December 18, 2009 - January 7, 2010
Last contest period's winners each received a copy of NANNY RETURNSby Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, THE PARIS VENDETTA by Steve Berry and U IS FOR UNDERTOW by Sue Grafton.
| Jud Hanson |
| Searching for Atlantis by Richard Barcott |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Small university professor joins an expedition searching for the legendary city. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Guns and Miners by Dale Walker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Book about small town miners in Appalachia and a plan to fight terrorists in their own way. |
| Sandy |
| Blame by Michelle Huneven |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Enjoyed this one very much. The main character is an alcoholic who is sent to prison for killing two people while she was behind the wheel. Very good story. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Yellow Moon by Jewel Rhodes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Second book in a trilogy about the great-great granddaughter of Marie Laveau. She must defeat a vampire who wants to wipe out the entire Laveau line. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Voodoo Season by Jewel Rhodes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
First of a trilogy about the great-great granddaughter of reputed voodoo priestess, Marie Laveau. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Voodoo Dreams by Jewel Rhodes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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Fictionalized account of the real Marie Laveau. Pretty interesting book. |
| Jean |
| The Corpse Pose by Diana Killian |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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Actually a very good cozy mystery. This one is very enjoyable. I'm definitely going to read this author's new release, DIAL OM FOR MURDER. |
| Marion G |
| An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon's |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is an extremely long book. It seems disjointed to me at times, and there are many characters presented. I am a big fan of Gabaldon's books, but this was definitely not my favorite. I would call it a 'cumbersome read,' and unless you are familiar with her other books it would be harder to follow. This is not a book for a first-time reader of this author. For me, the book was a disappointment for the aforementioned reasons. |
| Sandra Stiles ([email protected]) |
| Gone from these Woods by Donny Bailey Seagraves |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Daniel Sartain is an eleven year old boy trying to deal with the accidental death of his favorite uncle. What makes it so difficult to deal with is that he is the one who killed his Uncle Clay. In a day when we hear of kids killing kids because they were playing with guns or mishandled them, this book hit home. It reminded me of a cousin who accidently shot his best friend when they dug up an old gun. Each took a turn pointing it and going "bang, bang" as they pulled the trigger. It just happened to go off when it was my cousins turn. The trauma of an event can and usually does scar you for life. In Daniel's case it causes his father to deal with issues concerning the death of his parents. This is a book of tragedy, hope and healing. I couldn't put it down once I picked it up. |
| Judy O. ([email protected]) |
| The Island by Victoria Hislop |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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The Island of Spinalonga is off the coast of Crete. It was used to sequester lepers during the 1930s to the 1950s. This is the fictional account of a family who has more than one family member as a resident there. It is a very heart warming story about resilient spirits and a terrible disease. |
| Jill |
| The Divorce Party by Laura Dave |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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I just re-read this book, and loved it even more!!! I am giving it to several girlfriends for XMas! Highly recommend... |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Blood at the Root by Peter Robinson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Another in the Alan Bank's series set in Eastvale, England. In this story, Alan comes into contact with neo-Nazis and the drug trade. Jason Fox, a young neo-Nazi is murdered, and the police quickly turn to the dark skinned English. Then a partner of Jason's is fingered for the "manslaughter", the ending is a slight surprise. I enjoy Robinson's journey into the psyche of Susan Gay and Alan Banks, will their secrets remain hidden? Sometimes, Robinson's abrupt ending enrages me. |
| Angela |
| Houses by Cynthia Parks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was surprised, delighted and transported by this beautiful first novel. At a time when the housing market is collapsing, what better central character then Lacey Winters who measures her life by the houses she has lived in and the memories held there. I laughed, I cried, I got goose bumps. The writing is so beautiful it makes you want to read aloud to the person sitting next to you. |
| Angela Satalino |
| The Last Days of Dogtown by Anita Diamant |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
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I was very disappointed after loving THE RED TENT. I wasn't so interested in the characters nor the story. |
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| The Big Picture by Douglas Kennedy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I remember reading A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP by this author. That was such a great book. So, I had to find another by this author. This one was just as good. This is an American writer, however, he currently lives in London. I'm thinking his books are popular there, because when I try and mooch these books, they are all in the UK. That's too bad because America is missing out. This guy is good. His character development is awesome. You route for the main character, but you realize how flawed they are. They make grave mistakes and they know it. But you are still on their side. This was a story about Ben. He has a troubled marriage, a great job he hates and a dream that has been put aside so he can work as a lawyer in Manhattan and support his bitchy wife and two boys he adores. Then, something goes wrong and he is forced to make a decision to save himself. He does, but he has to live with that decision for the rest of his life. His new life is different and he begins to live his dream. But can he live his dream with the demons that won't go away? The author does a great job with this story and this character. Very talented writer and I'm surprised he isn't more popular. I have mooched as many books as I can. This is an author I'm now addicted to. |
| Crystal |
| The Eye of Osiris by R. Austin Freeman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
THE EYES OF OSIRIS is the third of the series featuring the medico-legal expert John Thorndyke, MD. The fictional Dr. Thorndyke is one of the first forensic scientists. The storyline still hold ups even though it was published in 1911 (as THE VANISHING MAN). |
| barbara s |
| Malice by Lisa Jackson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Some one is playing mind games with a former LAPD detective. He now has doubts that his ex-wife, killed in a car crash 12 years ago, is actually dead. I read 2/3 of this book in less than one day, and I can't wait to finish it! |
| Jim in Prescott, AZ |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
My wife recommended this book to me, and I have had a hard time putting it down. Not my usual mystery/thriller, but it's still one of the best books for me this year. [br]The book describes the process a young white woman goes through in deciding to write a book about life for "colored" maids serving white families in mid-1960's Mississippi. It goes into her relationships with other maids, her family, and "friends."[/br] |
| Tanya |
| Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a book about the pain, loveliness, mystery, and promise of New York City in the 1970s. This book doesn't live up to the reviews in my opinion. |
| Julie H. |
| The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Really quick, cute story about a girl named Penny Lane (you can quit humming now, she's heard them all). What could be the basic cliched her-parents-are-divorcing book. shines as Penny and her mom move to her mom's old town of Hog's Hollow and open a bakery that caters to cupcakes. |
| Julie H. |
| Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Harry Bosch is muddling along, working on getting used to a new office setting, a partner who's still a little gunshy and being a far away father to his teen daughter. A murder of an Asian liquor store owner eventually leads to the involvement of the Asian Gang Unit. Harry brings in a suspect and almost immediately, his family is in peril. His ex-wife and daughter live in Hong Kong and the case he has caught has long arms. Much of the story takes place in Hong Kong and Connelly navigates those foreign streets well. I've only read a couple of the Bosch books, and not really in any particular order. Nine Dragons is a solid mystery and the reader doesn't need to have read previous novels to become immersed in the story. |
| Marsha |
| The Lacuna by Barbara Kinsolver |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an epic journey of a young man who is take to Mexico by his mother as a young boy and eventually settles in the U. S. where he was born. His life as a cook, translator and typist for Trotsky who settled in the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera came to haunt him later in the Communist conspiracy days in this country. The book shows us how public opinion can shape a life and destroy careers. |
| Amee |
| All American Girl by Meg Cabot |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great novel! I read it once before but forgot how good it was! I'm really glad I reread it. Classic Meg Cabot at her best! |
| Lorna |
| The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I stuck with this book until the 1/2 way mark and couldn't take anymore. It is by far the worse book I have read by this author.. Very confusing at times.. none of the characters that I have known to love over the years are not acting like themselves. If you are a Cornell fan so yourself a favor and don't bother with this one. |
| Crystal |
| The Red Thumb Mark by R. Austin Freeman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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THE RED THUMB MARK is the first of the series featuring the medico-legal expert John Thorndyke, MD. The fictional Dr Thorndyke is one of the first forensic scientists. The storyline still hold ups even though it was published in 1907. |
| Crystal |
| A Place of Safety by Caroline Graham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and Detective Sargent Gavin Troy from Causton CID are trying to solve a vicious murder that turns into so much more in the eighth book of the series. The series is the basis for the English television series "Midsomer Murders." |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Though I am not a big Jane Austen fan, I found this supposed memoir to be very interesting -- I found myself elated then depressed as Jane meets "Mr. Right," loses him, encounters him again, etc. To me, the fascinating part was the insight into the social and economic times in which Austen lived, times which dictated and necessitated people's choices. This is an interesting glimpse into what "could have been." |
| Linda H. ([email protected]) |
| Playing Dead by Allison Brennan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Tom O'Brien is a former cop who was imprisoned for murdering his wife and her lover but escaped with several other convicts when an earthquake caused prison walls to fall. His daughter, Claire, is working as an investigator with Rogan-Caruso and has always believed her father guilty of the murders. She had been contacted by a law student who said he had uncovered evidence proving that her father was innocent, but Claire didn't want to hear what the student had to say. Then, she finds out that he is missing and presumed dead. This belief proves to be true when his car and body inside are recovered from a river. Even more unbelievable is the flash drive that is found within his body. Evidently, it had been swallowed to protect its data and this leads investigators to a potential homicide rather than suicide. When Claire finds out about this, she begins to do her own investigation. But the real killer is fearless and has his own plans for Claire. Another suspenseful book by Allison Brennan that will be hard to put down. |
| Chris |
| The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringher |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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Touching memoir by Pulitzer Prize winner who shares the struggles he faced as a boy and his way out. |
| Terri L. |
| Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Zeale Hurston |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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This is the story of a young black woman in the early 20th century who wants just a little bit more than security in her life. Her adventures are alternately hilarious and heart-breaking. If you have a chance, listen to the audiobook narrated by Ruby Dee. You will never be the same. |
| Sandra F. |
| Old Man's War by John Scalzi |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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This is the first published sci-fi book by this author. I liked the book and found the plot unusual in a genre where there is so little new. |
| Sandra F. |
| Brother & Sister by Joanne Trollope |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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I am a fan of this woman's books. She takes everyday events and turns them into wonderful reading. I intend to read every one of her books --- and she has quite a few. |
| Marisa |
| Prayers for the Assassin by Robert Ferrigno |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's the year 2040. In 2015, nuclear bombs destroyed New York City and Washington D.C. Zionists were blamed and America was forever changed. The country is divided into a Christian South, independent Nevada, Mormon Utah, and the rest becomes the Islamists States of America with Seattle as the new national capital. But did the Zionists really unleash the nuclear bombs? Rakkim and Sarah, lovers and childhood friends, race around trying to uncover the true story behind the bombs. An entertaining read. The pages flew. It's a very, very scary look at what the future could bring. |
