Donna
The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriacou
This is a compelling historical mystery inspired by a horrific true crime that I found chilling and completely "unputdownable." Eleni Kyriacou has penned a gorgeously dark reimagining of a historical true-crime case. Zina and Eva are well-defined and complicated characters whom I will not soon forget. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a captivating mystery.
Rita
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
This is yet another time-travel book. The heroine, Mia, goes from present-day cult to the early 1800s to meet an author she admires a lot, Nathaniel Hawthorne. There is a sweetness to this story along with some threatening overtones. The writing is engaging but not riveting and feels like a young adult book, though it is not billed as such.
Rita
Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships by Nina Totenberg
The title of this book led me to believe that I would read some gems about various dinners that Ruth Bader Ginsburg attended. There was some of that, but most of the book was really a memoir by the author, who was a good friend of Ruth’s. I think the title was very misleading, and I would have appreciated the book more if the title had been more true to the story. Nonetheless, there were some delightful tidbits and a different look inside the Supreme Court revealed.
Mac
The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson
It turns out that the world of Nobel Prize winners is just as drama-filled as any episode of "Real Housewives." An excellent must-read!
Teresa
Sylvia's Second Act by Hillary Yablon
Women of a certain age, feeling invisible and unappreciated, will connect with this very funny story about a woman who catches her husband cheating and uses it as an impetus to start her life over.
Cecilia
Roman Year: A Memoir by André Aciman
André Aciman describes growing up as a teen in the 1960s. An excellent must-read!
Jayme
Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews
This is a book that you cannot judge by its cover. It's not a beachy, fun rom-com as the cover would imply. It's a murder mystery with a very dysfunctional family at its center and an endless cast of secondary characters. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, but you should have an idea of what it's about before you go in. There are several triggers in this one.
Jayme
The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
I had such high hopes for this sequel because I devoured THE GUNCLE and couldn't wait to reunite with GUP and the kids. But what could have been an interesting book of self-discovery became a self-absorbed "poor me" reflection on GUP. There were some very funny moments, and I would probably read a third book (if there is one), but I won't rush out to read it.
Vesna
Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh
This book is filled with twists and turns that have you hooked from the first page. I am pretty sure you won’t see the end coming. I loved it!
Karen
Go as a River by Shelley Read
This is such a beautifully written book about love and survival against incredible odds, plus a big dose of the history of Western Colorado. I loved it!
Barbara
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille
This story is full of action: an odd group preparing to return to Cuba to retrieve hidden assets during the Castro crisis. A fantastic must-read!
Luella
The Little Lost Library: A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel by Ellery Adams
A book with a mystery within a mystery and a story of long-held family secrets. This is a fantastic cozy mystery that was delightful and so well written.
Peri
Cave of Secrets by Lynne Golodner
Eve Waldman goes on a hike, but it starts to rain heavily, so she goes into a cave to wait out the storm and finds a journal written long ago. This turns out to be about an illicit tryst between two Jewish lovers that shames the Scottish community in which they live. The writing of this novel drew me right in. It was also refreshing to find a good book with a Jewish theme that was not about the Holocaust.
Wanda
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This is an incredible read! The women who served were not treated as they should have been, and I hope this book brings that to light. Such courage for all those who serve men and women alike. We did not celebrate the Vietnam veterans with honor. A must-read!
Liz
The Challenge by Danielle Steel
The setting of this story is Fishtail Montana, a small community of 478 residents, where people have known each other since childhood and their children later become close friends. Juliette is new to the area; she is visiting her father after a bitter divorce between her parents. A small group of friends, which Juliette has become a part of, takes off on an adventure to Granite Peak, but they get lost and are missing for three days before being found. The town must come together and put aside their issues to save the children before it is too late. It has been a long time since I read anything by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised. The ending was nicely tied up and not everything was “happily ever after.”
Alice
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
I enjoyed this book. Although my favorite genres are psychological thrillers and cozy mysteries, this was a bit different style of mystery but well worth the read. The author is a fun speaker. I just saw her in person at an author talk, and she was extremely interesting and easy to listen to. So that is why I picked up this interesting read.
Julie
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
This book took me by surprise. It was so much more (and so much better) than I expected! Told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of Rachel, Hannah and scripts for "Guilty or Not Guilty," the podcast that puts you in the jury box, this is so much more than a thriller/mystery. The plot centers on two girls, 25 years apart, who were raped and beaten. Their reputations, spirits and lives are torn apart by what happened to them in this small seaside town where everybody knows everyone and everything about them --- or so they think. Raw, emotional and unsettling, yet difficult to put down, THE NIGHT SWIM reveals why rape victims often hesitate to come forward and press charges against their assailant.
MH
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Disclaimer: I am not a fan of magical realism. However, there were parts of the book that I found interesting. One of the characters lives in Paris for a while and works at Shakespeare & Company, a bookstore run by Sylvia Beach and featured in THE PARIS BOOKSHOP. This story mostly features three characters: Opaline from the earlier period, and Martha and Henry in present-day Dublin. Martha works in a house next door to the place where the bookshop used to be. Henry is obsessed with Brontë and finding a lost manuscript, as well as the bookshop. Then odd things start to happen: a tree grows in Martha’s room, no one can see her employer, and she has a story tattooed on her back.
Dona
Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen
This book is a wonderful discussion about all the characters and Harry’s bond after leaving his office job to live in the tree house and share his gold with those in need.
Rosa
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
When this book was announced as a "Read with Jenna" selection, I immediately reserved it at the library. (Jenna hasn't steered me wrong yet.) Phoebe Stone is an adjunct professor in literature whose husband, Matt, has just divorced her. In a desperate state, she books a room at the Cornwall Inn, a grand hotel in Newport, Rhode Island. There she turns out to be the only guest who is not associated with a wedding taking place that week. The reader is taken through the week leading up to the wedding, as Phoebe befriends the bride and groom and ends up changing her choices and her life. I enjoyed this book immensely for its intimate view of depression, of choosing what you want and what you want to be in life. A must-read!
Francisca
Miss Julia Meets Her Match by Ann B. Ross
Miss Julia is back in the fifth book of this charming series about a Southern lady of a certain age and her household. This time, practically the entire town joins Miss Julia in her favorite “exercise” --- jumping to conclusions. From Hazel Marie to Pastor Ledbetter and his wife, Emma Sue, everyone is ready to act on suspicions.
Betty Jo
The Rest Is Memory by Lily Tuck
This small but powerful story is based on a young Polish Catholic girl’s dreadful experience at a Nazi death camp. Inspired by the photographer who pictured her there, this dreadful chapter in history should not be forgotten.
Terry
Toxic Prey: A Lucas and Letty Davenport Novel by John Sandford
Another year, another John Sandford. I read them all because every once in a while, I need a diversion from far more compelling works. This one is a frightening look at bioterrorism.
Joyce
Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo
This book is complex, tightly written and heart-wrenching at times and is full of complicated love, self-discovery and sweet surrender. This was my first experience reading Claire Lombardo, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Joanne
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
This dark but interesting read has lots of historical information, especially concerning the law back then. Also, there are trigger warnings in regards to rape.
Theresa
The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn
This absorbing novel is about a young woman of privilege who has the courage to start a new life in New York after surviving the sinking of the Titanic.
Elizabeth
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having a Microbiology background, the storyline was right up my alley. It had just the right amount of suspense, and I highly recommend it!
Anita
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
This is an excellent thriller and a very fast read. I had trouble putting it down. A young married couple decides to check out a house for sale. When they get close to the house, they realize they may be stuck there for a while because there is a snowstorm, and traveling becomes difficult. When they arrive, the real estate lady is nowhere in sight and they have no phone service. They decide to wait out the storm, but they start hearing strange noises and begin to think there is someone else in this huge house. There are quite a few surprises and twists, and just when I thought I had figured out the ending, I was proven wrong.
Beth
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
It was an engaging story, but I felt the author was far too generous to the woman who kidnapped a little girl and to the family complicit in the crime.
Claire
The Lagos Wife by Vanessa Walters
It’s slow and a little low energy for a thriller, but if you’re more interested in domestic dysfunction and drama, it has you well covered. I enjoyed some of the exploration of what it means to be a wife and a mother in upper-class Nigerian culture, the unique struggles of foreign wives with isolation in an unfamiliar country, and the need to build their support networks from the ground up. But it became cliched at times, and the mystery wasn’t remarkable. I don’t understand the author’s choices with the ending either.
Linda
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
Every adult on Earth receives a box on the same date. Inscribed is "The measure of your life lies within." Opening the box to discover the length of the string, which determines how much time is left in life, is optional, and then the world becomes dystopian. The bias against "short stringers" is chilling (and timely). A beautifully told story of not how long a person has left to live, but how they would spend the remaining time.
Sheree
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
This was the second time I have read this book, and enjoyed it both times. Lisa See writes in a way that I can visualize the characters and feel connected to them. I very much liked this book!
Rebecca
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
This is a bittersweet tale --- the unlikely friendship of two hospitalized women, one young and one elderly. It gives the vibes of reaching through the distance of personalities with an additional character being the priest assigned to the hospital chapel. I recommend this heartfelt tale to all.
Brenda
The Corpse Flower by Anne Mette Hancock
An intriguing example of Danish noir, this book has good pacing and character development and is filled with twists.
Lonnie
The Unexpected Diva by Tiffany L. Warren
This is a new author to me --- and this is her first historical novel. This amazing story is about a Black woman in the 1850s who became a well-known singer. The effects of the Fugitive Slave Law were upsetting. I highly recommend this book.
Rose
The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich
Along the Red River in North Dakota, a teenager, Kismet, is being pursued by two young men. Gary Geist is going to inherit two farms and begs Kismet to marry him. Hugo is also desperately in love with Kismet, and although he knows Gary has decided to marry Kismet, he still manages to be with her. Crystal, Kismet's mom, is anxious that her daughter is pulling away from her and is concerned about her house and expenses during the economic downturn in 2008. Finally, concerns about the environment are highlighted. This is a tender story of the love between a mother and daughter, the teen years and young love.
Rose
James by Percival Everett
A retelling of the classic Huckleberry Finn, but from Jim's point of view. Jim is enslaved yet is educated. He teaches his children how to speak like a slave in the presence of white people. He, along with Huck, travels the Mississippi River and encounters scam artists masquerading as the Duke and Dauphin. Huck faked his death to escape his abusive father, with Jim running from being sold to a slave owner in New Orleans, which would separate him from his family. Jim agrees to protect Huck on this journey but also wants to find a way back to his wife and daughter. An interesting perspective on this classic tale.
