This is an easy-reading novel about subjects many times discussed: World War II and its effect on civilians and enlisted, Jews vs Non Jews, English children evacuated, family conflicts, unmarried pregnancies, etc. The characters are well drawn, but rather obvious and predictable: strict and cold Christian mother, loving and accepting Jewish grandparents, strong, resilient, unflappable female heroine, easily bribed and cowardly male protagonist (until he changes dramatically because of war experiences), charming and obedient child. I thought the writing and dialogue rather simplistic and cliched, and the most developed style was Joshua's wartime. I did appreciate the growth in each character, but felt their changes came about too easily and quickly. The evacuation of children has been subject of many books, but this one highlighted the effects on the children, which was a departure from focusing on the parents' separation. It seems as if 9 out of 10 books now have multiple time lines and several voices. I found this one rather distracting and found myself concentrating on who, when and where the story was going. I did enjoy reading The Lost English Girl and felt the title was most appropriate. The ending was somewhat rushed and predictable, but satisfying.

This coming-of-age story of introduces us to Margot, a girl of 9 who just never "fit in". Her sheltered and privileged upbringing, shuffling between her parents' NY apartment on Park Ave and their country estates on the North Shore, come with a nanny and strict protocols set down by her domineering mother. The theme of the book, and a secondary title would be "What Are We Going To Do About Margot? She was always more interested in daydreaming, reading, asking questions, and exploring the world than settling down and finding a husband. Her intelligence earned her the moniker of loner or brainiac - not a complement to girls in the 1950's who are supposed to follow - not lead. The story takes us through Margot's high school and college days at Radcliffe where she discovers her love of science and works with fellow "brainiacs" in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to explore DNA and genetics and makes a name for herself when she makes a startling discovery regarding female twins. Margot travels through the maze of trying to make friends, getting and losing sexual partners (this is the beginning of the sexual revolution, of course), and tripping on drugs.

The book reminded me of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, where a young girl who did not fit the mold of enjoying dance lessons, flirting and finding a husband, but who instead forged ahead in the field of science. Although both books were set in approximately the same time frame with similar approaches to under-appreciating the intellectual prowess of women, Margot was written in a more commanding style. Lessons was trying hard to mix comedy with science, which I felt had a "been there done that" flavor. Steavenson writes in a fluid prose with pointed dialogue. Her characters are well drawn and varied enough to make each one stand out. Margot's frustrations, failures and disappointments throughout this phase of her life create tension and angst for her and the reader. She is a complex and creative protagonist. The last third of the book seemed rushed and not as comprehensive as the first 2 parts. Actions, motives and resolutions were not as clearly drawn. I would expect to see a segue to follow this fascinating Margot as she navigates the "real world".

I rarely rarely give a book a 5 rating, but Ariadne was a delicious read! The author, Jennifer Saint, brought the gods and their human counterparts to life with compelling prose. Mythology can be daunting and mysterious, but the author writes with such clarity, the heroes and villains came into sharp focus. Ariadne, Phaedra, the Minotaur, Theseus, Dionysus, Hipppolytus, etc could be characters in a soap opera drama. The spitefulness, cruelty and disdain the gods had for mortals and each other was woven throughout the story. I would heartily recommend Ariadne to readers who enjoy a novel with compelling storyline, intriguing characters, and sharp, bright writing. Be prepared to set logic aside and enjoy the ride.

Hetty is a young daughter of a high ranking Nazi officer in Germany. Her story begins in 1933 at the start of the campaign against the Jews. She is indoctrinated by her father, teachers and neighbors to hate the Jews. But as she sees the hatred and cruelty of the Nazis, she begins to question the Nazi ideology. The story follows Hetty for several years into her teens, and develops into a love story between her and her Jewish childhood friend, Walter. She then realizes that the persecution of the Jews is immoral and wrong. When Walter has an opportunity to escape to the West and marry, they lose contact and their lives go separate ways. Eventually, in her later years, Hetty makes it to America and meets Walter's new family. This book could easily be considered a YA (Young Adult). It is easy to read with simple language and much dialogue. Hetty's gradual shift from realizing Nazi ideas are a blow to humanity is interesting to watch as her friend, Erna and she become closer. The concepts of indoctrinating children and young people into the Nazi order of hate reminded me of the movie, JoJo Rabbit. It was an interesting read from the viewpoint of a young German, but the overriding love story watered down the serious content.

