Customer Comments

I liked so much about this book - the pull of a bombshell hook at the end of each chapter that propelled me forward, the psychological profiles of Finn and Layla, complex characters who slowly change and reveal darker and more intense thoughts and motivations, and the author's ability to plant so many niggling suspicions in my mind - bravo! One minor criticism is that there were too many references to Russian dolls. At a certain point I started to skim over them. The author could have made his point just as well with fewer references. That aside, a very good read of love, obsession and lies.

This inventive and creepy cat and mouse game had me wavering about who was the cat and who was the mouse. Was it Carl, the serial killer with dementia or Grace, still mourning the loss of her sister who disappeared years ago and who believes Carl to be her abductor. Grace pretends to be Carl’s daughter and takes him on a 10-day road trip hoping to get answers. Does Carl really have dementia or is he faking it. Has Grace just put her own life in jeopardy? Who would even take that chance!?! As this unlikely duo’s road trip progresses, I am fascinated by the nature of these dark characters. Who is conning who and who’s more psychologically disturbed? Sure, I had to suspend belief numerous times during their travels, but so what? The underlying tensions, thoughts and behaviors of these damaged characters, the scattered-in photos (taken by Carl presumably of his victims) and journaling made for a compulsive read!

Annother page-turning thriller in the Jane Hawk series. I love Jane, a former FBI agent who is still the ‘most wanted person in America’ and as kick-ass as ever. The story starts off with a bang and keeps on rolling like a roller coaster. I was especially captivated by the arsenal and usage of high-tech tools/technologies which once upon a time could only be imagined. Fascinating stuff that Koontz masterfully incorporates.

This is the first novel I’ve read by Katherine Center and it won’t be my last - I loved everything about this engaging book! The strong characters, their dynamic interactions and the author’s fresh approach to overcoming fears and obstacles drive a beautiful and compelling story. I loved the relationship building, the snappy interactions between courageous plane survivor Maggie and her exuberant estranged sister, Kitty, who barges back into Maggie’s life like a freight train after a 3-year absence. The ebb and flow relationship between Maggie and Ian I felt deep in my heart - those scenes were pure magic! A great killer ending was the cherry on top.

“Three will die. I am the first.” A spark is lit in struggling bookseller Hazel’s life after she receives a surprising and mysterious posthumous letter from her mathematician genius grandfather Isaac. Isaac is thought to have committed suicide in his Jacuzzi with Christmas lights wrapped around him yet his breakfast table was set for two. Isaac’s letter to Hazel is cryptic. “Know that I am offf (spelling is correct. hmmm, first clue?) sound mind when I ask that you destroy my work in Room 137. Burn. Smash. Reformat…” He goes on to direct Hazel to find and deliver a special secret equation to an un-named man who is into herringbone. Hazel’s life is about to get ALOT more interesting and I enthusiastically go along for the ride as she puts on her Sherlock Holmes hat. Numerous clues, suspects, and puzzle pieces to be found in Hazel’s favorite book, and…mathematics?! Refreshing approach. This book started off a little slow during introduction of several characters at Isaac’s funeral, but got my wheels turning early about who could be the bad guy (or gal). My enjoyment of Jacobs’ snappy mystery , family drama and vivid characters grew as I read on. A fun read.

This memoir about growing up in a radical family of religious fundamentalists on a remote Idaho mountain is stunning. A father who runs a scrapyard, an herbalist midwife mother and 7 children birthed at home are living completely off the grid. Tara did not see the inside of a classroom before the age of 17 because her paranoid parents did not believe in public education. They believed schooling was a plot by government to brainwash. This survivalist family spent entire summers canning food and preparing in other ways for Armageddon. Despite the abusive world she grew up in, Tara ultimately rebels, going away to college and achieves a Phd from Harvard. Her world opens up beyond her family’s distorted reality; She is an inspiration. There was so much Tara shared that hurt my heart. I cannot comprehend growing up in this kind of dysfunctional atmosphere. What a brave soul for sharing such intimate details of her family life. I devoured this book and can’t recommend enough!

Leni Albright is a thirteen year old living in the midst of her parents’ volatile and toxic relationship. I felt such sympathy for what Leni had to endure in this environment. Her father Ernt came home from the Vietnam war with a damaged mind, a violent temper and a growing doomsday mentality. Her mother Cora is spending her post-war reunion with Ernt as a prisoner in her own home, alternating between loving moments and as Earl’s punching bag when his temper flares. Ernt’s violence is most pronounced in darkness, so the family’s hope for a ‘new start’ moving to a small outpost in Alaska where daylight is short was not going to happen. After a brief respite, Leni and Cora once again become the objects of Ernt’s psychotic mood disorder and abuse. This story is one of resilience and survival amidst tragic circumstances not only within the family, but also the broader circle of neighbors in the small Alaskan town . There is a strong cast of supporting characters such as sensible and caring Large Marge and the Walkers who are a godsend to Leni and Cora. I couldn’t stop reading and ran through a gamut of feelings - hope, disappointment, anger. I was so angered by something that happened to one of the characters that squashed the happy ending I was longing for. This particular life-changing event and subsequent related storyline seemed completely unnecessary and I felt cheated. But kudos to Hannah for getting me so invested in this character that it brought on such strong emotion.Kristin Hannah draws from her family’s experience related to Alaska, a state she clearly loves and her description of the remote areas of this wild magnificent land makes me want to jump on a plane tomorrow to see its’ beauty in person. The story itself, flew by.

“..I blink at it, once, twice, my mind struggling to bridge what I’m seeing … what it means. I swear that time stops. Icy fingers close around my heart and squeeze, and all I can hear is the whoosh of blood in my ears. I’m staring into the face of my husband.” Vivian Miller’s life is about to change after seeing the face of her husband in an unexpected place. What a great twisty spy thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Nagging questions about betrayal and loyalty keeping me guessing. Numerous spy thrillers I’ve read have had confusing complexity but not so here. Cleveland does a great job providing insight into the secret world of counterterrorism in an easily digestible way. A little far-fetched in the last quarter of the book having to do with wrapping up a hostage situation but this did not diminish my enjoyment; I’m not sure how I would have changed the scene.

