Fifteen Minutes

Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Zach Dylan has an amazing voice and the looks of a young Elvis Presley. When he tries out for the hot reality show 15 Minutes, Zach has already promised his family and fiancee that his faith will not be compromised. At the same time, one of the show's judges and famous female vocalists, Chandra Olson hopes that she can save one of the contestants from falling into the prison of fame and fortune. Chandra, a former 15 Minutes winner, lost her family and privacy when she followed her dreams and forgot her roots. Will Zach be snared into the same nightmare?

A very contemporary read about the price of fame....

I must agree with a few other reviewers and actually hate to write this as I admire Karen Kingsbury tremendously, but her writing is beginning to be formulaic. I found myself skimming paragraphs, something I never did in her earlier writings....

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Starry Night: A Christmas Novel

Starry Night: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Light, as the millions of stars above the Arctic Circle. Fluffy, like snow drifts. Romantic, like toasters. Hahaaa, Debbie Macomber's new Christmas book is a loveable little read that will dissolve you into giggles. Think social reporter girlygirl meets He-man from Alaska. Starry nights, an Aurora borealis, and a big, furry mutt named Hennessy lend a romantic air to the chemistry sparked between these two, that against the odds, are meant to be...



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Candlelight Christmas

Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Here it is - Christmas time and I'm trying to read all the holiday books I can find. Candlelight Christmas, part of her Lakeshore Chronicle series, includes characters within that are all familiar to long-time readers of Wiggs. Tall, athletic Logan O'Donnell, divorced with a young son, is determined that buying the local ski lodge will be a profitable and enjoyable business. His sister India's best friend, Darcy, is not only supportive but will drag her sponsor's camera crew along for a snowboarding gear shoot. Sparks seem to be flying between Logan and Darcy, but with both being divorced and hurt in their past relationships, moving forward is slow-going.

I like how Wiggs covers the worry, heartache, and guilt of shuffling children between divorced parents and the contemporary issues of today.

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A Nantucket Christmas

A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nicole Somerset, recently married and ready to begin new traditions at her husband and retired attorney's home on Nantucket, is blindsided when his "ex", Katya, appears on Christmas Eve, causing all kinds of havoc. Holiday traditions are thrown out the window as Katya is demanding and demeaning. Little does Nicole know she'll helping deliver a Christmas present that will turn all hearts toward home and family.

A warm, endearing little Christmas novel...

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Christmas Bliss

After reading Blue Christmas awhile back, it was fun to read about the double duo of "Weezie" and "Bebe" again - two great friends that have each others backs. Weezie is about to be married, on Christmas Day to boot, when she discovers her fiancee, a chef, may be canoodling with his boss in NYC. Even though the wedding is only days away and her dress isn't finished, Weezie flies off to the city to find out the truth. On the other hand, Bebe, to her horror, discovers that the divorce to her first husband was never filed. Determined to track down her ex and force him to sign the papers, Bebe, pregnant and ready to pop, hides the fact from her beloved baby daddy. Our favorite cast of characters are back and you can't help but giggle at these two fun-loving, trouble-finding, crazy gals and their adventures. A light and fluffy read!!

The Angel of Bastogne

The Angel of Bastogne by Gilbert Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ben Raines, a jaded newspaper reporter, had always been irritated and embarrassed by his dad, Willy. Mr. Raines, who now lived at the Veteran's Hospital, had been seriously hurt in World War II at the Battle of the Bulge and had trouble holding a job due to his injuries. Ben as a young lad was talented at sports, but had to step up to the plate and help the family earn an income. Soured and disillusioned, Ben has held that against his father for years. Even Christmas has no appeal for him, so he plans on getting away for a vacation in Spain, only to find out that a co-worker has suffered a heart attack and Ben must stay and write the paper's one big Christmas story. Knowing his father claims that an angel dressed as a lieutenant saved him and his comrades in France, Ben is determined to debunk the mystery and lay it to rest in the article he's writing. To his surprise, as Ben digs deeper into the men that served with his father, he learns more of Willy's heroic deeds and questions his own disbelief.


Quick read. Inspirational.

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Bitter River

Bitter River by Julia Keller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I usually do not read crime fiction, but this one caught my eye. Not only is the cover and title appealing, it takes place in a fictional town in the Appalachian mountains of nearby West Virginia. Several pages into Bitter River I realized that, darn, this is Julia Keller's second book set in Acker's Gap about prosecuting attorney, Bell Elkins. By that point, I was already involved with the story and couldn't put it down. Bell is deeply invested in the area and many of the townspeople are her personal friends or related. When a murder involving a popular and well-liked teen happens, the town is turned upside down with sadness, but yet there is more sorrow to come. Is the perp a local or an outsider? Bell has her hands full trying to track down the murderer.

