This contest period's winners were Gerrie B. from Carmel, IN; Linda H. from Nashville, TN; and Loretta S. from Kailua, HI. Each received a copy of IT COULD HAVE BEEN HER by Lisa Jewell and WHEN YOU LOVED ME by Beatriz Williams.
Sandy
One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris
Not my usual genre, but turned out to be very good. I usually like thrillers, but this romance was like no other. A must-read!!!
Erin
The House on Prytania by Karen White
Another trip to New Orleans - I always enjoy her supernatural reads and she always makes me feel the need to visit her settings, whether it be Charleston or New Orleans.
Liz
The Secret of Sunrises by Ellie Block
Catherine is fifty-seven years old, never married and has been estranged from her brother for fifty years. You can imagine her surprise when she receives word that her brother has passed away and has left her a boat in Key West that was supposedly owned at one time by Ernest Hemingway. Her plans are to sell the boat and be able to pay for her mother’s stay at a memory care facility. Upon arriving in Key West, she is aghast to find a dilapidated wreck of a boat and a handsome young man living on it. In her quest to sell the boat she finally is able to forgive her brother for leaving and learn that she can move forward again.
Rose
We Burned So Bright by T. J. Klune
T. J. Klune sees the world so clearly, and writes so beautifully, that you can't help but feel his stories throughout your entire being. It is the end of the world, literally, and Don and Rodney need to do something before it is over. As the black hole starts absorbing space, they set out on an adventure. They travel in a RV and head to Washington State to take care of something extremely important. Along the way, they meet some colorful characters. Don and Rodney are husbands to each other, and they have experienced some awful things at the hands of bigots. They keep asking themselves if they did enough in their lives and did they do it right? Was it enough? This is a heartwrenching story, and I loved it, and I loved Don and Rodney!
Karishma
Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown
I am big fan of Dan Brown’s books and the latest one does not disappoint. The story follows Langdon and Kathrine through conspiracy, human conscience and ancient mythology. Great mix of science, thrills and history.
Elizabeth
I, Spy by L. M. Kemp
I loved it.
Jayme
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
I found a new favorite author. This slight book is large with feeling and power and the idea "of do the right thing", even when it upsets your world. I will read it every Christmas.
Darlene
Mailboat 1: The End of the Pier by Danielle Lincoln Hanna
Really good, read set in my home state. Got me hooked for the next book in her series.
Luella
Heather by Caitlin Mullen
A great read. It has everything you want in a good mystery - suspense, family secrets, and survival. The story is a cold case involving the disappearance of teen twin sister and unexplained death of a newborn. Definitely keeps your full attention.
LisaMarie
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Love this author so much. All the feels! Wow. Really sparks a lot of emotions for sure. When a family moves to the Alaskan wilderness in 1974, the story centers around 13-year-old Leni as she deals with her father's PTSD from the Vietnam War to build a new life off the grid. Leni and her mom deal with harsh realities of survival, all the while dealing with her father's abusive and destructive behavior. I will think of Leni often. Don’t you love that about a book, when you long finished, wondering what are the characters doing now...
Lisa
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
A perfect summer romance. Set in Rhode Island with a millionaire and a "Pretty Woman" theme.
Christine
The Rainy Day Bookshop by RaeAnne Thayne
This book is a great beach trade. It’s about a family that has a bookshop. The characters around town that keep it going and made me feel like I was right there in that little town with everyone in the book.
Pam
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
A fast-paced thriller.
Chris
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
We know him in his role as comedian/public figure. Here is the story of Trevor's youth in South Africa with his uniquely strong and independent mother. Inspiring.
Ashley
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
A very fast-paced, engaging, thriller that keeps the story moving so quickly you definitely do not have time to even consider what the twist(s) might be. Well plotted and believable!! An easy read, but well worth it.
Susan
Whistler by Ann Patchett
Always read Patchett's books. Characters were so well defined. Love, family, death - lots of themes. Read it- you will love it!
Mary
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Love, love, love! 634 pages was not enough!
Carol
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
A twisty, satiric look at the story of a “trad wife” who appears to be taken back in time to the 1850s from current time. Lots of twists and turns with somewhat unlikable (to me) characters in this story that seemed to highlight cultural extremism.
Bridget
Down With the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore
I am a big fan of Meg Mitchell Moore and always look forward to her books. Sadly, for me, this one while well done, was disappointing. I found none of the three main characters (three very different sisters) to be likable. The three sisters were gathering at their family’s summer home with their father and very young stepmother. There are lots of surprises and twists, but overall it just didn’t work for me.
Michele
A Courtship for the Amish Nanny by Laurel Blount
When a matchmaker doesn't do her job, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands.
Rhona
Whistler by Ann Pachett
I love all her books. This one was a little slow…or maybe I need some time to process it.
Andi
The Chateau on Sunset by Natasha Lester
If you enjoy novels filled with a strong female protagonist, found family, mystery, intrigue, glamour, complicated relationships, and women reclaiming their power, THE CHATEAU ON SUNSET is well worth the read.
Rosa
Memorial Days: A Memoir by Geraldine Brooks
This book was on many 2025 Best Book of the Year lists, and I wholeheartedly agree. Geraldine Brooks recounts her experience with her husband's sudden, unexpected death and how she navigated through her grief. Three years after the tragedy, she goes to remote Flinders Island in Australia to fully process her grief in isolation. The story is told in alternating chapters set in two time periods: at the time of Tony's death, and during her time on Flinders Island. Brooks' writing is so beautiful and eloquent. This is a story of loss and endurance, and a wonderful love story.
Nancy
Whistler by Ann Pachett
I loved this book. The fact that you can have a chosen family and love the person just as much or maybe more than your birth family is such a comforting idea. The conversation was so real between the characters. Definitely one of my favorite books this year.
Dawn
American Fantasy by Emma Straub
This was a fun, lighthearted read - it definitely took me back to the days of boy-band craziness! Although I have never personally taken a cruise and was never a superfan like "The Talkers", the story did a good job of detailing both, as well as delving into some more serious issues.
ROSE
Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca
This is a continuation of the Well Met series about women and men participating in the Renaissance Faires and falling in love. Lulu is an attorney, and finally realizes that she will never make partner at her firm despite working constantly. Her grandmother calls her as she is taking a break by walking through the Renaissance Faire and tells her she is working too hard. She also reminds her about how men in kilts are alluring! Lulu spontaneously quits her job, but now has a dilemma. What will she do? A friend of her cousin offers Lulu the chance to travel with the Faire. She agrees, meets Dex, a band member, and although sparks fly, Lulu and Dex don't believe they fit the other's life.
Cute romance.
