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A Year like No Other by Pauline Lawless

"Bankers from New York, Dublin, and Germany, with their wives and families, spend a year in Paris working on a joint financial project. The couples face their prejudices and flaws and develop friendships. Some grow, while others are stressed beyond their abilities. A delightful novel set in the romantic environs of Paris." - E. Pasquali

3/4 stars.

Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams

"Another cozy mystery author I read is Ellery Adams. This series is based in story town and has lots of references to books and authors. She has a great group of recurring characters in these books. So in addition to the current story there are continuing story lines about the characters lives. This was a good read and it will keep you guessing as to who committed the murder." - F. Schwarz

4/4 stars.

The Woman in the Moonlight by Patricia Morrisroe

"An old-world story with modern sensibility unfolds as we meet Ludwig Van Beethovan. A tale almost fairy-like in charm but deep and gravely, rough without shame. The quiet walks along many a path taken and gives us a chance to see a musician living and creating movements amongst the high world of royal socialites. Was he someone who wanted a bowl of soup and a wife, or did the value of bachelorhood rule his day? Countess Julie Guicciardi, his Moonlight Sonata, see his music almost as well as himself, but neither can predict the course they will stroll." - C. Lucas

Build Your House Around My Body by Violet Kupersmith

"An unexpected ghost story about love, friendship, betrayal, and revenge that spans over 50 years. Set in Vietnam, the author strings a thread through several stories that the reader must piece together." - L. Ngo

4/4 stars.

Boardwalk Summer by Meredith Jaeger

"This book tells of two woman two generations apart. Violet in the 1940s and Mari in 2007. While doing research to save a gazebo that holds history for Mari and her family, she comes across the obituary of Violet. While reading, she finds the young woman committed suicide. Now her curiosity gets the better of her, and she finds there is more to this Violet's story. There is a surprising connection between them. The ending may bring a tear to eye." - C. Daley

4/4 stars.

Ghosts, Ghouls, & Monsters of Long Island by Joseph Flammer & Diane Hill

"This book reveals many weird stories that have happened on LI. Each story gives directions to where the paranormal events happened so you can go there and see for yourself. Some are so strange they are hard to believe! As a teen in the 60's I do remember strange horror stories happening in the woods on Mt. Misery Rd. It's a quick read & interesting- take it with a grain of salt!" - N. Bellissimo

2/4 stars.

Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

"Fantastic Book! Historical fiction. It takes place in the early 1800s in Texas. A young, beloved woman, whose family disowns her finds herself living through the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. She is a strong character with tenacity and an iron will. Very interesting time period in US history." - E. Castellano

4/4 stars.

 

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

"A very sick and twisted psychological thriller which leaves you questioning who to trust or root for. Has great character development and a slow build to an unexpected ending. Great summer read that you will not want to put down." - J. Cipolla

4/4 stars.

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

"A mystery/psychological thriller by the same author as The Silent Patient. A great and thrilling read with several twists and turns and an ending you can never guess. Made it even more interesting that the author had a small link to The Silent Patient. I highly recommend!" - J. Cipolla

4/4 stars.

Strawberries and Strangers by Leena Clover

"Almost divorced Jenny visits her Aunt Star in Pelican Cove and quickly becomes immersed in a local murder. The victim is a John Doe; the suspect is Aunt Star. Jenny sets about finding the killer. A fast - paced, engaging read." - E. Pasquali

3/4 stars.

Summer at Firefly Beach by Jenny Hale

"A woman is mourning her Great Aunt's death and returns to the summer house she shared with her family. In order to claim her inheritance she has to complete her bucket list she wrote when she was 12. All of this with her best friend by her side, but he adds some complications, too. Nice, easy summer read. Perfect for by the pool." - C. D'Orazio

4/4 stars.

Girls Burn Brighter by Shobha Rao

"It's going to take a few more days to recover from this book, which trades brutality for despair and then trades despair for evil. This book is a runaway train ride through the landscape of abuse, human trafficking, sex slavery and.....ultimately, the enduring friendship of two women. It's a worthwhile read from the standpoint of opening one's eyes to this underside of our world but it will still take fortitude to make it through these painful and yet poetic pages." - M. Murray

3/4 stars. 

Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen

"I have enjoyed books by this author in the past. He has an interesting sense of humor. I did enjoy the main character, Angie Armstrong, wildlife wrangler extraordinaire, enough that I hope she appears in another book. I do think that the politics will turn off some people." - N. McGill

 

2/4 stars.

The Penitent Priest by J.R. Mathis

"Ten years after Tom Greer’s wife’s unsolved murder, he returns to his hometown. In the interim, Tom has become a priest and has been temporarily assigned to his hometown parish. When a television reporter investigating his wife's cold case is murdered, Father Tom becomes a prime suspect. In trying to prove his innocence, he learns that his wife Joan and his long-time friend had been harboring secrets. Engrossing and well-written plot." - E. Pasquali

4/4 stars.

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

"This is a story in the pre Civil War era of a young black slave on a cotton plantation. Cora was born on this plantation. She has no real family as her mother had run away many years earlier.
When Caesar, a new slave from Virginia, arrives, he convinces Cora to run away to freedom with him. A must read!" - T. Gustafson

4/4 stars.