Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore

Title: Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore
Author: Robin Sloan

Clay Jannon loses his job as a web-designer but quickly finds himself working the night shift at an oddball bookstore in San Francisco. His boss, Mr. Penumbra, only has three rules. One of these rules requires Clay not to read or ask  about the strange books in his shop, or its customers. This novel mixes technology, mystery, fantasy and adventure seamlessly. A fun, intelligent read but even better on Audiobook.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Nicole

Ender's Game

Title: Ender's Game
Author: Orson Scott Card

I generally don't pick a science fiction novel as a choice read, but this story recommended was a pleasant change. The main character, a young boy in a post-apocalyptic world where the government dictates how many children you can have and if the children are worthy to go to battle against some kind of alien force. The story caught me from the get go. I loved the boy Ender, and most of his family, and I truly enjoyed the complete battle station school and commanders. There are several sequels to this novel. The book ended beautifully leaving few questions unanswered but also satisfied this ending that leaves an opening for the next book. I'll read on, but probably not for some time.

Fiction; rated 3.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Karen Greenhalgh

Accused: a Rosato & Associates Novel

Title: Accused: a Rosato & Associates Novel
Author: Lisa Scottoline

A book in the series of the all-female law firm of Rosato & Associates. This is Mary's first case after
being promoted to partner. A very precocious 13-year old is the client and she wants Mary to re-open the case from six years ago when her older sister was murdered. She believes the man convicted of the crime was innocent. Her parents disagree. What I liked about the book is that it had some humor in it and also delves into the personal lives of the characters, as well as being a great mystery novel.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Food Rules: an Eater's Manual

Title: Food Rules: an Eater's Manual
Author: Michael Pollan

     A new edition of Michael Pollan's book . . .enhanced by celebrated artist Maira Kalman's imaginative drawings. Food Rules simplifies our daily decisions about what foods we need to maintain a healthy diet.

     Written with much wit and simplicity, readers will find some good and easy guidelines to follow when planning what to eat!

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

Carthage

Title: Carthage
Author: Joyce Carol Oates

Tells the devastating effects of Iraqi war on a two-time vet and how this spills over to friends and family.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Heart Trouble

Title: Heart Trouble
Author: Mary Kay Andrews

This story is about a woman who runs her own cleaning service. She also has her private investigator license. When someone tries to hire her to take on the most hated woman in Atlanta as a client, she finds out that there is a lot more to the story than meets the eye. A very suspenseful and heartwarming read.

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

I Said Yes to Everything: a Memoir

Title: I Said Yes to Everything: a Memoir
Author: Lee Grant

Great autobiography; fascinating memoir.

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

The Berenstain Bears and Mama for Mayor!

Title: The Berenstain Bears and Mama for Mayor!
Author: Jan Berenstain and Mike Berenstain

Clunk the Bear family car hit a hole in the road. Bump the car hit a bump in the road. Someone should do something said Mama. Yes, said Papa, but who? Back home Mama thought and thought. I know what to do to fix the road she said. I will run for mayor.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Jackie Ross

A Bride Unveiled

Title: A Bride Unveiled
Author: Jillian Hunter

The historical aspects and details of a workhouse back in the day and also the romance aspect.

Fiction; rated ? out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Frostbitten

Title: Frostbitten
Author: Kelley Armstrong

This book is one of several in the Women of Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong. It revisits Elena and Clay who were the primary characters in the first couple of books. They are up in Alaska tracking possible werewolf attacks while also trying to reconnect with old pack members. The book delves more into Elena's past prior to meeting Clay which is very instrumental in understanding her reactions to certain sensations as well as her feelings about her own strengths and weaknesses.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Angelique

Blossom Street Brides

Title: Blossom Street Brides
Author: Debbie Macomber

I liked it because it's like a romantic comedy. Light and easy reading.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

The Dead Will Tell

Title: The Dead Will Tell
Author: Linda Castillo

I love the Kate Burkholder series, and enjoyed this book. When I thought I figured out the "who done it", it came with a twist I didn't want to see. It involves a cold case of murder and destruction of an Amish family that went unsolved and the revenge that has come along 35 years later. It has a bit of her relationship with Tomassetti, as his past comes back to haunt him, all in all a good read.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Peggy

Holly Clegg's Trim & Terrific Diabetic Cooking

Title: Holly Clegg's Trim & Terrific Diabetic Cooking
Author: Holly Clegg

This book was published by the American Diabetes Association and offers 250 recipes that are quick and easy to make in 30 minutes or less. I am always looking for quick healthy meals to make and took a look through this book. I plan on trying some of the recipes and I like that it breaks down the calories for each serving, (and the carbs, fiber, sugars, fats and salt).

