Reviews by Cheryl K. (East Aurora, NY)

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The Summer Wives
The Summer Wives
by Beatriz Williams
Beach read (4/29/2018)
This book will most definitely be one of the "summer reads"of 2018. It is reminiscent of so many former favorites, yet falls short in character development and substance.
It was confusing to follow each of the characters through 1930, 1951, and finally 1969.

I would not …more
Force of Nature
Force of Nature: Aaron Falk Mystery #2
by Jane Harper
Force of Nature (10/14/2017)
Having thoroughly enjoyed Jane Harper's The Dry, I was equally impressed with Force of Nature. An author who can make a reader "feel the cold of the wilderness" through her characters is an excellent writer.
Police Agent Aaron Falk returns from The Dry and is a continuing …more
Wonder Valley
Wonder Valley
by Ivy Pochoda
Redemption...by any other name (7/2/2017)
I am not sure why I requested this book to read and review. I am more than pleased that I did. Ivy Pochoda's "addictive" characters are beautifully developed; their inward struggles tug at the heartstrings of the reader. Seeking personal redemption from the turmoil and …more
Lola
Lola
by Melissa Scrivner Love
Lola: Extraordinary protagonist (2/27/2017)
Reading the novel, Lola by Melissa Scribner Love, was a very rewarding experience. Lola is a character who is ruthless, yet deeply emotional. Facing every imaginable horror living amidst gang members in Los Angeles, she displays strength, loyalty, honor, and vulnerability.
…more
I See You
I See You
by Clare Mackintosh
I See You (10/30/2016)
After reading I Let You Go and truly enjoying it, I was excited to see Clare Mackintosh's second novel available as an Advance Reading Copy. Although a good psychological thriller, it took about 75 pages for me to really become involved in the story.
I enjoyed the twists …more
Ruth's Journey
Ruth's Journey: The Authorized Novel of Mammy from Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind
by Donald McCaig
Not Mitchell's Mammy (9/10/2014)
Having read Gone With the Wind three times, and enjoying most novels related to the Civil War South, I was very anxious to read Ruth's Journey. Unfortunately, I had difficulty following the dialog and the character development was incomplete and extremely frustrating. Mammy …more
Her
Her
by Harriet Lane
Her A Novel (6/1/2014)
This novel by Harriet Lane was difficult for me to get into, initially. Reading the alternating voices of Emma and Nina was confusing, but I became comfortable with the story and couldn't stop reading until I finished. It was a carefully constructed "mystery" with a very …more
Where Monsters Dwell
Where Monsters Dwell
by Jørgen Brekke
Where Monsters Dwell (11/7/2013)
Quoting directly from this novel, "Many people think that the point is to reveal the murderer, while what's actually important is to reveal the author." Having read this wonderful mystery from Jorgen Brekke, my enjoyment of Scandinavian crime fiction has increased.
Although …more
The Edge of Normal
The Edge of Normal
by Carla Norton
"Ripped from the Headlines....." (7/16/2013)
Carla Norton's novel, The Edge of Normal, could have been just another story of abduction, depravity,horror, rescue......taken from our daily newspapers. Ms. Norton told her story as if she had experienced every horrific moment that Reeve, Tilly, Hannah, Abby suffered.

Her …more
The First Affair
The First Affair
by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus
The First Affair (6/7/2013)
This book is a story we've heard many times, but with a different slant. To me, it is a cross between the Kennedy "affairs" and the Clinton fiasco. I found it very difficult to empathize with any of the characters, as they stumbled and lied their way through the book. The …more
Her Last Breath
Her Last Breath: A Kate Burkholder Novel
by Linda Castillo
Great Amish Thriller (5/15/2013)
Having read Linda Castillo's previous Amish mysteries, I expected a good story. Her Last Breath exceeded my expectations. Her deep understanding and compassion for the Amish way of life is exemplified in the main character of these novels, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder. …more
The Last Girl
The Last Girl: A Maeve Kerrigan Novel
by Jane Casey
The Last Girl (5/5/2013)
Although I have not read previous books by Jane Casey, I thoroughly loved "The Last Girl". The twists and turns of the plot, as well as the fine character development made the book a very pleasurable experience. As the mystery unfolded, I thought I had it solved several …more
The Hour of Peril
The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War
by Daniel Stashower
The Hour of Peril (12/26/2012)
Admittedly, when beginning The Hour of Peril, I had just completed the Assassination of Lincoln, as well as seeing Lincoln (the movie). Anxious to learn of the thwarted attempt on Lincoln's life in 1861, I slowly made my way through this book. Although I can appreciate the …more
And When She Was Good
And When She Was Good: A Novel
by Laura Lippman
Great Read! (7/22/2012)
Laura Lippman has given me so many pleasurable reading experiences, and this one was certainly as enjoyable. Although the main character, Heloise, at first glance appears weak and easily manipulated, she transcends all the negatives that have shaped her life and emerges …more
A Simple Murder
A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns
"Shaky" Mystery (4/15/2012)
I have so much admiration for a first-time novelist, particularly a mystery writer. Unfortunately, I found the story very difficult to follow. The characters could have been more fully-developed, and seemed to use the same phrases repeatedly. The ending was abrupt and …more
The Sisters
The Sisters: A Novel
by Nancy Jensen
The Sisters: A Life Lesson (9/14/2011)
I was enthralled with this novel from the first chapter, mainly because I identified so closely with the women and their history. The characters were real; their actions, interaction and secrets held my attention throughout. I did find it a bit confusing to keep track of …more
In Search of the Rose Notes
In Search of the Rose Notes: A Novel
by Emily Arsenault
Determining the mystery (6/13/2011)
This book might be appealing to young adult readers, provided they could follow the alternating story from 1990 to 2006. The major characters were rather boring and I cannot understand why the book is considered a psychological mystery. In fact, I had difficulty determining …more
Friendship Bread
Friendship Bread: A Novel
by Darien Gee
Friendship Bread (3/22/2011)
Darien Gee's novel was one of the most uplifting books I have read. The characters from the small town of Avalon attach themselves to the reader in a comforting, honest way. I felt as if I were inside the minds and hearts of each one, experiencing pain, grief, love and …more
An Amish Christmas
An Amish Christmas: A Novel
by Cynthia Keller
An Amish Christmas (9/21/2010)
More than just a Christmas story, this book will remain with the reader throughout the year. The once wealthy, seemingly happy Hobart family meets the gentle, loving Amish family, the Lutz's. Fate brings the families together; love, healing forgiveness, and redemption bind …more
An Eagle Named Freedom
An Eagle Named Freedom: My True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
by Jeff Guidry
Freedom (5/22/2010)
This book was wonderful on many levels. Not only does Jeff Guidry form a lasting friendship and bond with a beautiful eagle named Freedom, but he also shows the reader the importance of lessons to be learned and shared with all creatures on earth. The Sarvey shelter …more
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