TheresaAJ
Omaha Public Library
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TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Mar 28, 2024
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Mar 28, 2024
Comment:
Number 58 is a solid entry in Robb's "In Death " series. When teenage girls start dying at events after a mysterious injection, Eve Dallas goes on the warpath. Taking place over a few days, Dallas is relentless in her pursuit. One of the funniest bits in the book is Dallas trying to comprehend teen slang after it's interpreted by her detectives. Since she's such a literalist with even basic English, slang almost takes her over the edge.Number 58 is a solid entry in Robb's "In Death " series. When teenage girls start dying at events after a mysterious injection, Eve Dallas goes on the warpath. Taking place over a few days, Dallas is relentless in her pursuit. One of the funniest…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Mar 28, 2024
Comment:
Set during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, this novel focuses on several aspects of early 20th century California -- Chinese immigration, life in Chinatown, women as artists, and huge fortunes built on greed and deception. The story focuses on Gemma, an opera singer, and Suling, a young woman desperately trying to avoid an arranged marriage. Alice, a botanist, and Reggie, an artist, prove to be the ties that bring Gemma and Suling together. Lots of historical detail, a quick-moving plot, and a satisfying "gotcha" ending make this book another winner for Kate Quinn. It's a credit to both authors that the book reads as a seamless whole. That's not always true with co-written books.Set during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, this novel focuses on several aspects of early 20th century California -- Chinese immigration, life in Chinatown, women as artists, and huge fortunes built on greed and deception. The story focuses on…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Mar 18, 2024
Comment:
This debut novel is one of the best World War II historical fiction novels I've read. The story is based on Hannie Schaft, a Dutch law student, who joined the armed resistance after refusing to take a loyalty oath to Germany. Well plotted, interesting characters, and a narrative that follows Hannie's real life pretty closely adds up to a fast-paced read. I especially appreciated the author's addition of "whatever happened to" the main characters in the story. The author has written three previous nonfiction books on women and the blues, words of wisdom from atheists, and being an accidental genealogist.This debut novel is one of the best World War II historical fiction novels I've read. The story is based on Hannie Schaft, a Dutch law student, who joined the armed resistance after refusing to take a loyalty oath to Germany. Well plotted,…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Mar 14, 2024
Comment:
This YA rom-com is set in Omaha. When Bailey moves back to Omaha after her parent's divorce, she first encounters Charlie at the Fairbanks airport. It doesn't go well. A year later, she finds herself suddenly working with him at a hotel waterpark. There are lots of ups, downs, and misunderstandings before Bailey and Charlie realize that they were meant for each other. The book ends on a semi-cliffhanger which opens the door for Book 2. Painter did a good job of featuring Omaha as the setting.This YA rom-com is set in Omaha. When Bailey moves back to Omaha after her parent's divorce, she first encounters Charlie at the Fairbanks airport. It doesn't go well. A year later, she finds herself suddenly working with him at a hotel…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2024
Comment:
Although a bit slow to start, this new mystery series gives a different look at the current fascination with World War II. Henri LeFort is a French policeman whose country has just been taken over by the Nazis. When he's given one week to find a murderer by his German overlords, Henri is thrust back to his days of serving in World War I. Suffering from PTSD and misophonia, Henri finds himself on the couch of Marie Bonaparte, a psychologist. As the story switches between World War I and occupied France, the reader unravels Henri's past and begins to understand his reaction to the current world. Although I'm pretty much done with World War II fiction, I'm intrigued enough to try Book 2 when it's published.Although a bit slow to start, this new mystery series gives a different look at the current fascination with World War II. Henri LeFort is a French policeman whose country has just been taken over by the Nazis. When he's given one week to find a…
Apprentice in DeathApprentice in Death, Preloaded Audiobook
by Robb, J. D.Preloaded Audiobook - 2016Preloaded Audiobook, 2016
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2024
Comment:
Eve Dallas takes on a 15-year-old psychopath and mass murderer in the series' 43rd book. The fact that the teenager is the child of a retired police officer only strengthens Eve's resolve and determination to stop the shootings as fast as possible. One of the joys of this series is Eve's literal interpretation of the English language which results in a liberal misunderstanding of idioms. It's always fascinating to watch her navigate human relationships, especially with small children. Coming up to speed with all the characters is a big part of the series' appeal for me.Eve Dallas takes on a 15-year-old psychopath and mass murderer in the series' 43rd book. The fact that the teenager is the child of a retired police officer only strengthens Eve's resolve and determination to stop the shootings as fast as possible.…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Mar 04, 2024
Comment:
