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Reviews by Shirin M. (Beverly Hills, CA)

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Sisters of the Great War: A Novel
by Suzanne Feldman

Sisters of the Great War (10/14/2021)

A story that focusses on the contributions that women, and American women in particular, made to the Great War is always a welcome addition as most stories highlight the role and contributions of men. In this book, the author does explore in detail the work done by women in …more

The Seine: The River that Made Paris
by Elaine Sciolino

The Seine: The River that made Paris (10/15/2019)

With a reporter's eye for detail, Sciolino takes the reader on an unforgettable tour through France by way of its main artery, the river Seine. She weaves a wonderful story interwoven with the towns and cities through which the river flows. From antiquity to the modern era, …more

The Milk Lady of Bangalore: An Unexpected Adventure
by Shoba Narayan

And the real milk lady is ... (1/12/2018)

A well-researched, entertaining, and charming read that captures the melding of the old and new as the author delves into the significance of cows and milk in Indian religion and culture. The journalistic skills of the author are evident as she reports on her quest to buy a …more

The Essex Serpent
by Sarah Perry

Essex Serpent (3/22/2017)

Religion and reason sent against the backdrop of Victorian England provide the setting for a novel of mystery. While the story is interesting, I just couldn't get into the characters.

The Book That Matters Most: A Novel
by Ann Hood

Books and Friendship (7/8/2016)

Books and friends! What better combination to make for an enjoyable read. The story framed by a book discussion group, in which the choice of book reveals something about each one, just as much as their dialogue and interactions with each other. The main character, Ava's, …more

The Railwayman's Wife
by Ashley Hay

The Railwayman's Wife (3/18/2016)

This is a well-crafted story. The quiet gentle prose belies the depth of issues and emotions that unfold as the characters cope with love and loss. Set against the backdrop of post World War II, the reader is transported to a different world. A war that happened thousands …more

The Sweetheart Deal
by Polly Dugan

The Sweetheart Deal (2/18/2015)

Unfortunately, I thought the story was told through too many voices which made it a bit difficult. It is however a story of hope and possibility that makes for an easy read.

The Paris Winter
by Imogen Robertson

The Paris Winter (7/22/2014)

A well-researched historical novel with elements of a thriller mystery leads the reader into the lives of different social classes during the Belle Époque age. The burgeoning affluence, artistic splendor, and social changes cannot hide the squalor and social inequalities as …more

The Drowning Guard: A Novel of the Ottoman Empire
by Linda Lafferty

The Drowning Guard (9/17/2013)

An interesting book about a culture and period that may not be well known to many. A character driven story with some explicit and violent descriptions that make for a difficult read at times.

The Sisterhood
by Helen Bryan

A "travelling" Sisterhood (5/21/2013)

The story moves from the 1500s to the 21st century; from the old to the new world. The plot centers around the mystery surrounding a medal and ancient text which contain secrets that are revealed as the story meanders between the old and new. The main characters are women …more

Children of the Jacaranda Tree
by Sahar Delijani

Children of the Jacaranda Tree by Sahar Delijani (2/28/2013)

Delijani's debut novel spans two generations of Iranians dealing with a revolution that evolves as they dream and fight for a better life. Each chapter is a short story in itself linked by torturous prisons, family, friendship, and the hopes and dreams of men and women …more

Calling Me Home
by Julie Kibler

Life's Journey (12/17/2012)

A road trip meanders through memories of the 1930s and 1940s interspersed with contemporary day-to-day issues. Told in two voices, the reader listens as the unlikely friendship between Miss Isabelle, a nonagenarian, and thirty-something Dorrie, reveals their life stories. …more

The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz

The Edge of the Earth (10/24/2012)

Set in the majestic Big Sur, the book provides a good sense of time and place. I thought I would be transported and become part of the story, but this never happened. There was something missing in the characters and narration. Disappointing, because I enjoyed "Drowning …more

The Light Between Oceans: A Novel
by Margot L. Stedman

The Light Between Oceans - M. L. Stedman (7/12/2012)

A good book transports you to a different time and place; better books stay with you long after you've turned the last page. "The Light Between Oceans," does both. Quiet controlled prose creates a sense of time and place inhabited by real people. There are no heroes or …more

The Secrets of Mary Bowser
by Lois Leveen

The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen (4/24/2012)

Based on the true story of Mary Bower, born a slave and freed by her owner’s daughter, she returns to slavery to play a pivotal, albeit secret role in the Union victory. Lois Leveen’s story is a panoramic portrayal of a young African-American woman’s life set against the …more

Accidents of Providence
by Stacia Brown

Accidents of Providence (12/14/2011)

A page turner that transports you back to England in the seventeenth century. Set amidst Puritanical rule, the author creates a very real place filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the time. A fast paced plot and vividly drawn characters make this an engrossing …more

Falling Together: A Novel
by Marisa De Los Santos

A light read (9/29/2011)

The story has all the elements of a chick lit novel for the 30 something group. A tightly knit group of three college friends grows apart on graduation and returns to try and reconnect at their tenth anniversary reunion. An ordinary reunion turns out to be anything but that. …more

Next to Love
by Ellen Feldman

Next to Love (7/25/2011)

Set in a small town on the East Coast, “Next to Love,” follows the lives and loves of three young women as they struggle to find themselves and meaning to their lives during an era when the world was fast changing. Their lives, bookended by World War II and the Civil Rights …more

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Book Jacket — Lessons in Chemistry
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