ROSE
Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman
Grace and Henry are both grieving the loss of their spouses. They meet and share their grief, learning a bit about each other. Grace has two young children and Henry is childless. They both have fond memories of their spouses and long to reconnect with them. Neither Grace nor Henry has any intention of falling in love. Together, they become fast friends, bonding over holiday movies and watching them together, usually with the children. As the months pass, they both realize (with help) that the person they are looking for might be the one that is right there. A sweet romance. I really enjoy Norman's books, especially since they are set in my hometown!
Jeanne
Bloodlust by Sandra Brown
BLOODLUST by Sandra Brown is an intense, suspenseful, bone-chilling thriller from beginning to end as Detective Mitch Haskell is determined to get revenge on the two men who brutally murdered his wife. He becomes involved with his therapist, Dr. Dylan Reed, and the chemistry between the two of them is undeniable. This is one of my favorites by this author and as usual, the dialogue and writing style is very good. It’s a book you won’t want to put down. I rated it a deserving five.
Nonie
The Anniversary by Alex Finlay
Thriller with many turns and unexpected happenings.
Francisca
Valiant Vel by Jerrianne Hayslett
Vel Phillips was an extraordinary woman who succeeded against all odds, becoming a true leader in the Milwaukee area. She fought for fair housing, justice, equal rights for minorities and women, and education. She was a trailblazer and an inspiration to many, and yet no biography has ever been published. Until now.
Lynda
Good People by Patmeena Sabit
The author uses a unique writing style that has many varied characters, including friends, neighbors, news media and law enforcement expressing their accounts of what led to the Sharaf family tragedy. The Sharaf's are thought to be the "perfect family" until the U.S. born daughter of her Afghan refugee parents rebels against strict Muslim values and a death results. A fascinating read!
Kristine
We Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry
This is a fantastic debut that is a genre mashup of historical fiction and mystery - my new favorite genre! Sydney, a journalist is with her family in North Carolina packing up her late grandmother’s things when she finds a photo of a family member she’s never even heard of, her aunt Carol. She begins to investigate cold cases from the 1960s. I found it really well done and it included a dual timeline, present day and the 1960s, from her aunt’s diaries. I highly recommend this twisty mystery!
Toni
Ghosted by Rosie Walsh
This is a book about believing in someone, even after they ghost you. When Eddie and Sarah meet, they have a week filled with love, attraction and promises for a beautiful future together. That never happens. Eddie finds something out about Sarah's past and chooses, quite unwillingly, to never have anything to do with her again. Sarah in the meantime is grappling through a divorce and missing a special person in her life because of the tragedy that happened 19 years ago. Her life has been heavily influenced by the choices she made and now it seems it's shaping her future as well. When Sarah finally finds out why Eddie ghosted her, she works hard to repair the devastation she caused to his family. I really liked this book.
Lisa
Wake-Up Calls by Mariah Stewart
Kit Porterfield receives a shocking phone call and thinks it’s a scam. An aunt she’s never met or known about leaves her entire estate to Kit. The house and property are in a small town in Maine. Kit takes a trip up there and discovers family secrets while cleaning out the house. Kit was positive she would sell the house but now has second thoughts.
Liz
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
As her eightieth birthday approaches, Augusta is getting ready to retire and move from New York to South Florida to a senior community there. She has never married, having her heart broken by Irving Rivkin when she was very young. Imagine her surprise when she realizes he is living in the same community that she has just moved to. At first things are awkward, but over a few weeks Augusta finds out what really happened so many many years ago that forced Irving to marry another.
Maureen
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
This was certainly different than her other books. Fantasy!! I guess that's just not my genre. I did enjoy seeing and sometimes visiting books I had loved, but even that could not keep me interested. Sorry, Kate. Go back to historical fiction!
Katie
The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff
Oh my, did I love this book! I finished reading it several weeks ago and am still thinking of it often; Damoff really captured the depths of each characters in a way that leaves a lasting impression and has me considering the ways I act and respond in my own personal relationships. 5 stars!
Juli
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
Quick read with plenty of twists and turns and alternating chapters between characters and a series of letters sent to a mystery recipient. Gorgeous cover. Strong character development with lots of family secrets to discover.
Terry
Murder and the Mad Hatter by Barbara Jaye Wilson
Light mystery, entertaining.
Teresa
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
It was sometimes hard to keep going in this book about such an unlikable character. I’ll give Natalie credit for her persistence, for keeping on trying to make a success of her very challenging life, but otherwise, she is a woman who finds it hard to be nice. Yet as the reader, one is so curious to figure out what the heck is going on; it’s impossible to quit reading. A most unusual book.
Jonell
The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff
Every once in a while a book comes into your life that you didn't know you needed. THE BURNING SIDE is beautifully written and engaging. I am now the age of the character "Deb", but could see so much of my own experience of "April" as a young woman. I also recently lost my mother who had dementia and felt that the author found the loveliest way to describe the challenge of losing your loved one in this way. I felt affirmed and seen in this book, and it was healing in the best way besides being a compelling story. I couldn't put the book down!
Linda
A Solitude of Wolverines by Alice Henderson
A great book. Alex Carter, biologist, has been sent to an abandoned ski lodge in Montana to hopefully find wolverines that are almost extinct. The lodge and its acreage have been donated to a conservancy court and not all of the locals are happy about it. On one of her field cameras, she sees an emaciated man who looks in bad shape. Who is he and why is he barefoot? And that’s not the only weird image captured in her cameras...
Michelle
A Cultivated Corpse by Debra Sennefelder
A charming whodunit that will keep you guessing until the end. A great summertime read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jana
John of John by Douglas Stuart
Loved this book by this a author to me.
Joan
The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple
Excellent reading. I am telling my friends to read it. I am sure they will enjoy it.
Donna
Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn
The Kuehn family were prominent Berlin, Germany residents and active in the Nazi regime in the 1930s. Their daughter, whose half Jewish ancestry was a secret, was romantically involved with a Nazi leader. When her secret was discovered, she and her family were sent to Hawaii to act as spies and aid the Japanese in the Pearl Harbor attack. Two generations later, a Maryland woman is contacted by someone asking about the spies in her family (grandparents, aunt, etc). This sends her into research and investigation about her father and his family. The story is emotional and impactful. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy history and family relationships.
Bridget
Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews
I loved this book! Felt like I was traveling in Ireland as I read this book about family! Family relationships, near and far, are explored with some surprises along the way.
Donna
The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter
I could hardly put this book down once I started it.
