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January 2024

  My thoughts on the books I read this month.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “First Lie Wins” -  Ashley Elston I went into this pretty much blind.  I had seen it all over the place and it was recommended by a friend.  I’m so glad that she did because it pushed it to the front of my want to read list.   This is a well written cat and mouse story.  I found just enough crumbs along the trail to keep the story moving forward.  The flashbacks in time all tied in nicely with the story, there was a good balance of character development and plot and while there were a few surprises, they were ones that were logical.   I didn’t realize this was written by a Louisiana author and was based in Louisiana until I started the book.  That adds a little extra for me. But no matter where you live, this is one for any reader of thrillers. Thanks Gayle for pushing it up my TBR.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bright Young Women - Jessica Knoll A good fictional telling of the victims story.  I graduated college in 1978 so I remember the fear the
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November Wrap Up

  The Bodyguard - Katherine Center I don’t read many RomCom’s but give me a Katherine Center book and I’ll dive in.    Characters and situations are believable, good writing and just a fun read.   Harry’s Trees - Jon Cohen This was a re-read for book club.    I first read it almost 5 years ago and I loved it.    As a second time through, I still like it but it lost a little something.    My advice, go in blind.   Saving Emma - Allen Eskens Allen Eskens is another author that I enjoy his stories.    This is not my favorite of his, but it is still a good one.    I don’t think the cover reflects the story, but that’s a small complaint.   What Have We Done - Alex Finlay The characters and the plot in this story are well developed.    The action is at a good pace and the writing is descriptive.     I haven’t read Alex Findlay before but will be adding some of his books to my Mount TBR.  Happiness Falls - Angie Kim I had heard a lot about this book and was looking forward to reading it.    T

August 2023 Books

August was one of the better months so far.  I read 12 books.  I guess that 's what happens when you don't have any trips.  8 of the 12 books were above average, 2 were average, and 2 below.  Here's my thoughts - Dollbaby   Laura Lane McNeal This was a book for Book Club.   I had not heard of it so it was nowhere on my radar.   Set in New Orleans during the fight for civil rights.  Even though that is the time, it is not a deep story.   The author is from New Orleans and at times it seems more like a travel brochure than a story.   There is a lot of local cultural references with an explanation for each.  This is this authors first (and only) novel.  I was suspicious of this being her first novel while reading and then confirmed it.   For me, it was an average read.   We did have some good discussion at Book Cub and it was interesting hearing other views about the story and characters. ⭐⭐⭐ French Braid Anne Tyler Anne Tyler did it again.   I think she is one of the best at

JANUARY 2023 BOOKS READ

  The new year started out with a decent month of reading.   I finished eight books.   Only 1 was a five star, 2 came in at four stars, 3 at three and 2 at two.  As usual, my 2 star books were rated much higher by the majority of people, so what do I know?!   Maybe you will find a book or two here that you will enjoy.   As always, I welcome your recommendations.   What cha got?? I started out with one of my 2 star books and finished with one - but I enjoyed the "in betweens".     Bewilderment  by Richard Powers Theo Byrne is a astrobiologist who along with his son, Robin, is grieving the death of his wife and learning how to do life without her.   Robin is an unusual 9 year old who thinks and feels deeply - to the point of some thinking he should be on psychoactive drugs.   Theo is not sure that is the answer and steps into the world of experimental treatment.   A common thread throughout the story is also Robin's concern about the planet and the destruction of it. I did
September was just an ok month for me as far as reading goes.  I only read 7 books.  2 of those books were better than average, 3 were average and 3 below average.   My favorite was "A Slow Fire Burning."    I usually hit a little slump sometime during the year.   I'm not sure if it will pick up in October, but so far it is a good start.    I hope your September was better than mine and that you have happy reading ahead! The Chain Adrian McKinty A letter chain - but in real life - that involves kidnapping and extortion.  A child is kidnapped and the parent receives a phone call informing them that the "ransom" is for them to pay and to kidnap another child.  In the middle of a health crisis, Rachel finds herself caught in the chain.   Now she must face what she is willing to do in order to save her daughter.    This plot sounded so promising.   I expected it to be a "sitting on the edge of my seat" book, but I never came close to that.   First off, I d

August 2022

  August ended with reading 9 books.   There were a couple that I didn't care for that much - "Ellie and the Harpmaker" and "The Maid".   The rest were either average or just above.  I didn't find that 5 star book, but "Fox Creek" - the latest Cork O'Connor book - came close.    My book club book was "The Maid".   My 12 Books in 12 Months Challenge book was "Forgiving the Dead Man Walking".  I also read one that had been recommended to me by a friend, Cindy, quite a while ago - "Cora Jean" and one that I had on my shelf and picked up when I saw my great niece, Allisa, was reading it.  I always welcome any recommendations.   It may take me a while, but I will probably pick it up at some point.   Ellie and the Harpmaker Hazel Prior ⭐⭐ This story is set in England where Ellie and her husband live.  One day while Ellie is walking in the countryside, she happens upon a barn where Dan is inside making beautiful Celtic Ha

June 2022

  I read 6 books in June.  That number is down from my usual.  I read 2 books that were a little longer than I normally read.   One was 496 pages and the other was 416.  We also took 2 trips - one to Nevada to see our granddaughters and their parents.   Needless to say, there wasn't a lot of reading while there.   The other was a trip to Louisville for a few days.   One of my friends met us there, so there again, not much reading.   I tried reading in the car, but found it made me sleepy.  Sandwiched in between the trips, we had Vacation Bible School and I taught the 3rd, 4th, 5th graders 3 of the nights and helped the other 2.    On top of being busy, I didn't find a book that was excellent.   However, I did have 2 - 4 Star books, both bordering on the 5 star read.  3 were in the average category and 1 disappointed.   I'm looking forward to a better month in July. Not That I Could Tell Jessica Strawser ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A neighborhood in Yellow Springs, Ohio, is surprised when one of t