| Lorna |
The Beach Club by Elin Hilderbrand |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This was a quick read about life at a beach club on Nantucket. You get involved in everyone's life from the owners, workers and vacationers. It has a little twist at the end that will give you a smile and laugh. If you love the sand and sun, you will enjoy this book.
|
| Marilyn |
Dispatch by Bentley Little |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is is a horror story and I could not put it down. It was original and full of suspense. Bentley Little takes ordinary things and turns them into something scary. The ending was a little silly, but I still highly recommend it.
|
| Maureen H |
The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I loved this book. The storytelling was wonderful. It takes place in Italy during World War II. The cooking throughout this book was mouth-watering.
|
| Jen |
High Noon by Nora Roberts |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This a page-turner. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of character development. That portion is a little shallow, but it is well worth reading.
|
| Gail |
Austenland by Shannon Hale |
Rating: 4 Stars |
If you like reading Jane Austen's novels, you will enjoying reading AUSTENLAND. It is a fun, quick, romantic fantasy, perfect for a summer read. It is about a single 30- something woman on a pretend vacation, living like a character in a Jane Austen novel and maybe finding her Mr. Darcy. The novel is dedicated to Colin Firth, which sets the tone of the book --- don't take it too seriously, just enjoy.
|
| Priscilla |
Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral by Kris Radish |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Five women go on an adventure because of their best friend's last request for a traveling funeral --- she asks these 5 women to be her "pallbearers."
|
| Maureen H |
Hide by Lisa Gardner |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book grabs you from the first page and keeps you hooked throughout.
|
| Rachael |
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I loved this book the first three times I read it. I had to reread it once again since I adore the beauty of this novel. Fantastic book.
|
| Christy H (hawkes@citlink.net) |
Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This fourth book in the Temperence Brennan series is set in the wilderness of North Carolina at the scene of a plane crash, where Tempe's expertise is needed.
I very much enjoyed this book, as I have all of Ms. Reichs's novels. They are fast reading, well written and they keep me coming back for more.
|
| Lea Ann in Seattle (baxtergr@msn.com) |
Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke |
Rating: 4 Stars |
As I continue to read this series of what I call "fluff mysteries," I find that I do enjoy them. They are quick, easy reads with Hannah Swenson --- the proprietor of The Cookie Jar, a restaurant devoted to cookies --- being down to earth in this small MN community. For a relaxing day or two of fun reading, do include this series. Oh, and it has delicious recipes included. I've tried some and know that to be true.
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| Lea Ann in Seattle (baxtergr@msn.com) |
How Doctors Think by Jerome Groopman, M.D. |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A non-fiction book, but very readable; not filled with medical jargon, and what medical terminology that is included is explained for us. Dr. Groopman considers how doctors come to the medical conclusions they reach and concludes that both "by the book" and "go with the gut feelings" have a part in the process. A most interesting book; one that helps us as patients understand a bit better how our doctors understand us and our illnesses.
|
| Noreen Brown |
If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name by Heather Lende |
Rating: 3 Stars |
If you prefer non-fiction, add a star.
It was a vivid picture of life in a small Alaskan town. Perfect reading for a hot day...as you could feel the wind blowing and the snow falling.
|
| Ming |
The Immaculate Complexion by Edie Bloom |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is really hilarious! I was laughing out loud. It's a zany ride through the world of cosmetics and beauty. If you're feeling down and need a super fun read that's really well written, take a look at this one.
|
| Marsha |
The Ever-Running Man by Marcia Muller |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A very mediocre offering from Marcia Muller. Frankly, I expected more. It was very predictable, though it wsa a fairly good summer read.
|
| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
The Devil's Labyrinth by John Saul |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Loved the book, but the ending was too abrupt.
|
| Christy H (hawkes@citlink.net) |
Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This fascinating installment with Tempe Brennan involves three different mysteries that are all interconnected. A compelling and quick read that will hold your attention from start to finish.
I look forward to the next book.
|
| Jill |
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
LOVING FRANK is a remarkable book about amazing individuals. Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney are, in there own rights, interesting individuals but the story they tell together is very satisfying. Mamah had to make some hard decisions to be true to herself. That being said, while I don’t condone what she did, I respect her for taking a different and much more difficult path to self-discovery. The end of this book is so powerful --- you feel the sadness and agony Franks suffers. Its definitely a book I will put on my top 10 list!
|
| Sandy Haber |
Touching Stars by Emilie Richards |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Fourth in her Shenandoah Album quilt series, this book had me sniffling and smiling, sometimes at the same time! It's about a family, a divorced mother and her 3 teenaged sons, their father who just survived capture in Afghanistan, and how they all manage life "after".
|
| Ricki (rickimc@aol.com) |
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The more Harry Potter books I read, the more I am enjoying them (only one more to go!). I think Rowling's writing has improved greatly, and it is very apparent in this one.
|
| Marsha |
The Orange Curtain by John Shannon |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Jack Liffey finds himself deep in the local Vietnamese community as he tries to trace a missing girl. This doesn't paint a lovely picture of Orange County, California but is gritty enough to keep you on the edge of you seat.
|
| Kathy, Maryland |
Critical by Robin Cook |
Rating: 2 Stars |
This book is not up to the author's normal standards. The story is definitely not a page turner, and the medical information, which generally doesn't bother me, only made it more of a drag. The two medical examiners, who are his standard characters, also did not seem to be as well developed or interesting as usual.
