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September 5, 2008 - September 18, 2008

Last contest period's winners were Cherie, James, Nora, Peter andSusan, who each received a copy of AMERICAN WIFE by Curtis Sittenfeld and THE BOOK OF LIES by Brad Meltzer.

 

Rebekah Crain ([email protected])
Twenty Fragments of a Ravenous Youth by Xiaolu Guo
Rating: 4 Stars
This book was very entertaining and quick. It's a look into a fictional Chinese girl's life in Beijing.
 
Carol
Playing For Pizza by John Grisham
Rating: 3 Stars
Did John Grisham really write this book, or is there a ghost writer in the closet? A fun, light read that seems so far from his style. This deserved a mediocre rating, just in comparison to his other works.
 
Maureen H.
Bones by Jan Burke
Rating: 5 Stars
Great read --- enjoyed this book.
 
Maureen H
Time is a River by Mary Alice Monroe
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a very lovely story. I am enjoying the setting and learning a lot about fly fishing. I never expected to enjoy this book as much as I am. There is also a good mystery thread throughout.
 
James Jones
Motherless Child by Cliff Chandler
Rating: 5 Stars
A complex page turner that you will never forget.
 
Readingrat
Dragon's Breath by E. D. Baker
Rating: 5 Stars
Princess Emma and Prince Eadric are back in a humorous, fun-filled, and utterly charming adventure as they try to help Emma's aunt Grassina attempt to restore her otter beau back to human form. I enjoyed this second book of the series more than the first.
 
Rebekah Crain ([email protected])
Kiss of Fury by Deborah Cooke
Rating: 5 Stars
What an awesome paranormal romance. I don't general think of dragons when I think of paranormal. To me, dragons fall more into the sci-fi or fantasy category, but Cooke does a fabulous job writing them into a romantic and paranormal world. This is book two in the series, but I didn't read book one prior to this, and I had no trouble following along with the characters or their stories.
 
Rebekah Crain ([email protected])
To Catch a Thief by Christina Skye
Rating: 4 Stars
This was a good modern romance with plenty of action and suspense thrown in to make the story really engage the reader.
 
Rose Ann
Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman
Rating: 5 Stars
A love story set in the Canadian Wilderness that takes place in the early 1900s. I haven't read a book from this era before and I really enjoyed it. 
Some parts were a bit slow, but overall a great story. One of my favorites!
 
Rose Ann
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
Rating: 4 Stars
It took a little bit to get used to such a vast use of vocabulary, but I found it entertaining! And it was just as fun, at the end, trying to decipher sentences using limited letters of the alphabet. I think the whole idea was very clever. 

 
Christy
Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain
Rating: 4 Stars
A quick, fast read with a good storyline. Of course, it's sick and demented, but yet I kept reading it :)

 
Rose Ann
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Rating: 5 Stars
One of my favorites!!!

I really enjoyed this book...I've never read anything like it before. The author put me right inside the mind of a 15-year-old autistic boy. The pictures and diagrams of the thoughts in his head, etc...perfect! 

I was surprised of the direction that the story took. Christopher started an investigation to find out who murdered his neighbor's dog. In the end, the story of the dog is secondary to a greater mystery that he uncovers...one that changes his life, and those around him.
 
Rupa
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Rating: 5 Stars
The characters in this book were more human, more ethical, and more considerate than half the people I know. I have yet to come across a book like this and I really commend Stephenie for coming up with the idea for this book. Recommended to all!
 
P.C.
Nightshade by Susan Wittig Albert
Rating: 4 Stars
This is the third book in the series that finally resolves the death of China's father. Although it wasn't as suspenseful as previous stories, it was an enjoyable read. Healthy relationships between the characters add to the story.
 
Lisa
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is for anyone who loves reading for all the joy it can give, and all the sorrow it can take away. If you enjoy a true to life historical fiction or just a good story you will love this book.
 
Marsha M
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham
Rating: 5 Stars
At first I thought this was going to be another meditation on the travails of the British upper class. Instead, I found a fascinating character study, glimpse of society and people who could be almost any nationality, and a woman's emotional coming of age.
 
Marsha M
Zorro by Isabel Allende
Rating: 5 Stars
The legend retold with additional historic background. When Diego is sent to Spain, he must travel overland through dangerous native lands --- there is no Panama Canal --- and then he must prove himself to the sailors who take him to Europe. Once there, he learns about the politics in a country where the French occupation is loosing its grip. Now a man, he returns to California, losing companions along the way. A wonderful tale of courage, lust and obsession.
 
P.C.
The Girl With No Shadow by Joanne Harris
Rating: 5 Stars
By the author of CHOCOLAT, the story continues with new characters. I hope that there will be another in the series.
 
Debbie ([email protected])
Rough Justice by Jack Higgins
Rating: 4 Stars
An interesting portrayal of the people running the country and all the corruption. The story of "The Broker" --- a voice directing all the action. The majority of the characters are leftovers from the IRA (Ireland), and it's hard to believe that conflict is partially over.
 
Nikki ([email protected])
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
Rating: 5 Stars
I would compare this book to any of Jodi Picoult's books. The book is fast reading & catches your attention in the very first paragraphs. The characters are all interesting and she weaves the storylines so well. You want to get to the end of the book to see what happens but, at the same time, you want the book to go on because you enjoy the story and characters so much. I don't know if I can choose between CHANGE OF HEART or THE LACE READER for the best book of Summer, 2008.
 
Judy O.
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
Rating: 5 Stars
If I would recommend a book to others, I rate it 5 stars. This is one of those books. Roughly two-thirds of the book was a story of Ann Eliza Young, the 19th wife of Mormon prophet, Brigham Young. She was an actual person during that time, and she wrote a book called THE 19TH WIFE. The other part of the book was a modern-day murder mystery, involving a polygamist sect of "First Latter Day Saints". A man who practiced polygamy was killed, and one of his wives was arrested for his murder. This was a fascinating piece of historical fiction, and one that took a great deal of research by this author.
 
Christy H.
My Favorite Witch by Annette Blair
Rating: 5 Stars
This second book in Ms. Blair's Accidental Witch Trilogy is a fun and totally amusing romance that held my interest from the first page and had me laughing out loud several times. Kira and Jason are a perfect combination, and being reunited with characters Melody and Logan from the first book added to the comical story.
 
Kellie ([email protected])
Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs
Rating: 4 Stars
This was a cute little mystery. A land developer is murdered and Theo decides to figure out who did the deed --- especially since one of her employees is on the suspect list. What sets it apart from other mysteries is that I learned a little bit about Charleston, and a little about tea. I also loved the characters Theo, Drayton, Haley and Bethany and Earl Gray, who were very likable. The mystery, to me, plays a minor part compared to the character development. This was a light easy read, and was very enjoyable.
 
Vicki
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Rating: 5 Stars
This has to be one of my all-time favorite books. The story is simple, a boy on a journey, but the lessons learned are true to life. Awesome!
 
Readingrat
Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
Rating: 3 Stars
I really have mixed feelings about this book. Taken individually, I really enjoyed the stories of Deanna, Lusa, and Nannie Rawley. I also enjoyed how the three individual threads eventually were woven into an interrelated tapestry at the end. However, throughout the narrative, I kept getting the feeling that this book was being used by the author as simply an ecological soapbox. All three women characters, at some point in their stories, fully used their opportunity to expound at length on the evils of pesticides, killing predators, and other questionable modern-day farming/ranching techniques. While I do agree with the message, I would have preferred to have that message derived from flow of the story instead of having it forced on the reader in a series of repetitive monologues. This also tended to give all three women characters a common voice, which ultimately had the effect of blurring the uniqueness of each individual character and making them largely interchangeable.
 