ROSE
Mother Daughter Sister Stranger by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Hank Phillippi Ryan does it again! I really thought I had figured this out, but I was completely surprised - not once, but twice! After they were the only survivors in a plane crash which killed their parents, Eliza and Bea have always marked Remembrance Day. Bea's daughter, Piper, has been attending with them. But, on this day, Bea doesn't show to pick up Piper from Eliza's house. Eliza and Piper discover that Bea isn't home, the police get involved, and Eliza discovers a message warning her to stop searching for Bea. Eliza seeks help from her aunt who helped raise them, but when Eliza finds a manuscript detailing the gruesome murders that suddenly stopped when her father died, written by her dad, she wonders if her life is a lie.
Julie
Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson
Excellent historical fiction about the “brown babies” fathered by American Black soldiers during WWII and left behind after the war, and the woman who is responsible for their adoptions.
Rose
Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang
This book started off very well and then got very weird. Julie Chan's twin sister, Chloe, is an internet influencer. Then, Julie discovers Chloe's body in Chloe's apartment, apparently from a drug overdose. When Julie realizes that Chloe earns more than Julie by posting on social media, Julie pretends to be Chloe. But some people know that she is faking it and plan to use this against her.
Then things take a turn. Julie is now fighting for her life, and against advice, she continues to post.
This novel examines the danger of social media, the unhealthy obsession regarding influencers, and more.
ROSE
Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson
I really like Sadeqa Johnson's books, and I always learn something from them. She does impeccable research and incorporates real people and events into her stories. In her latest novel, told in multiple time frames, an American is sent to Germany for military duty. He leaves behind his sweetheart, and in Germany meets a woman and fathers a child. When he is reassigned, he is unable to notify the mother. In another time, Sophia is a bright young girl who is awarded a scholarship to an exclusive school. She meets a boy who tells her he is originally from Germany, which stirs some memories for her. Finally, there is a woman who helps place "brown" children with American families.These children were born to Black GIs and German women.
MH
Easton Island by Hope Callaghan
A typical “girl inherits a cottage in an unknown place” book. I read Books 1-3, which were sequels. I dislike books that you have to read the next one to find out what happened. The books also had a lot of unnecessary repetition. However, there were enough surprises to keep me reading.
Catherine
Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews
Two estranged sisters travel to Ireland in search of their family roots after the death of their mother and uncover a century-old mystery.
Donna
The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski
THE INFAMOUS GILBERTS by Angela Tomaski is a charming, delightful and deliciously dark debut novel. This tale is told in one of the most unique ways I’ve ever experienced. Maximus, a neighbor and friend of the Gilberts, takes us on a tour of the Gilbert’s crumbling manor, Thornwalk House. As we encounter objects such as a pine cone under a bed, a tiny piece of fluff tangled with hay, or a crack in a door repaired with painted-over tape, we learn the stories of the five Gilbert siblings and their mother, their secrets, sadness and struggles. It’s the story of a wealthy English family in decline. Poignant, witty, and eccentric, the perfect blend of tragedy and comedy, I highly recommend this book.
Barbara
The Shippers by Katherine Center
Another very fun read by Center, THE SHIPPERS takes place mostly on a cruise ship and lets us follow along and giggle at the fiasco(s) of JoJo's failure to launch. The first person point of view is crisp, light, and hip. Although I guessed the outcome, I enjoyed the contemporary styles, allusions, and even slang. Love will not be denied, even if the main character refuses to accept that!
Bridget
Skylark by Paula McLain
Dual timeline novel about two marginalized groups in Paris (the 1660s and 1940s). Very moving and thought-provoking.
Amy
Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
I listened to NOT QUITE DEAD YET by Holly Jackson as an audiobook, but it wasn't one of my favorites. The story moved along well, but I was able to guess many of the twists and what was going to happen next which took away some of the suspense. I didn't find the mystery as surprising as I had hoped. Overall, it was an okay listen, but not a standout thriller for me.
ROSE
End Game by Jeffrey Archer
The latest entry in the William Warwick series is about the London Olympics. Interspersed with real events that happened at the Olympics are stories of Archer's imagination. It was fun reliving the opening and closing ceremonies 20 years later! William and his team must thwart various plots to disrupt the Olympics, facing threats from the Russian and Chinese governments. Additionally, William's old nemesis, Miles Faulkner, is plotting against William in the hopes of embarrassing William, and at the same time gaining access to some of the art world's greatest treasures. Another solid entry from Archer.
Lesley
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal
I really enjoyed the nostalgia of this novel. Being from the southwest, I was not wholly familiar with the supper clubs in the north, Wisconsin and Minnesota, where this book is set. The author weaves the story of four generations of women around a family-owned supper club. I found it to be a delightful read!
Tessa
Dinosaurs in the Attic by Douglas J. Preston
3.5 stars. Subtitle: An Excursion into the American Museum of Natural History. Preston, who is best known for the thrillers he co-writes with Lincoln Child, worked at the American Museum of Natural History for seven years, ending in 1985 when he was Manager of Publications. His complete access allowed him to write this very informative, detailed and interesting history. Although it’s been forty-plus years since publication, it still provides a great background on this extraordinary institution.
Susann
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff
A story involving family love and alcohol addiction. It gave me a better understanding of addiction and the pain and suffering for all family members dealing with the disease.
Chris
Home and Away by Mats Sundin
Sundin is a great storyteller.
Judith
Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich
Erdrich is such a wonderful writer and I enjoyed this collection of short stories, some more than others. Very interesting.
Marcia
The Secret Sewing Society by Siobhan Curham
A good story set in Ukraine during WWII and the current war against Russia. The people have gone through a lot and still are risking everything to be independent.
Mary Lee
Land by Maggie O'Farrell
A historical novel set in Ireland in the years before and after the Great Hunger. I particularly enjoyed it as I have made three trips to Ireland and have read a great deal about the famine. It is a novel about a family being separated, a reunion, tragedy and recovery and colonization and rebellion. It is definitely a sad read but a very realistic one.
Jeanne
The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery
THE BOOKSTORE DIARIESS by Susan Mallery is an entertaining, easy to read story that focuses on family love, challenges, vulnerability and second chances. The characters are well developed, likable and relatable. My favorite character was a super smart parrot named Ramon, who in my opinion was the star of this book.
Marcia
The Girl in the Picture by Melissa Weisner
About an unlikely couple who end up on a road trip across the U.S. They are from very different backgrounds and each is going through a rough situation. Will they make it across the U.S? Will they help each other or drive each other crazy?
Barbara
A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
An intriguing story loosely based on the collaboration of two unlikely characters, a Black assistant DA and a high-level madam in 1930s New York City, in taking down mob boss Lucky Luciano. The two main characters were based on the actual persons, as was DA Thomas Dewey. It’s quite a story, well worth reading.
Marcia
The Hidden Girl by Lucinda Riley and Harry Whittaker
An epic story that takes you from prison camps to the modeling and art worlds. This book is packed with interesting characters.
