American Heroes on the Homefront by Oliver North

Many years ago I taught elementary school.  During that time period I was often looking for themes to develop curriculum.  One of the themes that I thought about was "heroes".  I remember thinking that there were no longer any heroes that kids could look up to and emulate.  In my childhood there were heroes like Superman or Spiderman among others but there didn't seem to be any current literature written about heroes.

The fact of the matter is this--there are indeed heroes all around us.  They are not famous and they don't leap over tall buildings in a single bound.  They are policemen, firemen and the men and women in our military who serve our country every hour of every day.  They do what they do because they believe in justice and freedom and they are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that we can live in a free society.

If I were to create a curriculum today featuring heroes I would not have to look far and wide.  I'd just have to go to a local veterans association and find a list of people who serve our country or visit the local police department or check out who our firefighters are.  I would also go to my local library and look up books written by Oliver North.  It would not be difficult to present lesson plans that would provide inspiration to our young people.  You might just find a hero living next door or down the block or in your own family.

If you have never been directly affected by the sacrifices veterans make every single day, you should take out this book.  Read it, you will appreciate all that they do for us and if you're a teacher, you'll have a great start to developing a heroes curriculum.

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A Redbird Christmas & The All-Girl Filling Stations Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg

Well never let me say that I won't read a book a second time--A Redbird Christmas--was even better the second time around.  A gentle story about a man whose name is Oswald.  He has just been given some terrible news by his doctor and it is the doctors suggestion that he get out of town for a while.  So he moseys on down to a small town in Alabama for some rest.  While there he makes friends with the locals, in particular, a store clerk named Roy.  Roy discovers an injured baby bird one day and wraps it up, fully expecting it will be dead by morning.  Much to Roy's chagrin, the bird lives and becomes Roy's mascot.

Jack, is a redbird.  Those of us up north call it a Cardinal.  Jack is the life of the small store that Roy owns and he makes friends with Oswald and a small girl named Patsy, among others.

A miracle occurs on the day after Christmas that affects everyone in the town, especially Patsy.  It is the sort of miracle that you have to recognize to see.  I believe there are miracles happening every day.  We just have to look for them and see them for what they are.

This is a short book of 207 pages and there are some great recipes in the back.  Add this gentle story to your Christmas books to read list.

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The All-Girl Filling Stations Last Reunion is also by Fannie Flagg.  If you are of a certain age, you'll remember her from her appearances on Candid Camera.  If you're not--you might know of her through another book she wrote that was made into a movie called Fried Green Tomatoes.   This story takes place during WWII and about 2005.

Sookie is a southern gal who has just finished marrying her daughters.  She is taking a breather from all the hustle and bustle that comes along with having a wedding.   One day she receives a certified letter which is addressed to her mother care of Sookie.  What is revealed in the letter changes Sookie's life forever.

This is a well-written tale about the strength of women.  It's the kind of story you might have heard from your mother at the kitchen table over a cup of tea.  While not exactly fast-paced, it will keep your interest until the very end.

Two good titles from a seasoned author.

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The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom

The story is set in a small town in America.  It is very much like most small towns where everybody seems to know everybody else; where almost everyone goes to church on Sunday and almost everyone believes.

The main character is Scully, a former pilot, who currently sells ads for the local newspaper.  He receives a phone call from his dead wife.  He, along with a few other residents of the small town, are asked by their dead relatives to tell everyone about the phone calls.

I usually don't like to read about things that can't really happen.  I tend to think of myself as a realist.  But every now and again, I come across a story that is enjoyable even if everything points to the fact that it could not possibly be true.  This is that kind of story.

In the end, the reader is left with a big question that only each individual can answer.  In the end it is all about faith.  -The belief in things unseen.

A thought-provoking and inspiring book.  It is obvious to me that God blessed this writer.

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twenty-five words by Barb Rogers

I found this little gem of a book by accident.  It was on the bookcart ready to be shelved.  It looked interesting and is all about one of my favorite prayers--The Serenity Prayer.  Most people know about this prayer because it is used in the 12 step program.

The author takes apart the prayer line by line and offers insight into how to handle problems in your life.  As she says, we all have problems.  Problems and joy are relative.  Although the author has had her share of difficulties in spades, one can still glean some powerful messages from this simple prayer.

Written in simple text, this book invites you to explore your own life and how you can apply the basic thoughts of the serenity prayer to it.

Worth a read and some reflection.

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This is the story of a happy marriage by ann patchett

This is a memoir.  Actually, it is a collection of short essays covering the span of many years.  You may know this author by some of her works which include, Bel Canto and State of Wonder.  This book was a great read!

Some of my favorites were The Getaway Car which addresses the discipline of writing; The Wall, which talks about the author trying to get into the LAPD; and Dog without End  which tells the story of the author's beloved dog Rose.

So curl up in an easy chair, make a cup of tea and settle down for an inspiring and thought provoking respite.

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A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer

If you've never read this author before and you like light-hearted, romantic stories that touch the heart,  you'll need to add Nancy Thayer to your list.  Her many books include Island Girls, Beachcombers and Moon Shell Beach among others.

This latest entry takes place on Nantucket, the setting of all of her books.  As the story opens a small dog has been abandoned and is foraging for food.