Readingrat
So Long at the Fair by Christina Schwarz
Rating: 4 Stars
The main story in SO LONG AT THE FAIR takes place over the course of one Saturday in the lives of Jon and Ginny, a married couple who had been high school sweethearts. Their relationship has stagnated and Jon is having an affair with a co-worker, which has progressed to the point where Jon must make his choice between the two women. Jon begins his day hoping to re-ignite his passion for Ginny during a day-long road trip to a nearby county fair; but, he ends up stomping off in anger to spend the day with his paramour (Freddi) instead, when he finds out that Ginny wants to re-schedule their outing because of previous business commitments.

In addition to the main story, we have the flashback story of Jon's parents (Clark and Hattie) and Ginny's parents (Bud and Marie) in 1963 as Clark and Marie try to force Bud into a confrontation with the local playboy (Walt) who refuses to admit that he raped Hattie.

Through the course of this single Saturday, both Ginny and Jon reminisce about their high school days and the accident that injured Ginny and brought the two of them together. Meanwhile, a second co-worker of Jon's (whose wife previously cheated on him) conveniently sets the stage for Ginny to discover Jon's affair with Freddi. And if that isn't enough going on already, an old boyfriend of Freddi's is stalking her (and now Jon) in a deluded attempt to win her back.

Obviously there is a lot going on in this book and sometimes I found it necessary to go back and re-read a chapter or two to make sure I had the story and the relationships straight. Each story ends with a subtle twist and a sense of openness that makes it seem more like the beginning of a story that is yet to come.

 
Leah Boyer
The Cereal Murders; A Culinary Mystery by Diane Mott Davidson
Rating: 5 Stars
Great mystery and great recipes! What could be better! Goldy, the main character, is a caterer who has stumbled across a murder at a preparatory school, literally, where she caters. In the wake of putting together pieces of what happened, her son Arch is threatened in hopes she will stop nosing around. Her live-in helper, Julian, becomes a prime suspect, but Goldie knows this can't be true. She finds that Keith, the corpse, was about to reveal some "school secrets". In the end, after catering several events around town and a couple of corpses later, she helps discover who the guilty party is and turn them over to the authorities. I've tried several of the recipes with great reviews from my family and friends.
 
Christy H.
Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair
Rating: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this entertaining and lighthearted read, which is Ms. Blair's first book in her Triplet Witch Trilogy. It had a great plot that is fun to read with plenty of sexual attraction, mystery and romance. Even though this is Harmony and King's story, sisters Destiny and Storm meet their future matches with King's friends Aiden and Morgan. The book is full of quirky and lovable characters with loads of fun and witty banter. These witchy women will put a spell on you.
 
Christy H.
His Wicked Sins by Eve Silver
Rating: 5 Stars
From the very first page I was drawn into this story and could NOT put it down until I had devoured every page. This Gothic Historical Romance with its fascinating plot and two different connected story lines was a nail-biting delight! Filled with mystery and suspense and a feeling of foreboding. HIS WICKED SINS was my first taste of this author and I will definitely be coming back for more.
 
Sue B
City of Thieves by David Benioff
Rating: 5 Stars
The story of Lev and Kolya's struggle to survive during the siege at Leningrad during World War II is at times heartwarming and at times heartbreaking. By the end of this book, I cared so much for these two characters that it made me sad to finish reading. This is truly one of the best books I've read all year.

 
Christy H.
The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe by Annette Blair
Rating: 4 Stars
This final book in the Accidental Witch Trilogy is an enchanting, light-hearted and magical read (perfect for the upcoming Halloween season). Vickie and Rory's relationship is laugh out loud funny and the ending all comes together perfectly to create Ms. Blair's Triplet Witch Trilogy. 

Even though this book could be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the previous two books in the series with Vickie's sisters, Melody and Kira's stories.
 
Elizabeth Saurer
Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Rating: 5 Stars
Wow! This book was detailed, well written, and entertaining! Her best yet --- I look forward to her next installment in this series.
 
Readingrat
Peony in Love by Lisa See
Rating: 5 Stars
Not being familiar with the historical facts that inspired this historical fiction novel, I found myself constantly having to re-adjust my expectations of this book while I was reading it. Initially I thought it was going to simply be a sequel to SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN. By Part II, I began to realize that this is actually a modernized version of a traditional Chinese morality tale. Then reading the Author's Notes at the end (which I now wish I had read before reading the novel) brought the whole thing together by bringing the actual historical facts to light. This is the fictionalized account of a group of women who were able give themselves a voice during a tiny window of social freedom that occurred in a time of tremendous upheaval for ancient China. Once again, Lisa See has used her talents to write a wonderful tribute to the women of ancient China.
 
Carol
Crime Seen by Victoria Laurie
Rating: 3 Stars
This is the fifth book in the Psychic Eye series featuring Abby Cooper, psychic. This book keeps all the same characters as previous books. It was not as much fun to read as others in the series. The circumstances are always unbelievable, but this book was just a stretch to even imagine. I would recommend the first 4 in the series without any hesitation.
 
Danelle Drake ([email protected])
Promise Not to Tell by Jennifer McMahon
Rating: 4 Stars
What a great book? PROMISE NOT TO TELL is definitely a book worth reading. The "Potato Girl" sucks you in and you just have to know what happened. Save this one until you can curl up on the couch and have a hot toddy!
 
Debbie ([email protected])
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Rating: 3 Stars
The perfect crime committed twice. Tom Ripley kills Richard Greenleaf and assumes his identity. Then, Tom kills again, returns to his own identity, and convinces the police that Greenleaf committed suicide. The reader can feel the fear and sweat of Tom's as he tries to escape the murders.
 
Christy H.
Wild Card by Lora Leigh
Rating: 5 Stars
WILD CARD is the first book in Ms. Leigh's Elite Ops series (which is connected to her Tempting SEALs series). Even though you don't need to have read the previous books in the Tempting SEALs series, I would recommend reading them just for the background information from the past books and the introductions to characters that are reunited and returning in this new series. That all said, I loved the series and after reading WILD CARD, I'm addicted to this new one! Filled with danger and suspense, romance and sizzling sex scenes, I can't wait for my next "fix" of these "dead men" with Travis's story, which will be released in March 2009.
 
Susan
Down River by John Hart
Rating: 5 Stars
This book was on a list of best books of 2007 and I can see why. I can't put it down. Adam Chase is banished after being acquitted of murder, and he comes back 5 years later when his friend calls in need. You assume the murderer will be revealed, but you won't guess who it is. Further intrigue is unraveled. Very fast paced.
 
Bonnie
When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
Rating: 3 Stars
Mildly amusing book of essays. I'm not sure I "get" this author's appeal.
 
Karen Haney
It Only Takes A Moment by Mary Jane Clark
Rating: 5 Stars
Eliza Blake, a reporter, finds herself involved in a breaking news story --- she is the subject of every parent's worse nightmare occurs as her daughter is kidnapped. This fast-paced, well-written exciting book reminds me of the first books of James Patterson and how I felt when I discovered his writing. Highly recommended!
 
