Author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher
Stars:
5
Review by: Bookworm
It is a story of the Amish, but even more the story of a woman, sometimes triumphant, sometimes struggling, carried through turbulent times by a plain faith.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Vanya
Author:
Myrna Grant
Stars: 5
Review by: Bookworm
This is a book of faith and persecution in Russia for Christians.
Stars: 5
Review by: Bookworm
This is a book of faith and persecution in Russia for Christians.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Please Look After Mom
Author:
Kyung-Sook Shin
Stars: 2
Review by: BookDancer
South Korean blockbuster best-seller about a Mom who goes missing in a subway station and the different reactions of family members dealing with their subsequent loss and guilt. Great idea; should have been a 5 but was disjointed, confusing and preachy. Maybe something got lost in the translation!
Stars: 2
Review by: BookDancer
South Korean blockbuster best-seller about a Mom who goes missing in a subway station and the different reactions of family members dealing with their subsequent loss and guilt. Great idea; should have been a 5 but was disjointed, confusing and preachy. Maybe something got lost in the translation!
The Night is Watching
Author:
Heather Graham
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
I enjoy this mystery series since it is paranormal with skepticism. This one felt like I read it before, but I haven't. This story used theater, mannequins, and old-west history and current murders with a ghostly twist. It was enjoyable, but still felt like it's been done before.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
I enjoy this mystery series since it is paranormal with skepticism. This one felt like I read it before, but I haven't. This story used theater, mannequins, and old-west history and current murders with a ghostly twist. It was enjoyable, but still felt like it's been done before.
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that Changed America
Author:
Erik Larson
Stars: 4
Review by: BookDancer
Fascinating dual accounts of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the serial killer at large throughout the Exposition. I lived in Chicago for 5 years and never knew about its version of "Jack-the-Ripper." Great non-fiction read.
Stars: 4
Review by: BookDancer
Fascinating dual accounts of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the serial killer at large throughout the Exposition. I lived in Chicago for 5 years and never knew about its version of "Jack-the-Ripper." Great non-fiction read.
The Things They Carried
Author:
Tim O'Brien
Stars: 4
Review by: Avid Reader
This was my son's summer reading book. I picked it up to see what he was reading, and it peaked my interest. This book gave me a glimpse of the cruel reality of the Vietnam War.
Stars: 4
Review by: Avid Reader
This was my son's summer reading book. I picked it up to see what he was reading, and it peaked my interest. This book gave me a glimpse of the cruel reality of the Vietnam War.
Meet Me at the Emotional Baggage Claim
Author:
Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
A series of very short chronicles taken from their column. Some are very funny.
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
A series of very short chronicles taken from their column. Some are very funny.
The Diplomat's Wife
Author:
Pam Jenoff
Stars: 3
Review by: Barb
Lots of intrigue and mystery with some history thrown in, not always quite believable. It was a good, quick summer read.
Stars: 3
Review by: Barb
Lots of intrigue and mystery with some history thrown in, not always quite believable. It was a good, quick summer read.
Let the Dead Sleep
Author:
Heather Graham
Stars: 3
Review by: Jambob
Dark and dank New Orleans where evil dwells and good will struggle and triumph. An antique (evil) Italian bust must be found and destroyed before it adds more lives to its wake of destruction.
Stars: 3
Review by: Jambob
Dark and dank New Orleans where evil dwells and good will struggle and triumph. An antique (evil) Italian bust must be found and destroyed before it adds more lives to its wake of destruction.
Latte Trouble
Author:
Cleo Coyle
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Book 3 in this series, has our main character still sleuthing, but re-addressing her personal life as she tries to help an employee. I really learned a lot about coffee and I hope to learn more.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Book 3 in this series, has our main character still sleuthing, but re-addressing her personal life as she tries to help an employee. I really learned a lot about coffee and I hope to learn more.
Someday, Someday, Maybe
Author:
Lauren Graham
Stars: 4
Review by: Miss Lucy
Talented actress Lauren Graham, who played Lorelei, Rory's mother, on Gilmore Girls, narrates the audiobook of her debut novel. Just like on Gilmore Girls, Lauren speaks at breakneck speed, but once I got used to that, and got my head around her not BEING Lorelei, I got hooked on this story and its characters. Franny, the protagonist, has given herself a deadline by which time she has to make it in New York as an actress, before she'll call it quits. Follow her progress as she struggles on the peripheries of success. While I laughed with Franny, and sighed at times, THIS wannabe actress/novelist thoroughly enjoyed the tale, and was sad to see it end.
Stars: 4
Review by: Miss Lucy
Talented actress Lauren Graham, who played Lorelei, Rory's mother, on Gilmore Girls, narrates the audiobook of her debut novel. Just like on Gilmore Girls, Lauren speaks at breakneck speed, but once I got used to that, and got my head around her not BEING Lorelei, I got hooked on this story and its characters. Franny, the protagonist, has given herself a deadline by which time she has to make it in New York as an actress, before she'll call it quits. Follow her progress as she struggles on the peripheries of success. While I laughed with Franny, and sighed at times, THIS wannabe actress/novelist thoroughly enjoyed the tale, and was sad to see it end.
