This contest period's winners were Elizabeth P., LisaMarie R. and Nancy B., who each received a copy of THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah and THE YEAR OF THE LOCUST by Terry Hayes.
Francisca
Say When by Elizabeth Berg
I love how Berg writes about relationships. There are a lot of ups and downs here as the characters navigate the aftermath of one partner’s stated wish for a divorce. Griffin is the narrator, so we get less of Ellen’s thinking than of his. There are some heartbreaking scenes and some very humorous ones (Griffin deciding to get a part-time job as a mall Santa leads to many of these).
Amy
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
The memoir by the victim of the Stanford sexual assault case. So good and a very important topic, but beware of trigger warnings! Very heavy, but fantastic!
Sandy
The Promise Girls by Marie Bostwick
This is the second book by Marie Bostwick that I have read, and I think I have found a new favorite author. This is the story of three sisters, Joanie, Meg, and Avery. Their mother Minerva Promise claimed that her three test tube babies were engineered and molded to be geniuses. As usual, the ending is surprising and one you won't see coming.
Rose
The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner
The story begins with police questioning Tash about a death she witnessed. It then goes back and is told in alternating timelines between Tash and Sophie. Tash is a journalist, and new mother of Finn, married to Tom, a doctor. Sophie is a nanny, who is found dead. Tash is asked to investigate Sophie's death, saying it was murder. Tash is enamored with "the other mothers" group, who have nice homes and are wealthy, as she and Tom are dreaming of a home of their own. These moms suggest that Tash stay clear of another mom. Tash asks questions about Sophie, but they are evasive. Now there is another death, and Tash has a dilemma about what she should say/do. Okay story, I didn't really care about any of the characters as they weren't likeable.
Joan
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Very likeable characters.
Susan
Anna O by Matthew Blake
Intriguing storyline. I read the last one-fourth of the book a couple of times to make certain I knew what happened. Blake did an excellent job of character and plot development. He also wove the characters and their storylines together so you really didn’t know how it was going to end. I enjoyed the book.
Karan
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Loved this book. Such interesting characters.
Jane
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book since it is not my kind of book, and it was one of those over-hyped books that everyone else was reading which I sometimes avoid. It's a unique and unusual book with an unusual writing style. Wren and Lewis are married and Lewis feels that something is wrong with him when he notices his body is changing. Come to find out he is turning into a great white shark. This book is not just about Lewis but also about Wren and her life before she met Lewis, and also after how her life changes. I liked the short chapters (some are paragraphs on one page) of Angela (Wren's mother) and Colleen (Angela's mother) and their lives.
Pam
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Fast-paced, never able to figure out.
Susan
After the Miracle by Max Wallce
Premise was interesting, her life was interesting, but too much politics - droning on and on.
Patti
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
I loved this book and its descriptions of midwifery and the courts and justice system in the 1700s.
sherry
Coco at the Ritz by Gioia Diliberto
Did not like Coco and things she did, thus not a good reading experience.
Darlene
Seams Unlikely by Nancy Zieman
Really good and interesting.
Diane
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Well-written book with so much depth and detail of two cultures whose lives were intertwined for good and bad. Such great characters!
WENDELLYN
The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
The prose in this book is so eloquent, and even though at times the story is dismal, I was moved by the way the author made me appreciate living a life well lived under tremendous external hardships.
Sandra
Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
Bosch and Haller combine in an innocence project to free a woman accused to killing her policeman husband. Such a good team and lots of action and appeal.
Angela
The River We Remember by William Kent Kruger
After reading THIS TENDER LAND I knew William Kent Krueger would be an author I would continue to read. Loved ORDINARY GRACE so I knew this book was also a must-read. I’ve had it for a while but kept saving it because it feels so wonderful to have a special book on my table just waiting for me! His characters, his writing style and his stories grab me every time. From the first words - “In 1958, Memorial Day fell on a Friday” - the story took me by the hand and off we went! You know another thing that makes reading his books so special is the feeling that I like him, not just as an author, but also at a person. Watching and listening to an interview with him, I always come away feeling that I would enjoy having him as a friend!
Jeanne
The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate
THE QUEEN OF SUGAR HILL by ReShonda Tate is a well-written, mesmerizing fictional novel about the sometimes tumultuous life of Hattie McDonald who was the first Black person to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy when she won the Best Supporting Actress in the classic film Gone With the Wind. It was not all a bed of roses for Ms. McDaniel after she won the award because she couldn’t find work as she was frowned upon by both Black and White. The author has done an excellent job in providing readers with an insight into who Hattie McDaniel really was as she had the strength, determination and tenacity to demonstrate to others to never give up on your dreams even in the face of adversity and conflict.
Rosemary
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingslover
I've always enjoyed Barbara Kingsolver's books, until now. This was the longest, slowest and most depressing book I've ever read. I found myself disliking the main character and most of the other characters as well. While it certainly covered the problem of opiate use in depressed areas, I'm afraid I found very little redeeming reasons to read it. I suggest waiting until her next release in hopes that she goes back to her usual excellence!
Tessa
The Perfume Thief by Timothy Schaffert
This was a marvelous heist caper thriller, featuring interesting characters, several twists and turns, and the atmosphere of Paris on the verge of world war. I found it fascinating and exciting and when it was over, I wanted to start it again to catch what I’m sure I must have missed.
Gina
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
An old fashioned, magnificent Irish tale about a family that has come undone. It has wonderful characters, surprising plot twists and just a wonderful voice. I am such a Murray fan. His best yet.
Laura
Barbra by Barbra Streisand
I listened to the audiobook and I had to speed it up a bit to get through it before it was due back at the library. It's 48 hours long! She truly is fascinating, so smart, so determined and she truly just cares. Her career has been amazing. I did not realize how young she was when she became famous. The audiobook contains song snippets, which are delightful. She's not gossipy and only talks about anything one would consider gossip if the other person has also discussed it in public. I appreciate that. I'm going to go to the bookstore so I can see the pictures included in the book. Highly recommend.
Karen
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
Exciting and read like a full length symphony.
Shelley
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
This historical story of a midwife in Maine following the Revolutionary War was an interesting and engrossing read. The familial relationships as well as the medical and economic challenges made it a great read.
Jeanne
Blood Lines by Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille
BLOOD LINES by Nelson and Alex DeMille is a well-written and well-researched, bone-chilling murder mystery plot and is a great start to this new series. The character development was very good. Readers should fasten their seat belts as the plot is fast-paced, intense, intriguing, filled with drama, danger and constant twists and turns as Army Criminal Investigations agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor reunite in an attempt to find out who murdered Special Agent Harry Vance. It has an ending that both surprised and rocked me to my core in this mesmerizing story of terrorism at the highest levels. I received a copy of this book from Simon and Schuster.
Lynn
The Chilberry Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan
Excellent book to listen to with all the different voices.
Michelle
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I was pleasantly surprised. Wasn’t expecting the book to grab me and draw me in based on the title and the imaginary creatures, but I was drawn in. The story kept me coming back wanting more. Really enjoyed this book.
PJ
Come Closer by Sara Gran
Are you possessed by a demon? Take the test and find out. A haunting and at times rather disturbing read. Close your eyes or don't; the imagery is amazing and will have you seeing red and lots of it. A must-read for anyone that loves a good horror story. This is the 20th anniversary of the original release of the book and includes additional letters from disturbed readers.
Annette
The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor
I usually don’t like skipping back and forth between generations, but this author kept me interested going back and forth. It is filling with twists and turns and surprises until the end, which was a surprise.
Claire
Emo Reality by Jerold Daniels
Very weird reading a book in the first-person from the perspective of a real person in the author’s life. A biography of the author’s daughter’s life written as though it is a memoir she wrote. It’s hard not to get caught up wondering about the veracity of ‘her’ perspective and thoughts, especially when it comes to the author writing about himself and her relationship with him from her perspective. Are these her real feelings? Has this been sanitized to benefit the author? Has he been able to keep his biases separate from his work in this very sensitive subject, or does he put words in his daughter’s mouth?
Julie
The Little Liar by Mitch Albom
Let me begin by saying, in my opinion Mitch Albom is the master of storytelling. Since I first read it, in 2003, THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN has remained one of my top three favorite books of all time. That’s a pretty high bar to maintain. But some way, somehow, Albom continues to tell life lessons in a way that only he can. "Of all the lies you tell yourself, perhaps the most common is that, if you only do this or that, you will be accepted. It affects your behavior with classmates, neighbors, colleagues, lovers. Humans do a great deal to be liked. They are needier than I can comprehend.” While not an easy read, THE LITTLE LIAR provides a glimpse of the holocaust as seen through the eyes and experiences of a young boy.
Julie
The Trail of Lost Hearts by Tracey Garvis Graves
THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS is a heart-wrenching, emotional roller-coaster ride about two protagonists who are dealing with the trauma of significant losses, which often seem to cloud their judgement. After all, what woman in her right mind would go hiking in the wilderness, on unfamiliar trails, by herself? And so it begins, as Wren Waters seeks solace on the hiking trails of Oregon, armed with only a geocache app and shear determination. Her healing adventure takes a dangerous turn when she encounters a couple of shady individuals who think they’ve found a “cache” of their own. Enter Marshall Hendricks, a psychologist by day who is searching for distraction from a life-altering event of his own.
Denise
Familia by Lauren E. Rico
The character development is emotional and honest, demonstrating tough love situations and hard decisions being made in the worst of situations. The relationships of the characters are realistic and well developed. The descriptions of Puerto Rico are colorful and vibrant, taking on their own character as you read. There is mystery and surprise, lies and truths. This book has it all and feels authentic. A great read.
