This contest period's winners were Becky K. from Billings, MT; Elise H. from Vernon Hills, IL; and Sally B. from Hollister, CA. Each received a copy of GOOD DIRT by Charmaine Wilkerson and MORE OR LESS MADDY by Lisa Genova.
Christina
Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown
This was an enjoyable book to read about two sisters who attended Princeton a decade apart. The book was well written and kept my interest. The story was entertaining.
Christina
The Author’s Guide to Murder by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White
I found this book difficult to ge through. The story did not get interesting until there sting until almost halfway through the novel. The ending was pretty unbelievable and left with a negative impression of this book. I thought the novel could have been pared down by 100 pages.
Donna
After the Ocean by Lauren E. Rico
How often do you read a mystery which brings out all the emotions? That was the case for me with AFTER THE OCEAN by Lauren E. Rico. This was a beautifully-written tale about family, secrets, and forgiveness. Emilia grew into such a strong woman. With well fleshed out characters and dialogue that was spot-on, this was an enjoyable read.
Ruthanne
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Good story. Kept me interested and guessing until the end. The plot deals with a woman whose husband is presumed dead in an accident. Years later she falls in love and is engaged to marry another. Her heart and mind struggles are the essence of the story.
Simonne
4 Blondes by Candace Bushnell
Unlikeable book with four short stories featuring pretty, but very shallow women. Instead of rooting for the protagonist, I was rooting for the ending.
Debra
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
This historical fiction novel opens with the gruesome discovery of a body in the frozen river - and it grabbed my attention from the very beginning! This novel is actually inspired by the real-life 18th century midwife Martha Ballard. She kept a diary and record of events in her rural Maine community. This story spans 6 months as Martha investigates what happened to this dead man in addition to other crimes committed in this community. Great book club selection as it incorporates many themes to discuss: gender roles & inequality, law & justice, marriage, motherhood, & aging. This one will stick with me for a long time!
Sheri
Finding Margaret Fuller by Allison Pataki
Margaret Fuller was the first female foreign war correspondent. She was a friend and colleague of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and many other writers and transcendentalists of her day. She led a fascinating life as a feminist and writer. This is her story.
Karan
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Lots of women in this book - some needed more character development. Set in 1950s - enjoyed reading about this time in American history.
Jane
Considering Us by Jenn Bouchard
This is the second book I've read by her and I was hoping to love it as much as her first book. She has a knack for writing about food in a different way in this book than her first of course (I just made a pun since that was her first book's title, which is FIRST COURSE.) As a private chef, Devon's life blew up when she was caught having an affair with her client's husband (15 years older than her) in Boston. She has one client left, David, who's a Boston Celtic player, who she still cooks for after she leaves Boston. He's sort of shy, but not with her and occasionally she travels to him at his away games. A lot going on in this book and it was a great book.
Pam
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Moving and suspenseful with great characters!
Jeanne
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Another piece of American history long swept under the rug. Ms. Hannah does an excellent job bringing the forgotten women of the Vietnam War to life and showing the contributions women veterans of the Vietnam War made to the welfare of the men fighting in the jungles of Vietnam.
Angie
The Clinic by Cate Quinn
A good twist at the end, I saw only part of it coming. However, the book was only so-so. For me to like a book the characters have to be relatable to me, or likeable. These characters weren't.
MARGUERITE
Once Upon a Time by Elizabeth Beller
Very good book about Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Michelle
From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley
I highly recommend listening to the audio so that you can hear the clips from Lisa Marie Presley herself. Ultimately, I found it to be extremely interesting but sad. The death of Elvis impacted his daughter so significantly that she really was never the same. Add to that addiction, which she was probably predisposed to through genetics, and you can see why Presley’s life took the path it did. The last half I found to be very moving, knowing what was to come with her son‘s death and for herself. If only we all had a crystal ball to know the future. I also respected how much she really wanted to help people. I truly hope this book helps others.
Michelle
Elvis and Me by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley
Priscilla wrote this as a love story in many ways, from the time just before meeting Elvis when she was only 14, until just after his death after they divorced. She did a great job in bringing Elvis to life, depicting him as more than just an idol but as a human in a meaningful way. It felt honest and real. What most interested me was the transition she experienced, from an in-love teenager, who lived only to make Elvis happy, to a married woman and mother, who eventually learned her own individuality and self-worth.
Mindy
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
I listened on audio and it was so delightful. I have ordered a paperback so I can highlight some of his wise recollections. Simple setting in a simpler time.
Nancy
Karolina’s Twins by Ronald H. Balson
Loved this book.
Jessica
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Although it seems like this series will have a predictable outcome, it was still engaging. I also like the idea of faeries going from their world to the human world. I haven't read this type of fantasy before.
Rebecca
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
This is another compelling story by this author.
Nancy
The Note by Alafair Burke
Based on reviews, I thought I was going to love this book. Three long-time friends who haven't seen each other for ages re-unite for a trip to New York's Hamptons. Yes, there's romance and murder and lots of twists that keep you guessing, but I was offset from the get-go. I know The Hamptons, and, while it's usual practice to take liberties with the details, so much was incorrect that it turned me off. Silly reasoning, I know, but so be it.
Wanda
Midwives by Chris Bohjalian
Wonderfully-written historical fiction! Such a great story with many thrilling turns, changing the whole storyline. Couldn’t put it down, great read.
Pamela
The Note by Alafair Burke
This novel is absolutely amazing. What an excellent read with an ending I did not see coming.
Michele
It's All Relative by Rachel Magee
Great book! A rom-com but even better! When your mom is marrying into the perfect family, you bring your bestie for reinforcements. But your bestie has a secret and when the wedding happens who is with who?
Linda
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Wow! What a powerful story about the women who served as nurses in the Vietnam War. It is rare that a book makes me cry, but I finished this one with tears streaming down my face. Through nurse Frankie McGrath, Kristin Hannah brings to life the heart-wrenching story of serving on the front line and the struggles endured upon returning home. So many of the services we have in place today are thanks to the bravery of these men and women. It’s only January and I have most likely read the best book of the year. Ten stars if I could!
Sandra
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman
Very good writing and the story of the Knights of the Round Table is fascinating. Love Sir Collum.
Chris
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
A mystery unveiled through dual timelines and multiple viewpoints. Lots of twists.
Diana
After the Fire by Lauren Belfer
This story was different in that it spans almost 300 years and has characters from three different historical eras. Johann Sebastian Bach’s written an Anti Semitic cantata in the 1700s which is given, by his son, to a Jewish family that protects it by keeping it from sight. During WWII an American GI steals it and brings it to the U.S. When he dies, his niece becomes guardian of the manuscript and struggles with what to do with it.
Jana
More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova
Loved this book, although it is hard to read because my daughter was just diagnosed with bipolar. Lisa takes us through every step and makes us all want to root for Maddy.
Shelley
The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan
This is the story of three young women involved in saving their library by bringing it to the underground tube tunnels. The characters were believable and courageous in the midst of the WWII bombing of London. I had not realized how so much of life had to go on underground for survival.
Gerry
The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene
This novel opens with two young women podcasters describing their new series, covering the recently reopened investigation into the disappearance of four female college students some twenty-four years earlier. A major character in the novel is the younger sister of one of those students, who was only six years old when her sister disappeared inexplicably after returning home for the little sister's birthday party. The narration moves back and forth in time, recreating events at the college around the time the girls disappeared and then moving into the present-day investigation. The end caught me completely by surprise, but made sense for the characters we readers came to know over the course of the story. Well done!
Gerry
Floreana by Midge Raymond
This is a dual timeline novel set in the Galapagos Islands. The earlier timeline occurs in 1929, when Dore Strauch left her marriage and her life in the UK to travel with her physician lover to Floreana to experience his idyllic version of the "natural" life. Dore and other characters in this part of the novel did exist, and many of the events described (including at least one murder) actually occurred, though the author did take novelistic liberties in imagining conversations and scenes that cannot be verified. The more recent timeline brings together two researchers working to restore penguin habitats and eliminate non-native predators originally brought to the island as pets. I enjoyed learning about the penguins and their habitats.
Gerry
The Map of Salt and Stars by Zeyn Joukhadar
3-1/2 stars, rounded up, for this dual timeline historical fiction following two young girls - a modern-day Syrian refugee seeking safety and a medieval adventurer apprenticed to a legendary mapmaker, 800 years apart, as they travel from Syria across the Middle East and Northern Africa to Spain. At times I found the audiobook confusing, and wished I'd chosen a print edition that would include maps, or at least printed names of locations, so I could better trace their route. But it turns out there is only one large map inside the cover of the print edition, so I wasn't really missing much.
Gerry
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
BEAUTIFUL UGLY features a male novelist and his journalist wife. As the book opens, Grady Green is waiting at home for a call he hopes will bring the news that his latest book has made it to the NYT Best Seller list. When his wife calls from her car to tell him she's on her way, he hears the screech of brakes, and moments later, silence. Abby has disappeared. One year later, Grady's still struggling to put his life and his career back together. There's been no news about his wife, and he's been unable to resume his writing. His agent steps in with an offer: he can live in a cottage she owns on a small Scottish island, and have the peace and quiet he needs to write. But once he arrives, strange occurrences leave him fearing for his life.
Jane
Blue Ridge Mountain Escape by Loretta Eidson
Haley Gordon wants to escape her troubles. So she decides to take a vacation her friend cancelled. She doesn't get what she hopes for. She ends up fighting for her life. Prison escapees end up at her cabin in night. Firefighter Kendall Simpson ends up at door to tell them to evacuate due to forest on fire. Haley was knocked out tied to a chair. Kendall rescues her. Escapees ran off into forest. The forest fire seems to follow Haley and Kendall. Danger abounds no matter what. Wild animals and more dangers await. You can learn a lot about surviving forest fire. Escapees show up causing more danger. God's protection and guidance there. It is a run-for-your-life suspense book. This is first book I've read by Loretta but won't be last.
Gerry
The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
This historical novel is based on true events in the lives of five female mystery writers. Snubbed by male members of a writers' group that one of them had actually helped to form, the women band together to prove their value and ability by solving an actual murder. A young Englishwoman, on a holiday with her friend and fellow nurse in France, mysteriously disappears without a trace. When authorities seem to have little interest in solving the case, and journalists muddy the waters by printing salacious and unfounded gossip about the missing woman, these "Queens of Crime" use the same detective skills as the protagonists in their novels in their attempt to obtain justice for the young woman.
