Betrayed by Lisa Scottoline

Scottoline takes the reader back to Rosato & Associates, a law firm that she introduced in a previous novel.  Judy Carrier take center stage in this new entry.  She is trying to unravel a case that hits very close to home.

This is not a compelling novel.  However, it does offer the reader an interesting premise that most people probably never really think about. The story moves right along and I had no difficulty reading the entire story in one sitting.

While I have really enjoyed some of this author's previous work such as Coming Home and Think Twice, this one was just okay.

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Life is Sweet by Elizabeth Bass

A light-hearted romantic novel about a young woman who owns a bakery  Becca, a former actress, owns and operates The Strawberry Cake Shop.  While struggling to make a profit, Becca has a positive view of the world and wants the best for herself and others.

Becca's two closest friends have a lot to say about how she should live her life.  Together they face dilemmas and life's ups and downs.

Ultimately, this is a story about resilience and the ability to face life head-on, always pushing forward.

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The Perfect Witness by Iris Johansen

Iris Johansen has added yet another layer to her prolific repertoire.

Teresa Casali has an unusual gift.  Her parents are aware of this gift and her father does everything he can to exploit her.  He is killed by a member of the mob and Teresa takes a chance and runs away from all that she has known. She is saved by an unknown man who takes her under his wings but even he has an ulterior motive.

Through twists and turns, Teresa's life begins a new course that is ultimately changed yet again but she is determined to move forward, recognizing her attributes and taking control of her own life.

This is the story of a young woman in search of herself.  Once she begins to know who she is and becomes empowered in the process, she rises to her full stature.

A fast-paced, unique setting that will keep you reading to the very end.

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The Escape by David Baldacci

Good books are worth waiting for.  This latest entry by one of my favorite authors is no exception.

Readers are re-introduced to John Puller, combat veteran and special agent with the U.S. Army.  In this realistic premise, John's older brother Robert has been incarcerated in a maximum security military prison for crimes against the United States. One night, under mysterious circumstances, Robert escapes.  John has been assigned to bring him in.

John is coupled with another agent and together they explore the reasons Robert was convicted in the first place.  Their investigation uncovers an intricate, heinous crime that has drawn in people of the highest caliber with the intent to destroy the people of the United States of America.

Mr. Baldacci has written many books with plausible plot lines.  He draws his readers in by developing his characters and making his stories contemporary and believable.  Although this book is fictional, it could very well be something that could happen.

Susan Reynolds, one of the major perpetrators of the crime, seems to be upright and patriotic.  Only after a relentless pursuit of the truth can John and his partner uncover the manipulation that has transpired and unveil the ugly plan.

A fast-paced thriller that will keep you up until the last page.

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Blue Labyrinth by Preston & Child

Although this pair of writers are fairly prolific, I have not read any of their previous works.

Blue Labyrinth is really reflective of its' title.  The story was convoluted and I had a great deal of difficulty staying with it.  I put this book down several times after reading three or four chapters and just could not get into it.

The scene in the beginning of the book was difficult to believe.  The main character is Special Agent Pendergast.  He is residing in a mansion in Manhattan.  There is a knock at the door.  The door does not  have a peep-hole and the housekeeper must open the door, leaving her vulnerable to whatever is on the other side.  Who would think that a Special Agent would not have the thought or the money to put in better security?   Shortly after, Pendergast is in hot pursuit of the perpetrator's car--on foot.

In all honesty, I skimmed the rest of the story, finishing the last two chapters and the epilogue.  I do hope to read one of their earlier books and get a better understanding of the main character and his plight in life.

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Florence Gordon by Brian Morton

It's been a few weeks since I've reviewed a book.  The reason was not that I was away on vacation or shopping for Christmas.  The reason was because I was having some difficulty finding something that I wanted to read.

Well, here it is---Florence Gordon.  A story about an older woman of some fortitude who is in declining health but keeps on putting one foot in front of the other.  The interesting aspect of this story is the unspoken relationship between Florence and her granddaughter.  One may come away from this book with an understanding that granddaughter and grandmother may be cut from the same bolt of  cloth.

Both characters are presented as women who are forward thinking, observant and possess an inner strength.

This was not a novel which solved any particular crisis.  However, it does explore the relationship between parent and child and may offer the reader some insight into the aging process.  This was the first time I had read anything by this author.  I may try another one.

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Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand

This is the story of the Quinn family who own an inn on the island of Nantucket.  It is late December and the family is falling apart.

The characters in this novel include four adult children, a first wife, a second wife, two lovers, a Dad, an innkeeper and a prospective husband or two.

There are pending relationship disasters, an unannounced pregnancy, a possible prison term, a rekindling of the fire of two old flames and everything seems to be  wrapped up in the inn.  This novel epitomizes the term "dysfunctional family" but one can overlook all of the things that go wrong because the story also brings forth feelings of empowerment, love, and all the bindings that tie a family together.

Ms. Hilderbrand has written fourteen novels in all.  Her attention to details and characterizations make the reader feel as if they are part of the story.  It seemed as if  I was observing everything that was happening from a front row seat.  I felt like I wanted  to partake of the Christmas dinner or wrap my arms around Ava.

If you have never read this author before, I'd like to suggest her book The Blue Bistro as a starting point.  If you love it, as I did, you'll want to read everything she has written.  Her books talk about ordinary lives and leave you feeling as if they are extraordinary. You may find yourself looking at your own life from a new perspective.

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