This contest period's winners were Erin U., Jeanne K. and Ruthanne M., who each received a copy of LIES AND WEDDINGS by Kevin Kwan and ONE PERFECT COUPLE by Ruth Ware.
Sandy
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
This was a good one!! You will be rooting for Claire and Eva the whole book! A chance meeting in an airport brings Claire and Eva together and they are both desperate to flee their lives. Very complicated and thrilling.
Rose
Stockholm by Noa Yedlin
The concept of this book is funny, but it just didn't gel for me. Avishay, a brilliant Economist, dies suddenly. His four friends decide to keep his death a secret, in hopes that he will be named the Nobel prize winner, which can't be awarded posthumously. The announcement is only eight days away, so the friends come up with a plan to keep Avishay's body on ice. However, things don't go according to plan, and each of the friends has a motive for wanting to keep him alive and be named a Nobel Laureate. Some of it is humorous, but I thought the book was just okay.
Rose
Traitor's Gate by Jeffrey Archer
In the latest installment, William is still being vexed by Miles Faulkner. After William is promoted, and Beth is offered the job as the director of the Fitzmolean Gallery, and they are both involved in schemes where Faulkner is trying to outwit them. William is tasked with protecting the crown jewels from being stolen, and Beth has to reclaim the artwork that Miles has in his NYC apartment and exchange it for the copy hanging in the museum. Their children play a pivotal role in the solving of one of the heists. Always enjoyable to read a Jeffrey Archer novel.
Rose
The Drowning Sea by Sarah Stewart Taylor
The third book in the Maggie D'arcy series has Maggie moving to Ireland for a trial run living with Conor. Lilly is hesitant at first, as she feels her life has been uprooted, but when she meets a young man and begins singing with his band, she is more open. Maggie has an uneasy feeling about the Rosscliffe House, and the community is caught up in protesting the land development being proposed. When the body of a construction worker washes up, Maggie itches to be part of the investigation. Conor and Maggie also discuss her plans and job prospects. I wouldn't have solved this one on my own.
Rose
Our Best Intentions by Vibhuti Jain
Angie Singh is an athlete, swimming at the high school over summer break. On her way home, she finds the body of Henry McCleary, a wealthy White boy and the brother of her friend. Henry has been stabbed. Angie is the daughter of Babur Singh, an Indian immigrant. Angie had been asked to tutor Chiara, a Black girl, in swimming. Chiara is the person who stabbed Henry after an incident. Henry is going to be fine, but the McClearys want to sue, especially after finding that Chiara was homeless and improperly registered at the school. This is a look at class in the U.S. and how people are treated based on their skin color and their social and economic status. It is a story of love between a father and daughter and how they navigate the biases.
Kathleen
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
Taking place in the not-so-distant future, people from the past are brought into the future and assimilated by paring each with a "bridge" to live with (a Ministry employee) for a year, to monitor their adjustment. The narrator is assigned Graham Gore, an officer from a failed 1847 arctic expedition. Gore and a few other travelers from different time periods bond over the disorientation, loneliness and culture clashes. The author has a descriptive, often poetic writing style. This book touches on timely topics of climate change, imperialism, power, control, LGBTQ issues, and family/love/belonging. I absolutely LOVED the surprising twist and loved that at the end there was hope for a better future for humanity, as well as for the narrator.
Teresa
Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney
Liz Cheney and I are polar opposites in politics, but we both love our country, so I decided to try her book. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about the direction we are taking as a nation. She minces no words and reports details I hadn’t known about January 6th. Her courage and her patriotism are inspiring.
peg
Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen
A grim, but important look at the threat nuclear war poses to society and how such an event might occur.
Wanda
One Shot Harry by Gary Phillips
Interesting read! A story that needed to be told, gives you an insight on how it was in another time.
Elizabeth
Toxic Prey by John Sandford
It was interesting. More dystopian than usual.
sherry
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Very interesting and informative. Once you get into the book, you are captured. Good book.
Michelle
Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg
How I loved this memoir! It’s not your typical memoir with a linear story. Instead, it’s exactly as it’s entitled in typical Goldberg fashion. Ultimately it’s an endearing love story to her mother and her brother. Heartwarming, funny and meaningful.
Jayme
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
I enjoyed the history of the Spanish Inquisition with a magical fantasy twist, but I couldn't get behind the romance. I'm a bit over the older man younger naive girl/woman trope.
Luella
Old King by Maxim Loskutoff
A great read. One of those books you don't want to end.
Ruthanne
Wives Like Us by Plum Sykes
This is the first book I have read by this author. Found the book a fun read. The story is a curious mix of aristocratic culture and modern-day mores. At first it was a bit confusing but the author developed the characters well. Good light reading. Would recommend . I received an ARC copy of this book and now will but the author's other books.
Alice
Horse by Geraldine Broks
Wonderful book. I was sure I wouldn’t enjoy it. I was very wrong. Everyone I talk to can’t say enough good things about it. I just saw her in person at a Hennepin County library PenPals lecture. She is a terrific speaker, also.
Sally-Jo
Sisi by Allison Pataki
I'm found I don't like Empress Elisabeth. She is not a very likeable character. As rumored, she is self-centered to the extreme.
WENDY
The Princess of Las Vegas by Chris Bohjalian
I did enjoy this predictable story and the relationship between the sisters. It was well narrated with different voices for the different main characters. My favorite character was Marissa, the teenager. Sometimes, it's the teenagers who have the most sense. It's Vegas, lots of impersonators, cheesy shows, corrupt people and politicians, and rundown hotels.
WENDY
The Long Weekend by Gilly Macmillan
There are so many levels to this story and it's intriguing from the beginning. The story revolves around four close college friends and their spouses; three of the spouses have known each other since college. Every year they go away for a long weekend together. After one of their spouses dies, the other three decide not to include their widowed friend but do include the others' new spouse, whom the other women really don't know. That sets the stage for the story that gets really intense as they arrive at this isolated rental with no cell service, where the men are meeting them the following day - not planned - and the arrival of a ominous message.
Chris
After Annie by Anna Quindlen
A heartbreaking look at how loved ones survive/cope after an unexpected death.
WENDY
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
I learned so much history in this story, the birth of the Post cereal company, how it evovled into General Foods Company, that it acquired Cabury, Kraft, Maxwell House, Nabisco, Oscar Mayer, Log Cabin, Philadelphia, Trident, just to name a few brands you might have heard of, and what it is currently. Along with the invention of Grape Nuts, my favorite cereal, and how frozen foods (think Birds Eye) became a household staple, and the construction of Mar-A- Lago among other properties, is the story of CW Post's daughter, Marjorie. Marjorie, it turns out, was a visionary, always searching for ways to make women's lives better and easier. While she was an extremely successful businesswoman, her love life wasn't nearly as successful.
