This contest period's winners were Barbara S. from Louisville, KY; Denise N. from Rockville, MD; and Lesley P. from Gilbert, AZ. Each received a copy of ATMOSPHERE: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid and THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH AND BOOK CLUB by Martha Hall Kelly.
Sandy
The Crash by Freida McFadden
Love this author!! I read this one in two days. It was so good. The ending was perfect.
LuAnn
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
A very entertaining book about a group of women in Washington, D.C. during1954 who are completely different from one another, all living in the same boarding house where a murder takes place. Everyone has their own story they’d rather not tell, and the ending has a twist you will not see coming. Another great book from Kate Quinn!!
Lara
Say Everything by Ione Skye
I loved her in the movie "Say Anything". That was my movie growing up with John Cusack. Learning about her life was absolutely amazing. The things you don't know about someone is always intriguing.
Rose
And There He Kept Her by Joshua Moehling
Deputy Sheriff Ben Packard is new to the job when his cousin calls him, concerned that her daughter Jenny is missing. After checking all the possible locations and contacts, he is bound to agree that something has happened to Jenny and her boyfriend Jesse. Ben discovers that the teens were selling drugs. What he doesn't know is that they broke into a house in search of drugs, and the owner, Emmett Burr, has a special room in his basement for keeping and torturing people, and has killed before. In a race against time, Ben has to rely on the town to share their secrets so he can find the teens and their captor. It is a tragic tale of drugs and secrets and sick minds. I look forward to reading more novels that feature Ben.
Rose
The Kill List by Nadine Matheson
I think Nadine Matheson gets better with each book! In this one, Insp. Anjelica Henley is taken back 25 years to a time when she discovered her friend's body. DCI Harry Rhimes arrested Andrew Streeter for the death of five young people. When Henley joined the force, she eventually worked for Rhimes. Now Streeter is asking that his case be reopened, proclaiming his innocence in all the deaths. He claims Rhimes was corrupt. Henley is having trouble with this revelation, but when another girl goes missing, and people connected to the original case are dying, Angelica needs to solve the case and try to clear her old boss's name. Very creepy and twisted, but I do love this series!
Carolee
Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson
This thriller is a total page-turner! Poe Webb is the creator of the Podcast “Tell Me What You Did” where she gets people to confess their crimes. One day a guest comes on that threatens to turn her world upside down with the secrets of what she’s done. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, page after page! I gobbled it down faster than movie theater popcorn!
Rose
Big Chief by Jon Hickey
Mitch Caddo and his friend Mack Beck, tribal president, run the Passage Rouge Nation, including the Golden Eagle Casino and Hotel. Mitch is working to get Mack re-elected, but his team runs into opposition from Gloria Hawkins and Layla Beck. Layla is Mack's sister and Mitch's love interest. The fight becomes deadly, and Mitch relies on Layla for help. The politics of this novel was interesting, especially as it relates to Native Americans vs. the rest of the U.S. I wasn't that interested in the novel, but I could see how this would be a timely read considering our current political environment.
Rose
Tilt by Emma Pattee
It is difficult to believe that this is a debut novel! It is a tense account of one woman's day. Annie is 9 months pregnant with her first child and goes shopping for a crib at IKEA. While there, a massive earthquake hits Portland, and her whole world comes crashing down, literally. She realizes that she needs to get out of IKEA and to her husband, a struggling actor, but without a phone or a car, and the city decimated, her travel is difficult. Along the way, she speaks to her unborn child "Bean" and recounts the struggles of her life, her marriage, her career, and her hopes for the baby. It is a moving story, and one so descriptive. Every word is perfect.
Rose
Black Sun Rising by Otho Eskin
Terrifyingly realistic, and so timely! This book resonated with me due to our current political culture in the U.S. and the rise of White supremacy. Marko Zorn is a homicide detective in D.C. and has stumbled on a plot to cripple the U.S. The deadly poison Zyklon could devastate the U.S. if it is released into the atmosphere. Marko must infiltrate the Black Sun and take down two diabolical men intent on destroying the country in search of power. This was a taut thriller, and while it is the 4th thriller in the series, you could read this as a standalone. I was completely shocked by one of the events in the book! The book moves quickly - I read it in one sitting!
Judi
Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi
Joshi creates a wonderful sense of place and about the yearning for family that all of her characters feel in this novel. I never really bought into the premise of Nurse Sona developing a deep rapport with her patient, the famous Indian artist, Mira Novak. I preferred Joshi's earlier works.
Susan
A Great Country by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
Thought-provoking about immigrants and racism.
Betty
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
Interesting historical novel set in China. Great author research and interesting characters.
Kristine
Heartwood by Amity Gaige
I was really looking forward to reading HEARTWOOD and it did not disappoint! I liked the different perspectives from the characters in the book and getting to know them. It gave you insight to the world of hiking and the hard work and dedication of the game wardens and the community as they come together to find “Sparrow”.
Susan
Whippoorwill by Joseph Monninger
This is a beautiful story about a very special dog, “Whippoorwill”.
Pam
Variation by Rebecca Yarros
Great characters and moving family matter content.
Nonie
Strangers in Time by David Baldacci
A great read about the bombings in London during WWII and people who came together to help one another during this difficult time.
Wanda
If You Tell by Gregg Olson
This is one horrific book that tells the story of an abusive and abused family. Unbelievable facts and a haunting truth. I found this as I read it to be so sad that this is a real thing that happened. Good writing on the author's part. Very sad that it is nonfiction. Again, unbelievable story.
Luella
Runs in the Family by Sarah Spain and Deland McCullough
What a good read. Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. A young man searches for his roots and the results are stunning. Well done.
Joanne
The Librarians of Lisbon by Suzanne Nelson
Loved learning about the historical facts about Lisbon during WWII, but I had a hard time keeping characters straight.
Donna
Sleep by Honor Jones
The simple yet elegant prose of Honor Jones’s debut novel, SLEEP, drew me right in. Because of the difficult subject matter, this was a tough read. Although the writing is beautiful, and poignant at times, I felt as though there was something missing. However, I am looking forward to more from this author.
Bridget
Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff
Interesting historical fiction novel about aspects of World War II I really knew nothing about. One of the main characters, a young French Jew, is rounded up by the Nazis and, along with many others, is used as a slave in a French department store used as a clearing house for things stolen from other French Jews. In a dual timeline, a British woman in London joins the Red Cross to pack care packages for British POWs in France and Germany. In no time at all, she is in France and Germany with a small Red Cross group bringing care packages to prisoners. These events are based on facts, but some things are just a little too coincidental.
Gail
The Jackal's Mistress by Chris Bohjalian
Loved this book! Loosely based on real people, it's a story of the relationship between a wounded Yankee soldier and a Virginia woman set during the Civil War. Her husband is gone fighting and she's trying to manage their mill with the help of two former slaves. Character development is excellent and the story builds with some suspense, while also showing conditions and attitudes during this important time of our history. Again Bohjalian has scored a winner! I highly recommend this book!
Denise
The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
This beautifully-written book provides so much insight into how hard it is for people who have been jailed to rehabilitate. Ultimately, it’s a story of triumph.
MH
Churchill’s Secret Messenger by Alan Hlad
Very typical of WWII books - mistreatment of Jews (and later mass extermination), spies dropped into France who do heroic things, then are captured but don’t break under torture, then labor camps that they barely survive. Wishing for different take on this subject.
Rose
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
Very informative about other nations such as Sierra Leone, and what medications they use to treat tuberculosis. The story focuses on a boy you meet named Henry. When you first meet him, you believe he's a little boy, but you find out he is actually seventeen.
Nancy
How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
A former teacher starts a book discussion group in a women’s prison. After one of the woman is released, she encounters the husband of the woman she accidentally killed in a DUI accident and the story develops from there. Fascinating concept!
Catherine
Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith
Another wonderful family story filed with great characters.
Francisca
The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald
Betty MacDonald’s “memoir” of her life as a newlywed on a chicken ranch in the Olympic Penninsula area of Washington was a runaway bestseller when it first appeared in 1945. I have to give her credit for making a life “in the wilderness” with the man she loves, despite her own background of relative privilege. But I was highly disappointed in the book. I do not at all like the way MacDonald portrays the local people, especially the Native American population. I know times were different then, but I don’t find denigrating others funny or charming or even excusable.
Michele
Land of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling
I love all of Lauraine's books! Most of her books are about immigrants coming from Norway on the boats to make a life in America. This book is stellar. It tells the story of little Ruth who loses her parents on the ship and becomes entrusted to Amalia for her care. Ruth has also inherited land in Iowa. Ruth and Amalia make their home into the boarding house it once was. In doing so, they form a family they would never had thought could happen when they met on that boat. From legal issues to a distant relative trying to take Ruth away. Ruth and Amalia show their Norwegian backbone and stand their ground. In the midst of all this, Amalia finds love and a town that embraces them.
Denise
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson
1919 England after WWI women were dismissed from their patriotic wartime jobs following the return of men at the end of the war. Constance, a maid & person of “useful domestic service” to an elite family, is sensible, reliable, and hardworking, all the while acknowledging her place in life. The story revolves around racing motorcycles w/sidecars & their women’s club (as taxi & delivery services) along with servicing war planes and repurposing them for lessons and pleasure trips, all this to help support women that are talented and in need of financial independence. A light romance, but the book's focus is on caste systems, gender roles, society expectations at the expense of kindness, true love, doing what's right and above all, friendship.
LisaMarie
Cher: The Memoir (Part One) by Cher
Very, very good. Loved learning how Cher grew up and what transpired. Great read. Highly recommend. Can’t wait till Part Two!
Kathleen
The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony
This is a novel based on fact. Set in Ireland in the 70s, it is a depiction of the abuse women suffered under domineering, smug, self-important men who felt they “owned” their wives. I was surprised that this was going on in the 70s and could not stop reading! Excellent book!
Jeanne
The Lies We Live by Liz Milliron
THE LIES WE LIVE by Liz Milliron is part of the Homefront Mystery series. It is set in 1943 with things in life improving for P.I. Betty Ahern as she is able to hire a part-time employee and her fiancé, Tom, is home from the war, but full of bitterness and anger and like a stranger to her. Betty is looking for office space and learns Tom has been found over a dead body and she has to prove his innocence before the killer murders both Betty and Tom. I found this to be well written and entertaining with all the elements of a good mystery, including drama, danger and twists and turns at every angle with an ending I didn’t see coming. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author.
Betty
The Election of Pope Francis by Gerard O'Connell
Like reading really good gossip. Enjoyed it very much.
Simone
Tilt by Emma Pattee
A massive earthquake hits Portland while Annie, nine months pregnant, shops for a crib. With the city in ruins and no way to reach her husband, she sets out on foot to find him. Along the way, she faces looters, wreckage, and her own fears about motherhood, marriage, and identity. Told through a running inner dialogue with her unborn baby, the story blends disaster with raw introspection. It’s a fast, engaging read that pulls you in and holds on tight. I read it in one sitting and would absolutely recommend it, especially if you like character-driven stories that keep the tension high and the emotions honest.
