Member Profile

Name : Melissa A.
Occupation : Lifestyle Blogger and Podcast Host -- Home with a Twist www.homewithatwist.com

My Reviews

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
 
Book Club Recommended
Confusing, Addictive, Dark
Starts slow, but ends with a punch!

It was tedious at first to keep track of all the characters, and I even made a cheat sheet of each person to help me, but once I knew all the players it picked up speed. A great rush to the very end! Really liked it.

The Book of Polly: A Novel by Kathy Hepinstall
 
Book Club Recommended
Fun, Beautiful, Addictive
I Didn't Want it to End!

I loved this book. It was heartfelt, touching, laugh out loud funny. Such a great mother-daughter story. Something for everyone!

 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Poorly Written, Insightful
You'll Want to Drink lots of hot tea!

I am usually not attracted to historical non-fiction or "period" books. But, I thought the description of the book was intriguing. But, I am glad I took the chance on this book.

The author is very descriptive and I found myself transported to a 1920's tea plantation. It literally made me crave tea -- so I enjoyed several pots of PG Tips during this read.

It's easy to read and once I started, I couldn't put it down. It takes a little while to get past the set up of relationships, but once that was done, it was a quick read.

I loved the character development and toward the end I was in tears after all the secrets were revealed.

The back of the room includes the author's explanation of how she came to write the book, Q&A conversations with the author, and a reader's guide -- so it's perfect for book clubs.

You can check out my review on http://www.homewithatwist.com/?p=10624&preview=true

Camino Island: A Novel by John Grisham
 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Adventurous, Unconvincing
Didn't End How I Hoped

It's a fun book, easy to read and follow. The story line wasn't as "edge of your seat" as most Grisham reads, but it was enjoyable. Our bookclub was a little disappointed in the ending. But I guess he left it open ended for a sequel...

 
Book Club Recommended
Addictive, Dramatic, Dark
Once you get going - its a roller coaster

Wow. Once the players have been established it is a "what just happened" scenario. It made me question everything I thought I knew. Very well done.

 
Book Club Recommended
Beautiful, Interesting, Informative
Charming and Endearing

Our group loved this book. Full of nostalgic moments and descriptive settings of Michigan summers, makes you want to bake and plan a trip to pick apples! I cannot wait to read more from Viola Shipman.

 
Book Club Recommended
Addictive, Dramatic, Brilliant
Beautiful story of a Mother's love

This was one of my most favorite reads in a while. It's deeply moving, beautifully descriptive and gripping. I felt like I traveled Maddy' s journey in her grief and loss.

The Lemonade Year by Amy Willoughby-Burle
 
Book Club Recommended
Romantic, Insightful
Nothing sour about this lemonade

Amy does a wonderful job of sharing the bittersweet relationships among family during stressful times. An enjoyable, touching read.

 
Book Club Recommended
Slow, Unconvincing, Informative
Gorgeous settings of Italy

Frances does another outstanding job of sharing every last detail of Italian life, you literally feel like you are there. I craved wine, cheese, olive oil and long walks in the garden after ready this. Truly an inspiring story that you can transform your life at any age. Must read!

Clock Dance: A novel by Anne Tyler
 
Slow, Boring, Unconvincing
Very disappointing

I had high Hope's for this book given Ms. Tyler's previous acclaimed works. This had so many weird aimless and plots. And it just abruptly ended. Weird book. Winder if this was ghosted by another author.

The Library Book by Susan Orlean
 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Interesting, Insightful
Totally new insight into the workings of a library

Having loved going to the library as a child, I enjoyed all this book shared -- history, mystery, architecture, library science and how the library serves as not only a place of education, but refuge and connectedness regardless of your belief or social stature. Loved it!

 
Book Club Recommended
Insightful, Informative, Interesting
Thought provoking content and beautifully written

Ms. Shapiro shares a touching story with her readers in a thought provoking way. Unfolding layers of past, present and future storytelling from a point of view that anyone can relate to. I especially appreciated the sharing of her Jewish faith and traditions and how it related to changes in her life.

 
Book Club Recommended
Addictive, Dramatic, Interesting
Kept me interested all the way

Listened on audible. Terrific narrators, easy to follow, quick-paced. Kept me guessing all the way.

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