WENDY
All the Summers In Between by Brooke Lea Foster
The Hamptons on Long Island in the 1960s was just a summer playground for the wealthy, but for the locals, this is their home. When Thea, a local teen, meets Margot one summer, the trajectory of her life changes. Margot is the daughter of very wealthy parents who have a summer mansion in walking distance to Thea's home. When the girls meet, and quickly become best friends, a series of events happen that summer that separates them. The story is revealed alternating between present day and what happened ten years earlier. It's a nice story of friendship, love, and forgiveness. June 2024 pub date.
Rosa
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
This book stayed with me for a long time after I read the last page. An indigenous family from Nova Scotia works as blueberry pickers in Maine, working hard to survive. One day their 4-year-old Ruthie disappears and she is never found again. This is the story of the repercussions of this loss on each family member, especially on her brother Joe, who was the last to see her alive. Tragic and at times hopeful, this is a commentary on the strength of family ties and the will to survive. I loved this book and will recommend it for book club.
Sharon
The Women by Kristin Hannah
For one who was an adult during the Vietnam War, this was a beautiful but agonizing story. Well worth the read!
Carol
Not A River by Selva Almada
Up for the Booker Prize this year. This is a very short book about masculinity, desire, guilt and the rural communities they live in. It is sad, depressing and I’m not entirely sure what purpose it serves! I wasn’t impressed with the book or the writing and am trying to understand why this is one of the best novels of the year. You will have to decide for yourself, but I will easily forget this exists.
Linda
The Clinic by Cate Quinn
Meg learns that her sister Haley has committed suicide at the clinic where she went to overcome her addictions. There is no way that Haley would kill herself and Meg talks her casino boss into sending her there. She is determined to find out what happened to her sister. Meg has addictions to alcohol and oxy but she has excuses for both and doesn’t think she has a problem, but her boss told her this is her last chance. She can clean up her act while learning about Haley. At the clinic, other patients are not so welcoming toward Meg. Do they know what happened?
Linda
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Daphne and Peter were happily engaged and planning their life together but Peter blindsided her when he told her the day after his bachelor party that he wanted to end it. He had reconnected with his childhood friend Petra and they planned to marry. It’s not long before Petra’s ex-boyfriend Miles comes to Daphne. He is devastated. He and Daphne help each other get over their loss and soon have their own relationship. Daphne works at the local library and Miles comes to listen to her read to the children. She had planned to leave the town she moved to for Peter but has grown to love the town and the library and Miles. She sees her future there with Miles.
Gerry
Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Divakaruni never disappoints with her storytelling, this time bringing to life the story of three sisters and their neighboring families, a mix of Hindus and Muslims, in the 1940s as the struggle for Indian independence from the British Raj tears the country apart. As these three young women begin to make plans for their own futures, and India is preparing for independence, Muslims are pressing for their own separate country, and the British agree, creating a partition whose boundaries force thousands of families to flee, often in the face of terrible violence against them. In the end, it's doubtful that there will be any winners, amid all the conflict and pain that envelops the country.
Gerry
The Hunter by Tana French
Atmospheric, suspenseful, and filled with great characters, this second installment in the Cal Hooper mystery series held my interest throughout. Johnny Reddy deserted his family in their small village some five years ago, but now he's back with tales of buried gold that could bring the villagers great riches -- or at least, a bit of excitement in their otherwise humdrum lives. His daughter Trey, now 15, is not thrilled to have him back, having seen too much of his mistreatment of her mom and past failures to keep his many promises, but perhaps there's an opportunity for her, too, in all this gold fever. Mentor Cal is reluctant to get between a young girl and her father, but the stakes are too high for him to remain completely uninvolved.
Gerry
Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant by Curtis Chin
Chin's memoir of growing up in a Chinese-America family focused heavily on his feelings of isolation and estrangement from the broader community, as a non-White, gay man who struggled to accept his sexuality. His story was engagingly narrated, though it included more detail about his sexual awakening than I really wanted to hear. His parents' guidance - be quiet and obey your elders - was a recurring theme as well, as was his sincere appreciation for their love and care even as he hid his true identity from them and others, fearing rejection. Chin described the fear of AIDs that further circumscribed his life in the 80s, and the lack of support and indeed the castigation and blame heaped on the gay community for this epidemic.
Gerry
Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Rainey Hopson
This is a middle-grade novel that retells the story of how the Messenger Feast of the Iñupiaq people of northern Alaska and other areas of the Arctic Circle came to be. The story has been passed down orally from generation to generation for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years, but gradually this sort of story and many other cultural traditions were essentially banned by governments, churches, and other institutions. This festival and other aspects of Iñupiaq culture are now being resurrected as people fought back for the right to practice and sustain their heritage and history. I enjoyed the story, and appreciate this opportunity to learn about this aspect of an unfamiliar culture. 3-1/2 stars.
Gerry
The Trees by Percival Everett
The writing was excellent but the puzzling scenario of this novel left me shaken. A rash of killings strike Money, Mississippi. At each scene, there’s a dead White man, strangled with barbed wire, and a dead Black man. The body of the Black man disappears from police custody, only to reappear at the next murder scene. Then there are more killings, in other parts of the country, but similar in pattern. Local police, state investigators, and the FBI are all stymied, until one lawman puts the clues together to identify a potential culprit. A mystery wrapped around scenes that satirize Southern redneck good ol’ boys, racists from past and present, and the 45th President of the U.S. leaves me unsure of Everett’s message here.
Gerry
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
I liked the first part of this novel (about 100 pages), which focused on the ancestors of characters featured in Orange’s previous novel, THERE, THERE. Part Two took a huge leap forward, skipping over a couple generations to return the focus to the Red Feather brothers, Lony, Loother, and Orvil, who were being raised by their two grandmothers. Their story was one of alienation, drug abuse, and poverty, a depressing tale at best. Having finished the book, I’m at a loss to describe what it was about, or what message a reader might take from it, beyond what we already know: that generations of Native Americans were mistreated by our government and were left to fend for themselves in a country that didn’t want them at all.
Mamie
Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper
Very descriptive narrative about his birding experiences. Not what I expected because I had only heard of him from the media coverage about the Central Park incident.
Kathryn
Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage
This story of motherhood and a sociopathic child was like a car accident one can’t look away from. With an ending that people may or may not find satisfying, this was a thought-provoking read.
