An Infinite Love Story
by Chanel Cleeton
An Infinite Love Story (4/19/2026)
I have read virtually all of Chanel Cleeton's books. This is the first one I've read that didn't focus on Cuban main characters. My first clue was the statistics about the 1998 divorce rate of 2.9 per 1000. She stated that this equated to .0029. It would actually be .29. She compared it to the actual number in the space programs of 20 in 34 marriages. The number is an indicator of the high level of stress on families where one parent is in the program.
From the first chapter, I was into the story. How could it happen? What was to be done? Would everything get solved at the book's end, either successfully or not? Are there real incidences of paranormal activity in situations like these? I liked the characters and kept hoping they would return safely.
Love is such a powerful emotion it can influence our thoughts and dreams. Some of the scenarios stretch the imagination, especially for the timeframe of the novel.
The House on Biscayne Bay
by Chanel Cleeton
Hello Miami (1/16/2024)
Chanel Cleeton's new novel is very different from her earlier novels which focused more on the changing political environment and its impact on Cuban families. I was intrigued from the beginning with this story.
This is a mystery with lots of unanswered questions. It has themes of wealth and downfall, dreams, infidelity, secrets and murder. I liked the setting of the story in the Miami area during the early boom times, the development of the characters spanning the two generations and the wrap-up. A very fitting ending.
The Continental Affair: A Novel
by Christine Mangan
THE CONTINENTAL AFFAIR (7/7/2023)
I enjoyed reading THE CONTINENTAL AFFAIR. It is a fast read because the author keeps you engaged through the skillful use of the past and present and the development of the characters and their relationship.
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley
Friendship at all ages (12/6/2022)
I really liked this book. Like the book THE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF LINNI AND MARGO, it is a story of a special bond between an older woman and a younger woman. Throw in family dynamics for both, a lot of surprises and escapades à la Thelma and Louise, and you have a good read! Loved the characters! As a young octogenarian I found the book fun to read.
Jackie & Me
by Louis Bayard
JACKIE & ME (6/12/2022)
JACKIE & ME is a very engaging book. The author provides so much information behind the facade of the Camelot-like life of the Kennedys...who would have dreamed! The handling of her friendship with Lem was a cornerstone of the story.
As a college freshman when JFK was elected, I wanted to be like Jackie.
As much as I enjoyed reading THE COURTSHIP OF MR. LINCOLN, JACKIE & ME is better. Enjoy the read and recall the era!
The Paris Bookseller
by Kerri Maher
THE PARIS BOOKSELLER (11/15/2021)
When I began reading the book I wasn't sure I would finish it, another early to mid-20th century era book about a bookstore or library. However, the more I read, the better I liked it. It highlighted the more liberal European society, especially in the literary world. Sylvia Beach was indeed a very motivated strong woman to succeed in publishing Joyce's novel and dealing with him and his outrageous behavior. The book is well researched and rounded out personalities of other writers who frequented Shakespeare and Company.
The Personal Librarian
by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
Intellect, Passion and Sacrifice (2/14/2021)
Knowing nothing of J. P. Morgan’s Library or personal librarian, I was intrigued by the title. Written by two authors, one white, one black, created an authentic look at the cost/benefit of “passing”. Professionally and socially, Belle was able to dramatically succeed through her intellect, passion and perseverance for the printed word and for visual art. Belle was able to effectively deal with the business associates who sought to use her for their personal gain and as she weighed responses to questions to avoid spilling her deepest secret. The family dynamics, both immediate and extended, were interesting. Especially interesting was the pressure from the mother for her to succeed while seemingly content for the mediocrity for the other children. This is sure to be on the agenda for book clubs across the country.
