Found (The Missing #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix

My Rating: 2.8

Thirteen-year-old friends Jonah and Chip, who re both adopted, find out that they were discovered on a plane that appeared out of nowhere, full of babies, with no adults on board, they realize that they have uncovered a mystery involving time travel and two opposing forces, each trying to capture them.

Maybe this book would be great if you are 14 years old but for me, the premise was just too 'out there' for me to go with it. I also didn't care about any of the characters and the writing felt very juvenile. If I am going to read Young Adult, I would prefer it be smart and written for any maturity level.

The Mother In-Law by Sally Hepworth

My Rating: 3.8

Diana, Lucy's mother-in-law, has always kept Lucy at arm's length. Now Diana is dead just a short while after her husband's death and there is a note. Suicide seems to be the logical conclusion but as the police investigate, it seems there are a lot of motives for murder.

While I enjoyed the writing, the characters and the plot were lackluster. We were supposed to think the MIL was evil but it never delivered. Any supposed suspense felt anticlimatic and just didn't pull me in. I will try other books by this author as I did enjoy her writing style.

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

My Rating: 3.8

In an unnamed South American country, a world-renowned soprano sings at a birthday party in honor of a visiting Japanese industrial titan. In the opening sequence, a ragtag band of 18 terrorists enters the vice-presidential mansion through the air conditioning ducts. Their quarry is the president, who has unfortunately stayed home to watch a favorite soap opera. From the beginning, things go awry.

Wow! There is no easy way to summarize this book. If you are reading it to "know what happens in the end" you will be disappointed. This isn't about the ending....it is about the beautiful journey that unfolds of each character - terrorist or hostage...and the lines get blurred.  I read this years ago and loved it. This time reading it was enjoyable but didn't have the grip that it did then. I don't deny that there is so much beauty in the prose and unfolding but, somehow, it didn't hold up. I am not sure if it didn't stand the test of time, if I expected too much or if I have advanced in my expectations as a reader. Good but not great.

Miracle Creek by Angie Kim

My Rating: 4.8

In Virginia, a special treatment center with a hyperbaric chamber that may cure a range of conditions from infertility to autism. Then the chamber explodes, two people die, and it’s clear the explosion wasn’t an accident.  This book is told in flashbacks before the accident and through the current day trial.

This book captures so much - how it would feel to be the mother of a child on the Autistic Spectrum, how it would feel to be an Immigrant, how it would feel to try to make a contraversial business successful, courtroom dynamics and so much more. So many aspects were so well represented in this book. This is uncomfortable in dealing with so many issues but extremely well written. It is hard to believe it is her first book and I can't wait for her next.

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

My Rating: 5.0

This is about two kids, Peter and Kate, who grow up next door to each other and fall in love. It starts before they are born with their dad's, Francis and Brian, as rookie Irish cops on the same beat. You get to know all of Peter and Kate's family members as well as what goes on behind closed doors. There is a pivotal event that changes everything for both families.

This readable family drama is about life, love, forgiveness and so much more. I love how she captures Irish cops, living in New York. I fell in love with all the characters, flaws and all. I couldn't wait to get back to this book. Wow. Just wow. So sad it is over. Without a doubt, the best book I have read in quite a while. LOVED it!!!