This contest period's winners were Andrea S. from Bethesda, MD; Elizabeth G. from San Diego, CA; and Peri P. from Greensboro, NC. Each received a copy of THE FOURSOME by Christina Baker Kline and THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY by Elizabeth Strout.
Debbie
Colored Television by Danzy Senna
Danzy Senna centers her story on the various shades of Black Americans and the injustice suffered by each shade. The main character and her family live a life bordering on poverty due to work ethics. For one year, a friend plans a jaunt to another country, and Jane and her family house sit in a mansion stuffed with thousands of luxury items. It's an ideal setting, but of course Jane and her family run amok. Not an amusing tale.
Carol
The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy by Kim Michele Richardson
An inspiring story of bringing books and a degree of literacy to downtrodden inmates and town folks. Additionally, by learning to read, this allowed them to vote. Cussy turned to her passion for library work and growing readers while separated from her family. The story is at times heartbreaking yet also hopeful.
Jane
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
Ruby is a 15-year-old high school student in Philadelphia who lives with her mother. She wants to go to med school and be an optometrist. Eleanor is a student at Howard University in Washington, DC, who wanted to get into a sorority but was rejected because she wasn't "bright or light" enough. She's working in the library when she meets William, and she immediately is attracted to him.
Nancy
My Dear You: Stories by Rachel Khong
Perhaps it was growing up watching "The Twilight Zone" as a girl, but I do love stories with a twist, a subtle message and weird realities. These stories were just up my alley. There are stories of speculative fiction, "what if" tales. Imagine if in the afterlife everyone is 33 years old, and you can correct physical features that always bothered you. Or if your best friend was a talking, interactive sex doll with a customer eager to buy her. Would the world be a better place if everyone looked like you? And there are more realistic stories. A group of Asian women plan revenge on a man they all met on a dating app. A woman runs into a man she knew as a teenager, but their timing is always off. A childless couple adopt a cat. Wonderful!
Lindy Lou
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
Truly a book lover's book. There were plenty of book references, and the authentic conversations about grief were enlightening.
Michelle
The Gulf of Lions by Caitlin Shetterly
A breathtaking follow-up to PETE AND ALICE IN MAINE (it can be read as a stand-alone!) about a family’s journey navigating its way back to one another after an illness creates chaos. The author shares in her foreword that six months after turning in the novel, she was diagnosed with the exact cancer that her main character had. This emotional, evocative story set in the French countryside, with ties back to Maine, most likely will be my Best Book of 2026!
Sharon
The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity by Axton Betz-Hamilton
The book revolves around the identity theft of an 11-year-old girl living in the Midwest. As she grew older, she was constantly looking over her shoulder. The author writes about the long-term effects of this victimization.
Luella
The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave
This is a family drama. It's a love story (or three) that is beyond sad and heartbreaking. It's a very good read that's hard to put down.
Cindy
What Could Be Saved by Liese O'Halloran Schwarz
Alternating between 1972 Thailand and 2019 US, this is the story of a wealthy family torn apart by the disappearance of a child while living in Thailand. A wife living in an unfamiliar land, an absent husband, infidelity, betrayal, lies and secrets haunt the family upon their return to the US following their son’s disappearance. An excellent plot, beautiful writing and good character development make this a page-turner of a mystery. Recommended.
Ashley
Work Nights by Erica Peplin
This was a book where almost nothing of note happened but also so much happened. It was very (darkly and relatably) funny!
MH
You Killed Me First by John Marrs
This is a relatively new author to me; a friend recently gave me one of his books. I bought this one at an independent bookstore near me. Told by three women who are neighbors, the story revolves around a decades-old murder and fire. Each woman holds multiple secrets --- and one holds multiple personalities. There are many twists and turns here, and it reminded me of the Freida McFadden books I’ve read.
Laura
Seascraper by Benjamin Wood
This is a short novel (a la Claire Keegan's SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE) about a young man who lives a quiet life shrimping with his horse on England's coast sometime in the mid-19th century. He has dreams of playing his guitar in the pub. A Hollywood man comes to town and changes his perspective on what could be in the world for him. It is so well written and is a nice little escape.
Elizabeth
The Lafferty Girl: Surviving Trauma, Abuse, and My Father's Crimes by Rebecca Lafferty, with Katie McNey
This was three stars when I started the book as it was quite interesting, but it turned into less memoir and more self-help, a genre that I don’t care for. There was a lot of woo-woo spiritual talk, and that’s not my jam. So it went down to one star.
Sheree
Leave Your Mess at Home by Tolani Akinola
I just didn’t like it. I never got invested with the characters and really didn’t care about their lives. I wouldn’t recommend it!
Lynn
The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Susan Patterson and James Patterson
It's predictable, but I loved the setting!
Rosa
These Days by Lucy Caldwell
This book is perfectly titled, referring to the daily lives of Belfast residents during the Belfast Blitz in 1941. I had not heard of the Belfast Blitz before reading this book, only having learned about what London endured. During two months (April-May) in 1941, the Nazis would drop incendiaries on Belfast and change the lives of sisters Emma and Audrey and their family and friends. The author beautifully and lyrically describes their lives during this time, and you can't help but weep for the sadness of it all. It is inevitable, too, to draw parallels with what is happening in the world today. This left me spellbound, thinking about this book long after I finished it.
Donna
One Beautiful Year of Normal by Sandra K. Griffith
ONE BEAUTIFUL YEAR OF NORMAL, Sandra K. Griffith’s debut novel, is a character-driven tale dealing with mother-daughter relationships, mental illness and generational secrets. Although marketed as a psychological thriller, I would say that it is more a suspenseful family drama. Alternating between the past, August Caine’s “one beautiful year” with her Aunt Helen, and present day, the investigation into her father’s unsolved murder, it is well written, expressing compassion and empathy. Taking place mainly in Savannah, Georgia, I could feel the sweltering sun beating down on me and hear the high-pitched whining of the cicadas. The lush setting is atmospheric and has a historic feel.
Pam
Fireflies in Winter by Eleanor Shearer
An interesting historical fiction set in 1790s Nova Scotia. A little slow.
Pam
Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg
4.5 stars. This is the lovely story of an old woman with terminal cancer who reflects back on the important moments and people in her life. It is told in letters to her young friend, Ruthie.
Pam
Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart
Fun, fast-paced and quirky!
Toni
Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby
This was an adrenaline-fueled, in-your-face thrill ride, and I really enjoyed reading it. It has great characters, a fast-paced, gritty storyline, and an ending that will blow you away.
Simonne
The Black Wolf by Louise Penny
Far superior to THE GREY WOLF! It has a scary plot with lots of back and forth as to who exactly is the good guy vs. the bad guy.
Elizabeth
North Woods by Daniel Mason
This is a very compelling book about a house in the North Woods of Western Massachusetts from its earliest days when the US was a British colony to present day. Along the way, we meet many fascinating characters, encounter some ghost stories, and learn a great deal about the trees and fauna of the area. It is written in a beautiful, poetic way.
Pam
To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage
A deeply character-driven novel of ambition, family and reconciliation. The flawed characters are deeply human.
Simonne
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
An excellent story told through letters and emails about Sybil, a somewhat snobby retired legal assistant, who at a later age in life works through grief, reconciles with her daughter, and finds a sister and romance.
Liz
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
Memorial Day, 1958, Jewel, Minnesota. Jimmy Quinn, a wealthy but cruel landowner, is found dead in the Alabaster River. It appears to be an accident at first, but as the townspeople soon realize, it was indeed murder. Sheriff Brody Dern begins his investigation, and clues lead to the arrest of Noah Bluestone, a Native American who has returned home after the war with a Japanese wife. As the story unravels, it appears there are many secrets, some best left unsaid in the small community. As Brody tries to get to the truth of what happened, things in the town get out of control. This author has done a great job depicting small-town life and how war affects the people who have had to live through it.
Lynda
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
THE ROSE CODE is another well-done historical novel from Kate Quinn that is both educational and entertaining. It takes place during WWII at Bletchley Park, England, where mostly women broke Axis codes, thus shortening the war by at least two years. The plot includes the mystery of who might have leaked top-secret information to the Germans, which was suspenseful.
Marlyss
Sounds of Summer by Tracy Krimmer
An excellent story that draws you right there as it is being told.
Jeanne
Cross and Sampson: An Alex Cross and John Sampson Thriller by James Patterson and Brian Sitts
Once again, James Patterson has knocked it out of the park with this captivating new book in the series. It had me on the edge of my seat. It has two riveting stories that goes back and forth from chapter to chapter with the Patterson short chapters that I love. Cross searches for his missing son, Damon, in North Carolina, while Sampson battles terrorists setting bombs across Washington, DC.
Sandi
The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick
It's time to sleep your grief away. We follow three people headed for the Poppy Fields, all for different reasons. We also come to know the woman whose dream emerged as the Poppy Fields sleep clinic. This is a story of human resilience and a covert way to heal from grief. It's told from both sides: the points of view of the clinic developers and the "patients'."
LisaMarie
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
This was such a fantastic book --- the best book about octopus that I have ever read. What they go through on top of how smart they truly are. I have so much respect and appreciation for them.
Jonell
A World Without Summer by Nicholas Day
A great read for middle-school kids as well as adults. A large volcano erupted in 1815 that changed the climate, which affected much of the world and likely influenced Mary Shelley’s writing FRANKENSTEIN. I can’t wait to share this with my middle-school students.