Nancy
Trouble the Water by Rebecca Dwight Bruff
When you think about someone stealing a boat, you probably think kayak, fishing boat, maybe even a cruiser. Not Robert Smalls. He stole a Confederate warship and turned it over to the Union forces during the Civil War. This book traces the real-life Smalls' journey from young slave to runaway to abolitionist hero to Congressman. It was especially fascinating for my book club, whose members live near where Small was raised and recognize many of the book's settings, but it would be easy and informative reading for anyone interested in Civil War history.
Ina
Mr. and Mrs. American Pie by Juliet McDaniel
Hilarious. Good beach read!
Vesna
The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James
A book you will savor whilst reading each and every beautifully-constructed sentence that does not let you take a breath from the first to the last page. So much to unpack in a story that takes us between Texas and Mexico, 1865 and 1964. One family, generations of choices that come together in one lyrical bang that made me feel my heart pound with each chapter. The author's brilliant writing made you feel like you are right there in the hot, dry, unforgiving landscape as you read about a family's sins and transgressions that haunts them for centuries. Part history, part myth, part magical realism, but mostly a whole lot of outstanding storytelling. Grab this title now, available from your favorite bookseller.
Betty Jo
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Not my usual genre, but one that kept me on my toes. From the beginning one will try to both figure out the storyline and try to figure out how the protagonist got in so deep with Mr. Smith. This was great escape and just what I needed.
Nadine
The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Lubuskes
Each of the three character plot lines were very interesting but difficult to follow with the audio version.
MH
Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
A powerful book based on a real event, Brooks imagines the story of one of the first Indians to attend Harvard. Seen through the eyes of a girl, the story also shows the life of the average girl in this time period. Bethia was not allowed an education beyond the basics and acquired knowledge through overhearing her brother’s lessons. She was also considered chattel, which could be sold into indenture or marriage at a man’s whim or for his benefit.
Michele
The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets by Molly Fader
Lindy leaves in the middle of the night. She must have secrets since she was the wild McAvoy sister. But are her secrets about her or others in the town? When she comes back to help her mom with an illness, the secrets could be exposed. What is the secret that Lindy doesn't even know?
Lorraine
Aftershock by Zhang Ling
Chinese-Canadian Zhang Ling’s new, historical, English-language translated book is stunning. About what happens to one family after the 1976 earthquake, worst in the 20th century. An intimate understanding of trauma — PTSD in particular — and survivor guilt when a mother has to make an excruciating decision realizing she can save only one of her twins. Ling has won many prestigious Chinese literature awards since immigrating to Toronto. The reader sees why.
Maureen
The Last Agent by Robert Dugoni
I enjoy his writing.
Rosa
Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan
What a fun read. This story of an Indian-American family -- recently divorced parents Suresh and Lata, and their adult children Priya and Nikesh -- had me laughing out loud but also empathizing with many of the situations these four characters found themselves navigating. Fundamentally this is a story about being honest with yourself and setting realistic expectations for yourself and those you love. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
LisaMarie
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
So many twists and turns in this book. Its well executed storyline made this one book I could not put down. It’s very well written.
Abby
My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand
A long book, but she did a good job. Each chapter reads as its own little story, so you could choose to read it in spurts. I loved learning more about her life and accomplishments.
Eileen
The Little French Bistro by Nina George
While the story was cute, there were too many characters and it dragged a little too long before anything monumental happened.
Debi
Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson
Ernest Cunningham may be a fish out of water in the literary circles, but he owns this reader’s heart. With his insecurities, wit, and heightened sense of observation he has earned himself a place in the locked room mystery genre. Breaking the fourth wall just adds to the humorous aspect of the storytelling while his concern for people actually dying maintains his humanity. Author Stevenson has done an amazing job with Book Two in the Ernest Cunningham series by maintaining the quirky humor embedded in an intricately-plotted mystery.
Shayla
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
A book of laughs, heartache, wealth, and what it means to be a family with flaws.
Nicole
Suicide Med by Freda McFadden
I love Freda McFadden's books. This one was probably the first one I did not give 5 stars to, but I still enjoyed it. My favorite so far by her is WARD D.
Maryanne
You Look Beautiful Tonight by L. R. Jones.
Some situations are a bit unbelievable and the characters are not endearing except for Jack.
Barbara
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
A heart-rending but compelling story told from the points of view of two characters, set around 1962 in Maine and Nova Scotia. Most of the characters have descended from natives of the area, but enough time and culture has passed that they claim to know only two native words. Their own stories grow from the kidnapping of one little girl by a distraught White woman, an act which has traumatized those left behind. The ways this affected their lives and relationships with others is a story which resonates. Very effectively written, some scenes are tearjerkers, as is the poignant ending.
Linda
The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz
THE LATECOMER takes an in-depth look into the characters of a dysfunctional family who are unhappy despite wealth and privilege. At first I thought a section that goes into excruciating detail about the triplet siblings' first year of college was mostly irrelevant, but some of it is absolutely necessary to the plot.
ELIZABETH
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
This was a page-turner up until the very end. I loved the history, the struggle, and the feminine drive to succeed.
MEGGAN
The Last Exchange by Charles Martin
Strong characters, action, and intrigue kept me reading this into the late night hours. Once again, Charles Martin gives us characters with strong principles who are tested and remain true.
Mary Ann
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
The author almost makes time travel seem possible. Her gentle humor helps move the story along.
Sara
King of the Armadillos by Wendy-Chin Tanner
A debut work of historical fiction/coming-of-age story loosely based on the author’s father, Victor Chin’s experience of being a patient at Carville. Many of Victor’s formative years were spent at Carville. His time there made him the man he is today. There were bad times, but also many good times with the many friends he made and his schooling and the activities he did. An important time in our American history that many have never heard about. Touching on the medical history of Hansen’s Disease, family, belonging, friendship, art and love. I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what Wendy-Chin Tanner does next.
MARILYN
The Invisible Child by Andrea Elliott
To say I LIKED this book sounds unhealthy because of the graphic picture of "Poverty, Survival, and Hope in an American City", which states the subtitle. But I will say I'm glad friends and I are reading it. We certainly have a very clear description of a broken welfare system, the depth of of prejudice, and the misplaced intentions of case workers contrasted with the love of a family and their ancestry.
Elizabeth
On Java Road by Lawrence Osborne
This is a beautifully-written book about the rioting in Hong Kong, a British journalist living there and his wealthy Chinese friend. It is very atmospheric and puts the reader in that time and place.
Mary
All That is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landy
Interesting concept, but the “twist” fell flat. The ending was predictable and unsatisfying. I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters.
Mary
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
1958, small town, big secrets. A bit cliche, but I was invested in finding out “who done it”. Without posting spoilers, I will say that when everything was revealed I didn’t think it made sense or would have happened in the way described.
Mary
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
Phenomenal! Each chapter is told from the point of view of different Black women and non-binary people in and around London, whose lives intersect a la “six degrees of Kevin Bacon”. The ending was beautiful and filled my heart with so much joy.
Mary
Idaho by Emily Ruskovich
I picked this up at my library’s book sale primarily because I live in Washington and I’m familiar with Idaho, and I thought it’d be fun to read a book set in the state next door to me. While the author has a beautiful way of writing, there were holes in the plot that I found hard to overlook. The inner monologue of the six-year-old girl was that of a grown woman, completely unbelievable in many aspects. I think it would have worked better if the girls were each a few years older. I was thrilled to see my hometown (Kennewick, WA) as one of the settings, but dismayed that the author chose to make it rain there - it’s desert, it hardly ever rains. I fully realize that’s a nit picky analysis, but I can’t help it.
Donna
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
I don't often give a 5-star rating, but this book just checked all the boxes for me. It's historical fiction
about Martha Ballard, a midwife in Maine in the 1700s. She kept a diary, which is still available today, and Lawhon wove her story around the diary. Best book I've read in a long time.
Claire
The Yawning Gap by C.V. Vobh
There was no aspect of this book I can say I enjoyed. The prose aimed for poetic, but was too poorly written to be anything but pretentious, repetitive, and a slog to get through. It’s a young poet’s first encounter with a thesaurus. I may be biased because I am not a monarchist and very much do not believe in the divine right of kings, but the political commentary was borderline insufferable. It consisted of the same one-note caricatures showing up in various locales. It was as nuanced and engaging as a single-panel political cartoon in a second-rate newspaper but stretched out over hundreds of pages. The main characters oscillate between having almost no personality and being irritating. The plot creeps by before ending abruptly.
Paula
Familia by Lauren E. Rico
Great story.
Anne
The White Hare by Jane Johnson
Captivating, memorable and unforgettable story that is descriptive with characters who are vividly portrayed.
Agnes
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
The gang from Coopers Chase is back at it. This is the fourth installment in Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim are pensioners living in a retirement community in a southern England coastal town. Elizabeth is an ex-spy, but they all share an interest in solving crimes and started their own “club.” They’re joined in their capers by their friend, Bogdan and a pair of local police officers, Chris and Donna. Each new book introduces a few others, but they’re the core of the series. Each character has their own charms, and they’re all absolutely delightful. Osman’s witty writing and their quirkiness had me chuckling out loud more than a few times. Read them in order so you see how the characters develop.
Valerie
North Woods by Daniel Mason
Brilliant. The only book I have ever gone back and read again. There is so much depth to it. Emotionally and intellectually stimulating.
Rose
I'm Not Done With You Yet by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Creepy! Jane is an author who has had mediocre success. When she notices that her Oxford classmate, Thalia, has a new bestseller, she is reminded of the time they spent together. Jane was obsessed with Thalia. She loved her, but Thalia didn't reciprocate, opting to include Ani in their group. Now 10 years later, Thalia needs Jane. Everything starts to coalesce, and Jane begins to see what she missed. This is a story of manipulation and disturbing behavior.
Merle
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
The book is hopscotch literature; characters all developed by surface plot advancement. I kept reading even after I had figured things out just to see how the author might be able to end this romp. I think because of my age (88) I find this type of writing unsatisfying. And it makes me wonder if the young people of today find it satisfying because of their own satisfaction with on line communication.
