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Reviews by Barb W. (Mechanicsburg, PA)

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The Lost Apothecary
The Lost Apothecary: A Novel
by Sarah Penner
The Lost Apothecary (9/11/2020)
Once I started reading this book, I found it hard to put down. I liked reading the stories of Nella, Eliza, and Caroline, and didn't even mind the way the story switched back and forth from Victorian England to the present day. In some books, that annoys me, but this book …more
Courting Mr. Lincoln
Courting Mr. Lincoln
by Louis Bayard
Courting Mr. Lincoln (3/1/2019)
Like many Americans, the story of Abraham Lincoln has always fascinated me, especially his story before he became 'famous.' I was excited to read a book focusing on his relationship with Joshua Speed and his developing relationship with Mary Todd, who would become his wife. …more
Fly Girls
Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History
by Keith O'Brien
Fly Girls (6/13/2018)
At an early age, our son declared to everyone who would listen that he was going to be a pilot when he grew up. He is now a pilot with the US Air Force, and our family has been interested in all things associated with aviation and aviation history for years. This book …more
Other People's Houses
Other People's Houses
by Abbi Waxman
Other People's Houses (12/27/2017)
I've never read anything by this author before, so when I started this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. Maybe it's because I don't read a lot of women's fiction or chick lit books, but I was disappointed in this book. The lengthy list of characters at the very beginning …more
The Second Mrs. Hockaday
The Second Mrs. Hockaday
by Susan Rivers
The Second Mrs. Hockaday (12/13/2016)
Being a fan of books set during the US Civil War, I couldn't wait to read this book, and I'm glad it didn't disappoint. While other readers were put off by the letter/diary format and the bouncing around in time, neither of those bothered me.

Once I got into the story, …more
The Secret Ingredient of Wishes
The Secret Ingredient of Wishes
by Susan Bishop Crispell
Wishes can come true (7/30/2016)
This book was a lot of fun, but it will also teach a lesson or two to readers who are paying attention. I would love to live in a small town like Nowhere, especially if I had friends/neighbors like Catch, Ashe and the rest. My only regret is that there were no pie recipes …more
The Midnight Watch
The Midnight Watch: A Novel of the Titanic and the Californian
by David Dyer
The Midnight Watch (3/5/2016)
I have always been fascinated by stories/movies about the Titanic, so I was excited about reading this book by David Dyer. Many times, when I go into a book with such high expectations, I am left disappointed by the time I finish reading, but this was not the case for The …more
First Frost
First Frost
by Sarah Addison Allen
First Frost, a magical book (11/20/2014)
Despite having heard nothing but rave reviews for years, I'm relatively new to Sarah Addison Allen's books. If this book is any indication of the rest of her work, however, I can see what everyone has been raving about. Loved the story, the characters, the setting ... I …more
The Scavenger's Daughters
The Scavenger's Daughters: Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters, Book One
by Kay Bratt
The Scavenger's Daughters (7/31/2013)
If it were possible to give half stars, this book would have gotten 4.5 stars instead of only 4. Although the subject is not "feel good," the book is well-written, the characters well-drawn and the content informative and engaging. I have already recommended it to co- …more
The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane
The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane
by Kelly Harms
Good Luck Girls (5/18/2013)
A perfect beach read, this book hooked me almost from the first page. As a fan of both cooking shows and dream home contests, I couldn't help but love the premise of the book. The characters reminded me of some of my friends and co-workers, which made the book even more …more
The Edge of the Earth
The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz
A very good read (10/13/2012)
I've never read anything by Ms. Schwarz before, so I didn't know what to expect from this book. I love historical fiction, especially those stories that really draw you into the lives of the characters. Add a bit of mystery -- another favorite genre -- and a lighthouse, and …more
The Woman at the Light
The Woman at the Light: A Novel
by Joanna Brady
A great summer read (7/14/2012)
I love historical fiction books, and lighthouses are a passion of mine, so this book caught my eye from the moment I first heard about it. I got caught up in the story almost immediately, and had a hard time putting it down. I liked the characters, the setting and the story …more
The Red Book
The Red Book: A Novel
by Deborah Copaken Kogan
The Red Book (2/18/2012)
I usually really enjoy books about women's friendships and relationships, so I was really looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations, as I had a hard time caring much about any of the four major characters. Maybe it was because …more
Little Black Dress
Little Black Dress: A Novel
by Susan McBride
A good read (7/10/2011)
I enjoyed this book: A bit of magic, family relationships, good characters, suspense and more. While a bit predictable at times, it was a perfect summer read which I will be recommending to friends and family.
The Wave
The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks and Giants of the Ocean
by Susan Casey
The Wave (8/13/2010)
I've always been fascinated by the ocean and its many personalities, so I couldn't wait to start this book. It did not disappoint, and I've been recommending it to friends and co-workers, who teased me about waiting until after our recent cruise to read the book! The …more
Daughters of the Witching Hill
Daughters of the Witching Hill: A Novel
by Mary Sharratt
Couldn't put it down (3/3/2010)
Loved this book, had a hard time putting it down. Having just read another book that lightly touched upon the Pendle witches, I was especially intrigued by this one, and it did not disappoint. I was transported back to the 1600s and easily got caught up in the story. I will …more
The Book of Illumination
The Book of Illumination: A Novel from the Ghost Files
by Mary Ann Winkowski
an enjoyable read (10/20/2009)
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to, although the ending seemed a bit hurried and anti-climactic. The main characters were all believable, and the story itself kept me wondering what would happen next. I hope this is the first in a series, as I would love to read …more
Gifts of War
Gifts of War: A Novel
by Mackenzie Ford
A good read (4/14/2009)
I enjoy reading first-time authors, and this book was no exception. The plot, the characters and the time period made me want to keep reading to find out how everything worked out. I will definitely look for more books by this author!
While My Sister Sleeps
While My Sister Sleeps
by Barbara Delinsky
Great read (12/6/2008)
Another good book from Barbara Delinsky, filled with the questions, both medical and personal, faced by any family dealing with a critical illness. The Snows learn as much about themselves and their relationships with one another as they learn about Robin. I plan to leave …more
The Fisher Boy
The Fisher Boy
by Stephen H. Anable
A so-so book (3/3/2008)
I found the first part of this book hard to get into, and the gay aspects of the story bothered me, not because I'm anti-gay, but in the way that gratuitous sex in any book would bother me. However, the second half of the book was much better, and once the story picked up, …more
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