The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey

Gemma was born in Iceland.  Her parents died when she was a small child.  Her Uncle takes her in and raises her as his own.  When the Uncle dies, Gemma is enrolled in a boarding school and her life takes a turn for the worse.

This Jane Eyre look-a-like is a good story.  The author brings the reader into a contemporary rendering that is very believable.  It is certainly the story of personal growth and the struggles in a life that help form a person.  I do think the author is very adept at helping the reader understand the transformation of Gemmma from a unworldly orphan into an independent woman.


I look forward to reading more titles from this author.

Ladybookbug!

The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian

First, I'd like to say that I enjoy this author's writing.  If you write well, you can create a story about anything and most people will read it.  I first became acquainted with this author's books through The Ophra Book Club.  I've read all of his titles written since then and have enjoyed each and every one.

His latest entry could be classified as a historical novel because it is based on the genocide of Armenians in 1915.  I never heard of this terrible event in history until I read this book.  Mr. Bohjalian has created a believable story with very interesting characters.  He brings the reader back in time and then to the present.  He writes from the perspective of a female novelist who has been investigating her heritage.  The reader may feel as if they are doing the research and the story is their story.

The travails of Elizabeth Endicott and Armen appeal to the reader and make us want to learn all we can about them.   As I completed reading The Sandcastle Girls, I felt as if I had spent an afternoon researching my own family tree and it gave me the impetus to do so.

Unique and well -done, you will not be disappointed!   Ladybookbug!

I am Forbidden by Anouk Markovits

A very interesting premise sets this novel apart from the crowd.  It takes place within the Satar community. The novel begins just before the onset of WWII in Transylvania.  It moves forward to Paris and culminates in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The author brings us believable characters and a solid story line.  It is the story of Mila and Josef and the profound love they share albeit in a culture that appears to some as stifling and restrictive.

This is a well-written novel and I look forward to reading more from this author. Ladybookbug!

Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon

A light-hearted romp through the relationship between husband and wife.  Embracing current techologies,  Wife 22 signs up for a marriage questionnare on line.  As time progresses, the questions become more intimate and Wife 22 longs to meet Researcher 101.

If you'd like a departure from thrillers and dramas, then pick this one up.

Ladybookbug!

15 Seconds by Andrew Gross

Henry Steadman, a Florida plastic surgeon with a successful practice is stopped by the local police for a minor traffic violation.  He is released and about to leave when he sees a car pull up and shoot the police officer point blank.   He then becomes the target of a man hunt.  Everything appears to be stacked against him as he makes a desperate attempt to save his daughter from harm.

A fast-paced thriller that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ladybookbug!

The Far Side of the Sky by Daniel Kalla

I have many patrons who recommend books that I should read.  I usually check them out and then decide whether or not I'll read them.  A patron came in the other day and suggested this title.  The patron said it usually takes them a few week to get through a book but this one took only two days.  I can understand why.

This book starts out in Germany during the Nazi occupation.  It ends in Shanghai during the Japanese occupation.  It is filled with historical events and names.  It is also a love story.  The author has created believable characters and the story line is excellent.

Well worth reading.

Ladybookbug!

Porch Lights by Dorothea Benton Frank

If you like to read light-hearted romance with a bit of humor, you're in for a treat with this new title by Ms. Frank.

The setting is Sullivan's Island, off the coast of South Carolina.  A beach cottage nestled in the sand, near the ocean is both charming and alluring.  Jackie, army nurse, has just returned from a tour in Afghanistan.  Her late husband, Jimmy, was killed fighting a fire.  She and her son, Charlie decide to visit her parents for some rest and recuperation.

While visiting, Jackie is introduced to the next door neighbor and the rest is history.

A gentle romp and respite from some of the more intense novels on your reading list.

Ladybookbug!

The End of the World as we Know It by Robert Goolrick

Having read Mr. Goolrick's first novel The Reliable Wife and his second entry Heading Out to Wonderful I would be remiss if I didn't read his memoir. So I did. After reading the memoir, I found myself ever more appreciative of the hard work that this author put into both books. I enjoyed them both, never full realizing how difficult this authors life has been. While not a happy-go-lucky story, and fraught with depression and abuse, the fact that Mr. Goolrick was able to rise above it all and produce two interesting storylines is to be commended. Keep on keeping on and keep on writing! Ladybookbug!

The Last Minute by Jeff Abbott

Having read Mr. Abbott's previous thrilled Adrenaline, I was anxious to find out what happened to Sam Capra and I was not disappointed. Mr. Abbott has thrilled us again with a fast-paced mystery. This time Sam is in search of his baby boy. The child has been kidnapped by an unsavory organization and they plan to hold Sam hostage to do whatever they deem in order to get his son back. A former CIA-agent, Sam now works for a secret network under the guise of managing several bars. Sam is led through a series of twists and turns as he joins another person who is desperately trying to find her own daughter. Hang on to your seats for this thriller. Not as thrilling as the mini- series Missing with Ashley Judd, but close. Ladybookbug!

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Oprah's 2.0 Book Club chose this book as their first book of the new season. Honestly, that's what made me want to read it. Not a fan of memoir's, I was drawn to this story because it is all about something that I wish I had the physical stamina to accomplish. Not familiar with the author prior to reading her memoir makes me even more likely to read some of her other work. Cheryl Strayed is someone I'd like to have dinner with and talk and talk and talk some more. Her story reaches into those dark recesses of the mind and soul and encourages us to keep on keeping on. As you join her in her trek across the Pacific Crest Trail, you will feel as if you are actually there. Her descriptive details go a long way toward helping the reader own the story. Many of us struggle with not knowing who we really are and what we're capable of. Cheryl proves that she had the courage to step outside her comfort zone and face her fears. I applaud her for it and look forward to reading more from this author. You Go Girl! Ladybookbug!

Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand

Let me say that it must be very difficult to come up with a new idea for a novel. Being a fairly prolific reader puts me in touch with just about every scenario. This new entry by Hilderbrand reeks of a similar story by Kristin Hannah called Night Road.   Be that as it may, this is still a good book. While the authors are similar in their style, I like their style of writing and I don't really mind. A tragedy occurs on a June evening. An automobile accident that leaves one person critically injured and another dead. Two other young people survive with no outside injuries. Zoe is the mother of twins whose lives were dramatically affected. The author follows the accident with a look at each individual and how they did or did not cope with the tragedy. The mystery is trying to find out why Penny accelerated the car. The usual culprits of drugs and alcohol are dismissed. A brief conversation with a friend just prior to the accident leaves the reader wondering what transpired. Hilderbrand doesn't disappoint us. We just have to read to the end. You'll want to! Ladybookbug!