A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Rating:           9.5 General Rating: Reading this book is a little like going on a dinner date with a genius. You can’t insult him by leaving too soon, but he’s a tad confusing. Long-winded. Using proper utensils. Announcing the origins and imported flavors of every bite—in French. Then Latin. You’re out of your element, aren’t sure what … Read more

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Rating:           10 General Rating:  A hat trick! This is the third ten I’ve given Fredrik Backman. Appropriately, it’s a hockey story. Backman keeps outdoing himself. Skip factor:  Another one where I skipped nothing. Not a word. Favorite line: “It doesn’t take a lot to be able to let go of your child. It takes everything.” … Read more

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Rating:                       5 General Rating:   This was a can’t-put-down novel for me. Confession: Not sure I would have LOVED this book as much if I hadn’t watched the Netflix series. Reese Wetherspoon’s voice echoed through my head with the turn of every page. (I love that girl.) Skip factor:    O% This doesn’t happen very often, but I … Read more

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

Rating:           9 General Rating: Excellent writing and character development. I even loved the mule, Junia, named for the single female apostle. (Google to verify.) This novel reminded me of The Whip, only I enjoyed it much more. Skip factor:  Nothing. Who should read: If you like fabulous writing about simple people but with deep meaning, you’ll love … Read more

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

Rating:                              6 General Rating: No, no, no, no, and no. I don’t usually bad-mouth other authors or books but this is a hard no. I give it an 8 for writing but a 4 for content. Skip factor:  20% At least. I skipped much. I don’t like reading the sex details between a pervert and … Read more

Hadley and Grace by Suzanne Redfearn

Rating:           8 General Rating: This is Lucy and Ethel turned Therma and Louise. Skip factor:  6%. I skipped a bit a quarter of the way through along with long paragraphs thereafter. Who should read: You’ll like. People who need a break from deep should read this.  Or, enjoy humor? You’ll like. Summary: Thelma—I’m sorry—Hadley is … Read more

A grand old time

Rating:                              8 General Rating: A cute little story about old age. The main character, Evy, captured my heart immediately. It took a bit longer for me to warm up to the storyline, but I was in love with Evy so gladly kept going. … Read more

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Rating:           9.5 General Rating: A must read. Fabulous writing and a fantastic novel. I loved the straightforward talk of Eleanor coupled with hints sprinkled throughout that something in her past was awry. That combination kept me turning pages. Favorite line: “Everything seems worse in the darkest hours of the night.” (So true!) Skip factor:  1%. I skipped … Read more

Deconstructed by Liz Talley

Deconstructed by Liz Talley Rating:           9 General Rating:   A cute, easy read about a woman married to a cheater. Skip factor:   4% I skipped very little in this novel. Who should read:   Any woman who’s ever been cheated on or had a friend whose husband cheated. Girls who like beach reads … Read more