Jo Ann
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This book brought to light how women were not recognized as part of the Vietnam War. It also brought to light even more how our veterans were not appreciated in that war, especially female veterans.
Rose
Lies He Told Me by James Patterson and David Ellis
I love James Patterson's books, as they are quick and typically action-packed. This was a good thriller, but in the end, it started to get a bit unbelievable, so I knocked off one star. When David and Marcie Bowers witness an automobile accident, David doesn't hesitate to jump into the lake and rescue the driver. He is hailed for his heroic acts, but this action puts David on the front page of the news, and his past comes to haunt him. As Marcie overhears David's whispered phone calls in the night, she wonders if her marriage is in trouble. But it is much worse than she expected. Marcie had been a big-time lawyer before marrying David, and now both of their pasts are coming to haunt them.
Sheila
The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave
A father dies after falling off a cliff overlooking the ocean at his California coast home. The police rule the death accidental, but is it? The daughter of his first family and son of his second decide to investigate because their father's recent actions seem out of character. He had been keeping secrets and changed his will. Why? It's an interesting and mysterious read for sure.
Nancy
What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella
If you've read the Shopaholic series, read this book. Even if you haven't read the series, read this book. It's about and written by a young-ish author with a loving husband and five children who's struck with an incurable cancer. Anyone who has dealt with love and grief --- basically everyone --- should read this book. And keep the Kleenex handy. It's a short book, but it will stay with you for a long, long time.
LisaMarie
The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose
Molly is back with a new mystery to follow and all the old favorite people from the previous two books. What an enjoyable Christmas read it is.
Rose
A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler
Valerie Alston-Holt is a single mom, raising her son, Xavier, who is looking forward to going to college. Xavier is biracial, and his white dad died tragically when Xavier was very young. A nouveau-riche family moves in next door after razing a house and several old trees, which upsets Valerie, a professor of forestry, as it is putting stress on her beloved old oak. The new family has a teen daughter, Juniper, who has signed a purity pledge with her stepfather, Brad. Brad starts having feelings for Juniper and is angered when Juniper and Xavier get together. This story has a tragic message. It's a heartbreaking read about neighbors, racial tensions, jealousy and greed.
Muriel
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Ms. Napolitano’s book about sisters Julia, Sylvie, Cecelia and Emeline shows their close bond, but at the same time, there are conflicts and misunderstandings. Their mother, with fixed ideas about the direction each girl’s life should take, is not very supportive of them. As the girls experience various emotions, so does the reader. This is a story of flawed yet very likable characters who support but also hurt each other. There’s love but also grief and pain and the need for forgiveness.
Rose
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
Sue was left with Mrs. Sucksby when she was a baby. Mrs. Sucksby cared for her lovingly. In the home, there are "fingersmiths" who are thieves, like the Artful Dodger. One of the thieves, the "Gentleman," proposes that Sue become a maid to Maud. If she is successful, then he will marry Maud, and they will share Maud's inheritance after they commit Maud to an asylum, claiming she is mad. Sue agrees, thinking she can use the inheritance to help Mrs. Sucksby and repay her for caring for Sue when she was young. But she doesn't realize what she might feel for Maud. There are some twists in this story and the realization of Sue's mother's bargain with Mrs. Sucksby. Told from both Sue and Maud's points of view, this is a good Victorian novel.
Rose
The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff
This is the story of Joseph and Evelyn and the love they shared over 60+ years, the family they created, and the ups and downs of marriage. When Evelyn is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, she decides that she doesn't want to live to the point of becoming incapacitated. Evelyn and Joseph decide that they will end their lives together in one year. They tell their family, who are naturally upset. But they are adamant that they don't want to live without each other. This is a poignant tale of love and loss. It's heartfelt, uplifting and emotional.
Rose
Tiny Tales by Alexander McCall Smith
A series of short stories about romance, ambition, kindness and happiness. Some are just a few sentences, others are a few pages. If you want a short book to read in the afternoon with some nice stories, this is a great one to enjoy!
Dale
The Savage Garden by Mark Mills
History and intrigue, romance and murder. What more could you ask for? This is a great read, and its setting in Italy was a plus!
Ruthanne
The Hidden Girl by Lucinda Riley
I enjoyed this new release of a lost book by deceased author Lucinda Riley. While the story starts out slowly, it develops into multiple intersecting plots and interesting characters. It pulls you in, and while not as great as Riley's Seven Sisters novels, this one is worth reading.
Donna
This Cursed House by Del Sandeen
This Southern Gothic horror debut is exactly how I like them: atmospheric and creepy. Del Sandeen has penned a well-written, chilling tale with fleshed-out characters, although almost all of them are unlikable. This is a slow-burn, compelling mystery that I highly recommend to those who enjoy a story with a paranormal presence.
Shannon
Go as a River by Shelley Read
This is my book club’s current selection. While parts of it were very sad, they were very beautiful at the same time. I really enjoyed this book.
Sandra
Pearly Everlasting by Tammy Armstrong
Pearly is a young girl living in New Brunswick, where her father is a cook in a loggers camp up in the mountains. He finds a newborn bear cub and brings it home where it is raised side by side with Pearly. His name is Bruno, and he is her brother from then on. You will love this wonderful and heartfelt story right to the last page. You may have some doubts, but it is based on a true story.
Emily
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
The historical fiction part of the book was especially interesting.
Emily
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza
The mystery was a bit convoluted for my taste, and some of the characters and their motivations were too contrived.
Emily
The Women by Kristin Hannah
It was a little hard to believe that all this happened to one woman! As someone who lived through the era and had a husband in Vietnam, I have some issues with the storytelling.
Bridget
Memorials by Richard Chizmar
This bone-chilling novel follows three college students working on an assignment in search of answers as to why people leave memorials at places where tragedies occurred. Rich in detail, it will make you feel as if you too are on this anomalous road trip. It's very creepy and sinister and would make for a great movie.
Susan
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
I hadn’t read Barbara Kingsolver in a while, so this book was a treat.
Jeanne
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
This was a wow novel that grabbed hold of me from the very beginning, and I could not stop reading it. It was full of drama, intrigue, murder, sadness, surprises, and twists and turns at every angle. The author did a great job in creating and developing the characters in a diabolical way so that they fit the storyline perfectly. There were times when it was bone-chilling, yet on the other side of the spectrum, it was both heartwarming and heartbreaking to read how one father’s love for his daughter never stopped as he struggled to prevent her from making serious life-altering mistakes, which brought tears to my eyes. The author is to be commended for capturing all of this in his novel.
Cindy
The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis by George Stephanopoulos, with Lisa Dickey
A great behind-the-scenes look at a room of lore. There were so many stories, and it held my attention and that of my husband's.
Katy
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
As a John Steinbeck fan, I can't believe I never read this beautiful book. His descriptive, emotional writing made me feel like I was a character in the novel. I could picture every bit of the setting and felt deeply connected to the characters. I highly recommend this American classic to all readers.
Jeanne
Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray
Ruth has to contend with a rebellious teenage daughter and a newly unemployed husband while also taking care of the newest member of the household: her father (absent during her childhood but now temporarily disabled). He has a love-hate relationship with Ruth's opinionated mother/his ex-wife, who lives in her guest room. This most delightful story includes themes of family and resilience with a dash of humor, a bit of romance, and a few cake recipes at the end of the book. EAT CAKE was published in 2003 before Jeanne Ray's daughter, Ann Patchett, became a bestselling author.
Jean
The Law of Similars by Chris Bohjalian
You will learn more than you ever wanted to know about homeopathy when you read this book. It's a sad story of what happens when someone compromises their principles in the hopes of finding love.
Karen
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
What a crazy roller coaster of a ride. Bravo, Freida!!!
Jeanne
A Codebreaker’s Christmas Surprise by Anne Greene
This interesting, entertaining historical fiction short story takes place during World War II. The storyline centers on Elizabeth Talbot, a recent college graduate, who wants a career more exciting than being a teacher or secretary during an era when society believes a woman’s place is in the home. The government selects Elizabeth to be a cryptographer, and she loves her job. She meets military men Bill and Steve, who both fall in love with her. Elizabeth must decide which of the two men she loves while she doesn’t trust men after being left standing at the altar by her fiancé. The book is well written and researched.
Rose
Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra
It's utterly terrifying to read this story of a young woman who hears a noise in her house and realizes they're footsteps. There is a stranger in her house. She gathers her two young children and moves them into a secret room to keep them safe. A blizzard is raging outside, and she realizes that no one will be checking on them for days. She makes a decision once she sees the person and hears their voice. She knows who it is and what they want. NIGHTWATCHING is a story of a woman who recognizes how important it is to protect her family, even when no one believes her story. It is so frightening to realize that someone has been watching you, and now they are in your home.
Rose
Just Love Her by Raz Mihal
In a series of journal entries over the course of several months, along with some deeper meditations, Raz Mihal discusses his love of HER. He describes how much he loves her, especially her soul, and he misses her greatly. He travels from the UK to Seoul to be close to her. He describes divine love as a deeper connection than physical love. The author also relates this love to various religions: Christianity, Hindu, Buddhism, etc. He quotes many authors and poets on love. Much of this is his dreams, and in the years after the journal entries, he continues to dream of her and his hopes for their love. While I admire his deep love, some of this was obsessive and repetitive.
Rose
Bangtails, Grifters, and a Liar’s Kiss by A. G. Russo
Maeve O'Shaughnessy and Vic Marino are private investigators in New York. Some of Maeve's brothers are crooks, but she cares for her younger brother, Jimmy, and feels responsible for him. When a gangster, Guido, comes to the agency asking them to find his brother, Paulie, they don't want to take the case due to its connections to the mob. Paulie is missing, along with a prized racehorse, and the race course vet has been murdered. As Maeve and Vic investigate, the FBI warns them of a black market ring, the Blue Stars. Additionally, Maeve's old flame is head of the Irish mob. There's lots of gangster talk and action in this mystery taking place in 1943, along with soldiers and their injuries as a result of WWII. A quick read.