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

The Invention of Wings

Title: The Invention of Wings
Author: Sue Monk Kidd

Historical fiction based on the lives of two women in the 1800s, both slave and free and their struggle and courage to fight for their own freedom. Well written!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rosalie Capobianco

We Were Liars

Title: We Were Liars
Author: E. Lockhart

A distinguished New England family who spend their summers on a private island off Martha's Vineyard. I enjoyed the characters and story, gripping with truth, lies, privilege and tragedy.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rosalie Capobianco

I Miss You, Father Bear

Title: I Miss You, Father Bear
Author:Else Holmelund Minarik

I miss you Father Bear.
Little Bear and Mother Bear were watching the sunset. I wish Father Bear would come home said Little Bear. I miss him.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Jackie Ross

Biscuit Wins a Prize

Title: Biscuit Wins a Prize
Author: Alyssa Capucilli

Here Biscuit it's time for the pet show. Woof woof.
There will be lots of pets and prizes too. Woof woof.
Come along sweet puppy you want to look your best. Woof woof.
Hold still Biscuit. Woof woof.
Funny puppy. Don't tug now.
Hold still Biscuit. Woof woof.
Oh Biscuit it's not time to roll over. Woof woof.
It's time for the pet show.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Jackie Ross

The Woman Who Walked into Doors

Title: The Woman Who Walked into Doors
Author: Roddy Doyle

I liked how the main character, Paula Spencer depicts her life from a pubescent girl through her married life. The story shows Paula's vulnerability as a teen and her strength to overcome her abusive husband and alcoholism.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Joan O'Brien

The Fever Tree

Title: The Fever Tree
Author: Jennifer McVeigh

Story about impoverished Victorian woman who emigrates to Australia to marry a doctor she doesn't like. She falls in love with a womanizer and story continues with her conflict.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

The Breakfast Club Murder

Title: The Breakfast Club Murder
Author: Camilla Crespi

Easy and fun summer read. A murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end!

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Terri

Private L.A.

Title: Private L.A.
Author: James Patterson

Jack Morgan and his on again/off again girlfriend Justine are a great pair in this mystery. They are a pair of good sleuths who always have each others' backs. The high-end movie stars in the book at first seem the perfect couple, but that is not the case. They turn out to be a sick couple. Jack's loyalty to del Rio showed the human side of Jack, as did his loyalty to his employees and how he wore down the Harlow's loyal help.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Gone

Title: Gone
Author: James Patterson

Once again, J.P. did not disappoint. Detective Michael Bennett is a great addition to his characters. Alex Cross my favorite, but I can get into Detective Bennett. He is always one step ahead of the enemy, Perrine, who is ruthless. The whole book held my interest. But I could not wait to see Viola Gomez, the major villainess in this book get her just reward. Hope to see another Detective Bennett book.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Delusion in Death

Title: Delusion in Death
Author: J.D. Robb

Slow start. Had to get into it. Almost did not finish but I had to find out who the villain was. A twist at the end. O.K. finish.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

The Witchcraft Mystery Series

Title: The Witchcraft Mystery Series
Author: Juliet Blackwell

Lily Ivory owns a second-hand clothing store in San Francisco (Cora's Closet -- "It's Not Old It's Vintage!") Over the course of the series she comes to terms with her heritage as a witch and acquires a surrogate family -- some magical, some not. Books in this series include:
 -- Second-Hand Spirits
 -- A Cast-Off Coven
 -- Hexes and Hemlines
 -- In a Witch's Wardrobe
 -- Tarnished and Torn
 -- A Vision in Velvet

Fiction/Mystery; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Lisa Smith

The Matchmaker

Title: The Matchmaker
Author: Elin Hilderbrand

I loved this book. Set on Nantucket, it chronicles the life of a woman know as "the Matchmaker". She has lived on Nantucket her whole life, and everyone knows her and loves her. She has a huge issue that comes up in her life that she must come to terms with. This is a beautiful, yet poignant story about her life, her family, and ultimately, her choices.

