Thursday, July 11, 2019

Ming Tea Murder

Author: Laura Childs   
Stars: 3
Review by: Fran

Tea Shop Mystery series #16.  Really enjoying this mystery series. Not amazing writing, but a simply joy to indulge. Highly recommend the series for an escape read.

The Perfect Fraud

Author: Ellen Lacorte
Stars: 4
Review by: Kim P.

I enjoyed this book from a local author.  I can't wait to meet her at the HC library on July 30th.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

How to Stop Time

Author: Matt Haig
Stars: 2
Review by: Kristen E.

There was too much magical realism for my taste. Not much happened throughout the book and that was kind of frustrating for me.

The Cruelest Month

Author: Louise Penny   
Stars: 3
Review by: Kristen E.

I enjoy these mysteries. There is just enough thought involved to be entertaining, but not so much that I get lost!

Eat Cake

Author: Jeanne Ray
Stars: 5
Review by: KM

A very engaging read with a positive tone and great character development. And if you love cake or music, even better!

A Woman is No Man

Author: Etaf Rum   
Stars: 5
Review by: Pip 2

Gripping story of 3 women and the choices they make, I could not put this down.

My Russian Grandmother and her American Vacuum Cleaner

Author: Meir Shalev
Stars: 2
Review by: rgfundamental

A family memoir. Redundant.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Author: Lisa See   
Stars: 5
Review by: Lynne Thompson

Tender, emotional story of women's relationship in 19th century China. Fascinating look at practices of footbinding and women's secret writing "nu-shu".

Recursion

Author: Blake Crouch
Stars: 4
Review by: Lynne Thompson

Intense, fascinating time-warping alternative time line novel. Absorbing.

Alas, Paris

Author: Lawrence DeMaria
Stars: 4
Review by: Aleksza

This book is not released yet. I edit this author's work so I edited and read.

The Little Old Lady Who Broke All The Rules

Author: Catharina Ingleman-Sundberg   
Stars: 2
Review by: Lizzy

The premise was good. Maybe something was lost in the translation? The characters seemed cardboard and it did not flow well. Five seniors are denied many things in their retirement home. They feel like prisoners. The group decided to commit a kidnapping of some famous paintings so they can go to prison where they’d be better off. This could really be funny if made into a movie with the right actors and editing. And what was with all the singing?

First Dogs

Author: Roy Rowan and Brooke Janis   
Stars: 4
Review by: BNbook

I enjoyed learning about the Presidents and their dogs and other animals that lived at the White House. Nice pictures too.

The Knowledge

Author: Martha Grimes   
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzy

Safari anyone? Join Melrose and a spunky 10 year old in the heart of Africa spying on mining of tanzanite among other things. How the child gets there is a story in itself. Once again Jury needs help in solving a murder of a brilliant scientist and his wife. Suspend belief and just enjoy. So glad to see there is another book in the series.

The High Tide Club

Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Stars: 4
Review by: Hygee16

I've always enjoyed books written by Mary Kay Andrews. This one took quite a while to get into since there were so many layers to it. I almost put it down a few times, but am happy I stuck with it. By page 300 + it became really good as lots of pieces started coming together and many secrets of the past were revealed. I would definitely recommend it.

The Happiness Project

Author: Gretchen Rubin   
Stars: 4
Review by: Grandma I.

This book had a lot of good helpful suggestions on how to make your life (and others) happier on an ongoing basis.

The Lucky Ones

Author: Tiffany Reisz
Stars: 5
Review by: Bandit

This book is a very provocative book. Would be great for a book club -discussing what is ethical, but know that there is a gray area. It puts ideas to the test that you might have thought one way, but could see the other side.

The Farmer's Son-Calving on a Family Farm

Author: John Connell   
Stars: 5
Review by: BertaP

Such a lovely, poignant memoir. An Irish son returns to his family's farm in West Ireland in his late 20's after several years of working at writing and film making in Australia and Canada. And after a failed relationship and a bout with depression. Lyrical and poetic account of his daily chores and his prickley relationship with his difficult father and his hardworking mother. And the cows and the sheep!

Henry, Himself

Author: Stewart O'Nan   
Stars: 4
Review by: BertaP

Stewart O'Nan is not for everyone. His books are about ordinary people and their delights and failings. Very quotidian concerns. I loved Henry and his long time wife, Emily, their interactions and concerns for their family over a year in their life. A prequel to Wish You Were Here and Emily, Alone.

