BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Happy Land
by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Wonderful Historical Fiction (11/1/2024)

Dolen Perkins-Valdez has written another stunning novel in Happy Land. The story follows the Lovejoy family of women as the timeline moves between present day and the time of the Kingdom of the Happy Land. I enjoyed both sides of the story and was especially interested to learn the story is based on actual historical facts. These are strong women who want nothing more than to restore the land of the Kingdom and allow future generations to thrive there. Characters are well-developed and you'll find yourself rooting for them right to the very satisfying end.

The House on Biscayne Bay
by Chanel Cleeton

Good Read (1/2/2024)

I enjoyed this story from Chanel Cleeton. Her writing flows smoothly between time periods and I found myself interested in both plot lines, not just one as is often the case. The story is haunting. I saw it described as Gothic and would definitely agree. I'm not sure if this is a series but I would love to see a sequel, or prequel, to this book. It seems like there is still so much to learn about the characters; I was left wanting a little more. Good read!

Becoming Madam Secretary
by Stephanie Dray

Interesting History (11/29/2023)

This is an interesting look into the life of Frances Perkins, the first female Secretary of Labor, under FDR. Took me a while to get through it but I really enjoyed a peek into the politics of the time, as well as the persevering spirit of Miss Perkins. The author's note at the end is particularly interesting as it outlines many factual details that the author was unable/unwilling to write into the story. Well done!

Delicate Condition
by Danielle Valentine

Not for Everyone (7/7/2023)

This novel is unpleasant in almost every way. I thought the synopsis sounded promising but it was overly graphic and I didn't care for the supernatural aspect of it. The character development was shallow at best and no one was likeable. Do not read if you are pregnant or hope to become pregnant!!

The September House
by Carissa Orlando

Great Horror Story (4/28/2023)

Wow, it’s been a while since I read a horror story and this one did not disappoint! I could not read it fast enough, wondering how the end would turn out. There’s a great deal of the supernatural involved here and I felt it added quite nicely to the story. I found myself rooting for Margaret, even when I wasn’t sure which direction the book would take. Favorite character must be Fredricka.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley

A Fun Trip (10/13/2022)

This novel is a fun page turner that reads much like Driving Miss Daisy meets Thelma and Louise. The characters are likeable and well-developed. You'll find yourself rooting for them without even knowing the whole story. There are some nice twists at the end to wrap the book up nicely, Very enjoyable read!

Surviving Savannah
by Patti Callahan

Great Historical Fiction (3/11/2022)

Surviving Savannah is a well-written novel weaving a present day presentation of a shipwreck and the historical events of the actual sinking of the ship, The author does a nice job of intertwining the two timelines and bringing in interesting family stories from the 1700s. Enjoyed it!

Housebreaking
by Colleen Hubbard

Housebreaking (10/11/2021)

This novel examines one young woman's struggle to come to grips with adulthood and being dealt a rough hand of cards. Returning to her childhood home and literally dismantling it board by board became her sole focus. I appreciate the harsh honesty of the writing but honestly, it became a bit repetitive to hear the details of the "housebreaking". I enjoyed Del's interactions with the quirky friends and family she met along the way. The ending left me wanting me a little more. Overall, the book fell a bit short for me.

Never Saw Me Coming: A Novel
by Vera Kurian

No Wow Factor (6/9/2021)

This book did not wow me. I thought the storyline had great potential but there was so much going on behind the scenes that the main plot was simply lost in the shuffle. The characters were not likable; I suppose they shouldn't be if they are psychopaths but I found myself pushing to get to the end just to finish the book. Can't really recommend this one.

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
by Marie Benedict

A Good Mystery (11/10/2020)

This is a gripping piece of historical fiction, imagining what might have transpired during the real-life disappearance of Agatha Christie. The story was well developed, although I had trouble aligning the two very different personalities of Mrs. Christie, as told from the points of view of herself and her husband, Archie. An interesting story that I knew nothing about prior to reading the novel. Book clubs will enjoy discussing the "what ifs" that inevitably crop up throughout the book.

With or Without You: A Novel
by Caroline Leavitt

With or Without You (5/12/2020)

I enjoyed this novel, a story of three people struggling to find their way in the midst of life-changing circumstances. It was very readable and I thought the characters were fairly well-developed. A bit of chick lit with some deeper moments thrown in. I wasn't a big fan of the ending; it felt like a tidy wrap-up at the end of an arduous path. It would be good for book club discussion and the all-important question, "what happens to the characters afterwards?".

