This contest period's winners were Bobbie B. from Citrus Heights, CA; Diane H. from Darien, CT; and Linda P. from Rochester Hills, MI. Each received a copy of THE BLUE HOUR by Paula Hawkins and THE GREY WOLF by Louise Penny.
Tessa
Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery by Joanne Fluke
Book #10 in the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series, set in Lake Eden, Minnesota. I read these books mostly when I need something to fit a particular challenge. It is a fast read and includes some tasty recipes. But I am over the love triangle between Hannah, Norman and Mike.
Rose
The Banker’s Wife by Cristina Alger
When her husband, Matthew, is killed in a plane crash, Annabel is devastated. Since Matthew was a banker at a Swiss bank and involved with many high-ranking people from other countries, she believes his death was not an accident. Annabel thinks that the police aren't telling her everything. She isn't sure who to trust. Marina is a journalist who plans to retire once she marries Grant Ellis, the son of a wealthy potential presidential candidate. But once her mentor dies while investigating a financial story, Marina is put in danger as she researches her friend's death. An enjoyable thriller with a shocking twist at the end.
Rose
Seven Lies by Elizabeth Kay
Best friends since childhood, Jane and Marnie are now adults. When they each start dating and marry their husbands, their friendship wanes. Jane can't quite get over letting Marnie go and begins telling her lies about various things. Then, when Marnie's husband dies, the lies become even more intense. This psychological thriller is about obsessive relationships, but I felt the ending was too creepy.
Karen
Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Historical fiction at its best. It's a history lesson on every page coupled with a fascinating look at the first woman in the cabinet, Frances Perkins.
Sally
Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown
A great story about the underbelly of elite college secret society. I loved the characters.
Teresa
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
I want to give this book five stars, but I felt like the author tried to include too many current societal themes: indigenous people, substance abuse, child neglect, women’s rights, gay rights, marriage, spiritualism. But overall the story was intriguing and enjoyable.
Joan
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
I will long remember this book and the characters. Some of my friends had sympathy for the mother, but I was disappointed in her.
Elizabeth
Syndicate: A Dick Francis Novel by Felix Francis
I loved it.
Cynthia
Till Death Do Us Part by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn
June found the man of her dreams. But on their honeymoon Josh drowned, and they never recovered his body. Ten years later, June has opened a natural wine bar; she finally has met her fiancé and is happy. As she’s taking some engagement pictures, she spies a man across the park with a ball cap on. It has to be Josh. She runs after him, but he gets lost in the crowd. Is he her dead husband?
Francine
The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak
A great book! I read it in two days. For me, it was definitely unputtdownable. I chose it because I am totally against book banning, and I was curious how the subject was going to be handled. As it turns out, the title was misleading. I had never read a book by Brenda Novak, but I definitely will be checking out her backlist. Bottom line: this book is a winner. I highly recommend it.
Luella
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
This is a lighthearted, entertaining novel, and I will definitely read Richard Osman's other books. He has a great sense of humor, and the storyline is good.
Nancy
The Edge: A 6:20 Man Thriller by David Baldacci
A great read.
Elise
What in the World?!: A Southern Woman's Guide to Laughing at Life's Unexpected Curveballs and Beautiful Blessings by Leanne Morgan
I'm a big fan of Leanne Morgan, and I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The writing was a little choppy, but the stories were from the heart.
Connie
True Colors by Kristin Hannah
Three sisters who are close but very different are dealing with their father and his land after their mother's death. The story is good, though there is too much description, so I skimmed.
LisaMarie
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
It’s like being on "Survivor" but having to really survive. Who will survive? It's a fast-paced read.
Chris
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig
This work of magical realism is beautifully developed and thoughtful.
MH
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
Though quite a departure from Jodi Picoult's other books, BY ANY OTHER NAME presents an interesting premise: that a woman wrote most of Shakespeare’s body of work. Scholars have long wrestled with how Shakespeare could have written what he did and have variously attributed his work to Marlowe and others of his era. Picoult makes a case for a real woman who lived during his time period and had some of the necessary qualifications to have penned the works.
Mickey
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
I enjoyed this story of a couple who lives on a cherry farm and their three adult daughters, who are staying with them during the height of the COVID pandemic. The mother is prompted by her three daughters to tell the story of her time when she was a young actress in her 20s and played the role of Emily in Thornton Wilder’s play, "Our Town."
Barbara
The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl
These 52 chapters comprise a year of being mindful in your own backyard. This memoir is from someone who loves animals and plants and notices the seasonal changes, along with some changes in the author’s own life. These essays remind me of the life cycles in nature, creature habits and an amazing awareness of what is happening outside. As a naturalist, I loved this book.
Nonie
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I liked the book, but it was very predictable.
Joanne
Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger
This story centers more on Cork’s young grandson and puts those he loves in danger. Another terrific read from one of my favorite authors.
Diane
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
Very good!
Richard N B
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
This character-driven work of historical fiction begins in 1972 but is mostly set in the early 20th century in the Jewish/Black neighborhood known as Chicken Hill in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. James McBride paints a colorful and intricate landscape of two equally strong cultures co-existing because of the strength of the character of their leaders. At its heart, this is a story of community, cooperation, tolerance and respect.
Ellie
The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons
This captivating, profound and unforgettable historical novel is beautifully written. It is filled with emotions, capturing the characters' lives during a vital and important era.
Rachel
Weyward by Emilia Hart
This isn’t your typical story of witch trials; rather it centers on three separate timelines of women from one family. As each character develops, they embrace their true nature (pun intended; you will understand when you read the book). The power of this narrative is that women do not need others to accept them as they are. Women only need to accept themselves.
Rachel
Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate
The plight of orphaned Native American children at the turn of the century, along with their victimization in Oklahoma, is addressed. The popular split narrative is used.
Linda
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
It's been 28 years since five friends have graduated from Berkeley. Now they are reunited to have a "living funeral" for Jordan, who's terminally ill. The plot sounds like a downer; but as the title suggests, the funeral is a celebration of friendship and love. Funny and poignant.
Vickie
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
This is a good book for book club discussions. Thought-provoking.
Gerry
The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz
If you haven't read THE PLOT, be sure to read it before moving on to THE SEQUEL. Both are excellent. I found THE SEQUEL to be a compelling read with so many twists and turns my head was spinning! The main character is hardly sympathetic, though her history --- if you believe her version of that --- did evoke some sense of compassion. I was torn between wanting her to escape her past and wanting her to be caught and held accountable, and that made any possible ending just a bit unsatisfying. No spoilers here. You'll have to read for yourself to see which way her story ends.
