| Brenda Kelly (luckybjk10@yahoo.com) |
| Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
What would you do for your best friend? This book will make you laugh, cry and think of your best friend with a smile on your face.
I loved it!!
|
| Kathy Cole |
| The Shadow Catcher by Marianne Wiggins |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This is an interesting discussion of how three men dealt with fatherhood and marriage --- Edward Curtis, a photographer of the Native Americans, the author's father, and the man who took his identity.
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| Heather Hart |
| Wizard and Glass: The Dark Tower IV by Stephen King |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I have put off this series for years and am absolutely loving it!
|
| Maureen H |
| The Kite Runner by Khaled Hossini |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
The blurbs on the cover say this book is unforgettable, moving, and haunting. I found it to be so much more. I finished this book last week and I loved it. It has not diminished in my head. I found myself turning the pages at breakneck speed to find out what happened next and noticed I was reading this wonderful book too fast and this great story would be over way to soon. I started reading slower so that I could savor every word. I usually give my books away after I read them, not this book. I am keeping this book to read over and over again and to get my husband and children to read. I am now going to get his next book, A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS.
|
| Sharon Cerasoli |
| Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A gripping and engrossing novel about a school shooting and how it impacts a New Hampshire community.
|
| Betty Curran |
| The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a new look at a family's tragedy. Ms. Sebold has provided a unique look at how family and friends react when death is sudden and violent. I would recommend this book to everyone.
|
| Ann Keeling |
| Songs for A Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Calle Smith never lives in one place long enough to call it home. While her mother runs from relationships, lonely Calle finds solace in music, creating a song journal as a way to cope with her uprooted life. Kim Culbertson's intelligent writing provides insight into the longings of this fourteen year old with heartrending emotion. Not only a must read for teens, this book presents topics and ideas that make it essential for parents as well. As a high school educator for over ten years, it is easy to see that Culbertson has an affinity for young adults. She lends encouragement for each of us to find our unique literary voice through the keeping of a song journal. I love her tag line: "What is the soundtrack of your life?" A great idea to explore and an inspirational story.
|
| Marsha |
| The Bad Girl by Mario Vargas Llosa |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Obsessive love dominates the life of a Peruvian expatriate who lives in Paris but cannot escape this woman who drifts in and out of his life. It's kind of like knowing you shouldn't watch a disaster but, despite yourself, you keep peeking.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Dakota by Martha Grimes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
The tales of Andi Oliver, a drifter who has no memory. The story exposes the horrors of the meat industry and the terrible "use" of animals for humans. I like Andi's theory of one saved --- you must start somewhere.
|
| Jill Miller |
| Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
If you like the TV show, you'll love the book! An entertaining and very unique view of a serial killer.
|
| Brenda Klaassen |
| Girls In Trucks by Katie Crouch |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book really was true to life. The story made me think and reflect about life. I enjoyed the "Southern values" undertone in this book, as well as the main setting in the good old U.S.A. I read an advance readers copy, so I hope the book does well for the author.
|
| Judy O. |
| My Enemy's Cradle by Sara Young |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A young, half-Jewish girl named Cyrla is hiding in plain sight in a German lebansborn. This is a birth hospital established by the Nazis in order to increase the population of "The Master Race". Babies are born here then adopted into good Nazi famlies. Most of the mothers never see their children again. This is a fascinating and suspenseful look into a little known historical fact of World War II. It's a wonderful story.
|
| Susan P |
| Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I love this series.
|
| Noreen Brown |
| The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Don't let the 661 pages put you off. They just zip by, This book is extremely interesting.
The characters are so real and you're interested in everything that happens to them.
The historical facts and way of life then are fascinating.
|
| Louise |
| My Spy by Christina Skye |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
I must have totally skipped at least 50 pages and still didn't miss anything --- the plot was that slow. I got so tired of reading how many ways they wanted to make love to each other, etc. This is my first Christina Skye experience, and even though I bought several of her books, I'm not very eager to try any others.
|
| Patricia Ferguson |
| Keeping the House by Ellen Baker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I cannot put this book down. It is not a mystery, but the author has created such an aura of suspense and intrigue surrounding the history of a dilapidated house that I have to continue reading. It is two stories in one, set during World War I, World War II, and in 1950. Since I am a Boomer I can identify with a lot of the 1950s details. This is a great first book for Ellen Baker. I look forward to reading another one soon!
|
| Lindsey |
| Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
I love Stephanie Plum, but this "between the numbers" book isn't nearly as good as the real Stephanie Plum novels with Morelli and Ranger.
|
| Christina Gould |
| CAPYBOPPY by Bill Peet |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
CAPYBOPPY..love it!