| Ana Marie |
| My Enemy's Cradle by Sara young |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
To what lengths would you go to hide your identity? The Nazi's are in full form and a young girl who is half Jewish is willing to do anything to survive. Now she is in a home for unwed mother's pretending to be carrying a Nazi soldier's child who will then be raised and trained as a German soldier. How can she possibly escape this place and save not only herself but keep them from taking her innocent child? |
| Pat W. |
| Arthur & George by Julian Barnes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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Fascinating look at Arthur Conan Doyle and the times in which he lived. The writing is eloquent and witty. |
| Jon |
| Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Outstanding read! Already in many peoples 2009 best books of the year list. Highly recommended. |
| Jess ([email protected]) |
| Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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This is a great book-weaves a tale of overcoming odds and tragedy while also being funny, touching and inspiring. Not as good as THE GLASS CASTLE, but very good nevertheless! |
| Deborah |
| U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
With snow falling outside, and a cup of hot tea to sip, I couldn't wait to read the latest Kinsey Millhone novel. U is for Undertow kept me entertained to the very last page. This is one series that never disappoints. In "U", Kinsey doesn't know what to think of her latest client. Are his childhood memories linked to the disappearance of a little girl more than fifteen years ago? Or is her client a troubled liar? She methodically tracks down the truth, still using her trusty notecard system. In the series, Kinsey has only aged a few years and it's 1987. Grafton keeps the details true to the era, while keeping the storyline fresh and timeless. If only we didn't have to wait another two years to follow another Kinsey adventure! |
| Amanda Byrd |
| The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is such an amazing book! Our book club could not put it down! It delves into the realm of gothic and myths and current day suspense and murders. Goodman wrotes so poetically that it is easy to dive into her books and instantly fall in love with her and her characters. Our book club would highly recommend this book! |
| Linda H. ([email protected]) |
| True Detectives by Jonathan Kellerman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Aaron Fox and Moses Reed are brothers and both are in law enforcement. Aaron is a former police officer now working as a private detective, and Moses is a police officer. Aaron has been hired to look for a missing girl while Moses is also looking for the girl on an unsolved cold case. Though the brothers have not gotten along, they work together to solve this mystery. I did not think that this book was as good as Kellerman's other books. |
| Pat W. ([email protected]) |
| Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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Laugh out loud funny at times and heartbreakingly sad at other times. |
| Fran |
| Somebody Else's Daughter by Elizabeth Brundage |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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This book opens with a young couple, Nate & Catherine (drug addicts) who give up their newborn daughter, Willa for adoption. The biological mother has AIDS and dies shortly after giving up Willa. Years later, Nate takes a teaching job at a now 17-year-old Willa's school. Nate's goal is to see Willa and make sure he made the right choice giving her up. He has no plans to tell anyone of their relation to each other. The book centers around all the drama in the small town where Willa lives, prostitution, drugs, murder and scandal. The book is a bit slow moving at first and focuses on Teddy and Claire Squire who recently moved to town. There are a wide variety of characters in the book, and each of the chapters is told from a different point of view. However, the book didn't focus too much on Nate the biological father as much as I thought it would, which was disappointing. There are many interesting plots going on in the book, but I sometimes felt as if there were too many sub plots. I wanted more about the father-daughter relationship and the book felt a little disjointed overall. While I was interested enough to finish the book, I did not feel it was a great read. |
| Sue, Saratoga |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Twins are raised by surrogate parents because their mother died at childbirth (a nun), and their alleged father (a surgeon) disappears after their birth. It takes place in Ethiopia, and the characters really come alive in the pages. I especially enjoyed listening to it on tape! |
| Sunnie |
| Dracula by Bram Stoker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I started reading Stoker's great nephew's book DRACULA THE UNDEAD, which is a continuation of the original and decided I needed to refresh my memory of the first one. I loved it the first time and it was as good, if not better, the second time. Written through letters and diaries, it is a definite page turner, even if you think you know the entire story. I bet you don't. Give it another look. |
| Ms. Cuthbert |
| Through Her Father's Eyes by S.Lynett Comer |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book is written in a sort of poetic format that leaves you wanting a better solution for women's issues. I found it very relateable because you discover the self-imposed pain, growth, and opportunity. It is a quick read but one of the better reads I've engaged in. |
| Sunnie |
| A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the three angels who visit him one night. It's been on TV weekly in many different versions (my favorite is with George C. Scott). But reading it is the way to enjoy the story as intended. I watch the movie every year but haven't read the book for more than ten years when my youngest daughter and I read it aloud together. It's a short novel, so you still have time to read it before Christmas |
| Sunnie |
| Dreamweaver by Kathleen Kane |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Meara is an unhappy and rebellious Dreamweaver in trouble for meddling in peoples dreams. For discipline, she is sent back to Earth, falling through the roof of a loner rancher's house. The rest of the story may be pretty predictable, but there are some cute twists that will keep you interested. |
| Bridget |
| Lakeshore Christmas by Susan Wiggs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Part of a series of novels about the residents of an upstate New York small town with big problems. In the Christmas installment, the library and librarian have big problems. There are many predictable elements (it IS a Christmas book), but there are also a few surprises. One of the nicest features are the recipes at the back. I hope Ms. Wiggs writes more Lakeshore books because I feel like I am catching up with old friends when i read these. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the third in the knitting club series about the a group of women of various ages. This is a poignant lesson in the everyday events that celebrate life. The joys and sorrows that invade every person's life. This is centered on the Christmas season --- a season of hope and forgiveness. Two of the women, one in her 80s and and in her 50s, are to marry and to begin a new life. Another woman, throws caution to the wind, to discover if she can take the fashion world of Paris by storm. This is a story of life and forgiveness and of memories not to be forgotten. |
| Bridget |
| Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A nice Christmas story that was totally predictable: widower needs help, unlucky in love woman needs help, mysterious housekeeper shows up, and by the end, all's right in the world. I wish real life had such endings. |
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Number 15 of the Scarpetta series. This was by far one of the worst books of the Scarpetta series ever. I was so disappointed in this. Scarpetta has a private practice in Charleston. Kay and Benton are in Italy at the beginning investigating a brutal murder of a famous tennis star. When Scarpetta goes back to Charleston, she receives the body of a young boy who has no identity. Everything is some how related but the way things are tied together is murky. The reader has no idea what the setting is at times and that left me very frustrated. One reviewer labeled the mystery as convoluted and I agree. It seemed to be a hodge podge of information thrown on a wall and whatever stuck is what the author went with. I couldn't wait to finish this because I grew tired of it.\ Another reviewer commented on the characters and asked "Why do the characters have to be angry all the time?" I second that; these characters are NEVER happy. Not one, not ever. Marino has turned into a sad, lonely, but violent version of himself in this one and I didn't like this path of his character. Benton and Scarpetta are together, but their relationship is distant, but that's nothing new. And Lucy is still the smart, haunted and miserable girl she has always been. I appreciate the fact the author has changed this series to keep things interesting, but I honestly think she choose the wrong path. |
| Joan |
| Cherries in Winter by Suzan Colon |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An upbeat look at how the author's mother and grandmother dealt with hard times. The book is an enjoyable quick read, but it doesn't offer any ideas you haven't read before. |
| Elizabeth V |
| Stardust by Joseph Kanon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's post-World War II, and Ben Collier, on leave from the U.S. Army Signal Corp in Germany, has come to Los Angeles. His brother, Danny, a director there, has fallen from a balcony and is now in a coma and near death. Danny dies soon after Ben's arrival, almost immediately after Danny awakens to beg Ben not to leave him. Ben discovers that this was not an accident and not attempted suicide. Danny was somehow involved in the beginnings of the "witch hunt" for Communists in Hollywood, and someone wanted him dead. Now Ben tries to be Danny and hunt for Communists, hoping he will learn who murdered him. At the same time, Ben is putting together a documentary. He wants the world to see what had been going on in the concentration camps during World War II. He has convinced an owner of one of the Hollywood movie studios to provide him with what the Army could not so he can produce this. Therefore, he is intimately involved with the goings on at the studio and with the people who worked with Danny there. Joseph Kanon, who has written four previous novels of historical fiction (THE GOOD GERMAN, LOS ALAMOS, THE PRODIGAL SPY, and ALIBI), once again presents historical fiction as thriller/mystery. This book is action packed and hard to put down while the reader learns about this historical period. And once again I give Kanon's novel an A. |
| David Siegel |
| Heaven's Keep by William Kent Krueger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An emotional struggle to find his wife, lost with a small plane's the disappearance in a Wyoming snow storm, defines this wonderful story of Corcoran O'Connor, the northern Minnesota P.I. You know what's coming but hope otherwise. |
| Linda |
| The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Langdon is off and running again, this time in Washington, D.C., as he struggles to stay alive and to solve a long-time mystery involving the Masons. |
| Fran |
| Tis the Season by Lorna Landvik |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Not Lorna Landvik's best work by far... but a quick holiday read. The book reads in a series of letters and e-mails. It was sometimes difficult to keep the characters straight due to this style but overall, the book flowed quickly. I read it in one afternoon. |
| Sheryl M. |
| Under The Dome by Stephen King |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Being a long time fan of Stephen King, I couldn't wait for this new book to come out. I must say, I am not disappointed. It is old school King.....many characters, small New England town, some sort of evil force. At 1,074 pages, I figured it would be a daunting task. Not so, I am very interested to see what happens next so I'm not even concerned with the number of pages. It's all good. LONG LIVE STEPHEN KING! |
| Bridget |
| Wishin' and Hopin': A Christmas Story by Wally Lamb |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Disappointing coming of age/Christmas story. Fake Italian accents, idioms, etc. were a little hard to read. |
| Elizabeth V |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Two black maids and one young white woman in early 1960s Jackson, Mississippi, alternately narrate THE HELP, a fictionalized account of the production of a book of true accounts. The white woman, Skeeter, is writing the book. Various black maids tell her stories of their everyday lives working in white households. The Civil Rights movement is going on; apparently, though, some rich society women are slow to catch on. So the reader can easily forget that these are the 1960s and not the 1860s as black women not only cook and clean six days a week for white families; they even raise the white children. I admit this put me off for the first few chapters. I grew up during the 1960s, and I sure never saw evidence that black women knew how to raise children better than white women did. But I'm not from Mississippi; and all was not as it seemed to me at first. I now know that Stockett's accounts are fair. At times I even doubted this is fiction. More than that --- I found, although before I read THE HELP I thought it might bore me, I was, instead, enthralled with it. I hated to see it end. But Stockett does, afterward, explain her truth and motivation for writing this book. THE HELP is an exceptionally good book. You don't want to pass on this one. |
| Elizabeth V |
| THE KING OF LIES by John Hart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In John Hart's first of three novels, a lawyer, "Work" Pickens, is accused of murdering his father, Ezra, when his body is found. It seems clear to the police and the district attorney that Work had seen his father's will and wanted the $15 million being left to him before Ezra changed his mind. And Work, sure that his emotionally disturbed sister, Joan, did it, is willing to take the rap for her. Work and Joan had been raised in a dysfunctional family with a very rich, very despicable father who hated girls/women. He always domineered over Work's life and still did even when Work was an adult and able to make his own choices. As he put it, he "lived Ezra's truth," letting his father choose his career and his wife, and even allowing Ezra to alienate Work from Joan. As the book progresses, we see Work realize more and more how he has been living the "truth" of the king of lies. Because I had read and loved Harts later novels (DOWN RIVER and THE LAST CHILD), I expected THE KING OF LIES to be at least as good. I was right. |