A good follow-up to Anderson’s The Never Open Dessert Diner and Ben Jones hard-working life as a delivery service trucker making stops 5 days a week for the past 20 years along a dusty isolated desert road. This time, he takes to the road in wintertime when the road is treacherous and with a couple of children plus a dog along for the ride. The story is meandering, laced with humor, surprises and solid characters. Old favorites from the Diner reappear and new ones come into the mix, like the mysterious child left with Ben by Pedro, the tire man at the local truck stop, carrying a pinned note that read “Please Ben. Bad Trouble. My son. Take him today. His name is Juan. Trust you only. Tell no-one.” This mystery propelled me to read and I enjoyed being along for the ride.

Author Heather Morris met Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew and survivor of Auschwitz who became the inspiration for this book. Sokolov did not speak publicly about his wartime experience until 2003 when Morris interviewed him over a period of three years (he died in 2006). What a privilege it must have been to learn of his experiences first-hand. This is an emotional reading experience that stands out from many Holocaust related novels I’ve read. Lale’s perspective is that of a tattooist etching numbers on prisoners. I likened him to a cat with nine lives, his remarkably brave acts under the noses of German soldiers could have earned him a bullet in the head many times over. His positive nature is a big part of what kept him alive, his kindness to others reaping life-changing rewards later. He most certainly would not have survived without it. I especially enjoyed the story within the story of Lale and Gina’ relationship who first meet when Lale tattoos her arm. Love at first sight. How they could manage small moments of happiness together within Auschwitz and live to tell about it is an unforgettable story of love and survival.

The characters in this cleverly crafted story come alive. I connected almost immediately to Aiden, a deeply good man, a rancher who feels the fear and pain of animals. One day Aiden walks away from ranching; he can no longer bear the pain of these majestic animals. He is shunned by his small community, a community of ranchers who’s livelihoods depend on the slaughtering of cattle. When Aiden falls in love with Gwen, a single mother of two, I feel hopeful. I loved Gwen’s patience, her unconditional love, her struggles to raise troubled son Milo, a boy who has psychological issues and a propensity to hurt animals for sport. Daughter Elizabeth is a godsend. Although a minor character, she is a good and sensible one, a girl wise beyond her years. As Aiden, Gwen and Milo work through their trials and face demons, I felt empathetic and invested in their story.

When we first meet Arthur and Maddy, it is in a graveyard. Arthur is visiting his deceased wife, love of his life Nola’s grave, eating lunch with her as he does every day. He has a quirky habit of trying to get to know Nola’s ‘neighbors’, surmising who they were in life. Maddy is a bright yet troubled and lonely girl who is treated cruelly at school and skipping out the day she meets Arthur. Sitting in the cemetery is a safe haven from her sad life of bullies and a detached father. Although worlds apart, they develop a strong friendship. My heart went out to these wonderfully drawn characters, people who meet each other at just the right time in their lives. I thought Arthur’s nosey neighbor Lucille, the third distinctive viewpoint in the book, to be a strong and sympathetic character as well. I felt familiarity with her, like she could have been my mother. There is sadness, there is humor in this smartly written and entertaining story. The writing reminded me of author Fredrik Backman, one of my favorite contemporary authors.

An extremely suspenseful story, one that had me glued to my chair for hours at a time. In the book’s summary, it states to ‘assume nothing’. This is SPOT ON! I was so caught up in the characters and making assumptions about them, wondering who I could trust when bam, along comes mega twisties to blindside me. A great thriller! Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This prequel introduces us to the Owens sisters of Practical Magic when they are young teens discovering and honing their magical powers and learning more about their history and the magical curse that has touched their family for generations. I loved the magical touches in this story - the healing herbs, the potions, the spells. Hoffman’s writing vividly captures the moods of her characters and the challenges they face. The Dovekeepers is still my favorite Alice Hoffman story but this latest effort is a very entertaining read.

Bestselling author Diane Chamberlain, one of my favorite authors, has written another memorable story. Her characters of Tess, Vincent and Henry have depth and come alive. I especially enjoyed the engagement between Tess and Henry, how each handles commitment and conflict after one reckless night brings this unlikely couple together. Chamberlain made me care for these imperfect characters who somehow make it work while navigating through a loveless marriage. She adds well-placed peripheral characters and unveils a few secrets on the way towards a very satisfying ending.

Ex-CIA agent and private investigator Liam has been asked to return home to Northern Ireland for his uncle Fergus’s funeral. He reluctantly goes even though he has been estranged from his long-distance family due to a significant betrayal 16 years prior. Upon arrival, he learns his uncle died under mysterious circumstances and that he has been named Trustee. He agrees to stick around and investigate the murder and in doing so, uncovers a tumultuous past and family conflict. The Trust has rich, complex characters and enough believable suspects, twists and mystery to keep me guessing until the end. Having recently been to Ireland, I appreciated the author’s meticulous research, the descriptive settings and the reminder of the historical reality of Northern Ireland’s Troubles conflict.

Another beautifully written story by Jamie Ford. I was drawn into Ernest Young’s world immediately. After Ernest’s mother abandons him, the 12-year old is raffled off at the World’s Fair. His life takes quite a turn when the woman who ‘wins’ him, a renowned madam of a high class brothel in the redlight district, puts him to work as her brothel’s houseboy. Oh, what that boy sees, hears and learns along the way - such a great ride! As time goes by, Ernest’s affections grow for not one, but two girls in the house; Maisie, the madam’s daughter and Fahn, a scullery maid. The three unforgettable characters become fast friends, their interrelationships complex and fascinating. I was completely consumed and felt like I was breathing the same air. As the story cuts back and forth between the past and present when Ernest is a man in his later years, I could only speculate who the woman was that he had chosen to spend the rest of his life with but who is sadly moving into senility. Is it Maisie? Is it Fahn? I was sad to see the book end, my time with Ford’s fantastic characters flew by too fast.