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

The Bone Collector

Title: The Bone Collector
Author: Jeffery Deaver

I didn't like so much this book. It contained a serial killer that was collecting people, killing them and taking out surgically their bones. He was sending certain bones with certain means to their close friends or loved ones, torturing them till they got together as a group to finally put an end to the mayhem.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Allison Falci

I'll Fly Away: Further Testimonies from the Women of York Prison

Title: I'll Fly Away: Further Testimonies from the Women of York Prison
Editor: Wally Lamb

Short stories written by women who come from poor backgrounds, many victims of abuse. A great project by Wally Lamb showing how women survive and persevere.

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

West Side Story

Title: West Side Story
Author: Irving Shulman

The Sharks versus the Jets are rivals in a gang in a small town. The book is also a love story of Maria from the Sharks and the main boy in the rivals' team. At the end in a major fight by mistake her lover is killed causing a truce between the families and gangs. The police are finally relieved to stop having all the crimes and fights occurring.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Eric Petraglia

Blood Oath

Title: Blood Oath
Author: Christopher Farnsworth

A vampire is bound to the president to protect him for life. He has a helper assigned to him. I love how they try to cover up all conspiracies with terrorist lies. Wondering if these things really happen in real life. Dr. Frankenstein for instance made a bunch of undeads and they were called and tried to kill the president.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Sebastien Godart

Red, White and Blood

Title: Red, White and Blood
Author: Christopher Farnsworth

I love Nathaniel Cade books; this book was the third book of this series. The evil in this book was the unhuman Boogeyman. The Boogeyman and Cade have history. Satanists keep killing to resurrect him over and over. The President Curtis is trying to be re-elected and is being tracked down by the Boogeyman and his allies in the goal of killing Cade and Helen Holt who is still alive from the very first book with Dr. Frankenstein. Cade in this book breaks his self promise to never feed on humans (he's a vampire) to save his life and keep his oath to protect the president.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Allison Falci

I, Alex Cross

Title: I, Alex Cross
Author: James Patterson

Alex Cross is a cop trying to find the killer of his wife. The killer returns and attacks his new family. Alex finally puts an end to the killer's rampage.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Paige Jennewein

Winter Solstice

Title: Winter Solstice
Author: Rosamunde Pilcher

This author writes a beautiful story where all the characters, though near or far, come together with one common bond, love. Love of their friends, love of the beautiful Scotland country, love for one another deeply. I enjoy the way the author discusses the characters and the landscape with detail that does not bore you or go overboard. Even the dog in the story has history and becomes such a lovable character. In summary, especially for the holidays it goes . . . everybody needs somebody sometime! Sometimes  more than usual and it's in the sometimes that the best friendships and love affairs are forged.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Karen Greenhalgh

Defending Jacob

Title: Defending Jacob: a Novel
Author: William Landay

A legal thriller with a shocking ending that will surprise most readers. The district attorney's son Jacob is the prime suspect and then accused of the murder of a classmate found stabbed to death in a local park. The father believes in Jacob's innocence. The trial that ensues is quite gripping and leaves the reader in doubt of Jacob's innocence throughout the book. The toll it takes on the entire family is quite apparent. This book is definitely a true "page turner".

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything

Title: Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything
Author: Maira Kalman

Although he is best known for writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson was in reality a "Renaissance Man". He was interested in so many varied things, i.e. music, languages, gardening, botany, math and architecture! With her inimitible wit and beautiful artwork, Kalman brings our third president to life for young readers. With much playful enthusiasm, she presents many facts about Jefferson -- and inspires the reader to learn more about U.S. history!