Rose
His Forefathers and Mick by Michael G. Kramer
Michael Kramer writes a tale of his family's history of military service. Beginning in the late 1800s and early 1900s, his forefather built railways in China. Then his grandfather served in WWI and WWII. The book traces nearly 100 years of history through the war in Vietnam. Obviously Kramer is very proud of his family and their legacy. I enjoyed reading the family story, especially seeing the various pictures throughout the book.
Chelsea
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
Another fantastic book from Ali Hazelwood. She always blends intelligence and romance into an enjoyable read that I can’t put down.
Mary
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
This is an excellent book that is set in Washington, DC during the 1950s. A group of women live in a boardinghouse, and we see how their lives interact. Kate Quinn did another outstanding job writing this book.
Cynthia
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
I loved this story of family traveling for work, the inside feeling of their family, and the ups and downs of picking for a living. A fabulous book.
Carole
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
An excellent read. I had read THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE as a children's librarian, which helps with the background of this book. It's a selection for one of my book clubs.
Katy
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
This is a departure from Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series. There's lots of action, and his typical dry sense of humor is there. This enjoyable read keeps you guessing.
Katy
The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich
Outstanding! One of my top five books of the year. Without giving too much away, see if you can spot all the “red” references while reading it. A single word can have so many meanings when Louise writes!
Katy
Identity Unknown: A Scarpetta Novel by Patricia Cornwell
Kay Scarpetta is back with her usual cast of characters. I enjoy revisiting this community of “friends” every year or so. I know you will too!
Jonell
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten
I listened to the audio version of this book. I found it to be well written and entertaining. It was narrated by Ina herself. This fascinating and inspiring story reminds us all that following your heart, working hard and taking risks can lead to an interesting and fulfilling life.
Natalie
The Memoirs of Stockholm Sven by Nathaniel Ian Miller
The novel follows the emotional highs and lows of a Stockholm man in the early to mid-1930s. He is emotionally distant with family and friends and adrift in his working life. I didn’t like this character, but I found myself rooting for him by the end.
Shelly
Triangle by Danielle Steel
Amanda is 39 years old and living a life she loves. She has a beautiful apartment and a great view of the Eiffel Tower. She has a partner, Pascal, who is 45 and sees things differently. Together, they own an art gallery and worked very hard as the gallery has grown. They are starting to become well-known and represent many new younger artists. After her parents divorced, Amanda moved to New York, where her mother grew up. She went to college there and dated someone, but she decided France was her home after graduation and her mother's passing. One night, while attending a dinner party at the de Beaumonts, she notices that the wealthy couple has a beautiful art collection that includes many paintings they bought from the gallery.
Lois
Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
This is the last book in the Paradise trilogy. Although each installment stands alone, reading them in order provides better background and character development. The main story takes place on St. John. Many individuals are involved, but their stories overlap, and the novel has a very pleasant ending.
Toni
What We Keep by Jennifer Millikin
This is a story of a love story. The first part is the main character Avery's therapy sessions with her therapist, which also tells her love story with her husband, Gabriel, which then becomes the first part of the book Avery is writing. The second part of the book is about Gabriel and Avery's time after their love story, how they coped and moved on, and then how they come back together. It's a very moving, angst-filled book about two flawed people and their passionate love for one another. I liked it very much.
Claire
Old Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner
Their pasts informed their reactions to getting caught up in a horror story in a realistic way. Max, who has been stuck in survival mode for years and finally has some tantalizing, desperate hope waiting for him, wants to get out no matter what, no questions asked, and does not care what happens when he’s gone. Erin, who has safety and love in her life and has always had room to think beyond life or death, immediately starts asking "Who takes our places if we escape?" and can’t fathom taking the selfish, self-protective path. I can sympathize with Max only being able to see the next step ahead of him and what keeps him alive and with Erin’s empathy pushing her to take dangerous risks because she won’t put herself above any other girl.
Linda
Skin Game: A Novel of the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
I love Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden novels.
Rose
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
A series of stories woven together by a common bond: Olive Kitteridge. Olive and her husband live in New England, and the stories discuss their relationship with each other, with their son, and with their community. As they are in the later years of their life, they face challenges. Olive is strong-willed and opinionated, though some find her to be abrasive. This is an examination of life and its ups and downs.
Ruth
The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu
As a former teacher and parent of two young men who were educated in public schools, I found this book to be "spot on." It was a realistic look at what really goes on in the lives of high school teachers and administrators. Equally snarky and funny, it's an entertaining read that I highly recommend.
Pat
The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, The Horse That Inspired a Nation by Elizabeth Letts
A great feel-good read about a trainer and his horse who becomes a champion despite numerous obstacles.
Jana
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
This suspenseful thriller will leave you guessing until the end.
Luella
Penitence by Kristin Koval
A wonderful book! It begins with an act of violence, but it's so much more. It's about long-held secrets, family, love and, finally, forgiveness. Some people pay for the rest of their lives for the mistakes they made. Beautifully written.
Roberta
The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich
An emotional story of how choices have a negative impact.
Nina
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
A delightful combination of moving, tender suspenseful moments. I found comfort in the joy we receive from connecting with others.
Wanda
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
I loved this book! The plot is suspenseful and captivating, a mind-blowing, compelling read that flows with elegance. Readers also praise the character development as stellar. Overall, the book is worth the wait. Such an enjoyable read!
Mary
First Contact: Eclipsed Evolution: Phase 1 by Kim Harrison
I have read both this book and the second in the series. Kim Harrison is a favorite author. This is science fiction light so far, with interesting/endearing characters. I will finish the series.
Debbie
Long Island by Colm Toibin
The premise of this book intrigued me. And when I read it, the writing was beautiful. Colm Toibin is a magnificent writer. I would highly recommend this book.
Francisca
Canary Girls by Jennifer Chiaverini
Jennifer Chiaverini turns the reader’s attention to the British women who, during the Great War (World War I), worked in munitions factories to produce the shells the British men fighting on the continent needed to win the war. I was completely unaware of this part of the history of WWI, and I really appreciated learning more about it. Parts of the book reminded me of the nonfiction work, THE RADIUM GIRLS, while other parts made me think of the movie A League of Their Own.
Tessa
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Lucy Foley has crafted a mystery/thriller with more twists and turns than the most treacherous mountain road. Not a single character, including Jess, is to be trusted. Everyone has a hidden agenda, a secret they wish to keep hidden. Most are master manipulators and accomplished prevaricators. I was engaged and enthralled throughout and could not put it down.
Margaret
Verity by Colleen Hoover
It's a bit racy.
Elizabeth
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
This is a multi-timeline story about three characters living along two rivers, the Tigris in Mesopotamia and the Thames in London. It begins with King Ashurbanipal of Mesopotamia, who built a great library and from its ruins came the Epic of Gilgamesh. In London 1840, along the Thames, Arthur is born to abject poverty. His brilliant memory leads him to an amazing but tragic life. In Turkey 2014, a young Yazidi girl's grandmother is determined to have her baptized. Finally, in London 2018, Zaleekah discovers a book that makes her question her decision to end her life. All these threads are connected by a single drop of water.
Sean
The Inmate by Freida McFadden
I've seen this author get some serious press, so I figured it was about time that I check out one of her novels. While it's full of twists, I thought it was just okay. The story revolves around Brooke, an incredibly weak character who makes a series of awful decisions. She's working in the hospital ward of the prison where her attempted murderer is sentenced. While that seems ludicrous, things get more out of whack. I enjoyed McFadden's writing style, but the obvious red herring felt forced. I didn't see either huge twist at the end, so that was nice, but there are some serious leaps in logic taking place. Overall, the book is a somewhat mindless, quick psychological thriller that did its job if you don't spend much time thinking about it.
Jennifer
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
I loved this book! It's a fun and easy read that makes you laugh out loud.
Sylvia
Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight
The short chapters in the first 60 pages were somewhat confusing. But I stayed with it, and it became engrossing. I read quickly then and enjoyed it. The twists and turns turned into a surprise ending. It begins when Cleo goes to her mother's home and finds food burning in the oven, and her mother's shoe with blood on it.
Sylvia
Bad Liar by Tami Hoag
This is the first Tami Hoag book I have read, and I really enjoyed it. I liked the husband, Nick Fourcade, and his wife, Annie Broussard, as detectives working together. This is the third in the series, but it was good as a stand-alone. In fact, it was so good that now I want to read the first two. Nick and Annie are working on three cases --- the disappearances of two men on the same night and an unidentified body. The story kept me reading through the middle of the night. I was totally engrossed, waiting for the loose ends to be solved.
Lisa
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
One of the best books I read this year. Highly recommended.
Michael
Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While Also in an Actual Cult!) by Bethany Joy Lenz
I have always been a bit fascinated by cults, so a memoir about life in one was catnip to me. I finished it so fast! The author is an actress, but she was on a show I didn't watch. I usually love behind-the-scenes dish, but I really didn't miss it here (as there was almost none). How she ended up in a cult and how she got out makes for an interesting read. And she is such a good storyteller. I enjoyed her tales of childhood and pre-cult life immensely. A huge thumbs up!
Carol
A Darkness Returns: Book One of The Dragonwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist
This is a new book in an exciting fantasy series that picks up right after the last book in the Firemane Saga. We get to revisit incredible characters, their growth and new challenges, which is fascinating and exciting to read. This book is full of mystery, intrigue, magic and battles. The main protagonist of the Firemane books, Hatu, finds his story strongly enmeshed with that of key Riftwar Cycle characters Magnus and Pug, who attempt to uncover the secrets of Hatu’s magic and the dangers hiding in Garn. At the same time, we have a more classic fantasy war story back in Garn as Declan and his brothers prepare for battle against the encroaching Church of One, with his arc featuring several small-scale battles.
Carol
The Fallen Fruit by Shawntelle Madison
This book combines history and fantasy. Spanning the 1750s through the 1960s, THE FALLEN FRUIT is a sweeping multi-generational epic about the Bridges, a family of free Black Virginians who have a dark secret: in every generation, one offspring from each Bridge family unit vanishes and is mysteriously whisked back in time. Fate is a central theme of the book. We have Cecily, who learns about the family curse and is desperate to prevent it so that she won’t be parted from her family. In an attempt to stop the curse, she breaks one of the Bridge family rules: Never interfere with past events, and she enacts a plan to find the answers that will free her family forever.
Deb
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig
I really enjoyed this magical realism novel. I loved the idea that you could dive down in a particular part of the sea and be given magical powers, and then use the power to help people in need. The protagonist is someone I would love to know. I can see why her friend trusted her to use the power to help those who in need.
