BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

The Necklace
by Claire McMillan

The Necklace by Claire McMillan (6/6/2017)

Although the storyline is fairly predictable, there are enough twists to hold the readers interest. The author successfully switches back and forth between the extravagant lifestyle of the 1920's to the present day relatives having to deal with a deteriorating estate. This novel has a little of something for everyone---love, greed, jealously, betrayal, and of course, the mystery of an inherited necklace. Definitely a good summer read.

The Half Wives
by Stacia Pelletier

The Half Wives (1/18/2017)

It was a struggle for me to finish The Half Wives by Stacia Pelletier as I found the storyline to be very depressing. It is hard to relate to anyone who would wallow in grief and guilt for 14 years. However, the husband and wife seemed to embrace their misery and let it define who they became. As a result, bad decisions were made which ultimately affected two other people. It was a relief when I finished the book.

Shelter
by Jung Yun

Shelter (12/22/2015)

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be haunting. A story of a family caught between cultures, it is both informative and heartbreaking. The storyline illustrates so profoundly that money and success is meaningless without love. Only through an act of violence is this family able to examine their lives and start to take steps toward correcting and healing. A great read by author Jung Yun.

The War Reporter
by Martin Fletcher

The War Reporter (8/27/2015)

A gripping tale depicting the life of an American TV journalist working in war-torn Sarajevo. Although the main character, Tom Layne, will do most anything to get a scoop, the story also reveals his very human side as well as several of those he comes in contact with. So often we read reports of on-going conflicts in foreign countries and never consider what effect it has on its citizens. The War Reporter paints a very vivid picture of the daily life of these people and the tragedies that can occur under the guise of "doing what is best". A very thought-provoking read.

Maybe in Another Life
by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Maybe in Another Life (6/11/2015)

Maybe in Another Life really caught my interest with the concept of how our choices can affect our lives. Perhaps I was expecting too much as I found the book disappointing. Instead of two story lines there seemed to be four---Hannah's and Gabby's. While one choice was well developed I found the other unrealistic.. In my opinion, the book would have been better if the last three years had been left out. To me, the "happy ever after" endings weakened the stories.

The Paris Winter
by Imogen Robertson

The Paris Winter (7/17/2014)

Set in Paris at the end of 1909 and the beginning of 1910, the story draws the reader in almost from the beginning. Three young women from very different backgrounds are brought together through the art school, Academie Afon. Through a series of events, they find themselves entangled in a world of deceit, drugs and revenge. The storyline has many twists and surprises that keep the reader guessing what will happen next. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I felt the ending would have been stronger if the epilogue had been omitted. Instead, I experienced the "and they lived happily ever after" fairytale feeling..

Enduring Courage: Ace Pilot Eddie Rickenbacker and the Dawn of the Age of Speed
by John F. Ross

Enduring Courage by John Ross (4/14/2014)

A great glimpse into the character of men who helped build the auto and aviation industry into what it is today. Eddie Rickenbacker and this contemporaries pushed beyond the limit whether in racing or flying. John Ross did an incredible job of relating historical facts while still bringing to life the story of Rickenbacker, a man many have heard of but few actually knew. I don't usually read a lot of books on history, but found this book compelling.

The Cairo Affair
by Olen Steinhauer

The Cairo Affair (1/15/2014)

Although Stenhauser might be billed as the master of spy novels, I found The Cairo Affair disappointing. It took me over half the novel to connect all the names and piece together a storyline. The premise that an American could so easily betray their country and loved one because they were bored and looking for excitement was very disturbing to me.

Through the Evil Days: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery
by Julia Spencer-Fleming

Through the Evil Days (9/10/2013)

I would have rated this book higher if it had not been for all the other storylines going on with most of the main characters. This seemed to bog down the pace at times. The book did keep my interest, though I was very disappointed with the ending which left many unanswered questions. I am assuming that the author will follow up with another book about Clare and Russ since this seems to be a series.

The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War
by Daniel Stashower

The Hour of Peril (12/31/2012)

At first I did not think I was going to like this book when so much was devoted to Pinkerton's background. However, once the story progressed to the second part I was totally engrossed. It is surprising to me that throughout high school and college I never heard that an attempt had been made on Lincoln's life before his first inauguration. This book is definitely worth reading whether you are a history buff or not.

