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December 17, 2010 - January 6, 2011

Last contest period's winners were Cindy, Genevieve B., Jeff, Reniazeand Marcia S., who each received a copy of OF LOVE AND EVIL by Anne Rice and UNBROKEN: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand.

 

Julie H.
Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog: The Amazing Ad by Lisa Scottoline
Rating: 3 Stars
A great book to tote along in the car when you have a few moments to spare for reading! Mystery writer Scottoline has collected many of her columns from a Philadelphia newspaper and provided us with a glimpse of her life. From housing four dogs, to watching her child grow up and move away, to her aging mother, Scottoline taps into much of what many women think but don't always talk about. She provided us with another collection this October, and I will definitely check it out! 

 
Julie H.
Helen of Pasadena by Lian Dolan
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a little too light to be women's fiction and a little too exciting to just be mom-lit, but Helen Fairchild's life and the twists it takes made this an enjoyable read. Helen's husband is killed in a freak accident --- involving the Rose Bowl parade, no less! Helen falls back on her unfinished Classics degree to procure a temporary job with a visiting scholar at the Huntington Library. Dolan gives us what feels like an insider's look at the world of Pasadena, where houses and private schools that shape your identity. I gather that there will be a couple more of these books in the future, and I look forward to reading them, too.
 
Julie H.
Stay by Allie Larkin
Rating: 4 Stars
Savannah (Van) Leone finds herself in a somewhat common literary pickle. The guy she has loved from afar all through college marries her best friend, while she looks on as the maid of honor. Larkin's debut novel takes this theme to a new level and really makes Van shine as the heroine of the tale. From ordering a puppy off the Internet to a host of unusual secondary characters, STAY swings between the humor and sadness of life very believably. I really liked this story and recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.
 
Julie H.
Elvis and the Memphis Mambo Murders: A Southern Co by Peggy Webb
Rating: 3 Stars
What a cute twist on the cozy mystery theme. Cousins Callie and Lovie are joined by an adorable Basset Hound, who may or may not really be the "King." What's important is that the hound thinks he's Elvis! In this tale, Callie's mom enters a Mambo contest in Memphis (where else!?), and everyone attends to help keep Ruby Nell out of trouble. This is the first Southern Cousins book that I've read, and I don't think my enjoyment of this murder-mystery was inhibited too much by not knowing the background of all the players. That said, I would definitely like to go back and find out how Callie and Elvis hooked up!
 
Brady
Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin
Rating: 5 Stars
I heard this audiobook via CDs. What a great true story this is --- a blockbuster. You don't know what poor is till you read this book. It tells of the superb accomplishment of an uneducated boy who walks tall in adulthood. 

You also get an excellent view of life under Mao and the devotion of his people. WOW I say.
 
Stacey K.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Rating: 5 Stars
I just read this book for the second time, and I'm sure I will read it again! A timeless classic!
 
Marsha M.
Justinian's Flea: The First Great Plague and t by William Rosen
Rating: 3 Stars
An interesting but ultimately disappointing history of the Roman Empire during Emperor Justinian's reign in the sixth century. I was drawn to this book because I really knew little about the pre-medieval political map of the Empire, except that it had moved its focus and capital east to Asia Minor. It did fill in some of the blank areas, although I did get lost in the names of all the different non Roman groups, places and cities, and the religious schools of thought, which were the source of conflict and political unrest in Justinian's domain.

My problem with the book was that I thought it meandered away from the main premise, which was that the outbreaks of plague weakened both the Western and Eastern empires so much that they enabled the subsequent conquest of the southern Mediterranean (basically today's Middle East) by the armies of Islam. The author spends a lot of time arguing and explaining early Church doctrinal differences, with his own bias clearly in evidence through his overuse of hyperbole in the first half of the book. Similarly, he goes into great scientific detail in describing the evolution and genesis of the epidemiology of the plague, which was fascinating; he even pinpoints the time and place of the initial outbreak, but then he only paints broad strokes on the breakouts and the timelines that played out over the next 20+ years.

I could not help but compare his history to Geraldine Brooks's treatment of the same subject almost ten centuries later in YEARS OF WONDER: A Novel of the Plague. Admittedly, the latter covers a much smaller geographic space and time. But it seemed to me that JUSTINIAN'S FLEA spent too much time on prologue and afterward, and not enough time on the premise. 

 
Cindy
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
Rating: 5 Stars
This book was awesome. I liked the way the author created the story --- the plot would go from what was currently happening to Annie and then jump to Annie tallking to her shrink. The book made you feel like you were the one going through the pain and heartache that Annie endured. It had a surprising ending. I really enjoyed this book; it was totally different from any of the other mystery/thrillers I have read recently.
 
Reva W.
Payback by Fern Michaels
Rating: 3 Stars
The second book in the Sisterhood series. Julia's husband is a senator, and he's on the short list to be Vice President. What everyone doesn't know is that he gave is wife AIDS. Now she wants to get even, and the Sisterhood wants to help.

I enjoyed this book, but there are some minor details that I'm just not too sure about.
 
Tanya
Katie Up and Down the Hall: The True Story of How by Glenn Plaskin
Rating: 4 Stars
A heartwarming story about a dog named Katie, who brings people together in her apartment building.
 
Debbie
Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian
Rating: 4 Stars
This novel centers on domestic abuse and its ramifications. The story begins with the death of the Haywards, a couple, which is presumed to be a murder/suicide. The novel is divided into four voices: Stephen Drew, the Baptist minister and ex-lover of Alice Hayward; Catherine Benincasa, the deputy state attorney; Heather Laurent, a writer and victim of domestic abuse; and Katie Hayward, the teen-age daughter of the deceased couple. I felt that this narrative format works well with this story. Your opinion of certain characters changes with each individual's narrative. Of course, I had figured out the outcome long before the last narrative; I just hadn't figured out the logistics. Most people dislike Stephen, but I dislike Heather. Heather's character seems not fully developed and too judgmental. Bohjalian presents an interesting and saddening novel about love, hate and abuse.
 
Fran
The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton
Rating: 3 Stars
A cute story of a group of housewives, set in the '60s, who encourage each other to follow their dreams to write a book. The author has a nice ability to weave the history of the times into this fictional account of five young mothers, Frankie, Linda, Ally , Kath and Brett, who form lasting friendships.
 
