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Reviews by Carolyn B. (Aiken, SC)

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Devil Makes Three: A Novel
by Ben Fountain
Hard Read (8/27/2023)
The author did a wonderful job describing the corruptness of Haiti during this period. It was difficult to read and I had a hard time finishing it but I wanted to see how it ended. This is not a novel that I normally would have read but I am glad I did.
All You Have to Do Is Call
by Kerri Maher
We Have Come a Long Way (6/20/2023)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; very timely considering recent events. Seems like we are going backwards as a society.

The story followed three women in the early 1970s. It reveals the horrors that women went through to get an abortion in those times. The characters were well developed and likeable. I enjoyed reading about the complexity of the network that they developed. It was a testament to how hard work, teamwork and secrecy can develop into positive outcomes.
I had a hard time putting this book down, I was excited to find out what will happen next. The book is divided into character chapters which really helped to keep understand the different perspectives. The women had very interesting lives.
The September House
by Carissa Orlando
Horror Thriller (4/29/2023)
I really enjoyed this book. I found myself looking forward to reading it just to find out what was going to happen next. Margaret and Hal find the house of their dreams, but the house is haunted by a wide variety of characters. The characters are well developed and interesting. September is the haunting month and all the characters have their own method of expressing themselves. The house bleeds and of course, there is a basement that has its own horror.
Panther Gap: A Novel
by James A. McLaughlin
Twists and Turns (3/25/2023)
This book definitely had a lot of twist and turns. Just when you think you know what is happening next, it takes another turn. I did have some trouble following the characters. The back and forth from now to the past helped some but I found myself rereading sections.
The author did a magnificent job describing the scenery of the area. It made me want to go to see it for myself.
It was not a page turner for me, but I looked forward to reading the next chapter.
Iron Curtain: A Love Story
by Vesna Goldsworthy
Slow Starter (1/25/2023)
In the beginning, I thought I was going to give up on this book. I kept putting it down and not really excited about reading. Milena was a spoiled brat. She did not have realistic expectations for herself or Jason. But the story got a lot more interesting when she decided to leave home. At that point, it was a page turner. I kept expecting Jason to change but he didn't. He was immature and self centered. Melina was the strong, mature one; doing what was necessary. I can't imagine what it would be like to have your actions always watched, recorded.
I would recommend this book.
Sisters of the Lost Nation
by Nick Medina
Confusing (11/9/2022)
I had a difficult time following this book. I had to keep looking backwards to check date or to reread a section because I was lost. There was not enough explanation for some of the Indian folklore. Is this truly happening, or is this part of Anna's nightmares?
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley
Twists (9/27/2022)
I enjoyed this book immensely, although when I started reading it, I had trouble getting engaged. That did not take long, and I was hooked. The characters are quirky and fun. Twists and turns everywhere which kept me from putting the book down. I was totally surprised at the ending.
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