Gerry
Ours Was the Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream by David Leonhardt
Leonhardt presented a combination of economic and social history of the past century, from the Great Depression to today's Great Stagnation, with numerous examples from the lives of Americans who acted as trailblazers for many social movements and those who have no claim to fame but represent more typical American citizens. Of particular interest to me, in addition to the interesting history of American politics, economics, and cultural changes over the past century, was his analysis of immigration policies and their impact on our society -- which was not always as I'd understood it to be, or even as policy-writers intended. Leonhardt's writing is based on thorough and well-documented research and could provide a blueprint for action.
Gerry
The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian
Bohjalian created a complex story with interesting twists, compelling characters, and a gripping plot that kept me reading eagerly for more. The novel opens with a prologue recalling the assault on Laurel, then a college sophomore, while she rode her bike on a back road in Vermont. From there, the story jumps ahead several years, after Laurel has graduated from college and grad school, and has begun work as a social worker at a homeless shelter. One of her favorite clients, an elderly formerly homeless man now housed in an apartment subsidized and managed by the shelter, has died and left behind a trove of photographs and negatives that spark some vague recognition in Laurel, and send her on a search to learn more about this man's past.
Jayme
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
All the tropes are here - locked room mystery, enemies to friend romance, snowed in country estate - in this fun holiday book. Grab a hot chocolate, cozy up, and see if you can figure out whodunnit.
Gerry
Where They Last Saw Her by Marcie R. Rendon
Set in an area of northern Minnesota with a large population of Native people, this novel centers on the disappearance of several young women and girls that may be connected to a nearby camp of men working on a gas pipeline. When authorities seem uninterested in solving the mystery of the disappearances, a young woman persuades a couple friends to help her locate them, or at least retrieve their bodies. In her quest to find justice for the women of the reservation, she is confronted with the hard truths of their home and the people who purport to serve them. As Quill puts herself and everything she’s built on the line to make a difference, the novel probes questions about bystander culture, and the long-lasting trauma of being invisible.
Sally
The Rooster Bar by John Grisham
I always seem to enjoy a John Grisham and think I need to read more. This was one book I must have missed. Found it in a charity shop when I was over in England and bought it as it was a paperback, easy for travel. Loved it, amazed at what can be accomplished if you can keep a poker face and have the nerve. Lots of suspense, you just don't know what their next move may be. A very enjoyable getaway in more ways than one.
Gerry
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
Another fascinating story set in an iconic Manhattan location, the Frick Art Reference Library and the Frick Collection, formerly the home of Henry Clay Frick and his family. Moving back and forth between two timelines, the book tells the story of Frick family in the 1920s and of a young British woman whose exploration in the museum in the mid-1960s helped solved several mysteries about the family. I appreciate Davis' emphasis in her novels not only on historic locations but also on the accomplishments of women in those locations, women who were typically underestimated and unappreciated in their own times.
Gerry
Where the Line Bleeds by Jesmyn Ward
This is Jesmyn Ward's debut novel, focused on twin brothers coming of age in Louisiana in a Black community plagued by limited opportunities and the prevalence of drugs. Joshua and Christophe are graduating from high school as the novel opens, torn between pride at what they have accomplished and anxiety about what will come next. While Joshua succeeds in finding a job on the docks, Christophe struggles both with motivation and opportunities, and eventually turns to dealing drugs. A rift opens between the two, and their relationship is further complicated by the separate returns of both their parents to the community, bringing painful memories, ambivalent feelings, and additional stresses.
Gerry
War by Bob Woodward
This was a long read that taught me there was a LOT more going on during Biden's presidency than I was aware of at the time. From Ukraine to Israel to the broader Middle East, Biden and his staff were dealing with foreign affairs challenges on a daily basis, and generally speaking, handling them successfully - defined as containing the crises and keeping the U.S. out of war.
The enormous contrast between Biden the stumbling public speaker and Biden the foreign policy expert is striking in Woodward's descriptions. While I won't be around to read history's take on Biden decades into the future, I'm fairly confident his will be seen as a successful administration both domestically and abroad.
Gerry
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
Laila Lalami has created a very realistic future society, where an effort to reduce crime has led to massive surveillance, including not only observable behaviors but also dreams, which are then interpreted according to a mysterious algorithm to determine who is likely to commit a crime in the future. Punishment for crimes has been replaced by crime prevention, and retention facilities are touted as a means of keeping society safe from crimes. Highly recommended for those who enjoy tense, well-plotted mysteries and dystopian fiction.
Gerry
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie
3-1/2 stars. This sad family story set in Nigeria is narrated in the first person by Kambili Achike, the young girl who struggles to find her voice as the daughter of a wealthy, devout Catholic businessman, Eugene, who violently abuses his family. It didn't take me long to loathe Eugene, who prides himself on his devotion to his God and his generosity to his church and his fellow Catholics, and repeatedly excuses his cruel treatment of his wife and children as "for their own good". It's only when he finally allows his children to visit his widowed sister and her children that Kambili and her brother Jaja begin to see that a different kind of life could be available to them if only they could escape the strictures the father places on them.
Mary Jo
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Having read and enjoyed his COLOR OF WATER and THE GOOD LORD BIRD, I looked forward to reading this title with one of my favorite book groups. We all loved it. Loved learning about all the different characters and the roles they all played in their own communities. So many good people, working to help each other in their daily lives, and especially to help out a young man get out of a horrible situation. Community was really the theme.
Gerry
Awake in the Floating CIty by Susanna Kwan
4-1/2 stars, rounded up. This book turned out to be different than I expected, but in a good way. It's still a dystopian novel, set in a future San Francisco at a time when constant rains have created massive floods, forcing residents who haven't fled the city to live on upper floors of high rise buildings, traveling from one building to the next via shaky rooftop bridges. But the primary focus of the novel is the relationships among the characters. Included in the narrative are vivid descriptions of the changes to the environment wrought by constant rain, as well as descriptions of a major art project on which Bo is working. Kwan's writing is both straightforward and lyrical, and her characters and their environs come vividly to life.
Gerry
The Stars Turned Inside Out by Nova Jacobs
An interesting mystery set in a quantum physics laboratory on the Swiss-French border. A maintenance man discovers a dead body in the CERN Large Hadron Collider (particle accelerator) in a tunnel beneath the lab. Was the death accidental, or suicide, or murder? The LHC was supposed to be down for maintenance, but the body shows clear signs of radiation poisoning, suggesting that it had somehow been turned on. I learned a little bit about quantum physics and some of the conflicting theories being explored, but can't say I really understood that aspect of the story. I did not guess the outcome of the investigation and enjoyed the story.
Gerry
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston
Alone and impoverished at 82 years of age, Frederick Fife has been told by his landlord that he must vacate his apartment, having been unable to pay his rent for some time. As he wanders through a park trying to figure out his next steps, his life is changed by a bizarre accident, and suddenly he finds himself living in a nursing home where he slowly begins to find opportunities to share the goodness inside him and to help others. This is a heart-warming story of love lost and found, of betrayal and forgiveness, and of individuals who have been wounded by life finding new ways to care and be cared for.
Gerry
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
3-1/2 stars. Co-authors Sepetys and Sheinkin have written an engaging historical novel for middle grade children centered on the code-breaking work done during WWII by the mathematicians, engineers, scientists, and others at Bletchley Park in England, work that is believed by many historians to have significantly shortened the war in Europe, and certainly to have thwarted the efforts of the German military forces to invade Britain. The main characters are 17-year-old Jacob, who is working at Bletchley Park, and his 14-year-old sister Lizzie who manages to evade several attempts by her grandmother to transport her to America in order to remain in England and try to solve the mystery of her mother's disappearance some months earlier
MH
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
Not really as dynamic as THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, the story involves an artist who bought an island that is connected to the mainland only when the tides are out. Her works are left to a museum after her death, but some of the pieces are missing as well as her papers. The museum sends an expert to try to deal with her executor.
Gerry
The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer
Fantasy and romance are typically genres I avoid, but this novel was realistic enough to hold my interest throughout. It also includes a sprinkling of historical fiction, as it moves back and forth in time from the days of the witch hunts in Salem, MA to modern-day London where the main characters live in the present day. The three English sisters describe themselves as healers but are accused of witchcraft and were tortured and hanged in the 17th century, when the community of Salem was in the throes of witch hunts. This is an engaging dual timeline novel that will probably appeal to those who enjoy low fantasy, witchy tales, and historical fiction. 3-1/2 stars.
Gerry
Madhouse at the End of the Earth: The Belgica's Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night by Julian Sancton
Fascinating, and sometimes terrifying, account of the voyage of the Belgian ship Belgica, which set off for Antarctica on August 16, 1897 under the command of Adrien Victor Joseph de Gerlache de Gomery, and with a multinational crew that included Roald Amundsen from Norway, Emil Racoviță from Romania, and Henryk Arctowski from Poland. They were joined in Rio de Janiero by Frederick Cook, an American whose creative improvisation greatly increased their ability to survive after the ship became trapped in pack ice, forcing the crew to remain in Antarctica through the dark polar winter, plagued by illnesses, both mental and physical. The voyage, which lasted more than two years, returned to Antwerp with a trove of scientific and anecdotal data.
Elise
Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams
The cover makes this look deceptively like a beach read. The story does contain a great romance, but it also has a meaty look at the incredible challenges faced by another character. This is a great book to sink your teeth into.
Gerry
The Magnificent Ruins by Nayantara Roy
Lila De is a young Indian-American woman living in Brooklyn and working as an editor for a small publishing company that's just been taken over by a large conglomerate. Just after she's offered a big promotion in the company, she gets word that her grandfather has died and left the huge family home to her. Taking a leave from work to return to India for his funeral and the legal steps related to her inheritance also means reconnecting with her large, complicated family, and especially with her mother with whom she's had a fraught relationship most of her life. Roy writes beautifully, and created characters that leap from the pages fully formed, with compelling personalities as well as secrets in their pasts. 4-1/2 stars.
Gerry
A Treacherous Paradise by Henning Mankell
Unlike most of Mankell's books, this is not a mystery novel but a story based on the very limited facts gleaned from tax documents in Mozambique. In the early twentieth century, a Swedish woman was the owner of a prosperous brothel in what was then known as Portuguese East Africa. How she came to Africa, how she acquired the brothel, and where she went after disappearing from the tax records are unknown, but around the few facts available, Mankell developed an engaging tale of a resilient woman making a life for herself in a country "where colonialism and white colonists rule, where she is isolated within white society by her profession and her gender, and, among the bordello’s black prostitutes, by her color."
