Reviews by Eileen L. (Danvers, MA)

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Dangerous When Wet
Dangerous When Wet: A Memoir
by Jamie Brickhouse
Funny yet heartbreaking (3/22/2015)
I love this book! All the characters are so well developed and the story line rings so true. The dynamic between Mama Jean and her son, and everyone else in her world, is thoroughly enjoyable and the highlight of the book for me. Jaime is a well defined, tragic yet …more
A Fireproof Home for the Bride
A Fireproof Home for the Bride
by Amy Scheibe
Wonderfully written and engrossing (12/20/2014)
I loved this book. It far exceeds what one expects it to be -a coming of age story in a time when women's options were limited and mostly pre-ordained. But this book takes off in to other complicated and painful areas. The writing and the story flows and I could not put it down.
The Book of Strange New Things
The Book of Strange New Things: A Novel
by Michel Faber
Surprising but a bit laborious (9/9/2014)
I love the concept of this book but found myself struggling a bit to get engaged. It seemed to wander a bit initially and I was not sure in what direction we would ultimately be led. I am glad I stuck it out though because when the story took off it really took off and …more
Accidents of Marriage
Accidents of Marriage
by Randy Susan Meyers
Great summer read (7/6/2014)
I absolutely loved this book. It so eloquently tell the story of a family and its secrets, and what happens when the unthinkable exposes them. Maddy's struggle to strike a balance in her life and her marriage is so genuine you feel as though you know her. Many times I hate …more
Precious Thing
Precious Thing
by Colette McBeth
Great concept but mediocre read (12/27/2013)
This book started out with great promise. The premise was so intriguing and initially I was hooked. The twists and turns within the story held a lot of promise and the writer had a wry sense of irony. As the story unfolded, however, the characters seemed to become diluted. …more
Once We Were Brothers
Once We Were Brothers
by Ronald H. Balson
Eloquent and authenic account of the Polish experience (8/24/2013)
I love this book! It is one of those rare books that you hate to put down and think about until you can pick it up again. It is a riveting account of the Nazi occupation of Poland, the horrors that defined that time, and the incredible spirit of survivors. Ben Soloman is at …more
Have Mother, Will Travel
Have Mother, Will Travel: A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other, and the World
by Claire & Mia Fontaine
A great journey (6/26/2012)
I LOVED this book, and I do not often say that. The relationship between mother and daughter is so finely drawn, and so natural, I felt as though I knew them. Having lost my mother young I could live through Mia as she grew to know her Mother as a person and a woman , as …more
Wayward Saints
Wayward Saints
by Suzzy Roche
Great premise, not so great book (11/17/2011)
This book started out with great promise. Interesting premise, engaging characters, and the conflicts and resolution inherent in any family drama. The Saints, Mother and Daughter, just never develop, and the father is a footnote in a drama created by his cruelty. The book …more
Turn of Mind
Turn of Mind
by Alice LaPlante
What a page turner! (9/20/2011)
I LOVED this book, and I rarely say that about any book. The plot is intricate and grabs you immediately, the characters are fascinating, and the entire story is flawless in its delivery. I read it in a weekend and have done nothing but recommend it ever since. It is a …more
Proof of Heaven
Proof of Heaven: A Novel
by Mary Curran Hackett
A bit too contrived... (8/27/2011)
While the premise of this book had promise, the family drama of a young, sick boy and his emotionally shattered mother, it just never resonated with me. The characters just struck me as one dimensional. The author clearly had affection for her characters but was not able to …more
Things We Didn't Say
Things We Didn't Say: A Novel
by Kristina Riggle
Well Intentioned but a tad contrived (5/20/2011)
This book is a nice, quick read with mostly likeable, if not a bit typecast, characters. Casey, the protagonist, finds herself in the middle of a sinking family and in the role of the "stable one", which is not a role she feels she can live up to. So while the story is …more
Outside Wonderland
Outside Wonderland: A Novel
by Lorna Jane Cook
A lovely story about family (2/11/2011)
I really liked this book. The premise is endearing, and I for one love the idea that the ones we have loved and lost are watching, cheering us on as we strughgle through life. The siblings are so different but the author accurately depicts the ties that so often bind us. I …more
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter: A Novel
by Tom Franklin
Never a dull moment (10/4/2010)
This is a page turner! Not the genre I typically go for I so was pleasantly and wonderfully surprised. From page one this story grabs you and does not let go. The characters are so carefully constructed and yet they, and the book, flow seamlessly. This book will appeal to …more
Stash
Stash
by David Matthew Klein
Started off great but lost a little steam (5/21/2010)
I loved this book right up until the end, when the author seemed intent on wrapping it all up with a bow. The premise of the book is age old-a split second decision, how that decision can go so awry so quickly, the fear of being judged, the justifications we all try to …more
Beautiful Assassin
Beautiful Assassin: A Novel
by Michael C. White
A great read with a compelling story to tell (3/8/2010)
This is not the type of book I generally pick up but I am so glad I did! From the first page this book drew me in. The protagonist is fascinating, the history interesting, and the story a great blend of intrigue, romance, and surprises. The author brings to life a …more
The Secret of Everything
The Secret of Everything
by Barbara O'Neal
Sweet but a bit predictable (11/21/2009)
The Secret of Everything is not terribly secretive, but a charming little book nonetheless. The characters, lmeant to be colorful, are little cliche, but likable enough. The premise of the book, reconciling the past with the present, unfolds at an intriguing pace but just …more
Baking Cakes in Kigali
Baking Cakes in Kigali
by Gaile Parkin
Draws you in and does not let go (6/14/2009)
Baking Cakes in Kigali is a long winding road of a book. Centered around Angel, a baker of specialty cakes, you are immediately drawn into her world. Her strength, her sense of family, and her willingness to listen and learn endear her to the reader almost immediately. …more
Night Navigation
Night Navigation
by Ginnah Howard
Good not Great (3/5/2009)
This is a heart rending story of the struggles of a mentally ill addict and the struggles of a family. Del, the Mom, lives in constant fear of what will become of her son, Mark, while trying to live some sort of life of her own. Not really tough love material, Del has a …more
The Spare Room
The Spare Room: A Novel
by Helen Garner
The Spare Room is short but very sweet (1/9/2009)
While I read this book in an afternoon it was a wonderful read. Helen Garner writes eloquently and, at times, humorously, about friendship, fear, self preservation, and dying. She is able to articulate what so many of us go through when someone we love is sick.

The story …more
The Sweet In Between
The Sweet In Between: A Novel
by Sheri Reynolds
Sheri Reynolds does not dissapoint (9/1/2008)
As a long time fan of this author I eagerly looked forward to reading "The Sweet In Between". The story and characters are endearing, and while this book does not have the depth of "The Rapture of Canaan", it is still a wonderful read. Anyone who has enjoyed Reynold's other …more
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