This contest period's winners were Jo W. from Decatur, IL; Joanne C. from White Cloud, MI; and Michele W. from Argyle, TX. Each received a copy of KISS HER GOODBYE by Lisa Gardner and THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA by Sharon Kurtzman.
Caryl
Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn
Blackburn has crafted an edge-of-your seat suspense novel. I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. These characters will linger long after turning the final page.
Debbie
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger
Back on track with the Cork O’Connor series. The novel RED KNIFE follows Kreuger’s style of completing the mystery. RED KNIFE brings many issues to the surface: drugs, relationships, school, friends, loneliness. The book ends with Annie completely changing her life. The father and son relationship deals with the results of a chaotic relationship. Even Cork and Stevie must reach a new level of understanding. Cork grapples with the offer of accepting the job as deputy for Marsha Dross. Kreuger brings to vivid detail the Minnesota landscape and the difficulty between the whites and the Indians. The gambling casinos have brought a little prosperity to the Indian reservation, but problems still exist.
Debbie
Heaven's Keep by William Kent Krueger
I have been lucky in receiving the Cork O’Connor series with the exception of THUNDER BAY. HEAVEN'S KEEP explores the depths of despair. Stevie has now insisted that his name is Stephen, after the terrible incident in the prior novel. Annie trains to become a nun. Jo works with the Indians in Wyoming, and then she and the men she accompanied disappear in a snowstorm. Greed, money, and power doom so many lives for Cork and his new friend, Hugh Parmer. The weather plays a big role in the story, this time in the wilderness of Wyoming. Again, Kreuger brings into the story the traditions of the Indians and the exploration of dreams. Halfway into the story, I felt as the story ended almost like MERCY FALLS, but more story unfolded.
Lesley
Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor
If you enjoy Oz, you will likely enjoy this as much as I did. The author cleverly places Easter eggs throughout. Auntie Em's story is beautifully imagined as is Dorothy's childhood. Additionally, we learn about some bits of Midwestern history.
Susan
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
Witches not my norm, but interesting and heartbreaking.
MH
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Corby is sent to jail for probably the worst crime anyone can imagine. Although conditions are tough and some of the guards are out to get him, there are redeeming characters inside the jail: a sympathetic roommate, a librarian who believes in him, a long-term inmate who can’t get compassionate leave to go home to die. One problem I had with the book was that the river in the title played only a small part and didn’t seem to be “waiting” for anything. Also, Corby seemed to have a lot of freedom for someone in jail, even sneaking to the river once to retrieve a stone. He also mentors a young prisoner and helps get him transferred to a mental hospital - very unlikely. He spends a lot of time in the library and paints a mural there.
Jane
The Preacher's Daughter by Beverly Lewis
Loved this book. Someone who has everything but consideration by family of her wants. She learns from the preacher's daughter about the simple life. They been pen pals many years.
Jeanne
The View From Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani
The best book I read this summer and I have read many! Totally engaging characters and a journey from Lake Como, New Jersey to Lake Como, Italy. Readers will experience Tuscany and the cliffs of marble like never before. Trigiani is at her best! For those interested in audio, actress Mira Sorvino is the narrator.
Darlene
Disclaimer by Renee Knight
Great!
Elizabeth
Coded Justice by Stacey Abrams
Interesting thriller with AI as a strong influence.
Pam
The Boyfriend by Frieda McFadden
Fast-paced murder mystery. My first read of this author.
Jean
The Impossible Life by Matt Haig
Fantastic twisty adventure with likable characters demonstrating you are never too old for adventure.
Lori
Frank and Red by Matt Coyne
A sweet book about a friendship that develops between an active, intelligent little boy and the curmudgeon who lives next door. It was a three-star book for me until the last half of the book. The ending is what changed my opinion and made it a five-star book.
Jean
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
All the paths in life, but only the present matters. Very fun and thought-provoking book. What if you had chosen a different path - job, boyfriend, town - where would you be and would you be happy or full of regret?
Vicki
The Bookwoman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson
I listened to this on audio and the narrator was fantastic. I liked the story and all the characters were brought to life.
Cheryl
These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean
When their billionaire father dies in an accident, all of the Storm siblings flock to the family summer home, a remote island off the coast of Rhode Island. There they find out that their father has planned one last Storm Olympic Games. All must participate to claim their inheritance. Add in a stoic New England blue-blooded mother and a drop-dead handsome 'fixer', and the games Franklin Storm designed for his family become more serious than they anticipated.
Wanda
Gray Mountain by John Grisham
This book grabbed me from the first page! Very intriguing read. Learned a lot of corporate lawyer history and how things work, legal or not. Good storyline, couldn’t put it down! John Grisham is a great storyteller no matter the storyline!!
Michele
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
This is a very well written, very detailed book, with great character development. The imagery made me feel like I was there and experiencing the scenes. It is slow, but it needs to be because there is so much to tell and explain, and so many different lives and relationships to explain. If it went fast there would be so much missed. If you give it time, it all comes together and you learn all the hows and whys. I loved it.
Rosa
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
I truly love Fredrik Backman's writing. This book is a love story about four teenaged friends and their survival through their harsh lives through their friendships. It is an ode to art and books and how they enrich our lives and make everything better. Backman's writing makes me close the book, close my eyes, and savor a sentence that I have just read. It is poetic and beautiful. So many quotes to write down to remember later. I recommend this book to everyone.
Joanne
The Widow by John Grisham
Just finished my ARC from Net Galley. Wow, what a mess. I was actually talking to the main character, telling him not to fall for this little old lady’s spell because she was wealthy. No proof of that and she was very evasive. Unfortunately, he didn’t hear me. I highly recommend this wonderful offering from Grisham.
Maureen
The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
I enjoy reading any of her books. She is a great author and her research is impeccable.
Francisca
While You Were Out by Meg Kissinger
Subtitle: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence. Growing up in the 1960s in the suburbs of Chicago, Meg Kissinger was one of eight children of loving parents. To all around them, the Kissingers seemed a happy, boisterous, pleasant family. But behind closed doors their mother was medicated and suffered from anxiety and depression. Their father was manic and prone to violent outbursts. And two of Meg’s siblings succumbed to untreated mental illness, committing suicide. This is a brutally honest look at the cost of silence.
Judy
The Page Turner by Viola Shipman
Read because this is name of our book club but enjoyed it. The parents think you should only read books that are more classics, but their daughter wants to read a heartwarming book.
Kelley
The Queen's Fortune by Allison Pataki
Adore historical fiction and the research that goes into it.
Sheree
The Idaho Four: An American Tradegy by James Patterson and Vicky Ward
This book was so well written!! I couldn’t put this book down! I was reading another book and I was only going to read a few chapters and then I fell into the rabbit hole and couldn’t put the book down. These four young students had their whole lives in front of them, living the college dream trustfully. I came away with so much information on the case and why Kohlberger would have thought he could get away with the crime.
Joan
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Best book I have read in years. I have told many friends about it.
Simonne
Boomsters by David Marks
Hilarious story about a retired sales executive and naturally observant guy who decides to take a home course and become a detective. He observes a mob hit on day #1 and the trouble starts!
Elizabeth
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons
Eudora is 85 years old and tired of living. She starts to investigate assisted suicide but then new neighbors move in next door that change everything. It would seem a book about an old woman who wants to die would be depressing but it’s not. I loved all the characters in this book, even if I wanted to shake Eudora sometimes for her life choices.