Rosa
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
I tore through this novel, couldn't put it down as I was completely immersed in this tragic love story. The plot has lots of twists and turns, surprises for the reader, with a satisfying end. I highly recommend this book for book club!
Shelley
Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
Despite a slow start, this story really moved in the second half. I enjoyed the descriptions of the intelligent group of female authors specializing in detective novels and the way that they came together to solve a real crime.
Joan
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
It was hard to put this book down for meal or sleep. The characters were so unforgettable and the adventure was awesome.
Rene
Nightshade by Michael Connelly
New characters, new setting meet us in this new book by Michael Connelly. I’m really looking forward to getting to know them in the upcoming books. This book was just as interesting and suspenseful as his others.
Rose
Thief of Fate by Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets
I typically love Jude Deveraux's books for their quick wit and romance, but this end to this trilogy was just okay for me. Liam has loved Cora for years, but since she died in his arms in the late 19th century. After stealing her from the man who loved her, he has been reincarnated to right this wrong. However, time is ticking down, and he has not convinced Cora to fall in love with Finn. Meanwhile, they are investigating a murder case which puts their lives in danger.
Bliss
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
This book was awesome. The storyline and character development were well done. I chose it for my book club this month and look forward to talking about it.
Karen
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
Well-written story of love, relationships and little told history.
aida
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Great book with an interesting topic.
Dottie
Strangers in Time by David Baldacci
It is different from his other books. Enjoyable.
Donna
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
This book was so incredibly sad but one I will remember for a long time. Beth is a farmer's wife and loves the life she has with him. But when her first love comes back to the area with his young son, she makes some decisions that affect the lives of those around her. I grew to love her the more I read but wanted to shout at her when I could see her going down the wrong path. This book also deals with grief in a very thoughtful way. Most likely I would have given this book 5 stars had I not been dealing with grief in my own life.
Jana
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Loved, loved this book about friendship, love, and life.
Elizabeth
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
I was not impressed with this book. I think the movie ruined it for me, but I couldn’t get in too deep when reading.
Elizabeth
Go, Went, Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck
This is a book about a retired man living in Berlin in 2015. He is at loose ends as he has recently retired and his wife has died. He notices refugees from Africa living in one of the public squares and gets increasingly involved in their lives. I enjoyed the interesting parallels between how Germany treated refugees from Africa ten years ago to how the U.S. is treating refugees from South America today. It was also interesting to explore these issues alongside the changes in the country and Berlin since the wall came down in 1989. The protagonist had lived in East Berlin and was born in the waning days of WWII. It was a slow read though, particularly at the beginning, and felt repetitive.
Lynda
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
I hadn't read this powerful book until it was a book club pick; and I'm glad I did. I loved Celie's spiritual beliefs. I admired the women who were broken until they finally overcame the abuses. There is comedic relief, but plan on weeping, too.
Rose
Chef's Kiss by T. J. Alexander
I read this to fulfill a reading challenge prompt of: the author uses initials. This is the story of a team of chefs in a test kitchen. Simone is cross when Ray, the new kitchen manager, comes to work. However, after working together, she is drawn to Ray. She learns Ray is trans and is going through the process of operations. This isn't a book I would normally read, but I found it helpful to understand how people work at jobs they hate, and how non-binary and trans people make their way in the world.
Muriel
James by Percival Everett
The author uses the voice of the enslaved Jim for a reimagining of the adventures he shares with Huckleberry Finn. True to what those times were like, the story contains examples of gross mistreatment of Black human beings. The adventures Huck and James (Jim) shared were not always pleasant. Percival Everett presents the character of James in a way that gives insight into the feelings and humanity of the Negro during the time before the Emancipation Proclamation. We see James as someone with a brain, a quest for knowledge, and deep feelings for the people he loves. We see a man who expresses himself well and is bothered by the injustices he sees meted out to his fellow slaves. The reader is made to look at slaves in a different way.
Rose
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell
I am not a fan of sci-fi and/or fantasy, but every once in a while, I read this genre. This book has been hyped, so I decided to read it. Sadly, it wasn't for me. It opens with an event that has all the Whites in America walking into water to die. Later, Charlie, a Black man, is a teacher of power systems at Howard. His long lost daughter, Sidney, contacts him. She is mixed race, having a White mother. She is traumatized by the fact her mother and step-family are all gone. Together they travel across America searching for answers. They meet the King of this new world and are told what caused the Whites to head to their death.
sandra
The Caretaker by Rob Shepherd
A couple move into a hi-rise residential block, only to find that the reason it is so perfect is because it hides a terrifying secret; a mysterious caretaker and a whole lot of horror that keeps residents in check. But who is in control of the horror and what are the dirty secrets that need to be cleaned up? It's a dirty job and some-one will have to do it.
Debbie
You Dreamed of Empires by Alvaro Enrigue
YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES by Alvaro Enrigue interested me, and the author provided a character listing and a brief translation of the various terms. But, the names and places rendered me wondering what was happening. Yes, the diet of chocolate sauce intrigued me, but the thought of eating grasshoppers ended that recipe. The utter disregard for human life amazed me. As much as I wanted to know more about this era, I felt like my brain could not follow the story.
Debbie
The Punishment She Deserves by Elizabeth George
I have missed reading novels by Elizabeth George as she writes long, long novels. This novel covered almost 700 pages, but the effort paid dividends. The story shows family dynamics, friend relationships, greed, loyalty, deviant behavior, drug and alcohol addiction, and so many other topics. And, of course, Barbara Havers presents a wonderful comic relief. In this episode, Barbara has entered the world of Ginger Rogers in her attempts at tap dancing. Of course, all this exercise displays a much thinner Barbara, but Barbara still fights the fashion scene. As usual, Barbara and Lynley knock heads with Sir David Hillier, who is determined to have Barbara and Lynley transferred or sacked. This lengthy tome focuses on pedophilia and redemption.
Susann
Time of the Child by Niall Williams
This is the first novel I have read by this author, and I found him to be an incredible storyteller. Set in a small Irish village in 1962, a Christmas miracle happens. This is a tender story of love in its truest form.
Sandy
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen. Now, eleven years later Delilah returns.
What a great story!!
Beth
Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara
CLARK AND DIVISION is a historical mystery. In my opinion, that makes it better than most historical fiction. Plus, apparently, Naomi Hirahara based her characters on real people and their stories. And her mystery was based on a real case. That's why I liked it. it is 1944. A Japanese American family was finally allowed to leave the concentration camp where they had been incarcerated in California. They are now in Chicago and soon learn that the eldest daughter, Rose, who went to Chicago ahead of her parents and sister, is dead, run over by a subway. Her 20-year-old sister, Aki, investigates this "accident".
Donna
Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins
This is a multi-generational tale spanning decades, the 1960s to 2023. Told in a nonlinear timeline, we meet Rafaela, born into wealth in Puerto Rico, her daughter, Ruth, also born in Puerto Rico, but raised in the American Midwest, and her granddaughter, Daisy. All three women, at one point or another, grapple with their identity and where exactly is home. The characters are well developed making all of their feelings, love, happiness, grief, and heartbreak palpable. So eloquently written, this is a layered story of mothers and daughters sharing geography and genetics, yet each in search of belonging and home. I highly recommend.
MARLYSS
Story of My Life by Lucy Score
Hazel Hart is an author, coming out of a divorce. She has lost her ambition and is out of ideas for future novels. When she decides to buy a house over the internet, sight unseen, and moves to a small town, her whole life changes. She meets a hunky contractor and asks him out on a fake date for research for her new book. The rest is funny, thought-provoking, and fun.
Jean
Less is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer
I am a big fan of Greer's Pulitzer Prize winning LESS, but much less so of this sequel. The first tale of a not too successful novelist and the odd ways he manages to make money by traveling across the country giving lectures and judging writing competitions was charming. Not to mention his odd assortment of friends and lovers. But LESS IS LOST follows the same path. While the actual stories are different, the general theme is the same. Narrated by his current lover, from whom he is separated throughout the story, Arthur Less travels from west to east taking any gig he can get to raise enough money to avoid losing his long-time San Francisco home. Perhaps the best part was when he meets another author with his same name.
Michelle
Dust Child by Ngyyen Phan Que Mai
An important subject I knew nothing about - the countless children of Amerasians, who were born to Vietnamese mothers and American fathers who were soldiers in the Vietnam war. It had great potential at first and I really felt for the plight of the innocent Vietnamese young women who took jobs as bar girls to help their families. I also felt for the grownup adopted children who were seeking their parents. But the story went sideways with too many points of view. I’m glad I read it and we had a good discussion with our book group. But the book overall was mildly disappointing.
Michelle
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
This was a bit underwhelming for me. Anne Tyler may not an author for me, or perhaps this was just a book I didn’t connect with enough. She definitely has a way of writing about the ordinary lives of people. I was happy enough to go along for the ride for most of it. But it was a little too slow and dull overall. I think I like a book with a little more meat to it. The ending, however, was a nice touch. She strikes me as a very observant writer, which I appreciate in an author, so it just may take the right Anne Tyler story for me to find in order to appreciate her work.
Rose
What Will People Think? by Sara Hamdan
Enjoyable and emotional at the same time. This is the story of a young Arab American woman who has a passionate desire to be a comic. She and her dad used to joke all the time, and it is a way for her to remember him after his tragic death. Mia also has a crush on her boss and knows that is a no go - especially when he begins dating someone else. She lives with her grandparents, and she discovers a big family secret when reading a journal. I cheered for Mia breaking out of her shell and taking control of her life!
Rose
The Younger Woman by Cate Ray
I figured out the big reveal about halfway through the book - a bit predictable. When Gabby and Fred's daughter Alice heads to university, they realize they aren't happy with each other, and now that they are empty nesters, they should divorce. But there is a problem - they both want the house.
Gabby meets Ellis at a bar, and tells her that she wants Fred dead. She then regrets this, but can't figure out how to distance herself from Ellis. Gabby also discovers that Fred is cheating on her, and has been for some time. Again, I felt this was a bit predictable.
Debbie
The Cafe with No Name by Robert Seethaler
Good character development book, translated from German. Cute, funny and heartwarming!
Rona
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
This is an excellent book and a page-turner. The book is well written and easily flows through the story. There are twists and turns throughout the book and it keeps you reading late into the night.
Julie
Wildfire Days by Kelly Ramsey
“Since childhood I’d been looking for a family. Here, against all odds, I had found one.” Kelly Ramsey’s story is a page-turner. The kind of book you want to settle into and read in a single sitting.
As the only female in the male-dominated world of hotshots her rookie year on a crew (and one of only two her second year), Ramsey’s raw, yet rich writing, had me right there on the line beside her.
