BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Cindy J. (Hastings, NY)

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Leaving: A Novel
by Roxana Robinson

Leaving (1/4/2024)

I loved this book. It was an intense and emotional look at family relationships and our responsibility to ourselves and others. It was thought provoking and I continue to think about this book weeks after I finished it. I think this book would promote good book club discussions about the characters and premise.

At the Edge of the Haight
by Katherine Seligman

At the Edge of the Haight (10/28/2020)

This book was enlightening, compelling, and timely. The protagonist (Maddy) provided a new perspective on life on the streets for homeless youth. I was rooting for her.

The Story of Arthur Truluv: A Novel
by Elizabeth Berg

Family (6/27/2017)

Family is not always who you are related to, but who you love and care for. This book truly illustrates that.

The Book of Summer
by Michelle Gable

Great Summer Reading (3/22/2017)

This book is about a house and the book that guests write in about the house. It is based on a real-life environmental issue concerning the erosion of a bluff. The characters were entertaining especially Cissy and the setting reminded me of summers at the beach. All in all a great read!

Rise: How a House Built a Family
by Cara Brookins

Rise How a House Built a Family (10/22/2016)

Inspiring yet not completely believable. This story of a single mom and her 4 children evading harm from abusive ex-husbands and succeeding in building their own home is inspiring. However, I found it hard to believe that they were able to accomplish some of the feats involved in building a house on their own. I think the point of the book is overcoming obstacles and no longer being afraid including afraid of failure.

Ashes of Fiery Weather
by Kathleen Donohoe

Lost interest (5/17/2016)

I just couldn't get into this book. I kept pushing myself to read it and got half way through when I gave up. I just did not find it interesting and did not see the point of the book.

The Things We Keep
by Sally Hepworth

the things we keep (10/18/2015)

I really enjoyed this book and think it would make a great selection for a book group. This book has a lot of topics to discuss including love, family, rights, etc. I also think people that liked the author's other book The Secrets of Midwives will enjoy this book.

The Art of Baking Blind
by Sarah Vaughan

The Art of Baking Blind (4/6/2015)

A delicious book that stirs the senses about 5 amateur bakers who learn things are not always what they seem and no one has a perfect life.

Three Many Cooks: One Mom, Two Daughters: Their Shared Stories of Food, Faith & Family
by Pam Anderson, Maggy Keet & Sharon Damelio

Three Many Cooks (3/4/2015)

I enjoyed this book, but would have liked more information about the recipes and fewer stories about how their lives revolved around food.

The Life I Left Behind
by Colette McBeth

The Life I Left Behind (12/5/2014)

I have been looking for a good mystery and I found it in this book. It is a bit confusing at the beginning with the various characters, but it becomes more clear as you get into the book. It also helps that the character's name is at the beginning of each chapter. This book reminds me of Lovely Bones, but is even better.

Mating for Life
by Marissa Stapley

Mating for Life (3/14/2014)

This book examines relationships between mother - daughters, sisters, husbands, lovers, and friends and compares them to mating patterns of wildlife. I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either. I felt like there were too many characters when I would have enjoyed a deeper development of a few of the characters and their relationships.

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