BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Julie D. (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA)

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How to Be a Good Wife
by Emma Chapman

Confused..... (9/2/2013)

After reading this book I am more confused than when I started it. I found myself not sure where I was in the story and what was going on. I got excited as the story unfolded and thought I finally understood and then the ending left me even more confused. Well written story, but maybe not for me. I almost feel stupid after reading it and not being able to understand the story.

Close My Eyes
by Sophie McKenzie

What a thriller! (4/13/2013)

Just finished "Close My Eyes" and couldn't put it down! What a great book.

I read "Close My Eyes" in almost one sitting. It was that good. Just when I thought it figured it out, I as wrong. It wasn't a book where you waited and waited for things to happen. Things were happening at every turn. I don't want to give anything away, but the ending is chilling.

I would highly recommend this book. The characters are all so flawed and suspicious, giving the reader so much fodder for thought.

The Good House
by Ann Leary

Another hit by Ann Leary (1/6/2013)

When I got the message that I had a won a copy of Ann Leary's The Good House I was so excited. I loved her previous book and couldn't wait to get into this one.

The Good House doesn't disappoint and is filled a cast of great characters. As you read, the characters all become so multidimensional providing great conversation if you are in a book club.

Don't miss this one!

And When She Was Good: A Novel
by Laura Lippman

And When She Was Good (7/3/2012)

I received "And When She Was Good" as an advanced readers' copy. I understand sometimes authors will make changes before publication, so this review is based on the ARC.

I liked the book. It was good, not great. It held my attention and would make a good summer reading choice for the beach. There isn't a whole lot of thinking that needs to go into reading the book which makes it a nice summer read.

The Most Dangerous Thing
by Laura Lippman

Another good Lippman stand alone! (8/3/2011)

I was very excited to receive this book after reading Lippman's "I'd Know You Anywhere." This was another good one from this author.

This is a very interesting, fast paced read that delves into all sides of the story. One of the things I liked best about it, is how Lippman writes each character, giving the reader each side of the story, without making it tedious or boring.

This would be a great book club selection because of the depth of each character, making for a lively conversation.

Outside Wonderland: A Novel
by Lorna Jane Cook

A Very Different Type of Book (2/5/2011)

First let me say, I loved this book. It was so different than anything I had ever read before. I loved the characters and how each one told their own story. It was also very nice to have the story told from their mother as she watches from Heaven. I wasn't sure if I would like this aspect of the book, but I did. I highly recommend this one.

Minding Ben: A Novel
by Victoria Brown

A Great Book (12/21/2010)

First of all, I read this book in 24 hours. I couldn't put it down. I really loved Grace, and wanted to know what was going to happen next. This book had so many layers and such great multi-dimensional characters that it would be a great selection for a bookclub. I will definitely recommend this to my friends.

The False Friend
by Myla Goldberg

Wanted to like it.... (7/27/2010)

After reading the description of this book, I thought it would be great. I loved how it started and then it seems as nothing really happened in the story. I kept waiting and still nothing. The characters didn't really interest me either. Sorry to say this wasn't a great book for me.

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