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Released last month, this book is the final volume of his Pacific War trilogy covering the climactic final year. It jumps right into it and sweeps you along with its gripping narrative and meticulous research. We experience the war from the Commanders at the top to the soldiers in the line of fire. It brings the conflict to us in vivid detail. I've read a fair amount of WWII history books but the stories and details in this book are told in a way that makes it all fresh. I was humbled by the courage and sacrifices made by those that were there, and was amazed by how our country and military was able to pivot from relentless warfare, to mercy and humanity when it was all over. A fitting tribute to the Greatest Generation. (Bob)
The first installment of a planed 2 volume biography, Logevall has the luxury of time to devote to his subject, and it is time well spent. Of particular interest is the focus on the development of the young JFK's worldview, which was nurtured during both family and solo trips to Europe, significantly to Germany during Hitler's rise to power. Another key factor contributing greatly to the character of JFK, in fact to all of the Kennedy siblings, was the intense competitiveness that was strongly encouraged by patriarch Joseph Kennedy, which would unwittingly lead to tragedy. Logevall doesn't gloss over JFK's pursuit of women, even after marriage, but rather examines how the elder Kennedy's own philandering became a model of expected behavior for his sons. Recommended for anyone wanting detailed insight into a complex man & skillful politician. (Kim)
I took a break from WWII fiction for a while, but I am glad I dove back in with this book. Set mainly in Paris during the war years, there is love, danger, heartbreak, and hope all intertwined in this wonderful story. The characters and connections pull you in and Harmel does a fine job of describing what people endured in order to survive. I didn't want to put it down and the ending has a twist I wasn't expecting. (Sue)
Four young Muslim men are accused of raping a disfigured white girl. A former barrister working with a victims right group agrees to help her despite her Muslim faith. As the story unfolded, I found myself questioning who was telling the truth and who was lying. This was a very well written courtroom thriller with racial tension, religion, misogyny, privilege, culture and divisions in society. Perfect for book clubs, it should lead to a very lively and possibly heated discussion. (Lisa)
Tara's upbringing is not one for the faint of heart. The story of her life up in the Idaho mountains with her survivalist parents and siblings was absolutely unbelievable. This was my first biography and an absolute page turner! (Bonnie)
The core message of this book is "people are idiots." Yet by the end of this story the reader has come to appreciate even the most annoying of the characters. The story is about a bank robber ,who attempts to rob a cashless bank and then takes some hostages by accident , the father/son police team trying resolve the situation, the relationships between the hostages, and a man who jumped off a bridge ten years earlier. It's really about being human. I laughed out loud and shed tears within the same chapter . I was sad when I read the last page. Life is hard right now but Anxious People will make your day a little bit brighter. (Candie)
A story of 2 unforgettable women from 2 generations, but connected by the men they love. Lenora "Lulu" Randolph lands in the Bahamas in the early 1940's as a magazine reporter and quickly becomes part of the elite "in" crowd led by the Duke & Duchess of Windsor. She meets and falls in love with Benedict Thorpe, but when he disappears, she goes on a mission to war-torn Europe to find his family and hopefully him. Years before this Elfriede, a young mother suffering from PPD, is sent to a clinic high in the Swiss Mountains. There she falls in love with an Englishman, Wilfred Thorpe. The story of how these two women fight for survival, happiness, and love is inspiring and heartfelt. Williams does a great job bring these 2 time periods & her characters to life. (Sue)
I love a good romantic suspense and Nora doesn't disappoint with this story. It starts with the kidnapping of 9 year old Caitlyn Sullivan from her prominent family's home in Big Sur. She manages to escape and find help with a nearby ranch family, the Coopers, where the seeds of a great love begin. This ordeal affects her throughout her life though, as family betrayals come to light and she wonders if she can ever find happiness, peace, and the life she wants with Dillon Cooper. (Sue)
A fun romp through the Keys set in 1935 which weaves together the stories of 3 very different women, all of whom are searching for a new future. Helen, who is pregnant and an abused wife, knows she must leave her husband in order to protect her baby. Mirta, who has fled Cuba through an arranged marriage, is worried about her husband's nefarious ties to the Mob and wondering if she will learn to love this man. Elizabeth, who takes the train solo from NY to Florida, is in search of her brother and his help with a family scandal. All 3 women will have to rely on and trust the new men they have met in order to achieve their goals and survive a powerful hurricane which is bearing down on The Keys. (Sue)
