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Reviews by Luisa A. (Flemington, NJ)

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The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark
Uncomplicated Read (12/4/2011)
Though the book at times showed a slight glimmer of hope – the plot was silly. The only redeeming part was the relationship between Piper and Jack. I felt as though I was reading a novel in my early teens.
Next to Love
by Ellen Feldman
Great Book! (7/27/2011)
Next to Love was an exceptional book. I was enthralled by the woman and how their lives unfold. The book allowed me to feel as though I was there watching like a fly on the wall. It took me to a time long ago but yet the issues they dealt with were similar to many we face today. This is a rare book that as you read you become to so emotionally involved with the characters that it is difficult to put down. As the book progressed I would find myself thinking of my own life and wondering how the choice made have affected my life. How many secrets, hurt and pain do we all hold on to? How do we help those that may be hurting without losing ones self? The book explores the relationship between woman and how they are linked. How they relate to one another, how they deal with the big and little issues throughout their lives. To sum up – this book is a great read and even more a book that allows you to look out to the lives of others and within your own.
The Daughter of Siena: A Novel
by Marina Fiorato
The Daughter of Siena (6/6/2011)
Overall I enjoyed the book very much. It took a little bit to get going and really capture my attention. Once the story started to develop it was hard to put down. At times a bit predictable – I caught myself hoping for a less foreseeable outcome. It is not a deep story but if you are looking for something light to read this is a great book
Outside Wonderland: A Novel
by Lorna Jane Cook
Outside Wonderland (2/20/2011)
This was a very moving book that at times filled me with angst and in the end tied things together. I wish there could have been more insight into their youth - there was a gap between their younger selves and then as adults. That may have helped to better understand the who they were and why. None the less the story was moving and had me wondering at times - what would happen to my children if I was not around to help guide them?
Minding Ben: A Novel
by Victoria Brown
Review of Minding Ben (1/6/2011)
The book started a little slow but it quickly picked up and it was hard to put down. At first I had some unanswered question but as the book progressed it was clear why some information was not given up front. The characters in the book are all so human, there is no bad or good person - just human with flaws that makes it hard to not like everyone even though there actions were sometimes questionable. It was a great story about hope, believing in humanity and that in the end things work out one way or another. Not always the way we hoped or thought but it works out. I recommend this book!
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