Gretchen
The Safe Place by Anna Downes
This month's book club pick which had everyone (unusual) chiming in on opinions. Personally, it was just an average read.
Claire
The Warped Side of Our Universe by Kip Thorne and Lia Halloran
In the opening, Thorne explains that the book was originally written as prose and adapted to verse to better suit the art with which it’s paired. I don’t know that the adaptation to poetry was done well, though, of course, I don’t have the original prose to compare. Some attempts to sound more poetic or fit the meter came off as amateurish. I enjoyed the art for the most part. There were certain spreads and pages that I felt could have made better use of the space or could have been workshopped to produce a more compelling composition, but generally, I thought the style worked with the subject.
Kristi
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
This was a heartbreaking story of love, loss, and bravery. Although somewhat predictable, I loved the ending, which made it a satisfying read instead of mostly sad and again, heartbreaking.
Helene
The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach by Pam Jenoff
I really enjoyed this book. Have read all her books and I think this one was the best.
Linda
The Wager by David Grann
Great storytelling and a fascinating tale!
Susan
Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
I thought the story was good, but the way it was portrayed wasn’t done very well. I have a book club and I picked this book, but I am sure my members are going to give this book a thumbs down.
Rose
Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin
The initial setting of this book is a fictional Caribbean island, and the next part of the book is set in NYC; both are done well. It is a story of a family on vacation on Saint X, wealthy parents and their two daughters. Alison is 18, gorgeous and provocative. Claire is 7 and looks up to her sister.
On the last night of the vacation, Alison goes missing and is later found dead. Two of the resort workers are arrested, but let go. A Yale college boy is also questioned. Claire mourns her sister's death, especially when she is 18, and realizes that she has outlived Alison. She has a chance encounter with one of the men arrested and decides to become close to him to find out if he killed Claire. A dangerous story.
Richard N B
Old Bones by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
First book of the Nora Kelly series. An expedition to find the “Lost Camp” of the infamous Donner Party goes awry quickly. The body count rises as a major spring storm threatens to strand the expedition members. Preston and Childs are great thriller writers. They keep the reader turning pages with short sentences and chapters. I will read more of this series.
Janet
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
A little slow movng.
Cindee
On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni
The book started out with a woman reclaiming her life as she inherits a rundown lakefront lodge. The whole small town supports her and there are secrets being held. But it got a little preachy at the end.
Susan
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
Probably the best of the four books so far. Good humour, but really sad this time around. The perspective given by the characters of other people they meet is always interesting. The protagonists do change over time which adds to the story/series of books. Intriguing that it's the old women who are the "ring leaders".
Marcia
The Cleaner by Brandi Wells
I read a pre-release of the book. Interesting concept of a night-shift cleaning lady learning about the company employees by what is left in and on their desks and waste baskets. She manipulates items to sometimes change the trajectory of what's happening. In one case, she manages to topple the top rung of the ladder. I found myself sometime emphasizing with her and at other times finding her rather disgusting. The concept of the book is rather fascinating and very different from others I've read.
Marcia
Mockingbird Summer by Lynda Rutledge
The setting is the summer of 1962 in a small town in Texas where segregation is very real. Tomboy Corky befriends America, a Black teenager from, literally, the other side of the tracks. Corky asked America to play on the all-White church softball team. What ensues is quite a story with many repercussions. I loved the characters and the story. I wanted to keep reading, which signifies a very good book to me. I highly recommend it.
Trezeline
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Very beautifully-written book.
Elizabeth
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
It took some time for me to get into this book. McBride spends a lot of time building up Chicken Hill and its inhabitants. But I eventually immersed myself in this world and its memorable characters. I didn’t get all the plot twists, but it was still a rich experience.
Dianne
Absolution by Alice McDermott
Vietnam in the early 1960s two women befriend each other. Sixty years later, Trisha recounts this period to the other's grown daughter.
Gerry
Marmee by Sarah Miller
I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of LITTLE WOMEN from the perspective of Marmee, the mother of the four girls I remember so well from my childhood.
Gerry
The People We Keep by Allison Larkin
This coming-of-age novel centers on a young girl, left to fend for herself in a motorless motorhome after first her mother, and then her father deserted her when she was only 16. Her father was not completely absent, but his periodic reappearances in April's life typically occurred when he was drunk and angry. After one such event, April leaves home for good, taking her father's car and her few possessions, and going on the road hoping to make a life for herself as a singer-songwriter. She documents her travels and the people she meets in her songs, but repeatedly finds reasons to move on from even the most promising situations. Her decisions often left me frustrated, but showed vividly just the challenges she faced building a life alone.
Gerry
Llama Drama by Anna McNuff
Just an amazing adventure! Two young women, avid and adventurous bicyclists, ride from Bolivia to Tierra del Fuego, covering the length of South America in six months.
Gerry
All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
Ashton Lattimore's first novel is an excellent combination of thorough historical research and good storytelling. She narrates the story in the voices of three main characters: Nell, the daughter of a well-to-do family of free Blacks who had lived in the city for generations, Charlotte/Carrie, a young woman who escaped with her father from enslavement on a Maryland tobacco plantation, and Evie, a still-enslaved young woman brought to Philadelphia by her mistress. Three women from very different circumstances come together at a time when the fever of abolition was running high in the city, but also up against an equally fervent push from those who wished to see the "peculiar institution" continue. Based on a true story. Moving and inspiring!
Gerry
We Must Not Think of Ourselves by Lauren Grodstein
Grodstein's latest novel was inspired by the testimony-gathering project code named Oneg Shabbat; a secret group in the Warsaw ghetto collected data and wrote about daily life in the ghetto. They wrote about resistance in its several forms, including cultural work, underground schools, the underground press, and smuggling, as well as armed resistance. Fictional interviews by Adam Paskow, the narrator and main character of the novel, are interspersed within the story to provide the backstories of various characters. Taken together with his own story of life before and after confinement in the ghetto, these interviews give a heart-rending glimpse into a life where there were no good choices, yet choices still needed to be made daily.
Gerry
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
What started off as a murder mystery quickly became so much more - a rich story of a community filled with interesting and mostly endearing characters. In the end, learning who killed Jimmy Quinn and why was less important to me than seeing the progression of the characters' lives. I've read most of Krueger's novels, and this may just be his best yet.
Gerry
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
A novella set in the Cotswolds (UK) at the country estate of a wealthy family where a murder has taken place. Definitely darker than the typical Christmas story.
Gerry
Evil Eye by Etaf Rum
This story of a young Palestinian-American woman who escaped an oppressive and sometimes abusive childhood only to find herself in a similarly oppressive marriage was engaging throughout, despite what I felt were some inconsistencies in the portrayal of Yara's mother. It explored themes of cultural expectations, mental illness, and the ways our unresolved pasts affect our present lives within an interesting context as Yara sought to balance her desire for freedom and professional achievement with the demands on her as a wife and mother of two young daughters.
Gerry
Endurance: Shakleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
I had to remind myself repeatedly that this incredible voyage took place in 1914-16, a time when navigation was still done manually with a sextant and log book, when everything (food, tools, equipment, tents, etc.) the men needed had to be hauled along with them, and when they had no means of communication with the outside world. The many obstacles they overcame, including months of frigid cold and near-total darkness, as they camped for months on the frozen ice that surrounds Antarctica - after their ship had been trapped and then literally crushed by packed ice - were truly mind-boggling. The audiobook was well narrated and made use of many short quotes from journals kept by various participants in the voyage to bring the scenes to life.
Gerry
The Ink-Black Heart by Robert Galbraith
This latest installment in the Cormoran Strike series did not engage me as much as previous entries. Too many characters, including some introduced in the last 20% of the book, all masquerading as someone else and chatting online while playing a dark video game -- none of this context was appealing to me. The romance between Strike and Robin is also wearing thin as they both continue to pretend they don't have feelings for one another. And surprising to me, I guessed the identity of Anomie long before the end, despite numerous red herrings, reinforcing my sense that this novel was unnecessarily long and drawn out. After thinking about it, I dropped my rating to a 2 = "just okay".
Gerry
One Two Three by Laurie Frankel
Laurie Frankel has penned another very good “issue novel” following her success with THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS, this time focusing on environmental issues, corporate greed and corruption, and the benefits to all of expanding our definition of normalcy and working to include and accommodate everyone. Bourne was a sleepy little town before a large chemical company built a plant there that polluted the water and brought deaths, diseases, and birth defects to the community. Seventeen years later the company is seeking to reopen the plant, claiming that the problems with the chemical have been corrected and that restarting operations will benefit Bourne and its citizens. The story is narrated in alternating chapters by three teenage triplets.
Gerry
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
HOME FRONT is a touching and informative story of a woman in the National Guard who is deployed during the Iraq War, forced to leave her two daughters, who are both at vulnerable points in their lives, and her husband, who is grieving his father's death and burying himself in his work to the detriment of their relationship as a married couple. The audiobook was well-narrated and very engaging. In addition to an enjoyable story, the novel provides a close look at the horrors of war, at PTSD, and at some of the challenges faced by both soldiers and the family and friends they leave behind.
Gerry
All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles
ALL THAT SHE CARRIED is more than the story of one object. It's a window into a time and a culture that many in this country would prefer to forget, or at least to relegate to the past and ignore. Tiya Miles uses the scant knowledge available about the sack and its provenance, along with many other sources, to explore the lives of three women: Rose, who originally packed the sack, her daughter Ashley to whom she gave the sack and its contents, and Ruth, Ashley's granddaughter, who embroidered its story on the outside of the sack, which is now housed in the Smithsonian. At times the prose was a bit dense, and it wandered farther afield from the main topic than I'd have preferred, but this was still a valuable read.
