This contest period's winners were Carol H. from Simpsonville, SC; Nathan L. from Fort Worth, TX; and Vizma D. from Butler, NJ. Each received a copy of CREATION LAKE by Rachel Kushner and THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE by Matt Haig.
Claire
Veiled in Stars and Silver by J. Ann Curtis
PETER PAN is one of those stories that gets told and retold so often that it's hard to do something new with it, but this one did and I ate it up. The Crocodile and Tinker Belle were my two favorites in this story, they both felt in character, but with fun new twists that kept me intrigued. The only reason it lost a star for me was that the spice was a bit odd for me. I almost would have preferred it with more attention paid to Neverland and less of the Wendy and Hook romance. Particularly that crocodile! (Can you tell she was my favorite character?)
MARILYN
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Everyone in our book club has enjoyed the book, so much so that some of our other friends begged to borrow it. Many of us at a "certain" age remember all too well the days of being the GOFER because it was thought math and science were simply too much for our brains!
Claire
Kissed by Songs of Lilies by E.V. Everest
Man, if you are burnt out on all the romance stories out there, let me tell you, you need to read this book. It will remind you why you fell in love with the genre to begin with. This book has such a beautiful esthetic with seaside scenes, underground hot springs, lavender and sea glass galore! The characters are lovable, and not just the main two either, but all the supporting cast. And as a side note, I could go on and on about how I loved the subverted expectations with Hawthorne, but I won't because of spoilers. This was a beautiful spring/summer read and even though it's NA, the spice wasn't too heavy to distract from the plot.
Rose
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. Set during WWII, it tells the story of a young woman, Constance, who is looking for a job after the end of WWI. She begins as a companion to a family friend, but the woman's family doesn't treat her well. Constance meets Poppy Wirrall, a woman who eschews traditions, although she is the baronet's daughter. Poppy introduces Constance to her brother, Harris, a fighter pilot who was wounded in battle. Poppy runs a motorcycle club for women and also wants to add flying lessons to this group. This is not welcomed in the society circle. But the women persevere. Part romance, part women's struggles, part coming-of-age, an interesting read about the world after the first world war, and the changing world.
Jeanne
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
ONE PERFECT COUPLE by Ruth Ware is a well-written psychological thriller centered around a reality TV show with five couples who are sent to an isolated island with the theme being at the end only one couple remains. This is a spellbinding, nail-biting, intense storyline that put chills down my spine, and I couldn’t put it down until I found out who the last remaining couple was. The characters were very carefully and masterfully created in a diabolical way so that they were perfect for the plot.
Judy
Testimony by Anita Shreve
This is a tale of young lives lived and one night which creates a whirlwind that changes many lives. Told in chapters in the voices of the people involved. This was a book I could not put down.
Cynthia
The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness
Fun fantasy novel!
Barbara
The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark
The story of a person who was the victim of identity theft and her interesting interaction (and friendship) with the person who stole her identity.
SusanClark
Summer on Sag Harbor by Sonny Hostin
A average read for me about a community near in the Hamptons on the beach. It is about the neighbors and their interactions and some romances. If you love soap operas then you might really enjoy this novel.
Sara
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
This is a compelling and beautifully-crafted historical read about the power and complexities of deep friendship and resilience during a time of political unrest. With love, ambition, loyalty, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness, the book illuminates the complex nature of mother-daughter relationships, family shame and secrets.
Jane
Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen
I guess I like living precariously through people in places I've never been - mostly Nantucket, Fire Island, etc. and I've read plenty which means I love these types of books. This one is set in Fire Island. This is your typical women's fiction/chick lit. Addison, who is in her 30s, loses her job, finds out that her Aunt Gicky had died and left her her house on Fire Island. What else does she have to do? She hasn't started looking for a job yet and will probably sell the house. Then she meets a guy, first on the ferry when he helps her with her huge amount of luggage going to her aunt's house and then again and again, always in her “finest” moments, like when she falls off her bike coming from grocery shopping.
Karen
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
As with all of Larson's books, this is a wonderful telling of the atmosphere and events leading up to the Civil War. The historical research is spot-on and the narrative flows smoothly.
Gina
Same as It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo
I absolutely loved this book. It is about many things: long marriage, generational trauma, survival, tolerance, and love. I think the author has beautiful prose, amazing insight and writes wise beyond her years. My book club is reading the novel next month and I can’t wait for the discussion. I so recommend to readers who enjoy complex characters and a rich plot.
Jeffrey
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
While there's no question he's an excellent writer, and this novel belongs in the pantheon of American literature, I had to take a star off for one disturbing reason. The book is full of antisemitic remarks and references. I know Hemingway was a man of his time, and casual racism was part and parcel of everyday conversation among White people then, but the treatment of the character of Robert Cohn crosses the line into active hatred by more than one of the other characters. This problem led me to some analyses of the book, and I found that Hemingway based Cohn's character on one of his closest friends, who, when he read the book, was horrified. This just made the problem worse for me. But aside from this (Mrs. Lincoln), it's a great read.
Darlene
For the Love of Summer by Susan Mallery
Good read.
Shelley
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
This is a book about characters whose lives intermix in a DC boarding house for women in the 1950s. The murder mystery it started with was a minor plot theme that did not recur until the end. Her descriptions of the women living in the house enabled me to picture each one. It was very different from the many other historical fiction Kate Quinn books I have read in style and tone. A pleasant read.
MH
Fortune’s Child by James Conroyd Martin
A novel about Empress Theodora of Constantinople. Born poor, becoming an actress and a prostitute, she eventually won the heart of the emperor’s heir. Her story is told by one of the palace slaves, Stephen, who tells his own story along with hers. Set in the 500s, I learned a lot about the city and the times. Her life is continued in a second book, which I plan to read.
Kathleen
Drive by Jonathan Rigsby
Moving account of one man's experience as an Uber driver.
Rosa
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
I wanted to read FAMILIARIS and knew that I had to read this book first. Wow. This is one of those epic stories that will stay with me for a long time. Edgar Sawtelle was born mute, into a family of dog breeders. The Sawtelle dogs are known to be well-trained and have a magical gift for companionship and loyalty. Edgar learns and develops a way to communicate with his parents and the dogs by signing. Life is hard work but relatively simple on the farm. When tragedy strikes, Edgar is forced to escape to the woods with three of his dogs. This story moves at a pace like life on the farm. The writing is beautiful and worth savoring. It is amazing to me that it is the author's first novel. I cannot wait to read FAMILIARIS.
Tessa
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
3.5 stars. This YA romance had some significant serious issues to discuss. I really liked Maddy, who’s intelligent and mostly serene. Olly is more complex and guarded, which is understandable given his family situation. Can love (even teenage love) conquer all? Yoon certainly makes a good case.
Wanda
The Patient's Secret by Loreth Anne White
A griping page-turner! Every page brings a surprising twist to the story. First book I have read of this author's and I will definitely be reading more!!! What great storytelling!!
Betty
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
A very twisty narrative. THE PLOT kept me turning pages later at night than I wanted to be awake. A little slow in the middle, it really gets going in the latter third.
Sue
Live Like a Guide Dog by Michael Hingson
A great behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it takes to go through life as a blind individual with a guide dog partner. Michael and his dog Roselle survived the a world Trade Center on 9/11. He is also the author of THUNDER DOG about that experience.
Sue
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
I liked this book because not only does it have a cute rom-com vibe but it also addresses some rather serious issues like parental abandonment and mental health issues. The writing is witty, the characters are relatable and even though the subject matter is sometimes very harsh, the author shows growth and acceptance for the main characters. This book is a Book 3 in the series by the author.
Carol
All This & More by Peng Shepherd
From the author of THE CARTOGRAPHERS, which I immensely enjoyed, comes a new story that allows the reader to pick the adventure we want to see happen! The chance to rewrite your past, reinvent yourself, your career, your love life, your families lives is a chance our protagonist can’t pass up. But a desperate do-over ensures we are on the edge of our seats and decisions must be made. We, the readers, get to help make these decisions! A unique perspective and a story structured to allow our input is just fun and scary at the same time. Once I chose my adventures and read through them, I went back and read the book cover to cover. I thing Peng's writing is great and her creativity excellent. I highly recommend this one.
