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Wild Dark Shore
by Charlotte McConaghy
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Wild Dark Shore is a climate fiction novel that intertwines the themes of climate change with personal and emotional journeys. It is a very “heavy” novel with both environmental issues, and emotional issues. Lots of triggers in this one. It is set on remote completely isolated frozen, Shearwater Island. The Island was set up, with labs and homes, (in addition to the lighthouse that serves as home to the Salt family) to save seeds so that in case of a catastrophe they can be planted to provide food to the world. The Island is being overtaken by the ocean, the facility is decaying and no longer viable. The scientists have all left. Only the Salt family, dad and three children remain on the Island to pack these seeds to relocate them. The story explores the dynamics of the family left on the Island and Rowan, a mysterious woman who washes up on the shores. The novel explores ethical actions in the face of climate change. It also explores themes of life, death, grief, love, suicide, sacrifice and mental illness. Wild Dark Shore examines the interconnectedness of life and death, hoping, I think, to encourage readers to consider the moral responsibilities humans have towards the environment and each other.

Wild Horses
by Dick Francis
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WILD HORSES by Dick Francis follows a proven formula - interesting story, people with problems, and, or course, a really good man as the main character!

My Life With The Walter Boys
by Ali Novak
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After watching the TV series on Netflix, I borrowed this book to clarify some of the family relationships. I did not intend to read the book, but after a few pages I was hooked, so decided to continue. The book has many differences from the TV show, so there were still plenty of surprises. Jackie is a teenager from NYC whose parents and only sibling are killed in a car accident. She goes to live with her mom’s close friend, who she does not know. The friend lives on a farm in Colorado and has 10 children, all boys except one young girl. Jackie struggles to get used to all of the changes in her life, and deal with her relationships with each of the people in her new family and school.

River is wating
by Wally Lamb
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I found this book to be very honest and emotional.

Happy Wife: A Read With Jenna Pick
by Meredith Lavender
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Happy Wife, by Meredith Lavender Young 28-year-old woman marries 46-year-old wealthy gentleman, following his divorce from his wife. She is not welcomed into their very wealthy community in Winter Park Florida. He is a very successful attorney. She was barley making ends meet. They seem happy, but following their marriage, she becomes a “work widow”. Then, no surprise, he goes missing. Explores marriage wealth and the secrets behind closed doors.

Good Dirt
by Charmaine Wilkerson
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Wilkerson's follow-up to "Black Cake" centers on a wealthy Black family, the Freemans, who live on the Connecticut coast. The family's prized possession is a 20 gallon stoneware pot they call "Old Mo" made by an enslaved ancestor. This jar was broken by masked intruders during a horrible home invasion which resulted in 15- year old Baz being shot to death in the presence of his 10-year old sister Ebony (Ebby). As we meet Ebby she has suffered a second trauma : In 2018, her rich White husband- to -be,ditched her on their wedding day for reasons that take a while to emerge.

Rust & Stardust
by Atreus Rosewood
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Very cute gay cowboy romance. There is a third act break up, but it doesn't last long. I wanna go to Texas now!

The Woman In Cabin 10
by Ruth Ware
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A good book but disappointing overall. This was very predictable and had twists and turns that were not necessary. Additionally the main character's backstory in the first 3 chapters means nothing to the plot. The big reveal comes too early and the story has a huge setting to utilize, but they keep it in one small closet. It gets boring very quickly. The main character's survival is also not believable. While reading, I could hear Agatha Christie spinning in her grave like a rotisserie chicken.

The Quiet Librarian
by Allen Eskens
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The novel is about Hana, present day librarian in Minnesota and past teenager during the Bonsai war in 1995. Her friend Amina’s mysterious death in the beginning of the book, keeps you eagerly reading to figure out the reason. The book educate me about the Bosnia war and the Srebrenica massacre. It made me understand more about the horrors of that war and the impact it has on individuals and communities that were involved.

The Love Elixir Of Augusta Stern
by Lynda Cohen Loigman
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Once again Lynda Loigman enthralled me with her story of Augusta, a woman before her time. Although I had a preview of the story when attending her visit at East Meadow, I could not put this book down. It is filled with history and was a tribute to aging. Augusta reminded me of some Great Aunts, Aunts, and my own Mother who dealt with life events in the world around them. Kudos to Lynda for writing another touching book. Thank you!
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