Solomon's Oak: A Novel
by Jo-Ann Mapson
A Good Read (10/9/2010)
I thought this was an excellent read. The characters were well developed, and the storyline was a good one. Some of my favorite books have been about people who are hurt by their life experiences, are brought together, and find themselves healed and able to enjoy life once again. If you like similar stories, I would recommend this book.
The Blind Contessa's New Machine: A Novel
by Carey Wallace
Light Reading (6/4/2010)
I would consider this book a light summer read. While the story was interesting enough, with the invention of a “writing machine”, I thought the characters were underdeveloped and I had no strong feelings about any of them. I enjoy historical novels when there is detail about the customs and culture of the time, but I felt this was missing here.
The Book of Illumination: A Novel from the Ghost Files
by Mary Ann Winkowski
Not really my kind of story. (9/30/2009)
I am not a big mystery fan, but I was intrigued with the mention of ghosts in the synopsis of this novel, because I like a story that’s a bit different. However, I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t more interaction with the protagonist and the ghosts. It was a good light mystery involving the disappearance of a priceless manuscript, with a subplot about a missing deed, but if it hadn’t been for my promise to review the book, I probably wouldn’t have finished it. If you like a light mystery, you will probably find this book is one you may want to add to your “want to read” list, but if, like me, you look for something a little edgier or with a twist, you may want to pass this one up.
