Reviews by Barbara C. (Riverside, CA)

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Fishbowl
Fishbowl: A Novel
by Bradley Somer
Loved the characters! (6/8/2015)
When I started reading, I could not see where we were going. However, I fell in love with all the characters. My kind of people. Even the off beat ones. The elevator also played a role. Ian (of the Goldfish Bowl) did his part. If you want to read a feel good book snap it up. …more
The Art of Baking Blind
The Art of Baking Blind
by Sarah Vaughan
I loved, loved, loved this book. (3/10/2015)
This was like reading three books at the same time. The baking was great. There were several items I had never heard of, such as Battenburg cakes and Victoria Sponge. Did find them on the net. The character development was first rate. (Now I am sounding British.) Every …more
Whispering Shadows
Whispering Shadows
by Jan-Philipp Sendker
I can really relate to Paul (1/11/2015)
The emotion of Paul rings true. I also had my only son taken from me. So often the death of a child in books is glossed over and people recover overnight. Everyone is different, but I can relate to his letters to Justin The main story was a good mystery. Paul's romance with …more
A Kim Jong-Il Production
A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator's Rise to Power
by Paul Fischer
Not my cup of tea. (1/11/2015)
Current politics makes this book more relevant right now. Read and weep, Sony! The protagonists were sympathetic but the megalomania of Kim Jong-Il is remarkable.
Mating for Life
Mating for Life
by Marissa Stapley
Characters Not Like Anyone I run With (3/6/2014)
I am too pedestrian, but most of the people I know don't behave like these characters. They are pretty much over the top, but the book was a one day read. I did agree with Ilse on her comment, "Here's the thing about love.It can last, but you have to be careful with it." As …more
The Race Underground
The Race Underground: Boston, New York, and the Incredible Rivalry That Built America's First Subway
by Doug Most
A minutiae treasure trove! (12/19/2013)
Being a Bostonian by birth, this book was most interesting. I might have called it the complete history of transportation of NY and Boston through the invention of the subway in the US. But I am not the author. It was enjoyable and educational.
Through the Evil Days
Through the Evil Days: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery
by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Great characters! Super plot! (9/1/2013)
I have read every book in this series. The protagonists are real people with dilemmas that make them emotionally human. Clare has a heart for her parish and God is honored. There' s a wealth of adventure in this book and it creates characters one cares about all the way to …more
Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets
Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets: A Memoir
by Jessica A. Fox
Not what I expected! (6/24/2013)
I read the book in two big gulps! How can a bibliophile resist a book about a bookstore. However, the bookstore was only the setting for much of the story, but the actual memoir was really on a different topic. I have to be careful not to reveal too much, but I highly …more
Her Last Breath
Her Last Breath: A Kate Burkholder Novel
by Linda Castillo
This is a good series! (4/26/2013)
The protagonist (police chief Kate Burkholder) is typically conflicted -- being a former Amish living among her people but not of them.. she is shunned by her former friends and family and this plot could not have happened among the English (Non-Amish). Castillo, the author, …more
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate: A Lucy Campion Mystery
by Susanna Calkins
Fast moving mystery (3/18/2013)
Loved the historical accuracy and appreciated the pace of the book... That is often my favorite kind of book. Lucy was an engaging protagonist. And a good friend to have!
The Imposter Bride
The Imposter Bride
by Nancy Richler
It was a slog! (12/3/2012)
I read it all but it was a challenge. I am not too much for flashbacks and forth. I did like Ruthie but she could have done something earlier. The Jewish cultural elements were good to learn.
How to Love Wine
How to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto
by Eric Asimov
It's all about the writing. (9/10/2012)
Whether you appreciate the nuances of fine wine and the drinking thereof or you do not, this book is carefully crafted to be appreciated by a reader of fine writing. Several times I was caught up in a turn of phrase that made me jealous of Eric’s writing ability. In …more
15 Seconds
15 Seconds
by Andrew Gross
15 seconds --- as fast as I could read! (5/4/2012)
I started reading as soon as I took it out of the mailbox and was annoyed at having to fix dinner and go to work in the morning. Good books don't have to be deathless prose to be excellent. Judge by genre! If you want sympathetic characters, suspense, surprises, and fast …more
The Land of Decoration
The Land of Decoration: A Novel
by Grace McCleen
Not a book to read on Sunday! (3/26/2012)
Although I rated this book as good, because it was riveting and kept me reading non-stop until I finished it, I found the premise depressing and sad. No one really saw Judith’s distress. God was portrayed as capricious and more than strange. I guess the redeeming feature …more
A Bitter Truth
A Bitter Truth: A Bess Crawford Mystery
by Charles Todd
Loses steam! (8/1/2011)
This book was as grabber at the beginning, but it fizzled with too many tendrils of plot and an ending that left me scratching my head. However, that said, I love Bess and want her to have a life. The two first books about Bess were better because she was more relevant to …more
Friendship Bread
Friendship Bread: A Novel
by Darien Gee
Friendship Bread Not Satisfying (3/13/2011)
The device of the friendship bread was very heartwarming, but for me the book was too long. The story was predictable and designed to tug emotional heart strings. The story line with Julia and Mark seemed almost trivialized. The major plot line was too dark and painful for …more
Agent X
Agent X: A Novel
by Noah Boyd
Redeeming Social Value -- not so much! (12/2/2010)
But a good read, oh yeah! The comparison with Reacher is apt, and the book has a fast paced plot and lots of action. Suspend reality for a while and enjoy. You may want to read the first book, the Bricklayer, before this one, but it does stand alone. I read many mystery- …more
Man in the Woods
Man in the Woods
by Scott Spencer
It's all about the dog (7/6/2010)
This book has a nice crisp writing style that flows well. The premise is interesting and unusual, but the end may leave the reader scratching his or her head. Most of the characters are really “characters” and they are woven together like macramé, but some seem unnecessary …more
Losing My Cool
Losing My Cool: How a Father's Love and 15,000 Books Beat Hip-hop Culture
by Thomas Chatterton Williams
A Father's Love (4/19/2010)
Being the age of Thomas' father myself, that relationship was the thread that I followed through the book. The book was rich with philosophical turns, anecdotes, history, and culture from a very non-typical perspective....but very much driven by the loving, strong father. …more
The Bricklayer
The Bricklayer: A Novel
by Noah Boyd
I'm a sucker for a fast plot! (2/18/2010)
I like strong heroes and quick action, and this book filled the bill. Steve Vail is his own man, and he is smart and skilled. He gets out of tight places with imagination and creativity. I rated it only Good (4), because there were too many times when it was obvious that …more
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