This contest period's winners were Betty F. from Redwood City, CA; Dawn C. from New Baltimore, MI; and Jean K. from Toms River, NJ. Each received a copy of THE ACADEMY by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham and ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS by Hank Phillippi Ryan.
Elayne
The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman
A wonderful story of life after the end of WWII.
Rose
Insignificant Others by Sarah Jio
Lena knows that she is going to get engaged tonight, but when Kevin doesn't ask her, Lena is devastated and goes to stay with her aunt Rosie on Bainbridge Island. Her aunt tells her that maybe it is for the best. Her best friend, Frankie, also supports her. But the next day, and every day thereafter, Lena wakes up in another place with another man. All of these are imaginings of what could have happened with the various men she met throughout her life, and shows her what might have been --- the good and the bad. They are the Insignificant Others. But will she find the right man, and will that one last? INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS is a cute and different romance that reminded me a bit of THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY.
Lesley
The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray
This is book four in the Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery series. I have loved every book in this series. This one picks up with MANSFIELD PARK and tells the story of its characters and an imagined future for them. If you're a Jane Austen fan, you're sure to delight in this series!
Pam
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
A fast-paced story full of love, friendship, war and more!
Susan
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Wally Lamb’s novel is a compelling look into family tragedy, addiction and life in the penal system.
I found myself choosing carefully when I sat down to read it, as it was disturbing at times. Because the author is so good at character development, I was very invested in the story. I definitely would recommend giving it a go.
Beth
Every Beautiful Mile by Ashley Manley
A beautiful story about a family, particularly the mom, who has been grieving the loss of her husband and a career that is no longer working. She makes the decision to live her husband's road trip dream. We travel with her family in their beat-up RV and meet a cast of gentle souls who help her live again. A brief email encounter is the spark she needs to update her career. This is perfect for fans of road trips, chance encounters, and living through the stages of grief.
Cynthia
Full Bloom by Francesca Serritella
A woman is given a perfume unique to just her scent. She feels more confident while wearing it and has life-changing desires while wearing it. Her worst days seem to happen when she’s not wearing it. She wonders how it will affect her love life. Do they really want her without her unique scent?
Beth
The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion: Vol. 1 by Beth Brower
This short novella was great on audio with all of the British accents. An orphan girl is sent to live with her family in St. Crispian's. She has visions of a charmed life filled with the finer things like education and comfort. Her elderly aunt and spiteful cousin have other plans. This is an eight-book series, and I am hooked!
Rosa
So Far Gone by Jess Walter
This is a story about family relationships, disappointment and redemption, and a commentary on today's societal ills. Rhys Kinnick left civilization seven years ago and escaped to the woods to live off the grid. When his two grandchildren show up on his doorstep, he decides to return to society to find his daughter and maybe fix his broken relationship with his family. The writing is classic Jess Walter: smart and at times laugh-out-loud funny, as well as thought-provoking.
Jayme
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
A predictable romance in which the side characters were more fun than the romance. There wasn’t anything awful about the book. There were funny moments and a few sappy scenes. A perfect book to read near the ocean when you want to read, pause, look at the ocean, and repeat.
Jane
A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner
I've always enjoyed books about books. Shelby, who is a first-time author, is helping out her best friend, Colleen, at her family-run bookstore for the summer while Colleen is on bed rest with twins. Her mothers own it and are counting on her to not to run it into the ground. Then there's Hunter, who is totally the opposite from both women when it comes to personality. She was Shelby's roommate in college and is in Provincetown for the summer as an editor for a small publisher (and I mean small, literally and figuratively, in a house with just her and the "boss"). It seems she was in competition for a man named Justin when they were summering in Provincetown during college.
Cathie
All This Could Be Yours by Hank Phillippi Ryan
I LOVED this book! I received this as an eARC and immediately fell in love with Tessa. Hank Phillippi Ryan's descriptions of the book tour and the chaos around it was pretty spot-on. I found the book to be relatable and Tessa to be believable with her nervousness and anxiety.
Luella
Fade Into You by Amber Smith and Sam Geller
A good book. Two classmates' best friends are dating, and they plot to break them apart. They fall in love in the process.
Vicki
The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn
I loved it. It was so interesting to read about the character on the Titanic coming to America with a different name from her own.
MH
Summer Light on Nantucket by Nancy Thayer
A light beach read. There was too much time spent on which kid was doing what --- playing tennis, going to a friend’s place, etc. Who cares? Meals were also described in detail. I also found it hard to believe that the 45-year-old divorced mother of four suddenly had two suitors wild about her, though I was pleased with the one she finally chose. She was also friends with her ex and his mother. Again, not impossible, but unlikely.
Lisa
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
I have no words. This was devastating yet beautifully uplifting! It's about a life told through letters, including the good, the bad, the tragic, the regrets and the peace. Words help change feelings and emotions during the life one leads. Just read it!
Wanda
Ward D by Freida McFadden
This was a fast read. The story is all about one night shift at a psych ward. I am a nurse, so I could relate to the happenings, as well as the scenarios, that were presented. It was also true to form and at times there were very funny points. A thumbs-up for this book! I am definitely a fan and will be reading more of this author's work.
Susan
The Inventor's Tomb by Ernest Dempsey
This book is an archaeological mystery and is different from the usual books I read. I felt like I was watching an action movie, similar to "Raiders of the Lost Ark," where two artifact recovery specialists were looking to discover an ancient "lost scroll." It weaves history, mystery and a lot of action, and is the 23rd book of a 24-book series. I might have given it more stars if I had read the series from the beginning, but this book was picked by a member of our book club as this month's book.
Vesna
Girl Lost by Kate Angelo
Clean fiction, a suspenseful read at every chapter. CIA agent Luna Rosati finds herself back home, where she left many secrets as well as her daughter, whom she gave up for adoption. The one man who could help her has been kidnapped. Special Agent Corbin King is at the crime scene and is confronted by a past that he must reconcile with. Luna and Corbin fight hard to uncover a horrific crime scene that will untangle a web of lies, deception, kidnapping and murder, all while trying to reconcile the love that never has left either of them. Pulse-pounding and a fast read, this is the first book in the series. I highly recommend it.
Jana
The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman
I loved this new book and can't wait for more.
Donna
James by Percival Everett
This story takes place in Hannibal, MO. Jim is a married slave with a young daughter. He has taught himself to read and write. He learns that he is to be separated from his family, sold and moved to New Orleans. Jim makes the decision to run away to make money and return to purchase his wife and daughter. Huck Finn’s abusive father is coming back to town. He decides to fake his own death without leaving a body and run away. Jim and Huck pair up heading north along the Mississippi River. They run into some bad characters and hazardous situations along the way. Huck takes on the guise of being Jim’s owner to protect him. Eventually, they return to Hannibal. This novel is about family love, friendship, abuse, slavery, revenge and murder.
Anita
Churchill's Secret Messenger by Alan Hlad
This was an excellent historical novel about a young English woman named Rose. She is a typist in Churchill's cabinet war rooms and is recruited to work in a secret British organization that conducts espionage in Nazi-occupied Europe. This was a very enjoyable and well-written book, but it was depressing at times because of what was happening during WWII with the Nazi atrocities.
Donna
Under the Naga Tail: A True Story of Survival, Bravery, and Escape from the Cambodian Genocide by Mae Bunseng Taing, with James Taing
Mae Taing was a Chinese Cambodian teenager when civil war broke out in 1968. The Communist Khmer Rouge, committed to total power, entered the town where Mae lived. Everyone was told to pack three days of belongings and evacuate the town as it was going to be bombed by the Americans. They were told that they could return. This began the horrors of genocide, slave labor, torture, starvation, death marches and camps that became Mae’s way of life for five years. One-third of the Cambodian people were executed, starved to death or murdered. Mae’s greatest terror was during three months of walking down the Preah Vihear Mountain filled with land mines where no one was meant to survive. The love for his father and siblings gave him strength.