Nicole and Sebastian are newlyweds and are living on the island.  They are awaiting the arrival of Seb's daughter and her family who will be spending Christmas week with them.  Kennedy is a high maintenance girl and Nicole is apprehensive about the visit.

How the dog and the families come together is the story.

As you read this book, you may find yourself wanting to visit this small island off the coast of Massachusetts.

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Winners by Danielle Steel

Lily Thomas is in training for the olympic ski team.  She is the only daughter of Bill, an entrepreneur.  While traveling on a chairlift up the mountain, a tragedy occurs which changes Lily & Bill's lives forever.

This is the story of resilience, in the midst of terrible injury.  Lily must use all the strength within her to overcome and move on.  Bill has to rethink all of his aspirations for his daughter.

Danielle Steel's books are very predictable.  You generally know what is going to happen within the first several chapters.   However, this is still a great story and one which should inspire readers to face whatever obstacles life throws at them.

Ms. Steel is a very prolific writer and her books fly off our bookshelves as soon as they are placed there.
Her older books still have longevity and our collection in regular and large print prove this to be true.

An inspiring read!

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Focus by Daniel Goleman

The author of the acclaimed book, "Emotional Intelligence",  Mr. Goleman takes a look at how humans focus.

The chapters of this book are well organized.  The writing flows and although you may find yourself thinking you are reading a textbook at times,  you will no doubt garner some knowledge from having read it and it may indeed improve your focus and concentration.

The author seems to have a real interest in recognizing that in this age of technology, the human brain is being battered.  He presents his case by using examples such as how video games disrupt comprehension and with the extensive use of email, people are forgetting how to carry on a conversation face to face.

He provides an extensive list of resources and notes.

Worth the read.

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Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain

If you looked at Ivy Hart and Jane Forrester separately, you would not see the ties that keep them connected.

Ivy Hart, daughter of a tobacco farmer, struggles with her life and the lives of those around her.  Jane Forrester is a newly hired social worker intent on helping her charges as much as possible.  Her husband is pressuring her to give up the job and join the Junior League and become a stay-at-home wife.

As Jane is drawn into the happenings of the Hart family, she discovers a secret more dark than any she could have imagined.

The story is set during a time of state-mandated sterlizations in North Carolina.  While the sterlizations did take place in that state's history, this story is a novel.  It is well-written and covers a topic previously unknown to me.

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The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis

Ms. Lewis is a prolific writer, having penned a considerable amount of stories.  Much of her writing explores the lives of the Amish.

In this book we meet Joanna, a 25 year-old single woman.  She is frustrated because everyone else seems to have a beau in her life except Joanna.  While vacationing in Virginia Beach, she meets Eben.  Unfortunately Eben lives quite far from Joanna and it looks like the relationship is doomed from the start.

Romance prevails and the two end up beginning their lives together.  No violence, no sex and good to read a story that is positive and gentle.

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The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson

A gentle romantic story that offers the reader a positive respite from some of the "junk" out there.

Scarlet Lindsay harbors feelings of not being pretty enough or svelte enough to attract the opposite sex. However, she is intent on becoming the best bakery this side of the Mississippi.  Her Aunt helps her get the bakery going and through her own expertise she rapidly becomes one of the best in Galveston.

Armando is sort of a "bad boy".  His family owns the pizza parlor next to Scarlet's bakery.  You see where this is going pretty quickly.  Nevertheless, it's a funny, upbeat story that you'll not want to put down.

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One Good Dog by Susan Wilson

Yes, this is a dog book.

 No, this is not a Bruce Cameron book.  However, it is worth the read because instead  of dealing with a gentle breed, we see the world through the eyes of a pit-bull.  One that has been put in the ring to fight and escapes to eventually find the comfort of a human who is also struggling with life.

Adam has a high-powered job.  He is on the brink of offering a new idea to his company.  He is under constant stress and this stress erupts into an uncharacteristic display of emotion which results in the loss of his job.  He is also brought to court to account for his abusive, physical attack on his secretary.  His wife divorces him, taking his assets, except for a credit card and a car. Adam and the dog connect and begin a push and pull relationship.

A well-written account of a dog's life from a different perspective and a man who looses just about everything and manages to pick himself up and move forward.

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The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe by Mary Simses

The first published novel for this author.  It was a delight to read.  I loved the ending even though most readers will figure it out after the first chapter.  This book was a respite of sorts for this reviewer.  It was a gentle read.

Ellen takes a trip to Maine to fulfill her grandmothers's dying wish.  The trip ends up being not at all what she expected.  Ellen, a high-powered attorney from New York, embraces the simple pace of the small Maine town where the story begins.

I enjoyed reading this book.  You may too!

Ladybookbug!

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

Another predictable romance by this prolific writer.

Ira is 92 years of age and has just ridden down an embankment in a snow storm.  He has black out periods that are interspersed with visits from his wife who died several years ago.  He uses the time to reflect upon his life.

Lucas is a bull-rider who meets the love of his life at a bull-riding event.  Together they embark on a romantic journey that has it's high points and low points.  Lucas is determined to continue to ride the bulls even though his life is at risk.  His girlfriend Sophia is working toward a degree in art and has plans to work at a prestigious museum.  Lucas, while admitting to being in love with Sophia, is reluctant to tell her of his previous injuries.