Karen Haney
Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand
Rating: 5 Stars
Two sisters and their best friend spend a summer in Nantucket, with each facing their own problems: Vicki, mother of two, is battling cancer and her treatments; her sister Brenda has just lost her job, thanks to her listening to her emotions rather than common sense; and Melanie, who is finally pregnant, finds out her husband has been unfaithful. Add to the mix young college student Josh, who is home for the summer, and a whirlwind of circumstances that make for a very interesting, even humorous at times, an older-gal chick lit book!
 
Karen Haney
A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand
Rating: 5 Stars
Set in Nantucket as Hilderbrand's favorite setting, Claire Crispin can never say no when asked to do something. So this time, she takes on heading a large charity event only to wind up in an affair of sorts with one of the wealthy sponsors, not her husband, and also must face her high school sweetheart who is now a huge rock star. All this while she tries to rejuvenate her fading art career that was stopped due to a personal tragedy. A good book that reads fast.
 
Kellie ([email protected])
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Rating: 4 Stars
This was surprisingly good. The writing style was definitely hard to get used to, but the story was very good. Dickens obviously had something to say about the revolution when he wrote this. The story was about how a family is impacted by the revolution in France. Charles Darney, who is married to Lucie, is taken prisoner in France. He is a relative of an aristocrat, and since the revolution is centered on revenge for those that "oppressed", Charles is arrested. Dickens tells a great story with suspense and a little "shock and awe" at the end. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this great classic. It was a bit difficult to comprehend every aspect of the story, but with the help of chapter summaries on the internet, it wasn't so bad.
 
Fran
The Wild by Esther Freud
Rating: 2 Stars
I didn't finish this book. I just couldn't get into it.
 
T. Thomas
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
Rating: 4 Stars
Compelling book, but the end left me with more questions than answers.
 
Janis
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
Rating: 5 Stars
This book brings the history of Frank Lloyd Wright to life! I'd never heard of his affair with a married woman before, but Horan has done her homework and woven a wonderful tale around the few facts gathered from accounts of the time period.
 
Carole
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Rating: 5 Stars
A philosophical old dog narrates an interesting story about his master, a semi-pro race car driver and his soap opera-like life. Denny's wife dies of brain cancer, his in-laws are suing for custody of the young granddaughter, and Denny is falsely accused of a crime. Denny's dog is very protective of his master and he yearns to be able to speak and clear up all the problems. 

The story unfolds through flashbacks and the dog's amazing imagination. It's a most unusual novel, full of surprises.
 
Fran
Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand
Rating: 4 Stars
This book was a fun summer read! I always enjoy Elin Hilderbrand's writing and I'd recommend this book to others. She has a way of drawing you into the characters' lives and keeping you engaged through the entire story!
 
T. Thomas
Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner
Rating: 4 Stars
Good thriller!
 
Rachel
Void Moon by Michael Connelly
Rating: 3 Stars
It was a good book in general. The mystery part of the story was good. The main character, a lady who is drawn back into the world of robbing casino 'whales' is well developed. The other main character, an investigator hardly within the realm of law that is after her, is a little less well developed but enough so that the reader is cheering more for the "bad girl thief" than the "bad guy pretense of good guy" searching for her. The Las Vegas setting is always a pull for my interest in a story.
 
Miriam
Northern Lights by Nora Roberts
Rating: 5 Stars
I'm sure there have been other recommendations on this with Nora Roberts's popularity but I've found this to be one of her most engaging books so far. I'm a Nora novice; however, I've only read maybe four or five of her books. 

The lead characters are great --- both are kind of scarred, but independent, and have serious integrity. The colorful cast of other characters in the Alaska community where this is set are well developed and interesting. They are conveyed both seriously and with some humor, just like we see people. The mystery is well carried out. The love story is great, centering around two independent, casual, yet totally drawn- to-one-another lovers. And finally, the setting and environment are so well described and detailed that it makes me want to move to Alaska and live in a small town.
 
Peter
Spring Training Baseball's Early Season by Dan Shaughnessy, Stan Grossfeld
Rating: 2 Stars
Nice pics? This is the story of Spring Training, though it was not written all that well. As a baseball fan, I thought it would be very descriptive of the process and industry that is today's Spring Training, but this really was more of a coffee-table picture book.
 
Clint
Beyond Shock and Awe: Warfare in the 21st Century by Edited by Eric L Haney, with Brian M. Thomsen
Rating: 4 Stars
Educational and thought provoking in regards to military planning and strategy, and helping shed public stereotypes of our military actions and advancements. 

 
Nicole
Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall
Rating: 4 Stars
I'm really enjoying this book. It really gives an inside look into the way the FLDS live. I do have to say, though, that I enjoyed ESCAPE by Carolyn Jessop more.
 
Judy O.
Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a story of relationships between both friends and family members. The author digs deeply into the lives of several women, showing how important these ties can be. It was a very heartwarming story, albeit a little too wordy at times. She is a new author to me, but I plan on reading the book published before this, titled LOVE WALKED IN. Ideally, I should have read that one first.
 
D.W.
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Rating: 3 Stars
A contemporary fairy tale about the Waverly family set in a small town N.C. Generations of this family have lived in the same house, with a special apple tree in the back yard and a magical garden around it. Claire, who is now a caterer, lives alone in the house after her wild younger sister Sydney left town years earlier and their mother died. Their elderly cousin Evanelle lives nearby. When Sydney finally returns home, along with her young daughter, the sisters must learn to live together and work on the emotional pain from their past. All four now have the chance to reunite as a family and embrace their special legacy. New romance is also a part of the story and gives the women a chance to really enjoy relationships that they have long deserved. This was a light, pleasant summer read enjoyed in a hammock with a glass of lemonade!
 
Sandy
Charley's Web by Joy Fielding
Rating: 5 Stars
I love this author, and this book did not disappoint! I never saw the ending coming, nor did I know who was the bad guy. It had one of those endings where you say out loud, "Oh, My God!"
 
F Tessa Bartels
740 Park by Michael Gross
Rating: 2 Stars
After about 50 pages I started skimming ... I managed to get through Chapter 16 (pg 216) but then I just gave up. In general, I was bored, despite a few interesting passages.
 
Bonnie
The Race by Richard North Patterson
Rating: 3 Stars
Fairly engrossing political novel, especially appropriate with the conventions and elections in play. Not the first nor best, but another tale of the Macchiavellis who run the people who run our country.
 
F Tessa Bartels
Cassandra's Sister by Veronica Bennett
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a young-adult book about the life of Jane Austen. Interesting, and well-written.
 
KG
The Edge of Winter by Luanne Rice
Rating: 4 Stars
This was a perfect beach read, which I completed in two sittings! This story is about the emotional upheavals that take place between mothers and daughters, and fathers and sons. It combines past history with the present day, and takes place in Rhode Island. I could relate to some of the places mentioned, which made this book more enjoyable.
 
Marlena
It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong with Sally Jenkins
Rating: 4 Stars
I would personally give this a 5, but I've considered the appeal to all type readers in offering this brief review. Obviously with Lance's success and career, a lot of this story focuses on the specifics and details of biking and the competition, particularly the Tour De France. If someone is not sports inclined, this may make the book a little less of an interesting read, but I absolutely loved that part. The book itself, though, is really much more a true description of how Lance faced and grew through taking the greatest challenge life has to offer, the potential of death. His life forever and definitively changed when he became a cancer patient and hence a cancer survivor. This is a real and gritty look at survival and competition from a survivor and a competitor.
 
