Tuesday, August 16, 2016

The End of the 2016 Adult Summer Reading Club

     The 2016 Summer Reading Club has ended. Thank you to all who participated and those who wrote book and DVD reviews. Raffle tickets were drawn and the prize winners are:

1st prize - Theresa Hearney (Nook)

2nd prizes - Pat Sturm ($25 gift card to Applebee's)
                    Lydia Phillips ($25 gift card to Applebee's)

3rd prizes - Donna Sowul ($15 gift card to Panera Bread)
                   Rachel Ether ($15 gift card to Panera Bread)
                   Susan Roth ($15 gift card to Panera Bread)

     Thanks again for making our Summer Reading Club a success. We hope you all will join the 2017 Adult Winter Reading Club, beginning in the first week of January.

Lindenhurst Memorial Library

Monday, August 15, 2016

Last Minute Travel Secrets

Title: Last Minute Travel Secrets: 121 Ingenious Tips to Endure Cramped Planes, Car Trouble, Awful Hotels, and Other Trips from Hell.
Author: Joey Green

     Last Minute Travel Secrets has a wealth of information about surviving when traveling. It is the "necessity is the mother of invention". For example, one beach ball can be used as a pillow when you are stranded at an airport's waiting room. The ball is lightweight, small when deflated, and easy to carry.

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

Friday, August 12, 2016

Devil in the Grove

Title: Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America.
Author: Gilbert King

     A very well-written book about segregation in the South. Its main focus is the famous "Groveland Boys" case fought mainly by Thurgood Marshall as well as others. It took place in Florida where I didn't even realize segregation was so horrific. It gave me a whole new perspective of the horrible treatment of blacks in the Deep South. A very informative book, hard to read in spots because of the "horror" in it, but well worth it overall.

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

I Can't Believe I'm Knitting

Title: I Can't Believe I'm Knitting (DVD)

     A great source of knitting for beginners. It gives step-by-step instructions that are very easy to follow. Although I learned to knit about five years ago, I hadn't done any knitting in the past two years and this was a great brush-up course for me.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Thursday, August 11, 2016

My Life in Ruins

Title: My Life in Ruins (DVD)

     A charming and comical film about a woman who feels stuck in her life and disconnected from her ancestral country. This soon changes as she goes on a tour of Greece where she finds her zest for life and love.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (DVD)

     It's a very exciting movie that puts a modern twist on the classic Greek myths. The viewer follows Percy on his journey of discovering himself and his true potential while learning about trust, forgiveness, and believing in yourself.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

An Untamed Heart

Title: An Untamed Heart
Author: Lauraine Snelling

     Ingeborg loses the man she loves to death. Her mother suggests she go to America with a widower and his four-year-old son. She's not sure as she's still in love with her first love.

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

Streams of Mercy

Title: Streams of Mercy
Author: Lauraine Snelling

     Anji is recently widowed in Norway but returns to Blessings, North Dakota with her children. She meets a minister newly arrived in town. He wants to marry her but takes a job as a pastor in another state. The town is also hit with a bout of diphtheria. Who will survive and will Anji marry her pastor?
     Great Christian book.

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

One Tuesday Morning

Title: One Tuesday Morning
Author: Karen Kingsbury

     Story about two men. One a firefighter and one a businessman. They are both in the Twin Towers on September 11! Their identities get switched. One woman's husband is dead and one's alive. The one who's alive thinks he's the one who's dead and finds his family and God through the process.
Does he ever regain his memory of who he really is?
     Great book, Christian theme.

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

The Icecutter's Daughter

Title: The Icecutter's Daughter
Author: Tracie Peterson

     Merrill lives with her brother and father. Rurik arrives to join his uncle's carpentry business. She falls in love with him but his fiancee comes to town declaring she's pregnant and her brother who wants Rurik to marry his sister due to gambling debts. Does she marry him?
     Christian book. Loved it.

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

Sweet Tomorrows

Title: Sweet Tomorrows
Author: Debbie Macomber

     This book continues the story of the Rose Harbor Inn at Cedar Cove. We follow the love story between the owner, Jo Marie Rose, and the handyman named Mark. We also follow the story of a new guest named Emily, and her love story. This inn is said to have the power of healing for all who stay there. Read along, and find out.

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

The Weekenders

Title: The Weekenders
Author: Mary Kay Andrews

     This story is about a group of friends that gather together each summer at Belle Isle, North Carolina. The main character suffers a shocking loss. We follow her story as she has the support of her family and friends. We wait to see if the mystery of what happened to her gets solved.

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

Getting On

Title: Getting On (DVD)

     Senior citizen home where the movie takes place features the everyday lives there. I was bored.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

300 Reasons to Love New York

Title: 300 Reasons to Love New York
Author: Marie-Joelle Parent

     A book giving locations and places of important people and places in New York City.

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

Five Flights Up

Title: Five Flights Up (DVD)

     Movie about a senior couple wanting to sell their apartment they have lived in since they first married to find out they are where they belong. The good part of the movie is how many friends they made where they are.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

The Odyssey

Title: The Odyssey

     The graphic novel adaptation of Homer's classical novel, retells the story of Odysseus' journey home from the Trojan War. The beautiful illustrations depict the story in great details.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

The Joy of Less

Title: The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life
Author: Francine Jay

     Wonderful guide on how to declutter your home and therefore declutter your brain!

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

What Comes Next and How to Like It: A Memoir

Title: What Comes Next and How to Like It: A Memoir
Author: Abigail Thomas

     A memoir that all can relate to regarding dealing with loss and coping.

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

A Three Dog Life

Title: A Three Dog Life
Author: Abigail Thomas

     A tough look at how life can change in an instant permanently. Very telling on how to move forward.

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

Alex Cross's Trial

Title: Alex Cross's Trial
Author: James Patterson

     If you're a Patterson/Alex Cross fan, it's a must read, because you learn a lot about the history of the Cross family, Also, if you liked To Kill a Mockingbird, you will enjoy this read.

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

Tales of Beedle the Bard

Title: Tales of Beedle the Bard: a Wizarding Classic from the World of Harry Potter
Author: J.K. Rowling

     Good supplement book to the Harry Potter series. Four individual tales with commentary by original book character Albus Dumbledore.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Philip Johnson

Being Jazz

Title: Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen
Author: Jazz Jennings

     Beautifully written memoir of Jazz's life ae a transgendered child. She is "wise beyond her years" and presents a very realistic look of her "journey" from infancy to high school. Should prove to be a helpful book for others who are getting through this struggle. (List of resources in back of book helpful!)

