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Reviews by Bess W. (Marlton, NJ)

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Sounds Like Titanic
Sounds Like Titanic: A Memoir
by Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman
The ship is not sinking (12/24/2018)
Although I don't often read nonfiction I enjoyed this book immensely. Sometimes it was hard to believe it wasn't fiction. Jessica grew up in Appalachia and was instilled with a drive to succeed. Her story is amazing. Faced with buying food, paying tuition and rent the …more
Golden Child
Golden Child
by Claire Adam
Choices (10/15/2018)
Trinidad--crime and corruption running rampant. I found the detailed discussion of the social and economic structure to be the most interesting part of the story. Through all this the family highly values education and what it means to the next generation. The choices a …more
The Summer Wives
The Summer Wives
by Beatriz Williams
Sun, sand and Summer Wives (4/16/2018)
This is the first book I've read by Beatriz Williams but it will not be the last. Lots of romance and drama as well as part mystery. A great book to get lost in at the beach. The description of summer life could be anywhere you have an influx of tourists. The characters …more
As Bright as Heaven
As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner
She has done it again (10/3/2017)
I loved this book. Having grown up in the Philadelphia area and having attended college in Philadelphia it was interesting to "rediscover" the city. Susan Meissner has captured the love and heartache of a family who lived through war and the Spanish flu. I have only read …more
Victoria
Victoria
by Daisy Goodwin
Teenage Queen (10/10/2016)
I was looking forward to receiving this book since my favorite genre is Historical Fiction. I was not disappointed. The author has made Victoria's ascension to the throne come to life. The author provided the background of Victoria's life in an easily read format. Victoria …more
Karolina's Twins
Karolina's Twins
by Ronald H. Balson
Surviving (7/7/2016)
I look forward to reading books about the Holocaust but was disappointed in this novel. I had read ONCE WE WERE BROTHERS and was looking forward to this new novel by Ben Elton The historical aspect dealing with the Holocaust was well researched. I felt that the characters …more
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
by William Klaber
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell (12/20/2014)
Its difficult to imagine a female living life as a male even today. I enjoy historical fiction but had never heard of Lucy Ann Lobdell and was interested in learning her story. What a life she had! Interesting characters and well written. A good read--lots of issues for book club discussions.
Her
Her
by Harriet Lane
Her (5/1/2014)
Two women, Emma and Nina with nothing in common, or is there? Initially I had difficulty getting into the book, but once started I was anxious to see where it was going. Tension built as the characters and story were developed. The story was rather creepy but quite enjoyable.
Mating for Life
Mating for Life
by Marissa Stapley
Mating for life? (3/14/2014)
Although this was a quick read I thought it was an interesting story. I loved how each character was developed--their strengths, weaknesses and qirks. Fiona, Ilsa, Liane and Helen, each searching for something. Their relationships with each other and the men in their lives …more
The Cairo Affair
The Cairo Affair
by Olen Steinhauer
An Affair to Remember (12/15/2013)
I was already a fan of Olen Steinhauer and was not disappointed with his new novel. The characters are well developed and having the story told from their various perspectives is interesting. The book is a fast paced spy novel with political intrigue.
The Spirit Keeper
The Spirit Keeper
by K. B. Laugheed
An Awesome Journey (9/2/2013)
I thoroughly enjoyed Katie's adventure--was able to read the book this holiday weekend on the beach. Thirteen has always been my lucky number and as the thirteenth child I knew Katie was going to be lucky. Her journey through the wilderness and her discovery of herself was …more
Songs of Willow Frost
Songs of Willow Frost
by Jamie Ford
Songs of Willow Frost (7/9/2013)
After reading and loving Hotel on The Corner of Bitter and Sweet I couldn't wait to read Jamie Ford's new book and I was not disappointed. Mr. Ford is able to bring his characters to life as well as the era of the Great Depression. The reader is able to know each character' …more
One Minus One
One Minus One: Nancy Pearl's Book Lust Rediscoveries
by Ruth Doan MacDougall
1 - 1 = Nothing (3/31/2013)
I can't wait to read another book by Ruth Macdougall. I thoroughly enjoyed One Minus One. Having graduated college in the 60's and started my first teaching job shortly after there were many aspects of Emily's life that I could relate to, even her teacher's salary which was …more
A Nearly Perfect Copy
A Nearly Perfect Copy
by Allison Amend
A Nearly Pefect Copy (3/8/2013)
Elm and Gabriel, the two main characters, are far from perfect, not even nearly perfect. They are both interested only in themselves and never consider who they will harm as they pursue their goals. Lives are destroyed because of their selfishness
My favorite aspects of the …more
The Good House
The Good House
by Ann Leary
The Good House (12/2/2012)
The story line was interesting--lots of social issues, primarily Hildy's alcoholism. I could relate to the talk about autism since one of my friends has twins that are autistic. Dealing with this can be quite daunting.
Growing up in a small town does not allow for many …more
The Devil in Silver
The Devil in Silver: A Novel
by Victor LaValle
The Devil in Silver (8/10/2012)
I wasn't sure how I would enjoy a "horror" story, but this is not a typical horror story--and I did enjoy it! The horror is the public mental institution. The characters are great, individually and also their relationships with each other and they will keep you reading.
The Face Thief
The Face Thief: A Novel
by Eli Gottlieb
The Face Thief (12/11/2011)
Loved the beginning of the book and couldn't wait to get into the story. The "study of faces" sounded quite interesting. As the story went on I felt there were too many jumps in scenes. The characters were interesting but not likeable. The story never picked up momentum and …more
Tides of War
Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard
Peninsular War (11/1/2011)
I'm a fan of historical fiction but was disappointed in this book. The period is definitely interesting and the historical detail is superb as the story moves between London and Spain. Stella Tillyard obviously did a great deal of research in order to write this book. I …more
The Look of Love
The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark
Spas are dangerous (11/1/2011)
This story has a bit of everything--mystery, romance and even a recipe for icing! The read was fast and easy, too easy. The chapters were very short and did not help with the continuity of the story. The conclusion was very predictable and the mystery did not keep you guessing.
Next to Love
Next to Love
by Ellen Feldman
Love and War (7/9/2011)
Ellen Feldman has written a story with well-developed characters and shows the effects of war on the soldiers and their families. Babe, Grace and Millie's friendship endures throughout the entire story focusing on their experiences before, during and after the war. I found …more
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