The daughter of an alcoholic, this is an impactful story about defining one’s self and finding your way, without falling victim to the fire. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Maureen
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
Admittedly, I do not remember reading TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Perhaps if I remembered, this book would have made more sense to me.
Debbie
Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger
Now begins my journey in the adventures of Cork O’Connor, a rugged man lawman in Minnesota. William Kent Krueger writes interesting and very thought-provoking stories set in a small town in Minnesota that possesses many evil and despicable characters. In this story, Cork has lost his badge due to shooting and killing a man. This does not stop Cork from investigating the suicide/murder of Judge Robert Parrant and the disappearance of Paul LeBeau. The frozen ground and the layers of snow hide the under currents beneath the ground. The tension between the “white” townspeople and the indigenous Indians provides a constant battle of the haves and the have-nots. The emergence of a gambling casino gives the Indians a little financial stability.
Donna
If I Go Missing by Leslie Wolfe
Twisted, super twisted, an unputdownable thriller is all I can say! I made up those words since you will not be able to get sleep trying to figure it out. Amazing book, intense, some twists fall into place, others not. If you are a thriller reader this is a book for you! You will totally enjoy the writing and twists. Leslie Wolfe has the best books, just like BEAUTIFUL COUPLE she just wrote. She is in line with all the other thriller author greats. Thank you for your books. Enjoy the journey!!
Janet
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
I liked how the story unfolded - going back and forth in time.
Pam
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
Such a great read! A spellbinding tale of shape-shifting foxes who are able to beguile humans and an investigator whose body reacts when he hears a lie. The story takes place in China in 1908 where ancient Chinese culture can clashes with the modern culture and possible revolution.
Diane
Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger
I've loved William Kent Krueger's stand-alone novels (ORDINARY GRACE, THIS TENDER LAND, and THE RIVER WE REMEMBER), and yet I have not read any of his Cork O'Connor series. LIGHTENING STRIKE is a "prequel" about the primary character - Cork O'Connor - and it seemed like a perfect introduction to the series. I'm not going to wait any longer to read from the Cork O'Connor backlist. 5 stars!
Rose
The Fourth Girl by Wendy Corsi Staub
Four best friends in 1999 make a pact, and now 25 years later, that promise is coming back to haunt them. Midge, Kelly, Talia, and Caroline did everything together. But, Caroline disappeared on the night of their prom and was never seen again. Now, her high school sweetheart is found dead, and the remaining trio of friends is wondering what really happened to Caroline. Is she back? This had a lot of promise, but the last few chapters left a lot of questions. I felt it dragged for a bit, and then the author hurriedly wrapped up the mystery (but left questions!)
Brumby
The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb
Absolutely adored this. I listened on audio and it was magnificent. A tale of a prodigy cellist growing up in an extremely poor community with a drug dealing father. Lots of mob-esque adventures, comic books and heros, and fabulous music.
Amy
A Traveler at the Gates of Wisdom by John Boyne
I made it my goal this year to read all of John Boyne's books - he’s such a great writer. This is the last one I hadn’t read, so it feels good to wrap it up.
Elizabeth
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
Breathtakingly beautiful, poignant. A must-read!
Marcia
An Artless eDmise by Anna Lee Huber
In 1831, Keira is helping her husband, Gage, solve the murder of three young adult men. They solve crimes for a living, even though it's not normal for a woman during this time in history. She's also a portrait painter, which was not a normal past time for upperclassmen women.
Marcia
The Book Club For Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
Interesting book about four women in 1963, each with her own problems. They start a book club by accident and read THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE for their first book. They are wives and mothers, or hoping to be a mother, but they have dreams just like the men in their life and long to feel fulfilled.
Marcia
Payback in Death by J. D. Robb
Another in the series with Eve Dallas and husband Rourke solving homicides for a futuristic New York City. Great characters and dialog and relationships.
Sean
E Is For Evidence by Sue Grafton
Sue Grafton can write a good story. Her novels read like an 80s prime-time detective show in all the best ways. Here, she weaves serious family drama with some solid detective work and some insurance fraud. Kinsey is some a great character because she's realistic and not a super cop or the funniest person in every room. She is competent, fun, and confident. She's one of American literature's best female leads from this time period. I thought the ending here was maybe a little too out of left field as some things came together out of nowhere. Overall, an incredibly satisfying read as expected.
Rose
The Second Chance Hotel by Sierra Godfrey
Amelia gets fired from her Silicon Valley job after a public spat with her former flame. Impulsively, she books a flight to Europe and eventually ends up in Greece, a place where her parents went and fell in love with the location. At the Ria hotel, she meets James and after a drunken party, they discover they are married and have been gifted the hotel by the owner. They quickly realize they were tricked into marriage, but now have to determine what to do with the hotel. A different romance. Cute but not my favorite.
Angie
Sonora by Jenni L. Walsh
I loved the movie "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken" but enjoyed Sonora's memoir even more. I went into this book hoping I would enjoy it just as much, and I'm happy to say that I did. I felt it captures Sonora Webster's spirit far better than the movie did. Also, Sonora's relationship with Al is much better developed here, making it feel more real and making it sweeter at the same time. And Arnette, barely mentioned in the movie, is here, too. Not only was this book closer to real life than the movie, but this book also moved me more emotionally. I was in tears several times. The ending hit the perfect note. The author's comments at the end of the book were excellent too. Highly recommend. I will definitely be adding this to my library.
Meredith
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
Excellent book! Perfect ending! Story is told through different perspectives, which all come together at the end. Three different voices and three main characters…so well done.
Judy
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty
A member of a family dies and leaves her house to Sophie, a girl her nephew dated and then she dumped him.
Cheryl
Broken Fields by Marcie R. Rendon
Cash Blackbeard is out of college for the summer and helping plow fields in the Red River Valley. She discovers the farmer dead in his tenant’s house, the parents missing and a little girl too traumatized to speak. Cash relies on her Native American contacts, and ‘gift of sight’ to locate the mother and solve the murder.
Mitra
The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocum
This is the third book by Slocum after THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY and A SYMPHONY OF SECRETS. This time the main character is a cellist. The characters are more clearly defined in this book, not just the hero, and it’s easy to feel sympathetic towards all of them. I enjoyed this more than the previous two, which I had also enjoyed very much. Each book has been quite different other than the hero being a prodigy.
Mary Ann
A Mind of Her Own by Danielle Steel
I really enjoyed this book!! The perfect summer read.
Michele
All the Glimmering Stars by Mark Sullivan
What a great story of hope in the face of horror. Based on a true story, you will stay engaged through the end. Parts were graphic and hard to read, but the prologue from the main characters was inspirational
Deborah Jackson
The Razor’s Edge by Somerset Maugham
Young man from Chicago seeks meaning of life after traumatizing experience in WWI first in Paris, then India. His friends don’t understand his search and don’t know why he doesn’t get a job and make money. Wonderful characters, each with a different approach to life, react to the 1929 crash and to each other in ways true to their character. Not plot driven.
Rina
The Sirens by Emilia Hart
I really enjoyed this book!
Barbara
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Creative and intriguing plot. Relatable, fun characters. Uplifting read.
Vickie
Go as a River by Shelly Read
I just loved this book. A lot of it I was not ready for which made it even better. Tearjerker for sure.
Vickie
You Are Here by David Nicholls
I did not find this humorous or a great love story. With all the talk of this book I was expecting a lot more from it. I struggled to finish it.
Delores
You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pleigo
Gripping whodunit with very interesting characters set on an island.
barbara
The Maid by Nita Prose
This was the best book I have read in a while.
Pamela
Original Sin by Jake Tapper
An incredible story about the cover-up of the deterioration of Joe Biden.
Carol
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
This is a beautiful and amazing story by this extremely gifted Australian author. Set on a remote island, located between Australia and Antarctica lives a family of four - a father, two teenagers and a young child - for the past eight years. Though they are fractured, you can help but fall in love with each of them. Once filled with researchers, the island is now desolate with only this family left behind, and they are tasked with packing the world's collection of seeds to be transported to a safer place. The retrieval boat is five weeks away, the sea level is rising, electricity fails, and the radio breaks when a mysterious woman washes ashore, bloodied and barely alive looking for her researcher husband.
Pauline
James by Percival Everett
James tells what it is like to be educated in a world that considers Blacks only ignorant slaves. This retelling of THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN is a marvelous telling of the integrity and strength, or lack of, in the lives of those surrounding James, a.k.a. Jim.
Betty Jo
The Names by Florence Knapp
I loved this book! It has me thinking about the names I gave my four sons.
Julie
On Isabella Street by Genevieve Graham
The unusual friendship of two women in the 60s.
Elizabeth
Original Sin by Jake Tapper & Alex Thompson
Questions were answered and the truth is sobering to say the least.
Abby
A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci
Well-written courtroom drama taking place in Virginia in the 1960s. A real page-turner for me. Great characters and compelling storyline - leaves you a lot to think about, especially due to parallels of what is happening in the world today.
Adrien
Us Against You by Fredrik Backman
This book should come with a warning label slapped across the cover. Seriously not sure if I will recover. I’m still trying to catch my breath and I finished the book almost half an hour ago. I need to jump right into THE WINNERS!
Agnes
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig
Grace is a retired teacher, newly widowed and still grieving the death of her young son decades earlier. Her life had shrunk so dramatically. That is until she’s remembered for “an act of kindness long ago.” A long-lost friend has left her a house in Ibiza. In an uncharacteristic move, Grace decides to travel there and check it out. The novel unfolds as Grace recounts her story in an email to a former student. In her search for answers about her friend, she confronts her past and discovers truths about herself. Through the people she meets on the island, we learn that Grace is full of heart and wisdom.
Maureen
Saltwater by Katy Hays
The book took you on a trip to the island of Capri. As the story evolved, you realized how controlling the Lingate family is. The ending had a couple of surprises I didn’t see happening. I enjoyed the book on a rainy Memorial Day weekend.
Sonia
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
Quirky characters who've had some awful tragedies to deal with go on a road trip across the USA. Should be depressing but it's not. I liked it.
Julie
The Original by Nell Stevens
A fascinating story about hidden realities, whether an heir to a fortune is an imposter, woven with a young woman who forges paintings for a living. This novel is set in England at the end of the 1800s. The writing is lush and evocative, and Steven’s keeps you guessing the outcome until the end.
Macgregor
Patriot by Alexei Navalny
A very readable book on Russia by a Russian detailing how it really is in his country.
Michele
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
A heartfelt story within a story. Characters you want to root for.
