Title: The Almost Moon
Classification: Fiction
Author: Alice Sebold
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co.
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Helen plays the role of the ever doting daughter. Whenever there is a problem with her mother, a neighbor calls and Helen comes to the rescue. But this particular time, something is different. Helen mentally snaps and in a quick moment, she suffocates her mother. The story follows what happens during the 24 hours after she kills her mother. I admit that after reading The Lovely Bones, it is hard not to have high expectations for this book. I didn't find the book as captivating and hard to put down as I did for The Lovely Bones, but it was still pretty good.

Title: Angels and Demons
Classification: Fiction
Author: Dan Brown
Publisher: Atria Books
Copyright: 2000
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I thought this follow up to The DaVinci Code was awesome! I can't wait for the next one in the series to come out in September. In this book, Robert Langdon is awakened early by a phone call by the director of the world's largest scientific research facility (CERN) asking for his help in figuring out if a secret, ancient brotherhood called the Illuminati is back in and conspiring a plot to destroy the Vatican city. A wonderful fast-paced and thrilling adventure!

Title: Ballet Shoes
Classification: Children
Author: Noel Streatfeild
Publisher: Yearling
Copyright: 1937
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Yes, this book is a little dated...okay REALLY dated but it is a guilty pleasure. A recent re-discovery when I learned that a movie based on the book was made. After watching the movie, I had the urge to re-read the book (much to my delight that Barnes & Noble carried the reprinted versions with the updated cover). This is a wonderful little story about three orphaned girls in England who grow up vowing to make a name for themselves. Follow the story of Pauline, Petrova and Posy as they help their new family and work to make their vow come true.

Title: Bee Season
Classification: Fiction
Author: Myla Goldberg
Publisher: Doubleday
Copyright: 2000
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Nine year old Eliza doesn’t get much attention from her teachers, peers, or father until she win’s her school and regional spelling bee’s.  Eliza possesses such a talent for letters that she is surely a child prodigy!  While Eliza and her father devote hours and hours of study time for the National Spelling Bee, Eliza’s teenage brother steps outside his Jewish faith and begins experimenting with several other religions.  The most intriguing storyline however, has to do with Eliza’s intelligent, yet distant mother who has been leading a secret life for eighteen years!

Title: Between Friends
Classification: Fiction
Author: Sandra Kitt
Publisher: Penguin
Copyright: 1998
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Come on girls...ever have that one guy that you and one of your best girlfriends end up competing for? Well this is exactly the scenario that plays out between Dallas and Valerie. Best friends since grade school. Then walks Alex, an ex-Navy SEAL. The two best friends start competing for Alex's attention and during the process, secrets about Dallas's past comes to light along with some ugly truths about Valerie's daughter. Kitt writes a good story about the bonds of friendship.

Title: The Birth Order Book
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Dr. Kevin Lehman
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Copyright: 1998
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is one of my favorite books. I have never read a book that helps you get to know the traits of people based on their birth order. I love this book so much that it is has become my standard baby shower gift because it is so insightful. It amazes me how every time I pick up the book, I'll learn something new because there is so much to absorb that you don't get all of it the first couple time around. The way the chapters are separated makes the book a quick read because you don't necessarily have to read the whole thing. You can skip around to the chapters that apply to your own family.

Title: The Blackstone Chronicles
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: John Saul
Publisher: Random House
Copyright: 1997
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book is a collection of six separate novels centered around the abandoned Asylum in Blackstone, a quaint New England village. Some of the residents awaken to find very old objects on their doorsteps. After a period of time, each object brings an awesome power that causes havoc to whomever is in possession of the object. The village searches to find who left these objects and why.

Title: The Boleyn Inheritance
Classification: Fiction
Author: Philippa Greggory
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: After being intrigued by The Other Boleyn, I decided to read another Greggory novel. I found that I enjoyed this book more than the first one. Again, the book uses historical research and continues the tale of the wives of King Henry the Eighth. I think I liked it more because the book looked at the same time period from different perspectives. Instead of taking the reader through the main character's viewpoint, Greggory shows us perspectives from Anne of Cleaves, Katherine Howard, and Jane Rochford. I think this gave the book more feeling to it as it showed how much each woman risked as their families pushed them in front of Henry in their hopes to gain family the status ranking they desired and only King Henry could give.

Title: Bones to Ashes
Classification: Mystery
Author: Kathy Reichs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: It's been a while since I've picked up a Temperance Brennan series book. Despite the time away, I found it easy to pick up where I left off. This newest tale takes Temperance back to her childhood after her father passes away. Bones are discovered that bring up the possibility of them belonging to her long forgotten friend who disappeared suddenly so many years ago. Taking on this case becomes personal as Temperance works to discover the true identity of the bones. Is it her missing childhood friend or not? Reichs takes you along for a ride as the answer is revealed. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Book of the Dead
Classification: Fiction
Author: Patricia Cornwell
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I typically would rate a Patricia Cornwell book a 4 or 5, but unfortunately, I can't with any good conscience rate this any higher than a 3. As much as I love the Kay Scarpetta series, I'm beginning to wonder if this series should just end. The story lines are not as strong and captivating as they used to be. The case they are working on is interesting but once she throws in the character's personal issues, it just muddles up the story. For the first time ever, I actually put this book aside to read another one and then came back to it. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Breaking Dawn
Classification: Fiction
Author: Stephanie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co.
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The final book in the Twilight saga series brings us some more drama for Bella and Edward. Let's say more than they ever bargained for... Bella's friendship with Jacob is put to the test as her decision on whether she is going to become a 'true' Cullen comes to the forefront. Bella faces a lot of hard decision as this story of Bella and Edward draws to a close. I have to say that Meyer does leave the door open at the end and it wouldn't surprise me if another book comes out in the future.