Donna
Searching for Jakup by Roberta Kagan
Pitor and his wife, Mila, are Polish Jews. They have just escaped from the Warsaw Ghetto, and Mila has been shot. Their young son, Jakup, had been stolen from their home by a Nazi because he looked like an Aryan child. Mila’s final wish is that Pitor will find Jakup and raise him. Pitor has lost everything: his family, home and way of life. He will do anything to find Jakup. He is blonde, blue-eyed and very handsome, and easily passes as a German. His love for his wife and son forces him to do the unthinkable to find Jakup. This novel has a cliffhanger finish and leaves you wanting to read the next entry in the series.
Carol
Insignificant Others by Sarah Jio
A story of a woman who, after a romantic breakup, finds herself in a time loop of one-day relationships with past loves. These encounters find her looking at her past relationships and wondering what it would be like to have a second chance with them, especially the one who was right for her. An enjoyable read that zooms by quickly.
Donna
We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin
Meg and Justin are driving their daughter, Lily, to college when a carload of skinheads begin harassing them on the highway causing an accident that kills Justin. This isn’t the end of their trouble as “we are watching” and other messages appear. Meg wrote a fantasy story when she was a teenager and entered it in a contest. Now, years later, a group of people have taken the book literally, and they consider Meg, her daughter and her father dangerous and to be a satanic cult that must be eliminated. Meg and Lily are unable to trust anyone, including good friends. This suspenseful novel shows the dangers of rumors, paranoia and the use of social media.
Donna
The Pianist's Wife by Soraya M. Lane
Berlin, 1935: Amira and Gisele are children when they make their promise of always being friends. Gisele took it upon herself to be Amira’s protector when being tormented for being half-Jewish. This promise was tested, and it assisted in Amira’s survival. Amira’s life was filled with friendship, fear, heartbreak, love, loyalty and determination, even inside the horrific walls of Buchenwald.
NYC, 2006: Amira has received an award for her work in raising money for underprivileged and orphaned children in NY. Madison, a writer, received approval to interview Amira and wants to write about her experiences and how she became interested in helping children.
Donna
The Expat Affair by Kimberly Belle
Rayna has gone through a divorce and moved to Amsterdam to start her new life. She doesn’t know anyone and goes on Tinder to meet someone. She spends the night with Xander, a very wealthy and charismatic man who she finds the next morning murdered in the bathroom with his safe emptied. Rayna is in shock and believes the killer still may be in the penthouse, so she runs to a shop telling someone to call the police. Willow, also an expat, is married to Thomas, who is to be the next CEO of the House of Prius, which is well-respected in the family diamond business. Thomas had just fired Xander from the business because he was stealing diamonds and creating lab-grown diamonds that matched the valuable mined diamonds.
Donna
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
Olivia is a ghostwriter for celebrities and needs a client, as she is in financial debt and about to lose her home. Her father, who she has not seen or spoken to since she was in school, is suffering memory loss and wants her to ghostwrite his memoir. She’s desperate, and taking this job would pay off her debts. When Olivia was a child, her father would set up treasure hunts for her to figure out for a prize. He has written his memoir, but as his health and memory are failing, he wants her to correct and organize his writings. Olivia believes his memoir isn’t factual in regards to a personal tragedy he experienced 50 years ago when he was a teenager. She discovers his story is another treasure hunt.
Donna
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
This historical novel takes place in the winter of 1789 in Hallowell, Maine. Martha Ballard is a midwife who has never lost a mother and has delivered over a thousand babies during her career. She was well-respected and knew more about the people in the area than anyone else. A murder takes place that involves the rape of a woman by two men, one of whom is an important man in the community. A pregnancy is the result of the rapes, and Martha takes on the challenge of supporting the mother in an effort to find justice for the falsely accused and the young mother. After reading the novel, be sure to read the author’s notes of how she came to write the book.
Donna
The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten
Isle Blind is a small remote island off of the coast of Sweden. Since they were teenagers, four girlfriends would go to the island once a year and stay overnight to drink, laugh and dance until the last time, when they all disappeared. Ten years after their disappearance, a yoga retreat was about to open on the island. Tessa, a crime fiction podcaster, was invited by her sister to join a group of girls who were going to the island for a bachelorette party. Tessa has always wondered what happened to the missing girls and felt it would help her podcast career. The party was well-organized until one of the girls was found brutally murdered. The girls don’t have access to phones or a way off the island, and they are afraid.
Donna
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
A loving family of three has plans for an addition. A tragedy, a misaddressed envelope, the search for the intended receiver, memories and secrets fill the pages of this romantic and suspenseful novel. Though I don’t normally read romance books, I did enjoy this story.
Donna
The Edge of Guilt by David Miraldi
Paul is a good, but struggling, attorney and is in desperate need of a good case, as he’s about to lose his home. Dennis and his wife, Cindy, come to Paul’s office after being turned down by many other lawyers. Their teenage daughter committed suicide shortly after being in the care of a psychiatrist. Her father is determined to bring a malpractice suit against the psychiatrist and receive a large cash settlement. Paul believes this is his chance to save his practice and his home, even though he doesn’t like his client. This novel based on true events includes grief, greed and courtroom drama.
Donna
The Last One by H. Pearce
Daisy is an up-and-coming journalist who has an appointment to interview Logan, a neuroscientist. They both experience an instant attraction, and throughout their lives, they occasionally and accidentally happen to meet. The connection is powerful and told through dual timelines. A tragedy brings them together, and they admit their feelings, though they are never acted upon. I am not normally attracted to books in this genre, but this one is an exception. It is a powerful story with very likable characters. I did something I’ve never done before and have marked all the books by this author as ones I want to read.
Donna
The Heroine of Auschwitz by Mark deMeza
In Poland during 1943-1945, the Nazis have invaded the Netherlands and are shipping all the Jews to Auschwitz. Rachael and her younger brother are loaded on the trains and told they are going to labor camps. The beginning of the horror ahead for them is realized while traveling in the cattle cars. They become separated when they arrive at Auschwitz but are able to survive the selection to live another day. Rachael survives the struggle of each day with the hope of finding her brother. This novel is based on true events that occurred to members of the author's family, as well as fictional people.
Donna
Unraveled by Christine Muñoz Gallen
After a night of partying, Jess wakes up on her kitchen floor the next morning. Her boyfriend was staying the night, but she can’t find him, and his beloved car was still in the driveway. A neighbor, who she doesn't know very well, shows up with soup, acts like they’re best friends, and knows entirely too much about Jess’ life and friends. Jess calls Anne, her best friend of over 20 years, who immediately comes over to discuss what has happened. Then Anne disappears. Jess notifies the police, and her life becomes more complicated. As discoveries are made and Jess’ past comes to light, she is found to be the common link. She wonders if she’s paranoid, hallucinating or involved. This is a puzzle that has mystery, humor and a bit of romance.
Debra
The Shakespeare Secret by D. J. Nix
Have you heard any good secrets lately? I have certainly read about a good secret. What do a countess, a courtesan and a seamstress have in common? Let’s find out. They conspired to write a play in secret. Tired of the limited options available and the multitude of restrictions placed on women during the 1590s in London, our trio decided to pool their talents. Their writing efforts became some of the most enjoyed and best-known plays of their era, perhaps in all of history. They still needed a man to represent their work to the world and claim it as his own. That is where Will comes in. William Shakespeare. Some secrets are hard to keep. Read this well-imagined and well-written book to see how it all plays out.
Kay
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
This book has everything! A love story, a mystery, twists and turns. It is beautifully written. I could not put it down, and it has wonderful descriptions.
Beth
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
This incredible novel immersed me in a world I knew nothing about --- a remote island halfway between Australia and Antarctica. It’s a mystery, a love story, and an environmental cautionary tale.
Joan
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
I enjoyed this book more than any book I have read in the last five years. Get it and read it!
Sally
Driving Miss Norma: An Inspirational Story About What Really Matters at the End of Life by Tim Bauerschmidt and Ramie Liddle
An excellent story of how a family cares for each other when faced with end-of-life circumstances. It was inspiring how the two adults planned and took the elderly parent on the trip of a lifetime. This was a choice not to die, but to live out one's life while enjoying new experiences.
Donna
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
I didn't want this book to end! It has all the feels: nostalgia, love, anger, kindness, sadness, wanting to belong, coming of age, etc. It takes place in two timelines. The first is about the first painting from a world-famous author, and the second is about his tumultuous childhood. I can't highly recommend this book enough. It's my favorite Fredrik Backman book so far.