Gerry
Westport by James Comey
3-1/2 stars for an quick but enjoyable read centered in the world of high finance and corporate espionage. The body of a hedge fund executive is found lying in a canoe abandoned on Seymour Rock, right where the Saugatuck River hits the Long Island Sound. Nora Carleton, a former U.S. Attorney whom the dead woman recruited to join the firm as lead counsel, appears to be the main suspect. To clear her own name, Nora seeks the assistance of former colleagues to investigate what seems likely to be an inside job. I did guess the identity of the perpetrator pretty early in the book, but it still held my interest to the end, when my hunch was proved correct.
Gerry
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Just not a book for me, I guess. Didn’t love the characters or the constant back and forth between the artist’s childhood summer with his friends, and the story with Ted and Louisa, 25 years later. Though I didn't love the book, I still saved several quotes from the book that resonated with me.
Gerry
The Eights by Joanna Miller
3-1/2 stars for this story of four young women who were members of the first class of women permitted to matriculate at Oxford University. Coming from very different backgrounds, the four formed close bonds as they found their footing in a too-often misogynistic academic culture. Good character development and an engaging plot gives me reason to look for more from this author.
Gerry
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
A sweeping love story with the pace and twists of a thriller, BROKEN COUNTRY is a novel of simmering passion, impossible choices, and explosive consequences that toggles between the past and present to explore the far-reaching legacy of first love. A heartbreaking story of love lost and found, of betrayal and redemption, of secrets and choices, and of the power of love to overcome incredible odds. 4-1/2 stars.
Gerry
The Doorman by Chris Pavone
This was a fun and very engaging read, set in present-day Manhattan. The opening sentence -- "Chicky Diaz stands on his little patch of earth, the clean quiet sidewalk in front of the Bohemia Apartments, thinking: there sure are a lot of great places to kill someone in this city." -- intrigued me, and as other characters and events were introduced, my interest only increased. Clearly someone was going to be killed in this book, but it remained unclear who the victim(s) or the perpetrator(s) would be. None of the wealthy residents of the Bohemia are exactly as they prefer to present themselves; they all have secrets and things they hide from the world.
Gerry
Murder by Degrees by Ritu Mukerji
For me, the best feature of this historical mystery was its setting in old Philadelphia. I always enjoy reading books in familiar settings, and this one had me checking Google Maps to see what the various locations in the book (set in the post-Civil War era) looked like today. It was also very interesting to read about the early days of the Women's Medical College, and the struggles of female physicians to be taken seriously and to be permitted to treat patients in the major hospitals in the city. The mystery was interesting enough, but was not the component of the book that kept me reading; by the last couple chapters, when the details of who did what to whom were all being sorted, I found myself not really caring how it ended.
Gerry
The Possible World by Liese O'Halloran Schwarz
Interesting novel connecting a young boy who witnessed a murder, the ER physician who treats him at the hospital, and an elderly woman in a nursing home. The ER scenes were realistic and portrayed the chaotic scenes of a busy hospital very well. Clare's life was revealed slowly events taking place over many decades. And the growing connection between Ben and Lucy was touching. I was disappointed with the way the connections among the three were finally revealed.
Gerry
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
A powerful indictment of the horror of war narrated in the voice of a young man of twenty who fought in the German army during WWI. It's striking that there's no mention of the "cause" for which these soldiers fought, and the descriptions could have applied equally to any group of soldiers on either side of the conflict. Powerful politicians "declare" war, but never fight in it. That hapless task is left to the young and powerless.
Gerry
The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis
The magical realism element of this novel put me off a bit as I read the earliest chapters, but the story seemed intriguing enough to continue, and I'm glad now that I did. This is a novel that contains two additional books, each a memoir written by one of a pair of lovers separated many years ago. It moves back and forth in time from the 1950s to 1984, as the memoirs tell the same story from different perspectives, and the young women who found them in 1984 tries to figure out what caused their separation, and what happened to each of them after these memoirs ended. Overall, it was an engaging and very enjoyable story that was well paced and tied together perfectly at the end.
Gerry
Death on the Island by Eliza Reid
A group of nine international players has gathered in a tiny village off the coast of Iceland for a diplomatic dinner. There's Kristján, the mayor reeling from a personal tragedy. Graeme, the ambassador with an agenda to push. Jane, his wife, along for the ride on another one of her husband's many business trips. And several others, from Iceland and from abroad, each with their own reason for being there, their own loyalties and grievances. By the end of the night, one of them will be dead. The novel's structure is interesting, starting with the dinner, then going back in time to explore incidents that preceded it, before again moving forward in time, counting off the hours before another death will occur, though the victim remains unknown.
Gerry
The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd
3-1/2 stars. This novel based on the life and letters of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, who is credited with bringing the first successful indigo crop to harvest in South Carolina and starting a thriving indigo trade with England, was well-narrated in audiobook format by Saskia Maarleveld, and held my interest throughout. It brings to life an ambitious woman who, until recently, was known after her death primarily as the mother of Charles Pinckney, who represented South Carolina in the Continental Congress, and appears to be based on copious research. Two quibbles: I found the story of her relationship with Ben, which the author acknowledges is largely imagined, to be a bit unrealistic, and was bothered by frequent grammatical errors in the writing.
Gerry
I Take My Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith, and Being Black in America by Tyler Merritt
This book took a long time to pull me in, and was headed toward a two-star “just okay” rating for more than 200 of its 290 pages. The last few chapters, though, made it a worthwhile read. I wish all of us could have the opportunity to participate in Tyler’s “Safe Space” experience and to get to know ourselves and others in a conversation like those he facilitated.
Kathy
The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
Started out a bit slow but quickly got very engaging. Our book club loved it.
Gerry
Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray
HARLEM RHAPSODY is the story of Jessie Redmon Fauset, who served as literary editor of The Crisis, the premier magazine of Black culture in the US, from 1919 to 1926. She was appointed to that position by the magazine's editor, W.E.B. DuBois, with whom she had not only a close working relationship, but also a long-standing affair. During her work at The Crisis, she mentored a number of young Black writers whom I was delighted to meet in the pages of this novel, and whose works, along with that of Fauset and DuBois, this novel inspires me to seek out and read. Well written and always engaging, HARLEM RHAPSODY is a story of an era and of a culture, and of a young woman coming to understand herself, her talents, and her dreams.
Gerry
The Hours Count by Jillian Cantor
An historical novel based on the accusations leveled at Julius and Ethel Rosenberg that led to their conviction of conspiracy to commit espionage, and their execution in 1953. The novel is narrated from the point of view of Millie Stein, a fictional young woman who lived in the same apartment building as the Rosenbergs and who befriended Ethel Rosenberg. Both women were mothers of boys, and both their boys are presented as having some unusual behaviors and characteristics, with Millie's son, at least, appearing to be on the autism spectrum. I found most of the novel to be quite engaging, and enjoyed this glimpse into the investigation and the socio-political conditions of the time. Overall, it was an interesting and informative read.
Gerry
The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin
3-1/2 stars. The focus is mostly on the impact of the WWII on the civilians in this novel set in Warsaw, Poland, covering the rise of Nazi influence, the invasion of Warsaw by the German army, the Polish resistance, and the invasion by Russia that pushed the Nazis out but then initiated a decades-long occupation of Poland by the Communists. The main characters are two young women, one Gentile and one Jewish, who have been lifelong friends and who are involved with a few others in a book club dedicated to reading books banned by the German government. They are also employed at the main Warsaw library, and as Nazi restrictions and oppression increase, are determined to preserve Poland's literary and intellectual culture.
Gerry
My Name is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende
MY NAME IS EMILIA DEL VALLE is the story of an Irish-Chilean woman who goes to Chile as a journalist to cover the 1891-92 Civil War, and to meet her father, who had never acknowledged her, and deliver a message to him from her mother. The narrative includes copies of Emilia's newspaper columns, as well as vivid descriptions of the events of the war, and of the social mores of that time. Having almost no knowledge of South American history, I found it very interesting to read a little about Chile's wars with Peru and Bolivia, which preceded the Civil War, and to get a sense of the politics involved in the latter. Emilia del Valle is portrayed as a very strong and independent woman who is determined to prove her value as a journalist.
Gerry
We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
This three-generation family story was a bit slow for me, but eventually came together happily. Lila is 40-ish, grieving the death of her mother, recently divorced from her unfaithful and now remarried husband, and struggling both financially and emotionally with the needs of her two daughters and her elderly stepfather. Into the mix comes her actual father, who deserted her and her mother when Lila was a young child, and two men who just might possibly pull Lila back into the dating world. My favorite of all these imperfect characters was Lila's teenage daughter Celie, who'd have driven me crazy if she were mine, but who was still so endearing as she struggled with her feelings about all the changes and craziness of her life.
Gerry
The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen Loigman
When two brothers marry, their wives become close friends, and both couples share a Brooklyn duplex, one upstairs and one downstairs. Helen and Abe are blessed with four sons, while Rose and Mort, to Mort's dismay, produce only daughters. Everything changes one snowy night, when both Helen and Rose give birth again at home, trapped by a blizzard, to a girl and a boy. This very engaging novel follows the two families over the course of some forty years, as the parents age and the children grow into adulthood, and the price of secrets is revealed.
Gerry
Honor by Elif Shafak
3-1/2 stars for this family story set in Turkey and London. HONOR examines the honor codes of a traditional Kurdish community which place strict limitations on the behavior of females, while catering to men, and even blaming and punishing their female partners and family members when those men fall short of the community's expectations. Jamila and Pembe are twin sisters, the youngest of eight daughters in a family where male children are highly valued. Though alike in many ways, their lives follow divergent paths when Pembe leaves the village to marry a man who later moves with her to London, while Jamila remains behind, a single woman and well-regarded midwife. The novel progressed a bit slowly for me until a twist changed its trajectory.
Gerry
The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell
Wow! This was a very creepy but completely engaging short story about a big game hunter from NY who falls overboard from his yacht and makes his way to a strange island occupied by another hunter with even more macabre goals.
Gerry
One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter
Historical fiction set in Italy during WWII, follows Lili as she travels on foot through war-torn Italy in order to protect her friend's little boy.
Gerry
The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen
4-1/2 stars for a compelling thriller that grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. THE LOCKED WARD introduces us to Georgia, who has been confined to a psychiatric ward in the hospital after being accused of killing her sister. Georgia is adopted, and her sister Annabelle was born only four months after the adoption was finalized. There's always been rivalry and animosity between the two, but who'd have expected it to go so far?! From the hospital, Georgia reaches out to Amanda, the twin sister she only recently discovered, in hope that Amanda can help prove her innocence and solve the mystery of Annabelle's death. Meanwhile, she's coping with sometimes aggressive patients, and questionable hospital staff, while trying to keep safe.
Gerry
Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray
3-1/2 stars for an interesting fictional account of the life and career of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a Presidential cabinet. She served as FDR’s Secretary of Labor during all three of his terms, and played a major role in enacting New Deal policies, including Social Security. I enjoyed the content, but am slowly realizing I'm just not a fan of Dray's writing style.