Marcia
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Takes place in Burma in a very small village. Such a different culture! A man's daughter travels to his home village from NY to find her dad.
Denise
Kin by Tayari Jones
This book - our club could talk about it for the rest of the year!!
Becci
Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer
Loved the quirky characters with a bit of a mystery.
Judy
26 Beauties by James Patterson
Teenage girls are disappearing and the murder club is investigating.
Maryann
Whistler by Ann Patchett
The BEST book I've read in 2026 and I read a lot.
Wanda
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
Completely kept me engaged in every turn of the page! Shocking and mouth-dropping in Daphne's part of the book, riveting!! Good read!
Delores
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
This was a thriller whodunit set at a small private girls school. A lot of Greek tragedy involved
in the story, which I loved.
Delores
The Long Weekend by Gilly Macmillan
Very bleak atmosphere for this story but good telling of it. Very suspenseful! Murder among friends and you don't know who did it until almost the end.
Kay
The Partner by John Grisham
As usual, the storyteller, Mr. Grisham, has written a book with a very complicated plot, but one which is easy to understand. And the plot pulls you along until the end when there is a very surprising ending - one I didn't see coming. I now understand how a really smart person can be fooled.
Vesna
When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister
What lengths would you go to to survive yourself? Really held my attention - the main character could be any woman struggling to find herself between motherhood, marriage, and herself.
Rebecca
John of John by Douglas Stuart
Beautifully written, but depressing. I could have used one more chapter at the end, though the book felt incredibly long to get to that point.
Sean
Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
Josh Malerman tells the terrifying tale of a family haunted, maybe by their own secrets. The is told from the point of view of an 8 year old, everything is from Bela's eyes. The writing style takes getting used to and it could be argued Bela's actions/reactions/thoughts are sometimes older than 8, but this made the book feel new and special. The book is scary. The idea that you can't trust what you see and hear, and you don't know how to get out was claustrophobic. Other Mommy is terrifying (also should have been the title of the book). I liked that the ending was definitive and sad but also that not everything is spelled out for you. I know how this was written and the ending will not appeal to some people, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sharon K.
A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
This was an outstanding historical fiction book. Abigail Adams was a woman ahead of her time. She took charge of everything as John Adams was often away for years at a time. She battled political foes, advanced her loving family and secured independence for the women closest to her. I loved the book!!
Rosemary
Where the Sea Lavender Grows by Kitty Johnson
Shifting between 1939 and 2006, it's of a story of people in and near a small rural town in England. The year of 1939 is the start of WWII and how the country people helped the people from London by taking them in, or in some cases, just their children. The 2006 tale is about an artist hired to recover paintings on the wall of a small country cottage, the people she meets there and some strange things that happen there. Trying to find the connection of all that occurred there and is still happening makes for fascinating reading!
Katherine
Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier
This book was so good. Great narrators including Brittany Pressley and January LaVoy (!!) added to this creepy, non-stop, explosion of a book! Listened to an advanced readers audiobook. This releases on 08/25/26.
Sandy
Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson
I absolutely loved this book. I liked the fact that I learned a lot about children who were abandoned because they were mixed race from German women and Black American GIs.
Cheryl
Vanished In the Crowd by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles
Bowen and daughter Clare Broyles continue the Molly Murphy mystery series set in New York City at the turn of the century. Molly and friends are advocating for suffrage when an acquaintance is murdered. Was she shot because she was demonstrating for women’s rights, or did her husband want her out of the way? Molly investigates, with three children in tow, for a resolution that is unforeseen.
Cindi
The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline
This is a very interesting part of history I knew very little about. Twins are a fascinating subject but adding being conjoined adds to the wonder. That sisters married them and learned to navigate a most unusual life was a new reading experience for me.
Linda
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
4.5 stars. Stockett has a way with characters and dialogue. It’s a story about found family and women's empowerment during difficult circumstances. It is a heartfelt read.
Kimberley
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
An amazing story capturing life in small town Ohio from World War I through Vietnam and the conflicts to follow. The novel confronts misogyny, sexuality, abuse, abandonment and depression head on. It is interesting to read that war even affected those left behind on the home front. It is a longer read but truly a page-turner.
Kim
The Patchwork Players by Jennifer Chiaverini
For quilters and seamstresses, this is the perfect novel. It is quite technical when it comes to the quilting process. Julia is an actress in a pioneer TV series who had learned her beloved show is to be cancelled. She attempts to bring the cast together hoping to save her show. Is is a cute story but the quilting can be lost on non-sewers.
ROSE
The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote by Elaine Weiss
Having just seen the musical "Suffs", I was more familiar with the information than I would have been, so I enjoyed revisiting the familiar names and their efforts to get the vote for women. What I didn't realize is how the fight started in the mid 19th century! I also was surprised at how racist and bigoted the men who fought against the amendment were, and how terrible they were against women and Blacks - saying they wanted America to be a White man's country. I feel that this story is even more pertinent today. I wish more people would read this book so they could understand how dedicated these women were! Excellent.
Jane
Sani: The German Medic by Aubrey Reiss Taylor
A story that takes place in America and Germany during war in Germany. Frederick is of age and feels he wants to have adventure. He spent his childhood in America, so he decided to get his adventure in Germany to learn of his parents homeland. He was only child his mom had. Always hard letting adult children leave. I relate. I remember when both my brothers left as Marines. My youngest brother said if you don't know Jesus when you join a service, you will in the end. Can Frederick and friends he has made retain their faith, their love? It is a well-written story. Experience it as you read.
Donna
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Our book club read this book and used the ReadingGroupGuides questions for the discussion. Without a doubt this was the best discussion our book club has ever had. The perfect book club novel.
Kay
The Coworker by Freida McFadden
A keep you thinking and on your toes thriller. Things aren’t always the way that they seem to be…
Dara
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Another historical fiction about the Tudor era. Story about Elizabeth Woodvillle. Good character development and an interesting slice of history.
Dawn
The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave
It was everything I expected after the first book. Highly recommend.
Linda
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
It's a daunting 634 pages long story but I loved it. Glad I read it. My goal was read 100 pages a day and I did it. What a great second novel. Bet it will be a movie as well!
Linda
Whistler by Ann Patchett
Love Ms. Patchett's writing. This was a great story about relationships. What a great character Eddie Triplett is in this story. Interesting connection of the title and its meaning in the story.
Cindy
Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell
Love her books.