Sue
The 100 Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
This book is so wonderful!! I loved the development of the story as the two characters narrate their lives through the paintings they make at the art activities center in their care home. Seventeen-year-old Lenni is dying from cancer and Margot is 83 and just living out her life, but when the two find each other they fill a void in each of them, care and encourage each other through their individual trials. I can't believe this warm, sweet story is this author's debut. Such talent in storytelling and character development. The audio is especially fabulous!
Nicolette
The Corner of her Eye: Book Two, The Road by JJ Carpenter
A sequel that holds up to the original! I really adore Charlie and what she does as a Keeper. Her story and the stories she uncovers in this Book 2 will take you down unexpected paths in both the present and the past. And it’s all so smoothly woven together to create a historical thriller like I’ve not read before. I’m definitely a fan of this series!
Nicolette
The Silence by Kendra Elliot
A sequel that did not disappoint! The plot was intricate but expertly laid out and then woven together. It was pleasing to see the development of the characters, especially after the first installment. On to Book 3!
Carol
Elena Knows by Claudia Pineiro
Shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2022, ELENA KNOWS is the short story that does justice to the experience of living with a debilitating illness on an everyday basis. Elena’s life is controlled by Parkinson’s disease. Her life is uprooted when her daughter Rita, her caretaker, has been found dead in the church bell tower, dangling from a rope. We then follow Elena’s life in search of the truth to Rita’s death. A journey of pain, depression, and dependency broken up with flashback of her past. She is alone and deeply disabled. It’s a story of motherhood, suicide, bodily autonomy and caregiving. She is portrayed as a helpless old woman as she innocently searches for truth and closure. It is sad, desperate and yet powerfully written.
Nonie
Sandwich by Catherine Newman
Our book club found it boring. Really no plot in the book.
Anne
The White Hare by Jane Johnson
Captivating, intriguing and enthralling historical with vivid descriptions of the locale and excellent character portrayal.
Pam
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Great pacing, unique story with interesting characters.
Linda
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
A realtor, Annie, when doing an open house, is abducted by "The Freak," who takes her to a remote mountain cabin on Vancouver Island. A psychological thriller that horrified me as I kept turning pages anyway to learn her fate and how she struggled to recover from the trauma.
Lurdes
Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
This story takes place in a somewhat dystopian society. Bird is a 12-year old who lives with his father in a “dorm”. His mother disappeared 3 years before and he sets out on a quest to find her. In his world, children are taken away from their parents if the parents are involved in activities deemed to be anti-American. The children are supposedly connected with new families but most are never heard from again. Bird discovers clues to his mother’s whereabouts and sets out to find her.
Melissa
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman
Partly based on a true story of a "state school" that was not a school at all but a giant sanitarium in New York state with deplorable conditions. The book takes place in the 70s when there was also a serial killer in the area, Cropsey. It is a very interesting history of the times but also heartbreaking knowing what the patients had to endure including unbelievable medical experiments that were all approved by the New York Dept of Health.
Jean
Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
The characters are different and delightful, and seeing how their lives intertwine is fascinating. I loved the story but found the detailed description a bit dense for my taste. Kingsolver is a masterful user of language though.
Sherry
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
I absolutely loved this book. I was completely invested in these characters heart and soul. What an amazing story.
Laura
Normal Rules Don't Apply by Kate Atkinson
This is small book of short stories by one of my favorites. Each story is intertwined - they have a little bit of everything. Some made me laugh out loud. The characters are smartly written. Everything you would want from Kate Atkinson in a fast read.
Susan
The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
This book was a feast for the senses. The preparation and contents of the dishes alone will make you want to run to Paris rapidemont! You will feel like you have been to Paris - from the restaurants to the countryside to the flea markets, this is a tour guide for your next trip! The characters have their own quirks and are endearing and perfect.
Rose
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
Part crime story, part coming-of-age. I read this 3 times in 3 days because I kept missing parts of the story, and also, it was very good! A car crash kills someone and a young man, Vincent King, pays for it his whole life. Two children, Duchess and Robin, struggle with their mother's illness. Duchess acts as mom to both her younger brother and her mother, Star. Duchess tries to understand her family tree, not knowing who her father is. Walk is now the chief of police, and still can't shake the fact that he is the one that caused his best friend, Vincent, to go to prison. Duchess and Robin are sent to live with their estranged grandfather who tries to overcome their distrust of him. Beautifully written, I look forward to his next one!
Rose
Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh
A woman's husband and child are gone as a result of a kidnapping. She begs the police to arrest the person she believes is responsible, but they don't. Another woman is attacked in her home and after a long hospital stay, is released. Their paths cross with traumatic and surprising results. A little homage to STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, but quite different! I have some more of this author's books on my TBR pile, and I will definitely read them. Exciting and suspenseful.
Judith
The Art of Keeping Secrets by Patti Callahan Henry
This book was not quite what I hoped for. I did read it to the end to find out the several secrets kept by the characters, but I didn't find them all that intriguing. While critics hailed the author as a great example of Southern fiction, she didn't give me any feel for regional dialogue, except for throwing in the occasional "y'all".
Rose
Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate
This book is told in two timelines and highlights the plight of Native Americans after they were uprooted from their lands and pushed aside. Set in Oklahoma in 1909 (Olive) and 1990 (Valerie), bones are found in a protected area. Val is a forest ranger and wants to investigate, but is thwarted at every turn. The tale of elves in trees keeps resurfacing. As Olive tells the story of trying to protect her Choctaw adopted sister in 1909, Val's investigation intersects with Olive's story. Very interesting, and a part of history I didn't know.
Elizabeth
The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
I don't know quite how I feel about this book. The writing is poetic, brilliant. It made this reader feel every harshness the girl felt, and every beauty and joy. Groff doesn't hold back on all the harsh realities of a young girl trying to survive alone in the wilderness and I sometimes grimaced at the descriptions of those harsh realities. This book was many times hard to read. And though I saw it moving towards its almost inevitable conclusion, I hoped very much that it would not end the way it did. I was somewhat mad at the trick Groff played at the end which gave false hope. Nonetheless, it was a compelling read.
Rose
The Time Machine by H. G. Wells
A quick read, a classic novel. I never read this as a teen, so I thought I should read it as an adult. It is hard to imagine that H. G. Wells thought of this time machine in the late 19th century. The mysterious time traveler tells his story to a group of men, who listen but are unsure if it is just talk or the truth. But, the descriptions of the other races are so real and vivid, they wonder. Very interesting sci-fi.
Rose
After We Were Stolen by Brooke Beyfuss
I was really looking forward to reading this book after hearing the author speak about it. Several months passed before I found the time to read it. It was good, but I was disturbed by it, which I suppose is the point! Avery lives with her family on a compound. One day, her father brings her inside, after she was relegated to live outside for weeks. He tells her that she must help expand the family. Revolted by this, she escapes after a fire destroys the compound. This is a cult story, but also a coming-of-age story. I was troubled by Cole, her younger brother, as well as the actual story behind the family.
Rose
Before You Found Me by Brooke Beyfuss
I liked this book much more than Beyfuss's previous novel. BEFORE YOU FOUND ME tells the story of Rowan McNamara who is running from an abusive relationship. While her ex-fiancé is now in jail, she fears for the time he will be paroled. She heads to the home of a friend and meets Lee. Rowan is astonished to see his 11-year old son, Gabriel, who tells Rowan that he has been kept in the basement since his mom died 3 years earlier. Rowan is desperate to protect Gabriel and devises a plan to keep him safe. Is it ever right to kidnap a child? Yes, if the crime will keep him safe from abuse, both mental and physical! Emotional story, with some predictable outcomes. However, I still liked the overall story.
