You go Loretta! Mrs. Plansky in Mrs. Plansky's Revenge is a delightful character who is a testament that being in your 70's doesn't mean you are ripe for being played. In this likable story, we meet Loretta a bright, active widow, who in her 70"s, is still juggling care and support of a 90 parent, two middle aged children, and two grandchildren. When she is scammed out of most of her fortune, she takes matters into her own hands and there is where the adventure begins. Plucky and feisty, she is woman bent on justice and will do what it takes to right a wrong. Yet, she retains her kind heart and hopeful spirit. This is an enjoyable read, and if you are a fan of Quinn's Chet and Bernie series, you won't be disappointed. I see a possible sequel coming for Loretta Plansky! You go, girl!

The Poet's House by Jean Thompson is a charming coming of age story about Carla, who in her twenties, has not found a comfortable nor assured fit with her life. In the space of one summer, Carla is embraced by the famous poet, Viridian and her poet friends; and a new world of experience opens. Like poetry, this book has many layers and unfolds in poignant and beautiful ways. Like prose, there is a plot and even mysteries that keep you turning the page. The Poet's House is a perfect blend of these two genres. As a resident of the Bay Area, I found the setting in Marin and San Francisco spot on. I connected with and loved every character and found the writing excellent. I highly recommend this book. I was first grabbed by the note that lovers of Lily King would like this book, and I am not disappointed. I hope to read more of Jean Thompson.

Never Have I Ever takes the reader on a wild suburban ride. Jackson is artful and crafty in creating such believable characters living in a world most of us know. The all too boring book club meeting soon spirals into a free fall of fear and deception, uncovering lies upon lies, both past and present. Jackson, a skilled writer, offers a page turner with a different twist- one that keeps you reading and guessing till the end. What secrets do we hide and what would happen if they all came out?

If you are a lover of Paris, of fashion, of color, of intrigue and history, then The Last Collection by Jeanne Mackin opens these worlds to you. Set in the days before and during WWII, this work of historical fiction weaves the feline like rivalry between Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli into the lives of Lily and her brother Charlie. Mackin is her best at bringing that Paris to a colorful and detailed reality and clearly has a well studied understanding of both designers and the differences in their art and philosophies. A good pick for any book club looking to see how even in the worst of times, art and fashion reflect who we are.

Red, White, Blue by Lea Carpenter is a whole new genre of spy novel. Brilliantly crafted, it is smart and the reader is smarter for having read it. Narrated in two voices, it is more than an inside look at the CIA, it is a look at what working for the CIA demands in personal sacrifice. Not just for the agents, but for all those who love them. This is a politically savvy and pertinent novel in these times of geopolitical and national turmoil. I will never watch the news in the same way. This book answers questions I didn't know to ask.

Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson is a treasure. As a voracious reader, many books pass through my hands. This book is a keeper, one I will have on my shelf and reread many times in my life. Go slowly with this book. Savor each page. Like a museum where each room and display holds a treasure, each page of this book inspires and links us to our humanity and oneness with time and place. At times, I was left breathless and was, throughout, captivated by Tina and Kristian. Like the Tullund Man, whose face holds a timeless tenderness, so, too, does this book. One of my favorite books of all time. Thank you, Anne Youngson!

In Only Child by Rhiannon Navin, I was not expecting a page turner, but a page turner I found. Narrated by Zach, a six year caught in the crossfire of violence in an elementary school shooting, Only Child takes the reader on a journey most are afraid to contemplate and have no way of navigating. Zach's innocence proves to be both a safeguard and guiding light; and because he is able to find his way through the complexities of this tragedy, so are we. I found Only Child riveting and enlightening. From first page to last, Zack is our champion, and we are his.

Force of Nature, by Jane Harper, is an intelligent, suspenseful, and tension filled novel. As with The Dry, Harper uses Australia's challenging physical environment as yet another character to consider in solving a crime. While five women begin a harrowing corporate team building adventure in the Australian bush, only four return. Agent Aaron Falk, once again, must solve a crime that originates as corporate misconduct and ends with possible murder. Family plays an important role in finding answers, family business and family dynamics, but there are many other forces at work here. Both Mother Nature and human nature are participants, and in this page turning thriller, we experience the cruel and contentious side of both. By nature, we are a curious lot and Force of Nature keeps us on the edge of our seats and guessing until the very end!