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

Compelling Evidence

Title: Compelling Evidence
Author: Steve Martini

     Totally different ending than I expected. A great read if you like mysteries.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rosemarie Parthe

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Unearthed

Title: Unearthed: Love, Acceptance, and Other Lessons from an Abandoned Garden
Author: Alexandra Risen

     While I can appreciate her down to earth style of writing, I did not appreciate the use of profanity in the book. And, while I liked the idea of tying a recipe to a story, I found that they were recipes I wouldn't use.

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

Dishonorable Intentions

Title: Dishonorable Intentions
Author: Stuart Woods

     This is a Stone Barrington book so I love that he is creating the story. It is an intense book but fast moving.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rose Parthe

Shades of Blue

Title: Shades of Blue
Author: Karen Kingsbury

     Brad is about to marry a girl he deeply loves. But he is tormented about a girlfriend he had at 18, got pregnant and they agreed to abort. He can't get married till he apologizes to her and makes peace with her. A three way triangle.

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

The Pieces of Summer

Title: The Pieces of Summer
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     Meredith's husband died months ago, or did he? She's pregnant with their first child. A friend from her past helps her with chores. She's uneasy as she worries what people will think. In the meantime, a man recovers and regains his strength but not his memory.

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

White Christmas Pie

Title: White Christmas Pie
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     Will's father abandoned him sixteen years ago. He was left in the care of an Amish couple. He joined the Amish church and is engaged to be married. His father searches for Will. Will is having doubts about being married and having children. His father finds him and saves him after a buggy accident.
     Will Will make peace with his dad?

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

Halfway to Forever

Title: Halfway to Forever
Author: Karen Kingsbury

     Hannah remarries after losing her daughter and husband to a drunk driver. They foster a little girl that they intend to adopt. A relative appears and they lose her -- or do they?
     Her friend Jade lost a baby and is now pregnant again but finds she has a brain tumor. Does she recover and does her baby survive? Written with an uplifting Christian theme. Loved it.

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

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Monsters University

Title: Monsters University (DVD)

     A wonderful movie that captures much of the charm of the original movie. It inspires you to believe in yourself, acknowledge your strengths, and realize that dreams can come true in unexpected ways.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

Calendar Girls

Title: Calendar Girls (DVD)

     An inspiring, uplifting and funny movie that encourages women to love and accept themselves for who they are. It shows that stepping out of your comfort zone can be well worth it if it's for a good cause.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

The Heat

Title: The Heat (DVD)

     The funniest police comedy with Melissa and Sandra playing two totally different personalities. You need to watch this for laughs.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Breaking Away

Title: Breaking Away (DVD)

     Breaking Away is about a Canadian East Indian hockey team trying to make it big as far as hockey is concerned. I like when they finally make the hockey playoffs.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Good People

Title: Good People (DVD)

     It's a movie full of action but bloody and torture of people even I had to turn my head. Good People is a movie about a couple who find money in their house after finding the tenant dead.
     The best part is when things end happily! That's it, not giving you all the movie.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Zathura

Title: Zathura (DVD)

     This movie reminds me of Jumanji. It involves playing a game with events that come to life as one is transported to outer space and everything takes place there.
     The best part was when one of the kids make a wish on a star for someone else's happiness.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Chicken Little

Title: Chicken Little (DVD)

      A cute movie basically about a chicken who got hit on the head by something he thought fell from the sky.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Those Secrets We Keep

Title: Those Secrets We Keep
Author: Emily Liebert

     This book is about three women that go on a girls' summer vacation. The main character is friends with the other two, who meet for the first time and also become fast friends. Each woman holds a secret and those secrets eventually come out. This was a great book about friendship, love, and summer vacation.

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

Falling

Title: Falling
Author: Jane Green

     This book explores the main character's life after she left a high profile banking job in New York City to re-locate to Connecticut. We follow her journey as she decides the next chapter in her life. It's a good read with love, romance, and friendships explored.

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

Lust & Wonder: A Memoir

Title: Lust & Wonder: A Memoir
Author: Augusten Burroughs

     A continuation of his memoir. Not as good as his first memoir.

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

Save Me

Title: Save Me
Author: Lisa Scottoline

     Keeps you interested from the start. Reveals how deep the bond between mother and child is.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Dawn Meyer

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Raised by Wolves

Title: Raised by Wolves
Author: Jennifer Barnes

     Bryn is just your ordinary 15-year-old, except she was raised by the Alpha of a werewolf pack. Being human among werewolves is not an easy task and Bryn has to find where she fits in it all.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Monday, August 1, 2016

Building Wealth with $50

Title: Building Wealth with $50: the 50 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy without a Broker
Author: Mkemo London

     For the financially illiterate, like myself, Building Wealth with $50 is a good read. Reading is not too heavy, but covers all the jargon one would need to know in order to begin investing in the glossary. The book is out of date, but nonetheless covers the essentials for direct stock purchasing plan.

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

The Incomparable Honeybee and the Economics of Pollination

Title: The Incomparable Honeybee and the Economics of Pollination
Author: Reese Halter

     There is no other than when it comes to The Incomparable Honeybee. Dr. Reese Halter makes a light but detailed covering on the honeybee - its functions and its service to humanity and the globe. With elements of chemistry, mathematics, history, earth science and social aspects. The Incomparable  Honeybee is just stimulating enough to not drop the reader in a baffling technical drool. I highly recommend reading this book and Dr. Halter's message on the honeybee.

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

NYPD Red

Title: NYPD Red
Author: James Patterson

     James Patterson at his best! I just love the suspense action and twists and turns that he puts in his books. I love books about cops solving crimes and in NYPD Red James Patterson hits the nail on the head! Very good book!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diane Gaimaro

What We Find

Title: What We Find
Author: Robyn Carr

     The main character, Maggie Sullivan, has a job as a neurosurgeon in Denver. She is currently in the middle of a malpractice lawsuit and unable to practice. She goes to Colorado and the Continental Divide to spend time de-stressing at Sullivan's Crossings, owned by her estranged father, Sully. While there her father and she reconnect. He has a heart attack and Maggie stays longer than she planned. She also finds love with one of the campers who is helping Sully. A story of hope and healing and family.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Partly to Mostly Funny

Title: Partly to Mostly Funny: the Ultimate Weather Joke Book
Authors: Norm Dvoskin and John Malay

     I loved watching Norm Dvoskin on Channel 12 News doing the weather forecast. He always told a joke that made me laugh, smile, or groan. Light summer reading. Very punny.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.