I will be tracking down the first book - A Killing in the Hills.

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A Home for My Heart

A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Historical fiction that tugs at your heart - Miss Sadie Sillsby helps run the Raystown Home for Orphan and Friendless Children, caring for the orphans on a daily basis and assisting the Matron and dear friend, Hazel. But when Hazel offers her the position of Matron, as she herself is marrying soon, Sadie will have to set aside her own marriage plans to Blaine. A matron can not be married and must attend to the many duties of running the orphanage, including keeping the finances straight and acquiring needed donations. Sadie accepts the position without consulting Blaine and forges ahead with her new career, even though she is sorely lacking math skills. The home continues to operate in the red and her records don't match the bank figures. On top of these problems, Sadie realizes she may soon lose Blaine to someone else. Sadie must take a hard look at herself and ask some very difficult questions...

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Fired Up

Fired Up by Mary Connealy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book two in the Trouble in Texas series starts off fast. Glynna and her two children are smack dab in the middle of moving from the ranch that her ex-husband had stolen from Luke Stone. As she and Luke's Regulator friends travel through the narrow cut, boulders avalanche down from the hill, narrowly missing them but Doc Dare Riker suffers from a deep gash to his back. When they finally arrive in town, Glynna decides to open a diner in one of the empty storefronts and surprising does an amazing business, even if she can't cook and burns everything she makes. Dare in the meantime has healed from the rockslide incident but encounters more things that threaten his life - his home is torched while he's sleeping and Dare is leery of Glynna's cooking although it sends many men with upset stomachs to his doctoring business. The tension is strong between Glynna and Dare, as she and her children do not want another man in their life that could possibly hurt them again but she can't help being drawn to the honest, heroic doctor.

Themes are forgiveness, faith in what God has called you to do, honesty, and loyalty. You'll giggle at some of the antics including Glynna's cooking skills. The third book in the series will involve Regulator/lawyer, Vince Yates and new-to-town Tina Cahill, Jonas's sister.

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The Tutor's Daughter

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Emma Smallwood enjoys assisting her father with his small boarding school. But, things have fallen away since the death of his wife and Emma's mother two years before. Attendance has dropped and finances are becoming tight. Emma has written to former graduates Phillip and Henry Weston's father, a baronet in Cornwall, to inquire of the two younger sons. Mr. Weston is more interested in the Smallwoods joining him at his estate on the coast and teaching the boys onsite. When Emma and her father arrive in the nearby village, no one is there to meet them so a young boy and cart are hired to take them to Ebbington Manor, where unfortunately not only had their arrival slipped Sir Giles mind but his wife, Lady Weston had not even been informed of the teaching position being filled. The rude beginning gets worse, when the younger sons, twins, do not like being taught and mystery and suspicion surround the Manor - especially at night, when howling can be heard.

Written along the lines of Jane Eyre, readers of historical and Regency romance will enjoy this novel.

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An Untamed Heart

An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading Lauraine Snelling's Red River of the North series, I've often wondered what Ingeborg Bjorklund's, the main character, life was like in Norway before she traveled to America with her husband and his small son. This book will connect the dots and Snelling, an expert at historical fiction, will draw you in with fine, descriptive details about Ingeborg's large family, how each member shares in the daily workload, and how important the bible and God's word are in their home life. You will share in Ingeborg's desire to learn how to be a healer and be saddened when her loss seems monumental. Snelling's latest writing, a prequel, did not let me down.

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The Dogs of Christmas

The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book made me giggle out loud - hahaaa, some of the situations that Josh finds himself in - babysitting a pregnant dog, dealing with abandoned puppies, and falling into crazy, silly love with a woman from the animal shelter, Kerri, just will crack you up! Josh designs websites for a living, had abandonment issues, and never owned a dog in his life. So, when he is confronted with poor prego Lucy, Josh freaks out but as he gets over his fear, he slowly begins to fall in love this four-legged creature. A wonderful, little, quick Christmas read!

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A Simple Christmas Wish

A Simple Christmas Wish by Melody Carlson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When the unthinkable happens, city girl Rachel Milligan must take her adorable seven-year-old niece to live with her Amish relatives in Ohio. But, Rachel can't bear to leave Holly with her new family who won't allow Holly to bring her toys and doll into their home. Fortunately a snow storm keeps her stranded at the Miller's farm, much to Holly's delight. Can Rachel turn away, leave the little girl, and head back to Chicago and her city ways?