The Woman at the Light: A Novel
by Joanna Brady

The Woman at the Light by Joanna Brady (7/11/2012)

The author presents an interesting view into the life and hardships of a women lighthouse keeper during the 1800's. Add a missing husband, an escaped slave, an illicit love affair, and a hurricane and you have a plot that keeps the reader turning pages. An added bonus is the description of an antebellum Key West.

A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns

A Simple Murder (4/18/2012)

An unusual "who done it" which occurs in an unlikely setting. Although the storyline did hold my interest, I had some trouble keeping all the characters straight and felt that some of the key players could have been developed better. The ending left me wondering if the author plans a sequel.

The Winter Palace: A Novel of Catherine the Great
by Eva Stachniak

The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak (1/17/2012)

Although I enjoyed the book, I was disappointed that the author made Catherine's confidante, Varvara, the main character. The book cover claims that it is a novel of Catherine the Great, however we really never get to know her, only what is presented through Varvara.

The Borgia Betrayal: A Poisoner Mystery Novel
by Sara Poole

The Borgia Betrayal by Sara Poole (6/27/2011)

As a lover of historical mysteries, I found this book disappointing. The usage of phrases that seemed more appropriate for the 20th century than the 15th, poor character development, and unbelievable "feats" by the main character Francesca all contributed to my dissatisfaction. Perhaps if I have read Poison first, I would have enjoyed the book more.

Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander (3/21/2011)

Although the story held my interest most of the time, I found there were parts where I bogged down with too much detail. Often I thought the story was ending but would realize there were still 200 or more pages to go. If I had any criticism, it would be that Claire and Jamie seemed to possess "super human" skills as they moved from one life threatening crisis to another. Since the story left many unanswered questions, I most likely will read the next book in the sequel.

The Paris Wife: A Novel
by Paula McLain

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (12/9/2010)

I highly recommend reading The Paris Wife by Paula McLain for anyone who has ever read any of Ernest Hemingway's work. It is an absorbing and compelling novel describing the early years of Hemingway's life as a struggling writer written through the voice of his first wife Hadley. The reader is also introduced to the circle of Hemingway friends, many becoming well-known names in today's literary world also. Upon completing the novel, I found myself wondering if Hemingway would have persevered during his early years to become the writer we know today if he hadn't been married to Hadley during this period. I found the book fascinating and now feel compelled to read A Movable Feast.

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Death Echo (6/23/2010)

Death Echo is an entertaining read if you are a lover of international espionage. For the most part the plot moves at a fast pace with well developed main characters. Unfortunately, I can't say that for most of the other characters. Often I felt I was missing a crucial point, especially with the various agencies involved. This book definitely makes you aware of one more way America is vulnerable to terrorists.

The Scent of Rain and Lightning: A Novel
by Nancy Pickard

The Scent of Rain and Lightning (2/12/2010)

Starting a little slow, the story line quickly escalates keeping the reader guessing until the end. The author successfully captures the emotions of a small town whose livelihood depends on the success of the largest ranch in the area. Both look out for the other with a loyalty that can go too far as the ending of this book reveals. Mistakes were made, or overlooked, when a man is quickly convicted and jailed for a murder. Only when the conviction is overturned 23 years later is the town and the man's daughter forced to face hidden secrets. Although I enjoyed this read, I was disturbed by the the absence of the main character's maternal grandparents. In my opinion, this relationship, even if not very desirable, would have completed the story.

Serena: A Novel
by Ron Rash

Serena (9/16/2009)

Serena is a riveting, albeit very dark, novel about one couple's goal to rule the lumber industry at any cost. Set during the depression the reader gets a glimpse of the degree men were willing to go to have a job. Even though the novel centers around Serena, she is the one character I felt I never really got to know. There are so many unanswered questions that still haunt me. Even though I was disturbed by many scenes in the book, I could not put it down. This was definitely a love-hate read for me.

The Secret Keeper
by Paul Harris

The Secret Keeper (3/13/2009)

Even though this novel can sometimes be confusing bouncing back and forth between a four year time frame, it is full of information about a country we often only receive snippets about in our national news. For the most part, the story moves at a brisk pace but does seem to bog down in areas. As a first time novel, I found the book an interesting and enjoyable read.

Reviews by Rosemary T. (San Antonio, TX)

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Reviews by Rosemary T. (San Antonio, TX)

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