BookBrowse: Your Guide to Exceptional Books

Reviews by Freya H. (Phoenix, AZ)

Power Reviewer

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The Tea Planter's Wife
by Dinah Jefferies

The Tea Planter's Wife (8/20/2016)

It was an okay book, predictable. The descriptions of the area were well done, however, I could not warm up to any of the characters. I wouldn't recommend it to a Book Club.

The Alaskan Laundry
by Brendan Jones

The Alaskan Laundry (2/10/2016)

The descriptions of Alaska were wonderful, the theme of a strong woman surviving in a rough environment admirable, however, I never really got into this book. As it turns out, I guess the commercial fishing industry and its rough personnel are just not my cup of tea however much I admire their grit and determination.

Fallen Land
by Taylor Brown

Fallen Land (11/7/2015)

This is a very well written book. The horrors of war, the heinous acts committed by soldiers and bounty hunters, yet there is love, devotion, and beauty all there for us to
read and enjoy. My hero was Reiver, the most devoted and loyal friend of Callum and Ava, two people thrown together by fate and circumstance. The book is a fast read, and the story will stay with you for a while.

Lamp Black, Wolf Grey
by Paula Brackston

Lamp Black, Wolf Grey (6/28/2015)

At best this was average. It was an easy read, and the premise rather interesting, but I didn't feel any real connection with the characters. I thought the Welsh
countryside sounded lovely although this is hardly enough to give it more than a 3 rating.

What Doesn't Kill Her: A Reeve LeClaire Series Novel
by Carla Norton

What Doesn't Kill Her (4/25/2015)

This was a good, fast read. The story line may not be entirely new, but it was presented in a manner which kept you turning the pages. May have to read this
author's previous novel, "The Edge of Normal", when I'm in the mood for another airplane-type book.

The Book of Speculation
by Erika Swyler

The Book of Speculation (4/3/2015)

For a debut novel I think this was well done. Ms. Swyler's writing style was agreeable, and her research impeccable. My only problem, character development. I couldn't seem to connect with any of the main characters. "Night Circus" was a better read in my opinion.

The Sweetheart Deal
by Polly Dugan

The Sweetheart Deal (2/18/2015)

This was a quick, easy read. It was also predictable, and forgettable. I wouldn't recommend it for Book Clubs unless one wants to deal with the subjects of death and grieving. Otherwise, there is not much to discuss. I liked the author's format, though, which is why I gave it a 3 rating.

A Fireproof Home for the Bride
by Amy Scheibe

The 50's (12/4/2014)

The period of time in which I was growing up. Certainly the times have changed, but maybe not by as much as we would like. This story is not only engrossing, but the characters, carefully drawn, are ones you care about. In particular, the strength of Emily is inspiring as she struggles for independence at a time when a good deal of unrest may have caused even the strongest person to crumble. This would be a good choice for any Book Club.

Vanessa and Her Sister
by Priya Parmar

Vanessa and Her Sister (10/13/2014)

This book was hard to put down. The format Parmar chose to cover this period in history, and the people of the Bloomsbury Group, was outstanding. The primary focus on Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf and their relationship was intriguing and heartbreaking. Anyone who is interested in art and letters will find this book well worth reading.

Accidents of Marriage
by Randy Susan Meyers

Accidents of Marriage (6/9/2014)

This well-written story may resonate with more families than many of us might care to think about. The characters, good, bad and sad, are well developed. You are drawn in to their lives from the first page and, while the ending may not be perfect, it feels like true life. This may be a good Book Club choice since many topics, from spousal abuse to trauma rehab to children's issues, to friendship, and to parent involvement in their adult children's lives, are all there for discussion.

The Fortune Hunter
by Daisy Goodwin

The Fortune Hunter (4/11/2014)

This was a pleasant enough book, a fast read with a predictable but satisfying ending. Not something I would recommend to Book Clubs for I fear there would be little, if anything, to discuss.

The Devil in the Marshalsea
by Antonia Hodgson

The Devil in the Marshalsea (3/8/2014)

A well-written historical novel although, in my opinion, not
for the faint of heart. The dreadful conditions in Marshalsea are graphically depicted! The combination of a mystery, some really despicable characters, as well
as a main character with a good heart, makes for a quick
and entertaining read.

The Housemaid's Daughter
by Barbara Mutch

The Housemaid's Daughter (11/13/2013)

What a wonderful read. From the opening sentence to the closing, the story is compelling, the characters are vividly drawn, the music, and the
land... well, it's a winner. I would highly recommend this book for Book Clubs.

The Drowning Guard: A Novel of the Ottoman Empire
by Linda Lafferty

The Drowning Guard (8/20/2013)

I enjoyed this book although it was a stretch for me to even request it. The Ottoman Empire is not of particular interest to me, although this book may have ignited a spark. I felt there was just the right amount of actual history to draw the reader in, the characters were strong, and the plot was interesting. If the reader has an aversion to some particularly cruel acts, however, it may not be the book for you.

Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets: A Memoir
by Jessica A. Fox

Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets (6/10/2013)

Following a dream is one of the most intriguing things about this book. That Jessica chose Scotland AND working in a book store was wonderful. The characters were interesting, and the book went quickly. However, I'm baffled by the title.

A Murder at Rosamund's Gate: A Lucy Campion Mystery
by Susanna Calkins

A Murder at Rosamund's Gate (3/3/2013)

This book, although entertaining, didn't really show
me anything new or exciting. The plot was predictable, the characters you've met many times before, and the ending was no surprise. I would not recommend it to my book club.

The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz

The Edge of the Earth (10/18/2012)

I enjoyed this book, primarily because of the author's writing style. The story was interesting, both because of the period in time, and the setting. The characters were not predictable which always makes the story more unforgettable. Also, the pace of the book was excellent. I think it would make a good book club selection.

Sentinel: A Spycatcher Novel
by Matthew Dunn

Sentinel (6/12/2012)

Sentinel was a good book, but nothing special. When I read a spy novel, I'm always looking for something that makes it unique. Didn't find it here. The cold and snowy weather throughout, though, now that will have the reader heading for a warm blanket!

Beneath the Shadows
by Sara Foster

Beneath the Shadows (5/16/2012)

I very readable book, primarily because the characters were interesting, the plot believable, and the setting wonderful...I mean Yorkshire's moors, it couldn't have been better. This book would certainly appeal to the reader, young or old, who enjoys a good mystery.

A Land More Kind Than Home: A Novel
by Wiley Cash

A Land More Kind Than Home (3/7/2012)

The title alone tugs at the heartstrings! Personally, it was difficult to get past the subject matter of this book. Some of the images were very disturbing. Although this book may have been an unwise choice for me to review, it's also clear that Wiley Cash has written a powerful first novel.

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