The story culminates with an art auction.

Nicholas Sparks fans who read everything he has written will want to read this one too.  The author indicates that the movie rights have already been picked up on the book.  So those of you who like to compare movies to books might also want to read this.


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A Tap on the Window by Linwood Barclay

This is the story of a young dad whose son committed suicide right before the story begins.  He is bent on trying to find out what happened.  He is a bit of a pest as he tries to elicit information from some of his son's friends. Working as a private investigator has its perks and Cal uses everything he can muster to find out the truth.

One rainy night, while driving home, he picks up a teenage girl who says she knew his son.  The girl needs a ride and Cal agrees, hoping to get more information about his son.   The ride is short and things get complicated..  Things just don't seem perfect in the small sleepy town and Cal finds himself drawn into another mystery.

Linwood Barclay's books as a rule rank right up there with James Grippando and Lisa Gardner.  This story was a bit lukewarm but I did read it till the end.

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The Whole Enchilada by Diane Mott Davidson

This is the 17th novel in this series which features Goldy Schulz, caterer extraordinaire.  This time around Goldy's best friend drops dead following a birthday celebration.  Goldy is hot on the trail to determine why and who is responsible.

A surprise birthday party, the stabbing of some locals, and a near disaster all work together to create havoc in Goldy's life.  She is not dismayed and marches on to try to find out exactly who is behind it all.

I've read all the books in this series and I have enjoyed them.  I particularly like the recipes that follow each story and have actually tried some of them.  However, I would be remiss were I not to say that this entry was difficult to get through.  The story seemed too busy, almost too much happening.

Never the less, if you're a fan of Diane Mott Davidson, you'll want to read this too.

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The Highway by C.J. Box

A long-haul trucker known by the name of "Lizard King" is the main character in this new entry by Box.    He, along with several other partners in crime have a habit which involves abducting young women from desolate locations along the highway,torturing and killing them.

Cody, a renegade police officer, starts to investigate the disappearance of Danielle and Gracie who are friends of his son.  They have lost their way to Justin's home and all contact via cell phone has been lost.
Cody embarks on a personal mission to find them before it's  too late.  His former partner, Cassie joins in the search to uncover the whereabouts of the two girls.

A stand-alone novel, this title could definitely be classified as a thriller.  Fast moving and sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.  C.J. Box fans will want to read it and if you read Lisa Gardner, you might want to add this to your reading list as well.

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Please Don't Tell by Elizabeth Adler

Elizabeth Adler is noted for her romantic suspense.  She always places her stories in interesting settings and describes them so well, you'll want to visit them.

This latest entry takes place in California.  Fen Dexter, guardian of two grown women lives in a small isolated cottage on the coast.  One night during a storm a stranger arrives on her doorstep with a knife in his hand. After a bit of consternation, she invites him in and feeds him a meal.

Vivi, short for Vivian is an emergency room doctor and the niece of Fen.  One night she treats the latest victim of a serial killer who is on the loose.  When Fen's visitor arrives at the E.R. to have his wound stitches, Vivi discovers that his fiance was killed by the serial killer.  She agrees to contact the police to help him in his search for the perpetrator of the crimes.

A fast-paced thriller with a touch of romance, you'll want to read this to the end.  You may guess who the killer is but the story is worth reading completely.

Not as gripping as Harlan Coben, Ms. Adler still offers a good tale with a twist.

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Tell Me by Lisa Jackson

Some of this author's previous books include Malice, Afraid to Die and Shiver.  I have read all of these titles and enjoyed them.

This latest entry by Ms. Jackson had me stymied.  I read a full five chapters of the story but it just didn't grab me.  It was slow and seemed like I was reading a textbook.

A woman is about to be set free from incarceration and the city of Savannah is in an uproar.  Twenty years have passed since she was convicted of a terrible crime.  Her son recanted his testimony and the case fell apart.

Nikki, the friend of the murdered child has come to the forefront and is bent on investigating just what happened all those years before.

Unfortunately, the killing has begun again and the pressure is on Nikki to uncover the truth without risking her own life.

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Call the Nurse: True Stories of a Country Nurse on a Scottish Isle by Mary J. MacLeod

Mary J. MacLeod and her family move to an island in the Hebrides off the coast of Scotland to begin an adventure amid the many characters that reside there.

Filled with happy and sad stories, Ms. MacLeod introduces us to everyone and their ailments.  We read about everything from the not so joyous birth of a baby to the discovery of people living in a derelict home and in need of nourishment.

An interesting look at rural life without the benefits of modern conveniences.  This book may encourage you to visit this remote part of Scotland  

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The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison

A new author, and unfortunately we won't be reading any more of her books as she passed away this year.    This is indeed unfortunate as this is this was a great story!

The story surrounds the life of Todd and Jodi.  They have been together for about 20 years but they never married.  Todd has had a very convenient life.  He comes home to Jodi but he has dalliances on the side.  He seems content with the arrangement and Jodi is aware that he is a cheater.

