BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Joan V. (Miller Place, NY)

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Lady Cop Makes Trouble: Girl Waits with Gun #2
by Amy Stewart

The Lady Gets Her Man (5/7/2016)

This was a really interesting book; it grabs your attention right away. Constance Kopp was a very independent woman and far ahead of her time; she did not mind breaking the rules. She was the first female Deputy Sheriff in New Jersey; the fact that this book is based on a real story makes it even more fascinating. Although the book is not really a mystery (we know who the criminal was and that he was caught) it still is suspenseful. Once you begin to read it you can't put it down.

It is set in 1915 and takes place in New Jersey, Manhattan and Brooklyn; it was interesting for me to read about this time period since this is where I grew up. Women still had a lot of social restrictions then and if you were single like Constance and her sisters you had a lot more restrictions placed on you. If you didn't obey the rules you were subject to gossip and perhaps ostracized. One of the interesting things I learned was that women were not allowed on the police force in New York at this time because they did not have the right to vote.

I highly recommend this book and think it would make for an interesting book club discussion.

I'll See You in Paris
by Michelle Gable

The Duchess Who Wasn't (12/22/2015)

This book is a sweet love story with a few surprises and twists, although the reader will figure them out long before the heroine Annie does. You will spend lots of time googling some of the characters. The Duchess of Marlborough, like Virginia Woolf says, is someone you cannot help loving. She is truly a larger than life figure a woman who lived life to its fullest. I recommend this book to book lovers; the references to Edith Warton, Henry James and Proust are wonderful. What a joy it would be to spend an afternoon with the Duchess' amazing collection of books.

The Swans of Fifth Avenue
by Melanie Benjamin

Trophy Wives (10/7/2015)

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, Ms. Benjamin did a terrific job on her research. The "Swans" in this book are the elegant socialites who were prominent in New York during the early 1960s. Truman Capote was their little darling until he published articles in The New Yorker and publicly broke the secrets they had all shared. It is fascinating to read about the extravagant lifestyles, but they are all a facade that these women had to maintain in order to keep their rich husbands happy, especially Babe Paley. "…if she wasn't perfect, precisely whom others expected her to be…" she did not exist.

Whether you lived through this time period or it is all new to you, I think it is an enjoyable read. The story moves effortlessly between all the narrators and was very easy to follow. I think this would be a great choice for a book club. As the editor remarked, you will find yourself googling to see what these people looked like.

Maybe in Another Life
by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Parallel lives? (5/16/2015)

I LOVED this book! Ms. Jenkins Reid captured my attention at the beginning and I read it in one big gulp. Two story lines are written about the main character "Hannah Martin." They revolve around her making two different choices on her first night in LA each one leads her down a different path, however they run parallel to each other. The chapters alternate between Hannah's life choices. Ms. Jenkins Reid weaves these stories very skillfully and allows them to overlap in some places making the story very credible. At times I was tempted to peek ahead and see what was going to happen, but I resisted that impulse and just read faster.

I think this would make a terrific book club choice; there are many points for discussion. Is there a parallel universe, who knows, but this book makes it something that is fun to think about. I want to read her other books and will definitely recommend this one to my friends.

Between the Tides
by Susannah Marren

Between the Tides (4/2/2015)

This is a wonderful debut novel! Ms. Marren's prose is beautiful, she reminds me a little of Virginia Woolf in "Mrs. Dalloway" because of the way she describes scenes from ordinary everyday life.

Your are immediately drawn into the story of the family's move from New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey. When "Lainie" encounters her old friend "Jess" the pace begins to pick up. Though the novel moves between two narrators it is not hard to follow, Ms. Marren very skillfully manages that.

As the book progresses the reader gets more involved in the story and I do not want to give away too much of the plot. This would be an excellent choice for a book club; there is a lot to discuss. As soon as I finished it, I wanted to pass it along to a friend so that I could talk about it with someone. I really am looking forward to reading Ms Marren's next book; hope she has already started writing it

The Sweetheart Deal
by Polly Dugan

The Sweetheart Deal (2/8/2015)

I gave this book a low rating because I thought the premise was good, but the writing was weak. The idea of a man making his best friend promise to marry his wife if he should die is an intriguing idea. This book is something that you would pick up at the airport to read on a plane, or a beach read. It was pleasant enough, but once read completely forgotten.

The dialogue was very much like a soap opera, the plot was completely predictable. It is tragic to lose a spouse, but after awhile the character of "Audrey" just got on my nerves. However, the sections that were written from the boys' point of view were done extremely well. That was the best part of the book.

I guess this book could have some interesting discussion points for a book club; especially if the discussion was centered around personal loss and grieving.

