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The Alice Network
by Kate Quinn


There really was an Alice Network. “Alice Dubois” was a real woman who led a network of spies against Germany during WWI. Germans really did massacre a village in France on June 10, 1944. From these (and other) facts, the author has woven a page-turner of a novel that brings together a broken ex-spy 50-something British woman, Eve, and a 19-year-old American girl, Charlie in post-WWII France. Both are wracked by guilt, fleeing regret, harboring secrets. Couple them with a Scottish ex-con driver who has secrets of his own, the travel comrades set off on a quest to find out what happened to Charlie’s cousin, Rose. Meanwhile, in alternating flashback chapters, we learn of Eve’s experience as a spy during WWI, which begin to shed light on her own motives for traveling with Charlie—motives that have nothing to do with finding Rose and everything to do with her tragic past. I found this book almost impossible to put down. The conclusion was a bit “Hollywood” for my taste, but it was certainly satisfying. Characters changed over the course of the story, which is always satisfying, too. And I enjoyed (if that’s the right word!) getting a peek into what life might have been like to be a spy in occupied France.
 
 


The Women
by Kristin Hannah


What a roller coaster! I knew Vietnam vets were not treated well when they returned but didn't realize for the women, it was even worse. No place to turn! I really didn't know what direction this would go some of the time because you'd think that Frankie was in a good spot but wondered with half the book left to read. Tumbling down the next slippery slope, she'd go. Awful, awful! I'd like to read the other books recommended by Kristin Hannah, and its interesting how long she sat on this project.
 
 


The Aviator's Wife
by Melanie Benjamin


Loved this story of Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s life. I knew she was a writer, as we used pieces of her Gift of the Sea in our wedding ceremony. However, I had little knowledge of the rest of her life. Like all good historical fiction , it read like a novel and then sent me down a rabbit hole to find out just how much was true.
 
 


American Spirits
by Russell Banks


We’ll written stories, however the author like many other academics suffered from Trump derangement syndrome! The stories are violent and graphic and he somehow aligned them with Trump voters! It’s just another indication of how our society is deranged!
 
 


Go As A River
by Shelley Read


Inspired by true events surrounding the destruction of the town of Iola, Colorado. The story is about a young girl who falls in love with a Native American boy and its aftermath. The story was almost impossible to put down…not a "page turner" kind of book but a wonderful, heartfelt book! The story moves rapidly while taking time for beautiful descriptions of the natural settings. A must-read!
 
 


Iron Flame
by Rebecca Yarros


This book is MAGNIFICENT! Before I read a lot of people wrote about Violets character and her being whiny because of trust issues. I feel like Rebecca did a great job of showing Violets point of view but also her developing and learning. Remember she is a character that was presented as weak and pretty much sheltered from the start of the series. So bravo to her character development. The love between Xadan and Violet is absolutely chef’s kiss. She did a remarkable job making me feel not only their love but their bond for one another. I DO NOT know how I will wait for the next books in the series because I currently have the biggest book hangover to date!! WELL DONE!
 
 


The Life She Was Given
by Ellen Marie Wiseman


I kept thinking parts were from books I had read years ago, like Flowers in the Attic and I guessed the fate of the elephant would be very much like Mary the elephant. I didn't find the writing to be memorable and at times, I also found it somewhat sophomoric or geared more toward YA audience. Way too much time spent describing scenes and cruelties which bogs down the momentum of the actual story. I only gave the book 3 stars because I found the writing dull, the length far too long, and the "Julia" chapters a bore, I give props to the author for her obvious research and realistic handle on circus life in the early to mid 20th century, for both animals and people. She creates a look back at a world both fascinating and repellent.
 
 


Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros


Fantasy is not my cup of tea, BUT this book is amazing! So easy to follow with a good amount of suspense, action, love, and so much more. If you like GOT this is similar just younger characters. I will definitely re read this series as each book comes out. It is planned to be a 5 book series.
 
 


Scare me
by K. R. Alexander


Slow in the beginning but picked up halfway through. Has a sweet message tied in for the story. Great for middle school aged readers looking for something scary.
 
 


Northwoods
by Amy Pease


A really solid crime novel- a mystery thriller with a twist I didn't see coming. I'm glad I gave this one a shot! 4 stars!
 
 
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