Linda
The Silver Ladies of Penny Lane by Dee MacDonald
Tess, an older single woman, wants desperately to lose weight and find a handsome male escort for her daughter's wedding (to impress her ex). Her escapades of meeting men behaving badly through a dating service weren't so funny. Nor was her dieting. I was glad that towards the end of the book at least her self-esteem was better.
Renee
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
This historical fiction shares stories of three women, starting in the 1970s before Roe vs. Wade through 2017. It is eerily provocative of the current situation in our country.
Liz
Starfish by Lisa Fipps
Ellie is a twelve-year-old girl who is being bullied by not only her classmates, but also her brother and mother because she is overweight. Through the help of a therapist, Ellie learns to stand up for herself and accept herself for who she is. While this is a middle grade novel, even adults can learn some important lessons about bullying and acceptance.
Kelley
Never Too Late by Danielle Steel
A light read and will be enjoyed by DS fans. We are reminded that no matter our age it’s never to late to create the life you want.
Jonell
What You Are Looking for is In the Library by Michiko Aoyama
Lovely book told in 5 short stories that demonstrate the power of connecting and finding your purpose. Refreshing and it was a quick read.
Jeanne
Upside Down by Danielle Steel
UPSIDE DOWN by Danielle Steel is a heartwarming story about aging Hollywood actress, Arden Law, who won multi Oscars and Golden Globe awards and is considered a Hollywood diva. She has a strained, challenging relationship with her only child, her daughter Morgan, who was a very successful plastic surgeon in New York City. Life becomes even more complicated when Ardith falls in love with a much younger man and Morgan falls in love with an older man. When neither of them know where or who to turn to, they turn to each other and finally realize the love and special bond between a mother and daughter. This was a charming story that was enjoyable and entertaining from beginning to end. I found myself tearing up a few times as I read this story.
Jean
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman
Having loved other books by Hoffman, I expected to like HERE ON EARTH better than I did. I found the main characters so flawed emotionally and so prone to making the worst life choices it was impossible to like them or empathize with them. There were plenty of people around them who tried to point them in the right direction, but they were so blinded by their histories and their misplaced emotions, they could not recognize the obvious. The ending tied up some things and left one big hole I found unforgivable.
Betty
Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz
Anthony Horowitz is one of my favorite authors. He's so versatile. I love the Daniel Hawthorne series. This is a typical Horowitz, skillful plotting and delightful sense of humor.
Jill
The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop by Fannie Flagg
This book centers around Bud Threadgoode, son of Ruth, and by extension, Idgie, all of whom were featured in Flagg's bestseller, FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE. One can read this as a stand-alone, but it's better to read the other one first so you truly understand these characters and other residents of the town. This tells of what happened after Bud left Whistle Stop and Idgie had closed the cafe, and also tells of Bud's daughter's (Ruthie) developing friendship with Evelyn Couch who'd been friends with Bud's aunt, Ninny. This leads Ruthie toward a better life after her husband died. You will enjoy this if you liked FRIED GREEN TOMATOES or Flagg's homespun folksy tales.
Beverlee
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The book grabbed me from the beginning and even though I finished it over two weeks ago, I can't stop thinking about it and have told many people to go read it now. Truly one of my favorites of her books - and it gives us such a view into a world we knew so little about.
LisaMarie
How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin
I did not want this book to end. So fantastic I won’t give anything away but if you love murder mysteries it was a slow burn mystery about who did the killing.
Karen
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
Another winner from Freida.
Brandy
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
First in the series. Hooked me from the beginning, Could not put it down. The whole series is great. I love the characters and the world they live in.
Rose
Good Half Gone by Tarryn Fisher
When Iris Walsh was 15, her sister, Piper, was kidnapped. However, because Piper and Iris's mother was an addict and they lived with her grandmother, the police believed that Piper was a runaway and dragged their feet on investigating Piper's disappearance. Now, 9 years later, Iris has never given up on wishing to bring Piper's killer to justice. Iris is mother to Cal, a sweet, smart young boy, and with her grandmother's help, she is raising him. But, after getting her master's degree, she takes a job at Shoal Hospital, where the man she believes is Piper's killer is institutionalized. I enjoyed this book right up until the explosion and big reveal, and then I felt it was completely far-fetched.
MH
Perennials by Julie Cantrell
As a Mississippi gal, I especially enjoyed the fact that the book was mostly set in that state. I’d been to Eudora Welty’s home recently and could picture that part. I had also been to Sedona and enjoyed the Arizona parts, especially the yoga. However, I think the plot of an adult child returning home to care for a dying parent and facing an estranged sister and an old boyfriend is overused. I’m almost as sick of it as I am of someone inheriting an old house/inn/etc. and finding a bunch of letters or a diary with a mystery attached. New plot lines please!
Emily
Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee
KILL HER TWICE is a smooth-flowing, unputdownable historical mystery. I love the sisters' characters and the portray of cultures and customs of Chinatown in Los Angeles, and of course the mystery of the death of Lulu Wong.
Emily
Every Single Secret by Christina Dodd
This is my first book of Christina Dodd, and I was immediately hooked by the thrill of the first chapter. As I was turning pages, I was wowed by the intensified suspense as every surprising single dark secret was revealed, one by one!
Mary
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
I loved this book, which was based on a midwife in 1700s Maine. I followed the reading with a docudrama on Prime.
Dorothy
Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu
PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING takes readers on a long and arduous journey starring Meilin and her son Renshu as they flee their home ahead of the Japanese invasion. They endure hardships, lack of food and lodging, and terror, but they survive because of Meilin's ingenuity. It is a story of resilience and strength and love.
Joanne
Disturbing the Dead by Kelley Armstrong
#3 in the series, A RIP THROUGH TIME, this is my favorite so far. Love how the plot is progressing and how all of the characters grow in each book of the series. This is one of those that you want to shut yourself in a closed up room and just read.
Kimberly
Long Island by Colm Tobin
I loved this follow-up to BROOKLYN, and I can only hope that there will be a third book someday.
Elaine
The Women by Kristin Hannah
My connection to this war was my cousin, a Holocaust survivor, who was drafted and sat in a tent in the cold, listening to Russian broadcasts. He was there longer than he should have been because they couldn’t find another translator. He just turned 102 but was able to have American citizenship and move on. That and Kent State was all I knew as I was busy raising my children. I thank Kristin for another magnificent book, one that opened my eyes to the horrors Rubin never spoke about just as he never spoke of his early years with the partisans in WW II. These brave women touched a chord in me as I learned of more women whose courage and bravery were ignored as they faced their return to an uncaring and unknowing world.