The Fortune Hunter
by Daisy Goodwin

The Fortune Hunter (4/22/2014)

Since I enjoyed "The American Heiress" I had high expectations for this book and was very disappointed. On the positive side Ms. Goodwin did a very good job depicting what life was like for these historical figures. The fact that she was writing about real people added a lot of interest. Her descriptions of the hunts were fast paced Royal protocol was well research and very interesting. However, at times the prose was very melodramatic. The characters were not very likeable and even Charlotte who was the most sympathetic character was a bit boring. I googled the Empress Elizabeth and she was truly beautiful, Ms. Goodwin described her perfectly.

Glitter and Glue: A Memoir
by Kelly Corrigan

Mother DOES know best (12/21/2013)

"What child can see the woman inside her mom?" This to me sums up "Glitter and Glue." Ms. Corrigan needed to go halfway around the world from Pennsylvania to Australia to appreciate her mother not as a "mom" but as a person. I enjoyed this book very much, not only for the discussion of a mother/daughter relationship but also for what it feels like to be an American in another country. The feeling of patriotism, sometimes in a defensive way is something that you cannot understand until you have experienced it. Ms. Corrigan is an excellent writer and I would like to read more of her books. This would be a good book club selection and I can see a lively discussion about family relationships in general not just from the mother /daughter perspective

Through the Evil Days: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery
by Julia Spencer-Fleming

An exciting honeymoon (9/2/2013)

It took me a little while to get all the characters straight, but once I did - I was hooked! This is a book that you cannot put down. The cliff hangers at the end of each chapter make you want to read faster. It was a good diversion during the hot weather this summer. I look forward to this author's next book to see what happens in the lives of these characters. My only criticism is at times it seemed a bit drawn out, that is why I only rated it a 4.

Amy Falls Down
by Jincy Willett

Amy Falls Down...and Gets Up Again (6/16/2013)

It's very hard to describe this book and make it sound interesting. Trust me, if you love books, and love to read, this is for you. Like the characters in the book that discover (or re-discover) "Amy Gallup" I want to read everything that Jincy Willett has written. This book is very entertaining and at times laugh out loud funny – which I find rarely happens while reading. Her description of the business of publishing is very interesting. Keep a dictionary handy because her vocabulary is amazing.

The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane
by Kelly Harms

A Dream House by the Ocean (4/26/2013)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a light, pleasant read, a perfect beach book. If you have always wondered what happens to the "HGTV Dream House" contestants and you love to cook this book is for you. It has broad appeal for so many readers. It is the perfect "escape" book. Put your feet up, pour a glass of wine, relax and enjoy "The Good Luck Girls…." I can't wait to read Ms. Harms next book.

One Minus One: Nancy Pearl's Book Lust Rediscoveries
by Ruth Doan MacDougall

Trying to let go of the past (3/28/2013)

This is the first book that I've read by Ruth Doan MacDougall. I felt it should have been a short story rather than a book, although it is a very short novel. I really enjoyed her writing style; it was descriptive without being flowery. You could clearly picture the characters. I did not understand why the author included the diary of Emily's grandmother. I supposed it was to compare the marriages of "Ma," "Lucy" and "Emily." My first impression was on the negative side, but after giving it some thought, I decided it would make a good book club choice. The last part of the book and the ending would make for a very interesting discussion. I would like to read more by this author.

Peking to Paris: Life and Love on a Short Drive Around Half the World
by Dina Bennett

Bumpy ride ahead (3/17/2013)

From the description I really expected to love this book and thought it would deserve a five; sadly I can only give it a three. The author says a trip should not be "All about the driving and not about the journey." Unfortunately this book was the reverse, she wrote mostly about the car breaking down and not enough about the countries they drove through. The last leg of the journey felt very rushed. She concentrated more on the hardships than the joys. The first part of the book contains a lot of details about readying the car for the rally; it became boring and too technical. The best parts were the descriptions of the places and people that the couple encountered. Ms. Bennett's descriptions were excellent and you felt as if you were on the journey with them. I cannot stress enough that a map of the route and some pictures should be included. The map need not be too detailed, but the readers should be shown the rally route. A picture of "Roxanne" is a must! I would not recommend this for a book club, but it is a nice book for the "arm chair traveler."

Editor's Note: The copies of Peking to Paris provided to BookBrowse's members to review were advanced reading copies (ARCs), produced some months ahead of the finished book. Usually ARCs will not have the "finishing touches' that the published book will have such as pictures and maps - both of which are to be found in the published copies of Peking to Paris.

Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland's History-Making Race Around the World
by Matthew Goodman
A Whirlwind Trip (12/21/2012)

What a fascinating book! One of the best books I've read in a long time. The author has done an amazing amount of research on Nellie Bly & Elizabeth Bisland's trips around the world. However, none of the research comes across as dull or tedious. The reader gets completely caught up in the race (or journey as Ms. Bisland would call it) and you cannot put this book down.

I highly recommend it for those who love to travel, arm chair travelers and for the historical information you learn about the 1890s in America. This book covers one of THE most revolutionary and inventive times in history.

