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.