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The Life of the World to Come
by Dan Cluchey

Let's talk self-indulgence (4/17/2016)

This is a story that was written in waves. Some nice highs and lows, no whitecaps. Love and life are not always easy or joyful; however, the reaction does not have to be predictable.

The story started slow, sped up slightly, then washed us to shore. Not a fan of the writing style. Hoping the next book will keep me at sea...

Black River: A Novel
by S.M. Hulse

Full of Surprises (1/26/2016)

The author took a challenging issue and kept the story moving in unexpected directions. Twice I thought I knew what was going to happen and twice I was wrong. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a masculine story.

Tuesday Nights in 1980
by Molly Prentiss

Very slow plot (1/16/2016)

The book has an interesting story if you are willing to wade through the plots, subplots, and constantly changing venues. I have to say, I was moseying thru the pages when the event happened out of nowhere. I still can't stop thinking about it. Kudos to Molly Prentiss.

All Is Not Forgotten
by Wendy Walker

Can't Cheat the Ending (10/15/2015)

There are times when we wish we could forget something that happened...pain, embarrassment, need to move on. This book will explain why all memories are needed. I tried reading the ending to relieve the anxiety of this story; however, I read it wrong. This book was great from the sad beginning to the unbelievable ending. One of the best books I read this year. It is perfect for book clubs...great discussion on morality.

The Deepest Secret
by Carla Buckley

A Tad Bit Long for the Story (12/29/2013)

The fact that everyone has at least one secret is certainly highlighted in this book. And the secrets can often intersect with a loved one or a stranger. Carla Buckley has a wonderful story to tell; however, the writer occasionally adds several pages that just are needed. The book is a page turner, it just didn't need that many. I found the story interesting, but would not recommend it to a friend.

Amy Falls Down
by Jincy Willett

Lovely Surprise Journey (7/8/2013)

Getting older has its challenges and unforeseen mishaps can certainly bring unique opportunities to test one's abilities and patience. Thank goodness, Jincy Willett created a wonderful, insightful, humorous, and straightforward description of some of the joys of adding years to our lives and learning that others' opinions are not as important as we once thought. Yes, we do not want to be rude; however, we don't need people steering us in directions we may not want to go.

I thoroughly enjoyed the style of the writing and the rhythm of the story...if not for having a job, I would have read this in one sitting. Great read!

All You Could Ask For
by Mike Greenberg

From Good to Great (11/25/2012)

This was one of the best books I've read this year. It keeps a person's interest from page one. Three women...three different lifestyles, and yet, one common theme. We are women, we are sisters, we shall always be there for each other. Mike starts the book off well with the competitiveness of all hard-working women and yet brings us together for the second half. Kudos!!

And When She Was Good: A Novel
by Laura Lippman

I Didn't Want It to End (7/12/2012)

Few books are written that you actually want to take on vacation. Laura Lippman has given us books in the past that are quite good and this one is no exception. I was reading at a good pace, and then slowed down because I didn't want it to end. When you can read a story and feel the emotion from all sides, even anger at the protagonist at times, it is a good story. I was surprised that the story was as current as it was with events that seemed to have occurred just yesterday. Dear Laura: please keep these books coming.

A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns

A Fun Read (4/17/2012)

Eleanor Kuhns did enough research to make this historical thriller believable and fun to read. The subplots worked well together and kept the story flowing...it was easy to read several chapters without pause. The only criticism was giving some of the secondary characters more than one name. However, the mystery was so intense, I had to cheat and read the ending...well worth knowing as a person completes the book. I loved it!

Losing Clementine: A Novel
by Ashley Ream

Prepare for Some Morbid Fun (2/15/2012)

Ashley Ream is now my new BFF. What a fantastic read she created with "Losing Clementine". This book is the most fun you can have while turning pages...a truly laugh-out-loud story of a macabre subject. Everyone has had challenges in life, this book may help you organize said life for the resolution you want...and have a good time doing it. Kudos to Ashley for the most entertaining book I've read in months.

Wayward Saints
by Suzzy Roche

And then what happened? (11/23/2011)

This is a story that started out slowly, built up speed, and then fizzled. Being a recovering Catholic, I found the sub-storyline a bit sacrilegious, but not offensive. If there was a main theme to this book, it was lost on me. In the positive column, coming of age and heading to middle-age is a tough subject, but that was actually handled quite well. The book is worth reading because it will make you think about acceptance for quite a while.

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