Rose
The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn
I typically really enjoy Kate Clayborn's novels, but this one fell short for me. Perhaps I was tired, but I just couldn't get into it. Layla, a hospitalist, is traveling to Paris for the wedding of Emily, her former sister-in-law. Layla and her ex-husband, Jamie, "amicably" divorced, but Emily still considers Layla her sister. On the plane, Layla encounters a tall, gruff stranger, Griff, who is the best man at the wedding. After Emily gets cold feet after a night out with Layla, Griff tells Layla she has to fix it. Paris reminds Layla of her marriage, honeymoon and painful memories of losing her family. Griff has issues of his own, due to a horrific accident that left him scarred and in pain. It improved as I read it, but it's not my fav.
Rose
Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Having Julia Whelan narrate an audiobook is an experience in itself. I absolutely love listening to her. I really enjoy Taylor Jenkins Reid's novels, so I wanted to read her debut novel. It is a love story, but not a typical one, as there is a lot of grief in the story. Elsie and Ben meet by chance on New Year's Day, and Ben calls her for lunch the next day. They are inseparable from then on, eloping less than six months later. Sadly, Ben dies running an errand for Elsie. Elsie is devastated. She meets Ben's mom, Susan, at the hospital, but Susan had no idea that Ben was married. This is very hard for Susan because Ben and his mom were very close. The story tells of Ben and Elsie, then Elsie and Susan. Well done, especially for a debut.
Francisca
Big Words for Little Geniuses by Susan and James Patterson
As the title implies, this picture book introduces our youngest readers (or those being read TO) to some new vocabulary. There is no “C is for Cat” here. Instead it’s “C is for Catawampus.” The illustrations by Hsinping Pan are marvelous. And the Pattersons include (in bold type) some more common words beginning with the same letter in every explanation of the big word. I learned a couple of new words too!
Janet
Exposed: A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel by Lisa Scottoline
This is a great series. I already started the next one: FEARED.
Barbara
The Keeper by Tana French
I absolutely loved this final installment of Tana French’s trilogy. It was a perfect ending but left me wanting more. I will miss these characters --- their lives, growth, challenges, all of it. I want to read all three books again!
Sandy
Sam by Allegra Goodman
Sam is seven years old and living in Beverly, Massachusetts. She adores her father, even though he isn't around much. Her mother struggles to make ends meet and never fails to remind Sam that if she studies hard, adulthood will be more comfortable. But all Sam wants to do is climb. This story was very entertaining.
Sue
Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton
Amazingly interesting. I was expecting something dry, but I was wrong. I am glad I bought this book.
Luella
Bad River: An Arliss Cutter Novel by Marc Cameron
A great read! This is an action-packed adventure that is so hard to put down once you start it.
Kimberley
Octavo by Marty Neumeier
This historical fiction shares the mystery, genius and devotion of da Vinci to his apprentices and close friends. Unraveling a murder mystery, the author brilliantly combines da Vinci creativity and expertise to lead the reader on a fictional yet revealing journey. Modern-day art history sleuths are being hunted for possessing a valuable da Vinci writing while actually attempting to authenticate the journal. It’s a page turner of devotion, historical tidbits, intrigue and modern-day mayhem.
Eileen
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
A great read about a very tough time for all of us. I've read Jodi Picoult's books before and enjoy her writing style. This book felt very personal. I read it for a book club, and I'm glad it was chosen.
Eileen
When the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones Alward
I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. I knew nothing of the historical event that drove the plot. I'll be looking for other books from this author.
Nanci
Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams
I just adored this book! It was so interesting and had a beautiful seaside setting. A page-turner even with dual timelines, it was easy to stay focused. Was it Mallory’s story that resonated? Sometimes. Or was it Hannah’s? Her story alone was amazing, and the history woven in was so descriptive and exciting and lent so much to the characters. Monk was instantly addicting. Lucien was just divine. So much of this book is about how women have to navigate their lives in the world, no matter the timeline. Not a lot has changed in that regard. We are left holding the pain, the secret. Without revealing any spoilers, you won’t be able to stop reading it. Even when I knew the ending was coming, I kept turning the page...because who could stop?!
Ana
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
This well-written story is told from the perspective of the two main characters. Indigenous themes, family trauma and grief are all addressed in this book.
Andrea
Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser
I didn't want it to end!
Mary Beth
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
I think I’m in the minority, but I felt this book just fell apart about three-quarters of the way through. I didn’t feel the ending was believable, and it left me a little confused.
Rose
The Sisters and The Roommate by Dervla McTiernan
These two novellas are packaged together. The first story is about two sisters --- one a lawyer, the other a cop --- who are invested in a case. Carrie reads a file that her sister, Aifric, left on their table. Aifric was given the case after another lawyer ignored it. Carrie is trying to make an impression in her first year as a garda. They work together, despite opposition from their male colleagues to determine if the accused is innocent. In the second story, a woman is killed, and Cormac Reilly follows the former roommate to determine her involvement. Short stories, easy reads.
Rose
Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo
After her mother moved from Sudan to America, Nima has felt isolated. Her best friend, Haitham, defends her, but when he is hospitalized, she imagines what life would have been like had her father not died. She imagines a girl, Yasmeen, and what life would be like in Sudan. It is a coming-of-age story and examines what immigrants may feel when shunned by their new country.
Rose
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
Chris and Mike are best friends. Leaving a concert one evening, they meet Larissa, who decides to go out with Mike. Then Mike starts asking Chris for favors, which involve taking Larissa places. Chris and Larissa become close friends, and Chris secretly wishes he were dating her. However, he knows that doing so would destroy his friendship with Mike. Mike is dealing with issues that damage his relationship with Larissa and his friends. Depression, alcoholism and deadbeat dads are all addressed. I enjoyed it.
Luella
Northwoods by Amy Pease
An excellent read. It's a story of personal struggles, unwavering love and misplaced trust. It's a complicated mystery and an unexpected outcome. Perfect.
Sandy
The Impossible Truths of Love by Hannah Beckerman
Best book ever! I read it in two days and loved it so much.
Amy
You'll Never Know by Caleb Stephens
YOU'LL NEVER KNOW by Caleb Stephens is a fast-paced, gripping story that’s hard to stop once you start. I listened to the audiobook and got hooked right away, finishing it in just a day and a half. The suspense and twists kept me interested the whole time. It’s a great pick if you like stories that keep you guessing.
Amy
Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt
LOVED AND MISSED by Susie Boyt is a quiet, emotional story about family, love and loss. It’s simple but powerful, with characters who feel real and honest. The writing is gentle, yet it stays with you. It's a thoughtful read that leaves a lasting impression.
Beth
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
A mostly character-driven novel, BUCKEYE does not suffer from what so many other character-driven novels do: as I call it, the "first-this-happened-then-that-happened-then-this-happened-etc. syndrome." In other words, they're boring. They concentrate on the characters alone, and there is no story or plot. But BUCKEYE's characters are more interesting because they have a story. Two couples become involved with each other and keep a secret from their two boys until it is seemingly too late.
Liz
The Irish Daughter of New York by Kate Hewitt
Thanks NetGalley for this audiobook! Maggie O’Halloran is barely 20 years old when she leaves Ireland with her 12-year-old brother for a better life in NY, where her father has been for the past few years. Upon arrival, he is nowhere to be found, and Maggie is forced to navigate the city on her own. She is taken in by a woman living in the tenement where her father was, but she has bigger dreams. Maggie meets Brandon, a grocer, who wants to help her and her brother, but she doesn’t want charity. In just a few short months, Maggie manages to be on the path to a better life when tragedy happens and everything she has worked for is lost. She leaves NY for Chicago in the hopes of finding her father and making a better life.
Elizabeth
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Even though this book is fiction, it makes the reader feel that there are really kind, generous people in the world. Knowing that one person (Theo) made an impact on everyone he met gives the reader hope that this may be a daily occurrence in our chaotic world. To be the recipient of such a gift certainly gives hope to the hopeless, friendship to the lonely, and inspiration to the unseen.
Judy
Hope Rises by David Baldacci
HOPE RISES is the second novel with Walter Nash. Very exciting!
Julie
Little Great Island by Kate Woodworth
I enjoy it when the setting of a book plays such a huge role in the plot that it becomes a character in and of itself. Such is the case with LITTLE GREAT ISLAND. That said, the rest of the plot fell a little flat. It was drawn out over most of the book, then felt very rushed at the end.
Julie
A Far-flung Life by M. L. Stedman
Phil MacBride has known since his feet could reach the pedals not to swerve to avoid a kangaroo. But under the January sun, he makes a fateful error. Back at their homestead, hours later, Phil's wife, Lorna, and daughter, Rose, open their door to two policemen, from whom they learn of lives both ended and hanging in the balance.
A Far-flung Life follows the remaining MacBrides and the decisions they make for generations, as they continue to endure life and livelihood on Meredith Downs, a million acre sheep station in Western Australia. At its heart, this is a novel about love and belonging, compassion and forgiveness, and what the human heart can endure for the sake of others.
Gerry
Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
A compelling mystery set mostly on the Lakota Sioux Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. The main character, Virgil Wounded Horse, is a freelance "enforcer" who metes out justice in cases that the official justice system won't bother with. When Virgil is approached about putting a stop to heroin distribution on the reservation, he initially hesitates, feeling there's something not quite right about the proposal. But when his 14-year-old nephew Nathan, for whom Virgil is sole guardian, nearly dies from an overdose, Virgil knows he must act. Very well written, with a complex plot that features themes of Lakota culture, identity and tribal, community-focused justice.
Gerry
A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides by Gisèle Pelicot
This powerful memoir by a woman who suffered intense degradation and sexual abuse by the husband who professed to love her, and by at least 50 other men whom he brought to their home, will stay with me long after I've closed the book. Her description of facing her rapists --- 51 of them -- during their months-long trial rings all too true amidst the current furor over the Epstein files.