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The Longest Ride

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We can't get enough stories on love and relationships from super writer Nicholas Sparks. In his latest novel, two couples' courtships - one nearing its ending, one just beginning - are the love stories that Sparks explores. Ira, a widower, had one last mission to complete before joining Ruth, his beloved wife, forever, but fails when the car he is driving plunges over the side of a hill. Ira begins to see visions of Ruth, encouraging him to stay alive, and as he slips in and out of consciousness, Ira reviews their tender relationship over the previous decades. At the same time a young couple, Sophia, a college student and Luke, a bull rider and rancher, are being drawn into a relationship and suffer from expectations and immaturity. As the story nears its conclusion and both love stories unfold, the connection is finally revealed.

Written from different viewpoints, the characters' vulnerability and passion show through across a span of over 90 years.

Soon to made into a movie....

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Lost Cat

Lost Cat by Roger Mader
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Slippers is the name of the adorable cat that graces the pages of this children's fiction. She lives the good life with Mrs. Fluffy Slippers but when the old lady decides to move in with her daughter - amidst all the hustle and bustle of packing and moving, poor Slippers is left behind. Follow the trail of Slippers as she attempts to find a new person to adopt. Beautiful pastels pop off the page and you'll be glad to know that Slippers has a happy, ever-after ending.

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The Lemon Orchard

The Lemon Orchard by Luanne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Grief and heartache bring people together as in the unexpected romance between two unlikely people. One - an immigrant that has crossed the USA/Mexican border illegally, at the cost of his young daughter, Rosa, and the other, an anthropologist who lost both her husband and 16 year old daughter in a car accident. They meet in a seaside, lush lemon orchard in the beautiful Santa Monica mountains owned by Julia's aunt and uncle. Julia is there to house-sit with her beloved Bonnie Blue, a seven-year-old border collie when she meets Roberto, manager and caretaker of the orchard whose quiet, strong ways reach across Julia's barriers and draw her in. As Julia learns more of Roberto's past, she feels the need to redeem her loss by solving the clues that surround the missing Rosa.

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Swept Away

Swept Away by Mary Connealy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mary Connealy is known for writing her female characters full of grit and determination - definite factors needed in the Old West and pioneering days. In Swept Away, Ruthy MacNeil is that strong personality that can handle a gun and a horse, quite easily at that! Used to working hard from sunup to sundown, when she falls in with rancher and ex-regulator Luke Stone, who is bent on recovering his ranch, Ruthy doesn't even blink. I'm looking forward to the second book in the series, Trouble in Texas to continue this engaging, sometimes-hilarious, historical romance.

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Small Town Girl

Small Town Girl by Ann H. Gabhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Small Town Girl continues the story of Angel Sister with the same beloved characters but introduces a newcomer, Jay Tanner. Jay, a bit of a roamer and ladies' man, comes to town to be his best and only friend Pastor Mike Champion's best man at his wedding and ends up staying and liking the small town of Rosey Corner. Jay also has his eye on Mike's sister-in-law, independent Kate Merritt but is afraid to commit to a relationship because of his background.

Set on the verge of World War II, Small Town Girl is a sweet, historical and inspirational novel whose vulnerable characters wrap themselves around your heart and won't let go...

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The Why of Things

The Why of Things: A Novel by Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winthrop pens a well written fictional story of a daughter's suicide and her family's loss, grief, and return to hope centered around their summer home and a nearby deep, dark quarry. Like the quarry, a gaping hole has been left in the Jacobs' family and each member has their own way of dealing with the heart-wrenching aftermath and the sometimes non-answer of why bad things happen.

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The Cottage at Glass Beach

The Cottage At Glass Beach by Heather Barbieri
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nora Cunningham is taking refuge on Burke's Island, a small remote strip of land off the Maine coast and settled by the Irish centuries before. Her famous husband and his affair have been splashed over tabloids so Nora and her two girls, Annie, 7 and Ella, 12 going on 21 are hiding out. Nora's earliest memories are of Burke's, being able to swim like a fish, and her beautiful mother that disappeared when she was only small. Nora's elderly Aunt Maire lives in the old homeplace nearby and who summoned her with a letter still believes in the magical legends of the island including selkies - a mythical creature. As the island begins to heal Nora, she is drawn towards a quiet fisherman who guards his own secrets but Ella blames her parent's breakup only on her mother, causing her to say and do things that put her and her sister into danger.

Beautifully written and full of mystery, The Cottage at Glass Beach, makes a good anytime read.