Gerry
Half Life by Jillian Cantor
A fascinating historical fiction account of the life of Marie Curie, the early twentieth century scientist who discovered radium and polonium, won two Nobel Prizes, and laid the groundwork for using radiation in medicine, particularly cancer treatment. Cantor very cleverly narrated the story of Curie's life in a dual timeline: one in which she left Poland to study at the Sorbonne and pursue her career in science, and the other in which she remained in Poland, married the young man with whom she had fallen in love there, and gave up the career of her dreams. Only one of these stories actually occurred, but Cantor wove the two possibilities together in an intriguing narrative that included nearly all of the same characters in each timeline.
Gerry
Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang
Perhaps I've just read too many stories of immigrants coming to America with high hopes, only to have those hopes dashed once they arrive, but for whatever reason, this memoir just didn't resonate with me. The Wangs entered legally on time-limited visitor's visas, but then remain long after the visitation period has expired. Arriving with her mother when she was only seven years old, Qian certainly can't be blamed for her "illegal" status; that falls on her parents, whose decisions forced her to lie and hide throughout her childhood, always fearful, as were they, of being arrested and deported. Her memoir focuses mostly on her life up to age 12, and then glosses quickly over the remaining years, leaving me disappointed.
Gerry
Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler
Though it leans a bit more to sentimentality than I usually enjoy, I did find myself appreciating this novel that features 89-year-old Isabelle revealing secrets from her past as she travels from her home in East Texas to Cincinnati, Ohio, driven by the young hairdresser who has become her closest confidant over the years of their acquaintance. Hairdresser Dorrie, a single mother, is struggling with issues of her own, but agrees to drive Isabelle, recognizing the importance this trip holds for the elderly woman, and grateful for a chance to escape the drama of her own life for a short time. Isabelle’s reminiscences explore the fraught relationships in her own family and community, where class and color lines were strictly drawn.
Gerry
What We Kept to Ourselves by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
Not a typical mystery (though that’s how I initially shelved it), WHAT WE KEPT TO OURSELVES is a touching character study centered on a Korean immigrant couple in California. His wife Sunny has been missing for a year when John Lee discovers a body in his yard, a dead Black man, and beside him, an envelope addressed to Sunny Lee. As the investigation into the man’s death proceeds, John chooses to hide the letter from the police, and later to destroy it, but this act is witnessed by his young adult daughter who retrieves the letter and pieces it together in an effort to understand what might have been going on with her father. Well written, with interesting characters, all flawed, but doing the best they can.
Anne
Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom
Excellent book about the impact of the White man on the Native American people.
Joan
Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Both Jack, a chef who works in Queen Elizabeth's kitchen and Olive, a reporter for the BBC, renew their relationship during the Queen's trip to New Zealand.
Margie
Class Clown by Dave Barry
Anyone who enjoys prolific columnist and author Dave Barry's sense of humor, as I do, can't help loving his first memoir.(at age 77). I resonated with his tales of the sixties and seventies,along with stories about his education, family, and all phases of his long career, sprinkled with entertaining excerpts from his newspaper columns.There are some serious stories, but most of the book is written with his dry (and often outrageous) humor. A winner!
Lisa
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel by Alexander McCall Smith
This is the latest in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. It's #25 and I don't know how the author comes up with so many ideas. I sure am glad that he does. I have found that the last few books in the series have gotten better and better. The Mmas. Ramotswe and Makutsi find themselves trying to discover who was sabotaging the reputation of The Great Hippopotamus Hotel. Filled with the usual charming characters, I felt like I was spending time with old friends. This quick read is the perfect book for a cold winter's day. Loved it!
Sheree
Vacuuming in the Nude: and other stories to get attention by Peggy Rowe
It was supposed to be a laugh-out-loud book but it wasn't quite like that. It was in places humorous, but I didn't do any laughing out loud. It was more about her life and how she was finally able to be accepted by a publisher. She is Mike Rowe's mother from Dirty Jobs.
Sally-Jo
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
Interesting story about a child who survives a plane crash in which he loses his family. Ann's story makes you wonder about how we cope with hardship.
Jill
Family Family by Laurie Frankel
This is a moving book about adoption and found family. India Allwood, an actor, stars in a movie about adoption, then publicly declares that adoption is not necessarily a bad thing, but can be a good thing for all involved since she has two adopted children and previously given birth to two others that she gave up. This statement incurs the wrath of the studio and the movie producers since they think the statement reflects negatively on the movie. The kerfuffle spurs her daughter to find the other two children. This leads to a great story about family dynamics. I didn't give it 5 stars because I didn't like how overwrought India was as a character, but she was an actor so the depiction of her might have been realistic in the end.
Ina
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel about the unbreakable bonds of sisters that share so much, yet are separated by the different ways they cope with the trauma in their childhood and their grief.
Richard N B
Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci
This is a memoir of Tucci’s life, told through his relationship with food. At times irreverent, even downright profane, Tucci does not hold back in expressing his love of certain dishes, restaurants and traditions. His writing is warm, inviting, informative, funny, and charming. As somewhat of a foodie myself (I'll eat anything that isn't moving too fast), I really enjoyed this.
Pam
The Bordeaux Book Club by Gillian Harvey
Expats in France start a book club. Story and characters not well developed. Book was chosen for my book club and none of the other members thought it was a worthwhile read.
Beverlee
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
Great book club book - fantastic conversations. Book was so well written. Slow burn in some parts, but lots to think about and a lot to discuss.
Sandra
How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard
This is a wonderful book about life - everyday life - and with a interesting family. A close family until tragedy strikes with their four-year-old son almost drowning. His brain is damaged and he grows up just a little slow, but with extraordinary insights. He sees the world differently and with more compassion. They live on a farm in New Hampshire but the father wants a divorce to live with the babysitter so the wife moves to the city. Life changes a lot for them, but this is their story and a very good story it is. Be sure to check this one out!
Melanie
Eden Undone by Abbott Kahler
This book is a nonfiction gem! A mystery to this this day about some of the inhabitants of the Galápagos Islands - a community called Floreana. Fascinating story with fabulous writing!
Debbie
Goat Song by Brad Kessler
A very peaceful novel of living in the pastures of our land. Grateful for us who have grown up in cities that tower over us, we lose individualism among the masses.
Saundra
Accidentally in Bloom by Elise Kennedy
Loved it, small town, grumpy, spicy.
Kathy
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Enjoyable read of relationships of people and aquatic creatures.
Joan
Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson
Very sad story. The book gives too much detail.
Laura
All Fours by Miranda July
The story of a 45-year-old woman who goes of off the rails when she hits peri-menopause. Rather than driving cross country from LA to NYC, she stops less than 30 minutes from her home and camps out for 3 weeks. Be warned the book is raunchy, but it is also funny, sad and insane. The craziness of the main character is what kept me reading to the end.
Betty
Gravely Concerned by Rhys Dylan
This is Book 5 in his Evan Warlow series. I'm reading them in order. I loved this book (as well as the first four books). They have a great characters and a wonderful sense of place. I also like the way the relationships of the characters grow from book to book and within each book. I highly recommend this book and the series.
Betty Jo
The Stone Home by Kristen Hana Kim
South Korean history. I did not know about was the setting for this novel. The Syine Home housed men women and children picked up off the streets in the 1980s and sent them to concentration camps. It is a hard history to read about and one that is just being told.
Jean
The Third Angel by Alice Hoffman
The book is written in three sections, each focusing on a different woman and her difficult love life. They go back in time and there is some linkage between the sections. I prefer books that move forward in time. Had I realized this book was written the opposite way, I would either have started with the third section or passed on reading it at all.
Sally
Quoth the Raven by Jane Haddam
This is an old title I read for my mystery book club. Although I love Poe, the writing in this book just did not move me along. Very forgettable.
Michelle
What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange
Family drama at its best! I have loved all her books but this may be my favorite. I adored all these characters! Such an emotional read, with highs and lows, and just an amazing immersive experience! I will read everything she writes.
Anne
The Women by Kristin Hannah
First time reading this author and I really enjoyed the book. I read it in one and a half sittings.
Mary
Solito by Javier Zamora
My first book of the year. Adventure that takes Javier from El Salvador to his parents in California. Read the book determined to discover if this 9-year-old boy survives his journey.
Christina
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore
A cute romance novel set in a small northeast town in the fall. Pretty predictable but overall a pleasant, quick read.
Marne
All the Water In The World by Eiren Caffall
This brilliantly-written, post-apocalyptic literary thriller was as heart-pounding as it was heart-wrenching. It highlighted the unbreakable bonds of a family - both those we’re born into and those we find along the way. The audiobook performance is exceptional. Eunice Wong perfectly captures the nuance of each character and adds a haunting quality to Nonie’s old soul in a young body.
Debbie
A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape From Christian Patriarchy by Tia Levings
Excellent about the life of a wife and mother indoctrinated with Christian values and principles. She marries a Christian fundamentalist and her life is now nothing but pain and abuse. Great writing. Sad and unforgettable.
Tessa
Second Chance Grill by Christine Nolfi
The plot is both typical and unrealistic (think Hallmark movie), but it fit a couple of challenges. Perfect light romance to fill the time when I was laid low by a virus. Glad to get this one off the TBR pile.
LisaMarie
In the Shadow of the Greenbrier by Emily Matchar
The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia holds so much history from presidents to film stars. This book is about four generations of the Zelner family and the secrets they hold. It quickly drew me in to this Jewish family and all the struggles and secrets that were kept. I truly enjoyed and recommend if looking for an escape read. Also, if you ever visited the great Greenbrier, it is things you may have not known. It is a beautiful resort.
Linda
The Medicine Woman of Galveston by Amanda Skenandore
A fascinating story of a woman doctor in the early 1900s who overcomes prejudice and personal demons to become the woman she was meant to be.
Janet
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
Loved the suspense and twists in the story.
Marcia
Variation by Rebecca Yarros
The book delves into the life of a principal ballerina and how she struggles to find balance between love, fun, the pressures of the dance world, and a mother who never gives a compliment.
Valerie
The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang
It's only January and I already know this book will be in my top 10 for 2025. The characters draw you in and make you care for them and feel all their emotions and struggles. Jane Yang has written a beautiful book of the complexities of female relationships, between mistress and slave, and later competing equals. It's been several days since I've finished this book and the characters are still with me.
Marisa
The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen
Great historical mystery and great characters.
