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Reviews by Beth B. (New Wilmington, PA)

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Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
by Kathleen Rooney

A One-of-a-Kind Woman ---- and Book (9/10/2016)

At times, laugh out loud funny and others, poignant and packed with wisdom. The reader comes to "know" Lillian Boxfish and is so much the better for it. She is witty, crisp as the best apple, self-confident, and comfortable in her own skin. Lillian, as an 85-year-old, looks …more

The Next
by Stephanie Gangi

Intriguing debut novel: The Next by Stephanie Gangi (7/15/2016)

Spoiler Alert
Death is not the end.
Ghosts have POWER.
"It's good to be invisible."
Revenge is miles beyond sweet.
How lucky one is to have a "dog on duty."

This fabulous book is packed with a multitude of themes. Even the DEDICATION ("You know who you are" pulls a reader in and …more

Fishbowl: A Novel
by Bradley Somer

Fishbowl -- or Ian Coming In For a Landing (4/24/2015)

What a delightful book!! Wise, insightful, whimsical, fanciful --- all due to the writing skill of Bradley Somer. All activity occurs in and directly outside a twenty-seven floor high rise, the Seville on Roxy. The reader meets its residents who travel up and down in its …more

Between the Tides
by Susannah Marren

Between the Tides: a life story defined by water (3/31/2015)

Three quotes from the main character's grandmother appear early and permeate the telling of the tale: The future is preordained; He who owns the gold rules; We are born alone and die alone.

The author skillfully places the cast of characters in situations in which they are …more

A Fireproof Home for the Bride
by Amy Scheibe

What Lies Beyond the Present Moment? (12/3/2014)

Amy Scheibe is an articulate writer with the ability to allow readers an access into the mind of the main character, Emmy. How quickly one can mature when the decision has been made to face reality, going beyond what was once a dream into the sickening horror of long-hidden …more

Backyard
by Norman Draper

What Price Beauty? (10/7/2014)

Open a copy of Backyard and the aroma of floral delights topple out, beckoning you to stroll through the gardens of the town of Livia. Your leisurely pace while admiring the lovely specimens quickly is transformed into a romp as the layers an obsessive hobby are revealed. A …more

Her
by Harriet Lane

Why (5/7/2014)

Fasten your seat belts and jump right into this book!! Suspense, brilliant characterization, sense of London as a place, lost then found, clues dropped like bread crumbs -- this novel has all of that and more. Harriet Lane, the author, has the uncanny ability to throw the …more

Mating for Life
by Marissa Stapley

MATING FOR LIFE -- Immerse yourself in this one!! (3/19/2014)

WOW!!! This book is a winner, one I will definitely recommend to anyone who wants to listen to my effusive praise. Marissa Stapley is certainly an author who can build characters, fleshing them out so that you know them and would even want to meet them -- perhaps have …more

Precious Thing
by Colette McBeth

Don't Miss This One: Precious Thing (12/22/2013)

Truly, DO NOT miss reading this book. Author Colette McBeth, in a debut novel, is clearly one to reckoned with. She not only cleverly plants the seeds of suspicion but also makes the reader feel equally clever since they sense where the plot is going -- but do they?? This …more

Safe with Me
by Amy Hatvany

Not a "riveting" or a "masterful narrative" as back cover states (11/20/2013)

Sadly, I cannot recommend this book. I stuck with it, knowing that a review was expected and hoping that my interest level would be heightened. The novel left me wanting more from a topic/issues that could have been more richly layered. I found it to be lacking in …more

Jacob's Oath
by Martin Fletcher

Return, revenge, survival, good and evil (10/7/2013)

Positives: well-researched, lusciously constructed sentences sprinkled throughout, recommended for book clubs who like to chew on existence issues such as those listed in the title of this review.

I really wanted to like this book to the end, but found myself wishing there …more

The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane
by Kelly Harms

Like a box of Cracker Jack -- a surprise in each chapter (5/18/2013)

Definitely do not miss this treasure!! Put aside the title that hides its true essence and immerse yourself in this story of three very unique women's journeys and their connection to a house, also a character of sorts. Each chapter begins with a gemlike quote by a cookbook …more

Where You Can Find Me: A Novel
by Sheri Joseph

Where You Can Find Me (2/18/2013)

Don't miss reading this book!! Rich in character development, captivating peephole into family dynamics, adolescent sibling relationships, and so much more. You will ponder what you've read after each exposure and definitely its content will enter and reenter your mind for …more

The Aviator's Wife
by Melanie Benjamin

Fascination with the Lindberghs (12/6/2012)

I, like many others, have always been fascinated with the Lindberghs and eagerly began this book. How little I knew about the famous aviator! I feel that he was Lucky Lindy mainly because he chose a wife so wisely. She was the "glue" that enabled their family to endure …more

Salvation of a Saint
by Keigo Higashino

Don't miss this! (9/12/2012)

Have you ever played 52-card pickup with a deck of playing cards? I was reminded of that experience while reading the well-written and suspenseful Salvation of a Saint. Police, detectives, forensics, and even a professor collaborated to pick up all pieces of evidence in a …more

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The Jackal's Mistress
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Hour of the Witch, a Civil War love story of a Confederate wife and a wounded Yankee.

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