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The Friday Night Knitting Club

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I suppose being a crafty woman, thanks to my Gma Fazenbaker and my momma, I enjoyed this book. I am a new knitter, knitting scarfs for presents with eyelash yarn combined with a sturdier second and the pull of the women sitting around the shop, knitting, making mistakes and pulling them out, chatting, eating munchies made by shop owner Georgia Walker's teen daughter Dakota sucked me right into the storyline. Georgia is a strong, independent woman - making a living for herself and Dakota in the second story above a Manhattan meat market. Third floor, right up the steps, is their digs. Work is life and life is work when Georgia's ex walks back into the picture, ready to pursue a relationship with his only daughter, throwing everything in a tailspin. Georgia's clients/friends have her back but who can help when the doctors give her an unexpected diagnosis?

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The Wednesday Daughters

The Wednesday Daughters by Meg Waite Clayton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It all began with the Wednesday Sisters, published in 2008 - five moms that got together in the park to chat, discuss literary works, and share their lives with each other. Now Meg Waite Clayton is back with the Wednesday Daughters - daughters, of those same moms, that have grown up around each other and are closer than sisters. Hope goes on a trip to England to discover more about her mother, Allie, one of the five original moms who liked to write, who had recently passed. She carries her mother's ashes with her. Friends Anna and Julie, who are Wednesday sisters and who were also very close to Allie, travel with Hope, to give support but also looking for answers to their own issues at hand. Discoveries are made, new family is found, and secrets are unlocked and laid to rest.

All the references to Beatrix Potter really intrigued me, as did the setting in England's Lake District, as Allie spoke through Beatrix's voice and illustrations. Beautiful descriptions of the area bring the surrounding countryside to life.

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Looking for Me

Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another winner from the author of Saving CeCe Honeycutt with interesting, quirky characters and a strong, female leading character. Teddi Overman has an eye for restoring old furniture and encouraged by her father, but not by her "Debbie Downer" mother, moves from the family farm in Kentucky to bustling Charleston. She also leaves behind her beloved younger brother, Josh, a true nature and animal enthusiast. After several years of building her business in the city, her brother disappears into the forests surrounding the old farm, and blamed by her mother, Teddi's nightmares escalate. When her mother passes away, during what was to be a brief visit to the farm, Teddi is left the choice of keeping the farm or selling it. Along the path of making her final decision, Teddi uncovers the truth about her parent's marriage and makes her final peace with the loss of Josh.

A quote favorited by me and many others: "Some people run toward life, arms flung wide in anticipation. Others crack open the door and take a one-eyed peek to see what's out there. Then there are those who give up on life long before their heart stops beating - all used up, worn out, and caved in, yet they wake each morning and shuffle their tired legs through another day. Maybe they're hoping for a change - a miracle, even - but runaway dreams and lost years hang heavily on their backs. It's the only coat they know how to wear."



Mark this as one to read!

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You Make Me Smile

You Make Me Smile by Layn Marlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Layn Marlow writes and illustrates a delightful children's book about a little girl who over the moon happy when she builds a snowman and adds a smile to his face. A simple storyline is paired with somber snowy washes perked up by a happy little girl in a mustard colored coat with red mittens, red hat, and a striped scarf. I can see this book being a winter favorite.

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Orphan Train

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Christina Baker Kline’s heartbreaking novel Orphan Train parallels the story of two women - Vivian and Molly. Vivian was once a young Irish immigrant who came to America with her family but lost them to an apartment fire. Molly is a teenage Native American lost in the foster care system and on the edge of being booted out. When Molly acts out for the last time, her only chance is to work community service hours cleaning the aging 91 year old, widow Vivian's large attic. As Molly learns more of how Viv was shipped on an orphan train to "better" her life out West, she comes to admire the resiliency and bravery of the older woman and feels as if she's finally found family.

History intertwined with fiction is so appealing to me and in this case it really opened my eyes to the abuse and indenturing of over 100,000 young, helpless orphans. The novel includes a small section covering the history of the orphan trains and some information on why the author chose to write this novel.

See: http://orphantraindepot.org/

http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/ab...



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Patch

Patch by David Slonim
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Patch is a sweet, little story of a doggie who unfortunately shares his life with fleas, likes to chase rabbits, and tries to win the talent contest. His boy loves him never the less and says "We're buddies through thick and thin...no matter what." Cute illustrations follow a simple storyline.

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Maria Had a Little Llama

Maria Had a Little Llama / María Tenía Una Llamita by Angela Dominguez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A new take on the beloved nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb" with adorable, colorful illustrations of Maria and her pet llama will make you want to curl up in your favorite chair and read along - with or without a child in your lap! Each illustration is accompanied by English and Spanish text as the author/illustrator was born in Mexico City and grew up in Texas. A joy to read!

