"The Reading Group," by Elizabeth Noble

 "The Reading Group," by Elizabeth Noble

The Reading Group follows the trials and tribulations of a group of women who meet regularly to read and discuss books. Over the course of a year, each of these women’s lives becomes intertwined, both through the books they read and the real-life stories they tell.

Inspired by a shared desire for conversation, a good book and a glass of wine, Clare, Harriet, Nicole, Polly and Susan undergo startling revelations and transformations despite their difference in background, age and respective dilemmas.

In The Reading Group, Noble reveals the many complicated paths in life we all face as well as the power and importance of friendship. 

I have to say this is one of the best books I have read in a while.  You truly get immersed into the characters lives, once you have figured of who is who and what's what!  Add into info on what book they are reading each month and you have a super book, with lots of other recommendations of what to read next.

I have had mixed results being involved in book clubs; and have found they are not really my thing, but this small group of women made me think I would like to try it again, as long as it was just a few people.

Stars out of 5 : 5 I could really relate to everyone of these women in what they were going through.  Not that I have experienced what happened to them, but the way their stories were told made you think you were there with them. 

I bought this book through Book Outlet for my own personal use.  I buy a lot of books through them and if anyone else would like to buy here is my referral link: http://bookoutlet.ca/Loyalty/Referral?raf=Bop2NWm6&c=url

"The Weight of Memory," by Shawn Smucker

"The Weight of Memory," by Shawn Smucker

When Paul Elias receives a terminal diagnosis, only one thing is clear to him: if he is going to die, he must find someone to watch over his granddaughter, Pearl, who has been in his charge since her drug-addicted father disappeared. Paul decides to take her to Nysa--both the place where he grew up and the place where he lost his beloved wife under strange circumstances forty years earlier.

Paul reconnects with an old friend but is not prepared for the onslaught of memory. And when Pearl starts vanishing at night and returning with increasingly bizarre tales, Paul begins to question her sanity, his own views on death, and the nature of reality itself.

In this mesmerizing story from award-winning author Shawn Smucker, past and present mingle like opposing breezes, teasing out the truth about life, death, and sacrifice.

I am not sure what I expected from this book, but I will be honest, this book confused the heck out of me.  I was left with more questions than answers.  I was truly confused by Pearl.  Paul's memories made sense, but his illness, did not make sense......I will not go into what happens, as it will spoil the book for people who haven't read it.

The whole town of Nysa from what it was, to what it became didn't make sense.  There was a surprise I didn't see coming. Some people will love this book, I didn't.  I saw it brought someone to tears in a review I read, I didn't feel that emotion.

Stars out of 5 : 2 I read the whole book as I wanted to give it a fair review.  It just wasn't a book for me.  If anyone reads it though, and feel like explaining it too me I would appreciate that, as I was confused.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"To Find Her Place," by Susan Anne Mason

"To Find Her Place," by Susan Anne Mason

In the midst of WWII, Jane Linder pours all her energy and dreams for a family into her career at the Toronto Children's Aid Society. As acting directress, Jane hopes for a permanent appointment so she can continue making a difference in the lives of children. But if the board were to find out she is divorced, everything would change. 

Garrett Wilder has been hired to overhaul operations at the Children's Aid Society and investigate a report of misused funds. He hopes to impress the board members with his findings and earn the vacant director's position. A war injury ended his dream of taking over his parents' farm, but with the security of the director's job, he'd be able to contribute financially and help save the family business. 

Despite their competing interests and Garret's early suspicions, a friendship grows and feelings begin to blossom. But when Jane receives an unexpected opportunity that could fulfill her deepest desires, she finds herself at a crossroads. Can she discern the path to true happiness?

This book is the second book in the Redemption Series of books by Susan.  This book made you think and brought to light how WWII affected everyone.  The one thing that stood out, was the struggle to find foster parents during the war because most men were away at war.  People who were left behind were struggling and taking on extra mouths to feed during that time wasn't an option for many.

It also brings to light different attitudes that were a priority during those times; things that nowadays we would never think of.  Add in mystery and romance and it's my type of book.