|
| Readingrat |
| Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A fun, dark, quirky adventure down the rabbit hole where you find out you're not in Kansas anymore --- you're in London Below. Neil Gaiman is quickly turning into one of my favorite authors.
|
| Anne |
| High Season by Jon Loomis |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Police detective Frank Coffin --- retired from the Baltimore police when he began having panic attacks --- now runs the police department in Provincetown, where the major crimes are domestic disputes, break-ins, and bicycle thefts. But now, a vacationing TV evangelist is found dead on the beach. The evangelist was dressed in a pink and yellow muumuu and a pair of size-twelve pumps. When more bodies begin to turn up, it appears a serial killer is on the loose in town. Frank Coffin has to deal with his nightmares, panic attacks, murder, a senile mother, and a girlfriend, who is being stalked. A mystery that is witty, sexy, and well written.
|
| Anne |
| The Book of Old Houses by Sarah Graves |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Fixing up old houses is dangerous, especially when you happen to find an old book, one that appears to be written in blood, with your name on it. Jacobia Tiptree left the hazards of Manhattan to live in a centuries-old house in Maine. But she did not expect to find a mysterious stranger with a gun, a murdered book dealer, and a local crazy, who has dealings with black magic. This is a multi-plot novel with humor, great descriptions, wonderful characters, plus good repair advice.
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| Dennis Hotetz (djhllc@aol.com) |
| The Testament by Eric Van Lustbader |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Well written with characters that are well thought out. The book is a little long and monotonous at times. A lack of defined ending is what I expected, given the premise, but it was still entertaining.
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| Dennis Hotetz (djhllc@aol.com) |
| Money Shot by Christa Faust |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Old-fashioned mystery that is very well written and entertaining. One note of caution --- it does contain sexual comments and scenes. Only negative for me was the ending, it was a little disappointing. Overall, a good read that was very hard to put down.
|
| Sonya |
| The Perfect Neighbor by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Very good book, and I love seeing the MacGregor story continue!
|
| Debi |
| Missing Witness by Gordon Campbell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A murder has been committed, and the only people present were a mother, father, and daughter. The father is dead. Told through the eyes of the defense lawyer, the reader is taken through the maze and shades of truth. Will the real murderer please stand up? I couldn't put it down until I found out the truth!!
|
| Readingrat |
| Close Kin by Clare Dunkle |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I was a little disappointed with this sequel although young tweeners (the target age range for this book) would probably still enjoy it. The adventure, the suspense, the strong female protagonist --- all the things that caused me to give THE HOLLOW KINGDOM a five-star rating were missing from this sequel. This book was more character driven than the previous, but unfortunately, none of the very abundant characters was ever allowed to develop sufficiently to make the reader care anything about them.
|
| trish thomas |
| Overtreated by Sharon Brownlee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book well fulfills the promise of its title thesis. Brownlee gives examples from several studies, court cases, and personal lives. She tells the story behind the unnecessary Tenet heart operations in Redding, CA, and explains why UCSF, Kaiser, and the Veterans Administration are doing a good job. You will also find out why those briefcases/frisbees/ballpoint pens with the drug companies logos on them are raising your drug prices. It's well written, but unfortunately, there is no bibliography, probably because a lot of it was written from interviews.
|
| O.G.B. |
| Orange Mint and Honey by Carleen Brice |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Carleen Brice's critically acclaimed debut novel, ORANGE MINT AND HONEY, is a moving story of the healing, redemption, and transformative potential that often characterize the most challenging mother-and-daughter relationships. I highly recommend this wonderful book!
|
| Kathy V. |
| Who's Kitten Who by Cynthia Baxter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Another Reigning Cats and Dogs mystery. This is such a great and fun series what I like best is it takes off where they left you last time so you don't miss a thing. Jessie is off to what she does best but with some new twists this time now she has her own TV show too.
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| Kathy V. |
| Hare Today, Dead Tomorrow by Cynthia Baxter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is A Reigning Cats and Dogs mystery --- about a woman named Jessie Popper who owns a traveling vet. service. She is a character within herself --- not only does she love animals, several of which she rescues to live with her, but she has a hard time accepting commitment with her great boyfriend. She gets herself in all kinds of trouble, but it's worth the laughs and time to read this one.
|
| Joan Woods |
| Hard to Handle by Lori Foster |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book has everything --- romance, humor and a little mystery. It is another great book by Lori Foster.
|
| Phyllis |
| Obedience by Will Lavender |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
The assignment for Logic and Reasoning 204 is to sort through the clues and find a girl named Polly; if you don't find her in six weeks (the end of the class), she will be killed. Three of the students in the class find their lives taken over by the assignment and wonder if they will survive. A very good psychological thriller from the beginning to the end.
|
| Phyllis |
| Mary Modern by Camille Deangelis |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
When a young researcher wants a baby and cannot get pregnant, she decides to clone one using blood from her grandmother's apron. However, she gets not a baby, but a full-grown clone of her grandmother, Mary, will all of Mary's memories. This was an entertaining fantasy of a person reborn into a much changed world and the problems caused for everyone. I hope there is a sequel.