| L. Hann |
| Have a little Faith by Mitch Albom |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Makes you stop at think that everyone has different views on things but we are in the end all the same. Very inspiring. |
| Eileen Quinn Knight |
| An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An excellent book to read at Christmas. |
| Elizabeth V |
| Peace, Love, and Murder by Nancy Holzner |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
In Nancy Holzner's first work of fiction, PEACE, LOVE AND MURDER, Bo Forrester is in upper New York state, driving taxis while he searches for his hippie parents. But when he finds a dead body in the trunk of his cab one morning, his purpose for being there gets sidelined while he tries to clear his name and find out what really happened. From the start, he is constantly followed by Trudy, a lite-beer-drinking, Mozart-loving, deer-hunting, petite blond cop who is intent on finding him guilty of the murder and putting Bo away herself. Predictably, she's cute, and Bo goes ga ga over her. This is a pretty good little mystery. I'd never heard of Holzner so never would have read it if it hadn't been given to me (that old lack of name recognition that so many writers suffer from). But I did have that problem with the book that I mention above: predictability. Just about every character's behavior was predictable. Worst of all, I thought I knew who was guilty halfway through the book. And I was right. |
| Sunnie |
| DRACULA THE UNDEAD by Dacre Stoker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I was expecting to be disappointed when I began reading this continuation of DRACULA written by Stoker's great nephew, Dacre Stoker. But I was in for a surprise. Staying with his uncle's format by telling the story through letters and journals of the survivors from the original DRACULA, it continues the Gothic horror story of Count Dracula and the quest to kill him once and for all. Will he never die? |
| Pamela M. Moore |
| South of Broad by Pat Conroy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Pure Southern gothic --- readers will love it or not understand it at all. His prose alone makes it worth reading. |
| Judy ([email protected]) |
| Stones Into Schools by Greg Mortensen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Heard him speak several days ago. He is amazing. Think how many schools could be built with the money we spend on the troops in Afghanistan? |
| Judy |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A piece of "herstory." I wanted it to go on and on! |
| Judy |
| Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of the best stories about this period of history. |
| Jean M |
| The Professional by Robert Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Parker and Spenser have done it again. A really good read. |
| Renee ([email protected]) |
| A Grand Ol' Murder by Brian Landon |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A first novel for a local author. I like buying these because who knows? And I love all the Minneapolis/St. Paul reference. |
| Pamela M. Moore |
| Shakespeare's Wife by Germaine Greer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The title is misleading because, of course, nothing is known of Ann Hathaway Shakespeare's life; the book has to deal with what IS known of Stratford in that day. So, the title should have been "Life in Stratford during Shakespeare's Life." The book is basically what her life could possibly have been like, but she plays a small role even in the book. There is so much research crammed into this book that reading gets very difficult. Every paragraph seems a tangent as the author weaves in other families, events, etc., of that time frame and setting that have been recorded; then a continuing strand is tying AHS to various bits and pieces of lines in Shakespeare's work. However, overall emerges a much more flattering portrait of AHS than noted by other critics --- and most of Greer's suppositions really make sense. The best thing about the book, other than the obviously intense research is that Greer carefully notes when her theories are simply theories. She seldom states anything as fact as many other critics and biographers have done. For anyone intensely studying Shakespeare, this should be required reading. |
| Janet |
| The Glamorous Double Life of Isabel Bookbinder by Holly McQueen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The Brit version of Becky Bloomwood. I can't wait for the sequel! |
| Rhoda MacMaster ([email protected]) |
| The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book holds your interest and is about a 17-year-old girl who goes to live with her dad for the summer. |
| Sandra ([email protected]) |
| Once in a Blue Moon by Eileen Goudge |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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Heart-warming story about two young girls who are placed in foster care and the reconnect when they are adults. One has had a good life, one not so good. See how they work through these vast differences... |
| Jean M |
| U Is For Undertow by Sue Grafton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I believe this is the best ABC book yet. It has several threads going. Sue is a really good author. |
| Pattie Berryhill ([email protected]) |
| Bury Me Deep by Abbott |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Exciting tale of two party girls and a nurse who has an extramarital affair with a married man in the 1930s. Based on a true story when two trunks show up with the girls' bullet ridden bodies in them. |
| Gretchen E |
| Obedience by Will Lavender |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book will be truly disappointing to the hard-core mystery readers. I LOVE a good mystery where all the pieces come together and the overlooked clues all make sense...this book doesn't cut it. There were too many unanswered questions and contradictions in the writing. I kept waiting for it to get better, and sadly it never did. |
| Janet |
| The Ghost's Child by Sonya Hartnett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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I'm only a little way into it, but I sense there are some great lessons to be learned here. |
| Julie |
| Company of Liars by Karen maitland |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A novel that takes place in the year 1348. It chronicles the long and arduous journey of nine people as they try to find a safe haven from the Plague that is consuming England. Some are honest, others are only pretending to be what they seem. This novel is very slow to develop but stay with it; it slowly builds to a point where you won't want to put it down. |
| Donna Cruze |
| Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is one of those classics I didn't read in school. I think you get more out of them as an adult, though. |
| Gail from Matthews |
| The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a classic dystopian novel of the earth of the future where giant corporations hold all the power and small clusters of environmentalists ("God's Gardeners" is one group) attempt to live under the radar. When the waterless "flood" (epidemic) wipes out most of the population, the survivors rely on the skills learned with the Gardeners. The novel makes interesting points about genetic engineering, but characters could be more fully developed. |
| marion miller ([email protected]) |
| The Clothes on Their Backs by Grant |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and it could have won. A new look at a family that could never be happy. |
| A. Brim |
| The Simple Truth by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This starts off slow, but after all the characters are introduced, it really is hard to put down. Michael Fiske is a Supreme Court clerk. He broke the law when he took Rufus Harm's prison letter. Then he visited Rufus in prison --- and he is later murdered. After that, his brother gets involved to find out who murdered Michael. Then Rufus breaks out of prison. A page turner to find out who is behind this and the corruption in the system. |
| Joan |
| Hardball by Sandra Paretsky |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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A mystery from the recent past (the late 60's) takes place in today's Chicago. Totally absorbing, great characters and plot. |
| Joan |
| The Silent Spirit by Margaret Coel |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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I enjoyed this involving mystery set on a contemporary Indian reservation and in silent-movie era Hollywood. |
| Reva Wamsley ([email protected]) |
| Seizure by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a pretty good book. Lots of scientific details. A senator has Parkinson's but he doesn't want anyone to know, so he makes arrangements to have stem cell implants in the Bahamas. A lot goes wrong. The ending is quite shocking. |
| ReaderGirl52 |
| Wishin' and Hopin': A Christmas Story by Wallky Lamb |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A nostalgic look at what it was like to be a 10-year-old boy in 1964. Lamb has successfully captured the "joys" of attending Catholic school and being related to Annette Funicello. Very funny and heartwarming. |
| Janice Hoaglin ([email protected]) |
| Unvieled by Francine Rivers |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Francine Rivers does a very good job of taking the Biblical story of Tamar from Genesis and fleshing it out. The author is able to make the characters seem real without resorting to making them sound like they are from our own times. The story and the characters reflect the culture and beliefs of that time. Tamar is a young girl and a Canaanite, intrigued by and drawn to the God of her father-in-law, Judah, who is an Israelite. Tamar undergoes years of physical and/or mental abuse, both at the hands of her own family as well as by her husband and his family. However, she remains determined to fulfill what she believes is her destiny, and which in the end places her among the women in the linage of Christ. This is the first in the Linage of Christ series by this author. |
| Tanya |
| The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A tiny girl is abandoned on a ship in 1913. She arrives alone with nothing but a small suitcase. She is taken in by the dockmaster and his wife and raised as their own. Her father tells her the truth on her 21st birthday. The story revolves around discovering her past. This is a wonderful book. It is filled with great characters and is hard to put down. I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could. |
| Stella |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful, sensitive book telling of the aftermath of World War II in England. You will laugh, cry, and perhaps read it a second time through. Written in a series of letters and very compelling. |
| EC |
| Mary Mrs. A. Lincoln by Janis Cooke Newman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This novel about Mary Todd Lincoln combines fact with fiction. If you have not read a biography of Mrs. Lincoln. it might be difficult to separate the two. It is an interesting read, but the end is tedious and too drawn out. I would suggest reading the real story before you tackle this one. |
| Marsha |
| Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stout |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Although this book was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize, I found it to be a bit disappointing. Some stories were excellent, but others were only mediocre. |
| LORRAINE M. LAROSE |
| The Love Ceiling by Jean Davies Okimoto |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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This book will definitely reach deep down in your heart. |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Flavia is an 11-year old with a strong interest in chemistry. She can use her knowledge as a typical young girl to torment her older taunting sister, or she can use her knowledge to help solve a murder which she discovers and which she thinks her father is guilty of. This is Mr. Bradley's first novel. He knows how to turn a phrase and keep his reader involved. I look forward to reading more of Flavia. |
| Cindy |
| Against Medical Advice by James Patterson & Hal Friedman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful book about the love of parents and the courage and strength of a family as they struggle with their son's Tourette Syndrome. It is a bit of a heartbreaking story but the unconditional love the parents give their son is what makes this a great read. |
| Stella |
| Sweetwater Creek by Anne Rivers Siddons |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Story is centered around 12-year-old Emily and then a new friend enters her life and changes her surroundings and attitudes. This is a touching, dramatic story with the usual beautiful descriptive words by this author. |
| Stella |
| The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a wonderful book with so many twists and turns that it was hard to put down. A woman doctor in early 1900 London is the engaging heroine of the story as it follows her adventures, struggles, and romance. |
| Bonnie |
| American on Purpose by Craig Ferguson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I read this because Amazon's editors named it one of the 100 best books of 2009. It's the memoir of the Scottish-born late night talk-show host. It was interesting enough, but I had a sense of deja vu throughout. Is there no celebrity who hasn't been an alcoholic, a drug-addict, or both? These tales are getting tiresome. |
| Amee |
| Save Karyn: One Shopaholic's Journey to Debt a by Karyn Bosnak |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
True life memoirs of a shopaholic. Very interesting and laugh out loud funny! I especially enjoyed the third section of the book which chronicled Karyn's experience with her website and the results of it. |