Lydia's Charm

Title: Lydia's Charm
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     Lydia is Amish and moves to Charm with her five year old son. She lives with her mom and grandfather. Her grandfather and son die so she feels alone since she doesn't get along with her mom. She is courted by two men. One a widower with four mischievous children and one single man who is the only one of average height from a family that has dwarfism.
     Who will she marry?

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

The Silence of Winter

Title: The Silence of Winter
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     Her husband is away learning a trade and Meredith finds herself pregnant. She finds out that on his way to the job her husband's bus hits a gas truck and explodes. But it wasn't her husband as he got beaten and robbed at the bus station and is now in a coma.
     Does she find out he's alive and does he find out she's having a baby?

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

The Hope of Spring

Title: The Hope of Spring
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     Meredith is Amish and trying to get over the loss of her husband. She is expecting their first child in three months. While her husband is in a coma in another town with no ID as he was robbed. She has a friendship with a man from her past as he thinks she's a widow.

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

A Revelation in Autumn

Title: A Revelation in Autumn
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     Meredith (an Amish widow) is becoming closer to Jonah. He loves her and her new baby son. He starts to court her and maybe marry her. But her husband is starting to remember his past. Can he remember in time?

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

Dreams on Ice

Title: Dreams on Ice
Author: Beverly Lewis

     Diane dreams of becoming an Olympic skater. Her dreams are dashed when her father decides to move to Colorado. She now has no coach. She tries to adjust and meets people that help her reach her dream.

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

A Perfect Match

Title: A Perfect Match
Author: Beverly Lewis

     Heather and her brother have been ice dancing for years. She really wants to be a free skater but doesn't know how to tell her brother. She does and he gets another partner and she gets to free skate.
     Does it work out for her or will her brother take her back as an ice skating partner?

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

Being Jazz

Title: Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen
Author: Jazz Jennings

     When Jazz became six years old she was finally allowed to express herself as a girl (in a boy's body). She's had to cope with not being allowed to use the girls' bathroom, not playing on a girls' soccer team, etc.
     Jazz has a loving family that supports her. Now she's in her teenage years which brings more physical, social, and emotional challenges. She writes how she copes with these challenges.
     Good book. I am Jazz is on TLC TV network.

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

Runaway Mistress

Title: Runaway Mistress
Author: Robyn Carr

     Jennifer has a rich boyfriend but when she thinks he killed his wife she runs away. She has a makeover and new name. She becomes a waitress in a small town and meets true friends and a policeman that she falls in love with. Good book.

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

Friday, July 29, 2016

Miracles from Heaven

Title: Miracles from Heaven (DVD)

     A young girl develops stomach issues to the point she could no longer eat through her mouth. So she is fed through a tube which is inserted in her nose to her throat to the stomach etc. Her disease becomes fatal. She is hospitalized and sent home after it's stabilized.
     The best part is when a freak accident happens which causes a change in the young girl's life. See the movie. It's touching at times.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Jumanji

Title: Jumanji (DVD)

     You would think playing a game could take you back in time like this one did. I was happy when they went back in time to correct the wrong.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (DVD)

     A movie of two single people finding love. One was of Greek nationality which caused a problem with the family who had involved in everything in their lives.
     It was nice to see the couple bond even more when sacrifice was made for the love they had.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Kidnapping of Mr. Heinelon

Title: Kidnapping of Mr. Heinelon  (DVD)

     A movie based on the greed of others thinking if they kidnap someone who has lots of money they will get paid big. What a fool!
     The best part was when the guys got caught each separately and released. It wasn't all what it was thought to be. LOL

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Checkmate

Title: Checkmate (DVD)

     A very slow moving movie to me. I thought it was going to be a lot of action. Not! This movie has someone who can be base criminal. The best part of the movie was when it went off.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Every Little Step: My Story

Title: Every Little Step: My Story
Author: Bobby Brown

     Didn't like his very last line. Less is more. Overall, good. Tear jerker!

Non-Fiction; rated 3.75 out of 5.
Reviewed by D'Ontri Perry

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Running with Scissors: a Memoir

Title: Running with Scissors: a Memoir
Author: Augusten Burroughs

     An amazing memoir that is profoundly sad, but a great survival tale.

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

Mon Amie Americaine

Title: Mon Amie Americaine
Author: Michele Halberstadt

     Story of friendship between two women who work in the movie critic industry and encounter a health collapse. A short story on what friendship means and how an unexpected event affects it.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rose Parthe

The Judge

Title: The Judge
Author: Steve Martini

     As I am reading all of his books; each gives a clearer understanding of the character in the books. You feel like you get to know them. I love the way he practices the law. It seems very real.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rose Parthe

Big Little Lies

Title: Big Little Lies
Author: Liane Moriarty

     Fun tale on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and school yard lies. Would read another by Liane Moriarty.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rose Parthe

The Friends We Keep

Title: The Friends We Keep
Author: Susan Mallery

     This book is a sequel to the Girls of Mischief Bay. We follow the lives, loves, and friendships made in the last book, while also following some of secondary characters' lives from the first book in more depth. This book also stands alone if you haven't read the first one.

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

Some Women

Title: Some Women
Author: Emily Liebert

     This book follows three women who are close friends. We follow their lives and the ups and downs of their relationships. It is a good read about the special relationships that women friends have.

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

Eat Yourself Thin

Title: Eat Yourself Thin: Superfoods and Recipes to Boost Metabolism and Burn Fat
Author: Gill Paul

     A very interesting and informative book that provides a helpful guide to eating healthier. It also includes a lot of delicious looking, easy to prepare recipes.

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

They Never Came Back

Title: They Never Came Back
Author: Caroline B. Cooney

     As Cathy is eating her lunch in the cafeteria, she feels like someone is staring at her. She looks up to see a boy looking at her. He says that she looks like his cousin, who has been missing for five years. Is Cathy this missing cousin? And if so, where has she been all this time?

