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Reviews by Joan W. (Orion, MI)

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The Love of My Life: A Novel
by Rosie Walsh
Who are you? (3/2/2023)
Emma and Leo and very much in love Neither could believe not believe that they could so happy along with their daughter Ruby. Emma has a life threatening medical situation and with Leo being an obituary writer has decided to do an obit regarding Emma to keep himself busy. But he finds out he does not know Emma at all. That is when the story contains a mystery as to who is Emma, it’s not her real name and it goes on and on. What Leo finds out and how he handles it and how can Emma convince him that she loves him and only him. Pretty good story. Was not sure how this story was going to go on and what would happen but it kept me reading until I finished the book sooner than expected. Pick up a copy, you may be surprised how much you will like it too.
The Long Ago: A Novel
by Michael McGarrity
Family Matters (2/27/2023)
Have not read Michael McGarrity books in a while and wish I had. He is a good writer - easy to read - and writes very good stories. The Long Ago is a story of Ray and Barbara, brother and sister, who did not have a good home life - when their mother died Ray left home and joined the Army, leaving Barbara on her own with their alcoholic father. As time goes on and things happen, Barbara leaves as well and tries to find herself a job on a ranch taking care of horses and teaching people to ride. When Ray returns home on leave, he tries to find Barbara and gets help from the Sheriff in town and a few of his friends. In the meantime, Ray tries to find Barbara before his return to the Service and Vietnam. This was a good family story and friendship and caring for one another. After reading the Long Ago I will certainly return to read what I missed of McGarrity's good books. Go on and check them out, you will be glad you did.
Shadows of Berlin: A Novel
by David R. Gillham
WWII/Berlin (3/7/2022)
I did like Shadows of Berlin. Wasn't sure at first but as I continued I liked it - I have read many books dealing with the Holocaust and the camps - this one was from a different perspective. Rachel came to Manhattan as a displaced Jewish immigrant who managed to survive WWII. Her Uncle Fritz fled with her. She had hoped she could forget the horrors of what she saw and had to do to survive in Germany., She met and married Aaron who tried to help her but it was a hard memory to set aside. Her memories were not going away. It was something she had to do on her own. Good story - good writing.
The Last Tiara
by M.J. Rose
Good Story (12/16/2020)
This story is about Isobelle and her mother Sofiya in alternating stories. Isobelle's mother came from Russia with Isobelle when she was a very young girl. Sofiya never talked about Russia where she was an art restorer and tutor for the Romanov girls. Isobelle, being close in age to the girls, was allowed to attend these classes and became friends with the Romanov girls. When the Romanovs knew they were going to have to leave Russia, Isobelle's friend the Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna gave her her tiara full of jewels. And most of all Sofiya never talked about it to her father, only that he was the love of her life. After Isobelle's mother dies in an accident, she decides to renovate the apartment they lived in and finds a jeweled tiara inside one of the walls. That is where the story really gets on. Isobelle decides she has to find out about the tiara, who her father was. This is basically a good story and with some twists and turns and a good plot. The only part of this book I did not like, and I put it down a couple of times because of it, were the sex scenes. I don't think the elaboration was necessary. You can get the drift without it being stated so explicitly. For that I would give the book a 3 but for the story itself I would give it a 4.
Fortune Favors the Dead: Pentecost and Parker #1
by Stephen Spotswood
Detective with a twist (11/14/2020)
I just finished reading this book and loved it. Wasn't quite sure what to expect. Women detectives - one who lived with a circus for many years - it was a little different and interesting. Would highly recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book to enjoy.
The Sun Down Motel
by Simone St. James
Scary - (11/3/2019)
This read is as good as The Broken Girls. My imagination went a little off the chart with this one - working the night shift at an old motel with strange happenings helped Carly find out about her Aunt Viv who became missing while working at the motel 20 years ago, Ghosts, strange odors, doors closing and shutting on their own would make anyone jump. Very good story, and I would suggest you keep the lights on while reading this great read.
The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel
by Jeanne Mackin
Great Read (2/25/2019)
This is a story of fashion in Paris - about Schiaparelli and Chanel. Also a story of Lily, Ania and Charlie just before WWII started up. Lily became friends with Schiap (as her friends called her and Chanel through Ania.
The story moves on at a good pace, fashion, fierce rivalry, and finding love in the least place you would think, about fashion designs, artists, and of course Paris.
The story kept me interested all the way through, and made me stay up very late to see how it all turned up. You will be surprised about that. It made me sad, angry, and happy. Definitely a must read.