Barbara
Pages & Co: The Last Bookwanderer by Anna James
I have read the entire series and loved it! Who wouldn't want to be able to step into your favorite story and interact with the characters? I know there have been many times when I have wanted to truly escape into a book. Literally! This series is for younger readers, but adults will find it enjoyable as well.
Lee
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
An excellent novel set at the historical site of the British WWII codebreaking center.
Rosemary
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
The 19th novel in this series begins with persistent phone calls and ends with Armand Gamache fighting for his life, as well as those of thousands of Canadians in what is probably Louise Penny's most intense story yet. Gamache's investigations take his team from Quebec to Europe and back again, while trying to avoid a major catastrophe. As usual, her writing keeps readers on the edge of their seats and wondering how on earth he'll pull this one off.
Robin
The Booklover’s Library by Madeline Martin
I always enjoy learning more about history, and this piece of historical fiction focuses on WWII England and Operation Pied Piper.
Frances
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
A very powerful story. Obstacles overcome by brave/strong women. Hardships faced by women during that time period. A must read!
Donna
Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner
“No one will love you more or hurt you more than a sister.” Betsy Lerner has penned a layered story of a family dealing with the complexities of sisterhood, mental health, love and loss. At only 264 pages, this beautifully written book brings out all the emotions.
Lynne
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
I loved the ending! It was a surprise.
Rose
The Accomplice by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, with Aaron Philip Clark
3.5 stars. Nia Adams is the first Black Texas Ranger but is now retired. Two rangers come to her asking for help on a case that is similar to one Nia worked years earlier. Nia begs them to let it go, as the earlier case broke her. The book then takes you back to that earlier case. Nia intercepts a shootout at a bank where many are injured. Another agent shoots one of the suspects rather than apprehending him. Nia is upset by this and begins investigating the case. Nia finds that there are ties to the wealthiest Texas family. There are also ties to Marines who served together in Vietnam. A tense and often gory thriller.
Rose
Clear by Carys Davies
Set in the mid-1800s, a Protestant minister is sent to a remote Scottish island to clear the land of its one remaining inhabitant, Ivar. His wife, Mary, doesn't want him to go on this foolish journey. But he does, trying to earn money for them and his church. Once he arrives, he has an accident and is rescued by Ivar. Ivar nurses John back to health and begins to teach him his language so they can communicate. Mary worries that her husband hasn't returned, so she goes to rescue him. A tale of friendship, loneliness, love, communication and understanding.
Francisca
Everything We Didn't Say by Nicole Baart
There’s all kinds of crazy going on in the small town of Jericho, Iowa. Juniper’s secrets are par for the course, as her parents, her brother and just about everyone else in town seems to harbor secrets. It held my attention throughout. And I can see the appeal for a great many readers. But I'm tired of the "everyone has secrets" trope.
Linda
Dragon Games: The Elves of Vulgaard, Book Two by R.A. Douthitt
Although I never reviewed book one, I was captivated with book two and how Kieron was determined to win the dragon games and beat his older brother who constantly beat him during practices. He had lost his older sister and felt that her death was his fault, which was why his father was always so hard on him. All Kieron wanted was to be good enough to be in the king's warriors and to prove to his father that he was not too young to qualify. I loved that his best friend, Kealy, was always encouraging him on and hardly left his side. I can't wait to read book three.
Linda
Dragon Riders: The Elves of Vulgaard, Book Three by R.A. Douthitt
If the last book did not ROCK your world, then DRAGON RIDERS surely will in the nonstop action that started when Everleigh returned home for a visit to see a huge dragon blow flames that destroyed all of the village's crops, including her father's. With a promise that consumed her, she vowed to get justice for her family and returned to the Queen's palace to seek help.
Linda
Wild Hearts: A Whispering Valley Novel by Bria Brooks
This is my first time reviewing this author, and I could not help but fall in love with Rich and Josie. Rich is a former Marine who wants to settle down and fix up a broken-down ranch, while Josie is a barrel racer going from one event to another with no plans of quitting any time soon. Can Rich convince her to take a chance with him? Once she is saved from a mountain lion, is it enough?
Linda
Murder in Sweetville by Dana Sharp
I have been a paranormal lover, and even though the book is only 56 pages, I longed for more! With Whiskers, the talking cat; Emily, the candy maker; and Detective Max on the job as Emily is accused of poisoning the town councilman, the crew vows to find the culprit.
Linda
Octave of Stars by Zephyr Thomas
What an excellent Christian-based story, and I ENJOYED READING EVERY MINUTE OF IT! I loved Ash and Cascadia most of all, and I could see how they trusted each other when Cascadia was kidnapped for her unique powers.
Linda
The Cowboy’s Reunited Christmas by Danae Little
Well, they always say, STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES! I did understand that Tanner only wanted what was best for Joy, and if she moved to a big city to become a big time editor of a newspaper or magazine, then he had to let her go, even if it broke his heart. Joy and her best friend, who was Tanner's twin sister, had shared dreams of moving to the city, and NYC was as big as you could get. She was mad that Tanner had broken up with Joy in a nasty and hurtful way. Four years later, Joy returned home with a little boy and honored her friend's wishes. I cried for Joy and the Johnson family as they had Joy in their family. I can't wait to read the next book!
MH
Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate
LARKSPUR COVE is about a divorced woman with a son who starts a new job as a field case worker and a game warden who is running from his own past. It is obvious from the start that they will get together. The story is redeemed somewhat by Andrea’s interest in Birdie, a shy girl who is suddenly living in unsafe conditions in her grandfather’s house, and by Bandito, a mischievous baby raccoon.
Rose
The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel
Alfred has purchased an old Victorian house and transformed it into The Hitchcock Hotel, which includes several artifacts and replicas from Hitchcock movies. For the grand opening, he invites his best friends from their college film club. The group hasn't kept up with each other for years, but they do show up. Alfred has kept a skeleton crew at the hotel to help with cleaning, meals, etc. They are as spooky as the setting. But even more sinister are the secrets being held. It seems there was an incident at college, and because of this secret, the lives of the friends are in danger. Of course, there is a murder. But who is the murderer, and why? The book is creepy and a little long.
Jeanne
A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner
A NOVEL SUMMER is by one of my favorite authors, Jamie Brenner. It is an entertaining, easy-to-read summer beach story in which three friends who drifted apart after college graduation reunite in Provincetown. It is full of drama and romance with a cast of characters who the author created into likable and relatable characters with a plot that involves competing bookstores, second chances and finding oneself. I liked it, but it wasn't my favorite by this author.
Linda
Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H. W. Bush by Jean Becker
It's so nice to read a book about a man who could work with anyone and was genuinely liked across the political spectrum. It's not about politics or party, but a man. There are some great laugh-out-loud descriptions and episodes.
Susan
The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood
An interesting concept with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. It’s a charming romantic comedy with a cast of eccentric, (mostly) lovable characters, yet it also deals with some heavy topics. If you are looking for a spicy romance, you may be disappointed. But the writing is so charming and honest, you might not even notice.
Jayme
This Is Chance!: The Shaking of an All-American City, A Voice That Held It Together by Jon Mooallem
No. No. No. Why would you use the play "Our Town" and the format of a play to write a nonfiction book about the devastation of the 1964 Alaskan earthquake? The details of the earthquake and the courageous people of Anchorage stand on their own. It does not work. Genie Chance is not Emily.
Lynn
All New People by Anne Lamott
I spent a lot of time trying to discern how much of the narrative was autobiographical.
Meggan
The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old Man by David Von Drehle
I'm impressed by Charlie's resilience. It's a great explanation of the stoic philosophy. Charlie's habit of deliberately choosing a positive attitude, looking for advantages in devastating situations, is a valuable lesson for all of us who are weighed down by personal and societal struggles today.
Alicia
Murder Most Grave: A Granny Reid Mystery by G. A. McKevett
This series is full of humor and entertainment. You don't need to read the books in order or have read the original Savannah series to enjoy this one. It may be the last in the series, but you get a good ending and lots of cute moments with the characters.
Peri
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
I know I am late to read this, but it was recommended in my book club. The book moved me as much as SARAH'S KEY. Though I guessed what would happen to Bruno and Shmuel, it was still shocking. Just to let you know, this is a Holocaust book with a very upsetting climax as are many books of this genre.
Richard N B
The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of the Donner Party by Daniel James Brown
Daniel James Brown looks at the events that led to and resulted from the infamous Donner Party trapped in a blizzard in the mountains near present-day Lake Tahoe. He chose to focus on one particular young woman, Sarah Graves, who was a 21-year-old newlywed when the group set out from Illinois bound for California and who survived the ordeal. This made the tale more personal, even visceral, and helped this reader feel connected to those who made up the Donner Party.
Gina
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
Incredible, lyrical, intelligent historical fiction at its very best. Elif Shafak is a Turkish English author who deserves a wider audience. Her prose will stick with you, and the plot is completely original. I am obsessed.
Luella
Live Fast by Brigitte Giraud
This heartbreaking book about the loss of a loved one in a terrible accident takes place in France. Over the 20 years he's been gone, she has thought of all the ways it could have been prevented.
Sharon
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (25) by Alexander McCall Smith
More of Mma Makutsi and less of Mma Ramotswe is to the detriment of this story. While Mma Makutsi is a good foil for Mma Ramotswe, her personality is not one that is as gentle or as perceptive. I find her to be abrasive.
Kelley
Beyond Reasonable Doubt by Robert Dugoni
Robert Dugoni always delivers! Keera Duggan defends a childhood adversary with many twists and turns. This is Dugoni’s second book featuring Keera, and I can’t wait for the next one!
Muriel
The Answer Is No: A Short Story by Fredrik Backman
To read a Fredrik Backman book, you have to appreciate and expect quirky characters. In this one, Lucas loves his solitary life doing what he wants when he wants and not having to interact with others. That peaceful life ends when someone leaves a frying pan near the recycling bin, and Lucas is approached with questions about it. When he seems to be offering solutions about this, the “board” makes him President of “the pile.” One thing leads to another, and Lucas is drawn into interacting with people more and more. I think that many times Backman helps us see humor in life and the many layers of each person. I always enjoy his quirky characters.
Sheree
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
I loved this book. It was a page turner as you wonder what happened to the two children of the family years apart. I really liked the characters and was interested in finding out what happened to the children. I thought it was very well written. I would highly recommend it.
