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Reviews by Rita K. (Bannockburn, IL)

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The Forgetting Time
by Sharon Guskin

Thought provoking book (1/28/2016)

I wasn't sure when I starting reading the book, what to expect. Then the more I read, it was hard to put down.
I've read about reincarnation before, but this made it seem so real. Poor Noah had such a difficult life in his short 4 years, with so many memories that didn't make sense to his Mommy Mom and the several doctors she had taken him to see... When Janie reached out to Dr. Anderson, life changes for two families. A most enjoyable book and will recommend it to my book clubs.

The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes
by Anna McPartlin

A great story surrounding the end of a wonderful life (8/17/2015)

I've never read a book by Anna McPartlin before and wasn't sure what to expect. The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes was wonderfully written. The way Anna combined the past and present helped me to understand the love and pain her family and friends were going through in her final days.

I plan on recommending this book to both of my book groups. I'm sure that will love it as much as I did.

Shocking Paris: Soutine, Chagall and the Outsiders of Montparnasse
by Stanley Meisler

The interesting lives of some of the Jewish artists. (2/14/2015)

When I requested this book, I didn't really know very much about some of the artists and their lives. I found their stories so interesting. Soutine teaching himself to paint. The hardships and fears they went through during the war.
I belong to two book groups and have told them about the book and they are looking forward to reading it.
An added plus is to discover one of Chagalls paintings is hanging in the Art Institute of Chicago. I am making a point to see it the next time I'm there.

Mimi Malloy, At Last!
by Julia MacDonnell

At Last Closure for Mimi Malloy (3/12/2014)

At first I couldn't make up my mind whether or not I liked Mimi.
In the beginning she sounded like "poor me", but as the book progressed, you understood why. Her father whom she adored was very weak. He always overlook how cruel the stepmother was to Mimi and her five sisters. Then she married a man who was very controlling and with whom she had six daughters. At the end of the book, you really have to admire Mimi. I highly recommend this book.

Songs of Willow Frost
by Jamie Ford

Thoroughly Enjoyed (7/24/2013)

When I saw that Jamie Ford had a book for First Impressions, I knew I had to enter to receive a copy. Since I enjoyed reading The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, I was curious about Songs of Willow Frost. Jamie Ford draws you into the story and the characters become real. Even though Wiliam and Willow had some pretty sad times, you had to hope they would finally find a way to once again become part of each other's life I can't wait for it to be published so both my book clubs will be able to read and discuss it.

Paris in Love: A Memoir
by Eloisa James

Paris in love once again (4/9/2012)

When I requested First Impressions to review this book, I didn't know what to expect. I've been to Paris several times and thought it would be fun to see how Eloisa James and her family see the famous city. Her descriptions of the the food that was served in the out of the way restaurants almost made you taste it. Her children's school experiences were what you could image how they must feel. I would highly recommend this book.

The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark

The Look of Love (12/21/2011)

I am a first time reader of the author's Piper Donovan Mysteries and The Look of Love will be my last. I had a very difficult time getting into the book and thought it was very choppy and disjointed. I kept reading thinking it would improve, but alas it didn't.

A Lesson in Secrets: A Maisie Dobbs Novel
by Jacqueline Winspear

How did I miss knowing about Maisie Dobbs (3/28/2011)

I haven't read any of Jacqueline Winspear books before, and after reading A Lesson in Secrets, I see what I have missed. I thoroughly enjoyed Maisie Dobbs and plan my summer reading catching up on her earlier adventures.

Gone Tomorrow: A Jack Reacher Novel #13
by Lee Child

Lee Child's books and I have begun a wonderful friendship. (10/21/2010)

Having never read a Lee Child book before, I thought I would give it a try when it was offered to be reviewed. I was in London in 2005 and was in a bus behind the one that was targeted by the suicide bomb. So when I opened Lee's book and his reference to the bombing I was very intrigued. I became hooked and now his books and I have begun a wonderful friendship.

Juliet
by Anne Fortier

Juliet by Anne Fortier (8/7/2010)

I knew I would like this book when I read it was on the scale of The Thirteenth Tale. 'Juliet' was very intriguing, the way Fortier kept switching back and forth between centuries really kept my interest. Didn't want to put it down. Definitely will recommend to my two book clubs as I know they will thoroughly enjoy the book too.

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