Marsha M.
Blood Harvest by S.J. Bolton
Rating: 5 Stars
When the Fletchers move to idyllic, isolated Heptonclough, England from America, they look forward to a peaceful life in this quaint, agricultural town. But nothing could be further from the truth. Their property abuts an old cemetery and church ruins. The locals are not especially welcoming, and 10-year-old Tom and six-year-old Joe are bullied by their piers.

Shortly after they move in, a new vicar comes to town to open the abandoned newer church on the other side of the ruins. These outsiders become enmeshed in village secrets, unusual and alarming customs, and the mysterious deaths or disappearances of young girls close to the age of the youngest Fletcher sibling. With mounting suspense and alarm, the vicar and the Fletchers try to unravel the almost surreal situations in which they find themselves.

In a novel that reads like a horror story but is firmly rooted in the here and now, S.J. Bolton paints a picture of rural life gone amok. As the powerful exercise their will for secrecy in spite of the hideous and tragic consequences, the newcomers soldier on to save themselves and expose the truth. With beautiful prose and tight construction, S.J. Bolton creates an atmospheric page-turner with living, breathing, believable characters. 

 
Julie R.
Not Nice: And Other Understatements by Annetta Ribken
Rating: 4 Stars
An eclectic collection of flash fiction that touches on many facets of the human condition --- some of them dark and disturbing, others lighthearted and hopeful. Marital strife, loneliness, vengeance and grief are some of the themes explored in these potent little stories. A few speculative pieces appear in this collection as well, but even the dragons and vampires within these pages are full of humanity. There's something for everyone in this lovely collection, which should be savored slowly and revisited often.
 
T. Thomas
A Dog's Purpose: A Novel for Humans by W. Bruce Cameron
Rating: 5 Stars
A wonderful book told from the dog's point of view. I highly recommend it to dog lovers.
 
Allie
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O'Connor McNees
Rating: 3 Stars
An interesting story about Louisa May Alcott.
 
Michele
The Wishing Trees by John Shors
Rating: 5 Stars
A friend, who loves to travel, bought me this book for my birthday. It's a beautifully written novel about a 10-year-old girl who, in many ways, leads her father around the world after the death of her mother. This novel moves at an unhurried yet wonderful pace. It's a novel that celebrates life and all of our gifts. It moved me to tears on several occasions, and the ending is just perfect.
 
Sandy
Room by Emma Donoghue
Rating: 5 Stars
An old, nasty man kidnaps a young girl and keeps her in a small room. She ends up pregnant, of course, and that baby is stillborn. Then she becomes pregnant again, and it is Ma and Jack together for five years. Finally, she cannot take it anymore, and she devises a plan to escape. I loved this book!!!
 
Christy
Three Wise Cats: A Christmas Story by Harold Konstantelos and Terri Jenkins-Braduy
Rating: 4 Stars
I love cats, so this story was just right for me. It brought the nativity story to life in a whole new way, showing it from the perspective of three beautiful and brave cats.
 
Judy O.
The Confession by John Grisham
Rating: 5 Stars
I thought this book was fabulous! The suspense started immediately, and it didn't let up for most of the book. It was all I could do not to peek at the ending.

A young man is going to be executed in Texas in about four days. Another man, a career criminal in Kansas, confides to a Lutheran minister that he was the one who committed the crime. What happens from there is a roller-coaster ride of suspense. It did get a little preachy about capital punishment toward the end, but I didn't even mind because it was just so good.
 
Sandy
They're Watching by Gregg Hurwitz
Rating: 4 Stars
Great story! There were a couple of parts that I didn't quite understand, but that didn't detract from the book. I could almost give it five stars.
 
Darryn D.
Molly B'Damn: The Silver Dove of the Coeur d&# by A. Jaydee
Rating: 5 Stars
MOLLY B'DAMN is historical fiction based on the story of a young Irish woman who leaves her family to find a new life in the United States. It then follows Molly on her search for adventure. From arriving on her own in Boston, to facing the rugged environment of the Old West, Molly provides a glimpse into the incredible resolve of the early pioneers. While it is a story about a woman who becomes a prostitute, it focuses on her character and her development. 

The structure for this novel provides extra incentive for reading. At appropriate points in the book, known historical references are provided. The author uses these references to bring the character to life and to provide descriptions of the interactions with known historical figures. 

The story moves along at an excellent pace, combining both the highs and the lows of Molly's life. It portrays both the strength of character necessary for her success and also the sad naivety of a girl out of her element wanting to believe in the world. This is an excellent story and one that I would recommend for anyone wanting to understand more about the amazing diversity of characters in the Old West.
 
Karen
Shadow Divers: The True Adventures of Two American by Robert Kurson
Rating: 5 Stars
Our book club just finished this for this month. The author makes a nonfiction subject so real and fascinating that you feel like you are there, exploring a sub with the divers. I didn't think I would be interested, but it was a great book.
 
Kathy V.
At The Stroke Of Madness: A Maggie O'Dell Nov by Alex Kava
Rating: 5 Stars
Alex Kava did it again! Another great Maggie O'Dell mystery --- she finds herslf right in the thick of things, even though it is her vacation. She goes to help her friend find someone, and finds herself stuck in a freezer.
 
Sharon
The Double Comfort Safari Club: A No. 1 Ladies' by Alexander McCall Smith
Rating: 5 Stars
As always, Mr. Smith gives us another delightful, gentle book set in Botswana, with the intrepid Mma Ramotswe seeking out the answers to the mysteries of life and dealing kindly with those who would be irritating to most of us.
 
CherylS22
Kill for Me by Karen Rose
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is a thoroughly engrossing book read, and it is one of the best romantic thrillers I've read in a long time. The story is fast-paced, and it's one of those books that you just can't put down.
 
Sharon
Keeping Up with Magda by Isla Dewar
Rating: 2 Stars
It seemed that the characters in this book had insights into themselves, others and the world in general, but those insights made no difference in the way they acted, or in the ways they responded to the situations that came up. Perhaps true to life, but I felt that the story went nowhere. At the end, characters were pretty much at the same maturity level that they were at in the beginning.
 
T. Thomas
Christmas Mourning by Margaret Maron
Rating: 4 Stars
The latest book in the Deborah Knott series. Very good.
 
Marsha
Lipstick in Afghanistan by Roberta Gately
Rating: 5 Stars
Elsa, a girl in Boston, dreams of becoming a nurse who can help save lives in devastated areas of the world. After working in the ER in Boston, she is sent to Afghanistan, where her life changes as she meets the challenges and learns of the everyday difficulties the native women experience in their lives. Her friendship with kindred spirits and her introduction a UN soldier make for a fascinating tale. This is a good choice for book clubs.
 
