BookBrowse: Your Guide to Exceptional Books

Reviews by Freya H. (Phoenix, AZ)

Power Reviewer

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The Continental Affair: A Novel
by Christine Mangan

The Continental Affair (6/27/2023)

This book held little appeal for me with the exception of the author's wonderful descriptions of the cities that were included in the storyline. The characters (especially Louise) were not
likable, the format confusing, and the ending predictable. I would not recommend this book
for book groups.

The Little Italian Hotel: A Novel
by Phaedra Patrick

The Little Italian Hotel (4/9/2023)

This is the first book I've read by Phaedra Patrick. It was entertaining, a good beach read. Since the characters were an interesting bunch, it would be fun to discuss them in Book Clubs. The best part about the book was the setting of the story!

The Lost English Girl
by Julia Kelly

The Lost English Girl (2/7/2023)

Although I have read other books about the evacuation of young children at the beginning of World War II, this one had a resonance that compelled me to read late into the night. The author wove an epic tale, beautifully developed the characters, kept the chapters short -
all appealing components of a great book. Definitely would recommend this to Book Clubs.

The God of Endings: A Novel
by Jacqueline Holland

The God of Endings (10/13/2022)

The subject matter was not particularly appealing to me. However, Jacqueline Holland
wrote a noteworthy first novel and that's why I gave it 4 stars. I'd be very careful in
recommending it. Book Groups may find it an interesting book to discuss.

The Lies I Tell: A Novel
by Julie Clark

The Lies I Tell (4/4/2022)

If you are into thrillers, this book is for you. I read it in two sittings simply because, from the first page, you are hooked. Two strong, determined women seeking justice
for the past - Julie Clark has taken this theme and woven a terrific story. One that would be fun to discuss in Book Clubs.

Sisters of the Great War: A Novel
by Suzanne Feldman

Sisters of the Great War (9/3/2021)

Although there were parts of this book that were extremely difficult to read (war is not for the faint of heart), I found the story engaging, and the two sisters admirable in their dedication, sacrifice, and resilience as they performed heroic tasks in the brutal conflict of WWI. That women played such a critical role in the Great War is
clearly defined. To read this book is well worth your time.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars: A Novel
by Kristin Harmel

The Forest of Vanishing Stars (5/12/2021)

Although this is just one of the multitude of books I've read about WWII over the years, it was one that will not soon be forgotten. The storyline is, as all stories about the Nazi regime are, sad, but so inspiring in that the protagonist is a true survivor. She is instrumental in helping a large group of Jews who are fleeing from the Nazi terror learn how to survive in the forest where she grew up, while they in turn help teach her to understand life outside her isolated existence. What strength and courage she had. That same strength and courage was also vividly portrayed as the group of Jewish men, women and children learned skills to ensure their survival. This is a remarkable story, a page turner, very well written. I would certainly recommend it.

The Stone Girl: A Novel
by Dirk Wittenborn

The Stone Girl (4/5/2020)

A good read, all of the characters, both good and evil, are interestingly presented, and the plot kept one turning pages. I would recommend for Book Groups.

Daughter of the Reich: A Novel
by Louise Fein

Daughter of the Reich (3/10/2020)

If you are unfamiliar with 1930's Germany, and the rise of Adolph Hitler, this book provides well-researched background, whilst also weaving into the story characters who are pro-Nazi, and those who become increasingly disenchanted with Hitler and his henchmen. As noted by another reviewer, the book has similarities between the early 1930's and today. An alarming thought! A worthwhile read and suitable for Book Group discussions in my opinion.

The Prisoner's Wife
by Maggie Brookes

The Prisoner's Wife (2/12/2020)

All the ingredients are there to make this novel, inspired by true events, an excellent read. Unfortunately, with the exception of the bonds formed between the characters, and the devotion of husband and wife, I found the book difficult to get through. Perhaps the detail of the incarceration, the marching, constant hunger, and ill treatment was too much.

The Yellow Bird Sings: A Novel
by Jennifer Rosner

The Yellow Bird Sings (12/3/2019)

While this book is hard to read at times, it is also inspirational. Music plays such an important role throughout the entire story, and it's magical.

You Were There Too
by Colleen Oakley

You Were There too (8/14/2019)

This book did not speak to me. The characters, although reasonably well developed, were not interesting; this, coupled with a plot line that was not compelling, leads to my "poor" rating. Would not recommend this.

Never Have I Ever
by Joshilyn Jackson

Never Have I Ever (4/12/2019)

Once the book was under way it became more intriguing. Most of the characters were interesting and well drawn.

My favorite parts involved the diving sequences. Although I've read better mysteries, this was worthy of your time.

The Last Romantics
by Tara Conklin

The Last Romantics (12/15/2018)

Well, I loved Tara Conklin's "The House Girl". This book not so much. It was beautifully written which is why I made it to the final page. I was not particularly attached to any of the characters even though they were very well developed. The book may be interesting to some Book Clubs.

A Ladder to the Sky: A Novel
by John Boyne

A Ladder to the Sky (9/10/2018)

Not a terrible read, but had trouble sticking with it. Once I reached the half-way point, had to put it aside. Sorry, but Maurice and his attempts to gain notoriety in the literary world could not hold my interest.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles
by Hiro Arikawa, Philip Gabriel

TheTravelling Cat Chronicles (5/28/2018)

This is a book for anyone who loves an animal and is devoted to its well being. Sad, but ultimately satisfying, as it confirms the loyalty and love between Satoru and Nana. Any book group who is made up of animal lovers would find this interesting to discuss.

The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After
by Elizabeth Weil, Clemantine Wamariya

The Girl Who Smiled Beads (2/14/2018)

This is a difficult book to read. Most of us cannot imagine what Clemantine and her sister endured as they searched for a safe place to escape the madness in Rwanda. That they survived was miraculous. After being granted asylum in the United States, the girls faced other challenges as well. An inspirational book of survival, it would be a good choice for Book Club discussions.

The Days When Birds Come Back
by Deborah Reed

The Days When Birds Come Back (11/9/2017)

The characters didn't interest me as much as the descriptions of the Pacific Northwest and the home renovations. Wouldn't it be lovely to find someone like Jameson who took such pride in his work, and fulfilled his obligations with the care of a true craftsman. I found June to be rather annoying in spite of feeling sympathy for the circumstances of her early life. It was an okay read, but
couldn't get truly invested in the story or the characters.

Young Jane Young
by Gabrielle Zevin

Young Jane Young (7/11/2017)

Having read and really liked "The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry", I was looking forward to "Young Jane Young".
It was a disappointment. If you want a fast read with
characters who are not particularly likable, this is for you. I will say, though, that Jane was a real survivor.

The Scribe of Siena
by Melodie Winawer

The Scribe of Siena (4/18/2017)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the first page to the last. If a reader is interested in history, fascinating characters, and a storyline that moves from one time period to another, then this book is for you. It would be a good choice for Book Clubs.

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