Carol
We Burned So Bright by T. J. Klune
This book, a meditation on love, loss and mortality, will break your heart as it reminds you how fragile we humans are. Klune's story follows an elderly gay couple, Don and Rodney, in a slightly used RV to a special destination as the world, as we know it, is ending. On their way, they meet people from all stations, each with a different story and views of the world's ending. In thirty days, a rogue black hole will tear the Earth apart. With unaddressed regrets and a promise not kept, Don and Rodney travel from their quiet home in Maine to Ranger's Fire Tower in Eastern Washington.
This story is particularly relevant considering today's political climate and growing anti-LGBTQ rights movement.
Anne
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
I found this book to be very touching and loved the story of all that Theo does for the townspeople of Golden, and all of the relationships he made. I was completely surprised by the ending!
Phyllis
The Widow by John Grisham
Really enjoyed the characters in this story.
Christina
Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite
I loved this book!! What a haunting, emotional tale. This novel told the story of generations of women in one household in Nigeria. Eniiyi is born on the same day as her cousin, Monife, commits suicide by walking into the ocean. Eniiyi’s relatives believe that she is the reincarnation of Monife as she looks like down to the same scar. The book goes back through her mother’s life who was a few years younger than Monife as well as Monife’s life. We learn of the events that led to the horrific choice that Monife made. The book also tells the generational tale of this family of women and why they are considered “cursed”. It was a great read!!
Christina
Snowed In With You by L. M. Fox
This was a cute, small town, cozy read with a good storyline. This was a quick read with a cozy winter holiday vibe.
Christina
Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake
This is one of those books when you finish, you think, “What did I just read?!” The book details women’s societal issues, motherhood, and what it means to be a good woman for about 200 pages and then, BAM, it takes a sharp right turn into the dark side.
Christina
It’s Getting Hot in Here by Jane Costello
I’m so glad I waited to read this book when I had time to enjoy it on break. This romantic comedy will hit home for many people. I laughed out loud and again later after reading the book about the scene in a bounce place that she is volunteering at for the PTA. A fun read!
Christina
King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby
There was a lot of hype around this book, so I had high expectations. I went into this book blind; there is a dark nature to this book. However, it had a great storyline and a ton of symbolism throughout the book.
Christina
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Not much to say that hasn’t been said about this book. Really enjoyed the audio version; it was very well done!
Christina
The Correspondant by Virginia Evans
I loved this book. It was so unique and had a great story. Very impactful! Excellent read.
Christina
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand
I enjoyed this book. I was not sure what to expect, but I was immediately drawn into the story and was sad when it ended. I heard it described as a modern-day Gossip Girls set in the northeast and I agree!
Christina
One Small Mistake by Dandy Smith
I really enjoyed this thriller! There lots of twists and turns and I could not stop reading this one. I don’t want to give much away, but I enjoyed the writing and the characters as well as the storyline. If you enjoy thrillers, this is a great pick.
Christina
Pictures of You by Emma Grey
I really enjoyed reading the latest work by Emma Grey. I was captivated by the book and liked the twists of the story. This was my first book by this author and I will definitely keep her on my watch list for new books!
Christina
The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards
I loved the telling of this story as well as the drama between the characters. It was very well written and I was surprised at the ending! Just what I love in a good mystery/thriller! This was my first read by this author and I look forward to reading more of his work!!
Christina
The Tell by Amy Griffin
I went into this book blind. I knew that there was a big secret but when it was revealed about 25% into the book, it was shocking. Shocking, however, unfortunately not uncommon, which is really heartbreaking. This was a very interesting read.
Beth
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
When I read an author who is new to me, I'm taking a chance that either I will like her writing or I am wasting my time. Emiko Jean, though, fell somewhere in the middle with THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK. The reason I never read this author before is that she wrote young adult novels, which I mostly don't care for. But THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK is, she says, her first novel written for adults. If throwing in a couple F words and lame sex scenes (e.g., where they "grind their hips" in the back seat of a car) makes a YA novel "adult," then that's true. Obviously, it isn't an adult novel by my standards.
Gerrie
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy a book that delved into AI, but this is so fast-paced and so well written. It fascinated me and gave me so much to ponder and talk about with others. Well done!
ROSE
The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead
This is a story about grief and sisterhood, heartache and finding love, all mixed in with music and fame. Hannah is the mesmerizing star of the Future Saints band. She turns the band upside down when she plays her song of grief after the band's manager dies, which happens to be her sister, Ginny. Hannah imagines Ginny talking to her and trying to help her through her grief. Theo is instantly drawn to Hannah, and as the band's new manager, he tries to help the band regain its footing and reclaim the fame they deserve. But, Hannah, in her grief, is trying to bring it all down. Theo tries to overcome this, and also tries to let Hannah know how he feels. It was difficult to experience the grief of Hannah, but it was ultimately hopeful.
ROSE
It's Not Her by Mary Kubica
Two families go on vacation and stay in rustic cabins near a lake in a small town. Courtney's niece, Mae, comes running back to the cabin covered in blood. Courtney investigates and finds her brother, Nolan, and sister-in-law, Emily, dead in their cabin. Their son, Wyatt, was asleep upstairs, and their other daughter, Reese, is missing. Tensions in that family had been running high, with arguments between the children and between the parents. Courtney, her husband, Elliott, and daughter, Cass, take Mae and Wyatt in, but Courtney feels she must investigate the crime. Det. Josh Evans discourages her from being involved, but she is persistent. Everyone is a suspect, and when she finds incriminating evidence, she worries for her family.
Loretta
Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn
Now living in Kailua, Hawaii, I had no idea that a Germany family living in Kalamas in the 1940s was spying for both Japan and Germany. They played a huge part in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Written by their granddaughter, who was completely unaware of the story, it also shares her feelings of horror and her reluctance to share what she uncovered. Anyone interested in WW II history must read this book. I can't stop recommending it to everyone I know.
Loretta
Livonia Chow Mein by Abigail Savitch-Lew
Growing up in East New York, Brooklyn and forced to leave in 1966, I think it is so important that this author tells the true story of the destruction of Brooklyn. The politics and greed of the real estate business forced the destruction of Brooklyn. Glad that the truth is coming out. I miss Brooklyn and the life we had there still and I'm 77 years old.
Darlene
Mailboat 1: The End of the Pier by Danielle Lincoln Hanna
Good. Can't wait to read the next in the series!
MH
The Divorce by Freida McFadden
I look really forward to McFadden’s books and wonder how she produces so many so fast. This one has the usual twists and turns, but somehow didn’t quite meet the mark of her usual books. The main character seems very gullible (or maybe stupid) when she is locked out of her house and told it is being renovated. She is also increasingly separated from her son and presented with a divorce. She thinks she can win back her husband and her family. It’s obviously not happening.
Annette
The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian
Lots of horror, suspense and witchery.
Luella
Our Last Resort by Clemence Michallon
This was an intense, very good read. It was the story of a cult, murders and had a twist I did not see coming.