Kristine
The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
I’ve become a huge fan of Gabrielle Zevin after reading TOMORROW, TOMORROW AND TOMORROW last year! I love her character development and the chemistry she’s able to give her characters! AJ, Maya and Amelia felt so real as did the rest of the cast of characters. Even if they were on a fictional island! I didn’t get many of the literary references in the beginning of each chapter (must continue to read more!), but I loved that AJ was doing this for Maya! Highly recommend!
Rose
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Lucy Chase has no recollection of what happened the night her best friend, Savvy, was killed. She suffered a head injury, but was seen covered in Savvy's blood. However, due to lack of evidence, she was not charged with Savvy's murder. Now, Ben Owens, host of Listen for the Lie, is featuring Savvy's murder and the question of Lucy's innocence in Season 2 of his podcast. The small town of Plumpton, TX is her hometown, but she left 5 years ago for Los Angeles. Lucy never wanted to return, but her grandmother begged Lucy to come to her birthday party. Her grandmother never doubted Lucy, but the town did. Through interviews with various townspeople and Lucy's ex-husband, the truth about that night unfolds. Great thriller!
Beth
The Hunter by Tana French
THE HUNTER is Tana French's continuation of THE SEARCHER and it's the story of Cal, an American retired detective who has moved to a small town in Ireland; Trey, a teenage girl in that town who is still set on righting the wrong that was the subject of THE SEARCHER; and the rest of Cal's neighbors, most of whom made me wonder at the end of the last book why he did not leave and still make me wonder if he will. He should. I've read all of French's books, and they normally rate five stars. But I don't rate THE HUNTER that way for two reasons: first, unlike most of French's books, this one has a slow beginning. Second, THE HUNTER assumes you have already read THE SEARCHER and remember all the particulars of the murder in that book.
Rose
The Secrets We Left Behind by Susan Elliot Wright
Eve married Duncan when her daughter, Hannah, was 8. Now, Hannah is a mother and struggling with postpartum depression. Then, Eve receives a strange call, which takes her back 34 years to the summer of 1976. The phone call scares Eve as she knows her secrets, that she has been holding for all these years, must be revealed. In 1976, Jo's mother dies. She meets Eve and Scott, who take her in and nurture her. Eve is tuned to natural remedies. Scott and Eve are partners, but free to branch out. Jo thinks about being with Scott. Over the course of the summer, the dynamics of living together change. Poor decisions, misplaced trust, and healing are all themes of this novel. Emotional story.
Kelly
Game of Lies by Claire Macintosh
A thrilling ride that keeps you turning the pages till the end!
Abby
Weyward by Emilia Hart
I read this for an upcoming book club. While it was a well-written and easily readable book, I think that I might have been the wrong audience for it. It was a bit too Gothic and creepy for me. However, I do believe that many will enjoy this book that takes place in three time lines with three different ladies involving a cottage named Weyward. It starts during the witchcraft trials of the 1600s and ends in the present time.
Andi
Murder Road by Simone St. James
This is my first book by Simone St. James and it will not be my last! The book was filled with characters with tragic pasts but who were so very likeable. The scare factor is not to be ignored. I usually wait until Halloween to read anything too creepy - this one would have been a good one for that! It was also set in my home state of Michigan, which was also a plus! Overall, a great creepy read!
Catherine
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Another fun romance by Emily Henry featuring a children's librarian who is jilted by her fiancé, but finds new love in an unexpected place.
Elizabeth
The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
Such a moving story! I love books with dual timelines. It was a little hard to keep the character's names straight, and forget about the Polish pronunciations(!), but I think it's me and my advanced age. Oh, well!
Sandy
Sunburn by Laura Lippman
Boring in parts and the ending was anti-climatic.
Kay
One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris
Why did it take me so long to read this? It was sad/uplifting and touched your soul. I read it over the past weekend. A few odd things but overall great story of redemption and forgiveness.
Donna
Spitting Gold by Carmella Lowkis
I can’t resist a compelling, Gothic mystery, and Carmella Lowkis’s debut novel, SPITTING GOLD, was just that. I adored this atmospheric read. This twisty tale is told in two parts, each from the perspective of one of the Mothe sisters. I found it fascinating hearing their differing views of the same account. Both are strong, bold characters with such depth. Ms. Lowkis has beautifully penned a creative story of deception, seances, ghosts, secrets, and most importantly, sisterhood. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female characters, please add SPITTING GOLD to your TBR list.
Denise
You Are My Sunshine by Sean Dietrich
Oh, this is the perfect book after reading a heavy book. It is a true story of a BIG adventure full of humor that will make you bust out laughing. The author is so witty, even when the stakes are high and the situation is a bit dangerous. A quick, fun journey of a read.with hidden life lessons along the way. Just wonderful.
Sonnie
The Secret by Lee Child and Andrew Child
Jack Reacher is on the move again and never disappoints. Here's a character I'd like to meet in real life....at peace with his lifestyle while serving the cause of justice wherever his travels, and his feet, take him in the U.S.A.
Rose
The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton
Amerie's life isn't going well. She broke up with her boyfriend, she lost her job, and she is in danger of losing her apartment due to the rent increase. She is also worried about her mother who has sickle cell anemia. Finally, her parents go on vacation, and she can worry without them knowing all her issues. Then, one day at the coffee shop with her best friend, she runs into a solid man, spilling his coffee on him. Then, they meet again the following week, and together they make a deal. They will pretend they are in a relationship, to please both his family and also allow her to thumb her nose at her former beau. He is Vincent Rogers, an astronaut. Amerie is afraid to get involved as she avoids risk. Cute romance.
Rose
My Name Was Eden by Eleanor Barker-White
Creepy psychological thriller! Lucy and her husband James have Eden, but her twin Eli, vanished in the womb. Now, Eden is a teen and becoming sullen. She and James always got along, but not so with Lucy. One day, Eden is found in water, drowned, but through CPR, she comes back. However, she now says she is Eli. Lucy tries to cope, but at the same time, believes her marriage is crumbling. She suspects James of cheating, but can't prove it. Eden's friend Charlie is in love with Alex, but Eden doesn't think Alex is right for her. When accidents start happening to people that upset Eden, Lucy worries - and remembers another Eli. Absolutely creepy and spine-tingling.
Rose
Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman
Christa has been hiding out for years on a remote island studying sea snails - escaping a trauma from 10 years earlier, as well as the notoriety of her father's disappearance and supposed death 25 years earlier. Now, her father has reappeared. As the true story of his disappearance comes out, Christa rekindles an old friendship with a childhood friend, Nate. This is a romance, but also a story of healing, and coming to terms with trauma - reclaiming your own story. I thought it was okay. I did enjoy the relationship between Christa and Nate.
