This contest period's winners were Elayne F. from Stuart, FL; Kathy B. from Richboro, PA; and Wendy H. from Poulsbo, WA. Each received a copy of THE TIN MEN by Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille and THE WIDOW by John Grisham.
Rose
The French Honeymoon by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
"Sisters" Cassie and Taylor have never gotten along. Taylor has always quietly accepted the way she has been treated by Cassie, but this will soon reach its breaking point. When Cassie and Olivier, a Frenchman, marry quickly (so Olivier can get a green card), Taylor is distraught. Cassie regrets her marriage and wants to get back with her ex. As Cassie makes plans to leave Olivier, Olivier has plans of his own, but Taylor may disrupt them. The big reveal comes a bit late in the book, and the book ends with a bit of a mystery. The author states that she got the idea for the book after reading THERES RAQUIN by Émile Zola. The story is filled with jealousy and hatred. I wasn't a fan of the characters or the story.
Rose
The Enemy by Sarah Adams
I wasn't sure about this book when it began, but I enjoyed it more and more as it went on and June's thoughts on Ryan were stated - they were hilarious. This is a romance years in the making. Ryan almost kissed June at their HS graduation, but stopped. Since then, June has believed him to be her enemy. Now, their best friends are getting married, and Ryan and June are both in the wedding. Sparks fly, but even though it was 12 years ago, June is still angry, and she plans to make life difficult for Ryan. The way Ryan breaks down her barriers is very sweet. Enjoyed this romance, especially June's thoughts!
Rose
Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein
After their mom dies suddenly, Mia takes care of Cricket, ensuring that Cricket follows her dream of being a soccer star. Then, when Mia needs something from Cricket that may end Cricket's career, Cricket has a difficult time handling it, and retreats from Mia. A look at the strength of sisters, the love of a mother, and what you will do for the other. I really enjoyed it, especially the back story of their mom and their lives leading up to the pivotal moment.
Rose
A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole
4.5 of 5 stars. When Poppy and Rune meet as children, they become best friends. Walfhen Poppy's grandmother was dying, she told Poppy to write down every spectacular kiss and fill a jar with them. Her first kiss was with Rune, and so her jar began to fill. When Rune's dad's job takes them back to Oslo, Rune becomes sullen and despondent, not wanting to leave Poppy. Poppy cuts off all communication with Rune after she receives some devastating news, which causes Rune to spiral deeper. When Rune's family returns to Blossom Grove, GA, Rune discovers why Poppy cut him out of her life. This story highlights the strength and purity of young love, esp. when it is true and built on respect and admiration. I cried at this heartbreaking YA novel.
Rose
A Thousand Broken Pieces by Tillie Cole
After her sister's death, Savannah is having difficulty adjusting. Her parents decide to send her on a therapy trip around the world. She meets Cael, who is also grieving the death of a sibling, his older brother. Cael has given up hockey, but taken up tattoos, piercing, and anger in his grief. Together, they navigate life without their beloved siblings, while learning to heal and move on with their lives. The pieces of their lives need to be mended together, and together they repair their broken, grieving hearts. A stark look at the grief one carries after the death of a loved one, and the long, slow healing process.
donna
It Happened on the Lake by Lisa Jackson
I was so far off in figuring out the conclusion to this book. I was surprised.
Wanda
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
A real page-turner. Action at every turn and not knowing how it will turn out with every situation that is brought up. A must-read, well written.
Elizabeth
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Sweet story told through letters.
Michelle
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
A multigenerational tale set in central Ohio that explores themes of regret, guilt, and forgiveness.
Pam
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Characters described in detail in a story that moved slowly for me.
Rosemary
Something to Look Forward To by Fannie Flagg
Thirty short stories covering everything from live on another planet to everyday life here on planet earth, using Fannie Flagg's original humor! They cover the country (and universe) telling stories from California to the East Coast. I had tears in my eyes over some and laughed over others. I promised myself I'd read half the book in one sitting. I ended up staying up late to finish it! This book is right up there with all her others. I seldom use this phrase....but it is a must-read for Fannie fans!
Cheryl
The Women of Wild Hill by Kirsten Miller
It's spooky season!! This was a great read. Very female-centric. I can see this as a movie.
MH
The Intruder by Freida McFadden
Not a fan of very scary books, I waited for daylight to start this book. It wasn’t as scary as some of her other books (like WARD D). It starts with a dark and stormy (and snowy) night when an intruder is discovered in the shed. Events escalate from there. I thought the story left several things unresolved, such as why the girl was covered in blood.
Nadine
The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
An excellent return to Elfhame. I adore Wren and Oak. Suren's been living on scraps of dreams and scraps of life. She's on the edges of who she was and who she could be. Oak shows up and sparks something within her that allows her to become what she can be. The ending isn't what I'd hoped for. However I can only hope that the next book gives me what I want, as I like happy endings.
jana
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
Loved, loved this fast action book and was surprised by the ending.
Mary
James by Percival Everett
You’ll like this if you liked the books of Mark Twain.
Luella
Something Wicked by David Housewright
What an entertaining novel. It has mystery, family drama and enough humor to make you smile throughout. It's such a joy to experience the author's writing style. McKenzie, the main character finds himself helping a friend solve a mystery. Another great read.
Rosa
The White Crow by Michael Robotham
This is the second installment of the Philomena McCarthy series. Phil investigates the murder of Caitlin Kemp-Lowe, the wife of jeweler Russell Kemp-Lowe. Her father and his brothers are suspected to be involved somehow, and again Phil finds herself wanting to honor her oath as a police officer and staying clear of her father and his bad business. It isn't easy. The plot is typical Robotham storytelling - expert, tortuous in its details, and so entertaining.
Judy
The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers
Two sisters went missing several years ago. They are trying to find answers.
Francisca
Almost Friends by Philip Gulley
This is Book Six in the Harmony series, featuring Sam Gardner, the Quaker pastor of the Harmony Friends Meeting. As usual, Sam is worrying about his flock, in particular the two hornets that are the bane of his existence – Dale Hinshaw and Fern Hampton. Things will work out, as they always do. I love Gulley's style. His writing simply calms and inspires me... and he makes me laugh out loud.
