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Reviews by Loren B. (Appleton, WI)

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Smothermoss
Smothermoss
by Alisa Alering
A Bit Much (4/25/2024)
Normally I enjoy stories about the Appalchian region because my ancestors are from there.

I was aware that there would be supernatural elements to the plot but it was all a bit much.

While I'm willing to suspend belief to some degree I prefer some explanations.

I would recommend this novel to someone who enjoys the Gothic and off- beat.
Dirt Creek
Dirt Creek: A Novel
by Hayley Scrivenor
Couldn't put it down ! (2/27/2022)
When I read the blurb for " Dirt Creek " I was eager to read it because reminded me of the plot of "Broadchurch " which I had enjoyed very much.

This novel was everything I had been hoping it would be. The author's style brought the characters and plot to life and made this an unputdownable read. I hope to read more by this author in the future.

Highly recommended!
The Fields
The Fields: A Novel
by Erin Young
Amazing ! (10/6/2021)
This book captured my attention from the very start . The descriptions, the deeply realistic characterizations, the amazing plot left me completely enthralled .

There are some scenes possibly not for the sensitive but they are not presented in a gratuitous manner and certainly are important to the plot .

I am glad that this author is planning a series and am looking forward to reading more of her work .

Highly recommended!
The Last Chance Library
The Last Chance Library
by Freya Sampson
Enjoyable (7/9/2021)
I really enjoyed this book. It had a Hallmark Movie kind of vibe to it, but I mean that in a good way. The characters were believable and (mostly) likable. I found myself caring and rooting for them (especially June).

Recommended.
Appleseed
Appleseed
by Matt Bell
Amazing (2/1/2021)
I absolutely loved this book ! I found it to be very thought provoking with the message delivered in a very lyrical, non-preachy manner. Highly recommended to anyone concerned with the fate of our world.
The Stone Girl
The Stone Girl: A Novel
by Dirk Wittenborn
Timely (3/22/2020)
This timely and revealing tale of the horrific deeds inflicted by a group of self-entitled toxic males was well written with characters that were realistic non-stereotypes. I think that this would make the story appealing to both males and females.

The story was told from the perspective of different time lines and characters which gave a good understanding of the background of events.

I would highly recommend this book.
Welcome to the Pine Away Motel and Cabins
Welcome to the Pine Away Motel and Cabins
by Katarina Bivald
Interesting point of view (11/20/2019)
This book reminded me of The Lovely Bones in that it is told in the point of view of the dead protagonist.

Whether or not one believes in an afterlife or ghosts, it would be interesting to know the impact one's life had had on other people and what they had really thought of one.

I found the characters a little flat and hard to relate to, but overall this was an okay read but not sure I would recommend it
The Travelling Cat Chronicles
The Travelling Cat Chronicles
by Hiro Arikawa, Philip Gabriel
Touching (4/24/2018)
This beautiful and bittersweet novel, which in some ways reminded me of " A Man Called Ove ", immediately held my attention. The touching story is mostly narrated by the human character's cat and I think the author truly captured the essence of a cat's personality.

I would highly recommend this book, especially for pet lovers and those going through a life's journey.
Sometimes I Lie
Sometimes I Lie
by Alice Feeney
Chilling and compelling (11/2/2017)
If I had only one word I could use to describe this novel it would be " WOW ". It drew me in from the first chapter and I couldn't stop reading until I was finished; having said that there were times I had to stop for a moment -the characters and revelations and scenes described were so intense .
Many twists and turns and surprises, highly recommended
The French Girl
The French Girl
by Lexie Elliott
One bad apple (8/31/2017)
I found the characters and their " secrets " to be incredibly shallow. I finished the book only because I wanted to confirm my suspicions as to " who dun it " and why. It was easy to guess which character was the guilty one and the motive was the oldest one in the books.

I admit I probably didn't relate to the characters because I'm quite a bit older than they-perhaps a younger reader would enjoy this book .
The Essex Serpent
The Essex Serpent
by Sarah Perry
marvelous! (2/9/2017)
This book touches on many topics - science, medicine, religion, superstition, socialism, autism. The author writes in such a marvelous fashion and has created characters and backdrop that feel real. Highly recommended.
Underground Airlines
Underground Airlines
by Ben H. Winters
just okay (8/15/2016)
Having read Ben Winters' The Last Policeman trilogy, I was really looking forward to Underground Airlines. This novel did not capture my attention as did the trilogy. The main character was not fleshed out in my opinion, and the alternate history premise seemed somewhat far-fetched. That being said, this novel was an okay read, but I would recommend the trilogy before this one.
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
by Phaedra Patrick
Beautiful Story (3/10/2016)
What a delightful story this was! The characters were very real and it was fascinating to follow Arthur along on his adventures as he sought to find out the tale behind each charm. Highly recommended.
When the Moon Is Low
When the Moon Is Low: A Novel
by Nadia Hashimi
Hopeful against great odds (8/8/2015)
As soon as I received this book I started reading and couldn't put it down. The characters felt so alive to me that at times it was hard to go on because what they were going through was so immediate and real. Depressing, yet hopeful in the face of great odds is how I would describe this wonderful book. Highly recommended.
Five
Five
by Ursula Archer
Layers (10/2/2014)
There is much going on beneath the surface of this intelligent, very well written mystery. The characters seem real and the plotline makes you want to keep reading. I had never heard of geocaching and found the topic fascinating.
How the Light Gets In
How the Light Gets In: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, #9
by Louise Penny
Stunning! (6/30/2013)
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. This is a beautifully written character-driven story that is so much more than a mystery. How the Light Gets In is the latest in the Three Pines series. Each book builds on the previous one and I highly suggest reading them in order to fully appreciate the author's almost magical way of making the characters seem real and making the reader wish that they were.
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate: A Lucy Campion Mystery
by Susanna Calkins
just ok (3/1/2013)
I usually enjoy historical mysteries and was looking forward to this novel as it takes place during a time period I had not read about before. The history behind the plot was interesting but I found the characters to not be very well-developed, and the mystery itself as well as the "romance" to be rather trite.
Over all this just an OK read - I've read worse, but also better. The author has potential and perhaps the next book will be better.
Calling Me Home
Calling Me Home
by Julie Kibler
beautiful and bittersweet (11/21/2012)
On the surface this novel could remind one of a Romeo and Juliet story, but underneath it is so much more. It makes a person question why we have our prejudices when underneath we are all just human beings with the need for friendship,love and acceptance.
The Edge of the Earth
The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz
Secrets (10/7/2012)
This was a very enjoyable read; part family saga and part mystery. I found the characters to be believable and well-developed, especially Trudy who seems to discover the secrets of her habitat and fellow inhabitants little by little like an archaeological dig. The history of the area was also very interesting and never intrusive,but part of the story.
And When She Was Good
And When She Was Good: A Novel
by Laura Lippman
Not an easy read (6/25/2012)
This novel was not an easy read-not because of the subject matter - but because the story line just jumped around too much. And the main character's history - oh please, what a cliche. It was a struggle to finish this book.
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