Whispering Shadows is a mystery of the murder of an American business man set in China. As the story unfolds and the mystery is solved the main character, Paul, a recluse, is able to put his grieving for his own son aside, as he helps a mother find her son's murderer. The real story isn't so much about the solving the murder as it is about how Paul is able to allow life and love back into his living. The author did a wonderful job revealing to the reader the deep wound that he was buried in and how painful the process was as he slowly pulled himself out. This story is unique in that the character development is so good, that the mystery is secondary to the story.

Reading Juliet's Nurse was like finishing a jigsaw puzzle and discovering the picture for the first time. It had been years since I read Romeo and Juliet, and I will admit a play that I was lukewarm about, but this book told from the perspective of the wet nurse pulled everything together. I enjoyed it more than the original play by Shakespeare! The writing was beautiful and well crafted. She used just enough Shakespearean dialogue but did not over do it and distract from the story. This author enabled the nurse to tell the story, but developed each character so well, that each one had a voice. This telling of Romeo and Juliet puts Angelica center stage and a lifetime of tragedies unfolded. This would be a terrific book club read.

The Disenchanted Widow is a nice story for an afternoon read. I rated the book average, because it was somewhat predictable, and the plot needed a little jumpstart in places. I would rate the character development average as well. None of the characters were really fascinating to me. I think it would be a nice way to spend an afternoon, but I don't think you will spend much time thinking about the book after you have read it. Overall, I don't think book clubs would really have enough to discuss.

Palisades Park is a beautifully written story about a family of dreamers in New Jersey at the Legendary Palisades Amusement Park. This book has very well researched historical references woven throughout the story.

Palisades Park would be an excellent read for any age group, but especially those that love historical fiction or want to be taken back in time when amusement parks and carnivals were valued entertainment. Having never been to New Jersey, I so appreciate that the author shares this loving tribute to the Park and piece of history. I couldn't put the book down. Although, there were heartbreaking times during this stormy era in history, this is a feel-good book. The characters in the story offer much insight about acceptance, loyalty and never giving up on a dream.