Rose
The Book Proposal by K. J. Micciche
Cute story about a romance author, Gracie Landing, and an old high school crush, Colin Yarmouth. I liked the back and forth emails between the two, and how they rekindled their acquaintance. It was fun and quirky. But, one thing that was obvious, excessive drinking leads to foolish emails and poor choices! As the two exchange in banter, Gracie asks Colin to give her a story for her next novel. Because he uses nicknames for everyone, she doesn't realize that this story is about to blow up her career.
Rose
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1) by Marissa Meyer
I had to read a fairy tale or fantasy for a book challenge, and chose CINDER. This is a bit of both. It is a mash-up of Cinderella and the Terminator. Cinder is a cyborg. She is tasked with saving the Earth in New Beijing. Her stepmother despises her, but when Prince Kai notices Cinder and wants to be with her, the evil stepmother steps in to prevent this. A surprising ending when Cinder's true identity is told to her. However, I won't be reading more. Not my cup of tea.
Rose
Big Time by Ben H. Winters
Can you steal time from one person to give it to another? That is the question in this novel. Allie is kidnapped by Desiree. When she asks Desiree about her baby, Rachel, Desiree is confused. Allie escapes. Allie is found and taken to a hospital and she asks about a Portacath that is in her chest. She doesn't recall this, and is confused. Later, she is with Missy, but Missy calls her Ana. Ana's mother was Rachel. Meanwhile, Grace Berney is an investigator with the FDA, and she hears of Allie. But then, no one wants her to follow through. With her non-binary child, River, Grace tracks the disappearance. A scary scientific experiment. Chilling.
Rose
Northwoods by Amy Pease
Eli North is an Afghanistan vet with PTSD. His drinking is taking over his life. He gets a job with the local sheriff's department in a small Wisconsin town. His mom, Marge, is the sheriff and desperately wants to help Eli. She is dealing with an opioid epidemic, and when a young boy is found dead, and a young girl and a pharmaceutical rep goes missing, the sheriff knows that drugs play a part. As she investigates the death, and the disappearances, she also needs to watch out for her son, and save him from himself. Emotional and real.
Sharon
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
A disturbing novel of slavery and the desire to become free, the ties that bound slaves to their masters, the lies both Whites and Blacks told themselves.
Dawn
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
I really loved this historical fiction book about a midwife in the18th century, set in Maine. I felt like I was there with the excellent description of setting, and the storytelling was very engrossing. It’s a book that I will likely revisit again in the near future!
Sean
The It Girl by Ruth Ware
Ruth Ware knocks it out of the park in this mystery/thriller about a shocking murder at a college and how a decade later the victim's friend group is dealing with the tragedy. Was the convicted killer guilty? If not, who did it? I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery (although I did piece it together before the reveal). It was solid with a good number of reasonable options and realistic emotions. Hannah, the main character, was the right blend of thoughtful and curious without being a cliche. The ending was satisfying and impactful. Overall, a completely entertaining read.
Elizabeth
Simply Lies by David Baldacci
Great thriller about a single mom, ex-detective who happens upon a dead body and gets sucked into a murder investigation with many twists and surprises. A page-turner that kept me reading well into the night until I finished it.
Simonne
Chances Are… by Richard Russo
It is hard not to fall in love with Mr. Russo’s writing. His wry wit and spot-on observations come shining through this book about three college friends having a reunion 45 years later and the missing girl they all loved and miss to this day.
Luella
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
This story held my full attention. It was a mystery, tragedy, about friendship, loss and love. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. So good.
Susann
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok
A quick read with family drama and suspense that keeps the reader engaged.
Wendy
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
An interesting and enlightening take on McCarthyism. It was such a turbulent time in American history and through Quinn's characters, the trauma alongside the goodness of her characters, made it a fascinating read.
Rose
The Murder Book by Mark Billingham
Although this is Book 18 in the series, it is my first Detective Inspector Tom Thorne book. There is a lot in this book that refers to things that were covered in earlier books in the series. I would recommend reading the books in order, as they build on the various relationships and characters. (I hadn't known this was part of a series when I chose to read the book). Thorne is investigating a series of murders where the bodies are partially mutilated. The killings are being manipulated by someone Thorne knows from his past, Stuart Nicklin. The story also focuses on murderabilia, people who collect things that murderers used. YUCK! Recurring characters appear. I will have to go back and read the earlier books in the series.
Rose
The Lost Manuscript by Mollie Rushmeyer
A woman is on a quest to find out what happened to her beloved grandmother. She heads to the UK where her estranged husband is working. Together they search for a lost manuscript using clues left by her grandmother. But they are in danger as unscrupulous people want the manuscript and some property. This was a bit heavy on religion and the role of God's grace.
Sharon
Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? by Nicci French
Well-written mystery. Charlotte Salter, a woman everyone seemed to like, who was kind and generous, loving to her children, went missing the afternoon of her husband's 50th birthday party and in the 30 years since, no one has ever found evidence of her remains--or that she, is still living but had run off from a difficult marriage. It takes Detective Inspector Maud O'Connor being sent to Glensted after a suspicious fire to uncover the truth of both Charlotte's death and that of Duncan Ackerley of the same small community.
Rose
Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out by Ryan Love
Arthur at 79 comes out to his family. His daughter is horrified. Her son, Teddy (21), also comes out - to his grandfather, but is afraid to tell his mother. Teddy also works as an intern writing articles, and is starting to have feelings for his colleague, Ben. However, Ben does something that Teddy explicitly asked him not to do, which causes issues. Both Arthur and Teddy have to work through new relationships, family and friends and dealing with reactions to their announcement. They both look to find true love. Cute story, but the ending was a bit predictable. It does give a good glimpse into how people are treated differently once other people know they are gay. They didn't change - but your attitude did.
Sue
The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
I love the relationship between Anthony Horowitz and his detective, Daniel Hawthorne. Their story begins in the first book in the Hawthorne series, THE WORD IS MURDER. Anthony, the writer, is approached by Daniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne asks Daniel to write a nonfiction book about the crimes that Daniel has solved. Anthony becomes a character in this murder mystery. Their book almost doesn't get published. Their partnership is compelling because Daniel refuses to reveal much about his life. Anthony follows Daniel who is interviewing the suspects when a woman is murdered in her home. Anthony, who has had a career as a young adult author and a television screenwriter for Folye's War, becomes interested in the case. Daniel remains mysterious.
Minna
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
A good sequel to A VISIT FROM THE GOON SQUAD, but not as good, and I lost interest in the last quarter.
kelly
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
There are simply not enough stars to give this book. It will live in my soul.
Donna
House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen
The first half was a page-turner. Stella, a best interest attorney, is hired to determine which parent would be best suited to retain custody of Rose, a brilliant nine-year-old who has stopped speaking. However, before making the decision, Stella will need to delve deeper into the death of the nanny who plunged to her death from a third story attic window. All in this eerie house seem as though they have reason to want the nanny gone. Even Rose. Was it just a terrible accident or was she pushed? The second half was more about Stella’s personal story. Although, I do understand the connection the author was making, it did tend to slow the pace down quite a bit. All in all an enjoyable thriller that kept me guessing.
Beth
Distant Sons by Tim Johnston
I've read two other novels by Tim Johnston and liked both, but this one, DISTANT SONS, is his best. It kept me up reading long past my bedtime, and when I sat down to eat, ths book came with me. There's a lot going on here, the best kind of mystery, with more than one mystery. The main character in DISTANT SONS is 26-year-old Sean Courtland, who was the teenage son in Johnston's book DESCENT. He is now a wandering carpenter and has found work where he stopped accidentally. Courtland has contracted for a job in the home of Marion Devereaux, long suspected by some of murdering three boys 40-some years ago. Devereux also has an uncle, now gone, no one knows where.
Iris
The Devil at His Elbow by Valerie Bauerlein
I do not often read True Crime, but after reading an excerpt of this book in the Wall Street Journal, I was hooked. It is a story about a small town that allowed generations of a family to flourish and take advantage of the poverty and lack of education in the region. Alex Murdaugh was the latest in this family of abusive, powerful men and his criminal behavior went unchecked until he finally went too far.