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Trains and Lovers by Alexander McCall Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Working in a library for years I've checked in and out many of Alexander McCall Smith's series, never once reading them myself, although I knew they were beloved by many. So when I came across this little novel on our new shelf the cover and title drew me in along with my love of compartmentalized British trains. I had no idea that AMS could delve inside the human brain and remember all the little chatty details of our life. What a discovery! Trains and Lovers is the story of four ordinary people on a train journey from Edinburgh, Scotland to London, England. All but one have a story to share about love - lost love, first love, love without trust, and parental love. The fourth ponders on his fellow passenger's tales but keeps his own story to himself.

A very enjoyable quick read, gentle and witty, for followers of McCall Smith and people like me who are just discovering him. Favorite quotes: .. the story of four people, all strangers to one another, who met on that train, and of how love touched their lives in very different ways. Love is nothing out of the ordinary, even if we think it is; even if we idealise it, celebrate it in poetry, sentimentalise it in coy valentines. Love happens to just about everyone; it is like measles or the diseases of childhood; it is as predictable as the losing of milk teeth, or the breaking of a boy's voice. It may visit us at any time, in our youth but also when we are much older and believe we are beyond its reach; but we are not. It has been described as a toothache, a madness, a divine intoxication, metaphors that reflect the disturbing effect it has on our lives. It may bring surprise, joy, despair and occasionally perfect happiness. But for each person who is made happy by love, there will be many for whom it turns out to be cause for regret . . . The heart has more than its fair share of ghosts, and these ghosts may be love, in any of its many forms. There are many ways of falling off the high moral ground you’ve carefully built up for yourself. Moral ground is like that – slippery at the edges.

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Trouble in Store

Trouble in Store by Carol Cox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Melanie Ross is in a predicament. Recently fired from her governess position, she has been left without a home or income. As Melanie packs up her few belongings she fondly remembers an older cousin that lives out in Arizona - when Melanie was young he had treated her as if she was his own child. From old letters Mel finds an address and proceeds to go the long journey West hoping that her beloved cousin will shelter her. To her shock she finds her cousin has passed away and his co-owned business is now being run by a young man, Caleb Nelson, who doesn't believe Melanie's claims and who seems to be bent on scaring her out of town.

Carol Cox combines historical fiction and romance with a twist of mystery in Trouble in Store. Although predictable and little flat, it's a nice little story although I was surprised to see how fast the town's people hysterically became vigilantes.

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The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe by Mary Simses
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ellen Branford, NYC attorney and soon to be married, is on a weekend mission - to deliver her beloved, late grandmother's letter to an old friend in Maine. But what is supposed to be quick trip turns into trouble when Ellen falls through a rotted seaside dock and has to be fished out by a local, handsome carpenter. As Ellen finds out more about her grandmother's young life in the small village, discoveries are made and questions turn into more questions! An enjoyable light read but rather predictable from this first time author.

It is definitely not to be compared, as it was touted, to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a favorite of mine...

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The Apple Orchard

The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tess Delaney is a whiz at finding lost or stolen antiques and returning them to their rightful owners and is actually awaiting a huge promotion. Everything is right on track, except for the fact that Tess barely has any family left and she lives out of suitcases. Her controlled little world is rocked when she discovers that she has more family than what she thought - a grandfather, bedridden from a coma, and a sister who run an apple orchard called Bella Vista in the Sonoma Valley. The lure of new-found family and unknown secrets unravel Tess's desire to move ahead in the jet-hopping antique business.

I liked this book - reading about the orchard and the way the family was drawn together by homegrown organic foods and cooking, but what kept me on edge was the information on the German invasion of Denmark and how Wiggs wove it throughout the novel and her characters.

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The Silver Star

The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The writer of bestsellers, The Glass Castle and Half Broke Horses, has penned a coming-of-age book of fiction about two sisters, 12 year old, precocious, say it like she means it Bean and 15 year old, quite brilliant Liz who are used to being on their own in Cali as their mom, Charlotte, leaves them alone for days while she searches for musical stardom. But when the police start snooping around, the girls hop a unsettling Greyhound ride to visit an unknown eccentric uncle living in a once booming mill town in Virginia. Liz and Bean start to fit in and adjust to the sleepy town's ways but desegregation, bullying, and even worse await the girls, who have had to grow up too fast. Young Bean, who was once sheltered by Liz, now will need to be the protector.

I fell in love with Bean, who tries so hard to make everything right and who gets so angry with her mother for leaving them to fend for themselves. Her sense of black and white honesty and justice is perhaps just what we need...