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

Letting Go

Title: Letting Go
Author: Maya Banks

This erotic novel by Maya Banks is very unrealistic and uninteresting. I would not recommend this book to the erotic fiction reader. There are many other better options. Skip it!

Fiction; rated 1 out of 5.
Reviewed by Grumpy Cat

Twilight (Graphic Novel I and II)

Title: Twilight (Graphic Novel I and II)
Author: Stephenie Meyer

A human Bella and vampire Edward fall in love. There's another man/boy involved, named Jacob a werewolf. They are in competition for Bella's love. Edward has her. And is the only one knowing his family's long secret.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Eric Petraglia

Eyes on You

Title: Eyes on You
Author: Kate White

Eyes on You is a good summer read. I enjoyed this tale of a woman Robin, who renews her life and career with a book and a new job as a TV co-host. Then of course things begin to happen that threaten her world and everything comes crashing down leaving her to try and salvage her life and solve the mystery of what and who is doing this to her.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Peggy

Behind the Bell

Title: Behind the Bell
Author: Dustin Diamond

Screech wrote a book? If you enjoy tabloid fluff this book won't disappoint. Filled with surface stories and tons of innuendo, Diamond tries to paint a tawdry picture of the set of Saved by the Bell. He comes off as spiteful and bitter, at times mean but always quick to point out his conquests. (Over 2,000??? Really?)

Non-Fiction; rated 1 out of 5.
Reviewed by Angelique

Twilight (Book 1)

Title: Twilight (Book 1)
Author: Stephenie Meyer

A younger teenage girl Bella meets a "boy" named Edward Cullen. He's not really a boy though, he's actually hundreds of years old. They end up falling in love with each other despite the whispering and dirty looks from all the peers and family of both lovers. Bella is also introduced to an old family acquaintance's son named Jacob who is also inhuman. Edward in reality is a vampire while Jacob, his competition for Bella's heart, is a werewolf. Bella and Edward officially are a couple with her now being the only human that knows his lifelong secret. The big question now is how to keep her safe now that she knows.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Allison Falci

The Summer Wind

Title: The Summer Wind
Author: Mary Alice Monroe

This story is the sequel to The Summer Girls. It follows three sisters spending a life-changing summer with their beloved "Maman" at her home in South Carolina at Sea Breeze. Each sister has something to deal with.

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

To Scotland, with Love

Title: To Scotland, with Love
Author: Karen Hawkins

I liked that it had four other brothers' romances to follow in correlated books. I love historical Scottish romances.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Dawn Vazquez

Dorothy Must Die

Title: Dorothy Must Die
Author: Danielle Paige

As a huge Wizard of Oz fan I was both skeptical and intrigued. The book starts a little slow, but if you stick with it you won't be disappointed. The book answers the question, "What happened when the characters got what they wanted most in life". I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who is an Oz fan.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Dawn

Free to Learn

Title: Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life
Author: Peter Gray

Takes you through the history of education and learning alternatives. His example of the Sudbury Valley School, where children are allowed more responsibility for their own learning, was an interesting read.

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

Walking on Eggshells: Discovering Strength and Courage amid Chaos

Title: Walking on Eggshells: Discovering Strength and Courage amid Chaos
Author: Lyssa Chapman

This is the life story of Lyssa Chapman, daughter of the star of the TV reality show Dog the Bounty Hunter. Lyssa had an extremely dysfunctional childhood. Her parents divorced when she was young and are both addicts. She was constantly tossed back and forth between the two. Her family let her down consistently. She was abused sexually and her parents didn't believe her. She became a mom at 13 and also became an addict. Getting food for her daughter and herself was a constant challenge and she was shameless at times. She eventually went to live with her father as his show began and eventually overcame her drug and alcohol problem. She is sober and a business owner and a wonderful mother of two. If you are not a fan of the show, you may bypass this book. I was interested because I was a fan. I can honestly say I will never watch the show again after reading how "Dog" treated his children. His wife Beth doesn't seem much better. Good for Lyssa for turning her life around!