Fallen Empires

Author: Mike Maihack   
Stars: 5
Review by: runnersami

5th book in the Cleopatra in Space series.

Spearhead

Author: Adam Makos   
Stars: 5
Review by: Anne P.

Excellent story of a WWII soldier engaged in tank warfare in Europe.

Nate Expectations

Author: Tim Federle   
Stars: 5
Review by: Shapoppa

The final book in the trilogy about a boy making it to Broadway did not disappoint. Even though it’s a young adult series I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a fun story overall.

Crazy Rich Asians

Author: Kevin Kwan   
Stars: 5
Review by: Shapoppa

The book is so much better than the movie.

Class Mom

Author: Laurie Gelman   
Stars: 4
Review by: DMel

Witty, quick read. Very sarcastic!

Mailboat: The End of the Pier

Author: Danielle Lincoln Hanna
Stars: 5
Review by: Kim P.

The 1st book in a series. Mailboat jumpers are common on Lake Genova, Wisconsin. Bailey is 16 years old and is working her summer as a mailboat jumper when she falls in the lake and discovers a dead body tied to the pier.

Gone to Texas

Author: Forrest Carter
Stars: 3
Review by: Noel

This is the book that the movie The Outlaw Josey Wales was based on. I plan to re-watch the movie to compare it to the book.

Shine

Author: Jodi Picoult   
Stars: 5
Review by: line82

Really only a short story, but so much detail. Another great Jodi Picoult. The novel Small Great Things is based upon this short story & I'm halfway through that now.

Genuine Fraud

Author: E. Lockhart   
Stars: 3
Review by: line82

The story is a bit tangled as part of it is told in reverse. It was entertaining even though I figured out the ending early.

Becoming

Author: Michelle Obama   
Stars: 5
Review by: T. Miller

Inspiring memoir.

Bone on Bone

Author: Julia Keller   
Stars: 3
Review by: stillada

Very current topic, drug addiction. Can't say I really enjoyed it. Well written.

Magic For Liars

Author: Sarah Gailey
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee

A female PI is hired to solve a murder at the school for mages where her twin sister works. A murder at Hogwarts solved by a Muggle! I loved it!

The Wee Free Men

Author: Terry Pratchett   
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzy

"Nac Mac Feegle! The Wee Free Men! Nae king! Nae quin! Nae laird! Nae master! We willna' be fooled again!"  Crivens! I love these Wee Free Men! And what a spunky child Tiffany is especially with her frying pan! Great story, great humor, great fantasy.

Waiting for Tom Hanks

Author: Kerry Winfrey   
Stars: 5
Review by: Diane G.

What a great summer read! A quirky, smart, and modern romance for anyone who loves Tom Hanks, Nora Ephron rom coms, Columbus, Ohio, or all of the above. I read about 2/3 of the book in one day because I could not put it down.

A Cup of Jo

Author: Sandra Balzo   
Stars: 3
Review by: mystery lover

I enjoyed it though I liked her previous book better. This book did not move along very smoothly.

Memory Man

Author: David Balducci   
Stars: 4
Review by: mystery lover

First book by this author I read. I did not guess who dunnit.

The Fifth Mountain

Author: Paulo Coelho   
Stars: 3
Review by: BKF

The story of twenty-three year old Biblical prophet Elijah. An interesting and well written story, not at all Bible-like in its format.

Next Year in Havana

Author: Chanel Cleeton   
Stars: 3
Review by: Cheryl M.

I really enjoyed this read - not much historical fiction set in Cuba. Definitely triggered my curiosity. Then and now.

Everglades

Author: Randy Wayne White   
Stars: 4
Review by: Noel

The Doc Ford series is another I would recommend.

Keep Her Safe

Author: K.A. Tucker
Stars: 5
Review by: Bandit

Great mystery with many twists. The main characters had captivating storylines.

Ice Cold

Author: Tess Gerritsen
Stars: 4
Review by: August Mom

Suspense, a religious cult, love relationships, in a Wyoming setting. The past is revealed and the main character's training as a medical examiner is used to solve the death mystery.

The Wife Between Us

Author: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Stars: 2
Review by: ddlesmom

Predictable.