Gerry
Songs for the Brokenhearted by Ayelet Tsabari
Set in a part of the world I know little about, this is a dual timeline story of Yemeni Jews who immigrated to Israel soon after its founding, and a young Yemeni-American woman who returns to her home country after the death of her mother. Regarded as crude and uncivilized by European Jews, Yemeni Jews struggled to find a true home in the land they’d long dreamed of. The 1950 storyline of Saida is intertwined with that of her daughter, Zohara, who returned to Israel from New York in 1995 after learning of her mother’s death. I’m inspired to read more about Israel’s early years and made note of several titles a teacher in the novel recommended to Zohara’s nephew, Yoni.
Gerry
The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni
Danielle Trussoni has created an atmospheric and very engaging mystery set in modern-day Japan. Mike Brink, a young American who suffered a traumatic brain injury some years earlier, has developed unusual symptoms: synesthesia, a photographic memory, and an incredible ability to create and solve all kinds of complex puzzles. When a young woman approaches him and presents an invitation from the Emperor of Japan to try his hand at solving the mythical Dragon Box puzzle, Mike is both terrified and eager to take on the challenge. Twelve attempts have been made in the past to open the Dragon Box, but all were unsuccessful and none of those making the attempt survived. A great, suspenseful story with history and mythology woven into the plot.
Gerry
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns
Very disappointing. I'd heard the author speak, and the book sounded great. But from the beginning, the characters were annoying, the dialogue was stilted, and the plot just didn't hang together. Everybody is keeping secrets, holding grudges and stewing in their own regrets. After about two-thirds of the book, the perspective changed, moved back in time, and several of the characters were re-introduced with details from their pasts that presumably would make them more sympathetic or comprehensible to the reader, but only made it seem unnecessarily repetitive. I wanted to like it and care about the characters, but the book just didn't work for me.
Gerry
The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave
4.5 stars for this compelling family story/murder mystery by the author of THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME. Liam Noone was a man with secrets. Despite a very public (and successful) career developing high-end boutique hotels, he'd managed to keep his private life private, even from family members. Three times married and divorced, he was the father of three adult children who barely know one another and are all devastated by his sudden death. It has been ruled accidental, but one son is not convinced and persuades his half-sister to accompany him across the country to try to learn more about what might have happened. Laura Dave kept me intrigued to the very end, with both the mystery and the characters.
Gerry
The Liberators by E. J. Koh
I found this book a bit disjointed in audio format. Despite the multi-narrator cast to differentiate the various characters, I was often confused about the relationships among them. I did learn a good bit I had not known about the division of the peninsula of Korea after WWII, intended to be temporary but now having extended for more than 70 years. The novel is apparently based on the author's own family history and examines the impacts of war and colonialism, migration to a less-than-welcoming United States, and generational trauma. Definitely a worthwhile read for me.
Gerry
We Begin at the End by Chris Whittaker
I started this book in print some time ago and abandoned it with this comment: "I'm not at all enamored of Whitaker's cryptic and fragmented writing style, and I can't get any sense of his characters from the first 50 pages, so I'm moving on." Recently, I decided to give it another try in audio format, and while it was better this way, it still was only okay in the end. Whitaker introduced quite a few characters with limited background information, and too often for my taste seemed to imply motivations, events or actions without really spelling them out, leaving me a bit puzzled about what was going on. I got the gist of the story about the main characters, but relationships and interactions among other characters remained vague.
Gerry
Kill Show: A True Crime Novel by Daniel Sweren-Becker
Wow! This unexpectedly compelling novel is about the investigation and sensationalizing of a teenage girl's disappearance. Sara Parcell left for school as usual, rode the bus with her friends, and inexplicably disappeared. Police are initially reluctant to open an investigation, telling her parents that teenagers skip school all the time and she'll likely return home soon. But when she doesn't return home and investigative efforts seem fruitless, a reality TV producer begins filming, and it's soon clear that nothing is exactly as it seems. There will be lots to think about and discuss at our next book club gathering!
Gerry
Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger
This terrific story about three generations of strong, independent women has great character development and an engaging plot. Lila’s mother, Zelda, was committed to an asylum by her abusive husband when Lila was only two years old, and Lila never saw or heard from her again. Though she married as an adult, Lila views herself as not the mothering kind and devotes herself totally to her career, leaving the care of her children completely to her generous husband, Joe. Lila's youngest daughter, Grace, both adores and resents her, feeling abandoned by her yet always seeking her approval. It’s Grace who eventually decides to learn more about her mother’s background, and it's through her that we readers come to know Zelda and her story.
Lisa
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
This was a captivating story, and I can’t wait to see the movie.
Sheree
Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh
This is an older book that a member of our book club said was one of her favorites. OMG there must be something wrong with her. I thought this was one of the worst books I have read in a while. It was a very dark book and an unbelievable one at that. I finished it, and I hope this person never again chooses a book for us to read!
Ivy
The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Here is an amazing story about the friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune --- one a First Lady by marriage to the President and the other a First Lady by becoming the first woman to found a college for African Americans --- during a time when it wasn't even acceptable for the two of them to be seen together lunching. It reveals the secrets and pain that Eleanor lived with. Her friendship with Mary not only made them stronger, it enabled them to build legacies together.
Maureen
Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand
I totally enjoyed this book.
Karen
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
This fabulous read is about a 14th-century Chinese woman who battled the odds of continuing to study medicine from her family against tradition. She was a forward-thinking lady who suffered footbinding, a frequently absent husband, a demanding mother-in-law and society's strict rules for women, yet she became a friend and role model for her family and people.
Melanie
Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce
This enjoyable and heartwarming read is set in London during WWII, with all its horrors, but is told from the perspective of a naive young woman who finds herself writing advice columns/letters in secret.
Mary Ann
Joy by Danielle Steel
I really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect escape from the stress in my life.
Theresa
Never: The Autobiography by Rick Astley
This is a candid, moving biography of a humble star.
Sean
The Whistler by John Grisham
This wasn't a typical legal thriller from John Grisham as the locale heads south to Florida and focuses more on the investigative side than the legal side of a crime. Frankly, the book wasn't all that thrilling. The big events seemed rushed, the protagonists seemed secondary at times, and the antagonists were off the page too often. The ending was satisfying but in a "I'm glad it's over" kind of way. Overall, it was a fine book but so far below what Grisham is capable of.
Gretchen
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
I loved this book. It's a great story.
Tessa
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
I enjoyed this fresh take on the typical whodunit/cozy mystery. The amateur sleuths here are intelligent and reasonable in the risks they take. I appreciated that Nina Simon crafted a plot that kept me guessing right up to the reveal. But what I really enjoyed about the book was the family dynamics. The ending makes me hope for a sequel.
Pam
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten
I loved this honestly written memoir.
Donna
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
Elizabeth Strout brings together three main characters of her previous books and weaves a story that is all about love. You don't need to have read the previous books, but if you do, you will have a deeper sense of the characters.
