Believe Me - JP Delaney

Believe Me - JP Delaney

He and she read

I’m not a big fan of this book as the premise was a bit of a stretch.  It was well written, with twists that keep you guessing.  Just when it seems totally not plausible, something changes and all of a sudden perhaps it could be. I did like the literary device used intermittently of the actress imaging (and the writer writing)  the action as a script.  Fans of psychological thrillers who don’t mind suspending belief will enjoy this more than I did.  

Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win - Jo Piazza

Charlotte Walsh Lies to Win - Jo Piazza

He and she read

Release date: July 24, 2018

This is the perfect read for today’s political climate.  It will entertain, enlighten, and, at times, infuriate. Intelligently written, with great character development of both major and supporting characters. Nice to have a smart, strong female protagonist. And, although some may not,  I liked her.

Don’t let those who tag this book “chick lit” put you off.  My husband read it as well and really liked it.  And, about that ending….I think it was the perfect ending given our uncertain times.  

The Shakespeare Requirement - Julie Schumacher

The Shakespeare Requirement -Julie Schumacher

He and She read

Publication date:  August 14, 2018

The Shakespeare Requirement is an entertaining, satirical read that takes on the state of affairs in today’s academia. Some of the plights and characters of the struggling to survive Humanities are so agonizingly real, it makes you want to cry; others are a bit over the top.  There is a sub plot involving a naive freshman student that seems as if it belongs in another book and belabors the story.   Otherwise, it is engaging and in some ways all too real.

From a Corner of the Oval Office - Beck Dorey-Stein

From a Corner of the Oval Office - Beck Dorey-Stein

He and She read

Release date: July 10, 2018

This is a fast, entertaining nostalgic read about a young woman who lands a job as what is termed a “stenographer” in the Obama White House.  The author is her strongest when making biting witty political observations; she falls a bit when chronicling her messed up love life. Unfortunately, she spent a lot of time on this aspect vs the insight of a political insider.  And, do the White House staffers really drink that much?  Be warned, this book will make you yearn for the days when a noble, gentleman occupied the Oval Office. 

Before and Again - Barbara Delinsky

Before and Again - Barbara Delinsky

She Read

Publication Date: June 26, 2018

This was my first Barbara Delinsky novel.  It was a good read and held my attention, although I thought there was just too much detail about applying makeup in the beginning!
I guess I am just not an aficionado of "women's lit"as it was just too much of a Prince Charming fairy tale for me.
But, if you are a fan of the genre, by all means, pick this one up.

The Middleman - Olen Steinhauer

The Middleman - Olen Steinhauer

He and she read.

Although the description of this book emphasizes its political undertone, it evolved into a standard mystery/FBI procedural.  Well written, it held my attention and was a compelling read. 

Mary B. - Katherine J. Chen

Mary B - Katherine J Chen

He and she read

Written from the perspective of Mary, the plain middle sister in Pride and Prejudice, the action takes place before, during, and after Austen's novel.
I thought it was well written and quite amusing.
Lately, it seems there have been so many fictional novels being written about real people that it was enjoyable to have a fictional account of fictional characters!

He enjoyed it as well!