Title: The Bright Forever
Classification: Fiction
Author: Lee Martin
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book kinda reminds me of The Lovely Bones but without the narration of the dead child. Katie Mackey, a nine-year old girl disappears while returning library books on her bike. The anguish of the family and towns people as they try to search for Katie and get the answers they seek on what happened. They question whether one of their own be responsible for the disappearance. The book is heart warming and looks at the situation through the perspectives of different people.

Title: Certain Girls
Classification: Fiction
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Publisher: Atria
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In this latest novel, Jennifer Weiner picks up where she left off from a previous book (Good in Bed). This story jumps ahead several years to when Cannie's daughter, Joy is about to turn thirteen. At the end of Good in Bed, Cannie writes a fictionalized version of her life and it becomes a best seller. In true form, that book comes back to haunt her in Certain Girls. After prompting from one of her classmates, Joy sneaks a copy of the book and reads it. Things written in the book cause Joy to question and starts up her own investigation into what is real in the book and what is not. And let's not forget the usual teenage angst and rebellion. I think this book is a wonderful follow up to Good in Bed. I would love to see another follow up of this book.

Title: Charley's Webb
Classification: Fiction
Author: Joy Fielding
Publisher: Atria Books
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Another great page turner from Joy Fielding. This novel features a newspaper columnist who has neighbors who dislike her because they think she is writing about them, a mother who disappeared when she was a child to suddenly appear back in her life, two sisters who are bigger successes than she is, etc. Her big break to step into the limelight appears when a convicted child killer contacts her to write her story. And to top it off, Charley receives disturbing emails from someone threatening her children. Fielding manages to weave all these things together into a great book with one of those shocking endings. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Cross Country
Classification: Fiction
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Little Brown
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Here is the latest in the Alex Cross series. I welcome this latest book with open arms as it re-ignited my interest in the series. The last book (Double Cross) was decent but it was a little predictable for me. This time Alex tracks a killer called 'the Tiger' all the way to Africa to search for him to. The Tiger killed Alex's old girlfriend and her family and he is on the case to bring justice. This change of scenery made for an interesting ride as we follow Alex around Africa as he searches for the Tiger.

Title: Daddy's Little Girl
Classification: Mystery
Author: Mary Higgins Clark
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2002
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Ellie Cavanaugh has lived a very difficult life since her older sister Andrea was murdered. Ellie knew Andrea was seeing an older wealthy local boy but kept the secret from her parents. Several years after the trial and conviction of the wealthy boyfriend, he is released from prison still professing his innocence. Enraged, Ellie returns to her hometown to prove once and for all that he is the one responsible for her sister's death. In true Mary Higgins Clark style, the story goes back and forth to did he or didn't he. You'll have to read the book to find out! It is truly enjoying to be able to read a book and not guess the ending until it comes.

Title: Damaged
Classification: Nonfiction
Author: Cathy Glass
Publisher: HarperElement
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In this true first hand account of a foster carer to an 8 year old little girl named Jodie. It seems that the foster care system oversights that happen in the US also happen in the United Kingdom. How disheartening to read the tale of such emotional and sexual abuse that Jodie went through at the hands of her own parents. Despite the help she is receiving, her future seems really bleak on being able to function within a normal family environment. As sad as the story is, it is a captivating account of what one person can do to help Jodie when everyone else turned their backs when she became too difficult to handle.

Title: Dear John
Classification: Fiction
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is a story of love that wasn't meant to be between the two main characters, John and Savannah. They met on the beach one summer while John was home for leave during his stint in the military. Their connection was undeniable and the next few years proved difficult to maintain a long distance relationship. Even though the reader knows from the beginning that the love story between John and Savannah wasn't going to last, you can't help but keep rooting for the circumstances to work out and they end up happy at the end of the book.

Title: Debt-Proof Living
Classification: Self Help
Author: Mary Hunt
Publisher: Broadman & Holman
Copyright: 1999
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In these tougher economic times, getting back to the basics on your finances is not a bad idea. Even though this book is a little older, it still holds some great information to help people work towards saving money. Her ideas on saving can even help those people who live paycheck-to-paycheck.

Title: Double Cross
Classification: Fiction
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Lilttle, Brown & Co.
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In this latest installment of the Alex Cross series, James Patterson sticks to a familiar story line formula found throughout the series. One could find this predictability boring, but Patterson seems to keep finding ways to keep it interesting. For all of your Alex Cross fans, this book should keep you satisfied until the next installment.

Title: Dream When You're Feeling Blue
Classification: Fiction
Author: Elizabeth Berg
Publisher: Random House
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This story is about the Heaney sisters, Kitty, Louise and Tish at the time of World War II. A time where USO dances, metal drives, and the sense of patriotism is the everyday norm. It is not long before Kitty and Louise tearfully see their boyfriends off to fight in the war and the worry whether or not they will make it back begins. This tale follows the girls as they correspond with their men. As time goes by, their beliefs, strength and love about everything they know is tested and pushed to the limit. Elizabeth Berg writes a charming story that transports the reader back in time.