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| Prairie Tale by Melissa Gilbert |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the third Hollywood autobiography I've read this past month. It makes me wonder: what childhood actress didn't do drugs? Didn't have dysfunctional childhoods? Didn't have insecurity? I have yet to read about one. Maybe Tori Spelling had a better childhood; I don't know. I haven't read her book yet. Out of the three autobiographies, this was the best one. The writing was more intelligent; the organization was better. It was overall more engaging than Valerie's or MacKenzie's. Melissa was adopted. Her adoptive parents split up when she was still a young child. She had close relationships with many Hollywood stars including Michael Landon who Melissa says was like a father to her. She dated Rob Lowe off and on for several years. She hobnobbed with many stars. She is currently on her second marriage and has two children and twp step-children with her current husband. As an adult, she seems to have pulled her life back together after dysfunctional relationships, substance abuse and emotional rollercoasters. I really enjoyed this and I commend her for her writing talent. I highly recommend this, especially if you grew up watching her in Little House on the Prairie. |
| cc |
| The Zookeeper's Wife by DIANE ACKERMAN |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book --- based on a true story --- tells about incredible bravery by these people in WWII Poland who faced unbelievable situations. The story is heartbreaking, fascinating, and rewarding to read. |
| Carol from Cleveland |
| True Compass by Edward M. Kennedy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a fantastic book in which Ted Kennedy starts from the beginning and tells the story of his life. Very easy to read, very interesting. |
| Carol from Cleveland |
| Deck the Halls by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very cute story that our book club chose for its December read. A mystery that you want to find out about but also cute and with a Christmas flavor. Made me want to read more books with these characters! |
| Benita Glickman |
| The Benefactor by Margaret Reyes Dempsey |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is about a gal whose mom was killed and whose dad died a year later when she was eight years old.. But every year she is sent presents from a "Secret Friend." Eventually, she lands her dream job, a great apartment, and tries to find out who is sending these gifts that become more expensive and lavish each year. As the story unfolds, more light is shed on the events of her childhood. It's a compelling book that you will not be able to put down. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Run For Your Life by James Patterson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is #2 in the Mike Bennett series set in New York. Mike is a NY detective, a single father rearing 10 adopted children with the help of an Irish au pair and an 80-year plus priest/grandfather. In this episode, "The Teacher" is on a killing spree that targets the rich or people associated with the rich. Bennett must find and stop the killer, while at home, the children are all suffering with the flu. I like Patterson, but Mary Catherine, the au pair is too good to be true. In this episode, Mike battles with his career choice and if he should stop being a policeman. The different settings --- rich lust Park Avenue and dirty, dangerous Hell's Kitchen --- are well done in description. |
| Sharon Long ([email protected]) |
| A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Of course, I knew the story and had seen various movies, but I've never read the book. We read it for one of my book clubs, and I was amazed. It is very short and more of a ghost story than a Christmas story. I would recommend everyone read it because you get a totally different feeling and meaning from the book than you do watching one of the many movies. |
| Glenn |
| The Impostor's Daughter: A True Memoir by Laurie Sandell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this "graphic memoir." It was a unique concept. The author told the story of her life using a cartoon format. Her father was a very mysterious man while she was growing up, and he seemed larger than life to his daughter, telling stories about heroic actions in Vietnam and working a clandestine job for the government. Later, she grew to realize that he was not the man he said he was, and he seemed to be involved in underhanded and illegal dealings. She goes on to tell about her college years and the early years of her life working at Glamour magazine, interviewing celebrities, getting involved with a longterm boyfriend named Ben, and as a journalist how she tried to investigate to find out the truth about her father. Apparently, all of what was depicted in this memoir is true, with only names changed to "protect the innocent." It was a quick interesting read that I'd recommend to anyone looking for something different. The author has been cartooning since she was seven, and I've recently become interested in that as well, so it had that extra appeal for me. |
| Judy O. ([email protected]) |
| The Road Home by Rose Tremain |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
We first meet Protagonist Lev on a bus from Eastern Europe on his way to England. He has lost his wife to cancer, lost his job at the lumber mill and needs to find employment to support his young daughter and mother. Life in England is not easy for Lev; at first, he is homeless, but he does find a job in a restaurant and a room for rent. Beset by homesickness, Lev develops a dream. and he goes after it with single-minded purpose. This is just a heart-warming story and a compelling book. |
| Annie Frank |
| Oryx and Crake and Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
These are two dystopic novels that cover the same period. ORYX AND CRAKE was released first, and then this year THE YEAR OF THE FLOOD was released. Both books are about a near future society being devastated by an intentionally released plague and how the few humans left cope. But far from being depressing, the books are witty, as only Atwood can be, ironic, and hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed both! |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was my first Nick Hornby novel. Tucker Crowe, a philandering former rock musician who had a major hit 22 years prior Duncan is the Tucker Crowe aficionado who feeds his Tucker Crowe passion by doing anything short of stalking. Annie is Duncan's live-in love interest of 15 years. A scaled-down version of a major hit has just been released. Annie listens and begins an e-mail correspondence with Tucker which she conceals from Duncan. The main characters question themselves and their relationships. Often humorous, never predictable. |
| Marsha |
| Hollywood Moon by Joseph Wambaugh |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This continuing saga and anecdotes of the Hollywood Division of LAPD does amuse, but it is the same old story over again. His earlier works are much better. |
| Phyllis |
| Fire Me: A Tale of Scheming, Dreaming And Looking by Libby Malin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A light-hearted novel about the antics of an office that takes place in one day. |
| Kaye |
| Death in the Stocks by Georgette Heyer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Classic English country murder kept me mystified and amused as Heyer sets the stage in the 1930's with a quirky family, two murders, and numerous suspects. Sourcebooks is re-printing some of Heyer's titles. Although she is best known for her regency romances, Heyer's mysteries are well crafted. If you like Agatha Christie, you will probably enjoy Heyer's DEATH IN STOCKS. |
| Phyllis |
| Based on the Movie by Billy Taylor |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Very funny novel about behind the scenes action in film making. Great read. |
| SANDY |
| The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A mystery novel of family betrayal, THE VANISHING ACT OF ESME LENNOX is a story that stays with you long after it is finished. One of the best books I have read in awhile. |
| Julie H. |
| Wishin' and Hopin' by Wally Lamb |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Fifth-grader Felix Funicello is just trying to make his way through school and the upcoming Christmas pageant. It's the mid-60s, Felix's dad runs the lunch counter at the bus station, and Felix's mom has just been named a runner-up in the Pillsbury bake-off competition. The family's only other claim to fame is the third-cousin relationship with Annette Funicello. There are great period anecdotes and scenes, and the parochial school setting comes alive with Felix's descriptions and shenanagins. It's A Christmas Story meets The Wonder Years mixture that makes for a cute holiday tale. |
| Marsha |
| True Blue by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a convoluted tale that takes huge concentration to follow. The characters are well drawn, but the plot will strain your imagination. Not his best effort. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Coming Home by Robert Inman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Another book for a book club, the book is okay. This is a collection of essays/short stories on life, love, and all things Southern. Almost in the style of Will Rogers or Mark Twain but not as good. A gentle reminder of what is expected of each person in life. I felt that at times the story is too short, and the "why" is missing. I have only read CAPTAIN SATURDAY by Inman, which I enjoyed. This book is too blase. |
| kaye |
| Malice by Lisa Jackson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A terrific thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When Rick Bentz, ex LA cop, starts seeing glimpses of his late wife he begins to think he is going crazy. But then he receives a copy of her death certificate with a big red question mark on it and thinks there may be more to his sightings. Could she really still be alive? He could have sworn the body in the car wreck was Jennifer. He returns to LA to search for her but finds a whole lot more than he bargained for. His second wife follows him out to LA to try to find out what is going on and she becomes another victim. Highly recommended for fans of thrillers or police procedure. |
| Becky |
| Bad to the Bone: Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger by Bo Hoefinger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
BAD TO THE BONE: Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger is one of the funniest books I've read all year! I snickered, laughed until my sides hurt, and sometimes I was so touched I nearly cried. Bo is a wonderful storyteller, and his stories of life with his humans are an inspiration. I think he gave my pups some ideas though --- I've caught them with the book a few times. Rock on Bo! |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the third in the Friday Night Knitting Club series. The characters are interesting, but not as fresh or as fun as they were in the previous novels. |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| True Blue by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was a good book, introducing (to me, at least) Mace Perry (a convicted "dirty cop"), her police chief sister, and attorney Roy Kingman. Mace's search for redemption involves solving the murder of a female partner of Roy's firm, often crossing the path of the police's investigation. It is interesting, but not vintage Baldacci --- I expect a sequel. |
| Metalfiend11 in Rocksprings, TX ([email protected]) |
| Twilight by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I had to read it to see what all the hype was about. I was expecting a boring teenage romance story but was pleasantly surprised. The characters are awesome, and the story kept me turning pages well into the night. I look forward to reading NEW MOON next. |
| Diana Huey |
| The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's a great story of rebirth and moving on after a loss. |
| Hedi |
| Genhis Bones of the Hills by Conn Igguldne |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The final book in the series. I enjoyed reading about these historical places and times. |
| Paula |
| The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudesnkauf |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Excellent read! This book is about the disappearance of two young girls who are friends and neighbors. Although that is the main story line, there are several other underlining stories and are very captivating. You get views from all people involved in the incident and learn tons of underlying emotional issues. I will look for future writings by this author. Just great writing. |
| Kaye |
| Too Many Visitors for one Little House by Susan Chodakiewitz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The residents of El Camino street definitely know what they like: cleaning their houses, gardening, and snoozing on the porch. What they don't like is a whole other list: kids, noise, guests, large kissy-huggy families and pets. So, when the new family with three kids moved in down the block, the neighbors were a little wary but things seemed to be going smoothly and quietly. Just the way they liked it! But then the visitors started coming .And coming. And coming. And coming. Too many visitors, the neighbors cried, for one little house. There were cousins, aunts, uncles, teens and toddlers, not to mention Grandma, Grandpa, Nanny and a baby. The neighbors definitely didn't like babies. All these visitors brought mounds of things with them; things that made noise like guitars and clarinets. This was just too much of everything for one little house! Something must be done, the neighbors decided but on their way to complain, out of the little house came grandma with her delicious smelling apple strudel. When she asked the neighbors if they would like to join the family reunion, they for once decided there can never be too many visitors for any house, even one little house. This book is just so adorable. The illustrations by Veronica Walsh are very enticing: humorous characters in bright colors and with lots of detail. I like the message of family young and old being together and having a good time. A fun, enjoyable read for any child. This story is a "Booksicals Children's book." For a musical version of the book, go to Booksicals.com where you can download the musical for free! |
| Kaye |
| The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
