BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Sandra S. (Charlotte, NC)

Whispering Shadows
by Jan-Philipp Sendker

Engaging read (1/8/2015)

Whispering Shadows is an engaging read that draws one into the world of China and Hong Kong. This is a murder mystery and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Five
by Ursula Archer

Geocaching & Murder (10/7/2014)

The writing is great. Main character, detective Beatrice, is an intriguing and genuine protagonist. Florin was an okay sidekick. The geocaching elements are original and figuring out the killer didn't happen immediately for me, so it held my interest. All in all, an intriguing mystery and I hope we'll see much more from this author.

The Cairo Affair
by Olen Steinhauer

The Cairo Affair (12/31/2013)

The Cairo Affair is an espionage novel packed with the usual betrayals, double-crosses, etc. I enjoyed it somewhat although it isn't my usual type of book. The book switches back and forth in time and in POV and that created some confusion for me.

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

Not a book for everyone. . . (8/31/2013)

This book has a strong themes within it. Detestable acts, despicable and atrocious acts are committed throughout.There are terms and words common to the time and place and they can be confusing at times. However, if you love history and are interested in a story about two unusual and flawed characters, you should give this book a chance. I did, and I don't regret it.

Letters from Skye
by Jessica Brockmole

Letters from Skye (6/21/2013)

I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romance and wants a light read. It is too heavy on the romance for my taste, but it is a quick easy read. The story revolves around Elspeth and Davey's (I literally cringed at reading this grown man's name) developing relationship. While I knew the story would be based upon letters, I didn't expect the whole of it to be letters. The storyline seems too familiar and the characters aren't all that interesting, in my opinion.

The Last Girl: A Maeve Kerrigan Novel
by Jane Casey

The Last Girl (4/25/2013)

I enjoyed the plot of this book and thought that the characters were very well written. The main character had real life flaws and seemed real overall. The mystery to the novel was interesting and kept me guessing until very near the end. I would definitely recommend this book.

Calling Me Home
by Julie Kibler

A moving story (12/29/2012)

A cross country car ride brings two unlikely friends closer than they thought possible. The story Miss Isabelle shares is a bittersweet tale that will move anyone who picks up the book. It's a great read and I recommend it.

The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz

Enjoyable read! (10/20/2012)

I loved the characters.They were well developed and I felt they really made the book. I also loved the gothic feel of this story. The pacing was wonderful as was the suspense. I definitely recommend this book.

Beneath the Shadows
by Sara Foster

Beneath the Shadows / Sara Foster (5/2/2012)

Loved the atmosphere and suspense. I made many guesses as to why Grace's husband disappeared and there were so many possible culprits; this book kept me guessing AND reading. In truth, I read it straight through. Would definitely read another book written by Sara Foster.

A Land More Kind Than Home: A Novel
by Wiley Cash

Very engrossing read! (3/10/2012)

I read this book (A Land More Kind Than Home) in an afternoon. Well written, entertaining, and thought provoking. Definitely describes small mountain town North Carolina.

Accidents of Providence
by Stacia Brown

Good, enjoyable historical. (12/26/2011)

Loved the characters. The historical setting was real and the tension grew with the pages, as is appropriate. Would definitely recommend this book to others.

The Daughter of Siena: A Novel
by Marina Fiorato

The Daughter of Siena by Marina Fiorato is a good read (5/12/2011)

The story definitely held my interest and I thought the subject was unique. It did take me longer than usual to read, which is why I rated it a 4 rather than a 5. I can't state exactly what or why it slowed in areas, but for me it did. I enjoyed the characters and the setting very much.

Top Picks

Small Rain
by Garth Greenwell

At the beginning of Garth Greenwell's novel Small Rain, the protagonist, an unnamed poet in his ...
Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung

Daughters of Shandong is the debut novel of Eve J. Chung, a human rights lawyer living in New York. ...
The Women
by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah's latest historical epic, The Women, is a story of how a war shaped a generation ...
The Wide Wide Sea
by Hampton Sides

By 1775, 48-year-old Captain James Cook had completed two highly successful voyages of discovery and...