Abby
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
This feel good story is about a senior citizen meeting up with the man who broke her heart 60 years prior and learning the back story of their relationship. There's a touch of magical realism here, as our main character is a pharmacist and healer.
Linda
The Trackers by Charles Frazier
This historical novel takes place in remote Dawes, Wyoming, during the Great Depression. The protagonist, Val, is there to paint a mural on the post office wall. His job takes a twist when he agrees to find a wealthy rancher's wife gone missing. I liked Charles Frazier's vivid description of the Wild West. The plot has a "noir" feel to it, including an alluring woman on the run.
Kristine
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
4.5 stars rounded up. I really enjoyed this book! It tackles serious subjects with some humor and over-the-top bad and good people. It felt a bit fairytale-like with the ending tied up in a bow. Overall it was an entertaining read! I think I liked THE CHANGE better, but I look forward to her next book.
Jean
Twice the Trouble by Ash Clifton
Everyone is out for themselves in this complex mystery. PI Noland Twice is as likely to kill a suspect as he is to call the cops on them. It's never clear who the bad guy is (and by the end, it seems few wholly good guys exist). Set in Central Florida, money is the main motivator for all of the characters. Warning: Some parts are gory. The story moves along quickly, and there are lots of characters to keep track of.
Rachel
Conclave by Robert Harris
Who knew that electing a pope could be so exciting? I started reading this book the day the movie came out. There were political machinations, unbridled ambition and several big surprises.
Becky
The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose
Let me start by saying that I loved THE MAID. It was a delightful, insightful and charming mystery with a unique character in Molly the Maid. Molly was somewhere “on the spectrum” without it ever being said or alluded to. Molly had a wise and understanding grandmother who loved her just as she was and a job that fit her personality perfectly. If you haven’t read THE MAID, you should. Unfortunately, THE MISTLETOE MYSTERY, while having the quirky Molly as the main character and her boyfriend, Juan, as a good foil for her, simply missed the mark. Molly’s quirkiness seemed forced. Her boyfriend seemed too good to be true. The plot (I’m not giving it away) was too transparent.
Karen
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Frankie is about 20 and from a well-to-do family. She just signed up to serve in Vietnam as a nurse so she could see her brother, but he was just killed. Her parents are proud of his service but ashamed of hers. Frankie is devastated by the conditions she faces in the country and the things she learns, but she toughens up and becomes an excellent nurse. She even signs up for a second tour because she felt so needed. The second half of the book deals with how she is treated when she returns to the States, which is not good. She doesn't understand it and also suffers from PTSD. Her nurse friends help her, and she starts to put things into perspective. She finds ways to make herself productive in her new world.
Susan
The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff
I thought this book was a very well thought-out story, but it was difficult to read due to the subject matter. My husband and I have known each other for over 50 years and have been married for 48 years, and he was just diagnosed with cancer. The story makes you think of your choices in life and the effect it will have on your family and close friends.
Diana
Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash
A very good story. A fascinating subject. What happens when a young girl goes from London to America to be safe from the war?
Carol
She Who Knows by Nnedi Okorafor
This novella is part science fiction and part fantasy and is infused with West African culture and spirituality. This is a small look into the life of teenager Najeeba, whose coming of age will herald a new age for her world. This is a typical storyline for this author, a young African woman on the cusp of change. In this story, we have Najeeba, who, at 13, goes on a journey with her father and brothers to the salt mines, searching for the best and purest, prettiest salt blocks to sell at the market. This time-honored journey is entirely for boys and men. Najeeba, being the first female to go undercover, attempts this journey. The story is about her journey, her relationship with her family, and her role in changing the world.
Carol
The Fallen Fruit by Shawntelle Madison
This book combines history and fantasy. Spanning the 1750s through the 1960s, THE FALLEN FRUIT is a sweeping multi-generational epic about the Bridges, a family of free Black Virginians who have a dark secret: in every generation, one offspring from each Bridge family unit vanishes and is mysteriously whisked back in time. Fate is a central theme of the book. The history of free Black American was interesting. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I did not appreciate the abrupt ending. I felt shortchanged. It felt to me as if it was rushed and incomplete, and I missed conclusions that should have been provided. Overall, I gave this three stars primarily because of the ending.
Betty
A Certain Justice: An Adam Dalgliesh Mystery by P.D. James
I'm working my way through all the Adam Dalgliesh mysteries and having a wonderful time.
Evelyn
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
What a wonderful uplifting story. The audio was fabulous!
Laurie
The Grays of Truth by Sharon Virts
A wonderful read! A whodunit with family drama thrown in.
Aida
Sandwich by Catherine Newman
It was not worth the hype.
Claire
Bad Habit by Alana S. Portero
The book is full of a million simple little moments of community, kinship and shelter in other people. The mix of sorrow and love was achingly beautiful. There’s violence and there’s pain, but this was so much more about community and support. I love the focus put on the older women (especially the older trans women) in the narrator’s life who show her a future she can have. I love the queer community that gives sanctuary and space without question and the moments when other people in her neighborhood step up for her or for Margarita.
Claire
To Strip the Flesh by Oto Toda
"I Just Love My Fave," which shows the ghost of a famous idol’s grandmother supporting her grandson even after death, was sweet. "David in Love," which follows a doll replica of Michaelangelo’s David that falls in love with a little girl and tries to win her over, was…strange. It was kind of funny, but also: What are we doing with this? "Hot Watermelon," in which a mother performs a ritual to allow her cruel son to feel her emotions, had some great body horror elements and a nice message. Of the two-page mangas, there were one or two hits, but mostly they didn’t make much of an impression.
Elizabeth
A Good Hard Look by Ann Napolitano
I have really liked all three of Ann Napolitano's books that I have read (I have also read DEAR EDWARD and HELLO BEAUTIFUL), and this one is no exception. She really captures a small Southern town and New York City so well. I loved the addition of Flannery O'Connor as a character. Now I really want to read her books. All of the characters are well-drawn, complex figures. Napolitano is a gifted writer.
Liz
Long Island by Colm Toibin
Eilis Lacey is the main character in this sequel to BROOKLYN. It is now many years later, and she is married with two teenage children living in Long Island with all of her husband's family as neighbors. When a scandal happens, Eilis decides to return to Ireland for a visit in order to allow her husband and family to decide how they wish to handle the situation. While there, she runs into her old flame, Jim Farrell. While the story was interesting, it was not as good as BROOKLYN, the writing was not up to par and the ending was a bit flat.
Dianne
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
A leftover read from Halloween about a boys' "reformatory school" in north Florida in the '50s. Of course, there are ghosts of boys who were killed or died in a fire. Add in racial tensions involving the KKK and other white citizens. Will Robbie, our hero, escape the Reformatory? Will his sister, Aunt Lottie, and her sons escape to Chicago? An interesting read, but the book drags at points.
Claire
Out of the Drowning Deep by A.C. Wise
Scribe IV and Angel had an interesting interplay with their similar fears and hesitations about becoming something unrecognizable from what they once were but very different pasts informing them. To some degree, I think the story was hurt by trying to do too much. It was juggling four or five genres, three main characters with a web of relationships and baggage attached to them, and an intricate galaxy and dimension-spanning world that was a major focus in and of itself, all in a less-than-200-page novella. I did like it, but it was scattered and sometimes rushed.
Teresa
An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s by Doris Kearns Goodwin
What a charmed life Doris Kearns Goodwin and her husband have lived! Two brilliant people working hard while surrounded by the biggest names of the '60s. A fascinating read.
Sharon
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
For some reason, I did not find these characters as relatable as those in Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series. I felt they were more stereotyped and less original. Nonetheless, it was an interesting take on murder, graft and out-of-this-world ordinary characters.
Rose
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Augusta Stern finally retires from pharmacy work, a job she loves, at almost 80. She has been lying about her age for years so she can continue working. She heads to a community in Florida and is immediately recognized by an old flame, Irving. He calls her Goldie, a nickname she hasn't heard for over 60 years. She had been in love with him, but he abruptly left her, married another girl, moved to Chicago, raised twin boys, and is now single again. Told in two timelines, the book details how her love for healing grew, through her father's store and her Great Aunt Esther, who used apothecary and alternative healing methods. A sweet story of lost and found love.
Mary
La vie secrète des écrivains by Guillaume Musso
Melodramatic but well-written and engaging.
Marylyn
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig
Fantasy is not my usual choice, but my sister introduced me to Matt Haig. In this book, he tells a wonderful story about a lonely widow who finds new meaning in her life. A great read.
Rosemary
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
It has long been a theory that William Shakespeare, a relatively uneducated actor, did not actually write his sonnets and plays. It is, in some cases, put forth that he fronted those articles for men and possibly women of much higher birth, who could not claim the writings. In this book, the author argues that Emilia Bassano wrote at least some of them. She was the child of Italian Jews who passed as Christians and were court musicians, and at one time she was the mistress of the Lord Chamberlain. The story goes back and forth between her tale and that of her descendant, Melina Green, a modern-day playwright who is trying to get someone to produce her plays.
Denise
True Grace by Karen E. Osborne
This novel inspired by the author’s family history transports you to 1924. When Grace stumbles upon a terrible and tragic incident, there is no going back on what needs to be done. As a mixed race mother of five living in Harlem, she makes desperate decisions that change the lives of everyone involved. This emotional story will grab your heart and lead you into terrifying situations but also expose you to tender and gentle moments of comfort and resilience. Generational trauma, racism, misfortune, friendship and hope are at the core of this novel. You will be thinking about this book for a long time after you finish it. This woman and mother was brave, loyal, clever and resourceful. You will “Feel” and “Live” this book.
Tessa
Explosive Eighteen: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich
Ah, Stephanie Plum. So this starts with a bang as Stephanie is on a plane coming back from Hawaii alone but with an obvious tan line on her left ring finger. There are the usual stops at Cluck-in-a-Bucket, the usual “problems” with Stephanie’s car(s), the usual skips who refuse to be captured, the usual viewing at the funeral home, and the usual push/pull between Stephanie, Morelli and Ranger. It’s been quite a few years since I’ve read one of these, and I’m sure that’s why I found it to be so entertaining.