Danelle Drake ([email protected])
Resistance by Anita Shreve
Rating: 4 Stars
Beautifully written --- this one will pull at your heartstrings. During terrible times, wonderful things can happen.
 
Amanda at Amanda's Weekly Zen
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
Rating: 3 Stars
The book moved too slowly and the shifts between character and time periods were not smooth. The accents of the characters were muddled at times, especially when the lower-class character spoke.
 
Amanda at Amanda's Weekly Zen
Opening the Lotus: A Woman's Guide to Buddhism by Sandy Boucher
Rating: 3 Stars
It is a clearly written guide on the different types of Buddhism, but it never really asks the question that the author asks her readers: "Do women approach spirituality differently than men?"
 
T. Thomas
Books by Larry McMurtry
Rating: 2 Stars
I read this book, but I do not think it has major appeal. It is about his work in the bookselling world and the people he has encountered. Although I finished it, I feel as though there is something missing.
 
Jean
High Heels are Murder by Elaine Veits
Rating: 3 Stars
A fun, light read. Just plain escape reading!
 
Readingrat
An Inconvenient Wife by Megan Chance
Rating: 4 Stars
There were a lot of incongruities at the beginning of this story, which I found pretty annoying. Even so, it was nearly impossible to stop turning the pages to see just what was going to happen next. Fortunately, the plot and characters began to gel nicely as the story progressed.
 
Cherie Krusell
Raven Women by pinkie paranya
Rating: 5 Stars
This book left me in awe after reading it. It's a wonderful story about a little girl who loses her family and becomes a slave of a shaman. It also goes through her ordeals and her life, and is set in a time before Alaska. The spirit of Raven Woman comes
to her and gives her the umiak Raven power with this she finds the strength to survive.

 
D Lynn Edwards
The Toss of a Lemon by Padma Viswanathan
Rating: 4 Stars
The strong heroine Sivakami, widowed and independent, will keep you reading to the end of this epic family treasure from India.
 
Jon Green ([email protected])
Misfits Country by Art Knight
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a fictional look behind the scenes of the making of the classic western movie The Misfits. Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Montgomery Clift and John Huston are all brought to life in their dysfunctional glory! Though fiction, the author has done his homework from an historical perspective. This would make a great movie (Ha! a movie about a movie).
 
Readingrat
Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech
Rating: 4 Stars
A sweet and touching story about finding love and family.
 
Dorothy Minor (djcminor@cox,.net)
Him Her Him Again the End of Him by Patricia Marx
Rating: 5 Stars
Marx is funny and engaging. I wanted to finish the book to see what happened, but I wanted it to last a long time too.
 
Danelle Drake ([email protected])
Lady Six Sky by Elaine Lowe
Rating: 4 Stars
A great work of historical fiction that will tantalize all of your senses.
 
Genie
Ten Plus One by Ed McBain
Rating: 5 Stars
All of the detectives at the 87th Precinct are on call. They must track down a sniper and time is of the essence. Step one is to figure out the common thread that connects the victims. Initially, there seemed to be no relationship between the choice of victims. As the guys piece together evidence, cold-blooded killings continue. The question is are these killings a personal vendetta or random murders done by a deranged shooter?
 
D. Lynn Edwards
The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty
Rating: 5 Stars
Emotional journey of a teenager. Excellent.
 
Debbie ([email protected])
The Book of Marie by Terry Kay
Rating: 4 Stars
A man looks back on his life and the girl who influenced him --- almost like LOVE LETTERS. The man is a professor and nearing retirement when his high school has a 50-year reunion. This book also takes a look at the changes in the South during those troubling years. A story of lost love and regrets.
 
Wendy
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is destined to be a classic. It is the coming-of-age tale of a girl searching for love and truth and a mother who was taken away too soon. It is also a tale of 1964 South Carolina, race, and coming to grips with difficult realities. When Lily Owens breaks her "stand-in mother" Rosaleen out of police custody, she knows they have to leave town. A picture of a Black Madonna, found in a small box of her mother's things in the attic, leads them to Tiburon, South Carolina where they find a trio of beekeeping sisters who offer them refuge and answers.
 
Janet
After the Fire by Robin Gaby Fisher
Rating: 5 Stars
if i could give this book 500 stars, I would. On January 19th 2000, a fire raged through a Seton Hall University dormitory. The fire killed 3 students and injured 58 others. The book focuses on 2 roommates and their story of friendship and survival. No matter how many words I write here, I could never explain the impact this book will have on you. The book jacket states, "the most incredible story of love, courage, and survival that you will read this year. Every so often a book comes along that makes us cry and makes us strong, that makes us want to hug our children and call our old friends. This is one of those rare books." Believe me, every one of those words is true. Don't miss this one!
 
Patricia A. Rush
The Garden of Last Days by Andre Dubus III
Rating: 4 Stars
A very interesting and compelling story. I did not expect to like it, considering the subject matter, but I was drawn into the story very quickly. Dubus is a master at creating interesting characters.
 
Helen
The Night Villa by Carol Goodman
Rating: 4 Stars
A wonderful combination of mystery, thriller, and romance set in the beautiful island of Capri, Italy.
 
Readingrat
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
Rating: 5 Stars
This was a wonderful story with more than wonderful characters. The author really brings each and every one to life. I absolutely loved the McPheron brothers --- two grizzled old bachelors with soft hearts, who decide to shelter a young, pregnant, teenage girl when she has no one else to turn to.
 
janet
A Complaint Free World: Take the 21-Day Challenge by Will Bowen
Rating: 4 Stars
Could you imagine going 21 days without making one single complaint? Well the author suggests that if we leave our grumbling behind, good things will happen to us in abundance. he offers a purple bracelet and a 21-day challenge. if you mess up, move the bracelet to the other wrist and start again. Sometimes that bracelet can move wrist to wrist several times a day in the beginning. The book is motivating and humorous, but it does make you want to give it a try. I figure, what do we have to lose? Could you imagine going through your whole day and never hearing a person complain? Sounds good to me! Try the book, I think you will enjoy it. You might even give the no complaining a whirl. I am.
 
Kathy V.
Murder of a Chocolate-Covered Cherry by Denise Swanson
Rating: 5 Stars
In this book in theScumble River Mystery series, Skye gets roped into a food baking contest by her mom even though she can not cook. And of course, there's murder and kidnapping.
 
Debbie ([email protected])
Killing Orders by Sara Paretsky
Rating: 3 Stars
A VI Warshawski mystery set in Chicago with all the true blue elements of that city --- snow, the Catholic Church, Irish police, Mafia, and illegal bonds. VI seems to find a thrill with each encounter with death, and she always seems to have money for new abode or clothes.
 
Genie
Like Love by Ed McBain
Rating: 4 Stars
Detectives Carella and Hawes are called to a scene that appears to be a lover's pact; a double suicide. They wanted to be able to wrap it up and close the case file. After going over the case notes, it soon becomes clear that there is more involved than initially meets the eye. The investigation leads to three possible suspects. The question is how to get the killer to confess.
 
Carol from VA ([email protected])
The Sitting Swing by Irene Watson
Rating: 5 Stars
Wow! Irene Watson, you must have been living in my house! A truly tremendous memoir of being raised by immigrant parents in an era where the "eye" gave you the discipline rules. Irene takes us through her life from childhood to adulthood being raised by the "old rules." In a life that didn't include saying "I love you" or hugs, kisses and resulted in a woman who was ruled by taking care of others.

