December, 2022 

"Windfall" by Erika Bolstad

This novel follows Erika as she researches her great-grandmother.  Anna was a homesteader in North Dakota.  After giving birth, her husband committed her to an asylum, where she lived out her life. 

I did not particularly enjoy this book.  I wanted to read about Anna, not about Erika's research into Anna's life.  Reading about Erika's research was a bit dry and boring.  I found myself skipping passages, wanting to get back to Anna.  Overall, this one was just not for me.

"The Boys from Biloxi" by John Grisham

This book follows two families from the same area in Biloxi, Mississippi.  Keith's father becomes a prosecutor, determined to clean up the gulf.  Hugh's father became a crime boss, specializing in liquor, gambling, and prostitution.  Keith follows in his father's footsteps, taking an interest in politics and going to law school.  Hugh takes after his father, dabbling in crime and prostitutes.  Eventually, the two families come head to head.

I'm a big fan of John Grisham however this book just did not work.  There was very little movement in the book,  The story bogged down during the build-up phase and at times felt very stagnant.  When something finally happened, it was very predictable.  Overall, a bust.

"The New One" by Evie Green

Tamsyn, Ed and their daughter Scarlett live in a cramped, stifling caravan.  After a fight between teenage Scarlett and Tamsyn, Scarlet runs off and is hit by a car.  With Scarlet on life support with little chance of waking from her coma, Tamsyn and Ed jump at the opportunity of a lifetime from a company in Switzerland.  In return for a new life, luxurious gifts and money, they agree to welcome and nurture an artificial clone of their daughter.

This was a fascinating premise.  The characters were well written and engaging.  The plot unraveled nicely and contained a number of surprises.  My only complaint is that the book felt unfinished.  I hope there is a sequel in the works!  Overall, 5 out of 5 stars.

"The Stranded" by Sarah Daniels

When war ravaged Europe, those traveling on the cruise ship Arcadia were left without a home.  Generations later, people still inhabit the cruise ships, desperate to find refuge in the Federated States.  Esther is training as a medic, if she passes her tests, she will have a chance to leave the ship and train on dry land.  Nik, a member of the rebel underground, launches a leaflet campaign with Ester's sister.  Hadley is the security commander of the ship.  Desperate to have the ship decommissioned, he will do anything to maintain law and order.

I really enjoyed this book.  The world was well developed and nuanced.  The characters were fascinating and realistic.  The plot moved forward and a nice pace, keeping me interested and engaging.  I look forward to reading more from this author.  Highly recommended!

"Code Name Sapphire" by Pam Jenoff

After escaping Nazi Germany, Hanna lives with her cousin Lily in Brussels.  Determined to get out of Europe, Hanna joins the Sapphire Line, a resistance organization poised to get downed airmen back to England.  Micheline, a strong young woman, is the leader of the resistance network, working with her brother Matteo.

I found myself reading late into the night, heavily invested in the fate of the main characters.  This was a dynamic and fast paced book, set in a dangerous location.  Overall, a great novel!  5 out of 5 stars.