Henry Tudor Must Die
by Jillian Laine
Witches and comeupins (5/16/2026)
Well written, great characters and a whole new spin on Henry VIII. Ann Boleyn and Catherine of Spain join forces, after their deaths, to take down the King and the evil men that surround him. Its an excellent story and also a good history lesson.
Summer of Love
by Kerri Maher
Great twist (5/6/2026)
I love this era in England. Its mean, deceitful, conniving, treacherous and such "fun" to read about. Anne Bolyen in particular had it so very bad. Absolutely loved the twist with the witches, loved that women got some revenge and liked learning more about several queens. Well written, fun in an odd sense and overall just a good read.
Feast
by Catherine Kurtz
Hungry (4/3/2026)
Such a fascinating story of a young woman who sense of taste and smell is very rare. When she smells poison in Duke's food she is immediately assigned as his food taster. Yet, she is poor, lonely and always hungry. She befriends a mysterious starving stranger who fills her void of no friends. Unfortunately, he is not what he seems. The book flows, characters well described and provides a look into how few choices the poor have.
An Infinite Love Story
by Chanel Cleeton
Timely (4/3/2026)
Wow! I just finished this book about the life of astronaut's wives during the early race to the moon. I remember seeing these brave women when I was young but didn't realize how much was expected of them. The fear, the loneliness and the requirements to always put on a brave face. It takes a minute for the book to "launch" but once it does, its a great ride.
Boring Asian Female
by Canwen Xu
DNF (3/6/2026)
Hi Kim, Im sorry but I could not get into this book. I read about 1/3 and didn't engage. Didnt like the character.
Fatherland: A Novel
by Victoria Shorr
DNF (2/6/2026)
Im sorry, but I just couldn't handle this book about a sleezy man who leaves his wife and 3 kids. Maybe just bad timing. I always appreciate the advance books and do my best to read but this guy was so unlikeable I just couldn't give him the time.
Thistlemarsh
by Moorea Corrigan
Odd, quirky fanatasy (2/5/2026)
This book was way outside of my norm. Ghosts, spirits, fantasy. I really enjoyed the first half. The old neglected house, the need for restoration and the mysterious stranger who offered to help. He was nice, caring and seemed genuine. But the next 1/3 lost me. An old king coming back, strange parties with evil ghosts, forbidden love. The last 20 brought it back together and I was glad I stuck with it.
The Midnight Taxi
by Yosha Gunasekera
Good romp (12/9/2025)
After finding a dead man in her taxi, Siri becomes the accused murderer. Fortunately she ends up with a great public defender, Amaya and they become friends as they work together to find the real murderer. Great twists, good suspense and once it gets going, it keeps you wanting more. We'll developed characters, an education on cultural differences and easy flow writing all make for a very good read.
Next Time Will Be Our Turn
by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Pleasant surprise (9/28/2025)
When Grandma Nainai admits to her grand daughter that she's gay, "Tulip", as her granddaughter will later be called, Nainai begins to share her life story. Of love lost and found, of love for her husband of many years and the joy she finds now in her partner and her family. This is a lovely story. Touching. Funny but also a bit sad. I loved it.
When They Burned the Butterfly
by Wen-yi Lee
DNF (9/28/2025)
Im sorry but I just couldn't get into this book. I do think for the right audience it will be well received. It is well written. The story just didn't connect for me.
The Sister's Curse
by Nicola Solvinic
Creepy and Gritty (7/19/2025)
This story about a girl who went missing years ago involves present day murders, crooked cops, a bit of witchcraft and some members of a really messed up church that's mostly a cult. It grabbed me and kept me until things came to a head. It's well written, good character development and an interesting tale. If any criticism, it may have dragged a bit at the end but still a very good read.
The Bone Thief
by Vanessa Lillie
Necessary Reminder (7/5/2025)
Reading this book reminded me, unfortunately, of how entitled some people are. Why is it OK to dig up Native American relics, bones, personal items and believe because your ancestors were on the Mayflower that you can keep them as souvenirs. This book is a mystery and a history lesson. I thought it was well written and engaging. It made me sad learning of the Natives history and how they were treated. It made me very happy that in present day there were people committed to doing what's necessary for respectful preservation.
