Friday, February 28, 2014

Parable of the Sower

Title: Parable of the Sower
Author: Octavia Butler

Post-apocalyptic novel -- excellent reading but a little depressing.

Science Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Amanda L.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

How Stella Got Her Groove Back

Title: How Stella Got Her Groove Back
Author: Terry McMillan

The fact the book showed, it doesn't matter what age you are, there is someone for everybody.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by L.P.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Dancing Through It: My Journey in the Ballet

Title: Dancing Through It: My Journey in the Ballet
Author: Jenifer Ringer

An honest memoir about the life of a young dancer who eventually dances with the New York City Ballet.

Non-Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by E.J. Feynman.

Donna Kooler's 555 Cross-Stitch Sampler Motifs

Title: Donna Kooler's 555 Cross-Stitch Sampler Motifs
Author: Donna Kooler

Beautiful designs to stitch with great how-to instructions.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna Sowul.

101 Weekend Cross Stitch Gifts: Over 350 Quick-to-Stitch Motifs for Perfect Presents

Title: 101 Weekend Cross Stitch Gifts: Over 350 Quick-to-Stitch Motifs for Perfect Presents
Author: Lesley Teare

Great book for the beginning stitcher, as well as the experienced stitcher. Great gift ideas, and different ideas to finish your projects.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna Sowul.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Homer & Langley: a Novel

Title: Homer & Langley: a Novel
Author: E.L. Doctorow

This story was based on the true life Collyer brothers, Homer and Langley. They led a privileged childhood living in a 5th Avenue mansion. Homer becomes blind while a child and Langley comes home from war "a damaged man". After their parents die, they continue to live in the same house the rest of their lives and become recluses although they do from time to time have interaction with visitors in their earlier days. They lead a very bizarre life at best. Book was a quick read and somewhat interesting.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Friday, February 21, 2014

The Everything Giant Book of Juicing

Title: The Everything Giant Book of Juicing
Author: Teresa Kennedy

Very informative on health issues and how to not take meals.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by L. Phillips.

King and Maxwell

Title: King and Maxwell
Author: David Balducci

What I liked best about the book was that it kept you in suspense as to what the outcome would be. It is the story of a teenage boy whose father is listed as killed in action in Afghanistan. However, the son Tyler receives an email from his Dad after he is told he is dead. He hires King and Maxwell who are former secret service agents and are now private investigators. It becomes a difficult and intriguing search to find the truth. The plot keeps you totally interested until the surprise ending.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

The Butterfly's Daughter

Title: The Butterfly's Daughter
Author: Mary Alice Monroe

This book is about a granddaughter's quest to find her roots after the death of her beloved abuela (grandmother). It is also a story about the butterfly and its rich history.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna Sowul.

Pure

Title: Pure
Author: Jennifer Armentrout

The second book in the Covenant series. Alex struggles with her destiny - can she choose her own fate? I really enjoyed the continuation of Alex's story! Can't wait to read the next book.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Sandra.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Mercy Snow: a Novel

Title: Mercy Snow: a Novel
Author: Tiffany Baker

Titan Falls, New Hampshire is ruled by its paper mill, and simply put the owners rule the town. It is a story of the have and have nots, how their lives are intertwined, and the secrets that they try to keep. Mercy Snow returns to town, with her brother and younger sister to try to make a new life for their family, an accident happens and the brother is blamed and slowly things unravel, and truths surface.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Peggy.

Losing Your Pounds of Pain:Breaking the Link between Abuse, Stress and Overeating

Title: Losing Your Pounds of Pain: Breaking the Link between Abuse, Stress and Overeating

Interesting view to losing weight. Helpful.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Jennifer Hilsenbeck.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Soul Eyes

Title: Soul Eyes
Author: Wayne Wilson

I liked best the fact that the book focused on the special gift God gave Olisa.

Fiction; not rated.
Reviewed by L. Phillips.

