison, WI, the scene of the crime. No one seems to know who the author is, as they want to keep their identity secret. Peta is drawn into solving the mystery, but her life is put in danger. She realizes that the author knows too much about the death to be some random person, but rather, must be someone very familiar with the people involved. Spooky, scary, and twisted! Great debut.

Debbie
Destination Unknown by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie ventures out of her usual Poirot or Marple mystery to reveal kidnapped scientists working in an unknown destination. The story reads like a spy novel with clandestine meetings and locations. Hilary Craven has lost her daughter and her husband and now contemplates suicide. But a British secret agent stops Hilary and urges her to join his group. Hilary Craven becomes Olive Betterton, the wife of one of the missing scientists. The scientists have converged at a location possibly in Africa to discover medical secrets for an extremely rich man. All comforts follow these scientists, except freedom. Thomas Betterton, one of the scientists, cannot function under this controlled atmosphere. His productivity falls.

Claire
Forget I Told You This by Hilary Zaid

I was drawn to this book by how unique the main character, Amy, and its exploration of the role/importance of the art of the handwritten word in a high digital age sounded, and I was mostly satisfied with what it delivered. The descriptions were flowery in a way that generally worked to create a dream-like feel that I enjoyed. The tech dystopia elements of Q sat neatly on the line between realistic and absurd which made it somehow more true to life. I liked Amy’s struggles of figuring out herself as a middle-aged woman whose life had already come together then fallen apart again. The way both her love of the written word as a calligrapher and her face blindness inform her world view and her role in the plot was interesting.

Gerry
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben

There was a lot of fascinating information in this book about how trees share resources, protect themselves from pests, and communicate with other trees. It seemed to get a bit repetitive, though, after the first several chapters, and toward the end I found myself skimming.

Gerry
Blood Lines by Nelson DeMille & Alex DeMille

The latest thriller by Nelson DeMille and his son Alex is every bit as good as I’ve come to expect from this author. Set in present day Berlin, it features a resurgent white supremacist culture coming into conflict with Germany’s official stance of welcoming refugees from the Arab world and other areas. Scott Brodie and his former partner, Maggie Taylor have been assigned to work together on a case involving the murder of an American CID agent in Berlin. Higher ups want a quick resolution with minimal embarrassment for either German or US governments, and clues seem to provide just that. But Brodie is sure there’s more to the story and goes rogue to pursue his own off-the-books investigation. Fans of DeMille will not be disappointed!

Sandra K.
Family Trust by Kathy Wang

There are so many misconceptions about the wealthy. This book pokes and prods those, revealing that some clichés have merit and others are more complex than one may imagine. A most enjoyable read.

Gerry
The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes

In yet another example of events largely omitted from the history most of us are taught, this novel focuses on a sad time in our history when anti-Asian sentiment caused many Chinese immigrants to be forcibly removed from the West Coast communities where they made their homes. Mei Ling is a young girl living with her widowed father and her grandmother when a group of White men forced their way into the Seattle laundry that was both their home and their business, and ordered them to leave.Her story comes to light a century later, when Inara, renovating an old house, makes a discovery that will change her understanding of her family’s history, as well as her own future. Characters in this novel were well-developed and mostly very believable.

Gerry
An American Beauty by Shana Abe

AN AMERICAN BEAUTY is a fictional account of the life of Arabella Huntington, the mistress and then wife of Collis Porter Huntington, a wealthy railroad tycoon during the Gilded Age. The author describes her first encounter with the story of this "American Beauty" at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden in San Marino, CA and describes Arabella as her "hero" for having lived her life exactly as she pleased, without bowing to social expectations or being cowed by the scorn heaped upon her by members of New York's "high society". From my perspective, that makes her an opportunist, rather than a hero, but in her later years, she did donate generously to a variety of causes, so she was not without redeeming qualities.

Gerry
King of the Armadillos by Wendy Chin-Tanner

A touching coming-of-age story centered on a 17-year old Chinese immigrant who is diagnosed with Hansen's Disease (leprosy) in the 1950s. Victor had lived with his father and brother in the Bronx since he was four years old, but now he was being transported to a federal quarantine facility in Carville, Louisiana. The novel is based on the real-life experience of the author's father, who spent time as a patient at Carville. The title comes from Victor's campaign to make the armadillo Carville's mascot, because the armadillo is the only animal that can contract Hansen's Disease. I found the story interesting and informative, but do wish that the characters other than Victor had been more fully developed.

