Why? I read a review at some time on Laurel Rain's blog - one of the books Joanne DeMaio wrote and I decided to try one. Now this is the second book I have read by this author.
Plot It is set in Stony Point, New England and is the story of three women and three men. Each with their own life challenges at this point in time. Maris keeps taking on then off her engagement ring. Eva longs to know her real birth mother, Lauren doesn't want what she has. Jason is still dealing with grief, Kyle can't seem to make his wife happy and Matt is annoyed by Eva's addictive search for her mother.
What Appeals to me?
It is beautifully written, the seaside is very much present. Yes its a beach read but it is so much more as the characters struggle with their issues. Yet there are strong supportive ties among them. And there is some healing.
And so... There are more books about these characters - at least two, maybe three so I am very keen to continue on and read the next one The Denim Blue Sea.
Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans 4.5 stars.
Why? I needed to read a winner of The National Book Award for a 2017 Better World Reading Challenge and this one looked like the one that I would be most interested in.
Plot. In 1988 Geraldine Coutts is attacked and raped in North Dakota. Wife of a tribal judge and with one thirteen year old son - Joe, Geraldine is traumatised. Joe is determined to learn who committed the crime, he sets out to seek answers.
What Appeals to Me?The story is told from Joe's point of view and his voice is unique - entertaining yet serious. The antics of himself and his three friends often had me emitting a deep chuckle. The writing is excellent, the story engaging, one I just wanted to keep reading. I also loved the wealth of characters and they way they supported each other. As well an insight into the life on an Ojibwe reservation today
And so.... While this book had some very harsh moments the story is told with compassion and an exploration of justice. I am thinking this will be one of my top books for 2017. Usually I avoid literary fiction but The Round House is one I am so pleased I picked up to read. The Round House 5 stars.
Why? I've read the previous books by Sonali Dev and enjoyed the Bollywood feel and the romance and fun characters.
Plot. This is a little darker it seems to me than the previous ones. There has been a nasty murder, a crime ring that are dealing in human organs and Jess is being blackmailed into finding information she'd rather not do. She has a hell of a past and experienced terrible rape. Nikhil - cousin to Ria from a previous book is in the depths because his wife Dr. Jen has been murdered and her heart taken. His heart is shattered.
What Appeals to Me? The way the characters deal with the challenges, the need for healing and the need to stop a crime ring. Also the love of Jess for her son and the sense of love and support in Nikhil's family.
And so... I have A Distant Heart to read and review. I see it is the story of Kimi and Rahul the police officer involved in helping to uncover the crime ring involved in taking human organs. Looking forward to it. A Change of Heart - 4 stars.
What Appeals to me?
It is beautifully written, the seaside is very much present. Yes its a beach read but it is so much more as the characters struggle with their issues. Yet there are strong supportive ties among them. And there is some healing.
And so... There are more books about these characters - at least two, maybe three so I am very keen to continue on and read the next one The Denim Blue Sea.
Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans 4.5 stars.
Plot. In 1988 Geraldine Coutts is attacked and raped in North Dakota. Wife of a tribal judge and with one thirteen year old son - Joe, Geraldine is traumatised. Joe is determined to learn who committed the crime, he sets out to seek answers.
What Appeals to Me?The story is told from Joe's point of view and his voice is unique - entertaining yet serious. The antics of himself and his three friends often had me emitting a deep chuckle. The writing is excellent, the story engaging, one I just wanted to keep reading. I also loved the wealth of characters and they way they supported each other. As well an insight into the life on an Ojibwe reservation today
And so.... While this book had some very harsh moments the story is told with compassion and an exploration of justice. I am thinking this will be one of my top books for 2017. Usually I avoid literary fiction but The Round House is one I am so pleased I picked up to read. The Round House 5 stars.
Plot. This is a little darker it seems to me than the previous ones. There has been a nasty murder, a crime ring that are dealing in human organs and Jess is being blackmailed into finding information she'd rather not do. She has a hell of a past and experienced terrible rape. Nikhil - cousin to Ria from a previous book is in the depths because his wife Dr. Jen has been murdered and her heart taken. His heart is shattered.
What Appeals to Me? The way the characters deal with the challenges, the need for healing and the need to stop a crime ring. Also the love of Jess for her son and the sense of love and support in Nikhil's family.
And so... I have A Distant Heart to read and review. I see it is the story of Kimi and Rahul the police officer involved in helping to uncover the crime ring involved in taking human organs. Looking forward to it. A Change of Heart - 4 stars.
I would read that last one :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE the cover on Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing it on Laurel's blog too.
Sounds quite good....thanks for sharing.
Elizabeth
Three very different reads. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJoanne DiMaio's books have really been calling my name and this one especially appeals to me. I'm glad you enjoyed it! The last 2 both sound really good but seriously intense!
ReplyDeleteI have this on my list too Kathryn
ReplyDeleteOOps I mean A Change of Heart :) sorry
DeleteI am glad you are enjoying the Joanne DeMaio books...I think I have them all...so far.
ReplyDeleteI thought I had read Round House, but according to Goodreads, I've only read Shadow Tag by this author. Now I am adding Round House.
Thanks for sharing.
I love when you do these short Bookish reports! They are perfect!
ReplyDeleteI want to read the JoAnne DeMaio book.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've been reading some great books. I enjoyed The Round House. I checked to see if I wrote a review, but it must have been before I started Posting For Now.
ReplyDeleteI'll be trying a work of Erdrich next year with the book club. The other two sound good as well.
ReplyDelete