Reviews by Debra P. (Belmont, NC)

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Ruby: A Novel
by Cynthia Bond
Amazing (4/26/2015)
The writing is so descriptive that it transports you into the very soul of Ruby. I was especially moved by the development of relationships and the healing power of love as translated in the development of characters. There are also very disturbing scenes and verymore
Mating for Life
by Marissa Stapley
Relationships (3/22/2014)
This book is a tangle of relationships and how they are connected and impact one another. The author does a great job developing the characters to the degree one feels part of their family. I especially appreciate her deep understanding of the impact a parents decisionsmore
Girl on the Golden Coin: A Novel of Frances Stuart
by Marci Jefferson
Romance (12/31/2013)
I found this book to be very predictable and slow moving. I love historical fiction but this was too much like a soap opera. Disclaimer: In fairness to this author, romance novels are not my favorite.
Safe with Me
by Amy Hatvany
Secrets (11/24/2013)
I liked this book o.k. but felt the plot was a little too predictable. The author did a good job shining a light on spousal abuse and her characters gave us a sense of the fear associated with abuse and domestic violence. However, Olivia was pretty weak. She settled for hermore
A Man of His Own
by Susan Wilson
Dog love and ptsd. (9/6/2013)
When I finally had the chance to start this book, I couldn't put it down. Granted, I am a HUGE dog lover and was immediately grabbed by the main character, Pax. However, I was immediately transported on a journey of love, devotion, loyalty, disappointment and healing. Thismore
Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets: A Memoir
by Jessica A. Fox
Memories (6/30/2013)
This memoir was very emotional for me as I went through a very similar long distance relationship with a German national during the late 80's. That relationship ended badly so many of my emotional scars were reopened as I read this book.
That said, one of my favoritemore
Flat Water Tuesday
by Ron Irwin
Flows like water (5/25/2013)
Love this book. the writing flows like the boats in a rowing contest!!! The style of going from past to present pretty much keeps me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend for book group discussions.
Sharp: A Memoir
by David Fitzpatrick
Shocking (7/22/2012)
I confess I have never understood the need to self mutilate, especially cutting into ones body. However, I believe I have a better understanding of the motivation behind this act after reading David Fitzpatricks memoir. It is extremely disturbing to be exposed to someonesmore
Three Weeks in December
by Audrey Schulman
Spellbinding!!! (12/31/2011)
I absolutely love this book. The use of 2 different time periods to tell the story of Africa. The current day perspective and 1899 colonialism expansion perspective, both time periods having huge impact on the continents eco system and people.I kept thinking about how wemore
Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard
Unmoved!!! (12/1/2011)
I had a difficult time staying with this book, it just didn't grab me or keep me like other historical novels.I do believe the author did a great job researching the time period for accuracy, but it became choppy and disconnected because the settings changed so often. Imore
The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark
Let Down!! (11/4/2011)
Although my interest was captured in the first chapter, after that I felt the chapters were a bit short. The character development was pretty good, but I wanted more. The plot was good but too rushed and book felt thrown together which may have been the reason it took somore
Next to Love
by Ellen Feldman
OMG!!!!! What a wonderful book! (7/21/2011)
I loved, loved this book. It hit me personally because my dad served in WWII, both Europe and Phillipines and my mom was a "camp follower" before he was deployed and became pregnant with her first (my brother). When he returned he was a broken man in many ways and was nevermore
The Daughter of Siena: A Novel
by Marina Fiorato
Love this book (5/1/2011)
I love historical fiction and this book has it all. There is romance, intrigue, historical accuracy...I really love it when I learn something about an era or culture at the same time I'm enjoying a good story..In particular, this author does a great job setting the scenemore
Jamrach's Menagerie: A Novel
by Carol Birch
Adventure and Fantasy (2/14/2011)
Reminds me a little bit of a J.K. Rowling and Dickens book. The story is interesting, centered around a "street urchin" and his rival/friend and their adventures. I believe there are some interesting lessons given on friendship and survival. Well written and a good read.
Three Seconds
by Anders Roslund & Borge Hellstrom
Intriguing (12/18/2010)
I found this translation a little choppy at times. Although mysteries are not my first choice I wanted to stretch! If you are a mystery buff, this will be a great thriller and fast paced read..one learns lots about Swedish culture, particularly drug and prison.
Raising Wrecker: A Novel
by Summer Wood
It takes a village! (11/12/2010)
I was really moved by this story. It is so revealing as to how we often treat the most vulnerable in our society... our children...Wrecker had a rough beginning, but he became a blessing to several others just because of his situation. I loved the way each character wasmore
City of Tranquil Light: A Novel
by Bo Caldwell
Awsome Story! (9/11/2010)
Reads like a travel journal written about an incredible love story containing a powerful message of faith and grace. The author does an incredible job placing one in the story and more than once I had tears of sadness or joy as I read about the sacrifices and the impactmore
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