Gerry
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Chernow did a masterful job researching and writing this comprehensive biography of Alexander Hamilton, a task made both easier and more difficult by Hamilton's prolific writing of essays and letters, and his diligence in preserving letters he received from others. Beginning with Hamilton's early years in the West Indies, and concluding with the details of his death in a duel with Aaron Burr and the efforts of his wife Eliza to memorialize him and preserve his memory for his children and for future generations, the book presents a balanced and objective portrait of a complicated, imperfect man in a tumultuous period of our country's history. It's somewhat comforting to see that political divisions in Hamilton's day were no less than today's

Gerry
The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi

3-1/2 stars.This is the third novel in The Jaipur Trilogy, and follows Radha as she begins a life in Paris, independent of her older sister Lakshmi and her other connections in India. Radha has married Pierre, a Frenchman who traveled and worked in India for a time, and the couple have two young daughters. Radha has begun working in the fragrance industry as a lab assistant to a master perfumist. Her devotion to her work creates tension in her household; Pierre is a traditionalist who sees himself as the head of the household and resents the time Radha's work takes away from what he sees as her primary role of wife and mother. Radha was not quite as appealing a character as Lakshmi and others in the original story, but still interesting.

Gerry
Mrs. Plansky's Revenge by Spencer Quinn

A light, quick read about a 71-year old woman who is swindled out of her ample wealth in a phone scam. She decides to track down the scammer herself, using a few clues gleaned from her interview with the FBI. So off she goes to Romania, where she meets a number of improbable characters and just may be able to out-scam the scammers!

Gerry
Stans By Me: A Whirlwind Tour Through Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan by Ged Gilmore

4.5 stars. This was truly a delightful read! Gillmore has a witty, lighthearted, self-deprecating style of writing, and I do think he'd make a fabulous traveling companion. Since that's not an option, going along with him on this "whirlwind tour through Central Asia" is the next best thing. This is a book to be read with a device close by, so you can search the internet for the amazing sites he describes and savor their beauty in photographs.

Gerry
Mobility by Lydia Kiesling

A fascinating blend of a coming-of-age novel with an overview of 21st Century geopolitics. The protagonist is introduced at age 15, a bored teenager living in Azerbaijan with her father, a diplomat with the U.S. State Department, listening to but barely understanding the adult conversations around her as the economy of the post-Soviet world targets the oil reserves of newly-independent Central Asian nations. Her grasp of world affairs doesn't get much deeper as she enters adulthood, trying to sound liberal and informed, until eventually, she's drawn into the "energy sector" when she takes a temp job as an administrative assistant for a family business, and then becomes a full employee working in marketing. Definitely worth a read!

Claire
Touched by Walter Mosley

What a strange and chaotic novella. I admit I was a bit skeptical of the premise; humanity as a disease upon Nature or the World is a played-out idea. But this story took it in some interesting directions. The main character is 1 of 107 people selected to address the problem of life throwing the universe off course, each of whom is given a different direction to go about this. Martin is given the ability to use his blood or his bites to infect and change people with this new knowledge of the universe. He’s also saddled with a second personality who acts as a super-powered warrior devoted to this cause even at the expense of other people’s lives.

Rose
The Guilty One by Bill Schweigart

Wow, this book grabs you from chapter one and doesn't let up! This was a great psychological thriller. Arlington, VA police officer Cal Farrell is working and gets a call that there is an active shooter in a nearby office building. After that, he wakes up in the hospital, not sure what happened after he entered the conference room where the gunman was. But, he does remember Heather, the woman who was shot yet gave Cal her badge to enter the office space. As he becomes more involved with Heather and her friends, he is also pursuing a rash of murders. But, he has made enemies on the force after his day with the active shooter, earning him the nickname "Killer Cal". Great action, great suspense. I loved it!

Carol
Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard

Well done. Half memoir, half recipe book - all kept interesting and at a good pace. American falls in love with a Frenchman and Paris. They marry and both have family, job, housing crisis after crisis. But the recounting is not told in doom and gloom. Hoping to try some of the recipes.