Caryl
Guarding Truth by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood
Eason and Underwood have crafted an edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense novel. I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. These characters will linger long after turning the final page.
jana
The Tenant by Freida McFadden
Loved, loved this fast-paced thriller.
Annie
The White Hare by Jane Johnson
Captivating, memorable and beautifully-written novel that grips your heart and soul.
Julie
Greenwich by Kate Broad
Rachel, the main character and narrator, is unlikeable and whiny. She tries to tell this story in a suspenseful way by trickling out details and foreshadowing terrible things, but it is simply annoying. Not a book I would recommend.
Lynda
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
THE READING LIST celebrates the important purpose that libraries and their books serve. Heartwarming!
Rose
It Will Only Hurt for a Moment by Delilah S. Dawson
Sarah is running from her abusive and controlling boyfriend. She heads to a remote artists' colony, Tranquil Falls, to get away from it all, but once she is there, she starts having bizarre dreams. These dreams are of events that occurred in the hotel where the artists are staying. The top floor is for the residents, but the lower floor housed some terrifying secrets. After Sarah digs a hole for her kiln, she uncovers a body - and that is when the real trouble starts. This is a horror novel with some very strange happenings. I wasn't a fan.
Rose
The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
Kristen is an independent woman and tells people exactly what she thinks and what she wants. Except for one thing - she has female issues, painful periods, and believes she needs a hysterectomy to heal. So, when Josh comes into her life, and makes it clear he wants children, and wants them in the traditional way, she is devastated and wants to keep things casual between them, as she believes her problems are a deal breaker. Kristen is best friends with Sloan, who is engaged to Brandon, Josh's best friend. She confides her troubles to Sloan, who encourages her to tell Josh, but Kristen has low self-esteem due to her mother's parenting, and doesn't think she is worthy. There are some devastating moments in this story.
Teresa
The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster
Basically a romance book.
Teresa
Class Clown by Dave Barry
If you’ve read Dave Barry, you know he just keeps making you laugh. I was literally laughing out loud. Nevertheless, this is a memoir and Barry is very honest about some of what he has faced in his life. He does leave out his roles as a husband and father, but I’m guessing he prefers to keep that private, and I say good for him. A very enjoyable book.
Debbie
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
Well written.
Sharon
Bowen: An Unfinished Life by Janice Rustad Lininger and Kari Lininger-Downs
The setting: The Homestead Act, brought M.K. Bowen and his wife Maud from Iowa to North Dakota. M.K. was an ambitious man, having larger herds of cattle than his neighbors and having additional land than those neighbors around him. He was also a member of the non-partisan political group. As a result, they poisoned his 300 herd of cattle. Four of the neighbors killed him.
After two years a trial was held. The four men were found not guilty. His wife moved with their seven children to a different farm and was successful with the help of a hired hand.
Sandy
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
Frank is shocked when his daughter Maggie calls him for the first time in three years. He's even more surprised when she invites him to her wedding. He arrives to find out the wedding is at a private estate. She has failed to mention she is marrying the son of a billionaire. More and more surprises are to come. Enjoyed this book very much.
Beth
Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins
A thought-provoking family saga of love, loss, change and relationships, set in both mainland United States and Puerto Rico, the reader is swept along as weather, relationships, circumstances are introduced and developed. Fguring out possible solutions to the family issues engages the reader from page one until the final sentence!
Donna
Mercy by David Baldacci
I was not going to write a review but this Baldacci Atlee Pine series is mesmerizing! I was totally immersed in this last book and wanted so badly for Atlee to find her twin that the anticipation sped me through this book. Wow! Is all I can say! Two things I drew from this is the power of women is off the charts and you never know what the government is doing. This is fiction I realize and published in 2021 but... Well, what I am saying you have to read this if you are a thriller book lover. Go for it!
Jonell
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
I can't stop thinking about this book! This dystopian novel constantly looks for the positive and the good when all seems dark. So lovely and thought-provoking.
Rose
Jenny Cooper Has a Secret by Joy Fielding
There were many laughs in this psychological thriller, which is pretty unusual. Linda's husband has died and her best friend, Carol, has dementia and has moved into a care facility. When Linda visits her friend at Legacy Place, she meets Jenny Cooper, a 92-year old dementia patient who confides to Linda that she has killed people. While shocked, Linda is also intrigued. As they develop a friendship (their conversations are humorous), Linda tells Jenny about her daughter Kleo and son-in-law, Mick, and their troubles. Jenny continues to tell Linda about her supposed crimes, and when Jenny provides Linda with a gift, Linda doesn't hesitate to use it. I enjoyed this psychological thriller with a nod to the pain of dementia, but with humor.
Debbie
The Women of Bandit Bend by C. C. Harrison
THE WOMEN OF BANDID BEND describes Colorado in 1863, with men, women, and families traveling West for a better life. These individuals or homesteaders looked for a better life.The story recounters the hazards faced such a severe weather, Indians, evil land agents, uncivilized and greedy men. Tally and her sister, Ivy, head to Sutton Creek to find their father and assist him with his claim. Carl Henry Tisdale has vanished, and his daughters struggle to maintain his claim. The story presents tragedy and inserts a little happiness, but the characters need better development. The setting does not instill either beauty or hardness. The character of Wren puzzles this reader.
Rose
The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully
I enjoyed reading the start of a new series by an author that is new to me. Olivia Blunt is hired to work for the famous detective Aubrey Merritt. Initially, she is assigned menial tasks. Then, a new case comes to them. Wealthy Victoria Summersworth has fallen to her death after her birthday party. Her daughter, Haley, is not convinced that the police finding of suicide is accurate, and hires Merritt to find her mother's killer. The duo travels to Vermont to interview the family and friends at the resort Victoria owned. Many have motive, but was it murder? A nice start to a new series.
Whitney
Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender
This was a fun more modern Who Dun It-type murder mystery/domestic thriller. I was shocked by the ending and who actually committed the crime. I also really enjoyed the main characters and the dynamic of Winter Park, FL. It gave me THE HUNTING WIVES vibe but a bit more tame!
Whitney
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
Julie Clark is a fabulous writer who I've really enjoyed reading. The uncovering of the main character's father's past is a slow burn that gripes you through the store. There are lots of plot elements going on at the same time as well.
Phoebe
Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner
Beautiful book on how the love of at least one caring adult can sustain a child through trauma.
Michelle
The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante
I’m glad I finished this fourth book in the series, but was fairly disappointed with this last book, especially after how much I loved the second and third books. I do wonder if some of it was due to the translation. Over all, I really appreciated the many themes Ferrante explored in this series, particularly on the complexity of people and friendships. This series was unlike anything I've ever read, which I appreciated.
MARILYN
A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan
This is a frightening account of the Ku Klux Klan's plot to take over the United States! The back drop is the Roarin' 20s, the Jazz Age! Hatred of Blacks, Jews, Catholics and immigrants prevailed, and the efforts were intended to keep these people away from the promises America offers. Interesting enough, a powerless woman, tormented and tortured by D. C Stevenson, reveals the cruelties she has suffered and on her deathbed testifies revealing his secrets and plots and brings the Klan to its knees!
Denise
An Invitation to the Kennedys by Emily Hourican
An interesting read on the UK’s tensions and social behavior building up to the war against Hitler. Relationships between wealthy dynasties are explored involving the outspoken U.S. Ambassador Joe Kennedy along with daughter Kick, and the old world of traditional England proper society. Americans being so direct and outspoken while the British, so proper and hidden behind manners. You meet a large cast of characters including the Guinness and Mitford sisters along with a German prince among others. Religion between families plays a part in the story regardless of the younger generation’s opinion moving past the differences. Hitler and his politics on democracy and dictatorship is always behind the scenes, creating tension in the book.
