Dragon's Keep

Dragon’s Keep
by Janet Lee Carey

In this young adult novel, Princess Rosalind of Wilde Island, where her royal family was exiled 600 years before the reign of Henry II, is born with a dragon claw on the ring finger of her left hand. Her mother ruthlessly protects her by keeping this deformity secret. Through a series of events, Rosalind is captured by a dragon king and becomes the slave "Briar," whose job it is to take care of the pips (baby dragons). She comes to understand life from the dragons’ point of view before taking her rightful place as queen of Wilde Island.

- Linda

Charlie Wilson's War

Charlie Wilson's War
(Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman)

Charlie Wilson's War is based on the story of how America became involved in the war between Afghanistan and Russia. Three important Americans played a significant role in this covert operation: Charles Wilson, a Congressman from Texas; Joanne Herring, a rich socialite; and CIA agent, Gust. The bonus features are just as fascinating as the movie, especially "Who is Charlie Wilson?". This feature gives a little insight as to the real Charlie Wilson and shows film clips of his trips to Afghanistan, including personal interviews.

- Rose

Twenty Wishes

Twenty Wishes
By Debbie Macomber

A sweet story about a group of widows who feel their lives are low on hope and direction. They decide to each make a list of twenty things they’ve always wanted to do. Some wishes are fulfilled in unexpected ways. A fun book to read.

- Dixie

Escape

Escape
by Carolyn Jessop with Laura Palmer

This is definitely a haunting story of one woman's life within the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints, a polygamist sect. From Carolyn Jessop's arranged marriage to a much older man, through her trying to cope with life in an abusive home environment with 5 other wives and many, many children, to her daring and dangerous escape from the church community, this is a book I couldn't put down. It does have some graphic descriptions of violence, psychological and sexual abuse and may not be for those of more "delicate sensibilities”.

- Linda

Half the Perfect World

Half the Perfect World
by Madeleine Peyroux
(music cd)

Madeleine Peyroux is close to hip perfection. Born in the US but raised in Paris, she combines the best of both worlds in her singing style. Even though the songs are mostly contemporary, they sound as through they are being sung in Paris cafe about 40 years ago.

Her rendition of Tom Waits' "Looking for the Heart of Saturday Night" is sultry heaven. "Everybody's Talking" is better than the Harry Nilsson original. This album would be appropriate with wine & cheese on a warm summer night.

- Holly

The Sorta Sisters

The Sorta Sisters
by Adrian Fogelin

This is a story written for "tweens" and enjoyable by all ages. Two young girls, both smart and both misfits at school, have never met each other but become pen pals. Anna, a 12-year-old foster child, lives in Tallahassee with a wonderful foster mother and Mica, age 11, lives on a beat-up boat with her marine-biologist father whom she adores but who can't properly care for her. Through their correspondence, the reader learns about the girls' lives, interests, fears and successes. A great read with the bonus of terrific illustrations of Florida sea life and plant life as both girls share their lives with each other.
- Linda

The Hollow

The Hollow (Sign of Seven Series #2)
by Nora Roberts

The fight against an ancient evil continues in The Hollow. Paranormal romance readers will enjoy this book.

- Rochelle

So Brave, Young, and Handsome

So Brave, Young, and Handsome
by Leif Enger

Monte Becket is a man with an enviable life. He is the author of a bestselling novel and has a loving, supportive family. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts he is unable to finish another book and therefore has lost his sense of purpose.

Monte befriends a neighbor, Glendon Hale, and agrees to travel with him to California. So begins a road trip to end all road trips. They travel the West together in search of the new path their lives will follow. The reader is lured into Monte's journey just as passionately as the character himself, making it a tale worth reading.

- Kathy S.

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites
by Heather Brewer

This young adult novel (recommended for age 10 and above) tells the story of Vladimir Tod, a half-vampire, half-human 8th grader living in a small town with his guardian after his parents die in a mysterious fire. Vlad struggles with the normal angst of all 8th graders and, in addition, has to deal with his need for blood and his fangs, which want to come out at inopportune moments. The story has a dark side, too: Vlad is convinced that his substitute teacher is a vampire-hunter who killed his beloved English teacher and is now after Vlad himself. As Vlad discovers more and more information about his past, he no longer knows whom he can trust. Filled with vampires, blood, kidnapping and murder, this book is a good choice for young reluctant readers. It is the first title in a planned series.

- Linda

Bella

Bella
DVD

I haven't seen a movie as heartwarming as this in a long time. Jose is a chef at a Mexican restaurant in NYC and Nina is a lovely waitress. When Nina gets fired for being late they both take a train to visit Jose's warm & affectionate family. Dinner at Jose's family home becomes a meaningful experience for both. The chemistry between Nina and Jose is genuine even if their lives are complicated.

The ending is perfect with redemption, love and understanding. Rated PG this is a movie for the whole family to enjoy.
- Holly

Good Dog. Stay.

Good Dog. Stay.
by Anna Quindlen

"The life of a good dog is like the life of a good person, only shorter and more compressed," writes Anna Quindlen of her black Lab, Beau. She writes with wit and insight of what she's learned by watching him over the years. Inspiring and humorous, Good Dog. Stay. honors the life of a beloved companion, and offers a lesson: "Sometimes an old dog teaches you new tricks."

- Lynn

Shakedown

Shakedown
by Joel Goldman

FBI agent Jack Davis becomes incapacitated by violent, painful tremors and is forced to take medical leave. The case he was working on, the brutal slaying of a drug dealer, two thugs, and the dealer's girlfriend and baby, is haunting Jack and he can't leave it alone. This case becomes intertwined with another, involving Jack's daughter and possible police corruption. This was a great beach read - suspenseful and fast-moving.

- Linda

The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted: And Other Small Acts of Liberation

The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted: And Other Small Acts of Liberation
by Elizabeth Berg

Elizabeth Berg’s previous books have shown again and again that she knows women, and her newest book, The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted, is no exception. This collection of short stories of rebellion is sometimes humorous, sometimes bittersweet, but always enjoyable - I thoroughly enjoyed each one!

- Lynn

Guide to Ohio Vegetable Gardening

Guide to Ohio Vegetable Gardening
by James A. Fizzell

Before getting into basic gardening, the author starts out with the “roots” of gardening, which is the seasons, understanding soils, composting, soil pH, and other important information to help growers obtain a suitable growing environment for vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

The author also explains when, where and how to plant as well as care and maintenance. There are additional comments regarding variety, when to harvest, recipes, and helpful hints so the gardener can obtain the most enjoyment from their produce and herbs.

- Rosie

Whisper of Danger

Whisper of Danger
by Catherine Palmer

Follow Jessica Thornton and her son, Splinter, as they unexpectedly inherit a mansion and subsequently move from England to a remote island named Zanzibar, off the coast of Africa. Working diligently as an illustrator and single mother, she struggles to overcome issues in her life, mainly her husband who abandoned her years ago. She quickly stumbles into a dangerous web of greed, deception, and murder! This book is packed with history, mystery, and romance, with an interesting cast of characters. You will enjoy this adventure! I'm looking forward to reading more Catherine Palmer books.

- Ann