This 448-page love letter highlighting Joyce’s abbreviated love story with soulmate Jim is one chock full of emotion and packed a powerful punch. This beautifully written tribute is simply stunning. I mourn Maynard’s loss and reading this book serves as a reminder to not take my own marriage for granted; it could all change tomorrow. The book is also a reinforcement of the old saying “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” I will be purchasing the audio so I can hear the words in Joyce’s own voice. I will have handy my box of tissues as this is one of those few books that made me cry.

An excellent debut of historical fiction. Told from multiple perspectives, the story seemed authentic; I could feel the tension of time and place. Whenever runaway slave Joe Bell and activist Mary Willis were actively in the story, I was especially captivated. They were brave, loyal, smart and likable. I was also impressed by the depiction of other characters as well, even the unlikeable ones like Yates and Leander, their human flaws and transformations well-done. A thought-challenging and sobering reminder of the Civil War and why it became a necessary part of history.

This thriller by Erica Spindler was a good one! Miranda Rader a smart, proficient cop has worked hard to overcome the ‘shame and blame’ of a traumatic event that occurred when she was a reckless teenager. When Miranda is called on to investigate a murder, her past is dredged up when her fingerprints and an old news article are found in the victim’s home. In a blink of an eye, the investigator becomes a suspect, the victim a potential perpetrator. I followed along, riveted by the story, searching for clues, wondering if characters were helping or hurting the investigation and hoping Miranda was the person I wanted her to be. I admired Miranda’s drive and independence. Her quest to clear her name and reconcile the past is a great story. Jake and Buddy were significant to the story and made the book even better. I couldn’t decide if they were good guys or a bad guys. I so wanted Jake to be a good guy so he and Miranda could ride off happily into the sunset (and into the next book). This is my first Erica Spindler book and it won’t be my last.

A spellbinding, historical and educational story based on true events involving brave and selfless patriots and the Norwegian heavy water sabotage project of WWII. When I first started reading, I wasn’t sure my mind was in a place to keep up with the meticulous details, yet in short order, I was riveted, reading for hours at a time, finishing the book in two days; evidence of how inspirational and fantastic it was. The author’s research on this critical mission is impressive, his merging of fact/fiction and his humanization of the characters so well done. I was in awe of their sacrifice, resilience, strength and humor amidst insurmountable odds.

A powerful and heartwrenching story that touched my every emotion. Author Heather Harpham’s newborn Gracie was born with a life-threatening blood disease. This intelligently written memoir is frank, sad, uplifting and feels straight from the heart. Heather and ex-boyfriend Brian are living on different coasts when she phones Brian to share the devastating news about baby Gracie. Brian admirably steps up to his responsibility and his steadfast dedication to Heather and Gracie is truly amazing. I felt sad for him at times though, as Heather could be so dismissive. 100% of her energy went into Grace and she had nothing left to give to Brian. Understandable but still…sad. Heather does give Brian plenty of props in the book though and rightly so. He was a thoughtful one, the voice of reason and the glue that will hold the family together.. Fast forward.. Gracie is now 3 and preparations are underway for her bone marrow transplant. Happy, bubbly, curious Gracie shows strength and wisdom well beyond her years. Her “out of the mouths of babes” comments are priceless. I embraced the humor Harpham injects that offsets sad moments. My heart broke over and over as Heather chronicles the progression of days leading up to and during Gracie’s transplant. I haven’t felt this much emotion from a book in a long time. Thank you, Heather, for sharing your family’s very personal story and thanks to Henry Holt & Sons for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this suspenseful story. What an interesting concept, that of joining a ‘marriage pact’, a pact which is sold to pre-selected couples to bring balance and fairness to a marriage. Turns out, that there is no way out of this Pact, which is really a cult in which everyone creepily calls each other “friend”. This secret society brings in member couples, dazzling them with glitzy get-togethers but these couples soon learn that there are serious consequences for going against the Pact’s rules. How quickly tides can turn with one seemingly minor mis-step by a spouse like putting in too much time in the office or forgetting to buy their spouse the obligatory monthly gift. Pact board members show up at one’s home, take the offending spouse away and use extreme tactics to elicit fear and punishment, including using strait jackets, electric shock, being flown to a far-away maximum security prison in the desert and being given a choice of walking into a hot, bright cell or a cold, dark cell for who knows how long (but at least they get treated to gourmet prison food!). Throw in some pretty shady characters, ones who at times were hard to discern whether they were good guys or bad guys. Yes, the story can be a bit preposterous but whew, what a ride!

Before this true story caught my eye, I’d never heard of Williams syndrome. The condition is described as a “cocktail party syndrome that made people socially fearless”. The human body and brain functions are amazing yet many like me don’t often give them a second thought. Caused by the absence of “twenty-six genes from one strand of chromosome 7”, this genetic fluke exposes itself in odd ways in what is estimated to be 1 in 10,000 people. Thanks to Jennifer Latson who shares this very personal story of a teenaged boy named Eli and his mother, Gayle. Eli has this rare genetic disorder called Williams syndrome. There are numerous symptoms but the most obvious one is that he immediately sees everyone he meets as a friend and has no natural ability to separate kindness from cruelty. I admire caregivers like Eli’s mother, Gayle, a single mom juggling multiple balls in the air to come to terms with what it means to be the mother of such a special child. I sympathized with Gayle as learns to keep Eli safe, tempering his coming-of-age social impulses yet giving him enough freedom to access normal teenage social activities. This meticulously researched book was eye-opening and fascinating.

This unique story is an intriguing ride from beginning to end. Alternating through time, the reader is introduced to driven women centuries apart who are uncannily alike. Seer powers, raised by men who were overseers of the world’s largest ancient manuscript library are two of the resemblances. Historic bits are seamlessly woven into this enlightening fictional story by talented Gwendolyn Womack. I especially loved the suspense related to unraveling the mystery of the world’s first tarot cards and the role tarot cards played in history. I previously read Womack’s first novel “The Memory Painter” and this effort was equally enjoyable.

This multi-generational story is a beautifully written debut novel. The story takes place between 1948 and 2014 and is told via shifting viewpoints of a Palestinian family. The author is genius at crafting her vibrant characters and how each personality deals with homeland instability, their struggles, upheavals and day to day uncertainty, the byproducts of middle eastern politics and war. I cared about what happened to each of them during tumultuous times. I know little of the Middle East culture and appreciated being schooled in the cultural differences between generations. The unforgettable story pulled me in from the start.