|
| Kathy, Maryland |
What Matters Most by Luanne Rice |
Rating: 1 Stars |
This book is totally unrealistic. The general theme is okay, but how the author has executed it seems totally impossible. I read books to relax and escape, but I do like my reading to be grounded in feasibility, and this book definitely is not.
|
| Christy H (hawkes@citlink.net) |
Grave Secrets by Kathy Reichs |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Kathy Reichs is an excellent author and her stories are always full of graphic and informative details. Even though her characters carry over from one story to the next, you don't necessarily have to read the books in order.
|
| Christy Hawkes (hawkes@citlink.net) |
Choclate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book was a complete delight from start to finish. Ms. Fluke's attention to detail is marvelous. I loved the small-town Minnesota setting. Her characters are lovable and quirky. Hannah is a very likable heroine and her relationship with her sister and mother is priceless. I've tried several of her recipes and they are delicious! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
|
| Marsha |
Undercurrents by Ridley Pearson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Police Sgt. Lou Boldt is in a relentless chase to catch a serial murderer. His involvement with the alluring police psychologist makes his deteriorating marriage another puzzle to add to the intrigue.
|
| LouBabe |
Callander Square by Anne Perry |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I believe this is the second installment in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt books. After reading several in random order, I am going back and trying to read them in the correct order. It is so interesting to me to "witness" what Victorian London was all about. And you're got to love this sleuthing couple.
|
| LouBabe |
Remodeling the Bachelor by Marie Ferrarella |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I was looking for something light and easy to read for a change, and this was ideal. This was a very cute story about a confirmed bachelor (are there any other kind in romance novels?). I especially love the little girl who steals everyone's hearts. Now I want to get the other two books in this series.
|
| Frannie |
Switchcraft by Mary Castillo |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Aggie and Nely are friends who have drifted apart due to life experiences. Aggy is a young business entrepreneur who enjoys the single life, yet longs for more of a connection to a family. Nely is a new mom, struggling to incorporate her new identity as wife and mother in spite of a meddling mother-in-law. In a desire to reconnect their friendship, Aggie and Nely attend a weekend spa, where a transcendental meditation process results in switching bodies. Stuck in each other's bodies for one full month (until the next full moon), each gets to walk in one another's shoes and experience life in the eyes of her friend. This book was great fun and felt like a modern-day "Freaky Friday." I really enjoyed it and would recommend it as a great summer read!
|
| Dorothy Flood |
The Quickie by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is terrific. Like all of Patterson's books, it's a real page turner, and it really has you wondering who will be caught. It looks like everyone has something to hide.
|
| Nikki (gramanik2001@comcast.net) |
Peony In Love by Lisa See |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I love to learn history while enjoying a good story, and that is exactly what happens in this book. As a modern-day woman, it is hard to imagine myself being thought of as an insignificant entity like the women of 16th-century China were. My reason for giving this book 4 stars is that sometimes "the writings" of these women seemed to get boring for me.
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| LouBabe |
The Two Minute Rule by Robert Crais |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the first time I've read this author, and I'm enjoying the book except for the language. Since the main character had known nothing but a life of crime, I guess the author feels that kind of language adds validity to the story. But because of it, I'm not sure I'll read any more of his books.
|
| Bridget |
Victoria Victorious by Jean Plaidy |
Rating: 4 Stars |
In comparison to historical fiction being written today, this book is pretty tame. I did find the span of historical events that occurred during Victoria's lifetime interesting.
|
| Bridget |
Sammy's House by Kristin Gore |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Pretty predictable. I really liked SAMMY'S HILL and looked forward to the sequel. I am sad to say I was disappointed. Sammy, the main character, seemed like a watered-down version of herself.
|
| Lori S (sunbug5505@yahoo.com) |
A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I started reading Agatha Christie books when I was in Junior High and rarely have picked one up since. In rummaging in the basement I found an entire Christie section of books and started re-reading them. Of course, after all these years I don't remember the murderer's identity --- and I am happy to say they are just as good the 2nd time around. If you are a mystery fan, give Agatha another try. There is nobody like Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot and his little grey cells.
|
| Corinna |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K.. Rowling |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I really did love this book, but was very sad to see the series end. There are still a few unanswered questions I have and some things that disappointed me, but overall, it was a great book!
|
| Eileen |
Giraffe by J.M. Ledgard |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I know much more about giraffes than I did before! The author really gets the reader embedded in his work in a great way. The story attempts to bring out the best in others and the reason to be kind and generous. This is not the overt theme, but rather a covert manifestation of the work the author is undertaking.
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| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
A Necessary Evil (audio) by Alex Kava |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I wasn't aware this book was part of a series. Normally I am fanatical about following a series in order, but I'm not sure if I'm up to reading --- or in this case, listening --- to all five of these novels. I did good to get through this one. The book opens up with a blowfly life cycle in a dead body. The details the author provided left to the imagination --- YUCK! Don't get me wrong. Kava is an excellent writer. It's the material, not my sort of thing.
|
| Quinn |
After Dark by Haruki Murakami |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Edgy! The author is a genius! This story takes place between midnight and dawn and with such finesse. The author's development of the characters is so intense and interesting. I read it in one sitting!
|
| Mitch White (fourthwhite@yahoo.com) |
The Secret Servant by Daniel Silva |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I just finished Silva's newest book and all I can say is "wow." But first, I have to wait for my heart to stop pounding and I have to scoot back from the edge of my seat. I have always enjoyed Silva's books but there is so much more to this book than I could have imagined there would be from past experience. Everything about this book was so very timely and very "it could really happen" that I was riveted and scared at the same time. When I finished, I found myself thinking, "Oh my God, I hope this doesn't fall into the wrong hands!"