Elizabeth
Happy Place by Emily Henry
This is the first book I picked up in a Little Free Library. I had heard vaguely about this author and the book was in good condition. Plus, given current events, a little escapist reading in a "Happy Place" sounded ideal. But I quickly learned this was a romance novel. I have read some romance novels that have substance to them or humor that I have enjoyed. But this story quickly grew tedious - the tension appeared to be why Harriet and Wyn broke up but the build-up was not worth the reveal. And Harriet's self realization at the end seemed sudden and forced. Not a fan.
Debbie
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
THE BRIAR CLUB follows the adventures and disappointments of inhabitants of a woman’s housing building in Washington, DC, in the 1950s. The chapters drone on and on, and take away from the story. The women all work at various jobs during that terrible time of Senator Joe McCarthy and the “Red Scare”. Each lady has a story and a secret, and by Thanksgiving 1954, the die has been cast. That fateful day finds two dead men! Who has committed the murder and why? The lengthy chapters include a recipe based on many nationalities. I would love to see a small book containing the recipes. Grace centers in every story as she draws each lady into her confessional. Each story details a problem of the 1950s: wife beating, child abandonment, etc.
Gail
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
Two young women navigate the subtle racial and social divisions of the 1950-60 Washington DC. Ruby, a high school student, has aspirations to attend college to become an optometrist. Eleanor, a dark skinned Black also has ambitions to complete a college degree. Both young women discover the subtle divisions of racism and that love comes with pain and limitations.
Denise
Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch
A wrongfully convicted woman finds herself in the legal system with all the time in the world to think back to the happiest times of her life. Thus unfolds a whimsical and imaginative journey presented from two POV. Penny an innocent woman trying to convince the justice system she is innocent and Pony her beloved pony from childhood on a cross country quest to find his human/Penny. Pony’s narrative is from his feisty, sarcastic perspective on humans, their world, mistreatment of animals, + their thinking of them as disposable once they are no longer useful. There are serious points made in the book but also humor, adventure, + mystery throughout the novel. It’s an imaginative look at the unfairness's in life. Ultimately it’s about bonding.
Sean
Hidden Prey by John Sandford
Sandford is back with another hard hitting police procedural starring Lucas Davenport. The beauty of this series is the dialogue. People talk like people. Here, the case has a strange connection to Russian spies and it doesn't get corny. The book does a great job of showing police work, both good and bad. With that comes some less than stellar outcomes. The book isn't shiny and happy. Its real and street level. The ending was satisfying and I appreciated how it worked out for those involved that weren't guilty. The Russian angle could have been explained better but that's my only quibble. Overall, an extremely solid crime novel.
Patty
The Many Lives of Mama Love by Laura Love Hardin
A compelling read about an amazing woman, addiction, and the penal system…and more. Tough subject matter but a great read.
Patty
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
A fun read about a very accomplished and amazing woman. There were many things I did not know that Ina Garten has achieved in her life. Heartwarming to read about the beautiful love story between her and Jeffrey. The recipes and entertaining tips were a plus!
Judy
To Die For by David Baldacci
While I truly loved the book - good suspense as Baldacci's books always are - I don't think he used profanities in his earlier books. The story was great and could have been even better without unnecessary profanity. While this is fiction, I feel there is actually a lot of what he has incorporated within the story that is happening within the U.S.A.
Kim
First Lie Wins by Asley Elston
I liked this book, but it did get off to a slow start. I've read the book twice, once with my bookclub, and it was just as good the second time! Almost all our members rated the book highly. I liked the characters. Even though they weren't really good people, I was pulling for them. There were twists that I didn't anticipate, and things that I guessed wrong about. I also wondered about the future. I would have liked a peek about 5 - 10 years from now.
Roseann
First Lie Wins by Ashey Elston
Book was okay, was confused with the plot of the story, and where it was going. Some chapters I understood, there were points in the book where I had no idea what was going on. Too many characters. Tried getting into it but really did not enjoy this one.
Joyce
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
Unlikely story in many ways. Unbelievable.
MARILYN
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell
This was a fun read and our book club is looking forward to the discussion. Six contestants live in a beautiful mansion for the week they are competing. Interesting to see how one contestant after the other is eliminated. Lots of trickery and mayhem going on.
Francisca
The Tropic of Serpents by Marie Brennan
3.5 stars. Book Two in the “Memoirs of Lady Trent” alternate history/fantasy series. It is written as a memoir by the elderly Isabella Camherst, recalling her youth and adventures as a natural historian specializing in dragons. Isabella is a wonderful heroine – intelligent, tenacious, confident, intrepid, resilient and courageous. I also really appreciated how Brennan wove in some political issues involving colonialism, economics, the cultures of different indigenous groups, and the devastation of fragile ecological systems in the name of “progress.”
Rose
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston
Frederick Fife is homeless and wandering through town when he sees an elderly man in a wheelchair dozing. However, when he gets closer to the man, he realizes the man is dead. The man's wheelchair tips and the man falls into the water and floats away. A nursing home worker sees Frederick and mistakes him for Bernard Greer, the dead man. Frederick tries to explain that he is not Bernard, but no one listens. Frederick then assumes Bernard's life, and discovers that Bernard was estranged from his daughter. Since Frederick did not have children, he aches for this sad relationship, and tries to encourage the daughter to find love in her heart, and understanding of her father's life. A sweet story.
Rose
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
I really enjoyed the THURSDAY MURDER CLUB series, so I thought I would try Osman's latest book. In this one, a group of people who manage celebrities and protect them are finding that some of their clients have been killed. Amy Wheeler is working with a famous author when her own life is endangered. She asks her father-in-law, Steve, to help her discover who may want her and her clients dead. I believe this is the start of a new series. I will likely read the next book, but this one wasn't as engaging as THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB.
Rose
The Author's Guide to Murder by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White
Three authors pretend to be friends. They attend a writer's conference in Scotland with one goal - to hurt the reputation of Brett Saffron Presley. When he is found dead, Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh has to interview the three writers, believing they all have a motive for wanting Presley dead - and they did! A cute but predictable novel about authors collaborating to bring down a wretched man. Along the way, love blooms and is reclaimed. A nod to authors and satire.
Rose
North Is the Night by Emily Rath
Based in Finnish mythology, two friends must fight for survival. When Aina is taken by a witch, her best friend, Siiri, seeks the help of a shaman who has been to the underworld and returned to the land of the living. Siiri must find and rescue Aina. However, Tuoni, god of death wants Aina for his queen and to fulfill a prophecy. There is a bit about religion, a fight between living and dead, Sweden and Finland, as well as love and friendship. I didn't have any knowledge of Finnish mythology, but I found this to be an enjoyable epic read, and look forward to Book 2 in the series.
Rose
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
Eve Brown is forced to face life head-on when her parents withhold her trust fund money. She must find a job and stick with it. Saddened by this news, she stumbles upon a bed and breakfast that needs a chef. Eve has some experience in this area, and applies for the job. Yet, Jacob, the owner, is not convinced she is able. When Eve accidentally hits Jacob with her car, she begs him to let her cook him breakfast as an apology. He is smitten with her cooking and with her.
A nice romance.
Rose
Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. When Joy's life hits rock bottom after she finds out that her husband, Thom, and her sister, Stacey, are having an affair, it gets worse. Stacey and Thom are getting married, and Stacey is pregnant. Saddened by the news of her failed marriage and betrayal by her husband and sister, and having difficulty facing Christmas, Joy buys a plane ticket to Seattle without telling anyone. When the plane crashes, Joy is saved and meets Bobby, a young boy who lost his mother and has withdrawn. His father, Daniel, is trying to cope and help his son.
But, all is not as it seems. I had an inkling of what was happening in the story, but not all. It was a sweet story of finding love and providing comfort.
Rose
Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. Eddie Winston is now 90 years old and has never been kissed. He works in a charity shop and sorts through donations. When he discovers love letters, or a pair of special shoes, he tries to find the owner, or the reasons these items were donated. He meets Bella, who lost her love, Jake. They become dear friends, despite their age gap. Eddie tells Bella about his lost love, Birdie. We learn the story of Birdie's unhappy marriage, and how she and Eddie were never able to be together. Will they have a happily ever after? A sweet story of love lost and found.
Gabriel
Until I Love Myself, Vol. 1 by Poppy Pesuyama
This was a heavy read with its depictions of the effects of trauma. There was a strong sense of the author’s isolation and dissociation as they faced a lack of understanding and support from many people in their life on top of the violations to which they were subjected. Even when they did find support (and let themself accept it), there was still the bitterness of recognizing all the years that passed when that wasn’t available. Pesuyama’s talk with the lawyer about how their case against X might have gone seven years ago at the time the harassment occurred versus the present was as much depressing as uplifting. There’s been progress but it’s hard to acknowledge without feeling the weight and hopelessness of those years that came before.
Rose
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
Ellie and Homa become friends at age 7, although they are from two different backgrounds. However, one night when they are young adults, something happens which changes the trajectory of their lives. Now, many years later, Homa asks Ellie for a favor, and Ellie wonders if she can overcome the guilt she has carried for years. This is a moving account of two young women who grew up in Iran during the reign of the Shah of Iran and the radical religious fundamentalism ushered in by Ayatollah Khomeini. A very moving story. I loved every word.
Donna
Cold Record by Eric Ferguson
COLD RECORD, Eric Ferguson’s debut novel, is a compelling courtroom drama. Told through three narratives, the deputy district attorney, a police detective, and Haylee’s mother, it is a fascinating look at the impact a brutal crime has on all involved, victims, the police, lawyers and judges. The author is a practicing deputy district attorney so brings such authenticity and realism to this story, I felt as though I were privy to the investigation and then right there in the courtroom for the proceedings. If you enjoy legal thrillers, you should add this hidden gem to your TBR list.
Abby
One Hundred Saturdays: Stella Levi and the Search for a Lost World by Michael Frank
This is an excellent book. The author met Stella Levi at a random event. This turned into one hundred Saturdays in which Stella told Michael the story of she and her family and their lives in the Juderia in Rhodes, Greece. The town all but ceased existence after the Germans took over and evacuated the residents to concentration camps. Very highly recommended.
Amy
The House of Special Purpose by John Boyne
This novel is so well written and engaging. I'm a big fan of John Boyne. This is by far my favorite book of his.
Rose
The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia
I was all in on this thriller until the last few chapters. The whole set-up was very interesting and while a bit of a stretch, it was somewhat plausible. But, then, the big twist, and I just wasn't believing it - much too "out there" for me. Jasmine escapes an abusive relationship with her boyfriend. Stephanie, a newsroom head is on her way to a conference in San Diego. They meet on the plane and then Jasmine forms a plan to remake herself and get revenge on those who wronged her in the past.