I appreciate that Hannah chose something other than World War II to highlight women's military contributions. However, I had a hard time liking Frankie, the main character. Growing up on Coronado Island in a proud military family, Frankie joined the Army as a nurse to earn a place on her family's "Heroes Wall". When her brother is killed in Vietnam two days before she leaves for basic training, Frankie is devastated by both his death and her family's reaction to her impending service. After serving two tours, Frankie returns home to a hostile American public and her own family's insistence that she "move on" with their refusal to acknowledge, let alone talk about, her military experience. Most of the novel details Frankie's inability to move on and highlights her struggle with the popular belief that "there were no women in Vietnam". The war scenes are very graphic and may not appeal to some readers. Since the the story was mainly about Frankie, I feel the title was misleading. I would have loved to learn more about the other women mentioned in the book, especially Major Goldstein who was obviously career Army for many years. Not Hannah's best effort.I appreciate that Hannah chose something other than World War II to highlight women's military contributions. However, I had a hard time liking Frankie, the main character. Growing up on Coronado Island in a proud military family, Frankie joined…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Mar 04, 2024
Comment:
Riley Fisher left the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Department to become a FBI agent. Now she's been assigned to the Des Moines office and finding her way as a rookie agent. Her boss is almost hostile and her partner doesn't want her around. When the Sin Eater, a serial killer from the early 1990s, seems to be killing again, Riley doesn't know who to trust as the investigation continues. Young does a good job of creating a police procedural with flawed characters, a vivid place setting, and enough twists and turns to keep the story moving.Riley Fisher left the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Department to become a FBI agent. Now she's been assigned to the Des Moines office and finding her way as a rookie agent. Her boss is almost hostile and her partner doesn't want her around. When…
The Blonde IdentityThe Blonde Identity, Preloaded Audiobook
by Carter, AllyPreloaded Audiobook - 2023Preloaded Audiobook, 2023
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 26, 2024
Comment:
This book is so over the top that you just have to go with it. Zoe wakes up in a Parisian street with amnesia and doesn't know why bad men are shooting at her. Enter Sawyer who turns out to be a spy who knows Zoe's twin sister Alexis, another spy. Although one ridiculous situation happens after the next, Zoe keeps on landing on her untrained feet. Part romantic comedy, part action thriller, I could see this book easily translated to either the big or small screen. It also feels similar to Argylle by Elly Conway which has recently been made into a movie.This book is so over the top that you just have to go with it. Zoe wakes up in a Parisian street with amnesia and doesn't know why bad men are shooting at her. Enter Sawyer who turns out to be a spy who knows Zoe's twin sister Alexis, another spy.…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 26, 2024
Comment:
There's a lot packed into this first novel which also requires some suspension of belief. Billie Breslin has landed an administrative assistant job at the venerable food magazine, Delicious! Not too far into her tenure, the magazine folds and Billie is left alone to uphold "the guarantee" for the magazine's loyal readers. The story is packed with New York food history as well as some pretty stock characters -- the loveable Italian deli owner, the flamboyant gay travel writer, the grumpy customer who turns out be an architectural historian and love interest, the bitter ex-restaurant owner, etc. In some ways, this novel felt like the fictionalized closing of Gourmet magazine in 2009. Overall, I enjoyed the book even with the contrived situations.There's a lot packed into this first novel which also requires some suspension of belief. Billie Breslin has landed an administrative assistant job at the venerable food magazine, Delicious! Not too far into her tenure, the magazine folds and…
DisillusionedDisillusioned, BookFive Families and the Unraveling of America's Suburbs
by Herold, BenjaminBook - 2024Book, 2024
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 22, 2024
Comment:
This "four years in the making" research project resulted in a very readable book that explores the concurrent unraveling of American suburbs and public education. It's really a candid look at what happens when taxpayers and local governments "kick the can down the road" when it comes to maintaining and upgrading infrastructure. Herold illustrates his main theses through 5 families across the U.S. (California, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas) as well as his own family history in the suburbs. The Epilogue written by one of the families is a powerful illustration that all parents only want the best for their children. As Herold points out countless times, the magical thinking of being able to have low taxes, world-class amenities, and exclusive neighborhoods for only certain groups has created our current political and economic world. Don't be discouraged by this tome -- almost half the book is extensive footnotes and index.This "four years in the making" research project resulted in a very readable book that explores the concurrent unraveling of American suburbs and public education. It's really a candid look at what happens when taxpayers and local governments "kick…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 21, 2024
Comment:
Science fiction is usually not to my taste but this novel, set in the future, was more a mash-up of societal sarcasm, coming to terms with your gender, and navigating both feelings and social media. Pen is a dogwalker who becomes entangled with Aiden and Blithe as they navigate their way through life to find love and self-acceptance. I especially liked the glimpses of Pen's roommates, The Witch and the Stone Hacker (S-H). The novel has the vibe of Infinite Jest which is also mentioned in the story.Science fiction is usually not to my taste but this novel, set in the future, was more a mash-up of societal sarcasm, coming to terms with your gender, and navigating both feelings and social media. Pen is a dogwalker who becomes entangled with…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 15, 2024
Comment:
While the irony of being stabbed to death during the shower scene of Psycho is lost on Eve Dallas, it sets the stage for an interesting investigation. As Dallas navigates the unfamiliar worlds of authors and fabrics, she's intent on stopping future murders that seem to be following in the steps of a mystery series. Reading an Eve Dallas novel is always like catching up on old friends and finding new sides of their personalities. Who know that Feeney, Eve's old partner, was such a rock and roll fan?While the irony of being stabbed to death during the shower scene of Psycho is lost on Eve Dallas, it sets the stage for an interesting investigation. As Dallas navigates the unfamiliar worlds of authors and fabrics, she's intent on stopping future…
The Girl in the Eagle's TalonsThe Girl in the Eagle's Talons, Book
by Smirnoff, KarinBook - 2023Book, 2023
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 12, 2024
Comment:
Since I've listened to the other Millennium books on audio, the print edition proved a bit challenging with all the Swedish names I can't pronounce. Lisbeth is back and finds herself in the north country when her niece is left a orphan. Although struggling both with the idea of parenthood and the return of former enemies, Lisbeth has lost none of her impulsiveness and fire. Although the plot was a bit farfetched at times, the author managed to keep the suspense going until the end. Smirnoff also drops enough hints about Svala and Plague that I'm sure they'll appear in the next two books. Is Plague really who Lisbeth thinks they are? How much does Svala resemble her aunt in words and deeds? I appreciated the list of characters at the start of the book as it's been awhile since I read the earlier books.Since I've listened to the other Millennium books on audio, the print edition proved a bit challenging with all the Swedish names I can't pronounce. Lisbeth is back and finds herself in the north country when her niece is left a orphan. Although…
Everything I Learned, I Learned in A Chinese RestaurantEverything I Learned, I Learned in A Chinese Restaurant, Audiobook CDA Memoir
by Chin, CurtisAudiobook CD - 2023Audiobook CD, 2023
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 05, 2024
Comment:
This memoir details Chin's growing up years in Chung's, his family's Detroit restaurant. Chin explores both his Asian identity and coming out crises throughout the book. As he grows and changes, the family business also waxes and wanes as various crises occur throughout the city. Set mainly in the 1970s and 1980s, the reader learns about his "crazy Chinese family" as well as the societal events that changed his family's fortunes.This memoir details Chin's growing up years in Chung's, his family's Detroit restaurant. Chin explores both his Asian identity and coming out crises throughout the book. As he grows and changes, the family business also waxes and wanes as various…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 05, 2024
Comment:
Scott vividly brings 1932 England to life in this novel about a young woman trying to find her path in the world. Stella Douglas has written a well-researched book about Mrs. Raffald, an English cook. Although it didn't sell well, she's been offered an advance to write a book on English foods. As she researches the next book, she becomes enamored with Freddie, an aristocrat who runs an antiques business and dabbles in right-wing politics. As Stella gropes with her new assignment and her life, the reader becomes well acquainted with British class structure and tensions between the two world wars.Scott vividly brings 1932 England to life in this novel about a young woman trying to find her path in the world. Stella Douglas has written a well-researched book about Mrs. Raffald, an English cook. Although it didn't sell well, she's been…
After AnnaAfter Anna, Preloaded Audiobook
by Scottoline, LisaPreloaded Audiobook - 2018Preloaded Audiobook, 2018
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 05, 2024
Comment:
I normally love Scottoline's books but this was not one of her better efforts. When Maggie's 17-year-old daughter unexpectedly appears in her life, her second marriage to Noah is threatened by horrific accusations from Anna. Told in alternating viewpoints of Noah (after) and Maggie (before), the story is pieced together. To me, the characters were a little too one-dimensional and the circumstances just a little too unbelievable. The plot had too many unbelievable coincidences and contrived situations for my taste. I could almost see this book as a Lifetime movie of the week.I normally love Scottoline's books but this was not one of her better efforts. When Maggie's 17-year-old daughter unexpectedly appears in her life, her second marriage to Noah is threatened by horrific accusations from Anna. Told in alternating…
The ExchangeThe Exchange, Audiobook CDAfter The Firm
by Grisham, JohnAudiobook CD - 2023Audiobook CD, 2023
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 29, 2024