Gerry
The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall
4-1/2 stars for an excellent dual-timeline novel set in Berlin and northern England during WWII and in the 21st century. Audrey James is the daughter of an Englishman and a German woman but was raised mostly in London after her mother's death. Her fond memories of her childhood friend Ilse Kaplan drew her back to Berlin for university, and she was living in the Kaplan's home when the Nazi's descended on the city, killing many and hauling others away to unknown destinations. Decades later, Kate's life is in turmoil after a car accident killed both of her parents. Browsing through old photographs, she stumbles upon pictures of old castle-like hotel in the north of England where family history will surprise her.
Terry
The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen
Great mystery, interesting characters, couldn’t put it down!
Terry
The Children of Eve by John Connolly
Another good book in the Charlie Parker series, mostly about various criminals pursuing one another.
Elizabeth
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Funny and heartfelt story of a woman who checks into an exclusive hotel and falls into a wedding party that has taken over the hotel for the week of wedding festivities.
Kay
Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke
A quick, mindless summer read that also includes some interesting recipes.
Brumby
The Measure by Nikki Erlich
Loved this book. One day, everyone over 22 receives a box with a string the length of their life. How do they handle it. Do they look inside the box. What prejudices ensue. So many correlations to the world today.
Bridget
Summer Light on Nantucket by Nancy Thayer
Reading a novel by Nancy Thayer is like taking a vacation to Nantucket! This was a great beach read if you’re looking to escape for a while!
Kathryn
Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate
Enjoyed this. Reminds me of a William Kent Krueger book. Interesting landscapes, lots of characters with same or similar names. The ending seemed a bit contrived and convoluted.
Luella
Field of Prey by John Sandford
Great read. Love books by this author. Fast-paced, great story. Definitely grabs your interest and doesn't let go.
Dawn
The Passionate Tudor: A Novel of Queen Mary I by Alison Weir
This book is very lengthy but I enjoyed reading it a lot. It envelopes the whole life span of Mary, who was the daughter of Henry VIiI and Katharine of Aragon, wife number one. I have been reading about Henry VIII and all the various relatives, or wives of his, for decades. I had never read in-depth about Mary I, who was Queen for a few years, or all her emotional struggles that she had. Be prepared to read a very long, in-depth book if you choose to read it!
Denise
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
If you ever went to camp as a kid you’ll relate to this story. From the late night scary storytelling to the secrets shared between new friends, learning new skills and the adventure of exploring new terrain. What’s interesting and different this time is you learn that the people behind the scenes, the owners, their friends, the workers and the counselors have a life of their own. They also have their own secrets and desires. All of this is explored in the book along with a mystery element running through it that leads you along, trying to figure out what’s really happening. There are many twists and turns thrown in to keep you guessing. A great summer read to bring back memories or to spark the desire to get out there and explore nature.
Chris
Dreamer: My Life on the Edge by Nazem Kadri
The twists and turns of a life well lived.
Theresa
Goodnight, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea
I had no idea that the American Red Cross offered anything other than medical and disaster relief services. This story of their efforts to boost morale among WWII troops overseas by serving fresh donuts and coffee accompanied by lively female conversation came as a complete surprise. I was enthralled by the story of “Donut Dollies” Irene and Dorothy. As they maneuvered their “Donutmobile” throughout England and Europe they formed unbreakable bonds of friendship and sisterhood. What was most surprising was that the Red Cross had the young women follow the troops into combat zones. These American female volunteers faced dangers and horrors of war that most believe were limited to servicemen in combat in World War II.
Rose
Broken Harbor by Catherine Cowles
I typically really love Cowles's romances set in Sparrow Falls, but this third book in the trilogy was my least favorite. I still plan to read the rest of the series. In this installment, Cope, hockey phenom, meets Sutton and is instantly attracted to her. She had divorced her first husband after he became addicted to drugs and left for the west coast where she opened The MixUp bakery, making the best cupcakes that anyone ever tasted. Her young son, Luca, is a hockey fan, and of course, his idol is Cope "The Reaper". Someone is trying to sabotage Cope and Sutton is afraid of her ex. Cope convinces Sutton that his love for her and Luca is real and they will get through any trouble together. Ups/downs, tragedies, jealousy are themes.
Rose
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
On the tiny island off Antarctica, the Salt family, Dom, and his children, Raff, Fen, and Orly, live as caretakers. Researchers had come to the island to research and store seeds in a vault. However, sea level rise threatens the vault. A woman, Rowan, washes up on the island, and the family nurses her back to health. Dom and Rowan are both wary of each other, believing that the other is hiding something. The dangerous and unforgiving climate and terrain play a part in this novel, as well as isolation, madness, and love. I thought the book was well written and heartbreaking.
Rose
The Last Magazine by Michael Hastings
Young intern at a magazine watches the office politics and writes about it. One of the reporters is sent to war zones and writes about the experience. However, the book is full of graphic sex and excessive drug use, which I felt was unnecessary. The story could have had some of the sex and drugs, but pages and pages of it was over the top.
Rose
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Written in 1993, this book is a futuristic look at the world in 2024-2026! How appropriate to read this now, with many of the issues that are happening right now. Climate change, wealth inequality, corporate greed, interracial relationships, police integrity, and so much more are all woven into this novel. Lauren is a teen empath, and she feels more deeply what others feel. But, as the apocalypse is happening, she must find resources within herself to survive. She has been brought up in a religious home, but she is striving to forge her beliefs through her journal writings. She calls the religion Earthseed. Along the journey for survival, she and a few others learn to cooperate and protect each other. Very interesting.
Deby
Something Wilder by Christina Lauren
Enjoyable, quick read about a second chance at love with a little adventure thrown in.
Carol
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
My book club and I really enjoyed this book. The characters, both “good” and “bad”, were engaging. The two couples who were main characters complemented each other well with their strengths, personalities, and abilities. There are many characters in the book and interwoven stories that can make this a challenging, but worthwhile, read.
Lisa
The Tell: A Memoir by Amy Griffin
Well-told story of an incredibly traumatic past.
Rose
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
Sara is arrested and taken to Madison, a Forensic Observation Facility. The Risk Assessment Administration used her dreams to claim that she is going to harm her husband. Initially, she is to stay for 21 days, but the time keeps getting extended. She is concerned that her dreams are presenting evil thoughts and when the RAA examines them, they use the info against her.
This is a terrifying look at how government overreach and technology can be used to manipulate and imprison people for no valid reason.
Catherine
Drop Dead by Lily Chu
Fun romance!
Beth
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
If you like locked-room mysteries, THE HUNTING PARTY should interest you. The characters are not exactly in a locked room, but they're all stuck on the remote grounds of a hunting lodge where a snowstorm prevents anyone from getting in or out. You will know from the beginning that someone is murdered. But you won't know who that is or who is the murderer, except that each is someone stuck at the lodging grounds. So the whole book is pretty much character study, as each gives first-person accounts, flashbacks, of what led to the murder. This format usually bores me. That's why I've never been an Agatha Christie lover.
Sandy
The Light Over London by Julia Kelly
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, but usually parts are depressing due to the prisoner camps, but this one had nothing to do with that. While clearing out an estate, Cara Hargraves finds a World War II-era diary and a photo of a young woman in uniform. The story follows Louise Keene and her time serving for her country. Very good.
Rose
Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton
Elsie King returns in this novel to take a case where a woman, Karen Simmons, is found dead in the woods. Elsie believes Karen was killed by a man she met online. She researches online dating apps to try to find the killer. Kiki Nunn is a reporter who gets wind of the story and investigates the dating apps on her way to solving this story. She finds the mother of a young boy who was killed in the same woods years earlier and the mother of the man who committed suicide after being accused of the murder. Kiki believes their deaths could be a precursor to Karen dying in the woods. She feels that the online dating group of men she found may also be key to discovering the truth. But the ultimate truth is all the more shocking.
Laura
The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis
Love all of her books but really enjoyed this one. Love that they all are centered on/in a historical building. I always learn something too about the area, architecture, period or whatever it may be while I am being thoroughly entertained.
Laura
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
3.5 stars. I listened to the audiobook and the accent took me a little bit of time to get used to. I enjoyed the book, it was okay, but I just wasn't heavily invested in the main character(s) (and there were many, many characters).
Joanne
MarkTwain by Ron Chernow
Very interesting read - not for those who don’t want to read 1000 pages about Mark Twain. I enjoyed it!
Teresa
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
A "reality show" where the last couple that survives wins...or is it?! First, a violent storm takes out the electricity, and all of the crew on a boat and the survivors are left to fend for themselves with very little food, water or medical supplies on an isolated island. The real question is, does anybody even know that they're there, stranded alone, and somebody's taking this concept very seriously! As their cast members dwindle, who's going to rescue them from the "beast" on the island or are they going to have to rescue themselves?! Excellent read!
Susan
Whippoorwill by Joseph Monninger
A story about a dog named Whippoorwill - I loved it.
Nancy
Accidentally on Purpose by Kristen Kish
Go behind the scenes into the life of Kristen Kish, of Top Chef fame. The book is an interesting (although superficial at times) look at her life and the challenges faced as a gay, Asian-American, and adopted child. I especially liked the glimpses into the restaurant world and her Top Chef experiences.
dee
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
A beautiful physical copy, amazing cover, a map and even clock drawings for some chapters. It is a fun read if you can dispel reality. I did find it cringeworthy that an adult would offer adoption to a child when they knew they did not have the finances or the resources. A horrible burden for the child.
Kathy
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
As in his other books, the characters are well developed and interesting. I love how the story was presented. It kept me guessing about what had happened and what was going to happen. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Darlene
Out by John Smolens
Excellent mystery grabs you on the first page.
aida
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
Interesting book. Would never have known about the first wife without this book. Brilliant and determined, overcoming a lot: physical issue, women not being allowed in universities.
Amy
The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
Set in 1963, I can visualize the sights and smell the smells of my earliest childhood home as I turn the pages. The four characters are interesting.
Jayme
I Think We’ve Been Here Before by Suzy Krause
I really enjoyed this quirky, thoughtful (somewhat emotional) science fiction story. At first when the theory of quantum entanglement was introduced, I had to do a Google deep dive - it is a thing. What a fun idea to wrap your brain around. I kind of wish I still smoked dope. This topic would be a great late night stoner discussion.
Christina
The Names by Florence Knapp
I really enjoyed this book. The first few chapters may be a bit confusing (or I was, but I caught on after the 4th chapter). I found this to be not the usual novel but an interesting look at how an individual’s life can change based on a few significant decisions.
Christina
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
This was a great summer read about two individuals at a lake. The characters were enjoyable and I found it was one of Carley’s best novels.
Christina
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson
This was an enjoyable read that takes place in the early 1900s. The book had a good storyline and was an interesting look at some women who were trying to become independent at a time when that was not accepted in society.