Heather
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
This book started out strong for me, but lost me a bit in the middle with all the technical stuff and science bit, and I didn't find that I understood the majority of what was happening. The middle dragged and then the ending was quite quick and short, and left the ending open to interpretation by the reader. Not really sure what else to say about this book, but the premise sounded interesting, but maybe the technical stuff just dragged it down for me. I still am going to watch the adaptation on Apple TV and my feeling is that I will likely enjoy the adaptation more than the book.
Heather
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
3.5 stars. This book is full of family drama. There are secrets and lies and a big reveal towards the end. I appreciated how there was tennis featured in the book, but for a reader who doesn't know much about tennis or have much interest in the sport, the amount of tennis detail was just right. I have had this book on my TBR shelf for a while, and now that I have read it I look forward to starting to watch the adaptation streaming on the W Network.
Wanda
Monster by Steve Jackson
A real page-turner!! Could not put down, each chapter brought a new twist to this harrowing story of an unbelievable life this person led. How he was ever able to get by with these horrendous murders is beyond me. True story that is so hard to believe. Great writing from this author.
Tessa
All the Ways We Said Goodbye by Beatriz Willliams, Lauren Willig and Karen White
Three women are linked by the legend of the talisman of Courcelles, across half a century: 1914, 1942, and 1964. The central setting is France. I figured out the big “secrets” as soon as they were introduced. It held my attention, but I’m getting tired of the World War II scenario and the various tropes used.
Jess
Table for Two by Amor Towles
Amazing. I love all of his books and was excited when this one came out. I love the connected short stories and novella at the end. Beautifully written, as always. Stories that make you think. Stories you remember. I enjoyed every page.
Andi
The Summer Book Club by Susan Mallery
I genuinely liked this book. It was an easy summer read. Everything I wanted and expected to happen, happened. It focused on three women who are all overcoming deep personal issues. They bond, learn from each other, and grow together. A good read about friendship and battling life issues together.
SaDarius
The Echelon Omega by Charmaine Wilcox
The book is amazing from the beginning to the end. I just found out it's part one of a series and I plan on reading it all. There is magic, romance, drama and so much more. Every few chapters brings a new plot twist or situation that draws you deeper into the book and characters. This is by far best fantasy book I've read since HARRY POTTER and NARNIA.
Sean
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben
Okay, there is a lot going on here. The book starts off with a couple story threads that seem completely separate. A teen goes missing and his parents try to move heaven and earth to find him. Author, Harlan Coben then adds even more threads. Readers will fly through pages trying to figure out how these seemingly unrelated pieces together. To the writer's credit, he certainly does weave them together. The story is truly about how far you'd go for family, even to dangerous lengths. I thought that some of the connections were too convenient and the tech talk seemed so weirdly dated even though the book isn't. Overall, I enjoyed the book & was hooked trying to see how it all goes together, but I can see how some say there is too much going on.
Wanda
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Kept me on the edge from the start - very good writing. This book is a real page-turner...interesting story with lots of turns. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another twist happens. Very enjoyable read with a surprising ending.
Noreen
The Stolen Child by Ann Hood
The book had good realistic characters and a good storyline. I was fortunate that I won my copy from Bookreporter.com as I wouldn't have chosen this book to read. It's not my usual genre. I'd have to spoil it by explaining why it didn't give a 5-star rating.
Rose
The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic
This debut novel is chilling! The daughter of a serial murderer, Anna's memories were erased through an experiment with a therapist. But, after she kills a man in the line of duty as a cop, the memories begin resurfacing. Anna wants to understand the mind of her father, and why he killed so many women. Now, more women are dying, and Anna is seeking answers, without revealing her connection to the case. There is a supernatural element/fantasy aspect to this novel. There is also a lot of suspicion around all the players, and you wonder throughout: who is good and/or bad? It all wraps to a satisfying conclusion. I am excited to see what this author does next!
Rose
A Wedding in Lake Como by Jennifer Probst
Three women meet in college and become fast friends: Ava, a wealthy beauty, Madison, an aspiring fashion designer, and Chelsea, a financial wizard. Each of them navigate college life and relationships, while making a pact to be there for each other when they get married. It is time for Ava's wedding in Lake Como, where the 3 friends had traveled in college and made their pact. But, an event 5 years earlier shattered the friendship when one of them betrayed the other's trust. Can the wedding heal the relationships? Chelsea is married, with children, but feels unfulfilled due to putting her career on hold. Madison's career is threatened by scandal, and she still hasn't recovered from heartache. Ava needs to come clean and admit her mistake.
Rose
Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina
I am not really a fan of horror, so that aspect of the book did not excite me. There was a lot of mysticism and supernatural elements as well. I did think the author did a good job of dealing with grief, alcoholism, family issues, and other issues that affect the Native American community living on a reservation. I also did enjoy the mystery aspect of the story.
Debbie
The Princess of Las Vegas by Chris Bohjalian
Too much discussion of cryptocurrency that went over my head and ruined the storyline. Chris Bohjalian dwells on painting corruption in every corner of life, and sometimes the depressing episodes reek havoc with my dreams. In this story, we journey into the dark sewer of Las Vegas, and discover the crime, murder, and corruption that simmering within this glossy city. This book and the CNN series on Las Vegas expose not a glorious showcase, but a current Sodom and Gomorrah. Will Las Vegas fall into ruin? The story centers on Crissy Dowling and her Vegas show as Princess Diana. Crissy’s sister, Betsy, and niece, Marisa, enter the picture and complicate issues. Dead men pile up. What is happening?
Donna
You’d Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace
Joanna Wallace’s original debut novel is deliciously dark, and at times, laugh-out-loud funny. I absolutely loved this quirky book. Claire is quite the sarcastic character. Told from her point of view, and with flashbacks to her less-than-ideal childhood, I was completely engaged. Despite the tough subject matter, it was a witty, entertaining read. In fact, I’m already looking forward to Ms. Wallace’s next book, THE DEAD FRIEND PROJECT, releasing in July.
Rose
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Travis Parker is a great guy, with great friends and family. All of his friends are married with children, but not Travis. Gabby Holland moves in next door and is annoyed by Travis's parties and his dog. She confronts him, and they get off to a rocky start. Yet, when they meet again, Travis does everything he can to break down her defenses. She is involved with another man, and doesn't think she should get close to Travis. But, their attraction is undeniable. Now, 11 years later, Travis is faced with a life or death choice. He knows what he promised Gabby, but he doesn't know if he can make the choice. Sweet and touching love story with a lot of humor - and also some serious parts. Enjoyable.