Lyanne
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
Rating: 5 Stars
This novel is beautifully written. The plot is layered in gothic suspense. It is set in England, and alternates chapters between pre-WWII to the present. It involves history, mystery and family secrets. The characters are complex and intriguing.
 
Debbie
Dead Man's Chest: A Phryne Fisher Mystery by Kerry Greenwood
Rating: 3 Stars
Nothing is as fun as a Phryne Fisher Mystery set in Australia during the 1920s. In this caper, Phryne and her household, which includes Dot, Jane, Ruth and Molly, go to Queenscliff for a vacation while their house undergoes renovations. Mayhem abounds, as the group enters their rental house to find the couple who'd been tending the house, along with all the furniture and all the food, gone. Phryne begins her investigation into the disappearance of the Johnsons amid other problems. Phryne follows the many diversions, but misses the amorous caresses of Lin Chung. Greenwood brings into the story a lesson about surrealism, a film set and the struggles of the lower class. Greenwood presents rich characters, sumptuous meals, and 1920s haute couture.
 
Rosalie S.
Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa
Rating: 4 Stars
The Palestinian view of the settling of Israel in 1948. This gave me a completely different idea of the fighting between the Muslims and the Jews. It opened my eyes to the Palestinian experience with searing honesty and moving compassion. I highly recommend this book.
 
Bonnie
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resili by Laura Hillenbrand
Rating: 5 Stars
I bought this simply because I enjoyed SEABISCUIT so much. I was not disappointed. This nonfiction tale of a man who was first in the Olympics, and then a POW in World War II, is an amazing story of resilience and fortitude. And it's a great read.
 
Rosalie S.
Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic by Geraldine Brooks
Rating: 4 Stars
A very different book by Ms. Brooks. I have read and enjoyed her other books, so I thought I would try this one. It was wonderful; it gives a complete and totally different view of the lives of Islamic women. Very insightful and informative.
 
Lorna
Fade Away: A Myron Bolitar Novel by Harlan Coben
Rating: 3 Stars
An older Myron Bolitar novel. It dragged out, and it didn't really grab me until the last three chapters. Myron gets drafted to a NBA team so that he can find one of their stars who has gone missing...but of course he and Myron have a past. There were too many characters for me to keep track of. The best part was that I found out some thngs about Myron that I wasn't aware of.
 
Allie
The Geometry of Sisters by Luanne Rice
Rating: 5 Stars
Another great read by Luanne Rice. This book takes place in Newport, Rhode Island.
 
Marsha
Bad Blood: A Virgil Flowers Novel by John Sandford
Rating: 3 Stars
This is the first Sandford book I have read that I didn't much care for. Virgil Flowers, his investigator, is a wonderful character, so read DARK OF THE MOON, HEAT LIGHTNING or ROUGH COUNTRY for more enjoyable reads that feature him.
 
Marsha
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Rating: 4 Stars
Private investigators Angela Gennaro and Patrick Kenzie return --- and find themselves again searching for Amanda McCready once again. They found Amanda when she was kidnapped at the age of four. Now she is again gone missing at the age of l6. Their search leads them into a world of identify thieves, meth dealers, Russian mob leaders and other crazies. A good yarn that moves at breakneck speed.
 
Phyllis
Hell's Corner by David Baldacci
Rating: 5 Stars
I am a big fan of David Baldacci and always look forward to reading his latest book. HELL'S CORNER did not disappoint. I enjoyed John Carr/Oliver Stone, the rest of the Camel Club members and the new British characters. HELL'S CORNER is an action-packed, fast-moving political thriller with lots of twists and turns.

 
Reva W.
U is For Undertow by Sue Grafton
Rating: 5 Stars
I will be very sad when this author runs out of letters in the alphabet. I hope she finds another way to continue this series; I've become attached to the characters.

In this book, a young man remembers seeing a couple of men bury something when he was a small boy, and he thinks it may have been a kidnapped girl who never turned up. He hires Kinsey to look into it.
 
Eileen K., Ph.D.
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is a great drama between a woman, who reads an ad in the paper for a reliable wife, and the man who answers her response to the ad. The story is compelling and filled with surprises. It is an awesome tale that is engaging and thought-provoking!
 
Gail
Room by Emma Donoghue
Rating: 5 Stars
I loved loved this book. I fell in love with the little boy too. It was hard to read in the beginning, given that the story was coming from a five-year-old, but that ended up making it that much better. Heartbreaking, but even more heartwarming!
 
Julie
A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a story about a country girl, Elnora Comstock, who is driven and motivated to make something of herself and get an education, despite her mother's resentment of her, her lack of money and her lower station in life. It's very descriptive and wonderfully written. Elnora's story is a powerful and inspiring one, filled with nature, surprises and a satisfying ending.
 
Sheltiemama
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Rating: 4 Stars
I'm on the last part of this book. It's one of the great novels, but don't read it when you're depressed.
 
B. Markiewicz
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Rating: 5 Stars
Allows you into the personal life and tribulations of those black women working for "spoiled" white women in Mississippi. This should be a lesson for everyone.
 
Debbie
Ghost in Trouble by Carolyn Hart
Rating: 3 Stars
Bailey Ruth Raeburn is not the normal, frightening ghost, like the nightly visitors that Ebenezer Scrooge encountered. Bailey Ruth resembles Casper, a friendly and helpful spirit. Bailey Ruth and her husband enjoy heaven, but Bailey Ruth needs a diversion. Therefore, Bailey Ruth joins Heaven's Department of Good Intentions and returns to earth to battle injustice. Bailey always returns to her earthly home in Oklahoma in each novel. In this caper, Bailey must protect a woman that she considered an enemy. In the process, Bailey investigates a recent, suspicious death. Hart presents a light mystery that seems silly at times. Bailey Ruth, a fashionista, constantly changes outfits, which leads the reader to feel this is a fashion magazine instead of a murder mystery. The references to other writers through quotes adds spice to the novel. This book is fun, but not challenging.


 
Dona M.
Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
Rating: 5 Stars
I am enjoying this challenging story of Cleopatra. Schiff has certainly done her research, and she places Cleopatra in her true light, especially since there is very little accurate historical information about the Queen of the Nile.
 