I lived the same life, being brought up by a mother from England. My mom, as Irene's, didn't have to say a word --- she showed it through body language. We were to be perfect. Dad was the breadwinner and didn't participate in parenting. Irene's thoughts about how she would always show she was perfect led with much disappointment by her critical parents. Struggling for their lifestyle, moving around and never being able to develop those social skills --- oh, what a life we led.

As an adult, Irene struggled with who she was and whom she was going to rescue. Co-dependency in all of us. We always strive to save others before ourselves. She finally went to a treatment center, which most of us in the helping field attended. They built you up and tore you down. I had vivid memories of my own time in treatment as a developing counselor when I read this account. You think you are helping and then you ended up questioning your own existence. Unlike Irene, I wasn't married at the time, but I have questioned my marriage as she did. How much can we do? 

As a psychologist and college professor, this is a book I have recommended to all for their library. We think we are infallible, but we all have hidden ghosts --- even as therapists. 

Irene, you could be my sister. You have truly given me the ability to see how my childhood not only directed my profession, but also made me really look at who I am. I have read, cried, vowed to change and feel completely at peace after reading this. You are my angel.
 
Fran
The Ha-Ha by Dave King
Rating: 5 Stars
What a great first book by this author. I loved every page, and will definitely look for more books by him! With a main character that is mute and unable to communicate, he sure had a lot to say! The book had likable characters and an interesting plot!
 
Gary
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Rating: 5 Stars
A great change of pace from the mysteries and thrillers I usually read.
 
Christy H.
Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace
Rating: 4 Stars
An entertaining, fast-paced, suspenseful mystery read with a valuable message of hope, forgiveness and letting go of bitterness.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this Defenders of Hope series with Clint and Sara's story.
 
Anita Nowak
The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful story, but sad --- even brutal --- in parts about 2 Jewish children in Poland during World War II and what their parents do to make sure they survive. They are brother and sister and are given the names Hansel and Gretel and left in the forest so that the Nazi's don't find them. They manage to find a place to stay (people who take them in and love them). It is an inspiring account in the midst of misery and the horrors of war.
 
Ana Marie
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Rating: 5 Stars
A story about a little girl who questions why she was born, and rightfully so. Ladies (and maybe gentlemen too), keep a tissue handy. I can recommend this book highly. it is well written and gives the reader a lot to think about.
 
MaryinHB ([email protected])
Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
Rating: 4 Stars
Really a 3.5 for me. A slow start, but I am looking forward to a sequel. Lots of normal teen angst with a vampire twist. I really enjoyed how the author had slipped in "notes" from the protagonist.

 
Julie Machtemes
Consumption by Kevin Patterson
Rating: 4 Stars
Set in the Arctic in a small inlet town, Patterson creates characters that are both real and complex. Almost every kind of life challenge is explored in this novel. You will both at times love and hate these characters as well as what happens to them. A "can't put it down" kind of read!
 
MaryinHB ([email protected])
The Lost Queen: Book Two of The Faerie Path by Frewin Jones
Rating: 4 Stars
Much better than the first book in this series. It has a faster pace and it left me with a need to read the next one in the series.

 
MaryinHB ([email protected])
Pack Up the Moon by Anna McPartlin
Rating: 4 Stars
Very enjoyable and lyrical Irish Chick Lit and not the typical kind at all! I am now going to have to find the author's other releases. 

 
MaryinHB ([email protected])
City Dog by Alison Pace
Rating: 4 Stars
Very cute dog story told from 3 points of view -- the owner, the dog and a character from the owner's book. This is a new twist on chick lit.

 
Cherie K
Keeper of the Spirit by Ruby Storm
Rating: 5 Stars
The books in Ruby Storm's series are some of the best in historical fiction I have read. They pull at your heart strings and make you laugh and cry. You really find your self getting lost into the book.
 
D. Lohrding
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Rating: 5 Stars
I have not started yet, and I cannot wait until I do, considering the rave reviews this book has received, and how much Carol herself has talked about this book.
 
Genie
Jigsaw by Ed McBain
Rating: 4 Stars
Six years ago, four men robbed a bank, which results in a shootout that left them dead and $750,000 missing. At the insistence of an insurance company investigator, Detectives Carella and Brown are dragged into the investigation of this cold case. The main clue to finding the missing money is a photograph of the hiding place. While this may seem like an easy solution, the problem is the photograph has been turned into a jigsaw puzzle. It has been cut into eight sections with each section left in the hands of trusted friends of the thieves. The 87th precinct detectives know the completed photograph will lead them to the money. The problem is, several of the "trusted friends" have been murdered. The question is how many more people will have to die before the pieces of the puzzle can fall into place?
 
Genie
The Shaman's Game by James D. Doss
Rating: 4 Stars
Several healthy participants of the Sun Dance inexplicably die. The deceased showed no visible signs of injury. Ute tribal policeman Charlie Moon and his lawman Police Chief friend, Scott Paris, investigate. They soon discover that they must look beyond rational thought in order to solve the mysteries. This novel combines police procedure with the "illusory" wisdom of the tribal shamans. As usual, Daisey Perika (Charlie's elderly aunt) does her best to educate Charlie in the ways of the Shaman. This excellent series is one that fans of Tony Hillerman will enjoy.
 
MaryinHB ([email protected])
Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse: A Novel by Victor Gischler
Rating: 5 Stars
Definite page turner. I couldn't put this down and read it straight through. I got this mainly because it is compared to Christopher Moore's work --- the same sense of wild humor throughout.
 
Readingrat
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Rating: 4 Stars
I didn't really care for the first 11 chapters, but once past that point the book moved rather quickly for me. The foreshadowing was fairly heavy handed so I wasn't much surprised by the "big plot twist", but I still enjoyed the story enough to give the next installment in the series a shot.
 
Vicki
The Orchard Keeper by Cormac McCarthy
Rating: 3 Stars
This book was neither good, nor bad --- just ok. It is McCarthy's earlier work, and at times it was all over the place, leaving me thinking, ok now, have I missed something? And other parts were beautifully written. 


 
Emry
Big Black Hole by Wilma Kahn
Rating: 5 Stars
A very entertaining mystery featuring a female private detective investigating a locked-room suicide as murder. Suspenseful, funny and very entertaining.
 
Emry
Sweet Spot by Susan Mallery
Rating: 4 Stars
This light romance is the second book in a trilogy about the Keyes sisters. It's a fairly predictable but entertaining read with interesting lead characters and some humorous situations.
 
marion miller ()
The Echo Maker by Richard Powers
Rating: 3 Stars
This book was just too wordy. I liked the storyline, especially about the cranes. I was interested in the psychological drama but the book was just too long.
 
iubookgirl
The Grift by Debra Ginsberg
Rating: 3 Stars
I'm only 100 pages in, but this book is well written and very enjoyable.
 
Debbie ([email protected])
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Rating: 3 Stars
A Patterson novel is always fun to read. This is about Nora, a woman prone to killing her rich husbands or boyfriends. She cannot stop herself. But along comes John/Craig, an FBI agent trailing her, and a delicious story unwinds. Will justice be served? Sorry, you will need to read the book.
 
Ali
"I Heard you Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt
Rating: 2 Stars
This was a selection for our book group. I don't particularly like nonfiction, and I didn't really care to read about the mob, so this certainly affected my star rating. Brandt is a good writer and tied the actual taped interviews with Sheeran with his own research. I just didn't care much about the subject matter and whodunit.
 