New York Days, New York Nights
Author:
Stephen Brook
Stars: 4
Review by: Pam B
A series of essays about living in NYC during the late 70's, early 80's. Boy, have things changed. Written by an English long term visitor to the city.
Stars: 4
Review by: Pam B
A series of essays about living in NYC during the late 70's, early 80's. Boy, have things changed. Written by an English long term visitor to the city.
The Character of Cats
Author:
Stephen Budiansky
Stars: 2
Review by: Pam B
A little too scientific for me.
Stars: 2
Review by: Pam B
A little too scientific for me.
How to Eat a Cupcake
Author:
Meg Donohue
Stars: 3
Review by: Barb
A nice, light summer beach read about two young women who put their past hurts aside to become the sister-like friends that they used to be........all over a cupcake bakery.
Stars: 3
Review by: Barb
A nice, light summer beach read about two young women who put their past hurts aside to become the sister-like friends that they used to be........all over a cupcake bakery.
The Union Street Bakery
Author:
Mary Ellen Taylor
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
A good mix of baking, family, and finding answers from the past.
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
A good mix of baking, family, and finding answers from the past.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Sandrine's Case
Author:
Thomas H. Cook
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
Present to the past..over and over. Interesting, but annoying.
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
Present to the past..over and over. Interesting, but annoying.
Amity & Sorrow
Author:
Peggy Riley
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
This is a novel about a woman who escapes from her husband and polygamous family with her two daughters. One daughter is very disturbed and cannot readjust to life outside the cult. It is a crazy story, but so, so good!
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
This is a novel about a woman who escapes from her husband and polygamous family with her two daughters. One daughter is very disturbed and cannot readjust to life outside the cult. It is a crazy story, but so, so good!
Friday, August 16, 2013
The Choice
Author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher
Stars: 5
Review by: Bookworm
I loved it. It's about the wonderful world of the Amish. A loving story of love and forgiveness.
Stars: 5
Review by: Bookworm
I loved it. It's about the wonderful world of the Amish. A loving story of love and forgiveness.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
A Painted House
Author:
John Grisham
Stars: 4
Review by: Reader
Not a legal thriller, and very enjoyable also.
Stars: 4
Review by: Reader
Not a legal thriller, and very enjoyable also.
Death of a Red Heroine
Author: Qiu Xiaolong
Stars: 4
Review by: Reader
A View of China's policies around the 90's in a good novel.
Stars: 4
Review by: Reader
A View of China's policies around the 90's in a good novel.
Friends Forever
Author:
Danielle Steel
Stars: 3
Review by: PattiK
The theme was too repetitive with the characters.
Stars: 3
Review by: PattiK
The theme was too repetitive with the characters.
Redshirts
Author:
John Scalzi
Stars: 5
Review by: Saraswati
My Hubby got this book out after seeing Mr. Scalzi on w00tFest. My Hubby said that this was a must read book. Loved it. Imagine finding out you exist because somewhere you are part of someone's story. I know this has been done before but now throw in a campy Sci-Fi series like StarTrek and you got a funny book. Enjoy!
Stars: 5
Review by: Saraswati
My Hubby got this book out after seeing Mr. Scalzi on w00tFest. My Hubby said that this was a must read book. Loved it. Imagine finding out you exist because somewhere you are part of someone's story. I know this has been done before but now throw in a campy Sci-Fi series like StarTrek and you got a funny book. Enjoy!
Through the Grinder: A Coffeehouse Mystery
Author:
Cleo Coyle
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This is the 2nd book in this series and I was impressed by it. It's a cozy with a lot of emotion and not necessarily a happy ending. This series is based around a very old, family run coffee roaster & house. There are great coffee recipes and coffee trivia included. In this book the main character needs to find out if her new love interest is really a serial killer. Good read!
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This is the 2nd book in this series and I was impressed by it. It's a cozy with a lot of emotion and not necessarily a happy ending. This series is based around a very old, family run coffee roaster & house. There are great coffee recipes and coffee trivia included. In this book the main character needs to find out if her new love interest is really a serial killer. Good read!
The Beach House
Author:
Mary Alice Monroe
Stars: 5
Review by: Ann M
Great book about a mother and daughter reconnecting after many years and working through their relationship.
Stars: 5
Review by: Ann M
Great book about a mother and daughter reconnecting after many years and working through their relationship.
Acceptance: A Legendary Guidance Counselor Helps Seven Kids Find the Right Colleges - And Find Themselves
Author:
David L. Marcus
Stars: 5
Review by: Miss Lucy
Self-described by the author as narrative nonfiction blended with a reader-friendly how-to guide, this book is amazing. I could hardly put it down - something I usually don't experience with nonfiction. Smitty is the guidance counselor from Heaven... he's everything we thought a guidance counselor would be, before we got to high school and realized we were dreaming. This book chronicles Smitty's final year as guidance counselor, with his high school senior class of 2008. Follow along as he works his magic with a select handful of students, as he advises, cajoles, and gently steers each student to be the best he or she can be, and as he seems to know just which colleges each should pursue.
If you are a rising high school senior, or a parent of one, you will love this book right now.