Gabriel
A Life in Too Many Margins by S. E. Thomson
A LIFE IN TOO MANY MARGINS poignantly captured the confused shame of being noticeably different from those around you in ways they judge and shun you for, but lacking the words, the knowledge, or any real framework at all to understand what makes you something other. At times it was painful, as a disabled person, to read David’s experiences with the medical system and dealing with chronic pain and illness, but there was a catharsis to it too. The writing style was conversational, straightforward much of the time, but run through with humor and advice, and it worked quite well to draw me into David’s life and experience his struggles with him.
irene
The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin
A novel about a group of women who are invited to a tea. Little do they know how their lives would be changed. The book is a woman's fiction book with a little history and mystery.
Sandra K.
Girls of Flight City by Lorraine Heath
I enjoyed this book about the training of British pilots in America during World War II. It opened up a piece of history that is little known. I loved the characters.
Susan
Standing by the Wall by Mick Herron
Nothing compares to Herron's writing in the SLOW HORSES series. Just ordered the latest. This is a series I will reread from the beginning!
Connie
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Interesting read that is part social comment on climate change, family dynamics and a mystery thrown in. Good character development and plenty of twists.
Kelley
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
This book is an amazing story of two women bound by broken families and resilience. Incredible!
Shelley
The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake
If you are a supporter of women's achievements, you will enjoy this book about a young girl who learns about anatomy and medicine from her caretaker/foster parent. The male doctors find this abominable - marriage is the only place for a woman in this time period. This historical fiction novel is set in London in the 1840s.
Sheree
To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage
It seemed like this was the summer for books about female astronauts. I also read the book ATMOSPHERE, and I found both books similar. Both had relationship issues with their sisters and had a strong niece relationships. ATMOSPHERE was about astronauts in the 80s and this book seemed to be more astronauts in the 70s. Both books were very enjoyable.
Wendy
An Inside Job by Daniel Silva
Gabriel Allon does it again. Intrigue and suspense insue. Silva continues his creation giving us insight to the art world. I always enjoy learning about the classical art.
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Donna
The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
I would give this book many more than 5 stars if allowed. The story of Corby, a 35-year-old father of twins who accidentally kills one of them while high on drugs and alcohol. He is sent to prison and tries to find a way to live with himself after causing so much pain. I loved how Wally Lamb led the reader to feel so deeply for this man in spite of how flawed he is. Beautifully written and a book I plan to read again.
Rose
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
3.5 rounded to 4 of 5 stars. I read this as part of a challenge to read a book about witches. Since I enjoy Alice Hoffman's novels, this was an easy pick for me. However, it is not at all what I expected! The Owens family was cursed years ago when their ancestor loved the wrong man. Now, their mother has superstitions, trying to protect them. But, they spend a summer with their aunt and begin to understand their legacy. It tells the story of each of these children, as they grow into adults, and their loves and losses. It has tragedy and sadness, as well as a few happy moments.
Janet
Here Today, Gone to Maui by Carol Snow
Great vacation read.
Patricia
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
Great book. Love this author!!
Anne Marie
Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Ingenious - both in writing and in style. It never ceases to amaze me the stories that come out of this man's mind. The only way to make it better would be to use a different font or some other visual device so the reader could easily tell where the "manuscript" ends and Susan's story begins.
Marcie
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
A very interesting book. A love story with many twists and turns. It held my attention and I lent it to a friend and she also loved it. The story involves a couple going through a surrogate for their second child, and the women is killed in a tragic way and the baby is conceived and we go from there.
Jeanne
The Lies They Told by Ellen Marie Wiseman
THE LIES THEY TOLD by Ellen Marie Wiseman is outstanding. The novel was riveting and deals with the evils of the eugenics movement during the 1920s and 1930s. Primary targets of eugenics were low income and uneducated immigrants and other susceptible groups such as mountain people. The protagonist was Lena, a German-Italian immigrant, who fought hard and courageously against eugenics acolytes who abused and denigrated her and many others who were unfairly targeted as undesirable. Her infant daughter, along with the family who took her in, were abused and tormented by lies and deceit of the eugenics enthusiasts.
Lynda
Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan
I learned about a little known shipwreck, the Pulaski, nicknamed The Titanic of the South that occurred off the NC coast in 1838. I like historical fiction novels because they're entertaining and educational. The characters, both real and fictional, are vividly portrayed. Callahan's research was extensive; and I appreciated her obvious love of Savannah, GA.
Edie
Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
A wonderful book to read. It is so full of feelings, friends and family! A must-read!!
Susan
The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff
This is the author's first book and I look forward to read many more from this author. Evelyn and Joseph are a married couple in their seventies when Evelyn finds out she has Parkinson's Disease. They tell their families they don't want to live without each other, so in a year they will die together. The book tells their journey through the years of how they got to this point.
dee
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Vol.1 and Vol. 2) by Beth Brower
Volume 1 was 4 stars but volume 2 was stronger and deserved the 5 stars.
Susan
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
BROKEN COUNTRY is like a Shakespearean tragedy. Clare Leslie Hall tells the stories of multiple loves - lovers rich and poor, husband and wife, mother and child, love of farm land and village life. It’s a complex look at how the choices we make or fail to make change our futures in unimaginable ways. Beth and Gabriel meet and love like exploding stars only to separate. Beth then marries Frank and they have a child who dies in a farm accident. Frank, the steady, loving husband makes choices that change everything. Gabriel returns, now divorced, with his son. Frank’s brother Jimmy is wild and different, and everyone is headed toward the climax.
Hillary
Ruthless Tide by Al Roker
A fascinating and horrifying read about mass destruction caused by a wealthy men's hubris and selfishness. Well researched but told in a captivating narrative style.
Donna
Cooking for Picasso by Camille Aubray
Draws you in from the first page and keeps you in. A great mix of history and fiction - multiple love stories and family history. Epic and cozy, a mystery and a romance. Liked it so much am reading other books by the same author.
Teresa
My Other Heart by Emma Nananmi Strenner
Two Asian American girls, best friends, live very different lives in the same Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia community. Both girls and the women who bore them and/or raised them are trying to figure out who they are and find their place in the world.
Diane
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
A feel good story about a man who settles in a small southern town. He discovers sketches of town folk in a coffee shop. He buys and donates the portraits to each individual. By this act of kindness, the man changes the life of a town and himself. This was a wonderful story and I plan to read it again.