Non-Fiction (biography); rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Tina Santiago

Wedding Night

Title: Wedding Night
Author: Sophie Kinsella

Wedding Night is the story of Lottie, a woman who does not handle breakups well. When her boyfriend does not propose to her she breaks up with him and promptly becomes engaged to her first love who looked her up. Her sister Fliss is beside herself because she herself is divorced and does not want that to happen to Lottie. Her mission becomes sabotaging their honeymoon so the couple cannot consummate marriage leaving Lottie eligible for an annulment. There are a lot of mishaps and adventures along the way, including Fliss finding love.

This was a very good book with a lot of romance and humor. It was a nice change from the Shop-a-holic series that Sophie Kinsella is known for.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Tina Santiago

Cross My Heart

Title: Cross My Heart
Author: James Patterson

As always awesome. The first book I read that was a real cliffhanger. Read almost all his books, including non-mystery, and I was a little befuddled by the ending. Alex Cross is my favorite character. I hope Patterson writes a book that will give this one closure.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

I've Got You Under My Skin

Title: I've Got You Under My Skin
Author: Mary Higgins Clark

Another of my favorite authors. This book I figured out who the killer was before the end. I'm so elated that I was able to do this early on. The characters all had reasons to kill the victim, but none of them really seemed to be the killer type, but this killer to me was very obvious. It held my interest. An excellent mystery.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Light Between Oceans

Title: Light Between Oceans
Author: M.L. Stedman

A story about a couple who run a lighthouse in the early 1900s located on an island off Australia. A boat washes up on shore with a man who is dead and a baby. The couple end up keeping the baby and raising it as their own. Because of the isolated life they live, their secret is safe. but eventually their secret is revealed and what ensues makes for a very interesting story.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Cress: The Lunar Chronicles

Title: Cress: The Lunar Chronicles
Author: Marissa Meyer

This is the third book in the Lunar Chronicles. It deals primarily with Cress (hence the title), the Lunar hacker that Cinder had been talking to. Early on Cinder's "band of merry rebels" gets torn apart and Cress's journey is how it all comes back together. While it made for an ok story it was just ok, not really up to the standards of the previous books but I will hold out hope for the next book.
Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Angelique

Divergent

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth

ZZZZZZ. I don't get it - the hype? Why? So boring!

Fiction; rated 1 out of 5.
Reviewed by Angelique

Gone, Baby, Gone

Title: Gone, Baby, Gone
Author: Dennis Lehane

Although this novel is considered fiction, I'm sure many of the characters and events have happened in our own cities. Police corruption, drugs, kidnapping, all the same terrible heartbreaking events that go on daily throughout, I'm sure, our over-populated inner cities or even big cities. The author goes deep in this story. Extremely good moral questions develop throughout the book and especially the ending. If you knew about a kidnapping of a child from a very unfit mother into the hands of loving people, would you turn in the bad people or leave what some would say "well enough alone"?

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Karen Greenhalgh

The Kelsey Outrage

Title: The Kelsey Outrage! A Full, Impartial, and Interesting Account of this Most Cruel and Remarkable Crime: the Tar and Feathering Together with the Alleged Murder of Charles G. Kelsey. Evidence in Full! The Accused Murderers! Doings of the "Tar Party".
Author: Anonymous

Great local history about a true 19th century murder in Huntington.

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

A Dark and Twisted Tide

Title: A Dark and Twisted Tide
Author: Sharon Bolton

A Dark and Twisted Tide is a story of Lacey Flint, a London detective who after undergoing a harrowing experience as a detective, decides to join the marine policing unit, and becomes a member of London's river boat community. Of course, murder and mayhem soon follow her. I enjoyed this book, there were times when I didn't want to put it down. Swimming in the river, dead shrouded bodies, and undercover love interest; what more could a lover or murder mysteries ask for.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Peggy

The Kept

Title: The Kept
Author: James Scott

The Kept, a novel by James Scott was about a boy in the 1890's who watches his family get shot while he hides in the barn, only to survive and have to burn his family and home due to the hard upstate New York winter conditions. When his mother returns, in fear from his hiding place he shoots her with pellets almost killing her. The story is dark, telling the tale of them seeking revenge for their family members with a few twists along the way. Was a hard book to read, telling a bleak hard tale, not a book for light summer reading.

