I am one of many that love stories taking place in France. Amour Provence, by Constance Leisure caught my attention because I knew little about this location. Her writing is lyrical as she describes the small villages and the characters she creates. I could feel the place, hear the grapes growing and smell lavender in the air. Reading more like a collection of short stories that share space but not always time, you slowly see some connections. This makes it a good choice for book clubs! There is enough material for differing interpretations. But - it only worked for me when I flipped it in my head that I was reading short stories rather than chapters of a novel.

the things we keep, by Sally Hepworth is such good book! The story is about two women who find their lives dramatically changed by events way beyond their control. The reader finds them both in the same setting, with neither of them happy. With wisdom, candor and humor Hepworth spins what could be a tough read, into one that is wonderful! The tome she crafts catches the reader's heart.

Hepworth develops characters (one of which is the setting) that I couldn't resist caring about. And a few I found to be ignorant and very nasty! In telling the story, the author handles the tough issues with care. And shows a better side to the traumas she deals with. It will be a great book club choice, with lots to talk about. This book will wind up in the " favorites" section in my library. Thanks Sally Hepworth, I love your new book!

Between The Tides by Susannah Marren is what the women in my book discussion group would call 'chick lit'. That's not to devalue it in some way, but simply help you decide whether you want to read, or not. It's a quick read as the plot keeps you turning the pages. There are the challenges of marriage; cute but eccentric kids; and the reunion of an old friend that may or may not be helpful. There is drama, passion, betrayal and of course, the requisite sex! It's 'chick lit'! The author tells the story in the voice of two of the characters and uses foreshadowing. You may not catch it, but if you do, you may want to do some research to get the full impact. I'll give it four stars for those of you who like to grab a glass of wine and escape with some good 'chick lit'!

World War II -- a Jewish pilot in the RAF – what's not to like? In this tome, Torday tells two coming of age stories. With two distinct voices, he spins quite an engaging tome. One voice in the form of a memoir, is a young Jewish fighter pilot. The other voice is a boy who worships the hero. I was hooked within a few pages, surprised by the twists and turns. However, I think for some readers it might prove a bit of a challenge. The memoir segment uses vocabulary that for some might require keeping a dictionary handy. And if you don't like sentences that can meander through a few lines of type, it might not be the book for you. That being said, it was a good read. I found myself identifying with the younger character. I could not help feeling glad I was born in much more sane and tolerant time. I would not recommend if for book clubs.

The Paris Winter is an excellent example of what historical fiction should be like! Imogene Robertson, pulls readers into Paris, the winter of December 1909/1910. There we meet three young women from very different social groups, as their paths cross and intertwine at Art Académie LaFond. I was hooked as the pages begin turning themselves. There were several twists and turns I didn't see coming, making it a very compelling read. Even with such an engaging plot the author manages to keep the reader in Paris during the early twentieth century. The flooding of Paris, January 1910, plays an important role in this tome. It is a really great read! The Paris Winter! – check it out! Ms. Robertson, you have a new fan!

If you enjoy "Chic Lit", grab your favorite munchie (mine is popcorn) and your beverage of choice. A Paris Apartment, by MIchelle Gable may be the book for you. Light, somewhat comical and a quick read, the author dishes up April's story. No spoilers in this review however. There is an apartment that been closed for decades filled to the brim with 19th to early 20th century treasures; a mysterious woman and her journals; an artist know for his "swish" portraits; a handsome, sexy French man and unhappily married April. Well, you get the idea - it's Chic Lit! Gable manages to pull it together in this first novel. But it was disappointing to this reader. I had wanted a tome that might at least give me some insight into those antique treasures. It might work for a long flight or a week at the beach. It is definitely a popcorn read.

The Buddha in the Attic, is quite unique and an amazing read! Although, I must immediately add that it cries out to be read out loud! It's the first novel I have read in a long time that is written in poetic form. It tells the of Japanese women who came to America as "picture brides" and tells the challenges they faced.

As a selection for my book club, I was very discouraged as I was unable to read,due some short term vision problems. My husband read It to me! He has the voice and the book took my breath away! The discussion was lively and it made a made our top favorite list. Having my husband come to read a few pages, was a special treat!

The House Maidmaid's Daughter is historical fiction about apartheid in South Africa. The finely crafted story covers over forty years in time and describes how "skin" determined one's life fortune - good or bad - regardless of unfairness or democracy. It is a page turner! The author has created believable characters you cheer for, along with those who you will hold in disdain. It is such a good read! I learned things I did not know and I was touched by the power of the message the story told. I could not put the book down and I continue to think about it. I know my book group will enjoy discussing it. I loved this book!"

I had really looked forward to reading Thomas Kennelly's latest book, Daughters of Mars. It is a story about two sisters from Australia, who volunteer to become nurses during WWI. Not knowing much about WWI, it really appealed to me and I had visions of an early 20th century version of M.A.S.H. -- albeit about my grandfather's military. But it was a ponderous read and very disappointing. There were chapters that I found interesting, but without details about the war that would anchor the story, a lot of what I read just got lost in a narrative that didn't make a lot of sense. It was almost as if the writer took a bunch of "stories" and threw them together hoping readers would somehow get it. It was like trying to complete a puzzle with way too many pieces missing. When I finished the last page I just shook my head thinking – what?! It is not a book I would recommend to anyone - least of all, my book groups.

The novel, The House Child by Tara Conklin, blends two compelling stories about a house slave and a young attorney in the early stages of her career: one from the nineteenth century, the other from the twenty-first. Lest you think that this makes it a predictable tale – it's not! The story deals with issues of a slave from a different angle, as the author weaves the lives of these two women together.

The plot is fresh and interesting with some twists I didn't see coming. It is well written. The author manages to keep the "voice" of her characters distinctive throughout the novel. There was none of the guessing about whom a passage was about. This frustration seems a more common reality in
fiction today. The author did a good job in the development of the characters and I wanted to know how it worked out -- It was an, okay, how about just a little more!

The book grabbed me before I finished the first chapter and held me captive until I finished the book! I think it would be a great choice for a book discussion group. It has the possibility of expanding one's view of the world today. I really enjoyed The House Child. I'll be watching for Ms Conklin's next tome.

I was so excited to learn that Tatjana Soli’s new book is about to be released. Her first novel, The Lotus Eaters, was my favorite read for 2010. Although very different, her second novel, The Forgetting Tree, proves she can create page-turners. It will be difficult to review the book without spoilers, but I will do my best. As I started reading, I hoped this wasn’t another story of family faces tragedy, family deals with tragedy, family moves on. But I prepared myself for a predictable, and disappointing read. But I failed to give Soli enough credit. About the time I was going to put the book down, she suddenly got my attention. Bit by bit, Soli caught me and it was a pulse pounding, riveting read until the end. A wonderful story teller, and a equally good writer, Soli wrapped it all up, leaving no loose ends. Having said this, it wasn’t my favorite book, but it could very easily be yours!

The Red Book, by Deborah Copaken Kogan is not the typical story about the reunion of best friends from college. Thankfully, neither is it “chick lit” -- a phenomenon that according the San Diego UT (2/12/12) is dying. The characters have depth and are well developed. I liked the fact that they are not cookie cut – all the same. The diversity of persons and the varied life styles, raises the quality of the read and enriches the novel. The plot is refreshingly realistic and interesting. Structured around entries found in Harvard’s, The Red Book, one is drawn into the lives of four friends, 20 years after a 1989 graduation. Like life, the book is at times very poignant -- full of how life just happens and also how we impact what happens. It is wise – and even funny! It will be on my short list for the book discussion groups I lead. I loved this book!