Judy O.
Lipstick in Afghanistan by Roberta Gately
Rating: 4 Stars
Elsa has dreamed of becoming a nurse most of her life --- ever since she saw a magazine picture of starving children in a third world country. So, she eventually gets a position as a nurse for an aid organization in Afghanistan. She is not preprared for the poverty and the lack of basic human rights she witnesses there. Elsa's tube of lipstick that she takes with her grounds her and helps her remember the life that she lived before. She meets many wonderful people in Afghanistan and even finds love. This is a fascinating story.
 
Bonnie
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
Rating: 4 Stars
This science fiction classic, written more than 50 years ago, is a series of vignettes about robots. Asimov's wit and brilliance are evident in these stories, as is his ability to discern the future.
 
John M.
Star Island by Carl Hiaasen
Rating: 5 Stars
Carl Hiaasen's books are always a riot to one degree or another, and this one is on the high side of funny. His books are always good for at least one laugh-out-loud moment, and halfway through the book, there have already been many! The premise itself is outlandish; the characters include Cherry Pye --- a pop singer with many flaws --- an actress body double, an ex-governor now living a hermit's life in the swamps, many stereotyped hangers-on, and a bodyguard with a weed-whacker in place of his missing hand. All are wrapped up in a bizarre plot that's even more outlandish than the characters. This is Carl at his finest!
 
Denise
Room by Emma Donoghue
Rating: 5 Stars
This book, which is about a woman who is abducted and raises the child of her captor in a shed, sounds gruesome, horrible and depressing. Who wants to read that? You do. ROOM is in fact uplifting, funny, sweet, sad, and altogether amazing and wonderful. We see the room through the eyes of five-year-old Jack --- it's the world he knows, and it is a good world, thanks to Ma. ROOM is a story about mothers and a story about how our world works. Since the moment I finished it, I have been pleading with others to read it, too.
 
Barbara S.
The Keepers by Heather Graham
Rating: 3 Stars
The story of vampires, werewolves and shapeshifters living in New Orleans. One of the group has begun to murder young, beautiful, blond women, completely draining their blood and leaving their bodies in cemeteries. The lead detective on the case is also a vampire, etc, etc.


 
Pegasc
Rough Country: A Virgil Flowers Novel by John Sandford
Rating: 4 Stars
I love the way he captures the locale of my home state and the sense of humor he uses with his lead detective, Virgil Flowers. Well worth checking out.
 
Coral H.
The Brave by Nicholas Evans
Rating: 5 Stars
Evans wrote THE HORSE WHISPERER. This book is different but equally good. It's about Tom, who was born in England, and came to Hollywood with Diane, who is his sister, and was breaking into the pictures at the time. Tom was crazy about Western movies, and Diane's movie was something of a Western. Her leading man was Ray, and she then marries him. The story goes on to when Tom is grown and a father himself. It is hard to say much without giving the story away. Read it and enjoy.
 
Sharon N.
Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand
Rating: 5 Stars
I learned a lot about horse racing and the hardships that the American jockeys faced during the early days of horse racing.
 
Debbie
A Catered Thanksgiving: A Mystery with Recipes by Isis Crawford
Rating: 3 Stars
This is another of the Mystery with Recipes series, which is set around New York. Bernie and Libby are to cater a Thanksgiving dinner for a wealthy miser and his family members. Bernie and Libby have received specific instructions about how the turkey should be roasted. They must use one of those frozen turkeys that contain a pop-up timer that shows when the turkey is through cooking. Of course, the turkey has been substituted for an explosive turkey, and the family knows that the miser ALWAYS checks the pop-up device on the turkey. No explanation is required for what happens next. In the process, a snowstorm hits the secluded mansion, and all roads leading in and out are blocked by snow. The murderer, the murdered, Bernie, Libby and the rest of the family are trapped, with only occasional telephone service. Again, I love the baking tidbits mentioned by Bernie and Libby, but I feel that their baking is for the upper class population. Still, this is a fun read.


 
T. Thomas
The Anatomy of Ghosts by Andrew Taylor
Rating: 4 Stars
I received an ARC of this book and enjoyed reading it. It is a good mystery with plenty of period details.
 
Jud H.
Comfort to the Enemy and Other Carl Webster Storie by Elmore Leonard
Rating: 4 Stars
A collection of three short stories featuring Carl Webster, that go from his childhood through his career as a US Marshall.
 
Jud H.
Unfinished Business: Pursuit of an Antarctic Kille by Theodore Jerome Cohen
Rating: 5 Stars
Picks up where FROZEN IN TIME left off. This book chronicles the investigation that results after the Lientur returns to Chile from the fateful expedition, during which three crewman lost their lives.
 
Jeff
Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Rating: 4 Stars
I read this a long time ago, and I just read it again. It's even better the second time. Since I also just finished The Millennium Trilogy, I guess I'm on a streak of reading authors who died before their books became bestsellers.
 
Coral H.
Ape House by Sara Gruen
Rating: 5 Stars
Gruen wrote WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. She likes to write about animals. This is about studying bonobos, a type of ape. They can communicate with humans by using sign language. There is a mystery involved, and it's a good read.
 
Poker Gal
The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells
Rating: 4 Stars
Very entertaining and enjoyable.
 
Reniazen
The Case for God by Karen Armstrong
Rating: 5 Stars
Although I am not yet finished with this amazing book, I can tell you that the praise regarding its author's thorough research is well founded. She uses ancient texts and modern science to explain why we've fallen away from what religion was truly meant to be. Hopefully everyone will have read this in the next decade, and we can get back to caring for our neighbors rather than trying to control every aspect of their lives on the basis of an outdated mode of belief.
 
Stanley
The Adventures of Cotton Top and Earnest by Stanley Smith
Rating: 5 Stars
A really interesting story, set in 1953, of young boys who live in Oklahoma on the Washita River and are starting reach manhood. There's lots of excitement and adventure. A good read for all ages.

ISBN#97-1-4500-3402-9 (Hardcover);
ISBN#978-1-4500-3401-2 (Paperback). Published through Xlibris, 1-888-795-4274.
 
Tanya
The Letter by Richard Paul Evans
Rating: 4 Stars
The third in the Christmas Box collection. I loved all three!
 
