book club

This week,I read:

Sumemrset Abbey by TJ Brown

Reminiscent of Downton Abbey, this first novel in a new series follows two sisters and their maid as they are suddenly separated by the rigid class divisions within a sprawling aristocratic estate and thrust into an uncertain world on the brink of WWI... Rowena and Victoria, daughters to the second son of the Earl of Summerset, have always treated their governess’s daughter, Prudence, like a sister. But when their father dies and they move in with their uncle’s family in a much more traditional household, Prudence is relegated to the maids’ quarters, much to the girls’ shock and dismay. The impending war offers each girl hope for a more modern future, but the ever-present specter of class expectations makes it difficult for Prudence to maintain a foot in both worlds. Vividly evoking both time and place and filled with authentic dialogue and richly detailed atmosphere, Summerset Abbey is a charming and timeless historical debut.

(thanks to her website)

Well,I just discovered that this author is a young adult writer, sort of makes more sense now. The book was good and it is a super quick read that keeps your interest. It is the first in a series of three so the ending is more open. Interesting characters but Rowena was rather annoying towards the end,I just wanted to yell at her to speak up! It did remind me a bit of Downton Abbey so that is fun :) I give it a B.

Don't Go by Lisa Scottoline

Lisa has thrilled millions with her emotionally-charged novels that feature strong women exploring the boundaries of family, justice, and love. In Don’t Go, she breaks new ground and delivers the story of a soldier who discovers what it means to be a man, a father, and ultimately, a hero.

When Dr. Mike Scanlon is called to serve as an army doctor in Afghanistan, he’s acutely aware of the dangers he’ll face and the hardships it will cause his wife Chloe and newborn baby. And deep inside, he doesn’t think of himself as a warrior, but a healer.

However, in an ironic turn of events, as Mike operates on a wounded soldier in a war-torn country, Chloe dies at home in the suburbs, in an apparent household accident. Devastated, he returns home to bury her, only to discover that the life he left behind has fallen apart. His medical practice is in jeopardy, and he is a complete stranger to the only family he has left — his precious baby girl. Worse, he learns a shocking secret that sends him into a downward spiral.

Ultimately, Mike realizes that the most important battle of his life faces him on the homefront and he’ll have to put it all on the line to save what’s dearest to him – his family. Gripping, thrilling, and profoundly emotional.

(thanks to her website)

Man, she did it again,she kept me on the edge of my seat and happily confused for the whole book. I devoured this novel and I loved that the main character was a guy,that is something different. Although about three-fourths through the book I thought, "can anything else wrong happen to him?!" but the ending was satisfactory. A unique story that is relevant to today's world and life issues;definitely makes you think. I truly couldn't put this down so I stayed up way too late one night and finished it. I give it an A.


The Best of Us by Sarah Pekkanen

An all-expense paid week at a luxury villa in Jamaica – it’s the invitation of a lifetime for a group of old college friends. All four women are desperate not just for a reunion, but for an escape: Tina is drowning under the demands of mothering four young children. Allie is shattered by the news that a genetic illness runs in her family. Savannah is carrying the secret of her husband’s infidelity. And finally, there’s Pauline, who spares no expense to throw her wealthy husband an unforgettable 35th birthday celebration, hoping it will gloss over the cracks already splitting apart their new marriage.
(thanks to her website)

This was another quick read that ropes you into four women's lives right away while being swept away to Jamaica. Savannah was rather dull and selfish for most of the book but I guess some people can relate to knowing someone like that. I was hoping there would be more meat to each woman's lives but they all sort of fell flat right when they were becoming interesting. There were a couple scenes that I found strange and didn't really add anything to the overall story. It was just an okay story,I give it a C.

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Happy Reading!