Christina
The Worlds Fair Quult by Jennifer Chiaverini
This is the latest in the Elm Creek Quilter series. It was an enjoyable easy read. I always enjoy going back to this series to see what the quilters are up to!
Christina
Nothing Serious by Emily J. Smith
This is the story of Edie and Peter. Edie is in love with Peter, but they have been best friends for years. Through the book she discovers that Peter is not the person she thought he was, and he asks her to help him cover up a crime he committed. I wasn’t crazy about this novel, but that may have been because I was not a fan of the two main characters.
Christina
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
I enjoyed this book and thought it was one of his best. This is story of the friendship of a group of teenagers that takes place over a number of summers and then follows them through adulthood. It was a poignant story of the lives of these teenagers and involved the theme of trust. The story will definitely stay with you long after you finish reading the book.
Christina
Big Chief by Jon Hickey
I enjoyed this book that takes place on Anishinaabe reservation about the life of Mitch Caddo whose mother was a member of the tribe and whose father was not part of the tribe. Mitch grows up on the reservation but feels that he was not accepted because he was not a full-blooded member of the tribe. He leaves the reservation for college and law school and returns to live and work on the reservation. His childhood friend is the current Tribal President and the story starts with Mitch trying to help him get re-elected. There was a lot of action in this novel and it had a very interesting storyline.
Christina
My Name is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende
This was an interesting story that fans of ISOLA will enjoy. The story involves a woman who wants to learn about her father who she has never been in contact with. She lives in San Francisco in the 1800s and embarks on a journey to Chile as a reporter to cover a civil war that is occurring. but really is traveling there to learn about her father. This is an action-packed book!
Luella
Autism Out Loud by Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello and Adrian Wood
A book written from the heart by three families of children with autism. It has so much information and insight. So well written.
Sheree
The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian
This is my favorite author! This book was a little slow at first- the civil war - really! But once I got into it I couldn’t put it down! I was totally into the story and outside distractions did not keep me from imagining the characters in this novel! He is one of the best authors out there!
Muriel
It Happened on the Lake by Lisa Jackson
For such a long book, Jackson’s interaction among the characters and the suspense of what would come next held my attention pretty well. I do wonder if some pages could have been shaved off without affecting the story, as I think some readers would be put off by the length. There are many tragedies associated with main character Harper’s family and secrets for the reader to gradually find out. Many of the characters have flaws. Mistakes were made in their younger years they are still trying to come to terms with. I admire the author’s ability to weave all the elements together and come up with a very intriguing story. The length just became a bit tedious at times in areas where the plot could have been speeded up.
Donna
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Since I loved ON EARTH WE'RE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS, THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS by Ocean Vuong was one of my most anticipated reads. Overall, I have very mixed feelings about it.
With beautiful prose and quirky characters whom I came to love, this was a heartfelt story of found family, and those living on the fringes of society doing their best just to survive. There were two storylines which seemed to run parallel to one another rather than intersecting. I found both storylines interesting. However, after reading the intriguing first two chapters, I would have preferred if the book continued on that pathway devoting itself to the relationship between Hai and Grazina.
Jana
The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz
Loved this fast-paced thriller!
Dorothy
The Secret of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar
It’s a great read. But for me, going back and forth requires me to sit and read for a while, which always isn’t possible.
LisaMarie
Heartwood by Amity Gaige
Could not put it down. An experienced hiker goes missing, and search and rescue does everything to find her. Will keep you reading to find out what happened.
Rona
Firestorm by Iris Johansen
This book was disappointing. It didn't capture my attention at all.
Tessa
A Cup of Friendship by Deborah Rodriguez
Also published as THE LITTLE COFFEE SHOP OF KABUL. Sunny is a 38-year-old American who has found a “home” in war-torn Kabul, Afghanistan, running The Coffee Shop. I particularly liked the two Afghan women – Halajan and Yazmina – who work in the shop.
Giovanna
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Any time of year is perfect to read Emily Henry. Although I had a hard time keeping the title straight, GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL LIFE is a captivating read with great twists and turns. A bit of professional competition never hurts and keeps the reader engaged with the main characters -- Alice, Hayden and Margaret -- the first two of whom are tasked with convincing Margaret that they are the best writer to work on her memoir. The dual timeline slowly reveals underlying secrets that come full circle by the end of the novel.
Lorraine
The Passengers on the Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa
“Healing Fiction” sub-genre by the author of THE TRAVELING CAT CHRONICLES. A lot of Japanese culture packed into slim novel set on famous retro train. Having recently had the opportunity of a lifetime to travel on it, couldn’t wait to read it when got home. Saw so much in words that I wouldn’t have understood on a deeper level, but it is a comforting read once you see how the passenger characters influence each other. Especially liked the unconventional female characters and the literary technique used so that characters intersect like the train lines.
MARILYN
Eveyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
The book is quoted to be a jaunty and clever mystery with lots of twists and turns. It started out rather slowly, but gains momentum. It's strange how some members of the Cunningham clan in one way or another have indeed killed someone! Not always intentionally! Makes me wonder if I know anyone who has done the same. At any rate, this is an entertaining read with lots of interesting dialogue among the characters!
Joan
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
This book is terrific!! I am recommending it to everybody I know.
Shelley
Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
The book had a slow start but really picked up as the talented group of female novelists specializing in detective stories went to solve a real mystery. The descriptions of the authors makes me want to read their books as well.
Kay
Weyward by Emilia Hart
A wonderful read. Keeps you entertained until the very end. Great mix of past and present.
Donna
Middletide by Sarah Crouch
A failed writer comes home to Point Orchards hoping to rekindle his love with Nakita, his high school sweetheart and a member of a nearby reservation. When he finds out she's married he starts dating the beautiful town doctor whose body is later found hanging from a tree on his property. He is accused of her murder and the courtroom drama ensues. This is a love story/mystery and I really enjoyed this scenic adventure.
Carol
The Examiner by Janice Hallett
At Royal Hastings University, the administrators admit early on to the drastic measures taken with a once thriving arts program: “We’ve had to overhaul our arts courses and qualifications, make them workplace-relevant, employer-friendly, etc. Promote logical problem-solving as well as creative solutions.” Each class member brings their own fractious personality – and potential secrets – into the mix, and it becomes clear that artistic harmony is the last thing on any of their minds. As they scrabble and fight and sabotage each other, Hallett drops hints of ever more sinister situations, including inappropriate relationships among students and staff, borderline psychopathy, and domestic violence. Great story, hard to put down.
Carol
Saltwater by Katy Hays
I just recently finished SALTWATER by Katy Hays. This was a very dull thriller, in my opinion. It started off very slowly and meandered through to the end. The premise was typical and not interesting to me. I finished this book only because of NetGalley's offering and to provide an honest review. The characters were spoiled and unrelatable. This is a typical murder mystery set on the island of Capri. Helen, whose mother died when she was a child, is somewhat sympathetic because her wealthy family cordoned her off so thoroughly from reality, yet she doesn’t rebel. Her friend, Lorna, was hired as an administrative assistant and had a rough upbringing, so she also generates a bit of sympathy. Rich people acting badly.
Carol
Audition by Katie Kitamura
THE AUDITION by Katie Kitamura gets 2.75 stars. I think it is overhyped and pretentious. This novel is about performances and the roles we play, some good and some not so good. A lot is hidden behind metaphors and images, so the reader can decipher what might be happening, if anything is happening at all!
Delores
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
I loved THE SILENT PATIENT so I was very eager to dive in to this one. It was a good story but the narrator did ramble a bit. Suspense would build but then let you down somewhat. Still, overall a good read.
Delores
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
This was a light, fun read. Kind of predictable but very enjoyable!
Maureen
beyond that, the sea by Laura Spence-Ash
An absolute treasure of a book, part love story, part historical fiction about what family ties mean during the London blitz of WWII. It centers around Beatrix, a young English girl who is transported to the U.S. and taken in by an American family in Boston. Using a clever literary device, the author explores the themes of identity, loss, coming-of-age, and resiliency across two continents. Beautifully written, the characters come alive on the pages, growing and changing against the backdrop of the war years and peacetime on both sides of the ocean. Beatrix and all those whose lives she touches are lovingly portrayed in an absorbing and moving story of two families united by circumstance and, eventually, by love.
Debbie
Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger
The evil men entrap, torture, and kill another native Indian. Wendell Two Knives forfeits his life in protecting Shiloh. So begins another saga in the trials of Cork O’Connor. William Kent Krueger develops a story rich in setting and characters. The time centers on mid-fall with the threat of snow hanging in the air of Minnesota. Wendell has planted Shiloh deep in the wilderness of Boundary Waters in a primitive hut. He returns every week with supplies, but when he fails to visit, Shiloh decides she must attempt to reach civilization. Enter Cork and his band of Merry Men searching for Shiloh before the evil men find and kill Shiloh. The fear and tension of Cork and his crew and of Shiloh jump on every page.
Linda
Milk Street Back Roads Italy by Christopher Kimball
Lots of interesting insights into old recipes, new twists, Italy and just a good read between the recipes.
Beth
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wooden
I loved this book from the first page. It’s hard to describe without giving spoilers. It’s about a woman Isabel who lives in a house by herself after her mother dies. The house will go to her older brother when he marries. The brother brings home a girlfriend that stays with Isabel for a month. Isabel hates this. She is fiercely protective of the house and hates the girlfriend. That is how it starts but it unfolds in unexpected ways.
Lesley
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
Very beautiful novel about love, second chances, revenge, with magic and folklore blended in. It is beautifully written and captivating. I'll read all this author's work!
Lynda
The Jackal's Mistress by Chris Bohjalian
In 1864 a critically wounded Union officer is left for dead in Shenandoah Valley, VA. He is rescued by a Confederate officer's wife who would want her imprisoned husband to be likewise treated humanely. An entertaining historical fiction novel that actually happened. I attended a book event where the author was also very entertaining!
LuAnn
Strangers in Time by David Baldacci
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. Of course, David Baldacci always delivers a great read, but STRANGERS IN TIME is very different than his usual book themes. I was so impressed with his rendition of three people who came together out of need during a horrible time in Europe while war was destroying England. Germany was bombing London on a regular basis and most people lost not only their homes, but their families and friends, as well. The main characters are in that predicament and are presented with such compassion, concern and love for each other, ready to help all they can. It’s a beautiful story and a tribute to a wonderful author.
LuAnn
Midnight in Soap Lake by Matthew Sullivan
When I first heard about this book, I was mainly curious. I lived in Soap Lake for several years and knew quite a bit about the town, so I wondered how Matthew Sullivan would treat this tiny lakeside hideaway. Surprisingly, he did a good job of it. He did embellish a lot of the environs and added a lot of fiction, but all in all, this is a really good story. There’s a bit of what could be somewhat considered horror to the book, but much is thriller. I did enjoy it and I hope others from Soap Lake will read it.