All this comes to a crashing end as Todd starts up a relationship with Natasha, the daughter of his life long friend.  About 20 years younger than Todd, many see this relationship as unhealthy.  Todd and Natasha give little thought to what others think and continue to pursue their desires.  This leaves Jodi in the lurch and the world as she knows it comes to an end.

You may think you know what's going to happen, but read this story to the end and you'll be surprised.

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Fin and Lady by Cathleen Schine

A delightful story by the author of The Three Weissmanns of Westport among other novels.

Fin is a small boy whose parents have died.  He is left in the care of his half-sister Lady.  He moves to Greenwich Village in Manhattan to live with her in an apartment. After a bit, they move to a house.

This is the story of their adventures with would be suitors, and life around the city.  It is a story of love between siblings and the realization of how important each is to the other.

Lady is a little unpredictable and her independent streak lands her in Capri where she discovers new love, much to Fin's chagrin.

A good story.  Read it- you'll like it.

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The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan

A novel whose main focus is the "Diamond", Ms. Sullivan takes us on a journey that spans over a hundred years.  We visit the lives of Evelyn, married for forty years;  Delphine whose life has been filled with seduction and fury; James, whose circumstances prevent him from buying the perfect ring for his wife and lastly,  Kate who is very much against the institution of marriage. We are also introduced to Frances Gerety, a copywriter who is working with the De Beers campaign to come up with the perfect slogan about diamonds.

A wonderful novel that invites us to explore all the reasons a "Diamond is Forever".  It was so refreshing to come to the end of this story and discover that parts of it really happened.

Ms. Sullivan's previous novels include:  Maine and Commencement.  You'll want to go back and read both of them.

Not to be missed---place a hold on The Engagements.

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Bomb Shell by Catherine Coulter

Agents Savich and Sherlock are back and they are embroiled in the murder of a young man who is the grandson of a prominent  former Federal Reserve Bank chairman.  The young man's body has been left at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial.

A new agent, Griffin Hammersmith has been enlisted to investigate his sister, who has been found naked and unconscious in her home after a wild party.  Griffin joins forces with an undercover agent in the same geographical area and together they try to unravel the mysterious circumstances that have been happening.

A good thriller that keeps you guessing until the end.

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The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

This new novel by a consumate storyteller takes place in Italy.  The novel takes the reader back to 1943 and then up to 1955.  We become entranced with the Rosati family, a noble family who reside in a villa just south of Florence.

The story begins with the family's involvement with WWII.  The germans occupy the villa, several people in the family die and one member of the family falls in love with the a member of the opposition.

This novel could definitely be classified as an historical novel.  The author's attention to detail is profound.

A good read!

Ladybookbug!

Unseen by Karin Slaughter

Will Trent is an undercover agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. He is involved with a group of hillbilly renegades and cannot blow his cover.  Unfortunately, he witnesses the shooting of two other agents and has difficulty keeping it a secret.

Sara is in love with Will.  She has no idea where he is keeping himself but he occasionally visits her to keep her calm.  Sara's stepson has been gunned down in his own home.  His wife, Lena gives Sara a bad taste in her mouth.  She feels Lena is responsible for the death of her husband.

Everyone is caught up in the drama of trying to determine who is the kingpin leading the way in this path of the destruction of lives.

An intense novel that starts out slow but builds to an astonishing conclusion.

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The Shadow Tracer by Meg Gardiner

Sarah Keller is a skip tracer.  This is a person who tracks people who have disappeared to avoid prosecution.

Sarah is also a single mother.  A school bus accident lands her daughter Zoe in the emergency room and  Sarah's life  goes downhill from there.  Fleeing the hospital with the authorities in hot pursuit after her, Sarah uses all the things she has learned in her profession to stay off the grid and keep moving.

She enlists the aid of an old friend who is a U.S. Marshal.  He helps her in every way he can by giving her a safe place to stay and helping her to rectify the situation.

This is a fast-paced thriller that is sure to keep you reading right along to the very end and if you begin reading before bedtime-don't expect to put it down to sleep!  It's that good!

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Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand

Who doesn't like a wedding?  Well, weddings are a bit unpredictable and the one spoken about in this book is no exception.

Jenna, the youngest child of Douglas and Beth, is getting married.  Everything has been laid out for Jenna by her mother Beth, who died several years before and left detailed instructions in "the notebook" for Jenna to follow.  What Beth didn't plan on is all the things that might go wrong on a wedding day.

It begins with the wedding planner not being able to raise the tent because the 200 year-old tree is in the way.  It goes downhill from there with trysts between friends and siblings, the threat of rain and divorce and a general unsettling between the bride and groom.

Ms. Hilderbrand is one of my very favorite authors.  Her attention to detail and getting it "just right" makes it a joy to read her novels.  My favorite before reading this latest entry was Blue Bistro but Beautiful Day gives Blue Bistro a run for the money.

A wonderful escape into the behind-the-scenes of a wedding.

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Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky

Having read many of Ms. Delinsky's previous books, I looked forward to reading her latest entry.

Nicole and Charlotte are best friends.  Many of their summers were spent at Nicole's family homestead on the island of Quinnipeague off the coast of Maine.   However,  Nicole and Charlotte lost touch with each other for about ten years.  Nicole is in the process of writing a cookbook while maintaining a popular foodie blog.  She invites Charlotte to visit her at the island and hope that she will collaborate by taking pictures of the island, its' herbal plants and interviewing the locals.

