Lady Clementine
by Marie Benedict
Superlative Woman (11/3/2019)
Reading Lady Clementine was as pleasurable as I had hoped it would be. Marie Benedict created a feeling of intimacy with the main characters by setting up vivid scenarios. I realize this is a work of historical fiction, but the book was so well researched and believable that I want this story to be the absolute truth. Learning that Clementine was just as ambitious as her husband was a bit surprising to me. Consequently I hold her in high regard, much as I have always felt highly of Sir Winston.
In reading the book I did feel that there could have been smoother transitions from one chapter to the next. Possibly the author wanted to set a quicker pace for readers as there was so much material to cover. I was enjoying the book so much that I wished it had delved more deeply into the story. I will definitely seek other books written by Benedict.
Eternal Life
by Dara Horn
Surprisingly lively (11/6/2017)
I surprised myself by choosing to review Eternal Life. It is not a genre that particularly appeals to me for I prefer stories of reality. Nonetheless it was delightful to discover that the characters, time and place were so well constructed I did not mind the bit of fantastical science. Eternal Life is a story of humanity that became vivid as I read and found myself transported in the details of Rachel's life. Dara Horn is a newly found author for me, but one that I shall put on my list to read often. It will be a pleasure to recommend Eternal Life as a choice for my book club.
Caught in the Revolution: Petrograd, Russia, 1917 - A World on the Edge
by Helen Rappaport
Fascinated by the Revolution (11/8/2016)
Russian history may be dull for some readers. In my opinion no other country can top the passionate drama that took place during the revolution. Having always been interested in the history of Russia I was drawn to this book. It was a bit difficult to like at first. However, once the witness characters were introduced and Lenin made his appearance I was fascinated. Helen Rappaport has made the Russian Revolution come alive in a straightforward and extremely readable story. It has encouraged me to want to read more of her books.
The Devil in Jerusalem
by Naomi Ragen
Provocative and eye opening. (7/10/2015)
The storytelling in this book is extremely well done. Characters were sharply drawn and vividly imagined. It was easy to read in a fresh and fast paced style, though somewhat repetitive toward the end. Perhaps I was eager at that point for a turn of events to happen. I would recommend this for any book club that is prepared for thought provoking discussion of dangerous cult rituals. It was fascinating for me to read about various Jewish beliefs and the wide spectrum of interpretation of the Torah. It can and does translate to any religion, making me want to be more vigilant of events happening in the world.
Five
by Ursula Archer
Five will enthrall. (10/25/2014)
It is a pleasure to review Five. As a first time reader of Ursula Archer I had no expectations of previous works from this author. Her writing style reminded me of Louise Penny which is a compliment of high praise in my opinion. The pace of the story was just right. The suspenseful plot was intriguing without being overtly creepy. Five is a great beginning for a mystery series and I hope we will be treated to more of Beatrice Kaspary novels in the future.
Mimi Malloy, At Last!
by Julia MacDonnell
Mimi Malloy At Last (2/25/2014)
Mimi Malloy is completely believable. She and her mostly personable and numerous family members evoked many of my own memories. With a straightforward style of language Julia MacDonnell encourages her readers to think about life's events and turnarounds in their own experiences while exploring Mimi Malloy's story. I feared this book would fall into the sappiness category, but was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. There was a pleasant mixture of drama, romance and mystery that made me eager to keep reading. I shall be recommending Mimi Malloy At Last to my book club.
How the Light Gets In: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, #9
by Louise Penny
How the Light Gets In (7/29/2013)
Mystery stories should be enthralling. This book does that and even surpasses previous Armand Gamache books. The suspenceful turns captured my attention. Louise Penny's graceful use of language reminds me of O. Henry in style. I look forward to each of her books like a child anticipates Christmas!
Ghostman
by Roger Hobbs
Impressive! (1/16/2013)
It is unusual to feel a rush of excitement from a first novel, but that is the case with Ghostman. His descriptive writing made me feel as if I were taking a part in each scene described. Roger Hobbs's style of writing is intelligent without being showy. His method of switching from one heist tale to another kept me interested all the way through the book. Not once did I feel bored.
