BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

The House on Biscayne Bay
by Chanel Cleeton

Want to get lost in another time & in a beautiful place?fu (2/25/2024)

A wonderful book to get lost in. Dual time lines in 1918 and 1941 set the stage for an engrossing story. The gothic elements of this book will make for an interesting comparison to discuss in book groups.

Becoming Madam Secretary
by Stephanie Dray

Outstanding Historical Fiction (11/30/2023)

I knew very little about Frances Perkins but am familiar with the history of the FDR era. I found myself wondering how much was historical and how much was fiction. Dray's note at the end detailed what was historical. As usual, Dray has done her research and the novel stays close to fact in much of the novel. The influence of Frances Perkins continues to this day. Book groups will find much to discuss about Miss Perkins' personal life, professional life, and the balance between them.

Mrs. Plansky's Revenge
by Spencer Quinn

Add to your summer reading list! (5/22/2023)

What a delightful read! A fresh story (from today's headlines) written engagingly and intelligently. Mrs. Plansky is a charming character with relatable family relationships - both her 98-year-old father and adult children. Book groups will have several topics to discuss depending on the age and interests of the group. It would make a very enjoyable summer read - light, interesting, and entertaining. Recommending this book to all my friends!

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley

Ageless Friendships and Family Secrets (11/12/2022)

What an unexpectedly enjoyable book! At first glance, you might not consider this novel for a book group. I will choose this for my group. There are many themes to discuss including family secrets and what to share or not share; friendships between young adults and mature adults; and what happens when you are really there for someone.

Jackie & Me
by Louis Bayard

Friendship and Courtship (6/12/2022)

For those who love historical fiction, this is an intriguing read of Jaqueline Bouvier's life before and her courtship with the Kennedy Family. Louis Bayard acknowledges this is a fictional work, but enough of the story rings true that it holds your interest and you wonder just how much Jackie Bouvier understood what marrying into the Kennedy family meant. The relationship between Lem Billings and Jackie is fascinating and at the center of the novel. For book groups, there would be many subjects to discuss.

On a Night of a Thousand Stars
by Andrea Yaryura Clark

Family Secrets (3/14/2022)

In a dual storyline, Andrea Yaryura Clark tells a story of family and secrets amidst the brutal backdrop of Argentina in the 1970s. As a reader who loves historical fiction, this novel takes place during a period which I knew little about. Clark successfully shares Argentinian history but in the development of the story and not a history lesson stuck in the narrative. Paloma, the daughter of Santiago and Lila Larrea, raised in the United States returns to Argentina with her parents for her father's political appointment. As Paloma searches for answers about her parent's past, Clark beautifully tells the horrific events of Argentina's Dirty War. Book groups will have much to discuss regarding Argentina's history and current events in the world, as well as family relationships. What makes a family, what secrets should be kept, and what should be told. Is there ever a right time to share events of your life with your children. On a Night of a Thousand Stars is a story to be read and discussed!

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
by Marie Benedict

Must Read for Agatha Christie fans (11/27/2020)

I first read an Agatha Christie novel in junior high. I was hooked. I've read most of them over the years, and was intrigued by Marie Benedict's book on the actual eleven day disappearance of Mrs. Christie.

Blending events from Agatha's life with a writing style familiar to fans of Christie's novels, Marie Benedict pays homage to Christie's detective fiction. A very enjoyable read for both fans of Agatha Christie and historical fiction.

The Woman Before Wallis: A Novel of Windsors, Vanderbilts, and Royal Scandal
by Bryn Turnbull

Historical Fiction at its best (7/7/2020)

Having read a lot of historical fiction over the years, I was excited about The Woman Before Wallis as it is a less written about time in history. It did not disappoint! If you have watched The Crown or are familiar with English royalty or the Vanderbilts of Newport, RI, you will enjoy Thelma Morgan's experiences between 1925 and 1934. If you aren't familiar with anyone of those, start reading and enjoy the book.

Book groups will find much to discuss between the extraordinary lavish lifestyles, parenting styles of the wealthy, and differences in English and American expectations. Bryn Turnball's first novel is a great read. I look forward to her next one!

The Prisoner's Wife
by Maggie Brookes

Inspired by actual events, but not inspiring (3/15/2020)

World War II historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the most difficult of circumstances. It can inspire us and educate us in with details of little known events. The Prisoner's Wife is inspired by actual events. The story does educate us about circumstances in Lamsdorf POW camp in Poland, a quarry in occupied Czechoslovakia, and the Long March west. Unfortunately, I did not particularly enjoy most of the main characters. There were portions of their story that I just did not care about. Sadly, the story fell flat for me which was surprising to me. If you love WWII historical fiction, give it a try. However if it doesn't grab your attention in the first 100 pages, put it down for something else.

The Secrets of Love Story Bridge
by Phaedra Patrick

Padlocks, Love, and New Beginnings (1/20/2020)

Every wondered about the locks on the Pont des Arts in Paris, or anyone of the other bridges with "love locks." Phaedra Patrick creates a lovely story about just such a bridge and how it is a part of Mitchell Fisher's life. Mitchell's recent past has regrets and wondering how to move forward. This book is an easy and enjoyable read, but there are themes and experiences which can be discussed as a group.