Donna
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
Well Ms. McFadden never disappoints, an awesome thriller right to the last page. It amazes me how she twists characters, plots and has you holding your breath till the last page. Even in the last page you have to pay attention as you read the book so you understand the last page. Also the guessing games, no worries you cannot figure it out till the end either. A fun, twisty read for anyone needing some challenging excitement. Happy reading!
Carol
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
A heartbreaking story with characters who deserve better lives than they are dealt. This book is easy to read. Written totally different than ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK. I enjoyed this story.
Diane
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore
A really enjoyable read!
Christina
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young
Great mystery. Was interesting to the end and kept me guessing.
Christina
City of Night Birds by Juhea Kim
This book kept me interested from the beginning to the end. Really interesting story of a prima ballerina and her struggle from childhood to adulthood.
Kimberley
Huron Nights by Landon Beach
This murder mystery takes place in Michigan's upper lower peninsula on Lake Huron. A cast of characters leads the reader on an exciting whodunnit. Rachel Roberts and Obadiah Ben-David are hired to solve the mystery surrounding the apparent murder-suicide of an affluent married couple. From there, the end of summer celebrations become something no resident expected. Greed, sex, jealousy and deceit take over the affluent community. There are several pages in this novel but it’s a page turner!
Jeanne
Now or Never by Janet Evanovich
NOW OR NEVER by Janet Evanovich is another humorous book in the Stephanie Plum series. It is funny, easy to read and entertaining. I enjoyed the plot, but for me, it’s getting a little old and tiring reading about Stephanie and Lulu catching criminals all the time who skipped their court appearance and owe the bail bondsman money. It would be fun to read about them with a new career, maybe as defense attorneys. As always, the author did a good job with the character development. It has all the elements of a good mystery including intrigue, drama, danger, murder and romance.
Muriel
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
I liked the idea of this book more than the book itself. Elderly people in an assisted living home forming a club to investigate crimes sounded like a fun book to read. Instead, I found the book tedious with too many characters introduced and information about some of these characters doing nothing to advance the plot. I could not seem to form a connection with the main characters. I wanted to get to know them better, but that got lost with the book seeming to jump from place to place and person to person. I’m sure there are others who would enjoy this book. The writer’s style just did not work for me.
Laura
James by Percival Everett
What an adventure we are on...
Sara
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
I enjoyed reading and listening to this novel and I’m surprised it’s a debut. I found it to be a well-written novel with relatable characters. A powerful reminder of why it’s important for women to fight for their rights. Abortion has been legal in Canada since 1988. “What we have to remember is that before it was legalized many, many women died seeking abortions, and many, many fought – at great personal risk – to make abortion legal.” I look forward to Heather Marshall’s next book.
Priscilla
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
One of the best historical mysteries I have read in a long time.
Mindy
The First Date Prophecy by Danny Tamberelli and Kate Tamberelli
This book was just an average rom-com. However, as it moved on, it really turned into a cute story.
Pamela
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
It grabbed me from the first page and I did not want to put it down. This is the best book that I have read in a long time.
Muriel
The Little Liar by Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom has an interesting way of telling the story of Nico, Fannie, Sebastian, and Udo. The narrator of the story is Truth. This is a sad story with many deceptions throughout and pain caused to many people. The setting of the story is the Holocaust, but this is mainly a story of truth, lies and forgiveness. Nico was an exceptionally honest little boy whose life and the lives of many others were changed by a lie a despicable Nazi officer convinced him was the truth he should tell other Jews.The book chronicles the effect this lie had on Nico and others and the hatred it caused his brother Sebastian to have for him. The book also shows the horrors visited upon the Greek Jews. Another excellent Mitch Albom book!
Sharon
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
As a reader, I have never thought about strong female characters who may have reshaped history. I learned about a woman who did so but did not get recognition for her accomplishments.
Ivy
Rooted by Brea Baker
A powerful history of the impact of land theft and violent displacement on Black and indigenous communities in the U.S.
Christina
Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin
This was a charming and poignant story of an elderly man searching for searching for his only love.
Anne
The Curse of Pietro Houdini by Derek B. Miller
I’ve read a lot of WWII books, but never one about the Nazi takeover of Monte Cassini in Italy. This was an unknown book to me that I purchased because of the book summary and Goodreads rating, and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was! I recommend everyone read it!
Rose
Familia by Lauren E. Rico
I loved this story of Gabby and Isabella. It will stick with me for a while. Lauren Rico weaves an intricate tale of a family in Puerto Rico and the ties of this family to the community. After Gabby takes a DNA test, she is sent a match - a match that says she has a sister. Isabella claims that Gabby is her long-lost sister, Marianna, who went missing years earlier when Isabella was only 5. The case of the missing child captivated the community, police and gangs were involved, but Isabella never gave up. Her search was hampered by danger and secrets. This book kept me engaged. I really enjoyed it!
Pamela
James by Percival Everett
This is a book that you will not forget and you will be thinking about the characters for a long time.
It is perfect for book club discussions because you will want to discuss this book after reading.
I loved the writing and was extremely proud of James for the decisions he made.
Tahani
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This book was a page-turner. It took three days to finish and kept me guessing. One of my favorite
thriller books!!! The ending was not what I expected.
Mary
Bright I Burn by Molly Aitkin
Inspired by the true story of the first woman to be condemned as a witch in Ireland. Terrific read.
Donna
The Life Cycle of the Common Octupus by Emma Knight
This is a coming-of-age story.
Karan
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Interesting historical fiction about a little known woman in American government.
Natalie
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
Reading this for book club. Sure to be a good discussion.
Louise
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Really fun story of 20-year-old Margo who finds herself pregnant from an affair with her professor. She needs to support herself and baby. Her mother Shyanne, a former Hooters server, met Margo's father Jessie, a WWE wrestler, on a one night stand. He floats in and out of their lives.
Jesse moves in with Margo to help with the baby. Margo wants to work from home and stumbles into fame online as a performer on the porn site "Only Fans." But fame comes with a price as the family of the baby's Daddy want custody of the child.
Betty
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
Wonderful characters, interesting historical novel with an interesting twist at the end.
Larissa
Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner
I did not understand the love for this book! It was boring, and the main character constantly messed up but called everyone else stupid. I also tried to understand the link between the emails about Neanderthals and what was going on in the story, but it just didn’t make sense to me.
Rebecca
The Waiting by Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly does it again with a continuation of the Renee Ballard series - and giving Maddie Bosch a more prominent role. Looking forward to more in this series with these partners! Connelly writes in "real time", which bothered me in the last book with Covid and masks, but this time he makes references to the Jan. 6 insurrection and other modern news stories. Makes the story relatable and real. Very fast-paced with a lot of cases running simultaneously. The pages kept turning fast!
Nina
What Happended to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan
This book was inspired by a true story of Gabby Petito. Her boyfriend, Simon, had very wealthy parents. It created a scenario between Nina's parents and Simon's when she disappears.
Maura
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
What a satisfying read! I loved the different perspectives and times.
Nancy
Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley
Such a lovely book with great character development. It takes “an event” at the subway for the characters to finally start talking to each other.
Julie
The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
This book is like walking through a bit of history alongside Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie as they team up to solve a crime.
Rita
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
An unusual coffee shop located in a basement. Very few tables and chairs and one chair that not everyone can sit on because it is usually occupied by a woman reading her novel. How would you like to time travel to the past? There are many rules and one of them is you have to be able to sit on the one chair that the woman reading the novel is sitting on. I really enjoyed these stories. All of them thought-provoking for me. Would you want to time travel to the past if it wouldn't change the present?
Nancy
Bel Canto - The Annotated Edition by Ann Patchett
BEL CANTO is such a fabulous read, but reading the annotated version felt like having the author point out things as you went along. Really a fabulous idea!
Mary
A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke
Very enjoyable; unlike anything I have read before.
Gabriel
Mechanize My Hands to War by Erin K. Wagner
The androids’ perspectives fascinated me. Their near humanity but distinct perceptions of the world and self-concepts were well written as was their development. All the android POV characters evolved and had inner lives beyond what their creators and handlers understood. However, they were greatly shaped by their purpose and the adjustments still being made between each generation of androids. This created a range of viewpoints on this turning point in human and android history. I almost wish it was all from the androids’ POVs.
Pattie
The Note by Alafair Burke
Fun read. I did not figure out the twist!
Giarnese
Time of the Child by Niall Williams
Stunning prose, begs to be read slowly.
Joanne
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Excellent read. She is truly amazing!!
Susan
The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden
Like all her books I have read so far, they catch you off the bat. Erika thinks her family is perfect but one night police come to her door and ask questions about a certain night a girl went missing. Her son, Liam, was the last to see her alive. This opens the door to problems Liam had in his early childhood. Of course her books always have a twist along the way and this one is no exception.
Niki
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Real characters taken from old diary. Was fascinating and engrossing.
Joanne
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
A delicious tale of apples, edible flowers and spells foisted on the Waverly family.
Beth
After That Night by Karin Slaughter
I have many, many books to be read, but when I get one by Karin Slaughter, it almost always goes to the top of the pile. And so it was with AFTER THAT NIGHT, which proved that my decision was correct; it really did belong at the top of the pile. AFTER THAT NIGHT is another book in Slaughter's Will Trent/Sara Linton series. Trent is an investigator for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Linton is a doctor and medical examiner for the GBI. Linton often gets herself involved in Trent's investigations. In this case, Linton enlists Trent's help so she can keep a promise to a patient who was raped and killed. So Trent and his partner, Faith, along with Sara, investigate and find connections to two other rapes.
Rose
Pickleballers by Ilana Long
A cute romance with pickleball at its center. Meg is devastated about her recent divorce, so her friend encourages her to pick up pickleball. Meg meets Ethan, and they are immediately attracted to each other. However, Ethan is the project manager assigned to close the pickleball courts where Meg plays, due to another project. Meg is determined to save the courts, and she must play in a tournament - and win. She is concerned with her ability, and her friends help to give her confidence. Of course, there are still sparks flying with Ethan, but she believes he may be deceiving her. Cute romance which uses the popularity of pickleball to develop the story.
Susann
A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash
Our book club choice - Southern Gothic at its best!
Kelly
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
I throughly enjoyed THE STOLEN QUEEN. The descriptive writing and character development was entertaining. It made for a wonderful reading experience.
Michele
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Beautifully-written, emotional book. As he did in BEARTOWN, he captures the lives of teenagers so realistically. He is an amazing author.