Fiction; rated 2 out of 5.
Reviewed by Peggy

The Rosie Project

Title: The Rosie Project
Author: Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project is a fictional story about a university professor and nerd, Don Tillman who is in search of a wife. Although predictable, The Rosie Project is enjoyable and humorous. This is a great novel for those who love the TV show, The Big Bang Theory.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Nicole

Unworthy: How to Stop Hating Yourself

Title: Unworthy: How to Stop Hating Yourself
Author: Anneli S. Rufus

This self-help book about self-acceptance is more of a memoir of the author's troubled childhood. It does not offer any solutions or coping methods. Perhaps someone that had similar experiences would enjoy this book, however as a self-help book it does not suffice.

Non-Fiction; rated 2 out of 5.
Reviewed by Grumpy Cat

Looking for Me

Title: Looking for Me
Author: Beth Hoffman

This book follows a woman who restores antique furniture. It is her story from childhood to adulthood and how her love of furniture restoration shaped her life. It is also a story of her family and how each relationship affected her life. A moving story that is heartwarming.

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

The Beast

Title: The Beast
Author: Faye Kellerman

Familiar detective Pete Decker and his sidekicks work to solve gruesome murder of elderly man who collects dangerous exotic animals. I like the twists and turns as well as catching up with detectives' private lives.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Carolina Gold

Title: Carolina Gold
Author: Dorothy Love

Easy read for summer! A nice romantic story with added historic facts of South Carolina after the Civil War.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Terri

Dean Koontz's Frankenstein: Book One. Prodigal Son

Title: Dean Koontz's Frankenstein. Book One. Prodigal Son
Author: Dean Koontz

He was created by a mad scientist and brought to life. After living with the monks he meets two detectives whose lives are spent chasing this serial killer. He comes to find out that the monster serial killer was another made from his same creator. He hunts his maker to help track and put an end to his "evil side" as he called him.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Eric Petraglia

Skin Game: a Novel of the Dresden Files

Title: Skin Game: a Novel of the Dresden Files
Author: Jim Butcher

In his new role as the Winter Knight, Harry is ordered to work with one of his worst enemies. The penalty for failure could be his death and the penalty for success could be far worse . . .

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Lisa Smith

Wishes Fulfilled: Mastering the Art of Manifesting

Title: Wishes Fulfilled: Mastering the Art of Manifesting
Author: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Dr. Dyer speaks of how to achieve your highest goals and explained how to do it.

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

The Hunger Games

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins

This book is about a young girl who is randomly picked to enter a survival game against other districts in the world. I enjoyed it because I like the survival aspect of the books, and the characters were easy to relate to.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Blood Oath

Title: Blood Oath
Author: Christopher Farnsworth

I love that the book was about vampires and government. Also there were parts that spoke about Doctor Frankenstein. It was fictional but had a lot of real facts about history such as World War I and II. The president bounds by an oath a vampire who is made to serve and protect his country for as long as his life lasts. He keeps all the things in government that the public can't handle secret and protects the president from non-human threats such as zombies and lizard people. One of my overall favorite books. I can't wait to find out if there will be a sequel.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Allison Falci

Jason Priestley: a Memoir

Title: Jason Priestley: a Memoir
Author: Jason Priestley

Overall I enjoyed this book. However if you were not a fan of the 90210 TV show or Canadian you might not enjoy it. He does talk about all his projects and a little about his personal life but doesn't go into great detail.

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

Sunshine, Moonshine

Title: Sunshine, Moonshine
Author: Jennifer Armstrong

Sun shines on the mountains Sun shines on the sea Sun shines on my pillow And says wake up to me Sun shines on a seashell Sun shines on a rock Sun shines on a crab And on a gull and on the dock Sun shines on the lighthouse Sun shines on a sail Sun shines as it sinks Into the ocean like a whale Moon shines as it rises Moon shines as I yawn Moon shines as I try to catch the fireflies on the lawn