Unknown to Nicole, there is a reason Charlotte has kept her distance for the past ten years.  Charlotte harbors a huge secret which she would like to refrain from sharing but circumstances force her to. Fearful that the truth will tear the friends apart, Charlotte retreats to the harboring arms of her new lover.

I enjoy this author's writing.  My main criticism of this book was that the stories of these two women could have each had their own book.  The last few chapters of this book were far too intense for me.  While I appreciated the author's attention to medical details, I just couldn't deal with it.  However, I plodded on to the end.

Definitely a must-read for Delinsky fans.

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Island Girls by Nancy Thayer

Rory Randall dies and leaves his home on Nantucket to his three daughters.  The only caveat is that all three have to live in the house for several months.  The problem is that the three daughters do not get along.  A long-ago feud has kept them apart for many years.

Arden (a high powered t.v. star), Meg (a college professor) and Jenny ( computer geek) come together for an interesting summer.  Justine, mother of Jenny, suggested in the past that Meg and Arden stole a valuable necklace from her.  As a result, she banned the two from the island.  Amid this allegation, the sisters learn to value what makes them different and to appreciate how they are bound together.

Nancy Thayer never gets too serious about her topics and I like that.  This is a gentle look at what sisterhood means to three very different sisters, and how they learn to come together.

A good summer read!

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Her Last Breath by Linda Castillo

Kate Burkholder is back as the Chief of Police in Amish Country.

The story opens with a horrendous hit-and-run accident.  Kate is drawn into it by virtue of her job but also because she knows the family personally.  The lone survivor of the accident is placed in the hospital.   Kate is very determined to find out who did it and make them suffer the consequences.

In addition, an old situation that happened when Kate was a teen has cropped up again.  Kate's friend and lover Tomasetti joins Kate in trying to disentangle her from what happened.

If you're new to this author, you might want to go back and read all of the books in this series.  It will give you a broad overview of the character of Kate and the cases she has dealt with in the past.

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Time Flies by Claire Cook

A new novel by the author who brought us Must Love Dogs.  Again we have a light-hearted romp into the class reunion phenomena.

Melanie has been invited to her class reunion.  She is being hounded by her best friend B.J. to attend but is not sure she wants to go.  Eventually she caves and decides to attend.  She receives emails from an old admirer and looks forward to seeing him again.  She and B.J. reconnect with another old pal and together they reminisce about days gone by.

Amid all of this, Melanie is newly separated from her husband.  In the course of her work as a metal sculptor, she meets T. Brody, the owner of a restaurant who has purchased one of her pieces.  He peppers her life with phone calls and they keep up a congenial banter.

If you're over a certain age, you'll have fun bringing back memories as you read Time Flies.  A great book for a day at the beach.

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The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank

Hooray for women!  This latest entry by Frank does all it can to explore the negative attributes of a pompous man.  You will probably find yourself rooting for Les from the get-go.

Told from the opposing perspectives of Les and Wes, this story goes a long way toward making us realize that we only have one life to get it right.  The author takes us again to the setting of Sullivans Island--a place that I surely would like to visit.

I really liked this book and I'm sure you will too!

Ladybookbug!

Sisters by Patricia MacDonald

Another new author to me, Patricia MacDonald's new book is very interesting.  She hooks the reader in by presenting a plausible circumstance where a young woman discovers she has a half-sister out in the world that she was unaware of.

The author goes on to develop the character of Dory as one who is in prison for murder.  Her half-sister Alex is intent upon clearing her name and will go to great lengths to do so.

While this story does not have the solid content of a John Grisham novel, it is a good, short read for those readers interested in legal entanglements.

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Ladies' Night by Mary Kay Andrews

A light romp into an area all too common in everyday life--divorce.  Grace Stanton, in a fit of anger, drives her husbands expensive car into the family pool.  Later she appears in divorce court and the judge sentences her to group therapy sessions to control her anger.

She joins a small group of three women and a man and together they engage in conversation about their respective outbursts against their former spouses.  Bonds form among the group and Grace finds herself looking forward to meeting  with them each week.

Along the way, Grace makes her own self-discovery and reinvents herself.  She becomes stronger and more hopeful about the future and what it holds for her.

Never too serious, Mary Kay Andrews' stories capture the essence of everyday people.  It is easy for the reader to be drawn into the story.  This will make a great beach or by-the-pool read for the summer.

A glass of iced tea, a large floppy hat and a beach chair and you will be all set to read- Ladies' Night.

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Silken Prey by John Sandford

I'm not a regular reader of books in this series but a patron recommended it so I thought I'd try it.  After a few slow starts, I gave up reading it altogether upon finishing Chapter 12.  That's not to say I won't be trying it again sometime in the future but it was just not my cup of tea.

The story has an interesting premise and is certainly believable in this day and age.  Lucas Davenport, is involved in a political caper.  Unsavory photos have been discovered on the computer of a conservative republican politician.  In addition, a well-known political has gone missing.  That's just the tip of the iceberg.  This story has everything that we know about politics and many things that are not public knowledge.

