ALL THE UGLY AND WONDERFUL THINGS by Bryn Greenwood

ALL THE ULGY AND WONDERFUL THINGS   by Bryn Greenwood

The Ugly – Strung out, abusive, uncaring parents who also deal drugs and engage in “open” marriage among other things: relatives who are too eager to condemn and not eager to listen: law enforcement that wants to believe the worst: and more.

The Wonderful – sincere friendship: true, faithful love: caring teachers: and more.

Beautifully written with well developed, complex characters and believable, if truly awful situations, Bryn Greenwoods debut book is mesmerizing. Filled with raw language and rawer sex, it still manages to be filled with love and hope.  

This book is not for everyone, but for those willing to read with an open mind, the love story of Wavy and Kellen follows them from Wavy’s eighth year through her college graduation. This is an unusual book that will find it way to book groups eager to be challenged and willing to discuss drugs, law enforcement, child endangerment, felons, desperation, murder, family relationships, perseverance and hope.

5 of 5 stars with reservations for sex, violence and strong language

MURDER IN COTTAGE 6 by Diane Harman

MURDER IN COTTAGE 6   by Diane Harman

               Two stars is probably generous. The conversations were awkward and unrealistic as was the entire story. The book was composed of very contrived situations that would never happen in real life. There is potential for a short story with a good editor and a little research. If you stuck somewhere and this is your option, this is passable.

2 of 5 stars

THE WEEKENDERS by Mary Kay Andrews

THE WEEKENDERS  by Mary Kay Andrews

The plot is tissue paper thin. You have met all of the characters before. BUT – the plot hangs together, the characters are likeable, there is no “bad language,” the sex isn’t raunchy, it is well written and there is sufficient humor and pathos to make an enjoyable read. 

For the genre, this author knows how to entertain and does it well. Altogether this is a fun book that doesn’t insult the intelligence of readers who will read and then look forward to MKA”s next book.

4 of 5 stars