BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

The Summer Wives
by Beatriz Williams

Beach read (4/29/2018)

This book will most definitely be one of the "summer reads"of 2018. It is reminiscent of so many former favorites, yet falls short in character development and substance.
It was confusing to follow each of the characters through 1930, 1951, and finally 1969.

I would not recommend it for my book club, but would definitely pack it for the beach.

Force of Nature: Aaron Falk Mystery #2
by Jane Harper

Force of Nature (10/14/2017)

Having thoroughly enjoyed Jane Harper's The Dry, I was equally impressed with Force of Nature. An author who can make a reader "feel the cold of the wilderness" through her characters is an excellent writer.
Police Agent Aaron Falk returns from The Dry and is a continuing force of strength and determination. Ms. Harper's characters are by far the strongest forces driving the mystery to its unsettling, yet satisfying end.
So many surprises along the way keep the reader guessing, and wanting to continue the journey. It was a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.

Wonder Valley
by Ivy Pochoda

Redemption...by any other name (7/2/2017)

I am not sure why I requested this book to read and review. I am more than pleased that I did. Ivy Pochoda's "addictive" characters are beautifully developed; their inward struggles tug at the heartstrings of the reader. Seeking personal redemption from the turmoil and disruptions in their lives, they are connected through a seemingly idyllic place called Wonder Valley. Their journeys take them through the steaming Mojave Desert to the unpleasant Skid Row section of Los Angeles. It is the excellent descriptions of these journeys, all connected in some way, and the outcomes reached, that made this reader's experience very rewarding.
Book clubs would have spirited discussions with this exceptional novel.

Lola
by Melissa Scrivner Love

Lola: Extraordinary protagonist (2/27/2017)

Reading the novel, Lola by Melissa Scribner Love, was a very rewarding experience. Lola is a character who is ruthless, yet deeply emotional. Facing every imaginable horror living amidst gang members in Los Angeles, she displays strength, loyalty, honor, and vulnerability.
This young woman has a soft, protective side when dealing with a very damaged young girl, as well as a rescued pit bull dog. In the next breath she can kill an enemy or someone who has betrayed her without blinking.
Ms. Love writes delightful prose, and brings life to each character.
Reading this book, I became enthralled with the beauty, tragedy and, ultimately, redemption of Lola. I highly recommend this experience.

I See You
by Clare Mackintosh

I See You (10/30/2016)

After reading I Let You Go and truly enjoying it, I was excited to see Clare Mackintosh's second novel available as an Advance Reading Copy. Although a good psychological thriller, it took about 75 pages for me to really become involved in the story.
I enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the remainder of the book, and did not see the shocking ending coming.
Readers will think twice before riding a train with any regularity.
The main characters were well developed and believable. That is the primary reason the ending was so amazing! In a couple of instances, I found myself actually holding my breath.

Ruth's Journey: The Authorized Novel of Mammy from Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind
by Donald McCaig

Not Mitchell's Mammy (9/10/2014)

Having read Gone With the Wind three times, and enjoying most novels related to the Civil War South, I was very anxious to read Ruth's Journey. Unfortunately, I had difficulty following the dialog and the character development was incomplete and extremely frustrating. Mammy was such a
beloved part of GWTW but I never really felt connected to her in this novel.
I would not recommend this book for a book club discussion, as it is extremely difficult to follow.
Mammy (Ruth) was almost a secondary character, but would have had a wonderful story to tell if told more fluidly.

Her
by Harriet Lane

Her A Novel (6/1/2014)

This novel by Harriet Lane was difficult for me to get into, initially. Reading the alternating voices of Emma and Nina was confusing, but I became comfortable with the story and couldn't stop reading until I finished. It was a carefully constructed "mystery" with a very unsettling ending. It would be an interesting book for discussion.

Where Monsters Dwell
by Jørgen Brekke

Where Monsters Dwell (11/7/2013)

Quoting directly from this novel, "Many people think that the point is to reveal the murderer, while what's actually important is to reveal the author." Having read this wonderful mystery from Jorgen Brekke, my enjoyment of Scandinavian crime fiction has increased.
Although moving between the 16th and 21st centuries, and from Norway to Richmond, Va this reader enjoyed a suspense-filled journey.
The characters, with all their flaws, were interesting and driven. I was riveted to the story and spent well into the night trying to determine the identity of the serial killer. It perhaps was a bit rushed at the end, but overall was a great read and I look forward to the next Brekke mystery.

The Edge of Normal
by Carla Norton

"Ripped from the Headlines....." (7/16/2013)

Carla Norton's novel, The Edge of Normal, could have been just another story of abduction, depravity,horror, rescue......taken from our daily newspapers. Ms. Norton told her story as if she had experienced every horrific moment that Reeve, Tilly, Hannah, Abby suffered.

Her characters are extremely expressive, particularly Reeve. I would highly recommend this book to readers who love a psychological thriller that not only is difficult to put down, but also stays in your mind and heart well after finishing it.

The First Affair
by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

The First Affair (6/7/2013)

This book is a story we've heard many times, but with a different slant. To me, it is a cross between the Kennedy "affairs" and the Clinton fiasco. I found it very difficult to empathize with any of the characters, as they stumbled and lied their way through the book. The main character, Jamie McAllister is another product of a totally dysfunctional family. Her affair with the President, Gregory Rutland, is textbook disaster. It is an easy read and probably best suited for the beach. I would not recommend it to my book club as there is very little to discuss that we haven't already read about in the tabloids many times.