And they Called It Camelot reminded me of a paperback romance novel. The dialogue was contrived and venal. the constant descriptions of Jackie's designer wardrobe was tiring and intrusive. I'm sure the author researched her subjects, but what was fact and what was fiction? I would rather have a biography about famous people and know that the facts are true rather than suggestive innuendo creating characters with feet of clay. If you want a juicy novel about wealthy people with cavorting with each other, then Camelot is for you.

The Girl In White Gloves is the story of an icon, Grace Kelly. She has been idolized by movie-goers for years. Her face and name instantly recognizable. But the back-story of her life tells a different story than the perfect "ice queen" happy-ever-after. This book brings her life into sharp detail, from her privileged upbringing with a controlling and critical father, to her early unrequited desire for a stage career, through her many affairs, and finally to her seemingly unhappy marriage as Princess of Monaco. As an author of an historical fiction book, May has researched extensively, and included many interesting, little known facts about Kelly. But, of course, the "fiction" portion of the book - the details of her love affairs, and the long correspondence with Ranier - are conjured from imagination, and probably make the most interesting portion of the book. The impression of Kelly I came away with is that she was an exceptionally beautiful, passionate, self absorbed woman Her many love affairs were superficial, and she never really found "true love". Her marriage to Ranier confirmed the fact that she finally became the "princess" she thought she was but the regal life was not enough for her. I really enjoyed reading the book, and, in fact, in conjunction with reading it, decided to watch all of Grace Kelly's available films.

How could you not want to read a book about 2 of the most famous and outrageous fashion icons? The book was fascinating in its depiction of the rivalry between these two women. In this historical fiction novel we travel the world with Lily as she interacts with them as their rivalry grows and the world grows more dangerous as WWII looms. The depictions of Paris were right on, and places the reader in its midst. Mackin draws accurate comparisons with the changes in fashion with historical events. Of course, color is the main theme of the book, with each part representing a primary. The author's compulsion of overdoing the color theme was a little distracting and unnecessary, but certainly was in keeping with the subjects Overall The Last Collection was a delightful read and illustrated the world of fashion and the intense competition among designers.

This is an historical fiction novel wrapped in a mystery. The narrator is a manipulative, self serving character who proves himself duplicitous in his final acts. He is desperate to have himself adopted into a family, as that family's history slowly reveals itself. The chaos of a nation undergoing revolutionary change is painfully and visually described. As a freshman writer, Tshuma writes with clarity, compassion, fervency, and dark humor. The reveal as to what happened to Bukhosi is heartbreaking, and proves that the initial distasteful character of the narrator proves correct. The book was hard to read in some areas, and rather difficult to get into because of the foreign names and words, but as I became familiar with the characters and the cadence of the book, just read along with the flow of ideas and plot .

I really enjoyed reading this book. The differences between cultures and the tensions created was so well defined. The characters came to life and I as the reader sympathized with each of them. I usually am not a fan of first time authors but this author has a firm grasp on language, sense of place, dialogue,plot and timing. The final ruminating by the father went on a bit too long, but wrapped up the story well. I'm looking forward to reading another book by Mirza.

Maybe if you are a "soccer mom" with school age kids you might find this book mildly entertaining but, if you are looking for a read with substance, ideas, or character development pick another book. Waxman devotes large sections of the book describing car pooling, an adulterous affair, and Frances' boring middle class neighborhood. This theme and cast of characters has been done before. I would not recommend this book to serious readers. Sorry!

What makes a person Happy? Is it money, fame, good looks, good health, another to share our joy? The memoir "Happiness" by Heather Harpham, asks the question: "When, anyway, did happiness become the one golden ring we reach for? How about being guided by what is right or ethical or meaningful...I'd always aimed for what brought me the most joy". Heather muses this question when her daughter, Gracie, born with a deadly blood disorder, may be saved by a sibling's cord blood marrow transplant. Should she, an unwed mother, have another child to save Gracie? The book, written with such poignancy, love and, yes, grace tells Heather's story. At the same time, heartbreaking as Gracie endures sickness, blood transfusions, and ultimately bone marrow transplant, it speaks of the ultimate love and sacrifice parents have for their children. The incredible courage and bravery Gracie and other children undergoing bone marrow transplants possess will break your heart and boost your faith in the strength of character of the human spirit. It is amazing that Heather can write her story with warm humor and compassion, given the trials she, Gracie and her family endured. Read this book. You will smile, you will cry and you will cheer at the threads of happiness the family grasp as they make their journey through "Happiness".

