5 stars are not enough for the latest novel by master story teller Stephen King. Holly is back, Barbara is back and Jerome is back but you don't need to know who the are, but if you are a King fan you do. Be prepared to NOT want to stop reading Never Flinch with plot twists and don't try to figure it out. Great way to start my Summer Reading

I don't like rating political books. Nothing in this novel was surprising to me, anyone could see the decline in the President and I think it was more about what people would justify of our leaders to prevent an outcome they didn't want. I read this book because I think it's important to hear from all sides about the truths hidden and manipulated to us from people in power. I also recognize the divisiveness of politics now and I don't want to contribute to that so if this review isn't posted, I completely understand.

This wonderful novel describes a rarely seen time in history. It is the 1300’s, and the plague comes to Avignon. Eleanore’s mother was a locally famous healer, and Eleanore has taken over her healing duties after her mother’s death. Women who healed were considered to be witches, but a famous physician takes Eleanore under his wing. Together they try to heal those afflicted with the plague. Several characters in the book are real historical people, including this physician. Very highly recommended!

Keru and Nate meet in college. Keru, an only child, immigrated from China with her parents. Nate and his brother grew up in a white, rural working class community with their parents. Despite their cultural differences Keru and Nate marry. In this short novel, set in two vacation spots (a rental house in Cape Cod and a rental house in the Catskills) we get a glimpse of how this DINK couple learn to navigate relationships with their in-laws, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, and each other. Weike Wang is a Boston University alumni!

I enjoyed the overall story line, but had trouble at times following what was going on, especially with the way the book was written. The subject sometimes changed mid-paragraph, and I had to re-read to decide who was speaking or what they were talking about. As with all authors from long ago, I found some of the sentences way too long as well. I also had difficulty remembering who some of the minor characters were; I'd definitely keep a list of characters, no matter how insignificant they seem when 1st mentioned, if I read this book again. I do like to read historical items written during that historical time, as I enjoy finding out the difference between then and now. This book lets us know how incredibly different the classes were from each other, yet some of the population was beginning to change from the strict separation and customs of the time.

A very well written book. As a recent emigrant out of India, I long to feel the Indian air around me. This book did just that! Took me back into those slim and slender streets, the overly dense colonies, and the ever warm civilizations. Furthermore to the trip back home, it also helped me explore some major European cities via its text explanations... The narrative is very gripping and engaging. Sonaz story and the way her feelings and thoughts have been expressed are not just true like but equally captivating. A lot of effort and research has been put into this book. Such great character building and lovely scene setting in the beginning and the novel reaches a NECT level when it turns from just fiction to mystery... Loved every bit of it...

I listened to the audible version read by Jeremy Sisto. Wow, It was unputdownable and very moving but also sad and disturbing.

"After Happily Ever" by Jennifer Safrey was a combination: "The Real Housewives of ______________" and "Fairy Tale Horror Stories"

Caroline has been missing for over 25 years. Her three best friends know something, but what is it they know? The three remaining women have led different lives. They all keep a promise to return to their hometown 25 years later, on the anniversary of the disappearance of Caroline, a promise they made to Caroline. While they are there, Carolines high school boyfriend from all those years ago, is found dead. A complicated plot, with some great clues along the way, if you recognize them. I had some idea’s, some proven right, some proven wrong. I enjoyed this intriguing mystery.

Trapped in a terrifying marriage with two young daughters, and a baby on the way, Ciara knows that she and her are no longer safe in their home. Her husband is cruel, and although he has not become physical, he is emotionally torturing her. While she has been thinking about it for a while, she impetuously leaves when one evening things become impossible. From here on, the book describes her attempt to leave, navigating the impossible bureaucracy, the challenging housing market, being penniless, with children, being unable to work, and being tormented by her husband, as she tries to navigate the situation and keep her children safe, and regain control of their lives. Along the way she encounters the good, the bad and the ugly. Friendships blossom; professionals try to help. The mean stay mean. An emotional rollercoaster, an insider’s look into the difficulty of “leaving”.