Heather
Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray
HARLEM RHAPSODY is a celebration of resilience, passion, and the unyielding fight for equality. Murray’s portrayal of these real-life characters offers a heartfelt tribute to their legacies. Whether you’re a historical fiction enthusiast, a lover of richly drawn characters, or simply someone who enjoys a well-crafted, thought-provoking novel, HARLEM RHAPSODY is a must-read that will linger and encourage you to learn more about the subjects even after you've closed the book.
Ron
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
Three parts to this book with three different narrators: American born Chinese in her early twenties, her high school son through his early twenties, and the girl’s Chinese born mother. All three sections are great human interest stories.
Mikaela
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
This is the first time I've read an Abby Jimenez book and it's safe to say, I'm hooked. The way Jimenez approaches difficult-to-tackle topics with such tenderness makes for a comfortable read. I instantly fell in love with the various examples of love shown throughout, whether displayed through the friendship of Emma and Maddy, the familial love between Justin and his siblings, as well as the head-over-heals in love emotions shown through Justin and Emma. Jimenez carefully discusses topics relating to trauma, abandonment, self-sabotage, as well as the confusion that falling in love can bring. With easy to read and clear language from pen to paper, JUST FOR THE SUMMER has become a timeless classic to read time and time again.
Christina
No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister
This book describes the effect that a book and story can have on a number of different individuals. I found that I lost interest in this book as I progressed through it. I enjoyed the first couple of chapters but found that the last few stories did not resonate like the beginning of the book.
Debra
The Address by Fiona Davis
I did a deep dive in to Fiona Davis's books in anticipation on seeing her at Page & Pallette to review her new book, THE STOLEN QUEEN. What a wonderful surprise THE ADDRESS was. Her writing brings you into the hotel and New York and makes it a reality. I have now read all of her offerings and look forward to the next that can't be written and published fast enough for me.
Dianne
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Missing girls and the search to bring closure to their families. Saint and Patch both see closure as their mission, even if the path they take is different. This story of two lives seeking closure for families, justice and to find Grace. Well-told story that crosses years in the search for Grace.
Sharon
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Didn’t anticipate the ending!
Donna
The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller
THE LAND IN WINTER by Andrew Miller is historical fiction set in the UK during the time known as the "Big Freeze."This is a beautifully-written, character-driven novel. As I was reading, I had a constant sense of uneasiness and foreboding. Miller’s gorgeous prose is so atmospheric. You can feel the icy cold of winter breathing down your neck. However, with the ending open for interpretation, I was left with some unanswered questions.
Sally
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
A wonderful tale about an octopus and his friend, the aquarium cleaning lady. The octopus brings companionship and helps her to find her way after a devastating loss.
Patricia
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
I loved it and everyone in my book club loved it. Great characters. Interesting time frame in U.S. history - the McCarthy era.
Francisca
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
See based this work of historical fiction on a real woman physician in 15th century China, Tan Yunxian. What a fascinating woman, and a marvelous story! I learned much about the lives of the wealthier, highly educated class in this era of Chinese history, in particular the secluded lives of the women in this class. See gave us glimpses of the world outside the compound’s walls through the experiences of a midwife who lived in the town and was free to travel.
LINDA
The One That Got Away by Amy Rafferty
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY had me cursing up a storm as Max's parents sniffed up their noses that Charlotte was not good enough for their son! The nerve of his mother who manipulated to break up with her, but she was pregnant, and they devised a way to get rid of her and keep their grandson as she flew off to America! She had written him a five page letter as she poured out her heart, but after a year she started divorce proceedings. Max never knew his wife had written a letter, only that she had left him with a newborn son. I chose not to read a portion of Book Two as I can't imagine what his mom and his ex-wife plotted next!
LINDA
My Curse of My Unbridled Shifter by T. Haldeman
WOW, I loved this book! I have a fondness for Isolde and Darius and what they went through as the whole town was cursed with an unknown disease, and as a healer she tried to heal them all. Darius was task with rooting out the evil he and not getting anywhere, he was sent by The Magical Society to do a job, but the townsfolk did not take too kindly to strangers, plus the librarian and healer was not too keen on him and he feared what she would do if she discovered his secret.
LINDA
The Magical Mocha Latte (Magickal Beans) by R. A. Muth
Oh my word, I laughter all the way through this book! I am now a fan for life! I enjoyed Zip's story and I wondered what I would do if my grammy disappeared! The puppy was so cute!
LINDA
Hell Hath No Fury (Bloodmoon Cove Spirits Paranormal Romance) by Karen Weisner
HELL HATH NO FURY, the 10th book in Bloodmoon Cove Spirits Series, was so scary! Even so, I couldn’t stop reading. Bella and Marsh were easy to love, though Ori was a bit free-spirited. After Bella’s mom’s death, the three friends find out Bella’s inherited a house that’s perfect for the shop they want to open together. The legacy is just too good to pass up, even if this inheritance comes with the stipulation not to live in or sell the house. When good sense goes right out the window, bad things happen. This story had me on pins and needles because true evil lived in that creepy house. Talk about not being able to put a book down! I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this series.
Debby
Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Very interesting book. I enjoyed reading it.
Kay
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Never get tired of this!
Suzanne
Night Watching by Tracy Sierra
Had me on the edge of my seat! Great book!
Rose
The Girl Who Was Taken by Charlie Donlea
Two girls, Nicole and Megan, are abducted in their small town. Megan escapes from a bunker and is rescued. However, Nicole is still missing. Livia, Nicole's older sister, is now a fellow in forensic pathology, and feels guilt for not answering her sister's call on the night she disappeared. She believes that Nicole's body will be found, and she expects that they will then understand how and why she died. A body comes into the morgue that may hold clues to Nicole's disappearance. Megan writes a bestseller about her ordeal, but never feels okay about it. She works with a hypnotist to uncover the secret of her captivity. Livia and Meg work together to find the man who captured the girls, and they uncover a surprising secret. Loved it!
Rose
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
After successfully solving the mystery of a murder that fascinated her small town, Pip has released a podcast of the case. That case took such a toll on her and her family, she has sworn off investigating. However, the brother of one of her friends goes missing on the night of a memorial for the victims of the case Pip solved. Since the cops refuse to investigate, Pip and her boyfriend, Ravi Singh, use the podcast and the help of the town to find the missing man. They discover that Jamie, the missing man, had been communicating with a woman, and as they trace these communications, they discover another secret. Another great installment of this series.
Rose
Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. Holly lives with her mother on Sullivan's Island, SC. She is a beekeeper, and refers to her mother as Queen Bee. Her sister, Leslie, moved to Ohio after marrying a wealthy man. However, Leslie moves back when her husband admits that he wants to be a female impersonator. Meanwhile, Holly is pining for her widowed neighbor, Archie, and adores his two sons. She does everything for them, but Archie meets and becomes involved with another woman. Holly is devastated and speaks to her bees about her troubles. Comical in many ways, and informative about beekeeping, Holly does finally meet her true love. Leslie comes to terms with Charlie/Char, and the mom finds new love, too. I'd classify this as a feel-good beach read.
Rose
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
Written in 5 acts, the narrator, Elliott, recounts the story of a murder. Lana, a former star, invites Elliott and her best friend, Kate, to her private Greek island, Aura, off Mykonos. Lana's husband, Jason, and son, Leo, as well as the caretaker, Nikos, and housekeeper, Agathi, are there. As Elliott recounts the story, we learn of his love of Lana and a suspected affair between Kate and Jason. Elliott comes up with a plot and engages Lana's help. However, he doesn't realize that Lana has a plan of her own. Characters from Michaelides' previous books make a cameo at the end. Intricate plot, with twists in every act.
Rose
The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell
There is an island in a swamp in Michigan known as The Waters. Zook, a herbalist, and her family live there. Rose Thorn, her daughter, is in love with Titus, and the town is enthralled with her beauty. When she calls out for Titus one night, his father rapes her, and she becomes pregnant. Rose Thorn refuses to tell Titus about the rape and leaves town to go to her sister Prim in CA. Rose returns with her daughter, Dorothy/Donkey and leaves her with Zook. Donkey is a genius in math, but wants to learn about healing medicines like Zook. Donkey searches for love and understanding in her math books and yearns for a father. The town has many secrets, and many surround this family and how they came to be. Richly told, atmospheric, magical.
Rose
The House of Cross by James Patterson
Maestro eludes Alex Cross. However, he is getting closer to finding out who Maestro is. After a series of high profile murders, including those in the judiciary, and with an upcoming presidential inauguration, Cross, Sampson, Bree and Ned are on the trail of the killers. Their lives are in serious danger, and they have to make some difficult choices. I wasn't as engaged in this Cross novel as I have been in others. Perhaps it is because it brought up all the issues we are facing with this new administration - environmental protections, the federal bench -- and it hits too close.
Michelle
Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie
A powerful, healing journey for Salman Rushdie in writing about his attack. While the beginning felt a little disjointed and surface-level, he eventually dug deeper introspectively. From that point on, you couldn't help but to empathize all the agonies he went through physically and mentally. You could feel how therapeutic the writing of this book was for him.
Michelle
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
What a world Maguire created in WICKED. A deep, dark world. Having seen and absolutely loved the musical on Broadway and also the recent movie, I couldn’t wait to dive into this book. Yet this book is a much different tale, but I appreciated that, too. McGuire explores good versus evil and religious and political themes if you can keep up with it all. My head was spinning at times. What I loved most was the end, how he weaved in some deeper meaning when we finally got to the intersection of Dorothy and the Witch. A remarkable world Maguire created for sure, which all began with L. Frank Baum’s THE WIZARD OF OZ.
Jayme
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson
I really enjoyed this fun, quick and clever holiday mystery novella. The book is set up with the theme of an advent calendar and every chapter (24) is a window that reveals a clue that you have to figure out. You can read each chapter like an advent calendar (chapter 1 read on December 1st), or plow through it like I did to see if you figured out the murderer. A nice change from the holiday rom-coms.
Jackie
The Hangman by Louise Penny
Love, love, love her books! This one did not disappoint. There is such a thing as a cozy mystery book! This Inspector Ganache series is one for sure. You love Three Pines and you love the characters. I can't say enough about her books. They're wonderful.
Jackie
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Good book. It was a book club pick for our Monday night book club. It was definitely not one I would have ever picked. It led to some great discussions. My opinion changed for the better after our meeting and listening to our peoples thoughts. I found it really did stir up lots of feelings.
Richard N B
Eyes of Prey by John Sandford
Book Three in the series of hard-hitting mystery/thrillers featuring Minneapolis Detective Lucas Davenport. This one begins when a woman is brutally murdered in her own kitchen. Davenport needs to find the killer or killers, and the anonymous witness. Sandford writes a fast-paced thriller, and I enjoy watching Davenport figure out the clues to capture the perpetrator.