Gerry
We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America by Norah O'Donnell with Kate Andersen Brower
This was an interesting, though at times repetitive, account of some 35 women who played important parts in historic events through 200 years of American history, from 1776 to 1975. Most, but not all, were familiar to me. All stand as movers and shakers of their times, and role models for women and girls who come after them.
Gerry
More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen
MORE THAN ENOUGH tells the story of Polly, a woman in her early 40s who, after an unhappy marriage ended in divorce, met and married a wonderful man named Mark, with whom she is now struggling to create a family. Her closest friends and confidants, aside from Mark, are the three women in her book club, with whom anything is open to discussion. As readers, we get to see and experience with her her fraught relationship with her mother, her closeness with her brother and their father, her struggles as her father's dementia progresses, the joy she brings to her work as an English teacher at a private girls' high school, and so much more. From beginning to end, this is a heartwarming story of love, family, friendship, joys and sorrow.
Gerry
A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon
This fictional account of the life of Deborah Samson proved to be quite a slog for me. The dense prose and the author's choice to create a completely fictional romance and marriage out of the scant historical facts available disappointed me. That Deborah Samson was able to disguise herself as a man and to enlist and serve honorably in the American Revolution should have been enough of a story.
Julie
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Heart-wrenching but beautifully written. The struggle, sadness and destruction are palpable throughout the entire novel. The main characters were faced with life-changing choices and experiences that make this story unforgettable.
Elizabeth
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
I loved this curmudgeon of a letter writer and was impressed by the variety of people she corresponded with. I wish I was more like her.
Gerry
Repetition by Vigdis Hjorth
A powerful piece of writing, but less interesting to me than I had hoped. It's written in the voice of an adult woman who observes a family --- father, mother and 16-year-old daughter --- and, noting the obvious tension among the three, is thrust back in memory to her own teen years and a traumatic incident that occurred in her own life.
Gerry
Last One Out by Jane Harper
A slow burn of a novel, set in a dying town in rural New South Wales, where a family is grieving the loss of their son five years before on his 21st birthday. The audiobook narration by Angeline Armstrong was flawless, but despite this, it took some time for the story and its characters to grab my full attention. The novel's strength is its evocation of the grim atmosphere of Carralon Ridge, as one family after another moves away, and one business after another closes its doors forever. In the background is the working mine and quarry, which remain apart from the town even as they loom as an ominous, unspecified threat. The main characters are well drawn, but their friends and neighbors remain somewhat underdeveloped.
Gerry
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
I had feared that this widely praised novel would disappoint me, or turn out to be sentimental and sappy, but my fears were not realized. In fact, I loved every page of this heartwarming story. Every character introduced in the story contributed meaningfully to the whole, and I wouldn't have deleted any --- not even the one I strongly disliked since he, too, had a role to play. As one friend commented, this world needs more Theos, more people who care more about connecting with others, kindness and compassion, than about prestige and monetary success. This was a delightful read that should inspire all of us to always take a second look at those around us, and to look for and appreciate the intrinsic value of each person.
Gerry
Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris
This was a compelling, exciting read that told an unfamiliar story: the extensive search beginning in 1660 across western Europe and the American colonies for the men led by Oliver Cromwell who signed a death warrant against Britain's King Charles I in 1649. Though numerous other "regicides" were mentioned, and the terrible deaths they suffered were described in excruciating detail, the main focus of the novel was on Edward "Ned" Whalley and his son-in-law, William Goffe, who together fled to New England, leaving their families behind, to avoid capture and execution. They remained in hiding for some 20 years, moving frequently from one location to another, always in danger of their presence being discovered.
Gerry
Mercy by Joan Silber
Less a novel than a series of loosely connected stories, Mercy follows five narrators through portions of their lives when they were chasing sex and drugs even as they ran from guilt and regrets. I'm between 1.5 and 2 stars on this one. Joan Silber writes well enough that I stuck with it just to see if it would all come together in a way that made it worthwhile. Sadly, for me, it didn't.
Gerry
The Gilded Hour by Sara Donati
This historical novel is set in Manhattan in the late 1800s and features two female cousins, both physicians, along with their extended family, friends and acquaintances. It presents a vivid picture of Gilded Age NYC, with the stark contrasts between the very wealthy and the desperately poor, at a time when moral crusaders like Anthony Comstock were trying to suppress "vice" by criminalizing the distribution of information or products related to birth control or abortion. The audiobook --- well narrated by Cassandra Campbell and, at 31.6 hours, one of the longest audiobooks I've completed --- is engaging, entertaining and at times infuriating as it explores the age-old double standards of freedom for men and tight restrictions for women.
Gerry
Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino
3.5 stars. After an opening few chapters that almost convinced me to put this book aside as it was just not for me, this story of 20-year-old Marilyn being banished to Philadelphia to stay with her 75-year-old great aunt Ada did finally draw me in. Ada turned out to be a wise woman who provided just what Marilyn needed --- time and space to discover who she was and what she wanted out of life.
Gerry
Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson
This novel was a slow build as Sadeqa Johnson introduced her major characters and the three strands of the story that wove them together. Once started, though, I did not want to put it down. Three plot threads open in 1948 as Ozzie is coming of age in Philadelphia and enlisting in the army --- in 1951 as Ethel finds her life's calling in Mannheim, Germany; and in 1965 as Sophia struggles to find her place in rural Prince Frederick, Maryland --- and soon draw the reader in with endearing characters in realistic situations. Johnson centers her story on the plight of Black men and women at a time when their status in the US was openly second-class, but cracks in the barriers to civil rights were just beginning to show. Highly recommended.
Gerry
The Antidote by Karen Russell
This was a challenging novel to read, and even more challenging to review. So many themes and historic events are woven into the story: the drought of the Dust Bowl and the Black Sunday dust storm of April 1935; the cruelty of the "homes for unwed mothers" that were commonplace in that era; the equally cruel "schools" that so many Native children were forced to attend that existed primarily to erase their languages and cultures; the Works Projects Administration that provided jobs after the Great Depression; the mistreatment of minorities including Black, Native, and some Asian and European immigrants; and more. That overabundance of competing themes heightened my interest, even as it kept me wondering just where this story was headed.
Gerry
Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict
DAUGHTER OF EGYPT is a dual-timeline novel about the rise of Hatshepsut to power in ancient Egypt, and the early-20th-century archaeological discoveries of Lord Carnarvon, Howard Carter, and Carnarvon's daughter, Evelyn Herbert. I appreciated the author’s detailed discussion after the close of the book, clarifying which aspects of the novel were truly historical and which were completely fiction. Both Hatshepsut and Evelyn Herbert are portrayed as strong women who were well ahead of their times in their ambitions and accomplishments. Marie Benedict has created yet another very engaging story that I recommend to those who enjoy engrossing historical fiction.
Gerry
Go West, Young Man by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel, which follows a wagon train of some 27 families from their departure from Independence, MO, to their destination in Oregon City in the mid-19th century. The straightforward, chronological narration of the story was a nice change of pace from the many dual-timeline novels I've read recently, and the descriptions of the landscapes as the wagon train moved westward were crisp and clear, making it easy to visualize the difficult journey. The characters were an interesting mix, mostly likable but some downright evil, and I appreciated that the authors portrayed the Native Americans respectfully, even when they clashed with the migrants, recognizing their valid grievances.
Shantha
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
A must-read for all book lovers!
Gerry
The Habsburgs: To Rule the World by Martyn Rady
This comprehensive history of the Habsburg dynasty spans over 900 years, from its 10th-century origins in the region of the Upper Rhine and Alsace to its demise in 1919 with the end of World War I. Most interesting to me (and the reason I chose to embark on this journey) were the events of the 19th century, which pitted the Habsburg's Austro-Hungarian Empire against the Ottoman Turks and their Russian allies, which ultimately ended the Ottomans' domination of the Balkan peninsula, even as it opened the door to Soviet Russian dominance in much of the same region.
Gerry
The Woman They Could Not Silence: The Shocking Story of a Woman Who Dared to Fight Back by Kate Moore
4.5 stars. This nonfiction account of the life of Elizabeth Packard was infuriating, heartbreaking and, finally, inspiring. Set in the 1860s through the 1880s, it tells the story of a young married woman, mother of six children, who found herself LEGALLY committed to an insane asylum at the request of her husband. Although in the case of a man, such commitment would have required a jury trial to prove that he was insane, no such protections existed in most states for women, who were regarded as the property of their fathers prior to marriage, and of their husbands after marriage. Elizabeth remained imprisoned in the asylum for more than three years. Once released, she spent the rest of her life actively advocating for the rights of women.
Gerry
Family Drama by Rebecca Fallon
3.5 stars. FAMILY DRAMA is an apt title for this debut novel about a soap opera star, Susan Bliss, who lives a double life as a beloved actress in Los Angeles and a wife and mother in New England, leaving her twins, Viola and Sebastian, to grapple with her absence and secrets after her death. The book, set in the 1990s and beyond, explores themes of motherhood, ambition, grief and identity through shifting timelines and multiple perspectives, as the twins uncover the truth about their mother's complex life. At times, those shifting timelines and Rebecca Fallon's oblique writing style made the novel difficult to follow (unnecessarily so, in this reader's opinion), keeping the characters at a distance and difficult to know.
Gerry
Matrix by Lauren Groff
A vaguely interesting but never fully engaging novel about a supposedly historical figure from the 12th century, a French bastard child related to Eleanor of Aquitaine, then Queen of England and France, who is banished to an impoverished abbey that over the year she converts into a bustling and wealthy community. But none of the characters ever came to life for me, despite the beautifully descriptive writing. After multiple crises were quickly resolved by Marie's leadership and creativity, the story began to bore me. I finished it because it was relatively short (but felt overly long at times), and it fit a category I needed to fill in one of this year's challenges.
