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Reviews by Cynthia A. (Grand Rapids, MI)

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The Divorcees
The Divorcees
by Rowan Beaird
A book to devour (10/24/2023)
I devoured this book! I loved all the characters, well almost all. The topic is so interesting, the story was great and so fast moving. And the ending. WOW! I didn't see that coming. I still need to figure out the significance of the lizard.
Pieces of Blue
Pieces of Blue
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
PIECES OF BLUE (1/26/2023)
Pieces of Blue has special meaning for me because as in the story, my husband died suddenly and I was left with 3 children about the same ages as those in PIECES OF BLUE. I can say the feelings, thoughts and road to healing were so similar to the characters in the book.
I enjoyed this book because it is a very good story with no extra fluff. I read it in two sittings.
It could have a better title.
The Fields
The Fields: A Novel
by Erin Young
Good story, enjoyable read (10/14/2021)
I enjoyed reading THE FIELDS by Erin Young. It is a good story and I liked the characters. It gets very exciting and suspenseful near the end.
I would definitely recommend it.
I had one problem with it. The names of the characters. So many of the first names are last names to me. Riley, Logan, Jackson Taylor. Sometimes the author referred to them by last name and sometimes by first names. It was confusing to me. Probably my age.
Never Saw Me Coming
Never Saw Me Coming: A Novel
by Vera Kurian
Never Saw Me Coming (5/30/2021)
Never Saw Me Coming with it's modern setting and age old theme had me from beginning to end. At first the characters and storyline is so interesting. As the story continues and more characters are introduced the book seems to take on a Scooby-Doo theme. That is even mentioned toward the end of the book. But it all comes together in a surprise ending.
The Fortunate Ones
The Fortunate Ones
by Ed Tarkington
All that glitters is not gold (10/15/2020)
All that glitters is not gold.

The grass is NOT greener on the other side of the fence.

These are just two of the sayings that came to mind while reading this book.
I was hooked from the beginning. This is such a good story with many interesting characters and lots of twists and turns. The characters are from different societal groups, income levels, education, talents and walks of life. And yet deep down they are all the same, with hopes, dreams, plans, insecurities and confidence.

I wish there was a sequel because I want to know what comes next
The Summer Wives
The Summer Wives
by Beatriz Williams
WOW!! What a story!! (4/14/2018)
I loved this book! It kept me interested from start to finish and the end is just perfect! Even though most of the characters were from two different classes, in the end they want the same things in life. This is really obvious when outsiders come on the island. I can't wait to read more of her books!
Cruel Beautiful World
Cruel Beautiful World
by Caroline Leavitt
I want to know what happens next (8/19/2016)
What a great read! There are so many stories within the story and I love them all.There are twists and turns and surprises all through the book. I so enjoyed this book I had to fight with myself to put it down.
I hope Caroline Leavitt writes more books!

[Editor's Note: Caroline Leavitt is the author of many more books to discover! Some of these can be found here.
Maud's Line
Maud's Line
by Margaret Verble
MAUD'S LINE (7/22/2015)
At first, I did not think I would like this book. But once I got into it, I didn't want to put it down.
I especially liked reading how Maud plodded through every situation thrown at her.
The characters were so real. They could have been my neighbors.
The story was so true to life.
I really enjoyed this book.
The Drowning Guard
The Drowning Guard: A Novel of the Ottoman Empire
by Linda Lafferty
Not worth the read (8/17/2013)
I did not enjoy this book. While reading the first part of the book, I kept waiting for something to happen. The book would go backwards to past history. I did not like the way the characters called each other, swine, dog, fool, infidel, scoundrel, dung beetle, etc. There was too much description in the book.
Then when I got to the end of the book and it said that there really is no proof of drowning guards, I thought, "Why did I even read this?"
I did like the quality of the paper the book was printed on and wish more books were on this type of paper.
The Good House
The Good House
by Ann Leary
The Good House (12/26/2012)
"The Good House" captures so many aspects of alcoholism in such a gentle way. Denial, blackouts, the life style, shame, embarrassment and the long lasting effects it has on everyone involved is all a part of this book. Because it is written in first person the reader gets right into the alcoholics head.

I loved this book. It is fast moving, funny, interesting, enjoyable and so REAL.
The Face Thief
The Face Thief: A Novel
by Eli Gottlieb
Intriguing, intense (1/3/2012)
Intriguing and intense! I could see this scenario actually happening. This book is a great read! The characters and the story line make this book one of my favorites.
Turn of Mind
Turn of Mind
by Alice LaPlante
One of the best books I've ever read! (4/28/2011)
I dropped everything, canceled everything to read this book, it was that good! The style, format, characters, plot, storyline, all together, make this about the best I have ever read! I will recommend this book to everyone. I can't wait to suggest it to my book club.
A Fair Maiden
A Fair Maiden
by Joyce Carol Oates
No one is on her side (2/10/2011)
Katya is only 16 and it seems that no one is on her side! Everyone uses her, from her mother to her employer to her friends. Then she meets Marcus. An older gentleman, and she is torn between trusting him, loving him and using him. I could not put this book down and read it all in one sitting. It has a very surprising ending.
Original Sin
Original Sin: A Sally Sin Adventure
by Beth Mcmullen
Surprise Ending with Lots of Loose Ends (2/6/2011)
A surprise ending with lots of loose ends has me looking forward to the next episode in the life of Sally Sin. An enjoyable read with uncomplicated characters makes this book a fun read for busy people who read in short spurts of time.
Minding Ben
Minding Ben: A Novel
by Victoria Brown
Real Characters (12/26/2010)
The characters in this story are what make it so real. The little communities, traditions, expected behaviors and unexpected twists and turns make it such a good read. Just when you think you know a character and you decide to like or dislike the person, the author shows you a different side of him causing you to change your opinion. I wish this book didn't end. I want to know more of Grace's story.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops: A Novel
by A.D. Miller
One for the favorite list! (11/22/2010)
Snowdrops is a thrilling, suspenseful, can't-put-it-down read! Although the subject is not the same, I experienced the same anticipation and emotions as when I saw A BEAUTIFUL MIND at the theater. I could not put this book down! This book would be enjoyed by book clubs with both men and women readers. I LOVED this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
Adam & Eve
Adam & Eve: A Novel
by Sena Jeter Naslund
Adam and Eve (9/16/2010)
Disappointing. Good idea for a book, but the read was not enjoyable. Characters and ideas were not developed. Descriptions were more comparisons and the comparisons didn't match up. It seemed as if whole parts of the story were left out. The words used were not from every day language. A forgettable book.
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