Liz
The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O’Neill
It has been several years since the Ryan sisters have been together, but this year they will celebrate Thanksgiving weekend together, along with their parents. Each sibling has a secret, some from the past and some current. Over the course of the weekend they will learn to forgive each other as well as themselves. Thank you NetGalley for this wonderful audiobook.
Michelle
Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Wow, I'm glad I found this 20-year-old series debut. It's wonderful and I am already putting the next books in the series on hold at my library.
Sean
Cujo by Stephen King
It's spooky season so Stephen King was in order. Here though, King delivers more of a survival novel than a horror novel, although there are definitely some scary elements. Cujo is a good dog and doesn't want to be a bad dog but then he loses control. The book is really solid, atmospheric and claustrophobic, but there were some parts that dragged. King is a master of tying everything together but the ad men/trip to Boston/NYC was unnecessary to the degree it was told. Also, I'm still unsure of the point of closet. The ending was crushing but handled well, something King's endings aren't always. There are times we see Cujo's point of view & I would have liked even more of that. Overall, a good story with elements that took away from it.
Ali
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
I loved this book! Sybil is reminiscent of Olive Kitteridge.
Beth
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
THE GOD OF THE WOODS is the best kind of mystery, one that is complex. It has lots of mysteries going on. There are two main mysteries: what happened to Barbara who has disappeared during a party held by her well-to-do parents, and what happened to her brother Bear, who also disappeared during a party held more than 10 years ago. Bear was never found and is now assumed dead by all but his mother. But there are so many more mysteries in addition to these two. Each chapter is devoted to one of several different characters involved with these cases. Also, each chapter occurs during one of seven different times, from the 1950s through September 1975. But I wasn't confused at all, only riveted to the story. This is another five-star read.
Helen
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Yes, it is long. Hilary Mantel’s award-winning narrative of the world of Henry VIII through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell is worth the time. The mix of religion and politics, birth, life, and death is at times terrifying because of the historical truth of it. A classic work.
Amy
The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman
I loved reading this book! THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA by Sharon Kurtzman is a touching historical novel that weaves together two timelines - post-war Vienna and modern-day America. It follows Chana, a Holocaust survivor who finds solace in baking, and Zoe, a food writer uncovering her family’s hidden past. The story is heartfelt and beautifully written, celebrating resilience, memory, and the healing power of food.
Jackie
The Tin Men by Nelson DeMille
Love DeMille's writing.
Emily
The Last Assignment by Erika Robuck
True story of combat correspondent Georgette Chapelle.
Jane
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Good story. Very informative about astronaut program and training.
Denise
Sike by Fred Lunzer
Read this book for book club and while I didn’t love it I can’t stop thinking about it. The book is like nothing I’ve ever read before which is quite a compliment. I loved the idea of Sike and loved learning more about fantastic music and fantastic meals.
Judy
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn was a famous movie star. She has requested Monique Grant to write her biography. Monique is surprised as she is a complete unknown!
Pat
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Wonderful, uplifting story about a generous older gentleman searching for a lost love.
Ellen
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Historical fiction at its best reflecting upon a diaspora which isn’t frequently written about. The characters have depth and there are plot twists that keep the reader thinking.
Ellen
The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier
I was intrigued at the writing convention used in this book. It was one I haven’t come across previously. Chevalier keeps the main character and several others consistent through the book by moving them through several hundreds of years to tell the story of how glass work on the Island of Murano evolved. Fabulous book and writing concept.
Ivy
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
Absolutely prophetic! Butler saw 2025 nearly thirty years ago.
Cheryl
We Three Queens by Rhys Bowen
The latest title in the Lady Georgina series of books by one of my favorite mystery authors. Georgina and her English country home are invaded by movie stars, including a Shirley Temple clone. A murder happens among the cast and Georgina and husband Darcy need to figure out what happened before the cast returns to Hollywood. It is great to watch Georgina grow from a waif to being the lady in charge of a country home, with staff that still includes her former maid Queenie.
Terry
My Beloved by Jan Karon
After an eight year absence, Fr. Tim and the Mitford gang are back. I'm enjoyed getting reacquainted with some old friends.
Vicki
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
I really enjoyed it except for the ending.
Mark
Owls of the Eastern Ice by Jonathan C. Slaght
Just an amazing book by a Minnesota-based expert on the Blakiston's Fish Owl, a very rare bird found only in one section Russia, and slivers of Japan and Korea. Mr. Slaght speaks fluent Russian, so it's not only the amazing bird but also the very unique Russian outdoorsmen and researchers he teams up. (My late mother would have described them as earthy.) The fish owl, with its tufts behind its ears, is a stellar creature by itself. The book has some good photos, of both bird and man. Author Slaght has a new book out in Nov.
Sheila
The Institute by Stephen King
Enjoyed this disturbing and scary story. I limit my time with King, but it is always a satisfying event.
Elaine is often fearful.
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Backman has done it again! A touching story of four teenagers from poor families who become close friends over the course of one summer where they are constantly together but experience very different lives when they are in their homes. Joar has a terrible father who comes home drunk and abusive. Then there’s the artist whose talent is unveiled, leading to fame and fortune but not happiness. The girl who joins them is Joar’s love, but they separate when her father takes a new job. Ted has a loving mother who leaves food in her freezer they all share, but his older brother beats him and he is often fearful. Everything changes after the summer. Ted takes care of the artist when he becomes ill.
Rose
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
This story had its ups and downs for me. I loved the banter between Ford and Rosie/Rosalie. It was funny and sharp, using their email to communicate vs. talking to each other when they were just feet apart. However, when they finally get together, although they have loved each other for years, without realizing it, I felt that Ford was a bit demeaning to her when they were having sex. I did love the way he treated Cora, the young girl he found was his biological daughter due to a donation of sperm when he was in college to get money for a concert! I will read more of the series, but I was disappointed. It was a quick read for me.
