The Island House takes place on Nantucket with many twists and turns. The story revolves around a typical Summer family, the Vickeries, with ties to Boston but enjoy living on the Island. During the Summer each of the children invite friends to stay with them. Susanna Vickery affectionately refers to the friends as her ‘Summer children.’ Nancy Thayer paints Nantucket with positive images. It is a great Summer Beach read.

Yochanan’s Gamble was a fascinating part biography part text study on prayer, on how Jews pray utilizing the philosophy of Rabbis of past centuries and how Jews of the Reform movement adapted with the times and a valuable lesson in the use of loopholes (to get out of something) that can be found in the Torah. It was educational and although at times dense to read and in need of editing it proves that Jews have a story for everything.

In the affluent town of New Bethlehem, Connecticut where everyone and everything appear perfect, there are still flaws. Best friends Belle and Devon plan a swingers party by invitation only and the couple pairing, although made to look random were very much thought out and arranged. Greed, addictions, marriage problems, drugs, physical abuse and money cannot escape even the shiniest of towns. When Alex Hunter, New Bethlehem’s sweetheart and ex NFL quarterback is found murdered in his living room, the shocking truth is revealed. The story leading up to the reveal of the murderer is entertaining, but the big reveal at the end will surprise you. This book is a must read.

This was a collection of two short stories. In Where There’s Smoke a gifted psychic obtains fame, wealth and respect from her talent. She is able to get messages from loved ones who have died and comfort the living. One day she encounters a military widow who’s husband’s death was from friendly fire, not from a heroic stand against the enemy. Serenity finds herself haunted by the dead soldier and under scrutiny of the police. From arrogance and greed she tries to clear her name and reputation by finding the missing son of a senator. Does Serenity go too far and really help the senator’s family and can she fall into the graces of the public again? Read and find out. In Larger Than Life, a woman finds an orphaned elephant and decides to take it back to her research hut and take care of it. In trying to save the baby does she actually help it or does she just do it selfishly knowing the elephant will never be able to return to the wild. Both stories deal with choices made and the consequences from them.

I enjoyed this book. Very typical Harlan Coben book with all the twists and unexpected plot twists

FIVE by Ilona Bannister is a fascinating idea for a novel. Not what I expected. It started slowly and then I was able to follow the premise. It was mundane. It should have been better, which is why I gave it only 3 stars.

A wonderful read if you like art history.this book is for art lovers and those who want to learn more the time of the art’s creation, through the eyes of a child

I love books by Katherine Center. Typical Rom-Coms where there are 2 characters that get together, have a breakup, and then have a happy ending. This time, JoJo is at her wedding when a childhood friend shows up and she decides not to get married. Then her sister is getting married on a cruise ship and the friend is also there. She's trying to get together with someone who gave her a first kiss when they were younger. Lots of misadventures and fun with the family.

Read this book as part of an assignment for a leadership class that I am a facilitator for and found it to be quite enlightening.

Another outstanding installment of the Alex Cross series. Despite this being the 33rd or 34th book in the series, the characters still work. Maybe its the familiarity with them as a reader, but you just don't want to put the book down until Alex and John Sampson solve the case.