Do yourself a huge favor and read this. Fans of thrillers, political fiction and non-fiction and current events are in for a true reading pleasure from this one!
|
| Sandy |
Riding Lessons by Sara Gruen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I liked RIDING LESSONS, but I enjoyed the 2nd book in the series better. I try not to read books in the wrong order, but this time I picked up the wrong one first! I definitely recommend both books, but be sure to read RIDING LESSONS and then FLYING CHANGES.
|
| Jean |
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert |
Rating: 5 Stars |
What an outstanding read. It is one of the best books I read this year. If you are interested in a storyline about a woman rebuilding her life through months spent in Italy (eat), India (pray), and Indonesia (love), you'll fall in love with this book. Elizabeth Gilbert is a fabulous writer! Not only is she very descriptive, but she also is quite witty. You'll find yourself lost in this wonderfully descriptive, yet easy-to-read tale.
|
| Peggy |
The Vision by Heather Graham |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Enjoy reading about the paranormal? In VISION, an aberration appears with a Warning, "Beware".
There is sex.
A body washes up on the beach.
There is sex.
A mystery evolves in the plot.
There is sex.
Another body is discovered in the ocean.
An aberration appears with the same warning, "Beware".
More sex.
Serial killer is on the loose.
Yes, sex.
Plot thickens, more intrigue, you got it, more sex.
If you like a bit of everything, you will like THE VISION.
|
| Thomas (tomjac0850@charter.net) |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Once again, Rowling has produced another excellent installment of the Harry Potter series. This one begins on a decidedly darker note than the others (no surprise, since this is to be the last in the series). Not wanting to give anything away, I have written this after only reading the first third of the book. I'd prefer to let the readers, including myself, find out how this saga ends.
|
| Betty Jo (harrises@bayou.com) |
The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I just finished up THE BLOOD OF FLOWERS by Anita Amirrezvani, set in 17th-century Persia. The unnamed heroine is talented at tying knots for the beautiful carpets designed by her uncle, who is a wealthy rug merchant. She and her widowed mother live upon the kindness of her uncle's family and she is even forced into a sigheh, a temporary marriage contract that is renewable every three months (this is still practiced in Iran today). All of this changes when she commits a single impulsive headstrong act, which casts them on the streets of Isfahan. With very few options, she chooses to make a life for herself and uses the strenth of her own hands to do so. This is great historical fiction and the role women play in this part of the world seems to have changed little over time.
|
| Betty Jo (harrises@bayou.com) |
Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Grandma gives her twelve-year-old grandson his grandpa's old lawnmower. Meanwhile, the owner of the local lawncare service runs off with the wife of one of his customers. Learn the economics of supply and demand and how a simple summer job mowing grass grows into s small fortune, thanks to the hippy neighbor who is a stock market day trader. A few shares in a coffin company is the "groovy" beginning for LAWN BOY.
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| Maria Bongiovanni (mariabong@cox.net) |
A long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a biography of a young boy who grew up in a village near Sierra Leone, Africa. When he was about 11 years old, rebels came to his village and killed some of his family and friends, and he was forced to run. While looking for his parents and brother and sister, he was forced to join the Federal Army and become a soldier. While doped up he would kill and loot local villages. This is his story of how he was able to escape that life and come to New York. I highly recommend this book.
|
| Jean |
Justice Denied by J. A. Jance |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I found this book to be fast paced and entertaining. It is not one of Jance's best; however, it is still a good read.
|
| Pat Bradley (trellis9@hotmail.com) |
Dirty Harriet Rides Again by Miriam Auerbach |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A serial killer is eliminating "men and women of the cloth" in uber-wealthy Boca Raton, Florida and "Dirty Harriet" Horowitz --- a former "Boca Babe" and new P.I. --- is on the case. A wickedly funny commentary on the lives and mores of Boca, Harriet gets help from her Harley Biker pals, her wealthy elderly mom, a troop of wealthy business men/transvestite singers and her spiritual guide, a VERY large talking swamp gator named Lana. A consistently fun read.
|
| Ma Titwonky (matitwonky@gmail.com) |
North River by Pete Hamill |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Dr. Delaney works in New York City. He treats people from all walks of life --- prostitutes, lonely women who just want some attention and affection, mob-involved men, children --- anyone who needs his help has his full attention and care. His daughter leaves her 2-year-old son in the vestibule of Delaney's house so she can go off in search of her husband, who may be in Spain or Mexico or anywhere. This forms the basis for the story that follows as Delaney has to hire someone to care for Carlos, his grandson, while he works, and try to forge a relationship with a child who has no idea who Delaney is. This is a wonderful story of love, family, loyalty, danger, and mystery all told within the backdrop of New York City during The Depression. It's a keeper!
|
| Melissa |
Myron Bolitar Series by Harlan Coben |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I've always been a fan of his stand-alone books. This series is no different. It's full of twists and turns and humor as well. Myron and Winn are perfect. Highly recommended!
|
| Noreen Brown |
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Very exciting, action-filled, and enjoyable book. I liked the '19 Years Later' section.
|
| Jean |
Meet Me in Venice by Elizabeth Adler |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I chose to read this book because of its title. I absolutely love Venice and was interested in a book centered around this city. The book mainly takes place in Shanghai and Paris. Though the story is very predictable and quite shallow, I did enjoy the decriptions of these exotic cities. I did wish there was more time spent in Venice.