Rose
Days You Were Mine by Clare Leslie Hall
I read and loved BROKEN COUNTRY, so I was excited to read Hall's earlier novels. In this one, a young man is encouraged by his girlfriend to find his biological mother, especially now that they have their own son. The book opens when Luke meets Alice and tells her about Hannah and their son, Samuel. When it is Hannah's time to return to work, Alice offers to watch Samuel. However, she begins to call him Charlie, the name she gave Luke when he was born. Alice also recounts her life with her lover, Jake, a musician in the 1970s, and her relationship with her friend, an artist, Richard. Luke is told that Richard is his father. As the novel continues, Luke and Hannah are concerned by Alice's attachment to Samuel. Trauma and heartbreak.
Rose
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
I think this is my favorite Kate Quinn novel. It is set in two timelines - 1915, during WWI when Eve Gardner is recruited to be a spy for France in the Alice network, and in 1947, when Eve wants to get revenge on the man who turned her over to the Germans. A pregnant American college girl, Charlie Sinclair, is in London, searching for her cousin, while her parents beg her to take care of her "little problem". Charlie meets Eve and asks her to help her find out what happened to her cousin. The pair, along with a driver, find out the truth about what happened. I loved it - the story was wonderful, and I enjoyed the relationship between the main characters.
Lee
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Excellent prequel story of Haymitch from the original trilogy.
Ame
Framed in Death by J. D. Robb
Another great book in the series.
Ann
Lamb by Christopher Moore
Hilarious look at the story of Biff, Jesus' best friend.
Joan
Compromising Positions by Susan Isaacs
It was excellent.
Elayne
Too Old for This by Samantha Downing
This is a cat and mouse thriller. One finds oneself rooting for the killer instead of the victims. A fun read.
Claire
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
The great writing style pulls you back into Gamache's life, both personal and professional. We also learn a bit of history on the way. Great read. I am saving a star because now I need to wait for the follow up, THE BLACK WOLF!
Delores
All Fours by Miranda July
It was not my cup of tea. Woman going through peri-menopause who was married with a child trying to navigate with sexual exploits. It was all about her.
Susan
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
This is a wonderful book about kindness. The author weaves together stories of various people in a community and how they are affected by the kindness of a stranger. It certainly made me think about how I treat people and what I little things I could do to bring some joy in someone’s life.
Delores
Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown
I think is a good mystery with a young woman trying to figure out if her young sister committed suicide or was murdered. This happens at college where her sister was about to graduate, the same college she attended and has to face some things there also.
Wanda
The Reckoning by John Grisham
This was a great read! Kept me turning the pages - read in a day! Was so intense and grabbed my attention form start to finish. Totally enjoyed the style of writing. I’ve read many of this author's books, but this one totally held in my memory.
Belva
The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
One of my very few 5-star reads this year!
Denise
So Far Gone by Jess Walter
A great read about extremes, both religious and the off-gridders. The book explores what it's like to live off the grid and disconnect from the outside world through the eyes of a father, an ex-journalist. In the meantime his daughter and her family get wrapped up in a religious cult. It explores what can happen when you find yourself questioning the situations you find yourself in and wondering how it come to this and what are the right choices to make of your life from here. An interesting book about family and second chances.
Lou Murchison
The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens
After a Bosnian woman is killed in her apartment in Minnesota, her friend, Hannah, who brought her from Bosnia to America, suspects the murder is connected to the Bosnian/Serbian war that they escaped. Hannah is driven by her vow to kill those responsible for her family's murder while protecting her new identify. Hannah is torn between avenging her family's death and being a parent to her friend's orphaned child.
Sonia
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
The best installment yet - highly recommended!
Judy
The Italian Girls by Debbie Rix
This book follows two different girls during World War II in two different cities in Italy. It tells about the hardships they had to go through living during the time when German soldiers were all over their villages. One of the girls even hid a Jewish family in their attic. Very good.
Kristie
The Intruder by Freida McFadden
Thriller, end completely twisted around!! I had to think about the book for a half hour after reading it!!!
Rhonda
The Tradwife's Secret by Liane Child
Secrets, lies and twists grab the reader with the behind-the-scenes influencer gone bad.
Barbara
The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman
Malka/Lillian tells her life story, from her earliest memories of her family arriving in NYC just pre-WWI, from Russian poverty, to how she becomes, by 1970s, a wealthy, successful "queen" in the developing ice cream business world. She is lonely, lame, but ambitious. No one else can live up to her standards. She also lacks some degree of self-awareness. She intensely loves her husband but still trusts no one completely because she has been let down too often. The descriptive setting of her life's story contributes to the effect, as we see what life must have been like for immigrants, families and shysters. I could hear her talking! Yet, I failed to develop much sympathy for her in this 500-page novel.
Terry
Never Flinch by Stephen King
Long book, many characters, interesting story.
Debbie
The Widow by John Grisham
Grisham is one of my favorite authors.
Mary
Never Flinch by Stephen King
It's just okay. I made myself finish the book. I wouldn't reread it. I'm getting tired of Holly. She's old and shouldn't be guarding anyone.
Bobbie
The View From Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani
Not a great book but I’m from NJ and the Lake Como in the title is a section of Belmar, NJ so I really had fun reading it. Also, I’m not Italian but grew up with many Italian friends!
Pattie
Twice by Mitch Albom
A terrific story.
Betsy
My Beloved by Jan Karon
We all need to take the time to understand what is important in life - faith, love of family, love of neighbors, etc. Jan Karon does this with grace, wit and an understanding of small-town America better than any author I know. Visiting Father Tim all this time after the last Mitford book is an experience to be savored and cherished. What a gem!
JOHN A
Pike Island by Tony Wirt
Too many dual timelines in the plot. The book is 251 pages divided into 33 chapters. It's a slow starter. It picks up the pace around Chapter 20. It took longer than expected to read and finish.
Pam
The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Different storyline. Was a touchy subject to read.
Luella
Shock Wave by John Sandford
Great read. A Virgil Flowers novel. Small town mystery, homemade explosives, bribery and just the right amount of humor.
Cecilia
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Read for our book club. While very long, a truly emotional and in-depth look into a generation of a family from India, and all the joys and grief they experienced. The underlying theme was the effects of a “condition” shared by many in the family, and they mystery behind it. The author’s medical understanding was evident, as was his empathy with those suffering from different diseases along the way. There were many characters to keep track of, but for those who have yet to read it, there is a list of them at the back of the book! (Which I only found AFTER reading the book!) It’s a long journey, but well worth it. And a twist that was totally unexpected. Only complaint - I could have used a glossary of Indian words, too.