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Monday, July 25, 2016

The Mistletoe Inn

Title: The Mistletoe Inn
Author: Richard Paul Evans

     A great love story as only Richard Paul Evans can write. "The best years of our lives are ahead of us" -- a nice thought when you have been through struggles, heartache, sickness or death of a loved. one.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary Cioffi

Race

Title: Race (DVD)

     The true story of Jesse Owens who against all odds goes to the Berlin Olympics in 1936 and wins several gold medals for the USA team. The movie keeps your interest from beginning to end and the actor portraying Jesse does a wonderful job. It is a story of true courage and very inspiring.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Friday, July 22, 2016

Going Home

Title: Going Home
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     Faith leaves her Amish home to be an entertainer. Now widowed and with no money she comes back home to her Amish family with her daughter. She meets Noah who she knows from her childhood. Her plan is to return to the English world and resume being an entertainer while leaving her daughter with her parents. Does she have enough love for daughter to stay? Can she make a relationship with Noah as her faith in God is weak.
     Excellent book.

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

I Just Want You to Know

Title: I Just Want You to Know: Letters to my Kids on Love, Faith and Family.
Author: Kate Gosselin

     She describes her life with her twins and sextuplets. From scheduling, to faith, to accepting help, to having a reality show, to how to protect her children from the fame of the show. To how they're all different. To the things she wants them to have by having those exact traits (belief in God, hardworking, being honest, etc.
     Loved it.

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

Kris Jenner: . . . and All Things Kardashian

Title: Kris Jenner: . . .  and All Things Kardashian
Author: Kris Jenner

     I'm really glad I read this book. I always thought Kris Jenner was a controlling, conceited woman. She describes her early days growing up, marrying Robert Kardashian, having his children, divorcing him and why, marrying Bruce Jenner, having his two daughters, starting the TV show Keeping up with the Kardashians, Robert Kardashian's death and her father's, Nicole Simpson's death and OJ's trial, and managing all her children's businesses that came from the TV show. She really has a love for her family.
     Loved it.

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

A Summer in Sonoma

Title: A Summer in Sonoma
Author: Robyn Carr

     A story about four women. Cassie is single and looking to get married. Julie and her husband are in debt and it's destroying their marriage. Marty's husband is no longer romantic and takes her for granted. Beth is a single doctor swearing to stay single after a lot of bad relationships and having cancer. Their friendships get them through.

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

Blue Skies

Title: Blue Skies
Author: Robyn Carr

     Nikki has been through a divorce and now finds herself a widow. You get to meet her "sexy" friend Dixie and Carlisle who is gay. She now has two teenagers, her children. All three go to Vegas and work at a new airline. Relationships, personal problems and life situation cause them to make life changing decisions. Do they find love and are they all happy about the choices they make?
     Loved it.

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

Shattered: in the Eye of the Storm

Title: Shattered: in the Eye of the Storm
Author: Faye Resnick

     Written by one of Nicole Simpson's closest friends, she describes Nicole's life with him and why she thinks he's guilty.
     She also describes how other factors such as money, fame, and race attributed to his "not guilty" verdict.
     Excellent.

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

Kardashian Konfidential

Title: Kardashian Konfidential 
Authors: Kourtney, Kim, and Khloe Kardashian

     All about them as sisters. Growing up, school years, moving into Beverly Hills, about their dad, about their mom, paparazzi, hair and makeup, boys, their businesses, and their favorite things.
     I thought they were all spoiled brats but they work hard and are "down to earth".
     Enjoyed it.

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

Ninja Turtles

Title: Ninja Turtles (DVD)

     Turtles who became crime stoppers and are teenagers save the day. The good part of this movie is to find out they're turtles.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Miss You Already

Title: Miss You Already (DVD)

     Miss You Already is about two good friends who are there for each other like none I heard of before. Until one friend gets cancer and starts acting out of control almost to the point of losing her friend.
     I like the part of the movie when these two friends separated; one in hospice and the other about to deliver a baby. The friend that is dying pulled IVs out to be there for the delivery of the baby.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Fort Bliss

Title: Fort Bliss (DVD)

     Maggie is a divorcee who joined the Army and had to leave her child behind with her ex. She returns to take over her parental role when everything goes wrong.
     The best part of the movie is when everything falls into place, her life got easier, the battles stopped and the working together for the child started.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Midwives

Title: Midwives (DVD)

     This movie is about a midwife who delivered over 500 children and had one misfortune of a death of a mother but the baby lives. It shows the journey she has to go through.
     I liked best the fact that her case was won.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Brain Games for Dogs

Title: Brain Games for Dogs
Author: Claire Arrowsmith

     Teaches people how to train their dogs into doing tricks. Some of these tricks seem easy; now it depends on if the dog will follow.

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

The Wedding Ringer

Title: The Wedding Ringer (DVD)

     A movie about a guy whose getting married but he has no best man so he hires people to act as though they have been friends for years. I like when he finally decides to come clean and be himself, telling the truth about it all.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Crazy Sexy Cool

Title: Crazy Sexy Cool (DVD)

     This movie is based on the life of a group called TLC. It tries to show what TLC had to go through. The actors and actresses looked closely like the real performers.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

The Girls of Mischief Bay

Title: The Girls of Mischief Bay
Author: Susan Mallery

     We follow the lives of three women who are close friends and the ups and downs of their lives. This is a story of friendship and love.

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

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Island. Book One: Shipwreck

Title: Island. Book One: Shipwreck
Author: Gordon Korman

     Kids who have gotten in trouble are sent on a ship to Guam. There in Guam they are supposed to learn teamwork. When the two adults on board are no longer on the ship, will the children be able to survive on their own. You will have to read the whole series to find out.
     I liked how you were able to understand each character's point of view in this book. It was a very interesting book and I plan on reading the rest of the series.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Cassie Faber

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Undue Influence

Title: Undue Influence
Author: Steve Martini

     I love his character and how the book flows to the very end. Very Steve Martini.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rose Parthe

Invisible

Title: Invisible
Author: James Patterson and David Ellis

     A bit different from Patterson's usual probably due to co-author Ellis. Mystery suspense was decent and hope to read more with David Ellis!

Fiction; rated 3.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary Perez

Eat, Pray, Love

Title: Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert

     Put off reading this book for awhile. Happy to have read it! The countries sounded fabulous . . . the transformation of her feelings and outlook were enlightening!

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

Silent Mercy

Title: Silent Mercy
Author: Linda Fairstein

     One of my favorite authors, Ms. Fairstein was a New York prosecutor and her novels are filled with real procedures in and out of court. Love all her books!