|
| julie towson |
The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the author of THE DANTE CLUB. Pearl likes to intertwine characters from literature with a fictional story. This is about solving the mysterious circumstances behine Edgar Allen Poe's death.
|
| Mitch White (fourthwhite@yahoo.com) |
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill |
Rating: 1 Stars |
I expected much more from this book. Not at all because of the author's father but because the story just offered so much possibility. For a few chapters, I felt that I was truly going to get what I had hoped. The first chapter scared me immediately. The next few chapters held promise and a few more scares. Then the storyline began to drag and the writing style began to become very amateur, feeling more like a junior- high sleepover ghost story than a published writer. What happened? Do yourself a favor...DO NOT buy this ghost!
|
| Crystal Adkins (adkinsc123@lycos.com) |
Luciano by Anastasia Rabiyah |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Audrey fell in love with Greece the moment she visited the little family restaurant, not because of the food, but because of Luciano. He was the epitome of sex --- strong, beautiful and very masculine. There was something special and different about Luciano that drew Audrey to him.
It took her a year to build up the courage to return to Greece in search of her beautiful Luciano. She knew she was in love with him, and if given the chance this time she would be forever held in Luciano's muscular embrace. Luciano was just the man that could promise forever, all she needed to do was enjoy the lovemaking on the beach and she would get her wish.
Fangs glinted in the moonlight but Audrey was unafraid, she still wanted this man more than anything and by Gods she was going to have him, vampire or not. She was in love with Luciano for who he was, not what he was. Although in the end the two will not be that much different.
Anastasia Rabiyah has done it again with an extremely hot little e-book short. The characters throw themselves at one another to experience true erotic pleasure. The steamy sex scenes will make you want to find your own Grecian vampire! I know if I ran into someone like Luciano I would accept the dark gift with no questions asked as long as the sex stayed as hot as the very first time. Ms. Rabiyah has a gift for writing tantalizing stories in such few words, but they have a way of scorching you all over. I think Luciano alone deserves 5 hearts, so if you want a hot vampire teaser then this is the story for you.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Evanovich is always a fun time, especially with Morelli and Ranger waiting to "get at" Stephanie. I would like to see Ranger lose a little of his self-control. Of course, the usual events happen --- where Stephanie goes, fire follows. She, as usual, misses any terrible event. The supporting characters were not as developed as they usually are.
|
| Debbie |
Lottery by Patricia Wood |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A first-person narrative in the voice a of slow, not retarded, adult and his life after he wins $12 million dollars. It goes to show that money is not everything.
|
| Debbie |
Dirty Martini by J. A. Konrath |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the 3rd book in the series, following WHISKEY SOUR and BLOODY MARY. It is set in the Chicago area. The books are mixed with equal parts humor and suspense, featuring Lt. Jacqueline "Jack' Daniels. I've not been disappointed with these books.
|
| Marsha |
The Secret Servant by Daniel Silva |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Gabriel Allon, master art restorer and an officer of Israeli Intelligence, undertakes a kidnapping rescue that involved intelligence communities of several nations. His descriptions of the Islamic terrorist organizations with keep you awake many a night.
|
| Sandy Greathouse (Muzzley56@aol.com) |
Getting Rid of Matthew by Jane Fallon |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I enjoyed this book. It was sort of a different twist on an affairs and relationships. Funny and sad!
|
| Judy (AZ) |
Alibi Man by Tami Hoag |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Wise-cracking Elena Estes discovers a partially eaten (by alligators) body that turns out to be a female groom she knows from the elite Palm Beach community. Estes is an ex-cop, a disenfranchised adopted child of an elite attorney, the ex-fiancee of one of the people high on the suspect list, and ex-paramour of the investigating detective. Mix in the Russian mafia, rich playboys, handsome international polo players, a little blackmail, and lots of action and you have a very enjoyable audio book (which I'm sure is also a quick and satisfying read).
|
| Judy (AZ) |
My Father's Secret War: A Memoir by Lucinda Franks |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Pulitizer Prize winner Lucinda Franks discovers that her father may have been a spy during World War II. Trying to get closer to her dad as he distances himself from those closest to him and complicating the facts is the incipient dementia that is taking over her father's mind. More than just a journey into what her father might have done during the war, it is a journey for her to discover that love is not always expressed as we wish it to be, but that it just might be there if we look long and hard enough.
|
| Sally B., San Antonio TX |
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini |
Rating: 4 Stars |
4.5 stars. Wow, what a story! You learn a lot about the Taliban and how they treated women and the recent history of Afghanistan. It's right up there with his first novel, THE KITE RUNNER.
|
| Sandy Greathouse (Muzzley56@aol.com) |
A Ticket to Ride by Paula McLain |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A great read; I liked the characters and the '70s era storyline.
|
| Crystal Adkins (adkinsc123@lycos.com) |
Falling Roses by Rosemarie Piemonte |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Lying in a hospital bed comatose for two months, fourteen-year-old Gabriella awakens to Johnny Ravolie by her side. Why would her favorite rock star be sitting right beside her in her hospital room? This is only the beginning of strange events yet to come.
Upon waking, Johnny and Gabriella only have a short time together. The last moment they share in that hospital room, Johnny professes his love to Gabriella. Before leaving with a retched woman, he promises to come back to Gabriella if she promises to wait for him. She must also promise to keep the secret of his love to herself so he is not locked up for her being underage.