Stars: 5
Review by: Miss Lucy
Self-described by the author as narrative nonfiction blended with a reader-friendly how-to guide, this book is amazing. I could hardly put it down - something I usually don't experience with nonfiction. Smitty is the guidance counselor from Heaven... he's everything we thought a guidance counselor would be, before we got to high school and realized we were dreaming. This book chronicles Smitty's final year as guidance counselor, with his high school senior class of 2008. Follow along as he works his magic with a select handful of students, as he advises, cajoles, and gently steers each student to be the best he or she can be, and as he seems to know just which colleges each should pursue.
If you are a rising high school senior, or a parent of one, you will love this book right now.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
From the Grounds Up
Author:
Sandra Balzo
Stars: 3.5
Review by: mystery lover
Could've been any number of characters.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: mystery lover
Could've been any number of characters.
Death Angel
Author:
Linda Fairstein
Stars: 4
Review by: Tartu
No one writes NYC crime like Fairstein. Her research into the settings she chooses is meticulous.
Stars: 4
Review by: Tartu
No one writes NYC crime like Fairstein. Her research into the settings she chooses is meticulous.
A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar
Author:
Suzanne Joinson
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Barb
Two tales that weave themselves together. I enjoyed reading about the daring and adventuresome lives that some people have.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Barb
Two tales that weave themselves together. I enjoyed reading about the daring and adventuresome lives that some people have.
Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey Into the Afterlife
Author:
Eben Alexander, M.D.
Stars: 4
Review by: Bookworm
The messages presented by Dr. Alexander are that, for the Christian, death is not the end, and that true born-again Christians have an eternal home to look forward to.
Stars: 4
Review by: Bookworm
The messages presented by Dr. Alexander are that, for the Christian, death is not the end, and that true born-again Christians have an eternal home to look forward to.
Assaulted Pretzel
Author:
Laura Bradford
Stars: 4
Review by: Bookworm
About the people in Heavenly, Pa. A good mystery.
Stars: 4
Review by: Bookworm
About the people in Heavenly, Pa. A good mystery.
When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead: Useful Stories From a Persuasive Man
Author:
Jerry Weintraub
Stars: 4
Review by: LateNightReader
The full title of this book is When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead: Useful Stories From a Persuasive Man. I'm not sure how "useful" the stories are, but they sure are interesting! Surprisingly, I had never heard of Jerry Weintraub before. He has worked with such a variety of people over the past 50+ years, many of the stars that I have enjoyed during my life. I enjoyed the stories about Elvis, John Denver, Dorothy Hamill, Bobby Fischer, to name a few. It is interesting how he worked to make his career and theirs happen and he does this in short chapters that flow pretty quickly.
Stars: 4
Review by: LateNightReader
The full title of this book is When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead: Useful Stories From a Persuasive Man. I'm not sure how "useful" the stories are, but they sure are interesting! Surprisingly, I had never heard of Jerry Weintraub before. He has worked with such a variety of people over the past 50+ years, many of the stars that I have enjoyed during my life. I enjoyed the stories about Elvis, John Denver, Dorothy Hamill, Bobby Fischer, to name a few. It is interesting how he worked to make his career and theirs happen and he does this in short chapters that flow pretty quickly.
I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High
Author:
Tony Danza
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
A recommended read for anyone who knows a teacher, wants to be a teacher or has an opinion about teachers.
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
A recommended read for anyone who knows a teacher, wants to be a teacher or has an opinion about teachers.
The Last Newspaperman
Author:
Mark Di Ionno
Stars: 4
Review by: BKF
About a newspaper reporter who stumbles into the Lindberg kidnapping case and finds himself in the middle of the action, a romance gone wrong, and other major happenings during that time period. It's always interesting to read about local places and events in a novel... Hopewell, the Hindenburg, Flemington, etc.
Stars: 4
Review by: BKF
About a newspaper reporter who stumbles into the Lindberg kidnapping case and finds himself in the middle of the action, a romance gone wrong, and other major happenings during that time period. It's always interesting to read about local places and events in a novel... Hopewell, the Hindenburg, Flemington, etc.
The Winter Ghosts
Author:
Kate Mosse
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
Lyrical tale of loss and redemption set in Languedoc following WWI. Hated it to end!
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
Lyrical tale of loss and redemption set in Languedoc following WWI. Hated it to end!
The Newcomer
Author:
Robyn Carr
Stars: 5
Review by: PattiK
Excellent book. Much better than the first one in the trilogy.
Stars: 5
Review by: PattiK
Excellent book. Much better than the first one in the trilogy.
The Accidental Demon Slayer
Author:
Angie Fox
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This is the first book in a series. The main character is a pre-school teacher that has OCD down pat. There she is, getting ready for her very-well planned 30th B-day party and all hell breaks loose - literally. The rest of the story is about her coming into her powers to try and stop a high level demon. Fun, easy, summer read.
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This is the first book in a series. The main character is a pre-school teacher that has OCD down pat. There she is, getting ready for her very-well planned 30th B-day party and all hell breaks loose - literally. The rest of the story is about her coming into her powers to try and stop a high level demon. Fun, easy, summer read.