Fiction; rated 4.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary Perez

Bringing Down the House

Title: Bringing Down the House (DVD)

     A very funny movie that also presents the struggles of one of the main characters while she remained strong and determined in the face of racial and societal prejudices.

Rated 4.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

The Crossover

Title: The Crossover
Author: Kwane Alexander

     This is the story of Josh aka Filthy and his twin brother Jordan. Follow them as they struggle with the highs and lows a fourteen year old boy faces, such as girls, school, and the basketball team.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

One More Day

Title: One More Day
Author: Kelly Simmons

Great mystery involving what it means to be a mother and wife. Will keep you confused till the end.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Dawn Meyer

How to Charm a Bird

Title: How to Charm a Bird: Create a Backyard Haven with Birdhouses, Baths, & Feeders.
Author: Popular Mechanics

     This book had great information from bird watchers and wonderful instructions on how to make birdhouses, bird baths, and bird feeders from household or easily obtainable materials.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary C.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Delicious Foods

Title: Delicious Foods
Author: James Hannaham

     This book tells the story of Eddie and his mother, Darlene who were both greatly affected by the death of Darlene's husband and Eddie's father. Darlene turns to drugs to help her through her loss which inevitably put her life into a downward spiral and drags her son into a world he should never have been a part of. The opening page has us hooked immediately when Eddie is fleeing Delicious Foods with no hands. You immediately want to know how and why. Crack has its own voice throughout the book and goes by the name of Scotty. This is ingenious on the part of the author. The tale is told through the voices of Darlene, Eddie and Scotty and each are so well written that as you read, you almost catch yourself reading aloud because each of these characters comes to life so vividly. Although it may not be a feel-good book read of the summer, it is so well written that you can't put it down.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Matt Drucker

15th Affair

Title: 15th Affair
Author: James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

     The latest book in the  Women's Murder Club series. Lindsay Boxer is a detective involved in solving the murder of several people in a hotel. The twist to the story is that her husband Joe who works for the FBI has gone missing and she begins questioning Joe's possible involvement in the murders as well as her marriage. The murders are solved by the end of the book but it leaves you up in the air as to whether her marriage survives the ordeal. Of course we will have to wait until #16 in the series to find out.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Dancer and the Dame

Title: Dancer and the Dame (DVD)

     A cop has to prove he still has it by taking on a dog as a partner. In the meantime the dog is mourning the loss of its previous partner. Slow movie.
     Dancer solves the case of the murdered partner of the dog and a psychologist. Two in one.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Cradle 2 the Grave

Title: Cradle 2 the Grave (DVD)

     Criminal and his partners steal some black diamonds to find out they're more than diamonds. The owner finds out it was taken then kidnaps the child of the criminal. It becomes a race of time to return the diamonds.
     This movie is full of adventure.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

The Choice

Title: The Choice (DVD)

     The Choice  is an excellent movie based on the choices we make which affect the outcome of what is next in life. An example, a playboy veterinarian finally meets a female doctor and falls in love but she thinks he still is what he was and they separate.
     The best part of the movie is you have to watch it for yourself. The ending is not what you expect but it shows because he didn't make a particular choice the outcome turns out good.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Friday, July 15, 2016

Miss Meadows

Title: Miss Meadows (DVD)

     A movie about a nice lady who would secretly kill any one child molester, priest, robber of fast food restaurant and even a kidnapper but she looked as though she wouldn't harm a fly.
     The best part of the movie was when she finally stopped the killing and focused on being a wife and mother.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Disaster Movie

Title: Disaster Movie (DVD)

     The movie was horrible. It was poking fun at other movies but if you've never seen the movie it was making fun of you wouldn't understand. They weren't very funny.
     The best part of the movie was when I decided to press the stop button on the player to end my agony.

Rated 1 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Grown Ups 2

Title: Grown Ups 2 (DVD)

     This movie is full of lots of laughs while hanging around high school friends who are adults now. They share their families and vacations together.
     The best part was when Hollywood finally met back with a bully from high school that he still feared and they made peace.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Ride Along 2

Title: Ride Along 2 (DVD)

     The movie was about a rookie cop and his investigator partner trying to crack a case. Lots of funny scenes. The part I like most is when he finally married his bride after this adventure.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

DIY Dog Grooming

Title: DIY Dog Grooming: From Puppy Cuts to Best in Show: Everything You Need to Know, Step by Step.
Author: Jorge Bendersky

     This book walks you through grooming of dogs step by step. The best part of this book is it is well explained.

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

The Jury

Title:The Jury
Author: Steve Martini

As with most of his books, I am finding out that you think you have the book figured out and who killed who and then it is someone totally different. Love reading books like this!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rosemarie Parthe

Orange is the New Black

Title: Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison
Author: Piper Kerman

A Smith College graduate, Piper Kerman falls in  "with the wrong group" . . . gets convicted on drug smuggling and money-laundering charges and is sentenced to 15 months in a federal prison. Her account of the life behind bars is illuminating . . . and illustrates the need for prison reform.

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

Thursday, July 14, 2016

The Apartment

Title: The Apartment
Author: Danielle Steel

This book follows the lives of women sharing an apartment together. We see their ups and downs as they go through life together.

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

Forgiven

Title: Forgiven: the Amish School Shooting, a Mother's Love, and a Story of Remarkable Grace
Author: Terri Roberts

The book was written by a mother whose oldest son committed a murder at an Amish schoolhouse. It gave an in-depth look at a human's ability to forgive and move forward.

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

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes

Title: All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes
Author: Betsy St. Amant

A heart-warming story about a woman's journey of finding her inner strength, love, and life's purpose with the added excitement of a televised cupcake competition.