When Johnny's psychotic ex-girlfriend starts threatening a pregnant Gabriella and even has a few successful kidnapping attempts, Johnny and Gabriella never give up hope that they will be together forever. Bernadette is cold and all-around wretched --- she tries to kill Gabriella every chance she gets. Will she ever succeed in burying her competition?
Johnny is not always innocent, as Gabriella soon finds out; he seems to be a ladies man. Constantly explaining himself to Gabriella, she begins to question his fidelity to her. One night, she grabbed a pizza and a few groceries to surprise Johnny; he's so surprised that he can barely pull his pants on... especially since there is another woman in bed with him.
Gabriella finds comfort in the arms of another man that night --- her friend J.J welcomes her with open arms. But this one night will be the mistake that will haunt her and may very well ruin what future Johnny and she may have together. What will Johnny say when he finds out the truth about his son Robbie?
Romance, love, mystery, drama, and a one-night stand are all compiled into this beautifully written book. Rosemarie Piemonte captures perfectly the feelings of a young girl in love who has experienced a very eventful young adult life. I had a hard time seeing the innocence of Gabrielle as she appeared much older than fourteen by her actions, but if you're in love you will go any where and do anything to be with the one you love. I fell in love with FALLEN ROSES. This is most definitely near the top of my favorites list.
If you are looking for a love story with a lot of kick, then this is the book for you. Ms. Piemonte is an exceptional storyteller. I could go on and on about this book; but I don't want to give too much away, you must read this for yourself. It rightfully earns 5 hearts and I am sure to be reading this one again!
|
| ShyEyes |
Black Rose by Nora Roberts |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This good story marks the end of a trilogy about a family being stalked by a ghost. It's a bit on the dark side for this romance author, but worth reading.
|
| Anna Robinson |
When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a moving story about a young girl who needs a new heart, and the person who can save her. It is about grief, personal loss, and friendship. A beautiful story.
|
| Billy Martin (bmartin@walmart.com) |
Across the High Lonesome by James McNay Brumfeld |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Do not let the cover on this one fool you, it is not a genre westerm. This is a slice-of-life story set in the high mountains of California. Great character and a great story --- think LONESOME DOVE with mules!
|
| Miriam |
M is for Malice by Sue Grafton |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This is part of a series of mysteries that involve a thirty-something female, independent private detective. I found this main character portrayed in a way that is endearing and engaging. From this perspective, readers are drawn to this character, her life, and her circle of friends. However I found the course of how this mystery unfolds to be a little bland, and the eventual resolution of the culprit(s) doesn't draw the reader into the mystery enough. Also, I found that some of the descriptive sections of homes and locales, etc. in the story were just overdone --- there was too much information that's not pertinent to the storyline at all.
|
| Judy O. |
The Burnt House by Faye Kellerman |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A small commuter plane crashes into an apartment building in Granada Hills, CA. When the wreckage is carefully sifted through for remains, there is no sign of flight attendant Rosanne Dresden. Her husband reports to authorities that she was on the doomed flight. Peter Decker is on the hunt to find out what really happened to her. This is a fabulous police procedural that kept me reading into the night. This is a great series, and Kellerman hasn't let us down in this one.
|
| Fran |
Broken For You by Stephanie Kallos |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A beautifully told story of two women who come together and find a surrogate family. I loved this book and would highly recommend it to all. The writer hooks the reader from the first page and suspends you until the last page. I read this book so quickly and was disappointed that it had to end.
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| Susan |
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I am giving this book 4 stars, only because I have not finished it yet. This keeps your interest, but it is a hard subject to read. This book is about a high-school boy who can't take any more bullying, so he shoots up the school. This is hard to swallow because I have a 17-year-old son, and especially since the Va. Tech shooting just happened.
The book is not about the shooting, but how things can change in 19 minutes. Also, why do teachers stand around and let this happen way too often?
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| Richard Bartels |
The Good German by Joseph Kanon |
Rating: 3 Stars |
The jacket blurb was better than the book. I got bored and didn't finish.
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| Karen Barash |
The Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a "not to be put down" legal thriller set in the world of privileged African American intelligentsia. I am so excited to have found this author.
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| Coral Harrison |
What Do You Care What Other People Think? by Richard P. Feynman |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a series of articles that this man wrote. He was one of the men who helped with Atomic Bomb, then also helped with the space program. He is a very interesting writer and it is an enjoyable book.
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| Tessa Bartels |
Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Mma Ramotswe says, "That is the important thing ... To feel happiness and then to remember it." That is exactly what these books deliver --- happiness.
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| Nyla Thompson |
Winter of the White Seal by Marie Herbert |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Marooned on an Antarctic island for 16 months, Jonathan Horn had only "SCRUFF" to keep him company. Food and shelter are a must to keep alive. Someone to talk to and love makes all the difference between life and death.
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| Cal-Gal (taylorspub@earthlink.net) |
The Haunting of Cambria by Richard Taylor |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This debut novel is not your typical horror story. It begins with the death of the main character's bride, Lily, on their wedding day. Theo Parker ("just Parker") must then make a new start in the very real small town of Cambria on the California Central Coast. The fictional bed & breakfast that was Lily's dream is now Theo's nightmare. Something is haunting the place, but who or what? His property manager, Eleanor, joins him in a terrifying exploration of things not only unseen, but unspoken. But the story isn't just horrific, no, it's also quite humorous. Theo is a man of wit. And if that's not enough, there's also love and sex. Oh yes ...sex! Be prepared to laugh out loud, look under your bed, and blush just a bit. I highly recommend THE HAUNTING OF CAMBRIA, which also mentions many of the actual locales in the seaside village where things go bump in the night!
