Shane Abe tells a historically accurate story of rags to riches in the book AN AMERICAN BEAUTY. As with her other books of historical fiction she follows a little know woman as she weaves her life through history. In this case, the main character Arabella Yarrington goes from poverty in post civil war Virginia to the height of New York society in the Gilded Age. From Bella's teenage years working in an illegal gambling parlor to her time as mistress and then wife to C.P. Huntington, a railroad tycoon, you get caught up in the excitement and worry that surrounds her. The real life characters actually come to life and you can almost see the things the author discribes. I enjoyed the time I spent with thus books and the people in it ...

7/19/26 Slow to start, this book takes place on beautiful Balboa Island in California in 1956. Three women, with different problems come together over tennis. The story then takes off… they become friends and work together to solve each others problems; which because of the times , were secrets. I really enjoyed this story of female friendship and how it can transcend social expectations when you have the support of people around you!

A non-Jewish British journalist, who has covered the MidEast extensively, is outraged by the extensive anti-Israel, pro-Hamas demonstrations that took place immediately after the atrocities Hamas committed on Oct 7, weeks before Israel began its counter-offensive in Gaza. Interviewing people on all sides, he warns about the "theology" of terrorist groups and the impact they are having -- and the dangers they pose -- to Western societies. Powerful reading; MUST reading for all Americans.

Christine is hired to cover the wedding of graham Rifton and Jane Murphy for Bespoke magazine in a beautiful restored castle in Ireland. But when the matriarch , Gloria Beaufort, is murdered before the wedding, can the wedding go on. This story is a great who done it featuring the ultra rich Rifton family and how their perfect lives implode. Read and find out who killed Gloria and if Jane and Graham can still live happily ever after. You’ll be surprised! Knives Out fans will enjoy this mystery.

I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller that I listened to . I enjoyed the story and the reader with the australian accent. Mabel is such a great character both in the past and at age 80. It was a surprise to me about Mabel’s best friend, Daphne. I would highly recommend this book

I read this book because it was described as a modern classic. As relatable as the story was then, it still reins true today. Some of the characters were very thiny veiled references to real people. One thing Wolfe does well is world building. He is great at creating characters, settings, and visualizing the story. However, if he pulled back a touch, he could've saved himself well over 300 pages.

Deep Water Brett Battles writing as Stuart Woods 5 stars Stuart Woods died in 2022 but thanks to Brett Battles the adventures of Stone Barrington are with us and Deep Water is an exciting page turning adventure. I couldn’t put the book down.

A very enjoyable novel by one of my favorite Irish authors, Jean Grainger. It takes place in 2 timelines, 1969 and the present. Two women, Jeannie and Orla are intertwined and we eventually will discover their connection. Dunmara House, a castle in Ireland standing since 1689 is significant in both timelines. Well-written, sympathetic characters and an engrossing story. This is the first in a series of three books. I can't wait to read the next two when they are published!

This book begins with a very heavy and shocking moment and it never lets off the gas. A court room thriller, the ending will stay with me for a LONG LONG TIME!

I definitely recommend reading this book! Thirty years ago Sarah Lingate is found murdered on the island of Capri and her murderer is never found. Her husband Richard was always a suspect. Now with the family returning to Capri for vacation, the family’s personal assistant, Lorna, is also found drowned reopening the investigation into Sarah’s murder. Helen, Sarah’s daughter is desperate to escape her family. What lengths would the wealthy and powerful take to cover up all family indiscretions? Read and find out. This story had a lot of unexpected twists and just when you think you have the answer, you find out you were wrong. This was a great read.