Reviews by Beverly D. (Palm Harbor, FL)

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The Face Thief
The Face Thief: A Novel
by Eli Gottlieb
What a disappointment! (12/12/2011)
Comparing this effort to James M. Cain or Ian McEwan, as the cover suggests, is an affront to both authors. This novel is a lingering shadow of what it MIGHT have been. There is an interesting idea here but what suspense there might have been was hampered by the author's …more
The Borgia Betrayal
The Borgia Betrayal: A Poisoner Mystery Novel
by Sara Poole
Wonder Woman in Renaissance finery (6/12/2011)
Francesca is supposed to be a young woman of the 15th century but her story reads like 21st century manga...Her portrayal (and it IS written in 1st person) is too modern, too over the top to be believable. As an adventure/romance story it might work but for anyone expecting …more
The Sweetness of Tears
The Sweetness of Tears: A Novel
by Nafisa Haji
just misses... (2/27/2011)
I so wanted to love this book. Combining religions , cultural traditions= , family dynamics.. (very extended family) and world events, this novel had the potential to be a timely portrayal of current issues before us today.

What kept this novel from being great for me was …more
Little Princes
Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal
by Conor Grennan
more info please (11/30/2010)
Another in the line of "self-discovery" storis and commitment to doing what is right no matter the cost.
The story of the 18 orphans and the 7 lost children is the thread that ties adventures together. Although an absorbing journey, I need more background info, i.e. the …more
Losing My Cool
Losing My Cool: How a Father's Love and 15,000 Books Beat Hip-hop Culture
by Thomas Chatterton Williams
a young man's look at hip hop (4/5/2010)
Williams examines the seductiveness and potential dangers of the hip hop lifestyle as it applied to him as a young man growing up in Plainfield,N.J. Ultimately finding his "place" through the study of Hegel, Heidegger and his father's unending belief in study & learning, …more
Heresy
Heresy
by S.J. Parris
blend of fact & fiction (12/5/2009)
For fans of historical thrillers (i.e. Cadfael series) this is for you. A very clever,sophisticated who-dunnit with twists & turns along the way. The writing is good; not great... I did find myself plodding through some sections .
The Lieutenant
The Lieutenant
by Kate Grenville
Australia & the Astronomer (9/23/2009)
I very much enjoyed this book. Grenville's fictionalized account of the British colonization of Australia gives an immediate & intimate perspective of the newly formed penal colony. The interactions between the "natives" and eccentric protagonist Daniel Rooke are small …more
The Weight of a Mustard Seed
The Weight of a Mustard Seed: The Intimate Story of an Iraqi General and His Family During Thirty Years of Tyranny
by Wendell Steavenson
Frustrating (2/10/2009)
This book could have been so much more, if only to put a human face on our "enemies". It does give the reader a sense of how Saddam was able to make Iraq into his personal fiefdom; it did not convey to me how Gen. Sachet's turnaround "moral journey " evolved. The …more
It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time: My Adventures in Life and Food
by Moira Hodgson
echoes of Ruth Reichl (7/6/2008)
What a life ! I love reading about food and the associated memories Ms.Hodgson shares her unusual early years, growing up all over the world, while telling stories of family, friends and travel AND includes recipes. She has a breezy, casual style that makes this book an easy read.
The Fisher Boy
The Fisher Boy
by Stephen H. Anable
Mystery, love story, travelogue ? (3/3/2008)
I had a very difficult time with this first novel. The plot is convoluted to the point that I had a problem trying to sort through all the main characters. Each chapter brings another element into the plot with expansive, even rambling description that does nothing to move …more
Before I Die
Before I Die
by Jenny Downham
Good First Effort (9/19/2007)
Before I Die is a good first effort. I felt that the first half of the book needed tighter editing; if you can get there, the second half flowed a lot better with more "action". The adult characters were not as developed as the teens were, guess that's why it's a teen/young …more
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