Julie
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Claire Keegan’s dedication reads, "This story is dedicated to the women and children who suffered time in Ireland’s mother and bay homes and Magdalen laundries." I was not at all familiar with the Magdalen laundries going into this book, and now I want to learn more. This short, sweet, yet heartbreaking novella demonstrates how simple acts of kindness and empathy are crucial in communities, especially at a time when we live in an increasingly fraught and polarized world. Written in a style much like Mitch Albom’s, I highly recommend SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE who are fans of his works as well as those who like historical fiction.
Julie
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston
“Would you mind terribly, old boy, if I borrowed the rest of your life? I promise I’ll take excellent care of it.” Reading this heartwarming debut novel about the life and times of Frederick Fife is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket on a blustery day. While it touches on difficult topics, including addiction, loss and dementia, this sweet story will make you laugh out loud. It will also make you cry. And in the end, it will remind you of the truly important things in life as you root for Frederick Fife. The perfect “feel good” book for this holiday season, highly recommended for those who loved A MAN CALLED OVE.
nona
A Calder at Heart by Janet Dailey
A nice, easy read after so many mysteries read. Only took me two days to read.
Nona
The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan
Well-written story of intrigue. Definitely worth reading. A good who-done-it.
Nancy
The Painted Bridge by Wendy Wallace
This is an old book (2012) that came recommended to me. It's the story, set outside London, of how women were treated and betrayed, confined to institutions for, in some cases, simply disobeying their husbands, as far back as the mid-1800s. At times tough to read, it offers a good picture of what psychiatry was like, what it was like to be a woman in those times and what it meant to be free - not only for some of the sane women institutionalized, including the main protagonist, but also for characters like the asylum director's daughter, who considered herself in a prison in her own way. In the end, it's a story of hope, even when the line between madness and sanity is blurring.
Elizabeth
All That We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
Historical fiction at its best - informative and entertaining.
Mart
A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Dianne Freeman
Fun trip to the late Victorian era!
MH
Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich
Typical Stephanie Plum novel with lots of wrecked cars, bombed apartments, weird bail jumpers. Grandma and Lulu are in their usual rare form, and Ranger and Joe are as handsome and sexy as ever. A little surprise at the ending - can’t wait to see how that plays out in the next book.
Eileen
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons
Charming English tale of a lonely 85-year-old woman who has given up on life, until a family with a vivacious 10-year-old moves in next door and changes her views on living and dying.
Linda
Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson
Outstanding book club discussion about the childhood of Anne of Green Gables. We all recommend this book.
Pam
Oh No, Not "The Home": Observations and Confessions of a Grandmother in Transition by Peggy Rowe
Clever writing with wry humor and spot-on observations about growing older and adjusting to life as a "senior citizen".
Linda
The Last Child by John Hart
The protagonist, Johnny Merrimon, is a 13-year-old, wise beyond his years. He hasn't given up on finding his twin sister, who was abducted. His quest leads him to some very dark, sinister people. I can't fault with Hart's writing of a mystery/thriller genre. I gave the book an average rating just because the plot was too violent and gory for me.
Gerry
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie
2-1/2 stars, rounded up. Adichie writes beautiful prose, and as I read this novel, I found myself highlighting sentences and paragraphs often because they were so well-written and resonant. This novel focuses in separate sections on four women, all Nigerian by birth, and all living at least part of the time in America. Despite the excellent writing, the novel as a whole remained somewhat fragmented, never coming together in a cohesive story, but rather existing as a series of vignettes that too often seemed disconnected. Adichie comments in her Afterward that this book is really about her grief after her mother's death, and there are definitely themes of mother/daughter relationships in the novel. Loved the writing, but bored by the story.
Betty
Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson
A book for anyone who liked EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY MURDERED SOMEONE.
Gerry
The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man by Paul Newman
In this memoir, compiled from hours of interviews with friends and family members of Paul Newman, as well as discussions between him and his collaborator and screenwriter Stewart Stern during the late 1980s, readers are introduced to a very human version of Newman. From a little boy raised by a rather passive father and a mother who treated him as a plaything or a manikin to be dressed up and shown off, he grew up to be an insecure, self-conscious young man whose emotional life seemed frozen inside him, and who questioned his talent and value throughout most of his life, often feeling like an imposter hiding behind the roles he played so well. Fascinating read about one of my favorite actors.
Gerry
Memorial Drive: A Daughter's Memoir by Natasha Trethewey
At age nineteen, Natasha Trethewey had her world turned upside down when her former stepfather shot and killed her mother. In this beautifully-written memoir, she describes not only the events leading up to her mother's death, but also her own history and relationships with her mother, father, and stepfather, and the emotions and memories she locked away for so long before she could fully process and accept her loss. Trethewey is a poet, and often referred to mythology, literature, and academic studies unfamiliar to me, so some of her meaning likely escaped me. But the pain she experienced, all the more severe because events could have turned out differently, came through with poignant clarity.
Gerry
How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
HOW TO READ A BOOK is the story of three people coming together under unusual conditions that could have made them enemies but instead made them a family of sorts: a retired teacher running a weekly book club in a women's prison, a 22-year-old woman serving a sentence for manslaughter, a widower working as a handyman in a local bookstore. Until it took an annoying turn in the last third of the novel, I was loving this book and prepared to recommend it to several people. By the end, I'd have to say I still enjoyed most of it a lot, but it dropped a bit in my estimation with that cheesy and all-too-predictable turn.
Joan
Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson
The book would be better if about 30% of the text was edited out. It is a very sad and important story, but there is too much detail.
Sandra
What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange
Really held my interest. Loved the characters.
Donna
About Your Father and Other Celebrities I Have Known by Peggy Rowe
This is an older book by Peggy Rowe, the mother of Mike Rowe. Her descriptions of daily life raising a family and a long beautiful marriage were amusing and delightful. Just what I needed for a cozy read with it so cold outside!
Rose
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi with Geoffrey Trousselot (Translator)
A sweet story with four scenarios of people wanting to go back in time to speak to a loved one. But, there are caveats: you must sit in a particular seat, nothing will change the future, you must leave before the coffee gets cold. First, there are the lovers - two people who move apart due to one's job taking them far away. Then, a husband and wife, where the wife wants to receive a letter from her husband before his memory is lost due to dementia. Then, two sisters who had differing opinions on working for the family, and finally, a mother speaks to her child. Who would you choose to go back in time to meet and talk and tell them something that is important between you, that wasn't said at the time?
Elizabeth
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
This is my second Colson Whitehead book and I find his writing style confusing as he doesn't really introduce his characters, so it is sometimes hard for me to figure out who he is talking about. Nonetheless, this book grabbed me with its violence, the helplessness of the boys in this "school" that killed them or damaged them for life and profited from it. The fact that it was based on a real-life school that did the things described in this book makes it even more horrific.
Michelle
Black Wolf by Juan Gomez-Jurado
I loved RED QUEEN and I enjoyed this sequel. My only complaint is that the author does seem to try to be too cute with turns of phrase at times. One passage that makes you smile with appreciation doesn’t always benefit from more, more, more. Just tell the story.
Suzanne
The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry
What an intricate, did not see it coming, twisty maze! The scenery is spectacular and the story is one only Patti Callahan Henry can conjure up!
Darla
Penitence by Kristin Koval
A moving story of love, loss, murder, guilt, deception and forgiveness between two families that spans decades. It will tug on your heartstrings as you experience this story through the eyes, emotions, memories and actions of a thirteen-year-old girl, her parents, and two lawyers. The Sheehan’s can’t afford any other lawyer; soon-to-be-retired Martine Dumont is their only hope. Martine agrees but knows she’s in way over her head and calls her son Julian, a New York criminal defense lawyer asking for his help on this case. Julian’s past with the Sheehan family from high school will shed light on the past, and you’ll follow along to see how each was affected by a single moment that changed everything. Be ready for an ending with a twist!
Luella
About Love and Revenge by D. A. Lemoyne
Well-written romance with a touch of mystery. Great story, an easy read you don't want to put down.
Shelley
Olive Days by Jessica Elisheva Emerson
Interesting premise of a Jewish woman traumatized by a wife-swapping event held at her religious husband's request. She finds ways to escape her religious life while trying to remain a loving and protective mother within her community. I appreciated some of the themes but not the actual story. No happy ending here.
Tonya
More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova
Excellent.
Debbie
The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum
Sally Goldenbaum writes exciting and interesting novels, especially the SEASIDE KNITTERS series. I adore that each novel finishes with a knitting pattern and a recipe, and that both are shown on Sally’s website. Laura Childs writes a Charleston series, but her latest novels have flopped, in my estimation. Goldenbaum also includes a list of all the characters in each novel, which I love. A loved and friendly and helpful man perishes in his burning home. But, the police find that Nick Cabot fell victim to a gunshot. So many red herrings into the list of potential killers. Goldenbaum writes with style and detail in the characters and settings. Of course, the friendship of the community glistens throughout the story. I would love to visit.
Debbie
Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
WOMAN OF LIGHT exposed me to the harsh conditions of the 1930s and the hatred of non-White Americans. In this story in Denver, Colorado, the White citizens keep Indians, Mexicans, Jews, and Negroes at the “back of the bus”. I never realized that racism persisted in Denver. The living conditions of Luz, Maria Josie, and Diego show the utter poverty and difficult conditions for non-White citizens. Diego works with two rattlesnakes and works other jobs to earn enough to survive, but due to his dalliance with Eleanor Anne, Diego is beaten to an inch from death and must run away. Luz and Maria Josie must increase their earnings, but where? Luz reads tea leaves and washes clothes for the wealthy, while Maria Josie works in a mirror factory.
Francisca
What Would Frida Do? by Arianna Davis
Subtitle: A Guide to Living Boldly. This is a selection for my Hispanic book club. It’s a combination biography and self-help guide. Frankly, I could do without the self-help advice and would rather read a straight-on biography of Frida Kahlo.
Dawn
Red Necks by Taylor Brown
Was a very good and interesting book, in my opinion. Although many people in my one book club found flaws in the writing of it, but some of them are authors themselves; I am not. It's a historical fiction based on coal miners in VA wanting to organize a union so they would have a few more rights and a bit more money. This was in the 1920s. The group was thwarted at every attempt. There is much killing and warfare going on in this book. I definitely did not fall asleep reading this book as I sometimes do while reading many books which I ultimately find boring.
