BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

The French Girl
by Lexie Elliott

Pleasantly surprised! (9/13/2017)

I wasn't sure at the beginning that I would really like this book, but quickly got sucked into the story and trying to figure out all the relationships and their background. I enjoyed the mystery, and liked that I wasn't sure until nearly the end of who it was that actually committed the murder.

Seven Days of Us: A Novel
by Francesca Hornak

7 Days of Us (6/8/2017)

I guess I am going to be the odd one out here. Or maybe it's because I'm dealing with some dysfunctional family issues right now! I've tried several times to get into this book, and it just isn't happening. I was really looking forward to it, and at face value it sounds wonderful. One thing of note: I at least want to like a character or two, And none of these seem all that likeable, Seriously. For some reason, I was pulled out of the story quite often by the switching around, and trying to keep up. There were too many secrets/issues that seemed crazy to keep hidden, and that really bothered me too. I hate having to give a not so good review, and for what's it's worth, I will continue to try and read this book a few more times.

The Fifth Petal: A Novel
by Brunonia Barry

Wonderful story teller (3/12/2017)

Ms. Barry has written a particularly interesting story! I wish I had read the first book The Lace Reader, first, but you can read this as a stand alone. I am definitely going to dig up the first book, as I know I have it. I didn't really figure out where the book was going exactly because there were several misleading but believable story paths to follow. With the background of the Salem Witch Trials, I think anyone interested in mystery with some Wicca thrown in will enjoy this. A few little snippets that were left as loose threads, at least for me. Maybe the next book?

Karolina's Twins
by Ronald H. Balson

Mesmerizing and Heartbreaking (7/22/2016)

This story sucked me in from the very first page. Soon I was immersed as if I was there with the characters themselves, wanting to help, wanting to turn back time and change one of the most painful parts of world history. The characters were so believable, and although this IS fiction, there is probably a horrifying amount of truth as well. Travel along with Lena through her painful, yet loving memories of the past, and don't skip ahead to the end of the story. This is a book that makes you examine yourself and ask "what could you live with".

Ashes of Fiery Weather
by Kathleen Donohoe

Touching story showing our connections (3/10/2016)

While the fire station was the expected focus of this story, for me it was really about the relationships that each family has, and how we often no so little about the stories between us. I enjoyed reading this story, and the writing let the story flow between the years easily. I was left wanting more at the end, which is how I like to finish. I hope there will be at least a sequel, as some segments seemed as if they still need to be tied up.

The Art of Baking Blind
by Sarah Vaughan

Life behind the scenes (4/11/2015)

I loved this book. It took me a few pages to get into it, but soon I was involved in the lives of the participants in the contest, and really couldn't decide who I wanted to win. Not all the characters are so likeable, but as in real life, there are reasons revealed for their actions, bit by bit. I think the back stories are those shared by many of us, and the story reveals that many people have stories we don't or can't know about, but those influence their lives so much. I think it's the same with all of us, there are things we might not even be able to articulate that make us who we are, even if we don't like it. A great book to sink into with a quilt and a cup of tea!!

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: The Untold Story
by Barbara Leaming

Upending all my ideas/ideals! (11/11/2014)

I think this book was very well written and the author made a point of documenting everything. Unfortunately for me, a lot of what she wrote about, made me have to rethink the way I have always thought of Jackie Kennedy. I always thought of her as a princess, indeed, a resident of Camelot. But the back story here instead reveals what a self centered person she really was. It seems that she used people quite a lot, and that she was the most important person in her life. As I said though, the author is quite talented, and the story is interesting and thought provoking in many ways. At the end, I'm not sure she had a very enviable life.

That Summer
by Lauren Willig

Connecting the Past to the Present (5/14/2014)

I very much enjoyed reading this book. I had no trouble going back and forth between the different time periods, and I found myself reading way into the night, wanting to know what happened. I didn't really get a feeling for what would happen in the past until near the end of the book, so the story kept it's momentum for me. I began feeling very involved with the two female protagonists from different times, and caught myself moved to tears for Imogen. This is not your average mystery with a happy ending, but it is a good book, well worth the time of reading. There are some wonderful tie-ins to the past, and the world of art as well.

Where Monsters Dwell
by Jørgen Brekke

Not for the Faint of Heart (11/6/2013)

This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. It includes graphic violence, but the mystery was good, and the story kept me attentive. I did have an idea who the killer was, but the author did a good job of not really making it apparent, and in tying the pieces all together for the finish. I would recommend it to hardcore police procedural fans. There were definitely some odd characters in this book. I'm not sure I've read a book in my recent memory where there were some many flawed characters, or those with physical problems. This story felt very true to life in it's setting, although I personally felt that the romantic aspect of the story was a little overdone and unrealistic. It didn't really add to the story itself in my opinion.

