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The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

  This is a cozy winter read. It is a historical fiction and murder mystery set in the winter months of Maine back in the 1700s. Inspired by the diaries of Martha Ballard, a real-life midwife from the 1700s, the story is told by Martha as she tries to solve a murder and rape in her community. The book gives a very vivid depiction of everyday life of individuals living in small communities back then and how the newly-formed legal system dished out "justice," especially for the women. With twists and turns and descriptions of the surrounding winter scenery, this book is entertaining and worth the read.

My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney

  This book had a really interesting premise/mystery with a really boring answer. I also know she is famous for a last minute twist and even that wasn’t super well thought out. With that being said, it was still a page turner and I had fun with it.

Saving Five by Amanda Nguyen

  This was an inspiring true story of a young woman's resilience and strength in the face of trauma. Ms. Nguyen tells her story in an innovative way speaking through herself at various ages., 5, 15, 22 and 30. Her fight for change resulted in Congress passing the Sexual Assault Survivors' Rights Act in 2016. It is a story of never giving up hope!

Brooklyn Crime Novel by Jonathan Lethe

  Totally amazing trip back in time to my childhood back in Brooklyn. A breathtaking account of what Brooklyn was like pre, post, and during gentrification.

Dolan's Cadillac by Stephen King

  This one pulled me in. I was listening to it on a road trip and when we got to our destination we all stayed in the car to see how it ended. I read Elevate in the past and didn’t like it, but I’m glad I tried another Stephen King as this did not disappoint.

The Archer by Paulo Coelho

  I wanted to like this so much more than I did. The Alchemist was a 5 star read for me. This one did leave you with a message encouraging you to take risks, learn from mistakes and have something that will drive you in life. It just felt like there was a lot of time focusing on archery and the different aspects as a metaphor, and a minimal amount of time creating the story. The last bit of the story where we hear about the archer’s life was the most compelling, but the shortest portion.

The Road Home by Richard Paul Evans

  The final book in The Walk series. Presumed dead, Charles James continues his walk along Route 66. Find out how his journeys in The Road Home.

The Road to Grace by Richard Paul Evans

  This is the third book in The Walk series. After losing his wife and company, Alan Christoffersen sets out on a walking journey from Seattle to Key West. In this book he will let some fascinating people like the polish man who shares a story Alan will never forget. A Step of Faith and Walking on Water are the last 2 books in this series.

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

  I read (listened to) the 25th Anniversary Edition of this heartwarming true story about a professor ("coach" Morrie) and his student (Mitch) reunited after 16 years post graduation. The professor has been diagnosed with the fatal disease ALS. As their relationship resumes, Mitch visits Morrie every Tuesday and they talk about anything and everything as Mitch bears witness to Morrie's steady decline. Morrie prefers to view his story as one about life, not death, and their bond and love grows deeper with every visit. I'm not sure how or why I missed this on it's first run but I am glad to have read it now.

Uncle Patrick's Secessionist Breakfast by Dave Eggers

  At a family reunion on the central coast, Uncle Patrick calls the Mahoney family together to discuss California seceding from the USA. But Lori, a former senator, thinks it impossible and crazy. Like the other stories in his Forgetters series, Eggers bring humor and heart to this story about people seeking hope in a country's darkest time.