Summer Rental

Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Stars: 5
Review by: Kim P.

Three friends spend a month in Nags Head, NC.  Add romance, embezzlement, a handsome neighbor and a surprise pregnancy to the list of drama in this book.  I enjoyed it.

Where the Crawdads Sing

Author: Delia Owens
Stars: 5
Review by: JudyE

I reread this book after attending the library book club...so many details I had missed, I urge a reread as it points out the true talent of this author. Pay attention to the chapter titles and Owens' love of NATURE!

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler

Author: Kelly Harms   
Stars: 4
Review by: libraryaimee

When Amy's deadbeat husband reappears after 3 years, she is free to spend a week in NYC while he bonds with their children. A week turns into the whole summer...#momspringa! Fun, steamy, heartwarming.

Lost and Found

Author: Danielle Steel   
Stars: 5
Review by: Linda

Great book.

Dracula

Author: Bram Stoker
Stars: 4
Review by: BKF

A good read! Not what I expected. Originally published in 1897, Bram (short for Abraham!) Stoker's novel has inspired so many gory spin off stories, novels and movies that I was pleasantly surprised by original novel.

Joe Country

Author: Mick Herron   
Stars: 4
Review by: Chris L

Latest book in the Slow Horses series. Entertaining with enough action to keep you rooting for this team of underdogs.

Recursion

Author: Blake Crouch   
Stars: 5
Review by: Kristen E.

Wow! This was another amazing book by Blake Crouch. It will really get you thinking!

Together Alone

Author: Barbara Delinsky   
Stars: 5
Review by: PattiK

Great summer read.

Reboot Your Life (Chicken Soup for the Soul)

Author: Amy Newmark & Claire Cook
Stars: 4
Review by: BNbook

Stories to inspire. Many are interesting. Makes you think. Easy read.

Good Dog, Stay

Author: Anna Quindlen   
Stars: 4
Review by: August Mom

A quick read by a well known author. Great for dog lovers. This book is a tribute to her dog who passed on.

Jell-O Girls

Author: Allie Rowbottom   
Stars: 5
Review by: August Mom

Great story about the Jell-O family history of love, loss, substance abuse/addiction and mental illness. The relationship of the author with her mother and how she came to write the story is to be admired. I enjoyed reminiscing about the Jell-O Story and plan to look over some Jell-O recipes.

The Wild Heart of Stevie Nicks

Author: Rob Sheffield   
Stars: 3
Review by: Cheryl M.

Note: audible only

Our Guys

Author: Bernard Lefkowitz
Stars: 5
Review by: rgfundamental

In our midst, in our time, in our state ….

The Forever Summer

Author: Jamie Brenner   
Stars: 4
Review by: Hygee16

The Forever Summer was better than I expected. The story line was engaging. I also enjoyed the characters and the relationships formed between them.

Dirty Money - A Neely Kate Mystery

Author: Denise Grover Swank   
Stars: 4
Review by: Aleksza

This is the last of the Neely Kate Mystery books. This was a spin of the Rose Gardner series. It is better if you read the latest Rose Gardner mystery first otherwise a lot of things will be revealed.

Sweet as Sin - Bad Habit Book 1

Author: J. T. Geussinger   
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza

This is a 4 book romance series about members of a band called Bad Habit and the women that they fall in love with. The author made it seem that there will be a spin off of this series in the future.

Dirty Brothers - The Complete Series

Author: Penny Wylder   
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza

This is a box set that included 3 books about 3 brothers and the women they fall in love with. The books are Flirt (Thomas & Rose), Lust (Fiona & Sam) and Claim (Robert & Anna).

Eighty Acres

Author: Ronald Jager   
Stars: 3
Review by: Grandma I.

A memoir of growing up in a Dutch family on a small family farm in Michigan in the mid 1900s.

Less Than Zero

Author: Brett Easton Ellis   
Stars: 2
Review by: Mitchie L.

This book is set in Los Angeles in the early 1980s, when Clay comes home for Christmas break from his college on the East Coast. It centers around him and his spoiled rich friends with too much money, and drugs to do. I read through it quickly, but the events at the end were a little too disturbing (for me) for it to be an enjoyable read.