Gerry
The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
Set in the early 1960s, this novel about a friendship among four young wives brought back memories of the obstacles women faced as they sought equality with men in education, business, and other spheres outside the home. Some things have changed for some women, but after more than 50 years, it’s sad to see how much has NOT changed, and to see how many men are trying to drag us back to those good old days.
Gerry
Like Family by Erin O. White
A beautiful story, well written, populated by wonderful characters, and evoking so many emotions. At its core are three families: two lesbian couples and their children, and one heterosexual couple and their children. Secrets and the pain they can cause run through the entire novel, drawing other characters into the story as each of these six adults deal with their feelings about their interconnections, past and present. In the end, though, this is a story about love and family and caring for each other. It is simply a delight to read.
Gerry
American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal by Neil King Jr., narrated by Will Tulin
An amazing tale of one man's long walk from Washington, DC to NYC, filled with historical anecdotes and musings about the people and places he encountered along the way. I highly recommend the audiobook for this memoir. Though it's not read by the author, it still felt as if I was walking along with him, seeing, hearing and feeling so many of the experiences and emotions he described so vividly.
Gerry
Three Daughters of Eve by Elif Shafak
Moving back and forth in time and place, from Turkey to England, this is a coming-of-age story about a young Turkish woman torn between the traditionalism of her mother and the pragmatism of her father, but it also deals with sexual harassment, Islamist terrorism, the rising tension between the faithful and the secular, and the gaping chasm between the rich and the poor, both in Istanbul and in Europe. Bookending Peri's Oxford years with the events before and after the party with her husband seemed almost irrelevant.
Gerry
Correspondents by Tim Murphy
The story opens with a shocking event and then moves back and forth from the present to the early 2000s, to Lebanon and Iraq, before circling back to present-day America. Main character Rita Khoury is the daughter of an Irish-American mother and a Lebanese-American father, a Harvard graduate, and a journalist who lands a coveted position in the Middle East bureau of a prestigious newspaper just before the American invasion of Iraq in 2003. Through her eyes, the reader gets to experience the complexity of political/cultural issues amid the terror and disruption of war. I wouldn't change a word of this novel and recommend it highly. I'm only surprised that I've never seen a mention of this terrific book before now.
Gerry
The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard
A mystery set in rural Kansas (the author’s home state), this was a slow-moving story of a prominent family shattered by the murder of the eldest son. Nancy Pickard’s lyrical descriptions of the countryside sometimes slowed the forward movement of the plot, but her characters were interesting, if not always likable, and the book held my interest right to the surprising conclusion.
Gerry
A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar
Narrated in alternating chapters from the perspectives of Ma, a woman who is preparing to leave for America and reunite with her husband, and Boomba, a young man who has come to Kolkata from a rural village, A GUARDIAN AND A THIEF explores the conflict between these two individuals, each trying to hold on to their dreams and make the best life possible for themselves and their loved ones in the dying city. It explores the question of how far one will go to protect one’s family and oneself when resources are scant and the future looks increasingly dim. Well written with sympathetic characters struggling in desperate situations, this thought-provoking novel is well worth reading.
Gerry
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
The book opens with the 1954 trial of Kabuo Miyamoto, an American-Japanese man, for the murder of Carl Heine, a "white" American of German descent whose body was found in the waters off San Pedro Island, where both men lived and worked as fishermen, and then moves back and forth in time to examine the relationship between the two men and their families over many years. The motive for the murder was believed to be a dispute over land that Carl's father had promised to sell to Kabuo's father before the war. After Carl Sr.'s death, his widow reneged on that promise and sold the land to another man. The novel moved rather slowly for me, and seemed overly long and descriptive at times, but was saved by a compelling conclusion. Very worthwhile.
Jean
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This was the second time I read this book, and it hits just as hard. As a child, the Vietnam War's wounded/casualty list was a constant on the radio and TV, but Kristin Hannah brings out the utter horror of war. Re-reading this prompted me to dig out my POW/MIA bracelet and do a Google search on my MIA person, something that I couldn't do in the early 1970s. This should be required reading for all politicians so that no more unnecessary wars waste lives.
Gerry
Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout
I hadn’t realized this book was centered on a young minister and his congregation in a small town in Maine. For me, the conservative religiosity of so many characters and situations just wasn’t appealing. Those same characters were often quite hypocritical, gossiping and judging their neighbors even as they prided themselves on being good Christians. Realistic, I suppose, but annoying all the same. Tyler Caskey, the minister, seemed naive and rather weak for most of the book, and I was glad to see him begin to stand up for himself and take greater responsibility for his children near the end. Elizabeth Strout does a very good job creating believable characters for her novels. I just wish in this case they’d have been more likable.
Gerry
Unexpected Lessons from Professor Higgins by Patti Smith, narrated by Tara Janae Smith
While I enjoyed listening to this memoir, which covers 45 years of parenting a child with Down syndrome, I’d have liked a little more insight into the impact Chris and his special needs had on his siblings and how Patti Smith addressed that impact as a mother. Though a couple incidents of minor conflict were briefly acknowledged, the overall experience was portrayed in what felt like an overly optimistic and positive light, ignoring even the most universal of sibling issues. This was a worthwhile read that shared a positive perspective on a condition still viewed by too many as a devastating experience to be avoided, rather than the blessing Chris brought to his mother’s life.
Gerry
Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden
This memoir describes the author's experience when, after 20 years of marriage, her husband suddenly announced that he was leaving her. The separation was virtually complete: he chose to have little involvement with their three children, and none with their dog, chosen based on his specifications. He gave no reason for his disenchantment with their marriage, but he did admit to having had an affair with a married woman some 15 years younger than his wife. Belle was devastated, not only by this upheaval in her and her children's lives, but also by the many friends and acquaintances who seemed so quick to blame her and exonerate her husband. I found her writing in this memoir to be clear, cogent and quite effective in portraying her trauma.
Gerry
The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak
This historical novel tells the story of a young boy who served the Ottoman Emperor Suleiman (and his successors) as both an elephant trainer/mahout and an apprentice to the chief architect Sinan, a real historical figure. Though it moved slowly, it provided an interesting and detailed look at the culture and daily life of both palace residents and city dwellers, and prompted me to do further reading about Sinan, who was the most highly regarded architect of his day.
Gerry
All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun
This novel, recommended by Sadeqa Johnson, tells the story of three Americans who set out on a cruise to Bermuda just five days after the horror of 9/11 in the United States. All three feel a sense of inappropriateness, to be taking a vacation cruise at a time of such pain and loss for so many. And all three are coping with pain and loss of their own, unrelated to the national tragedy. Though the three never directly interact on the cruise, their stories come together in a touching and very engaging portrayal of grief and resilience.
Gerry
Where the Light Enters by Sara Donati
I enjoyed this sequel to THE GILDED HOUR just as much as the first book. Both books are filled with interesting characters, as well as settings and circumstances that bring the New York City of the 1890s vividly to life. This novel continues the story of doctors Anna and Sophie Savard as they continue to practice medicine in the midst of a climate of racism (Sophie is biracial) and misogyny, along with the virulent anti-abortion and anti-birth control crusade led by Anthony Comstock. I’m hoping the author gifts her readers with a third installment sometime in the future.
Gerry
Upward Bound by Woody Brown
Set mostly in an adult daycare center for clients with disabilities, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism, UPWARD BOUND is a remarkable look at the day-to-day lives of these mostly young adults and those who care for them. Having lived and worked for virtually all my life in the disability world, I was very impressed with the accuracy and clarity of the descriptions and perceptions expressed by the various characters in this series of linked stories. In this book, Brown captures the sense of isolation, the desire to participate and contribute to society, the frustration of being assumed incapable, and the many awkward and uncomfortable encounters with non-disabled people who don't know how to interact with disabled adults.
Gerry
Cross and Sampson: An Alex Cross and John Sampson Thriller by James Patterson and Brian Sitts
A quick and easy read, and one that I found more engaging than some other recent additions to Patterson's long list. Alex Cross and his wife, Bree, are searching for their adult son, Damon, a graduate student who suddenly disappeared from his campus. John Sampson is about to join them in the search when an apparent terrorist attack strikes Washington, DC, and he is needed to lead the search for the culprit. The two stories are told in alternating short chapters, very typical of Patterson's long-established style. For me, the Sampson story was definitely more interesting and seemed better written, leading me to wonder just how the two co-authors shared writing responsibilities.
Gerry
The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
A novel about the lives of Native Americans from the 19th to the 21st centuries, told through the stories of four women. First is Rosalie Iron Wing, the primary protagonist who navigates life after being removed from her father, marrying a white farmer, and eventually reconnecting with her Dakhóta heritage. Second is Gaby Makespeace, Rosalie’s rebellious, lifelong friend who has become a lawyer and an environmental activist. Third is Darlene Kills Deer, Rosalie’s great-aunt who acts as a crucial link to the past, preserving the family’s seeds and stories. And finally, there's Marie Blackbird, Rosalie’s great-great-grandmother, whose survival during the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War sets the foundation for the family's seed-keeping traditions.