The Radium Girls is a remarkable historical compilation of stories and information about the hundreds of working women (including many teens) exposed to radium at facilities where they painted clock faces with this new illuminating ‘wonder’ substance during the height of World War I. What once was perceived a dream job turned into a wave of horrifying and agonizing illnesses, destroying bodies and bones from the inside out. Each time I read about a character licking her brush as taught by supervisors (“Lip…Dip…Paint) instead of cleaning in water dishes because “too much valuable material was wasted in the water,” sickened me. The callousness of employers, the lack of precautions despite increasing suspicions about radium and the legal battles these women had to endure were unconscionable and hard to read. Tragically, only three Radium Girls were still alive when their lawsuit was settled, providing them $10,000 each annual restitution and the last Radium Girl died two years later. A big thanks to Kate Moore for sharing the Radium Girls’ stories. She took the time to visit families, homes and graves. Meticulous in documenting and her passion is evident.

This is an engrossing story about a small-town community where life revolves around the high school hockey team. Backman paints a realistic picture of the challenges of living in this kind of town in which everyone is in everyone else’s business. His story has realistic characters and is dramatic at the same time. At first I didn’t think I’d like it because it was so focused on hockey which I don’t care much about. Indeed hockey proved to be the least interesting aspect. The characters and the drama surrounding the game were what pulled me in. I got to know players, parents, coaches, students and felt like I was living among them.Their internal and external struggles, sacrifices, commitment, adolescent angst and bonehead decisions provoked a range of emotions. I felt the pain of crushed dreams, hopefulness for a promising future and cheered accomplishments. I would love to see this become a tv series similar to Friday Night Lights.

Thanks to author David Grann for his tremendous effort to bring this shamefully true Wild West historical mystery to light. His depth of research is impressive, his journalistic background apparent. I had no idea about the tragic Osage Indian murders. Appalling what greed brings out in people. Part of what makes this book easily readable despite lots of factual chronicling is Gann’s style of engagement. He writes a cohesive and captivating story and it is shocking the instances of prejudice, conspiracy and murder being uncovered. Other interesting pieces weaved in were details about the formation of the FBI and rise of J. Edgar Hoover, who led the murder investigation. Given the scope and nature of events, the story feels a bit monotonous at times but that is inevitable when writing this kind of story. A recent bidding war for the book raked in $5 million dollars so looks like we will be getting a movie version, possibly starring DiCaprio and De Niro. Should be good!

“I’d already applied to every possible position appropriate for a lady. Only the inappropriate ones remained.” Kate Warne Thank you, Greer McAllister! Because of you, I discovered the inspiring and trailblazing Kate Warne - the first female operative of the Pinkerton Detective Agency. I loved everything about scrappy and smart Kate and her determination to become a successful detective. Thank goodness Mr. Pinkerton saw something special in Kate after she walks into his office looking for a job. Kate convinces him that a woman can be useful in “worming out secrets in many places which would be impossible for a male detective.” He hires her despite backlash from his male detectives and Kate proves early on that she is meant for the job. I LOVED reading about her efforts, especially in some famous cases, including her major involvement in protecting President-Elect Lincoln from assassination. From detective work, she progressed into covert war Intelligence during the Civil War and continued espionage work post Civil War. An incredibly accomplished woman who holds a significant place in history, her story is fascinating. and as she died at such a young age - 35, I wonder what else she could have been able to accomplish if given the time?? I would love to see this made into a movie. The story has also moved me to read Allan Pinkerton’s memoir.

Rich in tradition and culture, this is an engaging story about mothers and daughters navigating through a changing world and the bridging of East and West. I enjoyed this book almost as much as my favorite See book, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. See’s research of the Akha tribal people is impressive. I was fascinated by the culture and lifestyle of these remote ‘hill’ people who believes that every living thing has a spirit. I was appalled by some of the cruel traditions they’d adopted, like the ‘human reject’ policy. I can’t get that piece out of my mind. Seamlessly weaving in historical facts, Lee transported me into Li-yan’s world spanning 20+ years. Li-yan is a strong character and I was sympathetic to her sorrows. The tea trade threads, from origin to harvesting, were inspired by See’s own participation in a tea ceremony. She delves deeply into this integral part of the Chinese culture. It brought back memories of my own visit to a Chinese tea growing farm a few years ago, viewing the tea fields and participating in a tea ceremony. I recommend this book to not only those who are Lisa See fans but for others who want to discover this author who knows how to write and capture a reader’s attention. You won’t be disappointed.

Author and PhD Helen Czerski loves physics and wants others to share her enthusiasm. She sure won me over. This is a thoughtful debut by Czerski, a physicist/oceanographer. Chock full of tidbits on how/why stuff works, she breaks down things that I never even thought about and makes science easily understood. Curiosity is human nature and I find myself more curious of everyday experiences and thinking about things in new ways after reading Helen’s book. Is it worth paying more for a fluorescent light? Should my sunglasses have polarizing lenses? How can I tell a raw egg from a boiled egg without taking off their shells? Why isn’t my ketchup coming out of the bottle? Why does my tea water slosh around when I carry my mug to the other end of the room? Why don’t ducks get cold feet? Well, I never put much thought in about these things nor their physics but now I can amaze my friends with newfound knowledge! I could go on and on about the stuff I learned from Helen, but just do yourself a favor and buy the book.