Gretchen
Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben
Just finished. I though Reese did a great job reading. I found it hard to put down, always wanting to see what was coming next. There were sections that I felt lost but it didn't make me stop listening.
Debbie
Brightly Shining by Ingvild Rishoi
BRIGHTLY SHINING shines as a very condensed novel about two sisters struggling in Norway. Their father, a drunk, works periodically, and the girls attempt to earn wages to assist in surviving. The father works in a Christmas tree lot and the two sisters join in earning money at the lot. A local caretaker across from the tree lot watches over the girls and tries to help them. Ingvild Rishor catches the frigid temperature and the difficult survival in this short story. Too many children fight to live in terrible conditions.
Debbie
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
A young Indian girl disappears as her family picks berries in Maine. The family of parents and five children make the yearly trek from Nova Scotia to Maine to pick berries. But the youngest child, Ruthie, has disappeared. Two narrators navigate the story and all the woes and heartaches of the two families. Joe, the second youngest child, was the last to see Ruthie. He delivers a story filled with anger and unresolved answers. Norma, a six-year-old, living with her parents in luxury, tells a story of nightmares and unnatural feelings. Amanda Peters gently touches on the prejudice against Indians and the bad treatment these hard-working individuals receive.
Debbie
Black River by Nilanjana Roy
Too many depressing stories for book clubs. In India, a young girl, Munia, hangs from a tree. A local halfwit and beggar, Mansoor Khan, stands under the hanging Munia. Of course, everyone believes that Mansoor killed Munia. The story follows the police and the suspects and Chand, the father. Again, the utter poverty of the people of India and the hatred between the Hindus and the Muslims. The annoying part of the novel rests with all the usage of Indian terminology, with no idea what these words mean. I wish the author had included a glossary of Indian food. Again, we see what the rich and powerful hold over the heads of the poor.
Debbie
Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann
THREE BAGS FULL bored me to tears. I constantly sang the Mother Goose Nursery rhyme of “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep”. The story emulates ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell with the animals presenting the story of the murder of their beloved shepherd, George. The story spreads out to incorporate drugs and many other nefarious crimes. Too many pages that did not progress the story. The setting of an Irish countryside provided a necessary relief, but that remained too little, too late. Maybe, the translation from German to English spoiled some of the novel.
Sandy
Her Sister's Shoes by Ashley Farley
Not my usual genre, which is psycological thriller, but this one was very good. Three sisters, all with problems they must solve. Easy read and very entertaining.
Kimberley
The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester
A beautiful historical novel recounting early days of post WWII and the Paris fashion houses, the brave women and the hunt for the Nazis. Alix St. Pierre, orphaned at an early age, is our heroine who worked bravely with the Resistance during the war and continued with Dior post-war. Alix continues her search for war criminals and surrounds herself with strong, brave friends.
Lisa
The Volunteer by Gianna Toboni
This is a story about Scott Dozier, the man who volunteered to be executed on death row. The author documents her conversations with Dozier, interviews with families, friends, inmates and guards at the Ely State Prison where Dozier was housed. Toboni clearly did her research, and this was a well-written book on the history and controversy of the death row system, one that clearly failed Dozier. This book also touches on mental illness, politics and most importantly, the emotional toll this had on everyone including Toboni herself.
Maureen Ronan
Bellevue by Robin Cook
As a retired nurse, I found the medical info very true. However, unlike his previous books, this one had a paranoramal essence which I did not enjoy. I prefer the old-style Robin Cook.
Maureen
A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly
London is Julia Kelly's muse. This book of course has a smart female, a bit of romance and a lot of mystery. I enjoyed it as a light read.
Evelyn
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Great book!
Gabriel
Tears in the Water by Margherita Scialla
This story was underdeveloped. The aim was a cozy slice-of-life, so it wasn’t surprising that it was low on plot and conflict. But it still felt odd that two characters were set up as antagonists, then quietly faded away without really doing anything of note. Combining this with the fact that the interpersonal conflicts between Alex and their friends and boyfriend were always minor and always immediately and cleanly resolved left everything feeling too easy and the story sort of flat. Ignoring the awkwardly disappearing antagonists, this low-stakes type of story might have worked better if the main characters and their world were more clearly defined and the character interactions felt more natural.
Rose
To Con a Gentleman by Sarah Adams
A cute story to begin this series. Rose is a kind woman, having been orphaned years earlier and living on the streets. When she tried to steal from an older gentleman, he took her under his wing and taught her how to con, and he became Uncle Felix to her. Now, they plan to trick a lord into believing that she is Daphney and that the lord got her pregnant. However, Rose mistakenly chooses the wrong man, and he sees through her con (although she doesn't know it). He is actually in line to be a duke and tells Rose he will marry her - calling her on her trick. She doesn't know that he is grieving a past love, and she tries to get away from him. However, it is a romance so all will come together! Enjoyable story.
Rose
Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey
Sarah sees 5-year-old Emma in the airport being verbally abused by her mother, and Sarah is appalled. Months later, Sarah again sees Emma, and the child is definitely not happy. After her boyfriend of 6 years doesn't propose, Sarah calls it off and is heartbroken. So, Sarah makes a plan to take Emma out of the abusive situation. She and Emma go on the run, and since Emma is being pampered and cared for, she becomes attached to Sarah. When the parents discover that Emma is missing, they involve the police, but they become suspects in the disappearance. I didn't find the outcome believable, although it is possible based on the mental state of the mother. Sarah's wealth had much to do with her success in running away.
Rose
The Cleaner by Mary Watson
A woman travels to Ireland to find out what happened to Nico, who is now home and in a coma. He had been studying abroad and fell in love, but he was engaged to a woman back home, Simone. The woman, Esmie, takes a job as a cleaner to the families where Nico had stayed. She attempts to infiltrate their lives and try to understand who was Nico's lover and why things fell apart, and to take revenge on them. There is. shocking twist, but I didn't like any of the characters, so this was a miss for me.
Rose
Sonora by Jenni L. Walsh
Based on Sonora Webster Carver, SONORA is the story of a young girl from Georgia. Her father left the family and Sonora's mother encouraged her to join the Carver family who advertised for a horse rider. When her mother realized that the horses would be diving with the rider on their back, the mother asked her not to do it. However, Sonora loved horses and decided to train and dive. She became one of the early horse diving acts. This story tells of her life, her love, and her accident that changed her life. I really enjoyed it.
