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Reviews by Marjorie W. (Bonita Springs, FL)

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The Blind Light
The Blind Light: A Novel
by Stuart Evers
The Blind Light (10/23/2020)
Unfortunately, I did not find this book particularly interesting. I felt the author was unnecessarily wordy, the story heavy and depressing and the characters unlikable. Had I not been reading this to review, I would not have struggled through 500 pages.
The Sun Down Motel
The Sun Down Motel
by Simone St. James
The Sun Down Motel (11/16/2019)
I coundn't put this one down - made my skin crawl! If you enjoy a good mystery along with a "scary" story, this is one for you. Trying to solve the mystery of her aunt's disappearance 35 years ago, Carly relives the life her aunt was persuing wgen she suddenly disappeared, A good story.
You Were There Too
You Were There Too
by Colleen Oakley
You Were There too (8/10/2019)
A good read - kept my attention throughout. A love story with enough shifts to keep it from being just a love story. Felt some annoyance with Mia for dallying with Oliver - if only in her mind - but also felt sorrow for her as she dealt with her miscarriage.
More News Tomorrow
More News Tomorrow: A Novel
by Susan Richards Shreve
More News Tomorrow (4/18/2019)
It took me a while to develop an interest in reading this book. It was a good story and kept me guessing who killed Georgianna's mother right up to the end. I really enjoyed the ending and Thomas's final pages of his memoir.
The Last Romantics
The Last Romantics
by Tara Conklin
The Last Romantics (12/4/2018)
After thoroughly enjoying The House Girl by Tara Conklin, I was excited to receive her new book to review. I found The Last Romantics disappointing. It took me quite a while to really "get into" this book. I can usually becomes involved in the characters in a story and found that this just didn't hold my interest as I would have liked.
A Ladder to the Sky
A Ladder to the Sky: A Novel
by John Boyne
A Ladder to the sky (9/4/2018)
Almost didn't finish this book - I had this feeling that something very evil was about to happen and put the story away for a few days. I have to stay that the Maurice was a despicable character - and when I decided to try again to read this book, I became hooked. This author does draw the reader into the plot and you wonder what evil will Maurice commit next. I don't think this is a book for everyone, but I did enjoy it.
Listen to the Marriage
Listen to the Marriage
by John Jay Osborn
Listen to the Marriage (6/7/2018)
This was not a favorite of mine - It takes place solely in the office of the marriage counselor and was a bit slow moving for my taste. I did find it interesting that the counselor was able to understand how to help both Gretchen and Steve - and to move them back to a point where there was understanding. I finished the book feeling that the problems were becoming resolved.
The Family Tabor
The Family Tabor
by Cherise Wolas
The Family Tabor (4/13/2018)
I enjoyed the book from start to finish. Characters were likable- we learn that even the "perfect" life has its secrets. Harry Tabor is a good man (who made a huge mistake in his early wage earning life ) who is to be honored as Man of the Decade by his community. As his family begins to arrive on the day of the ceremony - his past begins to haunt him. This is the story of Harry, his wife Roma and their three children who have issues of their own to settle. I found the final chapters not to be as I expected. It will be a definite suggestion to my book club when it is published.
The Days When Birds Come Back
The Days When Birds Come Back
by Deborah Reed
The days when birds come back (11/1/2017)
This was not one of my favorite books - I found it hard to "get into". June was a difficult character to relate to - her story unfolds slowly throughout the book. While feeling some pity for - I also found her annoying. It might be a good read for Book Clubs because I think it would elicit a vigorous discussion.
Never Coming Back
Never Coming Back
by Alison McGhee
Never Coming Back (9/7/2017)
Interesting read - deals with Clara's unsettled issues and feelings about her mother - brought to the forefront as her mother, Tamar, starts to lose her memory. As Tamar fades, Clara tries to find answers to what happened and shy her mother sent her away to college.
Seven Days of Us
Seven Days of Us: A Novel
by Francesca Hornak
Seven Days of Us (5/11/2017)
Loved this book. It was one of those stories that you couldn't put down. Characters were well developed and real! As a member of a large family, I relate to the interactions that took place. I was able to laugh and to cry as I wound my way through this story.
Our Short History
Our Short History
by Lauren Grodstein
Our Short History (1/31/2017)
What a good read! I really enjoyed the story - it kept my attention from start to finish. Karen's story - which she is writing for her son - their short time together. Jacob's missing father comes into the picture at Jacob's insistence- with enthusiasm to Karen's surprise. Her struggle to let him become a permanent part of Jacob's life is poignant.
Home Sweet Home
Home Sweet Home
by April Smith
Home Sweet Home (12/6/2016)
I found this a very interesting story - I remember the days of the Cold War and the Communist fears - especially as carried out by Senator Joe MacCarthy. So many good people were injured during that time. The story of the Kuseks, their struggles, successes and downfall held my interest and I found myself rooting for them throughout. I think it would make a very good discussion book for my Book Club.
The Children
The Children
by Ann Leary
The Children (5/14/2016)
This is the first book I have read by Ann Leary - and it was certainly different and entertaining! What a family - two daughters with problems - one bi-polar, the other afraid to venture out. One angry son; one who appears to be well adjusted until he meets the woman who will become his wife. I will recommend this to my friends as I think they will enjoy it as I did.
The Forgetting Time
The Forgetting Time
by Sharon Guskin
The Forgetting Time (12/18/2015)
This was a very unusual book - it took a while for me to become involved in the story, but when I did it was hard to put it down. Reincarnation is not something one thinks about - I felt for Janie as she tried to understand her son's fears and behavior. At he same time, Noah's struggles with his "memories" were heartbreaking.
Maybe in Another Life
Maybe in Another Life
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Maybe in Another Life (5/27/2015)
Choices - Fate? This was an interesting book with two very different stories for the heroine, Hannah. A quick read that kept me on board waiting to find out "what's next". The reader has to think about which life Hannah should have chosen.
Between the Tides
Between the Tides
by Susannah Marren
Between the Tides (4/12/2015)
It took a few chapters for me to really get into this story. When I did I really enjoyed it. I liked the distinctions in the chapters about Lainie and Jess (what a nasty person). The ending was a complete surprise - definitely leaves one with something to think about. I will probably recommend this to my book club - plenty of material to discuss.
The Sweetheart Deal
The Sweetheart Deal
by Polly Dugan
The Sweetheart Deal (2/4/2015)
The Sweetheart Deal by Polly Dugan was a good read - it really held my attention enough that I read it in 2 days. I enjoy stories that are told in different voices, as this one is. It elicits many emotions around the death of Leo and each characters ability to cope with the loss of their husband, father and friend. The love between Garrett and Audrey was predictable (as was their problem), but still the story was very enjoyable.
The Nightingale
The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale (9/17/2014)
As a fan of Kristan Hannah, I was anxious to read and review the Nightingale. I was not disappointed and can not wait to share this book with my friends.
This is a story of love and sacrifice during the horror of the German occupation of France. Although I had heard before of the French people and there treatment of some of their own, this story reinforced (to me) their unbelievable actions. Yet it was a beautiful story of love - particular of family- and how sad and beautiful it can be.
I highly recommend this book and will certainly suggest it to my book club.
Accidents of Marriage
Accidents of Marriage
by Randy Susan Meyers
Accident of Marriage (6/17/2014)
After struggling through the first couple of chapters, I enjoyed reading this book. I think it would be lead to very good discussion as a Book Club selection. I liked the author's method of letting us into the thoughts of the three main characters.
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