“There are never as many cops like that out there as some people choose to believe, but for us, and for all the honest cops, there are always too many. And they are the reason we exist.” Charles Campisi, the longest serving chief of NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau provides a revealing narrative. This is an eye-opening insider’s perspective of the man who cleaned up the NYPD, the world’s largest police force, weeding out their own ‘boys in blue’, the bad apples, those with badges who once vowed to protect and serve but ended up on the wrong side of the law. Campisi’s expose is very good. He sends the message to the troops early on that corruption will not be tolerated and then takes the reader behind the scenes of investigations, providing glimpses of a world the average citizen does not normally see; a hard business full of deception and betrayal. Campisi’s formula for policing the police worked: his passion, integrity and achievements impressive and undeniable. As a side note, I felt a bit more of a personal connection than other readers I suspect, as my husband rose thru the ranks as an internal affairs investigator. I have considerable respect for these hard working people - their jobs are not easy. I also developed a huge respect for those who protect and serve even earlier on in my life, while working a 5-year stint alongside the man who headed the federal witness protection program and went on to become a well-respected police commissioner. It pains me to think our cops who sacrifice their lives every day for the greater good are getting such a bad rap today.

This is a love story, nerd style. Taking place in a small New Jersey town in the ’80’s, the reader is taken back to the world of floppy disks, joysticks, pop culture…and Vanna White. 14-year old Billy and friends Alf and Clark are obsessed to get their hands on the latest Playboy featuring Vanna. Funny the harebrained ideas they come up with. How can they make such a simple task so complicated? One instance has them dressing up like businessmen trying to fool the store owner Mr. Zelinsky into selling them the magazine. Strike one…. In the midst of all-consuming plotting, Billy meets Zelinsky’s daughter Mary and the two learn they share a love of computer programming. They join forces and enter a contest for young programmers, developing a game called The Impossible Fortress, spending lots of time together. Billy now finds himself between a rock and a hard place. He made a commitment to his friends but now has this personal connection with the Zelinsky’s. He has earned their trust and he right thing to do is quash the snowballing crazy Vannah snatch and run plan. But is it too late? This is a young adult story but adults will more appreciate the nostalgia. The one negative I wish hadn’t been included by the writer involved a scene of destruction. It was completely unnecessary and put a damper on this light-hearted book.

A gem of a book. I had a hard time putting it down, feeling transported into the lives of a Korean family that spanned generations. I loved each character, feeling the joy and despair in their individual stories. A few even exasperated me, as they made choices which would make their lives more difficult than they needed to be. Author Min Jin Lee brilliantly captures the life of the undervalued hard-working and courageous Koreans and this will be a story that stays with me.

An engrossing dystopian post-apocalyptic novel that is dark and depressing. A fever epidemic is wiping out the population of mostly women and unborn children, one woman left for every ten men. The actions that ensue are twisted and difficult to read. But I commend the author for her fresh and interesting perspective of what life could be like if mankind were put into a similar situation; one in which the world is predominantly male and fighting for few resources; some good and lots of bad things happening. Not my usual fare yet I found this novel fascinating yet terrifying. Not at all for the squeamish but if you are looking for something to shake you up, this could be it.

3.5 stars rounded up. This is the 2nd book in Marcia Clark’s Rachel Knight series, a series of thrillers that focus on LA deputy D.A. Rachel Knight, a member of the Special Trials Unit. This time around, a case involving the killing of a homeless man falls into Rachel’s lap. A quick and easy read with some interesting twists that kept me guessing. Marcia’s legal knowledge helps to create a realistic story, although was a bit farfetched at times. The OJ trial mesmerized me and I was eager to read Marcia’s debut novel. It was published in 2011 and introduces the dedicated, witty and rule-breaker It was compelling enough that I wanted to read more about Rachel. This 2nd in the series is just as good as the first.

Jodi Picoult tackles an extremely controversial and relevant subject. She is brave to take up the highly charged race issues we deal with today, supersizing them and then tackling head on from different perspectives. This book’s content is ‘ripped from the headlines’, uncomfortable to read and I felt myself getting angrier, especially as I read Turk’s chapters, the white supremacist with a swastika tattooed on his head who’s baby appears to have died at the hands of a black nurse. The obvious slurs and subtle nuances of racism as time goes on got under my skin, although I did feel the book could be a bit too ‘preachy’. I felt empathy for the characters, especially Ruth, the black nurse. This book is a glaring reminder of the sad mess we are in today. This seemingly hopeless situation which has gone on for centuries in different cultures, not only black v white, but is now so much more magnified as our press continuously feels the need feed the fire with gasoline.

This story is a remarkable one and based on true events. It follows the life of Chellamuthu, an Indian boy who’s life changes in an instant when kidnapped at the age of 7, sent to an orphanage and sold to a couple in America who were told the boy was an orphan. The boy’s adoptive parents eventually find out he has a family back in India once Chellamuthu can speak enough English to tell them months later, but their attempts to track down his family prove futile. They rename Chellamuthu Taj and they couldn’t have been more nurturing or supportive as they raise their bright and determined boy. Taj begins his journey to healing and self-discovery early in life and it plays out more than 10 years. His fortitude is no more prominent than in his never-waning resolve to go back to India and find his family, even as memories continue to fade. I really enjoyed learning about the traditions and customs of the Indian culture that author Camron Wright scatters through the book and also the positive effects of others’ kindness on Taj’s life which were inspirational and so well written. The lesson learned – Don’t Give Up. This story grabbed me from the start and I was sad when the book ended. A well-deserved 5 stars in my opinion and deserves a place on a short-list.

There is depth in this memorable and melancholy story that begins in a small town in Switzerland, beginning during the days of World War II when Gustav is 5 years old. It is basically the story of his life, ending when he is in his 60’s. Gustav is a sympathetic character, a gentle soul and caring peacekeeper, a champion. His relationships and struggles with the people who should have been the most reliable tugged at my heart; a mother he adores but who is indifferent to him, his lifetime best friend who appears to be a friend only when it suits him. Will Gustav tire of people letting him down? I don’t want to say more about the plot as I think it helps to not know much going in.

