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Reviews by Mary B. (St Paul, MN)

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The Lion in the Lei Shop
The Lion in the Lei Shop
by Kaye Starbird
The Lion in the Lei Shop (5/15/2013)
The novel chronicles the bombing of Pearl Harbor as seen by both a child and her mother. The story gives a heartfelt and engaging perspective of how that day impacted them and their lives as a military wife and child on the island that day, and the years that follow. The author was able to bring the events and emotions to life with her narrative. I found it hard to put down and very emotional.
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate: A Lucy Campion Mystery
by Susanna Calkins
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate (3/20/2013)
I enjoyed this book The story takes place in mid 1600's London. I liked the historical information woven into the story. Events of the time were part of the plot line--the plague, religious prejudice, class and gender divisions. The main character Lucy, is written as a very strong independent minded woman which I liked.
Ghostman
Ghostman
by Roger Hobbs
Ghostman (1/21/2013)
As I read the first few pages of GHOSTMAN I didn't think I was going to enjoy the book, but it did not take long for me to change my mind. Two stories are unraveled as Hobbs goes back and forth in time leaving the reader in suspense as he goes back to other story. The transition from one story to another can sometimes be confusing but that is not the case for GHOSTMAN. The author's descriptions of places and people are very good. The story is about criminals and criminal activity and the violence that goes along with it, so GHOSTMAN is not for someone who is looking for a "light read".
The Woman at the Light
The Woman at the Light: A Novel
by Joanna Brady
The Woman at the Light (7/16/2012)
I enjoyed this book because it captured an era and setting not that familiar to me. Very strong female character added much to story. The first person narrative was well done. Going back and forth in time also made it very interesting. Details of people, feelings, weather and location seemed very real. I feel I learned much about a time and place I had not read about in other novels.
A Simple Murder
A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns
A Simple Murder (4/11/2012)
The story is very interesting with the events taking place in 1796. A variety of characters add to the sense of mystery. I would like to see several of the central characters continue their adventures!
Until the Next Time
Until the Next Time: A Novel
by Kevin Fox
Until Next Time (3/4/2012)
Like one of the central characters in the book I had a lot of questions that took awhile to get answered. The story takes place in two time frames and I found the transition from one time period to another confusing. It was a very interesting story despite my confusion. The story does not gloss over the violence of the 1970's in Northern Ireland. I did finish the book and I am glad I did.
Tides of War
Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard
Tides of War (11/29/2011)
I enjoy reading historical fiction and I liked this book very much. For me, it was not the type of book to read cover to cover in one sitting, but one that I could read over a period of time and savor. There were interesting characters both real and fictional and good interwoven stories. I enjoyed the strong female characters.
The Sisters
The Sisters: A Novel
by Nancy Jensen
Sisters (9/10/2011)
The story begins in the 1920's and follows the lives of two sisters and their families throughout the years. It touches on families and family secrets and the heartbreak and joy involved in both. I enjoyed the book very much. Each generation had their own story to tell, often painful, but also hopeful . It would make a great bookclub read.
The Daughter of Siena
The Daughter of Siena: A Novel
by Marina Fiorato
Daughter of Siena (5/23/2011)
With the historical background and details of life in Siena in the 1700's, I enjoyed this book very much. Story line of event that still takes place makes it even more interesting. Plot involves several characters with parallel story lines that make you want to keep reading to find out what is going to happen. I look forward to reading more books by Marina Fiorato.
The Beauty of Humanity Movement
The Beauty of Humanity Movement: A Novel
by Camilla Gibb
The Beauty of Humanity Movement (12/9/2010)
This was a very moving book. The story touches on the effects of war, political upheaval, repression and poverty, which might be difficult for some to read. It also touches on love and survival. It was both haunting and hopeful. I would highly recommend the book.
The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai
The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai: A Novel
by Ruiyan Xu
Lost ad Forgotten Languages (10/26/2010)
I enjoyed the book very much. The characters came to life through the narrative. Ms Xu' writing is very descriptive and involving. One can feel the rain and humidity as she writes about it. One can feel the emotions the characters are experiencing. I was sorry when the book ended as I wanted to know what else would be happening to the characters, as they had become people I cared about. On a side note, the jacket cover is beautiful!
Valeria's Last Stand
Valeria's Last Stand
by Marc Fitten
Valerie's Last Stand (3/13/2009)
I enjoyed this book very much. It was especially fun to have main characters be strong, colorful, and over sixty! Some of the events in the story become a little bizarre, but it all seems to fit together. The jacket of the book talks about this story being a fairy tale, so I knew it would be fanciful. The people and the setting - a small Hungarian village make for a wonderful story with lots of action, warmth and humor. I look forward to Marc Fitten's next book.
Green Monster
Green Monster: A Sam Skarda Mystery
by Rick Shefchik
Green Monster (7/9/2008)
I enjoyed this book very much. I am a baseball fan, but I think even someone who doesn't follow baseball would enjoy the book.

The mystery has interesting characters, several different locations, humor, and baseball facts and lore mixed in, all of which keep the story moving and hard to put down. This was a great read, especially during baseball season.
Evening Is the Whole Day
Evening Is the Whole Day
by Preeta Samarasan
Evening is the Whole Day (5/7/2008)
I am enjoying the book very much.
The Book Thief
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
Great Book! (9/20/2007)
What a wonderful read! Once I got started I could not put it down. "Death" as the narrator was an interesting concept and it worked very well. There were many beautiful and powerful passages in the book. I started to underline them , but then realized I'd be underling a lot of the book! Liesel and the other characters stayed with me long after I finished the book. I would recommend this book for young and old alike.
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