Donna
Eight-Legged Wonders: The Surprising Lives of Spiders by James O'Hanlon
Spiders have a totally undeserved bad reputation. This is coming from a former arachnophobe. The more I have learned about these fascinating, incredible creatures, the more I love them. This book is written for the average person with the wonders of spiders told through stories and with a bit of humor. There are no photos (to my disappointment), so if you don't want to see any, just avoid the adorable jumping spider on the cover. They are everywhere and essential to our world. So step out of your comfort zone and learn some spidey facts. You'll be glad you did.
Donna
The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig
In early 1900s Montana, a widowed homesteader hires a housekeeper based on her letter. She arrives with her unexpected brother, and they quickly become part of the family and community. The story is a step back into history and written with beautiful descriptions of the landscape. You will come to love the characters as they face hardship, societal scrutiny and violence.
Elizabeth
The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes
I have read a lot of books about WWII now, so I may be tired of the period for historical fiction. The book was an enjoyable read and kept my attention, but it didn't stand out.
Jeanne
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
THE PARADISE PROBLEM is a perfect romantic comedy with a zany, funny, entertaining plot. Millionaire Liam “West” Weston and Anna Green divorce after their marriage of convenience. A few years later, they discover they are not actually divorced when West needs Anna to meet his ultra-rich family and pretend they are a happily married couple so that he can inherit the $100 million left to him by his grandfather, the founder of the Weston billion-dollar grocery store empire. This is a story about West and Anna and the attraction and feelings they can’t deny, a family learning to come together, second chances and discovering oneself. I really enjoyed reading it.
Shannon
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
This was my book club’s last selection, and I loved it! I enjoyed the intersecting timelines, and it had just the right amount of magical realism. The author made me feel as if I was part of the story.
Elizabeth
Did I Ever Tell You?: A Memoir by Genevieve Kingston
Genevieve Kingston's mother died of cancer when she was only eight years old. Her mother left behind a chest of packages and envelopes for her to open at important milestones in her life: birthdays, first period, engagement, wedding, first baby. I love the title and learned its meaning late in the book. Genevieve's growth into a self-confident adult through her huge life obstacles is admirable. I'm glad she shared her story in this lovely, heartbreaking memoir.
Rose
Our Kind of Game by Johanna Copeland
This quick read left me feeling icky! It's about a mom and her two daughters, told in two timelines. The mother has abusive relationships and is trying to protect her girls. She is conniving and sneaky about what she does, but she claims it is all for them. Later, a woman seemingly has it all --- a nice home, two teenage children, and a husband who loves her. But then she begins to suspect he is having an affair. All of this gets tied together later in the book, which is full of jealousy, abuse, murder and cover-ups. Not a favorite.
Rose
Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the '80s by Gary Gulman
I really enjoy Gary Gulman's comedy, so I was excited to read this book. Gary talks about his childhood and school years in the '80s, along with the year he was in a deep depression. He discusses the importance of childhood friends, the awkwardness of your first love and disappointments, as well as highlights. At times funny, at other times heartbreaking, this is an honest look at life and how it shapes us. Thankfully, Gary is doing better, prioritizing his mental health and understanding the benefits of therapy and treatment.
Susan
How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin
This drawn-out cozy murder mystery has an original plot, but the characters lack depth.
Francisca
Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
As much as I’ve grown tired of dual timelines, I have to admit that Liane Moriarty excels at this device. And as she has done with previous novels, here she also uses changing points of view to explore the basics of our lives: marriage, friendship, sex, family, guilt and forgiveness. Who among us hasn’t been plagued by “what if…”?
Sandy
The Women by Kristin Hannah
I love, love this book in so many ways. Kristin Hannah is a master storyteller. I truly could picture the Vietnam landscape and its “buildings.” But more importantly is how this novel gave the reader a clear understanding of how America let down those who served in this hellish war.
Dianne
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
The horror of the Vietnam War is told in vignettes.
Donna
Savage Son by Jack Carr
This book is a continuation of the main character James Reece and his many vendettas. It is a military thriller that will definitely keep you reading to find out the outcomes. I could not put it down. This man is amazing in his skills. Also, as we are in a highly politically charged environment right now, there are twists and turns in our government, as well as the Russian government, that keep you turning the pages.
Ruthanne
Shadow of a Century: An Irish Love Story by Jean Grainger
I really enjoy reading Jean Grainger's books, and this one does not disappoint. As in many of her novels, there are two parallel timelines with intersecting storylines. Despite being historical fiction, I did gain a better understanding of the Irish Easter rising and Irish Revolution.
Paula
From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
It was okay. It was a quick read, and I learned some things I didn’t know.
Rose
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
BLUE SISTERS tells the story of three sisters who are struggling to come to terms with their lives and their relationships after the death of their youngest sister, Nicky. Avery, Bonnie and Lucky return to NYC where they were raised, once their mother says she is selling the apartment. They each have their own problems: Avery is recovering from heroin addiction, Bonnie is a former boxer currently working as a bouncer because she walked away after a loss, and Lucky is a high-fashion model who parties too much. They are each dealing with their grief in their own way, and it is sometimes destructive. This story of family, grief, struggles and coming together to find common bonds is difficult at times to read, but I enjoyed the epilogue.
Rose
Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips
NIGHT WATCH is the story of a mother and her daughter after the Civil War. A man delivers them to a lunatic asylum and abandons them there. ConaLee is just 12, and she has cared for her mother, Eliza, for years, especially after Eliza hasn't spoken in more than a year. ConaLee begs her mother to tell her about the father she never knew. In the asylum, ConaLee gets a job as her mother's maid and is by her side throughout the stay. The doctor at the asylum is wonderful, and Eliza begins to respond to treatment. This book won the Pulitzer Prize, but it was just okay for me.
Joy
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
This is great historical fiction based on an incredible real character.
Rose
In Every Life by Rea Frey
Harper and Ben are madly in love and have just gotten married. But on their honeymoon, Ben gets very ill. The diagnosis? Pancreatic cancer. Ben tells Harper that he wants her to find someone new to love before he dies. She doesn't want this; she wants Ben healthy. Then journalist Liam Hale comes to do a story on Ben's life. Harper remembers meeting Liam years ago when she was a young artist. They had a whirlwind one-week romance. But she walked away. So now, she wonders, what if she had stayed? This is a bittersweet story, and I really enjoyed the characters. It was beautiful in so many ways.
Andi
Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi
Spice rating = On Fire. This witchy romance is filled with hexes and an easy breezy storyline.
Andi
The Windsor Knot by SJ Bennett
This was not my favorite "Royal" book. I just didn't quite connect with the characters.
Pat
The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey
The plot and characters are strong, but the technical descriptions were pretty overwhelming at times and slowed the story's progression. I then read LIVESUIT, the novella that follows this book in the series, which I did not enjoy at all. I was glad it was only 90 pages!
Coleen
Kingdom of Ash: A Throne of Glass Novel by Sarah J. Maas
I really enjoyed this series.
Shelley
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
I loved the book.