If Lucas Davenport is an old friend, you'll not want to miss his latest escapade.

Ladybookbug!

Daddy's Gone a Hunting by Mary Higgins Clark

When Kate Connelly was a little girl, her daddy used to sing the nursery rhyme Daddy's Gone A Hunting but Daddy doesn't want to sing it anymore.  Kate has grown up and now works as a CPA.  In addition she holds an interest in the family antique business along with her sister Hannah.

Early one morning, Kate and a former employee Gus, make their way to the building which houses the family business.  While there, they smell the distinct odor of gas.  In an attempt to run out of the building, a staircase collapses on them.  Gus ends up dead and Kate lands in a hospital room in grave condition. Hannah and their Dad are intent on finding out why Kate and Gus were at the building so early in the morning.   In the process, they find out more than they bargained for.

The problem I had with this novel is that there were way too many characters.  I found it hard to keep track of them all and how they fit into the storyline.

A good addition to other novels by Clark.  If you enjoy her style of writing, you'll probably enjoy this entry as well.

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The Edge of the Earth by Christina Schwarz

Trudy Swann is the sheltered daughter of an affluent family in Wisconsin.  Betrothed to Ernst, Trudy is looking forward to the upcoming nuptials and living next door to her best friend.  Enter Oskar (cousin of Ernst) who falls in love with Trudy.  They marry and move to a lighthouse at Point Lucia, California.

All is not what it seems on this isolated outpost and Trudy is intent on uncovering the secrets that are harbored on the island.  She becomes schoolteacher to the children living there.  She grows accustomed to the rustic way of life and makes a place for herself.

Ms. Schwarz may already be known to avid readers as she penned  Drowning Ruth among other novels.  I did enjoy this story but I would be remiss if I did not mention that there are similarities between it and The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman.

Ms. Schwarz' style of writing makes this novel seem to be an historical account of something that actually happened.  It is enjoyable.

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Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Eli's life has been a wreck for the past year.  He lost his job.  He lost his wife and he lost his confidence in himself.  He retreats to the family home at Whiskey Beach to write and relax.

Abra is a housekeeper at Whiskey Beach among other jobs.  She keeps an eye on the matriarch of the family until a fall puts Hester in the hospital.  Abra still cleans the house and Hester has encouraged her to look after Eli.

Eli, a first resistant, becomes attracted to Abra and together they try to unearth the mystery surrounding Eli's wife's death.   An unsolved murder, an unknown trespasser in the family home and in Abra's home all seek to unravel all the strides Eli has made toward living a normal life.

Typical Nora Roberts, this story combines romance and mystery to create a good read.

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A Place of Hope by Anna Jacobs

Emily Mattison is injured in an automobile accident.  Fiercely independent, she finds herself suddenly at the whim of others.  Hospitalized and in a coma, her nephew takes it upon himself to handle her affairs.
Emily eventually gets herself together and discovers she has been placed in a locked ward.  She enlists the aid of her roommate and is able to escape from the hospital in the dark of night.

Through a series of discoveries she is able to get her life back together but not without some tense moments.

A light-hearted drama from a prolific writer.

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Lifetime by Liza Marklund

Julia is married to David.  Both are police officers.  The police are summoned to their residence one night to discover that David has been murdered and their 4-year old son is missing.  Julia is in a state of incoherence and her service revolved is found nearby.

Julia is put on trial for the murder of her husband.  Newspaper reporter Annika Bengtzon wrote a story about Julia in the past and fervently believes she did not commit this crime.  She becomes consumed with finding out the truth.

This is the seventh book featuring Annika Bengtzon and although I have not read any of the previous novels in this series, I certainly intend to.

Good character development.  You will want to know as much about Annika and you want to find out who really committed the crime.

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Stolen by Daniel Palmer

Imagine your wife has been diagnosed with cancer.  She needs medical treatment to the tune of $300,000.  You submit your claim to your insurance carrier only to find out that she must use the generic version of the drug.   Unfortunately the drug is out of stock and the insurance will only cover the generic. John Bodine goes to the insurance carrier and negotiates with them.  They say they will provide about $12,000 to cover the real drug.  What would you do?

Bodine comes up with an ingenious plan to steal someone's identity and submit medical claims under that person's name.  The plan seems to work until he gets a phone call one night.  The caller has discovered his trespass and will not report his insurance fraud if John agrees to play a game called "Criminal".  The caller lays out crimes that both John and his wife must complete to avoid being prosecuted.  The crimes become more heinous as time goes on.

A well constructed novel.  Very realistic and worth the read.

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Don't Go by Lisa Scottoline

Dr. Mike Scanlon is serving his country as an army doctor in Afghanistan as this story opens.  He's left behind a lovely wife and baby daughter and he will not be there to celebrate her first Christmas.  It tugs at his heartstrings and he emails his wife and skypes as often as he can.

As difficult as his duties are in Afghanistan, they turn out to be nothing compared to what is waiting for him at home.  His wife, Chloe dies suddently in a freak accident, leaving their family distraught.
Mike returns home to bury his wife and make arrangements for his daughter's care.  While there he learns that his practice has suffered while he was gone and his daughter doesn't even recognize him.
He also becomes embroiled in the mystery of his wife's death, coupled with a secret she kept from him. Faced with mounting difficulties, Mike must garner up the strength and courage to face them all and he does eventually.