Beth
April in Spain by John Banville
APRIL IN SPAIN is a simple story; there isn't much to it. But John Banville seems to pad it to make it more than it is. Except I've read a book by him before, so I think that what looks like padding is actually his writing style. Dr. Quirke, a pathologist in Ireland, is on vacation in Spain when he meets another doctor who he suspects is a woman who had been declared dead in Ireland. I could tell you the rest of the story in a few more sentences. Banville is way too wordy. He also goes off/on tangents and tells you way more than you need or want to know. Although this is a short book, finishing it was a chore.
Henna
The Riddle of the Labyrinth: The Quest to Crack an Ancient Code by Margalit Fox
A fascinating read! The writing is clear and organized.
Amy
Who Is Government?: The Untold Story of Public Service by Michael Lewis
Michael Lewis does a great job of telling stories that make you see things differently. In WHO IS GOVERNMENT?, he shines a light on the people who actually run the government behind the scenes, the everyday civil servants we usually don’t hear about. It’s a quick, interesting read that makes you appreciate how much work goes into keeping things running, even if it doesn’t always make headlines.
Caryl
No Way Up: The Cimarron Legacy, Book One by Mary Connealy
Mary Connealy has crafted an exquisite masterpiece! I was immediately immersed in the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. I read this novel in one sitting. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Sonnie
The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison
A retired co-teacher friend was so adamant I read this that he bought the book for me. Those readers who have lived as long as the male characters of this story will identify. It is beautifully written and portrays life's ups and downs, as well as trends and traditions of our society that have occurred over the last 70 years. It is indeed heartwarming, as the dust jacket says.
Jeanne
Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey
BEACH HOUSE RULES is another sensational novel by Kristy Woodson Harvey. It is a well-written perfect beach read with a plot filled with drama and heartwarming twists and turns. The author’s writing style and the storyline drew me in from the very first page and captivated me to the very end. I rated it a five.
Cynthia
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
FINDING GRACE is about secrets and how they come back to haunt you.
Liz
Not That Wheel, Jesus!: Stories From a Faith That Went Off-Road in the Best (and Worst) Possible Ways by Mary Katherine Backstrom
Mary Katherine Backstrom read the audio version herself, which had me hooked from the beginning. She thought she was a devout Christian until her young son asked if his Jewish friend would go to hell when she dies. So begins Mary Katherine's search for the answer to many questions she now realizes she has about her faith. The story is told with much humor, but also sadness, until, with the help of therapy, she finds her way back to her faith and finally a church and congregation that she feels a connection with.
Linda
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
I could not put this book down. It made me start to think more about the subject of self-driving automobiles but also of the character Lorelei's field of work. Faults, decisions, attitudes. It was very well written, and I told my friends it's a must read!
Deborah
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
One of the best books I have read this year. One terrible accident leads to the deterioration of a family, survival in a frightening environment, forgiveness of yourself and others, and redemption.
Luella
The Glass Man by Anders de la Motte
An interesting read. Several mysteries are intertwined. The storylines are very different, but they hold your attention.
Joanne
The Widow by John Grisham
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This was one of those books that I enjoyed so much that I was very sad to reach the last page. An 85-year-old widow with no children makes an appointment for a simple will with a lawyer who is barely keeping his head above water, has a gambling problem, and lives in an apartment above his office instead of with his wife and three kids. And so begins the slide down the rabbit hole. This is a terrific book that I highly recommend. My full review is on Goodreads.
PJ
The Obsessions of Harvey Usher by David Putnam
What a great read. What could be better than a mob-related story told from events that happened in 1968 and the current day, and how they relate at the end? Who would think that Harvey, a lowly accountant, could cause so much trouble over one kiss? The characters in the book are a very interesting group and some you'd never think would interact together at all. What do an 80-plus-year-old former mob accountant, an old lady next door, a former criminal trying to turn his life around, a red-headed young woman who says she married the 80-year-old two years ago, and some other characters have in common? Wait until you find out. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story with amazing characters.
Cheryl
Shadow of the Solstice: A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel by Anne Hillerman
Anne Hillerman has really fleshed out the characters of Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito, along with her sister, Darleen. The two main characters are preparing for a potential visit from the US Secretary of Energy and safeguarding against a radical cult with a doomsday wish. Darleen and her health care client, Mrs. R, uncover an alcohol and drug rehabilitation scam in Phoenix that targets Native Americans. Hillerman raises social and environmental issues that are timely.
Ivy
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Corby Ledbetter has it all. Until the day one forgetful moment changes his life. How he survives incarcerartion is nothing short of a miracle. When the early miracle is handed to him, he ruins even that. THE RIVER IS WAITING is the story of how one misstep can spiral out of control.
Marcia
How to Read a Book by Monica Woods
One of the best books of the year!
Lee
Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Televison by Todd S. Purdum
An excellent bio of the person who helped create "I Love Lucy" and created camera systems still in use today.
Karla
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
Great story and characters.
Mary
Broken Fields: A Cash Blackbear Mystery by Marcie R. Rendon
This is the fourth installment in a series featuring a young Ojibwe woman trying to find her way and helping to solve mysteries in her rural northwestern Minnesota home.
Betty
The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez
Great characters and a very interesting story set in Panama during the building of the canal.
Pamela
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Unlike other Jane Austen books I have read, this is more of a romance and was very easy to read.
Elayne
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
The best book I have read this year!
Wanda
Last Call by Frank F. Weber
A true-crime novel that grabs you at the start. An unbelievable story that makes you turn each page without stopping. Good read.
Vesna
You Belong Here by Megan Miranda
I loved the mystery and characters. Always a good read by this author.
Karen
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
What a fabulous book. I learned so much about the McCarthy era, and the characters were so interesting and multi-level, each with their own story. It was so good.
LisaMarie
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel
WOW! What a beautiful book. It had mystery, twists and turns, and big shockers. It was very sad at one point and heartbreaking. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Donna
The Letter Carrier by Francesca Giannone
If you enjoy a multigenerational family saga set in a small town with a strong female protagonist, then you need to read THE LETTER CARRIER. This beautiful tale begins in 1934 and takes the reader through 1961 with lots of characters. And along with those characters come their hopes, dreams, secrets, affairs and even unrequited love. Ultimately it is a story of human connection. I’ve enjoyed every moment I spent getting to know these characters, who are so real and raw. The vineyard country of southern Italy made for a gorgeous setting. And the unforgettable character of Anna was inspired by Francesca Giannone's great-grandmother. It's an emotional, poignant read that I highly recommend.
Elizabeth
When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal
This was my book club's pick for August. I thoroughly enjoyed this story about two sisters and the difficult childhood they both endured, who are separated for many years and then reconnect.
Debra
Six Weeks by The Sea by Paula Byrne
Imagine spending six weeks by the sea. Come along with Jane and her community of family members, dear friends and new acquaintances as they enjoy a summer full of possibilities, new beginnings, decisions and changes. This tenderly told story was divided into six main parts or chapters. Each one represented one of the weeks by the sea. Many of the characters found a place in my heart, and I will truly miss them. Relationships were portrayed so well; they were heartwarming and believable. The beloved characters learned to wait, to hope and to doubt. That prepared them to love deeply and wait endlessly. Come spend six weeks by the sea, where grace was extended, compassion was practiced, and romance was in the air.
