Fear Trump in the White House - Bob Woodward

Fear Trump in the White House - Bob Woodward

He and she read

All I can say is ....read it!

Past Tense - Lee Child

Past Tense - Lee Child

She read

Release date: November 5, 2018

I am hesitant to rate this book.  Jack Reacher fans will probably welcome it, especially since it gives some information about his family background.

This is my first Reacher novel and I guess I am just not a fan.  I am not fond of stories that are seemingly fantastical and I found myself skimming over some of the action.  I have skipped all prior 22 Jack Reacher novels and now I guess I know why.

A Well-Behaved Woman - Therese Anne Fowler

A Well-Behaved Woman - Therese Anne Fowler

She read

Release date:  October 16, 2018

This is the fascinating story of Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont, socialite, suffragette, and one of the wealthiest women of the robber baron era.  Descending from socially acceptable lineage, but having no money, her first marriage to William Vanderbilt was one of convenience.  Her second, to Oliver Belmont, supposedly one of love.  

A unique woman for her times, she displayed great interest in  philanthropy, architecture, and women’s rights.  

I don’t know how sanitized this historical fictional account is, but it was a well written, engaging read.  The  arbitrary but strict “rules” of late nineteenth century New York society were interesting, as was the ostentatious avarice of that era.  

The Wife's Secret - Kerry Wilkinson

The Wife's Secret - Kerry Wilkinson

She read

Oct. 9, 2018

Charley's parents were killed when she was thirteen and now she has disappeared from her wedding reception. The search for her is told alternating with her first person account of her childhood.  

I couldn’t put this book down and sped through it quickly. I thought the ending strained credibility a bit, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of it and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers. 

Consumed - J.R. Ward

Consumed - J.R. Ward

She read

Release date:  Oct. 2, 2018

It took a while for me to get into this book, but once I did, I liked it.  It contained a little more action than I usually like and the beginning was tough,  but it was a solid story with good character development.  

I am hoping that after taking so long to introduce these characters and provide their background stories, along with some story lines left hanging, this will be the first in what will be a series.

For those who may be interested, there are two prequels to this story, The Wedding from Hell, Parts 1 and 2.  Reference is made to "the wedding from hell" in Consumed.

The Lies We Told - Camilla Way

The Lies We Told  -  Camilla Way

She read

Release date: Oct. 9, 2018

I literally could not put this book down; I consumed it in one day.  The suspense of trying to find out the relationship between the interlocking stories of Hannah, a sociopathic child growing up in the 80s and the disappearance of Clara’s boyfriend, Luke,  in 2017 kept my eyes glued to to the page. 

So often the way authors tie stories together disappoints, but Camilla Way did so successfully.  Secrets, deceit, veracity, trust, obsessions, twists, and turns galore in this psychological thriller.  

Becoming Mrs. Lewis - Patti Callahan

Becoming Mrs. Lewis - Patti Callahan

She read

Release date: Oct. 2, 2018

 I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

It took a while for me to engage with this well researched story of writer Joy Davidson and the love of her life, CS Lewis, but, in the end, I really liked it.  The writing was quite lyrical and poetic in presenting the portrait of a talented, strong, yet vulnerable woman of her times.

The descriptions of Oxford were so graphic, I felt as though I was there was again.   The religious aspect so important to these two characters might not be to everyone’s liking, but it is worth getting through it to read this remarkable work.  

A Spark of Light - Jodi Piccoult

A Spark of Light - Jodi Picoult

She read

Release date: Oct. 2, 2018

In this latest Jodi Picoult treasure, she tackles the issue of a woman’s right and abortion in her usual thoroughly engrossing manner.

There is a hostage crises at the only reproductive health clinic in Mississippi that performs abortions and the hostage negotiator’s sister and daughter are inside with the gunman who has already killed.

The book is well researched and Picoult does an excellent job of presenting all sides of this issue.  She tells the background stories of the main characters which gives insight into how each one has arrived at his/her views and actions.  

Except for the epilogue, the story is revealed in reverse time order.  This was an interesting technique, and I don’t know if it would have been more effective if revealed  in chronological order.

As with Picoult’s last novel, don’t forget to read the author’s notes at the back.  

Transcription - Kate Atkinson

Transcription - Kate Atkinson

She read

Release date: Sept. 25, 2018

I enjoyed this story of MI5 operatives before, during and after World War II, yet it seemed that something was missing.  I think perhaps the denouement occurred too quickly, without enough explanation and while it was somewhat unexpected, I seemed to have missed any of the hints that may or may not have been there. 

The plot switches among three time frames as the story unfolds, but the timelines were clearly delineated and easy to follow.  The writing was solid and I found some of the tongue in cheek comments quite amusing. Many of the observations about nationalism and fascism were quite relevant to our times.  

Dark Tide Rising - Anne Perry

Dark Tide Rising - Anne Perry

She read

Release date: September 18, 2018

I read one of Anne Perry’s novels years ago and although I enjoyed it never read another because historical mysteries are not usually my favorite genre.  

I decided to try this new one and am glad I did.  It is a well written, engrossing read with strong characters. 

Dark Tide Rising is the latest in the series about William Monk who is now superintendent with the Thames River Police.  The first in the series was written 28 years ago!  Long time fans of Anne Perry will welcome this most recent addition, but it is not necessary to have read the prior novels to enjoy this one.  Bits of Monk and his wife, Hester’s, past revealed here

have inspired me to go back and read some of the earlier ones.