Sean from OHIO
The Client by John Grisham
Rating: 4 Stars
John Grisham has succeeded here in writing a heartwarming tale involving an 11-year-old kid who's in trouble, his messed-up family, and his possibly more messed-up lawyer. really enjoyed the main character, despite the fact that he seemed much older than his age at times, but I guess that's the point. While the thriller element of the book wasn't high, it was charged with emotion. But Grisham's usual ability to take you into whatever southern city his book takes place in was missing; I never really got that here. Overall, though, a really good book.
 
Glenn
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein
Rating: 4 Stars
Heinlein was and always will be one of the best sci-fi writers around.

 
Jud H.
Divine Justice by David Baldacci
Rating: 5 Stars
The government took Oliver Stone's family from him, and now he has gotten revenge. He's now on the run from his former commander, and the Camel Club must find Oliver before he does.
 
Ellen B.
Room by Emma Donoghue
Rating: 5 Stars
I finished it in one day...I could not put it down. It's a really interesting read...I can't wait to suggest it to my book club.
 
Michelle A.
Tuck: The King Raven Trilogy, Book 3 by Stephen Lawhead
Rating: 4 Stars
A wonderful ending to Lawhead's King Raven Trilogy. Lawhead's Robin Hood is more of a reluctant hero, but he's no less loveable. The fact that this final book is told through Friar Tuck's point of view is also enjoyable.
 
Diane
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Rating: 4 Stars
An interesting book with a dog as the narrator. A good for book discussion.
 
Marcia S.
Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a story that keeps you turning the pages. The characters are well thought-out and alive. One can identify with the family discord that finally comes to a head.
 
Cindy
First Family by David Baldacci
Rating: 5 Stars
This was a very good book --- one that once you've started it, you just can't put down. It was a bit far-fetched as far as the roles of the President and the First Lady were concerned, but it was an interesting read that kept you in a state of suspense until the very end.
 
Michelle A.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Rating: 3 Stars
A good message for everyone. The story itself was not very interesting. It did not inspire me as much as it should have, perhaps.
 
Michelle A.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Rating: 5 Stars
This was a fascinating book, and it is very well-written. The stories of both Henrietta and the HeLa cells were equally interesting. The writing was clear and sympathetic to all participants in the story. It also raises grave questions about cellular research today and the role we all will play in it.
 
Jon
WAR by Sebastian Junger
Rating: 5 Stars
An outstanding, riveting acount of the experiences of men on the front lines in Afghanistan. Highly recommended.
 
Marisa P.
The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
Rating: 4 Stars
SOMETIMES SPECTACULAR.

Weaving together the stories of three very different women who are loosely tied to each other, debut novelist Blake takes readers back and forth between small-town America and war-torn Europe in 1940. Single, 40-year-old postmistress Iris James and young newlywed Emma Trask are both new arrivals to Franklin, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. While Iris and Emma go about their daily lives, they follow American reporter Frankie Bard on the radio, as she delivers powerful and personal accounts from the London Blitz and elsewhere in Europe. While Emma waits for the return of her husband --- a volunteer doctor in England --- Iris comes across a letter with valuable information in it that she chooses to hide. Blake captures two different worlds --- a naïve nation in denial and, across the ocean, a continent wracked with terror.

At times this book soared, but the parts were greater than the sum, and some parts were better than others. I do recommend this book, mostly because of the parts of the book dealing with Frankie --- the intrepid radio reporter working for Edward R. Murrow. Frankie broadcast reports from Europe before America entered the war. Frankie took it upon herself to wake America up to the reality of the situation in Europe. Her stories were compelling, and so was her obsession with getting the stories to America. When she was traveling across Germany and France via trains and interviewing the refugees trying to escape to the West, and when she reported on the London bombings, the book absolutely soared.

What I found most interesting was that, although the character of Iris holds the position of postmistress in little Franklin, Massachusetts, I felt that it was really Frankie who was the "postmistress" of the title, as it was Frankie who delivered the news. I think the book could have been a lot stronger if the entire story was about Frankie and the other reporters who were in Europe during the early days of the war; it's a fascinating subject, especially for those who were either too young to remember or who weren't even born yet.

 
Allie
All But My Life by Gerda Weissmann Klein
Rating: 3 Stars
An interesting memoir about the Holocaust.
 
Kathy V.
Feline Fatale: A Kendra Ballantine, Pet Sitter Mys by Linda O. Johnston
Rating: 5 Stars
In this latest book in the Kendra Ballantine, Pet Sitter mystery series, Kendra pet-sits for her best friend while she is out of town for the weekend. The next thing you know, Wanda gets back, and one of the most hated woman in the apartment building is found murdered, and the police think she did it. So it's up to Kendra to save her.
 
Debbie
Elvis and the Memphis Mambo Murders: A Southern Co by Peggy Webb
Rating: 2 Stars
I have never read any novels by Peggy Webb, and this is the latest in a series of southern mysteries. Elvis, a basset hound who believes he is the reincarnation of Elvis Presley, helps his human mother to solve murders. In this caper, many of the Valentine family members go to Memphis for a dance competition. Callie, the owner/mother of Elvis and her cousin, Lovie, run around the historic Peabody Hotel attempting to solve the murders before Callie's mother, Ruby Nell, becomes a victim. The antics of Callie and Lovie resemble an adult version of Ethel and Lucy on "I Love Lucy," but with less humor. Elvis, the dog, narrates many of the chapters, letting the reader know the status of the case. This is a fun read with no graphic violence, but plenty of sexual humor. The cast of characters is extensive and, at times, very confusing; plus, I had a difficult time with the first few chapters because I couldn't decide who was narrating the events. The many references to Elvis are interesting, but sometimes too overdone. This might be an interesting book for my Southern Voices book club to read and discuss.
 
Carolyn M.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Rating: 4 Stars
This is from a Spanish novelist; it's a worldwide bestseller that's been translated into English. It's a different sort of mystery that's set in Barcelona in 1945, just after the war. People who love books about books will be intrigued by the book dealer's son, who is searching for information about a mysterious author of a book from The Cemetery of Forgotten Books. Daniel begins his search from there, and the reader watches it unfold, step by step.
 
Marsha
Learning to Die in Miami: Confessions of a Refugee by Carlos Eire
Rating: 5 Stars
Carlos Eire's personal saga continues, picking up where his first book, WAITING FOR SNOW IN HAVANA: Confessions of a Cuban Boy, left off. Part of the airlift of children from Cuba that occurred after the revolution, Carlos and his brother encounter many obstacles in their new country. Beautifully written and a delight to read, this book will capture your heart, and you will never look at an immigrant with the same eyes as you wonder about his or her struggles in the USA.
 