This story will motivate you to keep on reading until you unravel who the culprit is.

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The Start of Everything by Emily Winslow

This book had some good reviews and some not-so-good.  Overall, it was interesting enough but I became confused with the story.  The writing was boring and did nothing to draw me in.

I did not finish this book and I doubt, I'll return to it at a later date.  But-who knows, maybe I will.

If you like British mysteries, then you may enjoy it-otherwise skip it.  Give your time to something really good.

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Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg

What an awesome delight!  Of course, I've never read a book by Elizabeth Berg that I didn't like and this one is a treasure. 

Four women come together to share a house.  Each person comes with their own problems and issues.  Each has proved her stamina in spite of them.  Cecilia, a motivational speaker decides to sell her home after her neighbor dies.  Lise, a physician owns the home and is having difficulty dealing with her daughter.  Joni is a chef and prepares scrumptous meals for all of them.  Renie has a deep secret that has been clawing at her for many years.

They decide to take a road trip because Cecilia receives a postcard from an old flame.  Each woman, in turn, has a good reason to accompany her on the trip.  They visit a piemaker, the home of a waitress and other interesting places.

This book is filled with pearls of wisdom.  While visiting Wanda (the waitress) in her home, Wanda says "I'll tell you, though.  I do think all people carry one burden, and that's fear. It's a problem what fear makes people do, and also what it keeps them from doing.......and then one day you just go ahead and do it anyway and there you are: blue skies." p. 175

After reading this book, I'm ready to take that road trip.  Don't miss reading it--you'll be missing a wonderful read.

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No Way Back by Andrew Gross

I first came across this author by way of James Patterson. They have penned several titles together including:
2nd Chance, 3rd Degree, The Jester, Judge & Jury and Lifeguard.  He has also written a great list of mystery books in his own right.  He is one of the authors I read on a regular basis, placing holds on his new titles as soon as I can.

No Way Back  opens with Wendy Gould (ex-cop) at a bar in a local hotel.  She is waiting for a girlfriend to join her.  While waiting she flirts with a guy sitting on a near-by stool.  The girlfriend never shows up and Wendy ends up in a room with the guy.  All hell breaks loose in the hotel room and Wendy flees the scene, getting home as quickly as possible.  Things at home don't go as planned and soon Wendy is a fugitive on the run.

It becomes obvious to the reader that things are not as they seem and Wendy uses her sleuthing techniques to uncover what is the truth behind what occurred.  In doing so, she befriends an attorney and meets Lauritza, a women who has her own secrets.  Together, they embark on a journey into treacherous territory in an effort to find out the truth.

A good thriller that is very believable.

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Safe House by Chris Ewan

If you like Harlan Coben, Linwood Barclay, James Grippando etc. you simply MUST read this book.  I could not put this book down.

The author lives on the Isle of Man and coincidentally this is where the setting of the book is.  He was voted one of America's favorite British authors in a poll published by Huffington Post.  I did not know this but read it on the book flap.  I do agree.

Rob Hale, a motorcyclist wakes up in the hospital after a crash.  The last thing he remembers is that a blonde woman was riding on the back of his bike.  Unfortunately, she has vanished without a trace.  The authorities believe Rob is making up the whole story.  Rob decides to look into matters himself to find out what really happened to her.

And so begins a fast-paced thriller that has the reader racing along believing that the answer is right around the corner and then--are led off into another direction.  The writing is so well-done, you may feel as if you are watching it on t.v.

Definitely worth your time.

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Starting Now by Debbie Macomber

I've been reading this author for years and am never disappointed.  Her novels are contemporary and light.  Her characters are realistic and people we'd like to meet.

Starting Now is the story of an intelligent young woman Libby Morgan who is willing to give up everything for her job.  She soon realizes that perhaps sacrificing all is not the answer.  She begins to invest time in doing things that give her great satisfaction and in the process begins to uncover who she really is.

Libby makes many new friends, including a young, pregnant teenager.  Through her friendship with Libby, the young girl is able to get through a very difficult time.

Typical Debbie Macomber, a light enjoyable read.

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Cover of Snow by Jenny Milchman

Cover of Snow takes place in a small town in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State.  Nora Hamilton is married to Brendan, a police officer on the local force.  She wakes up one morning from a drugged sleep to discover that her husband has committed suicide.  It is a complete mystery to her.

Nora begins her quest to unravel the answers and in doing so, uncovers more than she bargained for.  Joining forces with the editor of the local newspaper, they travel into some dangerous territory.  Befriended by a garage mechanic, Nora slowly realizes that life in a small town is not idyllic as it seems.

A good first time out novel.  I hope to read more by this author in the future.

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Six Years by Harlan Coben

As a general rule, I thoroughly enjoy Harlan Coben's books.   I have often stayed up all night just to finish one that I am totally immersed in.  I didn't stay up all night for this one, but I did fit it into my daily routine.

