Linda
I thought this novel was a fascinating look at how little we can sometimes know about people and whether those assumptions are based solely on what they tell us, or also on what we know about their character. It also delves into a mother's love and how that doesn't have to be a bond by blood. I loved the relationships in this book and the story itself. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I found there were times I was “told” the information in a way where I would rather have “discovered” it through the plot. Overall, a good read and one that has the reader imagining “What would I do in that situation?”
I enjoyed reading The Finest Lies. David Naiman has done it again with terrific characterization and a compelling story. When Nicole is offered the chance to trade in her brother for a robot, she can't resist the allure. In her mind Jay is critical, unreasonable and totally out of line. A robot would be so much better, right?! Nicole soon discovers that she may not be seeing things as they really are and begins a journey of personal growth.
I do have one criticism of the novel. There is a scene in the book that needs a trigger warning. It's done in a relatively mild way and not incredibly graphic, but the subject matter is disturbing. I think some YA readers who have lived through something similar would have been triggered by it.
In spite of that, it was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the Author's next novel. Be sure to read his notes at the end of the book as well. They were a sweet look into his life as a Dad.
I would have given this book 5 stars except the amount of Science in the book was a little overwhelming at times and I had to skim parts of it. In spite of that, however, the plot was interesting and the characters were compelling . The bond of friendship between the main characters was a real joy to read. The way they learned about each other and came together over a common problem was so heartwarming. I loved the ending and it made me think about the book long after I finished it.
I'm absolutely loving this series of books. They are full of Harry Potter references, fun characters that feel cozy and warm and an incredible, magical small town. If I had to compare it to anything from tv, it would be a combination of The Good Witch and Charmed. Just the sort of story I have been needing with everything going on in the world today. So very glad I found these books and I can't wait to start the next one.
The story was interesting and surprising. I had never heard of Home Children and it's incredible that this is part of Canadian history that is not taught or talked about. Unfortunately I listened to it on Audible and the narration was very stilted and didn't do justice to the characters, but that's no fault of the book. The characters and their stories were fascinating and heartbreaking and the author did a great job going between past and present. A story I believe every Canadian should read.
A Wonderful Story of Family Resilience
Another wonderful story by Lesley Crewe. Her characters are so real and relatable that you become completely immersed in their lives. They could be your own family, with all their strengths and their flaws. A terrific read from beginning to end. Don't expect to sleep until you find out how it all turns out with the family.
I tried, but I just couldn't finish it. I thought the premise for the series was imaginative, but I found the characters language to be stilted and the backstory took up a lot of time. I didn't find it that interesting. I wanted to get back to Maia and her sisters. Anyway, eventually when I found myself skipping chapters, I just gave up.
It's a very popular series, so I expect I'm in the minority here, but it just wasn't for me.
Fabulous! Another winner for Kate Quinn. Wonderfully human, engaging characters in a world filled with the chaos of war. When I first realized it was about Bletchley Park I wasn't sure I would care for it. I kind of felt the story had already been told, but I was so wrong. Kate Quinn took the lives of three women and fleshed out their stories in a way that was so captivating. There are so many trails and snippets to each of their lives that I couldn't even pick a favourite character. They were all interesting and very different. I can't wait to see what's next for this author as she has quickly become one of my favourites.
I found this was a really interesting take on the conversations in your career that can either propel you forward or can make it so you stay stuck in the same place for years. Although much of it might be considered common sense, I found quite a few takeaways that I will be using from now on. Definitely worth a read whether you are just starting out or you have been in the business world for many years.
I enjoyed this book, but it's certainly not the best in the genre. Like so many of them, it went between two timelines; the present and WW2. It had a couple of twists, however, I found they were predictable. That being said though, the characters were interesting for the most part and the story was fairly well told. I did find that I wasn't really engaged with the characters in the present, only the ones during WW2 and most of the book was devoted to them.
Overall, it's a pleasant read, but if you have read a lot of WW2 fiction, this one is just more of the same.
When Grace Tucker, the first lady, disappears after discovering her husband's affair, it's up to Sally Grissom, part of the Secret Service, to find her. That's the premise, but there is so much more going on. Between back room politics, sharpshooters with an attitude and not knowing who she can trust, Sally Grissom has her work cut out for her.
James Patterson never fails to deliver. This is the 4th book of his that I have read and I am always kept captivated by the characters and the plot twists that he delivers. I'm not sure how he manages to do that when he is often collaborating with other writers and ghost writers, but it seems to work for him.
