Reviews by Jill S. (Eagle, ID)

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The Quick
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. …more
Safe with Me
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 …more
The Disenchanted Widow
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' …more
Flat Water Tuesday
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 …more
Children of the Jacaranda Tree
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 …more
The Spy Lover
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 …more
Illuminations
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 …more
Oxford Messed Up
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 …more
Three Weeks in December
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 …more
Tides of War
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 …more
Falling Together
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 …more
Low Town
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 …more
The Kitchen Daughter
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 …more
Raising Wrecker
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). …more
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter
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, …more
The Doctor and the Diva
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 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 …more
The Man From Saigon
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 …more
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