In this story about women who go missing and then have their dead images appear in paintings, Isles does an excellent job in developing the characters and their connections to one another. And this is important because the subject matter here is often harsh and without this development of characters, it would simply be a brutal story. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and liked the ending.

Fun book that was a quick read! The main character, Bryony is an aspiring writer very nervously trying to pitch her first book. Jack is an agent that does not have much interest in taking her on as a client until she surprises him with some honest opinions about a new book. There is pretty much no spice, and it is almost totally about Bryony's development.

Not sure what I was expecting from this book and I guess for its time, 1513, it was insightful, but reading it today with statements that say you cannot avoid war and should only postpone it to your own advantage was disturbing. The book is Machiavelli’s perspective on how rulers must conduct themselves in order to be successful. And while I imagine that there are some who would agree even today, reading statements that say people must fear you and some brutality is needed, is disturbing to be reading now.

A wholesome, light-hearted, easy read. A silly, fun, young love story that involves Disney, a princess, a prince, and a good ol’ happily ever after. I’m 29 and love a good young adult novel + all things Disney. Read it on the beach and enjoyed it!

This is the story of a couple, Abe and Jane, over the course of fifty years together. It‘s told through their time spent in New York’s Central Park. She’s a visual artist, he’s a writer. Now as Jane is dying, Abe recalls their life together as a way to keep going. How their love and careers took shape through marriage, parenthood, and life. Throughout it all, Central Park bears witness to their relationship, even providing its own point of view. Jessica Soffer writes beautifully about all the nuances of a long love story.

I enjoyed this book that takes place in Paris just on the verge of the German occupation. Solange meets with a woman with an interesting life story and learns of the connection they share.

The book is the true embodiment of the romantic comedy, but when you first begin it, that is not what you will see. It is well done and is set in Maui, so there is nothing not to love. A nice summer fun read.

Glory is quite a character and is determined to find out who murdered her friend. It was a fun read.

I would classify this as a cozy Mystery, although there isn’t much of a mystery here, except to the main character. Still, I enjoyed the book and I continue to enjoy the “Maid Mystery” series. In this Christmas tale Molly, the maid and central character begins to think that her boyfriend and love of her life Juan Manuel may be cheating on her. But her inability to see situations the way others do makes her the only one surprised when he surprises her with the very best gift.

Two people meet for lunch in a Manhattan restaurant. She’s an accomplished actress preparing for an upcoming premiere. He’s young, attractive, and convinced he is her son. She has her doubts, so who is he? Ms. Kitamura writes in a tight, spare style that captures the depth of each of her characters. The story is told in two acts, much like a play. Each section depicts its own scenario allowing the reader to decide what is true. Beautifully written, this novel will leave you thinking about the roles we all play every day.