Pablo Neruda: Absence and Presence

Title: Pablo Neruda: Absence and Presence
Author: Luis Poirot

Beautiful book containing a nice selection of Neruda's poetry together with photographs of his oceanfront house in Chile. By showcasing his home and all of his possessions, the reader is able to achieve a more intimate knowledge of the poet and his life.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by E. Feynman.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Sutton

Title: Sutton
Author: J.R. Moehringer

Although this was a fiction book, it was based on the true story of Willie Sutton, the notorious bank robber. I enjoyed the way the book was written starting with the day of his release from prison in 1969. It then goes back and forth from the present to the past telling his life story. The humor with the reporter and photographer added to the book. Bottom line, you end up really liking Willie Sutton when all is said and done.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Valley of Amazement

Title: Valley of Amazement
Author: Amy Tan

This was a story of three generations of mothers who for different reasons are separated from their daughters. It spans fifty years in the late 19th and early 20th century, and the story takes place largely in the courtesan houses of Shanghai, and tells of the lives the different women lived. I enjoyed reading this book, and found it interesting, but a warning - it is a long one!

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Peggy.

The Castaways: a Novel

Title: The Castaways: a Novel
Author: Elin Hilderbrand

This book is about a group of friends. One of the couples dies under mysterious circumstances while boating and it shakes up and exposes much more to these friendships than meets the eye.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna Sowul.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

The Pioneer Woman Cooks a Year of Holidays

Title: The Pioneer Woman Cooks a Year of Holidays: 140 Step-by-Step Recipes for Simple, Scrumptious Celebrations
Author: Ree Drummond

I really enjoyed the recipes, very easy-to-follow and great pictures.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Terri.

Get Out or Die

Title: Get Out or Die
Author: Jane Finnis

Tense mystery set in Roman-occupied Britain, circa 91 A.D. Innkeeper Aurelia Marcella must protect her name and business from a native uprising. Interesting setting populated with vibrant, original characters.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by L. Smith.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Gone Girl

Title: Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn

A psychological thriller that keeps you guessing for quite a while. There are many twists and turns in the plot which keeps the book interesting, a plus as the book was quite long. I was a bit disappointed with the ending which is why I gave the book a "4" rather than a "5".

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

The Gate Thief: a Novel of the Mither Mages

Title: The Gate Thief: a Novel of the Mither Mages
Author: Orson Scott Card

Excellent for readers who enjoyed The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. Second in the Mither Mages saga.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Amanda.

Crimes by Moonlight

Title: Crimes by Moonlight
Authors: Charlaine Harris and Others

A compilation of short stories by multiple authors - both well-known and unknown - all written in supernatural mystery genre. Likeable due to all the various interpretations of the supernatural and very varied in subject matter. Additionally, short stories always a welcome quick read break or bedtime diversion.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

The House on Dream Street: Memoir of an American Woman in Vietnam

Title: The House on Dream Street: Memoir of an American Woman in Vietnam
Author: Dana Sachs

An American woman lives in Vietnam; story of the evolution of the country and the person. I very much appreciated her candid observations of herself and how she was able to be self-reflective about her frustrations with the language and culture as well as celebrate them.

Non-Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Manhunt

Title: Manhunt
Author: Janet Evanovich

A high-powered female executive gives up corporate life to move to Alaska to find a husband and is repeatedly rescued by the handsome bachelor next door as her new home is a far cry from her former city condo. I'm a big Janet Evanovich fan and like her style of writing - fun characters with humorous situations and a growing romance despite at least one character fighting it.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Faking It

Title: Faking It
Author: Cora Carmack

A surprise visit by the parents leads Max to ask a stranger to pretend to be her boyfriend in order to "survive" their visit. I liked how the book was written by the differing points of view of the characters. Characters well developed and you find yourself eager to keep going.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: News from Small-Town Alaska

Title: If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: News from Small-Town Alaska
Author: Heather Lende

An insightful look into daily life and challenges faced by the author, her family and neighbors in a small rural town in Alaska. I enjoyed the unvarnished way she explains daily life and the many roles played by various members of the community. Her writing style made me want to read more of her writings.

Non-Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Back to the Bedroom

Title: Back to the Bedroom
Author: Janet Evanovich

A fun light-hearted romance that is compelling and draws you in and makes you want to keep reading. I liked that it is funny, combines likeable characters, with humor and a storyline that although you know will end up with each other you want to keep reading until it happens.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Smitten

Title: Smitten
Author: Janet Evanovich

Fans of her other series will see her writing style come through in this funny quick-read romance. I liked that although fun, one character ties it to other books in series and also easily stands alone. A sweet romance without graphic scenes - it would definitely be PG to PG13 rated and I recommend any to all of her books.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Girlwood

Title: Girlwood
Author: Claire Dean

Upon completion appears to be for teens, young adults. A novel which is a girl's search for her missing sister, relationship with her mother and "odd" grandmother while trying to save her beloved forest from developers. Well written and storyline which has you guessing what the outcome will be. Includes a smattering of natural healing techniques, teen angst and how a family copes with a missing child.