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| Kim Kovacs (kkovacs@ix.netcom.com) |
The Terror by Dan Simmons |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I both loved and hated this book.
Dan Simmons has been a favorite author of mine ever since HYPERION, but I've often ended up having mixed reactions to his books. This one was no exception.
The author fictionalizes a true historical mystery: What happened to the members of the Franklin Expedition, British sailors who tried to find the Northwest Passage in 1845? The historical part of this works really, really well. It's so fascinating that the book is hard to put down.
What spoiled it somewhat was Simmons' inclusion of a monster that occasionally shows up throughout the novel and brutally kills crew members. At the very end of the novel, you can kind of see where Simmons was going with the monster and why it was included, but through 95% of the book, it just seemed totally unnecessary and distracting. The crew's struggle for survival was so terrible on its own that the monster seemed beside the point --- just one more thing to deal with.
I did read it in record time, found it well written and hard to put down, learned a lot from it. I will remember it for a long time, so I can't exactly say it was a bad book; though, I can't say it was a great book, either.
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| Gale in Houston |
Killer Weekend by Ridley Pearson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Another good thriller from Ridley Pearson, KILLER WEEKEND introduces us to a new cast of characters --- including Sheriff Walt Fleming --- that we'll surely be seeing again.
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| Monica |
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This story was fascinating. I didn't know much about Frank Lloyd Wright and didn't know anything about Mamah Cheney. Their story was extremely interesting. They certainly marched to the tune of a different drummer. I could not put this book down. The ending is shocking.
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| Monica |
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is one of Picoult's best. The characters are unforgettable and the story is chilling and quite disturbing. I could not stop reading this book. Once finished, I continue to think about the characters. It is the story of a high-school shooting and the community the shooting affects. Very realistic!
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| Monica |
Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a romantic comedy. It is laugh-out-loud funny at parts. The characters are a mix of people you would never expect to have relationships. A whole group of people come together to show what family is all about. I highly recommend this book.
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| Ozarks Reader |
Widow's Walk by Marian Fontana |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Marian Fontana is the widow of Firefighter Dave Fontana, who was killed on 9/11. Her story is really gripping, and it is like being there. I was truly spellbound until about the last fourth of the book when Fontana seems to, at that point, begin to give complete details of her work helping other widows, etc. There was a lot more than I needed or wanted to know.
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| AnnieH (annieh@centurytel.net) |
Lost Light by Michael Connelly |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I was hooked from the first chapter. It was hard to put down, and I just had to keep reading to see how things tied together. I loved the surprise at the end
|
| ck |
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Who doesn't love the famous Renior painting of the charming scene with beautiful Aline holding the dog, and her friends gathered in conversation following an afternoon on the river? Susan Vreeland pulls us into the intensity with which the painter worked to complete this masterpiece. She also shares anecdotes about the Impressionist artists as she weaves a tale of what might have happened during the summer Sundays the friends gathered to eat and pose.Vreeland refers to other paintings, so I kept by my side Barbara Erlich White's "coffee table" Renior book that has lovely reproductions. I have enjoyed my mini art lesson.
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| Dena |
Safe Harbor by Christine Feehan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I love Christine's Drake Sisters series; I couldn't put this new book down and I can't wait for the next one. The main character, Hannah --- a model --- is horribly attacked by some crazed person who slices her up on live TV to the horror of her family. By the strengh of her family and Jonas, is she able to survive and find out who was behind the brutal attack?
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| Debbie Wernert (MoM3g2b@aol.com) |
High Noon by Nora Roberts |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Once again, Ms Roberts delivers a cannot-put-down novel. I care about the characters, who are flawed and believable, and the mysterious stalker is scary. I highly recommend this book.
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| Kim Kovacs (kkovacs@ix.netcom.com) |
Summer of Night by Dan Simmons |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A pretty good, fast-moving horror novel. I think the type of person who's read and enjoyed all of Stephen King's works (e.g. CHRISTINE, CUJO, BAG OF BONES) would enjoy this one.
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| Kim Kovacs (kkovacs@ix.netcom.com) |
Mount Dragon by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child |
Rating: 4 Stars |
MOUNT DRAGON is the second book by the authors of RELIC. This one focuses on the dangers of genetic engineering. It's a light, fast read with a bit of a moral. It's a good read if you're looking for something you can finish over a weekend.
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| Nikki O'Brien |
Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Tis is my third book I've read by this author and it made me want to read more!
|
| Marianne |
The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The narrator of this novel is fully believable --- a formerly "absentee" father forced to begin raising his two daughters, ages 10 & 17, because his wife/their mother is in a coma. He fumbles along, and some of the time his attempts are laugh-out-loud funny, while others are sincere; his actions and his daughters' responses are heartfelt. It is a beautifully written book about a father rethinking and reordering his priorities in life. Although the author is a woman, she truly captures the male point of view. Set in Hawaii, this is a winning debut.
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| Susan |
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I received this as an advanced copy from the publisher. It is a wonderful true story of one woman's vision to help Afghan women become self-reliant and help provide for their families after the Taliban. It's also interesting to see how she adapts to life over there.
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| Susan |
Keeping the House by Ellen Baker |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a book I received as an advanced copy and I can't wait for it to come in paperback so that my book club can read it. The story line goes back and forth from the present to the past, about a house that has a lot of history around a family that lived in it. I can see this being made into a movie. The storyline pulls you in as to why this once beautiful house has been "abandoned" by the once well-to-do family that lived in it for over 50 years.