Rose
The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood
When Delphie chokes on a hamburger, she dies! In the afterlife, she meets Jonah, who she is sure she is destined to be with for eternity. But Jonah was not supposed to die, and he is sent back to Earth. Delphie asks Merritt, her afterlife specialist, if she can also return to earth. Merritt tells Delphie that if she can find Jonah and have her kiss him of his own volition within 10 days, Delphie can stay alive. So, Delphie spends time trying to find Jonah in London. Her neighbor, Cooper, gives her some help, but also asks Delphie to do him some favors. The story is funny and sweet.
Rose
When We Had Forever by Shaylin Gandhi
Due to a chance meeting, Mina meets Michael at a fair and sparks fly. She tells him of her desire to travel. They have a whirlwind romance, but after they marry, Michael becomes a workaholic. Now, Michael is dead, and his twin brother, Grayson, contacts her. She doesn't want to communicate with him, but eventually does. Told in before and after timeframes, this is a story of a love that was stolen. Unique, but not 100% believable.
Rose
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
The Farrow women have a curse, they start having visions. June wants to break this curse, and her family and friends are watching for signs that she is having the visions. June is researching what happened to her mother and why she abandoned June when she comes across a picture that holds the key to the mystery. Suddenly, June is in 1951, and there are people that can help June understand. But, there is a cost to this information, and there are some decisions June must make.
A unique time-shifting story.
Rose
The Cicada Tree by Robert Gwaltney
In 1956, Analeise is angry with her father and prays for him to die. He does, and she feels guilty. When she visits Mistletoe, the home of the wealthy Mayfields, she is entranced and she wants to be like them. Marlissa Mayfield is mean and treats Analeise poorly. They compete against each other, and at the piano competition, the two battle with devastating consequences. Family secrets are revealed and madness plays a part as well. This is a well-crafted story of obsession, jealousy, lust, and family secrets. I enjoyed it, even though there was a bit of the supernatural.
Aida
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel
Great book, quick read, hard to put down.
Susan
Don't Forget Me, Little Bessie by James Lee Burke
This book is about a 14-year-old girl in the early 20th century who fights the forces of evil in her life. It's part of the Holland series and as compelling as all Burke's novels.
Susan
Time of the Child by Niall Williams
Niall Williams did an excellent job of character and plot development. Williams is a very descriptive author of everything which is not my cup of tea. I found myself skipping over parts of the book that, in my opinion, were overly descriptive. I felt like I knew the characters well. All in all, a good book.
Gail
Hotel Ukraine by Martin Cruz Smith
Arkady Renko is slowing down due to Parkinson’s but still a tenacious investigator. In this book, Russia has recently invaded Ukraine and Arkady traces the murder of a diplomat to a Russian paramilitary group. This is meant to be the final Arkady Renko book and I am very sad to see him go.
Wanda
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
This is a wonderful heartwarming story that is both touching and easily brings one to tears. I did not want this to end. Kristin Hannah is such a great author. All her books have literally changed how I see things. Love this story!!
Pam
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Fast-paced second of the series with lots of love and life.
Deborah
My Life with Sea Turtles by Christine Figgener
I have always been intrigued by sea turtles. Christine Figgener, a marine biologist, who founded and leads The Costa Rica Alliance for Sea Turtle Conservation, does an amazing job explaining the various types of sea turtles, their mating habits and her and her organization’s role in making the environment safer for these great sea creatures.
Shelley
No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister
Books and their stories affect each of us differently. In this novel, Alice is the author of a book titled THEO, which touches the lives of 9 other major characters. Each of the characters, plus Alice, interact, some loosely and some closely, as a result of the novel. It is well written, interesting and has bit of "six degrees of separation", as shown in the venn diagrams used on the chapter pages in the actual book. My book club had a great discussion about this novel.
MH
The House of Two Sisters by Rachel Louise Driscoll
Lovers of Egypt and Egyptian mythology will love this book. The book is a commentary on the Europeans who went to Egypt for mercenary purposes to steal the treasures of the pharaohs and on the Egyptians who were complicit in aiding them. The book starts with a dramatic unwrapping of a mummy, and a curse contained within. Clemmie goes to Egypt to try to defuse the curse, but faces a series of adventures with three tourists she meets there.
jana
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
Loved, loved this book which had a twisty turning ending.
Rachel
Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson
This Jackson Brodie book has many disparate parts that slowly come together for a satisfying conclusion. There's a mouldering old mansion with many rooms, a nanny collapsing down the stairs, stolen art, and a murder mystery weekend that becomes all too real. Throw all this together with an excaped convict in a snowstorm. Loved it!
Kathy
Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs
The setting is Buffalo, NY and a Catholic girls’ “school” but really a cruel prison run by harsh, unfeeling, cold nuns. It is the story of eight teenage girls, sent there for various reasons, by parents or guardians who thought the school would be beneficial. This is set during the time of the Vietnam War, a time of turbulence in our country. Despite the hardships the girls endure, there are several who manage to break free, who show their leadership skills and are eventually able to offer courage and hope to the others. These girls suffer terrible abuse which affects them throughout their lives, but the book also shows great strength and hope. Unforgettable!
Irene
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
This book was recommended by an avid reader friend of mine. I'm so glad she recommended it. Loved every word of the book. I keep recommending it to my friends who like to read. Sybil's personality reminded me of Katherine Hepburn. I hope there is another book on the horizon from Virginia.
Debbie
Her Lotus Year by Paul French
HER LOTUS YEAR by Paul French provided a different view of Wallis Spencer Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. French covers Wallis Spencer as she follows her naval husband, Earl Spencer, to China in 1924. The Spencers had been having a difficult time in their marriage due to the excessive drinking by Earl. Wallis decided that maybe a change in scenery might save their marriage. China in the 1920s bubbled with political tensions between the ruling class and the warlords. Into this mess stepped Wallis and many other naval wives, hoping to see China and support their husbands. During the stay in China, Wallis supposedly carried important documents for the state department on events happening at that time.
