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Reviews by Lisa R. (Salem, OR)

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The French Girl
The French Girl
by Lexie Elliott
Pleasantly surprised! (9/13/2017)
I wasn't sure at the beginning that I would really like this book, but quickly got sucked into the story and trying to figure out all the relationships and their background. I enjoyed the mystery, and liked that I wasn't sure until nearly the end of who it was that actually committed the murder.
Seven Days of Us
Seven Days of Us: A Novel
by Francesca Hornak
7 Days of Us (6/8/2017)
I guess I am going to be the odd one out here. Or maybe it's because I'm dealing with some dysfunctional family issues right now! I've tried several times to get into this book, and it just isn't happening. I was really looking forward to it, and at face value it sounds …more
The Fifth Petal
The Fifth Petal: A Novel
by Brunonia Barry
Wonderful story teller (3/12/2017)
Ms. Barry has written a particularly interesting story! I wish I had read the first book The Lace Reader, first, but you can read this as a stand alone. I am definitely going to dig up the first book, as I know I have it. I didn't really figure out where the book was going …more
Karolina's Twins
Karolina's Twins
by Ronald H. Balson
Mesmerizing and Heartbreaking (7/22/2016)
This story sucked me in from the very first page. Soon I was immersed as if I was there with the characters themselves, wanting to help, wanting to turn back time and change one of the most painful parts of world history. The characters were so believable, and although this …more
Ashes of Fiery Weather
Ashes of Fiery Weather
by Kathleen Donohoe
Touching story showing our connections (3/10/2016)
While the fire station was the expected focus of this story, for me it was really about the relationships that each family has, and how we often no so little about the stories between us. I enjoyed reading this story, and the writing let the story flow between the years …more
The Art of Baking Blind
The Art of Baking Blind
by Sarah Vaughan
Life behind the scenes (4/11/2015)
I loved this book. It took me a few pages to get into it, but soon I was involved in the lives of the participants in the contest, and really couldn't decide who I wanted to win. Not all the characters are so likeable, but as in real life, there are reasons revealed for …more
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: The Untold Story
by Barbara Leaming
Upending all my ideas/ideals! (11/11/2014)
I think this book was very well written and the author made a point of documenting everything. Unfortunately for me, a lot of what she wrote about, made me have to rethink the way I have always thought of Jackie Kennedy. I always thought of her as a princess, indeed, a …more
That Summer
That Summer
by Lauren Willig
Connecting the Past to the Present (5/14/2014)
I very much enjoyed reading this book. I had no trouble going back and forth between the different time periods, and I found myself reading way into the night, wanting to know what happened. I didn't really get a feeling for what would happen in the past until near the end …more
Where Monsters Dwell
Where Monsters Dwell
by Jørgen Brekke
Not for the Faint of Heart (11/6/2013)
This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. It includes graphic violence, but the mystery was good, and the story kept me attentive. I did have an idea who the killer was, but the author did a good job of not really making it apparent, and in tying the pieces all …more
The Gravity of Birds
The Gravity of Birds: A Novel
by Tracy Guzeman
The Gravity of Birds (9/18/2013)
I didn't think when I started that this was going to work for me, but just a few pages in, I was captured by the beautiful prose of the author, and the hidden stories within. I wanted to know about the characters, and solve the mysteries, and help the characters. Iwas …more
Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets
Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets: A Memoir
by Jessica A. Fox
Books and romance! (6/25/2013)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing was very reflective of the way real people think and act, as far as the personal and romantic part went. I loved reading the descriptions of Scotland, and living in a bookshop would be a dream! Once I started, I didn't want to …more
Where You Can Find Me
Where You Can Find Me: A Novel
by Sheri Joseph
New Author (3/1/2013)
I am somewhat hesitant in my review of this book. I think the book is very well written, and the story is different than I have read before. That said, it was more difficult to get through, jumping back and forth in time. I also felt there was just not enough expansion of …more
The Imposter Bride
The Imposter Bride
by Nancy Richler
Beautiful sense of place (12/4/2012)
I enjoyed this book, and felt like the author really gave me a sense of the family and the emotions. I also enjoyed the Jewish references, and how the family interacted with each other. Also the realistic depiction of the people - not everyone was sweetness and light, but …more
Salvation of a Saint
Salvation of a Saint
by Keigo Higashino
Interesting Read (9/28/2012)
This was a new author to me, so I don't know any of the backstory for these characters, but it was entirely possible to read this book as a standalone. That said, I am going to look for the previous books, as I enjoyed the mystery, although I was fairly certain who the …more
Three Weeks in December
Three Weeks in December
by Audrey Schulman
Deep and thought provoking. (2/15/2012)
I was captivated by the way the author presented the part of the character with Asperger's. It gave an insiders look at how they are treated and how they feel the world. The book was beautifully descriptive, and kept my interest all the way through.
The Look of Love
The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark
New Author For Me (12/13/2011)
This book was an easy, light read. I had not read this author before, and had a little bit of trouble getting into the story, but that could be because it wasn't the first book in the set. And to be honest, sometimes I can revisit a book later, and like it much more. I …more
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake: A Novel
by Jenny Wingfield
Timeless Story (7/11/2011)
I liked this book, but it might not be for everyone. Some of the situations in the book were hard to read about, although you know they happen in this world of ours. The writing was excellent, and represents many situations where people are trying to do the right thing. The …more
Heat Wave
Heat Wave: A Novel
by Nancy Thayer
Good Light Reading (5/3/2011)
I did enjoy this book, and I think that most readers that like this type of fiction would as well. My main problems with the book stemmed from the fact that it seemed fairly superficial. What I mean by that is the tragedies that the protagonist endured didn't really seem to …more
Prophecy
Prophecy: An Historical Thriller
by S.J. Parris
Prophecy by S.J. Parris (4/3/2011)
This book is definitely for those who love history in their books! It took a little while for me to get into the story, but then I enjoyed it very much. I will be looking for a copy of the writer's other book, Heresy. The writing is very descriptive and detailed and it's …more
Friendship Bread
Friendship Bread: A Novel
by Darien Gee
A Warm & Luscious Read (3/13/2011)
It's a book to cherish. More than just a story, it will make you take stock of what's important in life, and see how we can all make a difference by the small things we do in our lives. I laughed and cried, and then I got a bag of starter out of my freezer.

I found myself …more
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