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Reviews by Virginia B. (Forest Park, IL)

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The Daughters of Mars
by Thomas Keneally
Daughters of Mars (5/29/2013)
Daughters of Mars was an interesting perspective of WWI through the eyes of Naomi and Sally. I did have a bit of trouble getting used to the way it was written. Once I did, I had a hard time putting the book down. I liked the way the sisters became friends during the hardships that they endured. I also liked how their love lives developed out of friendship. Naomi and Sally both got into nursing to get away from the family farm and found their true calling. It seems as if they truly enjoyed nursing the wounded. I think it's always interesting to read about medical practices so different from what we're used to today and I am horrified at the arcane medical techniques and surprised to learn many survived. I did have to read the end a couple of times to discern who actually died and I don't think I understand where the author got the name of the book. All in all, it was a very enjoyable book and I would highly recommend it.
The Dressmaker: A Novel
by Kate Alcott
Great Read!!! (10/6/2011)
Loved this book from the start. I think anyone who has a fascination with the Titanic would really enjoy reading about the aftermath of the tragedy. Tess is a great character who has lots of spunk and desire to get what she really wants.
The Daughter of Siena: A Novel
by Marina Fiorato
A couple of good twists (5/6/2011)
I love historical fiction. I thought that the start of the book was a little flat and was waiting for something to "happen". And something did happen. It had a couple of twists that I did not anticipate. I would up enjoying the story.
The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul: A Novel
by Deborah Rodriguez
Enjoyable Read (11/15/2010)
I enjoyed this book -- I had previously read the Kabul Beauty School and was amazed and dismayed at the same time how both books portray the life of women in Afghanistan. I certainly appreciate what I have so much more. I liked the way the ex-pat women became friends in such a small community because they were in the minority as well as befriending Afghan women. At the same time, they didn't let the atmosphere get them down too much. I like the ending as well -- giving hope to a change of the way Afghan women live.
The Doctor and the Diva: A Novel
by Adrienne McDonnell
Wonderful book! (5/27/2010)
An excellent read! The author described locations so beautifully I felt as if I was in Trinidad and Italy. It was interesting to read about the early treatment of infertility. I felt Erika's pain about not having a baby and but wanting a baby so bad she put her own passion of singing on hold. Erika's and Ravell's love story was so tender you want them to be together.

The book was an easy read and I loved every page.
Gifts of War: A Novel
by Mackenzie Ford
Highly Recommend! (4/13/2009)
This is one of the best books I have read in a while and had trouble putting it down. I thought it was very well written. If the sections about the intelligence community were indeed factual, it gives me a better appreciation of what they actually do. I loved reading Izzy's letters to Hal -- the way she nagged him yet loved him. This book has something for everyone -- from love to intrigue and from drama to a bit of comedy.

I can't wait to read other novels by this author.
Palace Circle
by Rebecca Dean
Palace Circle (1/15/2009)
If you enjoy reading Penny Vincenzi and Barbara Taylor Bradford, I think you will enjoy this book. I love reading books that take place in the 1920-30s and have loads of detail about the parties the characters attend along with what they are wearing. Many real historical figures are included, such as the Duke and Duchess of Wales (before they became the Duke and Duchess) and Anwar Sadat. But the book does take a serious turn when it turns to Egyptian politics pre-WWI and during the war. I didn't want the book to end.
Murder in Mykonos
by Jeffrey Siger
Murder in Mykonos (11/17/2008)
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read. I loved the twists and turns and really had no clue as to who did the deed! Loved the detailed descriptions of Mykonos -- made me want to visit the island.
Mozart's Sister
by Rita Charbonnier
Mozart's Sister (10/16/2007)
I enjoyed the book. While I found it slow to start, all of a sudden I found myself absorbed by Nannerl's life and then the story was over. The book made me want to find out more about Nannerl and her relationship with her brother -- though I'm sure it was similar to all siblings today: a love/hate relationship.

I think this book would do very well as a book club selection.
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