Title: Duma Key
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Edgar Freemantle beat the odds and survived a crane accident at his company's job site. He lost his right arm in the accident and lost a lot more during the recovery. His behavior caused his wife to leave him and alienate one of his two daughters. Feeling suicidal, Edgar takes his shrink's advice and moves to Duma Key, Florida. There he discovers a talent for painting that he never knew he had. He becomes friends with his landlord and her care giver and not long after, happenings related to his landlord's childhood starts to emerge. Another long novel by Stephen King but pretty decent compared to Lisey's Story. For the Stephen King fans who don't mind the less horror direction he is going towards these days, they will like this one.

Title: Eat This Not That Supermarket Survival Guide
Classification: Self Help
Author: David Zinczenko
Publisher: Rodale Inc
Copyright: 2009
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: If you are looking for a one stop book to help you navigate the mystery of prepared foods at the grocery store, this is it. It covers everything from the produce aisle down to the frozen food section. Zinczenko uncovers the mystery of the true meaning of the words that show up on packaging such as 'organic', 'all natural', and 'no growth stimulants'. You'd be surprised on what food companies can get away with!

Title: Eclipse
Classification: Fiction
Author: Stephanie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co.
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Edward and Bella are back together in this third book in the series. Their relationship is back on track but the threat of newbie vampires may bring their peacefulness to an end. To complicate matters more, Jacob and Edward are competing for Bella's attention.

Title: Escape
Classification: Biography
Author: Carolyn Jessop & Laura Palmer
Publisher: Broadway
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Wow. The life story of how Carolyn Jessop was born and raised with the values and beliefs of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) is unbelievable. As a young child, Carolyn idolized her grandmother and faithfully believed the stories told to her about their lifestyle. But as she grew up and her grandmother passes, her independent thinking takes hold and her eyes open to the corruption within the FLDS. Carolyn is forced to become the fourth wife to a man over thirty years older than her. After fifteen years in this family, she bears eight children with him. During those fifteen years, Carolyn is psychologically abused and scrutinized by the other three wives. One night, Carolyn knows she has to flee and that it has to be now. With her husband hot on her heels, Carolyn and the children make it to freedom. This story is truly courageous and a must read in my book!

Title: Faces of Fear
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: John Saul
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Alison Shaw's world turns upside down when her divorced mother marries a widowed plastic surgeon. While Alison is satisfied with how she looks, her new world of high society thinks she can use some improvement. Little by little, Alison begins to realize that in order to fit in she must conform. Unbeknownst to her though, her new stepfather has 'other' plans for her transformation. The story idea is pretty good...but this time, Saul is not able to keep the reader guessing like he does in his better works. I was able to guess how the story goes by the time I reached the middle. Nonetheless, it is still a good book with some suspense sprinkled throughout.

Title: Feel the Fear...and Do it Anyway
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Susan Jeffers, Ph.D.
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Copyright: 2007 (Reprint)
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: There is a reason why this book has been around for over 20 years. It is chockfull of ways of confronting your fears and getting past them. It does not matter if your fear is public speaking or approaching someone to pitch your business or even in personal relationships, the exercises and messages in this book is helpful. As good as it is, it would have helped me out more last year since I have overcome most of my fears. Too bad I didn't know about this book back then!

Title: Flourish! 10 Easy, Elegant and Essential Marketing Strategies for Solo- and Microprenuers
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Meredith Liepelt
Publisher: None
Copyright: 2009
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I really wish this book is with a main stream publisher instead of being self published. Anyone starting a business or who needs help on marketing their business would find this book a wonderful and practical resource. It cuts to the chase and gives you what you want to know in easy to understand terms. Meredith is from the Dublin area. She is a creative client attraction strategist. If you need such a resource, email me and I will be happy to tell you where to get this awesome book!

Title: For One More Day
Classification: Fiction
Author: Mitch Albom
Publisher: Hyperion
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book from Mitch Albom, author of The Five People You Meet In Heaven tells the take of a man who has hit more than rock bottom. Here you meet Chick, a man at his most desperate hour finds that he gets to spend one more day with his deceased mother. During this day he understands how much she loved him and what he could do to turn himself around. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: The Gazebo
Classification: Fiction
Author: Emily Grayson
Publisher: William Morrow & Co.
Copyright: 1999
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Don’t we all wish we could pitch the “have to’s” in life to do what we want to do for a change?  That’s exactly what Claire and Martin decide to do when they grow weary of always putting their love for one another on hold because of their responsibilities.  For six incredible, adventurous months in Europe, life is unbelievably blissful and fulfilling for the couple until life’s “have to’s” is no longer unavoidable. WARNING:  Keep the hankies on hand!!

Title: Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood
Classification: Teens
Author: Ann Brashares
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the last summer after high school and the girls are making plans for college. Everyone is in town this summer except for Bridget. She found her grandmother and goes out to discover more about her mother's past. The rest deal with summer jobs, loves, and family. The series continues on a feel good way. It's a pleasant read.

Title: The Glass Castle
Classification: Biography
Author: Jeannette Walls
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Life is not fair and Jeannette Walls surely knows it.  Walls & her siblings must bravely tackle all of life’s adversities that are put into place by their alcoholic father and their neglectful, selfish mother.  Always on the move, often living in dismal and dangerous conditions and often in poverty; reading about their horrific journey’s will break your heart.  With only each other to lean on, they devise a plan to escape their dreadful existence.  Using their intelligence and wit, Walls & her siblings not only pull themselves out of despair, but create successful, fulfilling careers & lives for themselves while their parents choose to live among the homeless. 