Danelle Drake ([email protected])
The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
Rating: 5 Stars
One of the most sensual books ever written. This has been one of my long-time favorites and is always on a nearby shelf. I have read this book so many times I don't bother to count, and every time I read it it makes me realize how wonderfully natural love can be.
 
Judy O.
The Mercedes Coffin by Faye Kellerman
Rating: 2 Stars
I have loved all of Kellerman's other books about Peter and Rina and their family. This police procedural was compelling for the first half because we find out about the mystery of two similar murders 15 years apart. Were they related? Then the endless discussions of all the suspects starts. I could hardly finish it. It's not worth my time.
 
Kathy Vieira
Keeping the House by Ellen Baker
Rating: 5 Stars
Wonderful book about 3 generations of women in a small town. The story spans half a century and will keep you reading until you can't stay awake any longer.
 
Kellie ([email protected])
Making Your Mind Up by Jill Mansell
Rating: 4 Stars
The thing I like about Mansell's book is the happy endings. And I love her characters. Lottie and Freddie are my favorites in this one. Lottie is divorced with 2 kids and she is "making her mind up" between her new boss, Tyler who her kids don't like and Seb, who her kids adore. There are sub-plots that keep it interesting, like Freddie and his search for old friends, and Cressida and her discovery of a new love. Freddie is the poster child for how to handle bad news. I adored his character. These books are fluff, but I really do enjoy them. The English setting is very intriguing.
 
Judy
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Rating: 5 Stars
The second in the series of novels by Ms. Meyer. It's better (IMO) than the first. Because I don't want to give too much away, my synopsis will be brief. Bella Swan is a young woman who falls in love with a vampire, Edward Cullen. Befuddling the mix is Jacob Black, a young Native American who is also in love with Bella. Ms. Meyers shakes up our current "understanding" of vampires and werewolves with a unique take on their lives. It may be a YA novel, but it certainly kept my interest and I'm looking forward to reading the next two books in this series.
 
Catie 75
Two Harbors by Kate Benson
Rating: 2 Stars
Very disjointed. The author took way too long to move the story forward.
 
Catie 75
What Was Lost by Catherine O'Flynn
Rating: 5 Stars
A quirky little mystery with some great characters. Loved it!
 
Reva Wamsley ([email protected])
Life Expectancy by Dean Koontz
Rating: 4 Stars
I have read a lot of Dean Koontz books and this is one of the best. There are twists that will take you by surprise. It begins the night Jimmy Tocks is born. His grandfather dies at the moment of his birth and makes ten predictions. Five of them are of terrible days that he will face in the future.
 
Karen Gervasi
The Seamstress by Frances de Pontes Peebles
Rating: 5 Stars
Set in 1930s Brazil, THE SEAMSTRESS is an incredibly richly woven story of two sisters and how their lives went in totally different directions. One sister, Luzia, throws in her lot with a band of outlaws and becomes one of Brazil's most notorious cangaceira (outlaw), while the other sister marries into a rich family and lives a life of ease. Eventually, through political causes, the sisters keep track of each other. When Luzia gives birth to a son and knows she can't keep him, she arranges for her sister to adopt him. This gave readers a wonderful look into a world and lifestyle long gone, and was an interesting novel of the social mores of the day. A must read!
 
Carol
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland
Rating: 5 Stars
Vreeland has created fascinating stories linking all the figures in Renoir's painting, "Luncheon of the boating party." Renoir's state of mind, his time and surroundings are all satisfyingly described in this novel. It is one of the few novelizations about an artist that was a delight to read, not a chore.
 
Sherman
Taps by Willie Morris
Rating: 4 Stars
Another good book by a very good author who is no longer writing those great novels. He could really write about the South, and this book is no exception.
 
Linda H
Beginner's Greek: A Novel by James Collins
Rating: 4 Stars
This novel made me grimace at times and laugh out loud at others. Collins reminds me of a modern-day Jane Austen or Charles Dickens. Some of his characters are so despicable that you cheer when they get their come-comeuppance. Others are so genuine that you feel every emotion that they feel. That's great writing!
 
Kathy Weber
Leadership by Rudolph Giuliani
Rating: 3 Stars
Some parts are very good, and it also tells you what you can learn from reading. He reads about anything he's going to undertake so he knows ahead of time what it will consist of. Also, he lets the people who work for him know that he understands what they do.
 
Linda H. ([email protected])
The Faithful Spy by Alex Berenson
Rating: 5 Stars
A CIA operative successfully infiltrates the al Qaeda network and operates as one of theirs. But as he subsequently reports to his CIA handler, he realizes that neither side really trusts him. He is totally loyal to America and has to have concrete information to relay to his handlers. Yet, al Qaeda does not let him know their full plans. An excellent book.
 
Linda H. ([email protected])
Homeport by Nora Roberts
Rating: 4 Stars
The Jones family is as well known in Maine as the Kennedy family is in Massachusetts. Dr. Miranda Jones and her brother, Dr. Andrew Jones, both work at the Art Institute founded by their parents. Miranda's specialty is bronze sculptures. When several noted sculptures are found to be replicas instead of the originals, someone is trying to frame Miranda. But who is behind this?
 
Linda H. ([email protected])
Darkness Falls by Kyle Mills
Rating: 5 Stars
Ghawar, the major oil field in Saudi Arabia responsible for supplying 7% of the world's oil, has been infected with some sort of fast-spreading bacteria that causes the wells to stop producing. 

Erin Neal is known as the top scientist in the field of bioremediation, which is the study of bacteria used to clean up toxic oil spills. The President of the US has asked Erin to find out what is causing the bacteria and find a way to stop its growth. A drop in the world's supply of oil would be a major catastrophe all over the globe. How was the oil infected? Are rabid environmental groups to blame? A very good book.
 
Linda H. ([email protected])
Stone Creek by Victoria Lustbader
Rating: 5 Stars
Danny's young wife has died suddenly and he is overcome with grief. Lily is married to Paul, a wealthy attorney who is both arrogant and overbearing. His needs and wants come before those of his beautiful wife. Lily and Paul have purchased a mansion in a small town outside of New York City and plan to use this as a weekend retreat. This is the same town where Danny lives and works as a furniture maker. Danny and Lily meet and help each other over their loneliness. A very good book.
 
Terrie
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
Rating: 5 Stars
I started reading it and could not put it down. Interesting and entertaining! This would be great for a book club pick.
 
Danelle Drake ([email protected])
Ida Mae: Moonshine, Money and Misery by James Campbell
Rating: 3 Stars
A good country read. The story of Ida Mae is very interesting and characteristic to the region. A good book to curl up with on a chilly evening for a relaxing entertaining read.
 
ck
The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian
Rating: 4 Stars
Laurel was riding on a back road in Vermont when she was attacked by two men in a van. The horror of the experience deeply affected her, but she moved on to work after graduation from college in a homeless shelter. One of her clients dies, leaving a box of extremely high quality photographs. One picture may have been her on that country road. Laurel begins to dig into the man's past, which --- by coincidence --- links him to her Long Island home that was near the Jay Gatsby estate. Good plot. Good characters.
 
Coral Harrison
Sunday at Tiffany's by James Patterson
Rating: 4 Stars
A short, cute fanciful story. Easy to read and enjoy.
 