Fiction; rated 4.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Rachael Ray's Big Orange Book


Title: Rachael Ray's Big Orange Book: the Ultimate Collection of: All-New 30-Minute meals, Vegetarian Dinners, Meals for One, Kosher Meals, Holiday Menus and Much More! 
Author: Rachael Ray

I'm a Rachael Ray fan. This book is filled with great recipes. It has pictures and is easy to understand for a novice cook. I've only tried a few recipes but have enjoyed them.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary Czeisel

The Cleaner

Title: The Cleaner
Author: Mark Dawson

     This book, a John Milton novel, is the first in a series of John Milton books. Milton is considered #1 hitman in an English organization that does "dirty jobs" for "Her Majesty's Security Services".
     John Milton states he is quitting the organization but is told by a man named Control, head of the agency, that no one quits. Control, therefore, sends other hitmen to kill Milton.
     Good story.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diane Gaimaro

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

The Bane Chronicles

Title: The Bane Chronicles
Author:Cassandra Clare

This book was about a guy named Magnus Bane who isn't just a guy, he's the high warlock of Brooklyn. His job is to protect Mundanes -  regular non-faerie, non-vampire, non-werewolf, non-downworlder (you get the point! -  basically regular everyday people) from the wrath of any magic, vampires, werewolves, warlocks, etc.  . . .and let them see whatever their minds can handle. So basically Magnus goes around helping others basically Mundanes and downworlders. There are also shadowhunters who help protect Mundanes and downworlders by killing off demons and sending them back down to the abyss where they belong. Eventually Magnus who had given up searching for love found a lover who is a just barely of age shadowhunter and they both fall head-over-heels in love with each other. His nemesis is Alexander Lightwood, Alec for short. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love adventure and action and the Bane characters and all of Cassandra Clare's books have appealed to me always they are just the type of books I look for and ones that I look forward to reading.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Renee Codella

I Was Here

Title: I Was Here
Author: Gayle Forman

What I liked best about the book was that there was some adventure in it. I also liked that it was suspenseful. Some chapters there was a cliff hanger and some there wasn't. I loved the book all the same. It was about two best friends who grow up together and then go off to separate colleges one day. One of the girls Cody doesn't realize that all of her life her friend Meg has had depression problems. Meg commits suicide with the help of a suicide support group in making the decision of whether or not  to commit suicide. One man in particular emails Meg a list of instructions and a particular poison to ingest in order to kill herself. Meg is able to kill herself and a guy named Ben McCallister and Cody start dating even after he had hooked up with Meg first for a day. Ben and Cody both go and pay their respects to Meg's parents who had given their daughter's laptop to Cody for college.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Renee Codella

If I Stay

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman

     If I Stay is about a family of four. They are all musicians. One day it snowed, a light dusting. School is cancelled for the son Teddy, the daughter Mia, and the father who works at a school. They decide to go for a car ride but during the car ride their car collides with someone else's car. When the medics finally arrive the parents are pronounced DOA (dead on arrival), Teddy is taken to the hospital very injured and Mia is in grave condition and in a coma. She stays that way for a while until her boyfriend Adam comes to see her and plays a song for her on his headphones that she stirs out of her coma and wakes up very weak. I liked everything about the book. I liked that it was suspenseful.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Renee Codella

Monday, July 11, 2016

Wonder

Title: Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio

Follows the story of August, a 10-year-old boy who is disfigured. August must learn how to cope with life. I love how the story is told through the eyes of August and switches off to other characters of the story.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

The Bishop's Daughter

Title: The Bishop's Daughter
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     The bishop's daughter' father is in a car accident. She becomes not sure of her faith. Jimmy comes to her town to search out his biological parents. They are both drawn to each other. English can't marry Amish. So they marry and does he find his birth parents?
     Great book.

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

A Moment of Weakness

Title: A Moment of Weakness
Author: Karen Kingsbury

Two fifteen-year-olds were neighbors and promised when they got older they would be married. He goes to another country for three months and while gone she marries someone else. Why? Read the book and find out. It's a Christian book and has Bible verses in it. It's excellent. I read it in one day just to find out the ending.

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

A Merry Heart

Title: A Merry Heart
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     Miriam is engaged to be married. He cheats on her so she distrusts all men. (She is Amish). A newspaper reporter has a romantic friendship with her but she is also courted by an Amish widower with a young daughter. She loves the daughter but isn't in love with her father.

     Who does she wind up with and will the marriage last? It's a Christian book including Bible verses pertaining to different situations. I loved it.

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

Nora Webster

Title: Nora Webster
Author: Colm Toibin

Nora is a widow with four children who is trying to find herself after her husband's death. She lives in a small village in Ireland where everyone knows everyone and their business! She finds herself again through music.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Pat

The Mistletoe Inn

Title: The Mistletoe Inn
Author: Richard Paul Evans

Kim Rossi dreams of becoming a published romance writer despite her own recently failed relationships. While attending a writer's retreat in Vermont, she hopes to meet her favorite author, H.T. Cowell. Meanwhile she and her conference "writing buddy" Zeke become good friends as he advises her on improving her writing. Is there more to Zeke than meets the eye? A Must-Read! Couldn't put this book down!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Pat

The Island House

Title: The Island House

A great summer read! Loved the "large family" story. The mother character Susanna was so real. Loved all her "summer children". They were all invited guests of her own children.

Lesson/theme - there is someone out there for everyone.
Someone who loves you doesn't ask you to change.

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

The Big Five

Title: The Big Five: Five Simple Things You Can Do to Live a Longer, Healthier Life.
Author: Sanjiv Chopra

Inspiring! Motivational! Five things we all can do /change to make a healthier life: drink coffee, be sure sure you get enough vitamin D, walk, eat nuts and meditate. That doesn't seem so drastic. Begin today to have a healthy life and live longer.

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

Gardening for Butterflies

Title: Gardening for Butterflies: How You Can Attract and Protect Beautiful, Beneficial Insects
Author: The Xerces Society

This book explains the differences between butterflies and moths. It explains that their habitats are being destroyed and replaced with lawns. This book shows how to let a piece of your yard become wild which will increase the amount of favorable insects to your yard and the importance of butterflies and moths as pollinators. It also gives names of plants indigenous to our area.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary Czeisel

Saturday, July 9, 2016

U Is for Undertow

Title: U Is for Undertow
Author: Sue Grafton

The story went back and forth from the '60's to the '80's. I don't usually like books that flip back and forth decades but it was okay. I could relate to the decades because I lived them passionately. Again a great read.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diane Gaimaro

Dark Harbor

Title: Dark Harbor
Author: Stuart Woods

Stone Barrington novels are a favorite for me. The stories are dynamic and difficult to solve. I have read many of these books as Barrington (main character) and really love them Good, easy read. Bought this book at the Lindenhurst Library book sale. They have incredible books for sale!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diane Gaimaro

The Fifth Horseman

Title: The Fifth Horseman
Author: James Patterson

Women's Murder Club - Mystery. I love these stories . "Easy Read". Story was excellent and a "fast read". I'm not sure I like his books as much as I used to like them. They took longer to read. Since he has added Maxine Paetro -- now they are lighter. How much does Maxine write, or is she an editor? Making his books shorter?