Gerry
After Annie by Anna Quindlen
This was a slow-moving, character-driven novel, and for more than half the book I found myself reading a little then putting it aside, and feeling little pull to return to it. It did not measure up to previous books I've read by this author. Characters seemed under-developed, and there were frequent puzzling transitions from a scene in the present to a memory from someone's past that caused me to pause and reread to figure out just who was recalling and what was the connection to the present. The novel opens with Annie's death, so that statement is not a spoiler, and follows her family and her best friend through the year or so that follows, as each of them reacts and adjusts in his or her own way to this devastating loss.
Gerry
Beyond the Sand and Sea: One Family's Quest for a Country to Call Home by Ty McCormick
This was a powerful, fascinating, heart-rending glimpse into the tragedy that refugees fleeing war-torn and impoverished countries face in their efforts to re-establish themselves in new homes. Asad Hussein was born in Dadaab, the world’s largest refugee camp, in Kenya; he was the son of a Somali couple who had fled the terror inflicted by warlords in their homeland. He spent his entire childhood in this temporary community where overcrowded housing, insufficient food, and complete lack of self-determination were the norm. He escaped into literature, surmounted enormous obstacles to get a basic education, and never gave up on his dream of coming to America.
Gerry
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
The opening chapters of this novel captivated me immediately. The lush descriptions and interesting characters brought the sixteenth century to life. But after a while, those descriptions began to feel overdone, and my interest began to wane. I found organizational structure (telling the story out of sequence, moving back and forth in time) to be tiresome, and not helpful in either developing the characters or moving the plot forward. I loved the characters, especially Agnes, Hamnet, and Bartholomew. The end of the novel was simply beautiful, and made the slog through some less interesting parts worthwhile. Torn between 3 (liked it) and 4 (loved it), but ultimately decided to give the author credit for her creative approach to the story.
Gerry
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
The classic story of a young man seeking wisdom. I read this one for Barnes & Noble's Classics Challenge, and found it a worthwhile read.
Gerry
The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland
This is a fascinating and well-written story centered on the 1811 Richmond Theater Fire and its aftermath. The novel spans only a few days, and is narrated in alternating chapters about four characters, all based, to varying degrees, on real people. They included a single White widow, a young boy who worked as a stagehand in the theater, an enslaved man working as a blacksmith, and a young enslaved woman who suffered the all too common predatory behavior of her White enslaver's son. All the characters were well-developed and their compelling stories moved the plot forward towards its mostly-satisfying conclusion.
Gerry
Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger
This prequel to Krueger's Cork O'Connor series features Cork at age twelve, finding his place in the company of men, trying to make sense of the world after discovering that there's no true safe haven, learning to walk in the space between the white culture of his father and the indigenous culture of his maternal grandmother. Cork's father, Liam, is the sheriff of Tamarack County, Minnesota, and his territory includes reservation lands populated by members of the Ojibwa tribe. When Cork and his friends find a Native man hanged in a secluded location regarded by the tribe as sacred, they are horrified, and turn to Liam to solve the mystery of Big John's death.
Gerry
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
THE FROZEN RIVER is a novel inspired by the life and work of Martha Ballard, an eighteenth century midwife in Hallowell, Maine. It's a combination of family saga, mystery, and historical fiction, and a compelling read from beginning to end. Lawhon has successfully woven into her mostly factual novel a great deal of detail about the daily lives of the people of Hallowell, the mores and social norms that governed their society, and the judicial system that might or might not have rendered justice in its rulings. Excellent writing, interesting characters, and a plot that moved forward at just the right pace all make this a novel not to be missed by those who enjoy good historic fiction.
Gerry
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
Like the best narrative nonfiction, DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC reads like a good novel, only better, because it's all true. In addition to a fascinating biography of Garfield, Millard includes in this book a detailed look at his killer, Charles Guiteau, the man who had stalked Garfield seeking a position in his administration, at the young Alexander Graham Bell, who labored long and hard to develop a machine he hoped would save this popular president's life, and at the medical practices that doomed this good man who might well have survived the shooting had more up-to-date care been provided.
Gerry
The Daughters of Yalta: The Churchills, Roosevelts, and Harrimans: A Story of Love and War by Catherine Grace Katz
This is an engaging portrayal of the events surrounding the Yalta Conference, at which FDR, Churchill, and Stalin met to discuss post-WWII plans, told from the perspective of three young women who attended: Sarah Churchill, Anna Roosevelt, and Katherine Harriman. Personally, my interest was more in the conference itself and the discussions and decisions made by the principals, rather than in the women themselves, and for me, the gossip about love affairs and social engagements detracted from the story. I'd been unaware just how sick FDR was during this period, and was dismayed by the degree to which he and others chose to placate Stalin, seeming to underestimate his villainy, for which many Russians and others worldwide have paid dearly.
Gerry
Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism by Rachel Maddow
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Maddow read the audiobook, and was stunned by the information she reported. I found the outcome of all the investigations to be more than a little dismaying, and am left more anxious than ever about the results of the coming election and what they will bring. The extent of anti-Semitism in the 1930s and 1940s surprised me at first, but when I think about where our country is now with divisions over race and white supremacy, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. Nazi German's ability to spread disinformation and to rally supposedly loyal Americans to their cause and against FDR is a frightening prelude to our current era of disinformation and divisiveness. Not an easy book to read but highly recommended.
Gerry
Wellness by Nathan Hill
There were moments when I considered discarding this book in favor of something more engaging, but having finished it, I have to say, I loved it, or most of it at least. It took me a good while to connect with the characters, but as Hill spooled out their backstories, I found I cared more and more about each of them. This is the story of a couple from their initial meeting through twenty years of marriage. It's also an exploration of a variety of seemingly off-topic issues, that were surprisingly interesting. The section of the book that most captivated me (aside from the main plot) was the section about internet algorithms, which I found fascinating in its explanation of how we are all led to see things that reinforce existing beliefs.
Cecilia
The Curse of Pietro Houdini by Derek B. Miller
Great characters based on a true story.
Claire
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns
I could feel some level of sympathy and understanding for most of the characters in this family, even as they hurt each other or cave to their weaknesses. They were all given the depth to show where their dysfunctions and their faults come from and why they still care for each other. Their family dynamic and behavior felt realistic even in the more extreme circumstances - potential murder, hidden bodies, and all. Even though she was something of an antagonist in portions of the book and certainly could have been a better parent, I found myself especially enjoying Joseph's family mother’s, Elise’s, character and relationships.
Elizabeth
The Woman with the Blue Star by Pam Jenoff
Hard to put down; more difficult to imagine!
Muriel
The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis
The Red Scare and McCarthy’s witch hunt for communists in the 1950s would have been a time of fear and unrest for many people. Some in the entertainment industry were accused of being communists by the House un-American Committee and were blacklisted, ending their careers. Ms. Davis has helped the reader understand this situation through the use of fictional characters Maxine (actress), Hazel (playwright), and others involved in the theater and Broadway. Ms Davis created believable characters in Maxine and Hazel and shows a crumbling friendship through unfortunate events. There are secrets, a surprising revelation, and of course sadness. The Chelsea Hotel in New York is an interesting setting for the story.
Jane
Tracking the Truth by Dana Mentink
Danger abounds. Roman happens to be in the right place to save Emery. Wally, his blood hound, helps many times to locate people. Emery doesn't know why someone wants her dead or who it is. Emery is taking care of her nephew because her sister is in a coma. So many people are hurt because one person is determined to get what he wants. God takes the bad things that happen and works for good. This story will encourage you no matter what you are facing.
Liz
I See Life Through Rose’-Colored Glasses: True Stories and Comfessions by Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serittella
Very cute vignettes read by both authors. The stories are told in perspective of the mother and daughter, so multiple generations would enjoy this.
Kristine
When We Were Brave by Karla M. Jay
I’ve read a fair number of historical fiction books about WWII, but this captured the war and its effect on different groups of people in a whole new way. Told from three different perspectives; a German SS officer who defects and is trying to stop Hitler’s atrocities, a young mixed Jewish boy who is sent to various camps and a German American who is accused of aiding the Germans. I found Isaak’s story especially heartbreaking and authentic as it highlighted his confusion as a young boy trying to make sense of what was happening. I highly recommend this one.
Suzanne
Long Range by C. J. Box
This is one of a series from Joe Pickett's adventures as a game warden in Wyoming. New chief of police and new sheriff that might be more about politics that actual officers to get crimes solve. Joe needs to not worry about them and work to find who shot the judge's wife.
Sonia
Murder at a Scottish Castle by Traci Hall
The latest installment in a cozy mystery series that I enjoy. It didn't disappoint and I recommend for cozy fans.
Gail
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Loved this book and I think I've read everything Ms. Brooks has written!
Gail
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
Loved this book! The characters were great! I look forward to more by this author!
Gail
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
Excellent story! An interesting take on the Ted Bundy cases. Highly recommended!
Claire
The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland
I hadn’t read Krystal Sutherland’s previous work (though HOUSE OF HOLLOW has been on my TBR for too long), so I wasn’t sure what to expect from her going into this. She definitely lives up to the hype with this one. All three main characters were fun to read about. They had strong and distinct character that was fully shown through both the dialogue and their narration. The magical elements of this world were incorporated well and managed appropriate darkness and grittiness without going into excessive edginess. I liked that the demons, while undoubtedly inscrutable and mystical, behaved like real animals not just monsters.
Susan
The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
This is a well-told dual timeline story of a poor Jewish family emigrating to the lower East Side in New York City in the early 1920s. And it’s also about the granddaughter of one of the sisters; each character discovers something wonderful about themselves. Sara is a matchmaker. She had to fight against the male establishment of matchmakers in the city because she was unmarried and female. Abby, her granddaughter, chooses a high powered career as a divorce lawyer. It is also the story of the special relationship between grandmother and granddaughter and how the grandmother’s journals of matches brings to life just how precious the gift her grandmother had was. It was an easy, fun read.