Jane
Christmas Confusion by Christina Sinisi
I just found this author. She is new to me. Loved book so want more. You won't be able to lay it down. Love is separated for 7 years. Yet God brings people back together. Life has curves in road. Military separates, sister goes missing, a child confused because she wants her mother, and family brought closer together.
Debbie
The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende
THE WIND KNOWS MY NAME presents too many stories of hardship that seem haphazard. In the end, many of the individuals form a family circle, but that circle takes too long and the reader blindly follows each disconnected story. Isabel Allende creates memorable characters, but again, too many characters that each follow a disastrous path. The trouble spans WWII in Austria and the current problems in South America. This reader had difficulty with the characters and the locations. The story displays all the horrors of war and rebellion when a dictator rules the region. Is the United States headed to that sorry place?
Dianne
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
A story of the friendship between two young Iranian girls living in Tehran. The reader sees them, as well as their families, as they live amid the political upheaval in their country. Ellie, who lives a life of comfort, and Homa, who is not so fortunate, meet and form a lasting friendship on the first day of school. Homa is a political activist, who is truly one of the Lion Women of Tehran, a woman of great courage, who stands up for what she believes. But, there is a betrayal that happens, albeit unintentionally, that causes trouble for Homa for the rest of her life.
Simon
The Hundredth Time Around by Stacy Lee
I read this book in a day. Once I started I couldn't stop; I had to know how the love story ends. It's beautifully written, with so many twists and turns that I never saw coming. It's a beautiful modern day love story with a classic love that makes us all long for more books by this author.
Simon
Carolina Basketball School by Bill Robinson
Must-read for any UNC Basketball fan! Well written and full of wonderful stories. Working North Carolina camp each summer has been so amazing. Hopefully, each summer continues to add excellent stories like the ones in this book.
Simon
And the Oscar Goes To by Tim J. Culbertson
A really fun read. Tim's characters are compelling, and you continually want to know what will happen to them next. And for movie fans, the Oscar references will bring back hundreds of great memories in dark theaters watching your favorite movies, and then attempting to predict the winners at the ceremonies.
Simon
Pathways to Promised Lands by Cooper Neitzel
This book is a remarkable tapestry of faith, weaving together the diverse threads of religious traditions into a unified vision of spiritual aspiration. It is both a scholarly contribution and a source of inspiration.
Kay
Within Arm's Reach by Ann Napolitano
An interesting saga of three generations of an Irish family. Enjoyed the story.
KAY
Not Everybody Lives the Same Way by Jean-Paul Dubois
Excellent book by French author who won the Goncourt prize. We read this in my French book group and it was an all-time favorite with a lot to discuss. I highly recommend this read.
Kay
The Hunter by Tana French
This is the follow up sequel to THE SEARCHER featuring Cal Hooper who has moved to a small Irish village after a long career with the Chicago Police. The characters are so interesting that I wanted to keep going. I would like to see another follow-up to the story.
Kay
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
This story kept me in suspense to the last page. A convoluted story that did not end as I thought it would. Loved it!
Kay
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
This book was so much fun to read and I hope there are more to come. Vera Wong comes out a winner at the end of the story with new friendships forged and hope for the future. Enjoyed it!
Kay
The Stolen Child by Ann Hood
Nick has been haunted by a decision made by him as a soldier in France during his time in the trenches of WW I. He had promised to take care of a child, but he abandoned the child in a small village. Jenny is hired to accompany Nick on a trip to France with the objective of finding out what happened. I was intrigued by how the mystery was solved.
Kay
The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck
Everyone in my book club enjoyed the story of how the author and his brother followed the Oregon Trail in today's landscape. And what a trip it was! Many of our members shared their own experiences traveling in parts of the West and cross-country trips. Lots to discuss!
Kay
When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain
This mystery held my attention to the last page. Anna Hart is a detective who has specialized in finding missing children. She is escaping to a small town where she grew up and becomes involved in a present-day missing girl. She is a believable main character trying to find her footing in the present and the past, bent on finding the girl.
Marcia
One Year Ago in Spain by Evelyn Skye
It was a cute story. I'd give it 3.7 stars, I think; not quite 4. The author really has a way of describing the scenes in NY and Madrid in a way that makes me want to visit there. It's not a heavy story so it's an easy read.
Francisca
The Hive and the Honey by Paul Yoon
I like this kind of literary fiction.This is a collection of short stories, all featuring Koreans. The settings and time frame vary from Europe to Asia to North America, from the 19th century to contemporary times.
Claire
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
This book has been on my TBR list probably since it first came out, back when I was in high school, and then almost immediately banned for reasons that always felt sensationalized (they weren't lol, but that's for the Book 3 review). Well, my book club decided to make it our August read and so I finally got to cross it off my TBR list. And I'm so glad I did! I loved the amazing attention to detail in world building, the central mystery of the plot that seems to always come with two more questions for every answer, and the swirling cast of intriguing characters. I started Book Two the moment I finished this one!
Claire
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
If I could give this book six stars out of five, I would! What an awesome continuation of the series. In this one, we discover that it's not actually a steam punk fantasy, but a full blown multiverse sci fi novel. It introduces a new character to star alongside Lyra, and he turned out to be my absolute favorite character of the whole series! The two of them explore three different worlds looking for the answer to Lyra's question,'what is Dust - this magical particle all the adults are obsessed with?' And along the way they find a knife so sharp it cuts through the very fabric of reality.
Claire
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
For the conclusion of this trilogy, especially following the last amazing book, I was a little disappointed in this one. The author leaves a lot of loose threads that could have easily been answered, and instead chooses to answer questions probably best left to the reader to interpret. Suffice it to say, this is the book that gets the trilogy banned, and it didn't need to. Overall, I liked the endings given to some of my favorite characters, despite being bittersweet, like Scorsby and Will. But I wasn't a fan of the premise and would have liked to see the war with the angels resolved a little differently, a little less cynical.
Wanda
Under Her Spell by K. L . Cerra
A riveting read, turns at every page and keeps you so enthralled you can’t put it down!! Good storyline! Enjoyed the intense reading!!
Sandy
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
This is the story of a friendship between Elle and Jonas throughout their childhood and the rekindling of their love for each other after they have both married other people. Very good!!
Kay
Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg
Follows a family through fifty years. A bit long but very touching.
Gretchen
The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff
Found it to be a very interesting story. Makes you think about a subject that isn't discussed within a family. I liked the way the author placed the children's stories within the book. I have suggested this book to my family members as well as friends.
Sharron
The Escape Artist by Diane Chamberlain
Fascinating read. Difficult situation - mom kidnaps son rather than turn him over to ex and new wife.
Sean
London Bridges by James Patterson
This novel takes the normally somewhat grounded Alex Cross cases international and more of an action/thriller than a mystery/police procedural. It was mostly ridiculous. The premise is that two of his nemeses combine to wreak havoc & that happens but it's bad. It's world ending GI Joe/Mission Impossible type of bad guy stuff that is insanely ridiculous and unbelievable. Then add to the fact that Cross is thrown in makes no sense. The conclusion to each of The Weasel and Wolf's machinations was an afterthought. Its so over the top and then understated. Its maddening. As with all Patterson's books, it's a fast read with a ton of cliffhangers. The family dynamic is still good and Cross is still a good character, but this was an awful plot.
Noreen
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
A very enjoyable book. A young widow and a troubled ball player meet. You don't have to know anything about baseball to enjoy it. Plus, you'll learn about yips. Glad that the author didn't go with a phony Hollywood ending.
Liz
It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
This is the prequel to IT ENDS WITH US. The reader learns why Atlas left Lily and what happened to him until they meet again as adults. It is a beautiful story with a happy ending.
Fran
Later by Stephen King
I love this "new to me" Stephen King novella, featuring a "Sixth Sense"-style story with a darker flair! Awesome characters, great mother-son relationship themes and lots of gory, descriptive edge-of- your-seat horror scenes.