Debbie
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
Disappointing. Very disjointed. Hard to follow. Good plot but not delivered well. Hard to like characters
Teresa
Findlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
Such a fun book, in the way Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series leaves the reader laughing. Finlay Donovan is a mess, whether we’re speaking of her appearance, her house, her love life, or the unbelievable trouble she gets herself into. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Jackie
Overkill by J. A. Jance
J.A. Jance never disappoints with her characters and plot twists. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen…you don’t! Her books always leave me waiting for the next one.
Nancy
The Gown by Jennifer Robson
This book, set in post war Britain and the current day, delved into a part/time of history that I am not familiar with. Learning about the lives of women who did embroidery and the process was fascinating. The story was light and the book was an easy "beach read".
Luella
Gathering Prey by John Sandford
Great read. The pages are filled with adventures and suspense. Definitely grabs your attention. Highly recommend.
Ruthanne
Birthright by Fiona Lowe
Fiona Lowe gets it right when it comes to family dynamics, especially when it comes to money. This novel tells the story of three siblings dealing with their pending and then actual inheritance. This is the first book I have read by this Australian author and I will definitely look for her other books.
Christin
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Kristin Harmel did a beautiful job telling this story! If you love historical fiction this is a must-read! Set in WWII France where a young woman becomes a forger for children crossing the borders into freedom and safety. She keeps track of all the children's birth given names so they will never forget where they are from. It is a sad, sweet and truly amazing story!
Susan
Conclave by Robert Harris
I won't address the controversy regarding this book but instead focus on the writing. Mr. Harris has written a fascinating book rich in details on a subject that most of us probably know very little about. An excellent movie was made from the book and I think if you watch the movie first, which I usually don't do, it helps in understanding what's going on in the book to a stronger degree. As a non-Catholic I knew very little about the procedure of the conclave until I saw the film and the recent conclave in Rome on TV. Some will find the book probably too detailed, filled with minutiae of very exacting procedures for example, yet I could not put this book down. A rare and wonderful way to spend the night before last!
RaeAnn
Frank and Red by Matt Coyne
This was a very sweet story about a young boy (Red) who, with his mother, moves to a new neighborhood and enters into the new school's second grade class. Red has problems fitting in and especially with the class bully and his teacher. While playing on his trampoline in his backyard, Red meet's his older neighbor Frank who has recently lost his wife to cancer. While not enjoying the constant sound of the trampoline or the constant chatter of his new young neighbor, Frank begrudgingly becomes Red's only friend. This story was so sweet and with many laugh-out-loud moments. I had picked this book for my book club and I'm really glad I did!
Dawn
Where Coyotes Howl by Sandra Dallas
This is one of my book club selections. The leader of this book club loves Sandra Dallas. For me, she is okay, but I have other authors that I like better. This book is a love story that involves a cowboy and a school teacher who had moved from Iowa to Oklahoma around 1915 or so. It is a pretty sad love story with a lot of tragedies as it was 1915 and I assume that life was just hard then. I would have never picked this book to read. It has a very sad and unhappy ending.
Ashley
The Lighthouse Witches by C. J. Cooke
Knowing the book was heavily researched and also written by an author who actually lives in the area and did her due diligence is always encouraging, and I love these types of stories. This was my first C. J. Cooke novel. Her writing style stuttered me a time or two, but I am absolutely going to be getting and reading more from her now.
Kelley
Kingmaker by Sonia Purnell
First learned of Pamela Churchill Harriman when our group read CLEMENTINE by the same author. Interesting history and how these women were connected!
Rose
The Queen of Fives by Alex Hay
I wasn't a big fan of Hay's previous novel, but I decided to try another. It was similar in that the characters are trying to cheat or steal from others. In this novel, Quinn Le Blanc is planning a con game to lure a wealthy duke into marrying her so she can take his fortune. She targets the wealthy Kendal family, but finds out that the duke and his family all have secrets, too. It was okay, and it got better as the story unfolded, but I was still not overwhelmed.
Rose
The Red House by Mary Morris
Thirty years ago, Laura's mother walked away from her family, never to be seen again. This sets Laura in a downward spiral in her relationships, never understanding why her mother would walk away from her family. Her mother always told them that she was an orphan, but as Laura travels to Italy to search her mother's roots, she finds the answer to many questions. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I liked the story that unfolded as people who knew Viola, Laura's mother, told the story of her family. I liked how each story led to another piece of the mystery and the heartache that Viola had experienced growing up in Italy during the aftermath of the war.
Shantha
Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
Mary Alice Monroe is an exceptional author who writes with precision and lyrical, immersive prose. The fully fleshed-out characters felt so real and were imprinted on my heart. I was completely captivated by this book in a way I didn't expect. This book will be on my mind for a long time to come. Fans of Kristin Hannah, Ann Patchett, Charlotte McConaghy, and Delia Owens will adore this book as much as I did. This is must-read fiction at its finest and will undoubtedly be one of the top books for 2025. I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel to this saga, THE RIVER'S END.
Susan
The Jackal's Mistress by Chris Bohjalian
It’s the Civil War and Bohjalian juggles the life of a seriously wounded Union soldier, Jonathan Weybridge, a professor at Dartmouth, and and the wife of a Virginia grist mill owner, Libby Steadman, who frees his slaves before he goes off the fight. Two of the enslaved people stay with Libby as paid employees. The neighbors didn’t take too kindly to Steadman freeing his slaves, and they are looking for the person who has taken in this wounded soldier. As Libby wrestles with survival, keeping the secret of the soldier, not knowing whether her own husband is alive or dead, and protecting her young niece who is also staying with her, Bohjalian presents a compelling story of the Civil War through the eyes of a very strong Southern woman.
Rose
That's Not My Name by Megan Lally
When a young woman is found by a police officer, she doesn't remember her name or how she came to be wandering, bloodied and bruised. Then a man comes to the police station and says he is her father, her name is Mary. He takes her home with him. But she starts noticing things that don't quite add up. Meanwhile, Drew is suspected of harming his girlfriend, Lola, when she goes missing after they were together. He claims his innocence, and along with two friends, leads a rogue investigation into her disappearance. He searches for her relentlessly and clues eventually give him some hope. A nail biter of a thriller with an unexpected outcome. Surprised to learn this is a debut - well done!
Rose
This Is Not a Game by Kelly Mullen
I think that there is a trend of authors writing humorous stories of a group of people getting together to solve a mystery. In this one, Addie has been dumped by her boyfriend and cheated out of the profits of a game they created together. Mimi, her grandmother, has been invited to a party where the host is murdered. Now, Addie and Mimi have to discover who is killing people and why Mimi was being blackmailed. It had some funny moments, but I wasn't engaged.
Rose
The Thrashers by Julie Soto
A group of five high school friends are called "The Thrashers", and they are the in-crowd. They are rich and people want to be in their orbit. Their friendship is put under a magnifying glass when another girl in high school, Emily, commits suicide, and left clues that The Thrashers caused her depression. As the teens review what happened leading up to Emily's death, they claim to be haunted by her, having sleep disruptions and strange phenomena appear in their pictures or when doing various things. As Jodi Dillon tries to decipher what happened, she wonders what her friends,Julian, Lucy, Paige, and Zack are hiding. A tale of obsession, jealousy, and manipulation. Surprising.
Karen
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
This was such a fun read. I loved the setting of The Met focusing on The Annual Met Gala and also the Egyptian exhibition. I also loved the Egyptian setting. The dual time line of the 1930s and 1970’s added some great history and insight into that time period. This story had so many different layers. A mystery, adventure, history and romance with wonderful characters, both real and imagined, that came to life with Fiona Davis’s captivating writing and meticulous research.
Ruthanne
Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler
Easy read which will make you feel good. The novel revolves around a young women who lives with her family in the south but doesn't know about her earliest years in Japan. She uncovers the story and overcomes her fears. The book is full of southern comfort and meaningful thoughts to remember.
Kathleen
The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger
A moving memoir about the power of healing through choices and forgiveness.
Mabel
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
I really enjoyed this book. I particularly like the historical detail. She obviously does her research and if she changes anything she points it out in her notes. Jesus being married is a very interesting idea, one that I like, and how it is portrayed is very well done.
Gretchen
Nemesis by Gregg Hurwitz
Wow, what a story. It could be read even if you had not been following the Orphan X series. I listened to it while knitting.
Shirley
A Silent Treatment by Jeannie Vanasco
Having been the recipient of the silent treatment many times in my life, I found it interesting - and frustrating - how the author dealt with it. I have always ignored it and gone about my business; it either passed or the relationship ended. But the author agonizes over her mother's cruel treatment, which only seems to magnify it, in my opinion. Once again, this work shows that honest communication is one of the hardest things to achieve in life!
Amy
Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner
I just finished listening to the audiobook of SECRETS OF A CHARMED LIFE, and I absolutely loved it. The story completely drew me in - I didn’t want to stop listening. The characters were so well-developed, and the historical detail made everything feel incredibly vivid and real. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after it's over.
Janet
The Lamplighter’s Bookshop by Sophie Austin
I enjoyed this book, and since I like closure in a novel, this book definitely provided closure, this despite many obstacles. All of the characters prevailed and I thought of the quote, “All’s well that ends well.”
Sandy
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
This book is filled with psychic mediums and spirits with past lives, mothers, marriage and the legacy of alcoholism. It is a deeply moving novel about the women who came before us. I loved this book!!
Paula
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Read this book for book club, and I enjoyed it more during our discussion than actually reading it. I thought the beginning was slow to start. Didn’t fully get into the story until about halfway through. But after our discussion and insights from my fellow readers, I became interested enough to reserve THE SEQUEL. Haven’t read it yet though. Fingers crossed the story moves along a little better than the first.
Richard N B
On the Wrong Track by Steve Hockensmith
Book Two in the "Holmes on the Range” series of mysteries set in the American Wild West, circa 1893. I really like this series. One of the best things about the series is Hockensmith’s way with words. In addition to the brothers, Hockensmith populates the books with an array of interesting and colorful side characters.
Lori
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
Once again, Julie Clark has written a great thriller. I enjoyed her previous books and was delighted to be able to read a advance copy of this one thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. I liked the premise of the book which includes a writer with dementia (who may have been the murderer of his siblings), an estranged daughter who is a ghostwriter, and the publishing industry. The story alternated between current time and when the murders took place. There were lots of twists and turns, and the ending was unexpected. Clark did a great job bringing the characters to life, and she even let the dead sister's story be told from her own point of view. I think this book would be a great choice for book discussion groups. I highly recommend.
Erin
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
A scary look at our current world where the traditional play and in-person social interaction of our children has been replace by phones, tablets and social media. Really worth a read!