Joan Ashby is a writer. She has works published to rave reviews. She spends 11 years writing a novel she has copywrited but never publishes. She gets married to a brilliant ocular surgeon. She has son, Eric, who is teenage genius and multimillionaire. She has son, Daniel, who resents the family's fame and talent. Son, Daniel, steals her manuscript and publishes it under his name. Joan discovers the duplicity, decides she really does not want to be wife and mother and absconds to India, where son Eric has escaped civilization. Joan and Eric both find themselves as they immerse into the simplicity and spirituality of India. Joan leaves husband and finds love and happiness with famous, handsome birder. She forgives Daniel. That is the crux of the story, but it does not do justice to the gorgeous writing of Cherise Wolas. Her characterizations are point on without being trite. Her descriptive passages are mesmerizing. For a long, long book of over 500 pages, and dense with ideas, it kept me reading, but not at long intervals. There were too many things to think about in this book. How does fame and genius in family members influence other not-so-brilliant members? Does marriage and motherhood tamp down female aspirations and creativity? Is it selfish to want your own space and time to create without interference of family? The book is rich with Joan's stories-within-the story, which serve to develop her ideas and relationships with the other characters. Probably the book is about 100 pages too long because of the constant reminders of Daniel's traitorous theft,and Joan's need to create, but it is so well written and the language so compelling, I would heartily recommend this book.

If you want to read a political diatribe, then read this book. The dialogue, descriptions and characters are wooden and stereotyped. I thought the book was written by a first-time author until I realized she had written several other books. Her one-sided viewpoint of history was not acceptable in a novel. She should stick to writing murder mysteries, not commentaries on political parties. I would not recommend this book to my book club. Either you agreed with Jackson's point of view or disagreed. No room for discussion,.

A remarkable story of one woman, her 3 young children and her tenacious drive to "self-build" a home on a shoe-string budget. With the help of only the internet and a few professionals, together they designed, lugged, nailed and finished a 3 car, two story home in less than a year. Cara Brookins, the plucky author, survived two disastrous, abusive marriages to make the incredible decision to start anew with her 2, 11 and 17 year old children. The story is told in alternating chapters: Rise, the chapters of the slow, but sure erection of their "hands-on" house as they suffered through peaks and valleys of construction; and Fall the chapters of her manic husband threatening, abusing and stalking her. The book is written with pathos, wit and clarity, easy to read and hard to put down. It would be interesting to hear comments from a contractor regarding her ability to successfully "raise the roof", install the plumbing, and obtain inspectors' approval in such short a time. Despite the arduous tasks, Brookins finds humor in describing the bumbling helpers she recruits, the pot-smoking electricians, and the antics of her 2 year old playing in the mud on site. Book clubs would revel in her ingenuity in Rise chapters and cringe at the abuse of her husbands in the Fall chapters. Good work, Cara. You are a survivor!

The Return of the Witch is exactly that. It is a sequel to The Witch's Daughter. Of course, I had to read Daughter before the Return and did enjoy Daughter very much. It told the story of the "good witch" Elizabeth as she progressed through the ages starting in the 1600's, her nemesis, warlock Gideon, and her protege, Tegan. Creative, creepy and enjoyable. However,I felt The Return of the Witch did need the reader to first read Daughter to understand the background of these characters, how they came to be and the flipping of places and times. The central character of Return is Tegan, the young witch and explains the reason for Gideon's infatuation with her, but I did not enjoy reading Return as much as I did Daughter. It seemed repetitive and disjointed. I got tired of the "time stepping" and Gideon's continual popping up and morphing into a monster. Although it was interesting to see how Tegan develops, the sequel was a stretch to read. Yes, if you enjoy reading about "real witches" and fairy tales, these are books for you. They might be fun for a book club to discuss, but should be read in tandem.