I really enjoyed this novel and the time went by so quickly as I was listening to it. I was swept up in the drama of the two sisters and unlike some novels with dual storylines, I was equally interested in both. I found a rich depth to nearly all the characters and I appreciated how well the narration was done, drawing me into their struggles and heartaches. If you enjoy historical fiction, this book is a must read.
I found this book very enjoyable. The reader did a wonderful job with the voices of the different characters.
The author's characterization was wonderful and she totally drew me into that world and time in history. It can sometimes be a challenge to really show the desperation, fear and courage of the 1940's but I found she brought it all to life and I desperately wanted the characters to survive and everything to work out.
I enjoyed this story a lot. It was something very different from my usual novels and it gives an interesting insight into the 419 e-mail scams from Nigeria.
The character development was good and although there were a few overlapping plots it was fairly easy to follow most of the time.
My only complaint is the length of the novel. I felt like it dragged on beyond what was necessary for the storyline. Overall though, an entertaining listen.
I thought this book was amazing. I am sure that I read this author before, but it was many years ago and I'm not sure which book it was. I waited far too long to go back to her. This novel is about a mother who adopted her son 3 years ago and everything seemed fine until she saw a face in a “missing” flyer that looked just like him.
I'm not sure I would have made the same choices that the main character makes, but she's a reporter and she feels as though she needs to get to the bottom of the mystery. The author does a great job making the book suspenseful and I had a hard time putting it down until I found out what was going to happen to this family.
The Light Over London was really good. More light and fluffy than I expected, but it had some twists and turns in the story which made it enjoyable. It's one of those novels that goes between present day and the 1940's. In this case it's because of a diary that is found by the main character. I enjoy stories with a past and present plot line, however, if you find that confusing or it just annoys you than this isn't the book for you.
Otherwise this is a good Summer read in spite of the fact that much of it takes place during WW2. It's a coming of age story and involves romance and mystery. What more could you ask for as you're lying on the beach?
Interesting read. It covered the plague and how it was dealt with including implementing “pest houses” where they would send everyone that had the plague and the fact that when the rich left the cities most of the Doctors went with them. So that left the people who weren't well off to deal with this largely on their own.
It also covered the war between England and Holland and the massive London fire of the time. The author did a good job of presenting the historical facts while still making it interesting. There were times when I thought it droned on a bit (thus the 3 star rating) but some of the other areas were interesting enough to make it worth a read.
I couldn't finish this book. I wanted to like it, I really did, but I felt it just dragged on and really became more a story of a woman with mental illness than anything else. Whether or not she was Anastasia Romanov, I don't know. I just know by the time I was half way through it, it was no longer important to me.
I really enjoyed this book. I know it says it is book 3, however, I have never read any of the other ones and found it stood alone without any problem. The book follows a Native American girl throughout her life in the 1920's and beyond. She grows up in a residential school and later goes on to lead a very exciting, albeit harrowing life through WW2.
Without giving away any spoilers, let me just say it brought to light aspects of life that I had never thought about and talked about the Native American contributions in both world wars that I knew little about.
Jonathan has lived quite a life and really turned things around for himself. It's not surprising that he is so compassionate with the people he meets through his show “Queer Eye”. I think this would be an amazing book for a young person in the LGBTQ++ community to read, but really, anyone who has ever struggled with abuse, drugs, family dynamics, sexual issues or self-love will be able to relate. Johathan talks about it all and is honest and raw, but manages to remain funny and upbeat through it all.
The Woman in the White Kimono” was a beautiful, emotional read. I love historical fiction as I always learn something new, or learn to think of something about history in a new way. This story digs into the history of Japanese women falling in love with American GIs during WW2. These women were shunned and disowned and this is the story of that love and spans decades as the past and the present meet in a bittersweet, unexpected way.
I wasn't really sure what to expect with this book and I'm always put off a little when I realize it's one of a series. I was pleasantly surprised for the most part though. The characters were engaging and the story was interesting. My only complaint is that it didn't have an ending satisfying enough that I don't HAVE to read book two. I didn't feel as though anything was really wrapped up at the end of book one. So although I understand that logic in an author when they do a series; I would have liked a little more resolution. Will I read the second book in the series? I haven't decided yet. I probably will, but I didn't find it so compelling that I'm racing for it.