Rose
The Devil Wears Scrubs by Freida McFadden
Humorous take on an intern's first few weeks on rotation in the hospital. Jane McGill has a bossy mentor (the devil), who is always criticizing Jane. Then, there is sexy surgeon Ryan, who is interested in Jane, but Jane may have blown it when she leaves him a scathing message about responding to her pages. Poor Jane is exhausted after working over 24 hours with no sleep. She is assigned multiple cases, and their cases exhaust her physically and emotionally. She has a nasty roommate, with very weird habits and rules. But Jane does manage to connect to people, both her patients and Ryan - and they share some sweet moments. A nice sweet, and funny, romance. Quick read.
Jeffrey
Chain of Evidence by Michael Detroit
This book is about a sheriff's office trying to find a meth lab. The writing is quite engaging and well worth reading. It is a nonfiction book.
Susan
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
This is the second book I’ve read by WK Krueger. I have enjoyed both books.
Mary
When Cicadas Cry by Caroline Cleveland
This is a debut story from a local (Charleston, SC) attorney, and I have found that attorneys tend to write well. This one is a suspense story that grabs you from the beginning and holds up through to the end. The characters, from the Black man who is accused of killing a White woman with an altar cross to his grandfather Eli who brings in attorney Zach Stander and his investigator/girlfriend Addie Stone, are all well developed as is the story. If you liked Stacy Willingham's A FLICKER IN THE DARK or followed the Murdaugh murder trial here in the low country, you'll like this one, too.
Darlene
The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple
A good read.
Chris
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
I really enjoyed this book and the ties to today’s politics.
Teresa
Did I Ever Tell You? by Genevieve Kingston
You would think a memoir about a young girl losing her mother to cancer would be too sad to read, but this book is so beautifully written, it is worth feeling a little sad just to gain a clearer understanding of how such a tragedy affects us all,our lives. We’ve all surely lost someone to cancer or know someone who is terribly ill, so this story touches our hearts.
Carol
Trust by Hernan Diaz
This Pulitzer Prize winner for 2023 was great! I went in with low expectations if I’m honest. Sometimes these high prize books are disappointing. But this book was different, written exceptionally and with a great story. It hooked me early and I was intrigued with where it would end up. A story of wealth, love, grief, family and ego! Definitely a book to check out.
Richard N B
City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende
This is an engaging, fantastical adventure story, with a fair amount of information provided regarding environmental conservation. A couple of the adult characters were rather cartoonish, but the young people really shone, and I liked the way that the native indigenous tribes were portrayed.
Tricha
The Best Life Book Club by Sheila Roberts
Story of four women who have all had life-changing events come together and form a book club. They all are totally different and have varying taste in books.
Luella
Funny Story by Emily Henry
What a great read. It was funny, sad, heartwarming and more. I enjoyed the characters. What if the worst thing to ever happen to you ended up to be the best thing. Just a really good story.
Alice
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
I grew up knowing Hedy Lamarr was a famous and beautiful actress but who would have guessed at her brilliant mind. A really good book…my book club will discuss it this Wednesday and so far comments are very positive.
Christy
The Missing American by Kwei Quartey
This book took me to a new country and culture. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and have already begun the second in the series.
Kristine
The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton
I’ve read almost all of the Perez family books and have loved them, so Chanel Cleeton has become a favored author. This book was different but still had ties to Havana and a Cuban family. I loved the twists and turns this one took. And so interesting that it was based on a real voyage by the Morro Castle. I’d never heard of this tragedy! I hope to read more about these fictional ladies!
David
Granite Harbor by Peter Nichols
Fascinating serial killer book set in a small town.
Eileen
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
Comprehensive retelling of all the events leading up to the Fort Sumter battle, which started the Civil War. Although not as gripping as his other novels, I found it an exciting read. So mnay similarities to events happening today that it was eerie.
Lonnie
Twilight Territory by Andrew X. Pham
Historical fiction set in Vietnam in the 1940s. Terrible times for that country. I can't say that I enjoyed this book; it was so sad. But I'm glad that I read it.
Elizabeth
Gator Country by Rebecca Renner
This is a true story about an undercover sting to catch alligator poachers. I got the book when I donated money to help author Lauren Groff open an independent bookstore in Gainesville, FL that features banned books. It is written by a native Floridan. I loved the descriptions of the Everglades and nature, but the story itself was less compelling. Renner never explained what the poaching laws were but assumed knowledge the average reader would not have.
Cathy
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Kept me guessing throughout the book. Very well done. The characters were very believable when they needed to be.
Dawn
Weyward by Emilia Hart
A little slow to start but worth it. The audiobook is excellent. There may be some triggers for some women, but overall a well woven story spanning generations.
Jeanne
The Women by Kristin Hannah
THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah was a gripping, intense story of brave and courageous Army nurses in Vietnam. It was well researched and the author did an outstanding job in the character development of these women who were such an integral part of the storyline. It is one of those books you can’t put down and I read it cover to cover. I felt as those I was being transported to another time and place and was right there with those Army nurses.
PJ
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
What if you married someone that you thought you knew but then find out that you know nothing and everything has been a huge lie? Add into the mix a teenager that it a typical teenager. This was a very enjoyable read that moved right along and didn't leave you guessing about the backstory if it wasn't necessary. I highly recommend.
LisaMarie
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
I loved this book. Unforgettable characters, Irish and Italian. I'm really looking forward to reading his new book LONG ISLAND, which continues the story.
Mimi
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This was such an eye-opener into the Vietnam War. It brought back the dark memories of how badly we treated our vets. As usual, Kristen Hannah depicts such a detailed account of events. I listened to it and the graphic details of the injuries were difficult to hear, but I couldn’t skip over them. I’m anxious to see what her next topic will be.
Wanda
The Demon of Unrest by Eric Larson
I love all the books Eric Larson has written and was very excited to read his newest book, THE DEMON OF UNREST. The story covers the five months leading up to the Civil War. It is very detailed and sometimes I struggled to continue. I had very little knowledge of what actually happened in that short time frame, but it certainly was an eye-opener as it takes the reader practically day by day up to the bombing of Fort Sumter. History buffs will love this book!
Sandy
The Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley
When an accident leaves Elle brain-dead, Matt is devastated. Though he cannot bear the thought of life without her, he knows Elle is only afraid of one thing, a slow death. So Matt resolves to take her off life support, but then he finds out that she is pregnant. Thus begins a battle in court between Matt and his mother. Very well written.