Demons Are Forever: Confessions of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom
Author:
Julie Kenner
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
I had to go back to this middle book because I didn't read it. It filled in a lot of gaps in the later books... a lot of explanations that helped explain the later books. The main character now has a daughter that is the same age as when she started demon hunting. What's a mother to do? Plus have a 3 yr old and a dead husband come back to life. Enjoy, but reading the books in order does help.
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
I had to go back to this middle book because I didn't read it. It filled in a lot of gaps in the later books... a lot of explanations that helped explain the later books. The main character now has a daughter that is the same age as when she started demon hunting. What's a mother to do? Plus have a 3 yr old and a dead husband come back to life. Enjoy, but reading the books in order does help.
Mrs. Kimble
Author:
Jennifer Haigh
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Car-Lay
I really enjoyed the character development in this novel. It Is the story of three women who marry the same duplicitous man, Ken Kimble. Ken, a "serial husband", is revealed through the eyes of each woman he seduces. The women are of different generations and have different expectations of men and marriage. The women are not victims and Ken is just an ordinary man who happens to satisfy the needs of these women when they meet. We see through the relationships in Mrs. Kimble, the changes in our perception of marriage, divorce and family dynamics from the 1960's to the 90's.
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Car-Lay
I really enjoyed the character development in this novel. It Is the story of three women who marry the same duplicitous man, Ken Kimble. Ken, a "serial husband", is revealed through the eyes of each woman he seduces. The women are of different generations and have different expectations of men and marriage. The women are not victims and Ken is just an ordinary man who happens to satisfy the needs of these women when they meet. We see through the relationships in Mrs. Kimble, the changes in our perception of marriage, divorce and family dynamics from the 1960's to the 90's.
Undead and Unsure
Author:
MaryJanice Davidson
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
I really thought this series was over books ago but with the ability to alter timelines, anything is possible. Once again Betsy is trying to find her way as Vampire Queen and not ending the world as we know it. Find out what her new role is by reading the book! Enjoy!
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
I really thought this series was over books ago but with the ability to alter timelines, anything is possible. Once again Betsy is trying to find her way as Vampire Queen and not ending the world as we know it. Find out what her new role is by reading the book! Enjoy!
Bomb Shell
Author:
Catherine Coulter
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Saraswati
I got hooked onto this series when my Hubby bought me the first Sherlock/Savich book. As with any series, it has its ups and downs. I get this is a lead in to a new series but it did add some twists. It's always interesting to have two or more story lines come together. A good summer read!
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Saraswati
I got hooked onto this series when my Hubby bought me the first Sherlock/Savich book. As with any series, it has its ups and downs. I get this is a lead in to a new series but it did add some twists. It's always interesting to have two or more story lines come together. A good summer read!
The Last Word: Books by the Bay Mystery
Author:
Ellery Adams
Stars: 5
Review by: Saraswati
This was an awesome cozy. It is about book #3 so I have some catching up to do but I don't know why I really liked it. It could be the quotes at the start of every chapter or it could be that it semi-followed the cozy format. There was the standard murder, inquiry, all solved in the end but the reading just seemed a little bit higher level. Hope others read the series.
Stars: 5
Review by: Saraswati
This was an awesome cozy. It is about book #3 so I have some catching up to do but I don't know why I really liked it. It could be the quotes at the start of every chapter or it could be that it semi-followed the cozy format. There was the standard murder, inquiry, all solved in the end but the reading just seemed a little bit higher level. Hope others read the series.
The Humans: A Novel
Author:
Matt Haig
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Got this book because it was listed as one of the "Must read" sci-fi books this summer and someone in our group rated it highly. I thought about this book a lot and think it is either a 1 or a 5 rating and I still go back and forth and here is why (run on sentence-not an English major :) )
First I have to get over the fact that a super intelligent race of beings that lives galaxies away from ours is actually interested in us. Plus since they were super intelligent, they should know we adapt or perish. Just like today - Technology moved too fast and we have issues that correspond. So why care? Then if logic rules this life form why is the alien so whiny?
Now to the story. I loved the humor of misunderstanding our mixed "moral" codes, the use of high level math, the trying to learn what it is to be human. I wanted to show this to all my fellow math/sci teachers until I pondered on the book. In the end I felt let down. In this day and age where geeks, math & science are looked down upon, how can you say that these things do not make us human? How many fish, dogs, etc. do you know who can do combinatorial calculations? I get that emotions do set us apart from other animals but so does logic. Non-human animals do not ponder why prime numbers are what they are. Why can't logic, math, science, etc. be beautiful and human? I enjoy being a geeky human that can look at a tree and see both its beauty of being plus the mathematical progressions in the leaves, plus the thermodynamics of why this tree is what it is, plus... I feel that if love and poetry are what make us human, there are a lot of humans left out in the cold.
Again, I really like the book until I thought about it. I also read about the author and his trials so... I just get tired of being told that because I can do logical things that I'm not truly human. I would love others' input. I know it's fiction but it can influence a lot of people. Please post comments or read the book!