Title: The Guy Not Taken
Classification: Fiction
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Publisher: Atria Books
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Weiner takes the reader on a journey through short stories of love and relationships (good times and bad) throughout a lifetime. I found them to be humorous at times as well as touching. The stories were woven together in an exceptional way to keep the reader on the journey. While I enjoyed Weiner's book of short stories immensely, I sure did miss a full length novel. I hope the next one will be coming out soon!

Title: Having It All: Achieving Your Life's Goals and Dreams
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: John Assaraf
Publisher: Atria Books
Copyright: 2003
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I actually won a copy of this book at a business networking event I attended last month. If I had to compare this book to something similar, I would say it was a cross between The Secret and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. This author shares the belief in attracting things to you like The Secret and he also talks about seven ‘power factors’ that highly successful people use.  While somewhat interesting, I feel like I’m re-reading a slightly altered version of Stephen Covey's book.  If you have never read either book mentioned above, then this would be a decent cross that covers both subjects of attraction and habits.

Title: I Heard That Song Before
Classification: Mystery
Author: Mary Higgins Clark
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In usual Mary Higgins Clark style, the 'who done it' novel is full of twists and turns which I am grateful for as I hate it when I can guess the ending of the story halfway through. This story centers on Kay Lansing Carrington, the latest “Mrs. Carrington”. The ultra rich husband, Peter, has a sordid past. A previous dead wife and missing and presumed dead girlfriend…which Peter is suspected of being behind but it can’t be proven. When the body of the girlfriend is found on the property, Kay and Peter’s lives are focused on proving his innocence.  The diligence of a hired private detective by the dead girlfriend’s mother searches for the truth of did he or didn’t he do it.

Title: The Heretic's Daughter
Classification: Fiction
Author: Kathleen Kent
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: When I first picked up this book, I was excited that the book was written about the author's distant relatives who lived during the time of the Salem Witch Trials. The premise of the book was based on old documents found that talked about that time. I was kinda disappointed. The story wasn't what I thought it would be. It dragged on in parts while other ares were good. If the book would have been written in diary form, I think it would be better. The author weaved a story based on information contained in the documents and I think the story could have been better. It's still worth a read if you want more information about the time period.

Title: In the Dark of the Night
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: John Saul
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Usually a summer vacation at the lake is supposed to be fun and carefree. Hanging out with your friends, boating, and of course exploring in places you are not supposed to... And in classic John Saul style, that exploring opens the door to terror for a teenager and his best friends. While spending a week at The Pines in Wisconsin, three Chicago suburban teenagers snoop inside of a building outside of one of the boy's summer houses. Inside they find a place where time seems to stand still. The boys find interesting objects strategically placed in the room. A lampshade sitting away from the lamp, surgical tools wrapped in cloth inside of a drawer instead of inside the medical bag they found, etc. One of them starts the chain of events by placing the medical tools inside of the bag. The next thing you know, someone in town is killed in a fashion consistant with using the tools. As much as the boys fight the urges to put the items in the room back together (sometimes unsuccessfully), they come to learn the history behind the house and the town. Their week of fun turns into a week of horror as deadly events continue to unfold leading up to the town's biggest event - 4th of July. Just wait until you read what is in store for that day! A great page turning read to see what is going to happen next.

Title: Jane Austen Ruined My Life
Classification: Fiction
Author: Beth Pattillo
Publisher: Guideposts
Copyright: 2009
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Follow along with former University English Professor, Emma Douglas as she treks across England completing elusive tasks for Mrs. Parrot, who claims she is privy to Jane Austen's personal letters that have never been known to be in existence. In her quest to understand the mysterious Miss Austen, Emma finds herself uncovering some valuable insights into her own life as well. NOTE: Don't let the title fool you! This book is truly one that embraces and pays tribute to the much beloved Jane Austen.

Title: Just After Sunset
Classification: Fiction
Author: Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book showcases fourteen short stories by King. The stories are pretty decent though a few run a little flat and off the mark. But there are a few that I wouldn't mind seeing as a full blown novel! I hope the next book out by King is another full length novel.

Title: The Knitting Circle
Classification: Fiction
Author: Ann Hood
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Co.
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Mary Baxter is like most mothers who grieve the unexpected loss of a child. She withdraws from her job, pulls away from the people who care about her and basically holds a one person pity party for herself. Finally one day, Mary listens to her mother and joins a knitting group. She slowly gets to know each of the women in the group and learns that everyone in the group has suffered a tragedy during their life. The healing power of knitting and these women help pull Mary back into facing life without her beloved daughter.

Title: Lisey's Story
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The story talks about the widow of a novelist who died a few years ago. Lisey finally works up the nerve to start cleaning out her husband’s office where he wrote his books. While she begins to tackle this project, her dysfunctional family problems start showing up.  She has one sister who blames her for leaving town when she was a young woman.  Another sister who self mutilates herself and continually walks the edge of her sanity.  Once Lisey finally gets into cleaning, strange things start happening. A strange man starts calling and threatening her, Lisey thinks her dead husband is trying to communicate with her, flashbacks of the past start happening with greater frequency, etc. The threats become life threatening and Lisey is forced to confront her husband’s past and get past her own fears to save herself and her sister Amanda. It's no wonder why Stephen King's novels are so long. The last few King books I've read, it seems to take a good 100 pages before you get to the good part where Stephen King’s flair shows up. This book is no different. There were several times during these first 100 pages where I thought I wasn’t going to bother because it was very tedious but I kept plucking along and I’m glad I did.  Once I got through the character background set up period, the rest of the book picked up speed and excitement.