Deb
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
This is the first book in many years that I read in one day. I just couldn't put it down. Clare Leslie Hall has a gift of writing her story that you can't wait to find out what happened the next day or the years past or the next twist. Excellent writing!
Callum
Misery by Stephen King
A very fun book and quite interesting to read through.
Laura
The Names by Florence Knapp
An interesting concept to create three timeliness. I really didn't "love" any of the characters. I just started getting into one of the stories, then had to switch to the other.
Caryl
Long Time Gone: The Cimarron Legacy, Book Two by Mary Connealy
Mary Connealy has crafted an exquisite masterpiece! I was immediately immersed in the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Linda
Pecan Man by Cassie Dandridge Selleck
This is a self-published novel reminiscent of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. The story has honest, authentic, wonderful characters. As a result of racial prejudices, a mother makes the decision not to report her daughter’s rape by the sheriff’s son and convinces her daughter that it was a bad dream. This decision has many devastating consequences, but there is friendship, love and personal growth too. Highly recommended.
Maria
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
A short book but a great story that's well written.
Cherie
How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter's Memoir by Molly Jong-Fast
It was hard to read all that Molly Jong-Fast went through. An interesting lens of children of famous people and who their parents are to them.
Kelly
Inheritance: The Lost Bride Trilogy, Book 1 by Nora Roberts
A family saga with ghosts/spirits in a mansion. What a terrific series. I’m waiting for the release of the third and final book in November. This will make an enjoyable fall read.
Debi
Nesting by Roisín O'Donnell
I enjoyed this novel about a pregnant woman's attempt to free herself and her two small children from an emotionally abusive husband. I could feel the fears and anguish she was experiencing, but I feel the editor could have done a better job. At times it felt "choppy." I don't think it was the author's fault.
Minna
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
I greatly enjoyed this dual timeline book, especially the sections about Emilia Bassano, the purported author of many Shakespeare plays.
Richard N B
The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu: A Detective Kubu Mystery by Michael Stanley
Book two in this mystery series featuring Detective David “Kubu” Bengu of Botswana begins when a Zimbabwean teacher, Goodluck Tinubu, is found murdered at the wilderness resort camp where he was vacationing. Things quickly get complicated, but Kubu is up to the task. I really like this series. It’s a hard-hitting police procedural, but there is some room for enjoying life, especially Kubu’s love of food.
Chris
Someone Saw Something by Rick Mofina
Great suspense and mystery.
Dianne
James by Percival Everett
Jim runs away to prevent his being sold and separated from his wife and daughter. Huck Finn fakes his death to escape his father. The two befriend each other traveling together on the Mississippi. Adventures ensue as we all know from reading MARK TWAIN. Mr. Everett's refocusing of the novel on Jim/James and not Huck takes the reader on an enlightening journey. Lest we forget, all was not great in the era of slavery.
Rose
Matchmaking for Psychopaths by Tasha Coryell
This book gave me all the creepy feelings. Lexie is a matchmaker for psychopaths, as the title claims. Lexie has a secret: her parents were murderers, and her father was also murdered, and her mother is in prison. She tries to keep this information private, as people's opinions change when they learn this. She works for a company that provides matchmaking, and she is engaged to Noah --- that is, until her best friend and Noah admit to an affair. She meets a new best friend, Rebecca, and a man, Aidan. She also tries to lure Noah back to her, and succeeds one night. As the story unfolds, Lexie starts receiving body parts. Yes, human body parts are sent to her. YUCK. Lexie rails against being like her parents, but can she? Can she find love?
Gail
The Unraveling of Julia by Lisa Scottoline
A gripping mystery/thriller from Lisa Scottoline that takes place in Italy. Julia receives a call that she has inherited an Italian villa and money from a mysterious relative following her husband's death. Julia takes off for Italy to be threatened by astrology signs, mysterious nightmares, unfriendly locals, and strangers who keep telling her to sell the villa. Then a handsome librarian, Guiliana, steps into her life on a Vespa, and Julia begins to take charge of her life. Compelling and difficult to put down.
Elizabeth
Too Old for This by Samantha Downing
Lottie Jones retired, but not from a usual job. She retired from murdering people. She decided she was done with murdering, but one day Plum, a podcaster, appears at her door, asking questions about unsolved cases, and she just couldn’t let her go. It’s not as gruesome as it sounds, and Ms. Downing certainly knows how to write a good book.
Elizabeth
Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Advenure by Rhys Bowen
Did you ever read a book that you couldn’t wait to get back to? This is THAT book. Ohhh...I just loved Mrs. Endicott and this lovely read. And the setting is a villa overlooking the sea and village. Be sure to add it to your TBR!
Elizabeth
The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas
Sisters switch places, and then the unthinkable happens. Claire Douglas KNOWS how to set the stage for tension, what-ifs, surprises, and the guessing game of who did it and what is really going on. You know you are in for stay-up-late reading with her books. DON’T MISS IT!
Elizabeth
The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen
Unsavory characters with secrets and a big one that is causing all that’s going on. Main character Georgia speaks in second person, which is a bit confusing at first, but you become accustomed to it and focus more on if she really killed her sister, Annabelle, and what she is up to as well as what the other characters are up to. It’s a good one that will keep you glued to the pages.
Elizabeth
Asylum Hotel by Juliet Blackwell
ASYLUM HOTEL is enjoyable and a good mystery, but I am not a fan of the paranormal. So this wasn’t my favorite Juliet Blackwell book, which also is a bit long. Her historical fiction books are marvelous and more to my liking.
Elizabeth
The Lies They Told by Ellen Marie Wiseman
It’s the 1930s, and the Eugenics movement is in full force as Lena comes from Germany and then works for Silas Wolfe in the mountains of West Virginia. It was a good life until the social services arrived and declared her as an unfit mother, as well as Silas to be an unfit father. A heartbreaking and upsetting read but an excellent, well-researched history lesson.
Elizabeth
The Harvey Girls by Juliette Fay
I had never heard of the Harvey Girls. Have you? What a wonderful piece of history about the first chain restaurants that were at train stations along the Santa Fe Railway Line that treated the girls well with housing, food and decent wages. A heartfelt, enlightening history lesson with marvelous, unforgettable characters you will love.
Donna
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
This book was definitely twisty. I enjoyed it, but it was different from what I am used to reading. It was written with someone telling the story. It was somewhat confusing at first, and then I caught on to it. It was sad in parts, looking at yourself in childhood and then adulthood different yet the same. It amazes me how authors, especially in this genre, develop and write such amazing books that you can't seem to put down. You just have to see how it ends. Enjoy!
Sean
The Note by Alafair Burke
Alafair Burke tells a very post-COVID novel full of twists and female friendship that sadly is full of cliches and coincidences. It's the story of three lifelong friends whose lives took weird turns when they became internet infamous for different reasons. Throw in a handful of murders and a mostly weak mystery, and you get a fast, brainless read that weirdly entertained. The lead character, May, is a bad friend and fiance but a decent sleuth. Her friends have issues of their own. The crux of the novel, a harmless note, is just that, and played up to mean more than it was. There was some solid dialogue, and at times I was very into what would happen next. Overall, a complete mixed bag.
