Best Novel of the Summer
934609
Smith Henderson's FOURTH OF JULY CREEK is the best book I've read since Philipp Meyer's THE SON: gorgeously written, tightly plotted, with characters that seem as real and conflicted as actual human beings.  If you read one novel this summer, it should be this one.
2969326
The Sunshine Sisters by Jane Green is a phenomenal novel about the complexities of families. Green dives very deep in this one and I found it to be a moving novel with down to earth and lifelike characters. What I also liked about this novel is the fact that I was hooked to the pages. Sure, a lot of books are catchy and grasp their readers attention from beginning to end, but somehow, this one was different. I was EXCITED to read it. I wanted to pick up the book even when I was busy (summer is such a busy time of year in my life), and I absolutely did NOT want to put it down. I was enthralled in the lives of these characters and utterly addicted to the story because of them. Perhaps this is one of Jane's best. After all, I don't think it's the type of story that I will soon forget. Even more, I can't remember the last time I read one of her novels and I used to be such a huge fan. But I know that I am now going to continue reading based on this one. So if your a fan of the author and/or enjoy women's fiction novels that detail the hardships of family and how to make amends again then I implore you to read this one. It's certainly one of the best that I have read in a very long time.
350384
Filter House is the secret best book of the Summer. It has no business being left in the warehouse when you could buy it read, give it to your best friend, or read to your children.  These are a selection of entertaining and complex stories, filled with fantasy, love, and discovery.  This is definitely a book club and reading group book! Shawl wrote of many things, giving you something to talk about.

The professional reviewers have focused on "Wallamellon" with reason. It is completely charming; full of twists and turns. "At the Huts of Ajala," "Good Boy," "Shiomah's Land," and all the rest of the stories pull you into the story, whisking you away to a new land and a new way of looking at the world. When I mention one story, I think of another that is fabulous, too. My personal favorite is "The Beads of Ku."  It should become a classic.  This book is suitable for young adult readers.
839795
I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book, but I quickly found out I just couldn't put it down. It is hands down the best book I have read all summer. Not only is it a quick read - with characters you can easily connect with - but the story line takes a turn I didn't see coming at all. A perfect option for a Christian Book Club, this is a book that entertains and encourages those who have fallen away from God at one point or another.
352447
"The Fourth Watcher"  written by Timothy Hallinan is my favorite book of the summer. It's riveting reading for people who like thrillers written with great wit, hair-raising twists, ever deepening layers of story, a likable hero, a vivid cast of characters so real you'll feel you know them, a story rooted in reality, edge-of-your-seat suspense, heart-pounding surprise, and an exotic foreign location.  It's a sensational book. I couldn't put it down.

Hallinan takes you into underbelly of Southeast Asia and through the beauty of a culture rich with spiritual ideals and smiling faces. He paints pictures  of glorious landscapes and urban madness, with characters that are alive and engaging. The villains and gangsters are terrifying, the suspense is unnerving, yet his writing style skillfully blends drama and excitement with incredible wit and a good deal of humor. This should be made into a movie. It's riveting.

A review by Dana King, New Mystery Reader said this: "The Fourth Watcher is true suspense in the Hitchcock mold. Just as one story line reaches a lull, the other picks up. The considerable machinery of The Fourth Watcher is held together by understated, yet virtuoso writing. A man recovering from serious injury has a "throat as loose and rippled as a theater curtain." A minor player caught in the act has, "Half a dozen emotions chase each other across [his] face, but the one that stakes it out and claims it is despair." While not a funny book, the humor works, and always grows from the situation."

[...]