Betty
The Accidental Alchemist: An Accidental Alchemist Mystery by Gigi Pandian
An awesome book. This is part fantasy and part mystery. I don't normally read fantasy, but I really loved this book, which is the first in a series (there are nine so far). I've just ordered the next five.
Lynda
The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark
An engrossing domestic thriller that portrays a female con artist who has an unexpected motive in choosing her "marks." And then comes a victimized female journalist who's determined to expose her until...
Barb
Stories We Never Told by Sonja Yoerg
Interesting and well written, it includes many people with secrets and is sort of suspenseful.
Karen
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Almost everybody who lives in this small town loves its high school hockey team. They are moving closer and closer to winning the finals, which will boost the area economy. The star player lives in the Heights, and some players live in the Hollow. A tragedy happens on the night of the final game that will split the town apart and cause emotional and physical turmoil.
Sharon
The Beantown Girls by Jane Healey
A fascinating historical novel about the women who made up the Red Cross Clubmobile girls that served in Europe during WWII. These were amazing young women who left comparatively secure homes and lives to learn to drive the "clubmobiles," make doughnuts and coffee in those machines, and dispense the food, along with smiles and encouragement to the soldiers. Jane Healey shows the courage they had while under fire and escaping from the Nazi troops, as well as the humanity of some of the Germans they encountered.
Gabriel
Horse Barbie: A Memoir of Reclamation by Geena Rocero
Geena Rocero’s insight into the contrasts between trans visibility and acceptance in the Philippines and the United States was one of the highlights of this book. She discusses how trans women have (or had, at least in the '90s and early 2000s) greater visibility in the Philippines through the trans pageants and how, through that, she could expect a level of understanding about her identity that she didn’t get in the US. While the US opened the doors for her legal and medical transition, it was harder to be openly trans, and she had a lot of uncertainty about how people would react to her being trans.
Rose
The Doorman by Chris Pavone
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I absolutely loved TWO NIGHTS IN LISBON, so I was looking forward to reading THE DOORMAN. This didn't have the same appeal for me so I was a bit disappointed, although the writing and the story are good. It just didn't grab me. Chicky is a doorman at The Bohemia in NYC. It is home to the wealthy and the elite. One particular night, Chicky brings a gun to work, which is strictly forbidden. But there is turmoil in the streets due to a Black man being killed by the police. In the Bohemia penthouse, Emily seemingly has the perfect marriage and life. But her husband is involved in some shady business, and Emily is unsatisfied. In another apartment, Julian, an artist, provides a distraction for Emily. Tragic.
Rose
These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean
When her father dies, Alice is called back to their family home along with her siblings and mother to his celebration of life and to hear the terms of his will. On the train there, she meets a handsome stranger and has a fling with him. The next day, he is there and is revealed to be her father's fixer. He reads out the terms of the will, and each family member has a task they must fulfill before the inheritance can be awarded. As they attempt to follow the wishes of the dead man, secrets are revealed, and the most surprising one is what happens when their tasks are completed. This is a family saga where the family learns a lot about each other.
Rose
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
In this creepy psychological thriller, I'm not sure what is real and what isn't, or who is telling the truth. Eve and Charlie are renovating an old home. A family comes to their door and claims they used to live there, and they ask to look around. Eve lets them in reluctantly. Her partner, Charlie, wonders why she would do that. As the family looks around, Eve notices some strange things happening. A daughter goes missing for a bit. Then, as time passes, the family continues to stay. Eve tries to get them to leave, but mysterious things continue to happen, causing Eve to wonder if she is imagining things. She reaches out to Charlie, but she doesn't know if the voices in her head are real or not. It was very odd and disturbing.
Rose
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
Sloan is still trying to recover and deal with the grief of losing her fiancé, Brandon, two years earlier. A woman hit him while he was on his motorcycle and killed him. Now, Sloan almost hits a dog and takes him in. She communicates with the owner, and Jason asks for the dog back. They go back and forth over the dog, as Sloan doesn't believe Jason deserves the dog. Jason, however, was out of the country and couldn't respond quickly. They meet and hit it off instantly. When Sloan finds out he is a famous musician, she thinks she can handle the life of a rock star. But it is harder than she expected, and Jason, realizing it is too hard on her, breaks it off. Now she is even more depressed. This romance looks at depression and love.
Rose
I Dreamed of Falling by Julia Dahl
Roman and Ashley have an open relationship. They also have a four-year-old son, Mason, together. They live with his mom, Tara. Tara had Roman when she was 20 and didn't really raise him on her own, so she is making up for it with Mason. Ashley feels that Mason isn't bonding with her and starts making plans for them. Then, Ashley is found dead after being with her friend/lover, Bella. Drugs are suspected at first but are not found. As Roman and Tara investigate her death, they find some secrets and schemes Ashley hid. When the truth comes out, Tara feels responsible. I just didn't care for the people in this novel, which is why I gave it only three stars.
Rose
The Last King of California by Jordan Harper
Jordan Harper is hit or miss for me. I loved EVERYBODY KNOWS, but didn't love SHE RIDES SHOTGUN. His writing is great, but I just didn't like the characters or the storyline. Luke is a college kid who lets his grades and his life go. He returns to his family home, where his father ran a crime family, the Combine. His father is in prison, and Luke has to prove himself worthy to take over as the leader. They are against another family in the drug trade --- the Aryan Steel gang. When something goes bad, they realize they have trouble on the inside. This is a violent and drug-fueled novel. Not my favorite.
Rose
We Won't All Survive by Kate Alice Marshall
Several young adults believe they are playing a survivor game for the chance to win money. But when some members of the group die during the game, they realize that the game is deadlier than they thought. This is a YA novel with some creepy vibes. It's a look at who you can trust and what you will do for those you love. Several tense moments helped with the suspense of the novel. The creepy tunnels and bad vibes of some of the characters contributed to the creepiness of the novel.
Dee
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This is a terrific literary mystery. The prose is amazing, and the double mystery kept me turning the pages. I wish I had read it sooner!
Betty Jo
The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi by Wright Thompson
THE BARN covers a hard subject, but it is an important book about Emmett Till’s murder in 1955 Mississippi, which set the stage for the Civil Rights Movement.
Susann
The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman
This was outstanding! My mom was a WWII war bride from Vienna. The torte names and the streets of Vienna were all familiar to me. I cried thinking of Mama and wishing I had asked her more questions.
Donna
Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena
Wow, this was twisted! I did like the story and the weaves it took us on. I feel the author presented this thriller differently from past thrillers I have read. It is scary that a young girl could have so much control in multiple families. As I write this, I realize that lies are twisted and can cause numerous problems for all involved. So in the end, you can also learn something from this book. It was a fast read that always tells you something. I'm waiting for the next shoe to drop! Enjoy!
Ruthanne
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
This is Fiona Davis at her best. I'm glad she has regained her strength since the last couple of her books haven't really been that special. It is obvious in this one that she did her research. Although it is a fictional story, there is a lot of background information on Egyptian antiquities. The main character is likable, and the story moves quickly along its dual timelines between past and present.
Ruthanne
The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani
This is one of Adriana Trigiani's best! I have read almost all of her books and find that this one really exemplifies her style. It was witty and intriguing, and it had well-developed characters.
Janet
Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
The beginning read like a young adult story, but then it became an adult story. I loved it!
Betty Jo
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff
Overall, I liked this book. The effects of alcoholism on the different generations of a family are realistic. I found the responses by some of the family members to be lacking. Maybe it's because I have lived it. It is a tornado that rips a family apart.
Luella
Apostle's Cove by William Kent Krueger
Another great story in the Cork O'Connor series. It's about family, small-town drama and a 25-year-old mystery. I highly recommend it. It's a beautifully written book, and I didn't want it to end.
Jeanne
These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean
THESE SUMMER STORMS by Sarah MacLean is an outstanding, captivating summer read. It is a well-written, intense and intriguing story of a deceased billionaire named Franklin Storm and his complicated, troubled family as they gather together upon his death. I really liked MacLean's writing style, and her character creation and development was exceptional. Her venture into the contemporary romance genre was great. The storyline focuses on the grown Storm siblings and their mother. Each member of the family is terribly emotionally scarred and dealing with their own personal, internal storms. It is a captivating story.