Eileen
Keeping the House by Ellen Baker
Rating: 5 Stars
A great story about life in the '50s and how to escape from the brutal realities of a not-so-good marriage. The heroine gets involved in the history of an abandoned house owned by the Mickelsons. Dolly, our heroine, investigates the ins and outs of this family while returning to her own. It is a riveting book that really deals with the issues of "conformity, identity, forbidden dreams and love".
 
Fran
The Dangerous Book for Dogs by Rex and Sparky
Rating: 1 Stars
The idea of this book was better than the actual book. I expected so much more! One or two paragraphs actually made me chuckle, but the rest was plain dumb.
 
D. Wright
Cold Rock River by J. L. Miles
Rating: 5 Stars
Southern fiction at its best! You will love the heroine, and it has plenty of twists and turns.
 
Margie Bunting ([email protected])
A Carrion Death by Michael Stanley
Rating: 4 Stars
With the same setting as Alexander McCall Smith's Precious Ramotswe books, this mystery is something entirely different but still exhibits a pervasive sense of place. A great start to the series.
 
Vickie
Fractured by Karen Slaughter
Rating: 5 Stars
A wealthy family's daughter is missing, another girl is dead, a young college student is killed --- all within the first few chapters. A really mesmerizing thriller that was a fast read and a "must get to the end before your heart stops" suspense novel.
 
L. Hann
Marley & Me by John Grogan
Rating: 5 Stars
For the dog lovers out there! You will laugh and you will cry. It will make you appreciate your four-legged friend just that much more.
 
Prudy ([email protected])
Last Call by J. D. Seamus
Rating: 5 Stars
LAST CALL, by Daytona Beach author J. D. Seamus, is a gritty, intriguing but heartwarming novel. The prose is a little rough, the author hasn't quite settled into his own voice yet, but the characters are beautifully drawn and the plot is intriguing and unique. The book is not quite a crime novel, not quite a mystery, but it has elements of both genres and more.
 
John ([email protected])
Last Call by J. D. Seamus
Rating: 5 Stars
LAST CALL is a rollicking story that is filled with romance between unlikely but delightful people, humor (some of it a little dark), and adventure. Despite the protagonist's tribulations, this book is not a downer. It's upbeat, funny and entertaining.
 
BookFestival
Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate
Rating: 5 Stars
My daughter will be teaching this wonderful slim volume to her 4th and 5th grade class this year. She recommended this book to me, after she took a class on how to teach it. Katherine Applegate is a fine writer, HOME OF THE BRAVE is like reading a written tone poem. This is a very life-affirming book about overcoming terrible adversity.

One of my many favorite parts is:
"You can have your dogs and cats,
your gerbils and hamsters
and sleek sparkling fish,
but you will have lived 
just half a life
if you never love a cow."
 
Coral Harrison
Time is a River by Mary Alice Monroe
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a compelling story of a woman who is just recovering from breast cancer. Her sister signs her up for a camp for cancer survivors to learn fly fishing. Her teacher loans her a mountain cabin on a river that she has just inherited. It is interesting how Mia heals from her cancer and her husband's infidelity while at the cabin.
 
Debbie
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a tremendously clever book, written in the point of view of a teenage autistic boy. As he tries to find out what happened to the neighbor's dog, he learns many facets of his own life and realizes he has strengths he didn't know he had.
 
Julie
North River by Pete Hamill
Rating: 4 Stars
NORTH RIVER is about the gritty world of lower Manhattan during the Depression. A very well-written page turner.
 
Rosemary
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Rating: 5 Stars
"Death" is the narrator in this account of Nazi Germany, and a young girl's survival from her placement as a foster child in the late 1930s throughout the years of WWII. Her foster father teaches her to read using books she steals --- from book burnings to the Mayor's library --- in the family's basement. Ultimately her survival is dependent upon this stealing of books.
 
Theresa ([email protected])
Last Call by J. D. Seamus
Rating: 5 Stars
Absolutely tremendous book by a new author. The book is best described as "The Sopranos" meets "Cheers" in this dark comedy/thriller about people helping a friend in trouble. The author hits relationships beautifully. I picked the book up thinking it was a macho guy book and was surprised at the strong women leads. A must read that you can't put down.
 
Linda
A Grave Injustice by Prudy Taylor Board
Rating: 4 Stars
A really unusual take with a paranormal component.
 
Toni Forcino
Tribute by Nora Roberts
Rating: 5 Stars
Nora Roberts does it again with another over- the-top novel about Cilla, a "retired" child actress and rehab house specialist who comes "home" to the house her famous grandmother died in. A series of mysterious incidents occurs while Cilla rehabs the house. A really interesting read!
 
Carol H.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Rating: 5 Stars
This was a thoughtful examination of a year in the author's life. Loved it.
 
Sherri ([email protected])
Janis Ian: Society's Child by Janis Ian
Rating: 4 Stars
Her singing is amazing and the book is very very good...just not as good as her singing.
 
Marie C.
The Winner by David Baldacci
Rating: 5 Stars
Excellent, fast-paced, reality-driven read. I'm really enjoying it.
 
Robin Coker ([email protected])
Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
Rating: 5 Stars
I had never read anything by Macomber before, what a wonderful surprise. It's about 4 widowed women who make a list of 20 wishes of what they want in life and what happens. I've started my own list.

 
Elizabeth V
The Moscow Club by Joseph Finder
Rating: 5 Stars
It's hard to believe that the same person who wrote COMPANY MAN and KILLER INSTINCT wrote THE MOSCOW CLUB. THE MOSCOW CLUB is far superior.
 
CC
Away by Amy Bloom
Rating: 4 Stars
Some of the story was unrealistic --- but who cares. It was a good read.
 
Myrna Pennisi ([email protected])
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Rating: 5 Stars
A sacred Haggadah is found in Sarajevo in 1996, and rare book expert Hanna Heath is called on to analyze it, hoping to find its roots. The book alternates between the present, with Heath's efforts to uncover the manuscript's past, and chapters that reveal just where the manuscript has been as far back as 1492. It's a fascinating read, part history, part mystery. It's all based on a real manuscript, by the way.
 
Fran
All the Way Home by Ann Tatlock
Rating: 4 Stars
Spanning two critical eras in American History, this is the story of a friendship between a young girl and her adoptive Japanese family. The story celebrates the bond of family across cultural barriers designed to tear them apart. I learned something new from this story, as I had been unaware of the Japanese holding camps fin America following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I loved this book.
 
BBSue
Another Man's Moccasins by Craig Johnson
Rating: 5 Stars
Johnson's series just keeps getting greater and better. Walt Longmire, sheriff of a small county in Wyoming, deals with a dead Vietnamese woman while his past in the war haunts him. The book is full of thrilling moments and just the right witty and funny moments. The characters are terrific and the stories are superb. Walt solves the crime and deals with his past as well. You will come to love the characters and the Wyoming setting. If you have not read any of the books in Johnson's four book series on Walt, you are missing out on some fine writing.
 
Mary Ferwerda
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer
Rating: 5 Stars
This book was awesome. First, it was written in the form of letters (a different format, for a change), then it gave some history about the isle of Guernsey. I fell in love with the characters.
 
