First, I will talk about a soft place to land. This "dramedy" novel was very well written, and one of the best non-suspense books I have read this summer. Most of the books I have read have been very complex, mystery filled plots that keep you guessing at every turn. This sister-relationship novel didn't have those plot twists but did keep my interested and connected to the book. It is definitely a summer-esque book and I would recommend it. I would give four out of five stars!
The next book I read was Sarah's Key, part of Target's book club picks, and for good reason. This historical novel takes place in modern day Paris, France and in World War II France. The books goes back and forth between Sarah Starzynski and Julia Jarmond. Sarah is a France-born Jew living with her parents and brother in Paris in 1941. Julia is an American living in Paris with her husband Bertrand and daughter Zoe. With short chapters and interesting writing, this book is a true gem. Five out of five stars for me. I loved it!
The next book I read was These Things Hidden. I enjoyed this book. The story is told by an array of different characters, Allison, Brynn, Charm and Claire. Allison and Brynn tell the story in first person and Charm and Claire are told from a third person's point of view. Throughout the book you learn how each are intertwined, and it creates a very interesting voice. Surprisingly, having the story told by four different women was NOT confusing. It actually made the story that much richer in comparison to other novels, where you only get one person's insight. It was a little repetitive at times, but overall it kept me very much engrossed. 3 1/2 out of five stars!
Finally, just last night, I finished reading Never Knowing. Holy cow. I don't know how she does it, but Chevy Stevens created another knock out even after her best-seller Still Missing (which I adored and my mother also loved). Both stories hold a complex plot and have very different and interesting characters, twists and turns at every possibly moment and a shocking twist when you think the climax has already happened. Despite these similarities, the books are very different and don't feel like you're reading the same story all over again. I will even say this this novel is better than her first! Keep it coming, Chevy. I will read everything you write if it's even half what Never Knowing was. Five out of five stars!
NEXT UP: The Kindness of Strangers - Katrina Kittle and The Weight of Silence - Heather Gudenkauf.
