BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by BB

We'll Prescribe You a Cat
by Syou Ishida

Can a cat prescription solve your problems? (6/10/2024)

I was very pleased to receive an advanced reader’s copy of this book. I am a cat lover and thought this book would be the perfect fit for me. Unfortunately the execution of this really great concept didn’t work well for me. I enjoyed the beginning stories but then I found the rest of the book to be redundant and repetitive. I know others will likely really love this book and it would be worthy of some discussion with others.

The House on Biscayne Bay
by Chanel Cleeton

An atmospheric tale (1/16/2024)

I have read several of Chanel Cleeton's books and just loved her last one, "The Cuban Heiress". So, I was very much looking forward to her new book set in Miami. The author is a wonderful storyteller and she writes a very atmospheric story with this one. But, I must say the two connecting storylines didn't draw me in as I had hoped and I didn't care for the characters as much. It certainly was well told, but just not my favorite of hers.

The Waters: A Novel
by Bonnie Jo Campbell

Rural Noir (10/31/2023)

This book started off rather slowly but it did pick up as it went along. An interesting and well-written story with a setting that is almost like a character itself … rather lyrical in its style. I thought the pacing was off during parts of the story, so that was a bit of a drawback for me. 3.5 star rating

North Woods: A Novel
by Daniel Mason

Beautifully written - but not for me (10/18/2023)

Although this novel is beautifully written, I was bored by it much of the time. I am likely in the minority on this one. I can imagine it might win some awards based on the writing. This one just wasn’t for me.

This Is Salvaged: Stories
by Vauhini Vara

Thought provoking short stories (8/10/2023)

I enjoyed this collection of short stories. I read them just one at a time. The stories stand on their own, yet they share major themes. I'm happy I had the opportunity to read this collection. 3.5 stars

All You Have to Do Is Call
by Kerri Maher

An important issue! (6/22/2023)

Kerri Maher’s current novel covers a very timely, important and relevant topic - the right of women to control their own bodies. Although this story takes place in the 70s, this is still an issue in today’s world. This book will surely be a favorite for women’s book clubs! Recommended

King of the Armadillos
by Wendy Chin-Tanner

Fascinating Coming-of-Age Historical Fiction (5/23/2023)

I enjoyed reading this well-told story of Victor Chin and his time at the Carville leprosarium in Louisiana in the 1950's. This really is a story of belonging and surviving and finding your way. I like reading a book where I learn new things. I also found it very interesting that the story is based on the author's own father's experiences at the leprosarium.

You'll Forget This Ever Happened: Secrets, Shame, and Adoption in the 1960s
by Laura L. Engel

Heartfelt Memoir (2/12/2023)

This is a very well-written personal story about adoption in the 1960’s. I found myself engaged in the story from the very first page. Definitely recommend this book!

The Lost Ticket
by Freya Sampson

A beautiful read! (10/11/2022)

I devoured this little gem of a book in two days. It was absolutely charming and heartwarming.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley

A wild escapade (10/11/2022)

This was a fun and heartwarming novel with a mystery thrown into the mix.

The Paris Bookseller
by Kerri Maher

1920's Paris Literary Scene (11/10/2021)

Three of my favorite things in a book are historical fiction, books about books (or bookstores), and Paris. This novel satisfied all three. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Sylvia Beach and the 1920's literary scene in Paris. It seems that the author did quite a bit of research as a foundation for this novel.

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