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The Maid by Nita Prose

Molly is a 25 yr. old conscientious, detail-oriented maid at a grand hotel. The book starts slowly, introducing Molly as somewhat unusual. It picks up a bit when Molly is accused of murder and a mystery unfolds. This is an easy read.  Though it lacks in substance and was repetitive, it has a feel-good ending. - D. Zelamsky

⭐⭐ Stars

The President’s House by Margaret Truman

Ms. Truman takes an historical and often personal look at the many aspects that make up the President’s House. (Presidents and their families, guests, staff, etc.) Interesting and eye opening.  I never realized the White House was allowed to fall into such shambles that Ms. Truman’s piano fell through the floor, that Thomas Jefferson was a misogynist, that when the British were marching toward the White House, Dolley Madison got a wagon and moved, and saved, documents and artifacts.  Fascinating, informative, and well researched. - E. Pasquali

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis

A look back in time to the Mccarthy era, how effected the theater and movie industry. This story tells of a friendship between two woman who end up living in the Chelsa Hotel. It shows the ambition, love and betrayal of these two women. I would recommend this book, interesting history and this hotel that still exists on 23rd street in west side in Manhattan. -  C. Daley

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

The Teachers: A Year Inside America's Most Vulnerable, Important Profession by Alexandra Robbins

Robbins follows three teachers through the school year and reports on their successes, frustrations, concerns, etc. Robbins supports their stories with thorough and compelling research on topics such as school violence, bullying, high stakes testing, etc. Whether you’re an educator (I’m a retired elementary school teacher) or not, this book offers important ways to support the many overworked and unappreciated teachers. - P. Bacchi

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

Why I Believe in Life Beyond Death by Norman Vincent Peale

I found this book fascinating and hard to put down. The author was a Christian Preacher and had no doubt that we do go on after death. He knew many famous people and wrote what they said on their death beds. Thomas Edison said" It's very beautiful over there!" Robert Louis Stevenson was quoted as saying " If this is death, it is easier than life!" His belief that life is everlasting is very comforting. - N. Bellissimo

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

Fish In a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

This is a book for children ages 10 and up. Since it’s a NY Times bestseller (and recommended by my great-nephew) I wanted to read it. The story revolves around Ally, a girl with dyslexia. With the help of a great teacher, a supportive family and a couple of friends, Ally starts to thrive and realizes that everyone is different (and struggling in their own way). The book has some important messages for kids like “Be honest, be you.” and “No matter how smart you are, success is reached with hard work too.” - P. Bacchi

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin

Martin tells this heartwarming story about Reese, a former heart surgeon with a painful past who comes to know Annie, a hopeful young girl with a failing heart.  As the story unfolds, the reader learns about Reese’s past, why he no longer practices medicine, how he slowly learns to forgive himself., and opens up to helping Annie.  This is a book that will keep your interest. - P. Bacchi

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

The Billionaire’s Voice by J. S. Scott

An interesting read about ice skating and deafness.  A young woman has an accident which leaves her deaf. She cannot assimilate into the women’s group because reading lips only works for her with one or two people. She meets a kind billionaire but knows that he will leave her and marry another woman. He encourages her to resume ice skating with no music and she is able to perform her routine. He helps her heal emotional and physically to her before accident performances. - P. Wagner

⭐⭐Stars

The Gift by Edith Eger

Edith Eger is a 90+ year old Holocaust survivor who became a renowned psychologist. She relays stories from her own lives, and those of her patients, to offer 12 lessons to save your life. These powerful lessons will leave a lasting impact. - P. Bacchi

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

False Justice (Jessie Black Legal Thrillers, Book 6) by Larry Winters

"Jessie Black meets up with Kelly, an old law school friend, who confides to Jessie that she is terrified for her life. Kelly is representing grieving parents whose son’s death was caused by an unsafe toy. That night, Kelly dies in an automobile accident. Jessie doesn’t believe it was an accident, but murder. An indifferent police force, a corrupt legal system and a sociopathic defrocked physician impede Jessie’s efforts to represent the grieving parents and solve Kelly’s murder. An engrossing read." - E. Pasquali

4/4 stars.

When the Past Came Calling by Larry Kaplan

"David Miller, a personal injury lawyer, is contacted by former classmate, U. S. Attorney Michael Eisenberg, who is working with the FBI on a high-stakes national security case. When Michael falls to his death, David becomes involved with the case. The case becomes more complicated when CIA Agent Conrad takes over. Interest focuses on a religious cult and on David’s friend, Benny Friedman. Benny is obsessed with the JFK assassination and insists he has evidence that Lee Harvey Oswald didn’t act alone. This book blends espionage with murder and is one of the best novels I’ve read." - E.

The House on Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

"This was a delightful and whimsical read. The story was endearing and characters were likable and developed well throughout the book. A great read to escape from reality." - A. Green

4/4 stars.

Killed with a Kiss by Fiona Grace

"In Book 5 in the Lacey Doyle series our main character again faces being a suspect in a murder investigation. This time her business’ reputation as well as her own is effected. Leaving her no choice but to start her own investigation." - F. Schwarz

3/4 stars.

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle

"The book was this months read for the St John’s university book club. And what a book it is. It actually made me laugh and cry. Maybe my age, COVID sheltering or the crazy things happen around Huntington now, made the story very poignant. Gayle really knows how to tell a story." - F. Schwarz

4/4 stars.

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

"Not a typical Hoover romance novel but still satisfying and poignant. The beginning felt slow but the bittersweet tones of marriage, love, loss, grief and moving forward came through toward the end." - A. Green

3/4 stars.