Marisa P.
The Fifth Servant by Kenneth Wishnia
Rating: 5 Stars
Set in 16th-century Prague, the story features the famous Rabbi Loew and his not-so-famous shammes (synagogue sexton), Benyamin Ben-Akiva. On Passover, a Christian girl is murdered and left in a Jewish shop, which up wild accusations of blood libel and witchcraft against the Jews. Benyamin endeavors to find the culprit, wending his way carefully as clues take him into the Christian community. A densely philosophical yet surprisingly witty historical mystery, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this book. A terrific blend of Jewish history, a murder mystery, and descriptions of what life was like in 16th-century Prague.
 
Sherman
Deadly Spin: An Insurance Company Insider Speaks O by Wendell Potter
Rating: 3 Stars
I just finished this new book about the insurance companies and how they have taken us to the cleaners! It's written by an ex-senior executive of a large insurance company, who walked away after seeing all the corruption going on in these corporations. A very insightful book.
 
Linda
City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a powerful book of love, devotion, dedication, and several individuals' commitment to work in the mission fields of 1902-1926 China. The conditions consist of the barest of essentials. The dangers include death, drought, bandits, civil war, etc. They are tested both physically and spiritually, but find themselves rewarded in ways that leave them forever changed. It's a life-changing book on many levels.
 
Casey
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Rating: 3 Stars
Another good book by Dennis Lehane. It's the follow-up to GONE, BABY, GONE, and now Patrick and Angie are married and have a precious little daughter. Patrick is searching for the same girl he found 12 years ago, when she was kidnapped at age four. Now she is 16 and missing again, and several people want her found for several different reasons.
 
ewhatley
The Kennedy Detail: JFK's Secret Service Agent by Gerald Blaine, Lisa McCubbin and Clint Hill
Rating: 5 Stars
The author and other Secret Service agents who served under President Kennedy provide insight into their day-to-day work, and also the events around his assassination and its aftermath. I'm about halfway through the book and find it fascinating. Although we've learned much about the details of the assassination over the years, this book provides previously undisclosed information about that day, as well as information about how the Secret Service operated in that era. This is not a political book; rather, it is the story of a select group of men who were protecting a family and the leader of our country. Highly recommend.
 
Deb C.
The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran
Rating: 4 Stars
Based on a true story. A first wife, thought to be dead, returns with her children to find her husband remarried. It's an interesting study of the norms of the time and how society punishes the "different."
 
Phyllis
The Fire Lord's Lover by Kathryne Kennedy
Rating: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this escape into Kathryne Kennedy's England, which has been taken over and divided by seven evil Elven lords. The Elven lords rule ruthlessly, with the power of sacred magical scepters they stole when they opened the gate between the realms of Elfhame and the world of man.

Dominic Raikes is the half-breed champion son of the Elven Fire Lord, Mor'ded. Lady Cassandra was raised to show purity and innocence, but was secretly trained as an assassin. Her task is to bring down the Fire Lord and his half-breed son. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through a contest.

 
Kellie
Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving
Rating: 2 Stars
I have read four other books by Irving, and they were far better than this one. Irving's plots are layered. His characters are complex and extraordinary, and this book was no exception. I plodded through and, I admit, there were parts I enjoyed. Irving will take you back in time and set you up for what's to come. Then he will fast forward and set you up for what just happened. He did it so much in this book that I was annoyed.

The story is about Daniel and his father, who's a cook. Something tragic happens when Daniel is 12, which forces the pair to go on the run. They live in various parts of the US and Canada and meet some interesting folks along the way. Irving obviously wants the reader to know his politics and how he feels about certain politicians, but there was no place in the book for it. This was another thing that annoyed me. If you want to write a book about politics, put a political title on the front of it and tell us what you think. Don't write a story and have the characters ramble on about your political views just so you can get your voice heard. I don't care about his political views. I wanted to read a good story. He just about ruined it for me. I was disappointed in this work. John Irving is a great storyteller; he just didn't tell this one very well.
 
Debbie
A Catered Halloween: A Mystery with Recipes by Isis Crawford
Rating: 2 Stars
The last two books that I have read relied on Bernie Simpson's detective powers to investigate and solve the mystery. Poor Libby is constantly eating chocolate and worrying about her old, frumpy clothes. The treats for the Halloween party at the haunted house sound delicious. And what a haunted house, complete with a real head falling down the steps! The the sense of a grudge that's been lasting for decades, and that's finally being resolved, is plausible. This novel is not one of the more exciting books in the series.
 
Genevieve B.
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Rating: 4 Stars
What lurks beneath the surface of any of us, when the conditions are right? And who among us can judge someone that has been molded by his or her environment?
 
Genevieve B.
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Rating: 5 Stars
Seeing the big picture in the world of politics --- the good and the evil, and the webs that are created between groups with different affiliations --- can be quite scary, for the terms "good" and "evil" are both hazy and iffy once we get that broader perspective. Food for thought!
 
Connie F.
My Nest Isn't Empty, It Just Has More Closet S by Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Scottoline Serritell
Rating: 5 Stars
As usual, Ms. Scottoline makes the reader laugh out loud from the very beginning. Theses vignettes --- which are about her life alone after her daughter moves out, and are written from the viewpoint of a daughter with a still overly-protective mother --- are very funny and heartwarming. Although many of us mothers say we cannot wait until our children "fly the coop," when they do, we often find ourselves eating our words. A must-read for all mothers, no matter their age.
 
T. Wybiral
Chesapeake Blue: The Chesapeake Bay Saga, Book 4 by Nora Roberts
Rating: 4 Stars
I just started reading this book and can't put it down!! This is her best series that I have read so far.
 
Debbie
Secret Keepers by Mindy Friddle
Rating: 3 Stars
This story has all the stereotypes of Southern literature: the decrepit plantation, the old matriarch, the headstrong daughter, the Bible-toting pseudo-preacher, the young boy straining between puberty and adulthood, and the faint hint of racial prejudice. I enjoyed the story immensely. Kyle, Emma and Dora are multi-dimensional characters. The minor struggles between parent and child, good and bad, and truth and falsehood present a lives of conflict. Each individual selects the path he or she needs to follow. The biggest message is that beauty is not always clearly visible, like all the flower bulbs hidden in the ruins of the old family mansion. Friddle presents that message in the new love that arises between Emma and Dr. Burnside, the old love that is renewed between Dora and Jake, the new freedom of Bobby, and the new confidence of Kyle.
 