Donna
The Favorites by Rosemary Hennigan
Jessie Mooney-Flynn seeks revenge against Jay Crane, a law professor who took advantage of her sister. As Jessie inserts herself into Crane’s life it becomes unclear as to who is chasing whom. Set during the MeToo movement and the 2016 US election, Ms. Hennigan handles the difficult topics of rape, misogyny and power respectfully. This dark academia is a thought-provoking read.
Shawna
Holly by Stephen King
Oh how I loved this book! This was my second Stephen King book ever and I have given 5 stars to both. The other book was FAIRY TALE. Holly was just as I thought it would be. I loved her in Mr. Mercedes and was excited he was doing a whole book about her character. I will add this book is not for the weak of stomach and some parts are down right yucky! Holly’s trying to solve a missing person case and soon discovers it maybe that of a serial killer. She doesn’t know it’s an elderly couple who are into cannibalism. Most of the book is about the missing characters and Holly.
Ellyn
Near Miss by Stuart Woods
Havn't read him for a while and love his Barrington character. I'll have to get back to more of his books.
Kristin
1984 by George Orwell
I read this book for a book club. We talked about the similarities and differences between then and now. But I must say, this book is very depressing. I guess since it is a classic, we should all read it. But it just gets gloomier and gloomier. There is one line of hope, "If there is hope it lies in the proles." We do not find out if this is true, but there is always hope the underdog will fight back.
Sharon
The Armor of Light by Ken Follett
I've enjoyed the Kingsbridge series. New characters to enjoy. He brings to life how people were treated during that time period.
.
Elizabeth
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
We read this book for my book club. I couldn't put it down. The story seemed very real and the surprise at the end was totally unexpected.
Tessa
Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
This is a YA gay romance featuring two very likeable young men facing serious life decisions. Oh, the intensity of young love. The passion and fierceness of the feelings. I really liked these two young men. My only complaint: the language here (significant use of the ‘F’ bomb) and the sexual content seem more adult than YA. It’s a beautifully-told love story, but Villa could have done it with much less swearing and graphic sex.
Debbie
The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side by Agatha Christie
Lord Alfred Tennyson’s "The Lady of Shalott" figures into the title and the motive of THE MIRROR CRACK'D FROM SIDE TO SIDE. Agatha invokes the real life drama of actress Jean Tierney in the unsettling problem of contacting German measles during a pregnancy. Miss Marple stirs from her forced rehabilitation to aide Chief Inspector Dermot Craddock in discovering who had reason to poison Heather Badcock. Before the mystery will be uncovered, two more bodies fall prey to the murderer: Ella Zielinsky and Guiseppe. The clues lead to one person, and Miss Marple understands human nature and that understanding uncovers the killer. An interesting study of how the past always returns to plague and undo the future.
Debbie
The Clocks by Agatha Christie
Hercule Poirot and romance appear in most of the Poirot mysteries, and THE CLOCKS follows that formula. The reader will need to read THE CLOCKS to discover the romance. A good friend of Poirot’s, Colin Lamb, narrates the majority of the novel. Colin also does most of the investigating while helping Inspector Dick Hardcastle with the murder of an elderly, unknown man. As usual, more deaths occur before the case unravels. The mystery presents a secret from the past and the maternal yearnings of the most hardened woman. Poirot claims that he can solve the case from the comfort of his armchair, but Colin must do all the legwork to present Poirot with all the interesting and vital clues. Who is the better detective: Marple or Poirot?
Sandy
The One I Left Behind by Jennifer McMahon
If you love mysteries and thrillers you will love this one. The summer of 1985 changes Reggie's life. An awkward 13-year-old, she finds herself mixed up with the school outcasts. That same summer, a serial killer called Neptune begins kidnapping women. He leaves their severed hands on the police department doorstep and 5 days later displays their bodies around town. It is hard to believe who Neptune really is!
Liz
The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
The nightmare a family endures during the Japanese occupation of Malaya literally gave me bad dreams as well. I felt as though I was experiencing their fears and catastrophes myself.
Beth
I Will Find You by Harlan Coben
I WILL FIND YOU is another Harlan Coben book written in his usual style. That might sound negative, but it's not. I love Coben's style and so do an awful lot of other readers. So why change a winning formula? Almost all of I WILL FIND YOU is a chase. David, who is in jail for killing his son, Mathew, manages to escape with the help of friends. He didn't do it and is convinced his son is alive. So now the chase is on as FBI detectives and police go after what they think is an armed-and-dangerous child murderer. And David gets closer and closer to learning the truth of what really happened. As usual with Coben's books, you need to suspend your disbelief at times. Do that, and you will enjoy the heck out of I WILL FIND YOU.
Debbie
The Twist of a Knife by Anthony Horowitz
Daniel Hawthorne wins the Hercule Poirot award for his excellent analysis of the murder of literary critic, Harriet Throsby, and his saving his ex-partner, Anthony Horowitz, from prison. The final scene where Hawthorne assembles all the suspects and reveals the details of Harriet’s murder, plus the murder of two other individuals. The scene reminds one of Hercule Poirot and/or Nick Charles of The Thin Man fame. THE TWIST OF A KNIFE provides a fast-paced mystery with a vast array of suspects, and Horowitz embellishes the story with the interior of the theater and the workings of an actual play. The tension builds as a recently released from jail, Anthony Horowitz, must employ the services of his friend, Daniel Hawthorne.
Rose
The Lost Manuscript by Cathy Bonidan
I truly enjoy an epistolary novel, and when it is about a book it makes it even more interesting!
Set primarily in France, a woman finds a manuscript in a hotel nightstand. She returns it to its author, but is surprised when he advises her that he lost the manuscript years earlier, and only wrote to p.156, and the ending was not his. This causes the woman to find out where the manuscript had traveled, and why after all these years did it resurface. This is a story of relationships, friends, lovers, secrets, and a mystery. I enjoyed the correspondence and the unraveling story of the manuscript and the lives it touched. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Rose
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
I loved this book about Daphne, a woman who receives a paper each time she starts dating someone, giving her their name and the length of the relationship. But, the book is more than that. It is the story of love, trust, and friendship. You may think it is a frivolous story of a woman dating and how the relationships end when the paper says they will. One day, Daphne receives a note with just a name, and no time. So, she believes that this may mean eternity. She confides in her friend, Hugo, about the note, and the man that her friend, Kendra, introduced to her. But then, 60% of the way through - the book takes a surprising turn, and becomes a very different story. Read it! It has some emotional moments, but it's worth it!
Andi
The Paris Housekeeper by Renee Ryan
Paris 1940 - the time when the Nazi's take over Paris. Such a page-turning book. It follows three women from different walks of life. Vivian is an American widow, Camille is a French women, and Rachel is a French Jew. All of these women's lives have been upturned by the arrival of the Nazi's. They will need to rely on each other to survive. This is a book of friendship and asks the question, "What would you do when evil enters your world and how far would you go to protect the ones you love?"
Beth
Don't Look Now by Daphne du Maurier
DON'T LOOK NOW is a book of Daphne du Maurier's short stories, the first of which has that same title. This review is of that short story, "Don't Look Now." The story begins with the quotation "Don't Look Now," as John and Laura are having lunch at a restaurant and joking together about other restaurant guests. They are a married couple vacationing in Italy. John is relieved that Laura seems to be coming out of the depression she has been in since their 5-year-old daughter died. But two of the guests they were joking about turn out to be psychics. And so begin misunderstandings and confusion. A movie based on "Don't Look Now" was made.
Katharine
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
I know some people have complained that the book is depressing. I suspect it rather resembles life. The story is about addiction but so much more. Human relationships play such an important part in the story. It's an amazing book.
Bethany
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
The book was historical fiction at its best, based on real events and capturing the emotions of the people who experienced those events. I thought the book was terrific and I gave copies to several people.
Leslie Kathy
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
This book was a great one for book club discussion, not only talking about the story based on a true court case about the sterilization of young Black girls but also about issues on how do we intervene when we see horrible things happening, how much can we intervene in others' lives, what motivates us to act, and secrets that we keep.
Joan
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
The book tells a compelling story. I am so glad I read it and I believe I will remember the characters for a long, long time.
Susan
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
I enjoyed the book. Lisa See did an excellent job of character and plot development.
Judie
The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende
This timely story weaves the narratives of two refugees following the lives of a young Austrian Jewish boy who was sent to England at age 5 on the Kindertransport at the beginning of WWII, and years later a young girl who escapes the horrors of El Salvador by walking to the U.S. with her father. Decades later another girl and her mother escape danger in El Salvador by seeking refuge in the U.S. only to be separated by the government’s separation policy at the border.
Lisa
The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
I read the first book and immediately ordered the next two in the trilogy. Amazing books that pulled me in and made me lose a lot of sleep!
Lisa
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
I read this book in just two days and could hardly wait to order the next in the series. So engaging and I couldn't predict where the story was going. Such believable characters, and a total escape from the world we live. I tore through all 5 books in this set, one after the other.
Bill
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
I enjoyed the author’s first two books; especially THE SILENT PATIENT. THE FURY did not keep me engaged. The plot was not particularly interesting: bored rich actress, jerk of a playwright/narrator, philandering husband, jealous alcoholic best friend of bored actress, etc. all assemble on a Greek island for a relaxing weekend. All heck breaks loose, but the action is fairly predictable and definitely not edge-of-your seat. Not the author’s best by any means.
Diane
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The best book I have read in ages. I laughed, cried, and was shocked at what a nurse experienced in Vietnam. Kristin did a superb job on this topic.
sherry
Speaking Yiddish to Chickens by Seth Stern
Very informative and interesting. Had not been aware of this happening in America.
Donna
The Latchkey by Elizabeth Gray
Set during the dial-up internet era, THE LATCHKEY has a wonderful nostalgic feel. Alex and his five friends, all “latchkey kids,” vanish from in front of their computers. A parent’s worst nightmare. As the parents search, they stumble upon a gruesome discovery Alex must have made. Did this have anything to do with the children’s disappearance? Suspenseful and compelling, with a shocker of an ending.
