Until the Next Time: A Novel
by Kevin Fox
Interesting and thought provoking (2/12/2012)
In the beginning, I felt this story was somewhat disjointed, but the author managed to smooth things out as he went along. Reincarnation, not a new subject, was presented with an interesting twist and the ties to scripture and modern day religion fell into the "things that make you say hmmmm" category. I enjoyed this story, especially once the author caught his rhythm. I think you'll enjoy this book, as well....keep it...you may want to read it again....in your next life.
The Borgia Betrayal: A Poisoner Mystery Novel
by Sara Poole
The Borgia Betrayal (6/24/2011)
I absolutely love historical fiction and Sara Poole's novel, The Borgia Betrayal, is one I'm happy I took the time to read. In the beginning of the book I struggled some as the characters developed...I thought the story lacked energy and vitality, but as I stuck with it, it began to pick up the pace. Once the stage was set, the book began to reveal action and intrigue and I found myself wholly immersed. Secrets began to uncloak themselves and I found myself in the wee hours of the night..still with book in hand. Having read The Borgia Betrayal, I will now go back and read Ms. Poole's first book about this character, "Poison".
The Tudor Secret: The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
by C. W. Gortner
The Tudor Secret (3/29/2011)
I am a voracious reader of the Historical Fiction genre and this author didn't disappoint me. While it's difficult to create a different take on a subject that has been written and rewritten time and time again, this author brings a certain intrigue and excitement to this story. Take the time to immerse yourself in a period in history steeped in lies, back stabbing and murder...all initiated in the name of greed. This author is able to take you there...to a time and place that makes your skin crawl one minute and will have you applauding the next minute. Bravo!
A Box of Darkness: The Story of a Marriage
by Sally Ryder Brady
A Box of Darkness (1/3/2011)
Most of us are married or have been married, so what makes us spend time reading about someone else's marriage? I wasn't sure if this story line was enough to capture me and keep me reading until the end....I was surprised. The author's descriptions of her sometimes blissful and often painful relationship with Upton, her husband were captivating. It was an unusual marriage, crowded with many secrets, and the author does a wonderful job of making you feel connected to the people involved. I realized as I read, that I was asking myself questions along the way - always a good sign of a good book - "Would I stay with this man?" "What would make me stay with him?". "What kind of charm must someone possess to make me overlook all the other negatives and secrets?" "Do I even know anyone like this?".
I believe that a book that can make me spend this much time thinking about it, is a success and I enjoyed the time I spent reading it. Toward the end, the author asks, "Would Upton be upset if he knew I was writing this story?". I think the answer to that question is, "Absolutely he would be upset! He would not have wanted his wife to tell this story!"...but the rest of us are glad she did.
A Lonely Death: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery
by Charles Todd
Interesting subject matter (11/8/2010)
A Lonely Death is my first Ian Rutledge read, and the author did a great job of writing it to stand alone. While it didn't rate 5 Stars with me, it was interesting and kept my attention. A tad slow in the beginning but I love an author who keeps me guessing, and this one did not fail. I liked it enough to now go back and start at the beginning of Ian Rutledge's history, which is intriguing and unsettling. This one is worth your time.
The Swimming Pool
by Holly LeCraw
Nothing new at the "Pool" (2/25/2010)
I didn't dislike this book...I just thought it was a lot of the same old thing. Affairs, murder, revenge, despair...the usual suspects. I kept hoping that the plot would pick up since a couple of the characters did have some strength to them, alas, I felt I stayed with the story in search of the answer to the murder mystery (and I will give the author credit for keeping me hanging on to the end); but much to my dismay, I closed the book continuing to wonder what happened. I don't think I would recommend this book to anyone simply because the story just didn't offer any real intrigue and the plot was just mediocre. It doesn't mean I wouldn't pick up another book by this same author though and give her another "spin".
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