Rose
Tell It to Me Singing by Tita Ramírez
Mónica Campo is unmarried and pregnant when her mom, Mirta, tells her a big secret right before she is taken in for surgery. The secret: a man named Juan is Mónica's biological father, who she knew in their native Cuba. Is her mother confused because of the surgery, or is this real? Mónica, engaged to Robert, calls her ex-boyfriend, Manny, to talk with him about her mother's secret. They set out to find Juan, traveling to Costa Rica, and are put in danger. Mónica is struggling with this news, plus her feelings for Manny vs. Robert. At times funny and at other times emotional, this was a very good debut. I enjoyed it very much.
Wanda
All the Broken Places by John Boyne
This hard-to-put-down WWII read has a suspenseful plot with well-developed and relatable characters.
Kara
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
A thought-provoking story of the lives our parents lead before they were our parents and how the simple things in life are really the most important and satisfying moments in our journey.
Liz
Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover
Daniel is a teenage boy hiding out in school for one period a day in a maintenance closet. One day, the door opens and a girl falls on top of him. In the dark they connect and make love, never even exchanging names. Daniel feels she is the love of his life, but he has no way to find her. A year later, he meets Six. Could she be the girl of his dreams? The book started off slow, but it picked up in the end. More of a young adult book.
Kristin
The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley by Shelley Wood
What if you only aged one year every four years? Not only is this hard on you, but what about your family? It’s an interesting story told from all sides.
Emily
Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch
I loved it! It will be one of the best books of the year.
Sandy
The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden
I love this author, and she never fails to have a great story with an unusual ending.
Sandy
The Wishing Tide by Barbara Davis
Filled with wonderful descriptions of North Carolina's Outer Banks, this book is all about love and loss.
Pat
Memorials by Richard Chizmar
Definitely not one to read by yourself at night!
Rose
Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin (author) and Shey Kalee (illustrator)
A delightful Christmas book for children (of all ages!) who believe in the magic of the season. Sophie is concerned that the Christmas spirit has gone missing from her kingdom, so she and her rabbit friend, Hoppy, seek the help of a magician. The magician, Lady Ariana, creates an elixir made from the fruits of the forest brought to her by the animals, which is then distributed to the kingdom's residents. The illustrations are bright and vivid, and the story is a message for all.
Barbara
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
THE ROM-COMMERS is the most enjoyable novel I've read this year. It has witty dialogue, a straightforward plot line, likable characters, believable action, vivid descriptions, a great sense of place and a sympathetic protagonist. This is my second read of a Katherine Center book (HELLO STRANGER was also terrific), but now I will look for others.
Claire
Girlmode by Magdalene Visaggio
This is the same old clichéd high school popularity drama with shallow characters and shallow lessons, but with a trans girl this time. If any trans person is looking for that basic "stay true to yourself" plot line with a main character you can see yourself in, this could work for you. But I found it boring.
Kay
Weyward by Emilia Hart
A nice mix of fantasy and fiction.
Terry
Haunting Rachel by Kay Hooper
A good story that's light reading and not really about haunting.
Beth
As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust: A Flavia de Luce Novel by Alan Bradely
Flavia de Luce is at her best in this installment of Alan Bradley's mystery series. Transported across the pond to a boarding school in Canada, Flavia must fit in at the all-girls school her mother, Harriet, attended while also solving the mystery of the skeleton in the chimney and finding missing classmates. Flavia's wit and wisdom never disappoints!
Carol
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
I was immediately and thoroughly invested in the characters from beginning to end. I did cry before I finished the book. This was my first Ann Napolitano book, but I will quickly read another!
Carol
Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams
Bold characters. Exotic and intriguing settings. A suspenseful plot. A superb ending where I gasped...and cried. I've read all of Beatriz Williams' books. I probably shouldn't have because now I have to wait for her to write another!
Rose
House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen
After nine-year-old Rose Barclay witnesses her nanny fall to her death, she becomes mute. Now her parents are divorcing and arguing over custody of her. Enter best interest attorney Stella Hudson, who is appointed to take the case against her wishes. Her mentor believes that Stella can help Rose because Stella also suffered trauma as a child. As Stella investigates, the entire family --- mother, father and grandmother Rose --- as well as the nanny's boyfriend are all suspects. The house and its inhabitants are hiding sinister secrets. Stella has to fight to protect Rose and make the best decisions for her well-being. A haunting story.
Rose
Whisk of Dust: Too Unseen Distance by Sherman Kennon
In these uncertain times, a book of poetry is a welcome escape. These are beautifully written, heartfelt works of art. Most are only half a page long but are very impactful. This book of lovely poems is exactly what I needed right now, to help me see the bigger picture and to take note of the love and beauty that are near. I think I will pick up this small book time and time again.
Lillian
The Exchange: After The Firm by John Grisham
A great read.
Kari
The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
I felt like I had been in Paris for two days after reading this book last weekend. I loved everything about it --- the characters, the beautiful setting, and of course the food! It was heartwarming, romantic and beautifully written. I was sad to say goodbye to Stella after the last page.
Francisca
The President's Hat by Antoine Laurain
A fable for adults. Can a hat make a difference in one’s life? Apparently. I found the entire story to be charming and fun. I loved roaming the streets of Paris along with each person who had possession of the hat. I liked learning about each of them --- what made them tick, why they felt “less than” and how they found their courage to move on and up. It left me feeling happy and optimistic. Just delightful.
Kathy
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
A beautifully written family saga. Based on the author's grandmother and their family lore, the story is a testament to ancestors, their hardships, and the path they clear for generations to follow. Selflessness for the good of the family is entwined throughout the story. Very moving!
Lisa
A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison
A creepy, fast-paced thriller. Columbia Jones is on the last night of her book tour when a man stands up in the audience, and she promptly faints. Who is this man? Tragedy strikes later that night, and her daughter, Darian, is left wondering what happened and why.
Becky
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Although labeled as a young adult book, this intriguing mystery by two delightful authors will keep the attention of adults. A love of riddles and puzzles keeps a brother and sister close. So when Jakob disappears to Bletchley in 1940 to work as a secret codebreaker for the British, Lizzie is determined to find him and their mother instead of sailing to America.
Janet
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
I absolutely loved this book. The writing style was very engaging as was the plot and character development.
Donna
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
THE BLUE HOUR by Paula Hawkins is a suspenseful mystery with one of the most atmospheric settings ever. Told through multiple perspectives and using mixed medias, including Vanessa’s diary entries and letters, this was a page-turner. While reading, I could hear the waves crashing and smell the salt in the air. As storms hit the island, with wind and rain pelting the windows, I could sense the loneliness. Twists, turns and some incredibly dark and disturbing scenes lead to a shocking conclusion.
Anna
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton describes 1870s New York City life like she lived through it. She knows its habits, its traditions and its expectations of people. She creates a time full of parties and social standards that are both delightful and ultimately ridiculous. Told by a male perspective for a change, it's a tragic love affair that just can't be.
Anna
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
This book covers some very serious and heavy topics yet manages to be laugh-out-loud funny at the same time. The characters are both flawed and lovable. For a story on a topic that is so sad, the author brings a lighthearted yet thought-provoking quality throughout the book. This is a story about human connection that we all seek. The two main characters meet by chance. They seem to be polar opposites but slowly develop a friendship and confide in each other. Sometimes we meet people who make a huge difference in our lives and give us what we need at that particular time. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to family and friends.
Sally
A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison
I liked the twists and surprises throughout the book. The author cast suspicion on each character, so not one person stood out.
Anna
The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II by Buzz Bissinger
I learned about the brutality of war and how some of the soldiers dealt with all that and the suffering and loss of the friends they made during the war. Apart from the war and football, racism is also a dominant theme.
Anna
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
THE DUTCH HOUSE is about two siblings and their obsession with the house that they lived in when they were young. The house is such a big part of the story that it almost becomes one of the characters. The book is about grief, loss, love and forgiveness.
Anna
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
This was a great experience because I listened to the audiobook narrated by Meryl Streep. I might not have enjoyed it as much if I had read the book. Meryl brings the characters to life and makes it easy to really get to know them and their personalities.
Sharon
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
I needed this book! It was fun and made me laugh out loud, and I could relate to the characters (well, at least the females). The world has been dark the last few days, so this bit of realistic nonsense has been a delight and a godsend. But it also has made me sad that I'm neither as fun nor as devious as the septuagenarians or octogenarians depicted here!
Anna
Go as a River by Shelley Read
This is a stunning, beautifully written debut novel with lovely, very descriptive prose. The story is about a young girl who experiences loneliness, forbidden love, racism and tragedy. Victoria has to make life-changing decisions throughout her young life. The lessons she learns from Wilson and his words to "go as a river" sustain her enough to survive and make those decisions. She perseveres and proves that a mother's love has no bounds.
Jill
The Hearing Test by Eliza Barry Callahan
This slim volume packs a punch as the author describes the sensory experiences she has as she loses her hearing. Poetic images, such as feeling like you're standing still while everything runs past you, describe exactly what I, as a hard-of-hearing person, feel like when words stream by without my registering exactly what is being said. I never knew just how to articulate that feeling, yet she pegged it for me. The cover is clever with orange dots coming down in a rightward arc from the top to the bottom. It represents dots on audiograms that track what you can hear during hearing tests. They appear against a faint picture of clouds at the top that fade to white on the bottom, which is self explanatory. Highly recommended.
Kimberley
The November Plot by Tom Ulicny
This fast-paced Michigan-based thriller takes the reader from Lake Superior to the Atlantic on a Great Lakes freighter. A northern Michigan small-town sheriff suddenly finds himself amidst an international smuggling ring, and the world’s safety is at risk. It’s a timely story and a real page-turner that would be great on the big screen.
Daphne
Didn't You Use to Be Queenie B? by Terri-Lynne DeFino
A matter of legacy and knowing when to let go. Queenie B had everything, including peer respect, a growing restaurant empire, and a love who understood her. One drunken night of celebration turned into a nightmare that she walks away from, only to find purpose feeding those who need food while they nourish her in lessons of humility and embracing joy.
Sean
The Spires by Kate Moretti
Kate Moretti's twist-filled THE SPIRES is quite a mixed bag for me. The book jumps back forth from the present to 20 years ago when a group of five college graduates decided to take a gap year to hang out in an old church. The story has a ton of intrigue, and I really enjoyed the present-day family drama. The looks into the past were boring, cliched and extremely unbelievable. These were the most boring college kids ever. Overall, a somewhat likable lead and enough drama to flip through and keep me interested.