Kay
Ward D by Freida McFadden
Amy has to spend one night in the psychiatric ward as part of her medical training. She is given a code in case she has to leave because of an emergency. But what happens when the code does not work? Amy is petrified. This is another scary Freida McFadden book worth reading.
Kathy
The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony
The unknown (to me) story of the women who fought for access to contraception in Ireland during the 1970s.
Tessa
Miss Ruffles Inherits Everything by Nancy Martin
This was just the kind of charming, fun, easy read I needed. I loved the antics of this small Texas town’s residents. When rich, flamboyant Honeybelle Hensley dies, she leaves all her wealth to her Texas cattle cur, Miss Ruffles. Nancy Martin populates the story with disgruntled relatives, cat-fighting garden ladies, ambitious politicians, and even a couple of hired thugs whose boss wants significant money. She surely captures the Texas small-town vibe! The ending was a bit over-the-top ridiculous, but I was enjoying the party too much to care.
Rose
The Cover Girl by Amy Rossi
This is a look at the modeling industry and how it has changed over the years. In the 1960s and '70s, it was common to use teen models to promote brands. Birdie Rhodes is discovered in Saks NY by Harriet, because she is tall. Later, when doing an album cover shoot, the rock star takes notice of her and claims her as his. He becomes her "legal guardian" so that he can have her in his bed. He is about 20 years older than her, but Birdie feels loved for the first time. Harriet tries to protect her, but Birdie won't listen. As the years go by, Birdie recounts how she is treated by the industry, the other models, and the rock star. Now it is time for an anniversary celebration in honor of Harriet, and Birdie examines her former life.
Andi
Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger
This is the second book in William Kent Krueger's Cork O'Connor series, and I LOVED it! I couldn't put it down. I'm excited to start the next one!
Rose
In a Quiet Town by Amber Garza
Adrienne has been estranged from her family since her pastor father sent her packing. Her mom, Tatum, goes behind her husband's back and searches out Adrienne. She finds her working at a bar and visits her on Wednesday nights. Then, one night, Adrienne goes missing. Tatum searches for her and meets Adrienne's fiancé, Seth, a charming young man. But as she learns more about him, Tatum wonders why Adrienne never mentioned him. Then another man, Nate, enters the picture. This twisty story is told in multiple voices, highlighting the love between a mother and daughter. Psychopaths play a big part in this mystery.
Lesley
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The author's writing makes this incredible story a pleasure to read. It is hard to imagine this really happened, but it is a factual account of Marguerite de la Rocque and her cousin, Roberval, who some will recognize as one of the founders of New France (Quebec and the maritime islands). ISOLA is a very sweet love story and an exploration of social class and women's lives in the 16th century.
Rose
Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Frida and Gabriel were raised in a cult. They became friends and confidants after Frida made sure Gabriel received needed medication. Now, years later, they call themselves siblings and are at a resort when a man's wife is found dead. Frida had seen the couple arguing the night before. Gabriel doesn't want to get involved because his own wife was killed two years earlier, and he had to move to avoid all the publicity and accusations. Now, he is under suspicion for the death of this woman as his relationship with her comes to light. He needs Frida to believe him. As she reflects on their past, she considers their relationship. This is a psychological thriller that leaves you wondering about relationship bonds.
Amy
Pet Sematary by Stephen King
PET SEMATARY is creepy and sad, but it is honestly one of the darkest books I’ve read from Stephen King. It starts off feeling like a normal family story --- a doctor, his wife and their kids moving to a new house in Maine --- but you quickly realize there’s something really wrong with the old burial ground in the woods. King also digs into grief, loss, and how far people will go when they can’t let go. It’s unsettling in a way that sticks with you long after you finish it. It's definitely not light reading, but if you like horror that really gets under your skin, it’s a must-read.
Rose
The Last Session by Julia Bartz
Another book about a dangerous cult! In this novel, Thea, a social worker, encounters a cathartic woman in the unit where she works. She has the feeling she knows her --- and she does. The woman, Catherine, is an actress. Thea watched Catherine's movie multiple times as a child. When the woman is taken from the hospital, Thea decides to follow her to the facility in New Mexico where she encounters a mind-bending group of people who claim to use therapeutic methods to bring forth past lives. A very strange novel with plenty of emphasis on erotic sexual encounters and facing sexual frustration. Also, it has many people who believe in past lives influencing current lives and decisions.
Rose
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Best friends Chess and Emily are writers. Chess writes self-help books and has been wildly successful. Emily writes cozy mysteries, and while she has had some success, her marriage has failed, and her husband, Matt, wants a majority of her profits. Chess (Jessica) tells Emily that she has a plan for them to go to a villa in Italy and write. The villa is one where an infamous gruesome murder took place years earlier. While there, Emily is inspired to write a different murder mystery, based on the pages she found that detailed the famous history of the villa. There are secrets that Chess and Em are keeping that keep them bound together. I knew one of the twists pretty early and had an idea of the final twist. But it's still a good read.
Sandy
North of Nowhere by Allison Brennan
This was a very good and easy read.
Kimberley
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
In an eye-opening nod to the heroes of WWII, Kristin Hannah reveals the strength and fearlessness of the women who fought to save their countries from Nazi Germany. These women decoded, hid Jewish children, and led downed allied airmen to safety over mountains and through a network of safe houses. They did not return to victory parades or any recognition until now. Authors and historians are giving life to these stories, and it’s breathtaking.
Tom
Train Dreams by Denis Johnson
The title is appropriate, in that it is written in a style that conjures a dream-like tale.
Tom
The Last King of California by Jordan Harper
A wild ride of a book set in the back country of San Bernadino and the surrounding area. This one is for those who want the tension and conflict of warring white gangs and bikers, and a protagonist who is trying to find his place in the world.
Christine
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
I really like the story and would recommend it to other people.
Judy
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
A very good book with some twists you did see coming!
Susan
Park Avenue by Renée Ahdieh
This book just did not grab me. I really tried to understand all the Korean culture, but it was difficult. I run two book groups and can honestly say I can't pick this book.
Sharon
Chasing Fireflies: A Novel of Discovery by Charles Martin
CHASING FIREFLIES features an abandoned child and the help he received in getting back on track. Others in the story also had feelings of abandonment, but there was hope for finding a way out.
Sandy
Lauryn Harper Falls Apart by Shauna Robinson
Lauryn gets demoted from her high-pressure job with a big corporation to her hometown, a place that she'd vowed never to return to. It is a place that had been seriously damaged by a factory malfunction years earlier by the same company she now works for. She accepts the demotion begrudgingly, hoping that she can return to her old job in a few months. But what happens is quite different. I had an ARC of an audio version of this book; I wasn't too keen on the narrator, but the story was very good.
Carey
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
This was an amazing book. It was captivating from the first page and character-driven. I got attached to them. It was a page-turner right up to the reveal, and I wanted to know everything about how Julie Clark wrote it. My friends saw me read it, and they are enjoying it too.
Jean
The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols
I fell in love with Mrs. B and the quirky residents of the Marigold Cottages. Their unwavering support of Mrs. B and their personal stories endear them to the reader. This is a wonderful read for fans of THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB.
Susan
Our Last Vineyard Summer by Brooke Lea Foster
I was looking for historical fiction that was not WWII, and this book delivered. Using dual timelines in the '60s and '70s, it’s the story of three sisters trying to save their Nantucket house and uncovering secrets about their father in the process. I felt the ending wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly, but I still enjoyed the story.
Niki
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
A hard but necessary read that exposes injustices in our penal system.
Kathy
North Woods by Daniel Mason
NORTH WOODS was a very different type of book for me. It is a Pulitzer finalist, and I feel it was a definite challenge. I liked the premise with the house/cabin as the main character; the various occupants of the house made up the story. Daniel Mason interestingly wove many of the characters' experiences together. There were also interspersed quotations and poems relating to the events, and the wry sense of humor added to the stories. I believe I will reread it again as I feel it has more to say. Perhaps I will better understand the love of the apple orchard that drove a character to kill, as well as the natural worlds surrounding the cabin, such as the catamount. I will reread with new eyes and a new perspective.
