I want to thank BookBrowse for the ARC of the Divorcees, by Rowan Beaird. This novel is a well written glimpse into the lives of women during the early 1950's traveling to Reno, NV for a quick divorce.
The novel portrayed how women of that time period were at an enormous disadvantage if they dared step out of the 1950's expected ideal of womanhood.
The story was a bit slow to get started, and depressing, but held my interest.

Thanks once again to BookBrowse for the ARC of Exiles, Jane Harper's latest mystery. I have read, and loved, all of her previous novels. Exiles is set in Australian wine country, with a return appearance of Detective Aaron Falk. Friends and family have gathered for a christening, still shaken by the mysterious disappearance a year earlier of young Zoe's Mother, Kim. Many of the leading characters have grown up and live in Marrallee Valley. The character and plot development is executed well, and the story quickly gains momentum. It was almost impossible to put this book down, it was excellent! I felt so fortunate to receive this early copy, and I'm already looking forward to Jane Harper's next book.

Once again, a big thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC of Thrity Umrigar's new novel, Honor. I was especially excited to receive this book as I am a loyal fan of her work. Ms. Umrigar did not disappoint. Honor was well written, with a compelling storyline. Heartbreaking, and anger inducing. As a reader, I was filled with admiration for the bravery, selflessness, and empathy of the main characters. The contrast between the old and modern India was well portrayed. All in all, an excellent and important book, highly recommended.

Thanks to BookBrowse for the ARC of Lady Sunshine written by Amy Mason Doan. I enjoyed this novel, which takes place on the beautiful California coast. There was an intriguing mystery, that was a challenge to figure out. The characters were engaging, and I enjoyed the past/present way the book was laid out. Beautiful cover also.

I enjoyed the story of Charlie Boykin. Born in Nashville in the early seventies, son of a struggling, but devoted single mom, he receives a scholarship to an elite private school. Soon Charlie is taken under the wing of golden boy Archer Creigh. Shortly the lives of Charlie, and his mom, improve dramatically as they become entwined with the wealthy upper echelons of Nashville society. These early events set the trajectory of their lives. Thoughtful and well written, interesting characters. I recommend this novel. Thank you to Bookbrowse for the chance to read the ARC of Ed Tarkington's new novel, The Fortunate Ones.

Thank you to Bookbrowse for the ARC of Caroline Leavitt's new novel, With or Without You. This is a well written novel, with complex characters whose lives change drastically after a freak accident. I have read several of Caroline Leavitt's books, and recommend her highly. This would be a great novel for book clubs to discuss the choices these characters make.

Thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC of the Prisoner's Wife, by author Maggie Brookes. I've read my share of novels set during WWII, but this one had a storyline that was unique to me. A newly married couple, the wife disguised as a man, trying to survive in a POW camp. Enduring extreme hunger, cruelty, horrific weather, and filthy conditions, it's hard to imagine what people endured, yet found the courage to persevere and help each other.

Thank you to BookBrowse for an ARC of Jeanine Cummins outstanding new novel, American Dirt. I have been trying to remember another book that so instantly captured me from the first page, and I can't. This will be without a doubt the best book I've read all year, and it has been a year of excellent novels for me. I will leave it to readers much more skilled than I am to give a synopsis of this beautifully written novel. I could not stop reading, I felt so emotionally involved with the characters. My heart ached for them, I felt their terror and unbearable grief. I urge everyone to read this stunning and realistic book.

Thank you BookBrowse for an early reader's copy of Colleen Oakley's latest novel, You Were There Too. The storyline was not one I would ordinarily be drawn to, but I enjoyed this book. Well written, interesting characters, and some unpredictable twists, I did not see coming. I would definitely read another novel by this author.

First, I would like to thank BookBrowse for the ARC of Joshilyn Jackson's new book, Never Have I Ever. This was an interesting plot line for a mystery/thriller. It started a bit slow, but in retrospect it was a clever concept, and needed to build the backstory and tension. I had no idea where the story was going, and once I thought I did know, I was soon proven wrong. From the beginning I detested the villain, and that feeling only grew stronger! I liked the supporting characters, but struggled to feel much sympathy for the main character, Amy, although I did admire her strength. All said, it was an enjoyable read, which I highly recommend.

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of John Boyne's latest novel A Ladder to the Sky from BookBrowse. I am an avid fan of Mr. Boyne's books and have read all but one of his adult novels. In my opinion he is one of the most accomplished authors writing today. His latest did not disappoint, I loved it and could hardly stop reading. It was like watching an Alfred Hitchcock movie! The author has a marvelous dry and dark humor, yet he can also write with such empathy and compassion. I urge everyone to read A Ladder to the Sky and then move on to all Mr. Boyne's other novels if you haven't already, you are in for some great reading.

First of all I would like to thank BookBrowse for the advance copy of A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza. I loved this book, a beautifully written story of a Muslim Indian American family living before and in the aftermath of 9/11. As an American I don't think we fully realize the courage it takes to leave your native country and family, and travel hundreds of miles to a new and strange place. Trying to assimilate, yet hold on to your traditions, customs and religion. Then staring your own family, hoping your children will be comfortable in this country, but also honor their native heritage. I felt such empathy for these characters, they were so fully realized and fleshed out. I am so grateful this book came into my hands, it was a wonderful reading experience and I highly recommend it to all readers.

First of all thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC of Force of Nature by Jane Harper. I loved her first book The Dry, and was very excited to have the opportunity for an early chance to read her second book in what I hope becomes a series. I've always wanted to visit Australia and enjoy reading books set there. Ms. Harper does a great job describing the landscape. I like the main character, federal police agent Aaron Falk. This particular story was slow to build, but once it did I found it hard to put down. I would highly recommend Force of Nature, and look forward to another book and the development of Ms. Harper's main character Agent Falk.