"Beneficence" by Meredith Hall

Beneficence by Meredith Hall is about the Senter family who owns a dairy farm in Maine.  They are very close and happy until tragedy strikes and their 14-yr-old son dies, leaving them with only a younger son and a daughter.  Most of the book is centered around how each blame themselves and how time brings healing.  I plowed through this slow moving book because I cared about the characters, although it was a sad story.  I liked the ending and was glad when I finished it.  There are questions at the end for a book club discussion.  I wouldn't recommend reading this one though.  (Karen's review, 2 stars)

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"The Nature of Fragile Things" by Susan Meissner is Thrilling Historical Fiction

In The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner, an Irish woman comes to America to marry a man she has never met and knows nothing about.  That is just one of the multiple storylines in this book, all of which were interesting.  You will be engaged and get lost in this wonderful book.  There is lots of action and plenty of twists and turns.  Do not miss this one, it's a must read!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review Jan. 23, 2022:

The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner is the story of a mail order bride from Ireland coming to San Francisco to marry a widower and become a mother to his 7-yr.-old daughter shortly before the great earthquake of 1906.  The full story unfolds slowly, but there is enough action along the way to keep the reader interested.  Sophie answers Martin Hocking's ad for a wife and mother because she is not happy living in bad conditions in New York and wants a home and a child to love.  Martin wants a wife to keep up appearances and to care for his daughter when he's away on business.  It is a loveless marriage purely of convenience.  This book is very good!  It is about family secrets, fraud, friendship and love.  (5 stars)

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"Just the Nicest Couple" by Mary Kubica

In Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica, Jake and Nina are married and often fight.  Jake walks out after the last fight one night and goes for a walk.  He runs into Nina's friend, Lily, but she has no idea what went on.  Jake has not been seen since.  What is going on?  This book was a bit drawn out, but I liked it a lot.  It has a good storyline, characters I cared about, and a surprise ending.  It could have used a bit more action though.  (Gerard's review, 4.75 stars)

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"The Wishing Game" by Meg Shaffer Is a "Feel-Good Book"

In The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer, a well-known children's book author has not written a book for a long time.  He makes an announcement that he will write one book only, and will hold a contest to see who will win the book.  What is the contest?  Who will win?  

This is a feel good book with a good storyline and characters I cared about with action and a great ending.  What more can you ask for?  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"The Unwilling" by John Hart is One We Both Liked!

The Unwilling is a great story about the French family.  The father, a detective, an over protective mother whose favorite son was killed in the Vietnam war; Jason, the second oldest who was dishonorably discharged from the marines, an ex-con who just got released; and the youngest, Gibby, who is a senior in high school.  When Jason and Gibby spend a day together against the mother's wishes, the girl Jason was with gets murdered and Jason is the primary suspect.  Gibby sets out to find the real killer and trouble ensues.  

This was a fast-paced page turner for me!  I was drawn into it right away and liked both brothers.  I thought the family dynamic was quite interesting and the story line was thrilling.  The only thing I did not like about this book was the couple loose ends that did not fully get resolved.  Still, I loved the journey and had a very hard time putting it down.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review 12/7/23:

This book is about three brothers born to a detective.  The first brother goes to Vietnam and gets killed.  The second brother, Jason, goes to Vietnam and is a killing machine.  He comes home and has an incident that puts the cops on his trail.  The younger brother, who has been protected by his overprotective mother, sets out to help his brother clear his name.  LOVED ALL THE ACTION!  Who knew who is good and who is bad?  GREAT ENDING!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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