Darlene
It All Comes Back to You by Beth Duke
Really good read.
Chris
Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj
Beautifully told.
Jeanne
My Name Was Eden by Eleanor Barker-White
MY NAME WAS EDEN by Eleanor Barker-White is a well-written, bone-chilling psychological thriller that is mesmerizing from the very first page. The plot centers around Lucy who can’t figure out what happened to her typical teenage daughter, Eden, after she survives a drowning accident. Everyone including the medical professionals and her husband all say Eden is fine. Yet the mother instinct in Lucy tells her something is terribly off with her daughter. The character development was excellent and was a perfect fit for the storyline. The ending left me totally shocked and surprised and one I never saw coming. I received an uncorrected proof of this book.
Karen
Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney
This book should be required reading for all Americans!
Jacqueline
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
I really enjoyed this book. It's rather a slow-paced read. Not one that I just couldn't put down but I did really enjoy it. This is a story based on the real person named Martha Ballard who kept a diary of the daily details of her life as a midwife in the 1700s. There are many characters in the life of Martha Ballard, which can be a little confusing. It's set in 1789 when the Kennebec River freezes and three men happen upon a dead body while saving one of their own from drowning in the frozen water. Martha is called to come examine the body to determine how the man died. Thus begins the mystery and unraveling of Martha's patients as a midwife and as a healer.
Jeanne
Long After We Are Gone by Terah Shelton Harris
Author Terah Shelton Harris has created a dark, meaningful and ultimately redemptive account of estranged siblings raised in small town Diggs, North Carolina as they struggle to accept each other and work together to save their land named The Kingdom. When their strong and revered father, King Solomon, (a name that may have readers drawing comparisons to the Biblical ruler) dies without leaving a will, his children must seek the advice of local attorney and long-time friend, Ellis. The estranged siblings must bring personal flaws and struggles out in the open in order to work together.
Sally-Jo
Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout
An interesting story about how Lucy's life changed dramatically during the COVID shut down.
Rona
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
I chose this book because I loved the author's book, THE MARTIAN. This book did not disappoint. It gave a glimpse on what it might be like to communicate with aliens as well as trying to save our planet in a limited amount of time.
Connie
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
Story of a woman who wants to change her life at 45 as she describes her past to an acquaintance in a podcast, but as the recording continues it reveals some unusual and disturbing actions.
Jess Anne
The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson
Characters are so well developed they reminded me of people in my life. Just as we do in our lives, they deal with privilege, race and how we treat the elderly. The issues are woven into a lighthearted, believable and delightful story. I cheered for the main character, a comic book author, to navigate her way through it all. As she found her way she kept me smiling. Memorable characters and a memorable tale calls for a five star rating. A book I’ll recommend to others.
Laurie
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
This was an exceptionally great read. A forger in France during WW II is the highlight of the story. Historical fiction at its best.
Nonie
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
A thriller with a lot of twists and turns.
Richard N B
The Good Thief's Guide to Paris by Chris Ewan
Book Two in the Good Thief mystery series, has author and thief Charlie Howard in the City of Lights. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one fell flat for me. Oh, I still like Charlie and I like the way he thinks. I enjoyed the introduction of Victoria, his agent; she really added a lot to this episode. One thing I expect of mysteries is that the conclusion answers all my questions, and this one did not. He did set up the next in the series rather nicely, so I’ll probably read more.
Patty
The Women by Kristin Hannah
LOVED this book! The book draws us into the lives of the people in the 60s…especially the women, the politics and the effects of the Vietnam war. As a teenager in the 60s, I was brought back to remembering the turmoil of the years, the effects of social norms, especially in women’s lives, and thinking about the very slow progress we have made socially and politically.
dorothy
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I thought the book started out a little slow, but, wow, once I got going on it I couldn't put it down. It was fun to learn about octopus. Really a remarkable creature!
Laura
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
So thankful that my new book club chose this book for our February discussion. I have had this book on my TBR list for a while and our book club choice moved it up to the top. The heartbreaking stories magnify the reality of slavery and the hope that the Underground Railroad imbued in the hearts of Cora, Caesar and Royal, the main characters.
Karen
Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly once again has written a winning novel packed with intrigue and courtroom drama that had me turning pages so fast! I needed to know the answers, as much as the characters were searching for them.
Kay
Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal
Read for my book club. Not my kind of book. Disjointed with too much profanity for me.
Donna
The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen
Very well written story. I do not usually like thrillers, but Tess has a way of telling the story that is easy to absorb and keep you entertained and to not put the book down.
Maryanne
You Look Beautiful Tonight by L. R. Jones
Creepy, but not in a fun way. A very uncomfortable read.
Denise
Familia by Lauren E. Rico
Two young women, both questioning and searching for answers just beyond their reach. One in Puerto Rico longing to find her missing little sister, the other in New York questioning the results from a work-related genealogy test. The events involving the missing sister are explored in two timelines, twenty-five years in the past and then in present time. The character development is emotional and honest demonstrating tough love situations and hard decisions being made in the worst of situations. The relationships of the characters are realistic and well developed. The descriptions of Puerto Rico are colorful and vibrant taking on their own character as you read. There is mystery and surprise, lies and truths. This book has it all.
Lisa
Sweet Mercies by Dennis Lehane
A fascinating look at the forced busing in Boston during the mid-1970s. We were living there at the time and I didn't realize all that was happening. I appreciated how Lehane shined a spotlight on the different groups that were affected, especially the mothers. If you are offended by swearing, this is not the book for you.
Aida
The Dance of the Dolls by Lucy Ashe
Enjoyable read. Author was able to explain the ballet terms - I am not familiar with ballet. The mystery and history that was added made it fun.
Jean
Queen Wallis by C. J. Carey
Sequel to WIDOWLAND, this continues the story of life in a fictional England after Germany won WWII. Our protagonist, a young woman whose job is sanitizing literature to fit the German world view, has a secret life working with people in the underground. They seek to overturn the current regime and return the British monarchy to power. It is a scary story portraying a world where women are ranked and stigmatized and people are afraid to be themselves.
Barb
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
I couldn't put it down. I plan to listen to the Bookreporter podcast with the author.
Pam
Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder
Lots of research is tied to anecdotes about the people who try to offer health care to the homeless community in Boston. Thought-provoking and educational as well as engaging. The takeaway: there's no one cause or solution to homelessness. It's a complex problem and requires many different ideas to deal with those who are in that position, either by choice and/or circumstance.
Joni
The Collector by Daniel Silva
This was a bit more political than usual and found it quite annoying. The story was okay but also not as good as his previous books. I’ve read them all and sadly this was my least favorite.
Marilyn
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
A modern family must-read. This upbeat and sometimes unpredictable family of five boys will delight and make you see and feel the deep understanding of how love and acceptance does work in a family. It holds a modern-day challenging subject, but also shows true humor, dignity and mostly love between all family members. (Interestingly, Laurie even mentioned my hometown, Kenosha, WI, in the novel.) A good curl up, warm blanket, cold Wisconsin day read! It moved me to tears.
Lori
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Wonderful story of people and creatures looking to solve unanswered questions about their past.
WENDY
What Remains by Wendy Walker
When you are in the wrong place at the wrong time, it can change your life. That’s what happened that day in the department store when Elise heard gunshots in the department store. Being a police officer, she drew her gun and went after that man. She could not in a million years imagine how that one incident would change her life. The story moved at a good pace, including a deep dive into Elise’s world and that of her stalker. It was also well narrated.
WENDY
Only If You Are Lucky by Stacy Willingham
This suspense/thriller/mystery had me hooked from the beginning; there were so many questions I needed answered. What happened to Eliza? What happened to Levi? What did Levi do? What did Lucy do? What did Trevor do? As the story unfolded, all of my questions were answered and most were not what I expected. I enjoy Stacy Willingham’s stories, especially the audio version when the narration is so well done. If you enjoy suspense/thrillers and authors like Wendy Walker, Megan Goldin, and Jennifer Hillier to name a few, you will want to add this book and this author to your list..
WENDY
You Only Call When You Are In Trouble by Stephen McCauley
This story revolves around a brother and a sister. Dorothy is a single mom to daughter Cecily and Tom dotes on her, to the detriment of his own relationship with his partner, Adam. When Cecily is investigated for inappropriate behavior with a student at the college where she teaches, it's Tom to the rescue, or not. It's the story of self-discovery and how these people, their friends and lovers, deal with life when they get knocked down. When your only choice is to get back up and put on your big girl pants, will you do it? The audiobook version is well-narrated and enjoyable. I did enjoy this story once I got involved with the characters, just not as much as I enjoyed MY EX-LIFE.
Linda
The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar
In this historical fiction novel, Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law, is determined to introduce his paintings and artistic talent to an unappreciative world after her husband's death and Vincent's. In a past-present dual timeline format, the discovery of her diary and letters thickens the plot. Reading the Author's Notes, I discovered that Molnar self-published her novel after too many rejections. Another determined, successful woman!
Susan
Death at Sea by Andrea Camilleri
Great short stories, complete and engrossing, in 18 or so pages as only Camilleri can do. Would be a great introduction for anyone who has not yet read any of his books. Great plotting and characters, especially the cops that serve under Montelbano, often with a social message.
Susan
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
I loved this book. It is rich in family dynamics, love and honor. Verghese knows how to tell a story that will stick with you for a long time.
Shelley
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Very enjoyable story that provided an interesting education on octopus intelligence.
Norene
Ruby Falls by Deborah G. Royce
Gripping.
Elizabeth
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
It took some time for me to get into this book. McBride spends a lot of time building up Chicken Hill and its inhabitants. But I eventually immersed myself in this world and its memorable characters. I didn’t get all the plot twists, but it was still a rich experience.