Six years have passed since Jake Fisher met the love of his life.  He had to let her go because she married someone else.  While glancing at his computer screen one day, he sees the obituary of her husband.  Intrigued and not admitting the possibilities that this might bring, he decides to attend the funeral.  Much to his surprise, the widow is not "his" Natalie. He begins a quest to find Natalie which takes him back to his old haunts and into new territory as well.

This is a fast-paced mystery that hooks you in and you'll want to keep reading to find out all the answers, just as Jake does.

If you like Harlan Coben's writing, you'll like this one too!

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Loose Ends by Susan Moody and The End of the Point by Elizabeth Graver

Okay, it's been a bit of time since I reviewed a book.  Suffice to say I haven't read anything that sparks my interest enough to write about it.

The last two books I tried to read are indicated above.  Both had sluggish starts and did not motivate me to write about them.  Both are written by new authors to me, althought both have been writing for quite some time. It may be just me on a lag in this department.  You may like either or neither one.

Loose Ends by Susan Moody is about a young women who was involved in a tragic automobile accident ten years before the start of the story.  She now works in a bar and is being harrassed by a frequent patron.  The story opens with the discovery of a body in a canal.  It has all the marks of a good mystery but it just didn't inspire me to read on.

The End of the Point by Elizabeth Graver is about the lives of three generations of a family.  The setting is a small strip of land in Massacusetts.  I found several interesting characters in the story but just as I became more interested in them, the author switched to another character.  The story read like a documentary and I wanted to read a novel. 

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Benediction by Ken Haruf

A gentle story about a man dying of cancer.  The scene is a small town in the mid-western part of the country.  It's a place where people go out on their front porch during a rainstorm to get a better look.  It's a place where your neighbor knows everything about you and brings you a covered dish when you are sick. 

Dad is dying of cancer.  His daughter Lorraine comes home to help Mary (his wife) cope with it all.  His son, Frank, is nowhere to be found.  Frank and his father had words many years ago and lost touch.   A little girl named Alice moves in with her grandmother who lives next door to Frank.  A new preacher comes to town with his own ideas about what's important in life.  All of these people meld together to create a homespun story about life and death.

I was particularly moved by Haruf's description of Dad's dying days.  His attention to detail is remarkable.  He is very good about bringing the reader into the story.  It's almost as if we are hearing friends talk about someone they know.

Worth reading.

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A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

It is with a heavy heart that I write this review.  The author passed away last July.

A Week in Winter is a foray into a list of delightful characters staying at a stone house on the coast of Ireland.  Ms. Binchy's descriptions are so powerful, one can hear the waves crashing on the shore and the sound of gulls in the air.

Always known for her characters, this book shows again why readers love this author.  We are drawn into the company of strangers and feel that we are privy to their secrets.  I found myself wishing I was sitting at the wooden table in the kitchen, sharing a meal with these interesting people.

I will miss your writing style and am so glad I had the priviledge of reading your stories.  I am blessed.

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Love Anthony by Lisa Genova

Lisa Genova's novels are works of art.  She takes a hard look at people who suffer from some type of disability.  She forces the reader to be introspective and it is a good thing.  Her characters are believable and interesting. 

Her latest entry, "Love Anthony" offers a closer look at autism.  The story is about two women who are both struggling with who they are.  Beth is the mother of three girls, newly separated from her cheating husband and re-discovering herself in the process  Olivia is separated, on her way to divorce and dealing with the death of her only son.  How these two women's lives become inter-twined is what this story is all about.

This was a terrific story.  I found myself crying at the end.  Each book that I have read by this author is worth reading again.  Her other titles are "Still Alice" and "Left Neglected".  Read them.

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Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante

Imagine you are a noted orthopedic surgeon.  You have just retired and have discovered that you are suffering from the early stages of dementia.  Your life-long friend and neighbor body has been discovered and the police think you committed the murder.

That is the case of Dr. Jennifer White.  Unfortunately she doesn't even know whether or not she committed the murder.  One of the clues leading law enforcement officials to her is the fact that her friend's four fingers have been surgically removed.

This is a well-written foray into the world of dementia told from the view of the sufferer.  It is also a great mystery which keeps you guessing until the last chapter.

A first-time author for me, but this author has written five books prior to this one.  I'll probably read one of her books again soon.

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Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott

A realistic view of prayer is presented in this new entry by Ms. Lamott.  Four chapters in all, it is an easy and enjoyable read.

Perceptive and funny, Ms. Lamott captures our attention by echoing familiar phrases and concerns.

Fans of this author will not be disappointed in her latest work and will undoubtedly want a copy for their own collection.

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Blood Money by James Grippando

It is always a pleasure to revisit a well-liked author and this novel is no exception.

Jack Swyteck is back with a case that keeps the reader guessing as to how it all fits together.  Sidney Bennett, a party-girl is accused or murdering her two-year old daughter.  The court of public opinion has already convicted her.  The jury renders a verdict of not guilty and the public is outraged.

On the night of Sidney's release from jail, an agry mob gathers outside the prison gates.  In the mob is a Sidney Bennett look-a-like who is injured during the ruckus.  The victim ends up in a coma in a local hospital with no money to pay the rising medical costs.

Jack tries to uncover the truth about what happened that night and discovers there is an evil menace which has been permeating everything that has happened thus far.

A fast-paced, thriller that will keep you guessing until the end.

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