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| Heidi K |
| Ricochet by Sandra Brown |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I did enjoy this book, which took me 3 days to read.
|
| Mya Brooks (mya74@myway.com) |
| Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This is such a cute book! I'm not really much into chick lit, but this is actually really funny.
|
| Debi |
| Thriller by edited by James Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a collection of suspense/mystery short stories which has been edited by James Patterson. It includes author bios at the end. Although I usually read novels, this book was great because I could sit down, read a great story in thirty minutes, and feel satisfied. The stories are fast-paced and interesting.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
| The Road by Cormac McCarthy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This one is well worth the read, despite the depressing overtones and sadness it inspires. If you're like me, you'll even find it a bit inspiring.
|
| Bev Follin |
| Desperate Passage by Ethan Rarick |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is much more than just another retelling of an old story, and goes beyond the sensationalism of its tragic ending.
Within these pages, you will find yourself transported into an era of western expansion and gain a better understanding of these normal, everyday pioneers and the decisions that ultimately led to their unfortunate and ill-fated end.
|
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| Sudden Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
The description on the book jacket of this 8th book in the series reads, “It begins with a death and ends with one.” This was a fantastic book, full of suspense, and is probably the best of the series so far. It took off right from the start with the death of two thieves. The brother and husband of the criminals escape from jail and go after the cops that killed them. I think Sandford did a great job keeping the action going in this one. It never let up. I stayed up late to finish it. Davenport’s character was not as stellar as previous books. Davenport is known to be on top of his game, always one step ahead of the criminal. In this book, you see a more vulnerable side of Lucas. I like the fact that Sandford showed this side. It is a nice change. I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
| The History of Love by Nicole Krauss |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This was a decent book, but I found it to be confusing at times. There are several different stories and characters that all converge towards the end of the book, and if you can keep things straight until that point you're home free. I even shed a tear at the end.
|
| Ozarks Anne |
| Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne Cox |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
This non-fiction work was fascinating ---well, actually amazing --- for about the first 150+ pages. But, by then, I had read far more details about long-distance swimming than I ever needed or wanted to know. The final pages actually told about Ms. Cox's swim in Antarctica waters and even though I was in a warm room, I shivered while reading it.
|
| dawnymae |
| The Appeal by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A very good Grisham novel. His characters are believable, and the plot is very suspenseful and up to date! His suggestion that judges can be bought by corporate America is very thought provoking.
|
| Claudette Flanigan |
| Girls Of Tender Age by Mary-Ann Tirone Smith |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
It really deserves 10 stars! This book is a true story of the murder of a young girl in Hartford, CT in the late 1950s. It's also the story of the author's struggles growing up with an autistic brother. I find myself reading this book slowly because I just don't want it to end. Not a boring page in this book! I highly recommend it.
|
| Mel |
| The Experiment by John Darnton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a really good book that deals with current issues with genetics and cloning, but has the intrigue of any other fictional mystery. I definitely recommend it.
|
| Debra Lewis |
| T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Wonderful addition to the Kinsey
Millhone series. This book uses double narrators to escalate plot. Grafton is very creative. A winning read!
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
| Crazy in Love by Lani Diane Rich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Turn to this fun contemporary romance if you're ready for a book you won't want to end.
|
| Fran Drukten |
| The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is my second reading in six months, in order to prepare for our book club discussion. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I still couldn't put it down --- again!
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| Fran |
| Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I actually did. I was pleasantly surprised.
|
| Carrie |
| The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
While this book is a work of fiction, it rings true for me. I have also had many times of uncertainty, and the true-to-life story really appeals to me.
|
| patricia |
| Innocent as Sin by Elizabeth Lowell |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
I was disappointed in this novel. It seemed to be written just to crank out another novel. I was bored while reading.
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| Sandra Greathouse (Muzzley56@aol.com) |
| Serpent Box by Vincent Louis Carrella |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
An interesting book about faith and unusual practices of a religion in the Appalachians, that still exists today. Its a little creepy, but I liked this book.
|
| Ricki (rickimc@aol.com) |
| Now You See Him by Eli Gottlieb |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
An intriguing, if somewhat depressing tale of family secrets. Gottlieb knows how to suck in a reader.
|
| Terri Lannan |
| Rage by Johnathan Kellerman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I really like all of Johnathan's work and this one has not disappointed.
|
| F Tessa Bartels |
| The Freedom Writers' Diary by Erin Gruwell and The Freedom Writers |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
An inspiring tale of "at risk" teens who succeed through writing and the guidance of an idealistic teacher who won't accept defeat. After a while the stories seem a bit repetitious but they are heartbreakingly honest nonetheless.