Joanne
Playground by Richard Powers
This astonishing novel weaves a compelling story involving the perils of climate change, as well as the dangers of social media. It covers a long time span but skips back back and forth in time. The ending is breathtaking and mind-bending. Richard Powers is a gifted storyteller, and it was impossible to put this book down. This is one of the best books I have ever read. It’s on a par with his excellent Pulitzer Prize winner, THE OVERSTORY.
Elizabeth
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
A different point of view comparing slavery to Nazi Germany and India's caste system.
Judy
The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner
I loved this book! A woman answers an ad in 1904 to be a wife and help raise his daughter. There are lots of twists!
Diana
Reflection by Diane Chamberlain
This was a good choice as a book club selection, because there were a good number of topics for discussion. The issues that are presented include PTSD, sexual preference and old family secrets, and their effect on generations.
Darlene
The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr
This gut-wrenching emotional WWII novel has compelling characters to illustrate the time period of the Warsaw Ghetto.
Susan
An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford by Richard Norton Smith
This is a very interesting, well-written book about the life and presidency of Gerald Ford. Being a teen at that time, I don't remember much, but I had a vague recollection of a lot of things.
Grace
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
The main character seeks out C.S. Lewis to answer questions from her dying brother about Narnia. This tearjerker is well written and exciting.
Lee
Throne of Grace: A Mountain Man, an Epic Adventure, and the Bloody Conquest of the American West by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin
An excellent look at Jedediah Smith, the greatest of all the mountain men, and the opening of the American West.
Melissa
Pink Glass Houses by Asha Elias
This is a fun domestic drama involving the rich and the uber rich of Sunset Academy, a Miami elementary school, and the rivalry for the PTA presidency. Lots of snarky backstabbing fun!
Melissa
Thirteen Days Gone: A Haunting Love Novel by Amanda Siegrist
Charly with a Y has psychic abilities and for the first time has a vision about herself and her impending death. She has just 13 days until she is murdered, and Detective Breck Holstrom is determined to stop this vision from coming true --- not only because it’s his job but because he can’t imagine his life without Charly. This is a wonderful, suspenseful story with characters who will capture your heart!
Melissa
A Scottish Christmas by Emma Bennet
An absolutely delightful read about love, loss, healing and family. Rose is working in a pop-up Christmas shop dressed as Elsa when she is offered an event planning position for the holidays by a distracted, wealthy Scotsman. Suddenly, Rose is living and working on a huge estate in Scotland with her boss and his almost teenage daughter. But what will happen to Rose when Christmas is over? So much fun and very heartwarming!
Darlene
The Wife Upstairs by Freida McFadden
A really great read and thrilling to the end.
Susan
The Long Way Home by Louise Penny
I love Louise Penny’s books. In my humble opinion, it is one of the best series ever written. She never disappoints!
Luella
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
A great read. It was told from multiple points of view so you got all sides of the story. This story of friendship, tragedy and making their way through life holds your interest throughout.
Leslie
Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy
Beautiful, heartwarming and unexpected. I loved this book so much!
Jana
The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose
This quick fun read was a great escape about Christmastime.
Nina
A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler
Wonderful character development and subplots for over seven decades are explored in this book. Themes of commitment, adoption and social mobility are also explored.
Janet
The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells by Rachel Greenlaw
I was hoping for a little more eerie atmosphere, but overall it was sweet and memorable.
Ivy
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
A simply story about life, love and choices.
Diane
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
Another unputdownable sweeping friendship story that touches your heart and gives you meaning and empathy for our world neighbors.
Susan
The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore
This is a very interesting book. The story is based on true events surrounding Donaldina Cameron and her mission to help Asian slavery and human trafficking in the early 1900s. I learned a lot about how powerful some people's lives are when helping others and the troubles they have to help others.
Dee
A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy
This male-to-male romance is set at a country music theme park (think Dollywood). I really appreciated that the male lead was out and supported by his family, but the other lead was hesitant to tell his family. What a great book for readers to find support.
Marcia
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Our book club, which has been meeting for over 40 years, enjoyed this book about four friends in a retirement village cleverly solving a murder mystery.
AJ
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
I did not see the twist coming! I highly recommend this book.
Rose
Unnatural History: An Alex Delaware Novel by Jonathan Kellerman
A photographer is found dead in his studio, and his assistant is shaken by the scene. She doesn't understand who could do this, because Donny, the photographer, was a good guy. Dr. Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis decides that the murder had something to do with Donny's last photography project: The Wishers. Donny took homeless people, cleaned them up and photographed them in costumes of what they wished their life had been. As they investigate, they are led to Victor Klement, Donny's father, and whether or not his lack of paternal love was a clue to the murder. This is my first Alex Delaware novel, and I may give another one a chance.
Beth
Under the Harrow by Flynn Berry
UNDER THE HARROW was such a disappointment! It looks like a short book, but it is longer than it needs to be. Parts one and two are about the overwhelming grief of a woman whose sister has been murdered. Her grief seems to have taken over her senses. These two parts are full of paragraphs describing scenery but add nothing to the story and seem to be padding to make the book longer. I struggled through the parts and considered many times not finishing it. Part three is a little better. At least there were fewer useless paragraphs. UNDER THE HARROW is Flynn Berry's first book. Luckily, I know she gets better. Try one of her later books.
Tessa
Mrs. Plansky's Revenge by Spencer Quinn
Mrs. Loretta Plansky is a widow living in Florida when she falls prey to a scam and finds her bank accounts drained. When the police and FBI tell her there is little to no hope of finding the culprits, let alone getting her money back, Loretta decides that SHE will do it herself. This was a fun lark of a novel. She may be in her 70s, but Loretta is one kick-a$$ heroine. Bravo!
Joanne
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Another great book by Chris Whitaker that I highly recommend. It masterfully combines a coming-of-age story with a serial killer and a love story.
Darla
The Book Woman's Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson
I enjoyed this book. We sometimes forget or fail to imagine what life was like --- and to some extent might still be like --- for some people who live in our sparsely populated "backwoods" areas nestled in and amongst our Appalachian areas of Kentucky. The book makes me speculate that there probably are still some people who live the same way today --- not knowing how to read and without electricity, automobiles, phones or modern technologies. Whether because they are poor or because they choose to live "off the grid" and live off the land, it’s a different world that most of us couldn’t imagine ever living in.
Elizabeth
The More the Terrier: An Andy Carpenter Mystery by David Rosenfelt
Another great Andy Carpenter book. I loved reading this one!
Roxanne
The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand
This perfectly combined thriller and Nantucket narrative is about an upcoming wedding. Colorful characters and a complex plot were an impetus to read this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed doing so.
Luella
The Maid's Diary by Loreth Anne White
This is a good book that keeps you wanting to read and wondering what happens next. The ending was a surprise.
