The Temple House Vanishing
by Rachel Donohue
Good debut novel. The Temple House Vanishing (4/8/2021)
The Temple House is a girls boarding school run by nuns. They act as if they were in charge of a first class elite boarding school. However it is only a second rate school, with the building needing work. The plot concerns the disappearance on the same day of student Louisa and art teacher Mr. Lavelle. The book is narrative form, 2 people. Student Louisa and The Journalist. At times this is confusing. Louisa is a scholarship student and her only friend is Victoria from a wealthy family, her father on school board and so on. They form a close bond including the male art teacher. I must say that I cannot imagine nuns allowing a young attractive male teacher to spend time with female students. I did not like the characters, I found them self centered and heartless. Quick to put up walls to protect themselves. The disappearance is nationwide big news. The 25th anniversary is coming up. Which explains The Journalist. She is digging around to write a big story. I can't give any more information, don't want to spoil the plot. The ending is dragged out too long, it uncovers a tragic tale and secrets. I found the book an enjoyable read, the author writes descriptive scenes very well, but too many. I give it three stars.
He Started It
by Samantha Downing
He started it. (2/8/2020)
This is a devious psych thriller, about three siblings. To claim slices of gramp's fortune, they have to retrace the trip they drove with him years ago. A more detestable group I've yet to meet. They have deeply held secrets and betrayals pile up. The author has a wry humorous way with words, and good at creating characters. However, had to suspend belief at some plot lines. The book is a fast read, beginning held my interest but second part slow. The author has an explosive and unexpected ending. I did not care for this ending, felt as a reader I was being manipulated. Therefore 3 stars for me, but I'm sure to be in the minority.
D-Day Girls: The Spies Who Armed the Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win World War II
by Sarah Rose
Wonderful brave women (3/13/2019)
D-Day Girls is a well researched and written book. These are fascinating and very brave women. These were the women of Churchill's Special Operations Executive. Not everyone was in favor of sending women behind the lines, parachuting with Nazis controlling France. They were very highly trained and blended in with the locals, displaying great courage. Wiring info to London. The author has written a book for history lovers who will just enjoy reading and admiring all of these women.
The Summer Wives
by Beatriz Williams
Not Impressed (4/16/2018)
This is the first book I have read by Beatriz Williams. I am not impressed, I found writing uneven and characters undeveloped. Very unlikable people, always having conversations that go on and on. I really am not sure which plot is the main plot, so many different stories going on.
This is not historical fiction and not a mystery. It is a soapy summer romance novel. Every year about this time we get the Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Maine coast island book. his is going to be a big favorite book club selection. Some readers will really enjoy it.
I'm sure that my review will be the exception and that's why we have reviews. I'm glad I did not pay for the book, and don't plan on reading the author again.