Moncia Garcia ([email protected])
It's a Kind of Magic by Carole Matthews
Rating: 4 Stars
Emma Chambers is an independent woman in love with the wrong man. Leo Harper is the boy who refuses to grow up. During their five-year on-again, off-again relationship, Leo has let down Emma more times than she can count but this is the last straw. Leo shows up hours late and horribly drunk to Emma's thirtieth birthday party. After dragging Leo out of her birthday cake, where he's passed out, Emma wishes someone would wave a magic wand over Leo and turn him into the perfect boyfriend. She knows this isn't realistic so she decides enough is enough, and breaks up with him. This time it's for good.

What follows is a totally unexpected read. Every time I thought I knew what was coming next, I was thrown a curve ball. This definitely isn't your typical chick-lit read. Being a fan of Sophie Kinsella, Jennifer Weiner and Jane Green, I was confident I could predict the storyline but I was so wrong and loved it. I was almost heartbroken by the ending but I was saved by the very last chapter. Matthews writes an entertaining story with a bit of fairy magic woven in. I highly recommend this read to all chick-lit fans.
 
Angela Satalino
Sail by James Patterson
Rating: 2 Stars
James Patterson is getting too predictable. His books are quick reads because you know what's coming up next. Once a great author, he is now churning out books on an assembly line.
 
Karen
Designated Daughter by D. G. Fulford
Rating: 5 Stars
A daughter's time spent with her mother as she becomes her caregiver and finds they both learn from each other. This is a touching, humorous, realistic good book. I really loved it!
 
Joanne Mosher ([email protected])
The Art Of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein
Rating: 5 Stars
A beautiful memoir of a dog's life, written from the dog's point of view. Very original!
 
Joanne Mosher ([email protected])
The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
Rating: 5 Stars
This book investigates what would happen to the world if humans simply disappeared.
 
Gladys Paradowski
Wanted!: The Half-Breed by Bobbi Smith
Rating: 5 Stars
Set in the West, this title does not do this book justice to my way of thinking. This story is truly gripping and keeps one dying to know what happens next. Bobbi Smith is a New York Times bestselling author and this book is a fine example of why. I found it hard to take a break from reading it.
 
jhendrix
Sundays at Tiffany's by james patterson
Rating: 2 Stars
I was disappointed in this Patterson book. Much of it was very predictable and sappy. Jane Margaux meets her childhood imaginary friend decades later. Love comes next, but can an imaginary friend and his love last?
 
jhendrix
Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a feel-good book, much better than Billie's more famous WHERE THE HEART IS. Nicky Jack(Mark Albright) goes to Oklahoma to find who he really is. He discovers a 30-year-old murder along with lies in the town where he was born.
 
Lisa
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
Rating: 4 Stars
A wonderful story by an amazing new talent; it's part mystery, part general fiction, but a great read summed up! You'll be hooked from the very start and right up through the surprising ending. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
 
Ivy
Telex From Cuba by Rachel Kushner
Rating: 3 Stars
I stuck with this story because of its historical contents, but it was not the true grabber I had expected. However, the characters were very well developed and made for an interesting journey to the end.
 
Kathy V.
Undercover in High Heels by Gemma Halliday
Rating: 5 Stars
Maddie is at it again, sticking her nose in where it does not belong. She's getting in the way of her boyfriend's investigation of a murder. And the worse part is that her boyfriend Nick gets bumped off homicide to be the bodyguard of a movie star.

 
Karen
Killer View by RIdley Pearson
Rating: 5 Stars
A mystery set in the mountains that grips you from the beginning. The main character is based on a real person. I found it a quick page-turning read!
 
Marsha
With Violets by Elizabeth Robards
Rating: 4 Stars
Berthe Morisot was a passionate painter in the days of the Impressionists. It is a well-known fact that women of her generation in France at the end of the 19th century had a difficult time in the art world. Her fascination with Edouard Manet is documented. What is not known, however, is how close and passionate their relationship developed. Robards fictionalizes their love affair in this very compelling novel. Morisot eventually married Edouard's brother, but it is unclear which brother really won her heart.
 
Sandra Greathouse ([email protected])
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Rating: 5 Stars
I would give this book 10 stars. It's a wonderful read and I'm so glad I finally got to read it. Well worth waiting for.
 
Louise
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Rating: 5 Stars
A perfect ending to a perfect series of books! I didn't expect Ms. Meyer to be able to wrap everything up so ideally. I don't want to give anything away as far as the plot, but if you've read any of the others in the Twilight series, you need to read this one. I think, like me, you'll deem it the best!
 
Jayne
Protect and Defend by Richard North Patterson
Rating: 4 Stars
Great political novel and a real page turner.
 
Karen
Brooklyn Bridge by Karen Hesse
Rating: 5 Stars
A 5-year wait for Newbury Award winning author Karen Hesse's new middle grades book that adults will also love. The unique way of telling every other chapter from a different group of immigrants trying to survive in early 1900s in NY is well written, and I found it as interesting as any adult book!
 
Debbie ([email protected])
Basket Case by Carl Hiaasen
Rating: 3 Stars
This is a story set in Florida about an old musician who's married to a younger woman. The musician supposedly drowns while diving --- but with the fine investigation of a newspaper reporter, the truth is exposed. A light mystery with many twists and turns.
 
Mildred
The Girls by Lori Lansens
Rating: 5 Stars
A remarkable story of conjoined twins. This is not your usual novel. Rose and Ruby take turns writing about their life in a small town in Canada.
 
Sandra Greathouse ([email protected])
Looking For Peyton Place by Barbara Delinsky
Rating: 5 Stars
I really liked this book! I read PEYTON PLACE as a teenager so it was interesting how Ms. Delinsky incorporated the author, Grace Metalious, into her own book.
 
Sandy Greathouse ([email protected])
The Forbidden by Beverly Lewis
Rating: 5 Stars
I always enjoy her Amish series, and looking forward to the next one. Their very inspirational as well as entertaining.
 
Sandra Greathouse ([email protected])
Summer Blowout by Claire Cook
Rating: 5 Stars
Great beach read! I loved the characters, especially Bella's Dad. Hilarious!
 
Sheila Dietz
Reasonable People by Ralph James Savarese
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is a must read for teachers, and as a parent, it has totally changed my opinion about inclusion of disabled students in the classroom. This book provides a good look into the mind of an autistic student.
 
F Tessa Bartels
Whistling in the Dark by Leslie Kagen
Rating: 3 Stars
3.5 stars --- Kagen is able to pull you into the 1950s and writes with a convincing 10-year-old girl's voice. But, the "suspense" part of the novel is not quite up to par. I liked this book, but I don't highly recommend it.
 
Sandra Greathouse ([email protected])
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Rating: 5 Stars
Another great read as always! I love his books. Keep some tissue nearby when reading!
 
F Tessa Bartels
All the Sundays Yet to Come by Kathryn Bertine
Rating: 1 Stars
This was not what I was expecting. It's the memoir of an ice skater who "failed" while sinking into anorexia. I wound up skimming a lot of it because it was just boring.
 
MJB
Smoke Screen by Sandra Brown
Rating: 4 Stars
News anchor Britt Shelley wakes up in bed with a friend, Jay Burgess, an upcoming detective in Charleston. She has no memory of what happened and no idea how Jay wound up dead. Britt's life drastically changes and she is on the run from the law. It's full of suspense, and of course, sexual tension between the main characters. Brown does not disappoint.
 
Richard Bartels
Code of Honor by Harold Coyle
Rating: 5 Stars
Coyle's writing in his military thrillers is first class. Here he explores what happens when a young combat officer is forced to choose on the battlefield, between an action that will save troops and the senseless order of an arrogant and frightened general. Top notch!