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This novel opens 15 years after Mitch and Abby McDeere fled Memphis after learning that Mitch's law firm was a mob front. Now settled in New York, Mitch is working for a large international law firm, Abby is a cookbook editor, and they have 10-year-old twin boys. When an Italian lawyer is kidnapped in Libya, Mitch once again finds himself in the hot seat with a new set of bad guys. Although a bit choppy in places, the ending leaves you wondering where Mitch and Abby will turn up in the next book.This novel opens 15 years after Mitch and Abby McDeere fled Memphis after learning that Mitch's law firm was a mob front. Now settled in New York, Mitch is working for a large international law firm, Abby is a cookbook editor, and they have…
Concealed in DeathConcealed in Death, Preloaded Audiobook
by Robb, J. D.Preloaded Audiobook - 2014Preloaded Audiobook, 2014
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 29, 2024
Comment:
When Roarke starts demolishing an old building he bought, a mass grave with 12 young female bodies is uncovered. As Eve digs into a very cold case, she also struggles with her past memories and the impending Christmas season where she is, horrors of horrors, expected to shop. Detective Peabody continues to be an excellent foil for Eve as the case proceeds. An Eve Dallas mystery is also like a bit of comfort after a particularly busy or bad day.When Roarke starts demolishing an old building he bought, a mass grave with 12 young female bodies is uncovered. As Eve digs into a very cold case, she also struggles with her past memories and the impending Christmas season where she is, horrors…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 29, 2024
Comment:
At first, I had trouble with both the main characters, DeAndrea and Rebecca, as they are upper-middle class women, complete with brand names and stereotypes about each other. However, as the story moved along, they grew on me with their similar issues on the stay-at-home mom and family members with dementia fronts. Most of all, this story struck me as a study in how people make assumptions about each other and then act on them. I appreciate that the author gave a realistic ending for the two women, as opposed to a "happily ever after kumbaya" ending.At first, I had trouble with both the main characters, DeAndrea and Rebecca, as they are upper-middle class women, complete with brand names and stereotypes about each other. However, as the story moved along, they grew on me with their similar…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 29, 2024
Comment:
Although this book got off to a very slow start because of all the aviation terminology and description, it became more interesting when the story was more about Morag McGinty, a pilot who was involved in a near-miss accident that killed two people. After being raised in an aviation family, Morag has left the family one-plane airline in northern Scotland and is about to land her dream job flying big planes in Dubai. When her grandfather's illness brings her home to help with the family business, things begin to shift for Morag and her ambitions. Colgan always depicts likeable, flawed characters and makes the setting yet another character. As always, her endings leave you open to the possibility of a sequel or two.Although this book got off to a very slow start because of all the aviation terminology and description, it became more interesting when the story was more about Morag McGinty, a pilot who was involved in a near-miss accident that killed two people.…
One Tough CookieOne Tough Cookie, Audiobook CD
by Torres, DeliseAudiobook CD - 2023Audiobook CD, 2023
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 16, 2024
Comment:
I had to slog through this one because Karina, the main character, comes across as whiny and unlikeable. She also finds change very hard which leads to her many embattled relationships with friends and coworkers. What I did like about the book was the setting of a small cookie company on the verge of making it big and the various friends that surrounded Karina. As Karina acknowledged at the end of the book, "Miscommunication causes so much harm." The saint award goes to Ian who keeps trying to be her boyfriend.I had to slog through this one because Karina, the main character, comes across as whiny and unlikeable. She also finds change very hard which leads to her many embattled relationships with friends and coworkers. What I did like about the book was…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 16, 2024
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This contemporary romance caught my attention because of the cover. What I didn't expect was a novel that was both a character study of Rose and Angus but also a character study of a contemporary small town. Set in the mountains of western North Carolina, the author created a realistic community that represents the economic realities of a small town. I'll be in line for Moher's next book in the series.This contemporary romance caught my attention because of the cover. What I didn't expect was a novel that was both a character study of Rose and Angus but also a character study of a contemporary small town. Set in the mountains of western North…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 16, 2024
Comment:
This novel kept me up way too late as I followed both Rosie/Raisa's and Tonya's stories. Covering the years 1915 to 1993 and told in alternating time periods, the author shares the lives and secrets of one family during a tumultuous 20th century in Russia. The book is a character story, a Russian fairy tale, and an allegory all rolled up into one compelling story. I've read a lot of historical fiction -- this is the most original one I've read in a long time.This novel kept me up way too late as I followed both Rosie/Raisa's and Tonya's stories. Covering the years 1915 to 1993 and told in alternating time periods, the author shares the lives and secrets of one family during a tumultuous 20th century in…
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