Donna
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
Lula Dean, a very unhappy woman, decides to rid the public library of what she considers to be objectionable books. She then sets up a free little library on her property with books she feels are appropriate. Someone decides to insert the banned books inside the dust jackets of the books selected by Lula. The library becomes popular with residents and ignites strong feelings in the community. I wanted to read the book due to the subject but was disappointed. There are hilarious moments but a large cast of characters. The characters were often cartoonish and not well developed. It is a light read about a timely topic.
Richard N B
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn uses her talent for historical fiction to explore the women (and men) who worked at Bletchley Park during WWII, and who were credited with breaking the German Enigma code. She focuses on three women who would never have met were it not for the war work they undertook. I liked how Quinn showed how the friendships developed. And how their loyalty to one another, though severely tested, became central to the conclusion of the story.
Diane
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
This book really does keep you wondering until the end what is true. A perfect book club read!
Carol
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
For me, this was an unusual story. Each character turned out to be different from what I expected. But then each gets connected in so many different ways. One woman seems to dominate in this boarding house, but she didn't plan to do so. This book is Kate Quinn at her best with so much intrigue. I even liked setting of Washington, D.C.
Marcia
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
I enjoyed this book and read it pretty quickly. It was about finding yourself and making yourself happy. The writing was funny with all the different characters who started out as strangers to Phoebe but then became her friends.
Anna
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
I loved this book, and I love this author. It will stay with me for a long time. I cried like a baby and felt all the emotions knowing the love of a mother is like no other...ever. This is a simple book but has lots of layers. Mitch Albom has a way of telling you something without coming right out and saying it. You understand its meaning by how you feel while you are reading it. He has the ability to inspire you, touch you and give you pause to think about your own self, your own life and how you live it. This is a book for everyone, whether or not you have/had a good or bad relationship with your mother.
Anna
Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America by Joy-Ann Reid
This is the story of Medgar and Myrlie Evers, the husband and wife civil rights leaders who confronted pure evil and risked their lives to ensure that all American children might grow up in a United States that was more just. They fought against desegregation, organized boycotts and picket lines, and fought for basic rights for African Americans. Medgar was the field secretary for the Mississippi branch of the NAACP. After he was killed, Myrlie continued to fight and carried on their civil rights legacy.
Anna
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
THE LYING GAME was about so much more than lying. It was about the bond we share with people from our youth. It was fun to read about the carefree ways of youth through the game they played at the boarding school. The story was also about the love and devotion of a parent for their child and the protective instinct of a parent even if it leads to their own detriment.
MH
Summer in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft
This is a typical romance. However, I liked the Scottish connection and the new library being renovated. The books Paige suggested to various customers and the ones that mysteriously appeared each day added a dimension to the book.
Aida
A Vineyard Thanksgiving by Katie Winters
This family romance is a quick read.
Jane
The Cellist by Daniel Silva
A riveting spy thriller that, as usual with Daniel Silva books, does not disappoint.
Darlene
Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King and Owen King
A great read!
Suzanne
A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison
I couldn’t put this book down.
Pat
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
This great story is about Tova, the cleaning lady at the aquarium, and her friendship with Marcellus, the octopus who helps her with her life. I learned so much about the octopus. Remarkable!
Rosemary
Safe Enough and Other Stories by Lee Child
The author, well known for his Jack Reacher series, has published a book of 20 short stories. Each main character is a separate character. Some are sure of themselves, some are bumbling, and all of them are interesting. They range on both sides of the law, and each tells a tale completely within the story. For Lee Child fans, it's an absolute treasure chest of tales!
Sue
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
I loved the combination of historical fiction and mystery. The author gave us wonderful background stories for each of the characters and brought them all together in the end.
Pam
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
It's engaging the entire way through yet chilling in some parts.
Charlene
Burma Sahib by Paul Theroux
This book is so, so well written, truly challenging a reader in the manner of Fitzgerald or Hemingway. I chose it to learn more about 20th-century Burma, an outpost of the UK and training ground for British international police and military. The story engages the reader, describing rampant racism among UK trainees but also Burmese castes and foreigners. The story is told from the view of a young British police trainee assigned to Burma and his inner conflicts to defend the realm as a tough policeman and simultaneously his joy of reading Conrad and Kipling, and writing poetry and ultimately a book. Unlike many novels, Paul Theroux brings the story to a complete finish identifying the young Brit as George Orwell. I’ll read this again!
Tessa
Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
A novel of one woman’s longing for a positive, peaceful life in Belfast during the Troubles. Louise Kennedy packs a lot into a slim volume. Cushla is a marvelous character. She’s caring and passionate about her teaching. She longs for a steady life on her own. She does her best to help her students navigate this troubling time. She wants to live her life without strife and terror. The novel made me think of how often I want to just hide from what is happening around me and be left in peace to live my life, rather than face the issues head on and DO something.
Cheryl
The Cherokee Rose: A Novel of Gardens and Ghosts by Tiya Miles
Tiya Miles, the author of ALL THAT SHE CARRIED, a nonfiction account of slavery, has written a fictional account of a Georgia plantation owned by a Cherokee Indian and peopled by slaves, family members and white Moravian missionaries. The second story is about three women with connections to the plantation through their heritage. The book is well-written, the female characters are fleshed out, and the ending satisfies the reader. The ghost story component is a little weak, in my opinion.
Luella
The Brides of the Big Valley: 3 Romances from a Unique Pennsylvania Amish Community by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter and Richelle Brunstetter
It was so good to just read and enjoy a heartwarming book about the Amish. Each story is enjoyable, and made you both smile and cry.
Marcia
Albert Smith’s Culinary Capers by Steve Higgs
A thoroughly fun and enjoyable series of novellas centering on the culinary adventures (and mysteries) of Albert Smith, retired Detective Superintendent of the Met, and his “assistance dog,” Rex Harrison (“fired” police German Shepherd canine). The stories include all excellent mysteries and great information about specific locations in the UK (and their culinary specialties with recipes included), written with great wit and pacing. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series for some “light reading,” and the stories have evoked many smiles and guffaws. Highly recommended if you're looking for something interesting and fun to read, with stories that are very well told.
Lori
All That Is Mine I Carry with Me by William Landay
This good story leaves you wondering until the end. It's written in four different sections, each from the perspective of a different character. Some sections use no punctuation, which can be a bit annoying.
Linda
A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny
Louise Penny's thriller/murder mysteries are a favorite of mine. The 18th in the series, featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, does not disappoint. There are intertwining threads of plots that mesh by the very satisfying ending. The main theme is forgiveness. And that's what I love --- that despite the murder and mayhem, there is always goodness in most of us and hope.
Sheree
The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories by Jessica Harrison, editor
If you are having trouble sleeping, this is the book for you.The short stories are about Christmas, but I did not enjoy them at all. We read it for my book group, and we are supposed to pick out one story we like and talk about it. I am really having trouble doing that. This is not a good Christmas book to read for the holidays.
Rose
The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister
Based on the life of Aimee Crocker, an heiress to a vast fortune, the book details her life from a teen to her death. Crocker was a world traveler and famous for her sexual exploits, experimentation and scandal. She married many times and had affairs with many others. She also imagined a spectre who would advise or warn her of impending events. I was hoping for more from this book, but I was bored reading it.
Laura
From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
Heartbreaking. The audiobook is a short listen narrated by Julia Roberts, Riley Keough and a few bits with Lisa Marie Presley on tape. Lisa Marie loved her dad so, so much and never got over the trauma of his death when she was nine years old. She grew up to be a fierce and protective mother but struggled with drugs and anxiety and being Elvis' daughter. It's a fascinating look at a life that the average person cannot begin to imagine.
Rose
Get Lucky by Katherine Center
After forwarding an inappropriate email to the entire corporate email list, Sarah gets fired. With her tail between her legs, she heads home to Houston to stay with her sister, Mackie, for Thanksgiving. On the plane, she sees her old high school flame, Everett, who she dumped in a nasty way. Now Everett is gorgeous, and Sarah realizes that she made a big mistake. Mackie and her husband, Clive, have been trying for a child but are having trouble. So they give up. Sarah offers to carry the child for them. Everett is coming to Houston to work, and so Sarah and Everett are inevitably thrown together. I typically love Katherine Center's books, but this one was just OK for me.
Rose
The Icing on the Cupcake by Jennifer Ross
Very light reading. Ansley gets dumped by her fiancé, Parish, after he overhears her being mean. She leaves Dallas and moves to NYC to live with her grandmother, Vivian, a woman she has never met. Vivian and Ansley's mother have had a falling out, which Ansley has never understood. As she lives with her grandmother, she tries her hand at baking and decides to open a cupcake shop. Through the process, she is thrust into the dating world in NYC, which is very different from the southern men she knew. She attempts to get over her broken engagement (he is now getting married to her best friend!) and move on with her life. Vivian's past also is revealed to Ansley. A lot of growing up is done.
Elizabeth
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This is my first book by Gabrielle Zevin, and I want to read more. It hit my favorite things --- a bookstore, an irascible bookstore owner, a love interest and a precocious child with a mystery. The characters were well drawn, and the story had humor and pathos. A very enjoyable read!
Martha
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
In this intriguing novel, a father goes missing, and the only family member who knows what happened is Eugene, who has the rare genetic Angelman Syndrome and cannot speak. This surprising story twists and turns. A great read!
Rhonda
Peril in Paris: A Royal Spyness Mystery by Rhys Bowen
Rhys Bowen takes the reader to Paris and into the fashion of Coco Chanel before the start of World War II. A murder at the Chanel fashion show occurs. The cousin of the King of England is a suspect and must clear her name. An engaging, easy read.
Judith
The Beach at Summerly by Beatriz Williams
This book was so good that I immediately wanted to start reading it again. What a fantastic historical novel! I actually felt that I was there at Summerly and never wanted to leave.
Rose
The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina
After the tsunami of March 11, 2011, many lives were lost in Japan. There is a phone booth there that houses the Wind Phone. It is not connected to a network; it is there for people to connect with loved ones they lost. Yui lost her mother and her young daughter. She goes to the Wind Phone but cannot pick it up. She meets Takeshi, a widower, and Hana, an orphaned child. Together the three of them deal with their grief. The Wind Phone is real, and it helps carry conversations into the wind. A beautiful story of loss, grief and love.
Sherry
The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland
This novel about the tragic fire in Richmond, Virginia, in 1811 was very engaging.