Barbara
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Hilarious romp of twisted expectations, of both the characters' as well as the reader's. Lots of very witty banter between Olive and Ethan, who reminded me of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. Preconceived notions and misunderstood intentions influence their interactions for the first half of this one, but as they eventually thaw, predictably, we expect the cliche finish. But wait, the authors have more in mind, and some readers may resent the changes in supporting characters. I did not. Set against a lush Maui resort backdrop, a fun read!
Lori
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
When I started reading the book, I really liked it. Then the further I got into it, it became hard for me to believe that Evie could really have been that clever.
Susan
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
I enjoyed the story and characters very much. This story is told in two different time periods and the time periods switched back and forth with each chapter. My only constructive criticism is that it would have been better to lengthen the time periods to be 3-4 chapters each. Other than that, it was a very creative story.
Kathie
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
This YA Fantasy tugs your heartstrings. A slow build has you rooting for this couple to succeed. Loved how the lore of myths and legends was woven into this new world. I can't wait to pick up the sequel.
Kathie
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
This historical fiction is a gem. Don't miss this page-turner. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, then I was sad that it ended. Such a great book, sure to be a favorite of the year for me!
Diane
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Great story that totally absorbed me. Based on a real person, Martha Ballard, a midwife in 1789.
Good characterization and suspense. Loved it!
Kathie
The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
This romantasy packed a punch, with trials till the death for the main characters to compete in, and a slow-burn romance that ignites. Twisty secrets are revealed so you can't wait to devour the next in the series.
Julia
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Very atmospheric murder mystery on a secluded island off the coast of Scotland.
Abby
The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar
Rounded up to 3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book that deals with an elderly Indian woman and her adult son. The son, who lives full time in the U.S., has come to India concerning a possible adoption, and finds his mother, who he has been estranged from, in the hospital. The main story of the book deals with the mother and son trying to work through their differences and find peace with past secrets and hurts. Parts of the book were slow for me and I found certain other parts of the book very engaging. Although it was a mixed bag for me, I do recommend it to other readers.
Kelley
Stolen by Ann-Helén Laestadius
Lyrical, beautiful imagery.
Karen
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor starts out funny, and I thought it was going to stay that way. The book cover and the first few chapters present a young woman who is a humorous misfit in society. She analyzes new situations and questions them in a way that makes us laugh at her and the scene. Eventually, the reader learns why Eleanor is like that. She is endearing yet a misfit that may embarrass her partner or friend in many situations. The last half of the book is the dark side of her life that opens very slowly. She has a past that involves her mother and sister in serious events. Eleanor is still trying to deal with them as she meets Raymond and starts her new job.
MH
Varina Palladino’s Jersey Italian Love Story by Terri-Lynne DeFino
This book reminded me of MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING - all about the family and food. I liked the dictionary at the beginning of each chapter, but frequently the words defined referred to something in the previous chapter. Then there were new words in the next one, mostly of the kind that Kindle didn’t define. Anyway, the story revolved around a mother and a granddaughter deciding to fix Varina up with a new man. They advertise for a “grandfather looking for love.” It gets crazy from there.
Marcia
Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
Love the Lincoln Lawyer (Mickey Haller) books and this may be the best one yet! And also his half-brother Harry Bosch is in it to help him out. Holds your attention and keeps you trying to figure out what is going on. Great legal thriller!
Sandy
The Foundling by Ann Leary
This book was so good, I read it in two days. This is the story of two friends, raised in the same orphanage, whose loyalty is put to the test when they meet again, years later at a controversial institution - one as an employee and the other as an inmate. An awesome read.
Mary Ann
Class by Stephanie Land
I loved MAID. This one was a little slow.
Sharron
The Wild Inside by Christine Carbo
Unusual mystery novel about a dead person in Glacier National Park. Man was found bound to a tree, then mauled by a grizzly. Was the bear responsible for his death or was someone else? Was the Dept. of Interior investigator the right person for the job since his own father had been mauled to death by a grizzly years before? Having been to Glacier as tourist I was intrigued by the story. I also learned a few facts about grizzlys. Kept me reading for answers.
Sharron
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Having read many of Kingsolver's novels, I was anxious to read this one. However, despite all the praise, I found it too long and tedious. I got the point but too many drug episodes and the the predictable ending. I did finish it but I had to force myself to finish it before moving on. Having said all this, I realize everyone sees things differently and enjoys different stories.
Tess
Georgia by Dawn Tripp
I loved learning about this abasing artist!
Muriel
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
Ms. Charles’s book uses the American Library in Paris to show how WWII affected library patrons and staff. The book describes friendships, loyalties, and betrayals as the library tries to function and provide a haven of comfort as the Nazis took over parts of France. The reader follows main character Odie as she begins work as a young librarian in 1939 and in her later life in Montana. In Montana she befriends a young girl named Lily who is working through some challenges. The book is well researched on events taking place and real people. The author captured well the voices of the courageous librarians who defied the Nazis. This is a story of friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring people together.
Rose
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
This is a historical fiction novel based on real-life midwife, Martha Ballard, set in Maine 1789. When a body is found frozen in the river, Martha believes he was murdered. However, the new doctor in town disagrees. Preceding this death, the dead man, along with another, were accused of raping a local woman. However, in the patriarchal society, the women weren't believed, and the men usually got off scot-free. Martha is frustrated by this, and although her husband supports her, she is endangered by the men who want her silenced. I loved this story. I found it fascinating that Martha never lost a mother while delivering babies, and how her life was affected by rape. The author changed events, but the spotlight shows Ballard's skill.
Tessa
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
Book Two in the Bridgerton series focuses on Anthony. This is a typical Regency romance. It’s so hot between the pages that an August heatwave feels positively cool. Devilishly handsome, and very rich, gentleman meets and seduces a chaste and vulnerable young woman. Sparks fly. Multiple orgasms are had. True love results. What’s not to like? A quick read that set my pulse racing. Perfect escape.
Sean
A Murder Is Annouced by Agatha Christie
I've enjoyed many Agatha Christie novels but this is my first of her Miss Marples' novels and I didn't love it. She doesn't appear for the first quarter of the novel and then she plays a background role until the last couple of chapters. The mystery was decent but then became very convoluted with a handful of twists that seemed forced. It wasn't bad by any means but below the standard I've set for her novels. Overall, a solid mystery that needed more character.
Wanda
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
The whole story is about relationships and sense of community. James McBride is a master at making the reader feel part of the conversations between his characters. Sometimes it was hard to remember all the many characters and all the subplots that are part of daily life in this area of Pottstown, Pennsylvania called Chicken Hill. In the end, the story is about the community coming together to help each other. It is a heartwarming read.
Susan
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
A lot of family, a bit of mystery and great characters!!!
Barbara
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
I learned a piece of history that was not in my history books. Louise Erdrich has a knack for describing the settings her characters inhabit. Life on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in the 50s felt very real. A tribute to her great-grandfather and the work he did to preserve the tribe from 'termination'. She made the character Thomas very relatable.
Liz
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
Claire, the wife of a wealthy man about to run for public office, and Eva, a naive young woman making illegal drugs for a drug lord are forced into an unlikely relationship. One is running away from an abusive husband, the other from the drug lord. I found the storyline to be unbelievable, with way too many characters, some with more than one name, and the writing style confusing with dual timelines.
Rose
The Journey of the Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Corinne Delporte
A short book. (12 pages) which summarizes the story of THE LITTLE PRINCE, examining the people he meets, and their qualities. The book then asks the reader to examine these qualities and why they are good or bad, and then poses questions for discussion. This would be a great book for early elementary classrooms, enabling a discussion between adults and children about which qualities we should admire, and those we should avoid. Using the beautiful original illustrations by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, this book will resonate with all ages.
Sheila
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
A wonderful book of history, mystery, maybe even murder? It has all the elements I love and is beautifully written so that you feel immersed in the culture and place.
Sheila
Go As a River by Shelley Read
I loved the setting in Colorado among nature and peach farming. The difficult family life and isolation added drama and tension. Heartbreaking at times, but ultimately a joy to read.
Rose
The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
Joe is in college and must interview an elderly person for his English class. He visits a nursing home to request access to a patient. They assign him Carl Iverson, a convicted murderer who was released from prison as he is dying from cancer. Joe interviews Carl, and Carl's friend, Virgil, swears that Carl didn't do it. Along with his apartment neighbor, Lila Nash, and his autistic brother, Jeremy, they attempt to investigate the crime, putting themselves all in danger. I loved the impetuousness of Joe, and his dedication to justice. I look forward to reading more of the series.
Jane
Red Velvet by Suzie Waltner
This is my first book by Suzie Waltner that I've read. Awesome read. Uplifting. One thing I liked is characters struggled with issues like we all do. So real. Cassidy is trying to get started in catering. An accident wipes out scheduled work. Bands have fans who flock them and flirt. Seth has to find a way to keep women from coming on too strong. Interesting what he comes up with. Cassidy and Seth had gone to school together. A red velvet cake destroyed twice. Cassidy had shared her dreams with no one until she found someone who understood. So many things you can relate to happening and you will be encouraged knowing you are not alone. I highly recommend.
Nadine
Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire
MIRROR MIRROR is more sophisticated than Maguire's most famous novel, WICKED, his version of THE WIZARD OF OZ from the point of view of the wicked witch. The character of Snow White herself, here called Bianca de Nevada (beautiful). And the eight (yes eight) dwarfs are playful (MuteMuteMute is talkative, Heartless is sensitive, etc.)
Suzanne
Savage Run by C. J. Box
I am reading C.J.Boxes Joe Pickett series of books and this is my fourth one. Joe as game warden, is called by the sheriff to ride with him where a cow exploding has been reported. What they find causes them to begin searching the Big Horn mountains for fugitives and killers.
Liz
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
In the charming novella, an elderly man is trying to hold on to his precious memories as his mind begins to fade. His family is helping him cope, while at the same time finding ways to let him go. This a very emotional and moving story, and one that will stay with you for a long time.