Debbie
Apostle's Cove by William Kent Krueger
William Kent Krueger presents another case of justice gone awry in the case against an American Indian. But justice stands tall and allows Axel Boshey to recant his forced confession and for Cork to pursue the truth of what happened with Chastity. Many of the recurring characters play minor roles in this story: Henry, Waaboo, Daniel, the Prophet, and Rainy. Father and daughter, Cork and Jenny, work together to find the truth. What a web of deceit and depravity with Aphrodite, Wild Bill, and Rocky. Father Jude Monroe knows the truth, but due to his vows cannot disclose the truth. Another chapter in Cork’s life dramatically closes.
Wendy
Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? by Sarah McCoy
Story at times was not believable. It was easy to figure out.
Janet
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewel
Some parts of the story were a bit unsettling.
Susann
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
Absolutely loved the novel! I have ordered her earlier novels.
Julie
The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian
Absolutely loved this book. A gripping Civil War story by a versatile and prolific writer.
LuAnn
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
This was a twisty thriller with a unique plot that did not disappoint.
Shelly
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This is an incredible story of two sisters and their fight to stay alive during World War II. Their bravery and courage are intertwined throughout the story. This book will make you cheer them on and cry your eyes out. At times, this book is almost more than you can bear to read. The fact that this is based on true facts of the history of this world is beyond your imagination that this could actually happen.
diane
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Loved this book! Great plot but especially liked all the info on the octopus!! Have recommended to many friends.
Donna
Heart the Lover by Lily King
At just 249 pages, HEART THE LOVER by Lily King is a slim novel, yet packs quite the emotional wallop. Oh my heart! It’s a tale of that first love, raw and real, that affects the rest of your life. A tale of the complexities of friendship. And a tale of heartbreak, grief, and ultimately forgiveness. Beautifully written, I read this deeply moving story in just one day. I highly recommend to all who enjoy literary fiction that tugs at their heartstrings.
Aimee
What If I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon
Relatable main character, and a very easy book to listen to. Recommending this to my romance reader friends!
Abby
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
A very modern family story concerning an accident that affects the whole family in various ways. It has a lot to do with AI and is educational in that regard. I found the book read almost like a thriller-short chapters that keep you hanging. Definitely recommend.
Amy
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber
THE CRIMSON PETAL AND THE WHITE by Micael Faber is a rich and detailed historical novel set in Victorian London. It follows Sugar, a young woman trying to change her life and escape the world of prostitution. The book is full of vivid descriptions and complex characters. It’s a slower and long read (833 pages), but very immersive, and gives a deep look into society, power, and survival.
Betty Jo
The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers
It won the Newberry Award for a reason. I love stories where animals feel and speak as humans. These "eyes" or animals are wonderful characters. Sonia the squirrel, Angus the racoon, and Bertram the gull are just some of them. This should be added to everyone's library of all ages.
Luella
Under A Fire-Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughrean
Based on true events. It's a story taking place during the London Blitz. It tells of the friendship of children that helped them get through the horror and devastation of war. Heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Kimiko
Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch
Whimsical read but bogged down a bit in the middle. It was fun to read the points of view of Penny (the little girl who owned Pony when Penny was a little girl) and of Pony, who is kind of selfish. But in the end, love wins out!
Jeanne
Framed in Death by J. D. Robb
FRAMED IN DEATH by J. D. Robb is part of the Lieutenant Eve Dallas series. Eve is at the center of two murders in the literary world as an unknown unhinged author, whose artistic talents are not being recognized in the art world, murders two people and dresses them and stages them as replicas of famous artists’ paintings at the doors of art galleries. Eve frantically struggles to capture him before another victim is brutally murdered. I thought the beginning was slow-paced and I got tired reading about all the chit chat between Eve and Peabody, and also found all the talk about their friends’ new home was irrelevant and boring to me. I would have preferred more action at a faster pace. The story got better toward the end.
Kelley
The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett
I could not put this book down, such a wonderful read! The characters were so identifiable, warm and there were lots of twists/surprises. Cannot believe this was Patchett's first novel! Wonderful!
Sally
These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
Heartwarming story of a man and his daughter in a remote wooded area hiding from the past.
Vicki
Babel by R. F. Kuang
I liked the characters.
KAREN
Last Port of Call by Jean Grainger
Very interesting and readable first book in a series about Ireland at the turn of the last century with fascinating characters, especially the young girl, Harp, and their experiences with others. The story brings out emotions in the reader which, for me, makes for a good book. I'm now listening to the second book of the series (there are 4 altogether) because I couldn't find an eBook of this one. I'm not fond of audiobooks, but I wanted to learn more about the characters and their adventures.
Tessa
It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake by Claire Christian
Noni Blake is having a really bad time, so she takes an extended leave from her job and books a flight to England. It's an interesting coming-of-age story for a thirty-something. I was somewhat turned off by the meaningless sex and some of the more graphic descriptions, but ultimately, I did like Noni’s journey of self-discovery.
Rebecca
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW is one of the best books I have recently read. I am glad that Amor Towles was chosen as the author for a selection of our monthly book club. The story relates to an aristocrat in Russia who has returned from France during the turbulent time of the revolution and the many challenges presented to him (which could not have happened had he been executed). The reading delves into developments during the revolution, into the friends he makes, into the father figure he becomes, and the question of his final choice of country.
Nancy
Under Siege by Eric Trump
UNDER SIEGE is Eric Trump's account of the tribulations the Trump family faced from entering the political arena. It is, of course, biased, and at times seems a bit revenge based. Readers political leanings will determine if they like it or not. Eric is very fond of the words biggest, best, beautiful and iconic. It is well written and readable although self serving.
Rose
Don't Say a Word by Allison Brennan
In the second installment of the Angelhart investigations series, a teen boy, Elijah, is found dead of an apparent drug overdose. However, his mother swears he never took drugs and she asks the Angelharts to help her find out what really happened. Elijah's friends also claim that he didn't do drugs. Angie, in particular, wanted to understand what happened, and reluctantly she met with Margo Angelhart. After some teachers at school also die, the investigation heats up. Margo uncovers a scheme happening at the local store and wonders if this had a role in the death. There was a line in the book that immediately made me suspect someone, and I was correct. I felt there was a lot going on, maybe too much, but I'll continue reading the series.
