Tag Archives: novels

Two crime writers that deserve to be read

Posted on June 16, 2018 by

While perusing my book shelves, I look fondly on certain tomes.  Some authors are ones I haven’t heard about in a while…  I have highly positive memories of their work. Where are they now?  Are they still writing? In this … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors, Fiction, Mystery fiction, Psychological thrillers | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

My personal canon (the books that shaped my life)

Posted on March 9, 2018 by

This post is inspired by a fellow bookblogger, Stephanie at “Adventures of a Bibliophile”.  I really liked her post and thought it would be fun (though time-consuming) to reflect back on those books that shaped me into the reader I … Continue reading →

Posted in Favorite books, ramblings & miscellanea | Tagged , , , | 54 Comments

Book mail from the brilliant Annie Daylon!

Posted on April 8, 2017 by

I have just returned home from a twelve day road trip (we drove 6,232 km.) and I was delighted to have this wonderful package in my mailbox. I found not one, but two of Annie Daylon’s novels with wonderful inscriptions … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors, Canadian fiction, Favorite books, Fictionophile report | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Fictionophile’s 2017 reading resolutions

Posted on December 31, 2016 by

Although I’m not a huge fan of making New Year’s resolutions, I invariably make them. AND, like a lot of other people, I sometimes don’t keep them.  This year I decided to make ‘reading resolutions’, which I hope will be … Continue reading →

Posted in Book bloggers, Edelweiss, NetGalley | Tagged , , , , | 28 Comments

“Miller’s Valley” by Anna Quindlen

Posted on November 14, 2016 by

Sometimes a novel comes along that you just know will resonate with you for years. “Miller’s Valley” is just such a novel.  A story with characters, descriptions, and emotions, so REAL that after reading it you feel as though you … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Family sagas, Favorite books, Fiction, Literary fiction, NetGalley, Women's fiction | Tagged , , , , , , | 17 Comments

“Soft in the head” by Marie-Sabine Roger

Posted on October 19, 2016 by

This is the engaging story of two people who come together in friendship, kindness, affection, and appreciation. A remarkable and heart-rending novel that perfectly illustrates the quote: “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.” The first lines of “Soft in … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, Fiction, Literary fiction, NetGalley, novels in translation | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Spooky October reads

Posted on October 6, 2016 by

Although horror is not my genre of choice, there have been a few horror titles that have stuck with me over the years.  Because of this, I’ve decided to share five titles with you.  I’m anxious to see if you’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Favorite books, Fiction, ghost stories, Horror, Suspense | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

“Safe as houses” by Susan Glickman – Book Review

Posted on October 5, 2016 by

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of ‘cozy mystery’ and women’s fiction, then “Safe as houses” might just be for you! Set in the Hillcrest Village area of Toronto, the novel features as protagonist a former librarian turned bookshop … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Canadian fiction, Mystery fiction | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

“Commonwealth” by Ann Patchett – Book Review

Posted on October 2, 2016 by

I’m happy to say that TLC Book Tours gave me an excuse to try out an author I’ve always meant to read, but somehow never got around to reading.  Thanks TLC!  I own three of Ann Patchett’s books, including the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Family sagas, Literary fiction, TLC Book Tours, Women's fiction | Tagged , , , , , | 16 Comments

“Of sea and seed” by Annie Daylon

Posted on August 26, 2016 by

Historical fiction should do two things. #1 Portray the time period, culture, and events with accuracy (i.e. be well researched); #2 Entertain. Annie Daylon’s “Of sea and seed” succeeds on both counts.  She has captured Newfoundland’s history with articulate accuracy … Continue reading →

Posted in award winners, Book Reviews, Canadian fiction, Family sagas, Favorite books, Fiction, Historical fiction, Literary fiction | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

“The Girls in the Garden” by Lisa Jewell

Posted on June 12, 2016 by

I have not read anything by Lisa Jewell previously, so I had no preconceptions or expectations about “The Girls in the Garden“.   Wow, was I ever delighted to find that I might have found another favorite author!  The novel, rich … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Edelweiss, Favorite books, Fiction, Mystery fiction, NetGalley, Women's fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

“June” by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore (TLC Book Tour + Giveaway!)

Posted on June 7, 2016 by

Two years ago I read and reviewed a novel called “Bittersweet“ by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore so when I was offered a spot on the TLC Book Tour for her new novel I jumped at the chance! Like “Bittersweet” this new novel is peopled with realistic … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Family sagas, Fiction, Giveaways, Historical fiction, Love stories, NetGalley, TLC Book Tours | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

“Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly – Book Review

Posted on April 24, 2016 by

“Lilac Girls” is a story of the mind numbing horrors of war.  Horrors so gruesome that they are unimaginable unless you’ve experienced them first hand. The author has written about them in such a way that you as a reader … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, debut novels, Historical fiction, NetGalley, war stories, Women's fiction | Tagged , , , | 27 Comments

“After the crash” by Michel Bussi – Book Review

Posted on January 13, 2016 by

A thriller that explores the nature vs. nurture issue, “After the crash” tells the story of a three-month-old survivor of a horrific plane crash. When, on December 23, 1980, a plane carrying 169 passengers crashes into the Jura Mountains between … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Mystery fiction, NetGalley, novels in translation, Page turners, Psychological thrillers | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

“Hidden” by Karen E. Olson – Book Review

Posted on October 23, 2015 by

Starting over.  Who among us has not at one time yearned for it – if only fleetingly?  And to start over on a small, scenic island in a house by the sea.  Idyllic. The protagonist of “Hidden” has done just … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Mystery fiction, NetGalley | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments