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Reviews by Diane D. (Cape Elizabeth, ME)

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The Sweetheart Deal
The Sweetheart Deal
by Polly Dugan
The Sweetheart Deal (2/12/2015)
The Sweetheart Deal was well, sweet! It was easy to fall for the characters and journey beside them as they struggle with their loss, their grief,and putting their lives back together. A quick, sweet read!
The Nightingale
The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah
Gripping & wonderful! (9/16/2014)
I loved this book. Kristin Hannah weaves such a hauntingly wonderful story in The Nightingale. The characters are so richly developed that the reader can't help but keep turning the pages! I was skeptical that it was yet another novel about the Holocaust, but do yourself a favor and read this one!!! It's going to stick with me!
Her
Her
by Harriet Lane
I'm with HER..... (5/2/2014)
In HER, Lane delves into the enormity of how one time, one summer, one event in a person's life can continue to affect them for years to come. It was a fascinating look into family dynamics, mundane daily life, and misplaced blame. I was captivated by the characters.
The Headmaster's Wife
The Headmaster's Wife
by Thomas Christopher Greene
Riveting & Real! (12/20/2013)
I loved the Headmaster's Wife by Thomas Christopher Greene! It grips you right from the beginning and introduces you to broken people that seem just too real to forget. I was often reminded of Stuart O'Nan's descriptive style of writing about the mundane. I will definitely go back and read his other books!
Lost Luggage
Lost Luggage
by Jordi Punti
Lenghthy Lost Luggage! (9/1/2013)
Although Punti is a master at prose, his sheer amount of flashbacks and characters is a lot to sort through. The reader needs to pay close attention as the author jumps back and forth through the decades. The story of the Christophers is so unusual and really held my interest throughout the long book.
The Mouse-Proof Kitchen
The Mouse-Proof Kitchen
by Saira Shah
A Heart-warming Tale..... (6/28/2013)
Although The Mouse Proof Kitchen starts out slow, by halfway through you can't put it down. Shah has a way with characters that endears them to you with their quirky ways. You can picture this town she writes about and all the characters within. Shah writes insightfully about babies with disabilities, every word rings true. I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
Close My Eyes
Close My Eyes
by Sophie McKenzie
Not so thrilling.... (4/6/2013)
Although I wanted to love this book, as it was reminiscent of Gone Girl and Before I go to Sleep, I found it lacking. The twists, even though far-fetched, were also predictable. It is a quick read, but for me, not ultimately rewarding.
Rage Against the Dying
Rage Against the Dying
by Becky Masterman
Fast & Furious! (1/2/2013)
Rage Against the Dying by Becky Masterman is just what I look for in a thriller, a great protagonist, a good storyline and lots of suspense! Her retired FBI agent Brigid Quinn is memorable, the thriller moves at a good pace and I enjoyed the descriptive prose. I would definitely read another book by this author.
Indiscretion
Indiscretion
by Charles Dubow
Good story, but not great (10/27/2012)
I was a little disappointed. Dubow develops lovable characters that are flawed, but I found the narrative a bit awkward. It's certainly a quick read with a plotline that draws you in.
And When She Was Good
And When She Was Good: A Novel
by Laura Lippman
Lippman is good! (6/30/2012)
Lippman has a great way with characters. In this latest novel, she delves into the life of a suburban madam and the circumstances that led her to this life. Her characters have a richness that really make them jump off the page and come to life. And When She Was Good was a quick, satisfying read!
Oxford Messed Up
Oxford Messed Up
by Andrea Kayne Kaufman
Kudos to Kaufman! (3/13/2012)
Andrea Kayne Kaufman took the very difficult issue of OCD and gave the reader a delightful love story! While giving the reader a great insight into this horrible disease, she also treats us to brave, wonderful characters (if not, somewhat broken) that you can picture perfectly in your mind. Both main characters have great difficulties to overcome and the reader is brought along for the very enjoyable ride. And being a true Van Morrison fan, I adored how Kaufman wove his music into this unusual love story.
Falling Together
Falling Together: A Novel
by Marisa De Los Santos
Wonderful characters!!! (8/24/2011)
Marisa de los Santos always does a great job with her characters, you care about them from the very beginning and can picture them clear as day! I think that's a great talent. I've read a few of her books in the past and will continue to pick up anymore that she writes!
Ten Thousand Saints
Ten Thousand Saints: A Novel
by Eleanor Henderson
Interesting Characters.... (5/16/2011)
Ten Thousand Saints is an interesting reflection of life in the 80's with multiple dysfunctional families and the issues they are dealing with. I thought the strongest issue dealt w/ was that of adoption. It started slow for me, but I was fully engaged by the end and cared for the characters.
Original Sin
Original Sin: A Sally Sin Adventure
by Beth Mcmullen
Sally Sin.....Suburban Spy! (2/13/2011)
Although it was a little slow in the beginning, this Sally Sin mystery is a fun frolic through Chick Lit adventure! It's got the everyday Suburban wife/mother involved in intrigue & espionage! There's plot twists & several loose ends that will tempt the reader to come back for more.
Agent X
Agent X: A Novel
by Noah Boyd
The bricklayer gets it done! (11/29/2010)
Move over Jack Reacher, there's a new man on the scene and it's Steve Vail! The bricklaying, retired FBI agent Steve Vail is my new favorite hero! "Agent X" is a fast-paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns. If you like to read Lee Child, you won't be disappointed with Noah Boyd!
Gone Tomorrow
Gone Tomorrow: A Jack Reacher Novel #13
by Lee Child
Another wild ride from Lee Child! (9/28/2010)
Gone Tomorrow grabs you from the very beginning with an apparent suicide bomber on a NY subway and takes you on a wild ride. Jack Reacher is one of my favorite characters of suspense, he's the rogue ex-military cop that everyone loves! I will keep reading as long as Child keeps writing! Great book if you like to keep the pages flying.....
Man in the Woods
Man in the Woods
by Scott Spencer
A haunting story.... (6/28/2010)
Scott Spencer's Man in the Woods is a haunting story about the choices we make and the ripple effect they have in those around us. His characters were different and yet familiar feeling. His story caught me in its web from the very beginning and it was an enjoyable, if not eerie, ride to the end.....
The Map of True Places
The Map of True Places
by Brunonia Barry
Captivating! (4/6/2010)
I loved The Map of True Places! Barry captivates with a wonderful, believable cast of characters and a great plot. I was taken in by Zee from the first page and enjoyed the entire journey. I thought the story was suspenseful and well-written!
The Bricklayer
The Bricklayer: A Novel
by Noah Boyd
Can't wait for the next one.... (12/29/2009)
Steve Vail, my new favorite rogue agent! Loved the fast paced twists and turns of this book, a good read for anyone that likes a mystery. I'm a big fan of Michael Connelly and John Sandford and I'm now adding Noah Boyd to my list of favorites. This book keeps you guessing and intrigued from page one.......enjoy!
The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
by Maureen Lindley
Good story, but not great (8/11/2009)
I enjoyed the book and was definitely compelled to finish it. Although I found it an interesting reflection of the Asian culture and what it was like in the early 1900's, I couldn't help but feel that the author fell a bit short compared to a Lisa See book or Memoirs of a Geisha.
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