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Reviews by Cynthia C. (Peekskill, NY)

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Falling
by Jane Green
fun summer read (5/31/2016)
I'm having a hard time reviewing this book, as I don't want to give away any of the plot twists. While I enjoyed it, I thought there could have been more character development that would have better explained the "insta-love", as someone else called it, between the 2 leads. I didn't feel much "chemistry" between them, to explain why things moved along as they did. My favorite character was the little boy, Jesse. I thought his part was especially well-written.

I also thought the ending could have been fleshed out a bit more. After the last "twist", everything seemed to end abruptly (and in an unlikely fashion). Still, it was a good summer read.

I received this as an ARC from BookBrowse.
Lamp Black, Wolf Grey
by Paula Brackston
Wales, magic & Merlin (7/21/2015)
This was another enjoyable book by Paula Brackston. The author drew me into the story with her description of Wales, both past & present, and with Merlin, as a young man.

The paranormal plot features two heroines, one from the past & one from the present, and intertwines their stories.

I rated it 4 stars, instead of 5, because I realized very early on where the author was taking the characters, although there was a surprise at the end (no spoilers).

Overall, a good, if slightly predictable, read.
The Silver Witch
by Paula Brackston
great read- historical & supernatural (2/28/2015)
Wonderful story combining past & present. Anyone who enjoys supernatural stories and historical fiction will enjoy this story of Tilda & Seren. I raced through this book and loved how the author alternated chapters, from present (Tilda) to the past (Seren), The entwined stories kept my interest from start to finish.

This is the first book I'd read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more by her. Highly recommended.
Precious Thing
by Colette McBeth
Precious Thing (2/20/2014)
I found this to be a very enjoyable psychological thriller and mystery. Written as a series of letters to her best friend, the point of view is obviously very narrow, which as some have pointed out, can make for an unreliable narrator. And that, to me, is what made it so interesting. There were numerous twists & turns in the plot and as the story went on, it got darker and darker.

I will certainly be looking for more from Ms. McBeth.
Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets: A Memoir
by Jessica A. Fox
Wigtown Bookstore (7/9/2013)
After a bit of a slow start, I ended up enjoying Ms. Fox's memoir. When she wrote about dealing with customers at The Bookshop and life in the small town, I found the book very engaging. However, I thought more of the book would be about her experiences working in the bookshop, which I would have enjoyed.

I must say, I'm not really a fan of either Jessica or Euan. She seemed a little "angsty" and he, passive/aggressive. Having said that, I would be curious to know if she & Euan are still together & if she's still in Wigtown.

An ARC of this book was given to me in exchange for my honest review by Book Browse.
The Laws of Gravity
by Liz Rosenberg
Heart-wrenching read (4/8/2013)
This was a beautifully written and incredibly sad novel that was thought-provoking & would be a perfect novel for book clubs. The strong story line & well-developed characters made it a book that I read almost at one sitting.

My only minor quibble would be that I would have liked to have a bit more background about what transpired between Ari & Nicole, after their close relationship as children, and when they became adults. I thought there must have been more to their story that would have caused him to react as he did.

Overall, a winning & insightful book - just make sure you have a box of tissues handy. You'll need them.
Where You Can Find Me: A Novel
by Sheri Joseph
Wanted to like this more (3/14/2013)
I had high hopes for this book, based on the synopsis & reviews, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. I thought the story would be more about Caleb, including his kidnapping & return to his family. Instead, it mainly focused on Marlene, who I didn't find particularly interesting or likeable. I thought the story was a bit disjointed and that it dragged in some places.
Rage Against the Dying
by Becky Masterman
Unexpected heroine (1/3/2013)
The prologue captured my interest immediately, but after that, I was a little disappointed. While I enjoyed the storyline, I never really connected with the characters. Having said that, I thought it was a good first effort and I'd read Ms. Masterman's next novel.
And When She Was Good: A Novel
by Laura Lippman
And When She Was Good (8/1/2012)
I am a big fan of Ms. Lippman in general, but I didn't particularly enjoy this book. Heloise wasn't a very likeable character and I had trouble with the flow and pace of the book. I usually whip through her books, but I struggled to finish this one.
The Land of Decoration: A Novel
by Grace McCleen
Good book club suggestion (4/16/2012)
I thought this was an interesting and well-written book. A good choice for book clubs, with many things to discuss: Religion & faith, love & hate, tolerance and intolerance.
Until the Next Time: A Novel
by Kevin Fox
Disappointing time-travel novel (2/23/2012)
Comparisons to The Time Traveler's Wife made me anxious to read this novel. Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into this story and was hard-pressed to finish it. I found switching between characters & time periods confusing and really didn't care for any of the characters. I thought the premise was good, but the execution was not.
The Good Father: A Novel
by Noah Hawley
The Good Father by Noah Hawley (12/29/2011)
I was not able to put this book down. A plot straight out of today's headlines with well-drawn characters, it is an intense read, perfect for book club discussions. Highly recommended!
Next to Love
by Ellen Feldman
Love & loss in WWII (7/25/2011)
This novel is a moving tribute to the GI's who fought World War II and the wives & parents who waited for them. It also shows the profound changes WWII brought to America Women, for the 1st time, went to work outside the home. The GI's returned, changed forever, and their wives & girlfriends were not the women they left behind. You feel the love, loss & scars the war left.

Good story - I couldn't put it down.
Heat Wave: A Novel
by Nancy Thayer
Heat Wave (5/16/2011)
Another terrific book by Nancy Thayer, Heat Wave is a great read. Well-written, with interesting & realistic characters, the story follows recent widow, Carley & her 2 young daughters, as they struggle with their loss & changed financial status. As always, Ms. Thayer has written a book, full of warmth & insight.
The Trinity Six
by Charles Cumming
Trinity Six (2/23/2011)
Charles Cumming puts a new spin on the well-known, and real-life, spy ring of Kim Philby, Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt, Donald Maclean & John Cairncross. Known as the Cambridge Five, they were recruited by the Soviet Union while at Trinity College at Cambridge in the 1930's and were one of the most notorious spy rings ever uncovered. Mr. Cumming's takes this story & adds an additional, and fictional, sixth spy, who was long-rumored to have existed, but who has never been identified.

In this complicated, but riveting, story set in present day, a British historian and author named Sam Gaddis learns that there was a sixth Cambridge spy. With mounting financial problems, he thinks that he can turn this information into a best-selling book. But that is before people who can help him uncover more details begin to die.

Mr. Cummings plot is complicated and a bit convoluted with a large cast of characters and the first 100 pages are a bit dry. But this background is necessary information on which his plot is based. Stick with it - the tension continues to rise and as the story builds to its conclusion, you won't be able to put the book down!
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