Judy O.
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is set in Mississippi, beginning in the 1970s and going through the present day. It centers on two men --- Larry Ott, who is white, and Silas Jones, who is black. A girl disappears when the men are teenagers, and Larry is implicated, but never proven guilty. Silas leaves the area for many years, but he now is back as a constable in the local police department. After 25 years, another girl disappears, and "Scary Larry" is again the prime suspect.

This book has so many layers. It is a mystery, a story about race relations in Mississippi and, mostly, a story about the friendship between two boys who are now men. I loved it!
 
Angela F.
Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay
Rating: 5 Stars
This novel has a wonderful sense of place and a great story line. I really enjoyed it, and I intend to read all of Ansay's other books.
 
Pat W.
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
Rating: 3 Stars
The title is the best thing about this book. It's smoothly written, and it flows easily, but I didn't feel fully engaged with the characters. They're a family of isolated, depressed people, each with their own mysterious quirk.
 
Pat W.
Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama
Rating: 3 Stars
The sympathetic story of young Chinese man, who's recuperating in his wealthy family's Japanese summer home right before World War II breaks out. It's a quiet story that transports you to another time and place.
 
Connie F.
The Lady Most Likely...: A Novel in Three Parts by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway
Rating: 5 Stars
The two interwoven stories in this well-written novel are not only entertaining, but educational as well. The Tudor era is a fascinating one, and this novel about Lady Jane Grey, who became Queen for a very short time, is wonderful! I loved it!
 
Christy
Snow Day by Billy Coffey
Rating: 5 Stars
One of the best books I have read all year. It is funny and insightful.
 
Tanya
The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
Rating: 4 Stars
You can't go wrong with a book by this author. They are short in length, but offer a large amount of inspiration.
 
Reva W.
Miracle Cure by Michael Palmer
Rating: 3 Stars
Brian Holbrook has lost his medical license because he got hooked on painkillers. Now he has kicked the habit, and wants to go back to work as a doctor. When his dad has a heart attack, he meets an old friend and gets his chance to become a doctor again. He learns of a new drug that is supposed to clean arteries, so he campains to get his dad put on it. But then he starts to find out that some of the first people who took the drug are dying. This book has a lot of suspense, and it will keep you reading until the surprising end.
 
Rosanne
A Cup of Friendship by Deborah Rodriguez
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a substantial novel about the current conditions in Afghanistan. Deborah Rodriguez has a brilliant style of writing that gets you involved and keeps you interested and invested.

I did not read her first book, KABUL BEAUTY SCHOOL: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil, but after reading A CUP OF FRIENDSHIP, I think I will. It is a wonderful story of a friendship that at first seems unlikely, but eventually becomes solid and productive.

As we follow Sunny, an American who adopts Afghanistan as her new home and the people she meets there as her new family, we learn of the culture and traditions of these people. Often, what we know about countries at war is what we read in the media. This beautiful novel focuses on lives and victims. It becomes real for those of us who are not witness to the realities of war and the barbaric treatments the people endure.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the real people of Afghanistan and what makes them a strong and determined people.
 
Tanya
A Dog Named Christmas by Gregory D. Kincaid
Rating: 5 Stars
I can't pass up a good dog book. A short but sweet Christmas story.
 
Kathy V.
Holiday Grind: A Coffee House Mystery by Cleo Coyle
Rating: 5 Stars
Clare ownes a coffee house that makes the best in town, and when she finds a part-time Santa gunned down and dead, the police want to pass it off as a random mugging. But Clare knows better. Between baking great holiday goodies and trying to figure out who did this without any help, Clare's holiday is going to be busy!
 
Helen T.
The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffery Deaver
Rating: 4 Stars
A library book sale netted me three Jeffery Deaver hardbacks, and I just finished THE BODIES LEFT BEHIND. Deaver's intricate plotting took me from one surprise plot twist to the next in every chapter, leaving me never really sure who the bad guy is and who isn't. I enjoyed this book.
 
Linda
Kasey to the Rescue: The Remarkable Story of a Mon by Ellen Rogers
Rating: 4 Stars
This book truly is a remarkable story of a monkey and a miracle. Against all odds, Ned survives his auto accident, and that part of the story alone is remarkable. Kasey's arrival does a lot to help the reader understand what all is necessary for a TBI patient to continue to survive.
 
Linda
In the Wink of an Angel's Eye by Eric Barkemeyer
Rating: 4 Stars
This is truly a fast-paced tale of adventure that involves two brothers. It ultimately brings the reader to a confrontation where they have to fight for their lives. It is a tale of good versus evil.
 
Angela S.
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Rating: 3 Stars
Extremely well written, but it's so disturbing. I can't decide if I liked the book or not. Child abuse is too scary a topic for me to think about.
 
Dawn R.
Think of a Number by John Verdon
Rating: 3 Stars
I am reading this book, which my mom recommended to me. It's pretty good, but it's not my usual reading fare (nonfiction).
 
Francisca B.
Someone Like You by Barbara Bretton
Rating: 2 Stars
A typical romance, which is to say not great. Lots of angst and misunderstandings, with fragile, dysfunctional adults who have secret tragedies in their past. But the love of a good man (not to mention a talking to by your best, gay friend) wills everything straight in a heartbeat.
 
Julie
Truman by David G. McCullough
Rating: 5 Stars
I am halfway through this book and can't put it down. It is over 1,000 pages, and if you like David G. McCullough's style of writing, which I do, you'll really enjoy this very thorough bio of the 33rd president.
 
Melydia
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Rating: 5 Stars
I can see why this story resonates with so many BookCrossers: it's all about people connecting through books. The setting is England, 1946, and everyone is still recovering from World War II. Journalist Juliet Ashton receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, a man living on Guernsey Island, who purchased a secondhand book with her address inside the front cover. He writes her to ask for the addresses of bookshops he could contact so that he can get more books by Charles Lamb. Thus, Juliet is introduced to the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a group formed during the German occupation of the Channel Islands. I feel a little silly for not knowing about the occupation, though WWII was never covered in any depth in my schooling. I am so in love with this book. It's told as a more realistic epistolary than most, in that the people in the book actually write the way most people write letters, as opposed to sharing novels through verbatim dialogue and fancy descriptive passages. Even so, the characters are unique, believable and very memorable. I laughed out loud; I got choked up; I worried; I cheered. In other words, I was completely sucked into the story. I didn't want it to end. Highly recommended.
 