Y
She Didn't See It Coming by Shari Lapena
This was the best book I have read all year. Each chapter gives you a sense of wow. I could not recommend this book enough. It is Shari Lapena's best book, and that says a lot, as all her books are fantastic.
Becky
You Belong Here by Megan Miranda
I've read a number of Megan Miranda's novels, and YOU BELONG HERE is the best one yet. It kept me guessing until the end. Megan recently came to our area for a reading and reception, promoting this novel but also introducing herself to us. Her presentation was delightful, as was her personality. YOU BELONG HERE is set in a small mountain college town, but it evoked so many memories of college life and the traditions that remain over the years. It's a page-turner for sure.
Wanda
Ward D by Freida McFadden
This was a captivating story! It's all based on a night shift in a psych ward, featuring many details around main characters who are patients. This was a good read!
Jana
The Violet Hour by Victoria Benton Frank
This is a new author to me. I loved reading about Charleston and the surrounding area.
Karla
Midnight in Soap Lake by Matthew Sullivan
The book reminds me of "Twin Peaks." It's a fun read.
Beth
More Than You'll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez
MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW was a "Good Morning America" Book Club pick. I wonder what their criteria are. Cassie is a young blogger/journalist who would like to write a true crime book. She doesn't have much of a family, but her fiancé's family is wonderful and more than enough. The little description of Cassie's life bored me, but what really matters is that Cassie is determined to write a book about a woman with two husbands and the resulting mysterious murder. Dolores (Lore) lives on the American side of the Mexican-American border with her family, a husband and two boys. She meets Andres on the Mexican side when she travels there for her job. And so begins a love affair with two marriages and a murder.
Andi
Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I really liked this book. The characters were enchanting, and the sense of place was strong. This is not your typical WWII story, which was refreshing. It was an easy read and a bit predictable in places, but overall I enjoyed it.
Debbie
Manitou Canyon by William Kent Krueger
The romance of Windigo Island between Jenny and Daniel has now blossomed into a November wedding, but Cork causes his family to worry if his new investigation will interfere with the wedding. Cork takes a job in trying to find John Harris, who disappeared during a camping adventure with his two grandchildren. As usual, William Kent Krueger displays the beauty and bitterness of the wilderness. Cork and his granddaughter, Lindsay, race against time and the impending threat of a storm. Cork and Rainy have reached an understanding in their relationship. Do they want more commitment? Why has John Harris been kidnapped? A threat to a dam and the utter destruction of a town hinge on the actions of John Harris.
Debbie
We Three Queens: A Royal Spyness Mystery by Rhys Bowen
A forage into England in 1936 with the threat of Hitler and the problems of King Edward VIII. A sad look at the British monarchy where having a mistress presents no problems, but marrying someone unsuitable cannot happen. Georgiana and Darcy now have baby James to keep them busy, but Georgiana still must dabble in solving murders. The cast of characters grows as Georgiana’s mother and grandfather visit the Eynsleigh Estate to see James. A Hollywood filming crew also descends upon the estate. The commotion with the crew, actors, Wallis Simpson, and Georgiana’s brother and his family ruin the peace and quiet of Eynsleigh Estate. Then Wallis Simpson disappears.
Debbie
You Have Gone Too Far: A County Kerry Novel by Carlene O'Connor
It was very difficult to keep the characters with the uncommon Irish names in check for me. This story follows the abduction and eventual killing of young, pregnant women. The first event happened 30 years ago, and two men were arrested and sentenced to prison. These two men have served their time and have been released. Now, the killing begins with a young, pregnant woman thrown into the bog. Of course, the actions involve a “religious” cult. We get a look at the members of a cult now and then, which throws doubt on whether or not these individuals will ever be “normal.” The tension builds as the police try to find a young lad and a pregnant, deaf girl who have been kidnapped. Carlene O’Connor writes a well-developed novel.
Michael
The Last Coyote: A Harry Bosch Novel by Michael Connelly
I am not much of a police procedural/crime thriller type, but these books are fantastic. One of my least favorite tropes is the cold case, and this is one of those, but I loved it anyway! Harry Bosch is a very memorable character, and the plot was very exciting. I give it a huge thumbs-up!
Becci
Apostle's Cove by William Kent Krueger
William Kent Krueger never disappoints. His writing is so beautiful.
Lisa
The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware
A thrilling sequel to THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10. Lo Blacklock is now married, a mom, and ready to return to the workforce. She gets an intriguing invitation to a luxury hotel opening in Switzerland. Once there, she recognizes a few people from the Aurora, and a surprise guest appears from her past.
Elizabeth
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
A heartbreaking novel about a woman and her son who had to flee Acapulco when a cartel massacred their entire family at a birthday party. It was so engrossing that I read it in two days. I can't wait for the book club discussion.
Elly
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
This is told in Fredrik Backman's typical style. Featuring clues throughout the plot, tough lives, and side-splitting humor, this book brings the characters alive and has the perfect ending.
Luella
The Bone Bed: A Scarpetta Novel by Patricia Cornwell
This is another good Dr. Kay Scarpetta story. It keeps your attention.
Luella
The Dogs of Venice by Steven Rowley
The heartbreaking and heartwarming story of a man's solo journey to Italy. He learns how to be alone and happy by observing a stray dog.
Mitra
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
This is probably the best book I have read this year. This is a debut author who writes about a woman between 72 and 77, who lives by herself in Annapolis by the water, reads a lot and writes letters to her family, friends, a young boy, an immigrant, and an academic with whom her relationship is combative to start with. She is divorced, her middle son died as a child, and her daughter is estranged. Her past as a lawyer who was a partner in a firm who went along with her partner as a legal clerk unfolds through these letters, and she finds out more about her birth family and others who she has harmed unwittingly during her legal career. A book to read and reread.
Dianne
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
An excellent tale of Emmett, Billy, Duchess and Wiley's 10-day adventure. While heading to California, they are waylaid east to New York City instead.
Brenda
Eighth Detective by Alex Pavesi
I couldn’t put it down! Just when I thought the roller coaster of twists was coming to the end, there were more! I love a good twist that surprises me.
Linda
The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris Sweeney
One of the absolute best books of 2025. There are so many levels of interest and a "who knew" about Roxie, a feather ornithologist. There are good bones to the book and an immediate interest.
Jo
The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens
This is a mystery with a dual timeline that highlights the time Hana (the quiet librarian) served in the Bosnian-Serbian war.
Richarb NB
The Memory of an Elephant by Alex Lasker
An elderly bull elephant recounts his life as he treks across the African continent, intent on returning to his birthplace. The story goes back and forth in time, from Ishi’s recollections to his current-day trek across the continent. What a marvelous book! Ishi (the elephant) is a remarkable narrator. Of course, he doesn’t always understand the ways of the two-leggers, with their boom sticks and mechanical birds (rifles and helicopters). But he has a long memory and remembers both those who have been kind to him and those who have harmed him or his family.
Liz
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
Sadie has developed a condition called face blindness. To make matters worse, she is a portrait artist with the opportunity to enter a very prestigious contest. Adding to the mix, she falls in love and cannot see the man’s face. Oh, yes, she also has an evil stepsister! To me, this was more of a young adult novel with no surprises.
Luella
We're Not Safe Here by Rin Chupeco
This was a very different type of book. The format was hard to grasp at times. Anyone who likes a challenge will appreciate this book.
Catherine
The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols
Perfect for fans of THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB, but featuring characters of varying ages. I hope this is the start of a series!
Liz
Five Days Left by Julie Lawson Timmer
This is a heart-wrenching and beautiful story told by two different families who are connected through a group chat on an internet forum. One family must decide what do to when the child they are fostering must go back to his mother. The other story is about a young woman with Huntington’s disease and the choices she makes. While the story is both heartbreaking and heart-wrenching, it is beautifully written and sucks you in right from the start. It points out that the difficult choices we make are ours to make.
Dawn
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I read this for one of my book clubs. At first, I had a hard time figuring out why an octopus was featured in the book so much. Then the other members of the book club explained why, and it made sense. I enjoyed reading about the various characters. It was a pretty fast read.