Gerry
Blue Monday: A Frieda Klein Mystery by Nicci French
This is the first book I’ve read by these authors (Nicci Gerrard and her husband, Sean French), and it kept me riveted most of the way through. A few unexpected twists slowed the pace a bit in the last quarter or so, but it soon picked up again as it moved ahead to a completely unexpected ending. Dr. Frieda Klein is a psychiatrist in London. When a new patient begins sharing dreams with details eerily reminiscent of a crime that’s currently in the news, Klein reluctantly contacts the police. Though the lead detective initially turns her away, deeming her information unhelpful, she is soon drawn into the investigation of two kidnappings, one of which occurred more than 20 years earlier.
Gerry
The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis by Maria Smilios
I'm glad to have read this book and to have learned about this interesting time in this country's history. But I have to say that I found it a surprisingly dense and slow read. The author clearly has done a great deal of research and included a lot more in this book than just the nurses' story. The Black nurses who staffed the sanitarium for tuberculosis on Staten Island from the 1930s to the 1960s had to deal with racism both in their work and in their lives outside the hospital. But their willingness to persist in the face of dangerous working conditions and personal affronts led to great advances for both Black women and the nursing profession as a whole, as well as medical treatments that ultimately saved many lives.
Gerry
Jigsaw: An Alex Delaware Novel by Jonathan Kellerman
3.5 stars for a well-plotted mystery that showcases psychologist Alex Delaware’s skill at figuring out motives and making connections between apparently unrelated events. While Milo Sturgis is dealing with one puzzling murder, he gets called to the scene of another. Both involve the strangulation of a female victim but seem otherwise to have nothing in common. Then a third body is found, and possible connections take the detective back to his original suspect, once thought to be cleared by an air-tight alibi. Is he distracting them from his own guilt with his conjectures and theories, or pointing to a real killer?
Gerry
On Isabella Street by Genevieve Graham
The novel is centered on two main female characters: Marion Hart, a psychiatrist, and Susan "Sassy" Rankin, a budding folk singer and carefree hippie-wannabe from a privileged family. Of the two, I found Marion more sympathetic; Sassy was too often just annoying. Two major themes in the novel are the deinstitutionalization movement and the Vietnam War movement. The latter focus included both the needs and treatment of returning soldiers, and the anti-war movement in Toronto. I felt that the plot relied too heavily on unlikely coincidences to bring the various characters together. I found the frequent use of '60s-era "hippie" slang to be a bit forced, even coming out of the mouths of older and clearly traditional characters.
Gerry
My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney
This mystery novel kept me guessing until the end and then left me still a bit confused. It opens with a young woman returning home after an early morning run, only to find herself locked out of her house. When she knocks, expecting her husband to open the door, she is confronted by a woman who looks a bit like her and who claims to be the owner of the home. The husband comes to the door and confirms that he and his wife own the house, and eventually calls the police when the runner persists in arguing (to the “wife” and to the husband she recognizes as her own) that SHE lives there. And so the bizarre story begins. Just when I was sure I had figured it out, there were new twists and revelations that left me more confused than ever. Fun!
Gerry
Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood, narrated by Ailsa Piper
The narration of this audiobook had an almost hypnotic quality, and I found myself needing to rewind multiple times to go back and listen more attentively to something I had missed. I’m not sure exactly what I expected from this novel, which seems more like an incomplete memoir. Readers never learn why the main character left her marriage or why she decided, after one or more visits, to take up residence in a remote community of cloistered nuns, despite not sharing their religious beliefs or those of any religion. The other characters in the book are even more sketchily outlined and remain only vague presences. Still, the writing was beautiful and captivating, and the underlying theme of reverence for the earth was beautifully conveyed.
Gerry
Tuesday's Gone: A Frieda Klein Mystery by Nicci French
This mystery set in London again features psychotherapist Frieda Klein as an informal consultant to the London police and includes elements of backstory from the first book in the series. When a social worker makes a wellness check on a client, she is stunned to find the woman hosting a guest: a naked man, clearly dead and rapidly decomposing, is seated at her kitchen table. Frieda is called in to help identify the man and to interview the woman in whose home he was found. The story held my interest until near the end, when it became so convoluted I almost didn't care how it ended; I just wanted it to be finished. But there were several loose ends left hanging at the end, so now I'll probably have to continue with at least one more book.
Gerry
The Burnt House: A Decker/Lazarus Novel by Faye Kellerman
When an airplane crashes into an apartment building, there are no survivors among the passengers or crew. As bodies are dug out of the rubble and slowly identified, there is no sign of an airline employee who was reported by her husband to have been on the flight. But there are additional bodies to be accounted for: extra, unlisted passengers and one last female body that appears to have been unearthed not from the plane, but from beneath the foundation of the crushed apartment building. Detective Peter Decker is faced with solving two mysteries: the whereabouts of the missing flight attendant and the identity of the unknown female who appears to have died more than 30 years earlier.
Gerry
The Last Days of Café Leila by Donia Bijan
3.5 stars. This debut novel, set against the backdrop of Iran's rich, turbulent history, introduces three generations of a family. When we meet Noor, the main character, she is living in San Francisco and missing her beloved father, Zod, in Iran, as she struggles to deal with the breakdown of her marriage. Returning with her resentful teenage daughter, Lily, in tow, Noor revisits her Persian childhood, her move to the US at the insistence of her father, and the changes that have occurred in the country of her birth. As readers, we learn about the harsh brutality of the Iranian Revolution that transformed the country in 1979 and get a glimpse into the realities of life in Iran in the 21st century.
Gerry
Westward Women by Alice Martin
This slow-building dystopian, feminist novel won't please everyone, but for me, it took a fascinating premise and developed it well in a multi-POV narrative. The premise: women of child-bearing age are suddenly stricken by a disease (virus? fungus? something else?) that starts with an "itch" and soon begins to drive them west, toward the Pacific Ocean. All over America, women are leaving their homes, families, friends and jobs to travel toward an unknown destination. Some go alone, others are in groups, and some are helped along the way by a mysterious man known as the Piper. Themes of female friendship, misogyny, women's search for autonomy, and female rage are featured in this vividly descriptive, sensory-laden novel.
Gerry
Deception: An Alex Delaware Novel by Jonathan Kellerman
3.5 stars. When the body of a woman who worked at a prestigious prep school is found submerged in dry ice in her bathtub, Milo Sturgis calls on his psychologist friend, Alex Delaware, to help him sort through the possible scenarios of murder or suicide, as well as the potential suspects. But the Chief of Police, whose son attends the prep school, seems to want the investigation to stay far from the school, lest it derail his son’s college admission. That’s hard to accommodate when the victim leaves behind a DVD on which she accused three colleagues of sexual harassment. With an interesting premise, well-developed in a fast-moving plot, Jonathan Kellerman has produced another engaging read for mystery lovers.
Gerry
From Beirut to Jerusalem by Thomas L. Friedman
After spending a solid six weeks reading, far more than I typically give any book, I know I have gained a much better understanding of the complexity of the conflicts between Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East. What stands out to me most is the lack of uniformity in either Israeli or Palestinian perspectives about what “should” be, or how this longstanding conflict might be potentially resolved. I appreciate Tom Friedman’s skill in explaining the historical and religious background of the region, and his sharing of the perspectives of so many residents of and visitors to the area.
Gerry
Stand by Cory Booker
In compelling stories and well-written prose, Senator Cory Booker challenges Americans to consider, and to activate in our own daily lives, 10 virtues that he believes are vital components of our American dream: Agency, Vulnerability, Patriotism, Truth, Humility, Community, Creativity, Perseverance, Grace and Vision. He draws on examples from his own life and from our history to illustrate the meaning of these ideals and to demonstrate their power in the lives of real people. Some of the historical figures were familiar to me, but others were not. The stories of all of these individuals were powerful reminders of what our nation can achieve and stand for in the world. Booker is an engaging writer and an especially compelling speaker.
Gerry
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
This is a tough one to rate or review. It held my interest, even as I kept telling myself how very strange it was. None of the main characters was particularly relatable, and definitely not one was likable. The back and forth from present day to the mid-1800s was confusing and often jarring; the transitions were so abrupt as to often make it unclear which time period we were in. And yet I kept reading, committed to seeing how this played out. The ending was unexpected and less than completely satisfying, but in some ways it was better than I'd anticipated. What a very odd book!
Gerry
Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel
Pepper is 77 years old, and her children have decided that she needs to move into a retirement community, where she discovers to her dismay that her former husband also resides. She makes the transition from complete independence to semi-captivity (having lost her driver's license and her car, along with her large home and most of her possessions) with surprising grace. She finds herself making friends in her new residence, including a very handsome male next-door neighbor. When she begins feeling queasy and unwell, her daughter --- certain that she must have cancer or some other dreaded disease --- takes her to the doctor. It is discovered after numerous tests that Pepper is pregnant! And so begins a fascinating and entertaining novel.
Gerry
Nero by Conn Iggulden
This novel of Rome in the first-century AD brings to life the brutal conditions experienced by virtually all citizens of the empire, whether wealthy and powerful, or destitute and powerless. In fact, as history makes clear, an individual could fall quite rapidly from the greatest heights to the lowest, or could be killed outright for the smallest of offenses. This first book in the Nero Trilogy covers the future Emperor's life from birth to early adolescence, and the boy himself actually plays only a minor role in the story. It is his mother Agrippina who is at the center of the novel, always scheming to maintain or improve her own position and the inheritance she can prepare for her son.
Gerry
The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung
This new mystery initially drew me in with an intriguing premise, and I did enjoy the first three-quarters of the book. Even in the last segment, the descriptions of the underground burial site were enough to make me do a quick search online to get a sense of how realistic they were --- and apparently they're consistent with what ancient descriptions claim. But the ability of the main character --- a food blogger, not a historian or other expert on Chinese culture and customs --- to "decode" the clues she found in a single photograph and text message seemed more than a little farfetched. And the chase scenes once the burial site was breached felt too much like something from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" to be credible, and it disappointed me.
