The Husband's Secret/Liane Moriarty/394 pgs.

Cecilia Fitzpatrick has an ideal life, until she discovers a letter written by her husband, John-Paul, which is to be read only upon his death. Circumstances compel her to read the letter even though John-Paul is still alive, opening up a can of worms like no other! Jump to the secret Tess O'Leary encounters: her husband, Will, and best friend (and cousin), Felicity, have fallen in love. This prompts Tess to leave with Will and her son, Liam, to help her mother recuperate from a broken ankle. Then there is Rachel, who is still mourning the loss of her daughter, Janie--a victim of an unsolved murder as a teenager. Moriarty leads the reader through a maze while trying to show the impact one secret has on many people's lives. It is a very interesting and thought provoking read. Highly recommended.

The Interestings/Meg Wolitzer/468 pages

Six teenagers meet at an artsy summer camp in the 1970s, dub themselves "The Interestings" and begin a friendship that lasts past the summer. Four of them form a bond that spans several decades and life-changing events.


I have to come clean on this one. I was on my final renewal before I decided to actually read it. Once I started it, I wasn't sure the title was accurate, but by the second chapter, I was hooked. Wolitzer's characters and their lives seemed very real. What happens to friendship when half of the friends achieve success and wealth and the other half does not? Can you genuinely love someone when you also envy them just as deeply?

The Hypnotist's Love Story/Liane Moriarty/414 pages

Ellen O'Farrell has fallen in love with a man who has a stalker. Patrick's stalker is his ex-girlfriend Saskia. Even though they broke up three years ago, Saskia just can't let him go. To make matters worse, Saskia has invented a new identity and is a client of Ellen's hypnotherapy practice. As Ellen and Patrick's relationship strengthens, Saskia becomes more bold in her harassment of them.


This is a much darker story than Moriarty's other novels. This one had me guessing as to what was really going on for much of the novel. The ending may be a little too neat, but it is still an above average story.

Big Little Lies/Diane Moriaty/460 pages

Something terrible happens at the primary school's annual trivia night. The police have been summoned and are investigating. But, first we must go back 6 months before to trace what really happened or, at least, why. It all begins on kindergarten orientation day when Jane, the newcomer to the community, meets Madeline, one of the alpha moms. Their fateful meeting and subsequent friendship is just the beginning of the story. Soon all the moms, and even some of the dads, are taking sides after Jane's son Ziggy is accused of choking and then bullying a little girl in the class. Ziggy unrelentingly denies all charges, and since no one ever sees him near Amabelle (that's not a typo), the school cannot take sides, but the parents can and do. Soon Jane and Ziggy are shunned by one group while Madeline takes up for her new friend.


Another delightful story from Moriaty! Anyone who has or had children in school can relate to this situation and can recognize the parents in the story. I stayed up much too late just to finish it and then was sad when it was over. Now who knows how long I'll have to wait for her to publish another one.

The Girls of August/Anne Rivers Siddons/223 pages

The original "girls of August" were the wives of four med students/doctors. Although their husband's careers took them to different cities, the women vacationed each year in a beach house until one was tragically killed one winter. After that loss, the remaining three could not bring themselves to reunite each summer. Three years later, the widower remarries and wants the girls to reinstate the tradition with his new wife on her family's property on a remote barrier island off the South Carolina coast. The three reluctantly agree, and they begin to reacquaint themselves with each other and learn to like the new, much younger, member of the "girls of August."


This was a delight to read. I enjoyed the antics of the women fending for themselves on this remote island. I've always wanted to visit this part of the country, so the setting appealed to me. I wish Siddons had fleshed out the situations more. The story could have easily filled another one hundred pages. I find myself thinking I need to finish the book when, in fact, I already have.

Blood Rites (The Dresden Files #6) / Jim Butcher / 439 p.

Continuing to make my way through listening to The Dresden Files.  As usual Harry strives to help the helpless fight the evil forces at great risk to himself.  This time he is also dragged in to helping a friendly enemy--the vampire Thomas.  He is at war with himself over the fact that he actually likes Thomas despite the fact that he is a succubus vamp--an idea that he naturally finds abhorrent. In the middle of all the mayhem that is Harry's normal life, Thomas has a startling revelation that will change Harry's life forever.