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant
by Liza Tully
Good beach read (3/5/2025)
This book is well written, the characters are quite likeable and the story line is good. It was a little light for me but for those looking for a break from heavy reading, this could be a perfect choice.
Songs of Summer
by Jane L. Rosen
A Pleasant Surprise (1/23/2025)
I loved this book. It's not the type of book I am typically drawn too and was pleasantly surprised. Maggie, adopted young, but wasn't told she was adopted until she was older. She sets out on a mission to meet her birth mother. Along the way she meets the family she didn't know she had (they don't know that she is part of their family) and finds drama between her birth mother and mother's sister, learns of long ago hurts and secrets, starts to appreciate the man who is her "father", grows up a bit and even finds more about a bit of maybe romance. Overall good writing, good story, not just fluff, unexpected depth. A very pleasant surprise.
Serial Killer Games
by Kate Posey
Not for me (1/7/2025)
I just couldn't get into this book, or at least the subject matter. Having said that, it is well written, interesting characters and has a quirky sense of humor. I think for the right group this book will be a great read.
Everything We Never Knew: A Novel
by Julianne Hough
A New Perspective (7/29/2024)
I'll start by saying I enjoyed the book. I started out being skeptical of the premise and was left with a new insight and belief in powers that I don't understand. The writing style flowed and provided for comfortable reading of a somewhat unusual topic. The characters are well developed and while not all of us have the "skills" described, they are relatable.
It is easy to understand Shane's confusion and fear of what he sees happening in his wife's life. Lexi is thrown by the changes in her and what had been a well thought out plan for her life. Bea's quirkiness along with her practices and patience teach the reader while at the same time teaching her student.
And finally the supporting cast of friends, family and other round out the narrative that is Lexi's ever changing reality.
I definitely recommend this book and think it will lead to some great discussions.
Digging Stars: A Novel
by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma
Confusion in the Stars (7/24/2023)
I've tried writing this review several times and have struggled because I struggled a bit with the book. The author is talented and I would pay attention to future books of hers. The book is well written and for the most part flows. I didn't particularly like any of the characters or at least wasn't necessarily interested in getting to know them better, and probably because they were brilliant and interested in subjects that aren't interesting to me, The book would be more meaningful, I think, to someone interested in quantum mechanics, biology, stars and virtual worlds. Would I recommend, probably not but will pass on to friends to get their reaction.
The Long Ago: A Novel
by Michael McGarrity
Just okay (3/10/2023)
I didn't love or hate this book. I found it neutral others than a few moments here and there. The back cover said the book was gripping - I didn't think it was.
Barbara, the sister who ran away, wasn't particularly likeable and came across as quite oblivious. How could she think it was acceptable to run away and not let someone know she was ok.
Raymond, her brother who was trying to find her, was likeable and the characters he ran into and relationships he developed were the highlight of the book. I would definitely read more books focused around him.
The book is an easy read, decently written and will probably be popular with a certain type of reader.
Ghost Season: A Novel
by Fatin Abbas
Ghost Season - great debut (11/18/2022)
This well written book takes us through the development of relationships between 5 people from very different walks of life and how they come together. They are together to make a film, draw maps and find a path to a better way of life. All of this takes place while juggling the violence of civil war, long held tribal differences and taboos, corruption, greed and poverty.
Love blooms. Friendships form and tragedy hangs in the background
An important novel that teaches us about a world few of us can understand. It's engrossing, wonderfully descriptive and timely. Absolutely recommend.
The Sunset Route: Freight Trains, Forgiveness, and Freedom on the Rails in the American West
by Carrot Quinn
Survival and hope (7/19/2021)
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and comment on this memoir. It is well written, moves along smoothly and kept me engaged. The back and forth between timelines worked perfectly. After all Carrot has experienced it's amazing that she has survived and has a positive, move forward attitude. She openly shares her life of abuse, neglect, loneliness, hunger, and rejection while giving us a picture of life on the rails and her ability to forgive and move forward. It is inspiring and I absolutely recommend it.