We first meet Inspector Armand Gamache, head of homicide at the Surete du Quebec, when he is called in to investigate the death of an elderly man found on the floor of Olivier Brule's bistro. Since the town of Three Pines does not have its own police force, nor does it have sidewalks, traffic lights or even a mayor, everyone in town knows each other but no one seems to know the dead man. Or at least not that they will admit. The mystery deepens when the coroner announces the man was not killed on site but elsewhere and moved to the bistro. Who would do such a thing? And why? Does someone have it in for Olivier? The citizens of Three Pines begin to question could it be one of them. When a man long thought dead shows up in town, Gamache and the investigative team wonder if this is just coincidence or did he have something to do with the crime. Narrowing down the motive proves to be the hardest part of the investigation. I became very fond of Inspector Gamache as he methodically searched into the past lives of the suspects looking for the murder motive. After all, his theory is that to catch a killer you don't move forward but backwards into the past. Characters are revealed layer by layer where nothing is as it seems on the surface and the reader is always learning another facet of these fascinating people who call Three Pines home. Even the victim is not what he appears to be at first glance. Trying to solve this mystery is like entering a maze; you think you are going in the right direction until you hit a dead end and have to go in another direction and start all over again. Penny does a superb job of leading the reader down the garden path only to find it is the wrong path. Penny deftly creates a vivid atmosphere that is almost dark and brooding, like the forest that surrounds Three Pines. It was very easy for me to get a vivid mental picture of the characters and places. The detailed descriptions are fantastic.I particularly liked her description of something as simple as the fire in the fireplace: "It was not the roaring flames of a bitter winter fire, but a soft almost liquid flame of early autumn." This is not a quick read thriller novel, but a complex character driven mystery that is more slowly developed and should be savored by the reader. Combine wonderful writing with an intriguing mystery and this book is a winner. I will have to say, though, that about one third of the way in, the story seemed to bog down a tad but in no time at all it picked right up again. |
| Kaye |
| A Highlander's Temptation by Sue Welfonder |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Normally, this kind of cover would have me running for the nearest exit, but I have recently learned not to be so hasty and to give the book a chance. Just a romance is not enough to satisfy this reader; there needs to be a little more substance to the story. When Darroc first laid eyes on the lovely, raven-haired beauty Lady Arabella, it was as if he had been struck by a thunderbolt. Looking into her sapphire eyes, he felt that his heart and soul had been stolen. Of course, as soon as Arabella got an eyeful of Darroc, the feelings were mutual. Even though the ending of this book is oh, so predictable, that doesn't detract from the sheer fun of reading this scorching romance. When I say scorching, I mean white hot passionate soul searing feelings. Just the sight of each other sends their senses reeling , their knees trembling and their blood pumping at a fast and furious pace. Welfonder certainly knows how to put the reader in the scene. The descriptions of the isle's lonely ruggededness and craggy beauty had me enthralled. I could feel the deep penetrating cold of the wind coming off the sea and smell the salty spume thrown off from the oars. Descriptions of the castle were also most interesting. I liked the historical feel to the story as it takes place in 1350. Fun characters that I really enjoyed in the story besides the main characters were Mad Moraig who played matchmaker and the resident ghost, Asa Longlegs. They really added to the atmosphere of the book. |
| kaye |
| Night of Flames by Douglas Jacobson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In his debut novel set against the backdrop of World War II, Douglas W. Jacobson weaves a complex story of a young Polish couple, Jan and Anna Kopernik, seeking to be re-united amidst the ravages of war torn Europe. The story takes place in Poland and Belgium alternately following Jan and Anna as they try to cope with their separation in horrific war conditions. When the Germans begin their relentless invasion into Poland in 1939, Anna has just come from Krakow to Warsaw to attend the funeral of her friend Irene's mother. Anna, Irene and Irene's son Justyn attempt to make their way from the ravaged city of Warsaw back to Krakow. A friend of a friend can manage to get them to Italy on a diplomatic visa but when Irene becomes ill, all plans and lives for that matter are dramatically changed. Jan, an officer in the Polish Cavalry, and his division face some devastating battles. Although Jan manages to escape with non life- threatening injuries, he does not return to his cavalry position. With his ability to speak fluent German, Jan finds himself doing intelligence work for the British.When he is offered the chance to get back to Poland, he is determined not only to do his duty but to find Anna.Unfortunately this proves to be much more difficult than he thought it would be. After much hardship, travail, and heartbreaking losses, Anna ends up in Belgium and becomes involved with a resistance movement called the White Brigade. At one point she is captured by a Nazi officer, Dieter Koenig: a most vile, disgusting, and thoroughly evil man. Even though he saves her from being sent to a concentration camp, he is determined to keep her for his own purposes. Jacobson paints such a chillingly vivid picture of this character, I could feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up and I was almost holding my breath to see how this would all pan out. I truly enjoyed Anna's character as I felt she was a strong, intelligent and brave woman with a very caring nature. At risk to herself, she did not hesitate to help her Jewish friends Irene and Justyn. The character of Jan was not as thoroughly developed as Anna's but I still got the feeling that he was an extremely patriotic and conscientious man who would do whatever was necessary to find his beloved Anna. Would Jan and Anna find each other again in all the chaos? More importantly, would they even survive the war? Jacobson has obviously done a tremendous amount of research for his plot driven novel and managed to seamlessly mingle fact and fiction into a wonderfully vivid story. The pages just came alive for me with all the historical detail and a myriad of characters. All the accounts of efforts made by the resistance enhanced the storyline. Jacobson has paid homage to these brave individuals who risked much and sometimes all to overcome the oppressors in their homeland. A compellingly told story of loyalty, betrayals and heroism of ordinary citizens in a time when the world seemed to have gone mad. Excellent read. I just loved it! Highly recommended! |
| Kaye |
| Shadow Government by Grant R. Jeffrey |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Scary scenarios a la Orwell's 1984 that our every move is monitored. Jeffrey writes a compelling tale of big government keeping tabs on what should be private: our financial transactions, medical info, e-mail, and cell phone communications are recorded, kept and analyzed. This is all in the name of security. With the so called security, the world's citizens have lost all their privacy. It virtually no longer exists. With the advent of all these technological advances and the world becoming more globalized, Jeffrey claims we are getting closer and closer to the end times prophesied in the bible. Things that would have sounded like sci-fi not too long ago are now a reality. He makes a convincing case for this in the following chapters. A few of the chapters on weapons technology I found somewhat dry but in the ensuing chapters with a more historical leaning and details of treaties now in effect, I couldn't read it fast enough. I was appalled to learn all the intricate details of the World Trade Organization and the terms of NAFTA. Jeffrey is convinced that an evil world dictatorship will happen in our generation. But he is also optimistic in his personal belief that Jesus Christ will return to vanquish the anti-Christ. This is a book you might think you don't want to read but one that you should read. |
| Kaye |
| Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This book started out well with the introduction to Hannah, Pastor Faircloth's young runaway daughter. We find her in Miami, a newly married young woman with her first baby on the way. Life is good for Hannah and her veterinarian husband, Cody. There are enough hints that Hannah's life was none too happy at home with her parents and she had good cause to run away. This scenario made me curious to find out what happened previously and what would ensue. Then we meet Jason Faircloth; an overly conservative and pompously arrogant pastor of the ultra-conservative North Metro church in Atlanta. He's so staunch in his beliefs and convictions that it is easy to see it was always his way or the highway for anyone in his family. Unfortunately, as his daughter, Hannah felt the highway was her only recourse. When tragedy strikes the Faircloth family, Jason rails against God demanding to know why he let these things happen. Consequently, the result of his crisis of faith compels Jason to leave the church and go on a quest that will take him to Miami first and then eventually to Europe four years later. I found his behavior in Miami to be almost manic and to me it was over done melodrama that was completely out of character. It's hard to connect with a character when you can't believe in them. Cody, Hannah's husband, also fell into the same abyss of unbelievability when this formerly wonderful persona took on a cruel self -destructive nature. The actions by Faircloth and Cody were just too unbelievable to me and I could not continue. At page 178 I had to admit defeat. At some point I may try to finish the book but for the near future it's not happening. This is just my opinion. Readers have to decide for themselves if this book is a fit for them. It's billed as a Christian thriller so please make your own choice. |
| Kaye |
| Supreme Courtship by Christopher Buckley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Supreme Court President Vanderdamp would really rather be bowling than running the country. When the supreme court rejects two of his nominees for the Supreme Court vacancy, he proposes Pepper Cartwright. Pepper Cartwright: no nonsense TV judge from Texas who manages to get past the judicial selection committee with her own brand of down home logic and forthright sassiness. Just loved her character! The absolute sheer fun of this book's plot with writing that kept me snickering and chuckling from the very beginning. The rapier-sharp, witty dialogue from characters I could picture so easily. Senator Dexter Mitchell: a pompous windbag with real life presidential aspirations who gives up his chairmanship of the senate judicial committee to portray President Lovestorm on TV. When the show's ratings soar, Dexter then decides to actually run for president and sets off a whole chain reaction that would shake up not only his wife but Washington in a big way. Inner workings of supreme court selection process and voting on issues. There was nothing about this book I disliked. |
| Kaye |
| The Sound of Sleighbells by Cindy Woodsmall |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
When Beth and Jonah began exchanging letters, each thinking the other person was someone else, they both were not afraid to show their vulnerable side. Beth and Jonah both shared such deeply personal thoughts, which helped the other person to see who they really were inside. But when Beth finds out about Lizzy's manipulations after Jonah shows up at a social given by Lizzy, she becomes very angry and wants nothing more to do with Jonah. Will Beth be able to let go of her pain and anger and see that Aunt Lizzy has her best interests at heart, or will Lizzy's deception ruin her original matchmaking scheme? This book touched me in ways that at times I actually had tears in my eyes. The characters in this story came to life for me and I was immersed in their lives from the very beginning. Woodsmall can get right into her characters' hearts and souls with the ability to easily convey those feelings to the reader.Woodsmall has the knack to engage the reader very early on with her little hints of mystery behind Beth's heartache. I couldn't wait to find out what happened and so read the book in two sittings. Even though the story is reasonably short ( just 194 pages of actual story) it packs an emotional wallop. I cried and I rejoiced at this simple but wonderful story. The Amish aspect of the book was not only educational but extremely interesting to me. The book has a Christian theme to it; but it is handled like pleasant low background music, not blaring in-your-face noise. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I would highly recommend to fans of Christian fiction, romance and family stories. |
| Ozarks Anne |
| Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Once you read page one, you're on your way.Yes it's long, but before you know it, you're through because you just can't put it down. I've ordered the sequel and can't wait to get started on it. Don't be fooled --- about the time you think you have it all figured out, along comes a shocking surprise. It's a real saga from long ago London to New York City. |
| Kaye |
| Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This was a very slow starter for me. It did eventually pick up, but it took time...a lot of time. In the first few chapters, the reader is introduced to so many characters that it's mind boggling. Piper struck me as a 30-year-old still stuck in the mindset of a young teenager. Through flashback thoughts, we see that all the myriad of cousins didn't take too kindly to young Piper. An infamous "teenage stunt" that could cause some great scandal if brought to light after 12 years turns out to be making a mountain out of a molehill. Supposedly with the threat of this revelation, Piper is fearful that her boyfriend to whom she is engaged to be engaged, will hear of this and drop her like the proverbial hot potato. The premise to get her back to North Carolina to forgive her family and be free of all this angst and move on is a good one, but the plot lines to get her there are weak. Supposedly she is, as she puts it, "taken", but when she first sees Axel she looks at him as a dog would the last t-bone on earth. She must mention he has blue eyes about 78 times. The funny thing is that one of her cousins, Maggie, who was so mean to her in school has now become a nice person with a wonderful and very intelligent 12 year old daughter. It seems Maggie has progressed emotionally since Piper has been gone. Now if we could just get Piper to do the same. About half way through the book, the story did finally pick up and I found myself liking some of the characters; Maggie, her daughter Devyn, Uncle Obe and Axel. Piper, as the main character, never really did it for me but the story turned out nice and neat. I have no quibble with the ending as I think the author did eventually achieve her objective. It just took an awfully long time to get there. If you like christian fiction, a little romance and family entanglements, you might like this one. For me, it was an okay but just not great read. 2.5 stars. |