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The Hunters

The Hunters by John Flanagan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Third and final book in the exciting, adventure series, Brotherband Chronicles, for juveniles, teens, and adults alike is The Hunters. Hal is back with Thorn and his Heron brotherhood and hot on the trail of the bloodthirsty pirate Zavac and the stolen Skandian treasure, the Andomal. Zavac and his crew of cutthroats somehow seem to stay ahead of the Herons, resorting to bribing and murder. Hal is determined to track Zavac and return the Andomal to his homeland, earning back honor and respect for him and his young friends.


Both series, Ranger's Apprentice and Brotherband Chronicles, exemplify the strengths of working together, friendship and loyalty, patience, thinking outside the box, and you can see as both series progress a maturing of all the characters. I've always looked forward to the release of Flanagan's novels and am wondering what he's working on now.

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A Place to Belong

A Place to Belong by Lauraine Snelling
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book three in the Wild West Wind series wraps up the story of Cassie Lockwood and her return to the Engstrom ranch in South Dakota. Cassie is maturing and eagerly learning the hard ways of ranching by Mavis Engstrom and her sons, Lucas and Ransom. Her shooting skills are returning as the strength in her damaged arm mends and Cassie looks forward to the next shooting match where hopefully a win will earn money for the ranch. Accepting a marriage proposal from Lucas will ensure her stay on the rich Dakota land that she wants to call home, but Cassie still isn't sure of her feelings for the younger of the two Engstrom brothers.

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The Hare With Amber Eyes: A Family's Century of Art and Loss

The Hare With Amber Eyes: A Family's Century of Art and Loss by Edmund de Waal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the story of a family's history - of love, great wealth, and great loss. The author, de Waal, had been given, by his beloved Uncle Iggy, an exquisite collection of 264 tiny Japanese carvings called netsuke. Passed down through his Ephrussi family, who were at one time extravagantly wealthy Jewish bankers who hobnobbed with the Rothschilds, Impressionist painters, and Emperors, the netsuke finally ended up in his hands. de Waal researched his family through poor beginnings in Odessa, high times in Paris and Vienna, and when the family lost everything during Kristallnacht and the German occupation. Although the book starts slow, it picks up steam until it can't be put down -if you enjoy history this is definite read. I do wish more more pics of the netsuke were included.


Favorite quote: Objects have always been carried, sold, bartered, stolen, retrieved and lost. People have always given gifts. It is how you tell their stories that matters.

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Sweet Salt Air

Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charlotte Evans is a freelancing travel writer - she loves her travels around the world and is more than good at her job. Nicole Carlysle, a photoblogger with a huge following, lives on the island of Quinnipeague and blogs about food - delicious, fresh food and herbs. At one time, the two women were almost like sisters on the island, spending all their time together until one huge mistake. Although Nicole has never been aware of the aberration, Charlotte has carried the guilt for ten years - never going back to Quinnipeague until Nicole suggests a collaboration to work on a book of delicious, organic island cooking. What Charlotte doesn't know, is that Nicole carries her own heavy, heartbreaking secret. Can this summer be a time of honesty and truth for the once best friends?

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Wedding Night

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At the perfect moment Lottie just knows that her boyfriend is going to finally propose! Setting: fancy, smancy restaurant, corner table overlooking the river, and at the point where Richard has something to ask her, Lottie looks down at her stockings and sees one of them flapping around her ankle. Flouncing off to the ladies room to tear both both stockings from her legs results in Lottie telling all the girls in there that THE moment has arrived - now practically the whole restaurant is holding their breath when Lottie returns back to her table, Richard, and the question. Only to Lottie's tearful embarrassment, the question isn't, "Will you marry me, " but something boring about air miles...

Lottie's sister Fliss knows that every time her sister ends a relationship, impulsive, outrageous things happens...like when Lottie got a tattoo, or an "intimate" piercing, or the expensive membership in a cult. So Fliss knows something horrible is about to happen and will she be able to successfully head it off?

Sophie Kinsella is hilariously funny - I found myself giggling until my sides hurt!

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Stealing the Preacher

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Crockett Archer wants to preach and is on his way to interview for exactly that position when the train he is on is hijacked by masked bandits. When he finds that the only thing they are looking for is a preacher, Crockett lies but is soon found out, hands bound, and put astride a horse. The bandit's head honcho leads them through the woods and to a small ranch where his daughter, Joanna awaits, astounded to see that her father has brought her birthday wish and present - Preacher Crockett! Archer, however, is determined to get to his interview, even late, and to his dismay the small town church has already hired the other candidate. Sensing that someone larger than he is choosing his path, Crockett heads back to the bandit's ranch and Joanna's answer to prayer.

