This story showed a different side of the Civil War. The characters are believable and interesting. I had no idea that some Chinese participated in the war. It is interesting to read how the spy, a woman, is able to pass on her information without getting caught. Since it is based on the author's family history, I feel it should be considered a historical novel. Those who enjoy historical novels will enjoy this novel as well.

The Edge of the Earth by Christina Schwarz is a book that I did enjoy. The characters are fleshed out very well with good descriptions that let us meet them but don't let us in on their secrets. We may suspect some secrets as the story progresses, but we won't really know what they are until they begin making themselves known in the last third of the book.

I think that women who enjoy Oprah books will like this book, especially since one of the author's books was an Oprah book. I also feel that this would be a good book club choice due to the many themes that could be discussed, like coming of age or not, families, coping with lonely places, escaping from a preordained life, and learning the true character of a new husband. Some men may enjoy the story due to the various kinds of male characters that inhabit it. The suspense gradually builds until in the last third I could hardly put the book down.

It did take me about ten pages to figure out who was speaking. However, once I had that figured out, I was off and running and enjoying every minute. Thanks for the opportunity to read this book.

Live by Night by Dennis Lehane is a suspense/mystery story that I enjoyed. As a suspense/ mystery fan, it was fun to read a story quite different from most stories I’ve read. I feel the writing is good and the characters are well defined.

This book would appeal to mystery readers as well as those who enjoy suspense. Book clubs could find many areas to discuss from gangsters and their morality to knowing how to love the right person. I would not call it a Young Adult story even though the protagonist is in his late teens. It can make you smile occasionally, but is basically a serious story with serious questions. Who will get killed? Who will not get killed? Who is trustworthy, if anyone? I appreciate the chance to read this book.

Yes, there is a surprise ending which I never expected. I must admit I had trouble getting "into" this book. It probably had to do with being so busy that I read only a few minutes at a time. Once I was free of commitment, I began to like the book and ended up enjoying it. Reading spy thrillers is my forte; hence, my surprise at having trouble getting into it. Will Cochrane is quite a spy and I enjoyed his abilities. He seems to be well-trained in his various skills, yet he does have some warmness, though not much. He is such a harsh and evil-seeming man whose harsh methods could only be honed to efficiency by his hard work and his loyalty to his country. I think anyone who enjoys spy thrillers will enjoy this book. Thanks for the opportunity to read it.

The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen is an interesting look on life in Richmond, Virginia, before and during the Civil War. The book is well written and the characters are fully drawn. Learning about Mary El’s childhood and early life as a slave with her mother in the Van Lew household helps us understand the relationship between the slaves and their masters.

I read a nonfiction Civil War book while reading The Secrets of Mary Bowser. This experience was appealing to me as I read what was happening from the point of view of two armies and two presidents while, at the same time, reading about the everyday life of the citizens of Richmond.

Those who enjoy historical fiction will delight in reading this book.