Welcome to the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s. There has been no rain in 72 days when this book begins, the temperatures consistently over 100 degrees. Things don’t bode well for the citizens in farming community Mulehead, Oklahoma, as crops and livestock are quickly diminishing. Farmer Samuel Bell and his family are whom this book centers around. Samuel’s wife Annie was raised a preacher’s daughter and is feeling restless in their marriage. The Bells’ two children are 15-year old headstrong daughter Birdie in love for the first time yet carrying a secret and increasing sadness, and 8-year old mute son Fred suffers from ‘dust pneumonia’. He is a precocious, innocent, kind-hearted boy who loves his family, his animals and shines as my favorite character. These are hard times for the Bell family but they carry on through each challenge with determination, resiliency and hope. Rae Meadows is a good storyteller of small town living, capturing the people, time and place well. This could have been a very real family. Their faults and actions make them human. Although this is apparently not considered Christian-based fiction, it sure could be. There are numerous references to God and tests of faith. I got caught up in the Bells’ story and hoped for a happy ending for all. Time passes and life goes on. That’s enough.

Not since The Time Traveler’s Wife have I so enjoyed a time-traveling novel. In fact, I liked this one even better as it was less confusing and better paced. It is a story of managing the commitments and complications of time travel when residing in two worlds. The story begins in 1906 when the infamous San Francisco earthquake strikes and the first of the two narrators is introduced. Joseph Bell is a visionary running his new working farm community outside of San Francisco called Greengage. In chapter 2, the second narrator Lux Lysander is introduced, a single mother raising her son in 1975 San Francisco. While camping in the “Valley of the Moon”, a heavy fog rolls in which unnerves Lux. She sees a blinking light and is compelled to walk towards it, thinking it a nearby cabin. Breaking through the fog, she enters instead a new world named Greengage. I felt that I was personally going back in time and being embraced by the people of Greengage - they appealed much more than those of 1975. Lux’s sharing of historic moments with Joseph was another highlight. These moments took me back to my own memories of the 70’s.The author’s skill at connecting the boundaries of two worlds was impressive. I wanted to join hands with Lux and walk with her through the fog of the Valley of the Moon into 1906 to experience the life so different from today. I now look forward to reading her first novel Wife 22.

Stella is a nurse who is currently working the night shift at Marie Francis Community Hospice and Rehabilitation Center. She is a caring, selfless woman who goes beyond her nursing responsibilities by writing letters for patients approaching death to someone in their lives, framing special moments. Like other books I have read such as Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole by Jessica Brockmole in which letters are central in capturing people’s spirit this is what stood out for me. Don’t get me wrong; there was strength in all featured characters that have dedicated chapters laid out in this ‘7-night’ book. Their struggles and relationships were meaty. However, I think the beautiful letters took this book to a higher level. Stella is my favorite and a hero, a woman of strength and character. She is someone who is around sadness at work and in her private life. Stella chose to work night shift, as her life with her husband began to unravel. Her husband has been in a very dark place for months after returning from war having lost his leg and best friend. I lament the lost art of letter writing and appreciate their inclusion in books, if well written well. This was well written. The prologue alone got me good, tugged at my heart as did many parts of the book. This is a captivating story that celebrates the human spirit and power of love.

Just finished reading this, my first Charlie Parker novel by John Connelly. It is #14 in the series. Gosh, have I got a lot of catching up to do. The book works well as a standalone and it made me eager to go back to the beginning when character relationships and dynamics begin to evolve. It can’t be easy keeping things fresh by book #14 but his fans continue to give these books high marks so I am now committed! My husband and I have a hard time finding books we both like but I believe this will appeal to him too so I’ve already picked up Every Dead Thing (Charlie Parker, #1).

Six years after publishing her novel, The Kitchen House, Kathleen Grissom has written her follow-up book. It was so worth the wait – a fantastic story, one in which I became engrossed in immediately. Although I recommend reading The Kitchen House first, one does not have to have read it to appreciate this book. It stands alone nicely. The author fills in historic details that bring the reader up to speed. This story begins twenty years later when James is a successful silversmith living in Philadelphia yet he continues to keep a painful secret. Kathleen Grissom brings back familiar characters and introduces new ones, spanning the years 1810-1830. All are meticulously crafted as are their circumstances including the admirable and dedicated James, precocious, inquisitive Pan, spitfire Adelaide, and the unwaveringly dedicated manservant Robert. There is a letter that James writes to Belle late in the book hat is brilliant and heartfelt. It is just one outstanding example of Grissom’s impeccable writing skill. Her characters have a lot of heart. And I end with one of my favorite quotes: “Keeping your word is the mark of a man’s character. In the end, it is the most valuable thing a man possesses.” James

This is a remarkable debut novel based on real history and real people during World War II. The strong characters evolved from the author’s meticulous research and her writing skills. Their stories moved me, especially the journey of sisters Kasia and Zuzanna, survivors of Hitler’s labor camp for women and that of former actress/debutante Caroline Ferriday, a compassionate woman who dedicated much of her life helping survivors of the Nazis’ cruel medical experiments at Ravensbruck concentration camp in Germany. Alternating chapters between perspectives worked extremely well. The stories of Kasia, a willful and oft reckless prisoner, Caroline, the generous and tireless benefactor, and Herta, the heartless female physician are a good balance. The sickening crimes against humanity during the dark days of Hitler’s regime are hard to read but necessary to paint a true picture. Reading the author’s notes at the end of the book provided fascinating insight into how her labor of love came to be, 3 years of writing, scrupulous research, sorting through historical archives and translating documents of first-hand witness accounts. Don’t miss reading these notes. The author shows strength and compassion in her characters. This was an emotional journey that has inspired me to learn more about the events surrounding these fascinating women. One of my favorite reads in 2016.

A family run by struggling single mom, Faye, is thrust into the spotlight after a video is taken of 4-year old Molly dancing with a street performer and Molly becomes a YouTube sensation, catapulting her to stardom and changing family dynamics forever. Ill equipped as a stage mom, Faye becomes part of the machine. Life becomes a runaway train with enormous consequences for her family. The novel was inspired in part by real child star stories and reads like a Hollywood tell-all from Faye’s perspective. Full of trials and tribulations, it is a good story and one in which I believed I was getting an inside scoop.