| Kaye |
| Limelight by Melody Carlson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Limelight hooked me right from the start. When Claudette began remembering her life, I wanted to see what got her to the point of despair at the age of 82. It seemed as if the author disappeared and I was left in a cozy setting with a very real Claudette, not just a character in a book, telling me her story; I was mesmerized. Looking back over her married life of luxury to one of Hollywood's premier directors, Claudette had many wistful memories of fabulous parties, scintillating company and the sheer joy of never having to worry about finances. Now a reversal of fortune has landed Claudette back to the little house where she grew up. Thinking she is far superior to the small town residents of Silverton, she rebuffs their attempts to be friendly. After some hilarious mishaps and meeting people who are more than willing to help her, Claudette begins to open her heart to new possibilities. Having to learn to do for herself is almost overwhelming at her age, but when she finally does learn to do a few things, she feels a small sense of accomplishment. As time goes by, she is more than willing to forge new friendships and mend some old ones, particularly with Violet, her estranged sister. Claudette learns that no matter how old she has become, it's not too late to learn new things. I finished the book in 2 sittings, being reluctant to put it down. One of the things I found enjoyable was Claudette's Hollywood reminiscences with some very recognizable names. Carlson does a wonderful job with her characters, fleshing them out to be fully developed and easily imaginable. I like the way she drew Claudette and showed her growth from the beginning of the book to the end of the story. |
| Susan Kuchta |
| The Beautiful Being by Jessica Barksdale Inclan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Edan Mirav, leader of the Cygirian race must find a way to protect his people from the enemy who has killed generations of his family and his planet. Losing his parents when he was young the only family he has left is his 2 sisters. Unable to locate his double, the one person who will make his powers complete and his life whole, Edan has become overwhelmed with the task of survival. Giving up any hope that he would find her Edan tries to cope with the situation at hand. Wanting to be of use he goes out to work a bit in the desert. The small piece of land that the Upsilian people are allowing the Cygerians to live. In his darkets hour, there she appears, standing there in the desert, his double. The light to his darkness. Ava Arangos has been freed from the source, where Cygerians had been held. She has decided that her life is fine and that she could live a decent life without her double. Her power may not be whole but she can be productive with her amazing gift of cooking. Ava immediately recognizes Edan for who he is. She is reluctant as she does not want to feel whole only to experience extreme loss. The Neballats are a crude race. In their search for what they need they destroyed not only their own planet but Cygeria. Not caring who gets in the way of their ultimate goal. In their quest they not only destroyed their home but their bodies. The Neballats need the Cygerians to give them what they need and to restore their bodies. No matter what the cost. Together Edan and Ava discover, with the help of a rebel enemy, that together they have the power to end all of the fighting and create the lives that they need and want. They need to show their people that as a whole they can push past the limitations that they created for themselves. The journey put them back into the hands of the enemy and to the discovery of who they are as a people and what the right thing is do do. THE BEAUTIFUL BEING captures the universal need to find true love, that exceptional connection to another and belonging. Expresses the world today with it's teaching of hate and fear just for the sake of hate. Sheds light that we can come together as a whole and choose to do the right thing, look beyond, work together and create peace. |
| Kathleen Sornsin Boucher ([email protected]) |
| Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a very unusual book, in that it is really 13 stories, all wrapped up in one novel. Olive Kitteridge, a formidable character indeed, is seen in every story. They are about her town and her people, and although each story focuses on a different family, Olive figures in all of them. It is a wonderful, funny, tragic, heartwarming, sensitive book about human relations; I couldn't put it down! |
| Carolann |
| Rough Country by John Sandford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This author writes the Prey books. And this is the 3rd book about Virgil Flowers, an investigator in Minnesota. I love the details in these mysteries. For example, Virgil likes to wear vintage tee shirts of rock bands. He is looking into the murder of a Minneapolis advertising executive at a women-only resort in the backwoods. |
| Lori Z. |
| A Respectable Trade by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I think perhaps I'm reading too much of Gregory's work in a row as her prose and descriptions are a bit wearisome. I did really appreciate the setting as a change of pace from Elizabethan England, and she well portrays the hopeful desperation of the era. |
| KT |
| Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
If you are a fan of the mild romantic interest story much like TWILIGHT then you will like this. I found it was a bit predictable. |
| Angie |
| Messenger by Lois Lowry |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the stunningly beautiful and haunting final chapter to Lois Lowry's previous, outstanding works, THE GIVER and GATHERING BLUE. It was astounding! |
| Carol |
| Hollow Bettle by Susannah Appelbaum |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Juvenile novel that is the start of a series. Very well done. Author mixes industrial age and magical age so well. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Final Account by Peter Robinson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is an Alan Banks mystery, set in Eastvale, England. In this caper, an accountant has been murdered, and Alan and his team find a secret life for the accountant as well as a journey into money laundering for a dictator in an island. The story takes many turns, and more people are killed or injured in the process. As with every Robinson mystery, the last chapter deals a fascinating event. I feel that Robinson gets better with each new novel. |
| Jane Squires ([email protected]) |
| Another Stab at Life by Anita HIgman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Bailey inherits a mansion from her grandmother when she dies. As she has lost her job, she heads out to relocate. Only problem in the area doesn't want her in the house. So a lot of mystery enters right at the beginning. Max shows up unannounced to tell her that her grandmother wants him to watch out for her until she marries. Mystery abounds all throughout this book. It is hard to put it down for trying to figure out what is going on. Bailey has a mistrust issue because her finance runs off with her best friend and marries her. So she begins to make friends after moving and begins to trust again but it is a hard won battle. Just when she thinks things are looking up, her ex-boyfriend shows up. I liked all the mystery and finding items she did not expect to find and how she remodels the house and ends up staying. You get both mystery and romance. |
| Carol |
| Heroes of the Valley by Jonathan Stroud |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Young adult book that does not come near matching his Bartimaeus trilogy. The main character did not evoke any sympathy so it became a boring read. |
| A. Brim |
| The Winner by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
LuAnn Tyler lives in rural Georgia, waits tables, is unmarried, and has a small child when she happens on her dead boyfriend and another man whom she tangles with. But after being accusedof murder, she is on the run for 10 years. I could not put this book down --- every page was filled with action! Loved it! |
| Louise |
| Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Tory gave up a newly established life in the big city to return to her hometown in South Carolina where she has nothing but nightmarish memories. It is necessary for her, she feels, to face her past before she can truly put it behind her. Included in these nightmares was the murder of her best friend at the age of 8. Tory has psychic abilities and was able to see the killing happen. Partly because of this fact, many people, including her friend's family, believed she had something to do with the murder. She was not warmly welcomed back to town and had to prove herself while, at the same time, she was trying to find the killer. |
| Anita Nowak |
| The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I usually love Mr. Iles' novels, but this one was a bit different. Even though the story line was very interesting, I found it a bit too graphic and too violent. Perhaps this was based on some reality, but I find when I read I like to escape the brutality that life can sometimes bring. Having said that I still felt the book was worth reading. It is about illegal dog fighting and gambling in Mississippi. There were parts that were horrific, especially if you love animals. In all honesty if it wasn't so graphic I would have given this book a 5 star rating. |
| Carol |
| Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Juvenile fiction novel that mixes fairy tale with tale. The mythology in the book was very entertaining. |
| Gail |
| The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I read this book as part of "The Big Read" program at my library sponsored by National Endowment for the Arts. I highly recommend it as it a perfectly written mystery. It was so good that my next book read will be THE THIN MAN, also by D. Hammett. |
| Tanya |
| Mudbound by Hillary Jordan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
MUDBOUND is a story of the McAllan family who struggles to survive on a remote farm and the Jacksons, their black sharecroppers. The story takes place in Mississippi after WWII. |
| Louise |
| Not Dead Enough by Peter James |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first Peter James I've read, and I had a little trouble getting into it, but once I did, I was glad I persevered. Apparently, Mr. James has written several books featuring a British detective named Roy Grace. He is investigating three murders and is pretty sure he has the killer pegged, but there are several things that just don't add up. It's a mystery to the reader, just as it was to Inspector Grace. |
| Louise |
| Golden Moments by Danielle Steel |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Kezia Saint Martin had it all: money, looks, popularity. And yet, she wasn't satisfied and was secretly living on the dangerous side. This was not my favorite Danielle Steel book; in fact, I had a hard time making myself pick it up. I was reading some other books at the same time to hold my interest. I admit that could be partly because the print was so small and uncomfortable to read. |
| Louise |
| The Walking Dead by Gerald Seymour |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book has several coinciding stories taking place in different parts of the world, and they were a little confusing to me. I was very interested in the future terrorist young man in Saudi Arabia and found his story to be very fascinating, so I found myself skipping to the parts about him. In the end, the different stories & characters all come together, but I was too impatient to wait for it to come together in my mind. |
| Donna Watts ([email protected]) |
| I, Alex Cross by James Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another great book. I couldn't put it down. |
| Linda |
| Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This NYTimes columnist has written a wonderful book linking global warming, population and the economy of the world. His insight is thought-provoking but scary. It does wake you up! I am recommending it to all of my friends. |
| Audrey Anderson |
| Fast Track by Fern Michaels |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This time they are taking on the President of the World Bank and continuing to add to their fan base and becoming notorious. I can always count on an enjoyable quick read with this series. |
| Janice Hoaglin ([email protected]) |
| The Wonder House by Justine Hardy |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
THE WONDER HOUSE is a houseboat, moored on Lake Nagin, wherein lives Gracie Singh, an English woman who has continued to live in Kashmir after the death of her Kashmiri husband. Gracie is preparing a party for her eightieth birthday, with the help of the two Kashmiri women who work for her and take care of her, Suriya and her daughter, Lila. The story is set in the late 1990's, and portrays the brutality and coercion that is inflicted upon the Kashmiri people by both sides, in the on-going skirmishes as India and Pakistan fight over the Kashmir valley. Hal, also English and a journalist, comes to Kashmir to report on these on-going conflicts, but also to interview Gracie Singh. This is the story, also, of how his life becomes intertwined with those of these three women. I know little about this region of the world, and so enjoyed this book both for offering me some information about the people and landscape, but also for the personal stories that were developed here. |
| Janice Hoaglin ([email protected]) |
| Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Kathy Reichs takes current archaeological findings, as well as the heated debate about the implications about these findings, and weaves them into another adventure for Temperance Brennan. Much of this book is set in Israel, and involves skeletal remains that some claim belong to Christ, as well as other findings which suggest a burial site for Jesus' family. I really enjoyed her use of these current issues, as well as the characters explorations that of course lead them into mortal danger. |
| Audrey Anderson |
| Reliquary by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