Debbie
Vermilion Drift by William Kent Krueger
A dive into the world of mining underground and the prospect of using old mines to store nuclear waste. While inspecting an old mine, Max and Cork discover six bodies. Five of them have been in the mine for over 40 years, and the sixth is only a week old. William Kent Krueger spins a story rich in characters and location. He does not skimp on detail, which can be good or bad. He does extensive research for his stories and does not load the novel with unnecessary dialogue. A good mix of the good, bad and ugly compose the story, but there are so many unanswered questions.
Liz
The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans
Jacob Churcher was only 16 years old when his mother threw him out of the house. His father had left years before. In spite of an abusive upbringing, Jacob has been a world-famous author. After two decades, he receives a call telling him that his mother has passed away and he must return home to settle her estate. Upon going through her belongings, secrets come to light. And when a young woman, Rachel, knocks on his door, he begins a journey of grace, forgiveness and perhaps even love.
Lori
Frank and Red by Matt Coyne
I found the first part of the book to be slow moving, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue. The second part made up for it. I loved the last part, and the ending was great. The character Red reminded me of Lucy from THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA. His relationship with Frank was sweet and charming. I laughed out loud at some parts and cried at other parts. It was an enjoyable read.
Michelle
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reed
I wasn’t anticipating too much having read MALIBU RISING and DAISY JONES & THE SEX and feeling meh about those. But I was pleasantly surprised with ATMOSPHERE. I especially loved the opening chapters that grabbed your attention, and the way the book is constructed --- going back and forth between the present crisis and chunks of time in the past that layer and enrich the story and relationships. While I thought it was very dialogue-heavy, I also learned a lot about the astronaut program, specifically around women in the '80s. I also did not expect the emotional connection I felt for these characters in their plight. I love to be pleasantly surprised, and this did it for me. A great summer read!
Jayme
Dog on It: A Chet and Bernie Mystery by Spencer Quinn
A fun, light mystery featuring a man and his dog who narrates the story. A quick poolside read.
Donna
End of August by Paige Dinneny
Since, sadly, we are quickly approaching the end of August, I thought it the perfect time to read Paige Dinneny’s beautiful coming-of-age debut, END OF AUGUST. And I'm so happy I did.
This story follows the dynamics of three strong-willed women, including their generational trauma. With extraordinary characterization, we get to know personally the characters in this small town. I loved the relationship between Aurora and her grandmother. It's a nostalgic read that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I highly recommend this hidden gem.
MH
Blue Moon Bay by Lisa Wingate
This book, for some reason, was in the new book section at the library, even though it released in 2008. It tells the story of Heather, who returns to a former home in Texas where her father died. She is attempting to sell the house and hopes to advance her career, but her flighty mother and carefree brother have decided to move there. Of course, there is a handsome guy from high school, still single, waiting in the wings. I wish someone would come up with a new plot idea, though this one had a little more depth than most books of this genre. However, it was not up to Lisa Wingate's later books, like SHELTERWOOD.
Gabriel
Paper Planes by Jennie Wood
I enjoyed watching these characters stumble through their friendship as they grew up and apart, and then worked to reconnect. It captured the teenage experience of the easy friendships you had as a child, drifting away or complicating as you grow into different people and understand more about the world, but still meaning something special to you. It was comforting to see Leighton and Dylan start to understand each other more, even if their relationship could never go back to what it was when they were younger. And I appreciated that they were finding connections and making a place for themselves outside of each other.
Mindy
College Girl, Missing: The True Story of How a Young Woman Disappeared in Plain Sight by Shawn Cohen
A story about a college girl who seemingly disappeared. Unfortunately, she has never been found and is presumed dead. The writer tells the story of what apparently happened and how it affected her family and those involved in the final hours before her disappearance. I was interested in this story because my family attended this university, and I remember all the places mentioned. As a parent, I can’t imagine this happening.
Straka
Jane Austen's Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector's Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend by Rebecca Romney
Rebecca Romney has done an incredible amount of research on the authors who influenced Jane Austen. She makes a case for seeking out their novels.
Sharon
Murder on the Vine: A Tuscan Mystery by Camilla Trinchieri
Camilla Trinchieri has written another fun and heartwarming mystery in her series that takes place in Italy and features a retired New York policeman helping out the locals in a small village to solve the current murder. She writes lovingly about the wonderful dishes that the main character prepares or savors in the local restaurant. The characters are interesting, and there are some romantic involvements. The reader gains an appreciation of Italian culture and cuisine while interacting with the locals and pets.
Sharon
The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa
This fantasy novel is about an introverted high school student who lives with his grandfather. The grandfather runs a wonderful bookstore filled with classic books from all over the world. When he dies, the grandson faces several challenges posed to him by a mystical cat. He also gets help from a classmate who is concerned about him. It is a heartwarming and very original story that stresses the importance and power of books.
Karen
Tales from the Cafe by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
In this special cafe, patrons may choose to visit the past and address unresolved issues in their lives. However, the rules for such a journey mean you cannot change the past and therefore the present, and you must return before your coffee gets cold. This is the second book in the series and includes appearances from some characters in the first, BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD. It may bring tears to your eyes.
Luella
Something in the Water by Phyllis R. Dixon
An intriguing novel about family secrets, drug addiction and environmental disasters.
Joan
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Of all the books I have read in the last four years, this is my favorite!
Irene
The Maid by Freida McFadden
I know this was given great reviews. I thought it was good, but not great.
Carla
I Seek a Kind Person: My Father, Seven Children, and the Adverts that Helped Them Escape the Holocaust by Julian Borger
This is a nonfiction account of the author's search for information about his own father, who committed suicide. The father came to England as a result of a Manchester Guardian advertisement, in which he and other Jews were similarly seeking escape from wartime Vienna. The author researched what became of the other young people advertised that day. Most surprising was that the teens attempted to find their parents jobs in England so they could escape. Not all succeeded, so they suffered guilt over their parents' fates.
Vicki
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
It was different in terms of the way the author put the podcast in (I listened to it), but I liked it. I thought the audio version, read by January LaVoy and Will Damron, was very good.
Peri
My Father's List: How Living My Dad's Dreams Set Me Free by Laura Carney
I listened to this book, which was read by Laura Carney. MISTAKE! The author spoke and read so slowly with way too many passes that it made the book almost boring. Laura’s father had a fierce love for his kids, always encouraging them that they could do whatever they set their mind to. Right after Laura was born, he wrote a list of things he had wanted to do before he died. Unfortunately he only got to do five of them because he was killed by a distracted teen driver. Laura decides that between her brother and herself, they would complete his list. So she runs a marathon, rides a horse and even sky dives.
Lori
On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service by Anthony Fauci, M.D.
A great autobiography by one of the country's most well-known medical scientists. It was amazing to read how many of our major health crises over the last half-century he was directly involved in treating.
Carol
Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
I am a big Lisa Jewell fan, but this was NOT one of my favorites. It was hard to keep track of the characters as the story veered between four years ago and the present time.
Rose
The Murder Machine by Heather Graham
This is all about AI and the ability to manipulate it to cause harm. It should alarm people, as more things in our lives are dependent on technology, and hackers continue to breach systems. A woman's house attacks the owner, appliances go crazy, and the police/FBI are called in. Special Agent Victoria Tennant, an expert on cybercrimes, advises FBI Agent Jude Mackenzie that someone is causing the AI systems to malfunction. They follow the case to a surprising conclusion. In addition to the crime, the chemistry between the two detectives is well done, and you root for their romance.
Linda
The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing by Lara Love Hardin
This was our book club selection last month, and we highly recommend it. It was an outstanding discussion about Lara Love Hardin's experience in jail.