The Gravity of Birds: A Novel
by Tracy Guzeman

The Gravity of Birds (9/18/2013)

I didn't think when I started that this was going to work for me, but just a few pages in, I was captured by the beautiful prose of the author, and the hidden stories within. I wanted to know about the characters, and solve the mysteries, and help the characters. Iwas surprised by some resolutions, but liked that. Definitely a book that I didn't want to be over when I finished. I look forward to more by this author.

Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets: A Memoir
by Jessica A. Fox

Books and romance! (6/25/2013)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing was very reflective of the way real people think and act, as far as the personal and romantic part went. I loved reading the descriptions of Scotland, and living in a bookshop would be a dream! Once I started, I didn't want to stop reading until I found out what happened. At the end of the book, I realized I wanted more, wanted to know what happened in their lives next.

Where You Can Find Me: A Novel
by Sheri Joseph

New Author (3/1/2013)

I am somewhat hesitant in my review of this book. I think the book is very well written, and the story is different than I have read before. That said, it was more difficult to get through, jumping back and forth in time. I also felt there was just not enough expansion of some of the characters, and demanded too much suspension of reality to suit my taste. It's a difficult subject though, so this book might well suit a different reader.

The Imposter Bride
by Nancy Richler

Beautiful sense of place (12/4/2012)

I enjoyed this book, and felt like the author really gave me a sense of the family and the emotions. I also enjoyed the Jewish references, and how the family interacted with each other. Also the realistic depiction of the people - not everyone was sweetness and light, but they were more like the everyday people we know.

Updated Review:
I wanted to add more to my review, but I had to think about this book for a bit. It was hard to put into words how I felt about it, so my first review was somewhat bland. This is a wonderful, moving, poignant book. I had to absorb parts of the story before I could move on to the next part. The undercurrent of feelings was so realistic, and at the end, I was crying. I think this was a humanistic portrayal of the understanding and misunderstanding of people that survived the war, or perhaps, more honestly, made their way through the war, as only they can know.

Salvation of a Saint
by Keigo Higashino

Interesting Read (9/28/2012)

This was a new author to me, so I don't know any of the backstory for these characters, but it was entirely possible to read this book as a standalone. That said, I am going to look for the previous books, as I enjoyed the mystery, although I was fairly certain who the culprit was, although not how the crime took place, or even totally why until the end. The only thing that took me out of the story a little bit, is that it is fairly obvious (or was to me) that this story has been translated into English. The dialogue and phrasing are such that the language didn't quite flow as we expect it to in English. That said, I just reminded myself I was reading in subtitles! There was no bad language, no sex, and surprise, surprise, the story was still great. That is something I definitely appreciate sometimes, although I think we have become somewhat accustomed to that now. Overall I recommend this book, and will search out more by this author!

Three Weeks in December
by Audrey Schulman

Deep and thought provoking. (2/15/2012)

I was captivated by the way the author presented the part of the character with Asperger's. It gave an insiders look at how they are treated and how they feel the world. The book was beautifully descriptive, and kept my interest all the way through.

The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark

New Author For Me (12/13/2011)

This book was an easy, light read. I had not read this author before, and had a little bit of trouble getting into the story, but that could be because it wasn't the first book in the set. And to be honest, sometimes I can revisit a book later, and like it much more. I think I will read the previous book and see if that enhances the story for me.

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake: A Novel
by Jenny Wingfield

Timeless Story (7/11/2011)

I liked this book, but it might not be for everyone. Some of the situations in the book were hard to read about, although you know they happen in this world of ours. The writing was excellent, and represents many situations where people are trying to do the right thing. The only thing that threw me a little was that there were several things that happened that would have normally generated a little more in depth story telling and discussion, and instead they were somewhat skimmed over. Overall though, it was a good book that I would recommend.

Heat Wave: A Novel
by Nancy Thayer

Good Light Reading (5/3/2011)

I did enjoy this book, and I think that most readers that like this type of fiction would as well. My main problems with the book stemmed from the fact that it seemed fairly superficial. What I mean by that is the tragedies that the protagonist endured didn't really seem to affect her that much, and the way she interacted with her children turned me off somewhat.

Prophecy: An Historical Thriller
by S.J. Parris

Prophecy by S.J. Parris (4/3/2011)

This book is definitely for those who love history in their books! It took a little while for me to get into the story, but then I enjoyed it very much. I will be looking for a copy of the writer's other book, Heresy. The writing is very descriptive and detailed and it's easy to let yourself start thinking like Bruno, from who's point of view the story is told. I would recommend this to my friends that like to pair historical detail with their mysteries.

Friendship Bread: A Novel
by Darien Gee

A Warm & Luscious Read (3/13/2011)

It's a book to cherish. More than just a story, it will make you take stock of what's important in life, and see how we can all make a difference by the small things we do in our lives. I laughed and cried, and then I got a bag of starter out of my freezer.

I found myself caring about each of the characters in the book, and they came across as real, like my neighbors and friends. I can't believe anyone would regret reading this book, and it will add to your appreciation of your life, good and bad. It also makes you want to get up and start baking!

Reviews by Lisa R. (Salem, OR)

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