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| Carol Ladd (ladd121@bright.net) |
| Sizzle and Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a third book in a series, but it can be read as stand alone.
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| F Tessa Bartels |
| Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A beautifully written gem of a novel about loneliness and transience. (And, the movie, starring Christine Lahti as Sylvie, is absolutely wonderful.)
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| Julie towson |
| Hotel Riviera by Elizabeth Adler |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A mystery set on the French and Italian Riviera. The descriptions of the area make you feel as if you are there. It's like taking a vacation every time you open the book.
|
| Heather in MO |
| Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This book makes me want to meditate every day and be thankful for what I have. I like the casual way it is written. It's easy to get lost in this book. I don't want it to end!
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| Lori Barnes (photoquest@bellsouth.net) |
| On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I thought this was a wonderful story. All the characters had a wonderful part to play. The story showed me people really don't know what they want out of life, even as adults, and you can never be to sure how you are going to touch someone's life. It touched on a lot of changes that people go through in their lives and their choices they make and have to play them out.
|
| Ron |
| Born Standing Up by Steve Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This memoir covers Steve's early years through his first movie, The Jerk. He faced quite a struggle and almost quit show biz at age 30, before hanging in and finding fame as a unique stand up comedian. He also had a less than perfect relationship with his father, which lasted well into adulthood. This book is full of jokes and descriptions of his early routines and I smiled through 90 percent of it. I wish he hadn't stopped at the beginning of his movie career but hopefully his next book will be a continuation.
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| F Tessa Bartels |
| Step-Ball-Change by Jeanne Ray |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
An easy-to-read diversion about middle-class Southern living --- weddings, elopements, divorces. Enjoyable and fast.
|
| Jon W. |
| Stranger in Paradise by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
This is another lame effort by Robert B.Parker. The plot is implausible, as Jesse Stone has an ongoing dialogue and relationship with a known hit man. The usual wide margins and double-spaced sentences make this an easy one day read. That's if you're a slow reader.
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| Linda Scott (scott2@einetwork.net) |
| Stranger in Paradise by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the latest in Parker's series about Jesse Stone, the sheriff in Paradise, Mass. He finds himself protecting the object of a hit man's and other low lives's desire to kill. The plot is great and Jesse is again mixed up with his ex-wife, Jenn.
|
| booklover |
| Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
After finishing this book, I sent money to the Central Asia Institute so more schools can be built and staffed. This book is will make you think about how we picture other peoples and cultures. Mortenson is presented warts and all, but his compassion and dedication to keeping a promise is moving.
|
| book lover in Chicago |
| My SIster's Keeper by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Picoult says people don't read her books a second time. She is wrong! This one is definitely worth a re-read. This time around, I was fascinated by the interactions of the characters. Because I wasn't racing to find out "what happens," I could savor her ability to draw characters and make them real. Is the mother sacrificing one child to save another? What is the lawyer's secret and what lengths does he go to in order to keep it? And why does he bother? The son who is overlooked in the family (and my first read) came alive this time around. Still heart wrenching, though.
|
| Barbara B |
| Playing for Pizza by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I have read all of the lawyer "mystery" books by John Grisham and have thoroughly enjoyed them. What a surprise to find myself completely enjoyed a totally different book than his usual genre. The story is about a football quarterback who is not very competent. When no one else wants him, his manager contacts an American coach in Parma, Italy. Rick Dockery goes to play for this team. It is a thoroughly enjoyable story.
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| Geri Dosalua (redpaloma02@yahoo.com) |
| Enter Three Witches by Caroline B. Cooney |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book sheds light on the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. This historical fiction tale is told from the standpoint of lesser characters. It makes the time period and characters come alive. It shows how greed and power brought out the worst in Macbeth. One murder led to another, then another. There are quotes and references to the play. It's a great intro for teens to that time period. Hard to put down!
|
| Paula |
| Gringos In Paradise by Barry Golson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A couple in their mid-fifties from New York decides to build a retirement home in Mexico. After doing a lot of research, they choose Sayulita Beach, about 45 minutes away from the popular Puerto Vallarta. The author describes the process of building and learning the culture of local community. I have recommended it to all of my friends who travel and plan to retire in the near future as it is a good planning and guidebook.