Suzanne
Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo

This my second Linda Castillo book and I plan to get the next one. The subject matter deals with the Amish. Kate is a small town police chief and grew up Amish but left at a young age so she understands their need to keep to their own people and not deal with the English as other outsiders are called. This story deals with mass murder.

Rose
Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie

Due to a chance encounter on a train, Luke Fitzwilliam sees a woman, Miss Pinkerton, that reminds him of his Aunt Mildred. Miss Pinkerton tells Luke about several murders in her small town. He decides to investigate and his friend Jimmy tells Luke that his cousin Bridget is at Ash Manor, the home of Lord Whitfield. As Luke asks about the murders, he starts noticing a pattern, they are all connected in some way. A classic Christie.

Rose
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

I am not typically into fantasy novels, but this one has received so much hype, I decided to read it. I found the war college interesting, the jockeying for power, the various training exercises, and the friendships. I knew from the very beginning that Violet and Xaden would be an item, it was so obvious. However, the storyline wasn't completely obvious, and I did end up enjoying it. The ending guarantees a 2nd book!

Rose
On Fire Island by Jane L. Rosen

This is a story of Julia and Ben - who loved each other fiercely, until Julia died. After/during shiva, Julia decides she isn't ready to go into the afterlife, so she (her spirit) follows Ben to their beloved Fire Island and she watches Ben and her friends deal with her passing, and go on with their lives. She reminisces about all the good times and the friendships. She watches the children, the ball games, the friends moving on. It is a nice way to tell the tale of grief, told from the perspective of the one who dies.

Tessa
Razor Girl by Carl Hiaasen

I love reading Hiaasen’s ridiculously crazy plots, featuring the NOT-tourist-friendly Florida. The action is fast, furious, and totally insane. The bad guys are frequently three cards short of a full deck. The women almost always get the best of the men. Hiaasen has a gift for drawing this reader into his wildly improbable plots. And I enjoy the ride every time!

Rose
The Whispers by Ashley Audrain

3.5 stars upgraded to 4. In a neighborhood, a young boy, Xavier, is reprimanded loudly by his mother, Whitney, and everyone at the party overhears the scolding. When the child is later rushed to the hospital after falling out of his 3rd floor window, the mother is panicked. Will her child survive? Will he tell what happened? Four couples are highlighted in this novel: Whitney & Jacob, Blair & Aiden, Rebecca & Ben, and Mara & Albert. Rebecca is the doctor who is caring for Xavier, and she and Ben are struggling to have a child. Mara & Albert lost a child. Whitney is a high-powered executive, and Blair is concerned that her husband is cheating on her. All of these families have secrets, and one explosive secret is going to ruin them.

Richard N B
The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson

This is an engaging, interesting, informative and thought-provoking biography cum history. While the focus is on Jennifer Doudna, Isaacson gives almost equal time to the many other researchers who contributed to the scientific discoveries and applications. He takes time to address ethical questions on the applications of new technology, and ends with the international cooperation required to address COVID-19.

Laurel
The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane

This book would make a great movie! It's the story of a marriage and a fertility journey, with a mystery thrown in there, too.

Dorothy
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

A delightful book featuring one of my favorite themes, found families, THE WISHING GAME is a lovely debut novel.

Rose
Prom Mom by Laura Lippman

Based loosely on a true story, PROM MOM is the story of a girl, Amber, who tutors Joe in French. His grades began dropping after his girlfriend broke up with him. Amber likes Joe and when he asks her to go to his bedroom, she agrees. As a reward, she asks him to invite her to his prom. On prom night, she delivers a baby, and kills the child, serving time for the crime. Years later, Joe is a R/E agent, and married to a doc. Jordan, another agent seduces him. He accepts. He is a snake. The story follows the ins/outs of these people. The ending may surprise you, but it seemed rushed to me.

Karen
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger

I received an ARC of this novel from Bookreporter.com. It was my pleasure to read and review this title. This author is a master storyteller. The characters come alive through the clear descriptions as they are introduced. They "grow" throughout the novel as more is revealed about each person's burdens, griefs, loves and more. It was easy to relate the circumstances and actions to what is known of human natures and collective experiences. The setting is like another character in the book. Although the story might be someplace elsewhere in a different novel, the river, the town and surrounding farmlands, the homes and businesses serve an important role in the development of the problems and solutions.

