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