Sean
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
If the goal of a book is to get readers to feel, SHARP OBJECTS succeeded, as I had a visceral reaction to it. There are so many damaged characters that I felt for. This book will not be for everyone, and there are some incredibly uncomfortable scenes. I thought that Gillian Flynn, who has made a living on dark thrillers, did an excellent job with the suffocating small town, depraved secrets that aren't so secret, and the completely insane family dynamic. The book deals with mental illness, coping and grief, and it was painfully sad. I would devour a chapter thinking things couldn't get darker, but then they did. The book was excellent, and I will have a hard time forgetting it.
Kay
Dearest Friend: A Life of Abigail Adams by Lynne Withey
This was a lovely story about a fascinating person!
Pat
Apostle's Cove by William Kent Krueger
Absolutely the best storyteller currently writing. You are hooked from page one and roll on to the end with a sense of satisfaction until you realize the ride is over and it will be a while before the next ride begins!
Henna
The Story of Sushi: An Unlikely Saga of Raw Fish and Rice by Trevor Corson
This was fascinating! I learned so much about sushi.
Rose
The Situationship by Abby Jimenez
This is a short story highlighting the meeting of two characters in the "Part of Your World" series. It is full of penis jokes and witty banter between Maddy and Doug, who are friends with Emma and Daniel, featured in JUST FOR THE SUMMER. Maddy is bored and is out walking when she encounters art. Doug, a very good-looking farmer, is walking the town mascot, Kevin Bacon the pig. He offers to show her more art, and they walk together. Maddy is not looking for a relationship, but Doug is giving many green flags, and she thinks they may just fit in a situationship. This was originally a bonus chapter in a book sold at Target, and I am glad it was offered to all readers, but I would like to see an entire book devoted to them.
Rose
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
In East Gladness, Hai contemplates dying by jumping off a bridge. He has dropped out of college but is lying to his mother about it. His mother has worked in a salon for years to give him a better life. Grozina, an elderly woman with dementia, sees Hai and tells him to choose another path. He moves in with her and helps with her daily needs. Grozina's son wants her in a home, but Hai and Grozina go on an adventure. She hallucinates about the war, and Hai tells her tales. Hai uses drugs and has tried to kick the habit, but he relapses. This is a very sad tale about people who society ignores. I found it very difficult. The writing is beautiful, but the story was too depressing for me.
Rose
Guess Again by Charlie Donlea
Ethan Hall is working as an ER doctor after leaving the police force years earlier. He advocates for keeping the serial killer, Francis Bernard, in prison, since Francis murdered Ethan's dad years earlier, as well as many young women. At one of the parole hearings, Ethan met Maddie, the victim who got away from Francis. They begin a relationship. Ethan's former partner, Pete, asks Ethan to intervene on an old case --- the disappearance of Callie Jones, the current governor's daughter, missing for 10 years. Now, another young woman has gone missing, and these two cases seem related, because Francis has info on both of them --- but how, as he has been in solitary confinement? This story has so many twists and turns and shocking parts.
Rose
Past Lying: A Karen Pirie Novel by Val McDermid
Can you commit the perfect murder and get away with it? That is the question a writer poses to his friend. Jess Stein tells Ross McEwan that he is going to write a book about the perfect murder, and he is going to actually do it to prove that it works. But, as Jess tells Ross more about it, Ross starts to get uneasy. Karen Pirie is reading about this after Stein dies, and his estate has sent his works to the library. Her colleague has notified her of the manuscript and how it is eerily similar to the disappearance of Lara Hardie. The manuscript refers to Laurel Oliver. All of this is happening and hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is interesting how the mystery is solved. It is a solid mystery, but it has too many subplots.
Rose
Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney
I was shocked to learn that this was a debut novel. It is very good! A young girl, Ava, loves to examine and study animals. She has created a roadkill body farm. When she goes out one night to check on a recent dead animal, she discovers a dead boy who has been missing. She calls the police but disguises her identity. She knows they won't take her seriously if they know she is a teen. When another boy is taken, there are reports of a wild animal roaming the town. Then some people believe it to be a person who dresses like an animal. Ava quietly investigates and passes info to the police. She also discovers an old connection to the family with a tragic past. This was creepy. I loved Ava and would love more books with her!
Lily
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
I very much enjoyed this book for its fast-paced storyline. The main character is hilarious. The premise is outlandish, of course, but it is delivered in such a way that you can't help but root for Finlay.
Rose
All the Broken Places by John Boyne
This was another heartbreaking story from John Boyne. Gretel is 91 and has lived in her home for 60 years. Her family escaped from Germany when she was a teen. Her father was the commandant of one of the worst extermination/concentration camps. Gretel doesn't discuss her past, her role of her family, or her own thoughts. When a new family moves downstairs, she becomes friendly with the little boy, Henry. His mom is abused by her husband, and Gretel realizes her world may come crashing down as she learns about this. Told in alternate timelines, this story reveals Gretel's most awful secret and what she has fought for so long to suppress in order to save a young child. You should read THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS first.
Lily
Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack
This was perfect for a lighthearted read that doesn't take itself too seriously. I read along as I listened to the audio, and that made it quite entertaining. The narrator was fantastic. Aside from the the main character's sister and ex-boyfriend, the characters were not likable, but that kept me guessing. Overall, it was fun enough that I will consider reading the next one in the series.
Teresa
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
A book that’s different, as are most of Fredrik Backman’s books, MY FRIENDS tells the tale of four very troubled teens who become one another’s family. The tale is being relayed 25 years later to another teen, one as troubled as the kids from the story --- kids she’s growing to love.
Jayme
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. What a fun story. I enjoyed the quirky "less than perfect" characters who helped to lift each other up and ended up lifting themselves. There were many laugh-out-loud moments. I loved the theme that if you live long enough, there will be things that you regret, but there is so much that also brings you joy. I could not put the book down.
Nancy
Port Anna by Libby Buck
This under-the-radar debut novel is a welcome addition to one of my favorite subgenres: books set in Maine! Gwen’s life has fallen apart over the last year and drives her to return to the ramshackle cottage where she and her family once lived happily --- until a tragic accident meant they didn’t. Gwen works to rebuild her life in the beautiful and often harsh conditions of Maine, and reacquaints herself both with life as a Mainer and people from her childhood who were once her friends. I especially would recommend this for readers who liked THE CLIFFS by J. Courtney Sullivan.
Cheryl
Vianne by Joanne Harris
We meet Vianne when she is mourning the death of her mother. She has just realized she is pregnant and decides to leave New York for France. Vianne arrives in Marseille and begins to form friendships. Friendships and attachments are against everything her mother taught her, and Vianne struggles with staying, learning and helping her friends or following the wind, as she has always done. I fell in love with Vianne when I read CHOCOLAT when it was first published. That started a love affair with all of Joanne Harris' books. I raced to pick and read VIANNE and devoured it.
MH
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
This book was a little slow-starting, and I’ll admit I skimmed the ecological and political parts, but I liked the basic plot. The chapters were long and could have been broken down. I’m not sure how the reference to Shakespeare worked. Basically, the story is about a group who plants crops on little-used land and sells it when it is mature. Two women, Mira and Shelley, head the group. They discover a farm near an earthquake area and move there, becoming involved with a billionaire who has nefarious plans of his own for the farm. Tony, an aspiring journalist who is in love with Mira, decides to expose the billionaire. It all goes downhill from there.
Luella
Dust: A Scarpetta Novel by Patricia Cornwell
This was a complicated mystery with lots of twists and turns.
Karen
When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin
This was the best book my book club and I have read in a while. I couldn't put it down and hated for it to end.
Susan
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén
This was about a lying man trying to reunite with son. It was sad.
Julia
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This is a page-turner of a novel about the ambitions of two women who train to be astronauts. It includes a deeply moving love story as well.
Janet
The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery
This is such a great summer beach read.
Pam
The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis
Overly descriptive and dramatic, this story about a miscommunication between two people from the past was a bit predictable. The magical realism of sensing emotions from book pages was fun, and the ending was predictably satisfying.
Katherine
The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware
This has lots of suspense and twists and turns.