Rose
The Missing Witness: A Quinn & Costa Novel (A Quinn & Costa Thriller # 5) by Allison Brennan
In the 5th novel in the series, Quinn and Costa have become more than partners fighting crime. They are involved with each other. Kara Quinn's life is in danger as she is set to testify in court against a human trafficker. But, the trafficker is shot and a witness disappears. Kara is also fighting internal police politics and those who want her out. Meanwhile, she is still not over the death of her former partner, Colton. But she will be more surprised when she reconnects with Will, who is involved in fighting for the homeless and working towards better conditions for them. But, they fought on this. Kara and Matt Costa uncover deep levels of corruption in their investigation.
Rose
The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
This book is an emotional roller-coaster. It addresses the agony of losing family members to military service and in dealing with cancer and its toll on the family. It also tackles the loneliness of growing up without a loving family and the need to belong. Ella and Chaos begin writing to each other at the request of Ella's brother Ryan. Ryan and Chaos are both in special ops. Ryan's last letter to Chaos is to take care of Ella. So, Chaos/Beckett Gentry enters Ella's life, but she doesn't know he is Chaos. Slowly, they fall in love, but Ella's daughter, Maisie, twin to Colt, is sick with neuroblastoma, and Ella is at her wits end trying to cope. This novel takes your emotions on an up and down ride, perhaps too much - but I loved it!
Beth
Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman
An interesting premise, CHRISTA COMES OUT OF HER SHELL focuses on the aftermath a family faces after someone who is believed to be dead, turns out to be alive. Christa‘s father disappeared when she was two years old and her entire life has been framed by his disappearance. Her father, Jasper, a famous naturalist, returns in modern time after living in the Alaskan woods for 25 years. The story evolves over the course of about a month as the family and the public reconcile his return. The title refers to the main character, finding her voice and her way after coming to terms with events that had taken place years ago. I enjoyed this book very much as I liked Christopher’s character development arc.
Betty
Long After We Are Gone by Terah Shelton Harris
The characters in this novel are incredibly relatable and endearing, each with their own set of flaws and vulnerabilities. I couldn't help but like them all, despite their imperfections and the questionable choices they sometimes made.
Heather
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
Atmospheric prose, heartbreaking, and hopeful. A love story for the ages against a dark dystopian backdrop.
sherry
No One Can Know by Kate Alice Marshall
This is my first time reading a book by this author. It is very suspenseful. It keeps you guessing.
Dorothy
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson
This may be my favorite book of 2024 so far. So enjoyable!
Erin
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
I was fascinated by this book! Martha was such a wonderful character and love that she is based on a real person. The author's note was one of the best I have ever read.
Rose
Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung
This is a historical fiction set in China during the Chinese Revolution. The wealthy Ang family flees their home when the revolutionaries seize it. However, the grandparents and the father leave the mother and her daughters behind. Since she hasn't produced a male heir, the grandmother looks down upon her daughter-in-law and her granddaughters, deeming them less than worthy of her financial assistance. The mother and her daughters make a difficult journey across China, trying to reunite with the father. Sadly, the grandmother's hatred spews forth again and she tells her daughter-in-law not to come because her son will marry another. I didn't know of the troubles that people had in China during the revolution. Hope and perseverance.
Elizabeth
Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman
A sweet, lighthearted romance between an aging former rock star and a piano teacher from Baltimore. The twist is that the rock star is a woman and the piano teacher is a man. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Rose
The Bump by Sidney Karger
Wyatt and Biz are getting ready to become daddies for the first time, having used Mackenzie as their egg donor and Flora as their surrogate. However, they have hit a bump in their relationship. Wyatt isn't sure he is ready to be married. They have been fighting lately and they haven't been intimate in a while. So, they head out on a babymoon road trip to be together before the baby arrives. This trip has so many ups and downs, and moments that I laughed out loud - Stephen, the cat! I love how the pair loves books, has trust issues, fears, goofy traits, more. Biz comes from a big Italian family with loving parents, and Wyatt comes from a broken family. Together, they search for answers and how to find each other again. Heartwarming/funny.
Luella
Marathon by Brian Freeman
Great read. Real page-turner.
Donna
Middletide by Sarah Crouch
In all honesty, Sarah Crouch’s debut novel, MIDDLETIDE, was not quite what I was hoping for. I enjoyed the small town setting, the beautiful descriptions of the Pacific Northwest, and the intriguing premise. However, it was very slow-paced with most of the characters being unlikable. In fact, I could not make any connection at all with the protagonist, Elijah Leith. I found him very unlikable, immature, and never showing much growth. It makes for a less enjoyable read when I’m completely turned off by the main character.
Beth
The Third Wife by Lisa Jewell
THE THIRD WIFE is the best kind of mystery; it involves three mysteries: who is writing horrible letters to Maya, did Maya kill herself or was her death an accident, and who is the woman who seems to be stalking Adrian? Maya is Adrian's third wife. The book begins with her death when she is hit by a bus (which would be an odd choice for suicide, in my opinion).
Andi
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
This was such an original story! Loved it. Really made think about how we choose our spouses. It prompted some good conversations with my husband as well. It could have been about 50 pages shorter, but overall I'm very happy I read this one.
Andi
The Hours of You by Fiona Collins
Second chance romance between a movie star and a lost love. While it gave me the ending I wanted, it wasn't my favorite. It left me a bit brokenhearted for both characters that so much time was lost.
Andi
Clear by Carys Davies
Absolutely breathtaking. From the strong sense of place, to the human need for companionship, to history of the Scottish clearances - it was all just lovely. A short book that packs a strong, strong punch.
Tessa
A Spy in the House by Y. S. Lee
This is the first in a series featuring Mary Quinn (nee Lang), a Chinese-English young woman who has been recruited into The Agency – an all-female organization providing discreet investigations. Mary is intelligent, inquisitive, observant and compassionate. She is also self-possessed, resilient and quite capable of getting herself out of a jam, though Victorian gentlemen are prone to coming to her rescue regardless of her own abilities. I look forward to reading more books in this series, and more from this author.
Claire
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys
Lizzie's "quirkiness" become sort of annoying to me. I don't know that I would want to keep reading from her perspective, but it might be more appealing to a younger reader. The style of writing seemed well-suited to a middle grade audience -- fast-paced and straightforward.
Claire
While We Were Burning by Sara Koffi
This book starts kind of slow before lifting the veil to show how unhinged the characters are — Elizabeth and Brianna both. I’d feel bad for David being caught up between them if he wasn’t so off-putting as well. Not a likable or grounded character in the bunch. It was a fun ride for the most part, that also touched on some real issues. I couldn’t get into it completely, despite that, maybe because I wasn’t fully suspending my disbelief. Brianna’s plan was always kind of contrived — too many delicate pieces — yet I accepted it to go along with the ride of seeing these characters’ descents. But it kept ramping up.
