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Reviews by Mary M. (Lexington, KY)

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The Hollow Ground
The Hollow Ground: A Novel
by Natalie S. Harnett
Fires and Secrets (4/7/2014)
The coal fires in 1960's Pennsylvania provide the background for this book. The story is narrated by Brigid a young girl and revolves around her family. The family has to deal with hardship and turmoil some of which is caused by the fires and some caused by family secrets. Brigid is determined to uncover these secrets. This book is a family saga, historical novel and a mystery. I really enjoyed it and think it would be an excellent choice for book clubs.
Through the Evil Days
Through the Evil Days: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery
by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Thriller (9/12/2013)
This book was an edge of your seat, can't put it down thriller. The characters were interesting and complex and even though I was new to the series I was able to understand them. My only criticism of the book is that I could have done without the slightly graphic sex. I just didn't see the need for it. The book is a thriller not a romance novel. The best compliment I can give is that I plan to read the other books in the series.
Lookaway, Lookaway
Lookaway, Lookaway
by Wilton Barnhardt
Dysfunctional Southern Family (7/5/2013)
The book is divided into sections about the various family members. For me the problem with the book is that I didn't enjoy reading about all of them,. A book devoted to Gaston, Annie or Jerene would have been enjoyable. I really didn't like the section on fraternity and sorority life and almost gave up on the book right then. The book is described as funny on the cover. I found it depressing. I gave the book 3 stars for the sections I enjoyed.
Fever
Fever
by Mary Beth Keane
Typhoid Mary's Story (3/26/2013)
"Fever" is a fascinating fictional account of the woman known as Typhoid Mary. The story is told from Mary's point of view and you get a real sense of who she was and how being labeled a typhoid carrier affected her. Ms. Keane does a wonderful job of humanizing Mary. The descriptions of early New York and the people who lived there bring the story to life. Mary's actions can be interpreted many ways making this an excellent book for book clubs. I really enjoyed this book.
The Edge of the Earth
The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz
Gloomy (10/31/2012)
An unusual book, not at all what I expected.
The book takes place at an isolated lighthouse.
Christina Schwarz did a good job of describing the time and place. Maybe too good because I felt the book was as gloomy as the location.

For me there was too much emphasis on the marine life. At times I felt I was reading a text book.

None of the characters with the exception of Helen were very likable. I wish her character had been more developed.

I did not like this book and would not recommend it. However it might be a good choice for book clubs. There were a lot of things that happened that would make for good discussions.
The Light Between Oceans
The Light Between Oceans: A Novel
by Margot L. Stedman
Thought provoking (7/7/2012)
This is a very haunting and well written book. The author does a wonderful job of describing the locations and the characters, both of which are essential to the story. The story is about how one bad choice made by good people can change many lives. I will remember the characters and the moral dilemmas they faced for a long time.
After finishing the book I wanted to share it with a friend. It is the kind of book you want to discuss with others, making it a good choice for Book Clubs.
Afterwards
Afterwards: A Novel
by Rosamund Lupton
Fascinating (5/8/2012)
This book was similar to "The Lovely Bones" but much better. It combines a mystery that will keep you guessing till the end with a story about a family and a mother's love for her children. Having the mother who is in a coma narrate the story makes the book unusual in a good way. The descriptions of how the mother and daughter feel as they move about outside their bodies are very imaginative and well written. I really enjoyed the book and plan to recommend to my friends.
Losing Clementine
Losing Clementine: A Novel
by Ashley Ream
Dreary Book (2/20/2012)
I really did not like this book. It was depressing and the main character was unlikable. I kept reading because I thought at some point Clementine would do something to help me understand or like her. Even after learning her history I could not understand why she behaved so badly to her family and friends. She was an unsympathetic character from beginning to end. I would not recommend this book to anyone. It was just to dreary.
The Sisters
The Sisters: A Novel
by Nancy Jensen
Touching Story (9/20/2011)
I really enjoyed this book. I waited a few days after finishing it to write this because I wanted to see if I felt the same way after some time had passed. I can say that the characters and their stories are going to stay with me for some time. It is a very well written book. I would recommend it to book clubs. There are many issues that could be discussed. It is interesting to see how the lives of the sisters and their children change over 80 years. This is a wonderful book.
In Search of the Rose Notes
In Search of the Rose Notes: A Novel
by Emily Arsenault
Two stories (6/8/2011)
I liked half of this book and really disliked the other half. The book went back and forth between 1990 and 2006. As the book went on I found myself dreading the 1990 story. It was a good mystery, but I think the 1990 story could have been told in the first two or three chapters. The characters were much more interesting as adults. Maybe I missed something but frankly I rushed through the flashbacks to get to the parts that took place in the present.
Friendship Bread
Friendship Bread: A Novel
by Darien Gee
Heartwarming not mushy (3/8/2011)
I liked this book. There are a lot of diverse characters in the book, but the author manages to make them interesting and relatable. Exchanging the bread and the starter brings the characters together. New friendships are formed and through these friendships the characters are able to overcome past adversity and become stronger and happier. The recipes at the end of the book are a nice bonus.
Solomon's Oak
Solomon's Oak: A Novel
by Jo-Ann Mapson
Heartwarming not mushy (10/17/2010)
This is a wonderful book about strangers who have had tragedy in their lives coming together to heal and form a family. The story is told at times in the voices of the main characters, Juniper, Glory and Joseph. Juniper's essay about foster children and the holidays will stay with me forever and should be required reading for foster parents everywhere. The book is heartwarming without being mushy and unbelievable. I loved it.
Daughters of the Witching Hill
Daughters of the Witching Hill: A Novel
by Mary Sharratt
Fascinating Historical Novel (3/11/2010)
I found this book to be interesting and well written. I knew nothing about the historical events it was based on. I sometimes have trouble relating to characters in historical novels, but from the first few pages I felt I knew Demdike. I cared about her and I cared what happened to her and her friends and family. It was easy to get lost in the time period and to feel like you knew the people and their world. I finished the book wanting to know more about the witch trials and the time period they took place in. I think a good book gets you interested in the subject beyond the book and this book did that for me. I will be reading more about the witch trials. I also feel I have discovered a new author since I have not read anything else by Mary Sharrat. I will be reading other books by her in the future.
Savage Lands
Savage Lands
by Clare Clark
Disappointing (12/6/2009)
I finished this book not liking the characters very much and without a clear picture or understanding of the time period. One thing I really did not like was that the author moved the story forward too quickly. For instance the main female character was on the boat and then she was married. No explanation of what happened in between. I needed a bit more background and story development. I kept expecting to get a real insight into the time period and the people, but I never did. Something was missing.
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