Dawn
Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora
I reas this book for my nonfiction book club. I absolutely hated this book. The author gives too much detail of his odyssey of coming to the U.S. as an illegal immigrant from El Salvador. Way too many unnecessary details, especially things like at 9 years old he can't tie his own shoes yet or basically go to the bathroom without his grandpa holding his hand or going with him. I was wondering what was wrong with his grandparents to send him, by himself, with others also trying to get to U.S. And what was wrong with his parents, who left him at a very early age, like age 1.
Debbie
Dangerous Women by Hope Adams
DANGEROUS WOMEN gives credence that everyone deserves a second chance. In 1841, the ship Rajah set sail from London to Australia with over 180 women convicted of petty crimes and residing in prison. These women would be given a chance at freedom and forgiveness of their individual crimes in London. The matron in charge of the women, Kezia Hayter, planned to keep the women busy during the long and dangerous journey. The result rests in the Rajah Quilt currently displayed in the National Gallery of Australia. Hope Adams embellishes the story with many fictional characters, but many characters represent actual people on that voyage. I had never heard of criminal women transported to Australia. DANGEROUS WOMEN showed me that part of history.
Jackie
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Wonderful book! Another great one by this author. An easy read written in the first person. You really feel like you know Martha Ballard personally as you read this. Great character.
Christina
My Favorite Mistake by Marion Keyes
Another in the series of the Walsh sisters. While many of the books in the series are very funny and entertaining, I found that the latest was more serious, although there were some humorous moments. I did like the book and hope that the series does continue!
Roseann
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
Book was amazing. Not too many characters to follow and the storyline was so suspenseful. Creative ideas for the characters and how their personalities were so dark and unique.
Kathy
Solito by Javier Zamora
With immigration such a huge issue, it's valuable to see what people endure to make it to the U.S. Javier writes an incredible memoir from the perspective of his 9-year-old self traveling without family to reach his parents in the U.S.
Leslie Kathy
The Women by Kristin Hannah
I was a teenager during the time of the Vietnam War. I appreciate Kristin Hannah bringing to life the horrors of a war I thought I knew, how it affected men and women and families, and how coming home was not easy.
Becky
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Truly enjoyed this book up until the last several chapters. I fell in love with all the characters and especially Lexington the horse. This book has two storylines and a third thrown in about two thirds of the way through. I felt the author was trying to contact the original timelines. The last part of the book there was a tragedy that did not fit the subject of the book and basically ruined this from being 5-star read. Although, the end of the book was off, I’d still recommend this as a good read to others.
MaryLou
The Wager by David Grann
I enjoy anything by this author. I learned so much about the ships and crew during this period of time. It is a true story.
Julie
Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown
Angela Jackson-Brown immediately transported me to Troy, Alabama as I became fiercely attached to each and every character in UNTETHERED. This beautifully-written novel of love, loss and family (whether by blood or by choice), is guaranteed to move you as the author delicately weaves sensitive subjects into a powerful plot. This is my first novel by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last! Available now from your favorite bookseller. Many thanks to Goodreads and Harper for the comp copy!
Saundra
A Firefighter's Christmas Gift by Vivian Arend
Hannah and her little girl Chrissy lost their home in a fire. Bradley Ford, the fire chief, offers them a place to live at his house with him and his father. A few spicy scenes, a lot of love, and a happy ending. What more could you ask for!
Sandy
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
Really enjoyed this book! In the summer of 1995, ten-year-old Joan, her mother and her younger sister flee her father's explosive temper and seek refuge at her mother's ancestral home in Memphis. A great story about life in Memphis for Black women.
Tessa
The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian
A known sleepwalker goes missing one night, leaving her husband and two daughters to search for answers. What an interesting concept for a missing-person mystery! I really liked Lianna as the main narrator. She is basically an adult, being a sophomore in college, but she is vulnerable. I could feel the continued tension of “not knowing,” and the slow realization of loss. The ending and final reveal of what happened was a stunner that I didn’t see coming.
Gabriel
Love, Misha by Askel Aden
I love the layers to Misha’s mother and Misha’s relationship with her. She is such a flawed character, sympathetic when we get to see her as a person in her own right with her mental health struggles, not just as a questionable mother, but still hard to like or want forgiveness for a lot of the time. She wants to try, but her nature is to run from what’s difficult, so it hardly feels like trying to Misha. The moments when Misha fell into comfortable banter with her just briefly cut through the bitterness and the coldness of their usual relationship poignantly. It captured the dissonance of still caring for someone who has and still is hurting them.They can’t settle entirely into rejecting her or loving her.
Betty
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
Great plot set in the 1950s with memorable characters. I'll be reading Clare's new book, SHY CREATURES next.
Jodie
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
We read this book for our book club and everyone loved it. Great story based on true events that follow three characters across the United States.
Rose
The Off-Limits Rule by Sarah Adams
Cute romance. Lucy is living with her brother, Drew, an OB-GYN, who is overprotective of her. He tells his best friend, Cooper, that Lucy is absolutely off-limits to him, as Drew believes Cooper is just a big flirt. However, when Cooper meets Lucy, he sees that she has been hurt, and he wants to make sure she is okay. Cooper was also hurt in love, so he knows the feeling. He wants to be with Lucy, but knows that she is off-limits to him. But, the attraction is too strong. Really nice to read about a man who carefully cares for a woman.
Rose
Let's Pretend This Will Work by Maddie Dawson
Predictable, but cute. Mimi is working as a teacher in a prestigious school in NYC when her lover, Ren, also a teacher, asks her to marry him. She has a hard time believing that this handsome divorced dad is in love with her, but she accepts. But, then, he gets the news that his ex-wife, Judith, has been in a terrible accident and has a severe brain injury. He drops everything and moves back to New Haven, CT, and asks Mimi to move there, too. Mimi does, and moves to an apartment located over a co-op daycare. Mimi realizes she left her magic skirt behind. The daycare children and the parents work their way into Mimi's heart, and Mimi becomes very involved in the daycare. Mimi has some decisions to make!
Rose
Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan
Emily is working as an art curator in Chicago after divorcing her cheating ex-husband Tom. She is assigned to a statue encased in stone, when she imagines the statue speaking to her. Later, she dreams of the statue. The next day, she encounters the statue again, and kisses it, unlocking the knight from his stone encumbrance. Emily is shocked but delighted at the gorgeous knight, Griffin. As she and Griffin fall in love, Emily is accused of stealing the enormous stone statue. Emily must help Griffin navigate time in the 21st C, 600+ years after his time! This is a steamy, fun romance.
Rita
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
This novel is filled with historical fiction about Maine, indigenous people, the Shakers community, alcoholism, historical homes and museums, mothers, daughters and friends' relationships and so much more. Every chapter in the end will bring the history and their stories together. I enjoyed reading about some of the fictional and factual history of the area while being drawn into the lives of the people and the places of the area. Wonderful read.
Donna
Leaving by Roxana Robinson
LEAVING by Roxana Robinson is a heart-piercing read. It’s a tale of two families intertwined by an affair. I was held captive from the very beginning to its devastating ending. Ms. Robinson has depicted her characters with such emotional accuracy. The relationship between parents and children so heartfelt. I was completely immersed in their lives. This thought-provoking book would make a good book club read.
Debbie
Rampart by Truscott Jones
RAMPART started slowly and then pushed me to continue reading. So many parts of the story felt sadly familiar and very alarming. I had questioned many events of the 2024 Presidential Race and this reenforced my belief that so much was staged to get the public to vote a certain way. RAMPART deals with the Vice President on trial for treason following the attempted assassination of the President. Truscott Jones wanders behind the closed doors of the President and his closest people. Jones shows the jury selection and the preparation of the lawyers for each side of the trial. So many perspectives enter the dialogue: some of the selected jurors, the Vice President, the would-be assassin, the lawyers, and the judge.
Sean
The Cipher by Isabella Maldonado
Every great character is defined by their adversaries, and that's the biggest thing holding this book back. Isabella Maldonado creates an incredibly strong lead, but the big bad here is so cartoonishly overpowered that it's hard to accept. The book is dark and violent but the good guys are people you can root for. Main character, Nina, is very capable and enjoyable but as I said, the antagonist is impossible to believe. The author tells the story from FBI side very well but the last, climactic scene is not the easiest to follow, and the last chapter was too saccharine sweet. Overall, a decent dark thriller but severely held back by the villain's almost superpowers.
Diane
King: A Life by Jonathan Eig
Comprehensive - yet very assessable - review of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life. Read the hardback copy as well as listened to the book. Narrator Dion Graham won 2024 Audie Award for Best Nonfiction Narrator for this publication.
Rose
How Does That Make You Feel, Magda Eklund? by Anna Montague
Magda is a psychologist, and is mourning the death of her friend Sara. Sara's husband, Fred, gives Magda Sara's journal, and Magda also gets correspondence they exchanged. Fred also asks that Magda take Sara's ashes for a while. Reading the journal, Magda discovers that Sara was planning a trip to New Mexico for them to celebrate Magda's birthday. Magda begins reminiscing about their friendship, and recalls a particular trip to Boston. This book is about friendship, finding love, and mending relationships.
Rose
Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
I loved this book about a small town in Georgia where a mean spirited woman, Lula Dean, has set up a little library filled with "acceptable" books. A young woman decides to switch all the books with banned books, and switches the covers to hide the actual titles. The town is also grappling over their Southern heritage and a Confederate soldier statue. Racial tensions arise.
I think this book is very timely, and it highlights the way people become radicalized and conditioned to believe lies. I enjoyed it very much.
Rose
The Bookman’s Tale by Charlie Lovett
When Peter Byerly, a bookseller, is in an old bookshop in the UK, he finds a watercolor portrait of his wife - his dead wife. But, the portrait is from the Victorian era. Peter is so broken by his wife's death that he feels this portrait is calling to him to find its identity. He becomes obsessed with tracking it, and the painter, known as BB. In his quest, Peter is taken to the time of Shakespeare, and is consumed with a discovery that will determine if Shakespeare is the true author of his works. Peter's quest is dangerous as there are unscrupulous people in the rare book world that will murder to keep their secret. The story is a tale of a deep love and the resulting obsession to find the truth.
Francisca
World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Subtitle: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments. I loved this collection of essays about the natural world. Nezhukumatathil’s writing transported me to various scenes – from tropical jungles to Arctic oceans to urban parks and my own backyard. I got this book from the library to read for my book club, but I’m going to buy a copy to keep (and maybe a few more to give as gifts). And I look forward to reading more of her writing.