Rose
Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez
Vanessa is an influencer but hasn't posted lately because she has a newborn. The baby is her half-sister's, but her sister is an addict, so Vanessa is caring for the child. When the baby doesn't stop crying, Vanessa's lawyer neighbor, Adrian, comes over to help. They start spending time together, but just as friends because Vanessa has no intention of getting married. She is convinced she will die from ALS, as her mother and her sister died before they were 30. When her hand and arm become numb, she refuses help, knowing ALS symptoms have begun. As she and Adrian spend more time together, he begins to want a future with her and urges her to fight to live. She refuses, and things fall apart. This was my least favorite of the series.
Gabriel
Blue Ridge Calling by Olivia Neal
I really enjoyed the side of this book that was a contemporary coming-of-age story focusing on grief and friendship. I felt that all the characters were written empathetically with the idea that they were full people always in mind. Sage got to balance all her mixed-up coping mechanisms from her drinking, smoking and fits of rage to her leaning on her friends and finding new ways to feel close to her brother. Kora got to be unsure and in the middle of things (a new relationship, losing her childhood home, deciding what her life will be after high school), and ultimately decided to let some opportunities go, even if she was still uncertain what to do without them. Both Sage’s father and Kora’s mother were imperfect in their grief.
Gabriel
Cryptid Currency by Josh Berliner
CRYPTID CURRENCY was a fairly simple, middle grade adventure story. It had a slow start but picked up and brought in a good mix of action and humor.
Rose
In the Shadow of the Valley by Bobi Conn
This memoir of a young girl growing up in Appalachia, her life in the holler, and her reflections, make me wonder how anyone survives that kind of upbringing. While her parents were gifted a piece of property by her grandparents, they squandered everything by living a life of drugs and alcohol. Bobi was hit by her father, but not as badly as her mother. Bobi was high most of her teen years, was married twice and had two children. Eventually, a teacher believed in her, admired her writing, and encouraged her to learn. Finally, it broke through, and she is making a better life for her children. However, the poverty, the drugs and the promiscuity was hard to read. Thankfully, she eventually prioritized her education and children.
Rose
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
The second World War is raging in Italy and Pino is chasing love. After he saw a young woman, Anna, he couldn't stop thinking about her. But, his family has plans for him. They want him to join the army and be part of the resistance, unbeknownst to the Germans. He is assigned to be a driver for a German, and he tries to find information and return it to his uncle. This book is long. Some of it was repetitive, but I think it is a story that needed to be told about how so many worked to defeat the Nazi regime, in many different ways. Also, a ton of heartbreak in this.
Rose
Park Avenue by Renée Ahdieh
3.5 rounded to 4 of 5 stars. Jia has just been promoted to junior partner at her law firm and is assigned to work for the wealthy Park family to settle a dispute in a divorce settlement. The children and mother believe the father is hiding assets. As Jia works through the family dynamics, she also has to compete with her ex-boyfriend, who is representing the father. The case takes her to the islands, to Korea and Europe, and has her falling in love. But, she can't act on it, as it would be unethical. She also has to deal with warring twins and information that is withheld from her.
The author also puts in asides all through the book to give the reader some info, but it isn't always helpful! I wasn't surprised at all by the end twist.
Gabriel
Who Killed One the Gun? by Gigi Little
It took me a bit to settle into this story. One the Gun was an off-putting character to me from the start. He was an entitled misogynist, a creep, and a coward. He was also a goofy, second-rate detective investigating a tropey sort of mystery who was also constantly mocking that sort of story, which, in the beginning, when that was all there was, was annoying to have thrown in my face all the time. However, the story gained considerable depth in later loops, especially with the introduction of the other point-of-view character. She provided a nice breather from One the Gun’s perspective. She was more introspective, but also less self-absorbed, and I was moved by her tragedy.
Sean
Kill the Dead by Richard Kadrey
Man, I love this series. Stark is such a great character and Richard Kadrey breathes so much life into this world of angels, demons, and more. The characters are fleshed out, unique, and nothing and no one is safe. The book doesn't take the obvious routes you'd expect. Here, Stark deals with his brand of normal, which is all insane, and it's glorious. Funny, sad, powerful, violent, and bloody. This is how you write a sequel. Superb.
Beth
Served Him Right by Lisa Unger
When I started to read this advanced copy of SERVED HIM RIGHT, I hoped that Lisa Unger would not again resort to the supernatural to solve the dilemmas she creates. So I'm pleased to tell you that she does not do that in this book. Paul is a no-good womanizer and rapist. When he is found murdered, the big mystery of this book is who, of the many possibilities, did it. The police find that he was poisoned so are looking in particular at the group of women in the area who specialize in herbs and creating herbal recipes to both cure and kill. In addition, police are also dealing with a couple of other mysteries: a woman's life threatening illness after she attends a brunch hosted by an herbalists and another woman's disappearance.
Jill
Sandwich by Catherine Newman
This is the story of Rocky and her family's week-long summer vacation at their beach house. Rocky is going through a tough menopause and learns that she needs to reveal secrets to her family to move on with her life as other family secrets come out. A funny, wonderful family story about self, marriage and parenting. The writing is a bit scattered, but I highly recommend it anyway.
Gabriel
The Goldens by Lauren Wilson
THE GOLDENS was a bit of a slow burn. It focused a lot on the glitz and glamour of this rich, an unmoored social media influencer lifestyle, with the manipulation never being especially subtle, but insidious enough that the main character can keep coming up with more excuses. The cult tactics mixed with the specific type of manipulation of the media through turning a person into a brand or a product in and of themself. There was a lot of building tension as Chloe is pulled further into Clara's orbit and Clara becomes more unhinged.
Gabriel
The Goldens by Lauren Wilson
It was never really a mystery how Clara's story was going to end, but Chloe's last choice in the end threw me off. Chloe did not seem very invested in the cult at all. She was obviously extremely taken with Clara, but her thoughts on the "community" Clara was building and the "values" she pretended to base it around were generally negative, more jealous and insecure than reveling in it. And she had almost no relationships or interactions with the other girls outside of defending Clara to them or resenting them for also getting close to Clara.
Luella
Battlefield Earth: A Saga of the Year 3000 by L. Ron Hubbard
This is science fiction novel. It's a story of being invaded by aliens with few humans. Not my usual genre. It's quite the adventure.