Title: Live Better, Longer
Classification: Health
Author: Dr. Richard Passwater, Ph.D.
Publisher: Basic Health Publications
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book is the perfect size without becoming a boring medical book. A mere 100 pages, Dr. Passwater reveals the science behind a revolutionary free-radical antioxidant fighter that helps people live longer. The interesting thing is that it helps with so many ailments such as allergies, Alzheimer's, ADD, Asthma, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, high blood pressure... basically you name it and this free-radical fighter combats it. It is even good for your skin and helps fight against the effects of aging. I've tried it and by golly, my allergies and sinus pressure headaches are a thing of the past!

Title: The Lovely Bones
Classification: Fiction
Author: Alice Sebold
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co.
Copyright: 2002
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: As much as I love to read, it takes a good book to make me sit and try to read the whole thing in one sitting. Not many books prompt me to want to do a marathon-reading binge. The Lovely Bones is such a book. A neighbor murders Susie, a fourteen-year old girl. In heaven, Susie observes how her family and friends adjust to life without her. She also watches in anguish as her killer goes about his daily routine without provoking any suspicion to himself. This book is a compelling and thought provoking read.

Title: Marley and Me
Classification: Biography
Author: John Grogan
Publisher: Harper
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Marley is a light hearted, amusing tale with its share of chuckles along the way!  Follow Marley’s mishaps and adventures from his puppy days into adulthood.  Every dog lover will relate!  Be warned…this book is not for readers with a weak stomach!  The author does not hold back on giving graphic details to the truly gross Marley behavior! (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Classification: Fiction
Author: Kim Edwards
Publisher: Penguin Group
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: It all begins in a snowy blizzard night in March 1964. A physician and his pregnant wife try to make their way through the snow to get to the hospital to have their baby. Unfortunately they are no match for the snow and instead of the hospital; they go to the physician’s office. David, the husband and physician, calls his nurse to come and help.  The nurse, Carolyn makes it to the office in time to help David sedate his wife and deliver his own baby.  Much to their surprise, his wife Norah was carrying twins. After the twins (a boy and a girl) were born, David recognizes that his daughter showed sure signs of having Down Syndrome. The decision he makes next changes all of their lives forever. The book is about living with the choices you make and how the lies, secrets, and deceit can have lasting repercussions on all those involved.

Title: A Mercy
Classification: Fiction
Author: Toni Morrison
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This story takes place back in the 1680's where slavery is common practice. Toni Morrison, the author of Beloved, writes a poignant story from the perspective of the main characters. It flips back and forth between the past and present. The slaves are sadded about the death of Sir who has been a very kind master to them. He has died of the pox and now Mistress has it. They have no surviving children and the three slave girls are scared if she should succumb to the pox. They take matters into their own hands and work to save their Mistress. The story is heartfelt and talks about the bonds of friendship.

Title: Moon Shell Beach
Classification: Fiction
Author: Nancy Thayer
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Read about Lexi and Clare, childhood friends from Nantucket who both make poor choices in men, but who create successful businesses for themselves in their beloved town.  Just as friends do they love each other, fight, make up, and pick each other up.  An irresistible, feel good, quick read that I couldn’t put down!

Title: Mortal Thoughts & Other True Cases
Classification: True Crime
Author: Ann Rule
Publisher: Pocket Books
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is yet another collection of true crime cases that Rule has researched and written about. Although the cases are educational to everyone who reads them, it is sad that people have to go through those tragedies in order for others to ever know them. This most recent collection is no exception. If you enjoy Ann Rule's work, you'll find this book right up there.

Title: Natural Born Charmer
Classification: Fiction
Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Publisher: HarperCollins
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The storyline behind is book is a bit over the top.  A handsome and famous quarterback is trying to escape his problems. He is driving along ‘escaping’ and happens upon a strange woman wearing a beaver costume. Obviously his intrigue gets the best of him and he picks up this woman. Barely a few hours later she is now driving with him from Colorado to Tennessee… It is basically a story of opposites attract. Their skeletons come out of their respective closets of course. His father is a famous rock star and his mother was a former groupie. Oh and let’s not even get into her skeletons. As outlandish as this book was, it predictably has the happy ending with all of the loose ends tied up. Luckily it was a very quick read.

Title: Never Change
Classification: Fiction
Author: Eliabeth Berg
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2001
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The title of the book reminded me of one of those tag lines written in a high school yearbook. That just about covers the life of Myra Lipinski. Myra grows up to become a visiting nurse. A job she finds satisfying. One day she receives news of a new patient, Chip Reardon, with an incurable illness who has opted not to continue treatment. Myra soon learns that this new patient is someone from her high school that she’s had a crush on for years. Dealing with the illness together, Myra and Chip forge a tight bond that leads both of them into uncharted territories. It’s a sweet story which requires a box of tissues.

Title: New Moon
Classification: Fiction
Author: Stephanie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co.
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The second book in the Twilight saga series picks up after the first book left off. Bella's love for Edward reaches down to her very soul and when he leaves to protect her from danger, Bella spirals down into a depression. She withdrawls from everyone around her. Her friend Jacob helps her begin to heal and pick herself up again and as soon as she does, an emergency involving Edward spurns Bella into action and another country to save him.