Joanne
Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey
A series book by this author. Loved the characters and plot, but it got a bit tiring towards the end and I was ready for it to be wrapped up.
Joan
The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple
This book is really charming. You will be glad you read it.
Kathleen Bylsma
The Lake House by Lori Foster
As usual, Ms. Foster delivers a solid, heartwarming story with likable characters, a heart stopping twist and a satisfying ending. When you're looking for a good read, you can't go wrong with Lori Foster.
Beth
Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson
I really enjoyed reading my first Ernest Cunningham series. The writing is witty, and the plot took twists I did not seeing coming. The characters are realistic and endearing...those who are supposed to be!
Ivy
Double Whammy by Carl Hiaasen
Absolutely hillarious. No one paints swampy criminal characters in Florida like Hiassen. When a bass tournament goes awry and bodies come up dead, it's anyone's guess who the real culprit is amongst these bigots, bumbs and bombshells.
Diane
My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney
Lots of twists and turns throughout the whole book, but the end tied everything up neatly!
Terry
The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung
Different country, different characters, complicated political intrigue.
Kathy
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Absolutely a terrific book. Tender story, great writing, totally engaging.
Carole
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Not my usual read. Wanted to put it down, but couldn’t. Kept me up late at night. Worth it.
Nancy
The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore
An inspiring story about a remarkable woman. In 1860, Elizabeth Packard was institutionalized and declared insane simply because she dared to speak out. She was highly intelligent, and her husband, feeling threatened by her intellect, labeled her insane. This marked the beginning of her lifelong effort to prove her sanity. Throughout her journey, she also became a champion for women’s rights—indeed, for human rights overall. This book serves as a powerful reminder of how women’s treatment was not so long ago. Sometimes I worry we are unintentionally moving backwards. My daughter recommended this book to me, and I want to pass it on to you. I hope you find it as compelling as I did.
Lana
Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli
One of the best books I've read. It's about an orphan who ends up in the Warsaw ghetto and survives. It's raw and powerful. The amazing things he did to survive!
Lynda
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
The two married couples in this novel are not compatible but they stay together anyway. Their lives intertwine which causes misunderstanding and hurt feelings. All the characters, flawed but likable, are richly developed. I also liked the commentary on world events from the WWII era through Vietnam.
Sandy
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
I think everyone will love this book! I was very surprised by the ending and I think you will be, too.
Very suspenseful and impossible to put down.
Susann
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
Great read and good for discussions.
Liz
Remain by Nicholas Sparks with M. Night Shyamalan
Tate Donovan, an architect, has just been released from a psychiatric facility. He was a patient due to acute depression. His best friend Oscar has purchased land on Cape Cod and has asked Tate to build his dream summer house. Tate is staying in a historic bed and breakfast and while there he encounters a beautiful young woman named Wren. Wren makes him rethink what is logical. Over the course of several weeks Tate and Oscar become amateur detectives trying to piece together the history of Wren and the bed and breakfast where he is staying.
Francisca
Atonement by Ian McEwan
How can you atone for a mistake which so drastically alters someone’s life? This is a complex novel that explores issues of class, guilt, love, war and forgiveness. The reader knows this is an injustice and can only hope for an eventual resolution. A book that really makes the reader think!
Donna
The Doctor by Daniel Hurst
It's amazing how lies and secrets can be wound into such an exciting five book series by Mr. Hurst! I could not put these thriller books down. It was weaved through a whole lifetime of characters that have serious trust issues. It is interesting how people will go to any length to get what they want in life. Imagine all the secrets people hold but in the end affect a lot of people. These books will keep you engaged for a long time. You will enjoy them and hope you pick them up because you will not be disappointed if you like to read thrillers. You will be surprised at every turn and twist!
Tonya
When You Loved Me by Beatriz Williams
Excellent.
KATHLEEN
Whistler by Ann Patchett
The audiobook was a calming, beautifully simple listen. Ann brought the characters to life, allowing me to feel their true emotional depth. I was reminded that powerful, life-altering connections with others are still possible at my age. Again, I was inspired by another one of Ann Patchett's books.
Marcia
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Memorable characters abound in this work of art. I was enthralled throughout the entire book. It was heartbreaking, heart-warming and believable. Fiction at its finest.
Noreen
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
I assume any 5 stars for this book are by scientists, astrologers, chemists, biochemists, etc. I gave
the readable story 5 stars. So science language 0. Average is 2-1/2 stars. I continued to read it so I could find out how it ended. The story was interesting, suspenseful, nice, sweet. The ending did not disappoint. I'd recommend it to someone hesitant to read this type of book, just skim, skim, skim.
Helaine
Waiting for Dawn by Marisa Renee Lee
I want to recommend this book to your readers. It is a wonderful book based on life's uncertainty.
Her story is worth the read.
Donna
The Curse of Hester Gardens by Tamika Thompson
THE CURSE OF HESTER GARDENS by Tamika Thompson held me captive from the first page on.
This tale is set in a public housing project in Medford, Michigan called Hester Gardens. It is “haunted” by poverty, gun violence, generational trauma and the supernatural. Nona McKinley has lost one of her sons to gun violence and is fiercely fighting to protect her remaining two sons. The characters are well fleshed out, so real and raw. Using horror to represent real-life struggles, It is both a chilling and heartbreaking read. Since this isn’t a typical horror novel, I would recommend it even to those who shy away from horror, but please check the trigger warnings first.
Elizabeth
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
This book blew me away and I will be thinking about it for a long time. But I almost gave up on it after the first few chapters as Natalie is such an unlikable character. Her description of life at Harvard did not ring true. She made it sound like a party school, which it definitely is not, and I didn't find it believable that such a religious sheltered woman would choose to go there. But I kept on reading and became increasingly fascinated as I was horrified by this protagonist. She lived her entire life pretending to have values. She was at best very conflicted about and it tore her apart. I was shocked at her increasingly erratic behavior. I did not see the twist at the end coming but it cast the whole story in a new light for me.
Maureen
The Chateau on Sunset by Natasha Lester
It is different from her other books, which are historical but WWII and fashion-based. This was Hollywood in its heyday! It is a coming-of-age story, a love story, a story of strong female friendships and a story of how women are mistreated by the men in their lives.
Laurie
The Name Game by Beth O'Leary
Beth O'Leary writes sweet but quirky romance books and this one is no different. This one takes place on a small (fictional) island in the English Channel and chock full of interesting locals. The book is told through email exchange and a diary of two people that are named Charlie Jones, one female and one male. They are both looking for a fresh start on the island after some challenges in their past. It is a romance first, but there are a couple of side stories and plot twists as well.