I think Book Clubs would like this book. An interesting question to pose would be, "Which of these ladies would YOU like to travel around the globe with?"

A Thousand Pardons
by Jonathan Dee
No apologies necessary! (10/12/2012)

An excellent book one of the most enjoyable I've read in a long time. Jonathan Dee draws you in immediately and you really care about the characters and what happens to them. The plot is not predictable, the characters are believable and well drawn.

I loved the lead character Helen. She is forced by her husband's actions to become an independent woman and we root for her to succeed. Mr. Dee does not make her a clichéd character as he could easily have done. He also gives an interesting inside view of the world of PR.

There is enough substance for it to be a good choice for a book club. I am definitely recommending it to friends and now want to read more of Mr. Dee's work.

Have Mother, Will Travel: A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other, and the World
by Claire & Mia Fontaine
Very Oprahesque (6/14/2012)

I started out feeling this book was THE best book I’d read all year, but had to drop down from a 5 to a 4 rating. It is really two books in one. The first part about the scavenger hunt was fantastic! Loved the descriptions of their travels; they saw places I’ll never get to see anyone would love this part.

Then it ended without ever telling us how they finished up that part of the story (I still wonder how many points they earned). The second part was extremely introspective. At times I almost felt like I was intruding on someone’s diary, it was a bit uncomfortable, like eavesdropping.

After awhile I wanted to edit out the word 'authentic.' There was too much personal information, especially on Claire’s part. I did love reading about mother/daughter relationships and this book does make you think a lot about your own life and decisions. The dual narrative flowed well and it was easy to follow.

I think it would make for TERRIFIC book club discussions, and am definitely recommending it to friends. Even if you do not have children it is an interesting, thought provoking book, just needed a little more editing.

Oxford Messed Up
by Andrea Kayne Kaufman
Never underestimate the power of music. (3/3/2012)

It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did I could not put it down. I just HAD to know what happens to Gloria and Henry. Although this could have veered into a clichéd love story, Ms. Kayne Kaufman was careful not to cross over into that realm.

I learned a lot about OCD and the terrible effect it can have on a person’s life. I came to greatly admire Gloria for her courage and Henry for his patience and understanding. The author really made you believe in these characters and care about what happens to them. The insertion of poetry, rather than being a distraction, added a special insight into Gloria’s character. You will immediately reach for a Van Morrison CD as soon as you are finished reading the book!

I think it would make an excellent choice for a book club; there is a lot to discuss

Losing Clementine: A Novel
by Ashley Ream
Losing Clementine (2/4/2012)

If “Clementine” is as good an artist as Ms. Ream is an author she must be terrific. This was a very interesting look into the human psyche, and written in a realistic way, but also very funny. You are immediately swept up into the story because you have so many questions. Right up front: Will she really kill herself? Then: why is she on all the meds? Will she meet her father? and other questions.

Ms. Reams uses a lot of description and I found it to be cinematic, I think the book would make an excellent movie. Once in awhile however, she changes scenes too suddenly but the reader quickly catches up with the story.

There is also a surprising twist that you never see coming. In a book like this predictable would be awful.

I definitely would recommend this book to a friend and think it would be interesting for a book club discussion. I look forward to reading another book by Ms. Ream.

King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village
by Peggielene Bartels, Eleanor Herman
A real number one lady (12/9/2011)

If you like A. McCall’s “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” books you will really like “King Peggy.” Because this book is fact, not fiction it is all the more fascinating. It is a wonderful story of how one amazing, wonderful woman had such an impact on a small village in Ghana, Africa. If we had more King Peggys the world would be a much better place.

The stories are very interesting, sometimes funny, often touching and a wonderful depiction of what modern life in rural Africa is like

I highly recommend it and think it would make a very good book club choice.

Wayward Saints
by Suzzy Roche
Redemption, Reconciliation (10/29/2011)

I didn’t know what to expect from "Wayward Saints". It turned out to be very enjoyable and once I began the book, I couldn’t put it down. I really cared about the characters and wanted to know how the story would end.

Mary Saint escapes her physically abusive father, Bub, and passive mother, Jean, and goes on to become a second tier, grunge style R&R star. After the death of her lover, a fellow band member, Garbargio, she goes into a tailspin, too many drugs, too much sex and you can fill in the rest.

A high school teacher in her hometown of Swallow decides to find Mary and ask her to do a concert at the school. He’s amazed to find out that Mary’s mother Jean lives in Swallow. Jean has lived a sad, lonely life, she finds a bit of domestic peace and freedom when her husband Bub is put in a nursing home, but she has never understood her daughter.

I don’t want to give away the secrets and some plot twists that occur in this book. There is a religious theme that runs throughout stemming from Mary’s early obsession with the Virgin Mary and her mother’s strong Catholicism. However, it is not preachy.

All in all I really liked this book and would recommend it to friends. I look forward to Suzzy Roche's next book.