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| Carol Ladd (ladd121@bright.net) |
| Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
The start of a great paranormal series.
|
| Jean |
| Skinny Dip by Carl Hiassen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Fun entertainment. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. This is the first I've read anything by Hiassen.
|
| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
| The First Patient by Michael Palmer, M.D. |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Palmer takes the most complicated of topics --- nanotechnology --- and weaves it into a modern-day suspense story with live bodiless brains and an underground, secret lab. Throughout the story, the logical part of my mind was screaming this couldn’t happen in real life. All the while, the other part of me wondered if it could. The end result had me believing it’s a very real possibility.
|
| Heather M. |
| Raising Hope by Katie Willard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A wonderful, well-written book with strong female characters. The ending made me cry.
|
| Bridget |
| A Week From Sunday by Dorothy Garlock |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
Great literature it's not. But it is a "nice" story with a happy ending. It's the kind of book you know the ending of before you even start it.
|
| Carol S |
| Saving Millie by Tina Kotulski |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
The book is very well written and easy to read. It's a very real and graphic account of treating and relating to a schizophrenic parent. Tina's account of her life and different situations that she encountered with her sister is very emotional. I would recommend this book.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Even though this is an old book, the story is compelling. The biggest mystery is why the narrator's name is never given, but the story revolves around the dead Rebecca and how she influences everyone in the story. The description of Manderley makes you enter this world.
|
| Maury |
| Dearest Dorothy, Help! I've Lost Myself by Charlene Ann Baumbich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Pretty good. It is the third in a series. The first one is DEAREST DOROTHY, ARE WE THERE YET?
|
| Melissa D |
| Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Anyone who loves dogs will enjoy this heartwarming story. I'm halfway through and don't want it to end!
|
| Marsha |
| Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Prepare to laugh out loud at Stephanie Plum's latest caper. It's a between-the-numbers book and only 166 pages, but it is still a romp. Atlantic City will never be the same after the whole crew descend on the place looking for Grandma Mazur.
|
| Jennifer Baker |
| Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I enjoyed this book very much. It's not your typical vampire novel. Some parts were very disturbing and it took me a little longer to read it than normal because of it. The US version of the book is called LET ME IN.
|
| Bridget |
| Mozart's Sister by Rita Charbonnier |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
Sad story about the older sister of Mozart. She was also a child prodigy with great expectations, but their father squashed them, giving all of his attention to his son.
|
| Dorothy Flood |
| The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the sequel to THE TEA ROSE. I promised you a review a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't think it would take me so long to finish. It was a real page turner, and was just as good as THE TEA ROSE. It was over 700 pages of small print. It continues with Fiona and Joe's story and her search for her brother Charlie, whom she thought was dead until the end of the Tea Rose when she discovered he was still living as a criminal, Sid Malone.
It is the story of a woman doctor in the late 1880's trying to start a free clinic in London for the poor and her involvement with Sid. Be sure to read THE TEA ROSE first and then pick up THE WINTER ROSE. The two of them will take you through the rest of the winter.
|
| T. Thomas |
| Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
One of the best I've read in a long time. It leaves the possibility of a sequel and I hope there will be one.
|
| Susan Blaisdell |
| Chocolat by Joanne Harris |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Absolutely delicious. I'm looking forward to Harris's sequel to this!
|
| L. Hann |
| Blow Out by Catherine Coulter |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Great suspense book. It will keep you up at night.
|
| Sharon |
| Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
The number of stars given was for this being the perfect airplane book. I just took a trip to the Caribbean. On the way down, I had a Philippa Gregory book, which was a poor decision --- the print was too small, and the thread of the story was too difficult to follow with all the interruptions. So, on the way back, I read this book. Perfect. If you have read any of her numbered books, you know the basic characters. The print was large and the plot was easy to follow, despite running for connections and an endless interruptions for out-of-date peanuts. Visiting Stephanie Plum and friends "between the numbers" was a delight. I finished the book about 30 miles from our destination and I spent today washing clothes. I do not have a half-read book to deal with before I face work tomorrow!
|
| Mindy L |
| Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors and she never disappoints. This book is the first in another of her trilogies. Three boys take a blood oath on their tenth birthday and somehow unleash an evil being that was kept buried by one of the boys' ancestors. Now on the 7th day of the 7th month of the 7th year, the evil being takes over the town, and its citizens go crazy and commit heinous crimes that they don't remember in the morning. The three boys, now men, and their mates need to find their connection and how to extinguish the evil being. I can't wait for the next two books to find out.
|
| L. Hann |
| Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral by Kris Radish |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A great book for anyone at any age. It makes you stop and think what you want to do with your life.
|
| Fran |
| Forever Lily by Beth Nonte Russell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I really enjoyed the author's experience of going to Hong Kong and unexpectedly finding her daughter. I loved reading about her bonding experience with this baby. The turmoil she experienced with the uncertainty of her friend's decision as well as the legal ramifications of bringing her home sustained the book and kept the pages turning. I could live without her dream sequences and "former life experiences," but they didn't bother me. I was glad that those sections were in italics so I could recognize them and skim through it. I found the parts of the book that depict the Chinese orphanages very sad... and it amazes me that in this day and age so little value is placed on little girls in China. The orphanage she visited was deplorable at best, and she alludes to other orphanages being even worse.