Rose
The Moonshine Women by Michelle Collins Anderson
This novel tracks the Strong sisters, who run the family moonshine business after their father's grief overwhelms him. Rebecca, Elsie and Jace/Shine must deal with various tragedies and the G-men while running the business during the Prohibition Era. Primarily set in the 1920s, this story details the bond between the sisters, their relationships with their lovers, and the hardship of losing their mother at an early age. I found it to be an interesting historical novel that highlighted strong women.
Claire
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
This book pulled me in from the first page, and when I finished it, I went back to reread certain sections. And for days after I was done, I kept thinking about the characters and their relationships and actions. It was an engrossing read.
Rose
A Girl Within a Girl Within a Girl by Nanda Reddy
A woman receives a letter from her sister, which forces her to confront her past and tell her husband the truth about it. Maya changed her name and her life due to trauma she experienced. Everything her husband knows about Maya's past is a half-truth. She came to America from Guyana and had to bury her past to move forward. A moving story that reads like a memoir but is fiction.
Kelly
Go Gentle by Maria Semple
This was another very fun read by Maria Semple. I loved the characters, along with the different settings of NY, LA and CT. I could not put it down. I listened to the audiobook, which was exceptional. The story, characters and humor were excellent.
Rose
The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
In Yorkshire, 12-year-old Miv and her friend, Sharon, decide to investigate the case of the Yorkshire Ripper. They begin by keeping a list of suspicious things in their neighborhood, writing down clues, and watching various people's activities. Miv's mom is uncommunicative, and her dad is secretive. As more women are murdered, Miv and Sharon discover interesting information in their small community. The author relied on her memories of her childhood and the terror the community felt while the killer was at large to write this historical mystery/thriller. The book was an easy read with some humor, but it also had some difficult moments. What was most interesting was the ideology of young children and the sadness when hopes are dashed.
Luella
100 Mental Health Journaling Prompts by Richard French
This is a book to take your time with and keep close as a guide. There is a sense of relief and comfort to unload your thoughts and feelings into words. It makes you feel free.
Dorothy
A Most Peculiar Providence by Angela Hunt
I loved this book and can strongly recommend it. It is SO enjoyable and quirky with wonderful characters and massive heart.
Tessa
The Calling by Inger Ash Wolfe
3.5 stars. This was a graphic and gruesome tale. The serial killer is a seriously deranged individual. The reader always knows who the killer is, as Inger Ash Wolfe takes us into his mindset as he plans and justifies the killings. Detective Inspector Hazel Micallef is a complex character. And as if the killer isn’t enough to deal with, Hazel is also battling an internal power struggle and a betrayal by a colleague she thought was securely in her camp. The pace is fast and furious with many twists and turns to keep things interesting.
Joanne
Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni
Robert Dugoni's books are the best! He knows how to keep you involved.
Heather
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
I expected a formulaic romance, and it was so much more! Literary references, a bookstore, self-help tips AND a romance. I could not put it down.
Liz
James by Percival Everett
James, a slave, decides to run away when he hears that his wife and daughter are to be sold. He needs to formulate a plan to keep this from happening. On the same plantation is Huck Finn, who decides to run away from an abusive father. The two meet up, and their adventure begins. This is an interesting retelling of ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN. While there is some humor in the book, at times it was very difficult to read.
Sean
The Elias Network by Simon Gervais
Simon Gervais tells the story of Caspian Anderson, a spy/assassin whose world is getting more complicated because his girlfriend is also a spy and his latest mission just went sideways. The book was a solid action movie-type book, but it epitomizes the term "a hat on a hat." There was so much thrown at readers, including a sympathetic killer...with a schizophrenic son. There are also a million acronyms for the nearly dozen spy agencies involved. It's a bit much. The main character is enjoyable, but the love story doesn't click. Overall, it was a quick read that entertained but was a bit much at times.
Catherine
It Girl by Allison Pataki
A fictionalized account of the life of Evelyn Nesbit, a young woman who became our first "supermodel" and found herself embroiled in the murder trial of the century in 1906.
Rose
This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum
Friends Joy and Benny create a successful podcast to assist with survival skills, devising outlandish possible death traps and then coming up with ideas on how to survive. Joy has narcolepsy, and Benny met her when she was asleep on a dirty bar floor, mistaken for being drunk. Benny has a past, and they decided to keep their relationship platonic. Joy meets Xander and is swept off her feet. They introduce Benny to Luna, an attorney. When Joy and Xander go missing, Benny becomes a suspect. This is a story of secrets, love and friendship. I loved the audio version, especially the track at the end.
Rose
All Fours by Miranda July
This was a strange book. I am surprised it received so many accolades. It was a weird midlife crisis from the female point of view. When the main character remarked that she and her friends snap nude selfies and send them to each other, I should have stopped. Bizarre. A woman leaves on a road trip from CA to NY, leaving her husband and son behind. But she takes a detour and checks into a motel not far from her home. She tells her husband and son that she is still on the road trip. The detour allows her to explore her erotic desires during a very odd mid-life crisis.
Rose
Forget You Saw Her by Noelle W. Ihli
The prequel to ASK FOR ANDREA. This novel explains why "Ask for Andrea" was used as a code to get help in bars. Sabina, a teenage mom, was forced by her parents to give up her baby daughter, Andrea. She regretted it and has thought about Andrea constantly. When the police approach Sabina to match her DNA to a dead body, Sabina is determined to find out the truth about her daughter. She reaches out to the adoptive parents and asks for information. This sets Sabina on a journey to avenge her daughter's disappearance, as well as find the truth about the other young woman who went missing. This is the story of a mother's love and is a good thriller.
Lisa
The Exes by Leodora Darlington
The book has good twists, but it moves slowly.
Anita
The Shock of the Light by Lori Inglis Hall
This is a historical novel about twins Tessa and Theo, who live in England. During WWII, Theo joins the RAF, and Tessa joins Special Operations Executive in France as a spy. When Tessa fails to return after the war, Theo is devastated and tries to find out what happened to her. Many secrets are revealed. An interesting book that's also depressing.
Brumby
A Dog in Georgia by Lauren Grodstein
3.5 stars. It was good. I learned a lot about Georgia, the country. I felt it was a little unfinished, but I loved reading about dogs.
Brumby
The Treasure Hunter's Club by Tom Ryan
This was so fun. I wish it was a series. I didn't see the twist coming.
Brumby
We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark
I adored this. I am in my dystopian era, and this was a fresh, fun idea.
Luella
Goodbye to the Dead by Brian Freeman
This book has several complicated mysteries that are full of action and curves you do not expect. An excellent read.
Sandy
A Girl Like You: A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel by Michelle Cox
This is Michelle Cox's debut novel, and it is very good. It is easy to read, and Henrietta is an awesome main character. Highly recommended.
Jeanne
Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee by Barbara M. Britton
ACROSS THE LAKE by Barbara M. Britton is a well-written collection of short devotional stories from the Gospel of Mark. I found this to be inspirational, uplifting and an excellent resource to be used in Bible Studies. The questions at the end were very helpful and thought-provoking. I received a copy of this book from the author, and these opinions are strictly my own.
Donna
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
MAD MABEL by Sally Hepworth was a #BookstagramMadeMeDoIt read, and I’m happy to say that I was not led astray. Although 81-year old Elsie, aka Mad Mabel, is so grumpy and cantankerous, she is also just so darned lovable. I really enjoyed getting to know her and her seven-year-old neighbor, Persephone. They are quite the dynamic duo. I do enjoy an addictive mystery-thriller, but even more so when it’s both gripping and emotional. And that’s exactly what MAD MABEL is: heartbreaking and heartwarming. If you haven’t read it yet, it would make a wonderful addition to your TBR stack!
Rose
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb
This book started strong, but then it dragged on a bit too long. The therapist receives devastating news from her boyfriend, which causes her to seek therapy herself. She also discusses several of her patients and their issues. Some parts were funny, while others were painful.
Cynthia
London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth by Patrick Radden Keefe
A fascinating look at London and its underworld.
Diane
Artifice by Sharon Cameron
It's a wonderful story of the Dutch Resistance in WWII, but I also consider it a terrific prequel to B. A. Shapiro's THE ART FORGER. ARTIFICE features WWII real-life art forger Han van Meegeren, whose fame and techniques are also a key component to Shapiro's more contemporary fiction work.
Beth
The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner
This book is beautiful! The characters are so richly developed, and I felt their joy and heartache. The plot is interwoven between the modern day and the 1830s, switching between narrators and time frames. I couldn’t wait to read every day. I lost sleep over it!
Linda
Vanished in the Crowd: A Molly Murphy Mystery by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles
A very good book about a female detective in 1909 trying to solve a mystery.
Pam
Regeneration by Pat Barker
A WWI novel about treating PTSD, it also includes many reasons "not" to be favorable to war as a solution to wrongs.
Cheryl
Between Good and Evil by Rochelle Alers
This story follows three best friends from New York City's Upper West Side from the '60s through the '80s. Kenny is African American, Frankie is Italian-Irish, and Ray is Puerto Rican. Despite their cultural differences, these three young men form a friendship that lasts a lifetime. Kenny's mother, Justine, is holding on to a secret that changed her life. I love this book and will recommend it to my book clubs.
Jana
A Far-flung Life by M. L. Stedman
I loved this book by a new author to me about an Australian family.
Nancy
London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth by Patrick Radden Keefe
Very interesting and yet tragically sad about the death of a young man in London under mysterious circumstances. Was he murdered, or did he die by suicide? Following their son’s death and a superficial investigation by the Metropolitan Police, the parents get involved. Another beautifully written book by Patrick Radden Keefe, and a great audiobook as well!