He Started It
by Samantha Downing

Engaging Thriller (2/13/2020)

He Started It is a fast-paced thriller with plenty of unexpected twists. With a better ending, it would rank 5 stars for sure. These are characters you love to hate as their unlikely story unfolds. I enjoyed the smartly written dialogue and road trip details as the family crossed the US. Just wish there had been a more definitive ending.

The Big Finish
by Brooke Fossey

The Big Finish (10/1/2019)

This debut novel is the charming story of a diverse cast of characters who find their lives entwined in an assisted living center. Duffy, the elderly protagonist, is likable and very sharp in his senior years. This is a very enjoyable read, quick but smartly written, with many bits of humor and heartfelt moments interspersed throughout. While a straightforward story, there's plenty of book club fodder and opportunities for discussion. A very enjoyable read!

Yale Needs Women: How the First Group of Girls Rewrote the Rules of an Ivy League Giant
by Anne Gardiner Perkins

An Enlightening Look at History (7/20/2019)

I was particularly interested in reading this book as I also found myself an unlikely pioneer in college......among the first women attending Washington and Lee University in 1985. We numbered only 100 of 1600 undergrads on campus. I found many similarities, not all of them positive, between my experiences and those of the women of Yale in 1969. This book is well-written and easily engages the reader with the lives of 5 women as well as many other figures at the university at that time. There are some fascinating details, including the shadows of the civil rights movement and the Vietnam war protests, looming among these students battling for equality in their secondary education. I think this book is a must-read for those interested in the evolution of university coeducation as well as women's rights. We must study history, not ignore or destroy it, in order to learn how to better ourselves for the future. This is a great study in the history of American education.

The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel
by Jeanne Mackin

Colorful Lesson in History (2/27/2019)

I enjoyed The Last Collection, a novel weaving together high fashion and politics with a love story thrown in for good measure. While it seemed contrived in a few spots, overall the book had an interesting and very readable take on the rivalry between high fashion designers in the WWII era. I found the fashion and political details more intriguing than the love story but it all came together as a cohesive read. Would be excellent for book club discussion......or a field trip to Paris!

The Last Romantics
by Tara Conklin

Wonderful Read (12/7/2018)

Overall, I very much enjoyed The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin. The sibling relationships were well-developed and it was interesting to watch the various relationships ebb and flow, after a difficult time in their lives that they refer to as “the Pause”. The novel has a sad overtone throughout and yet remains very readable. A page turner even. I would have easily given it 5 stars if not for the occasional unusual moments of storytelling in 2079. This admittedly small part of the novel felt confusing and unnecessary. Otherwise, a terrific story. I would definitely recommend it for book clubs.

A Ladder to the Sky: A Novel
by John Boyne

A Long Ladder (9/20/2018)

This novel failed to impress me like some of Boyne's former works. I struggled to find redeeming qualities in the protagonist and simply never came up with anything. The plot tended to ramble with the extensive character development of Maurice Swift and his "acquaintances ". I found myself often losing interest and longing to skip ahead to the end. The sexual overtones felt somewhat forced and lent themselves to the unpleasant character who is Mr. Swift. Overall, a decent read but not one of my personal favorites.

Our House
by Louise Candlish

A Tangled Web (6/24/2018)

This novel is an ongoing web of tangled webs that cross eventually in the end. I enjoyed the format, very readable as told through Foona's podcast and Bram's Word document. It did seem to drag a bit in the mid section but picked up pace again at the end. I longed for a prologue to learn if the outcome was as expected or if additional twists could be expected. This would make an excellent book club choice, lots of discussion points to be made and characters to sympathize with or not.

Only Child
by Rhiannon Navin

Only Child (12/24/2017)

This is a fabulous debut novel from Rhiannon Navin. A story with many similarities to the tragedy in Sandy Hook, the novel unfolds from the perspective of six-year old survivor, Zack Taylor. His family struggles with so many emotions, encompassing grief, anger, and disbelief. Hard to read and yet so compelling, the author allows the innocence, and sometimes even humor, of Zack's voice to shine. I would highly recommend this book. Book clubs will have hours of discussion topics. I loved it!

Sometimes I Lie
by Alice Feeney

A Tangled Web (11/15/2017)

This is a great debut psychological thriller from Alice Feeney. It's a real page turner that twists and turns right to the finish. I found the major plot twist to be a bit confusing in its delivery but otherwise, thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not surprised to see tv rights have already been secured. A dark, entertaining read!

Reviews by Liz B. (Fairview, TX)

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Reviews by Liz B. (Fairview, TX)

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