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| Annette Taylor |
| Jacob's Faith by Lora Leigh |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
It's a good book.
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| Pat in MO |
| Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I thought WORLD WITHOUT END was so much better than PILLARS OF THE EARTH. Even though I read it all. The was more in that book than just building. More interaction too. I guess experience makes a difference for Ken Follett.
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| Judy O. |
| L. A. Outlaws by T. Jefferson Parker |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
Allison Murietta is a modern day Jesse James and Robin Hood rolled into one. She steals to give to the rich. She steals mostly cars and money, but she becomes inadvertently involved in a high-profile multiple murder case. Allison is also very visible to the media, and there is great speculation about who she really is. Rookie Deputy Charlie Hood is assigned the case, and of course, he falls in love with her --- or is it really her? Good story, but not one of Parker's best in my estimation.
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| Maggie |
| Snowfall at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the fourth book in the Lakeshore Chronicles, and by now I feel like one of the Bellamy family. These are the perfect books to curl up in front of the fire, or lay on a beach to read.
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| Patti D. |
| Holy Fools by Joanne Harris |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A wonderful story taking place in the year 1610. Intrigue, romance, scheming, and controlling in a world different from our own.
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| Readingrat |
| The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Towner Whitney is forced to return to Salem MA, after a 15-year absence when her Great-Aunt Eva goes missing. Once she is back in Salem, Towner soon finds out that she will need to confront the ghosts of her past in order to move on into her future. Through a series of flashbacks and memories, the reader finds out that the Whitney family is not quite what they seem. The story is filled with a cast of eccentric characters --- from Towner's mother May, who refuses to step a foot off the island she lives on, to her uncle Calvin, who has been saved and has started his own religious cult at a local campground, to a collection of witches who seem to have gravitated to Salem because of its historical past.
The writing in this story is excellent and there were many features that made this book appeal to me. Each chapter is prefaced with a quote from THE LACE READER'S GUIDE by Eva Whitney, which is a convention I found appealing in itself. However, these little excerpts do more than just introduce the tone of each chapter, They end up providing important foreshadowing of what is to come later.
Meanwhile, the true story of Towner's family is revealed to the reader slowly, memory by painful memory, as Towner actually draws her past back to her consciousness out from the mental "lock-box" where she has stored all her Salem memories away. Then, one final twist at the very end of the story makes the reader to want to go back and start the story all over again, re-reading it with the new eyes. This is a great book that will keep you guessing.
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| Pat In MO |
| The River Wife by Jonis Agee |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Good book with flash backs to the
time of 1809.
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| Mary |
| Fresh Disasters by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Another good Stone Barrington novel. This one has a character from a previous book, Herbie, who decides to sue the Mafia for beating him up when he doesn't pay them the money he owes.
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| Linda |
| The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Poignant story.
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| Lea Ann in Seattle (baxtergr@msn.com) |
| God's Politics by Jim Wallis |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I recently had the privilege of hearing Jim Wallis speak locally. I then read his first book, GOD'S POLITICS, and will soon read his current one, THE GREAT AWAKENING. GOD'S POLITICS warns against churches becoming immersed in secular politics from the pulpits and the pews. He encourages people of faith to put feet to their faith, as it were, and to not judge nor condemn those with whom they do not theologically agree. A thoughtful book, one more of us can benefit from reading.
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| Lea Ann in Seattle (baxtergr@msn.com) |
| The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This young adult book is a National Book Award winner. As a great-grandmother, I found it spoke to me also about the life "we" have created for Indians on the reservations. I would recommend it to readers of all ages.
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| Lea Ann in Seattle (baxtergr@msn.com) |
| A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
My son gave me a gift of six books by first-time authors to be delivered every other month this year from one of our fine independent book stores. The first book to arrive was A GOLDEN AGE. The story takes place during Pakistan's war in the early 1970 as Bangladesh fights for its freedom. We learn the cost of war to the fighters and to the inhabitants of war-torn areas. We learn that the human emotional toll is sometimes as wrenching as the physical toll on those who take up weapons of war. Mothers are especially vulnerable.