Title: No Place Like Home
Classification: Fiction
Author: Mary Higgins Clark
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: As a child, Liza Barton lived through the pain of the death of her father and watched as her mother remarries a dangerous man. When her mother finally realized the grave mistake she made in marrying Ted, it set the wheels in motion for a tragedy. One night Ted was trying to bully Liza's mother into not getting a divorce. Liza, trying to protect her mother, threatened Ted with her father's gun. Instead of shooting Ted, Liza accidently kills her mother. That night began Liza's nightmare. Although deemed an accidental shooting, Liza had to endure the cruel jokes of "Lizzie Borden" because of the name similarities. Liza moves away to adoptive parents who change her name to Celia in attempt to erase her past. But really...who can really successfully change their past? As you can guess, Celia gets married and by a freak of circumstances of a surprise gift by her husband, buys her childhood house (where the shooting occurred). This obviously distresses Celia as her husband does not know about her past. Then things happen to let Celia know that someone in town recognizes her and is setting out to torture her. The book is very good in twisting the story around so it keeps you guessing on what happens next all the way to the end.

Title: The Other Boleyn Girl
Classification: Fiction
Author: Philippa Greggory
Publisher: Avon
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I normally do not read historical fiction and picked this book up on a whim. Gregory spins an interesting tale using as much fact that is available for that era. The focus is on the Boleyn family who works to position one of their daughters to snare Henry the Eighth and give their family higher status and power. I found the characters intriguing enough to wonder how on target Gregory was on how she portrayed them. I found the book enjoyable to read. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: The Other Queen
Classification: Fiction
Author: Philippa Gregory
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In 1568, times in England are tough. There are factions still not happy with Elizabeth being on the throne. There are some who want to see her cousin Queen Mary of Scots placed as the proper heir to the throne of England. In the true spirit of the times Gregory works her story telling skills into another novel about the time Queen Mary of Scots is left in the hands of a Count and Countess Shrewsbury for safe keeping as Elizabeth decides what to do with Queen Mary. The story is revealed from the prospective of both Count and Countess Shrewsbury and Queen Mary of Scots. The tale is interesting but the story drug out at times making it a slow read.

Title: Perfect Nightmare
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: John Saul
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: My guilty reading pleasure is thrillers/horror. I love books that keep me guessing until the very end of the book. It drives me nuts when I get the ending figured out before I get to the end. John Saul is one of the few authors in this genre combination that succeeds in doing this. Perfect Nightmare is about the Marshall family selling their house to move to Manhattan from Long Island. Before the family sells their house, the couple’s teenage daughter comes up missing. The book takes a lot of twists and turns in the mother’s obsession in finding her daughter.

Title: The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Linda Kaplan Thaler & Robin Koval
Publisher: Doubleday
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book has common sense information and a few surprises. It really reminds business people who they need to make nice with in order to succeed because you never know when you will run across this person again. The book is full of just that kind of situation and if handled right, could be a huge win for you. If only more people practiced it, there would be a lot of happier business people!

Title: Puppet
Classification: Fiction
Author: Joy Fielding
Publisher: Atria
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I really enjoy Fielding's books. I have to admit that when I first started reading this one, I thought the story line was a bit of a cross between an episode of Ally McBeal or Murder She Wrote. Before I could become really disappointed, the book finally picked up momentum and the Joy Fielding style emerged. While the main character reminded me a bit of a 'woe is me' Ally McBeal, the twists and turns made up for it resulting in an enjoyable read.

Title: The Queen's Fool
Classification: Fiction
Author: Philippa Gregory
Publisher: Touchstone
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Gregory takes us on another journey in this historical fiction novel. Unlike her other books featuring the time of King Henry VIII, it is now after his death and his son Edward is now king of England. But this 15 year old boy is sickly and it looks as though the crown will be passed on to Henry's first daughter Mary. The story is told from the viewpoint of Hannah, a young Jewish daughter of a printer. Because of her ability of 'sight', she soon finds herself at the bidding of Robert Dudley and is sent to court to spy and report back. Her loyalties tend to flip flop as she becomes close to every person she is sent to spy on. Overall I found the story line pleasant but there were times where it did drag somewhat.

Title: Sacred Hearts
Classification: Fiction
Author: Sarah Dunant
Publisher: Random House
Copyright: 2009
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Convent life for Catholic nuns are far from serene as it is quickly revealed in Sarah Dunant's latest novel. Life within the walls can be a sanctuary for some and a prison cell for others. Such is the case for novice Serefina when she is locked away without her consent in her father's attempt to prevent an undesirable marriage. Thus begins Serefina's desperate attempt to escape her imprisonment and back into her beloved's arms. Even more interesting than Serefina's plight is the insight into Suora Zuana's world as dispensary mistress as she treats the sick within the convent with the herbal mixtures taught to her long ago by her late father. At times this book made me wonder where the story was headed, but the author does a nice job tying up loose ends and providing an original, yet satisfying ending.

Title: Scarpetta
Classification: Fiction
Author: Patricia Cornwell
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The latest in the Scarpetta series finds Kay called in to work on an investigation of a little person. The possible suspect, the victim's boyfriend, requests Scarpetta specifically to conduct the examination. While everyone suspects his guilt, Kay investigates the case and begins to have doubts about his guilt. All the while, someone with a grudge against Scarpetta, publishes some very personal about her on a trashy Internet website. While pretty decent, the story runs a little slow at times and a few parts seem unnecessary to the storyline. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: The School of Essential Ingredients
Classification: Fiction
Author: Erica Bauermeister
Publisher: Penguin Group
Copyright: 2009
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In the spirit of great reads such as How To Make an American Quilt and the Jane Austen Book Club, the School of Essential Ingredients is about a group of individuals from all walks of life that come together once a month to Lillian's restaurant to not only learn how to cook, but to recapture and celebrate/mourn past memories in their lives. Journey back with Lillian and her eight students in this poetic, delectable read that ends far too quickly.

