Always looking for characters who make me laugh , I have enjoyed Mimi Malloy at Last, Julia MacDonnell's book featuring a senior citizen who craves her independence. Mimi is looking at her past and trying to understand her Irish-Catholic father and events of her childhood …more as well as her daughter's who are sure they know what is right for their mother in getting her to move to more protected housing. I was eager to return to the book after each sitting. I found it be a well written and entertaining novel. I will recommend Mimi's story to my book club and well read friends. I was uplifted by Mimi's spirit and her approach to a new relationship with the wonderful Duffy. A good novel for women of all ages, mothers, daughters and friends of mothers and daughters. Good job, Julia. Persons of Irish descent should find the novel irresistible The new cover was a definite improvement. (less)

Jamie Ford is bringing Chinese difficulties during the years of WWI and the depression to light in his novels Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and Songs of Willow Frost. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review another fine novel by such a promising author. …more The characters in Willow Frost are described sympathetically. I felt that the vocabulary used by William Eng was too mature for a young child , especially reared in an orphanage. Having said that, I was drawn to the story line and found it a good read for book clubs. The novel gives information regarding actors, and especially the hardships of persons during the depression so desperate that they are forced to leave their children in the care of strangers not knowing their fate just to feed and provide a place to give shelter. I feel the story line would appeal to women mostly. Good luck in the publication. (less)

Thank you for the opportunity to read Mr. Kralik's book. Once again our mothers' encouragement of good manners has won out in the end. Thank yous are never given enough and the title character found some encouragement in his life with a simple gesture. Well written and a …more quick read which is always a good thing. (less)

Rash picked a fascinating industry around which to set his novel and he is a brilliant storyteller. Having said that, I would have liked more history of the development of the national parks system and especially the past histories of the characters. I suppose I am drawn to …more historical fiction and with a little more development this novel could make s a real presence for the logging industry and the parks development. thanks for the opportunity to share this fine work. (less)