Duty and Honor: A Novel of the Civil War by Michael J. Deeb

Duty and Honor: A Novel of the Civil War by Michael J Deeb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A good book about a small town boy joining the war and staying true to his roots. In this first book of the trilogy, the main character Michael Drieborg stands up for what he believes in and gets rewarded for his actions. The story focuses on the friendship formed among the soldiers and how they work as a team to survive. There is a "bully" that he must always look out for and a female love interest to keep the readers interested.



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The House I Loved by Tatiana de Rosnay

I just completed The House I Loved by Tatiana de Rosnay. The book was a quick and delightful read (a weekend read at the gym...and a few cups of tea after).

The story is historical fiction set in Paris in the late 1800s. Baron Haussmann, under the orders of Emperor Napoleon III, is redesigning the city of Paris into the modern metropolis it is known as today. In school one learn about the redesign of the city as part of the industrial revolution. The positive outcome is that the city becomes the center of the world as a result of these changes. During WWI New York overtakes Paris due to the strife on European soil.

The book is a wonderful tale of a woman who does not want to leave her family home despite the financial incentives given by the Parisian government. It gives the readers a glimpse of the human cost of modernization. After reading the book, one realizes that they must stop and think about all of the people involved when they read about historical events.

The home in which someone is raised has a strong emotional connection with them. This book reminds readers that, walls might not be able to speak, but that walls are like a sponge, they hold in the memories of the family that lived within them. What is progress for some, is a heart-wrenching set back for others.

Transport yourself to Paris for a few hours. You'll love the journey!

Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer

Only Time Will Tell is yet another well written novel by Jeffrey Archer. The story follows Archer's formula of having unexpected twists and turns in the plot. Archer's mastery is evident as the reader is unable to predict the turns the story takes along the way.

Archer tells the story from multiple characters' points-of-view. This allows the reader to get to know each of the characters well. As a result, the reader is drawn deeply into the story as they care about what happens to the characters.

The story appeals to many readers. It is a coming-of-age story where romance is involved as well as deceit and humor.

Enjoy getting to know the characters as the sequel The Sins of the Father will be released in the spring! Go to Jeffrey Archer's website for more information on a release date.

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci

An excellent book filled with numerous plot twists. The story centers around the legal team and private investigators who are trying to prove the innocence of an intellect accused of being a serial killer. Through the course of the investigation, more people die. The lives of the people trying to help the accused are in danger, but they forge ahead!

The story travels between Maine, Washington DC and New York City. The plot contains numerous twists and turns that keep readers on their toes.

The thriller contains elements of many of David Balcacchi's work: a glimpse into the government and the legal system as well as a complex story line and characterization.

John Grisham's The Litigators

Over the holidays I read quite a few books that I purchased through 2011 but had not had a time to read. It was a GREAT pleasure to take the time to READ and RELAX.

The Litigators explores the career path of a lawyer in a small firm, large firm and in private practice. In this novel, John Grisham shares with the reader the LIFESTYLE of a lawyer. The story line and characters bring about a clear example of the pros and cons of working in each type of legal office. His characters demonstrate the large financial gains that come from working in a large firm but the endless pressure that comes with the financial reward. His characters demonstrate the financial risk of working in a small firm or on your own.

This story begs the reader to cheer for the young associate who gives up the rat race of the large law firm to find success. He has a passion for practicing law but does not like the fact that the large firm has taken away his "life". His ideals and desire to do the right thing are honorable. He gave up guaranteed wealth for a future that is not guaranteed. The reader is compelled to keep reading to find out if his story will have a happy ending.

This legal thriller delves into the world of class action lawsuits and the cut throat mentality of the corporate world. If you know a lawyer and have knowledge of the industry, you'll identify with the story and enjoy each and every page!

Zero Day by David Baldacci

Yes, I am a David Baldacci fan. I admit I read each thriller he writes. I spent part of my holiday vacation catching up on my David Baldacci reading list.

Zero Day was a fast-paced thriller. The protagonist investigates a murder in rural West Virginia. Small town life, coal mining communities and US governmental regulations add to the intrigue of the story.

Literature transports a reader to another time and place. I was transported to rural West Virginia's coal mining community. Through this fictional story, I learned about a lifestyle unlike my own. Baldacci shares with his readers the diversity of the American landscape. He allows his readers to appreciate the country in which they live even more!

In an effort to appeal to more readers, there is a budding romance and family drama that is a side story to the main plot. Adults of all ages and backgrounds will appreciate this novel.

Read more about the book on David Baldacchi's Website

One Summer by David Baldacci

One Summer by David Baldacci is a great BEACH or AIRLINE/TRAVEL read. The story is written to drawn in the reader from the first pages. I often tear up at the end of a book as I have experienced a character from cover-to-cover. This book evoked tears in chapter one! I felt immediately connected to the characters and each of their stories.

This 333 page book is an easy read. I am a fan of the author David Baldacci's thrillers and was skeptical about reading a book of his outside that genre. He did a great job! The story is not a cheesy romance, rather a story in which the characters are ones in which most readers could identify. His story evokes emotion, a key to get readers hooked and to keep turning pages!

I can see this book being turned into a movie. Read it first...let your imagination develop the scenery and the characters' voices!


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