MH
The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
One sister is married to the other sister’s ex and is raising her child as her own. Then the ex is killed, and the son is put on trial for his murder, which unites the sisters in a common cause --- to free their son. The only problem I had was that, even at the end, I couldn’t tell which was the “better” sister. I would love to know what the author intended.
Peri
Twice by Mitch Albom
Don’t we all wish we could get do-overs in our life? I know there were some instances where I would have liked that power. In this book, that is what’s explored. This is a power that the narrator possessed, inherited from his mother. However, as enticing as this may be, Alfie’s grandmother warns him that love is the only thing for which there is no do-over. Alfie learns this and experiences himself when he loses the love of his life.
Chris
Blind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong, and What It Means for Our Health by Marty Makary, MD
This book challenges some generally agreed-on medical research conclusions. Topics include HRT, allergies and gut health. The narrative is engaging, and I highly recommend it.
Carol
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
It's a propulsive read, but I think the author squandered a great opportunity. Rather than really delve into this provocative subject matter of a trad wife, it was written for shock value. She does not fully explore maternal ambivalence. The work of mothering and its exploration would have enriched this book. Unfortunately, the protagonist, Natalie, is reduced to being the bad, monstrous mother, which I do not believe the author intended. The trad wife movement is most definitely the mouthpiece for right-wing fascism. The book gets so close to probing this and then gets cold feet. If she wanted to say something about womanhood, you would think important topics would have been at the top of the agenda. They were not. Disappointing to me.
Laurie
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
This is a wonderful, heartfelt story. I loved it and highly recommend it.
Jeffrey
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Yes, a classic. Much better than the "gothic romance" category in which some critics have buried it. Though it does have some passages that seem like treading water, there is always an undercurrent of uneasy suspense that keeps things interesting. No wonder Hitchcock was drawn to it. But the novel pushes the envelope farther than Hitchcock could get away with in 1940s Hollywood, and some elements of the plot must have seemed quite shocking in the '30s when the novel was published. They're even jolting today. If you haven't read it, it's definitely worth the time.
Carol
A Case of Mice and Murder: The Trials of Gabriel Ward by Sally Smith
Enjoyable. Many a twist.
Lori
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
I loved this book. The story is brutal in spots, but it's a captivating read about the relationships between and among slaves and their owners. We are given nice insight into the women's abolitionist movement in the early to mid-1800s.
Carol
The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy by Kim Michele Richardson
A good read! Book woman Cussy is unjustly incarcerated and finds her calling as a prison librarian. She makes a difference in the lives of many downtrodden citizens. This hardscrabble woman clings to the hope of reuniting with her family. A meaningful and informative story of US history and Appalachia in particular.
Lynn
Ironwood: A Catalina Novel by Michael Connelly
This second installment in the new Catalina series is another thrilling adventure to enjoy. I appreciated receiving an early review galley from the publisher via NetGalley. I was pleased that Michael Connelly better acquainted the reader with Detective Sergeant Stilwell in another tough situation as the head of the island sub-station. The Catalina Island setting with trips ashore to LA captured details that enticed this armchair traveler. Even more, I was pleased as Stilwell’s search for a killer connects him to the mainland’s Cold Case Unit, led by a familiar character in the Bosch universe of reading.
Pam
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Riveting historical fiction with characters you will love put in terrible jeopardy. Poignant and full of heart!
Pam
The Bookbinder's Secret by A. D. Bell
It's 1901 Oxford, and fiercely independent Lily Delaney is apprenticed to a master bookbinder, determined to rise to the top of her craft. When she discovers a tantalizing secret buried in an old book, she can't help following the mysterious clues that will solve its mystery. She has no idea how dangerous her curiosity will become. THE BOOKBINDER'S SECRET is a terrific start to a new historical mystery series. The audiobook narration by Olivia Vinall is wonderful.
Lori
Emily's House by Amy Belding Brown
This historical novel explores the relationship between Emily Dickinson and her maid, Margaret Maher.
Pam
Fireflies in Winter by Eleanor Shearer
Set in the brutal cold of 1790s Nova Scotia, FIREFLIES IN WINTER is the story of Cora, a freeborn orphan from Jamaica who comes across Agnes, a young Black woman hiding in the woods. As their friendship turns to love, they face the possibility of death as they try to survive off the land through the bitter cold of winter and the hostile circumstances where slavery still exists.
Pam
Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg
What a lovely book! Flo, who is quite elderly, has recently received a fatal diagnosis, so she is reflecting on the important events and people she has experienced: friendships, love, struggles and hurts, and the joy with which she faces life. She writes to Ruthie, matching small mementos to each precious memory, while also blessing the new and current friendships with warmth and care. Warm, funny, poignant and uplifting, this is a novel that encourages us to live and love fully and generously. (It is perhaps a bit overly sentimental at times, but I certainly forgive that for its other strong points.)
Pam
Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart
3.5 stars (rounded up). This is a fast-paced action novel with flashes of humor. It is generally entertaining, and I really enjoyed the cat.
Pam
To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage
Since childhood, Steph Harper has dreamed of becoming the first Cherokee astronaut in NASA's space program and has worked toward that goal with single-minded ambition. Eliana Ramage has delivered a beautiful novel filled with complex, utterly human characters and themes of ambition, family, belonging and home. Heartbreaking, redemptive and utterly satisfying!
Elizabeth
A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar
I mostly listened to this book. It is a powerful, near-future tale of a mother "Ma," her father and two- year-old daughter preparing to leave Kolkata, India, on a climate visa to live in Michigan where Ma's husband is a professor. Their lives collide with Boomba, an impoverished young man who has come to the city looking for a better life for his family, to devastating consequences. The book is full of rich, sensory details that made me feel like I was there myself, despite never having been to India. The book gave me a lot to think about --- questions of climate change, love for family, class distinctions. I I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because the ending was so bleak and felt too convenient.
Betty Jo
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
I loved this story set mainly in Ireland. Cyril Avery is a gay man, and his story from adoption to old age will stay with you. John Boyne can tell a story!
Pamela
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This book was riveting from the first page to the last. The characters were well developed, and I loved the investigator, Judyta, and TJ. The story was a mystery with power, family issues and secrets. A great read!
Deby
Pictures of You by Emma Grey
So many twists and turns!
Rose
The Family Inside by Katie Garner
This book had many twists. At one point, I literally said WHAT? aloud! You have to pay attention to keep up with the story. Iris' beloved husband, Jack, died three years ago, and now Iris has lost her job. Her new boyfriend, Hugh, offers Iris and her daughter, Ellory, a place to live. Hugh is renovating his mother's mansion, and it is large enough for all of them. One big problem: his family members live there too. Iris learns that Hugh has secrets, but Iris has secrets too. Ellory is keeping her boyfriend secret from her mother. The story is told from various points of view. Twisty.
Rose
Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. I can never figure out the plot, the murderer, or the reason until Benjamin Stevenson explains every detail. A group is held hostage in a bank, but no one can access the vault. All the hostage taker wants is $1, but that seems odd. The real reason was interesting.
This is another quirky mystery from Stevenson. The narration, as in the previous books in the series, is quite good.
Always confused, but entertained!
Rose
Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston
Camille suspects that her successful attorney husband is cheating on her with Aubrey. When Aubrey denies it, but shows interest in a name Camille mentions, the two hatch a plan. Aubrey will pretend to be Camille, while Camille spies on her husband, giving Camille an alibi to claim she wasn't home. However, when Ben is found dead, Camille and Aubrey realize they are connected in ways they hadn't realized. The truth about an incident 10 years earlier is something several people don't want exposed. This is another good thriller from Ashley Elston. I enjoyed it, and it kept my interest.
Lynn
A Shipwreck in Fiji: A Sergeant Akal Singh Mystery by Nilima Rao
Fascinating Asian background.
Rose
Upward Bound by Woody Brown
A moving story of a daycare for autistic adults, featuring tales that highlight both the adults and their caregivers. Walter, a non-verbal man, "narrates" the novel, relating the stories, the compassion of many caregivers, and the clients' contributions. Although the book was short, it packed a powerful punch.
Kathryn
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
This book is set in 1950s Washington, DC. Five single women are living in a boarding house with many secrets they don’t share. The landlady is also single with two children. When Grace moves in, she begins Thursday night dinners. Little by little, Grace draws out each woman’s past and hopes for her future. But Grace doesn’t share her past with anyone. The landlady is an avid card player and leaves her house on Thanksgiving Day for a day of card playing. Grace has organized the Thanksgiving Day dinner. Everyone is busy in the kitchen when an intruder comes into the house with murder on his mind. It turns out to be two murders, but who murdered them?
Kim
Mimi Lee Gets a Clue by Jennifer J. Chow
Murder, mayhem and cute mutts make for a great mystery. The reader meets Mimi, a young entrepreneur who has opened a pet grooming salon close to the beach near LA. Unfortunately, she finds herself caught up in a murder, and surprisingly, her rescued "talking" cat helps her tackle this mishap. The cast of spoiled LA characters is predictable, but the outcome of the murder is not.
Rose
Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver
This is the second book in the Rose Hill series. I didn't read them in order, and reading them out of sequence isn't an issue. They do mention characters from the other books in passing, and since I already read those books, the names were familiar. However, each book stands alone.This one centers on Sky, a country singer, who was controlled by her father, and not in a positive way. She was looking for an escape and went to Rose Hill to record a new record. She meets West, who is a single dad/horse farmer. Their attraction is instant, but they begin as friends. All good, except I wasn't a fan of some of the action. I thought some of it was demeaning to women. I'm glad I finished the series. I think they are for a much younger demographic.