I have a family member in a nursing home with Alzheimer's so this story got my attention from the get-go. It hit my heart hard yet was a story I loved. I believe the author got it right, representing the angst and confusion of Anna, afflicted with Alzheimer’s at an early age, the nature of a caring yet underpaid and overworked staff, the loving family who is determined to do what’s best for Anna but unsure how to chart the waters. I loved the idea of Luke and Anna having an instant attraction and falling in love. They seemed to complete each other. Yet, I could see the perspective of the concerned family. Although this novel is a work of fiction, I was eager to glean information on how the mind works during the progression of this illness and it did not disappoint. As for Eve Bennett, the world needs more people like her caring for our elders. Eve is introduced as a woman who seemed to have it all only to be blindsided by her husband and her world turned upside down. She joins the Rosalind House as the cook. Eve and her daughter Clementine bring a gratifying dynamic into the story. Bittersweet and skillfully written, this would make a great choice for book clubs.

Siblings Dan and Hayley Daley inherit their grandmother’s long-ago abandoned Victorian. Both agree to work together hiring an architect and builder to restore the decrepit house, then sell for a quick profit. A great plan but these two are in over their heads. The local design/reno team they hire consists of amusingly quirky characters. There is no shortage of surprises and problems, at times outlandish situations that made me laugh out loud, especially ones surrounding perceptive Pat the Cow, the neighbor’s cow who shows up in the darndest places and the zaniness that ensues when they find themselves on a live tv home makeover show. A fun and quick read.

I really enjoyed this entertaining read that layers assorted loves; love between a food critic and struggling chef, love for delicious food, and a loving tribute to the city of Milwaukee. It is a story that proves how freeing it can be to shed old behaviors and open one’s mind to a new way of doing things. A vibrant cast of secondary characters. The icing on the cake is that after the final pages, there is a recipe for the fabulous-sounding coconut cake that is first introduced in the chance encounter between Lou and Al. I have put that cake up on a pedestal in my mind and can’t wait to taste it.

“The strong are preserved, the weak destroyed, and a new species evolves. Perfection,” he says. When Kristine Rush and her fiancé, Daniel stop at an isolated desert rest area, a madman attacks her in the ladies room. Daniel has disappeared. She is given a choice to either go home and forget about Daniel or begin a timed 24-hour race through the hot dessert to save him, using clues the madman provides her along the way (think Amazing Race, Horror edition). This is a riveting, heart-pounding thriller, with disturbing violence and not for the squeamish. Horror is not my habitual reading genre but the publisher’s synopsis drew me in. Wow. I couldn’t put it down, finishing in a day.

“That’s what my brain felt like on the day of my best friend’s funeral and for many weeks after: a confounding map of twisted, barely navigable roads that were long and tangled and led nowhere or doubled back without warning and ended up where they had begun”. One year ago, forty-three year old Izzy Moore’s life changed. And she now suffers unbearable feelings of loss, anger and sadness. She lost her best friend in a tragic car accident, separated from her husband and is dealing with a moody pre-teen daughter who is riding on her own roller-coaster of emotions. Thank goodness for Helene, Izzy’s mother .She is a compassionate character and a strong influence in Izzy’s and Hannah’s lives. Keeping Izzy from sabotaging herself and wallowing in sorrow is no easy task, especially when Helene is coping with sadness of her own. A well-written story but in part a bit tedious.

Author Garth Stein’s is best known for his best selling novel Art of Racing in the Rain. I anxiously awaited his fourth novel, A Sudden Light, which couldn’t be more different. A spellbinding multi-generational mystery and ghost story set in the Pacific Northwest, this novel showcases Stein’s imagination and range. A good read, filled with interesting and quirky characters and one that kept me guessing til the end.

Author Ann Brashares shifted from editor to full-time writer when her popular 2001 YA novel, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants climbed the book charts, spawned several sequels and was adapted into a Warner Brothers film. Her latest effort ��" The Here and Now ��" shows the author’s capability to transition to a different genre. This dystopian novel involves time travel, forbidden romance and mystery. I am proof that one doesn’t have to be a big sci-fi person to enjoy this book. A single act of murder is about to change the course of history unless Prenna and Ethan can stop it from happening. The development of these two characters was solid, their behaviors plausible but often exposed naivety that could be quite frustrating. The twists and turns kept me guessing and intrigued. A quick and entertaining read.

The House We Grew Up In is a great read. In the early pages, I picked up on the hoarding overtone and didn’t think the book would be for me. Well, my first impression was wrong. I loved the story and its characters. There is the delightful and eccentric Lorelei, who is fun, spontaneous and loved by everyone who crosses her path, her home a charming mayhem. Her transition into hoarding dysfunction is overlooked by her family, her loving but passive husband Colin, daughters Megan and Beth and sons Rory and Rhys. After a tragic event one Easter, the family begins to fracture. Time goes by. The children grow up, move on, form relationships, and have inevitable struggles along the way. The author brilliantly builds their characters. Lorelei comes to have an online confidante named Jim with whom she professes to be ‘crazy in love”. I found her letters to Jim interspersed throughout the novel to be among the most compelling aspects of the story, providing insight into Lorelei’s thinking. Years later, something happens that brings all the family back to the “house they grew up in”. The story wraps up perfectly.

The tragic death of the youngest child shatters a family. This story about their loss, grief and how to carry on is often heart-rending. Ian Bradley is the new bishop of the local Mormon church, working hard to earn the respect of his recent followers. His high-profile role requires major responsibility in this community of staunch believers, a zealous missionary often having to leave his family at all times of the day or night. On the day of his son’s birthday party, Ian is away on church business, when tragedy strikes at home. The loss is devastating and overwhelming for the family. Ian’s wife, Claire descends into a deep depression as she tries to come to terms. She questions everything about her faith and begins to withdraw when she feels her God has abandoned her. Ian believes the strength of faith will heal all, just buck up and trust that everything happens for a reason. Ian and Claire's three children are special characters and their experiences I enjoyed reading about. They learn to cope with their heartbreak in inventive ways. The story alternates amongst the family’s different perspectives and is both heartbreaking and inspirational. It provided an interesting and insightful look into the Mormon faith, a faith I previously knew very little about.