Her Last Breath: A Kate Burkholder Novel
by Linda Castillo

Great Amish Thriller (5/15/2013)

Having read Linda Castillo's previous Amish mysteries, I expected a good story. Her Last Breath exceeded my expectations. Her deep understanding and compassion for the Amish way of life is exemplified in the main character of these novels, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder. Violence against these peaceful people is inconceivable. Kate, once a member of this Amish community, must solve a crime against the family of someone she once knew and loved while facing cultural "roadblocks" at every turn.

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery from a writer who has an amazing insight into the Amish, enabling the reader to become a part of that world, even as evil surrounds them. I'm looking forward to the next book from Ms. Castillo, and would highly recommend "Her Last Breath".

The Last Girl: A Maeve Kerrigan Novel
by Jane Casey

The Last Girl (5/5/2013)

Although I have not read previous books by Jane Casey, I thoroughly loved "The Last Girl". The twists and turns of the plot, as well as the fine character development made the book a very pleasurable experience. As the mystery unfolded, I thought I had it solved several times. The ending was not what I expected, yet seemed to fit the story perfectly. I believe a book club would have fun discussing the characters and their relationships to the mystery, as well as to each other.
This is a well-told "whodunit" and I look forward to reading previous works of Ms. Casey and her next published novel.

The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War
by Daniel Stashower

The Hour of Peril (12/26/2012)

Admittedly, when beginning The Hour of Peril, I had just completed the Assassination of Lincoln, as well as seeing Lincoln (the movie). Anxious to learn of the thwarted attempt on Lincoln's life in 1861, I slowly made my way through this book. Although I can appreciate the extensive research by Daniel Stashower, I often felt I was reading a textbook. Pinkerton was definitely more of a presence than Lincoln, and his story was very interesting. I feel this book would appeal more to avid history buffs, who enjoy explicit details of a period in American history that is not well-known. I did not find it a "race-against-the-clock thriller.

And When She Was Good: A Novel
by Laura Lippman

Great Read! (7/22/2012)

Laura Lippman has given me so many pleasurable reading experiences, and this one was certainly as enjoyable. Although the main character, Heloise, at first glance appears weak and easily manipulated, she transcends all the negatives that have shaped her life and emerges intact. I love Ms. Lippman's characters....the good, the bad and the horrible. There would be many discussion points for a book club and I would definitely recommend this book to mine.

A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns

"Shaky" Mystery (4/15/2012)

I have so much admiration for a first-time novelist, particularly a mystery writer. Unfortunately, I found the story very difficult to follow. The characters could have been more fully-developed, and seemed to use the same phrases repeatedly. The ending was abrupt and almost contrived. I would not recommend this book to book club friends.

The Sisters: A Novel
by Nancy Jensen

The Sisters: A Life Lesson (9/14/2011)

I was enthralled with this novel from the first chapter, mainly because I identified so closely with the women and their history. The characters were real; their actions, interaction and secrets held my attention throughout. I did find it a bit confusing to keep track of the entire Fischer family, and frequently referred to the family tree in the front of the book. The outcome may not be what I would have hoped for, but it fit the story perfectly. What a wonderful book for book clubs to read and discuss. I have already recommended it to others.

In Search of the Rose Notes: A Novel
by Emily Arsenault

Determining the mystery (6/13/2011)

This book might be appealing to young adult readers, provided they could follow the alternating story from 1990 to 2006. The major characters were rather boring and I cannot understand why the book is considered a psychological mystery. In fact, I had difficulty determining exactly what the ultimate "mystery" was. I would definitely not recommend In Search of the Rose Notes to an adult book club.

Friendship Bread: A Novel
by Darien Gee

Friendship Bread (3/22/2011)

Darien Gee's novel was one of the most uplifting books I have read. The characters from the small town of Avalon attach themselves to the reader in a comforting, honest way. I felt as if I were inside the minds and hearts of each one, experiencing pain, grief, love and ultimately friendship. I could "smell" the aroma from each loaf of "Friendship Bread" baked and cannot wait to start my own.

This book will appeal to young and old, and should be great for discussion at book clubs.

An Amish Christmas: A Novel
by Cynthia Keller

An Amish Christmas (9/21/2010)

More than just a Christmas story, this book will remain with the reader throughout the year. The once wealthy, seemingly happy Hobart family meets the gentle, loving Amish family, the Lutz's. Fate brings the families together; love, healing forgiveness, and redemption bind them together for a lifetime.

The author, Cynthia Keller, is very descriptive of the Amish and their simple but fulfilling way of life. I would recommend this book to young people, as well as adults. My thirteen year old grandson and I learned some very valuable lessons from these families. Although this is a relatively short read, book clubs could enjoy very stimulating discussions.

An Eagle Named Freedom: My True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
by Jeff Guidry

Freedom (5/22/2010)

This book was wonderful on many levels. Not only does Jeff Guidry form a lasting friendship and bond with a beautiful eagle named Freedom, but he also shows the reader the importance of lessons to be learned and shared with all creatures on earth. The Sarvey shelter exemplifies all that is decent and compassionate in humans who care for these wounded wildlife. I would recommend this book to anyone in need of an uplifting experience.

Reviews by Cheryl K. (East Aurora, NY)

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