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Reviews by Anna R. (Oak Ridge, TN)

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The White Forest
The White Forest: A Novel
by Adam McOmber
Disappointing (8/7/2012)
The White Forest was very disappointing. The characters were people who had too much time on their hands. The plot was so unbelievable that I had trouble finishing it. I loaned the book to my daughter who is also an avid reader. She disliked it so much that she didn't finish it.
There are so many wonderful books out there so don't waste your time on this one.
A Simple Murder
A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns
Outstanding! (4/4/2012)
Last week when I went to a doctor's appointment I took "A Simple Murder" with me. When I was called back to see the doctor I was so upset because I wanted to sit and read this book! It has a great plot, believeable characters, and an unusual setting. 1796 in a Shaker community is not where you would expect a murder mystery to be placed.Having visited a Shaker village in Kentucky helped in "seeing" the community in the story. Also, I was interested in the weaving because a good friend of mine is a weaver. This is a great book. I loved it and hope there will be more stores about Will Rees solving mysteries.
The Red Book
The Red Book: A Novel
by Deborah Copaken Kogan
Disappointing. (2/9/2012)
I looked forward to this book because the description sounded wonderful. First of all, there are so many words in the English language so why do authors use the "f" word so much?? Do people really talk like that? No one I know does. The characters are so spoiled and shallow and seem to think having sex with someone other than their current partners is no big deal. Also, there were too many characters in the book which made it hard to keep them all straight. The best part of the book was the last chapter.
I will not be recommending this book to my book club. I'm not sure I will even loan it to anyone.
King Peggy
King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village
by Peggielene Bartels, Eleanor Herman
A story to Remember (12/4/2011)
King Peggy gives new meaning to the phrase "what one person can do." She takes her "Kingship" seriously and does the almost impossible to help her people. I was amused and horrified at some of the things her council did to line their own pockets. This is an amazing story. I want to hear more about King Peggy.
Proof of Heaven
Proof of Heaven: A Novel
by Mary Curran Hackett
Unusual (9/6/2011)
Proof of Heaven was easy to read. The subject matter was a bit sad and the ending confusing. The mother's devotion to her son was realistic because most Mothers would go to any lengths to save their child. I felt the ending left a lot of unanswered questions.
The Daughter of Siena
The Daughter of Siena: A Novel
by Marina Fiorato
Fascinating Story (5/6/2011)
This book has it all: History, intrigue,romance and a bit of a surprise that I wasn't expecting. The author did a great job spinning a tale that keeps the reader interested to the last page. After finishing it I went to the Internet to look up some of the historical characters and the city of Siena.
Outside Wonderland
Outside Wonderland: A Novel
by Lorna Jane Cook
Outstanding. (1/29/2011)
I read Outside Wonderland in one setting because I couldn't put it down. It is a fascinating story, very unusual with believable characters and events. The idea of how Heaven (or whatever) might be is beautiful. This is a beautifully written and the Epilogue is something to be read again and again. Simply amazing.
The Girl in the Green Raincoat
The Girl in the Green Raincoat: A Novel
by Laura Lippman
Fun Read. (10/29/2010)
I haven't read anything by Laura Lippman before but now I am a fan. The Girl in the Green Raincoat is a fun read. It is full of wonderful characters, and an unusual plot with the pregnant woman being able to solve the mystery from her spot in the sunporch. I loved this book and it will be a great summer read for my book group.
The Clouds Beneath the Sun
The Clouds Beneath the Sun
by Mackenzie Ford
Amazing Story (7/9/2010)
This book has it all; mystery, history, jealously,murder and a love story. I learned about Kenya working toward independence and about archaeology. The character development is fantastic and the story grabs you from page one.
The ending isn't what I expected. Wow. This is a great read!
A Thread of Sky
A Thread of Sky: A Novel
by Deanna Fei
A bit confusing (3/27/2010)
I started "A Thread of Sky" looking forward to a great book. However,I found it a bit confusing. It was an okay story but could have been so much better. It seemed disconnected and jumped from character to another. The ending left some hope for the family and a sequel might answer some unanswered questions.
A Thread of Sky
A Thread of Sky: A Novel
by Deanna Fei
Confusing (3/27/2010)
This book could have been so much better. It was an okay story but I never felt connected to any of the characters. There were so many unanswered questions. I wanted more and it just didn't happen. That said, I would read another book by this author.
Secret Daughter
Secret Daughter: A Novel
by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
Excellent book (1/7/2010)
Secret Daughter is a story of love, contrast of cultures and family conflict. The depth of understanding in the book is so touching. The unconditional love of a Mother for her child and what she will do for that chld is a focal point.

The contract of cultures in India is expressed vividly. There is so much in this book that would be wonderful for discussion with any book group. I will recommend it to mine. After I started the book I couldn't put it down. It is a winner!
Serena
Serena: A Novel
by Ron Rash
Quite a Read (8/31/2009)
Don't you love a book that grabs you from page one and doesn't let go until the very end? Wow, that is the type of book Ron Rash has written..

Serena is a ruthless woman who goes to any lengths to get what she wants. If something or someone gets in her way, watch out.

The book was especially interesting to me because I live about an hours drive from the Great Smoky Mountains. To read about the lumber company stripping the land and the steps taken to claim the land for the park was fascinating.
I haven't read any books by Ron Rash before but I will now. This is an amazing read. I read it in two afternoons.
Gifts of War
Gifts of War: A Novel
by Mackenzie Ford
Hard to Put Down (4/8/2009)
When I started "Gifts of War" I couldn't stop reading. It is well written and the plot is fascinating. It is a book that you will think about long after you finish it. I couldn't imagine how it would end and trust me, the ending is not what you expect. I consider this book a "must read." Book groups will have a field day discussing it. It is a wonderful book.
Cutting For Stone
Cutting For Stone
by Abraham Verghese
An amazing read! (1/9/2009)
Having read My Own Country by Verghese I looked forward to his novel. It grabbed me with the first sentence. I was a bit frustrated that it took several chapters to get to what is happening in that sentence. The story has many twists and turns and is set in a part of the world that I know nothing about. There were many medical procedures that I didn't understand but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book. I would have given it a 5 rating if it had been edited better. There were some chapters that didn't have any connection to the basic story. I was impatient to get through them so I could get back to the main story. That said, it was hard to put the book down. I wanted to know what happened!
Greasing the Piñata
Greasing the Piñata
by Tim Maleeny
Disappointed (10/5/2008)
Sad to say, this book didn't appeal to me at all. There was too much violence, unrealistic "high tech gadgets" and and so many characters it was hard to keep track of them. It didn't hold my interest and I found myself thinking, "okay, I need to finish this book so I can go on to something enjoyable."

I am the discussion leader for a large book group, 25 people, and I won't recommend the book to my group.

If you want a good mystery try reading some by Jefferson Bass. Recently I read "Flesh and Bone" my this author and couldn't put it down.
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