RELIC was the first one and it was good. This one is better - a very good read. In this book we are taken to the world of the homeless living in underground N.Y. to search for a monster that is killing people and leaving them headless. It eats brains. I'm waiting for the next book to arrive so I can continue with the series. My niece says it gets even better. |
| Audrey Anderson |
| Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is #2 by Patricia Briggs - the Alpha and Omega Series. I read the first one called CRY WOLF and liked it. This one I liked even better and when I finished it I couldn't wait to get the sequal -------- not written yet :( I will have to put her on my list of authors that I have run through the series and pick up at Barnes & Nobles each summer. This is about a woman who is attacked and becomes a werewolf. She is mated to Charles Cornick, the son - and enforcer - of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves. Bran wants the werewolves to reveal themselves to the public, as there are those that know of them and use the information as blackmail. A summit is held which includes the heads of packs worldwide. Charles has a premonition that his father should not go, and surprisingly he listens. He and his mate attend and they are attacked by vampires - hired by who? Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whomever is behind it. |
| Jean L |
| Going Rogue by Sarah Palin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really liked this book. I wish every citizen would read (at least) the last 50 or 60 pages of it. |
| Sharon |
| Christmas on Mill Street by Joseph Walker |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A simple story told from the point of view of a fourth grade boy and his attempt to "fit in". The peril of braggadocio and ignorance and the redemption by an unlikely old woman. |
| Linda |
| Rainwater by Sandra Brown |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Sandra Brown shows her suberb writing in this non-thriller. It was one of those books you never want to put down or for it to end. Her heroine and hero are people you can relate too and love. The setting in 1934 was also a real eye opener for what was happening in that era. |
| Ed Hahn ([email protected]) |
| Kingdom of Shadows by Alan Furst |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of Furst's better efforts. No one writes better "espionage fiction" than Alan Furst. As I've said before his books are more literature than thriller. This story, which takes place in 1938-39, follows Nicky Morath, a Hungarian businessman, living in Paris, who is also a part-time diplomat and part-time spy. The style Furst employs here is slightly different from his other books. He does not use a lot of transitions but jumps to the next event without them. I had no trouble following the story, though, and rather liked the efficiency of just moving the narrative along. Nicky is a fascinating, likable, admirable character. His love affairs are open and honest, his dealings with his friends are transparent and yet he somehow manages to carry off a number of assignments that require great imagination and bravery, all in the service of keeping Hungary out of Hitler's clutches and trying to avoid the inevitable world-wide war on the horizon. The minor characters, as is always true of Furst's novels, are unforgettable and interesting on their own. They will also often pop up in another story. Various locations like Henninger's Cafe also appear here and in most of his other books. As the story unfolds the reader learns more and more about Nicky and his past as a cavalry officer in WW I, his family including his Uncle Count Janos Polyani who is his mentor, his master, and his good friend and his abhorrence of violence and war. Each assignment, each tryst, each social event all contribute to fleshing out this fascinating character. I don't want to spoil the ending except to say, as with many of his stories, Furst leaves the reader wondering what will happen to all these fascinating characters from now on. We may never know but it sure is fun to speculate. |
| Elizabeth V |
| Stardust by Joseph Kanon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's post-World War II, and Ben Collier, on leave from the U.S. Army Signal Corp in Germany, has come to Los Angeles. His brother Danny, a director there, has fallen from a balcony and is now in a coma and near death. Danny dies soon after Ben's arrival, almost immediately after Danny awakens to beg Ben not to leave him. Ben discovers that this was not an accident and not attempted suicide. Danny was somehow involved in the beginnings of the "witch hunt" for Communists in Hollywood, and someone wanted him dead. Now Ben tries to be Danny and hunt for Communists, hoping he will learn who murdered him . At the same time, Ben is putting together a documentary. He wants the world to see what had been going on in the concentration camps during World War II. He has convinced an owner of one of the Hollywood movie studios to provide him with what the Army could not so he can produce this. Therefore, he is intimately involved with the goings on at the studio and with the people who worked with Danny there. Joseph Kanon, who has written four previous novels of historical fiction (THE GOOD GERMAN, LOS ALAMOS, THE PRODIGAL SPY, and ALIBI), once again presents historical fiction as thriller/mystery. So this book is action packed and hard to put down while the reader learns about this historical period. And once again I give Kanon's novel an A. |
| Barbara S. |
| The Lost Hours by Karen White |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The story is about Piper Mills who has been raised by her grandparents after parents were killed in an accident when she was six. Having been raised around horses, Piper became an accomplished equestrian until her dream of entering the Olympics was destroyed after a fall from her horse left her unable to ride again. During her recovery, Piper discovered a secret room and papers in her grandmothers house indicating a mystery in her grandmother's life. Piper sets out to find out what the secrets in her grandmother's life were. While trying to find the answers she is looking for through geneology she learns there are many more secrets. |
| Marjorie L. ([email protected]) |
| All God's Creatures by Carolyn McSparren |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I would give this 10 stars if possible and buy a copy for all of my animal loving friends if I could afford that. I am going to send all an e-mail recommending this for their Christmas list. Maggie, 18 in the '60's, becomes a veterinarian, somewhat of a rarity in that era. I guarantee laughter, sighs and a few tears. It ends too soon. |
| Robb ([email protected]) |
| Still Life by Louise Penny |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you like Mystery, food, books, and new friends, this is a book you'll love. First in a series, I can't wait to read the next one, A FATAL GRACE. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is a Bailey Ruth series about a dead woman, a ghost, who goes to Earth to help individual with murders. I liked the premise, but the writing is very bland. The author spends very much time discussing the "ghost" stage in the beginning of the novel. I do not intend to read any more of this series. |
| Ed Hahn ([email protected]) |
| Midshipman's Hope by David Feintuch |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I cannot believe I liked this book so much. It should appeal mostly to adolescents but I was caught up in the story and had a hard time putting it down. It follows the adventures of 18 year old, Midshipman Nicholas Seafort, who through a series of unlikely events becomes the captain of an interstellar space ship. First there is an inexplicable accident in which many of his superior officers are accidentally killed, then he becomes involved with a mutiny on a deep space mining outpost, followed by an encounter with an extremely weird alien race that is killing humans. In between there is a lot of interpersonal conflict as Seafort struggles with his new role. The book is reminiscent of the Aubrey/Maturin series that takes place during the Napoleonic wars. The United Nations Naval Service (U.N.N.S.) is run pretty much the same way the British Navy was in early 1800s, when communication was slow and undependable and the Captain was the absolute authority. They even have a form of flogging called "The Barrel" and they hang mutineers. The characters are surprisingly well-drawn and the situations while straining credulity are exciting and believable, taking into account that this is Science Fiction. The series continues and so will I. |
| Marion |
| Dan Brown by The Lost Symbol |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Slow moving throughout, but keeps you interested in finding out what he is trying to get through to us. Interesting for those who want to know more about the Masonic Lodge. 3 1/2 stars |
| Coral Harrison |
| Goat Song by Brad Kessler |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A non-fiction book about Kessler and his wife going to a small farm and raise goats. They start with 2 females, then raise and buy more. Kessler starts making goat cheese and tells all about it. Very interesting even if you never was on a farm. |
| BookFestival ([email protected]) |
| Dune by Frank |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
My book club is reading this book. I'm glad I'm I read it. I don't usually read SciFi, but I really liked DUNE. |
| Jerri Patton |
| Going Rogue by Sarah Palin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I learned a lot about Alaskan politics and of course Sarah Palin. |
| BookFestival |
| Under the Dome by Stephan King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Don't read it at night, it is too scary. |
| Ed Hahn ([email protected]) |
| Armageddon in Retrospect by Kurt Vonnegut |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I have always admired Kurt Vonnegut and liked his writing. I'm not sure about this collection of essays, speeches, short stories and what-all. For one thing, I acquired the audio version and listened to it while driving. I think I might have appreciated the work more if I had read it rather than listened to it. Rip Torn, whose acting I admire, narrated and was almost laughable but not in a good way, especially when doing accents and dialects. The volume contains a number of un-published writings. I wonder if the publisher was trying to take advantage of Vonnegut's recent death. The introduction by his son came across as filler rather than a real contribution. The stories, speeches and essays are all anti-war and anti-violence. Many of the entries hark back to the Dresden bombing which Vonnegut survived and memorialized in, perhaps his greatest work, Slaughterhouse Five. I would rather remember Vonnegut for his novels than this conglomeration of stuff. And so it goes.... |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| The Grouchy Grammarian by Thomas Parrish |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A grammar book with many points by sometimes I had to stop and think about the point that the author was making. |
| Elizabeth V |
| Peace, Love and Murder by Nancy Holzner |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
In Nancy Holzner's first work of fiction, PEACE, LOVE AND MURDER, Bo Forrester is in upper New York (state), driving taxis while he searches for his hippie parents. But when he finds a dead body in the trunk of his cab one morning, his purpose for being there gets sidelined while he tries to clear his name and find out what really happened. From the start he is constantly followed by Trudy, a lite-beer-drinking, Mozart-loving, deer-hunting, petite blond cop who is intent on finding him guilty of the murder and putting Bo away herself. Predictably, she's cute, and Bo goes ga ga over her. This is a pretty good little mystery. I'd never heard of Holzner so never would have read it if it hadn't been given to me (that old lack of name recognition that so many writers suffer from). But I did have that problem with the book that I mention above: predictability. Just about every character's behavior was predictable. Worst of all, I thought I knew who was guilty halfway through the book. And I was right. |
| Pat Grissom |
| The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the third in Larsson's trilogy - all three being published after his death. Lisbeth Salander is the star of his books and she is a heroine of a different note - computer wise, politico wise, and connected to other underground hackers - she must stay ahead of those trying to kill her for what she knows. |
| Saundra McKenzie ([email protected]) |
| Supreme Courtship by Christopher Buckley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very funny and keeps me interested. |
| JaneAnn Railey Clear |
| Rainwater by Sandra Brown |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Just finished Sandra Brown's new book RAINWATER. it is really good, down to earth, real story, like the early Sandra Brown we loved.......Kudos Sandra we've missed you. |
| Ivy Pittman ([email protected]) |
| The Tender Bar by J. R. Moehringer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Absolutely one of the best memoirs I've read. |
| MW |
| The Bishop's Man by Linden MacIntyre |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The THE BISHOP'S MAN is a priest in Nova Scotia who has spent years making sure that abusive priests are removed from parishes, and that the police are kept from knowing about these cases. Now he is sickened by the situation, has become an alcoholic, and has doubts about his calling, his faith, and his celibacy. This is a powerful novel and pertinent to our times. |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
THE WHITE TIGER is very rare and prized and is also the nickname of the narrator of this book, a student, a chauffeur, a murderer, an entrepreneur. His story is told through a letter to an ambassador from China who is scheduled to visit India. This wasn't a page turner for me, but it gave me a lot to think about. In fact, I felt it grew on me after I finished it. I kept thinking about it. |
| Andrea |
| The Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This historical fiction is the story of Lady Jane grey, who was Queen of England for a VERY short period immediately after Henry VIII. Wonderful story but just not as engrossing as Weir's Six Wives of Henry VIII. |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| Origin of the Specious by Patricia T. O'Connor |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A book about grammar which is user friendly and witty. My kind of book. |
| Marion Miller ([email protected]) |