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An Irish Country Wedding

An Irish Country Wedding by Patrick Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I adore Patrick Taylor's series on my favorite country doctors. Reminiscent of All Creatures Great and Small and the BBC series Balleykissangel, the cast of characters are loveable and hardworking. Set in Ireland, in the small village of Ballybucklebo, the doctors Flahertie O'Reilly and Barry Laverty continue their GP duties, with an eye to also help their neighbors. O'Reilly is set to wed his love Kitty O'Hallorhan while Laverty has found a new girlfriend. The kitchen wonder Kinky Kincaid comes down with a possible hernia and is rushed off to the hospital, leaving the two men helpless, since neither can cook! The village residents step up to the plate to make sure their favorite docs don't do without.

This is book seven and I personally hate to see an ending to this series....

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Unwritten

Unwritten by Charles Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Two hurting people with secrets and painful memories - one that has already fallen off the map and another that's ready to make the leap...and a priest in the center willing to help both. The Ten Thousand Islands, off the west coast of Florida, is just the place to hide...

Could NOT put this book down....be sure to check out the afterword and Reading Club Guide.

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The Midwife of Hope River

The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meet Patience Murphy, formerly know as Elizabeth Snyder and on the run labor union activist, who now hides out in the mountains of West Virginia delivering babies. Patience has seen much sorrow and now at 36 is carrying on her mentor's midwifery skills alone after a few year's apprenticeship. Neither color of skin nor wealth does Patience consider when called out - day or night to attend a birthing, mourning deeply when baby or mother doesn't make it. It's not much in the way of a paying job, but it just allows Patience to continue her reticence in her cozy cabin.

Set after the Great Depression, Patricia Harman's main character Patience speaks through her diary. Slowly you will learn of Patience's own secret that causes her to hide in Liberty. The world of West Virginia mining and labor disputes, mountain hollows and tiny towns comes clearly into view while reading Patricia Harman's novel.

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And Then I Found You: A Novel

And Then I Found You: A Novel by Patti Callahan Henry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Katie hasn't loved another man since she kissed Jack Adams in the moonlight by the May River - at the time she was only 13. Fast forward to Kate, now 35 and trendy boutique owner, who panics when she discovers she will soon to be proposed to by her very patient boyfriend, Rowan Irving. But, Rowan doesn't know the secret that Kate has hidden since she was 22 - only her, Jack, and her family are aware of the deep, drowning sorrow that Kate carries. How can Kate move ahead with her life when her heart is set in the past...


Beautiful writing..

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The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat

The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Talk about a sense of outrageous humor - this book is laugh right out loud funny, braying like a donkey until your eyes tear up funny! The Supremes are three best friends, now in their fifties, who talk daily and meet at their local diner, Big Earl's, for lunch every Sunday after church. The women have always been there for each other through the many ups and downs that life has handed their way. Barbara Jean has faced the horrifying loss of her only child, Clarice is still dealing with her husband's affairs, and Odette will soon learn she is facing her life's biggest challenge. The ladies and their spouses, who know each other's strengths and weaknesses, go from wanting to strangle the other to crying and hugging their neck.

Edward Kelsey Moore has previously written short stories and this successful novel is his very first.



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Sweet Mercy

Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book opens with 60 something Eve and her grandson visiting the soon to be demolished Marryat Island Ballroom and Lodge to retrieve a beloved memento. Memories wash in as Eve thinks back on when her family moved to the lodge when she was only 17 - to get away from the horrors and corruption in St. Paul Minnesota. Her father had lost his job with the Ford Motor Company and moving back to the lodge would hopefully restore the relationship with his brother Cy who owned the Marryat. Eve's idyllic summer and new romance comes to an end when she finds that many of the townfolk are in on the hooch being bootlegged from Canada and even Cy is involved. Her once black and white standards are brought into question as Eve wrestles with the gray areas of life....

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Oy Feh So?

Oy, Feh, So? by Cary Fagan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who didn't have that odd relative that was worth trading when you were young? This children's book brings out the giggles when two elderly aunts and an uncle set in their ways are mimicked by their niece and nephews. Cary Fagan and Gary Clement roll out another clever book that can be enjoyed by children and adults.

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Family Pictures

Family Pictures by Jane Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When West Coast Eve meets East Coast Grace, a friendship begins until Eve spies a photo of Grace's father sitting in the middle of a table surrounded by other family photos. To Eve's horror she recognizes the man as her own father, who is married to her mother Sylvie. Things are already shaky as Eve is hiding an eating disorder. Lives and homes of both families unravel as untruths and secrets are uncovered.