Debbie
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
A hurricane hits the water around New York and creates havoc with a vessel carrying two giraffes headed to the San Diego Zoo. The giraffes and the ship survived the September 21, 1938 hurricane to begin a journey to San Diego. WEST WITH GIRAFFES by Lynda Rutledge details the actual event in a fictional account of the trip by truck from New York to San Diego to bring the first giraffes to an United States zoo. One important tidbit of information rests in the diet of giraffes. These tall, beautiful animals love onions. Also, the many hardships encountered during the trip across the country: vagrants, thieves trying to steal the giraffes, “no colored” rules, the hatred against Blacks, weather conditions such as rain and dust storms.
Karen
Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed by Maureen Callahan
If you disliked the Kennedys due to their power, privilege, and entitlement already, you will despise them even more when you learn of their lack of feelings, compassion, sensitivity, empathy, or any other human emotion. As I read each new page, I was stunned at the depth of their lack of humanity, the complicity of the media, and the power of Joe Kennedy and family with their far-reaching influence.
Monica
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
I loved everything about this book. Lisa See always researches the subject matter, and this is no exception. I learned a lot about the beliefs and lifestyles of an ethnic minority group in China. I also learned a lot about tea. The story was well paced and full of interesting characters. What an excellent story!
Donna
This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead
Since I’d enjoyed IN MY DREAMS I HOLD A KNIFE, I went into THIS BOOK WILL BURY ME blindly. A note from the author at the beginning of the book states how she drew from real-life cases including the University of Idaho case. Although I did feel uneasy about that fact, Ms. Winstead wrote with empathy and heart. Overall, a compelling read into the grisly world of true crime.
Liz
Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover
To say this was an awful book would be giving it high praise. I listened to the audio and the narrator would change his voice at odd places in the story. If you were to leave out all of the descriptive sex you would have a book with audio book of about 1/2 an hour or maybe 50 pages in a book.
Rose
The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly
In 2016, a young woman, Mari, comes to Martha's Vineyard from CA under the pretense of taking a painting class from the artist, Elizabeth Devereaux. She is surprised to hear that her recently deceased mother had ties to the island. Mrs. Devereaux tells Mari the story of the Smith sisters who once lived on the farm where Mrs. Devereaux lives now. Mrs. Devereaux recounts how in 1942, the sisters Cadence, 19, Briar, 16, and Cadence's friend, Bess, began a book club during WWII, while also trying to manage the farm, which was more difficult after Tom, their brother, and Bess's lover, went to war. Briar notices U-boats off the coast, but she is discounted as a gossip. Cadence wants to be a writer and work in publishing. A different WWII story.
Rose
All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman
Flo is obsessed with a good time. She had been in a girl band, but after getting pregnant and dumped from the band, she tries to take good care of her son Dylan. Dylan's nemesis at school, Alfie Risby, disappears one day on a field trip. He was partnered with Dylan that day, and Flo worries that Dylan will be implicated in the disappearance. Flo decides she is going to solve the mystery of the child's disappearance, and in doing so, finds out some hard truths about the people in the school and the neighborhood. Flo is very superficial, caring about her looks in an over-the-top way. Some of the asides were funny, but the book, as a whole, was serious.
Rose
Beautiful Exile by Catherine Cowles
In the 4th installment of the Sparrow Falls romance series, we follow Arden, the sullen and distant artist in the Colson family, who came to the family as a young girl after her parents were murdered. Arden went into witness protection, but didn't want to live like that anymore. However, she lived in constant fear that the mastermind behind the plan to kill her parents was still on the loose. Linc, Cope's best friend and boss, is staying at Cope's house while he looks for property on which to build a home. He meets Arden and is instantly attracted, but her fears are too deep to allow her to let anyone get close, as she fears they will be in danger. Together, they navigate her fear and Linc's family issues. Formulaic series.
Candice
Queen of Diamonds by Beezy Marsh
This book is an interesting read, but short on excitement. This book tells the origin stories of thieves and gang leaders Mary Carr and Alice Diamond. While this book is the third in the series, you do not need to read the others in the series since this story takes place earlier. The story is mostly both the lives of Mary and Alice taking a down turn with a few heists. I did not really like the first person narrative with all the cockney terms. Great cover, not the best read.
Donna
Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz
This novel is the third in the Susan Ryeland series. There are two storylines in the novel, one in contemporary times and another one as a mystery set in France in the 1940s. Susan, a book editor, is part of both storylines. The book character, Atticus Pund, from the book series is also part of the story. Susan returns to England hoping to resurrect her career. She is asked to work with Elliot Crace and assist him finish his novel. His grandmother was a beloved children’s author, but Elliot hints to a much darker and devious life for his grandmother. The author is very adept at blending the storylines together and offering clues along the way. The book is clever, amusing and very satisfying.
Beth
The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell
Lisa Jewell has outdone herself with THE HOUSE WE GREW UP IN. Although I normally prefer thrillers, which Jewell excels at writing and which I mistakenly thought this was, THE HOUSE WE GREW UP IN is riveting and had me glued to the pages as much as any thriller. The house is beautiful in a beautiful neighborhood with other beautiful houses. But Lorelei loves things: bright things, colorful things, potentially useful things, things in bulk, all sorts of things. And all are things she just can't throw out. Lorelei and Colin have four kids who grow up in this house. Each of their lives is examined over the years, and we see how the house they grew up in and their mother's madness affected them.
Mindy
Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer
Good book. A light-hearted rom-com. I enjoyed the story, but there was a part of the ending that I thought was a little far-fetched. But overall it was fun to read.
Sandy
All the Flowers of Paris by Sarah Jio
Love Sarah Jio! This book is about family and forgiveness. Part of the story is about Celine and her life during WWII and the other part is about Caroline in the present. So good!
Barbara
The Love Haters by Katherine Center
Fun vibes and romance, set in Key West. A video producer must overcome her own self-doubts while adjusting to the pull of a very handsome but curt Coast Guard survival rescuer, the subject of her assignment. Add in an insistent older woman and a conniving colleague, plus an unruly Great Dane for a mix of mixups and terror when a Cat 4 hurricane arrives. Will Katie become the "new and improved" Katie? Will she even survive Mother Nature? And who names a Great Dane "George Bailey?"
Dawn
Tough Luck by Sandra Dallas
I borrowed this from a friend, who won it in a Goodreads contest. It was a pretty light-hearted book, compared to the other book that I had read earlier in the week, which was WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING and THE COYOTES HOWL. This book was about two youths looking for their father, who had left them and their oldest brother, along with his wife, to go to Colorado to look for gold. The two youths undergo many trials and tribulations and get into much mischief as the girl of the two youths has learned how to lie. The youths encounter many people along the way. At the end of the book, it reminded me of the old movie, "The Sting." The book was quite entertaining and I enjoyed reading it as I had just got done reading two heavy books.
Donna
Dead Med by Freida McFadden
I hate to give Ms. McFadden a 4 but I understand this was one of her earlier books. I gravitated to this one due to my nursing background and found it interesting but not as captivating as her current books, and I have read a lot! She is a doctor and I love her books due to her background and of course the twists. I expected some of the intense anatomy testing but nothing like med school, which was interesting to me.
Pam
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
THE SPELLSHOP by Sarah Beth Durst is a cozy fantasy filled with magic, charming characters, adventure and sweet romance. Pure, delightful fun!
Pam
The Names by Florence Knapp
What's in a name? When Cora refuses to name her newborn son after her husband, she knows that she (and quite possibly her children) will pay a price. Florence Knapp has penned a totally original, thoroughly immersive, character-driven novel about domestic abuse and the heartbreaking aftereffects of trauma. Structured in seven-year increments as three alternating narratives for each of the possible chosen names, this novel is also a sensitive and emotional story of love, healing and redemption. I wanted to start THE NAMES from the beginning as soon as I had finished. An amazing audio narration by Dervla Kirwan.
Pam
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Filled with humor, some of which made me laugh out loud, I originally thought this would be a lighthearted and delightful comedy. It was much, much more! MARGO'S GOT MONEY TROUBLES made me think, examine prejudices and stereotypes, and appreciate Margo's insights, spirit and independence in the face of her unexpected pregnancy. Wonderful supporting characters added to a truly memorable and substantial novel that was highly original and incredibly entertaining. Elle Fanning's narration of the audiobook was top notch.
Pam
The Mesmerist by Caroline Woods
This magnificent historical fiction is set in 1894 Minneapolis and loosely based on a real home for unwed mothers. Three female points of view narrate a riveting and suspenseful tale. Abby is a Quaker woman who runs the progressive Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers, where the women, often sex workers, are cared for and taught skills meant to help them find "alternative" employment. May is a farm girl who has suppressed a trauma and longs to find love. Faith is a beautiful fortune teller trapped in a life of abuse and determined to save herself. Lurking and waiting to make his own fortune, however, is a monster ready to twist fates, manipulate the vulnerable, and commit murder. A thriller not to be missed!
Pam
Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine
4.5 rounded up.
JUNIE is the beautifully written, textured story of a 16-year-old girl whose family is enslaved on a plantation at the cusp of the Civil War. She has learned to read, loves poetry, and longs to find a life where she has agency over her future and needn't fear that loved ones will be sold, killed, or abused by the callous plantation owner. Emotional, powerful, and filled with complex characters based on the life and stories of the author's family. Highly recommended for historical fiction fans. A nuanced audiobook narration by Angel Pean.
Pam
The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers, with Alex Kiester
Two pairs of sisters. One from each set have disappeared. Twisty. Unpredictable. Utterly disturbing.
Expertly narrated by Saskia Maarleveld.
Pam
When the Jessamine Grows by Donna Everhart
North Carolina has seceded from the Union, and the country is on the brink of civil war. Joetta and her husband, Ennis, refuse to take a stand on the war, but their 15-year-old son, Henry, runs away to enlist. When Ennis leaves to find him, he ends up constricted and Joetta is left with her young son and elderly, infirm father-in-law to run their small farm by themselves. They are shunned by the community and branded as traitors. But this is only the beginning of what will become a time of deprivation, desperation and increasing danger. This is a story of a war that splits families, communities and a nation. Authentic, heartbreaking and beautifully written. A powerful audiobook narration by Tiffany Morgan.
Pam
If You Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim
Set during the Korean War, IF YOU LEAVE ME is a tragic and heartbreaking love story. Although beautifully written, with complex characters, it was unrelentingly dark and depressing. Several times I considered abandoning the book, but thought there eventually would be an uplifting resolution. Sadly, there was not.
Pam
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
Given the current state of our politics and technological advances, this dystopian novel, where a woman is detained indefinitely in a "facility" as a preventative measure because she "might" commit a crime, is truly disturbing. Her detention is in large part based on her dreams, monitored by a sleep device. No due process. Held without recourse before there is evidence of any criminal act. Laila Lalami has written a terrifying cautionary tale about the power and misuse of technology. Riveting, dread-filled audiobook narration by Frankie Corzo and Barton Caplan.
