July 28, 2025. ISLAND GIRL

 Just spent a lovely weekend on Block Island with the bookclub. Can't believe its been 20 years. When the bookclub started out,  we were just a random group of neighbors who got together every month to discuss books and make a little merry.  Heck--some of us didn't even know each other. Over the years, we've formed a bond that has helped each of us overcome lifes many challenges. It really does take a village.  I'm very thankful to these women-- together we are stronger--strong enough to weather any storm. Thanks for the memories and the support--when I needed it most--looking forward to the next 20 years. Finished Wally Lamb's new book The River is Waiting right before the trip so here's my reivew. As this tragic novel unfolds, Corby and Emily Ledbetter live in a fictional town in Connecticut with their two year old twins, Maisie and Niko. Emily is an elementary school teacher and Corby is a stay-at-home dad as he has been laid off from work. One morning the unthinkable happens--and their world is forever changed. Corby is later arrested and sentenced to time at Yates Correctional Center. Corby's struggles in prison are frightening. He witnesses unbearable acts from not only prisoners but also from the correctional officers assigned to keep them safe. The only thing that keeps him from insanity is the hope that Emily can forgive him. Find out why Corby is in prison and if Emily can forgive him when you read this heartbreaking novel for yourself. This is Wally Lamb at his best--even if it is tragic --and leaves me thinking--it's sad that "we" unintentionally hurt the ones we love them most. 

July 18, 2025 CARELESS WHISPER

Who remembers the Seinfeld episode The Puffy Shirt? It's a classic. Kramer has a friend who is a LOW TALKER-- she is a designer who asks Seinfeld  to wear her puffy shirt on a televsion show. Seinfeld says yes BUT HAS NO IDEA WHAT HE IS AGREEING TO BECAUSE HE CAN'T HEAR HER. Well that's exactly how I felt last month while dining at a local restaurant. The waitress was a VERY LOW TALKER and we couldn't hear a word she said. At first I thought we were on an episode of Candid Camera--I 'm really showing my age here if you remember that show. Anyways--because we couldn't hear a word she said we had to hope for the best and try not to LAUGH-- BECAUSE IT WAS TOO FUNNY-- it too could have been a Seinfeld espisode. Truly miss that show. Back to the books. Just finished Alice Feeney's new book Beautiful Ugly. As this phychological thriller begins, Grady Green is an author who has finally made the best seller list, unfortunately, this happens on the same day his wife, Abbey, disappears. Overcome by grief and unable to start another book, Grady agrees (his editor has a cabin there)  to temporarily  move to a remote Scottish Island called Amity to get his life together and start a new book as per his contract. Once Grady gets to the island, he realizes some strange behaviors, coincidences and even thinks he see's his wife--or a woman who looks just like her. Find out what Amity Island is really all about and if the woman on the island is really Grady's wife when you read this mystery for yourself. I enjoyed this story and had a hard time putting it down. Let me know what you think. 

July 6, 2025. WHEN DOVES CRY

 Where are the hummingbirds?? Haven't seen ANY this summer. I'm so bummed. I love watching them flitter around the flowers and feeders. Wondering if it has anything to do with climate change? Hope it's just a nesting thing or a migration problem and they'll be back next year. In other bird news--we have had our first ever Bobwhites. They are funny quail-like looking birds who sort of whistle and call out the word--bobwhite--hence their name. Another first this year--we have chipmunks. Talk about cute little critters. Not sure where they came from but they seem to get along with the squirrels so its all good. While I sit on my patio and ponder the fate of the hummingbirds, I might as well review a mystery that I finished last week called The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave. As this thriller unfolds, Liam Noone is a hugely successful hotelier who dies after falling from a cliff at his home. Although it has been deemed an accident, his son, Sam, isn't so sure. He convinces his estranged sister, Nora, that the death is suspicious and the two start their own investigation where they learn more than they bargain for. The story shifts between the investigation and Liam's past where the siblings uncover secrets, lies and a family history that forces them to rethink their whole lives. Find out what the siblings uncover and if Liam fell or was pushed off the cliff when you read this thriller for yourself. I totally enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. AND I did not guess the ending or the other twists and turns either. Happy Reading.