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Reviews by Mary J. (La Quinta, CA)

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The Essex Serpent
The Essex Serpent
by Sarah Perry
Struggled to read (3/15/2017)
This book has many great reviews. However I found it difficult to get through. The characters are well developed but the storyline just didn't catch me.
Henry and Rachel
Henry and Rachel
by Laurel Saville
Slow! (10/15/2013)
Henry and Rachel is a good book but it took me almost half of the book before I felt the characters and became lost in the story. The moving back and forth between characters based by chapter was off putting to me. I would recommend for book clubs because it would be great to flesh out characters.
Lost Luggage
Lost Luggage
by Jordi Punti
Lost Luggage (9/3/2013)
Lost Luggage is a good story but is difficult to read and somewhat confusing. 4 characters with basically the same name is a little much for me. It's told from many different people, not just the 4 brothers. Jordi Punti can tell a good story but needs to cut back on the characters.
Golden Boy
Golden Boy
by Abigail Tarttelin
Swept Away! (1/22/2013)
I received The Golden Boy this past Thursday and finished it yesterday morning! This may be a debut book but Abigail Tarttelin can certainly weave a tale. I could not put it down. The story line is one I have never heard of but she nails it. This is an absolute must read!
The Good House
The Good House
by Ann Leary
Absorbing Characters! (12/11/2012)
This book draws you into small town life and its people. The characters are well developed and make you want to meet them and live there. I loved the story and will suggest it to my friends. 5 star read that I couldn't put down!
Tides of War
Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard
Tides of Characters (11/21/2011)
Stella Tillyard has a wonderful grasp of history but there are far too many characters in this novel. It is slow going through the first 100 or so pages. It finally picks up and I couldn't put it down. Well worth the effort a great read.
Falling Together
Falling Together: A Novel
by Marisa De Los Santos
Full of Suprises (9/11/2011)
The beginning of the book starts slow but after about 50 pages, it really picks up. It's full of twists and turns and will keep you on edge. I found if very enjoyable with a sweet ending. Highly recommend.
The Language of Flowers
The Language of Flowers: A Novel
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Heartbreakingly Wonderful (6/19/2011)
Vanessa Diffenbaugh delivers a wonderfully well written first novel. Her character Victoria Jones is a strong and complicated and flawed character who tries to find her way out of a lonely past. This novel should be on everyone's must read list. I couldn't put it down and loved the flower background as well.
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