Pam of Babylon by Suzanne Jenkins

A new author. A first novel. Self-published. I started reading this book because I saw an advertisement for the trilogy in one of the periodicals I read. I particularly liked the fact that the setting was Long Island, New York. I was disappointed. Let me begin by saying that if you are considering self-publishing a book, please have someone with expertise edit it before publishing. This book contained massive grammatical and syntax errors,as well as typographical errors. It did not flow well and the premise seemed implausible. Dropping in the occasional $10.00 word did nothing for the story. After reading the author's website, it appears she is returning to Pam of Babylon to do some much needed editing. Now that her second and third books in the trilogy have a publisher, we should see some better writing. Perhaps I'll pick up this trilogy again in the future and then again, maybe not--I have too many great books on my side table that are waiting for me. Ladybookbug!

Heading Out to Wonderful by Robert Goolrick

An interesting story that leads you in by the hand until you become immersed with the characters and their surroundings. Scenes from a gentler time that seem familiar and then you realize it is memories from your parents childhood that connect you to the story. Charlie Beal, a young man back from the war decides to settle in a small town. He immediately ingratiates himself with the local butcher. The townspeople come to know him and to like him up to a point. Something tragic happens which puts Charlie in the spotlight again and the townspeople rally round him and the wife of a local man. Tragedy after tragedy occurs and the spoils are left to a 6 year old who looked upon Charlie as his idol. A well-written account of a scenario that is very believable and might just have happened. Ladybookbug!

Sea Change by Karen White

Having read The Beach Trees and On Folly Beach, I was looking forward to reading this latest entry by Ms. White. Let me begin by saying that I am not a fan of chapters running from the present to the past. While the past in this book has a bearing on the present, I still found it all a bit disconcerting. Ava is a 34-year old women who has spontaneously decided to marry the man of her dreams, much to her mother's chagrin. In addition, she moves a seven-hour drive away to the family homestead of her husband. Although Ava and her husband appear to be happy newlyweds on the surface, many secrets abound on both sides of the marriage and all is slowly revealed to the reader as the story progresses. Just when we think, everything has been revealed, Ms. White throws us an interesting curve which fits in with the story line well. Not too intense, Sea Change is a good summer read. Ladybookbug!

Summer Breeze by Nancy Thayer

Looking for a gentle soap-opera read? Then this latest entry by Nancy Thayer is just the book for you. Three women form a bond one summer at a lake located in New England. Each comes to the relationship with their own baggage. Each is trying to discover who they are and where life will take them. Morgan, mother of a boy is feeling frustrated by motherhood. A gifted scientist, she misses her colleagues and the challenges of a career. Natalie has been given a gift of a summer at the lake, spending time in the home of a relative. She decides to devote some serious time to her artistic endeavors. Bella's family has lived at the lake for generations. She comes back home to help out her mother who has been injured and in the process takes her life in an entirely new direction. As with most of Ms. Thayer's novels, the ending is predictable and pleasant. Nothing wrong with that for a change. Go with it! Relax and enjoy! Ladybookbug!

The Cottage at Glass Beach by Heather Barbieri

Okay, so now we're getting into summer weather. Hot days at the beach or lounging around in the backyard, catching a snooze or a good read. This is just the book for doing either. Nora Cunningham escapes to the family cottage on the beach with her two daughters in tow. She is leaving her comfortable home which she shared with her husband who has just revealed to her and his constituency that he is seeking "greener pastures". She stayed at the cottage as a little girl but has not been back for many years. Her visit brings forth old memories and the discovery of new ideas as to where her future will lead her. Barbieri's description of the beach, the sand and the water, transport the reader to an oasis in the mind. Although the story itself is not remarkable, the setting is a pleasant respite. Ladybookbug!

Beneath the Shadows by Sara Foster

An isolated cottage in the moors is the setting for this eerie mystery by Sara Foster. A baby in a carriage is left on the doorstep. Her father has disappeared and her mother is in a quandary as to why and where he has gone. A year passes and Grace returns to the cottage to clear up loose ends and empty boxes housed in the attic and cellar of the cottage. Left with many unanswered questions, Grace decides to have renovations done to the cottage. She meets a mysterious man named Ben. As she searches through the cottage for clues, she begins to have strange dreams. When the weather threatens to cut off the cottage, Grace realizes that she must do everything she can to protect her baby. If you enjoy a good mystery, you'll enjoy this one. Ladybookbug!

Saving Max by Antoinette van Heugten

Max suffers from severe behavioral problems. His mother Danielle is bereft with worry. She decides to bring him to a top-notch facility called Maitland where he will be assessed and treated. While Max is at Maitland, he meets Jason, another boy who has severe psychiatric issues. Jason's mother and Danielle become friends because of their issues with their children. One night a tragedy occurs and Max is charged with murder. The facility claims that Max is dangerous to himself and others. Danielle must use all of her expertise as an attorney to try to clear him of the charges against him while dealing with charges of her own. A fast-paced thriller that is very believable. Ladybookbug!