Sherry
The Counterfeit Countess: The Jewish Woman Who Rescued Thousands of Poles During the Holocaust by Elizabeth B. White and Joanna Sliwa
The book did not hold my interest, but it was a very interesting read.
Betty
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
This was a book that I had to keep reading until it was finished. Well-constructed and immediate to the very end, it was the first book by Peter Swanson that I've read. He is now on my list to keep aware of.
Janet
The Summer of Christmas by Juliet Giglio and Keith Giglio
A cute story.
Claire
Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto
The book's focus is as much (more probably) on Edie’s relationships as it is on the heist itself. When it comes to Edie’s family --- their sister, her kids, and even Edie’s father who passed away before the story began --- I was invested. Edie has some of that wild younger sibling to Andie’s more settled adulthood, but they’re both adults now and the relationship has shifted to something more mature. Edie wants to be the protective one and someone Andie can rely on, but she struggles with it. I would have liked even more of their relationship and how it was reshaped after Edie’s time in prison.
Debbie
Spare by Prince Harry
SPARE begins well but quickly falls into a complaining story of all the wrongs thrown on poor Harry, the second child of Princess Diana. Harry constantly bemoans the issue that he reigns as the “Spare” and not an important member of the royal family. All attention lands on the shoulders of William. Harry seeks attention by misbehaving everywhere. He marries an unacceptable woman and then moves to the United States to live. Where is his loyalty for friends and family in England? Harry feels that the stress lands too heavily on him. The book pounds home the childishness of Harry and his attempt to boost his income. Not an enjoyable book.
Ruthanne
The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz
The story is told from the perspective of a daughter, mother and grandmother. I have read other books with this type of storyline that were better than this one. But it did hold my interest; it just wasn't great.
Janice
Going There by Katie Couric
Katie Couric tells about her life thus far in this well-written and engaging memoir. Her challenges professionally are thoroughly explored, and her toughness in dealing with so many differing kinds of circumstances shows her flexibility and strength. That strength is even more evident when her young husband is diagnosed with cancer, and throughout his subsequent illness and eventual death. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy memoirs. I won it from Bookreporter.com, and I was very grateful for the opportunity to read it and then share it with others.
Claire
The Ghost of You by Michael Gray Bulla
I love portrayals of messy grief, and that’s what this was all about. Half the book I was internally yelling at Caleb, like, "Can’t you see you’re falling down the same path Jack did?" Caleb is letting his friendships fall apart and purposely pushing away his support. You understand why, and you want them to keep trying for him, but you also understand that he’s doing this on purpose and there’s only so much they can do in that case. There were lots of instances of people not knowing how or not being able to help each other or understand each other exactly right. But collectively Caleb’s people supported him as he figured out how to balance his own needs and problems with what his relationships need to stay afloat.
Angie
Camino Winds by John Grisham
3.5 out of 4 stars. A friend recommended this series, and I just finished the second of three books. This one had so much going on, in a good way. However, it did drag from time to time. I kept going and did enjoy it. I’ll definitely be picking up the third one soon.
Rose
The Viola Factor by Sheridan Brown
Viola Knapp Ruffner is a woman who lived primarily during the 19th century when the United States saw a lot of upheaval. The country was still being settled, and the varying stance of the north vs. south on slavery and the education of Blacks was varied. Viola wanted to be a teacher and do something positive with her life. So she taught, and she made sure that Black children were taught and encouraged to read, write and be educated. One child was brutally maimed because she took interest in him, but the "owner" didn't want his slaves to be educated. Later in life, Viola married Gen. Lewis Ruffner and raised a family. One of the children she mentored in her home was Booker T. Washington. She had a great influence on him.
Michelle
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten
I have always loved Ina Garten, so it was a treat to listen to her narrate her memoir. Just her voice alone has always been so soothing to me. She’s always felt like an everyday person, and hearing her upbringing (though rather limited in the details), it makes you understand why. I loved hearing about all that went into her career and life --- from the Barefoot Contessa store, to her cookbooks, and then to her shows. She has a great success story, and I love that she’s always stayed grounded. I also enjoyed hearing about her relationship with the love of her life, Jeffrey. The only drawback of the book is that it left me drooling for all of her delicious specialty food items and recipes!
Michelle
The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff
I was looking for a break with a lighter book. I thought a love story would be a good distraction. And it did do the trick, although it wasn’t quite a light read after all. Instead it was quite sad at times. There were some exceptionally beautiful, poetic chapters, especially a third of the way through when Amy Neff seemed to hit her stride. I’m not sure the whole book lived up to that level for me, but I’m glad I read it. It was definitely a different read with memorable, real characters.
Debbie
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
I enjoyed reading this book for the most part. It's an interesting mystery that had me guessing up to the end. The basic story is that a woman invites her father, who she has not been in touch with for many years, to her wedding. Once there, he realizes something sinister is going on and won't stop until he finds answers. I found the father at times unlikable and irritating, but I was sympathetic to the situation he was in. I believe I would have done the same with my children! The daughter becomes more unsympathetic the more you learn about her. And I questioned the need for the aunt/sister and her foster child in the storyline. For those who like twists and turns, this is an entertaining novel.
Rose
Convince Me by Nina Sadowsky
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. Annie's husband, Justin Childs, is dead from a tragic car accident. As she and Will, Justin's best friend, try to cope with his sudden death, they begin to uncover details of his life. It seems that Justin carefully crafted a persona of a successful and charming man when the truth was completely different. Justin's mother, Carol, was also devastated about her son's death and wants to protect Annie. Carol lived to make sure that Justin's reputation was safe from any scandal. This novel was interesting and had a lot of potential, but it fell a bit short. The ending seemed rushed to me.
Terry
The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning
This book moved along slowly until the last hundred pages and then ended abruptly.
Betty Jo
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
This chilling read details what could happen in a country when democracy fails. The winner of the 2023 Booker Prize, the book is set in Ireland. I continue to think about this one.
Caitlyn
Curious Toys by Elizabeth Hand
Part crime thriller, whodunit, part character study, CURIOUS TOYS is a fascinating read for anyone interested in Chicago history or outsider art. This story follows a child living and working at an amusement park in the early 1900s. What I loved about this book is the variety of characters we meet and how we explore themes of gender, sexuality and child psychology while getting a glimpse of what life may have been like in that setting. The only drawback was that it took me a while to be drawn into the story, but overall my reading experience was enjoyable.
Francisca
The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott
Lara Prescott’s debut is a literary espionage novel told from the perspectives of three different women and revolving around the publication of Boris Pasternak’s DOCTOR ZHIVAGO. Although I have gotten tired of the multiple-narrators device, I have to admit that Prescott did a good job of it in this novel of intrigue and manipulation. Sally and Irina, in particular, each had information that the other lacked, and their push/pull relationship had to be affected by this.
Beth
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
I am always in awe of Stephen King's imagination. Once again, with FAIRY TALE, he comes up with more and more way-out circumstances for his main character, Charlie, to endure and enjoy. Charlie is a 17-year-old who befriends an old man and finds on that man's property an opening to another land where everything is a fairy tale. He visits this other land after he learns of a sundial there that will make his old dog younger. But the intended quick visit with his dog turns out to last much longer. Yes, the dog turns into a four-year-old again, but Charlie lives in one fairy tale after another and, as a result, matures. No, he does not get older, but he does get wiser. FAIRY TALE is another fine example of King's imagination at work.
Donna
The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi by Wright Thompson
“Let the people see what they did to my boy.” (Mamie Till-Mobley). For nonfiction November, I read this powerful book. It's not only the heartbreaking story of the murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till, but how the standard account has been incorrect and misleading for years. Well-researched, this is the story of what really happened on August 28, 1955. Just thinking about it shatters my heart and brings tears to my eyes. A deeply moving, important read.
Claire
Girl Haven by Lilah Sturges, Meaghan Carter and Joamette Gil
The storyline is a pleasant mix of wish fulfillment and self-discovery, and the world of Koretris matches that tone well with its childishly strange and fun elements. But the characters were barely characters --- Chloe is grumpy and a little mean, Junebug is quirky, Eleanor is…nice, and Ash is uncertain about herself. They stayed one-note, and Ash’s friends faded to the background. I don’t know about making the only Black, most butch character defined solely by being aggressive and combative in a distinctly unjustified way to serve the purpose of making Ash uncomfortable. Junebug, a nonbinary character, is also pulled into the girls-only world by the girls-only spell. If this is affirming for Ash, what is it for them?
Susan
What I Ate in One Year: (and related thoughts) by Stanley Tucci’
I was disappointed with this one after devouring and loving Stanley Tucci’s previous memoir, TASTE. There was a little too much whining for my liking.
Cindy
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
This historical novel has all the feels. One experiences positive and negative emotions as the story unfolds. We care about the woman involved in the WPA library program in rural Kentucky. The lives they enrich with the library program and the personal lives of the librarians are complex, and we care what happens to them. I didn’t know about this program that existed during the Depression. Jojo writes in a way that I couldn’t wait for what would happen next. I highly recommend this book.
Tessa
The Unbearable Lightness of Scones: A 44 Scotland Street Novel by Alexander McCall Smith
This is book #5 in the 44 Scotland Street series, which features the residents of a particular apartment building in Edinburgh, as well as a few of their neighbors. I really enjoy reading these books. It’s like visiting with old friends. The story bounces around from character to character, so the reader gets a glimpse of Bertie, then Domenica, then Matthew, etc. It’s the same way we frequently experience our friendships. You don’t learn someone’s entire life story in one sitting; you get snippets here and there before you truly feel like you know him or her.
Claire
Deadstream by Mar Romasco-Moore
This was quite a snappy, fast-paced book, interspersing the narration with text messages and chat logs. It kept the tension high throughout the beginning and middle. The way the internet and the videos allowed the ghost to operate in an altered reality that let it invade and violate any space (or any person) with a connection destroyed any sense of safety. That worked especially well with the main character, whose fear had already cut her off and locked her away. Her safe space became her trap; her escape mechanism left her powerless to do anything but to watch.
Sharon
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
It was well worth the time to read (it's a long book) as Jodi Picoult explores the difficulty of being a modern female playwright, as well as a woman of exceptional talent during the time of Shakespeare. She brings to life Emilia Bassano, who was immeasurably talented and whose life as a female in that time was anything but easy.
Sandy
The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich
It took me a little while to get into this one, but once I was in, I could not stop. I recommend this book to everyone.
