Friends Sharing Book Love discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Book Reviews
>
Books You’re on the Fence About - 2023
I listened to Say Goodbye for Now
Just ok. It fell flat for me. My three star review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Shards Of Honor – Lois McMaster Bujold – 3***
Book number 1 in the space-opera series Vorkosigan Saga introduces the reader to this family. We have a kick-ass heroine, Commander (later Captain) Cordelia Naismith and the leader of the enemy forces, Captain Aral Vorkosigan. Lots of intrigue, adventure, drama, danger, politics and plot twists to keep the reader turning pages. And witty banter to show the attraction between these two blossoming to romance. I doubt I’ll continue the series (just not my preferred cup of tea), but I’m glad I read it.
LINK to my full review
Reigniting Chase - Jeanne St. James - (Pennsylvania)
3★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I just listened to Before She Disappeared
Not one of Gardner’s best. My three star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I listened to The Beantown Girls
Just ok for me although the ending did get better. My three star review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I just finished the very disturbing The Family Remains
. It didn’t quite work for me. My three star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The DarkThe Dark - S.J. (Sharon) Bolton - (England)
Lacey Flint series Book #5
3★
Review:https:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My 3.21 rounded to 3 stars review of The Witch and the Tsar
by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore: My Review
The author weaves a story of light versus darkness that highlights Russian history, mythology, and folktales. The country seemed to come to life in this descriptive tale that has excellent world-building. However, the pacing was slow at times. The narrative is rather straightforward and the plot didn’t have the twists and turns that I expected. However, the historical references to actual people and events added a significant layer of interest to the plot.
Running From My Heart - Felice Stevens - (New York)
Rock Bottom series Book #3
3★
Review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The 3-star rating is not because of anything wrong with the story...it was the reader of the audio version. The story is a 5 star easily.
The Cat Who Turned On and Off – Lilian Jackson Braun – 3***
Book three in Braun’s popular “The Cat Who…” cozy mystery series, starring Jim Qwilleran (known simply at Qwill), and his two Siamese: Koko and Yum Yum. I really like this cozy series. As a journalist for the local newspaper, Qwill has every reason to search out the story. There isn’t a lot of graphic violence, and Qwill is a gentleman when it comes to romantic interludes.
LINK to my full review
Foolish Games - April-May Snow Novel #7- M. Scott Swanson - (Alabama)
3★
review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I just listened to The Butcher and The Wren
It felt unfinished to me. My three star review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cold Heart Creek - Lisa Regan - (Texas)
Josie Quinn series Book #7
3★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here is my 3.12 rounded to 3 stars review of House of Hunger
by Alexis Henderson:My Review
I’ve seen this book classified as historical fantasy and gothic horror. Both are fitting for this tale of wickedness, deceit, lies, and passion. The premise is great, and while there was a sense of potential danger, it didn’t quite create the suspense and sense of urgency that I expected during most of the book.
Magic Bites – Ilona Andrews – 3***
Paranormal fantasy is just not my thing, but this was really quite fun to read. I loved that the main character is a kick-ass woman who does not suffer fools (or vampires or shapeshifters or demons, etc) lightly. There were parts of the story line that reminded me of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files stories. The action is nonstop and there’s some interesting sexual / romantic tension. If I need another paranormal fantasy for a challenge prompt I just might turn to Andrews in the future.
LINK to my full review
Sapphire Spring - C. Travis Rice - (California)
Sapphire Cove series Book #2
3★
Possible Triggers: Bullying, Alcoholism, Homophobia
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It's by no means a bad book...just an unbelievable storyline.
Worth The Fight - Kate Hawthorne
Giving Consent Series Book #3
3.5★
Review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I had no problem with the book but the subject matter may be controversial to some.
I’m in the minority, but I found The Reading List to be just so-so.
My three star review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Little Girls Sleeping- Jennnifer Chase - (California)
Detective Katie Scott Book#1
3★
Review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I know most loved this more than I.
by Roger SimpsonMy review, 2.5* rounded up. Procrastinated on that, too!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
This was a series that I haven't visited for a few years, I'd lost the flow I think.
by Katherine HowellMy review, three stars:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I've been "on the road" the last couple of weeks, traveling with a friend. But I'm back now and WAY behind in posting reviews. Please bear with me as there will be a larger number than usual posted in the next week or two.--------- * * * * * * * * --------
Have a Little Faith – Mitch Albom – 3.5***
Albom explores what it means to live a life of faith by looking at two very different congregations and their preachers: Rabbi Albert Lewis and Pastor Henry Covington. These two men could not be more different and yet each exemplified what it means to life a life of faith. There were a couple of times when I bristled at the feeling of being emotionally manipulated, but in the end I found it moving and thought-provoking, comforting and challenging.
LINK to my full review
The Spook In the Stacks – Eva Gates – 3***
Book number four in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. This series features Lucy Richardson, the librarian (and resident) at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library of the coast of North Carolina. It’s a fast, fun cozy mystery. As the title and cover imply, this one is set around Halloween.
LINK to my full review
Five Days in London, May 1940 – John Lukacs – 3.5***
Historian John Lukacs has written over twenty books, several dealing with World War II. In this book he focuses specifically on Winston Churchill and the five days from May 24 to May 28, 1940. We obviously know the outcome already, but Lukacs manages to convey the sense of urgency and tension and uncertainty of this moment in history. This is a slim volume, but very dense.
LINK to my full review
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Friends Sharing Book Love
Books mentioned in this topic
Christmas at Applemore (other topics)Two for the Dough (other topics)
Something from Tiffany's (other topics)
The Busy Body (other topics)
Our House (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Rachael Lucas (other topics)Janet Evanovich (other topics)
Melissa Hill (other topics)
Kemper Donovan (other topics)
Celine Keating (other topics)
More...
Not a bad historical fiction, but I expected a lot more. If the idea of magic + WWII interests you, this is the book for it.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...