Three Wishes/Liane Moriarty/356 pages

Lyn, Cat and Gemma are thirty-three year old triplets. Lyn and Cat are identical twins, and Gemma basically just tagged along for the ride. In the year leading up to their thirty-fourth birthday, the sisters experience love, heartbreak and drama almost every day. Lyn and Cat are both married, but while Lyn has a daughter, Cat's been dealing with infertility. After Gemma's tragic non-trip to the altar, she can't seem to find a boyfriend that lasts more than a few months. The girls, along with their divorced parents, deal with their sibling rivalries with mostly love and laughter.
This is Moriarty's debut novel, and it's a delight. Interspersed between the chapters are stories from unknown people who have experienced the Kettle girls just briefly over the years and who have never forgotten them. Moriarty is definitely one of my favorite new finds.

I Kill the Mockingbird/Paul Acampora/166 pages

Lucy, Elena and Michael have been friends since kindergarten. It's the summer before they start high school, and they have to pick four books from a reading list to read before school starts. Lucy's mother has just returned home from the hospital where she has been declared miraculously cured from her terminal cancer. The kid's favorite English teacher suddenly died last fall, but he was a huge fan of To Kill of Mockingbird and had already told them that would be their only mandatory reading for the coming summer. Since Mockingbird is also Lucy's favorite book, she wants to everyone to read it as a tribute to Mr. Robert (Fat Bob) Nowak. So the three start hiding copies of the book in every bookstore and library they can, leaving a flyer saying I Kill the Mockingbird in its place. They start a website and Twitter account to spread the news of the "conspiracy." In short, they become literary terrorists.


This is a fun read that also has some good ideas for librarians to get kids reading. There are some touching moments between Lucy and her mom. Mockingbird is also my favorite book, so I was drawn to the title, and I wasn't disappointed.

The Silent Wife/A.S.A Harrison/326 pages

Jodi Brett and Todd Gilbert have lived together as husband and wife for decades. Although Todd wanted to get married during the early years, Jodi refused. She was happy with living together without any legal binds. Since she never planned on having children, she didn't see the need. Todd is a successful developer and has a roving eye. Jodi is a part-time psychologist and turns a blind eye to Todd's wandering until one day when she can't anymore. Todd's latest affair is pregnant and insists he leave Jodi and marry her. Thus, the stage is set for the drama of the rest of the book.


Unfortunately, that drama doesn't have much oomph to it. I've heard people say it this novel was so much better than Gone Girl and others describe it as horrible. I don't agree with either. It was okay. Maybe less than okay. There really wasn't any suspense. The one unknown left dangling at the end of the story wasn't interesting enough to make me give it more than a moment's thought. I can't recommend this one. It's our book club selection, and we meet tonight. I'll edit this if I hear something that will redeem this for me.

After I'm Gone/Laura Lippman/334 pgs.

On July 4, 1976, Felix Brewer disappeared, leaving behind his wife, Bambi, his three daughters, Linda, Rachel, and Michelle, and his mistress, Julie Saxony. When Julie disappears almost 10 years to the day of Felix's disappearance, it's thought that she was going to be with him--until her remains are discovered.  Twenty-six years after Julie's death, retired Baltimore detective Sandy Sanchez decides to look into her murder. There are family secrets and surprises--all adding up to an engrossing read. It was much better than I anticipated--highly recommended!

Beach Quilt by Holly Chamberlin/340pp

Sarah and Cordelia are sixteen and best friends. Sarah is the practical one. Cordelia is the flaky one. Yet, it's Sarah that gets pregnant. Her pregnancy causes everyone around her to re-examine their lives and choices. For Cordelia's mom, Adelaide, it's the child she gave up for adoption. Cindy, Sarah's mom, has to adjust her expectations for the future.

As they work together to sew a quilt for the new life inside Sarah, they also work to refit their lives together.

There's quite a bit of drama and self reflection. Jodi Picoult fans may want to give this author a try.

The Husband's Secret/Liane Moriarty/396 pages

Cecilia Fitzpatrick is the ultra-organized super mom. She is a successful businesswoman (selling Tupperware), president of our version of PTO, devoted wife and mother of three. While looking for a keepsake to give to her daughter in her very orderly side of the attic, she accidently comes across a letter in her husband's very messy side. "For my wife, Cecilia Fitzpatrick. To be opened only in the event of my death" is written on the envelope. John-Paul Fitzpatrick is very much alive and on a business trip in the U.S. When he calls that evening, she mentions the letter, and he begs her not to open it. Then he comes home the next day, three days ahead of schedule. Cecilia's and two other women's lives will be changed when she opens the letter and gets the shock of her life. Set in Australia and at Easter, I had to keep reminding myself about the difference in seasons since the characters would mention the beginning of autumn.