Kimiko
I Remember You by Brian Freeman

Hallie Evers is attending a July 4th party on a rooftop of a Las Vegas casino when she dies. Lucky for her, she was at a party where all the attendees were there for a MedX Convention so it was full of doctors, one of which restarts her life and saves her life. So why is she having all these strange dreams about a blonde woman and her life in Boston? Hallie is determined to find out, not only to help this blonde woman but also to help herself.

Sylvia
The Memories We Keep by Walter Zacharius

The story of one girl's journey through war-torn Europe. It definitely captures the pain, fear and hope surrounding World War II. The loss of home, family, her first love and music changed the world she she had known. The will to survive and the things she had to do to survive touch your soul. The unspeakable acts committed against the "enemy" makes you realize how war can change a person into an evil, despicable animal. It did end on a positive note and I was so happy about that.

Sean
The Taking of Pelham 123 by John Godey

John Godey tells an interesting heist story that's written in such a way that, 50 years later, is almost deplorable. I honestly don't think every single person was racist in 1973 New York but that's not how it was written. It was hard to read at times. I know that people will say that was just normal for the time, but I read many novels from the 70s and never felt this way before. Many of the characters seemed like such amped up versions of people that they were not very believable. All that being said, the actually heist part was intriguing, from the concept to the ending. Overall, the book has serious flaws that make me never want to read anything from this author again.

Sandra
Demon Coopperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Extraordinary!

Rose
A Likeable Woman by May Cobb

Kira returns home after many years to attend a celebration for an old frenemy. She left after her mother died, but Kira thinks she was murdered. Her childhood best friend, Jack, is now married, but Kira has always had a crush on him. She confides to Jack that she has been getting disturbing texts which disparage her dead mother. Kira's grandmother is trying to reach Kira to give Kira a memoir written by her mother. In the memoir, her mom admits to having a love affair and wanting to leave Kira's father. She died shortly after writing some entries. As Kira digs into the circumstances surrounding her mom's death, she is putting herself in danger. The ending was a bit obvious to me, but satisfying.

Elizabeth
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

What caused Josie to be so obsessed with Alix? Was it need or another plan? It was a bit difficult to get into this one, but it did keep your interest and made you certain there was an undercurrent of bad things going on. Lisa Jewell fans will enjoy her newest. What a wrap up!!

Elizabeth
North of Nowhere by Allison Brennan

How could they have found us after five years...we were well hidden. Tony knew it was time to run when he saw two strangers at the bottom of his driveway. Boyd had found them. Lots of characters to keep straight in this thriller with quite a bit of violence and a book that took a few chapters to get me interested. But...it is worth the read.

Kimberly
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger

Beautifully written with incredible character development. This is his best book yet in my opinion, and I have read every one. The storylines and themes are important, poignant, and relevant.

Debbie
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

Excellent historical facts of Ming Dynasty and China. Great resources to supplement book on Ms. See's website. Enjoyed getting to know the women of China and all they went through is difficult times. There is great information about ancient Chinese medicine and practices throughout the book that I found really interesting as I am in the medical field.

Francisca
The Diving Pool by Yoko Ogawa

The subtitle calls them “three novellas”, but none is longer than 56 pages, so they are more accurately categorized as short stories. Regardless, I really enjoyed this collection; each was very different from the other two, but all dealt with relationships. It is the kind of literary fiction I love.

Maureen
Have You Seen Her by Catherine McKenzie

Perfect read for fall. The setting is Yosemite and there are lost hikers. Cassie is working as a search and rescue worker and this search is similar to one that she worked before with a poor outcome. A story with secrets told between past and present.

Mickey
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

Atmospheric and whimsical! I loved this story so much!

Debbie
The Locked Door by Freida McFadden

Great book!! I was hooked from the beginning! I highly recommend it.

Linda
Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

This book is a retelling of THE WIZARD OF OZ. It’s dark and creepy and I loved it.

Carmen
Passing by Nella Larsen

Exploration of Black identity in the 1920s and those who are "passing" as White. Compelling. Very interesting and informative.

Michelle
The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar

Stunning! This author does it again, bringing the human condition to readers in heartwrenching and relatable ways. Every page is compelling.