Jane
Covert Past: A Hope Island Securities Book by Mary Alford
COVERT PAST is a good spy story about Ellie, who has spent seven years of her life running to stay alive. When Ellie runs into Boone when applying for a job, little does she know that her life will improve. But we also get an element of shock, betrayal and surprise when she goes with Boone and his crew to a safe house. I would love Rocky Caramel coffee to be added to the restaurant menu because of her.
Wendy
Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea
This book is made up of lots of different plot lines that all get tied together at the end beautifully.
Diane
Long Island by Colm Toibin
I loved the well-described characters and their thoughts in this book.
Vivian
The Mirror: The Lost Bride Trilogy, Book 2 by Nora Roberts
An excellent continuation of the story. The history of the Poole family and the trauma they experienced are gradually revealed. There are several "ghosts" in the ancestral home, most of which are helpful, but one is angry and still seeking vengeance. There's intrigue and romance, Nora Roberts-style. A winner in my opinion!
Shelly
A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber
Hailey wants to spend Christmas alone and concentrate on her cabin in Podunk, Oregon, which has not been used in years. Although Zack, her ex-boyfriend, has been gone for three years and hurt her when he left, he suddenly wants to reconnect. Her parents are unhappy about her holiday plans, but she insists she is a grown woman and this is what she wants. When she arrives at the cabin, she is greeted by a raccoon who scares her out of her wits. This story quickly revolves around her, the raccoon, and Jay, a boy she meets there.
Lori
Echoes of Us by Joy Jordan-Lake
A wonderful historical novel about WWII, female pilots, friendships formed, found family and an attack on St. Simons Island, GA. I learned so much with these great characters!
Ellen
I Remember You by Brian Freeman
Brian Freeman knows how to write --- and keep you guessing. The premise here is a little on the wild side but is enjoyable nonetheless.
Bobbie
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
A nice and quick story that made for an interesting read.
Rebecca
Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles
A fantastic collection of short stories. I especially liked THE RULES OF CIVILITY “update” featuring Eve. The other stories all had life lessons to think about. This book simply made me happy.
Bobbie
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors, but I found this book to veer away from her regular format. I didn’t feel as engaged as I usually do. She tried very hard to portray that Shakespeare might not have been the actual author behind all his poems and plays. I’m not sure she won the point.
Teresa
Funny Story by Emily Henry
This is such an enjoyable book. Daphne and Miles end up as roommates when Daphne's fiancé leaves her for his girlfriend. Now that I’ve finished reading it, I miss those endearing characters. I sometimes found myself smiling as I read the book.
Helen
The Dark Hours: A Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch Novel by Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly brings back Harry Bosch as a side character in THE DARK HOURS, which is a Renée Ballard mystery. Ballard is a stand-up cop who loves to work the night shift --- the dark hours. She is called in to work a homicide and help out on the pursuit of a couple of serial rapists. Connelly is a master of detail, connecting the dots and following every aspect of police procedure to make a case. My only downside to the book is Ballard’s tendency to always be alone, putting herself in obvious danger. But I enjoyed the book; it was as well done as Michael Connelly’s work usually is.
Suzanne
How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard
I loved this book so much. There were so many moments when I just sat and thought deeply about the words on the page. Toby is a beautiful, loving human being and a character I won’t soon forget.
Darlene
The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden
This is a good thriller with a twist at the end.
Michelle
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
A fun ride with four fabulous characters! Sixty-year-old female assassins get the band back together in this smart and hilarious read. I’m already looking forward to the next installment.
Elizabeth
The Kaiser's Web by Steve Berry
One of Steve Berry's Cotton Malone novels, this is an enjoyable read for WWII history buffs. I didn't enjoy it as much as some of his other books and found it a bit slow at times, as well as too improbable. It does raise the important and timely issues of immigration and the changing face of Europe as politically it veers to the right, but none of the characters offer any sort of solution, or new and imaginative insight.
Dallys
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
I enjoyed this book very much and have recommended it to friends. It's a reminder of how women were treated and how little power they had to change things.
Marne
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston
I loved the charming, engaging and resourceful Fred! So often, these types of found family stories feature a curmudgeon who grudgingly re-engages with those around him, but not here. Fred is adorable and wants to help everyone he meets. I wanted to hug him. The story is sweet, with some fun surprises and a cast of intriguing characters. If you don’t have a copy already, you should fix that. Keep it on hand as a rescue book after something dark and dismal when you need a pick-me-up read with heart and humor.
Jayme
Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan
In this part memoir and part self-help book, Kelly Corrigan reflects on 12 phrases and words that if practiced can impact and help create a more honest emotional connection between people. And no, "Holy Sh*t" isn't one of them, but it should be.
Sally
Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
This is a fast-paced thriller, but there were subtle clues at the beginning of the story that gave away the killer's identity early.
Jayme
The Whole Body Reset: Your Weight-Loss Plan for a Flat Belly, Optimum Health, and a Body You'll Love at Midlife and Beyond by Stephen Perrine, with Heidi Skolnik
Sponsored and written by AARP's health/dietician team and backed by science, THE WHOLE BODY RESET is an easy-to-comprehend and thoughtful way to approach eating and lifestyle as we age. The focus of this reset is on increasing your protein and fiber amounts. There were some nuggets of wisdom and tricks to help you manage eating and focus on increasing protein/fiber. I especially loved the idea that if you are reading the label on packaged foods, add the protein and fiber together and compare that number to the total sugar amount. If the protein/fiber number is higher, it's an okay food to eat. If the sugar number is higher, it should be a hard pass.
Jayme
A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them by Timothy Egan
In this riveting and well-researched book, Timothy Egan describes the rise of the KKK in the northern states --- primarily Indiana and the man/monster who tapped into America's fears and made it happen. The parallels to America in the 1920s and today are frightening. This book is a wake-up call and should be required reading for every voting-age person in 2024.
Rona
River of No Return: A Jake Trent Novel by David Riley Bertsch
The premise of RIVER OF NO RETURN was good, and I certainly loved the setting in the Wyoming/Idaho area since I'm familiar with it. However, I could not get into the book. It felt all over the place and not realistic.
Angela
Twenty-One Boxes: Robin's Story and the Tragedy of the Edenton Seven by Betsy Hester and Robin Couto
This first-time author has turned a controversial subject into a fascinating read. Her experience teaching the history of the Salem Witch trials carries through brilliantly with the issue of this daycare scandal, which is the subject of TWENTY-ONE BOXES. She presents Robin’s story using Robin’s voice but does extensive research to cover all aspects of the story of all seven accused. It is frightening to see how this issue got so out of control and turned into mass hysteria. I could go on and on, but I suggest the best way to appreciate this book is to read it!
Sharon
The White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear
Elinor De Witt is a former spy for England, having served in WWI and WWII. Now she is retiring to a "grace and favor" house in a rural setting. When a young couple comes to work for the farmer who owns the land next to her, she immediately finds herself engaged with their life and young daughter --- a child who awakens both love and fear from the memories of the atrocities of the wars she experienced. An excellent read!