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diane Gaimaro

Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in our All-About-Me World

Title: Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in our All-About-Me World
Author: Michele Borba

     This book is a must for educators of all grade-levels as well as for parents. The aim of this book is to promote empathy in our children. Empathy is lacking in our society today and if we can raise our kids to be empathetic, they will go further and eventually be more successful. It's not as important to raise our children to be the smartest or fastest -- empathetic children will eventually give more back to our society and will work better collaboratively. It's time to switch the focus from "me" to "we".

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Matt Drucker

What We Find

Title: What We Find
Author: Robyn Carr

This is a book about a brilliant neurosurgeon who has dealt with some major life and career stresses. She takes a break from it all to re-examine her life. We follow her on this journey as she returns to her roots and what she finds there.

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

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Ordinary Grace

Title: Ordinary Grace
Author: William Kent Krueger

The story is set in a small town in Minnesota, during the summer of 1961. It is told from Frank's perspective forty years later. He was 13 years old during that summer and has a younger brother Jake who idolizes him. Several deaths take place during that summer which will change their lives forever. As well as being a mystery it is very heart-warming and humorous. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

I Do It with the Lights on: And 9 More Surprising Truths about Living a Blissfully Shame-Free Life

Title: I Do It with the Lights on: And 9 More Surprising Truths about Living a Blissfully Shame-Free Life
Author: Whitney Way Thore

An inspiring and motivating book that lets the reader in on the writer's emotional journey of struggles and triumphs. It offers something every reader can relate to.

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

Kidnapped: The Rescue

Title: Kidnapped: The Rescue
Author: Gordon Korman

     Spoiler Alert: This book is the third book in the Kidnapped series. After being kidnapped (in the first book), Meg Falconer has finally escaped. She is stranded on a deserted mountain in the middle of a blizzard. Will she find a way to contact the police or her family? You will have to read the book to find out. I will tell you that Meg is very smart and courageous even when nearly frozen to death.
     I liked this book, but I feel that the ending was kind of rushed. I expected a more powerful conclusion. Also, there were some questions that were left unanswered. Overall, it was a good book.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Cassie Faber

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

El Deafo

Title: El Deafo
Author: Cece Bell

This book is great to show that everyone is different and we should celebrate them. The main character takes you on an adventure through school and making friends while struggling with her identity. I like how this book is very relatable.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Kidnapped: The Abduction

Title: Kidnapped: The Abduction
Author: Gordon Korman

     The Falconer family had been framed by terrorists. The parents had been in jail for over a year before proven innocent. The two children had been sent to juvenile detention. After this false allegation, the Falconer family has been transformed forever. Many people still hate the Falconers even though they have been proven innocent. When walking home from school one day, someone tries to abduct the children. The older son escapes, but they capture the young girl. The search begins to find young Margaret Falconer.
     I loved this book and plan on reading the next books in the series. Gordon Korman is a wonderful author. His books are full of adventure and excitement.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Cassie Faber

The Pink Ladies Club

Title: The Pink Ladies Club
Author: Emma Hannigan

Three women meet at a cancer support group. I liked how the women supported each other and their families after receiving their diagnosis.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Pat

A Girl's Guide to Moving On

Title: A Girl's Guide to Moving On
Author: Debbie Macomber

Very predictable romance with a happy ending! Mother and daughter-in-law are both faced with cheating husbands. Both decide to divorce and move on with their lives. Both meet someone new and live happily ever after!!!

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Pat

The Brothers Grimsby

Title: The Brothers Grimsby (DVD)

     Two brothers who were separated meet again in their adult lives. They find out each are totally different one is goofy and the other serious and a spy. It's a comical movie. What I like most is when they finally get their lives together to become close brothers again.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

The Boy

Title: The Boy (DVD)

     An older couple whose son died in a house fire become attached to a ceramic doll who looks like their son. What I like most everyone thought they were crazy how they carefully took care of this doll. There is a reason why . . . not telling you.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

5th Wave

Title: 5th Wave (DVD)

     It was about aliens who invaded Earth causing all kinds of disasters. The 5th wave was to be the end of the Earth.
     What I liked most was that siblings had gotten lost from each other and were reunited during the movie.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP


Ali

Title: Ali (DVD)

     The life of Muhammad Ali through his trials and tribulations and many wives. Will Smith played the part.
     The part I liked most is when I didn't have to see boxing. I am not a fan of this sport.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Hot Pursuit

Title: Hot Pursuit (DVD)

A comedy about a rookie cop who gets mixed up in a case and ended up being classified as a criminal, who has to prove she is not while protecting a victim in the protection service. I'm not quite sure what I liked at the time.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Lila and Eve

Title: Lila and Eve (DVD)

This DVD is based on true information given by a mother who lost her child through gun violence. It shows how one could lose her mind trying to find the killer of their child or plain trying to survive. I liked the part of the movie when the mother realized her problem and tried to work on it!

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Bad Grandpa

Title: Bad Grandpa (DVD)

     This movie will make you laugh at the many crazy things they have this "Grandpa" doing. If you do watch it I would suggest children don't.  But get "Bad Grandpa", this one explains each episode.
     I liked the episode when Grandpa was trying to be a male stripper and he got chased out of the place.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Midwives: A Novel

Title: Midwives: A Novel
Author: Chris Bohjalian

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP


Friday, July 1, 2016

The Blood Flag

Title: The Blood Flag: a Paul Madriani Novel
Author: Steve Martini

Was a part of history I did not know - kept you guessing till the end. Excellent.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rose Parthe

Your Idea Starts Here: 77 Mind-Expanding Ways to Unleash Your Creativity

Title: Your Idea Starts Here: 77 Mind-Expanding Ways to Unleash Your Creativity.
Author: Carolyn Eckert

An interesting read with a lot of innovative strategies and inspiring stories to unlock the power of your own creativity.

Non-Fiction; rated 4.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

Magonia

Title: Magonia
Author: Marcia Dahvana Headley

A very imaginative and colorful story with great character development. Although the story is considered a romance, it's more about self-discovery and choosing to do the right thing even when it's very hard. The romance is subtle and along with the exciting plot, you become drawn into the story.