Elizabeth
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
I have always meant to read this book --- and finally did! Zora Neale Hurston's writing is lyrical, almost poetic. I enjoyed the contrast between the dialect of the dialogue and the narrator's voice. I felt that I was plunged into the world of a 1930s Black woman --- something I am decidedly not. Her commentary on black/white relationships was very matter-of-fact and still felt true today. I especially remember one character's comments that the white man thinks all the Black people he knows are "the good ones," and those he doesn't are scoundrels. It feels a lot like the othering I see in contemporary society.
Sheila
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
GOOD DIRT is about how trauma affects a whole family and how they try to shield each other from the truth. It also has romance and suspense.
Kathryn
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
This was a devastating and poignant novel of heartbreak. Our main character is involved in an unspeakable act that eventually ends with his imprisonment. It’s hard to love a book without a traditional happy ending, but with this book, it somehow seems worthwhile.
Jeanne
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
NEVER LIE by Freida McFadden is an easy-to-read, eerie, bone-chilling psychological thriller that kept me in suspense until the very end. The ending was mind-blowing and one I never saw coming.
Simonne
Boomsters: An Unexpected Adventure by David Marks
This was an oftentimes hilarious book about a newly retired, super bored, very observant 70-year-old. He decides to take a home course and become a detective. Quite the adventure begins for him and a bunch of friends who take on the underworld of Chicago along with a crooked politician. It's a great debut novel.
Sandy
With a Vengeance by Riley Sager
In 1942, six people destroyed Anna Matheson's family. Twelve years later, she is ready for retribution. This was a very good novel.
Susan
The One by John Marrs
Match Your DNA will match you with the One that is your perfect match. This has an intriguing premise, full of twists and turns. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger. It is a real page-turner!
Gabriel
Baker Thief by Claudie Arseneault
The queer representation in the two main characters was on point. I enjoyed the negotiations of a non-conventional relationship between Claude/Claire, who is allosexual aromantic, and Adèle, who is demisexual alloromantic. It was refreshing to see an aromantic person entering a relationship who is still treated as distinctly aromantic. Claude discusses how his needs and boundaries in a relationship are different because of his aromanticism and how some behaviors like kissing and cuddling are enjoyable to him when they can be purely platonic or sexual, but becomes uncomfortable when they are contextualized/expected to be romantic. There was some good, realistic complexity there.
Sharon
Lost Birds: A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel by Anne Hillerman
These were such interesting books that give vivid descriptions of the Navajo country, the culture of the Navajo, and how modern police work meshes with those native traditions. Each book in this series can be stand-alone, but as I read more of them, I begin to feel that the main characters are friends because the writing is lucid-accessible and so clearly describes each character's various actions and thoughts.
Annmarie
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
I really wavered back and forth on whether this book was a 3 or 4 for me. I enjoyed the character development and felt kindly towards most of the characters. The story was interesting, involving using time travel to bring various folks who were at their point of death to the current day, and the interaction with their "bridge" (the person assigned to help them adjust). It was a time-travel story and a sort-of love story, and I was enjoying it pretty much the whole way through. But the last chapter or two lost me, partially because it got a little convoluted and partially because I just didn't like the ending and thought it a bit weak. I'm glad I read it to the end, but I wouldn't re-read in the future.
Tessa
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
Lyudmila “Mila” Pavlichenko was nicknamed “Lady Death” for her work as a Russian sniper, with over 300 killed Nazis to her credit. In this novel, Kate Quinn gives us a fictionalized look at this fascinating woman sniper in WWII. I was completely caught up in the narrative, although the back-and-forth timeline and occasional changes in point of view did irritate me a bit. Still, the story is well told, and it held my attention.
Jean
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron
Cat lovers will be entertained by this book that celebrates a cat left in a library book drop who became a permanent resident. People came from miles around to see him.
Christina
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
This was a top read of the year for me. It was so beautifully written. The story of Dom and his three children trying to navigate the loss of their mother and his wife on a remote island in the Antarctic was told from all of their perspectives. The introduction of a stranger, a woman named Rowan, added some mystery but led to the healing of this family. It was a haunting tale and is a reminder of how fragile our ecosystem is. The book slowly built in a mystery, and the trauma that each family member was dealing with was portrayed with such care. I really loved this story. Thank you to the author and Flatiron Books for a copy of this book to review.
Christina
The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson
This was an entertaining cozy mystery that involved a book club at a community center getting involved with solving a murder that occurred at the house of a man who had briefly attended the book club.
Christina
Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle
This book is about a man who discovers that he can assist those grieving their loved ones and the loved one through cooking. He can sense that a spirit is around when he gets a taste of foods that he has never had --- this is called the aftertaste. He can reunite them for the time it takes them to finish the meal. I found the book an interesting read but not my favorite, as I am not a fantasy reader.
Christina
The Lake Escape by Jamie Day
This was a thriller that involved three people who were very close as teenagers and come to their same lake homes for vacation every year. David’s girlfriend disappears and leads the three friends to look at their relationships in a new light as they try to determine what happened to her.
Christina
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
This was a really good read about a woman who is involved with reintroducing wolves in a community in Scotland. The town is against this project, and Flynn has to work with her team to keep the wolves safe from an attack by the town and keep the townspeople calm. There is also romance and a story of a woman coping with her mentally ill sister.
Christina
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
This was a funny look at motherhood from the point of view of a single Black woman trying to juggle raising a child and working full time. The book covers seven days in which she reconnects with a former love. They have been writing about each other secretly in their books for years.
Christina
That Last Carolina Summer by Karen White
This was a good summer read with interesting characters and a good plot. I thought it was going to be a cozy romance novel, but it was intriguing and kept my interest with the mystery storyline and family drama. It was a quick read and worth picking up this summer!
Christina
Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza
This was an interesting look at an influencer's life and the story of a woman who disappears after supposedly killing her husband. The life that she portrays online is quite different from the one she is living.
Christina
Nantucket Summer House: A Beach Plum Cove Novel by Pamela Kelley
This was a very quick read, but it was enjoyable to go back to Plum Cove Inn and see what Lisa and her family are up to.
Christina
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
This was an interesting book, and I liked that it was written from different perspectives. I was not a fan of the ending.
Barbara
The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly
Set in 1942 on Martha's Vineyard, we learn of the actual presence of Nazi submarines off the coast of the island, under the eyes of American soldiers in training. The story is told in flashback to a young woman in 2016, who becomes mesmerized by the tale. Why she is here and why she cannot make herself just leave is the heart of the narrative. The young women of the 1942 story cope with loss and insecurity due to the war, but show gumption and determination to maintain their family's property. Small-town vibes and suspicious actions require their attention. Their establishment of a book club and act of sharing books with the soldiers almost seems like an afterthought to this story. I learned a lot, especially from the author's end notes.
Sheree
Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo
Wow! The story in this book was so interesting. You felt like you lived in this town. I loved the characters and how they were developed. It took much longer to read than most books because Richard Russo was so wordy. I think he had to be in order to go into as much detail as he did, but it did take a long time to read. I loved it.
Ruthanne
The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman
For those who like historical fiction, this is a love story that starts in Prague before the Nazi invasion. Written from the perspectives of Lenka and Josef, the story details the horrific experiences during this period of time. Their lives go in very unexpected directions, only to reconnect in their very old age. Even as I was reading through the very detailed atrocities, I felt that the author managed to tell a beautiful love story.
Dawn
Guess Again by Charlie Donlea
I read this for a book challenge by a publishing company. I had never read this author before. I also rarely give any book a five-star rating. This book was very suspenseful, and I doubt anyone could actually figure out what the ending would be before they actually get there. There were a lot of murders throughout this book. I am still rather confused about why the one elderly couple was killed. I would definitely read other novels written by Charlie Donlea now that I have read one, in the hope that the rest are all suspenseful too.
Lynda
So Far Gone by Jess Walter
This mystery/thriller has a serious, alarming storyline about our current American society, but it's told in a humorous way. It has superb, gritty writing. I didn't like the depictions of gory violence, though they were necessary for the full impact.