I Want You to Know We're Still Here: A Post-Holocaust Memoir
by Esther Safran Foer

"History is public. Memory is personal." (11/21/2019)

World War II literature is one of my favorites. I've read many books, fiction and nonfiction, about the Holocaust, however I've never read anything like "I Want You To Know We're Still Here". What a powerful, thought provoking memoir. Esther Safran Foer shares her journey to discover more about her mother and father's experience during the Holocaust and the years just after. Like many whose experiences were too difficult to talk about, her parents didn't speak about the past. "History is public. Memory is personal." "Life was all about moving forward." Both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, her memoir will resonant with many readers about secrets in their own family, and the need to be remembered by descendants. There is much for book clubs to discuss. It is a short book, but will stay with you long after you finish reading.

The Secrets We Kept: A novel
by Lara Prescott

Original, Captivating Historical Fiction - Secretaries & Spies in the Cold War (7/14/2019)

Very interesting historical fiction novel set during the Cold War about the writing, publication, and distribution of Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak. Few novels are set in this time period and Prescott's detailed research provides for a rich narrative told through the eyes of three women in dual timelines. Book clubs will find much to discuss about the cold war, friendships, secrets, risk, and loyalty. A great book for those who enjoy historical fiction looking for something new and fresh.

When We Left Cuba
by Chanel Cleeton

Revenge, Patriotism, & Love (12/28/2018)

Beatriz Perez's desire to return to Cuba and a new life in Palm Beach set the stage for her involvement in events in the early 1960s. An engaging and compelling story set in a seldom written about time in history makes this book hard to put down. Beatriz's choices will give groups several topics to discuss. If you enjoyed Next Year in Havana, this stand alone novel featuring Beatriz Perez will hook you from the first chapter and if you haven't read it, you are about to discover a great new writer of historical fiction!

Sold on a Monday
by Kristina McMorris

Ever Wondered About an Old Photograph? (8/16/2018)

We've all seen newspaper photographs from the 1930's and 40's, but to take that photo and create a backstory is brilliant! McMorris creates a captivating story based on a photograph she saw. What led a woman to create a sign stating 2 children for sale? Are they sold? What happens next? If you enjoy Christina Baker Kline Orphan Train or A Piece of the World, read Sold on a Monday. There are several topics for book clubs to discuss including what would you do in desperate circumstances and the responsibility and integrity of the press.

Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions
by Mario Giordano

Welcome Auntie Poldi! (1/7/2018)

A delightful light mystery set in Sicily centered on Auntie Poldi and her community of family and friends. Easy reading with details of Sicily and food, Poldi's adventures make for an enjoyable afternoon curled up with a book. I did discover my Italian was lacking, and I looked up several phrases. Auntie Poldi will be a welcome newcomer to the genre of cozy mystery detectives.

Next Year in Havana
by Chanel Cleeton

Next Year, I want to go to Havana (10/22/2017)

Next Year in Havana is an engaging read for those who enjoy either historical or present day fiction. The stories of Elisa and Marisol are intertwined with events in Cuba leading to Fidel Castro coming to power and fifty years later the change to tourism policy. Chanel Cleeton's personal family history adds a rich depth to the story. It is easy to become immersed in the story with the vivid descriptions of the country, food, and its music. It is a book that needs an accompanying soundtrack to listen while reading. So many topics and themes to be discussed, that it would be a lively discussion in any group. And now Havana has moved higher up on my travel list.

Love and Other Consolation Prizes: A Novel
by Jamie Ford

"People ....can affect our gravity" (8/15/2017)

Engrossing story set in a little known era in Seattle 1910's and also in the 1960s. Historical fiction lovers will enjoy this novel.

Themes to discuss include what makes a family, human trafficking, who we choose to love and why we make those choices.

Don't miss the author's note at the end of the novel. My favorite line is "There are people in our lives who we love, and lose, and forever long for. They orbit our hearts like Halley's Comet, crossing into our universe only once, or if we're lucky, twice in a lifetime. And when they do, they affect our gravity."

Manderley Forever
by Tatiana de Rosnay

Great Biography of a Favorite Author (1/11/2017)

For those who love Daphne Du Maurier's book, Manderley Forever is a chance to understand her. Reading more like a novel than a biography, it gives insights into her life from beginning to end including information about her books. De Rosnay does a wonderful job presenting her life in an easy to read and compelling way. Great read for anyone who loves Ms. Du Maurier!

Victoria
by Daisy Goodwin

Love Historical Fiction & BBC period dramas? (11/2/2016)

If you enjoy historical fiction or BBC period dramas, this is the book for you!

An easy to read fictionalized account of Victoria as she turns 18 and becomes the Queen of England. While much is know about her lengthy reign as Queen, very little is told about this period of her life. The book is well written and would provide for a good discussion.

Having read another Daisy Goodwin book, I hope she has another book started!

[Editor's Note: You're in luck Shawna - Daisy has two other novels already published]

Falling
by Jane Green

Choices & Your Path in Life (6/10/2016)

Falling is an enjoyable, comfortable story about a woman trying to find her place and purpose in the world. Anyone who has left home trying to make their way in the world but not satisfied with what the world expects them to be will enjoy Emma's journey. A story about how life doesn't always follow the path you expect. Book clubs would enjoy this as a summer read with good discussion possibilities.

Reviews by Shawna (TX)

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