Title: The Secret
Classification: Self-help
Author: Rhonda Byrne
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book is all about the power of positive thinking and visualization!  The contributing writers have a lot of insight about how you can attract positive influences in your life. Topics covered include finances, love, health, and success. These contributing writers all have something to say and it is worth reading despite recent criticism regarding this book. You never know what you can achieve in your life with a little positive thinking. Several people I’ve talked to about this book all had stories of things that happened after reading this book. I am no exception. I also have experienced a few wonderful surprises. I highly recommend this book. The way it is written makes it a fast and easy read. It is one that you could read repeatedly and pick up some new detail you missed before. There is no guarantee of success but it opens the door to possibilities.

Title: The Secret Language of Destiny
Classification: Self Help
Author: Gary Goldschneider & Joost Elffers
Publisher: Penguin Group
Copyright: 1999
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This interesting book is based on the principles of Personology. Never heard of that before but I was intrigued. You basically look up your birth year and then the month. It then directs you to the pages of information about your Karmic path. After looking my information up, it appears that my Karmic Path is the 'Way of Electricity'. It tells me that my gifts are brilliance, innovation, and charisma. Hmmm.. okay tell me more. Based on this information, I also have the joy of planting seeds of positive change towards people. I do admit that I read some pretty cool things in there but I do not necessarily believe all of it.

Title: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Classification: Teens
Author: Ann Brashares
Publisher: Random House
Copyright: 2001
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This first book in the series introduces you to Carmen, Bridget, Lena, and Tibby. Four girls who are best friends since they were born. These girls have been inseparable until this particular summer.  Carmen is going to go visit her father, Bridget is attending soccer camp, Lena is going to visit her grandparents in Italy, and poor Tibby is left at home working at Wallman’s.  The girls are anxious yet excited about their summer plans. By chance, Tibby notices a pair of blue jeans purchased at a thrift store by Carmen. These are not just ordinary jeans, but very special jeans.  Despite their different shapes, the jeans fit them all perfectly. The girls believe it is a sign of great experiences awaiting them over the summer and they determine to use them as a connection to each other while apart. The book follows the jeans progression as it passes from one girl to the next.

Title: The Second Summer of the Sisterhood
Classification: Teens
Author: Ann Brashares
Publisher: Random House
Copyright: 2003
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The second book in this series find the girls spending another summer apart. This time Tibby goes to a film program at a college in Virginia and Bridget travels to her deceased mother’s home town to uncover the mystery of her absent grandmother, leaving Lena and Carmen at home working summer jobs. Once again, the girls pull out their magical jeans. This time the jeans do not seem to carry the same magic they did during the first summer. Each girl has to face difficult times and the pants serve as comfort more than anything else. By the end of the summer and the jeans makes the rounds a second time, the magic is back and the girls learn valuable lessons.

Title: Smoke, Mirrors & Murder and other True Cases
Classification: True Crime
Author: Ann Rule
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Ann Rule’s books tend to focus on the aftermath of a horrendous tragedy with an ending.  This book of seven cases is a little different. This collection shared a few mysterious unsolved cases and cases where tragedy is actually adverted and the intended victim is saved. It made for a nice change to read that not all of her stories result in a horrible way.

Title: Songs Without Words
Classification: Fiction
Author: Ann Packer
Publisher: Knopf
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Liz and Sarabeth grew up across the street from each other and are the best of friends. One day Sarabeth's mother commits suicide and Liz's family takes in Sarabeth. Fast forward to their adult lives. Liz has a wonderful husband, athletic son and a seemingly fine daughter. Sarabeth's life is a mess with her fascination with having affairs with married men and otherwise self destructive behavior. Then one day, Liz's content life is shattered when her daugther attempts suicide. Everything that Liz once believed is put into doubt and as she tries to put her family back together, her friendship with Sarabeth is also put into question. Ann Packer weaves an interesting tale of self discovery.

Title: Still Life
Classification: Fiction
Author: Joy Fielding
Publisher: Atria Books
Copyright: 2009
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Following a gathering with her friends, Casey Marshall is the victim of a hit and run accident. Casey wakes up in a hospital surrounded by worried loved ones who think Casey may not survive. Casey is actually awake and alert. The problem is, however, that no one knows that. Although fully awake, she can't move. She can't speak. As time continues to go by, Casey learns what really happened to her was no accident and that someone wants her out of the way. But who? You'll have to read to find out!

Title: Sundays at Tiffany's
Classification: Fiction
Author: James Patterson & Gabrielle Charbonnet
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Jane is a lonely little girl with just one friend, Michael, who just happens to be imaginary. They do everything together and Jane finds Michael to be a great comfort as well as confidant. Then suddenly, on her ninth birthday, Michael tells Jane he has to go. Michael tells her that after her birthday, she will forget all about him. Now fast forward over a couple of decades. Guess what? Jane has never forgotten Michael like she is supposed to. Then comes the fateful day when Michael is in between imaginary friend assignments and who does he happen to see by mere accident? Jane, of course! This collaborative book is amazing. It's touching and true to the spirit of what can happen when you experience true love. I loved this book!