Stars out of 5 : 5 This book is well worth reading.  I found it very interesting from a historical sense.  I am looking forward the next in the series, and as always please read the author's notes as they are also quite interesting.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"A Lady in Attendance," by Rachel Fordham

 "A Lady in Attendance," by Rachel Fordham

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man and a hardened woman, as well the friends who stand by them, as they work toward a common purpose--to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving--and perhaps find love along the way.

What a lovely book, it has a bit of everything.  Great characters, a love story and a whole lot of forgiveness.  Add to it a bit of mystery and what more could you ask for?  Hazel and Gilbert are a match made in heaven, but both carry baggage that must be dealt with before true love can find it's match.  You are told a story that twists and turns and keeps you on your toes.

A perfect book to read on a hot summer's day!  As it's set in the Buffalo area, you do get some snow thrown in for good measure!!

Stars out of 5 : 4.5  It's no mystery what is going to happen.  It's one of those books I call "grocery list" books.  You can read it and think of other things at the same time.  Will I remember in the weeks to come, probably not; but all the same I enjoyed it.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"At Lighthouse Point," by Suzanne Woods Fisher

"At Lighthouse Point," by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan--to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor's kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn't know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.
 
As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined. 

I really enjoyed this book.  It moved at a pace to keep you interested.  I will say my favourite character had to be Jean Paul; poor Jean Paul!😄 I think he could have a book written just about him.  This is the first book I have read in the Three Sister's Island Series.  So I need to go back and read the first two.  This book works as a stand alone book as well though, so no worries there.

The whole Grayson family are such a great bunch and the way the author describes everything and everyone, you feel as though you are right there with them.  After reading this book, I feel as though there are stories left to be told, and I hope there are more books to be added to this series.

Stars out of 5 : 5 Perfect summer book.  I read it over a couple of days and I was sad to see it end.  This book made me laugh, made me fall in love with the characters, and made me want to visit Maine!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Blackberry Beach," by Irene Hannon

"Blackberry Beach," by Irene Hannon

Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. As their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

This is another book in the Hope Harbor series by Irene.  Love visiting the area through Irene's novels.  This is a lovely book, that will make you happy.  A book to read over a few lazy afternoons on the beach or in the park.

As always there are a few twists and turns and I think the main theme here, is when faced with difficult decisions, do what your heart tells you to do.  Draw on your faith and don't be pressured into things you are not sure about.

I wish we could have had a couple of recipes for the truffles that Katherine makes, they sound lovely as does all the lovely goodies in the coffee shop and at the afternoon tea Katherine and Stephanie had.

Stars out of 5 : 4 It's no surprise how this book will end.  This is not a hard read, and you don't have to concentrate too hard.  When you want an easy read, this would be a perfect book.  Look forward to the next book in the series.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Night Fall," by Nancy Mehl

 "Night Fall," by Nancy Mehl

Finally free of her troubled upbringing, Alex Donovan is able to live out her childhood dream of working for the FBI. But soon after she becomes a member of the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, authorities in Missouri contact them about bodies found on freight trains--all killed in the same way.

Alex never expected to be forced to confront her past in this new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving on the train cars. When the BAU sends her to gather information about the messages from her aunt in Wichita, Kansas, Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she'd left behind forever.

In a race against time to solve the case and recover a deadly virus sample the killer intends to spread, Alex must face how far she'll go--and what she's willing to risk--to put a stop to the Train Man.

I have to say this book sucked you in, right from the very beginning.  As with all books you get an introduction/taste of the characters in the first chapters, and the way Nancy described them all, you knew this was going to be an interesting book.  There were so many ups and downs, that you just wanted to turn the page to see what happened next.

What was interesting, was this book is the first I have read that mentions the Covid-19 virus.  So it's a very up to date book.  I really would have loved to hear how Nancy came up with the idea for this book, as the story in itself was so different.

Stars out of 5 : 5 A solid 5 stars for me.  A portion of the mystery I never figured out until it was revealed in the book.  Another part I guessed but wasn't positive it was correct, again until it was revealed in the book.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series, as I bet it will be well worth reading.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".