Terry
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This is a mystery with a catchy title. It is not a book for those who has lost a child. There is suspense near the end of the book as they race to uncover the truth, but the beginning is slow and the dialogue between the campers is juvenile. I am not recommending it to anyone in my circle of friends.
Rhonda
Courtiers: Intrigue, Ambition, and the Power Players Behind the House of Windsor by Valentine Low
Here we have an enlightening look behind the scenes of the royal family and the people involved in their decision-making. This book shows some of the good and bad decisions that the royal family approved through their courtiers. But as in historical ages, courtiers all have their own agendas in serving the royal family.
Shelley
The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier
This interesting story about Murano glass from the perspective of a female bead-maker had a time jump that was very problematic for me. While the story went through 500 years of Murano history, the main characters only spanned 60 years. It would have been much better as historical fiction with different generations of the family over time.
Barbara
Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
The ending was somewhat of a surprise, but it still has too much dialogue for the story.
Laurie
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
A wonderful book about friendship and the meaning of Halloween.
Chris
The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott
This is a captivating story with many fascinating characters.
MH
Canary Girls by Jennifer Chiaverini
Set in WWII, CANARY GIRLS tells the story of the women in England who worked in munitions factories, loading TNT into shells and bullets. The powder penetrated their skin and changed their hair color, and several factories blew up, killing hundreds of them. But these women formed football teams and went on to play each other in tournaments on Sundays. I thought much of the material was repetitious and thought a good editor could have cut some of the extraneous material and provided a more cohesive story.
K
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
The structure of the story is confusing, making it hard to keep track of and invest in the characters.
Sandra
Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman
Such a riveting tale!
Melinda
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
I really enjoyed reading this book. I feel the author did a great job of illustrating how the action of one person can negatively impact so many others in a ripple effect.
Rachel
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
WE SOLVE MURDERS introduces such a great group of characters that we don't even miss the Thursday Murder Club. Richard Osman has another winning series with Amy, the professional protector; Steve, the retired cop; and Rosie, a bestselling author who enjoys the high life. We read their tales as they travel around the world to find the answer to their nagging problem.
Betty
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
THE PLOT is a very engrossing and twisty story about writing --- the joys and the dangers of it all.
Liz
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This is a FABULOUS story, based on true facts, about the women who were nurses during the Vietnam War. It follows the life of the main character, Frankie McGrath, from the time she enlists in the army until she returns home after her enlistment is up. It's very thought-provoking and at times hard to read, but it's beautifully done.
Susan
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
This is an older book by Kristin Hannah, but it was selected by our book club to read for November. I liked it very much!
Elise
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
This was an engrossing story about sisterhood, family dynamics and addiction. It grabbed me from the beginning, and I loved reading about the sisters’ paths in life and seeing how each developed into who they were from childhood.
Margaret
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
This a very good historical novel.
Margaret
Wait Till Next Year: A Memoir by Doris Kearns Goodwin
What a spunky little girl Doris was growing up a devoted fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers! This is a great time to read this book with the Dodgers and the Yankees in the World Series. I mailed the book to my sister, who is a Cardinals fan.
Margaret
The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny
I read this book while Hurricane Milton approached my Florida home. It is chilling to see the comparisons of people post-COVID during this political year.
Sheree
Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger
I love William Kent Krueger's writing style, but I just didn't think this book was that good. I don't think he went into the characters deep enough for you to empathize with them.
Linda
The Last Devil to Die: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery by Richard Osman
This is the fourth in a series of "cozy" murder mysteries solved by four elderly friends, but it's also a reality check on what growing old looks like. The characters' personalities are colorful and well-defined. An enjoyable read!
Gerry
1666 by Lora Chilton
1666 is a thoroughly researched, though fictionalized, account of the massacre and kidnapping of indigenous people in Virginia by British settlers who wanted their lands. All the men and older boys of the Patawomeck tribe were killed; women, girls and young boys were transported by ship to Barbados, where they were sold into slavery. Only a handful of men who were working away from their village on that day survived to join a neighboring tribe. But oral history among the tribe members has always claimed that two or three women escaped from Barbados and returned to Virginia. Lora Chilton, a member of the Patawomeck tribe, researched and wrote this account of what likely occurred; it's an intriguing look at the culture of her ancestors.
Francine
From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
Step into the life of Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie, with this book. Elvis’ granddaughter, Riley, made it readable from tapes her mother had recorded over the years and her own recollections. I usually don't read celebrity stories, but being a huge Elvis fan, I couldn’t resist this one, and I’m glad I didn’t.
Kimberley
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This thriller takes us to an Appalachian kids’ summer camp from the early '60s to the mid-'70s. Women struggle for work equality, wives are ignored, single ladies are regarded as odd, and there is a great social divide. Two siblings disappear 10 years apart, and the mystery unfolds. This story of survival, an imperfect family and its secrets is a page-turner.
Kimberley
Verity by Colleen Hoover
This creepy story follows an aspiring novelist, Lowen, who is asked to ghostwrite for an author who has sustained paralyzing injuries. Upon her arrival, the young writer realizes that everything is not as it seems. It is an erotic read with lots of unexpected turns. Although an unusual read and genre for this reader, it’s hard to stay with the actual story.
Kim
Rizzoli & Isles: Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen
In this book, we are reminded that if we see something suspicious, we should say something. Angie, the mother of a detective who is dating a cop, feels that she should be a neighborhood watch, but events quickly get out of her control. Meanwhile, her daughter is assigned a murder case that seems to have its own history and far-reaching connections. This is a thriller with women struggling to be recognized as skilled and knowledgeable in solving mysteries.
Saundra
The Collector by Daniel Silva
Although our book group has read almost all of Daniel Silva's books on our own, we decided to read/reread this book. Silva's knowledge of the history of actual pieces of art is educational, and we read with a world map at the ready. Some of our group members have traveled to the places that Gabriel Allon travels to in Silva's books! After so many books featuring Gabriel and his family, we almost feel like we know them. Two more Silva books to read as a group, and we will be up-to-date!
Tessa
Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen
This is an engaging, entertaining and twisty heist involving counterfeit designer goods, a scheme to trick high-end department stores out of money, and an ever-increasing number of lies told to everyone about what is going on. Kirstin Chen goes back and forth in time to tell this story, occasionally interrupting the chronological flow to give the reader a snippet of Ava’s interview with a detective. This device is handled brilliantly by Chen, keeping the reader off balance and guessing about what will finally happen.
Sandy
Bad Liar by Tami Hoag
A murder victim, two missing men and too many lies make this book very enjoyable. I just finished reading it and enjoyed it very much.
Cheryl
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson
MANHUNT is a moment-by-moment account of the 12-day chase of John Wilkes Booth. It has been made into a short series. It recounts the time leading up to Booth's assassination of Lincoln and his accomplices. It has many facts that I wasn’t aware of and a follow-up to what happened to many of them after the trial.