| The Physick Book OF Deliverance Dane by Howe |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A journey back to the Salem Witch Era with a PHD student. Sometimes predictable but a good read nevertheless. |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a page turner. THE HELP is about black maids in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962 who working for white women. Often made me cringe, understanding there are still people who feel this way about other people. I recommended it to my book discussion. |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Mitch Albom does it again. Nearly as good as his TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE. Albom is asked by his childhood Rabbi to give the minister's eulogy when the time comes. Albom travels back to New Jersey to talk with the Rabbi so he will have material to write a eulogy. While he is doing that, he becomes familiar with a minister in Detroit who has lived a less than exemplary life. Albom questions his faith while learning about that of the other two men. Compelling. |
| Chris |
| Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Nice take on the traditional Christmas story, with the angel Gabriel delivering the startling news to Mary. A quick, easy read for a shot of Christmas hope! |
| Fran |
| Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A sweet young adult book that depicts a 15 year old girl, who has died from a car accident. The afterlife is a place called ELSEWHERE, where people live their lives in reverse order until they are sent back to Earth. Imaginative, different, fresh and fun.... Although this book is targeted for young adults, it is one of those books that offer something to anyone who reads it. Highly recommended! |
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I like to read Christmas stories during the season. This is my second one. I totally get the message this book was trying to convey. Parents, enjoy your little children and don't work so hard that it takes away from that time because they grow up so fast, before you know it, they are grown up and out of the house. The message was clear, but I thought the way the story was told was a little sappy. That is the only word that comes to mind after reading this. I feel bad about that but this book did not grab me emotionally like I thought it would. The next book is TIMEPIECE which I believe is like the Prequel to this one. Maybe I'll read that one next Christmas. |
| Amee |
| The Christmas Journey by Winnie Griggs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Sweet and engaging novel! I loved the spunky heroine and straight-laced hero. |
| Amee |
| Glass Houses by Rachel Caine |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An exciting start to the Morganville vampire series. I can't wait to continue reading. I like the inclusion of a ghost. There just don't seem to be many YA ghost novels out there. |
| Sharon |
| The Plymouth Adventure by Ernest Gebler |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Before Thanksgiving I found this book on my parent's book shelf and thought that it was the appropriate time of the year to learn more about the Pilgrims. Although the writing is difficult to read as it was published in 1950, the author appeared to have done significant historical research and the personalities come through as well as little known historical fact. Not everyone was a hero on the Mayflower. |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| The Winners by Dominick Dunne |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I had never read a book by Dominick Dunne, so, I decided to start with his very first book. Very trashy story of a Hollywood climber. I won't judge all Dunne's books by this one. I'm sure many would lap this up - it's just not my cup of coffee. |
| Margi |
| The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the second book translated in English from this Swedish author. The first was THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO and I advise reading that first. There is a 3rd book for sure and a possible 4th book that the author left unfinished at his death. I highly recommend these books. |
| Craig Smith ([email protected]) |
| Frog's Christmas by Joshua Smith |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a really cute story about Frog having Christmas with his friends. One of his friends does not get a present, so Frog shares his present with his friend. The drawings and story are very cute. This was written by a 9 year old. |
| Elizabeth V |
| The King of Lies by John Hart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In John Hart's first of three novels, a lawyer, "Work" Pickens, is accused of murdering his father, Ezra, when his body is found. It seems clear to the police and the district attorney that Work had seen his father's will and wanted the $15 million being left to him before Ezra changed his mind. And Work, sure that his emotionally disturbed sister, Joan, did it, is willing to take the rap for her. Work and Joan had been raised in a dysfunctional family with a very rich, very despicable father who hated girls/women. He always domineered over Work's life and still did even when Work was an adult and able to make his own choices. As he put it, he "lived Ezra's truth," letting his father choose his career and his wife, and even allowing Ezra to alienate Work from Joan. As the book progresses, we see Work realize more and more how he has been living the "truth" of the king of lies. Because I had read and loved Harts later novels (DOWN RIVER and THE LAST CHILD), I expected THE KING OF LIES to be at least as good. I was right. |
| A. Brim |
| Ricochet by Sandra Brown |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Detective Sergeant Hatcher is livid when Judge Laird lets a hardened criminal go declaring a mistrial. Then the detective is called to the judge's house to investigate a shooting. Things heat up after that from one twist to another. I enjoyed it very much. |
| Craig Smith ([email protected]) |
| Frog's Space Adventure by Joshua Smith |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the story of Frog and his adventure to get the treasure from an alien. The story is captivating. The illustrations are very detailed and cute. This is a wonderful story to read to children from 3 to 9 years old. I enjoyed it. The fact that it was written and illustrated by a 9 year old even makes it better. |
| JFW |
| Brimstone by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great novel. |
| Shirley Y. |
| Here's The Deal Don't Touch Me by Howie Mandel with Josh Young |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Howie Mandel is the host of the show Deal or No Deal. This, nothing held back, book tells his struggle with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and germophobia.The book is both heartfelt and hilarious. In the book Howie speaks frankly and honestly about how his condition affects his personal life. |
| Renee |
| Supreme Courtship by Christopher Buckley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
My first novel of insider Buckley. A wonderfully easy read. Great humor and gentle satire. Wonder if the next supreme court nominee was a TV courtroom judge? |
| Teresa ([email protected]) |
| The Girl who Played with Fire by Steig Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Been waiting to read this book for 3 months since finishing the first book, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. Loved the first and want to savor the second. |
| Pattie Berryhill ([email protected]) |
| The Traffickers by Griffin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Fast paced pages of human traffickers and illegal aliens from Mexico. Very scary. |
| Carol Pirtle |
| Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This fictionalized version of the mountain climber, George Mallory, reads like a biography. Even though the reader knows of his death on Mt. Everest in 1924 from the get-go, the book is filled with suspense from start to finish. Archer does a masterful job of bringing Mallory to life. |
| KC |
| The Child Thief by Brom |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Fascinating and VERY DARK, retelling of Peter Pan. Might not be the best book to read at the holidays BUT it is keeping me up late reading it. Not the usual cast of characters. |
| Chickadee |
| The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderfully different type of mystery, about a young girl with an interest in chemistry who solves a murder at her home. I hope the author continues with this series! |
| Linda Bentzen |
| The Others by David Guterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book was almost as good as SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS. It's amazing that Neil and John William can remain in touch and friends for so long. Especially since their lives turned out so differently. I would read more by the author. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| Still Missing by Chevy Stevens |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a tense thriller and emotionally complex. At the start I thought I would not be able to continue reading. The subject matter is disturbing. I kept on and finally became hooked. I didn't figure out "whodunit" until the end. This was an uncorrected bound manuscript so it may not be out yet. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| Powers by John B. Olson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This fantasy and paranormal story is not my cup of tea. I did finish the book, however, and feel the ending is constructed to allow a sequel. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| The Siege by Stephen White |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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This is one of his better thrillers. The various characters are well drawn and the setting is interesting. |
| Julie |
| Company of Liars by Karen maitland |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This story is a little slow in developing but stay with it. It takes place in the 1300's. Nine people are thrown together by chance and are traveling to a monestary to avoid the Plague that is ravishing England. All tell a story about their lives, who is telling the truth? |
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| Losing It by Valerie Bertinelli |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I enjoy reading about the lives of actors told from their voice. One of my vices. There is really no literary value by reading these type of books. I like to read about celebrities lives, especially those that were in shows back when I was a kid. I always have a picture in my mind about what this person is really like. The books put it in perspective and confirm whether I had the right picture or not. With Valerie, I was close but not right on. I always viewed her as a girl who seemed to have her act together, wholesome and true to herself. I also thought her marriage to Eddie Van Halen had to be good because it lasted for so long and I never heard anything bad about it. Well, Val was pretty straight but I was surprised to read that she did cocaine and pot as a teenager. Definitely not as hard core as MacKenzie Phillips, but enough to taint the wholesome characteristic. She was insecure like any other teenager. But more so because of her weight issues. I appreciate her honesty about her weight and her issues with it through out this book. She was asked to try out for a part in Friends. I think it was Ross's ex wife. She didn't even try for it because she was so intimidated by the skinniness of Jennifer, Courtney and Lisa. Amazing. Her marriage to Ed was rocky from the start. They cheated on each other and he had a severe drinking problem. She was angry about his substance abuse all through out their marriage until she couldn't take it anymore. I think this is one of the better autobiographies I've read. It read more like an honest life story without the frantic drug abuse littered throughout MacKenzie's and Tatum's. Valerie is also an avid reader and is a member of a bookclub. Some one I can relate to. I heard she has come out with another book and I would probably be interested in reading this one as well. |
| Sandy |
| South of Broad by Pat Conroy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Didn't care for this book when I first started it, but I am glad I stuck with it. By chapter 3 I was hooked! The characters are fascinating, esp. Sheba and Leo and Trevor. Actually, there are many more great characters and twists and turns that will keep you up late. |
| Linda H. ([email protected]) |
| Afraid by Jack Kilborn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Safe Haven, Wisconsin is a small town in the northern part of the state and is almost surrounded by water. There is only one road going into and out of the town. Sal is fishing out on the lake when he hears a loud boom and realizes that the helicopter he has just seen has crashed. The crash area is close to his home. As his boat nears the shore, he hears screaming and realizes it is his wife. What is going on? A suspenseful book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. |
| Linda H. ([email protected]) |
| Deadlock by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Emily Hudson and Joel Levy are representatives of the U.N. and have gone to Afghanistan to save priceless artifacts from destruction. As they are packing up, two of Emily's crew leave first. Emily and Joel follow and find their crew dead. They are captured by an unknown group who believe that Emily has found the treasure they are seeking. As word of their capture reaches the U.S., Jon Garrett is contacted by the CIA to search for the missing U.N. workers. But the search will lead to more bloodshed and many questions. Who is the man looking for the treasure? Who are his backers? What exactly is the treasure? A very good book! |
| Linda H. ([email protected]) |
| Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow by James Rollins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have read all of James Rollin's novels and loved them each and every one. This one is the first in a series involving Jake Ransom and his sister, Kady. Jake and Kady are children of archeologists who disappeared on a dig in Mexico. Both are now living with their aunt and uncle and have been invited to London to participate in the opening of an exhibit honoring their missing parents. While examining an artifact, they are sent back in time and find themselves in a strange land. Although this series is written as children's books, it is still a great read for adults. I look forward to the next adventure of Jake and Kady in JAKE RANSOM AND THE HOWLING SPHINX. |
| Sandy |
| Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
| If you liked her first book, THE GLASS CASTLE, you will love this one.The first one was about Rosemary and her husband Rex and their children and HALF BROKE HORSES was about Rosemary's mother, Lily. |
