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one_more_book's reviews
368 reviews
The Secrets of Good People by Peggy Shainberg, Boo Walker
challenging
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
The Secrets of Good People is a bit different than Boo Walker's usual books: it's a mystery AND he was asked to finish an incomplete manuscript after the original author's death. This had to be a difficult task as it was not his own story to tell, but he had to find the voice to do justice to Peggy Shainberg's unfinished manuscript. Kudos for taking on such a daunting task!
A whirlwind courtship and wedding for Frank and Catherine, a move to a small island in Florida, a murder the day after they arrive, and of course, the secrets of good people are all combined in this murder mystery! And yes, there is a love story involved, which was my favorite part.
Detective Quentin Jones is reminiscent of the 1970s characters many of us watched on television: part Jim Rockford, part Columbo. Boo Walker expertly captures the landscape and slang of the 1970s as he weaves his magic into the eclectic cast of neighbors/characters as their stories and secrets are exposed. This was an enjoyable read, not a thriller (thank goodness), but definitely a good mystery.
The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This is the best book I’ve read in 2025 - Marie Benedict at her very best! If you are a fan of the old “whodunit” books from the era of Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, you will love this. There is not one thing I did not love about this book (other than it did have to end).
Benedict combines historical fiction, a locked room mystery, and five notorious female mystery writers of the 1930s whose goal is to be accepted by male mystery writers as equally talented writers by solving a real crime. The character development is thorough, the story line flows easily, the twists and turns are believable, and the bond developed between "the Queens" is perfectly executed.
The bonds created among the Queens are goal-worthy for all women: pool your talents, work together, divide and conquer tasks, straighten each other's crowns as often as needed and nonjudgmentally, lend an ear or give a pep talk when needed, and enjoy the ride!
Benedict combines historical fiction, a locked room mystery, and five notorious female mystery writers of the 1930s whose goal is to be accepted by male mystery writers as equally talented writers by solving a real crime. The character development is thorough, the story line flows easily, the twists and turns are believable, and the bond developed between "the Queens" is perfectly executed.
The bonds created among the Queens are goal-worthy for all women: pool your talents, work together, divide and conquer tasks, straighten each other's crowns as often as needed and nonjudgmentally, lend an ear or give a pep talk when needed, and enjoy the ride!
A Short History of Black Craft in Ten Objects by Robell Awake
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Robell Awake, himself a craftsperson, shares his love, admiration, and respect for our African American craftsmen and women in this brief history. The reader is introduced to little known men and women who not only helped create and shape black craft in America, but also who learned and practiced their trade while enslaved. This book is enlightening, to say the least.
Each short chapter is devoted to a different craftsperson, along with hand drawn illustrations that add to the beauty of the book. The illustrations are demonstrative of the era of slavery; while many may prefer photographs, the illustrations lend authenticity to the text.
Readers will be enchanted by potters, cabinetmakers, chair makers, basket weavers, blacksmiths, architects, quilters, couturiers, and yard artists: All African American artisans, many who learned their crafts while still free in their home countries in Africa and given little or no credit for their intellect, artistry, or humanity are celebrated by Awake.
Each short chapter is devoted to a different craftsperson, along with hand drawn illustrations that add to the beauty of the book. The illustrations are demonstrative of the era of slavery; while many may prefer photographs, the illustrations lend authenticity to the text.
Readers will be enchanted by potters, cabinetmakers, chair makers, basket weavers, blacksmiths, architects, quilters, couturiers, and yard artists: All African American artisans, many who learned their crafts while still free in their home countries in Africa and given little or no credit for their intellect, artistry, or humanity are celebrated by Awake.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Ninety year old male, never been kissed, looking for love - that is Eddie Winston. He has lived a full life and has fallen in love (with a married woman) but that's as far as it's gone. This romantic at heart retired college professor now works in a charity shop where he "saves" items he thinks the donor might come back for some day. It's at the charity shop that he meets a donor, Bella, a young woman whose boyfriend has died. Inside the box is a pair of lovingly decorated shoes that Eddie puts on his "Eddie shelf" thinking Bella will return.
An unlikely friendship develops between Eddie and Bella. When he reveals that he has never been kissed, Bella creates an online dating profile for Eddie which he enthusiastically embraces. The growing friendship between these two is the best part of the book! They are truly friends: sharing their joys and sorrows, frequent lunches in the park, going on excursions.
The Family Journal by Carolyn Brown
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Carolyn Brown never lets me down! Her books are inspiring, realistic, and filled with Southern humor. While it is considered a contemporary romance (yes, there is romance) it's more about the struggles of being a single parent to two teens, Holly and Braden. After both of her children have strayed from being "good kids" to kids who are pushing the line, Lily decides to practice "tough love" and moves her family back to her hometown of Comfort, Texas. Or Podunk, Texas, as Holly not-so-affectionally calls it.
The man who has been renting the family home, Mack, lives on the first floor of Lily's family home, while she and the children live upstairs and they all share the kitchen and living room. Mack raises goats and the goats have play a pretty central role through much of the story. For perhaps the first time in a very long time, Braden and Holly, have a positive male role model who truly cares for them and sets a good example.