Jo Jo Moyes’ novel Me Before You was one of my favorite reads in 2013, so I picked up another of her novels. Could it meet my high expectations or would it pale in comparison? Well, I loved this one too. Told from the perspectives of four different people, it is a story of a single mother and her two children (a gifted daughter and a bullied son) who manage the best they can. A simple turn of events, introduction of a 4th person and a long car ride has a huge impact on their lives. I cared about all four of these characters - the author does well in the craft of developing them. Personality nuances, interactions, struggles and choices come to life. One Plus One is an enjoyable read that left me with the warm fuzzy feeling that good things happen to good people.

The author concentrates on the final years of her parents’ lives, bringing together the personal, emotional side with the medical labrynth/greed side of eldercare. She has done exhaustive research and shares staggering statistics. We have the most advanced medical system on earth but in the end, it succeeds mainly in prolonging suffering. Nobody wants to die plugged into machines but a fifth of American deaths now take place in intensive care. Hospitals make efforts, no matter how futile, to prolong life. The author delves into the workings of law, morality, interference and financial incentives of a medical system that encourages over-treatment. This memoir is one that everyone should read as more and more of us will be faced with caring for loved ones as they approach death. It has forever changed the way I think about life and prolonging it.

The second installment in the Dr. Cyrus Mills Series, this is a delightfully engaging story. Veterinarian and author Nick Trout writes in a sharp-witted humorous style. His protagonist, Dr. Cyrus Mills, a reclusive pathologist, takes on more than he anticipated when he moves back to his childhood town after inheriting his father’s mom-and-pop veterinary practice. Eden Falls is a cold isolated small town in Vermont full of quirky characters and their memorable pets. Hijinks ensue as we follow Cyrus through his first jam-packed week in Eden Falls. Animal lovers should enjoy this easy breezy read.

This is a remarkable compilation of stories and info about the working women of Oak Ridge, a secret government facility built during the height of World War II to support the war effort. Oak Ridge was cloaked in secrecy, so large that it used more electricity than New York City and employed thousands of people. Women were recruited right out of school, given no information about where they were going or what they would be doing. Never before in history was so much responsibility placed on the shoulders of such young people. Few ever guessed the nature of their tasks until the war was over, and even then, some were never entirely clear. Incredible stuff. A big thanks to Denise Kiernen for meticulously documenting the significant contributions and sacrifices of these ladies, now in their eighties and nineties, through her own personal conversations with them and extensive research. I for one am pleased that this story is now documented for generations to come.

Jeannette Walls first book, The Glass Castle, was one of my all-time favorites so I set my expectations high. Although I found myself getting restless in a few areas of the book, it was a good read. Bean is a precocious, optimistic 12-year-old girl who lives with her mom and older sister Liz. One day, the girls’ flighty mother announces she is leaving to ‘find’ herself and is not coming back. The girls don’t believe her (she's said this before) but time goes by and it appears she really is gone for good. This is the catalyst for Bean and Liz embarking on an enterprising journey from California to Virginia to seek help from an uncle who they have never met. They face many challenges during a time of extreme racial tension and forced school integration. This story spotlights the strength and character of Bean and Liz, their kind but gruff Uncle Tinsley and additional family we are introduced to along the way.

Author Ann Brashares shifted from editor to full-time writer when her popular 2001 YA novel, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants climbed the book charts, spawned several sequels and was adapted into a Warner Brothers film. Her latest effort " The Here and Now " shows the author’s capability to transition to a different genre. This dystopian novel involves time travel, forbidden romance and mystery. I am proof that one doesn’t have to be a big sci-fi person to enjoy this book. A single act of murder is about to change the course of history unless Prenna and Ethan can stop it from happening. The development of these two characters was solid, their behaviors plausible but often exposed naivety that could be quite frustrating. The twists and turns kept me guessing and intrigued. A quick and entertaining read.

What a joy to read! What begins as a story about a new book rep’s visit to a small independent bookstore on Alice Island turns into something so much more. In short order, I became engrossed in the life of cantankerous 39 year old widower and bookstore owner A.J. Fikry when an unexpected delivery changes his life. He grows into a passionate father, partner, and friend. A lover and promoter of great literature, A.J. reflects the best in a bookseller. He touches so many with his love of books. Towards the end of the story, he coins a simple but one of my favorite quotes - “in the end, we are collected works”. The story was fresh, engrossing and wonderfully written.

Wow, what a unique read. The entire book revolves around two brothers and their wives who meet for dinner to discuss their boys’ problems and try to make a difficult decision that can change the course of their lives. A disturbing book that I could not put down. It was dark, it was suspenseful, it was strange, it was attention grabbing, it was thought provoking. It kept me guessing right to the end. Highly recommend but not for those who like uplifting, light reading.

This is a unique novel that follows parallel stories of Byron and James, two mentally challenged individuals and friends. Characters are flawed, quirky and have peculiar illusions of reality and truth ��" but they are for the most part, very likeable. A great follow-up effort by the author of the Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. It is both heartbreaking and compelling. Well done.

This is an outstanding novel told completely via letters. The letters are written in the midst of two world wars. I felt like I discovered a real box full of personal, treasured correspondence and became completely engrossed, especially the ones between Elsbeth & Davey, two people who fall in love long distance in 1912. Initially sparked by a letter sent by Davey (an American) to Elsbeth (a Brit), a published poet, their relationship blossoms into something so much more through the power of the written word. Fast forward to 1940 when Elsbeth’s daughter, Margaret, falls for a pilot in the Royal Air Force and they begin their own correspondence. When Elsbeth disappears one day, Margaret is left with a cryptic letter that may hold a clue to her mother’s whereabouts. She reaches out (also via letters) to a long estranged uncle to seek answers and learn more about her mother’s past. A remarkable and refreshing book.

Under the Wide and Starry Sky is a complex love story between author Robert Louis Stevenson and his forward-thinking American wife Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne. A second novel by the author of Loving Frank, this story takes its title from a famous Stevenson quote. It seamlessly melds fact with fiction, and post-read, I am eager to research more about their lives so I can better understand the real from the fictitious. There is passion, joy and heartache. This novel successfully exemplifies how difficult it was in this period to be the woman behind the man. Author Nancy Horan admirably brings their colorful story to life. It was an enjoyable and well-written novel that brought humanness to Robert Louis Stevenson.