Beverlee
The Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
This book started strong - kind of bogged in the middle but had an amazing ending. I love the worlds that Alix Harrow creates in her books!!
Sandy
The Guest by B. A. Paris
The ending was very good and I am glad I stuck with this book to find out who killed whom.
Rose
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
College friends get together at a remote lodge for the New Year's holiday, a tradition they have been doing for ten years. They get snowed in and personalities and secrets come out. Affairs, jealousy, secrets including insider trading and drugs all threaten the weekend. Finally, someone is murdered, and it is surprising as to who and why. Not my favorite book by Foley.
Karen
All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
Really enjoyed this book.It’s hard to put down. I savored every page.
Paula
Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
Loved this book. Touched on so many feelings good and bad. A famous writer dies unexpectedly in a hit and run. She gets a certain amount of time to watch over her family and three chances to change something in their life if she chooses. I ended up cheering some of the characters on. Also involves the mystery of who hit and killed her.
Debbie
Flags on the Bayou by James Lee Burke
FLAGS ON THE BAYOU presents a bleek view of the Civil War and the many characters involved in the foray. James Lee Burke develops the story with many narrators so the reader may see the Union Army, the Southern Army, the Red Legs, the slaves, and the plantation owners. The conditions of the war display the ugliness of the war and the people. General Robert E. Lee becomes this disparaged man who forces his soldiers to a terrible death. The Southern way of kindness and hospitality disappear in the quest for survival. The relationship between slaves and their owners falls into cruelty and bitterness. James Lee Burke attempts to speak in the language of the illiterate but greatly fails in this endeavor. The story ends with redemption.
Sean
Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King
So, this definitely isn't King's typical fair as the horror element is almost non-existent as is the real world element. Titular character, Dolores Claiborne might have committed a murder, or two. This book is one long stream of consciousness as Dolores tells her side of what's happened. It was interesting, but Claiborne's dialogue was so folksy that it became a pain. Also, for the love of god, there were no chapters. Almost 400 uninterrupted pages. Whew! King does a great job though of making you see this small Maine island and its cast of characters through Dolores' eyes. Overall, editorially it was odd but still an enjoyable read.
Rose
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Daphne and Peter are headed to the altar, until his bachelor party, where his childhood best friend, Petra, declares her love for him. Peter and Petra leave their partners and decide to get engaged. So, Daphne is crushed and forced to move out of Peter's home. She moves in with Petra's former boyfriend, Miles. Miles and Daphne commiserate over their former partners deception, and to get back at them, Daphne tells Peter that she and Miles are an item. As Miles attempts to show Daphne Michigan and overcome her feelings of not belonging, he and Daphne begin to fall for each other. However, both Miles and Daphne have issues of trust and feeling loved, and it isn't easy for either one to admit their feelings. This is a really sweet story.
Francisca
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune
Linus Baker is summoned by extremely upper management and given a highly classified assignment: go to an orphanage on a remote island and evaluate the six dangerous magical children living there. This is a modern fairy tale for adults with a message of tolerance, kindness, courage and forgiveness. The sentiment is charming and Klune gives us a wonderful fairy-tale ending. But the story fell flat for me. I felt I was “missing the magic” that so many of my friends experienced.
Anita
Joe Victim by Paul Cleave
This was a sequel to the book THE CLEANER about a serial murderer. As the book begins we learn that Joe MIddleton has been arrested for the crimes. He insists he is innocent and doesn't remember killing anyone, even though the police find evidence to the contrary. This was a very good follow up mystery with some surprises.
Margery
James by Perceval Everett
JAMES is an amazing book written with so much dignity and insight, covering an important time in our American history. For me, a sign of a great book is when the author makes me feel what the characters are feeling. This book has that and much more.
Linda
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
This murder mystery kept me on my toes with dual timelines, points of view and locales. Also, there were snippets of a novel within the main novel. The murder happens in 1974 - the age of "sex, drugs and rock and roll." There's a lot of cussing in the dialogues, which offended me; but I guess it was true to how the musicians and hangers-on spoke. The second present day timeline has two supposedly best friends (who also swear a lot) go to the same Italian villa where the murder happened. The protagonist was too naive/gullible. So this novel didn't excite me.
Rose
The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird
Lois Saunders is unhappy in her marriage, and after her husband hides her diaphragm, she knows she needs a divorce. She heads to Reno, NV to obtain a no-fault divorce by staying at one of the famous ranches for six weeks. While there, another woman, Greer Lang, joins the group of women wanting divorces. Greer enchants Lois, and Lois falls under her spell. Greer comes up with a scheme for them to execute. After weeks, Lois starts to recognize that things are not as they seem --- not with her husband, her father, or her friendship with Greer. I wanted to like this book, but I didn't. I was bored throughout.
Rose
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
When a father goes missing, the family's only way to determine what happened is to depend on Eugene, the youngest child in the family. But Eugene is non-verbal. Twins Mia and John, along with Dr. Hannah Park, their mother and a linguist, try to understand what happened to him, piecing together various clues. A notebook is found, labeled HQ. Mia determines this to be Happiness Quotient, a project her father is exploring. Throughout the novel, questions about Eugene's involvement surround the family, and his difficulty in communicating what happened causes the police to be suspicious. The book is very interesting, and it made me think about communications in a different way. I also enjoyed how the family came together.
Rose
Homecoming Queen: A Small Town Political Thriller by Chad Boudreaux
Miranda, Texas, is expecting a major hurricane. Anika has returned after serving five years in prison for killing her boyfriend, Johnny Delgado. When she returns, she takes her younger half-sister, Sam, from Sam's father. He is later found dead, and Anika is accused of his murder. But someone else admits to her that they killed him, and now she is indebted to him and the mayor. Sam has special powers. This book has a bit of everything --- dark magic, religious fervor, drugs, alcoholism, the supernatural, guns, conspiracy and an impending storm. It's a tale of good vs. evil. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Diane
Diva by Daisy Goodwin
Daisy Goodwin gives us a respectful and thoughtful retelling of Maria Callas' life by overlapping Callas' famous role in Puccini's "Tosca" with her own complicated relationship with Aristotle Onassis. The lovely journey through Greece is a fitting armchair travel book for the summer, too.
Sandy
The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton
This is a very good one! It's all about Florida when the hurricanes are worse than ever and a girl named Wanda (born during a hurricane named Wanda) and her fascinating life.