The Lost Man
by Jane Harper
Great Read (11/7/2018)
Jane Harper does it again. This story is about the Australian outback. Cameron is found dead by an old grave by his brothers. This is kind of past and present story of a tyrant father, a great mother, and the three brothers. Jane weaves her story in and out and makes you stay up at night reading her books; this is no exception. You will love it. I not only recommend this book but her others as well. They are all great reads.
Sold on a Monday
by Kristina McMorris
Compelling Read (9/5/2018)
Was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this wonderful book. Sold On A Monday, story of people selling their children because they can't afford to feed them. Once you start with book, you will not be able to put it down.
City of Dreams: A Novel of Early Manhattan
by Beverly Swerling
Great Read (10/18/2017)
This was a phenomenal story and book. Have read just about all of Swerling's books and they are a cannot put down reads. I would not hesitate to say you have got to read this and all of her stories.
June: A Novel
by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore
Stars Above Us (2/28/2017)
I received this as a book to review. When I first started it, I had a hard time getting into it. It took almost 50 pages to not give up and continue and then I liked it., The story came alive for me and I was glad I had read it and stuck with it. Story of an average girl and a movie star. Who ever has that chance to be a part of that world and find out you really care for someone - but June cared not only for Jack but she cared very much for her close friend Lindie and just could not leave her behind. Was it right thing to do? Only you can determine that and decide for yourself.
A Certain Age: A Novel
by Beatriz Williams
Great Read (3/4/2016)
Another great read from Beatriz Williams. Story of the Jazz Age - Theresa, Sophie and Octavian, a war pilot returned from the Great War. People with money who don't know what to do except party. Love and murder. She always puts in a twist or two in her stories. I love her books and enjoy every single one. Highly recommend this one as well. Can't wait for the next one!
I'll See You in Paris
by Michelle Gable
Paris ooh la la (12/26/2015)
I was anxious to start this book but was a little disappointed. I had a hard time staying with it until the last quarter of the book. The story started out okay but it seemed to lose me from time to time with the main characters. The ending was not what I expected. I enjoyed A Paris Apartment very much but I'll See You in Paris did not live up to my expectations.
Letters to the Lost
by Iona Grey
Heartwarming Story (3/9/2015)
I thoroughly enjoyed Letters to the Lost. I enjoy reading stories that relate to WWII and the present day. I could feel so many emotions in reading this story about Jesse, Stella and how their lives were so much alike. You dislike some characters and love others. I laughed and I cried for Stella and Dan. To have a love like that is wonderful. I definitely recommend this book and I look forward to Iona Grey's next book.
A Paris Apartment
by Michelle Gable
Paris! (3/12/2014)
I love these kinds of stories – two stories in one – one present day and the other past. April is a furniture expert who goes to Paris to review and set up an auction of very old furniture in an apartment closed up for 70 years. In the process she finds the diaries/journals of the previous owner. She knows these journals will help in the auction - in the present day her marriage is on a teeter totter, not sure whether it is up or down, possible divorce. It is a little intertwining but the story is a good one. She has some issues as well that she hadn't shared and has been held inside for too long. All in all, it makes me want to go to Paris and to find new love and friendships. Very good story. I would definitely recommend it. As I said earlier, this is my kind of story – and that is what it is, a good story without all the language and such that are in others.
The House Girl
by Tara Conklin
The House Girl (11/15/2012)
I was very excited to receive a copy of The House Girl. I love reading these types of stories. The going back and forth of two eras was handled very well. I felt so sorry for Josephine, the slave girl, and was anxious to find out what happened to her. Lina, a smart corporate lawyer, in her mission of the reparations case and the art world was intricately woven all together and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I would certainly recommend this book and look forward to the next one by this author.
15 Seconds
by Andrew Gross
15 Seconds (5/8/2012)
It is true that our lives can change in seconds because of one reason or another and for Henry Steadman, it certainly did. This is a fast paced, lots of action story. You certainly wonder how he is going to get out of the situation and find out the hows and whys of what is happening to his life. It seems impossible for someone you don’t know to run and almost ruin your life, but Andrew Gross showed us it can happen. I have read each one of Andrew Gross’s books and loved every one of them and this is no exception.
The Tudor Secret: The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
by C. W. Gortner
The Tudor Secret (3/17/2011)
King Edward, Elizabeth I, the Dudleys, a host of great characters. This was a great historical fiction - This book was full of intrigue, spies, who is working for who? The story about Brendan, an orphan, wanting to find out the secret of his past, meeting up with William Cecil and Elizabeth I. Great read. Can’t wait for the next installment of this series. Would certainly recommend it.
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