BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

The Quick
by Lauren Owen

The Quick (4/19/2014)

This is not a 'quick novel'. In the beginning, the book did grab me, but I quickly lost interest in the middle, and it never recaptured my interest. This is a Victorian gothic novel, and it has many twists and turns. Although the number of characters were distracting, Ms. Owen does surprise readers. These unexpected events kept me engaged, and I felt a sense of accomplishment when I finished. Overall, this book is well written, and for those who love historic London will enjoy this book.

Safe with Me
by Amy Hatvany

Safe with me (11/18/2013)

This is an emotional, gripping story. It deals with so many social issues--loss of a child, abandonment, domestic violence, and organ donation. Some of these issues were dealt with well in the book, and others were not very realistic. As a result, that's why I gave it 4 stars.

It's a quick read, and I found myself in tears throughout this story. Overall, it's a good read, and I'll recommend it.

The Disenchanted Widow
by Christina McKenna

The disenchanted widow (9/2/2013)

Fleeing from an IRA enforcer, Bessie and her young son find themselves in a small town in Ireland-Tailorstown. The inhabitants of Tailorstown are revealed as the story progresses. But this is no sleepy village! McKenna takes readers on so many twists and turns, that you can't put the book down. The ending is suspenseful and thrilling. This is one book that I'll recommend to my book club.

Flat Water Tuesday
by Ron Irwin

Flat Water (5/13/2013)

Being a high school athlete, I really looked forward to this book about 5 high school seniors and their coach. Although the story had opportunities to be a great novel, I was so distracted with descriptions that I to re-read a number of sections. This book is not a complete disappointment, one will gain an appreciation of the sport of rowing. Now that I've finished the book, I thought that it was just ok.

Children of the Jacaranda Tree
by Sahar Delijani

Children of the Jacaranda Tree (2/16/2013)

This is a great book, one that will a great suggestion for any book club. Set in the aftermath of the Shah of Iran, it deals with the life, and repercussions of the transition. This book opened my eyes to these events, and made me appreciate the struggles, horror, and resilience of the human spirit. Although the number of characters can be distracting, the events are very 'eye opening'.

The Spy Lover
by Kiana Davenport

A Spy Lover (12/5/2012)

This book is not for the faint of heart. At times the descriptions of of the Civil War were distracting, but the main characters (Johnny Tom, Era, and Warren) are vivid and believable. Based upon her family history and historical fact, Ms. Davenport has written a book that has it all: love, brutality, suffering, and will evoke a lot of emotions. This book will be a great addition to any book club.

Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen
by Mary Sharratt

Illuminations (9/9/2012)

I'm a big fan of Mary Sharratt, and Illuminations is one of her best novels yet. Ms. Sharratt's novels are well researched and entertaining. Set in the 12th century we find Hildegard von Bingen tithed to the church. As we journey through Hildegard's life, Ms. Sharratt has done a wonderful job weaving historical fact; relationships (despite the difficult circumstances); and insight to the psychology of the characters. This book is a great read, and I recommend it to any historical fiction fan.

Oxford Messed Up
by Andrea Kayne Kaufman

Oxford Messed Up (3/14/2012)

I will admit, it took awhile to get into this book. But don't put this book down. The story really begins once Gloria lands in London. Despite the characters flaws, it's an engaging story. Readers can't help but root for Gloria and Henry. This book will have a number of topics for any book group.

Three Weeks in December
by Audrey Schulman

Three Weeks in December (1/8/2012)

This is a great book, and Schulman has done a wonderful job in weaving together two stories separated by more than 100 years. Throughout the story, I was wondering how these two stories would come together. What a surprise! Although there are a few items that won't appeal to all readers, don't let this deter you. This book has so many themes going on, and would be a great recommendation for any book club.

Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard

Tides of War (11/6/2011)

This is a great book for those who love historical fiction. Although it the story can be bogged down in characters and details, Tillyard did a great job in her research and portraying the reasons for the English entering the Peninsular War. I particularly liked this story because this is not a much written about time period.

Falling Together: A Novel
by Marisa De Los Santos

Falling Together (9/6/2011)

Although this book starts off slow, don't give up! This is a book with engaging, well-developed characters, and is a great story. Essentially, three college friends find themselves re-uniting for a 10 year college reunion, but they find out that one is missing. As we go on the journey to find their missing friend, De Los Santos has us exploring the meaning of friendship, family, and love with a twist of mystery. This will be a great bookclub read.

Low Town: A Novel
by Daniel Polansky

Great summer read (6/5/2011)

Low Town is a great book! Be forewarned, once you start it, you won't be able to put it down. This book has a little bit of everything--fantasy, action, and suspense. Mr. Polansky's descriptions and well developed characters make readers feel that they are actually with the Warden. The ending doesn't even disappoint. I hope to read more of the Warden in the future. Enjoy!

The Kitchen Daughter: A Novel
by Jael McHenry

The Kitchen Daughter (4/1/2011)

What a great book! Once I started , I couldn't put it down. McHenry has done a great job taking readers on a journey with Ginny (who has Aspergers) after the death of her parents. This book is so much more than self-discovery; it explores family, loss and love. This book will stay with you long after you finish it, and will be a great read for any book club.

Raising Wrecker: A Novel
by Summer Wood

Wrecker (11/5/2010)

What a great book! Set in northern California in the late 60’s, Wrecker finds himself adopted by a distant Uncle after his mother goes to prison. When his Uncle is not able to take care of Wrecker, he finds himself being raised by his quirky neighbors (the next farm over). Despite his neighbors flaws and secrets, they ultimately band together to form a family, and provide Wrecker with a home filled with compassion and love. Each one helps Wrecker, and they raise an exceptional young man.

Right from the start, I was captivated by the characters and couldn’t put the book down. It’s a heartfelt, touching story that is beautifully written. I really enjoyed this book, and loved reading it.

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter: A Novel
by Tom Franklin

Crooked Letter, Crooked letter (10/4/2010)

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and will be recommending it to my friends and bookclub. It captivated me immediately, and it is a page turner!
The characters are believable, and although it was predictable, I couldn't put it down. I have not read Franklin's earlier works, but will be doing so in the near future.

The Doctor and the Diva: A Novel
by Adrienne McDonnell

The Docotr and the Diva (6/7/2010)

This book captivated me from the start. It is an easy and engaging read. The issues tackled in the book--fertility, career and love are timeless. Although some of the transitions are choppy, the characters are believable and well developed. This book would be great for any bookclub discussion.

A Thread of Sky: A Novel
by Deanna Fei

A Thread of Sky (4/5/2010)

I was looking forward to this debut novel, but I must admit I struggled with it from the beginning. Although the characters are strong, believable women, their emotional problems and unhappiness over shadowed this book, and I could not identify with any of them. The ending left me empty as well. There are a number of unanswered questions, and perhaps Ms. Fei intends to write a sequel. Overall, this wasn’t a great read, but it wasn’t a ‘poor read’ either. It was just ‘okay’.

The Man From Saigon: A Novel
by Marti Leimbach

The Man from Saigon (2/8/2010)

For those of us who grew up watching the Vietnam War on TV during dinner, I can honestly say that I would not have selected this book on my own. This powerful and gripping story of a female journalist who travels to Vietnam in 1967 to cover the war for a women's magazine will challenge your perceptions of the war. Leimbach has woven a number of contradictions in the book, and I'm still haunted by some of them. This story will stay with your for a long time!

Reviews by Jill S. (Eagle, ID)

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Reviews by Jill S. (Eagle, ID)

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