Fiction; rated 4.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas

Title: A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas
Author: Warren Berger

This book is an absolute must-read for every teacher at every level. Even parents could benefit from reading this book. In the book, Warren Berger shows us how important questioning skills are for our children. It will help them to be more successful in all aspects. Inquiry is what employers will be looking for something that shows that their employees will be resourceful and innovative. It teaches us that risk-takers and questioners have been among the most successful leaders of today like the creators of Netflix, Google, and Airbnb.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Matt Drucker.

The Rules of Love and Grammar

Title: The Rules of Love and Grammar
Author: Mary Simses

Enjoyed this book very much. Did not want to put it down. Funny and light!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Teddy and Me: Confessions of a Service Human

Title: Teddy and Me: Confessions of a Service Human
Author: Michael Savage

Michael Savage "switches gears" and instead of his usual political subject matter . . . in this book he provides a rare glimpse into his private life  . . . and more importantly his special relationship with his dog, Teddy.

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

Thursday, June 30, 2016

A Few of the Girls

Title: A Few of the Girls
Author: Maeve Binchy

This is a collection of short stories, told in the way that only Maeve Binchy can tell them. This book was quite delightful.

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

Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go

Title: Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go
Author: Marni Jameson

This is a very informative book about getting rid of a lifetime's worth of "stuff" in our parents' home, but also in our own. The directions were clear, and to the point. It is a helpful guide to simplifying the process.

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

Destination Unknown

Title: Destination Unknown
Author: Amy Clipston

     Whitney Richards is now a senior in high school. She feels the pressure to commit to a college and to continue being a straight A student. She begins to struggle in calculus. After her parents hire a tutor, she is furious. At first she hates being tutored, but she soon finds friendship in Taylor, the tutor. As she struggles to figure out who she is, Taylor is there by her side to listen when she needs to talk. He encourages her to seek God when she is confused and unsure.
     I love how the author Amy Clipston showed that prayer can solve our problems. The book was definitely relatable and intriguing. I would definitely recommend this book to people in the future.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Cassie Faber

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Passed and Present

Title: Passed and Present: Keeping Memories of Loved Ones Alive
Author: Allison Gilbert

A unique book to help people who are grieving over the loss of someone special . . . to find the best ways in which to preserve their memories.

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

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Last One Home

Title: Last One Home
Author: Debbie Macomber

     Three estranged sisters reconnect after many years apart and reveal secrets that each has kept all those years.
     Very interesting information about Habitat for Humanity is woven into the story since one of the sisters is waiting to receive such a home after she completes her volunteer hours with Habitat.

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

"Hello, My Name Is Doris"

Title: "Hello, My Name Is Doris" (DVD)
Main Actor: Sally Fields

A light-hearted fun movie that keeps you laughing. Doris has spent her adult life caring for her mother. After her mother passes away, Doris has an epiphany and starts pursuing a new younger male co-worker. She turns from a "frumpy old-maid" to a "wild woman" with many fantasies.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

The Quest

Title: The Quest
Author: Nelson DeMille

Two male journalists and a female photographer are covering the Ethiopian Civil War. They find a dying priest who claims to have seen the Holy Grail, Christ's cup from the Last Supper. He gives them some clues before he dies and they are determined to go on a quest to find it. What ensues is quite an "adventure" where they encounter murderous tribes and deadly assassins and fear for their lives more than once. The book was a bit long but it does hold your interest to see what happens next.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Return to the Isle of the Lost

Title: Return to the Isle of the Lost
Author: Melissa de la Cruz

     This book is a sequel to The Isle of the Lost. In the previous book, four children whose parents are villains were sent to Aurodon, the land of the good characters. They defeated Maleficent and finally began adjusting to the life of being good. Now as they live their happy lives, they are all given threats that if they do not return to the Isle of the Lost something bad will happen. They become worried that their parents are up to no good again. They team up to try to solve the mysterious notes and discover more than they imagined.
     I love Melissa de la Cruz's creative thinking. She really expands the classic fairytales into one amazing world. I am excited to read future books and watch the upcoming movies.

Fiction; rated 3.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Cassie Faber

Friday, June 24, 2016

Here's to Us

Title: Here's to Us
Author: Elin Hilderbrand

This book is about a family reunion of sorts, when the characters gather to remember their Dad, husband, and friend after he passes away.

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

Blueprints

Title: Blueprints
Author: Barbara Delinsky

This book follows a mother and daughter who are both in a home improvement TV show, both as hosts and carpenter and architect. We follow their lives as part of the show, as well as their family lives. It is a great story about family dynamics and "girl power".

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

A Lowcountry Wedding

Title: A Lowcountry Wedding
Author: Mary Alice Monroe

     This book follows the lives of the girls from the previous Lowcountry Summer Girls series. We follow them as they prepare to get married and all the ups and downs that go along with that journey.
     Previous books are: (in order)
1. The Summer Girls
2. The Summer Wind
3. The Summer's End
and finally
4. A Lowcountry Wedding

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

On My Own

Title: On My Own
Author: Diane Rehm

A deeply personal and well-written memoir . . . the author, a beloved NPR radio commentator, retells the long "downward slide" of her husband, as he fights the effects of Parkinson's disease. He passes away and the second half of her book recounts her daily struggle to find meaning and happiness in her new life without him.

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

First Life

Title: First Life
Author: Gena Showalter

A classic story about the conflict between choosing a path that"s "right" for you or following your heart. It is set in a fantasy world where two realms battle for  your soul. The protagonist, Ten, is also caught between two young men. The sequel, Lifeblood, comes out in February 2017. 

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

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Sea Escape

Title: Sea Escape
Author: Lynne Griffin

Laura finds letters from her father - while he was working in Vietnam. Letters reveal many family secrets!

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Pat S.

Eyes Only

Title: Eyes Only
Author: Fern Michaels

I like Fern Michaels but this book was a little drawn out. Was repetitive so not a great rating.

Fiction; rated 2 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rosemarie Parthe

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

There You'll Find Me

Title: There You'll Find Me
Author: Jenny B. Jones

     After Finley Sinclair's brother died, Finley began to struggle in her relationship with God. Since her brother used to have a strong faith, Finley decides to use her brother's journal to visit his favorite places in Ireland in hope to restore her own faith. Not only does Finley enjoy the scenery, but she also transforms into a new person.
     I love how Jenny B. Jones (the author) incorporates the Word of God in this exciting story. This book truly portrayed the greatness that God has in store for and every single person.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Cassie Faber