Sandy
What Was Mine by Helen Klein Ross
Lucy Wakefield is a seemingly ordinary woman who does something very suprising in a desperate moment. She takes a baby girl from a shopping cart and raises her as her own adopted daughter. It's a secret she manages to keep for over two decades. Enjoyed every chapter of this book.
Francisca
Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson
Intent on building a political dynasty, Joe and Rose Kennedy insisted on keeping their oldest daughter’s intellectual and developmental delays a secret from all but a few close friends. Larson does a fine job of detailing Rosemary’s life, and that of the Kennedy family. Their ups, downs, successes and tragedies have been chronicled frequently, but little has been known about Rosemary.
Donna
Onion Tears by Shubnum Khan
This is a tale of family, love, loss and life itself penned with eloquent prose. It’s a character-driven novel, both powerful and poignant. Oh, and the title, ONION TEARS, has two different meanings. So many descriptions of delicious Indian dishes, and like an onion, this story has multiple layers. I highly recommend.
KAY
The Roaring Days of Zora Lily by Noelle Salazar
I really enjoyed reading this book, which takes place in the Northwest and is about a young woman with sewing and designing skills. The Smithsonian exhibit revealing a mysterious label in couture dresses from a Greta Garbo film intrigued me. And, of course the happy ending and family descendants were a great way to wrap up the novel.
KAY
An Apartment in Paris by Guillaume Musso
I thoroughly enjoy Musso's stories. He is the number one best-selling French author in France for a good reason. His plots are good, the characters interesting, and both keep pulling you through the story you can't put down! Love reading his books.
KAY
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
This multi-generational story kept my attention all the way through the novel. I kept wondering how the two storylines would meet up in the end and found the ending to be astonishing. Such a well-written story kept me going to find out how it all would come together. Many surprises at the end.
KAY
Extraordinary People by Peter May
I really enjoyed starting his series which takes place in Paris and in southern France in Cahors. It was an intricate, twisting plot with a tense and surprising finale. I will definitely keep on reading this series following Enzo's forensics and his new department at the university.
KAY
Secret Lives by Mark de Castrique
This is the second of his mysteries staring a 75-year-old former FBI agent. I enjoyed seeing how she interacts and solves the mysteries in her Washington, D.C. environs. A fun read!
KAY
Life on the Mississippi by Rinker Buck
What an adventure! I learned so much of our history for the westward expansion of our country. I had no idea before of how steel became a principal industry in Pittsburgh to service the flat boaters traveling down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. It was fascinating to hear about all the different people met along the trip, both those in cities and the tug boat captains. I will go back to read his earlier book on the Oregon Trail.
KAY
Miss Kopp Just Won't Quit by Amy Stewart
This is the third book I've read in this mystery series, which is based on a real-life woman cop. The politics in this novel seemed very plausible to me, as do its effect on the characters' roles in the plot. I plan to read the next in the series.
Carla
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
A fantastic historical fiction book about a racehorse from the pre-Civil War period, told from multiple view points, and also time periods. Because of the time it is set in, racism plays a major theme throughout the book, and one might even say provides a framework for the book itself. A fabulous read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Sally
Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham
Good thriller/murder mystery. Suspenseful up until the end!
Kim
Peony in Love by Lisa See
This novel is a powerful reminder we need to be loved and love’s power. The author shares she was determined to share the story of the lovesick maidens of early China. Those maidens shared their woes in poetry, stories, and opera but government censors stopped the publishing. The opera, "The Peony Pavilion", was black-listed, burned and rewrites forbidden as it was considered distasteful to listen to a female’s woes. The author reminds us “that the more things change, the more they remain the same.” The reader is strengthened by Peony and her journey.
Kay
The Frozen River by Ariele Lawson
First good book of the 2024 year. Loved it. When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen, one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.
Rose
Enemies Among Us by Jeffrey S. Stephens
In Book 2 of the Nick Reagan thrillers, Nick is searching for The Handler, and in doing so, realizes that his own organization may have corruption at its highest levels. Trusting few, he relies on his friend, Dr. Derek Malone, to help him gain some intel. But, this becomes compromised. Learning about Malone's involvement with an experimental drug, and its makers, leads Reagan to follow the money. This is an exciting thriller that can be read as a stand-alone, and leaves you wanting more -- which will be coming based on the novel's ending!
Barbara
The A List by J. A. Jance
I stumbled across this book when at the library just wandering through the stacks. This is Book 17 in a series and I was still able to follow the story. J. A. does a great job of filling in enough background information that I understood the characters. This book is about revenge and how revenge doesn't really heal anything. It also explores both sides of having DNA comparisons available with just a swab and what someone might find out. Families created and also torn apart by the same information. It has been a long time since I have read a book by J. A. Jance and I realized just how much I missed her writing style. This series will be my next binge read.
Susan
The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell
This book has been advertised as a favorite of fans of WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING. While I didn’t love the book as much as CRAWDADS, this is a great book. This book is about three strong women who live on an island accessible only by a drawbridge. The young girl in the story basically survives on her own as her mother refuses to stay on the island. This book has very strong characters and has layer upon layer of tragedy, loss, love, hate and lots of nature. I think book clubs would love this book.
Rose
Who Has Buried the Dead? by Chuck Kge Konkel
A meticulously researched novel that reads like nonfiction. In this account of WWII, the book humanizes several of the historic characters, their involvement in battles, and espionage missions, as well as the Manhattan Project. As I was reading the book, I kept checking that it was actually fiction, as the author recounts several real historical dates and people involved. It is extremely realistic and an interesting explanation of some of the mysteries of the war and its aftermath. I found this to be an interesting exploration of the war and the secret of the Scottish Book.
Barb
The Women by Kristin Hannah
One of the finest books about the role of women in the Vietnam war. Too often, the important service the nursing corp provided is completely overlooked. This book shined a true, bright light on how important they were.
Anita
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
This was the true story of the University of Washington rowing team who won the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. It is a very interesting story about this achievement. I certainly learned a lot of information that I had never known. I highly recommend it!
Rebecca
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
A wonderful, lyrical story where the lives of two impact all those around them. The birth of their children is shocking - unbelievable - but we view the consequences into the next generation. I recommend this book highly.
Francisca
Bombay Time by Thrity Umrigar
Umrigar’s debut novel focuses on the residents of a particular middle-class apartment building in Bombay. Umrigar’s writing is full of the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this vibrant community. Several scenes are shockingly brutal – abject poverty, violence, pestilence. And then there are scenes of loving tenderness – a new baby, a man’s love for his wife, the devotion between a mother and daughter.
Rose
The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl
A contemplative book of essays on looking at, and appreciating, the world around us. It mentions not raking leaves, letting weeds and wildflowers grow to help the pollinators, and other ways to appreciate the natural world. Renkl discusses the change of seasons and relates it to her life as her children grow older and prepare to leave the family home. It is a beautiful book of meditations. Very enjoyable and peaceful, giving me a lot to think about as I look at the world around me.
Beth
Golden State by Stephanie Kegan
I've had GOLDEN STATE hiding in my bookcase since 2015. I forgot about it. But now I've finally read it and can only wonder why I haven't heard more about Stephanie Kegan, this wonderful writer who I just discovered since then. She seems so thoughtful and perceptive about her characters and what a character study this book is! Kegan's main character, Natalie, is a teacher, happily married to lawyer Eric. They have two daughters. They live in California, she has always lived there, her father was a California politician, and her ancestors were involved in California's development. But she's just realized that her brother, Bobby, may be a criminal, the "California bomber," responsible for seven deaths.
RuthAnn
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
A unique character study of a death doula and the life she leads helping others to have a peaceful death. Many interesting and lovable characters interact with her and leave her with valuable lessons and sage advice. Heartwarming and memorable. Favorite quote, "Grief is just love looking for a place to land." Highly recommend this book.
Rose
Argylle by Elly Conway
I was interested in this book due to the movie coming out soon. However, the book and the movie are not the same thing! In the book, it is a hard-hitting spy thriller, whereas the book is a comedy send up of the alleged author being inserted into the spy novels she writes. So, because of the differences, the book was not what I expected. The book is the story of Aubrey Argylle, a CIA agent who was orphaned when his parents were killed. He spent time in the jungles of Thailand, but is called to assist in a Russian spy/jewel heist/political operation. There is a lot of action, quite a bit of violence, and also traitors. It may keep you guessing, but it will definitely take you across the globe! I liked reading about St. Petersburg!
Michelle
The Wren, the Wren by Anne Enright
This is a difficult book to read, with its subject matter of emotional abuse, physical abuse and dysfunctional family life and how it shapes generations. I am glad that I read it, because I appreciated what the author was trying to communicate from the perspective of various women. But still, a hard one. I am looking forward to my book group discussion next week to see what other members thought.
Rose
The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
This is a historical fiction novel set in Malay (Malaysia), in the years 1935 and 1945. It tells the story of Cecily who becomes a spy for the Japanese who falls in love with the general. Several years later they reunite, but he is now married to Lina. However, they continue their affair.
Children are disappearing and being abused in the war ravaged country. The story comes to a head in 1945 when the British forces come to Malay to liberate the country, however, the casualties of war and betrayal are too great. The story is absolutely heartbreaking when it tells of Jasmin and Yuki, two 7-year-old friends. Jasmin ran away from her mother, Cecily, and the general housed her. She became friends with Yuki, who lived across the street.
Vanessa
A Fine Romance: Falling in Love with the English Countryside by Susan Branch
This book is a delightful read! I so enjoyed the beautiful descriptions, charming drawings and colorful pictures. It is such a happy read that is sure to make you smile. It reads like a travel journal/scrapbook through the English countryside. I loved that it covered the spring months.
Andi
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
This charming book just took my heart a bit. It is filled with friendship, hope and an orc that found a love for coffee. While this is not my normal genre, I would encourage anyone to read this.