Claire
Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldívar
It’s not often that I’m left wanting so much to stay with the characters, but hitting the end of this book, I wished deeply that I could see what they would make of the last few years. The story ends looking forward to the future with a mix of hope and grief. It strikes a good balance of letting Libertad grow into herself while allowing her uncertainty. No matter where or when the story left Libertad, I think it would have had to end like this - bittersweet, raw, and human.
Sandy
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
One of the best books ever! A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, and a love story.
Something for everyone.
Donna
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
I always enjoy a well-written, multi-layered, character driven novel and THE CLIFFS by J. Courtney Sullivan is just that. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale narrated from various points of view. The characters are compelling, especially Jane, and the dialogue spot-on. It was as though I were eavesdropping on their conversations. I always appreciate learning from reading historical fiction, and this had no shortage of information including Native American history and culture, the Shakers, colonial history and genocide, and spiritualism, just to name a few. Although, at times, this well-researched information did interrupt the flow of the novel, all in all it was a wonderful read.
Richard N B
Nerve by Dick Francis
This mystery/thriller opens with a bang, as a jockey shoots “himself, loudly and messily, in the center of the parade ring…” Is someone sabotaging jockeys? Who? And Why? Francis crafts a compelling psychological mystery. Jockey Rob Finn is tenacious, determined and smart in the way he goes about ferreting out information to build the case against an unlikely perpetrator. I came late to the Dick Francis fan club, but I’m glad I finally arrived.
CH
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
Great story!
Claire
I Feed You to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea
3.5 stars. All the mundane human horror and the social commentary is wrapped up and was done well. I could fully feel how the institution of the ballet was grinding Laure down, but also always dragging her in. The classism and racism on top of the vicious policing of her body created an atmosphere of simmering outraging and discomfort. The fantastical side of the horror did not work as well for me. It fell flat. It could have gone a lot harder on the disturbing aspects of the supernatural elements and Laure’s corruption arc. I wanted more "villain" in this "villain origin story". Due to this, the more the story leaned into the supernatural plot and away from the ballet, the less into it I was.
Claire
A Lie for a Lie by Jane Buckingham
A LIE FOR A LIE was a quick, entertaining read. The drama and the characters were pretty par for the course for the genre, somewhat shallow, a little cliched. It wasn't groundbreaking, but it was still fun.
Claire
When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson
The pseudo-incest gets uncomfortable — please stop telling me how the main couple is totally not really blood-related at all (they just ended up with the same dad and the same siblings coincidentally, they’re not really siblings; their bio-fathers are brothers, but they’re not blood-related either, so not really cousins), and they weren’t raised together either sooo… Totally not incest, trust me. It’s normal and okay and 100% not a problem. It would have been less weird if they’d just hashed out the family trees once and then shut up about it. The reiteration makes you start to think maybe there is something wrong here.
Rose
Red River Road by Anna Downes
Katy is trying to find her missing sister who disappeared during a van trip around the coast of Australia. She is using Phoebe's Instagram postings to visit each site on her sister's journey. She meets Beth, who has many personas, trying to escape a bad situation. The two team up but the trip is anything but smooth. There are many twists and turns in this book. You will at times wonder what is going on with these two women. There is also Wyatt, a young boy, who had been leaving DM's for Phoebe. How is he connected to everything? This book will make you wonder how safe it is to travel alone. Who can you trust in any camping situation and who are your friends? An interesting and thrilling read.
Rose
The Atomic Weight of Love by Elizabeth J. Church
Set in the 1940s through the 1970s, it tells the story of Meridian Wallace, a woman interested in becoming an ornithologist to study crows. She meets Alden, a brilliant physics professor and they fall in love, marry, and eventually move to NM so he can work on the atomic bomb. However, this leaves Meridian unfulfilled, as she had to abandon her studies at U of Chicago. She later meets Clay, a free love geologist, who becomes Meridian's lover. He shows her things and makes her feel things she never experienced. However, she remains devoted to Alden.
Beautifully written, and a real look at what women endured in the 1940s and 1950s - succumbing to their husband's dreams and often abandoning their own.
Rose
Looking for Alaska by John Green
A young adult novel which follows the life of Miles (Pudge) as he leaves home to attend boarding school in Alabama. When he begins his sophomore year, he joins with a group of other students and they explore the "Great Perhaps". Alaska Young is a charismatic young woman who Miles is fascinated by, especially as they ponder the "Last Lines" of a person's life. The book follows the group as they grow - through pranks, firsts, and sorrow/grief. An important coming-of-age novel.
Rose
The Glovemaker by Ann Weisgarber
In a community of Mormons in the winter of 1888, Deborah is awaiting the return of her husband, Samuel, a wheelwright. He is weeks overdue due to a rockslide blocking the road. The small community of only 7 families is insulated in Utah and is known for assisting other Mormons who are trying to evade the U.S. government for being polygamists. One day, a stranger, Braden, arrives at her door and she advises him to visit her brother-in-law, Nels, for assistance in getting to the safe place. But, then, U.S. Marshal Thomas Fletcher arrives to bring him into custody. All is not what you think as the story of Fletcher and Braden come to light. The title refers to Deborah, a glovemaker. She doesn't believe in polygamy, but distrusts U.S. gov't.
Rose
Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon
Not just another thriller with a shocking twist, Hannah Mary McKinnon always surprises me! Vienna Taylor is a poor teen who meets wealthy Madison Pierce. Their first encounter isn't great, but they find a shared love of music and become best friends and form a band - MV. Several years later, they expanded the band, now called Bittersweet. The van they are traveling in goes over a cliff in a snowstorm and one dies. The other four have to survive and hole up in an abandoned cabin. Later, there is only one survivor. The book then tells the backstory of the characters and their drive to fame. You are wondering what to believe when wham - the author pulls the rug out! An interesting story about the grip and pursuit of fame.
Rose
The Last Caretaker by Jessica Strawser
Katie is beginning a new job as caretaker at the Grove Farm Nature Reserve after her marriage ended. Her best friend, Bess, also works there and was influential in Katie landing the job. When Katie arrives, the caretaker's house looks as if the last caretaker abruptly left after years of employment. Then, Katie receives a visitor late one night, and the reason for the caretaker's disappearance starts to make sense. Katie becomes involved in a network to help abused women escape. Grace is the last caretaker, Jude is another employee that Katie doesn't know if she should trust, and Ryan is the attractive, charismatic stranger that interests Katie. I was very suspicious of one of the characters, which proved to be correct. Good, not great.
Rose
The Silent Daughter by Claire Amarti
Debut novel about best friends, Sadie and Fiona, who attend an exclusive boarding school, Horton, on scholarship. Sadly, by graduation night, Fiona is dead. Now, 10 years later, Sadie is back teaching at Horton, and one of the wealthy students is missing. Sadie is terrified because she knows something about the family, and worries about it surfacing. A solid debut, but a bit predictable.
Rose
Privacy by Nina Sadowsky
Dr. Laina Landers is a therapist, but someone is spying on her patients. When one of her patients is held hostage by their husband, Laina diffuses the situation. Cal Murray, a journalist, happens to witness this and records Laina. They become romantically involved, and Cal begins investigating what is happening with Laina's patients, although she begs him not to do so. I wasn't surprised at all by "the twist", and felt it lacked authenticity. Some of the story felt rushed, making leaps that weren't fully fleshed out.
Debbie
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
THE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins follows two storylines, but the transition between the two stories does not flow easily. Many times, the reader does not understand which story unfolds. Murder and mayhem cloud both stories, and the end of the novel provides an answer to the puzzle of the murder. Does love triumph in the end? A haunted villa in Italy provides the setting. The description of the land and the house appear to be paradise, but the story follows John Milton’s PARADISE LOST. The story also hinges on Mary Shelley’s FRANKENSTEIN as a haunting mystery evolves from the stay at the villa in both stories. The story jumps from story to story in such a blundering mode that the ending brings relief.
