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Reviews by Ilene R. (Northfield, IL)

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That Summer
by Lauren Willig
Great read!! (3/30/2014)
I loved the book, That Summer! It alternates between the modern day story of Julia and the mid 1800's story of Imogen. It's part mystery and part love story. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it! My only criticism would be that I want more of the story!! I want to know what happens to everyone. I loved the characters and I was sad when the book ended. That's always the sign of a great read. Enjoy!
Doing Harm
by Kelly Parsons
A roller coaster ride... (10/28/2013)
I really liked Doing Harm. It's a story about a surgeon, Steve Mitchell. He is known around the hospital as one of the "best"! Then- a patient dies. Steve gets caught up in a series of events that toss his whole life into turmoil! I liked that Steve is flawed. He isn't always likeable but I still rooted for him to get out of the mess someone is causing for him. I don't want to give the plot away but please know the book is exciting from start to finish.
Bellman & Black
by Diane Setterfield
A dark journey.. (9/1/2013)
First of all, I was eagerly anticipating this book. I loved Diane Setterfield's previous book, The Thirteenth Tale. The cover mentions Bellman & Black A Ghost Story. Who doesn't' like a good ghost story? I was about half way through the book when I realized there wasn't any character development. The reader would meet a character and then they were gone in a chapter. Its about William Bellman. He had an incident in his childhood that will haunt him later in life. By the time I got to this part of the book- I didn't care. It isn't clear what time period the book is set. I tried to get through this book. I feel badly that I had to skim to the end. Maybe it's just me--I like to connect to a story by the characters. There wasn't that connection for me. I'm so sorry to say that I can't recommend this book.
Letters from Skye
by Jessica Brockmole
A glimpse into wartime love... (6/11/2013)
I loved Letters from Skye! It spans 50 years through 2 wars. The story is told through letters. Elspeth and David start corresponding when David writes a "fan" letter to Elspeth about her poetry book. I almost felt I was reading real letters! I couldn't put this book down. It's about love, loss and family. When war is added to the mix, the book gets more depth. As a side, the way Elspeth describes her beloved Isle of Skye, Scotland makes me want to book a trip as soon as possible! A great read.
Crime of Privilege
by Walter Walker
A great legal thriller... (3/30/2013)
I loved this book! It's a legal thriller but so much more. I liked that not everything is "black and white". The characters are flawed. The hero of the book, George Becket, is living with a lapse in judgement from his past. The book is about his journey to rectify that lapse that has followed him for years. I wasn't able to put this book down. You will be on the edge of your seat! A great read!
Calling Me Home
by Julie Kibler
A moving road trip of discovery... (11/24/2012)
I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. It alternates between present day and the late 1930's and 1940's. It's the story of Isabelle and Dorrie. It's about family, race relations and most of all love. The two women, from different backgrounds, have lessons to learn and to share. This book has so many layers. It's sad and touching. Keep a box of tissues handy!!!
The Devil in Silver: A Novel
by Victor LaValle
Adventure in a mental hospital... (8/5/2012)
I wanted to love this book. The genre, horror/suspense really appeals to me. I found it to be too slow with too many stories going on at the same time. It's the story of Pepper who ends up at a New York psych ward because the policemen are too tired to book him. He encounters quirky characters while there. One of them, "the Devil". The writing is good but I had a hard time connecting with the story.
My Brilliant Friend
by Elena Ferrante
An Italian friendship (5/29/2012)
This is the story of Elena and Lila. It is a history of their friendship beginning in Naples.I am attracted to stories about friendship but this book didn't hold my attention. It was translated into English so possibly something was lost in translation. The descriptions of Italy were great! I felt like I was actually there! If only I felt the same about the main characters.
Beneath the Shadows
by Sara Foster
A wonderful escape to the English countryside... (5/6/2012)
Do not start this book unless you have a lot of time. You won't be able to put it down!! It is set in the Yorkshire moors. The wonderful mystery starts immediately and you will be hooked. A good mystery keeps you on "the edge of your seat" and Beneath the Shadows doesn't disappoint!!
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