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Got this book because it was listed as one of the "Must read" sci-fi books this summer and someone in our group rated it highly. I thought about this book a lot and think it is either a 1 or a 5 rating and I still go back and forth and here is why (run on sentence-not an English major :) )
First I have to get over the fact that a super intelligent race of beings that lives galaxies away from ours is actually interested in us. Plus since they were super intelligent, they should know we adapt or perish. Just like today - Technology moved too fast and we have issues that correspond. So why care? Then if logic rules this life form why is the alien so whiny?
Now to the story. I loved the humor of misunderstanding our mixed "moral" codes, the use of high level math, the trying to learn what it is to be human. I wanted to show this to all my fellow math/sci teachers until I pondered on the book. In the end I felt let down. In this day and age where geeks, math & science are looked down upon, how can you say that these things do not make us human? How many fish, dogs, etc. do you know who can do combinatorial calculations? I get that emotions do set us apart from other animals but so does logic. Non-human animals do not ponder why prime numbers are what they are. Why can't logic, math, science, etc. be beautiful and human? I enjoy being a geeky human that can look at a tree and see both its beauty of being plus the mathematical progressions in the leaves, plus the thermodynamics of why this tree is what it is, plus... I feel that if love and poetry are what make us human, there are a lot of humans left out in the cold.
Again, I really like the book until I thought about it. I also read about the author and his trials so... I just get tired of being told that because I can do logical things that I'm not truly human. I would love others' input. I know it's fiction but it can influence a lot of people. Please post comments or read the book!
Until the End of Time
Author:
Danielle Steel
Stars: 1
Review by: Jambob
Boring, improbable romance and foolish circumstances. Ms. Steel must be running on fumes for her story lines. Skip this one.
Stars: 1
Review by: Jambob
Boring, improbable romance and foolish circumstances. Ms. Steel must be running on fumes for her story lines. Skip this one.
The Forgetting Tree
Author:
Tatjana Soli
Stars: 3
Review by: ADAR
Very off-beat plot but I was hooked to the very end.
Stars: 3
Review by: ADAR
Very off-beat plot but I was hooked to the very end.
This Town
Author:
Mark Liebovich
Stars: 1
Review by: BigDa
Inside stories about money grubbers posing as policy makers.
Stars: 1
Review by: BigDa
Inside stories about money grubbers posing as policy makers.
Tapestry of Fortunes
Author:
Elizabeth Berg
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
Elizabeth Berg writes stories I enjoy reading. Although this is not her best book, it was a good story.
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
Elizabeth Berg writes stories I enjoy reading. Although this is not her best book, it was a good story.
The Oracle Glass
Author:
Judith Merkle Riley
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
Superb historical fiction, set in the Paris of Louis Quatorze. A fictionalized account of the "witches" of Paris, who were involved in the Affaire des Poisons, an attempt by the King's mistress to poison him.
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
Superb historical fiction, set in the Paris of Louis Quatorze. A fictionalized account of the "witches" of Paris, who were involved in the Affaire des Poisons, an attempt by the King's mistress to poison him.
The Second Messiah
Author:
Glenn Meade
Stars: 3
Review by: Marianne S.
Archaeological thriller set in the Holy Land. An ancient scroll is discovered at Qumran, just as a new Pope is chosen. Both events upset factions within the Church, leading to mayhem.
Stars: 3
Review by: Marianne S.
Archaeological thriller set in the Holy Land. An ancient scroll is discovered at Qumran, just as a new Pope is chosen. Both events upset factions within the Church, leading to mayhem.
Meg: Origins
Author:
Steve Alten
Stars: 3
Review by: Marianne S.
Novella detailing the backstory of the author's "MEG" series, aka "Jurassic Shark" in the words of one reviewer.
Stars: 3
Review by: Marianne S.
Novella detailing the backstory of the author's "MEG" series, aka "Jurassic Shark" in the words of one reviewer.
Prime
Author:
Jeremy Robinson & Sean Ellis
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
The origins of Chess Team, an extra-elite military team which features in a number of Robinson's other books.
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
The origins of Chess Team, an extra-elite military team which features in a number of Robinson's other books.
Bloodman
Author:
Robert Pobi
Stars: 3
Review by: Marianne S.
I can't say that I "enjoyed" this book, as it deals with a horribly disturbing series of murders, but it kept me guessing, and the ending was COMPLETELY unexpected, though the author did leave plenty of clues.
Stars: 3
Review by: Marianne S.
I can't say that I "enjoyed" this book, as it deals with a horribly disturbing series of murders, but it kept me guessing, and the ending was COMPLETELY unexpected, though the author did leave plenty of clues.
Crunch Time
Author:
Diane Mott Davidson
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
#16 in the Goldy Bear mystery series, and her most recent before the new title due soon.
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
#16 in the Goldy Bear mystery series, and her most recent before the new title due soon.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Fatally Flaky
Author:
Diane Mott Davidson
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
#15 in the Goldy Bear mystery series. Goldy needs to figure out who killed her godfather while also trying to cater a wedding for Bridezilla.
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
#15 in the Goldy Bear mystery series. Goldy needs to figure out who killed her godfather while also trying to cater a wedding for Bridezilla.