Fiction rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Julie and Romeo: a Novel

Title: Julie and Romeo: a Novel
Author: Jeanne Ray

A modern-day version of Romeo and Juliet with main characters in their 60s and not willing to miss out on love. I liked that is based upon Shakespeare's premise but stands alone on its own. Complete with warring families, outrage and a twist of an ending.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Circle Nine

Title: Circle Nine
Author: Anne Heltzel

A novel about a girl who has lost her memory and its slow return. It details the how as she learns the trauma which caused the amnesia led her to live in a life of fantasy and her horror of remembering the truth. I didn't care for the writing style or the ending. It was drawn out and could have been a novella, I found it hard to follow at times and found my attention wandering.

Fiction; rated 2 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Wife for Hire

Title: Wife for Hire
Author: Janet Evanovich

A fun, cute romance about a man who hires a new writer to pretend to be his wife for six months in order to look reformed from former community hellion in a small town in Vermont. Funny, pleasant and quick read about their budding relationship and family reactions to their "marriage". I recommend for all Janet Evanovich fans.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Naughty Neighbor

Title: Naughty Neighbor
Author: Janet Evanovich

A fun romantic mystery which is a quick read and predictably ends with the couple together after facing multiple hurdles. Hollywood script writer and political aide unlock political scandal and fall in love.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Night's Edge

Title: Night's Edge: Dancers in the Dark; Her Best Enemy; Someone Else's Shadow
Authors: Charlaine Harris; Maggie Shayne; Barbara Hambly

Three short stories in supernatural genre - all well-written, compelling and fun stories. I recommend for fans of the current vampire and ghost trend.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Nantucket Nights

Title: Nantucket Nights
Author: Elin Hilderbrand

What happens when one of three longtime girlfriends goes missing in the ocean during their annual Beach Night? A lot of secrets and betrayals take place while the search takes place. Very interesting twists and turns in this story!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna Sowul.

Empty Mansions: the Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of the Great American Fortune.

Title: Empty Mansions: the Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of the Great American Fortune
Author: Bill Dedman

Reclusive millionaire Huguette Clark -- is the central character in a biography that reads like a dazzling mystery. A child-like, self-exiled eccentric, she lived and died in extremely mysterious circumstances. Lived the last twenty years of her life in a New York City hospital . . .while leaving huge, luxurious mansions empty for decades. This well-researched biography is hard to put down . . . great reading for both mystery and biography lovers!

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Eileen Feynman.

The Afternoon Tea Collection

Title: Afternoon Tea Collection
Author: Pamela Clark

Great pictures and recipes for an afternoon tea party. I look forward to trying some!

Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Terri.

Gone

Title: Gone
Author: James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

The struggles of a police officer and his family under protection of the FBI while being sought after by druglord Manuel Perrine,who is doing everything in his power to find and kill anyone in his way.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by L. Phillips.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Blindsided

Title: Blindsided
Author: Fern Michaels

The Vigilantes return - a team of high-powered women who take down two corrupt judges who are twins. Justice for the families caught in their scheme for accumulating wealth.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Still Foolin' 'Em: Where I've Been, Where I'm Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys

Title: Still Foolin' 'Em: Where I've Been, Where I'm Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys
Author: Billy Crystal

A funny book about comedian/actor Billy Crystal's life and experiences. I enjoyed his humor and observations about growing older.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Sandra.

A Short Guide to a Long Life

Title: A Short Guide to a Long Life
Author: David Agus

A highly controversial little book by a pioneering cancer doctor -- advising the public about how to prolong your life and to maintain good health. Stresses daily habits that are easy to follow . . . but I would question his advice on vitamins.

Non-Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by E. Feynman.

The Missing Dough

Title: The Missing Dough
Author: Chris Cavender

Pizza shop owners Eleanor and Maddy Swift are back in another Pizza Lovers mystery. This time the victim is Maddy's ex and her fiance is a prime suspect.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by L. Smith.