What a pleasure to find a book so well written, with such terse, unusual language. Lawrence Osbourne has hit the nail on the head as he describes the dark, ominous, conniving Cambodia of today. The steamy atmosphere of the place, the duplicitous nature of the people, and the naivety of the central character, Robert, make for a tense and creepy book reading experience. The author has introduced a melange of characters very well defined and original. The plot is slowly paced and requires a patient reader to progress through it, but the descriptions of the areas and the twists and turns of the story require the reader to concentrate and savor the language. Although throughout, the Cambodian names and phrases are so foreign, the reader quickly adapts and can parse their meanings. I found this book to be addictive, and would recommend it for book clubs.

When you read Every Anxious Wave you must set aside convention and belief and agree to accept the premise of outrageous characters, outlandish situations, weird time travel and smutty language. Yes, the book reminded me of Where'd You Go Bernadette in the witty and humorous language, (Bernadette was one of my favorites), but unlike Bernadette, Daviau feels he has to resort to obscene language and sexual situations to tell his story. I was captivated by Lena and her bizarre appearance and demeanor. She seems to represent the woman who has been marginalized by society for not being smart enough, beautiful enough or svelte enough to fit in and thrive. That Karl sees through her defensive attitude and appreciates her goodness is a main theme of the book. Another interesting theme of Wave is Wayne's (and Daviau's) condemnation of modern society politics When Wayne time travels to 980 and refuses to leave because he loves the pure nature and lack of warfare and competition of the natives, it is obvious that Daviau too would prefer to live those times.
I enjoyed reading the book, as I skipped over the overt and totally nonessential sexual and obscene references and language, for the humor and where-are-we-going-now plot. I felt the last chapter or two were irrelevant and written in a hurry to close out the book.
Daviau has a future in humorous, clever and thought-provoking fiction, without thinking he has to cater to the current rash of writing full of trendy and foul language.

Still Life Las Vegas is a compelling book to read because James Sie has a good comedic way with words. He is clever, concise and nails images and situations with spot-on delivery. The book, however, changes direction when it comes to the "still life". The section of Walter's life with his parents and his escape to Las Vegas are intriguing and I read them with relish. Learning about the Greek "stiff life" development was also interesting, however, when Walter realizes his "sexual awakening", I was ready to put the book down. This part was just too unrealistic and creepy. The drawings were definitely fun to decipher and added to the strangeness of the book. It was both fun to read and dark in its contents. Not sure I would recommend this book to my bookclub. They are a lot more mainstream than Still Life Las Vegas.

House of Echoes surely does echo a creepy, mysterious, voice from the past. Although you cannot quite put your finger on why this book has hidden things going on, you early on realizes that things are all not as they should be in this idyllic setting. The letters from Bess to Kathy, as well as the dead animals scattered around are harbinger of some mysterious stuff going on. Caroline, the wife, also exhibits actions not exactly normal. You get the feeling that the townfolks are a bit spooky and creepy, but it is just a feeling - at this point. Duffy's description of the cold, snow and ice make you want to turn up the heat. He does a great job creating a winter atmosphere. Besides being a page-turning mystery, House of Echoes is also the story of a family - father, mother and two young sons where the mother obviously has some mental problems. Ultimately, the family, though the horror and desperation of the climax, realize the true meaning of family and importance of life. The book is a page-turner, and is fun to read.

Who know that WWII was so close to mainland USA? This fictional account of the secretive battle to keep the Japanese from escalating the front to the USA is told from the perspective of a journalist caught behind enemy lines and his wife who searches for him. John Easley, after his plane is shot down, fights to stay alive on a remote Aleutian Island, and his wife travels to Alaska on a USO trip to find him. The writing is crisp, evocative and succinct - no wasted words here. The writer describes loneliness with such powerful images, the book was hard to put down. Alice, Easley's wife, is an amazing, strong and dedicated woman who fights protocol, her mixed feelings and the US Air Force to travel to Alaska to look for her husband. I am not so sure I enjoyed the last couple of chapters as much as the rest of the book, but the book and its characters stayed with me long after I finished it.