Beartown is Fredrik Backman’s bestselling novel about life in a small town where hockey is king and winners are revered, sometimes at the expense of the people they have hurt. The author explores some dark themes in this story, with the characteristic wisdom and insight that make all of Backman’s novels thought provoking. Continue reading
Category Archives: Fiction
Audiobook Review: Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva, Narrated by Euan Morton
Mr. Dickens and His Carol is an imaginative tale of Charles Dickens’ inspiration for A Christmas Carol, one of the most beloved stories about the meaning of Christmas. Similar to A Christmas Carol, this historical fiction novel also has themes of hope, love, generosity, and forgiveness. I found Mr. Dickens and His Carol to be the perfect book to read during the days leading up to Christmas. Continue reading
Audiobook Review: The Spy Coast: A Thriller by Tess Gerritsen
The Spy Coast is an engaging new thriller and the first installment in author Tess Gerritsen’s The Martini Club book series. Retired CIA operative Maggie Bird’s past catches up to her in the bucolic town of Purity, Maine long after her retirement from the agency. Fortunately, she doesn’t have to face the intrigue alone – other agents who also retired in the area relish the opportunity to give her a helping hand. Continue reading
Book Review: The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
The Hotel Nantucket is light and deeply entertaining, with just the right amount of romance, food, intrigue, interesting characters, food, and the supernatural to make it a page turner. Not just a “beach read”, The Hotel Nantucket is escapist literature that can satisfy your need to immerse yourself in something not so heavy for a while. Continue reading
Book Discussion: The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring is the first installment in Tolkien’s beloved Lord of the Rings fantasy novel. First published in 1954, amazing storytelling, memorable characters, epic adventures, and fantastical worlds have rightfully given The Fellowship of the Ring staying power. Continue reading
29 Top-rated World War II Novels for Fans of Historical Fiction
There’s a good reason World War II fiction is such a popular book genre. The war was a classic case of good versus evil, with both heroic and haunting moments to read and write about. Continue reading
Audiobook Review: Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, narrated by Rich Orlow
Ordinary Grace is historical fiction at its finest. Author William Kent Krueger artfully weaves a coming of age story set against the backdrop of one eventful and tragic summer in small town America in 1961. And Rich Orlow is the perfect voice of a man looking back on that summer and describing its influence on his life. Continue reading
Book Review: The River by Peter Heller
The River is a gripping thriller set in the Canadian wilderness that pits two college students against a massive wildfire and a possible murderer. You’ll have a hard time putting down this page turner! Continue reading
Book Review: The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
The Turn of the Key is an absorbing mystery set in the Scottish Highlands. Author Ruth Ware is the mistress of creating atmospheric settings, and this time it’s a house that’s part old-school Gothic, part modernity gone wrong. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny, Narrated by Robert Bathurst
A World of Curiosities is the 18th book in Louise Penny’s highly popular Inspector Gamache mystery series. This time, the good inspector is faced with a terrifying specter from his past – a twisted serial killer Gamache helped imprison. There are many adrenaline-fueling moments and clever puzzles to solve as the inspector tries to keep himself, his family, and the residents of Three Pines safe from a sadistic madman. Continue reading