Debbie
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
THE HANDMAID TALE sent shivers up and down my back. The whole premise seems to follow the Republican Project 2025. Government controls the life and death of everyone, but mostly women. So many freedoms no longer exist. A lone Commander controls the birth of the population. The women fall into three groups: the breeders or handmaids, the Marthas or those past breeding duties, and the econowives that must do all the work. Very few men exist in the book, just the Commander and the guards. Fear dominates. All must obey or suffer the consequences. Those who disobey are hanged on the wall and left for all to see.
Lynn
The Burning by Linda Castillo
This latest novel in the Kate Burkholder series is one of the best. I stayed up until 2 a.m. to finish this page-turner.
Karen
Never Lie by Frieda McFadden
A real thriller that has numerous twists and turns. Loved it!
Susan
Pink Glass Houses by Asha Elias
Interesting premise but contrived.
Anne
The White Hare by Jane Johnson
Captivating, intriguing and beautifully-written novel that is memorable.
Chary
The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier
Well-written narrative that provides the reader a detailed vision of Murano and Venice. Author highlights strength of women despite the historical perspectives of Italy at the time. I’m sure I’ll read this book a second time and read others by this author.
Cindy
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Gabrielle Zevin did it again with a thematic novel about characters who face conflict, relationships, and tough life lessons. At first I didn’t think I’d want to read it since I’m not into gaming but it’s so much more than that. The trials and tribulations over creating a business of gaming is well researched and told. Sam and Sadie are incredible characters who experience what we do in life: friendship, trauma, jealousy, joy, and eventually acceptance. I thought Zevin rose to the top with her book, THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY, but this one is right on par with rich scenes and 3D characters who seem bigger than life.
Wanda
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
I would say it is a great thriller. Another new venture into the northeastern USA.
Mary Ann
Summer Stage by Meg Mitchell Moore
This was the perfect beach read.
Beverly
Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
Interesting, especially the plight of women in the late 1880s!
Brenda
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
In-depth character development. Plot moves along at a good pace. Gripping story.
Betty
An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Excellent book. It brought back many memories of the turbulent 1960s. Our book group read it and will discuss it next week.
Natalie
Medgar and Myrlie by Joy-Ann Reid
I already knew the basics of Medgar Evers' life as a civil rights leader. And I knew of Joy-Ann Reid from watching her on Meet the Press. Now I have the rest of the story, the bigger picture. Still a tragic ending for Medgar. What an uplifting life story for Myrlie. Thanks to Joy-Ann for this wonderful tribute.
Kerry
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
A great book with parallel stories between a modern-day female playwright and Emilia Bassano who wrote plays published under William Shakespeare's name. Both stories show how difficult it is to be successful as a playwright if you are female or in a minority category.
June
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Espach has a gift for letting the reader understand the feelings of the characters. Her conversations are letter-perfect. Thoroughly entertaining.
Carla
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
A coming-of-age tale combined with a different sort of mystery, beautifully combined with lyrical, memorable writing (vocabulary + style). This is a 10-out-of-5 star novel. Believable characters (each with their own unique personality and voice), small town American life in the 60s, and deep comments on life that you will highlight for reference later. A true masterpiece.
Iris
The Devil at His Elbow by Valerie Bauerlein
I originally read an excerpt of this book in the Wall St. Journal and was immediately interested in reading more. I am not normally a fan of true crime, but I was not able to put this book down! This was not just a book about a murder but was truly a family drama. The Murdaughs had been running a small town for generations, and Ms Bauerlein made even the most mundane details of the ensuing trial fascinating.
Beverlee
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
This story of a 17-year-old girl and 83-year-old woman who are both in a hospital dying, and their unlikely friendship was so beautifully told. I just finished it yesterday and want to re-read it again today. Lovely, funny, sad and so memorable!
Cynthia
The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff
Evelyn and Joseph fell in love in the Summer of 1941. Evelyn is ill and they decide the both expire on the same day. Joseph cannot go on without Evelyn. They embark on the journey to live our their wildest dreams before it’s too late.
Denise
The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore
Great book club conversation material!
Kylie
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I loved it! I was worried about liking it because there's been so much hype about it. Plus, it had the unfortunate timing of coming out when ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE by Anthony Doerr did. Since it had a similar subject, and since I have a particular bias toward Mr. Doerr's work, having lived in the same state and met him several times, I didn't think it could possibly live up to the hype. Now I regret not reading it sooner! I enjoyed it immensely!
Chris
Scars and Stars by Jesse Thistle
Honest and heart-wrenching.
Darlene
The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner
Really good! Lots of twists!!
Nancy
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
One of the best books I have read in a long time.
Lorraine
The Wisdom of Sheep by Rosamund Young
Charming, full of kindness and joy for the beauty and blessings of an organic farmer’s life and an animal activist. Over fifty years raising cows, twenty sheep the last twenty, in the Cotswolds, a UK Area of Natural Beauty. Beautifully written and crafted in 100 observations, reflections.
Beth
All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda
I read another book by Megan Miranda and liked it, so I expected to also like ALL THE MISSING GIRLS. I probably would have if she hadn't changed her style in this book. Miranda has been praised over and over for this unique style: she wrote it backwards. I should say, she mostly wrote it backwards. The book actually begins with Nicollete, a young woman from a small southern town who now lives in New York. She needs to return to that town to deal with her father's affairs. He has dementia, and she and her brother need to sell his home and obtain guardianship. On "Day 1" she goes there. But after that, we skip two weeks to "Day 14" and then go backward, as Nicolette investigates the disappearance of two missing girls. Confusing.
Kathleen
A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci
Very good book.
Diane
The Night Island by Jayne Ann Krentz
Very interesting and very different.
Jane
The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier
A family saga that follows the Rosso family for over 500 years. It blends historical events with the history of glass making on the island of Murano, Italy. Orsola Rosso is a strong woman who loved the art of making glass beads during a time when most women were not allowed to work with glass.
Lucy
The Little Liar by Mitch Albom
I rarely give a book 5 stars but this one grabbed me and gave me so much to think about after I finished the last word! An important book.
Maryanne
Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Jenna Bush Hager
Beautifully brought to life, the actual down to earth personalities of the entire Bush family.
Donna
Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris
Enjoyed the story. Different than I expected. Quick paced.
Shirley
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
The author did extensive research on Emilia Bassano, an Italian woman living in England who was (probably) the author of many of Shakespeare's plays. She was also the first woman to publish a book of her own poetry. The book describes how she came to live in England, daily life in the 1500s and presents the theory of Shakespeare's works. There is a parallel contemporary story of a female playwright who had her play published when she entered it in a man's name. That story was not as compelling but it did provide a contrast to the historical one.
Michelle
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
A single drop of water across centuries! From ancient Mesopotamia to contemporary London, this beautiful story shines a light on how we all are truly connected.
Sharon
A Paper Life by Tatum O,Neal
Tatum O'Neal was the youngest child to win an Oscar for the movie "Paper Moon". Her home life was hard with an alcoholic mother and a punishing father. She turned to drugs in her teens and experienced spiraling down hill. Tatum Married John Mc Enroe, who she eventually divorced, and they were blessed with three children. It was her children expressing a great love for her that helped get her life turned around.
Michelle
Red River Road by Anna Downes
When Phoebe goes missing while traveling solo through Western Australia, her sister, Katy, decides to follow her trail using her social media posts to find her. Along the way, she meets another lost woman, Lily, with a mystery of her own. The writing is suspenseful and atmospheric. I loved the descriptions of the scenic places Phoebe is visiting along her solo journey. The beginning is a slow burn but it does pick up more towards the middle. There are definitely some unlikable characters along the way. The story alternates between three characters Katy, Lily, and Wyatt and it is unclear how they all tie together until closer to the end. Overall, this was a tense, suspenseful thriller with an interesting twist.