Verda
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resili by Laura Hillenbrand
Rating: 4 Stars
I am enjoying the above book. I hardly ever read biographies, but I think I will try more. This book has a lot of history about WWII, and it reveals how a human being endures being captured by the enemy.

 
Lindsey
The Last Child by John Hart
Rating: 5 Stars
Gritty, scary, but very well written. It was hard to put down, and the ending was a complete surprise.
 
Akela
The Perfect Murder by H.R.F. Keating
Rating: 5 Stars
In this 1964 murder mystery --- which is the first in a series of engaging detective novels --- Inspector Ghote of the Bombay, India, police department, encounters both villains and bureaucrats. By what may be termed ratiocination, he resolves (well, more or less) the problems with which he is confronted. 

 
Annette S.
An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor
Rating: 5 Stars
In the fictitious Irish village of Ballybucklebo, Dr. Fingal O'Reilly adds a new doctor to his practice --- Dr. Barry Laverty. Together, they cure the sick and solve other problems in their village --- similar to Jan Karon's Mitford series. A delightful read during this holiday season.
 
Tricia
Agent X by Noah Boyd
Rating: 5 Stars
This is Boyd's second book after THE BRICKLAYER. The writing is fantastic writing, and so is the story, as was the case with THE BRICKLAYER. Steve Vain is the super-hero that dominates the action. A real page-turner. Don't miss it.
 
Sandie
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
Rating: 4 Stars
Kidnapped, abused, tortured...what happens after the victim comes home?
 
F. Tessa B.
Up Your Banners by Donald E. Westlake
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a departure from the crime capers he was writing at the time. It was published in 1969, when race riots were rampant. Oliver follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, teaching at Colfax High. But it is not a path he chose, and the local, 93% black community does not want him. When he falls for a black teacher, leona, things get complicated quickly.
 
lAVONNE M.
At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson
Rating: 3 Stars
I will give it three stars for now, as I am only half way through; there is so much to think about, that taking a day or two off to think about what you are reading will help you savor the contents.
 
Gretchen
Little Bee by Chris Cleave
Rating: 3 Stars
I've almost finished this book for a book group, and I just want to get it over with. It's dragged on for too long. I want to shake the characters. Maybe I'll enjoy it more when we discuss it.
 
Brady
Growing Up Laughing: My Story and the Story of Fun by Marlo Thomas
Rating: 5 Stars
I can't imagine anyone not liking this book. It is filled with humor and loving family life, with info about some famous comedians that is always interesting. Marlo got her degree from USC in English, and she surely knows how to write a book.
 
Sande O.
Pearl of China by Anchee Min
Rating: 4 Stars
A fascinating story about a missionary's daughter and her poor Chinese friend. Min was born in Shanghai, and was ordered to denounce Pearl S. Buck as an American imperialist. It takes place during the cultural revolution and shows the dignity of loyalty and deep friendship.
 
Kathryn M.
An Inconvenient Elephant by Judy Renee Singer
Rating: 4 Stars
I'm always a sucker for a book about elephants. I love to read and learn about these amazing creatures, and I'm happy to share the experience through a good book, since my current plans don't include exploring the African jungles or relocating my family near an animal sanctuary.

Neelie loves animals --- horses and elephants in particular. Neelie has troubled, complicated human relationships, but has been able to use her skills as a psychotherapist to help troubled animals...and she seems to be able to build more successful relationships with them, too.

As the story begins, Neelie is forced to leave her beloved baby ellies in troubled Africa. On her precarious trip back to New York, she meets an eccentric safari operator named Diamond-Rose Tremaine, and together they build a lasting friendship and manage to help endangered animals and each other.

I liked the characters, the adventure and, of course, the elephants! 

 
Debbie
A Catered Valentine's Day by Isis Crawford
Rating: 3 Stars
Bernie Simmons acts like a Greek chorus in a play; she relates to the audience little tidbits of information. But Bernie is a walking encyclopedia that cannot stop the release of data. This time, Bernie divulges the reason for Valentine's Day and a short history of chocolate via the Mars Candy Company. The story involves grave swapping to cover other crimes. In this caper, Bernie ditches two-timing Rob. The story centers more on Bernie this time, as she solves many mysteries while Libby handles the new oven in A Taste of Heaven. Again, Crawford presents a fun read.
 
Fran
Heat Wave by Richard Castle
Rating: 4 Stars
Fans of the TV show will adore the book. It's a quick, easy read, with lots of action! The characters are great, although all I could picture were the TV characters!
 
Cindy W.
A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin
Rating: 5 Stars
The characters are crisp and real. The author did exceptional research. She drew me right into the cockpit of a B-17. An awesome read.
 
Heather L.
The Hole We're In by Gabrielle Zevin
Rating: 5 Stars
For a writing assignment, I had to read novels that had debt as a theme. I was very surprised when I found this book --- by how well it was plotted, the humor woven throughout, the very strong, likable characters, and a couple that I hated. This author needs more attention. She also writes YA books, which I'm definitely going to pick up now.
 
Darcy
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a captivating story of India --- from the small villages, to the crowded city street life. The lives of the poor and the beggars are highlighted in an often painful light, but the strength of the human spirit makes it bearable. ThinkSlumdog Millionaire without the music and the glitz.
 
Elizabeth http://silversolara.blogspot.com/
Old Border Road by Susan Froderberg
Rating: 5 Stars
OLD BORDER ROAD has exceptional descriptions of characters, situations and Arizona scenery. The characters are unique, and the storyline is appealing.

The main character, Katherine, lives with her in-laws in southern Arizona. She must work with them in their everyday routine of keeping up their ranch, while her husband is habitually absent at night. Katherine has to work hard, deal with unhappiness, deal with loneliness, and with knowledge. As time goes by, it seems like her second thoughts as she walked down the aisle as a 17-year-old bride could have been an omen for her life's path...

Katherine, a.k.a. "Girl," learns how to rope cattle, ride horses, make dinners, repair clothing and cope with a drought that's plaguing Arizona. All characters mesh well together, even though they are distinct in their own ways.

Ms. Froderberg's style is splendid...her beautiful prose reels you into the tale and allows you to become absorbed in the lives of Girl, Son and Rose's Daddy.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book...it is one you will want to read as well. Five out of five.