The Winter of the Witch

Author: Katherine Arden   
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzy

Perfect ending to this trilogy. Extremely atmospheric mixed with fantasy, mixed with historical. A grownup’s fairytale.  The lyrical writing has you feeling, and smelling, and going through everything Vashti went through. Just stupendous to see how Vashti saves her country and the fairytale creatures.

The Rest of the Story

Author: Sarah Dessen   
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Kristen E.

This is classic Sarah Dessen. After the last few of her books were kind of disappointing, I loved this one. Great characters and just enough dealing with a heavy topic to keep things interesting and of course, some really great characters. This one was a 4.5 for me. Just what I needed to read right now.

Amish Christmas Letters

Author: Patricia Davids   
Stars: 5
Review by: Pip 2

These are Amish circle letters that are written by 3 authors, very entertaining!

The Cottage on Rose Lane

Author: Hope Ramsey   
Stars: 2
Review by: BNbook

An okay story. If you like sailing it may be of interest to you.

The Man She Married

Author: Cathy Lamb   
Stars: 5
Review by: stillada

I am going to get some other books by this author. I really liked this one.

Ask Again, Yes

Author: Mary Beth Keane   
Stars: 4
Review by: Judy

Very readable book about family relationships and sacrifice.

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Funny, You Don't Look Autistic

Author: Michael McCreary   
Stars: 5
Review by: Diane G.

This book was a fun, quick read. It's an interesting book for anyone who knows someone or is on the Autism Spectrum. I have worked professionally with individuals with Autism and think McCreary's voice was insightful and refreshing.

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac

Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Stars: 3
Review by: Kristen E.

Interesting premise, but I've read other books by Zevin that I've enjoyed more.

I'll Be There for You: The One About Friends

Author: Kelsey Miller
Stars: 3
Review by: Kristen E.

Great read for any Friends lover, but nothing earth-shattering.

The Witch of Portobello

Author: Paul Coelho   
Stars: 3
Review by: BKF

It was an interesting read, but not my favorite. The best I can do to is to quote a remark from the back cover: "... The Witch of Portobello is the kind of story that will transform the way readers think about love, passion, joy and sacrifice." (Didn't work for me!)

The One From the Other

Author: Philip Kerr   
Stars: 5
Review by: Chris L

Fourth book in the Bernie Gunther trilogy (!) Very compelling reading. Thoroughly researched (fictional) detective story about the aftermath of WWII and some of the well known players.

The Heritage of our Hunterdon County Parks

Author: Douglas G Kiovsky
Stars: 3
Review by: BNbook

 I learned a lot about our parks and the people that made them.

No Exit

Author: Taylor Adams   
Stars: 5
Review by: Ashley

I could not put this book down! Every page something was about to happen leaving you always on the edge of your chair, would Darby and Jay survive this snow storm? Who could they really trust? If you enjoy thrillers you definitely need to read!

I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced

Author: Nujood Ali with Delphine Minoui   
Stars: 3
Review by: Pyrex

This book brings to light and personalizes a true problem in many countries where women and girls are viewed as objects to be sold, regardless of age.

Leadership In Turbulent Times

Author: Doris Kearns Goodwin   
Stars: 5
Review by: Cheryl M.

An unbelievably thorough review of the leadership style of four presidents who experienced turbulent times during their Presidency by an author who has spent 30 years researching these men. Lincoln , Theodore Roosevelt, FDR and Lyndon B. Johnson. Their background, abilities and tenureship varied greatly, their vision, and leadership is no question.

Supermarket

Author: Bobby Hall
Stars: 4
Review by: Kim P.

An author who is living as the character in his own book.  Stephen King type book.

Bethlehem

Author: Karen Kelly   
Stars: 3
Review by: Cheryl M.

Slow in the beginning, but I enjoyed the character development. It is all about secrets, betrayal and love.

Sunset Beach

Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Stars: 5
Review by: Kim P.

I enjoyed this book.

Mostly Dead Things

Author: Kristen N. Arnett   
Stars: 4
Review by: libraryaimee

Strange and wonderful novel about a family of taxidermists. A summary wouldn't do justice to the weirdness, humor, and heart. FYI: Vivid descriptions of taxidermy.

Three Little Lies

Author: Laura Marshall   
Stars: 1
Review by: stillada

I finished this book because I had nothing else to read.

