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The Beauty of What Remains by Steve Leder

"This is a beautifully written book that addresses the difficult topic of death—death of another and our own eventual death. It’s written by a rabbi who has been up close to the dying and their grieving families. He raises thought-provoking ideas regarding how we can keep the memory of our loved one alive and carry them with joy, instead of sadness and pain. Leder reminds us to slow down and focus more on taking time for the people we love." - D. Zelamsky

4/4 stars.

The Girls in the Stilt House by Kelly Mustian

"This book is reminds me of Where the Crawdads Sing, set in a swamp with teenage girls who have to basically take care of themselves, both of whom want to get away from the swamp for different reasons. As the relationship between the two teens evolves throughout the novel, we see power of friendship and how far they will go to help and protect each other." - L. Ngo

3/4 stars.

Bullet Train by Kotaro Isaka

"When I noticed Bullet Train on the library shelf I remembered that it was soon to be released as a movie starring Brad Pitt, so I thought I’d check it out. If you like the Dortmunder books by Donald Westlake you might like Bullet Train. The main character, Ladybug has to steal a bag of money and gets off the train at the next stop. But, there are so many complications on this fast moving train and so many passengers who aren’t what they seem. Warning: it is pretty violent and you will wonder who will make it out alive." - N. McGill

4/4 stars.

Beautiful by Danielle Steel

"A supermodel's world is torn apart in an instant. At Twenty two, she is one of the most sought-after models in fashion. A Tragic explosion at Brussels Airport Changes her life forever very quick read. Really enjoyed it." - O. Scheine

4/4 stars.

State of Terror by H.Clinton, L.Penny

"A new administration was just sworn in, the former president of the US was very controversial. He left our country without many friends or allies. The new president chooses a political enemy for his Secretary of State. Within a few weeks of her appointment terrorists strikes in Europe. This fast pace international thriller keeps you wondering what will happen next!" - T. Gustafson

4/4 stars.

 

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

"Rebecca (Becky) Bloomfield has a spending problem. She goes on shopping sprees and ignores her bills. She takes odd jobs and freelances, but instead of using the money to pay down her debts, she spends it. Her love life focuses on successful businessman, Luke Brandon, who is dating someone else. Becky’s life is changed forever when, of necessity, she moves home and champions a cause. A fun, light romcom." - E. Pasquali

2/4 stars.

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

"I’ve read almost all of Riley Sager’s books, and they’re consistently enjoyable. This one took an unexpected turn near the end that some people might hate, but I didn’t mind it. The Rear Window trope is overdone but this was still a solid book and a fast summer read." - D. Murphy

3/4 stars.

The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

"Although I was not familiar with Nantucket area nor her recurring characters, Hilderbrand provides enough description and background to make this an enjoyable book. If you are a fan of boutique hotels you’ll enjoy the descriptions of how this hotel is being restored. And although I am not a fan of ghost hauntings, the use of the ghost of Grace was a great way to compare the history of the hotel to the current day. The author of other favorite summer reads does not disappoint with her 2022 book." - F. Schwarz

4/4 stars.

Beach House Reunion by Nary Alice Monroe

"The story of the Rutledge family and their ties to the Island of Palms continues, after 3 years of living in Tennessee Cara is returning to her beach house. In this book we see the reuniting of characters in a new and unexpected way. Family traditions are continued but some patterns are broken. Making for great reading." - F. Schwarz

4/4 stars.

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

"I give this book 3.5 stars. This book was well-written and a very quick read. Taking place somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, a group of strangers try to survive in a small lifeboat after their luxury yacht accidentally explodes. Benji is a poor, hired crew member who has a very intriguing story to tell. Seemingly out of nowhere, a man is rescued from the water and claims to be God. He tells the desperate group that he is there to help them….as soon as they all believe in him. Will they believe this strange man before dehydration, starvation and sharks befall them????" - E. Castellano

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

"This book is about women’s friendship. Kate and Tully are friends for forty years. The are entirely different people. Kate is the good girl, she marries, she has children, is mostly a stay home mom. Tully becomes a TV news caster. The book was four hundred pages long. Much of the plot was predictable." - O. Scheine

2/4 stars.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

"A summer read of second chances, childhood friends to love interest. Persephone Frasers parents buy a summer home in Bareys Bay. Next door, two boys live, an older brother, Charles, and Sam, age 13. Percy and Sam, the same age, become fast friends, and romance develops. The two families spend summers and holidays together. There is a secret that keeps Percey away from Sam that is revealed near end of book which you may figure out sooner." - C. Daley

3/4 stars.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

"The book The Five People You Meet in Heaven is very interesting. The book is about life and death and the possibilities of after-life. The book makes you really think about the fact that when you die anything is possible." - O. Scheine

4/4 stars.

Twisted Twenty-Six by Janet Evanovich

"Grandma Mazur marries local gangster Jimmie Rosolli and is widowed on the same day. Adding to Grandma’s troubles are Jimmie’s former gangster partners, who believe that before Jimmie died, he gave Grandma keys to a treasure. Grandma’s life depends on her finding the keys. Grandma’s granddaughter, Stephanie Plum, will stop at nothing to protect Grandma. Although not as madcap as previous Stephanie Plum books, it is a delightful, engaging read." - E. Pasquali

2/4 stars.

What I’m Looking for: A Nostalgic Romantic Comedy by Karen Grey

"Kate Bishop joins coworkers for drinks at Boston’s famous Bull and Finch pub. She hopes to find one man from her investment firm who will have her back when she presents her research to clients, and maybe save her job. The bartender is cute and quotes Shakespeare. His focus is on an upcoming audition. Neither are looking for romance. You can anticipate the outcome. An enjoyable beach read." - E. Pasquali

2/4 stars.