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| Dena |
Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Eloisa is a professor so when she writes, she mixes fantasy with some historic reality that blends into a wonderful story. Her books also have a bit of humor. This book gave insight into some strange things they did in Georgian England that you couldn't imagine in that time.
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| M. Blitz |
Size 14 is Not Fat Either by Meg Cabot |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A great sequel to SIZE 12 IS NOT FAT. It is about a "washed-up" teenage rock star who is no longer thin and in the public eye. She gets herself in the middle of trying to solve murders that occur at her work, a college residence hall --- not a dorm! This is a great light read.
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| Phyllis |
Slummy Mummy by Fiona Neill |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This English chick lit novel is a witty look at unorganized motherhood.
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| Lori S. (sunbug5505@yahoo.com) |
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The story of Judas Coyne, a "collector of the macabre," will make you think twice about wearing vintage clothes. When he sees an ad on the internet from someone selling their stepfather's ghost, he immediately bids and gets it. Of course, he gets more than he bargains for and the horror begins. Mr. Hill is not quite up to his father's caliber of writing (Steven King), but he is heading there. He shows the talent of a good storyteller. I am anxious to read his next novel.
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| Crystal Blackburn |
Killing Floor by Lee Child |
Rating: 5 Stars |
It's the first Jack Reacher novel. It's great. I've read most of the others and wondered about the specifics of his brother Joe's death.
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| Coral Harrison |
Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A fun read with lots of good recipes. Hannah and Lisa have a cookie shop. At this time, a Fair is being held. There is a murder and they help solve it. A quick easy read.
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| Crystal Blackburn |
Trouble in Paradise by Robert B. Parker |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Jesse Stone is the Police Chief in Paradise, MA, He is a wonderful, flawed character. A former LAPD cop who drank too much as his marriage went south, he finds redemption as the Chief in this town about forty-five mintes outside Boston. He doesn't say anymore than necessary but that trait really serves him well, especially in this particular story.
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| L. Hann |
Small Town Girl by LaVyrle Spencer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the first book I have read by LaVyrle Spencer. I was hooked from the first page. Whether or not you're from a small town, you can relate to the story. If you ever had a dream to be something and didn't want to believe you couldn't do it, this book is for you.
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| Li Y |
Timeline by Michael Crichton |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A well-researched and well-written adventure. From the present to medieval France and back again, it's nonstop action with a good plot.
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| Laurie Blum (laurieblum@hotmail.com) |
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This historical Fiction was a great story for me as I enjoy visiting Illinois cities, including Oak Park, to see unique architecture. The little-known love affair of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney is an example of a talented yet narcissistic manipulative creative genius! Read it!
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| DC |
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I really liked this somewhat depressing book about a very dysfunctional nomadic (read: homeless) family. I think the treatment of the children borders on abuse, but the author writes about her parents with some affection.
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| Sandy Sizemore |
Abundance by Sara Jeter Naslund |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I have never felt much compassion for Marie Antoinette, but this book really tells the story in another way. Ms. Naslund has done a great deal of historical research and presents the young queen in a totally different way. This book was chosen by our book club and I was grateful to have the opportunity to read and discuss it.
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| Sandra Sizemore |
Days without Number by Robert Goddard |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I have become a great fan of Robert Goddard's mysteries. Set in the UK, there is always a series of twists and turns which lead to a conclusion that is generally surprising. Though these books are sometimes difficult to find in the US, some are being printed in trade paperback. I have enjoyed every one I could find.
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| Diane in Boxford |
Killer Instinct by Joseph Finder |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another knock-it-out-of-the- park thriller by the author!
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| Diane in Boxford |
Chiefs by Stuart Woods |
Rating: 5 Stars |
CHIEFS is one of the author's earliest works, and still, his best. It follows 3 generations and 30 years of police chiefs in a small southern town. One serial killer and much racial and political strife contribute to this very satisfying read.
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| Diane in Boxford |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Dark, but satisfying.
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| Amy Baldwin (BaldwinScoping@gmail.com) |
Same Sweet Girls by Cassandra King |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful story of friendships that started in college and have lasted their lifetime. A must read that is witty, inspiring, and a real page-turner.
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| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
The Lottery by Patricia Wood |
Rating: 3 Stars |
An interesting story set in the state of Washington about a "slow", not retarded, man who wins a 12- million dollar state lottery. The story is told by him, very much like THE SOUND AND THE FURY, but not as complex. In the end, we find that money corrupts and that true character wins in the end.
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| Lynne |
The Manny by Holly Peterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This very lively story had everything you could want --- love, sex, children, careers, etc.It was well written.
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| Linda (pinkheart4455@yahoo.com) |
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling |
Rating: 5 Stars |
OMG, I loved it. A fitting ending. I could not put it down.
|
| Summer Dove |
Dockside by Susan Wiggs |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Just to get lost in a page-turner summer read in these long days of langour...but, I'm also reading James Michael Pratt, to catch up on what Hallmark will put out February 14, 2008 --- all his books are romantic. Then, I'm reading Joyce Meyer, on how to enjoy everyday living. Go figure.
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| Alice (amcdonnell@mth.org) |
Body Double by Tess Gerritsen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I needed a change of genre and picked this up. I enjoyed the forensics and the light mystery to the story. A good summer read.
