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Reviews by Anna R. (Oak Ridge, TN)

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The White Forest: A Novel
by Adam McOmber

Disappointing (8/7/2012)

The White Forest was very disappointing. The characters were people who had too much time on their hands. The plot was so unbelievable that I had trouble finishing it. I loaned the book to my daughter who is also an avid reader. She disliked it so much that she didn't …more

A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns

Outstanding! (4/4/2012)

Last week when I went to a doctor's appointment I took "A Simple Murder" with me. When I was called back to see the doctor I was so upset because I wanted to sit and read this book! It has a great plot, believeable characters, and an unusual setting. 1796 in a Shaker …more

The Red Book: A Novel
by Deborah Copaken Kogan

Disappointing. (2/9/2012)

I looked forward to this book because the description sounded wonderful. First of all, there are so many words in the English language so why do authors use the "f" word so much?? Do people really talk like that? No one I know does. The characters are so spoiled and shallow …more

King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village
by Peggielene Bartels, Eleanor Herman

A story to Remember (12/4/2011)

King Peggy gives new meaning to the phrase "what one person can do." She takes her "Kingship" seriously and does the almost impossible to help her people. I was amused and horrified at some of the things her council did to line their own pockets. This is an amazing story. I …more

Proof of Heaven: A Novel
by Mary Curran Hackett

Unusual (9/6/2011)

Proof of Heaven was easy to read. The subject matter was a bit sad and the ending confusing. The mother's devotion to her son was realistic because most Mothers would go to any lengths to save their child. I felt the ending left a lot of unanswered questions.

The Daughter of Siena: A Novel
by Marina Fiorato

Fascinating Story (5/6/2011)

This book has it all: History, intrigue,romance and a bit of a surprise that I wasn't expecting. The author did a great job spinning a tale that keeps the reader interested to the last page. After finishing it I went to the Internet to look up some of the historical …more

Outside Wonderland: A Novel
by Lorna Jane Cook

Outstanding. (1/29/2011)

I read Outside Wonderland in one setting because I couldn't put it down. It is a fascinating story, very unusual with believable characters and events. The idea of how Heaven (or whatever) might be is beautiful. This is a beautifully written and the Epilogue is something to …more

The Girl in the Green Raincoat: A Novel
by Laura Lippman

Fun Read. (10/29/2010)

I haven't read anything by Laura Lippman before but now I am a fan. The Girl in the Green Raincoat is a fun read. It is full of wonderful characters, and an unusual plot with the pregnant woman being able to solve the mystery from her spot in the sunporch. I loved this book …more

The Clouds Beneath the Sun
by Mackenzie Ford

Amazing Story (7/9/2010)

This book has it all; mystery, history, jealously,murder and a love story. I learned about Kenya working toward independence and about archaeology. The character development is fantastic and the story grabs you from page one.
The ending isn't what I expected. Wow. This is a great read!

A Thread of Sky: A Novel
by Deanna Fei

A bit confusing (3/27/2010)

I started "A Thread of Sky" looking forward to a great book. However,I found it a bit confusing. It was an okay story but could have been so much better. It seemed disconnected and jumped from character to another. The ending left some hope for the family and a sequel might …more

A Thread of Sky: A Novel
by Deanna Fei

Confusing (3/27/2010)

This book could have been so much better. It was an okay story but I never felt connected to any of the characters. There were so many unanswered questions. I wanted more and it just didn't happen. That said, I would read another book by this author.

Secret Daughter: A Novel
by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Excellent book (1/7/2010)

Secret Daughter is a story of love, contrast of cultures and family conflict. The depth of understanding in the book is so touching. The unconditional love of a Mother for her child and what she will do for that chld is a focal point.

The contract of cultures in India is …more

Serena: A Novel
by Ron Rash

Quite a Read (8/31/2009)

Don't you love a book that grabs you from page one and doesn't let go until the very end? Wow, that is the type of book Ron Rash has written..

Serena is a ruthless woman who goes to any lengths to get what she wants. If something or someone gets in her way, watch out.

The …more

Gifts of War: A Novel
by Mackenzie Ford

Hard to Put Down (4/8/2009)

When I started "Gifts of War" I couldn't stop reading. It is well written and the plot is fascinating. It is a book that you will think about long after you finish it. I couldn't imagine how it would end and trust me, the ending is not what you expect. I consider this book …more

Cutting For Stone
by Abraham Verghese

An amazing read! (1/9/2009)

Having read My Own Country by Verghese I looked forward to his novel. It grabbed me with the first sentence. I was a bit frustrated that it took several chapters to get to what is happening in that sentence. The story has many twists and turns and is set in a part of the …more

Greasing the Piñata
by Tim Maleeny

Disappointed (10/5/2008)

Sad to say, this book didn't appeal to me at all. There was too much violence, unrealistic "high tech gadgets" and and so many characters it was hard to keep track of them. It didn't hold my interest and I found myself thinking, "okay, I need to finish this book so I can go …more

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Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus

Praised by Parade and The New York Times Book Review, this debut features a 1960s scientist turned TV cooking star.

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The Lilac People
by Milo Todd

For fans of All the Light We Cannot See, a poignant tale of a trans man’s survival in Nazi Germany and postwar Berlin.

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Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung

Based on the author’s family story, comes an extraordinary novel about a mother and her daughters’ escape from Taiwan.

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