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Reviews by Laurie H. (Stuart, FL)

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Other People's Houses
Other People's Houses
by Abbi Waxman
My House is Better than Your House (11/29/2017)
What a great read! This book reminds us all that you never know what others are dealing with and/or what appears to be true may or may not be. Always treat others with kindness and grace~We are all in this together. Great characters and dialog, all in all well done!
Young Jane Young
Young Jane Young
by Gabrielle Zevin
Smart as a Whip and fun too (8/12/2017)
I loved "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and keep up the love with "Young Jane Young". There are so many facets that make up each person and dwelling on one facet keeps you form appreciating the whole person. Each of the characters presented in this novel have been "one faceted" if you will by everyone but each other. Told with wit and compassion, this tale shows that you can make your own way even in this age of internet history and judgment. Ruby by far was my favorite, wise beyond her years.
The Second Mrs. Hockaday
The Second Mrs. Hockaday
by Susan Rivers
Book Club 2017 (12/27/2016)
This book was interesting and complex - I liked how the story unfolded slowly. There are many themes that would spark such great discussion amongst a group. The story is both strong and heartbreaking at the same time. I feel so lucky to be a woman of this day and age--women at that time were tested and disregarded but still remained optimistic. A definite book club recommendation for 2017.
The Tea Planter's Wife
The Tea Planter's Wife
by Dinah Jefferies
Tea and a great Read! (7/26/2016)
What a beautifully written book. I was intrigued from the first paragraph and couldn't put it down. Gwen was strong and I liked how her love for Ceylon and the people grew as the book progressed. The other characters developed nicely and added depth to the story. Nicely done.
Crazy Blood
Crazy Blood
by T. Jefferson Parker
Crazy good surprise (1/22/2016)
I have been trying to read books outside my "reading comfort zone". This book was one such journey. I was pleasantly surprised by the character development and my interest in the story. I found myself rooting for Wylie and trying to understand Cynthia. I even learned a few things about skiing. I see that T. Jefferson Parker has written quite a few books. I will check out some additional titles. Well done!
Maybe in Another Life
Maybe in Another Life
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Great read!! (6/24/2015)
I loved this book~~such a different approach to a story. I love the idea of what happens from a single choice. I think we always wonder "what would have happened if....." Both arcs were believable and satisfying. Well done!
Three Many Cooks
Three Many Cooks: One Mom, Two Daughters: Their Shared Stories of Food, Faith & Family
by Pam Anderson, Maggy Keet & Sharon Damelio
A delightful treat, like a warm scone from the oven (2/15/2015)
What a surprise this book is! I tend not to like cookbooks because they are boring, and I was a bit sad to receive this as a selection. I ended up devouring this book in one sitting as I was drawn into the lives of these women. I even read some of the passages out loud to my 12 year old daughter. We are going to try some of the recipes and I will be following the blog as well. Like a scone, this was a yummy and surprising treat!
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
by William Klaber
Lucy, Lucy (1/2/2015)
What an interesting story! So many adventures that were closed to a woman that Lucy was able to take. A great read with thoughtful insights both male and female. I am a fan of historical fiction and this book is excellent.
Juliet's Nurse
Juliet's Nurse
by Lois Leveen
Interesting backstory! (7/30/2014)
Juliet's Nurse appealed to me as I am a new fan of historical fiction. The author notes that there are several "clues" in Romeo and Juliet that opened to possibility of the relationship between Juliet and her nurse. This book was well written and moved along nicely as we were introduced to the other players in Romeo and Juliet. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it for all fans of the Bard!
Her
Her
by Harriet Lane
Her ~ a puzzle (6/15/2014)
The format of this book kept me intrigued and interested. I was pleasantly surprised when the thread finally pulled through so to speak. I found it curious that the book ended where it did. What became of these two women once Emma realized what had happened between them? Also, what of Christopher? Many questions about this book. I'd love to read and discuss this with my book club.
The Disenchanted Widow
The Disenchanted Widow
by Christina McKenna
Something Different! (9/11/2013)
This book is outside the norm of what I read. I had a bit of a struggle at the beginning of the book with the dialog, but I did get it and enjoyed the book. I have been surprised that the books I wouldn't normally read are becoming my favorites! Give it a chance if you are on the fence!!
Lookaway, Lookaway
Lookaway, Lookaway
by Wilton Barnhardt
You can choose your friends................ (7/10/2013)
This book was a perfect example of the old adage, "you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family". I don't think I liked any of the characters in the book, but I did enjoy the book as a whole. There were some scenes that made me cringe to read, but yet, I could think of examples of what was happening between the characters as something that had happened in my own family. I was particularly humored by the character who whispered the words and conditions that she found distasteful as if that would change the situation~~we have one of those in our family!! All in all, I liked the book and it is definitely worth the read!!
A Thousand Pardons
A Thousand Pardons
by Jonathan Dee
A Thousand Pardons=A Great Read (10/16/2012)
Well written and thought provoking, A Thousand Pardons is a great read. I enjoyed it on my back patio with a nice pot of coffee. This book would make a great book club selection, I'd enjoy others take on it. What happens when we expose our real selves?? Is it inevitable and the only way for us to grow?? Enjoy this book in your own special reading area.
The Starboard Sea
The Starboard Sea: A Novel
by Amber Dermont
The Ocean (2/20/2012)
What I love most about the ocean is that it can be both powerful and gentle, two sides of a coin. The same can be said about Amber Dermont's novel. Beautifully written with powerful and gentle characters, it is a great read.
A Partial History of Lost Causes
A Partial History of Lost Causes: A Novel
by Jennifer duBois
Like a glass of fine red wine (12/13/2011)
Red wine and great books, these are a few of my favorite things!! I loved this book; it's nice to see that an author can have an original idea and follow it through with a great story. Like a glass of good wine, it's flavor unfolds slowly and you invest yourself in the characters; it does not disappoint. Curl up in your favorite chair and enjoy, I did.
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