Rose
The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin
I have enjoyed reading Madeline Martin's historical fiction about WWII. In this novel, she travels back in time to 1895 London, where women are controlled by their husbands. Books are considered frivolous. As Lady Duxbury has been married and widowed several times, she wants to bring these women together in a Secret Book Society, where they can borrow and read books from her private library. The women develop a friendship and a bond where they know they can rely on each other for help and advice. Men at this time could commit their wives to an asylum if the man didn't think his wife was behaving appropriately. When one of the men committed his wife, the Society got together to plan her release. It's horrifying to know this happened!
Liz
The Tenant by Freida McFadden
Blake Porter has just lost his very prestigious VP job and has been blacklisted in the industry. Having recently purchased a brownstone in Manhattan, which he can no longer afford, he is faced with a dilemma. His fiancé, Krista, has the answer, which is to rent out the top floor to a tenant. Enter Whitney. Shortly after Whitney arrives, things start to go terribly wrong --- disgusting smells and terrible noises, to name a few. By the time Blake figures out what is happening, it may just be too late for him.
N
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This is one of the few authors who can switch back and forth in time chapter to chapter and do it smoothly. You are absorbed in all the competing stories about various characters, and all are equally interesting.
Amy
The Sun Dog by Stephen King
THE SUN DOG is a creepy little gem from Stephen King’s novella collection, FOUR PAST MIDNIGHT. The story starts off kind of ordinary --- a teenager gets a new Polaroid camera for his birthday --- but things quickly get unsettling when every picture the camera spits out shows the same eerie, menacing black dog creeping closer and closer. I liked how King takes something as harmless as a camera and turns it into a source of dread. The pacing is a bit slow at times, but that buildup makes the ending hit harder. It’s not one of his most famous stories, but it has that classic King mix of small-town characters, supernatural weirdness, and a sense that ordinary life can tilt into horror at any moment.
Sandy
The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers, with Alex Kiester
I just finished this great novel and want to read more by Ashley Flowers! This was a great book all the way through, but the ending was especially awesome.
Linda
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
This is a unique, atmospheric mystery with the backdrop of an Australian island seed bank that is being evacuated due to rising tides and climate change. One family remains in isolation, preparing to sort and save the seeds to be transported. A woman washes up on shore, and secrets are revealed. The characters are complex and well-developed. The nature and wildlife inhabiting the island add to the mystique.
Michelle
The Hunter by Tana French
What a wonderful dive back into the complicated world of Ardnakelty! I loved Tana French’s first book in the series, THE SEARCHER, and this one has been a thrilling and compulsive read for me and my book group. I think I have converted another dozen readers into fans of Tana French!
Andi
Heartwood by Amity Gaige
This was a good story. I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I had hoped, but overall I would suggest it to others.
Andi
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
If you want a cozy Halloween read, this one may be for you. I didn't enjoy it as much as others, though. I felt as if everything was just too neat. I do love a good Hallmark type of seasonal read, but this one fell flat. Everything just cleaned up too quickly.
Rose
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
This is a cute story about Isadora Bentley, a researcher, who is turning 30. To celebrate, she buys herself mounds of junk food. She has a voice in her head that speaks to her telling her when she is doing something that perhaps she shouldn't (basically just speaking out her thoughts). While buying the junk food, she spies a magazine that claims to have a list of ways to be happy. As a researcher, she decides to test the theory. Meanwhile, a professor, Cal, is asking for her help in getting his research published. He helps her research the happiness list. After being taken advantage of in the past, Isadora learns to be confident and speak up for herself. Delilah, her young neighbor, is a hoot.
Rose
Lloyd McNeil’s Last Ride by Will Leitch
When Lloyd McNeil is given a terminal diagnosis of glioblastoma, he struggles to find a way to keep the information from his young son, Bish, while also providing for Bish after he is gone. Lloyd decides he is going to die in uniform to have Bish benefit from this sacrifice, so Lloyd does many reckless things, earning him the nickname "happycop." Lloyd's dad, Major McNeil, was a top figure in the police department, and Lloyd followed his career path. Major McNeil died before solving a case that haunted him. Now Lloyd, as "happycop," has gained the attention of the killer and has an opportunity to solve the case. Can he do it before he dies and Bish finds out his secret? A bittersweet, often humorous, tale of a father's love for his son.
Rose
One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon
When Jasmyn and King Williams gain some success, they move to the Black planned community of Liberty, CA. Although they are happy that everyone is Black, and their son is comfortable in his new school, Jasmyn feels that the community is strange. No one admits to being in the BLM movement, and the spa mentality goes a bit far with the members. As Jasmyn later discovers, she isn't imagining things, but the secret the community is harboring is scarier than she thought. Will she go along with it to save her family? This was fascinating and thought-provoking.
Rose
El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott
Harper moves in with her sister, Pam, after Harper has some money troubles. She is surprised that Pam, divorced from her husband, is doing so well financially. Pam admits that she isn't --- except for the sisterhood she found in her women's club, The Wheel. It is basically a pyramid scheme, although the women don't admit it. When Pam is found dead, Harper struggles to understand what could have happened. Was it Pam's ex-husband, Pam's daughter, or a member of the club? This is a tale of greed, jealousy and poor decisions rooted in money problems. I was a bit surprised at the reveal and the culprit, but overall, I didn't love the book.
Rose
Twisted by Steve Cavanagh
Wow, Steve Cavanagh is a great mystery/thriller writer. This book lived up to its title! J.T. LeBeau is a pen name for an author, and only a few people know who he is. When he is threatened with exposure, people end up dead. Paul Cooper and his wife, Maria, live in Port Lonely, having moved from Manhattan. However, Maria isn't happy and has been having an affair with a local waiter and scuba diver, Daryl. When Maria and Daryl discover that Paul has a secret bank account with $20 million in it, they plan to confront him, get some of the money, and go off together. Then things go awry. There are so many twists and shockers! I can't wait to read more of his books!
Liz
My Husband’s Wife by Carla Kovach
Eva’s husband, Hugo, passed away five years ago. So imagine her surprise when she meets a couple who would like to hire her as their wedding planner, and the groom-to-be looks exactly like Hugo. At the meeting, Theo (Hugo) acts as if nothing is amiss. Eva cannot believe this is happening. She sets out on a quest to figure out what is going on. There are plenty of twists and turns in this very good psychological thriller. The ending also has a good twist. Thank you NetGalley for this audiobook. The reader was very good, but at the end it would have helped to have more than one voice because there were quite a few different characters.
Rose
Missing May by Cynthia Rylant
May dies leaving her husband and niece, Summer, at a loss. The story is the tale of them missing her and finding their way out of their grief, by trying to reach her spirit. They work with Cletus, Summer's classmate, to try and reach May. Things everywhere remind them of May and the goodness she brought to their lives. I listened to the audio version, which was narrated by Frances McDormand. It was excellent.
Rose
My Train Leaves at Three by Natalie Guerrero
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Xiomara is shaken by the sudden death of her sister. She is living with her mother, trying to make ends meet, and working two jobs trying to make it on Broadway. She sings at a diner, and a sleazy director, Manny, woos her into his bed. He uses her and strings her along, making her believe she will get a part in his next show. Meanwhile, Santi, who works at the print shop with her, is interested, but she doesn't treat him well. Full of gritty and graphic sex, this story shows the seedy side of show business and what you will do when drowning in grief and trying to follow your dream. Ultimately, Xiomara, with the help of people who care for her, especially her mom, breaks free and move forward into a positive life.
Donna
The Peculiar Gift of July by Ashley Ream
If you are like me and enjoy books that have that Stars Hollow vibe from "Gilmore Girls," then I have a book for you. Set on a small island off the Pacific Coast, we meet some very unique and quirky characters whom I couldn’t help but love. It’s a wonderful tale of found family, secrets and a close-knit community with a sprinkling of magic. I highly recommend this beautiful, feel-good story.
LuAnn
The Compound by Aisling Rawle
The book focused intently on the day-to-day goings-on inside the compound with 19 men and women competing in a reality show. For much of the novel, it felt like I was watching "Big Brother" or "Love Island" without the editing. While that was fun in its own right, it wasn’t the high-stakes read that I was expecting before diving in. Instead, many of the chilling events felt more told versus shown, which lessened the impact that they could’ve had. It was definitely a slow-burn story.
Sandy
The Unraveling of Julia by Lisa Scottoline
I love this author, and she never disappoints! The story is very entertaining with many twists and turns.