Sweet Revenge
Author:
Diane Mott Davidson
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
#14 in the Goldy Bear mystery series. Murder among antique map dealers and a very tasty-sounding recipe for Potatoes au gratin.
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
#14 in the Goldy Bear mystery series. Murder among antique map dealers and a very tasty-sounding recipe for Potatoes au gratin.
The Lost Army of Cambyses
Author:
Paul Sussman
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
Archaeological thriller set in Egypt, complete with lost tombs and terrorists.
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
Archaeological thriller set in Egypt, complete with lost tombs and terrorists.
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
Author:
Karen Joy Fowler
Stars: 3
Review by: Miss Lucy
I was intrigued by the title, and I wanted to love this book. But it didn't happen. It was an enjoyable read, but I just couldn't get very emotionally involved with the characters. I don't know why. They were likable and interesting, and the book had enough twists and turns, but it just never grabbed me. It's the story of Rosemary, a girl (now a young woman) who grew up in an unusual family situation. Bit by bit, we, along with Rosemary, put together memories and pieces of the past in order to make sense of it. Not only that, but Rosemary has to learn how to integrate her past into her adult identity.
Stars: 3
Review by: Miss Lucy
I was intrigued by the title, and I wanted to love this book. But it didn't happen. It was an enjoyable read, but I just couldn't get very emotionally involved with the characters. I don't know why. They were likable and interesting, and the book had enough twists and turns, but it just never grabbed me. It's the story of Rosemary, a girl (now a young woman) who grew up in an unusual family situation. Bit by bit, we, along with Rosemary, put together memories and pieces of the past in order to make sense of it. Not only that, but Rosemary has to learn how to integrate her past into her adult identity.
Because of Mr. Terupt
Author:
Rob Buyea
Stars: 4
Review by: Miss Lucy
Even though this book is Juvenile Fiction, I enjoyed it very much. Imagine having the perfect fifth grade teacher, who impacts each of his students in a positive way. Imagine being that first year teacher, and the satisfaction that comes from being able to reach out to your students in meaningful ways. Then, one day, something unexpected happens to throw everyone off balance. See how the students grow and mature in dealing with the situation.
Stars: 4
Review by: Miss Lucy
Even though this book is Juvenile Fiction, I enjoyed it very much. Imagine having the perfect fifth grade teacher, who impacts each of his students in a positive way. Imagine being that first year teacher, and the satisfaction that comes from being able to reach out to your students in meaningful ways. Then, one day, something unexpected happens to throw everyone off balance. See how the students grow and mature in dealing with the situation.
Return to Sender
Author:
Fern Michaels
Stars: 3
Review by: Carol
A typical, light, summer "romance novel" with the usual extraordinary, successful characters.
Stars: 3
Review by: Carol
A typical, light, summer "romance novel" with the usual extraordinary, successful characters.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Strip Tease
Author:
Carl Hiaasen
Stars: 4
Review by: BigDa
A political message ensconced in hilarious sexual wrapping.
Stars: 4
Review by: BigDa
A political message ensconced in hilarious sexual wrapping.
The Fate of Mercy Alban
Author:
Wendy Webb
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Jambob
Spooky, creepy dark passageways, secret hiding places and an age old family mystery. A few dead bodies and a mother and daughter trying to hold it together at an ancestral estate Mansion. I looked over at my clock and realized I finished reading the book at mid-nite! Chills.....
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Jambob
Spooky, creepy dark passageways, secret hiding places and an age old family mystery. A few dead bodies and a mother and daughter trying to hold it together at an ancestral estate Mansion. I looked over at my clock and realized I finished reading the book at mid-nite! Chills.....
The Chaperone
Author:
Laura Moriarty
Stars: 5
Review by: Smudge
A well written, and very good story about growing and understanding.
Stars: 5
Review by: Smudge
A well written, and very good story about growing and understanding.
Wolf Hall
Author: Hilary Mantel
Stars: 2
Review by: Barb
I found this long book of historical fiction difficult and cumbersome to read. There were so many characters, many with the name of Thomas, and the author often used the pronoun "he" without reminding the reader who "he" was. The book has received wonderful reviews and awards, and I found some of it enjoyable when I could follow the story
Stars: 2
Review by: Barb
I found this long book of historical fiction difficult and cumbersome to read. There were so many characters, many with the name of Thomas, and the author often used the pronoun "he" without reminding the reader who "he" was. The book has received wonderful reviews and awards, and I found some of it enjoyable when I could follow the story
Best Kept Secret
Author:
Jeffrey Archer
Stars: 2
Review by: Carol
Rather disappointing as I for closure was hoping, but left with a cliff-hanger ending.
Stars: 2
Review by: Carol
Rather disappointing as I for closure was hoping, but left with a cliff-hanger ending.
Summer Sisters
Author:
Judy Blume
Stars: 3
Review by: NancyW421
Good light beach read about friends who go away every summer to Martha's Vineyard, since they were 13.
Stars: 3
Review by: NancyW421
Good light beach read about friends who go away every summer to Martha's Vineyard, since they were 13.