The Mortal Word

Author: Genevieve Cogman   
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzy

I throughly enjoy hanging with Irene and Kai. Fey and dragons are meeting in Paris to sign a peace treaty along with the Librarians. Will chaos rule or will dragons take to the air? Bombs, cats, poison, and blizzards are hindering the signing along with murders. Who is behind it all? As enjoyable as it was, I felt it bogged down in the middle but the ending made up for it.

Vertigo 42

Author: Martha Grimes   
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzy

With a brief nod to Hitchcock, we have present day murders tying up with murders in the past. Can Jury solve them and find the connection? Or will he go on to become a fashion designer? Will Harry Johnson appear and finally find himself behind bars? Will Wiggins open his own tea shop? I missed hanging with the regulars, they were rather sparse in this book.

Marriage: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures

Author: Amber Dusick   
Stars: 5
Review by: Miss Lucy

I read this years ago, and still totally enjoyed my re-read. Amber Dusick's comedic phrases and timing are spot on, and her crappy pictures make everything ten times funnier! A quick read.

The Ice Beneath Her

Author: Camilla Grebe
Stars: 5
Review by: August Mom

Great book for crime fiction readers.

Two Lives One Lifetime

Author: Patricia Reihl   
Stars: 4
Review by: August Mom

A story of generational addiction. The author traced her family background of addiction. She also shares her recovery and path to a well lived life in recovery. In researching the author I learned that she passed away last November.

My Brother Jack

Author: Albert D. Rylak   
Stars: 4
Review by: August Mom

A book written as a tribute to a brother with mental illness and life struggles. Local author.

Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward

Author: Valerie Jarrett   
Stars: 3
Review by: Kristen E.

It was OK. I have read better memoirs by other Obama staff. This was a bit boring in places and others had some fun and interesting stories.

Meet Me at the Museum

Author: Anne Youngson   
Stars: 3
Review by: BNbook

Interesting story told through letters. He lives in Denmark and she lives on a farm in England.

Pretty Girls

Author: Karin Slaughter   
Stars: 4
Review by: ddlesmom

Psychological Thriller. Graphic Violence. Very disturbing in parts that I had to put the book down. Would have given it a 5 if some parts weren't so graphic. Otherwise kept me guessing and there were things I never saw coming.

The Last Year of the War

Author: Susan Meissner   
Stars: 4
Review by: stillada

I really liked it but if you are not into "sad" skip it.

Toucan Keep A Secret

Author: Donna Andrews   
Stars: 5
Review by: jeannie

Great fun to read.

Way Off the Road

Author: William Geist   
Stars: 5
Review by: Pip 2

Hilarious.

Get a Clue

Author: Jill Shalvis
Stars: 2
Review by: Pip 2

Steamy.

A German Requiem

Author: Phillip Kerr   
Stars: 3
Review by: Chris L

Third book in the trilogy. More of the same, entertaining.

Before She Knew Him

Author: Peter Swanson   
Stars: 5
Review by: Ashley

You know who the killer is the whole time but when you have to try to prove it, and keep yourself safe it makes a challenge along the way.

Freya

Author: Anthony Quinn   
Stars: 5
Review by: Mitchie L.

The book is set in post WWII London and follows the friendship between the brash Freya Wiley and the more subdued Nancy Holdaway. You see how the friendship progresses and falters between the women. The book is beautifully written and the character development is in-depth and complex.

The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection

Author: BrenĂ© Brown   
Stars: 5
Review by: Kristen E.

Great research-based info for anyone who is a parent or has a parent!

The Grim Grotto

Author: Lemony Snicket   
Stars: 3
Review by: Kristen E.

My daughter and I are listening to this series together and really enjoying it! This was a pretty good one :)

Master & Apprentice

Author: Claudia Gray   
Stars: 4
Review by: Nicholas H

Good Star Wars book . . . a glimpse into Qui Gon's relationship to the Jedi Counsel and with his padawan.

The Perfect Couple

Author: Elin Hildebrand
Stars: 5
Review by: Gayle H

Great book, a real page turner!

The Runaways Series

Author: V.C. Andrews
Stars: 5
Review by: D. Alexandrowicz

I read this series once as a teenager, roughly the age of the characters. Re-reading as an adult and parent, has been an interesting experience. These days, I find myself less worried about myself, but more for young girls going through similar situations.