The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews

THE NEWCOMER by Mary Kay Andrews Andrews is a master of the light Southern romance with a full-on mystery. This outing is one of her best yet. Letty, with a 4 year niece in tow, has been accused of murdering her sister and is on the run. Her sister always said if anything bad happened to her it would be Evan’s fault. Letty grabs Tanya’s go-bag (full of cash), her niece and runs. She ends up in a motel inhabited by retirees in Treasure Island, Florida where she attempts to avoid the owner’s son who just happens to be a police detective while trying to unravel her sister’s kinky past. Lots of fun with fully realized characters, a winner of a plot and warming romance. Lots to love here. 5 of 5 stars

SAVANNAH BREEZE by Mary Kay Andrews

SAVANNAH BREEZE by Mary Kay Andrews A fun light tale of two best friends. BEBE meets a new guy who turns out to be a crook and fleeces her of house, jewels, money, art, her grandparents money, everything – except a rundown motel being “managed” by a fisherman. Weezie, BeBe’s best friend, tries to help BeBe get her money back. A fine caper it is. Fully realized characters, a deft plot, a bit of hilarity, a bit of pathos, a great read for a lazy afternoon. 5 of 5 stars for the genre

A FALL OF MARIGOLDS by Susan Meissner

A dual story that uses the tragedies of Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and 9-11 to link Clara, a nurse on Ellis Island, and Taryn, a Manhattan widow. A beautiful scarf with a colorful print of marigolds link the two women and their personal stories. Meissner’s careful research and deft storytelling make this a compelling read. Both women are damaged by loss and unable to find their way out of grief. Both bear terrible guilt and carry secrets that need to be told -- or kept hidden – to protect others. This story could have been maudlin or depressing but in Meissner’s hand the tale is one of hope and love. Her impeccable research, lively characters and unfolding plot make this a read well worth your time. Book groups will find a discussion of “what would I do” a valuable exercise in moral dilemma. 5 of 5 stars

MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFÉ by Heather Webber

Anna Kate has returned after many years and her grandmother’s death to the café her grandmother and mother owned. The locals believe the blackbirds come out of the forest every night at midnight and sing songs. Those who have eaten the “special pie” from the café dream messages from their dead loved ones. When Anna Kate inherits, the townspeople are worried the messages will stop and many birders come to see and hear the blackbirds and their unusual behavior. Fully formed characters and an interesting premise make this mystical romantic novel a step above the usual. Women’s groups especially will like this charming Southern romance/family novel. 4 of 5 stars

PROJECT HAIL MARY by Andy Weir

The sun is being eaten by an alien infestation. Mankind will cease to exist in 50 years. So… Project Hail Mary. Send a crew of scientists to a star that has beaten back the infestation and see how they did it. This being a seat of your pants thriller, things go wrong – quickly. Most of the crew dies. The one left can’t even remember his name, let alone what he is supposed to be doing. Then he meets another alien survivor. Great story. Believable situations. An intriguing alien society. Good writing. Weir even makes the science understandable. Well worth your time if you like sci-fi, or thrillers, or just a good story with a great ending. 5 of 5 stars

MRS. MARCH by Virginia Fietto

MRS. MARCH by Virginia Feitto The feeling of portending disaster looms from the very first page, The disturbing adjectives and descriptions add to the malevolence. I hated this book and loved it at the same time. The writing is wonderful. The character of Mrs. March spirals out of control splendidly. I don’t want to say much more because this book needs to be read without knowing even the basic plot. It is not quite a thriller, not quite a book of psychological horror. It is definitely a book that grabs you and then doesn’t let go until the shocking end. (Yes, I saw it coming, but didn’t want it to happen.) Did I “enjoy” reading this book. No, unequivocally. But it was a great book. Would I recommend it to my book group, No! Would I recommend it to a very select group of friends that I know well. Yes! 5 of 5 stars