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Jackie Ross

Keep Quiet

Title: Keep Quiet
Author: Lisa Scottoline

A great suspense novel. Starts with a father and his son, who is driving the car on a dark, deserted road hitting a young girl who dies. They leave the scene of the accident and do not notify the police. From there they start living a lie and everything just snowballs with one lie leading to another. There are many twists and turns to the story but somehow as you read the book you feel all will turn out well. But does it?? Read the book to find out.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Illusion

Title: Illusion
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon

We've come to the 5th book in the Chronicles of Nick series - the YA spin-off of Kenyon's Dark Hunter novels. At this point Nick is used to random demon attacks - there are a lot of people who want him dead. Usually he can count on his growing circle of friends and his developing powers to help him but he has been sent to an alternate dimension into an alternate Nick and neither his free acts or his powers exist there. Kenyon uses Nick's new struggles to survive and get home to continue her themes of how important love, family (the one you are born to and the one you choose), and choice are in crafting the person you become.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Angelique

Love Life

Title: Love Life
Author: Rob Lowe

OK I'll be honest I didn't like Rob Lowe's first book so why I picked this up, I don't know, but I'm glad I did. Lowe is an extremely talented writer - both books are a testament to that. But I found something in this book that I didn't in the other - a Rob Lowe I could relate to. A parent, a spouse, a friend - trying hard to navigate situations that we all face - school trips, family vacations, bad work environments, death - and trying to come out on the other side with our sanity intact and maybe having learned something. It made for an interesting and very relatable read. And I have to say he makes some very good arguments why we should "Love Life".

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

A Week in Winter

Title: A Week in Winter
Author: Maeve Binchy

A wonderful, talented writer; the author's descriptions of the scenery are perfect without boring you by going on and on. Her characters are so real and natural, they could be anyone you know. I love that all her characters, from very diverse backgrounds, come together in this beautiful "bed and breakfast" and can relate to each other. She weaves them across the country, you don't even see it coming. Her stories are not predictable and one book is better than the next. I feel badly she has passed away.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Karen Greenhalgh

Orphan Train

Title: Orphan Train
Author: Christina Baker Kline

Was an interesting book - it was based on true "orphan trains" that did occur taking children from the East Coast out to the Midwest in hopes of finding homes for them (1853-1929). It's the story of two women: one old (91) and one a teenager and it's about their lives and the friendship that develops between them. Yet the story was predictable - interesting subject - predictable storyline.

Fiction; rated 2 out of 5.
Reviewed by Peggy

The One and Only

Title: The One and Only
Author: Emily Giffin

This is a story of a young 30-something woman who grew up and stayed in a football-crazy Texas town. It's about finding out what it is you want in life and who you want to spend it with. I couldn't relate to the main character in this book and just didn't enjoy it.

Fiction; rated 2 out of 5.
Reviewed by Peggy

Jewels of the Sun

Title: Jewels of the Sun
Author: Nora Roberts

Set in Ireland. Was a perfect love story about working to get what you want and never give up.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth.

Tears of the Moon

Title: Tears of the Moon
Author: Nora Roberts

It took place in Ireland and had magical components like fairies and magic. A perfect love story.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

Grin and Bear It: how to be Happy no Matter what Reality Throws Your Way

Title: Grin and Bear It: how to be Happy no Matter what Reality Throws Your Way
Author: Jenni Pulos

She talks about growing up, her failed first marriage and successful second marriage and working with Jeff Lewis (Flipping Out). She talks about her low self-esteem and the ways she found to turn it around.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

The Longest Ride

Title: The Longest Ride
Author: Nicholas Sparks

I enjoyed the plot! Characters were very interesting. I would recommend reading!

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Terri

A Rose for Emily

Title: A Rose for Emily
Author: William Faulkner

A Rose for Emily brought the reader back into the early 20th century. Regardless of time or century, some people are enslaved to mental illness.

Fiction; rated 3.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Joan O'Brien

Those who Wish Me Dead

Title: Those who Wish Me Dead
Author: Michael Koryta

Wilderness survival, crime, and suspense.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Amanda

Crossing on the Paris

Title: Crossing on the Paris
Author: Dana Gynther

Comparison of three classes of travelers on a cruise ship in the early 1900s. Elements of historical fiction and true life facts.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Emery