It was a wee bit predictable as you could see all the circumstances come to a head and blow up around them. Most of the POVs are from the women but Maggie's youngest son, Buck, has a very small chapter. The very emotional chapters are when Eve, who can not control the downward spiral of eating and purging, is near death and her mother Sylvie knows she can not help her. There's also a series of rather lucky circumstances that lead both women in rebuilding their lives - very convenient.

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Happy, Happy, Happy

Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Phil Robertson talks about his life growing up, meeting and marrying Kay, going to college and playing football, partying and almost losing it all, and the beginnings of his Duck Dynasty. Not one to shy away from speaking his mind Phil gives an honest report on how and what turned his life around. An informative read for those - like me who come from a hunting/fishing family and those who don't but still enjoy Duck Dynasty and the Robertson clan on A&E.

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The Storyteller

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sage carries many scars - one very noticeable scar on her face but many more hide internally. The scars lead her to hide as a baker, kneading and baking the most aromatic rolls and breads through the dark nights for the little bakery and also "allows" her affair with a married man. As Sage tries to work through her grief in a group setting, she meets an old retired 90something teacher, Josef Weber, that frequents the bakery with his beloved dog. Their friendship deepens until Josef asks for a favor - a unbelievable favor that astounds and enrages Sage and makes her immediately think of her Jewish grandmother.

An amazing book with a deep, complex plot told narratively by several characters, including Sage and Josef. It was a book I couldn't put down, staying up night after night until the wee hours - questioning myself about the moral complications that were woven throughout the Storyteller. It left me quite unsettled...still..

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Step of Faith

A Step of Faith by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book four in the Walk series by Richard Paul Evans finds our character Alan Christoffersen, who was walking from the state of Washington to Florida, flying back to a medical center near his father’s home in Los Angeles for surgery on his recently found brain tumor. Fortunately, the tumor is found to be benign, and after spending weeks recuperating and against his father’s wishes, Alan flies back to St. Louis to continue his journey – meeting interesting and engaging people along the route. Walking provides an outlet for his jumbled, tortured thoughts and as he approaches the Florida state line, Alan realizes that he is ready to live and love again. But, he has to hold onto hope when a message is left on his cell reporting an emergency at home.

As Alan says, “For now Key West must wait. For the third time since I began, my walk has been delayed. In the beginning, I had considered these stops on my journey as interruptions - but I’m coming to understand that perhaps these detours are my journey. No matter how much I, or the rest of humanity wishes otherwise, life is not lived in smooth downhill expressways, but in the obscure, perilous trails and rocky back roads of life where we stumble and feel our way through the fog of the unknown. Life is not a sprint. It was never meant to be. It is just one step of faith after another.”


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The Way Home

The Way Home by Katherine Spencer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Katherine Spencer's Angel Island series are gentle reads - and companions to her Cape Light series. In this book Claire North, the inn's cook and Liza's right hand woman, takes a more prominent role. Jamie Carter, twenty and out of work, veers back into her life and Claire remembers the once little boy she almost adopted many years ago. Can Claire help Jamie set upon the right path or will Jamie once again stray and return to his old life back in Boston? At the same time Avery Bishop is excited about opening her new cafe, The Peregrine, on the busier side of the island. Avery finds out that her only competition is the Lazy Tuna, a happening, crazy burger joint that the island's visitors flock to in droves. How can her culinary expertise and fancy dishes compare to fish and chips?

A relaxing, inspirational read...and as Reverend Ben says, “…when people are trying to change their lives for the better, the road to becoming whole isn’t always a straight one. People tend to fall off the path now and then, or take wrong turns. Especially if they’ve been damaged, they can’t always make all the right choices.”

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Starting Now

Starting Now by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Polished and professional, Libby Morgan is ready to accept a partnership in a prestigious Seattle law firm. For six long years she had given up everything to pursue her goal. When the managing partner, and Libby's mentor, calls her in for her long anticipated reward, Libby is dismayed to find out that instead she's lost her job. Having no clue what to do with all her free time, Libby throws herself into the task of finding a new job, but the economy is bad and no one is hiring. With her saving account quickly dwindling, Libby is desperate to make contacts. Through an old friend, she drops into a yarn store on Blossom Street and renews her hobby from years ago - knitting and makes new friends, including two teenage girls. Slowly, but fearfully Libby's life takes a turn....

For Blossom Street fans, this book brings in a few new characters and touches on only two or three older one like Lydia and Margaret. It was an enjoyable read although predictable, but not one of my top favs of Blossom Street.

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