Rose
The Forever Summer by Jamie Brenner
Marin Bishop has a great career and a nice fiancé. That is, until she has an affair and breaks the engagement. She gets fired for fraternizing with a partner at the firm. Meanwhile, Marin had been working on a deal with a DNA company, and when a half-sister reaches out to her, she doesn't believe it. Everything she thought she knew about her family is not true. She and her half-sister, along with Marin's mother, travel to Provincetown, MA to meet her newly found grandmother. The summer will change all of them. A nice family story with several secrets and interesting relationship stories. 3.5 stars, rounded to 4.
Susann
The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer
This is another WWII book, but it gives lots of facts and stories that are interesting and relevant in today's world. I thought it was well written, and I kept reading.
Rose
The Dog Walker by D. L. Maddox
This book was a surprise for me. I expected it to go in a completely different direction, so I was very surprised as the novel unfolded. Jane is a dog walker, barely getting by. While working in Paradise Bluff, she realizes that she is being watched. She got away from this before, but now, they have taken hold of her again. As Jane realizes that she is being manipulated in a multitude of ways, she knows she must fight back, and use the power of suggestion on others, just as it is being used on her. Can she escape and take control of her life? An interesting psychological thriller. I enjoyed the suspense and the surprise.
Rose
The Swan Lake Murders: A Mary Wandwalker Mystery by Susan Rowland
A continuation of a series, Mary Wandwalker is now investigating a minister's dispute about a "sorcerer." The minister, Robin Price, has a daughter, Irina, a ballerina, who is dancing in "Swan Lake." Irina is enamored with Billy Dee, a man who is suspected of being inappropriate with children. As Mary and her fellow detectives research the disappearance, they travel to Holywell, a center of witchcraft and healing. A hurricane is brewing, which traps them at Holywell, and the danger from the storm and others surrounds them. The revelations that come to light about Irina, Billy and Robin lent another level of complexity to this murder series. Mary also has to confront demons of her own as she investigates the allegations against Billy.
Rose
Gabriel's Fire by Lotchie Burton
Sadly, I missed the first book in this series, so I didn't know the background of Naomi, but the book still works as a stand-alone. Naomi is a no-nonsense go-getter, bent on saving a young girl from a terrible crime (very fitting for the news cycle of today). Gabriel wants to help her, but she doesn't want help. However, the attraction between them is undeniable. As Naomi hunts the criminal and tries to save the girl, Gabriel puts his life on the line for her. Will she do the same for him? And what about his captor? What is his game? A surprising end sets up book 3! A sexy thriller.
Lynda
The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall
The novel focuses on four characters as they relate to each other, including their own spouses. They are complex. The author writes compassionately about them as she delves into themes of friendship, marriage and faith.
Rose
Something Will Change Me: Poems of Soul and Spirit by Don Hynes
It is always nice to sit and read a book of poetry. In Don Hynes' collection of poems, you sit with nature. You absorb sounds of the water and the waves, breathing, the seasons, the forests, and all of nature. You recognize the peacefulness of the moonlight and solace of walking alone. This collection centers you to think and look around you. Take note of the beauty of the world and let it heal your soul. Quite peaceful.
Meggan
The Reckless Oath We Made by Bryn Greenwood
A down-and-out modern damsel meets her autistic medieval knight "champion." Will loyalty, chivalry and honor win out in current society? This book had me cheering out loud "huzzah!"
Rose
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
I love a good romance, and this did not disappoint. Years earlier, at 17, Alice spent a summer on the lake with her Gran. She took a photo of three young adults enjoying the lake, which launched her photography career. Now, nearly 33, she returns to the lake to care for her grandmother who broke her hip. After a break-up with her boyfriend, she isn't ready to date. But then Charlie happens. Charlie was in the photo she took at 17, and she can't stop thinking about him. Their quirky repartee is fun to read and shows how love is built on a foundation of friendship. I suspected what Charlie was holding back and hoped that all would work out. Of course, it does. It's a romance! A great summer read.
Edie
The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward by Melinda French Gates
THE NEXT DAY tells you how to be true to yourself as a wife and mother.
Gabriel
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
"You still hate me" is a wild thing to say with complete sincerity to someone you're dating and then to have them agree with you, also treating it not like a joke but like the profound truth of your relationship. I get where the author was going --- morally dubious girls obsessed with each other. But they stay toxic even as their relationship is treated as a happy ending (and a lasting one) by everyone. I just can't see it. I could buy this relationship if it wasn't treated as a good thing or if they did more to get over their issues. I also could have gotten behind an ending where they didn't get together or didn't get together yet. But I could not get into how it actually resolved.
Sandy
One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter
One of my favorite genres is historical fiction, especially WWII and the tragedies of the Jewish race in Europe. I enjoyed WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES, and I knew ONE GOOD THING would be great. I was not disappointed.
Tessa
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
A moderately entertaining summer read. The relationships are ridiculous. The characters are stereotypes. I did not like Piper at all, though her sister, Hannah, is a peach. I did rather like sea captain Brendan (who spends most of the book in lust) and his “relief skipper,” Fox.
Carol
Running with Sherman: How a Rescue Donkey Inspired a Rag-Tag Gang of Runners to Enter the Craziest Race in America by Christopher McDougall
A heartwarming true story of a rescue donkey and the family that brings him back to a life well lived. Their life in an Amish area brings an added bonus to the story, with friends and neighbors enhancing life there.
Rose
Zomromcom by Olivia Dade
Edie is running for her life, literally. The zombies are attacking. Luckily, her neighbor rescues her and takes her to his underground bunker. There she learns that he has built a safe haven. She also learns that he is a vampire, and his name isn't Chad! It is Gaston/Max. She and Max realize that the zombies plan to destroy the world, and they are going to fight to the end to save it. I am not a fan of fantasy or zombie stories. This had a good theme --- overcoming evil forces --- but I just wasn't invested in the story. There were a LOT of graphic scenes between Max and Edie, and a lot of gory fight scenes as well. Not for me.
Elizabeth
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
This book was a page turner for me. It is about two sisters; one becomes a police officer, and the other falls into a life of crime and addiction. When the wayward sister Kacey goes missing, Mickey the police officer tries to find her while dealing with a string of dead women found on her beat, jeopardizing her career. The story alternates between the past, when the sisters were close, and the present. It became a page turner as the mystery about the serial killer grows, and Mickey gets increasingly worried about her sister. Very well done
Debbie
Northwest Angle by William Kent Krueger
The last two William Kent Krueger novels contain vicious, cruel women. VERMILION DRIFT exposes Monique Cavanaugh, and NORTHWEST ANGLE depicts Abigail Hornett. Two dark and heartless women have never been portrayed elsewhere. Do they receive the punishment they deserve? NORTHWEST ANGLE follows the O’Connor family on their quest to enjoy solitude together. Instead, a terrible storm called a derecho threatens the lives of Cork, Jenny, Stephen, Anne, Rose and Mal. Jenny and Cork land on an island, but each in a different area. Jenny finds a cabin and a brutally murdered young Indian woman. Later, she finds a baby with a cleft mouth, the murdered woman’s child. Now begins the race to safely return to Aurora.