Touch & Go
Author:
Lisa Gardner
Stars: 5
Review by: PattiK
This book was thrilling and amazing. Best I have read in awhile. The mystery remains until the last few pages. Very well written novel.
Stars: 5
Review by: PattiK
This book was thrilling and amazing. Best I have read in awhile. The mystery remains until the last few pages. Very well written novel.
Same Kind of Different as Me
Author:
Ron Hall & Denver Moore
Stars: 5
Review by: Lrizza
Compelling memoir. It was filled with emotion and spirituality. This book will stay with me for a very long time.
Stars: 5
Review by: Lrizza
Compelling memoir. It was filled with emotion and spirituality. This book will stay with me for a very long time.
The Week Before the Wedding
Author:
Beth Kendrick
Stars: 4
Review by: ADAR
Funny, fast read. Predictable but very enjoyable.
Stars: 4
Review by: ADAR
Funny, fast read. Predictable but very enjoyable.
Trust & Deception
Author:
Melissa J. Troutman
Stars: 4
Review by: Miss Lucy
A Christian fiction thriller! Sounds like an oxymoron, but Ms. Troutman pulled it off flawlessly! It kept me on the edge of my seat, and showed God's presence in an FBI agent's dangerous life.
Stars: 4
Review by: Miss Lucy
A Christian fiction thriller! Sounds like an oxymoron, but Ms. Troutman pulled it off flawlessly! It kept me on the edge of my seat, and showed God's presence in an FBI agent's dangerous life.
Meet Me in Venice
Author:
Elizabeth Adler
Stars: 3
Review by: Car-Lay
This was an easy book to listen to on tape in the car. The story has mystery, romance, betrayal, intrigue and supporting girlfriends who help the main character through heartbreak and deceit.
Stars: 3
Review by: Car-Lay
This was an easy book to listen to on tape in the car. The story has mystery, romance, betrayal, intrigue and supporting girlfriends who help the main character through heartbreak and deceit.
Kitty in the Underworld
Author:
Carrie Vaughn
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the latest Kitty Norville book and it has Kitty being kidnapped by a strange band of supernaturals. Can this group be trusted; can they defeat a common enemy; is this the end or just the beginning (a song in there somewhere :))? Read to find out.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the latest Kitty Norville book and it has Kitty being kidnapped by a strange band of supernaturals. Can this group be trusted; can they defeat a common enemy; is this the end or just the beginning (a song in there somewhere :))? Read to find out.
21st Century Dead: A Zombie Anthology
Author:
Christopher Golden (ed.)
Stars: 4
Review by: Michelle D
Short zombie stories. Really good if you like the genre. One of the authors wrote Robopocolypse, which is being made into a movie. Another wrote Ender's Game. Great writing, fun read.
Stars: 4
Review by: Michelle D
Short zombie stories. Really good if you like the genre. One of the authors wrote Robopocolypse, which is being made into a movie. Another wrote Ender's Game. Great writing, fun read.
Paddington Here and Now
Author:
Michael Bond
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
Written 50 years after the first Paddington book, this book follows the same delightful formula as the first. A delightful read!
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
Written 50 years after the first Paddington book, this book follows the same delightful formula as the first. A delightful read!
The Last Nude
Author:
Ellis Avery
Stars: 3
Review by: BKF
Paris in the late 20's, artist Tamara de Lempicka, a model that inspires her best paintings, love, money, manipulation, betrayal... it's all here.
Stars: 3
Review by: BKF
Paris in the late 20's, artist Tamara de Lempicka, a model that inspires her best paintings, love, money, manipulation, betrayal... it's all here.
The King of Torts
Author:
John Grisham
Stars: 3
Review by: BKF
I learn something interesting about the law everytime I read a John Grisham book.
Stars: 3
Review by: BKF
I learn something interesting about the law everytime I read a John Grisham book.
A Week in Winter
Author: Maeve Binchy
Stars: 4
Review by: Car-Lay
This is the first book I've read by Binchy and I really enjoyed it. Her character development is very good and she introduces her characters one by one, each with their own chapter. They all meet for a weeks vacation in an old, beautifully renovated inn on the Atlantic coast of Ireland. Each chapter is a like a short story but she does not spend much time developing the interactions between the characters while they are staying at the inn. That is the only thing I found lacking in the book and I felt it ended abruptly. Maybe I just wanted to know more about what happened next for the characters!
Stars: 4
Review by: Car-Lay
This is the first book I've read by Binchy and I really enjoyed it. Her character development is very good and she introduces her characters one by one, each with their own chapter. They all meet for a weeks vacation in an old, beautifully renovated inn on the Atlantic coast of Ireland. Each chapter is a like a short story but she does not spend much time developing the interactions between the characters while they are staying at the inn. That is the only thing I found lacking in the book and I felt it ended abruptly. Maybe I just wanted to know more about what happened next for the characters!
If You Were Here
Author: Jen Lancaster
Stars: 4
Review by: line82
Good beach read. Typical Jen Lancaster channeling John Hughes.
Stars: 4
Review by: line82
Good beach read. Typical Jen Lancaster channeling John Hughes.