Gretchen
The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen
While reading the book, I found myself saying, "Get on with it." Though I wanted to find out about the missing girls, the story pacing felt dragged.
Rose
Look in the Mirror by Catherine Steadman
Nina mourns the death of her father and is told that she has inherited a property on an island. She never knew that her father had this property and is intrigued to find out more. However, when she arrives, she finds a secret room with terrible consequences. Maria had been working as a caregiver, but when the family doesn't show, she becomes curious about the house where she is staying. She enters a forbidden room and is in danger. These two stories are related, and the book is a strange tale of voyeurism and frightening scenarios. I didn't find it believable.
Rose
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
Francesca has opened a luxury resort and is having an opening weekend celebration with a midnight feast. Each of the guests had to submit a background report on themselves. Francesca has an insatiable appetite that her partner, Owen, enjoys. However, Owen is keeping something from Francesca, and she is also keeping something from him! One of the guests also knows something about Francesca, and the townspeople working at the resort also have some secrets.
There is a fable about birds that is circulating, and there has been at least one dead body discovered at the resort. This was a little strange. I had to read it two times, back to back, to try and decipher what was happening.
Rose
Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty by Hillary Rodham Clinton
I listened to the audiobook, which Hillary Clinton read. Listening to it just days before the 2024 presidential election is decided made me so mournful that the US did not elect this amazing woman. Her life was dedicated to helping others, as evidenced by her body of work. It was evident in the chapter on White Scarves, which detailed the rescue mission to save the women of Afghanistan from the Taliban. She also discusses her marriage, her family, her faith, her friendships and her service. She does discuss her anguish over losing in 2016, but she remains a powerful voice and support system for women. She is amazing, and the US did her a disservice. I voted enthusiastically for her and am glad I did. Hearing her read this book was a bonus.
Rebecca
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
I would definitely recommend this historical fiction. Two women in two different time periods search for answers. Events taking place during and after WWI and WWII bring the unlikely duo together as they search for justice. I was very surprised to learn after finishing the novel about the many true facts included here.
Denise
Second Shot by Cindy Dees
Told she is too old and pushed out to pasture at 55, Helen Warwick is forced into retirement from her CIA job as an accomplished assassin for the most difficult international and clandestine assignments. Could she have enemies who don't respect the professional code of not taking revenge or harming the opponent's family? The book is a high-octane, tension-filled chase in figuring out who is trying to kill her, all the while not revealing her past profession to the family. Helen must use all her bold and assertive skills and resources to combat the unknown enemy who seems to be working within for her old employment.
Emily
Echoes of Us by Joy Jordan-Lake
ECHOES OF US is a beautifully written, gripping and poignant tale. Though I’m not typically a history enthusiast, the book, with its abundance of research, has enlightened me about WWII and taken me on an emotional roller coaster. Just when I’m grappling with the grief and sorrow of the war, I’m immediately drawn into the suspense of Hans, Will, Dov and Joannie’s world. It is a must-read for historical fiction lovers.
Emily
Shadow Gifts: Book One of the Shadow Destiny Series by Rachel Lynne
A lapse of time. Memory loss. An unsettling new skill acquired. SHADOW GIFTS is a haunting and spooky fantasy/mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat and take you on a truly unnerving journey. After reading this book, I would love to go on a historical ghost tour in the charming yet mysterious city of Savannah.
Emily
A Hush at Midnight: Secrets, Scandals and a Recipe for Murder by Marlene M. Bell
A HUSH AT MIDNIGHT is about Laura Harris, who visits her best friend and mentor, Hattie, in Texas after nearly a decade apart. Little does Laura know that this will be their final reunion. Shortly after, Hattie is found dead, and the detective suspects foul play, with all evidence pointing to Laura as the prime suspect. The ending left me in suspense until the very last page!
Dawn
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
I read this book because the leader of my one book club had told us to obtain this title when she actually meant a different book by the same author. Since I had borrowed this book, I read it anyway. This is the second Simone St. James book that I have read. It is about a female who investigates murders on her own as a hobby. She writes everything down in her "book." She ends up investigating a 30- or 40-year-old case. This involves the ghosts of the dead victims that are haunting a particular house. She feels them, and the remaining person who lives in the house also feels them. The first part of the book moved slowly for me, but the second part moved more quickly. I probably would read another book by this author.
Claire
I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman
I didn’t connect with this one as much as some of Alice Oseman’s other books. In part, I think it’s because I have never really gotten the sort of fan culture that is the main focus of the book. Both the main characters have some interesting internal struggles --- Angel with throwing herself into one interest to avoid the fact that she is dissatisfied and doesn’t know what she wants with her life, and Jimmy with allowing something he loved to grow into something that leaves him trapped and cut off from everything else in his life. But it was hard initially to get attached to Angel when she was entirely defined by an uncomfortable and unexamined parasocial relationship.
Claire
A World Worth Saving by Kyle Lukoff
A was such a frustrating character at times. There’s a secondary focus on intra-community issues, specifically the ways we can get caught up in our own struggles or those of our sub-groups and not be good allies to other (often more vulnerable) members of our community. The story explores this by making A increasingly self-absorbed and unempathetic towards his friend in very overt ways. It’s to serve a purpose, but it gets frustrating. As an adult, I think I have more sympathy for A being a 14-year-old in a truly miserable, stressful situation, but I also find the way his flaws are portrayed to be sort of heavy-handed. If I was in the target audience, I might have found him too irritating, but I may not have minded the blunt approach.
Claire
Lockjaw by Matteo L. Cerilli
LOCKJAW is a novel about the insular, small-town tendency to look away, to maintain harmful institutions and culture by collectively believing that’s just the way things will always be. It’s a story that’s been told plenty of times before and will be told again because of how rife it is for horror and social commentary. It feels inevitable that we'd get trans riffs on it, asking how this otherness fits the narrative. It interested me that both trans characters were written running in different ways rather than fighting. Beetle gives up the fight even knowing the nature of the town to try to find safety elsewhere. Asher, with his ability to be stealth and proximity to white masculine ideals, tries to fit himself in with those in power.
Gerry
The Daughters of Mars by Thomas Keneally
A story of Australian men and women serving during WWI, involved directly as soldiers or after the fact as nurses in some of the most horrific events of that "war to end all wars." Naomi and Sally are sisters, raised on a country farm, who saw military nursing as a way to escape the narrowness of their lives. Posted initially to Egypt and the Middle East, they survived a shipwreck in the Mediterranean only to be plunged into the aftermath of Gallipoli before being transferred to France for the remainder of the long war. This is not an easy read, both because of the sometimes dense writing style and also because the brutal injuries caused by guns, bombs and lethal gases are described in detail. Read it if you enjoy books about strong women.
Gerry
The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sakana Hiiragi
This is not my usual genre, but it was part of a gift package from #Hachette, so I decided to give it a go. It's a sweet story, translated from Japanese, about a magical photography shop where the newly deceased get to view pictures from each day of their lives and revisit the one day they select before moving on to the afterlife.