Rose
House of Monstrous Women by Daphne Fama
A horror novel of a young woman who is trying to save her brother, Alejandro, and protect him during the political upheaval in the Philippines in the 1980s. There are several references to Aquino and Marcos in this novel, but the real subject is the horror that parasites are infecting people and taking over. It starts with an invitation to her former friend's home, but the game she is invited to play is all about survival. Josephine realizes that her brother has been infected and her former friend Hiraya's family are witches who spew curses. Will friendship and love win out in this game of survival? Will Josephine be able to break the curse? It's interesting that it was set in the time of the country's governmental change toward peace.
Rose
Well Met by Jen DeLuca
This is the first in the series (I already read book two!). Emily moves to Maryland to help her sister. When her niece asks her to participate in a Renaissance Faire, she agrees. She meets Simon, who is very serious about the Faire and doesn't believe she shares the same dedication. They fight and bicker, but eventually they realize that they are in love. This was just OK. I read it because I needed a book that took place in the state where I live. This fulfilled the challenge!
Dawn
The Lies They Told by Ellen Marie Wiseman
I rarely give any book five stars, but I thought this was an excellent book. There was not too much description, which I find boring, and not too many characters, which only confuse me when I try to read books when I am very tired. I was appalled to find out that the US had a group that practiced eugenics and were using it to force the poorer group of people to move from their land in Virginia because the more fortunate people and politicians wanted to build a park there. The people trying to immigrate from another country and landing at Ellis Island were also treated horribly, as depicted in this book. Through a lot of trials and heartbreaks, some of the main characters did have a happy ending, which I was happy about.
Lois
The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan
This very atmospheric mystery with a strong female lead is a great start to a new series. The private investigator here is a former Air Force special investigator. She's on the hunt for several young girls who have disappeared 10 years ago. I loved it, but I'm sorry that this is Archer Sullivan's first book and I have to wait for her to write the next in the series.
Lana
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
I loved this one. An amazing read.
Joan
The Women by Kristin Hannah
A good historical read but not as uplifting as some of Kristin Hannah's previous books, like THE NIGHTINGALE, THE GREAT ALONE and THE FOUR WINDS.
Ruthanne
Your Oasis on Flame Lake by Lorna Landvik
Told from the perspective of five people, this book is a little hard to get into. Two couples and their children deal with various issues. There was some humor, but it wasn't as good as Lorna Landvik's other novels.
Kimiko
Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
I could not put this put down! I read all in one day. Jet is floundering her way through life --- living at home with her parents, no job, no prospects, no ideas for the next great business to make money. On Halloween, she is brutally attacked and left for dead, surviving miraculously. Or is it a miracle as she only has seven days to live? For once in her life, she will finish what she starts: to find her killer!
Rose
Eleanore of Avignon by Elizabeth DeLozier
This is an incredibly good debut novel. It tells the story of Eleanore Blanchet, a young woman working as a midwife to carry on after her mother's death in childbirth. She catches the eye of a physician interested in her herbal remedies. While they work together, the plague enters their town of Avignon where the Pope lives. Also during this time, a rumor is spread that Jews are responsible for the disease, which is false. Elea's twin sister, Margot, wants to marry Erec, but there is some animosity between the families. After his parents' deaths, he becomes a changed man. Elea is also called to be the midwife for Queen Joanna. This is a wonderful story about the fight to save the country from the plague and the lives affected. I loved it!
Christina
The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood
This was a really good read dealing with decades of family drama and how they affected three sisters in their own relationships with their partners and children. The story follows an English family with three daughters and starts with them enjoying a weeklong family vacation in a beautiful house in the country. The father sees after a family gathering in the woods that his daughters are in danger of being injured by a falling tree, and he seems to chose one daughter to try and save. Each sister has her own personal problems that manifest throughout the book.
Christina
The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers, with Alex Kiester
This book follows a woman who tries to determine the cause of her sisters death at boarding school. I thought the storyline was interesting, but it was a little slow moving.
Christina
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown
This was a story of a girl who grew up in the woods isolated from most people in her community and had to deal with a paranoid mentally ill father. It was a sad story of a girl trying to navigate her life and find her path in the world.
Christina
Reason to Be by R A Hinkle
I received a gifted copy of this novel. It was not my cup of tea. While the story could have been interesting, I don’t think the characters were developed enough, and there was too much philosophical discussion in the novel. I also thought that the choice of the cover art was very bizarre.
Christina
The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley
This was a poignant story of a group of pregnant women trying to care for their children by forming a small chosen family. There were some very sad stories, but it was a great read.
Christina
The Whyte Python World Tour by Travis Kennedy
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this novel, but I was really pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes look at rock 'n' roll bands and their lives on tour. Throw in some espionage and romance, and you have a really interesting read!
Christina
A Mother’s Love by Danielle Steel
I was surprised upon reading this novel to find that it had so many redundant sentences. It was almost as if there was no editing done at all. It really took away from the story.
Christina
These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean
This character-driven novel had a really interesting storyline and was set on a private island off the coast of Rhode Island. The romance plot tampered my overall enthusiasm for the book, and some of the lines said by the characters did not seem very realistic.
Christina
Typewriter Beach by Meg Waite Clayton
I enjoyed this historical fiction story of two screenwriters during the 1950s in California. The novel goes back and forth between this time period and present day, and involves some family members of the two screenwriters. It was an interesting read.
Christina
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
I highly recommend this novel. It was original in that the entire book takes place among letters written and received by one woman, Sybil Van Antwerp, throughout her life. It was such a wonderful story!
Karen
Orphans of the Storm by Celia Imrie
A wonderful read based on true events. A woman marries a man she loves under pressure. After a short time, the marriage turns sour. She has two boys whom she loves and who love her. When she initiates divorce proceedings, he steals a passport, uses someone else's name, and takes the boys on the Titanic to escape from her and his life.
Rose
Hazardous to a Duke's Heart by Sabrina Jeffries
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I was expecting a regular romance, but I learned a bit of history --- about France and England during the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon retaliated against Great Britain in 1803 by capturing all English men 18-60 and imprisoning them for over 10 years! In 1814, they have escaped. Jon returns to England, where he become the Duke with responsibilities. His mother, sister, and a governess, Tory, the daughter of one of his fellow prisoners, are there. Tory dreams of starting an art school, but Jon feels responsible to her dead father to watch over her and marry her off. Tory is fiercely independent, though. His plans are stymied by his attraction to her...and a secret of hers.
Rose
The Lies They Told by Ellen Marie Wiseman
In 1928, Lena, her daughter, Ella, and her mom and brother, Enzo, travel to America from Germany, looking for a better life. However, Enzo and her mom are sent back, saying Enzo is feeble-minded. Lena is distraught, but stays and goes to work for Silas Wolfe to help with his two children. They live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Silas is afraid the government will take his children and his land. Sadly, the Eugenics people do come after the community. Lena is taken and so are the children. This is a horrible part of US history and highlights how we treat immigrants and the poor. Sadly, this practice is not completely gone in the US. I appreciate the author highlighting this issue. It's a very well written and researched book.
Barbara
Wild Side by Fern Michaels
WILD SIDE is a change from Fern Michaels' Sisterhood series. It's a "stand-alone" story of a bright young woman from her preteen years through her mid-30s. It's an interesting story, but I did not particularly care for the ending.
Luella
Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
This beautifully written, powerful book tells how with strength, resilience and determination, anything is possible. It's a great read.