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
Truth or Dare by Jayne Ann Krentz |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful romantic suspense novel that is a real page-turner. Zoe Luce is an interior designer with a secret. The walls of buildings speak to her and she instantly knows if anything bad or negative has ever happened in a room. She is newly married to private investigator Ethan Truax, and they are trying to settle into their life together. But, someone is stalking Zoe and this person seems to know all of her secrets. It could possibly be the same person who is threatening her best friend, Arcadia, who has secrets of her own. I liked this book because it had several story lines that seemed to be going in different directions, but they all were interconnected, which ended with satisfactory results for everyone.
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
L is for Lawless by Sue Grafton |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I know these Alphabet books have been around for quite some time, but this is the first that I have ever read. I must say that I enjoyed immensely. I want to start with the letter A and work my way through these books! Kinsey Millhone is a wonderful character, full of charm and wit, who just can't seem to stay out of trouble! I loved this book and can't wait to read the entire series.
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| Ma Titwonky (matitwonky@gmail.com) |
After The Plague by T. C. Boyle |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a very well-written book of short stories with characters who stayed with me after I finished their individual tales. "The Black and White Sisters" gave me a chill down my spine as their story was revealed. "My Widow" brought a tear to my eye, as did "Rust." "The Love Of My Life" was tragic while "Going Down's" final line made me laugh out loud because it was so typical of someone I know.
I don't usually read short stories, but this collection is definitely a keeper!
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| Jeanie |
The Rock Orchard by Paula Wall |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This story of the quirky Belle family of promiscuous women and their relationships within this small-town community was a really fun read!
|
| Paula |
Living in a Foreign Language by Michael Tucker |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Have you ever wanted to escape the rigors of everyday life and live in the Italian countryside? Both Michael Tuck and his wife, Jill Eikenberry (yes, from the popular television series "L.A. Law") have managed to do just that. Michael Tucker describes their experiences of buying a small cottage in the Umbrian Hills of Italy, thus beginning a new chapter in their lives. Just reading about the pizzas baked in thier three-hundred-fifty-year-old kitchen will make you feel like a welcome guest in their home.
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| Marsha |
Loaded Dice by James Swain |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book featuring Tony Valentine, who is adept at uncovering and idenitifying casino cheats, continues to inform us of the inside dealings of Las Vegas. It's full of scams, cons and witty dialogue.
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| Jud H. |
Uther by Jack Whyte |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is the next to last book in the Camulod Chronicles series by Whyte. He has done an incredible job with his rendition of the Arthurian legend, and this book proves it even more. UTHER focuses on Uther Pendragon, father of Arthur. It is, in many ways, a parellel novel to the first five and much of it will sound familiar to readers of the series. It starts with Uther's childhood, growing up beside his cousin Merlyn, and eventually becoming the leader of the Pendragon Federation.
Although it's not necessary to read this book as part of the overall series, it does elaborate on many plot points covered only briefly in the earlier works. I highly recommend it.
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| Anta Nowak |
The Mermaid's Chair by Sue Monk |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book was very good. It blended fairy tale and reality into a wonderful story about family, love, and hope into one very interesting read.
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| Rose Ann Miller (rmiller584@msn.com) |
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book was powerful. It helped me to understand and accept other people's feelings. Great.
|
| Zebeen A. Panju (zebeenpanju@shaw.ca) |
CHARMED and ENCHANTED by Nora Roberts |
Rating: 5 Stars |
These two novels are absolutely magical. The reader is taken into the world where magic exists and where anything is possible. You will literally be spirited into depths of love. You will ride the wave of erotica and you will be left breathless and in peaceful bliss.
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| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
The Miracle of Water by Masaru Emoto |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I got to know Masaru Emoto's work from the DVD What in the Bleep Do We know? After seeing the water crystal photos on the movie, I had to know more. Personally, I think this stuff is fascinating and have ordered more of his books.
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| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly |
Rating: 4 Stars |
It’s hard to believe Connelly can make a slime-ball defense attorney likable, but he did. I’m not sure if I would have stayed with the book if it hadn’t been listening to the audio version, though. It was the content, not the writing style, that kept me reading.
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| Lori Barnes (saveypiratecat@yahoo.com) |
Swimming Lessons by Mary Alice Monroe |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I wish i could give this book a 6. I learned so much about the loggerhead Turtles. I felt like early on in the story, I was taken away to this place in South Carolina, I could visualize the scene, and that I knew the people. I had always wanted to be a volunteer at a turtle hospital, so I was really involved in this story.
You will come away from this book learning many things, not just about turtles, but about life and love between friends and family. For me, personally, it made me appreciate the memories I have with my children. I had never read anything from this author and I am ordering several of her books because I can't find them in stores. She has a prior book to this, THE BEACH HOUSE, which I'm reading now!! If you are a new reader, this will encourage you to keep reading. For seasoned readers, you will find your answer to why you continue to read, for books like this.
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| Joel |
The Messenger by Daniel Silva |
Rating: 5 Stars |
There are thrills and unbelievable action throughout this novel. We are once more treated to the unique Gabriel Allon and his brave escapades.
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| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
The Watchman by Robert Crais |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a first-time author for me and wow --- what an action-packed ride. Though he's an odd one, I am totally in love with Joe Pike. I hope to see another novel with him as the lead character.
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| Lori Barnes (photoquest@bellsouth.net) |
Careful What You Wish For by Lucy Finn |
Rating: 3 Stars |
It's about a girl named Ravine, who finds a bottle in a diaper genie box and out comes a genie. She gets her 3 wishes. It's an okay book but I found myself skipping paragraphs just to get to the end. I wish I had read a review before i bought this book, but it happens to the best of us.
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| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
Digging to America by Anne Tyler |
Rating: 4 Stars |
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