ROSE
The Scrapbook by Heather Clark
This is the story of two young people, Anna and Christoph, whose grandfathers were both in WWII. However, the history is a bit muddled and affects Anna and Christoph's relationship. They meet in 1996 when Christoph comes to Harvard to visit a friend. Anna falls in love with him, but when he returns to Germany, she fears their love is lost. She heads to Germany to visit him, but is unsure where she stands. More visits ensue, but Christoph is not fully committed. Their grandfathers had varying stories of their role in the war, and Anna's grandfather's scrapbook provides some insight into what he experienced. As the lovers meet again years later, can their love be reignited? A very different romance built around the sides chosen in war.
ROSE
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue
Poor Jolene. No one seems to like her at her office. She doesn't care for them either and writes snarky notes in emails, but hides them in white so they aren't read. One day they are and Jolene is now in the sights of HR, and Cliff will monitor her compliance with sensitivity training. When IT sets her computer to be tracked, it also inadvertently allows her access to see the entire department's emails! What could possibly go wrong? She tries to report it, but is misunderstood, so she continues to have access, and learns things about her co-workers. All is going well for a while until Jolene slips up again. A funny novel with a bit of romance and a lot of behavior that anyone who has worked in an office will recognize. Enjoyable.
ROSE
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
An Italian man comes searching for a beautiful woman that he met 50 years earlier when she stayed at his small inn in Italy. In 1962, an American actress was sequestered on the island and told that she had cancer and required treatment. However, it was a lie. A famous actor was trying to keep her hidden to hide his relationship with her. The famous actor was Richard Burton, recently involved with Liz Taylor, in a volatile relationship. The story revolves around the woman, the publicist who assisted Burton, the publicist's career, and his assistant. An unlikely, but ultimately sweet, love story.
ROSE
Like This, But Funnier by Hallie Cantor
Caroline is a screenwriter and needs a hit. Her husband, Harry, is a therapist and is anxious to start a family. He tlks a lot about his patient, a teacher, in general terms. While Caroline trusts Harry, she wonders about the therapist. She finds some notes in a drawer which she shouldn't read, but does. She then uses this information to create a script for a new series. She also figures out a way to meet and befriend the teacher. She hides this info from Harry. When the script sells, she knows she has to come clean, but still doesn't. She uses the money earned to freeze her eggs for the future.
When everything's revealed, can Harry forgive? Can Caroline let Harry know of her deception and feelings? Funny at times, but also some cringe.
ROSE
Two Kinds of Stranger by Steve Cavanagh
A popular podcaster makes a point about doing Random Acts of Kindness. When she is videoing one day, she discovers her husband and best friend having an affair. She leaves the home, but the video is shared widely. In the subway, she sees a man in need of help and offers to get him home. While there, she drinks some water and makes a startling discovery. She escapes, but collapses, and later wakes in the hospital where she is arrested and charged with the murder of her husband and his lover. Eddie Flynn is retained. Eddie's wife, her new husband, and Eddie's daughter are all in danger by a former adversary of the husband. Eddie's team is trying to defend them from an accusation of murder, while also defending the podcaster. Great twist!
ROSE
The Shippers by Katherine Center
I typically love Katherine Center's romance novels, but this one was just okay for me. Perhaps it was because I read Carley Fortune's OUR PERFECT STORM, which started similarly, but was so much more emotionally fulfilling. Both books had brides that had a best friend show up for their wedding to another man, and the wedding doesn't happen. Then, the story continues, where you know the female lead and the best friend will fall in love. It's cute, but it missed for me. JoJo is told by her sister that she has failed in love because she is meant to be with her forever love that first kissed her. JoJo believes this to be her neighborhood crush, but it is clear to anyone who reads romance that it was actually Cooper, her best friend.
Deby
Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden
A book about someone with the same name as me? I couldn't resist! Also, I secretly loved the idea of karma and getting some revenge when people do bad things. Loved it!
Karen
The Last Hitman by Robin Yocum
Angelo Cipriani was a loyal and trusted member of the Fortunato crime family for more than four decades and a hitman without peer. But times have changed. The new generation is now in charge of the family and is forsaking the traditional family revenue streams of gambling, prostitution, and loan sharking in favor of drug dealing. Angelo has been put on the shelf by Little Tommy Fortunato, as there is little need for an aging white guy.
ROSE
Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West
I really enjoyed this romance novel. Sutton is overworked and completely stressed. Her restaurant isn't getting the most stellar reviews and she has had to leave it in her business partner's hands while she returns to her hometown and cares for her ailing mother. Sutton's mom isn't the easiest person and is quite demanding. Sutton goes to meet her boyfriend and while she is waiting he calls her and breaks up. While at the bar, she sees a friend, Tara, Tara's fiance, Michael and his brother, Elijah. Tara wants Michael to go to therapy, but he disagrees. Elijah says he and Sutton will go and pretend to be a couple. If they convince the therapist they are a couple, Michael will go to therapy. It blows up, though, once they discover the truth.
ROSE
The Library of Flowers by L. C. Chu
There is a bit of magic and a lot of perfume in this novel. The Hua family are perfumers from China. It is legend that a specific daughter will have special powers to create a scent that will identify the wearer's one true love. Lucy Hua is supposed to have this talent, but it seems to be failing. Her mother starts testing her, and her father is very much skeptical of this ability. Lucy leaves town and tries to start over. Her childhood best friend Rafe has rebuffed her advances, and she is crushed. She is managing her business, but when she returns home due to a death, she receives the family's register filled with secrets recorded over the centuries. She learns the stories of her ancestors. She must work out the relationships.
glenda
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
A Gothic thriller filled with twists and turns, murder and denials.
MH
Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews
Mary Kay Andrews just keeps getting better! This story of two sisters who travel to Ireland to search for their family history held a lot of meaning for me as I’d been to some of the Irish places mentioned. There’s a mystery, as well as a love story, involved. Or maybe two of each.
Beth
The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden
Although THE HOUSEMAID'S SECRET improves after the first half, that isn't enough to convince me it is a good book. Freida McFadden fails to give the characters in her story the depth I expect in a novel written for adult readers. As is typical in young adult novels, the story is driven by plot, alone, and even that is pretty silly. Millie can't help herself; she is always compelled to come to the aid of abused wives. And as a housemaid, she has come across a few. This time, when she should clearly be suspicious that all is not as it seems, she is determined to again save the day, even if it is to the detriment of her own well being.