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| Christy |
| The Devil's Bones by Jefferson Bass |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the 3rd book in a series. It has good characters, murder, and mystery.
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| Christy |
| Thugs and Kisses by Sue Ann Jaffarian |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This 3rd book in the series is engaging, and you feel like you are in the story yourself. Jaffarian gets better with each book. Check out all three!
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| Readingrat |
| Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A heart-wrenching story of friendship between two ladies in 19th-century China. The author did a wonderful job of bringing not only her characters to life, but also painting a picture of the life of a woman in traditional Chinese society.
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| Readingrat |
| All the Numbers by Judy Merrill Larsen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This amazing debut novel plunges the reader into the depths of a mother's grief. The emotions are incredibly real and believable. I don't think I've cried this much over a book ever before in my life.
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| Carol Eanes |
| Double Cross by james Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
As usual, Patterson has written another "can't put it downer!"
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| Stella |
| Happy Endings by Sally Quinn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Reminds me of a big soap opera revolving around Washington, DC. Sadie and Allison are two ladies in their 40s who seem to know their way around the capitol city and can make it on their own when they have to do. There are lots of details, and the story is sort of slow moving.
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| Kimberly B. |
| Twilight by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This popular book offers an original take on the vampire romance. When Bella moves to the small town of Fork, Washington to live with her father, she finds herself obsessed with the mysterious Edward, a vampire. Where Meyer shines is in her treatment of the balance of romance and risk in Bella and Edward's relationship. Edward is a seductive character, and the supporting characters, Alice and Jacob, were also quite appealing. Bella narrates her tale with a fine self-deprecating voice; however, I found her unwillingness to open up to any of the classmates who were so friendly to her a bit alienating. She has an obvious charisma that draws people to her, but it didn't come across to this reader. I am hoping she may improve in subsequent volumes.
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| ck |
| Run by Ann Patchett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Snow and cold play a major role in RUN. And, I read the book on a couple of snowy, cold nights. An eleven-year-old girl is left standing on the snow-covered sidewalk. Her mother was taken away in an ambulance after she pushed a college student out of the path of an SUV on a cold winter night in Cambridge. The injured boy and his family take the child with them to the hospital. And a fascinating story begins with twists in the plot and wonderful characters to keep one turning the pages --- underneath a warm quilt, of course.
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| Shannon |
| Five Days in Summer by Kate Pepper |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is written in a style similar to Mary Higgins Clark or Donna Anders. It's a great fem-jep book that has me turning pages! Spooky!
The first sentence is:
Five syringes lined the bleach-clean counter.
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| Joan O. |
| Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the first book in a trilogy and I can't wait for the next one to be available.
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| Sandra |
| Double Cross by James Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Alex Cross rejoins the DC police force to confront two of the most diabolical killers he's ever encountered. Are they working together? If you are a James Patterson fan, you will love this one.
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| Kay Keller |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
If I could give this book 6 stars, I would!! It is so original and compelling. The imagery is amazing. Word lovers and book lovers everywhere are in for a real treat with this one!
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| Nancy Yinger Noyes |
| Beginner's Greek by James Collins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This romantic comedy was a page turner from the very beginning. Collins is a bit heavy handed with his characters --- either black or white --- but the sum total of the novel is pure enjoyment. I particularly enjoy reading debut novels and this one did not disappoint.
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| Pamela (mailcatz@aol.com) |
| Duma Key by Stephen King |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Stephen King sure can tell a story. I think sometimes he gets bogged down in the details and makes the book more ponderous than it needs to be, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved the characters and the setting.
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| Gina |
| Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A great book that anyone who has ever worked in an office environment can easily relate to. It's full of both humorous and poignant depictions of work and personal lives of various coworkers. Highly recommended.
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| Dorothy Lechmanick |
| Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Sue tells us about her search for the sacred feminine --- the stages she went through in sorting out her thoughts and feelings about escaping from the dominance of the male hierarchy in her life. This is a very thought-provoking book.
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| Christy |
| They Did It With Love by Kate Moregenroth |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
I was disappointed because the writing was drawn out, and I figured out who did it. I had a hard time telling the characters apart for the first half of the book.
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| Anna in TN |
| Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodgreguez |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
A very readable account of the women in Kabul who attend a beauty school started by the author. Learning about their culture and the lack of regard for women there makes you happy to live in the US. I wish the book had pictures, though I did look it up on the Internet and find some.
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| Lorna |
| The Summer I Dared by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
I did enjoy this story about a womon who arrives on Sawyer Island to visit her aunt for 2 weeks. But, a tragic boating accident changes everything. The book was very predictable so that's why I only rated it 3 stars. If there had been a twist or a surprise ending, I would have given it more.