Title: Super Salads
Classification: Self Help
Author: Readers Digest
Publisher: Readers Digest
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Ready to eat healthier this year?  Readers Digest has come up with a compilation of 250 super easy salad recipes to help anyone maintain a healthier lifestyle.  Don’t believe me?  Just flip through this gorgeous cookbook to see for yourself.  Every salad is featured with its own lovely photograph that simply beckons you to try it!

Title: The Ten Year Nap
Classification: Fiction
Author: Meg Wolitzer
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Four intelligent women who have left their careers behind a decade ago to raise their families are now faced with an identity crisis.  Their children are growing up and no longer need them as they once had.  Each mother must decide for herself if she is ready to re-enter the workforce or not.  Not an easy step to take when they are feeling outdated and dusty!  Whether they decide to work outside the home or not, these four ladies find renewed meaning & purpose in their daily lives.

Title: Three Little Words
Classification: Biography
Author: Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Boy after reading this book..I have a whole different appreciation for children growing up in the Florida foster care system. I can only imagine the deplorable conditions in which they were forced to live and then lie about it when the authorities came by to visit. Telling the authorities didn't seem to help as they either thought you were lying or they didn't care because children seem to move from caseworker to caseworker. I can totally see how children slipped through the cracks in the system. Hopefully Ms. Rhodes-Courter's book will give a voice to the children still in the system and help to bring much needed reform.

Title: Too Late to Say Goodbye
Classification: True Crime
Author: Ann Rule
Publisher: Free Press
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book is about two victims who did not know each other. Dolly Hearn and Jennifer Corbin had never met. The only thing they had in common was their destructive relationship with Bart Corbin. Both women learned the hard way that no one leaves Bart. They had no idea that leaving him would cost them their lives. Not until Jennifer's death on one early December morning in 2004 did it spark a second look at Dolly's death a good decade before. Rule is genius at telling the story behind the victims. The hardest part about the True Crime genre is the fact that this genre exists because people had to suffer and the lives of those left behind are changed forever. These books never truly have a 'happy ending'. The victim turns out to be one of those people who always were too kind and giving of a person. They had their whole lives ahead of them but were taken away by an act of violence and cruelty. As grisly as the genre is, these books do give the families of the victims a way to let the world know what kind of person was taken off this Earth.

Title: Twilight
Classification: Fiction
Author: Stephanie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co.
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Bella Swan's new life starts out like any other ordinary teenager living in a small town like Forks. But ordinary is not in Bella's vocabulary. She seems to attract more than she bargained for when she meets and falls in love with Edward who she finds out is a vampire. Most girls would go running and screaming away, but not Bella. She falls deeper and deeper and finds herself in numerous situations where she is over her head. A very delightful read in the first of the Twilight Saga series!

Title: The Ultimate Weight Solution
Classification: Self Help
Author: Dr. Phil McGraw
Publisher: Pocket Books
Copyright: 2003
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: It's that time of year again when people are thinking about their New Year's resolution. Weight loss seems to be one of the most popular resolutions with the people I know. As a professional dieter, I do read weight loss books. I finally came across one worth mentioning. Dr. Phil's book focuses on the Seven Keys to what he calls 'Weight Loss Freedom'. The keys are practical and insightful. My only complaint about this book is the condescending tone he writes it in. It is a tad too direct but if you can get past that, the information contained in the book is quite valuable.

Title: We Are All Welcome Here
Classification: Fiction
Author: Elizabeth Berg
Publisher: Random House
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Unlike Berg's past works, this book is a fictionalized story of one of her reader's mother. This mother is like no other. She contracted polio while pregnant with her daughter and gave birth while in an iron lung. And what does this mother do? She makes the choice to raise her daughter by herself instead of giving it up for adoption. This story takes the true portions of this mother's life and sets it in a different time and place using fictionalized characters. I found this story very moving and a strong testament of dedication this mother had in taking on the challenge to keep her baby. A definite tale to give you inspiration!

Title: Where Are the Children?
Classification: Mystery
Author: Mary Higgins Clark
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 1975
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I ran across a paperback copy of the 30th anniversary edition of this book. The first suspense novel Clark ever wrote. This story follows the secret life of nancy Harmon who fled across the country to get away from her past and the death of her two children. Time has passed and Nancy remarries and has two more children. Then suddenly on her 32nd birthday, both children disappear. The nightmare for Nancy is beginning all over again. There is someone out there who doesn't want Nancy to ever feel safe and secure again. While the story is very good, I'm glad that Clark continued to mold her craft into the books published today.

Title: Where Are You Now?
Classification: Mystery
Author: Mary Higgins Clark
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This latest mystery by Clark centers around Carolyn MacKenzie. Her older brother Mack mysteriously vanishes one day from his college ten years ago and only contacts his family on Mother's Day with a quick phone call. After the latest Mother's Day call, Carolyn resolves to find her missing brother and figure out why he disappeared. Along the way, a young college girl suddenly disappears and calls her family and tells them that she'll call them again on Mother's Day. A coincidence? Could it be related to Mack's disappearance? A very good read!

Title: Why We Want You to be Rich
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Donald Trump & Robert Kiyosaki
Publisher: Rich Press
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: What I liked most about this book is their no nonsense approach.  Unlike other books where the author tries to ‘sell’ their idea(s) to you, Mr. Trump and Mr. Kiyosaki just lay out the facts. They don’t use inspiration or suggest any ‘get rich’ quick schemes. They discuss the practicality of needing a Plan B to be financially secure. They cover everything from why you should invest your money to your spending habits to what kind of businesses to start. It is a wonderful book for anyone considering starting a Plan B.

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