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Reviews by Leslie W. (Burlingame, CA)

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Sometimes I Lie
Sometimes I Lie
by Alice Feeney
Filled with Surprises! (11/25/2017)
Wow! This book was filled with unexpected twists and surprises. Just when I thought I had it figured out....the author switched gears and the book took another turn down another dark hall! I did not want this book to end and limited myself to a few chapters a day. If you enjoy suspense and intrigue, this is the book for you!!!
The Life I Left Behind
The Life I Left Behind
by Colette McBeth
Another Winner (11/26/2014)
This author has such a talent for luring her reader in. She makes the predictable quite unpredictable! If you are a fan of suspense this should be your next new read. This novel is filled with surprises from the very start. Don't even try guessing the outcome because with every twist and turn this book takes you will only end up frustrated by finding out how off base you were with your prediction.
Her
Her
by Harriet Lane
Loose Ends (5/21/2014)
I was so excited to get this book. From the description it seemed like it was going to be the perfect book. The book started off with enough intrigue to keep you interested however, as the book went on chunks of the story seem to be left out. The author did a fantastic job of helping the reader visualize scenes but I would send this one back to the drawing board to tighten up all those loose ends.
Precious Thing
Precious Thing
by Colette McBeth
Wow! (1/5/2014)
I could not put this book down once I started it. The author did a fantastic job of keeping the reader on the edge of his/her seat. If you enjoyed Sister by Rosamund Lupton you will love this book!
The Laws of Gravity
The Laws of Gravity
by Liz Rosenberg
Is Blood Thicker Than Water? (4/22/2013)
If you are looking for a quick read this summer this is the book for you. This book definitely tugs at the heart-strings; you might find yourself a little teary eyed at times. Filled with family drama, this book speaks volumes on relationships between family and friends.
Wife 22
Wife 22: A Novel
by Melanie Gideon
Really? (4/23/2012)
This book was defintely a quick read. Enjoyable and witty at times, far-fetched at others. Kept me interested but unfortunately, not dying for more. Great beach read!
Bloom
Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected - A Memoir
by Kelle Hampton
Wish I Could Love It (2/17/2012)
I was so looking forward to reading this book but unfortunately I wasn't wowed by it. The author presents a heart-wrenching story about giving birth to a child with Down Syndrome. Her story kept me interested enough but there was something really missing that I can't put my finger on.
All the Flowers in Shanghai
All the Flowers in Shanghai: A Novel
by Duncan Jepson
Bummer! (10/18/2011)
Sadly, I was disappointed in this book. I wanted to like it. I wanted to love it. But....something was missing. The author tried to tie up the the loose ends but that made things even more confusing with more story lines added in.
The Last Letter from Your Lover
The Last Letter from Your Lover: A Novel
by Jojo Moyes
Not your Average Romance Book (8/22/2011)
Entertaining enough at first to keep my interest in continuing to read it...towards the end I could not put it down. A romantic book with a twist!
In Search of the Rose Notes
In Search of the Rose Notes: A Novel
by Emily Arsenault
Mystic Read (6/4/2011)
Life isn't easy especially when you are a pre-teen growing up in a small town. This book has a bit about friendships gone bad and friendships that are lost forever. A bit of intrique is thrown in to keep the reader interested. Definitely not a must read this book would fit into the category of an average beach read.
Outlander
Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
Wow! (3/29/2011)
Don't let the size of this book scare you off. If you are looking for a good read that is filled with many different elements this is the book for you. You have time travel, history, war and witchcraft just to name a few. I wanted to read every single solitary word because I was afraid of missing something if I read it too fast. Really looking forward to seeing where the rest of this series takes me.
Outside Wonderland
Outside Wonderland: A Novel
by Lorna Jane Cook
What Now??? (2/2/2011)
Too many storylines make this book a very choppy read. My head hurt just trying to keep up with what was happening. Could one family really suffer from this much chaos? The author threw everything into the storyline from death, angels from heaven, sickness, infidelity, homosexuality and an unwed mother. I wouldn't even suggest this book as a good beach read. Sorry.
Minding Ben
Minding Ben: A Novel
by Victoria Brown
Nanny Diaries meets The Devil Wears Prada (12/22/2010)
A very small glimpse of life as an illegal domestic in New York City and the hardships one must go through in order to feel safe and trusted in your job. The author did a fantastic job pulling the reader into the life of the main character. I really wish she had shared more of the day-to-day activities...it seemed like a lot was left out, either from boredom or the atrocity of it all. Great book for trip...not so sure for a book club read though.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives: A Novel
by Lola Shoneyin
Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives (6/15/2010)
I absolutely loved this book. From the very beginning this book swallowed me up. I hated to put it down!! Great reading material for a book club, especially those that have read the book the 19th Wife.
The Language of Secrets
The Language of Secrets
by Dianne Dixon
Ho Hum (2/4/2010)
If you are looking for a quick read without any deep thinking, this is your book. If you would like something with a little more substance, choose another book. This book had too many different stories within it, you didn't know quite where the author was headed until the very end when she abruptly tried to tie everything up in a neat little package.
Making Toast
Making Toast: A Family Story
by Roger Rosenblatt
Making Toast (10/27/2009)
Wonderfully written story of how a family deals with the untimely loss of a loved one. Making Toast shares all of the emotions and difficulties that a family must go through in order to go on with life after the tragedy of death.

This book is a must read for all. It will inspire you to look at life differently.
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