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Reviews by Amy W. (Annapolis, MD)

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The Same Sky
by Amanda Eyre Ward
Good quick read (11/4/2014)
I really enjoyed this book. I could not put it down and read it in one day. I usually do not like books that move back and forth between storylines but this one really worked. I think the short chapters helped keep the pace quick and the reader engaged. I had anticipated a different ending and expected the two stories to intersect much earlier in the book. That being said, once I realized the direction the author was going in I guessed how she would wrap up the book. I like happy endings so I didn't mind the predictable ending.
Her
by Harriet Lane
Slow to begin (6/2/2014)
I had high hopes for this book but I felt that it took way too long to get to the "meat" of the book. The back and forth switching points of view and retelling the same information really slowed down the flow of the book. That being said, I did enjoy the book it just took a while to get through. I would recommend it.
City of the Sun
by Juliana Maio
Did not live up to potential (1/3/2014)
I had very high hopes for this novel. Having visited Egypt a decade ago I really fell in love with the country and could vividly picture the cities described in the book. I also love historical fiction and am especially interested in the WWII era. Unfortunately, this book fell short. Billed as a spy novel set against a dramatic backdrop of Egypt in WWII before America entered the war with a love story thrown in to tie it all together the novel didn't really come together for me. All three portions were just ok. I found it hard to believe that the scientist they were looking for was so difficult to be found- but just happened to be the brother of the love interest unbeknown to Mickey was too coincidental. The story also was tied together too neatly to be believable for me.

On the plus side I think the author did a good job of describing the political situation in Egypt during that time period. I think if she had developed the story a bit more the book would have been better. I did enjoy the book and will pass it on to my friends but I was hoping for a novel with more depth.
Safe with Me
by Amy Hatvany
Engrossing quick read (12/3/2013)
I really enjoyed this book. The book started off a bit slow and sad, which is to be expected given the subject matter. But once Olivia and Hannah meet the story really takes off and I found it really hard to put down. The voices of each character were distinct and believable, so the different narration of each chapter worked to bring the story together. I would recommend this book.
The Scavenger's Daughters: Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters, Book One
by Kay Bratt
Beautiful Story (7/14/2013)
I loved this book. It is heartbreaking to read about the discarded girls in China. I can't imagine tossing out a child because she was a girl, or had a disability. I love that this story is based upon the true tale of how some people take the unwanted girls into their home and make them a part of their families. I was drawn into Benfu and Calli's story from the first chapter. It is a beautifully written book about love and family. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Crime of Privilege
by Walter Walker
Could Have Been Better (4/7/2013)
If I could give half stars I would give this book 3.5 stars I would. I really wanted to love this book. It started out really promising, I liked the narrators voice, and was glad the reader was able to find out the details of the Palm Beach sexual assault. The first half of the book really held my attention and I had difficulty putting it down because I wanted to find out what happened next. Unfortunately, it took a little too long to get to the end. I thought it was a little far fetched that Kendrick Powell's family would keep tabs on George that many years later. I just wanted George to shout at Andrews, "For goodness sake, I was just a kid!- I am not in the Gregory's pocket, and am not involved in any cover up!"

That being said, I did like the ending and would recommend this book for someone who is a fan of John Grishman and David Baldacchi.
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