All in all, I think Hallinan is an extraordinary writer. I've enjoyed all his books but "The Fourth Watcher" is the best yet. It gets my highest recommendation. Three exclamation points!!!
3522270
I loved this book, great summer read!  I felt like I was part of the characters lives. It pulled me in so much that I ended up buying another copy for a friend. Would definitely recommend.
309731
Timothy Ashby's Devil's Den is absolutely one of the best books I have read this summer. This historical novel is a murder mystery which follows the investigation by a WWI veteran who is also the grandson of two Confederate grandfathers who served at Gettysburg. The protagonist works for the Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to investigate a murder which occurs on the Gettysburg battlefield. He weaves the political circus occurring at the time with the internal struggles and emotions his main character must work through during his investigation. I look forward to more work by this author!
4277027
This beautifully written novel is on the top of my summer reading list!  I'm excited to see about the possibilities to incorporate it into future writing workshops for teachers and students!
194230
It has been a long time that a book has kept my attention non-stop.  I just kept reading and reading.
Best summer book so far.
2738582
An amazing novel! And I have read a lot of good and bad novels. This novel is such a good story with many twists to the plot. U will love this one. BTW, don't waste ur time reading Kenobi. That novel stunk like a dead skunk in the summer heat.
3825917
I'm BEYOND thrilled my copy arrived,  & I could finally read this thrilling novel! It's a page turner, suspense, romance... a must read this summer! My teenager (son) wanted to read it too, and loved it! Nice to have a book with emotions and relationships that THANK YOU AUTHORS does not include the smut or foul language. Read it, you'll be BEYOND pleased you did!
3323279
This is the best book I have read in a long time.  It is a wonderful story about relationships, a tribute to Will Schwalbe's mother, and deals with the most serious things in life without being maudlin.  His mother was a wonderful person, and her interests are very pertinent now, with the refugee crisis occurring around Syria.  It is also framed by the love of books, and from it I have been led to  other excellent books this summer.  All book lovers should read this book.
159431
I loved this book from start to finish, a must read! I will,recommend this one to all mynfriends for summer reading.
548968
I set aside Memorial Day weekend to read this book while relaxing by the pool -- and I could not put it down. I read it in three days and absolutely loved it. Warley's style of writing is exquisite, effortlessly drawing the reader into a poignant story of love and loss, selflessness and courage, tradition and triumph. As the mother of an adopted son, I felt especially drawn to the book. Our experience had few seminaries since we adopted our son right here in the South, but I could still relate to many aspects of the book  especially how Elizabeth felt the first time her new daughter was placed in her arms.  It terms of style  Warleys use of metaphors is second to none. I wish I had highlighted all of them in the book  they were absolutely perfect on all counts. Not a trite one in the bunch, and many left me smiling broadly as I thought, Where did he come up with THAT!? I loved every character in the book, even the ones with short appearances in the story!  Summer has barely begun, and I think I have already read the best book I will read all season. In fact, its among the best novels I have read in many years.  Ladies (and gentlemen), do not let the summer pass without reading this fabulous book!
4860467
Very interesting perspective. Best book of the summer. Recommended to others who loved the book also. Animal lovers will enjoy this book and Dean Koontz' writing skills!!! From front to back the suspense builds and keeps going strong.
52905
I was skeptical when I started this book but absolutely loved it! This is one of my favorite books that I read all summer. It is suspenseful enough to be a page turner. I promise that you will not be disappointed by this one!
4390240
I read a lot of novels and this book tops my list for the summer. Unlike many reviews, my favorite section by far was the middle where we learn more about Fenno -a fully dimensional character who I will never forget. The relationship between Mal and him is poignant, witty  and very interesting.. Mal is a character I would love to have know .His lines and observations had me laughing out loud on more than one occassion. I just don't comprehend why some people have a hard  time reading about gay people (as per some of the reviews ). Get over it!  It is reality. Look at this wonderful, rich, deep character this author has created -  (I saw  so many characteristics of myself in  Fenno and I am a  heterosexual female!)  The second part 's wrapup where he is sitting up in the secret hide-out of the home he grew up in Scotland pondering where his life would lead while discovering where his precious niece has hidden her  grandfather's ashes left me in complete awe and admiration for  the gift of writing. Fern 's character was less interesting to me, but I was glad to see Fenno moving along in his life and displaying the wonderfulattributes you knew he had in him.  A moving, lovely book.