The Star Garden: A Novel of Sarah Agnes Prine

The Star Garden: A Novel of Sarah Agnes Prine

by Nancy E. Turner

Inspired by the author’s original family memoirs, this book, the third in the trilogy (which includes These Is My Words and Sarah’s Quilt), is told in diary form. It tells the extraordinary story of Sarah Prine, a feisty pioneer woman struggling to make a life for herself and her family in the harsh Arizona Territory in 1906. This engaging, well-researched novel is part historical fiction, part western and part romance, and thoroughly entertaining.

- Lynn

Thirst

Thirst
by Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver has been known as the quintessential nature poet for decades. Her observations of the the most common occurrence in nature have always been revelations. In Thirst, Mary's poetry takes an important turn. Following the death of her partner of 40 years, Mary has a long dark year of the soul. The poems that are the result are nothing short of beautiful.

An Ohio native, Mary Oliver is one of our finest living poets. Her poems can be appreciated by anyone who reads poetry.

-Holly

School's Out!

School's Out!

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Rachel Yoder is an energetic nine-year-old Amish girl from Lancaster County. School is out and Rachel is looking forward to having fun this summer, but she is full of mischief, and trouble often follows her. Will her family survive the many adventures along the way? Check out this book to find out!

- Debbie

It Happens Every Spring

It Happens Every Spring

Four Seasons Series, Book 1
by Gary Chapman & Catherine Palmer

Welcome to Deepwater Cove in Tranquility, Missouri! This first of four books follows four couples moving in and out of their different seasons; spring, summer, fall, and winter. It has the "Mitford" feel to it that Jan Karon portrays so well in the happenings of small-town life. You will meet newlyweds, blended families, couples who are deep in the throes of empty-nest adjustment, and senior couples. If you like this book, follow it up with Summer Breeze, the second in the series. Enjoy!

-Ann

Nineteen Minutes

Nineteen Minutes

by Jodi Picoult

Lots can happen in nineteen minutes. Jodi Picoult shows just how suddenly lives can be altered in this story of a school massacre that is told through not only from the point of view of the victims but also of the shooter. Very thought-provoking, Nineteen Minutes is yet another good book by this author.

-Lynn

This I Believe

This I Believe

by Jay Allison

NPR invited listeners to write a personal credo - a few hundred words explaining the principles that guide one's life. This book is a compilation of essays from those who accepted the invitation. People from all walks of life are included - famous and unknown alike.

It is inspiring to read the thoughts expressed; people's diverse writings of their most closely held convictions. You can't help but be led to the question - what do I believe?

This I Believe is also available as an audio book with each writer reading his own essay.

- Kathy S.

The Secret of Lost Things

The Secret of Lost Things

by Sheridan Hay

Rosemary, a lovely & naive woman from Tasmania, is thrust into the New York City world of eccentric book dealers & collectors following the death of her mother. Set in the Arcade (aka NYC's The Strand), she becomes entangled in a mystery involving a lost manuscript of Herman Melville. The plot thickens as staff manipulate her for clues to its whereabouts by using her as a ploy.
Full of intrigue & quirky characters, this is a novel for bibliophiles who dream of acquiring rare books.

-Holly