Darlene
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
Fantastic historical novel about women having a voice in the time of Shakespeare, and questions who really wrote Shakespeare's plays, while exploring the inability of contemporary women playwrights to be recognized.
Bonnie
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
While I know this was a book loved by so many, I was hesitant about reading it, thinking it may be overrated. I so happy to say my fears were wrong! The book is all that its fans say it is. I, too, loved the book!
Cheryl
Beautiful Country by Quan Julie Wang
The author writes of moving to New York City from China as a child. Her father has found work, and her mother, a published professor, sees piecework to help support the family. She lives in the shadows for many years, but becomes a naturalized citizen.
Jan
The Maid by Nita Prose
Great book - opens one's eyes about neurodiversity.
laura
A Game of Lies by Clare Mackintosh
In the sequel to THE PARTY we again meet Ffion, a young Welsh policewoman out to solve a crime, along with Dave, her rescue dog, ex-husband and new romantic interest. Mackintosh keeps you guessing as you try to guess "who done it" with a varied cast of characters.
Karen
The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel
True story of an intelligent man who walked away from society and into the woods at about age 20. He lived off the items he stole from the cabins around a lake and from the main camp shelter for disabled children. Christopher Knight seemed to be slightly on the autism spectrum with his avoidance of people and desire to isolate himself. He avoided capture for more that 25 years due to his intelligence and creativity. Interesting man, nonviolent behavior, intriguing lifestyle.
Rose
After She Left by Claire Amarti
Gillian and her husband are struggling to get pregnant. Gillian suggests IVF, but Oliver disagrees and begins acting strangely. Meanwhile, her sister Abigail disappears, leaving her husband and 10-year old son, Sam, behind. Sam stays with Gillian while his father leaves on a business trip. Then a bombshell drops - Abigail has gone to meet her birth mother - and neither sister knew of the adoption before now. The book examines bonds of family - is it blood or love that connect us?
Yes, it was a different time, but there should be no shame in adoption; it is sad that people kept it hidden in some families for so long.
Rose
The River by Peter Heller
Jack and Wynn are best friends, having met in college. They decide to spend weeks canoeing a river in northern Canada and living off the land, spending lazy days and nights in nature. They meet two creepy men who warn them that a wildfire is headed their way. Later, they hear a couple arguing, but only see the man the next day. They rescue the woman who was abused by her husband. Their efforts to save her result in tragedy for the friends and their trip. A vivid story detailing the beauty and stark reality of nature, the bonds of friendship, and the dangers in our world. I'll think about this book for a while. Very well done.
Margery
Someone Like Us by Dinaw Mengestu
This book is extraordinary. It’s hard to put into words how I feel about this book. At first I found the timeline slow and confusing. I struggled to keep things straight. At one point I was not sure I was going to be able to finish it. The further I read the more I understood the complexity of Mengestu”s writing. Then I fell in love with the book. The main characters are Ethiopian, as is the author, so there is representation of the beauty of the culture. As I traveled with the characters on their life journey, it became increasingly apparent that this could be the story of any and every immigrant family. This is a book that I could read multiple times and come away with new and different thoughts every time. Read it and see.
Jeanne
The Summer Swap by Sarah Morgan
THE SUMMER SWAP by Sarah Morgan is a perfect summer beach read. The author did a great job in character development, especially Cecilia, Kristen and Lily. It is a story of loss, loneliness, heartbreak, second chances and learning to find oneself.
Anne
October in the Earth by Olivia Hawker
Such a different story about the depression! A subservient wife escapes her husband to ride the rails.
Karan
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
Is it science fiction? Is it a love story? Is it a mystery? This book is intriguing and fascinating and funny. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
Maureen
Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
A horror story told from an eight-year-old’s viewpoint. She sees Other Mommy and talks to her. At first she is the only one that can see her. Soon others can see her too, and her parents are trying to figure out how to get rid of her. It was not as scary as I would have liked.
Joan
Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout
It was a book I will not forget. Lots and lots of characters, but the main character was likeable and deserving.
Lee
The Dissonance by Shaun Hamill
Reads like some of Stephen King's best.
sherry
The Mathematician's Shiva by Stuart Rojstaczer
Was interesting but a slow read, which did not always hold my interest.
Pat
The Midnight Library by Matthew Haig
Really enjoyed this book, great writing.
Midge
How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
This was my favorite surprise book of the summer. Such a beautiful story about three people whose lives are touched by tragedy. Violet is in prison for manslaughter, killing a kindergarten teacher. The thing that gets her through her days are the book club she participates in, and Harriette, the lady who runs it. When released, her life intersects Harriette, and Frank, the man whose wife was killed. It is a beautiful story about love and forgiveness and the messiness of being a human. It’s also about books and the power they have to transport and change us. And gray parrots. My favorite book of the summer!
Joni
A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci
A different style for Baldacci, but one of his best in my opinion. The story takes place in 1968 the height of civil rights struggles and involves a court room battle to save a wrongfully convicted couple from the electric chair, but more importantly to assure fairness and right to life for all. It was well crafted and as gripping as his many other books.
Cecilia
The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne
THE FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUB was so good I couldn't put it down!
Tess
Drunk-ish: A Memoir of Loving and Leaving Alcohol by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
An excellent peek into the mind and motivation of a recovering alcoholic.
Elizabeth
Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams
A perfect summer read!
Susan
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
I really liked this thoughtful yet funny book. The story was entertaining, and the characters were relatable with stories of their own. It was a very enjoyable book.
David
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This well-written mystery is set among a summer camp. I am so looking forward to the next book she writes. And she's from Philly! I am so happy to see major success happening to a hometown author. How exciting! And she knows how to write.
Jana
Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger
I loved this book, even though I didn't read the series. I learned more about the indigenous
people.
Leslie
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
A gripping mystery novel that is truly evocative of the time and place.
Kristen
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
We'll be discussing this one on Monday, September 9th for book club. I think it will be a good one!
Kate
Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino
This book is absolutely amazing! It's like "Mad Men" meets "The West Wing" meets "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" all wrapped into a FUN campaign story (when are those ever fun!?) that is girl power at its finest. Confino never disappoints with balancing so many amazing themes like feminism, Jewish rep and soooo much humor! You won't want to put this one down, and you won't ever want it to end.
Carol
Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett
I absolutely enjoyed Annie Hartnett's novel, UNLIKELY ANIMALS, and decided to read RABBIT CAKE. It's the story of two sisters and a dad struggling with some serious issues: grief, mental anxiety and illness, and bizarre actions. She writes with a unique perspective and a hefty dose of humor. It is crazy, tender, scary, compassionate and funny at times, and is worth a read.
Carol
Masters of Death by Olivie Blake
A struggling real estate agent is hired to sell a haunted house. Unfortunately, this book was a big disappointment for me. I did like the Atlas Six series and was looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, the story was all over the place. It was hard to follow, there were too many characters, I lost the plot multiple times, and sentence structure was difficult. I cannot recommend this book.
Carol
The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King: Book 2 of the Nightborn Duet by Carissa Broadbent
This is book two in the Nightborn Duet series. It is so fun to read. Vampire kings and queens, war, chaos, romance and mystical life. If you like that kind of story, this fantasy won’t disappoint.
Lorna
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
A fabulous book about racism.
Sandy
What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena
The teenagers get their kicks telling ghost stories in the old graveyard. The parents trust their kids will arrive home safe from school. Everyone knows everyone else. Doors are left unlocked. But that is about to change. Diana Brewer lies in a hayfield, circled by vultures, discovered by a local farmer. Someone in Fairhill did this. So many suspects. The ending will shock you!
Marianne
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Excellent read! Much of the story is true. Great mystery.
Luella
The Deep, Deep Snow by Brian Freeman
Such a great read. One of my favorite authors. Highly recommended.
Debbie
The Hebrew Teacher: Three Novellas by Maya Arad
Maya Arad's three novellas examine job situations, social dilemmas and parenting. Some of her observations hit close to home, especially those dealing with parenting and grandparenting, but are certainly worth reading and discussing.