Bonnie
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

Interesting, thoughtful, sometimes humorous writing on relatable topics.

Melissa
Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead by Jenny Hollander

An impressive debut! Charlie is a survivor of what was called “Scarlet Christmas” because of the bloody scene that was found at the Carroll University where she attended for Journalism. Ambulances took the injured and the dead whereas Charlie walked away with no injuries. Because her brain is trying to protect her by not letting her remember exactly what happened, Charlie believes that she may have had something to do with the tragic events. Now, a “based on a true story” movie is being made for the ten year anniversary and Charlie is afraid of what lies she told might be uncovered. What lengths will Charlie go to so this movie never gets made? I was hooked from the first chapter and found it to be an interesting and entertaining read.

Melissa
Becoming the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar

Amazing! Just as brilliant, captivating, addicting and filled with suspense as CHASING THE BOOGEYMAN was! I just fell right back into the world of Edgewood and could not wait to get back to reading every chance I got. This is a must-read!

Melissa
Murder by the Book by Joy Patrick

I was so excited to start a new series by Joy Patrick and this book did not disappoint! Grace is a security analyst and enjoys her quiet and very orderly life. After a phone call from her Aunt Lydia, who has been dealing with the death of her sister, Grace decides to take vacation time and go back home to spend time with her aunt. While helping her aunt in her bookstore, Grace discovers a dead body surrounded by books and becomes a possible suspect, along with her aunt. Grace begins to investigate. I loved the small town of Sweet Cove and its townspeople. The mystery itself was very well done and full of suspense! I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

Melissa
Keep Her Secret by Mark Edwards

This book has it all - a second chance romance, adventure, secrets, lies, murder and revenge and that’s just the beginning. The highlight of this story is definitely that ending! Lots of fun!

Jolene
Drowning by T. J. Newman

Absolutely a must-read…could not put this book down!! Had me hooked from the very first page!!

Melissa
She Started It by Sian Gilbert

A group of troubled mean girls come together for what they understand to be meant as a hen party, but it turns out they have all been brought together for a reckoning! Devious and calculating. Highly recommend.

Lisa
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

This book is a great motivator to just write! I am re-reading it as I need some of Mr. King's writing advice, which is always uplifting and honest.

Karishma
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

This was my first time reading Riley Sager’s book. I loved every page of it. Could not guess the end. Great characters and storyline.

Lois
The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

I loved this mystery. Never guessed the ending. Highly recommend.

Elizabeth
The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin

The Germans invaded Warsaw - something no one thought would happen. No one was safe, and neither were the books. Another marvelously researched gem by Madeleine Martin focusing on the love of books, enduring hardships, friendship, and family. Be sure to read the author’s notes.

Marcia
Going Rogue by Janet Evanovich

Fun book read. Grandma is a hoot along with Stephanie and all the other characters.

Elizabeth
Kissing Kosher by Jean Meltzer

The feud between the Lippmanns and the Cohens because of their bakery, Best Babka Bakery in Brooklyn, still continued after all of these years. KISSING KOSHER was a delightful, entertaining read with some nice surprises. You will love all the characters.

Patricia
Look Both Ways by Linwood Barclay

An exciting thriller that takes the reader on a ride - literally. AND it is something that could actually happen in this world of new technology.

Colleen
Horse by Geraldine Brooks

If Geraldine Brooks writes a book, I’ll read it. I’m hooked.

Jeane
Happy Place by Emily Henry

I was expecting to really like this book a lot. Read lots of hype and recommendations about this book, but it fell flat for me. Characters were not for me. The jumping back and forth in time. Sabrina was controlling. Wyn was flat with no personality. Harriet was a pleaser. Did not care a wit about any of them. And really, giving up med school to become a potter? Nope.

Lisa
When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago

Really enjoyed, read the second book in the memoir trilogy as well and now reading the third. I had family that live in Puerto Rico and visited a few times, but I enjoyed learning more about the native people.

Jessica
Don't Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders

This book keeps you questioning what you think (because it cant be that obvious, right?), gives you an answer, and then takes it away. Really well done.