After her daughter’s devastating death, a divorce, and an emotional breakdown, Ellie hopes to move as far as possible from the grief, the rage, and the monsters of her past. When Martin Cresswell-Smith makes a whirlwind entrance into her life, she believes he may be the answer to her quest for a new beginning. Unfortunately for her fragile mind she doesn't realize that appearances can be deceiving and deadly. Filled with twists, turns, a gruesome murder set in the beauty of an Australian coastal town, this was my favorite Loreth Anne White novel yet! If you're looking for a great psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end, this book is for you! (Lisa)
Heartwarming, delightful tale of a family facing an uncertain future and the effect a small puppy has on them as the holidays fast approach. I loved this story of a family who are individually caught up in their own chaotic paths but must come together after an unexpected health crisis touches the core of their family. Witty, beautifully written, this is the perfect book to remind us all what truly matters not only during the holidays but all year long! (Lisa)
Although this is the second time I have read "The Stand" with a thirty year gap in between I was amazed at how much I had remembered of the story. Because the story is so well written, even after all that time and enormous to-be-read pile of new books, I could not put it down. The frightening aspects of the story that have or are happening now in our global pandemic society made it seem like Stephen King consulted a crystal ball when writing it. The characters and their individual and group journeys were so compelling, I felt I was right there with them. Definitely one of his best novels! (Lisa)
After much praise of this book I finally decided to pick it up and I definitely could not put it down. Abandoned at a very young age by her whole family Kya Clark survives on her own out in the marsh. With no schooling and really no social skills she is a mystery to the town. When the local football star is found dead the locals immediately blame “Marsh girl” as she’s known. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages of this novel! It is definitely a must read! (Bonnie)
Consuelo Vanderbilt, American heiress, was forced into a loveless marriage to the 9th Duke of Marlboro by her mother Alva Vanderbilt. After producing "An heir and a spare" Consuelo's marriage falls apart. She scandalously separates and forges and path of her own. Her fight for women's suffrage and medical care of children give her meaning in a world she had to make her own. This was a great story and a great character. Her story was very inspiring! (Bonnie)
Anna Princess of Kleve is engaged to the enigmatic King Henry VIII. While she is afraid from all the rumors she has heard she is also interested to learn about the man he truly is. While, as history tells we know the marriage does not last, Anna does not lose her head but becomes the sister to the queen and lives an independent life. This headstrong woman's life was both interesting and a joy to read. (Bonnie)
This book is sci-fi/fantasy like I've never read before. I could not put it down. Gideon and Harrow share a love/hate relationship. Harrow is a necromancer who needs Gideon to be her swordsman. Gideon is a foundling trapped on Harrow's planet looking for a way off. Together they answer the Emperor's call to engage in trials to become his immortal servants to help save the world. Their relationship, which is filled with mistrust and hate, and maybe love is what they need to succeed. If you are a fan of sci-fi/fantasy - this is a must read adventure. Book two, Harrow the Ninth, came out in August. (Candie)
When idealistic Elwood Curtis is unjustly sent to the Nickel Academy reformatory in the 1960s for being in the wrong place at the the wrong time, he has no idea of how bad it is going to be. His friendship with Turner, who knows the score, is his only hope to enable him to survive his sentence. This book's setting is based on a real reform school that was in operation for 111 years in Florida . It is a heart wrenching read that should become required reading for every American. It won the 2019 Pulitzer among numerous other awards. (Candie)
I am not a Beach Read reader in general. As the odds of me getting to the beach this year seem slim, I've decided to jump into the genre. I was sucked into Big Summer immediately. Girl unhappy with her body being patronized by rich, perfect, mean girls. We've all been there or seen it. Daphne is easy to cheer for. Are there some unbelievable plot devices ? Yes but it's a beach book so I expected that and they weren't so far out . Fun wedding romance. Bit of a murder mystery. Happy ending. Kept me up late last night to get to the end so I mark that as a success. (Candie)