The Heist
Author:
Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Enjoyed this campy, funny book. It has the Evanovich humor but feels a little more substantial than the Plum series. This book is about an FBI agent being paired up with a known con-man to try and catch even bigger criminals. The con-man is there as a way to get out of jail and the FBI agent is there because she follows orders. They are set to have a 5 year relationship so there are definitely more books to come. First they have to try and con a con. Enjoy!
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Enjoyed this campy, funny book. It has the Evanovich humor but feels a little more substantial than the Plum series. This book is about an FBI agent being paired up with a known con-man to try and catch even bigger criminals. The con-man is there as a way to get out of jail and the FBI agent is there because she follows orders. They are set to have a 5 year relationship so there are definitely more books to come. First they have to try and con a con. Enjoy!
The Christie Curse
Author:
Victoria Abbott
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Jambob
A fun cozy read for a new series. A young woman follows in the heels of her deceased predecessor to find a written play authored by Agatha Christie when she disappeared from society for 11 days. Resourceful, spunky, with a quirky family to keep you interested and looking for the second book in the series.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Jambob
A fun cozy read for a new series. A young woman follows in the heels of her deceased predecessor to find a written play authored by Agatha Christie when she disappeared from society for 11 days. Resourceful, spunky, with a quirky family to keep you interested and looking for the second book in the series.
The Worst Hard Time
Author:
Timothy Egan
Stars: 4
Review by: Mystery Girl
Hauntingly written book about the trials and tribulations of those who endured the devastation referred to as, the Dust Bowl.
Stars: 4
Review by: Mystery Girl
Hauntingly written book about the trials and tribulations of those who endured the devastation referred to as, the Dust Bowl.
The Quilter's Daughter
Author:
Wanda E. Brunstetter
Stars: 5
Review by: bookworm
The wonderful story of an Amish family. You can't help but fall in love with the Amish. A great book.
Stars: 5
Review by: bookworm
The wonderful story of an Amish family. You can't help but fall in love with the Amish. A great book.
The Search
Author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher
Stars: 5
Review by: bookworm
My heart was touched by this book. It is the story of two young Amish women. They find everything in the end - young love, forgiveness, and healing.
Stars: 5
Review by: bookworm
My heart was touched by this book. It is the story of two young Amish women. They find everything in the end - young love, forgiveness, and healing.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Author:
Alexander McCall Smith
Stars: 4
Review by: libraryaimee
I've been wanting to read this forever and finally listened to the audiobook. It was a great story and family friendly! My husband and son listened to the last disc with me and loved it...we all enjoyed the accent of the reader too!
Stars: 4
Review by: libraryaimee
I've been wanting to read this forever and finally listened to the audiobook. It was a great story and family friendly! My husband and son listened to the last disc with me and loved it...we all enjoyed the accent of the reader too!
Friday, August 9, 2013
My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business
Author:
Dick Van Dyke
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
A wonderful memoir of an amazing performer with not a speck of sensationalism or "dirt" in sight. The audio book is narrated by the author himself. A must read (or listen) for any fan.
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
A wonderful memoir of an amazing performer with not a speck of sensationalism or "dirt" in sight. The audio book is narrated by the author himself. A must read (or listen) for any fan.
The Cavedweller
Author:
Dorothy Allison
Stars: 3
Review by: Lrizza
The book was a little boring at times. The characters were well written. The author made them seem like real people.
Stars: 3
Review by: Lrizza
The book was a little boring at times. The characters were well written. The author made them seem like real people.
Tainted (The Blood Lily Chronicles)
Author:
Julie Kenner
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Unlike regular TV, I didn't have to wait until next week to find out the ending of this trilogy. Lily has to make a decision as to whether she becomes Queen of the Demons or sacrifices herself, in a not too pleasant way, to stop Armageddon. A big battle between good and evil wages on. Does Lily make the right choice? Read the series to find out.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Unlike regular TV, I didn't have to wait until next week to find out the ending of this trilogy. Lily has to make a decision as to whether she becomes Queen of the Demons or sacrifices herself, in a not too pleasant way, to stop Armageddon. A big battle between good and evil wages on. Does Lily make the right choice? Read the series to find out.
Torn (The Blood Lily Chronicles)
Author:
Julie Kenner
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Book #2 in the trilogy has Lily/Alice trying to figure out a way to stop Armageddon. In this book Lily plays a double agent working for good by pretending to work for evil. She is also trying to save her real sister and protect Alice's sister. Can she do what she needs to do and still stay on the side of good? Need to read the next book in the series.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Book #2 in the trilogy has Lily/Alice trying to figure out a way to stop Armageddon. In this book Lily plays a double agent working for good by pretending to work for evil. She is also trying to save her real sister and protect Alice's sister. Can she do what she needs to do and still stay on the side of good? Need to read the next book in the series.
Turned (The Blood Lily Chronicles)
Author:
Julie Kenner
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Book 1 in this trilogy introduces the main character Lily who is now in Alice's body. Lily is turned into a demon hunter and believes that she is fighting for good, but is she? Need to read the next in the series.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Book 1 in this trilogy introduces the main character Lily who is now in Alice's body. Lily is turned into a demon hunter and believes that she is fighting for good, but is she? Need to read the next in the series.