Muriel
Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline

From the start there were many different storylines, but it was not hard to keep track of the characters and the interest factor was high for me. I felt sorry for the young boy Dante who was kidnapped, despised Franco and Renzo who were cruel, cheered Gaetano on as he searched for Dante, worried about Mafalda and Alfredo, and in general just hoped for a positive outcome in this story. Lisa keeps the reader engaged and caring about what happens. There’s no time to sit back feeling emotionless! Events and places in Sicily were researched well. With vivid and specific details, the reader feels transported to this place and time. Themes of family loyalty, blind allegiance, keeping of secrets, honor and the birth of the Mafia are explored

Joanne
Save the Date by Mary Kay Andrews

Mary Kay always draws me into her lovely stories.

Gretchen
The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand

Great book.

Elizabeth
Pension for Murder by Kate Maclean

The old neighborhood is changing and senior homeowner, Virginia Walker, tries to resist the changes that are inevitable including the imminent condominium development of her old neighborhood, her gradually declining memory, the looming foreclosure of her home, the question of needing a more communal living arrangement, and her resistance to ask for help, even from close friends, due to stubbornness and embarrassment. Yet, Virginia's pluckiness never truly wavers as she seeks to mitigate her financial woes by taking a job in a doctor's office and at the same time seeks to receive a possible (or imagined) monetary reward from Crime Stoppers if she can solve what she believes to be murders at Breeze Village.

Amy
Winter's End by Paige Shelton

I like this series. This one is a departure from the others.

Laura
The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs

Nice story about grief, loss, and remembering.

Lynda Tysdal
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Jenny Lawson, known online and on social media as The Bloggess (seriously, check out her blog!), deals with mental illness by having a uniquely twisted way of looking at the world. Luckily for her readers, she's also incredibly funny AND insightful and entertaining. Her books have made me laugh during my own times of depression and anxiety when I felt like never getting out of bed again. She has an attitude toward life and survival that I greatly admire while struggling with issues that make my own mental health issues seem like dancing through a field of tulips. Her humor gives me hope.

Jane
Snowbound Escape by Dana Mentink

Tanner Ford owns Britta, a rescue dog. Mara Gilmore is part of PNK9. Mara is accused falsely of a double murder she witnessed. Eli and Vinny won't give up because she can identify them. Maria has been running on her own until Tanner turns up. He was sent by her brother. Danger Abounds often. Mara and Tanner seem to stay safe no matter what thrown at them. They have some close calls. Lots of snow and an avalanche. You won't be able to put the book down. Pre-order now. Comes out end of October.

Jo Anne
Homecoming by Kate Morton

Thank you Bookreporter.com. I won this book through contest you offered. This book held my interest from the very first page through the end. And so many twists that every time I thought, "A ha! I know what comes next", I was foiled. This is not the type of book I usually read but it sounded so intriguing and I am so glad I entered. The book was so well-written. Just a gem. I LOVED it.

Sonia
My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon

Truly an atmospheric, psychological story that unravels through each chapter. The story is about a woman who has a tumultuous and toxic relationship with her mother from a very young age. When her ailing mother pleads to stay with her adult daughter and her family, it is clear that it opens old wounds for our protagonist. Each chapter delves deeper into the protagonist's memories of her fractured childhood with a mother who resembled the essence of a boogeyman. Now with her mother in her present-day home, the horrors she experienced as a child comes back to haunt her and the very pages of this book. An eerie read that left a haunting and sorrowful chill down my back.

Rose
The Summer Skies by Jenny Colgan

Morag MacIntyre is a pilot who is working for her grandfather's company. She flies to the northern parts of the UK, which is desolate. The small prop plane brings mail and supplies to the north. However, Morag is nervous about piloting after an incident, but her grandfather has confidence in her ability. Morag is trying to decide whether to move to Dubai with her boyfriend but is concerned about the family business. On a flight, when the pilot becomes ill, Morag is forced to crash land the plane on remote Inchborn Island. She meets Gregor, an ornithologist from Glasgow, who is living there along with a goat, a chicken and a hawk, plus a few other animals. His quirkiness grows on Morag, and when she is rescued, she reconsiders her choices.

Christopher
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

It had the beginnings of a dystopian vibe to the story. The book turned out to be a multi-layered goodness like an Oreo cookie. It was such a great read to follow the main character throughout his life and soak in the weirdness of the settings through what it means to have someone in your life who matters. A great read. I would recommend it most definitely.