Beth
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger
Lisa Unger is one of those authors who is sometimes great and sometimes not so great. CLOSE YOUR EYES AND COUNT TO 10, I am sorry to say, is not so great. The story is told from different characters' perspectives, and I liked that, but I didn't care about any of them. I'm not sure what the problem was. Maybe I was supposed to care about Adele, the single mother of two teenage children whose husband ran away because he was evading the law. But, frankly, she was not just naïve, she was dumb. She traveled to an island far from the United States to play a game of hide and seek at a condemned hotel and win a million dollars. Does that sound like something a smart adult would go for? I didn't think so. The story never grabbed me.
Pam
Life, and Death, and Giant by Ron Rindo
Wisconsin author Ron Rindo has gifted us a gorgeously written, heartfelt story about an orphan who brings together an Amish and an English community. Endearing, empathetic characters and themes of kindness, family, nature, friendship and faith show a way towards overcoming trauma and cultural differences to forge understanding. This novel is pure magic.
Pam
Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
Set in the Low Country of South Carolina, WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE is the first half of a sweeping family saga narrated by 88-year-old matriarch Eliza Rivers. I enjoyed many aspects of the story, including the lovely descriptions of specific flora, fauna, insects and other aspects of nature in the beautiful lowlands setting that started many chapters, as well as the intriguing character of Eliza. Overall, however, the narrative was good but not quite as compelling as I had hoped. 3.75 stars (rounded up to 4)
Pam
King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby
A family crematorium. One brother is a brilliant financial advisor. One brother has substance abuse problems and is in serious (hugely serious) debt to a very dangerous organized crime family. A sister with a friend who is a police detective. What could go wrong? How will this end? S. A. Cosby is my "go-to" author for morally complex, character-driven, riveting crime novels. Voice actor Adam Lazarre-White provides an amazing, nuanced interpretation of KING OF ASHES, masterfully voicing a wide variety of characters and skillfully building pulse-pounding suspense.
Pam
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell
SKY FULL OF ELEPHANTS is a fascinating dystopian novel that poses questions about race and identity, but leaves the questions open ended for the reader to decide. This literary novel examines themes of Black generational trauma and white guilt in a way that is both enlightening and uncomfortable.
Pam
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
Seventeen-year-old Charlie is at the wheel, driving his parents and two sisters to an away lacrosse meet in which he is a star player. One of his sisters screams, and he jerks the wheel just before their new autonomous minivan collides with an oncoming car, killing the old couple in the other car and injuring himself, his mother and his two sisters. There will be a police investigation of the crash. Each person in the family has reason to feel guilty. What an explosive, riveting, morally ambiguous novel where culpability must be established, and the fascinating implications of artificial intelligence are explored. There is so much to think about and discuss!
Elizabeth
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
This excellent book is full of interesting history of Korea, especially Jeju Island, that I never knew about. The haenyeo culture of woman divers and their families and friendships was the focus of the book. I love Lisa See's books and always learn something new from them.
Pam
The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia
So many things that I love in a book: debut novel, multiple points of view, and lots of twists you don't see coming. Two strangers meet on a plane. Stephanie is a news director on a business trip. Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship. Both women disappear. While the twists were entertaining and kept the plot moving, some were a bit beyond belief, and the ending wrapped up too neatly. That being said, this was a solid debut thriller, and I will definitely be open to reading the next book by Jessie Garcia. Thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for an early review copy. 3.25 stars (rounded down to 3).
Pam
First-Time Caller by B. K. Borison
I enjoyed the first half of the novel. It was sweet and had an interesting premise with the radio show, but then it got repetitive and a bit disjointed. By the end, I didn't feel invested in the characters or the predictable plot, and I just wanted it to be done.
Pam
Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray
HARLEM RHAPSODY is the fascinating story of Jessie Redmon Fauset, who some call the "midwife" of the Harlem Renaissance, discovering many of the talented writers and poets of the time. The novel is well written and has great historical detail.
Luella
The Everyday Naturalist: How to Identify Animals, Plants, and Fungi Wherever You Go by Rebecca Lexa
An interesting and very informative book about how to identify plants, animals and fungi.
Sandy
She Didn't See It Coming by Shari Lapena
I love a book that keeps me from housework and sleep! Bryden has been murdered, and there are so many suspects. There is a surprise ending, of course.
Rose
Kakigori Summer by Emily Itami
Three sisters who live across the world meet in Japan for the summer after one of them has a public scandal. Rei lives in London, works in finance, and is still in love with Sath. Kiki has a young son, Hikaru, and works in a retirement home in Tokyo. Ai is a music idol, but has been caught kissing a CEO. The sisters decide to convene in Japan to be with their grandmother, Obaachan, and regroup with each other. They have never gotten over their mother's untimely death, and their grandmother has always been a bit caustic. As they spend the summer together, their relationship is examined, and they begin to heal over the loss of their mother and lost love in their lives. This book highlights familial relationships with hope.
Rose
Love You to Death by Christina Dotson
Kayla and Zorie have been best friends since childhood. After a big mistake and some prison time, their fortunes turned, and now both of them work as housekeepers at a hotel. To keep themselves afloat, they crash weddings and steal the gifts. They are seen and a chase ensues, with a woman being hit as they escape. Fearing the woman is dead, the two best friends go on the run. However, with their faces plastered all over the news, it isn't easy to go undetected. As people get more suspicious of the friends, more crimes are committed, making it even harder to go to the cops and claim accidental injury and/or self-defense. This is a pretty graphic novel of crimes. The friendship is difficult, dependent and not healthy.
Jo
The Last Child by John Hart
Twisty and gritty, THE LAST CHILD is about solving murders in a small town. A young boy lost father and sister.
Debbie
Maus by Art Spiegelman
MAUS by Art Spiegelman covers the horrors of WWII in Poland as Art’s family attempts to survive the tribulations of Hitler. Art, a cartoonist, shows different animals as specific people. The mouse stands for the Jews, and the cat depicts the Nazis. The Spiegelman family moves from place to place in Poland and finally resides in Rego Park, New York. There was a little disappointment with Art when he doesn't explain how his parents leave Auschwitz. The book fails to instill horror and disbelief in the terror of Hitler’s agenda. It presents a terrible time in history with calmness and cartoons. But I am glad that I read the book and heard Art’s father describe the events of WWII.
Anita
The List by Steve Berry
This is a story about a fictional company called the Southern Republic Pulp and Paper Company and how the owners kill employees in order to save money and not have to pay them retirement or medical benefits. Very intriguing and a real page turner.
Anne
Love & Saffron: A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love by Kim Fay
LOVE & SAFFRON starts out with a woman writing a complimentary letter to another woman who writes a food column. The woman replies, and a connection is made. They continue to write letters, and a friendship develops. History in that period of the early '60s entwines the conversations, as well as food, personal experiences, and confiding and encouraging each other. This book is nothing like I've read before, and it touched me deeply. It's a short read, and I recommend it to anyone who has had a friend.
Sally
Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
Great! Lisa Jewell is back with another twisty, psychological story!
Roseann
Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W. Ihli
This story was very good. I read the book so I could make some comparisons for when they come out with the adaption of the movie. I found the book to be a bit scary. After reading it, I do not think I can look at a school bus the same way again. The story was a real page turner.
Roseann
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
All of Freida McFadden's books are suspenseful. You just do not know where the twist is coming. You think you have it figured out, but by the end of the story, you realize you were wrong.
Roseann
The Crash by Frieda McFadden
A great book!!! Characters in this story were very well put together. The story had a twist that I did not see coming. The storyline really proves how far a person will go to show how much they care for someone in this story. I really hope they decide to make a sequel. The only thing about this book is that I found there to be some repetition with several of the chapters, but overall it's a very creative storyline.