There are many adjustments to be made by the trio, including the kids truly realizing that there father is so wrapped up in his new wife that they have pretty much become unimportant afterthoughts in their fathers life. Never fear, it does end up as a "happily ever after" story.
The man who has been renting the family home, Mack, lives on the first floor of Lily's family home, while she and the children live upstairs and they all share the kitchen and living room. Mack raises goats and the goats have play a pretty central role through much of the story. For perhaps the first time in a very long time, Braden and Holly, have a positive male role model who truly cares for them and sets a good example.
There are many adjustments to be made by the trio, including the kids truly realizing that there father is so wrapped up in his new wife that they have pretty much become unimportant afterthoughts in their fathers life. Never fear, it does end up as a "happily ever after" story.
Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
What a fun cozy mystery! It's filled with believable characters, humor, and it's definitely "cheesy" - but that just adds to the charm of the book and ties in with both the title and series. This is book #1 of the Grilled Cheese Mysteries and it fed my love of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
Carly, following the death of her husband, returned to her hometown in Vermont to fulfill her dream of owning a grilled cheese sandwich shop. Her sleazy landlord gives her an eviction notice and the same night, he is murdered behind her restaurant. Don, the small town reporter with high hopes and big dreams, talks her into helping solve the murder, much to the chagrin of the police chief.
There are some great twists, turns, and unexpected scenes that just add to the "cheesiness".
Carly, following the death of her husband, returned to her hometown in Vermont to fulfill her dream of owning a grilled cheese sandwich shop. Her sleazy landlord gives her an eviction notice and the same night, he is murdered behind her restaurant. Don, the small town reporter with high hopes and big dreams, talks her into helping solve the murder, much to the chagrin of the police chief.
There are some great twists, turns, and unexpected scenes that just add to the "cheesiness".
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Bright Years, like real-life, is not always "bright" but riddled with harsh realities. This multigenerational novel beautifully reveals "the good, the bad, and the ugly" of Ryan and Lillian's lives and the lives of those they love. The tale of this little family is told in three parts with Lillian, Ryan, and Jet, their daughter, each sharing their own stories while expertly revealing their hopes, angst, grit, fear, grief, alcoholism, secrets, forgiveness, introspection, and unconditional love.
Sarah Damoff created well developed, believable story line, main, and supporting characters. The strength of Elise (Ryan's mother) is goal-worthy: escaping an abusive alcoholic, creating a loving, caring home for her young son, nurturing his love of photography, and making a good life for them on her own. Elise's strength, wisdom, and love is revealing numerous times as Lillian, Ryan, and Jet's stories unfold. Elise is truly a matriarch.
This is a beautiful gift of literary fiction that has the ability to break your heart yet offers healing, hope, and forgiveness.
Sarah Damoff created well developed, believable story line, main, and supporting characters. The strength of Elise (Ryan's mother) is goal-worthy: escaping an abusive alcoholic, creating a loving, caring home for her young son, nurturing his love of photography, and making a good life for them on her own. Elise's strength, wisdom, and love is revealing numerous times as Lillian, Ryan, and Jet's stories unfold. Elise is truly a matriarch.
This is a beautiful gift of literary fiction that has the ability to break your heart yet offers healing, hope, and forgiveness.
The Page Turner by Viola Shipman
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Page Turner by Viola Shipman
Unequivocally the best! The Page Turner is just that, a page turner, in many ways: a "can't put it down" book, shattering misogynistic beliefs about "romance" and "rom com" genres, and shouting from the rooftops that "voice" can be used for good or evil, but that good must prevail. Viola Turner (pen name) honors strong women, family, and doing what is right and good.
Emma Page is a force to reckon with: young, fresh our of college, and greatly influenced by the love and strength of her late grandmother, GiGi. As she tries to find her own way in the cut throat publishing world, she encounters good and evil, and an enlightening about the importance and love of family, honoring those who love and have helped shape you into the person you are becoming, and using your voice - sometimes loudly. Marcus, the antagonist, is intelligent, but truly evil, unloved and unloving.
To tell you more about the book would do it a disservice, you must read this amazing page turner and warm your heart!
Unequivocally the best! The Page Turner is just that, a page turner, in many ways: a "can't put it down" book, shattering misogynistic beliefs about "romance" and "rom com" genres, and shouting from the rooftops that "voice" can be used for good or evil, but that good must prevail. Viola Turner (pen name) honors strong women, family, and doing what is right and good.
Emma Page is a force to reckon with: young, fresh our of college, and greatly influenced by the love and strength of her late grandmother, GiGi. As she tries to find her own way in the cut throat publishing world, she encounters good and evil, and an enlightening about the importance and love of family, honoring those who love and have helped shape you into the person you are becoming, and using your voice - sometimes loudly. Marcus, the antagonist, is intelligent, but truly evil, unloved and unloving.
To tell you more about the book would do it a disservice, you must read this amazing page turner and warm your heart!