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| KG |
| Wonderful Tonight by Pattie Boyd |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
As a Beatles Fan from the 60s, I found this book to be so interesting, with the story Pattie tells of her relationships/friendships with her two husbands, and also so many of the famous figures of the 1960s and 1970s. It gives insight into what went on "behind the scenes" in those times.
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| Karen F. |
| Whistling in the Dark by Lesley Kagen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Wonderful story written with enough wit that you find yourself smiling at the thoughts and ideas of a ten-year-old girl in the 50s. It's an easy read that draws you in and keeps those pages turning. Very enjoyable.
|
| Karen F. |
| Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Even if you're not a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, you will love this novel. It's a powerful love story and does not disappoint the reader. I love this book!
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| Dani |
| Snowfall at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I love the Lakeside Chronicles, and this one did not disappoint.
|
| Richard Bartels |
| Plan of Attack by Bob Woodward |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Great reporting on the behind-the-scenes decision making that led up to the War in Iraq. The book ends with the first strike, and the epilogue takes us just a month or two into the war. I'd like to see more discussion on the religious factions that we now recognize as so important to this endeavor.
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| F Tessa Bartels |
| The Doctor Makes a Dollhouse Call by Robin Hathaway |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
This is the 2d in a series of cozy mysteries starring Andrew Fennimore, M. D. They're not terribly inventive, but are a nice diversion.
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| baker7 |
| 7th Heaven by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is, by far, the best in the Women's Murder Club. I read the entire book in one evening --- that sure is an easy read!
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| Renee (tfranzen2124@comcast.net) |
| No Dark Place by Joan Wolf |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A good Medieval mystery.
|
| Lorna |
| The Dead of Summer by Camilla Way |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
I only read 45 pages of this 200-page book, and that was enough for me. The story takes place in London. I couldn't follow the language --- there were too many words I didn't know. Its about a murder that took place years earlier, and I guess the witness is telling the story. I'm really not sure about that. I just felt I was wasting my time, so its going back to the library today.
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| JustOneMoreChapter |
| The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I happened upon THE TEA ROSE last week; I started reading it and couldn't put it down. When I found out it was the first in a trilogy, I quickly purchased THE WINTER ROSE and discovered it was as intriguing as the first! I can't wait for the third book to be written and released!
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| Lynn Tamms |
| What The Dead Know by Laura Lippman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
The mystery of this book is the most gripping one I've read in a long time. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was taken in a new direction. Laura Lippman's writing is absolutely the best. I was hooked from the first paragraph.
|
| Coral |
| Smoke, Mirrors and Murder by Ann Rule |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
The latest book about true crime written by Ann Rule. It is about cases that are really old and one that happened last year.
|
| Jennifer H. (coldmamajenn@yahoo.com) |
| Various by Charlaine Harris |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
About two months ago I picked up Dead to the World, the fourth installment in her Southern Vampire series from my local library. I couldn't put it down; it seemed like there wasn't a moment something wasn't happening, and I ended up staying up all night to finish it. I have since read every book in the series that they had, and some of her other novels, and had the same reaction. She is such a great writer. Sometimes you can pick up on what's going to happen, but she adds so many twists that you don't get bored. I am in the process of buying the Vampire series so I can read all of them. They are must haves for all paranormal fans!
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| Coral |
| Little Heathens by Mildred Armstrong Kalish |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a memoir about hard times and high spirits during the Great Depression. LITTLE HEATHENS by by Kalish starts when she is 5 years old, when her father does something so bad her grandfather made her mother divorce him and he is never heard from again. She and her brothers, sister and mother go to live with her mother's parents in Iowa.
It is a well-written, easy-to-read book about those times, and if you are old enough to remember, it brings back memories no matter where you lived. Otherwise, you will enjoy reading about it.
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| Allison B. |
| Table for Five by Susan Wiggs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a great book! The story is somewhat predictable, but the characters are interesting and likable. I highly recommend it.
|
| Sal Williams |
| Wish You Well by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
If you were raised "country," you will really enjoy this study of rural life. There's even a good court case included...country style, of course. The characters are heartwarming and well drawn, and the story line will pluck at your emotions. A very satisfying read.
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| Christina Watson |
| Brother Odd by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Love it...Thanks for the contest!! I love to read!!
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| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
I had trouble getting into this book but about halfway through, it started getting interesting and then I couldn't wait to finish it. The Russians want to bring back someone of Romanov blood to be the tzar of Russia. The commission has someone picked out that they think they can control. While doing research, Miles Lord, an American lawyer, finds evidence that there may be a direct descendant. He meets a Russian acrobat, and the two of them find clues that lead them to the United States.
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| F Tessa Bartels |
| In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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