Francisca
What Happened to Ruthy Ramírez by Claire Jiménez
Twelve years ago, 13-year-old Ruthy Ramírez disappeared without a trace, leaving her family emotionally scarred. But now, her older sister, Jessica, is certain that a woman participating in the latest reality TV show is really Ruthy. Claire Jiménez uses multiple narrators and dual timelines to explore what happens to this family as a result of Ruthy’s disappearance. It’s hard not to grab onto the sliver of hope that this “maybe” Ruthy on TV gives to the Ramírez women. I went along on the roller coaster ride with them and hoped, almost as desperately as they did, that they would find her and bring her home once again.
Michelle
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
An interesting premise and characters. I just wished the story had a little more intensity to grab me more for a better emotional connection.
Michelle
The Trees by Percival Everett
I gave THE TREES four stars mostly for its uniqueness and deeper meaning. I’m not sure what I anticipated, but this was a surprise for sure. I’m not a big fan of satire at all, and I really struggled with the dark humor and exaggerated stereotypes on such serious subjects as racism and lynching. It didn’t fit together for me at all. I appreciated the points that the author was trying to make, but I was anticipating a much more serious, realistic story. The premise was great; I just wish it was written differently. And the violence was so repetitive that it made me numb to it towards the end and eventually bored. And the ending? It was a letdown for me. This actually makes me a little hesitant to read JAMES now.
Joni
The Waiting: A Ballard and Bosch Novel by Michael Connelly
I enjoyed that Renée Ballard and both Boschs (Maddie and Harry) were all in the book and working together. Michael Connelly never disappoints. I read it in three days and then binged the third season of "The Lincoln Lawyer."
Joni
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
What a hoot. All of Elizabeth Strout's beloved characters are in one book and are still going strong. Her ability to see into her characters and relate their stories so simply is truly an art.
Linda
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
A good story with well-developed characters about family, life choices and how we always come back to where we started.
Susan
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
This book rivals THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST for being one of Anne Tyler's finest novels as it intricately depicts main characters with actions, not "tells." The book spans 30+ years in the three days of the daughter's wedding, an interwoven storyline that only the best authors can do. The reader gets to know Gail and her ex-husband, Max, intimately and cares about what happens to them. There is lots to discuss in a book club. I loved this book and will read it again.
Beth
The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell
Although I would have preferred that THE NIGHT SHE DISAPPEARED got unputdownable sooner that it did, it did get there before I was ready to give up on it. At least the buildup to the mystery grabbed my interest right away. Some of the characters in this book are not who they appear to be.
Rose
My Name is Eva by Suzanne Goldring
This is the story of Evelyn Taylor-Clarke, who is currently in a nursing home after a fall. Her niece, Pat, is clearing out her estate and finds pictures and an old passport with the name Eva. Pat begins asking questions, and Evelyn remembers all the actions she took to avenge the death of her husband and of those who were treated poorly by an officer in the war. This is a very different story of WWII and the lives affected by it.
Claire
Across a Field of Starlight by Blue Delliquanti
Okay, so the blurb on the book describing this as a romance is a little…odd. Fassen and Lu’s relationship could be read as a romance (though it’s just as easy, maybe easier, to read it as not), but the narrative is not structured or framed around the relationship in a way that would lead me to describe the genre as romance.
Kimberley
The Guest by Emma Cline
This is a deeply emotional novel following a young lady. Alex lacks a family foundation, self-worth and self-esteem. Seeing herself as a survivor, she seems to always find a person to pay her bills and a place to live. Alex bounces from place to place and always seems to be on the run from someone. It is very tough read and makes one thankful for what they have. As she goes from place to place, Alex seems to leave nothing but destruction behind her. It’s a normal read, and it touches a nerve.
Andi
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
This book lives up to the hype! It's an amazing read, and a great fall/winter book to cozy up with.
Jill
Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
This is the sequel to THE BEAN TREES, Barbara Kingsolver's first novel, and it features a now-six-year-old Turtle saving a man who has gotten caught in a place he couldn't get out of. This makes the news, and a Cherokee woman whose own brother was taken from the tribe and placed in an Indian boarding school as a kid contacts Turtle's mother and says that Turtle belongs with the tribe, not with her. This is even though a native woman had begged Taylor to take her. The ensuing custody battle brings up issues of belonging and maternal love, among other things, and is a reflection of how we desire to interact as people. Highly recommended.
Claire
Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny by Jeremy Clift
This is trying to do so many things, throwing in so many elements --- prophecies, alien first-contact, space-born test tube babies, mind-control fungi experiments, robot uprisings, global politics and espionage, etc. --- and there just isn’t enough time or development given to any of them, much less the characters. It flies through times, never settling into anything. We keep jumping between a dozen simplistic characters whose interplay is supposed to drive the plot in all its many directions. Especially towards the end, I started to think that some of their actions didn’t fit their character or their relationships with other characters. But how could I tell? There’s no depth to their motivations or feelings.
Patricia
Concealed in Death by J. D. Robb
I loved it. I read it in one sitting.
Rita
Lovely One: A Memoir by Ketanji Brown Jackson
LOVELY ONE tells of Ketanji Brown Jackson's life, education, family lineage, and a lot about American history and the justice system. It demonstrates how with hard work, determination and strong will, you can achieve your dreams.
Claire
Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans
This is such a soft story, both in the joy of three queer kids finding each other and learning magic together and the support they give and get in the face of isolation and confusion. The focus is mostly on their friendship and how they support and understand each other, but they are also surrounded by loving parents, teachers and queer adults in their community. It builds such a gentle world that always tends towards kindness, even when the characters are hurting or struggling. It’s slow, and the plot is a little thin, but I think you have to read it mostly for the vibes.
Also, it’s classified as YA, but it reads on the younger side, like it easily could be middle grade.
Tessa
One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus
This is a sequel to the immensely popular ONE OF US IS LYING. I understand the pressure, especially in the YA market, to produce series, especially when you have a hit with the first effort. But I think the author should have quit when she was ahead. I really did not like this sequel. I was never invested in the kids and thought the plot was manipulative (although that was probably the point). There was just way too much drama for drama’s sake, in my opinion.
Vicki
If the Creek Don’t Rise by Leah Weiss
I loved it. I grew up in Appalachia, so I could relate. I loved all the characters.
Claire
Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry by Ransom Riggs
I enjoyed Leopold’s character. There was a balanced mix of humor and seriousness in the way he was written. What a life where you can defeat a horrifying eldritch monster in single combat and still have everyone look at you and go, "What a painfully average loser," but it's given actual weight with respect to his character. The author dangled in some interesting mysteries, like why the magic is in short supply and what else Leopold's parents might have been involved with. I could get on board with it, but this book on its own didn't pull me very hard.