Gail
Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams
An excellent read. The author had two timelines, and it was easy to figure out what was going on.
Vizma
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
A quick-paced read that was a lot funnier than I expected! I enjoyed Lucy interacting with her inner voice.
Alexandra
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This was a slow burn with lots of characters and different timelines, which were at times confusing. But it all came together in the last third of the book, and the ending was a definite surprise.
Elizabeth
The Women by Kristin Hannah
I thought the writing was very poor, and most of the dialogue was unrealistic.
Rhonda
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Set in the 1950s at a female boarding house, THE BRIAR CLUB details the era of the time, women's roles and the Red Scare. Secrets held by each woman unravel to reveal an interesting and hard-to-put-down novel.
Charlotte
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
It was our historical fiction book club choice. Loved it!
Renee
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
What a fun read! (There are a lot of British expressions and words that might put off some readers, but they're easily understood in the context.) The characters, including a dog, form an unlikely band of people fighting for the cause of keeping their senior center and daycare center open through any means they can.
Lori
Where Coyotes Howl by Sandra Dallas
A bittersweet story that is heartwarming but sad.
Kristie
Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
There are many twists and turns with the family and being socially unfit. Her father worked in a psychiatric hospital and kept her secluded to help her with her issues. Unfortunately, this did not allow her to develop socially.
Nathan
Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman
An excellent thriller about a meltdown at an American nuclear plant.
Jonell
Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy
Warmhearted and hopeful. This was just the book I needed.
Wanda
The Patient's Secret by Loreth Anne White
A twisting-at-every-page thriller that I was unable to put down. A story of lies and deceit of a well-known psychologist starting her life after a harrowing family tragedy when she was 12 years old. Lots of surprises and well written.
Bev
Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
I never knew that a dust child was a homeless orphan in Vietnam. This story made me so aware of the casualties of the Vietnam War --- not only the vets who returned home, but also the men who fought in Vietnam...but, more importantly, the women and how so many survived
by servicing them and then having their children and being abandoned. I am going to Southeast Asia in January and will try to read as many nonfiction and fiction books written about this area.
Lily
Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger
Mr. Krueger has an incredible gift of not only making the reader become part of the story but to educate the reader on how to become part of the solution in stopping human trafficking and sexual violence, especially among the American Indian and the Alaska Native women.
Linda
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
AMERICAN DIRT was an absolutely compelling and searing story of a woman and her son who have to flee Mexico to be free of a cartel. On their journey north, they meet other migrants who have endured frightening and devastating experiences on their route. I never knew about the hardships and horrors the migrants endured. Nor did I know about the reach of the numerous cartels.
Debbie
Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez
Engaging and emotional.
Becky
Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor
Insidious and evil. Dark and depressing. Murder or accident? And yet I HAD to keep reading. The writing was beautifully done, keeping one's desire to know and understand at a high pitch. Three women --- one evil, one good, and one...also evil? Also good? Which is it? Who is doing the manipulating, and who is being manipulated? Interspersing the darkness are lovely descriptions of the landscape of Australia. The mechanics of rope climbing become a part of the story. The characters and situations are believable. There were many times I was ready to put this book down and not pick it up again. But the depth of the writing kept me reading.
Elizabeth
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
I had a hard time getting into this book and almost gave up. At about 175 pages in, it piqued my interest. I hated the sections with no punctuation. The last section was really good, but I didn't like the ending.
Kimiko
This is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter
No. 12 in the Will Trent series has Will and Sarah enjoying their honeymoon on a remote mountaintop family resort in Georgia. Instead of idyllic walks in the woods, swimming, fishing, etc., they find...Bootlegging, blackmail, lying, cheating, drugs, domestic abuse, incest/pedophilia...and murder. Deep dark family secrets. What kind of honeymoon is this anyway?? Superbly written, very emotional; it was tough to read certain parts of this novel. A must-read!
Donna
Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger
Wow, such a beautiful story! I ran the gamut of emotions and ended by crying. I loved the spirit and soul that was projected in the story. I also identified with the character of Annie who we saw journeying in her own way to peace. More importantly, it is what I learned about native people. They have a deep beautiful spirit, yet there is a lot of pain, especially for women and young girls. I even learned some of the native language. Again, just a beautiful yet heartbreaking story that has it all. I could not put it down. If I could give it more than 5 stars I definitely would!
Linda
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
I really enjoyed this book even though it is quite long. Having grown up near part of the Lincoln Highway made it all the more worthwhile.
Claire
Moral Injuries by Christie Watson
The bones of a good story with interesting, though unlikable, characters were here, but the pacing definitely dampen my enjoyment. The middle of the book dragged and grew somewhat repetitive, then the ending rushed past. I don’t think the mystery of what went down in 1999 or the suspense over what would happen to the main characters’ kid after the incident in 2024 really had enough meat on their bones to last the whole book, not in the way they were written. There’s a lot space where not much is happening. It’s building the atmosphere, the mood, sure, saying ‘look at these broken people with their neuroses and secrets,’ but surely the book could do that while giving them something more to do as well.
Rose
Skin Game by Stuart Woods
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. Teddy Fay is requested by CIA Director Lance Cabot to ferret out a mole. Fay is sent to France. The mole is one step ahead of Teddy at almost every point. Teddy uncovers a wild game hunting group with ties to the drug industry. Someone that he thought he could trust is working against him. I like reading about all the disguises and methods that Teddy Fay uses. Fun, escapism reading.
Rose
Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
FINDING DOROTHY is the story of Maud Baum and her life before, with, and after L. Frank Baum. It tells of their married life, their struggles, the joys and heartaches, and how he wrote The Oz stories. It also tells of Maud's interest in making sure that the movie of THE WIZARD OF OZ was true to his books. I really enjoyed reading about Maud and her influence on Frank, and her interest in Judy Garland's portrayal of Dorothy. I also liked reading about the tidbits about the silver vs. ruby slippers, that Emerald City was white, her influence on how to sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and also her life as a strong, active woman ahead of her time on many issues.
Truly enjoyable story.
Rose
White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Ingrid is the mother you do not want. She is manipulative and demands dedication to her. After Ingrid is imprisoned for the murder of her lover, her daughter Astrid is put in a series of foster homes. Astrid is a young teen who doesn't understand love and enters into a dangerous relationship with a foster parent. Then, she finds a foster parent who treats her well, but the parent is damaged and looking for love. She becomes a victim of Ingrid's manipulation. Astrid and her mother Ingrid come to an uneasy understanding with Astrid helping her mother with a request, which is all her mother wanted. A sad story of a manipulative mother and the influence on her daughter.
Rose
Beautiful Bad by Annie Ward
Creepy! Maddie and Ian met while Maddie was visiting her friend Jo overseas. Maddie has loved him from the start, and waits for Ian to tell her the same. Finally, after almost 20 years, they are married, with a son, Charlie. But, Maddie gets hurt in a camping accident and starts attending therapy where she writes her emotions. Ian, an officer in the army, and now working special ops, has become agitated, and Maddie fears for her child's safety due to Ian's PTSD. Also, Ian has a past with Jo and his former fiancé. It all comes down to The Day of the Killing. The story is chilling and unpredictable.
Susan
Days at the Moraski Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
A quiet book with a compelling mystery that pulls you along. Very interesting look at Japanese reading habits and blocks filled with nothing but used book stores, each specializing in a different niche. Not the characters I am used to reading about, which enhanced the book's appeal.
Agnes
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
Janina lives all year round in a remote village in Poland. She studies astrology and translates the poems of William Blake. During the dark winter months, she’s the caretaker for some of her wealthy neighbors’ homes. One day, her neighbor turns up dead. Soon other dead bodies turn up in mysterious situations. Janina thinks she knows the culprit and inserts herself into the police investigations. But nobody seems to pay her any attention. This novel is not your typical thriller, but still engages the reader. It provokes questions about borders, sanity, environmental issues, who matters in societies, and the meaning of justice. The translation holds true to a beautifully-written story.
