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Reviews by Barbara B. (New Bern, NC)

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The Tudor Secret: The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
by C. W. Gortner
THE TUDOR SECRET (3/29/2011)
I loved the book. I found the story fast paced with page after page of intrigue, excitement and love. At first I thought the "secret" may be a liaison between Brendan Prescott and the Virgin Queen Elizabeth. However quickly I found this historical fiction novel a thrilling spy story.

The plot surrounds the successor to sickly King Edward VI who dies after being poisoned and the mystery surrounding Brendan’s birth and birthright. I have always been interested in the history of the seemingly sinister Tudor reign. The Tudor Secret did not disappoint me. I would recommend this story as a thrilling spy novel whether you are familiar with the history of the Tudors or not. I look forward to reading the next book in the series of the rise of Brendan Prescott as a secret spymaster for Elizabeth I.
Gone Tomorrow: A Jack Reacher Novel #13
by Lee Child
I AM HOOKED (10/6/2010)
I am hooked. Thank you Lee Child for introducing me to Jack Reacher. What an interesting and exciting character. I loved the book "Gone Tomorrow". I found the novel to be a page turner with many surprises and thrilling action. I was pulled into the story from the very first chapter. The story revolves around Jack Reacher riding in a subway car in Manhattan late at night along with a woman he singles out because she matched all the behavioral indicators of a suicide bomber. As the plot thickened with twists and turns and old secrets the Government and a prominent politician want suppressed and some Afghan Taliban/Al Qaeda terrorists wanted for their own purposes, I could not put the book down. I recommend this book and I look forward to reading some more of Jack Reacher adventures.
Man in the Woods
by Scott Spencer
A story of choices and faith (7/4/2010)
While Scott Spencer brings to life each of his characters in his book “Man in the Woods”, I feel there are too many characters that stray from the main story line. Man in the Woods is a story about the chance meeting of two men in the woods and how that meeting changes the lives of so many. The story revolves around Paul Phillips, a carpenter, who finds his place in the world when he meets Kate Ellis, a recovering alcoholic, and Will Claff, a cruel man who is running away from his gambling debts and the dog Woody who was renamed Shep when he is saved by Paul. The ending would be good for a discussion group.
The Man From Saigon: A Novel
by Marti Leimbach
I loved this book. (2/15/2010)
I loved “The Man from Saigon” by Marti Leimbach.
I would highly recommend reading this book. I enjoyed reading the story because it was about the Vietnam War which I know very little about.
The story is about a gutsy, quirky female correspondent in Vietnam who was not afraid to go the front line. It is also a love story and the many effects the war has on everyone involved.
The main characters are Susan Gifford one of the first few woman correspondents in Vietnam in 1967. Marc Davis, Susan’s lover, a TV reporter, married, and has been in Vietnam too long. Our third colorful and mysterious character and part of the love triangle is Son, who is a Vietnamese photographer who became Susan’s partner, companion, interpreter and as the story goes, her protector.
When Susan and Son are captured by three young Viet Cong, we see how courageous Susan is, how mysterious Son is and how the hardship of war and his love for Susan have affected Marc.
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