The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks has written another romantic story about a former marine who carries a seemingly “lucky” photograph in his pocket that he picked up off the ground. Fellow soldiers feel the photograph carries a form of protection for the marine and suggest when he returns home that he search for the person in the picture.

The soldier finds himself looking for the person in the photograph and discovers himself in the process.

Love bears all things and this story reflects that.

If you are into romantic forays with a touch of drama, this one’s for you.

Ladybookbug!

We Bought the Zoo by Benjamin Mee

If you’ve ever had a dream and were given the opportunity to pursue it and your grabbed it—then you know what this book is about.

Benjamin Mee (along with his siblings and mother) take on the daunting task of renovating and operating a zoo in England. Benjamin, a former newspaper columnist, holds a degree in psychology and studies animal behavior. He and his family relocate to the Dartmoor Wildlife Park to operate a zoo which houses over 200 animals.

The author’s accounts of the rigorous exploits involved in getting the zoo up and running are interesting and unique. His reveries about Kevin, the boa constrictor, and Sovereign, the leopard, keep the reader interested in the story.

Colorful photographs of some of the inhabitants of the zoo, including humans just add to this delightful story.

This reader never realized all the hard work and quick-wittedness that goes into operating a successful zoo.

A good read!

Ladybookbug!

Cool Cache by Patricia Smiley

A body is found in Helen Taggart’s chocolate shop. It is the body of her cleaning woman Lupe.

Tucker Sinclair discovers the body and the investigation begins. A quetzal feather, a black vehicle, a would-be receptionist cum detective, chocolates, a street gang and Guatemala all figure into the solving of the crime.

This is a light-hearted mystery, the fourth in the Tucker Sinclair mysteries.

If you’re looking for something intriguing but not too deep, this story’s for you!

Lady Bookbug!

Leisureville by Andrew Blechman

So you’re thinking about retiring to an inexpensive community where it’s warm all year-round and a typical day may consist of playing a round of golf, pursuing a woodworking hobby and taking a nap. You may want to consider The Villages, a retirement community located in Florida. However, you may want to read this book before making a purchase.

Mr. Blechman gives an eye-opening account of what life is like in this retirement community. The fact that the author is a bit away from being eligible to live here may seem to be a bit biased but he still presents the pros and cons of living in this type of retirement haven.

This is an interesting story about a community that attracts many retirees due to its variety of homes and recreational activities, including many golf courses.

Worth the read, especially if retirement is just around the corner.

Ladybookbug!