Liz
The Supper Club Saints by Claire Swinarski
Thanks NetGalley Audio for the book. Cass Simon has recently returned home with her young daughter after being in a Mommune for two years, which was being run by an internet influencer. Rely, her mother, welcomes her back with open arms. Cass must now try and fit back into the family fold which includes older sister Hilary and Erin, marred to brother Thomas. Each of the women are going through different trials and tribulations. I listened to the audio version of this story and I found having several different narrators made the book very confusing; it jumped back and forth in time. I believe this is a book better read than listened to.
ROSE
Endling by Maria Reva
This was an odd book with many pieces. There is the use of women and the bridal industry, a study of snails, kidnapping of men, and the Russian war in Ukraine. It also has a unique pause in the book, a fake ending! This book is marketed as satire and metafiction, which I can see, but I didn't love it, and felt it was a bit disjointed. It also has a bit on parents and their expectations for their children, and what it is like to leave a country to live elsewhere. I am glad I read it, but I won't read it again.
ROSE
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower
A very quick story of a young woman expecting to come into an inheritance when she turns 21 the following year. When she arrives at her family home, she is sent to live in a garret on the 5th floor, without access to the library or the dining room. She is not given her allowance or the money supposedly held in trust. A bit of a coming-of-age story set in the late 19th C. I liked the main character and will likely read the later volumes to follow her story.
Suzanne
Hope Rises by David Baldacci
I was waiting to read this after reading NASH FALLS earlier. Walter Nash has remade himself into an amazing strong, resourceful,and knowledgeable bodyguard. He is revenging his daughter Maggie's death, killed by Victoria Steers. His new identity is Dillion Hope.
Luella
Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke
Was a great read. The atmosphere was amazing - you could almost see it as it was being played out. The witchcraft and storyline held on to my attention. The cliffhanger ending made me want to read more.
Vicki
It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica
A psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. It starts off with a couple murdered, but who did it? I couldn’t put it down.
Vicki
It’s Not Her by Mart Kubica
A psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. It starts off with a couple murdered, but who did it? I couldn’t put it down.
Luella
The Longevity Compass by Gabriel Lasala, MD
This book had so much valuable information. It was helpful in explaining various medical issues. I will keep handy for future reference.
ROSE
Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
Sophie is blindsided when her husband, James, a minister in Britain's government, admits to an affair. He only comes clean because his former lover is accusing him of rape. As the trial proceeds, Sophie wonders if she should believe James's claims of innocence. She remembers how James was years earlier when they were in school and also various incidents throughout their marriage. What she doesn't know is that the prosecutor has a personal reason for wanting James found guilty. An interesting examination of a trial and evidence, and how people's opinions become tainted.
ROSE
Nobody Knows You're Here by Bryn Greenwood
Beatrice is down on her luck: she doesn't have much money left, is out of a job, and has few prospects. Then, a woman offers her a job. Beatrice wakes up in an unfamiliar and isolated place, where she is a prisoner. Her guards who work for a secret organization keep her subdued, and assign her to teach some children they are holding as collateral until the parents comply with the organization's demands. Beatrice becomes attached to the children and tries to fight for better conditions for them. All the time, she searches for ways to escape. Because her father is estranged from her, Beatrice believes no one knows she is missing. A tense thriller with a resilient heroine.
Sean
The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Ruth Ware tells another entertaining mystery/thriller book. Here, travel journalist Lo Blacklock witnesses a crime on a luxury cruise and no one believes her. She starts to lose it as more and more people aboard seem guilty. This isn't a locked door mystery but its in the same realm. The book does more though as it touches on mental illness, isolation, guilt, and fear. I liked the book a lot, but after the mystery was "solved" the last third switched to more of a thriller from a mystery which I thought didn't transition smoothly. Overall, Ware does a great job with Lo as the flawed lead that you want to succeed, and the mystery was the by far the best part.
Richard
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
Subtitle: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War. Larson has made a name for himself by exploring events in history and giving us a narrative that puts the reader right in the middle of the action, into the minds of those involved and a great sense of “being there.” Here he turns his attention to Fort Sumter, and the events leading up to this opening volley that became our nation’s Civil War. This is a very detailed look at the many characters and events that led up to this. I must say that the actual battle scene, when it finally came, was stellar.
Maria
Summer's Never Over by Darby Bozeman
This is the author's debut novel. It's a mystery/thriller told through a dual timeline. The main character's family owns a summer camp in north Georgia and five years ago a tragedy occurs. The events that led to it are uncovered in the present timeline. It has a slow start but becomes very interesting as the pieces start to fall together. I would recommend for those that like mysteries.
Gina
Transcription by Ben Lerner
Disappointed. Periods of brilliance interspersed with utter confusion.
Maria
The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh
This was an enjoyable read, but be prepared for a slow build up, although when the twists came they were jaw-dropping. It starts with a flashback in 2010 when the main character is married to Johan on a beach in Thailand, but he's violently arrested that same night. Then it switches to present-day and the main character is married to Robin and has two children. In an alternating timeline fashion we get the backstory of both relationships and the mystery of why Johan was arrested. Would recommend, even if it was not the type of thriller I was expecting.
Maria
Missing Sam by Thrity Umrigar
Sam and Aliya are a married couple, and a day after a bad fight Sam goes on a morning run on her own and is kidnapped. The first half of the book is from Aliya's perspective as she eventually realizes that Sam didn't leave her but must have been a victim of foul play. Aliya becomes a target of social media, casting suspicion on her because she's Muslim. When Sam reappears we get her view on what happened to her and from both characters on how their marriage is suffering. The book tackled so many topics including the political climate and COVID that in the end I wouldn't have called it a mystery but more of a domestic fiction.
Maria
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
This was a lovely summer read. Dolly is a single mom juggling three jobs. For the summer she leaves the city for her childhood home in Whitfield, RI to help her dad in his fish shop and care for her brother. She runs into Stewart Whitfield from the wealthy family in town, and he comes up with a plan to hire her as his girlfriend to help his image and predictably they fall for each other, but there is a conflict which is resolved in the end. It's fun with loads of side characters to keep it interesting. Definitely recommend it.
ROSE
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza
When her great aunt Rosie dies, she leaves Sara a plane ticket to Sicily and a deed to some property there. Sara is at a crossroads, having lost her business and marriage, and her husband has custody of their daughter. Rosie believes Sara needs to uncover the family secret of Sara's great-grandmother, Serafina, a woman who was evidently murdered. Serafina's life derailed when she became pregnant young, destroying her dreams of a higher education. The story alternates between Serafina's journey learning to be a healer and her love life, and Sara's search for the truth about Serafina and the deed to the property. An interesting story of family legacy, history, and the sacrifices made along the way. Enjoyable read.
Luella
First Person Plural by Cameron West , PhD
An excellent read. It was a heavy, serious subject and yet had bits of humor just when you needed it. It is a story of survival and hope, and how a disease affected his family as well.
