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Reviews by Cecilia Z. (Montclair, New Jersey)

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The Book That Matters Most
The Book That Matters Most: A Novel
by Ann Hood
A Little Disappointing (6/1/2016)
I was intrigued by the premise of this book and loved all the selections of the books that mattered most to each book club member. It was a great way to explore the story of Ava, struggling to come to terms with a divorce after 25 years of marriage and, as we discover, a …more
The Devil in Jerusalem
The Devil in Jerusalem
by Naomi Ragen
Devil in Jeusalem (7/5/2015)
I am a fan of Naomi Ragen and have read many of her books. Her themes are always thought-provoking. This book is no exception. However, it is disturbing to read and almost beyond understanding. The thought that a mother who clearly loves her children could fall so deeply …more
The Art of Baking Blind
The Art of Baking Blind
by Sarah Vaughan
All the right ingredients! (3/6/2015)
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It has all the right ingredients - a baking competition, enticing descriptions of delicious treats and an interesting group of characters, competing to be the next Mrs. Eaden, the author of the baker's bible, "The Art of Baking." I …more
The Same Sky
The Same Sky
by Amanda Eyre Ward
Deeply Moving Story of Parallel Lives (10/22/2014)
I am a big fan of Amanda Eyre Ward's novels and looked forward to this latest book. I was not disappointed. As in her earlier novels, her characters are so well-developed and the story so compelling, it was impossible to put down once I started reading it.

This is the story …more
Before the Poison
Before the Poison
by Peter Robinson
Good, but not great (12/4/2011)
I am a big fan of Peter Robinson and his detective, Alan Banks, and look forward to his mysteries. I found this novel a little disappointing. It is a stand-alone novel about a man who moves to England and is pulled into a mystery involving a former resident of the house he …more
A Trick of the Light
A Trick of the Light: Armand Gamache Series #7
by Louise Penny
Returning to Three Pines (7/3/2011)
I was excited to read the latest installment in this mystery series featuring Chief Inspector Gamache - it felt like going back to a special place and catching up on the lives of the unique people who live there. The fact that it was a mystery was almost secondary to …more
The Kitchen Daughter
The Kitchen Daughter: A Novel
by Jael McHenry
Interesting story, but too many unnecessary distractions. (4/10/2011)
This is an unusual novel with a unique narrator, a young woman with Asperger's syndrome, who is coming to terms with her parents' sudden deaths and her now uncertain future. She turns to cooking, which has been her way of connecting and, in her words, finding "normal." How …more
The Tenth Song
The Tenth Song
by Naomi Ragen
Ends a little too neatly (10/13/2010)
Good book, interesting plot, well-written, but with an ending that is a little too pat. The book is about the impact that a very public scandal has on the members of a successful family. This is a great premise. It sets the stage for the characters to reflect on what …more
The Widower's Tale
The Widower's Tale: A Novel
by Julia Glass
A Wonderful Read (9/27/2010)
Julia Glass is back with a book as good as her first book, Three Junes. Her characters, the story line and her writing are thoughtful and engaging - you feel like you've become part of the story and are getting to know the characters as you would a new friend. More than …more
The Nobodies Album
The Nobodies Album
by Carolyn Parkhurst
So Much More Than a Good Mystery (5/31/2010)
I am a fan of Carolyn Parkhurst and enjoyed her two previous novels, but found The Nobodies Album exceptional. It really shows her growth as a writer. This novel has so many levels. It deals with relationships, especially between a parent and child. It examines how an …more
Holding My Breath
Holding My Breath: A Novel
by Sidura Ludwig
Holding My Breath (6/8/2008)
This is a remarkable coming-of-age story about a young girl growing up in a Jewish family in Canada during the 1950's and 1960's. It is very well-written, with interesting and believable characters. What resonated with me is how well it dealt with the conflicts in growing …more
The Palace of Illusions
The Palace of Illusions
by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Entertaining and Engaging (2/24/2008)
I am a fan of Divakaruni and have enjoyed her previous novels. This is a departure from her earlier writing. It is a retelling of the Mahabharat epic from the point of view of the women, primarily Princess Panchaali, born of fire and married to the five kings of India. …more
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    The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris
    by Evie Woods
    From the million-copy bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop.
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