Very good story that kept me interested all the way until the end. Moriarty is becoming one of my favorite authors.

The Round House/Louise Erdrich/321 pages

Joe and his family live on a reservation in North Dakota. His father is a tribal judge, and his mother works with people who want to document their Native American heritage. After she is brutally attacked, the family is thrown into turmoil. She is traumatized by the attack and is reluctant or unable to talk about what happened or who was involved. Joe wants to investigate the crime and make the guilty party pay for it, one way or another. His friends, Cappy, Zack, and Angus help him reach his goal.


There is lots of description about life on the reservation, and the story is set in 1988, so it's not too far in the past. This was my book club selection, and there will be many things to discuss. I'm sure I didn't catch all the symbolism. I can't say this was my favorite book, but it was interesting.

Help for the Haunted/John Searles/362 pgs.

The Mason family is unusual: Sylvester and Rose Mason make their living helping "haunted souls" find peace. Meanwhile, their two daughters, Rose and Sylvie, deal with the stigma surrounding their parents' unusual occupation. Rose, a teenager, doesn't buy into the family way of life, whereas, Sylvie, on the cusp of becoming a teenager, is the "good" daughter--always saying and doing what is expected of her. A tragic turn of events leaves Sylvie and Rose orphans, with Rose becoming the legal guardian of Sylvie. The story is told through Sylvie's voice. I don't want to give away too much of the story, but there is murder, suspense, and mystery--all in the confines of a dysfunctional family. Creepy and entertaining. Highly recommended!

In the Blood/Lisa Unger/342 pages

Lana Granger's whole life is made up of lies. She's attending college in a remote area where she can hide from her family's past. She starts babysitting a young troubled child in the afternoons to give herself something to do. He seems to know how to push her buttons and even worse, he seems to know more about her than most people.


A good psychological thriller with lots of twists and turns. Thanks to Mizzou77 for the recommendation.

The Friendship Pact by Tara Taylor Quinn 245pp

  Bailey and Kora grew up as best friends.  Bailey had the perfect family.  Kora grew up with a single mom fending off her boyfriend.  They promised to be there for each other no matter what.  Their promise to each other was "I'd give you a kidney."  Bailey met the man of her dreams.  Kora couldn't see herself as married but she wants a baby through IVF.  That desire sets off a chain of events that tests the foundation of their friendship.  

This would be a good book for Jodi Picoult fans -- lots of drama and plot twists.  The ending surprised me and left me wanting to talk to someone about it.  

Cover of Snow/Jenny Milchman/326 pages

When Nora Hamilton wakes up in her old farmhouse on a cold wintery morning, she knows something is wrong. Her husband isn't in bed, and there aren't any sounds of him getting ready for work as a police officer in the small Adirondack Mountain town. Her whole world is shattered when she finds his body. Brendan has committed suicide. There isn't a note, and she has no idea what could have driven him to do this. After the funeral, people seem to think she should move, especially Brendan's distant and cold mother. As she begins to ask questions about Brendan's childhood, she finds out about a secret he kept from her. As she digs deeper, she puts her life in danger.


Winner of the Mary Higgins Clark award at this year's Edgars, this debut novel is compelling and suspenseful. Some flowery descriptions here and there doesn't detract from a very good story. I'll  be looking for her next novel.

Summer Knight / Jim Butcher / 371 p.

Wizard Harry Dresden seems to have made enemies of practically everyone.  Although he does have allies, many on the White Council want him dead.  The vampires are furious that he escaped them.  And on top of that his girlfriend, while not a full vampire, has been bitten.  As he feverishly researches to find a cure for Susan, the Summer and Winter fairies are preparing to go to war.  The Winter Queen enlists his help--an offer he cannot refuse.  It seems that Harry is the only one who can ferret out the villain behind the problems.  Failure would mean his death and disaster for the world.

Grave Peril / Jim Butcher / 454 p.

Ghosts are getting really, really mean in Chicago Land in this supernatural mystery.  Openly practicing Wizard, Harry Dresden, fights along side Michael--a Knight of the Cross--to find out what is behind the evil visitations and to save his police buddy, Karrin Murphy. Their search leads them into a trap devised by the local vampire court.  And to Harry's horror, his girlfriend Susan is entangled as well.

Fool Moon / Jim Butcher / 401 p.

This time Harry Dresden, the only practicing wizard in the Chicago phone book, is up against werewolves--and more. Harry works with police Detective Karrin Murphy to figure out who's behind some gruesome murders.  Once again, listening to the audio version narrated by James Marsters is a delight.