Debbie
Bonded in Death by J. D. Robb
I am not a fan of books written in the future, and BONDED IN DEATH fits that model. J. D. Robb crafts a story that is big on dialogue and short on complex characters and a unique setting. The story jumps from 2026 to 2061 where The Twelve, a group of Freedom fighters from 2026, are now old and only seven survive. One of The Twelve sets out to murder the survivors. Will he succeed? Enter Lieutenant Eve Dallas as she races to find the killer and solve this case with the assistance of husband, the ultra-rich Roarke. The killer beats all the odds against him as he is a master of disguise and has amassed wealth and weapons. There are so many names and code names to attempt to keep straight.
Rita
The Choice by Gillian McAllister
Joanna is happily married to Reuben. They love being together, watching a numbered list of movies most nights. Their married life is just about perfect...until Joanna goes out for a drink with her friend, Laura. A man at the bar approaches them and gets a little too overly friendly with Joanna. When they leave the bar, Joanna heads in one direction and Laura goes the other way. Joanna feels like she is being followed by the man from the bar and becomes increasingly scared as she tries to lose this man. This book is called THE CHOICE, so you will be taken through Joanna's reveals and conceals to her husband, friends, family and coworkers. Would you had made the same decisions as the characters?
Deanna
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
What an incredibly deep and layered novel about true friendship, heartbreak, love and the moments that shape each character’s life. Fredrik Backman writes with immense compassion, balancing pain and vulnerability with connection, warmth and even humor. This story moved me deeply and brought me to tears more than once. This was my first Backman novel, and it certainly won’t be my last.
Lynda
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
This historical novel takes place during the Reconstruction era in Georgia. A white farming couple hires two newly emancipated slaves to work their land, which causes tension with neighboring plantation owners. I was repulsed at first by the brutality and cruelty and almost gave up. But I'm glad I kept reading. It turns out that the story also contains a very decent, resilient side of humanity. The book is beautifully written, using language evocative of that era.
Luella
Fifty Fifty by James Patterson and Candice Fox
This is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat kind of book.
Kelley
The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett's characters have depth in this incredible debut novel.
Francisca
If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
The jacket blurb promises “a moving story of love in the face of injustice,” and that’s exactly what James Baldwin delivers. Set in the early 1970s, the novel focuses on two young people, Tish and Fonny, who are deeply in love and planning a future together when Fonny is arrested and jailed for a terrible crime he did not commit. Despite the loving support of both their families, they are up against a system that will not bend. The ending paragraph is ambiguous, leaving the reader to interpret it as a hopeful sign of their future or an omen of additional tragedy.
Rose
Drowning in Paper Flowers by E.L. Westbury
I picked up this book because it was getting a lot of attention on various Facebook groups that I follow. It was an easy read and kept my attention. A woman, Ruby, has nightmares, usually featuring paper flowers hanging from the ceiling. Her son, Mason, also has nightmares. Her relationships with her husband, Jack, and daughter, Millie, are strained. Millie favors time with her dad and resents her mom over something she saw. Ruby discovered that Jack was having an affair with a woman named Ivy, and she is terrified because she saw Ivy's body floating in the pond behind their home. I figured out some of this mystery early on but not all of it. It was a decent story.
Noreen
The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collins Anderson
This is based on the true story of a disaster in 1928. The book covers those events 50 years later in 1978. An interesting way of life in both time periods is explored. The young girl who discovers unknown facts about the incident causes all sorts of reactions. The characters are interesting and in many cases entertaining.
Terry
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
It's intriguing, dark and lovely all at once. After learning about the seed vaults, I appreciated finding out more about how they are stored and cared for, and what happens if they are needed.
Kelley
Mona's Eyes by Thomas Schlesser
The beautiful story of a grandfather and his granddaughter. An amazing dissection of art pieces and the history of art in Paris museums.
Rose
Desperate Deadly Widows by Kimberly Belle, Layne Fargo, Cate Holahan and Vanessa Lillie
After the mayor died drinking champagne in a strip club, the women in the club came under scrutiny. One of the widows' friends is trying to run her dead husband's law firm with her son and comes to the defense of the accused. In the meantime, the law firm tries to court two opposing clients to help them out of financial difficulties. This is a mystery involving greedy, unscrupulous people. It is the second book in the Widows series and is just OK, not great.
Krista
Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon
Excellent descriptions of the hardships encountered by the travelers heading West.
Donna
When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin
This book made for a great book club discussion. Themes of healing, redemption and miracles are centered on enchanting and “real” characters. It will make you laugh at times and cry at others. Charles Martin is a favorite author of our book club, and this one did not disappoint.
Linda
A Crown of Stars by Shana Abé
A slowly developing story until finally the Lusitania portion at the end.
jane
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
I loved this book. I learned so much about Mississippi in the 1930s, the Great Depression there, and the plight of orphans.
Brumby
The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Susan Patterson and James Patterson
I just adored this book. It was fast paced and an easy read. I am a sucker for family drama. There was a ton of characters, but the authors continually reminded you who they were in the story, so you didn't get lost. I also loved the location. I was actually sad that it won't be a series. It's the perfect summer beach read.
Wanda
London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth by Patrick Radden Keefe
I was captivated by this story. It was full of twists and turns. I also felt so sorry for the family. Highly recommended.
Linda
This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum
THIS STORY MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE by Tiffany Crum was an audio read for me, and it was excellent. Two best friends host a podcast. When one goes missing, the other becomes the main suspect. This was a very entertaining read that held my attention throughout.
Luella
A Line to Kill by Anthony Horowitz
This mystery takes place on an island. There are multiple suspects and multiple motives. It's a story of intrigue and just a bit of humor.
Linda
The Golden Boy by Patricia Finn
I read the hardcover of THE GOLDEN BOY by Patricia Finn. This was a very interesting story about how the past impacts the future. A tragedy involving the male main character’s best friend as a young adult reverberates through the years. The story alternates between the past and the present. I wish the story was structured differently, but it is a recommended read from me.
Agnes
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
This novel is about ordinary people in a small community in Maine and their interactions with others. Many are subjects of Ms. Strout’s previous books. With her beautiful writing, these are character studies of people we feel we know.
Rose
Once and Again by Rebecca Serle
Rebecca Serle's books highlight relationships, sometimes between a woman and a man, sometimes between parents and their daughter. This one does both. Lauren and Leo are happily married but struggling with the toll of fertility treatments. When Leo travels to New York for work, Lauren rekindles her friendship and feelings towards her first love. Meanwhile, Lauren's dad's health is in question.If you had a chance to do things over, would you? That is the question that gets asked in this book. And if you do, is it a good thing? I enjoyed this unique take and the decision Lauren made in the end.
Julie
Upward Bound by Woody Brown
A fictional look at the lives of autistic and disabled adults at a daycare center, written in facilitated language by a nonverbal autistic author.
Jane
Drawing Fire by Janice Cantore
This is first story I've read by this author. Wow! What a read. This book holds your attention from beginning to end. Who done it? It will keep you guessing. Abby Hart is a homicide detective. Luke Murphy is a PI. Their lives connect because of a restaurant fire 27 years before. The end leaves you wondering what will happen in the future with Abby and Luke. Highly recommended.
Maria
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
This was my first read by this author and was an enjoyable rom-com overall.
Maria
Heart's Gambit by J. D. Myall
This is a YA fantasy novel and the first in a series. I picked this up because of its gorgeous book cover. It was an okay read, but I found the writing a bit repetitive. I don't expect I'll continue the series.
Maria
Judge Stone by Viola Davis and James Patterson
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and how it handled an increasingly controversial topic of women's reproductive rights. I would very much recommend it to others.
Maria
Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston
I very much enjoyed this mystery told from alternating points of view. I didn't anticipate some of the twists, which is always fun to be surprised at the end. I will definitely read this author’s other books.
Maria
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
This is an older title, and I'm glad I picked it up. This was a solid women's fiction novel where the main character loses her memory and finds herself in the midst of a divorce but can't remember why.
Tessa
I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive by Steve Earle
This is an odd fever-dream sort of book, with vivid descriptions and wonderfully eccentric characters. The scenes are by turns funny, sad, moving, anxiety-producing and sweet. I loved Doc, Graciela and Manny. And I loved the ending.
Kay
Good People by Patmeena Sabit
This is a compelling, well-written page turner that I could not put down. It made me think and try to analyze what happened. I gained more insight into the Afghan culture and plan to recommend this book to my book club.
Shradha
The Fox and the Devil by Kiersten White
A book has a solid premise and an intriguing start, but it flounders a bit when faced with the task of introducing characters besides the two primary love interests. And, despite being a Dracula spinoff/retelling, the supernatural elements take over half the book to take flight, dragging the pacing of the first half, while simultaneously rushing that of the second. Those who love popular romantasy tropes will likely find a familiar home, while those who appreciate a bit more depth will find this book a bit lacking.
Kathleen
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
THEO OF GOLDEN is truly an inspiring book about human connection. Allen Levi takes his time defining that very elusive word, "kindness," which he does brilliantly. I am holding myself accountable to the standards Theo sets.
Kim
Murder on Lake Street: A Michael Russo Mystery by Peter Marabell
This mystery fell flat. Those familiar with Northern Michigan, Petoskey and Mackinac will enjoy the references, but the reader will be challenged to find the real story. It’s a mish mash of characters, guns and bad guys, and "Paradise Lost." The editing appears to be a rush to publish as it’s packed with errors, repetitive words and disconnect. It’s a quick read, but it's hard to focus on it.
