A Crooked Path

A Crooked Path
by Annette Smith

Manny Ortega's father abandons his family when Manny is a young boy. By the time Manny is 15, he feels the need to provide for his family, so he goes to Texas for work. Now in his 30s, Manny works for a cranky old rancher who is also seriously ill. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Manny becomes the sole caregiver of Mr. Green and a deep bond is formed between them.

Issues of racism and a visit from Mr. Green's daughter threaten to sever the relationship. Can this relationship be restored before it is too late and Manny loses yet another father?

- Dixie

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict
by Laurie Viera Rigler

Twenty-first century Jane Austen addict Courtney Stone, broken-hearted due to a cheating fiance, suddenly and inexplicably finds herself inhabiting the body of young Englishwoman Jane Mansfield (no, the joke is not lost on Courtney) in the early 19th century. Courtney at first fights against her situation but then comes to realize that she is calmly becoming this other woman while still wishing to find a way back to her own world. This book is a unique combination of historical fiction, comedy, romance, and the bending of space and time as both young women struggle toward their individual destinies.

- Linda B.

The Wednesday Letters

The Wednesday Letters
by Jason F. Wright

Jack and Laurel Cooper die in each other's arms. When their adult children arrive to make the funeral arrangements, they find boxes of letters that their father had written to their mother every Wednesday during their lives together. These letters reveal the secrets of a marriage and show the power of love and forgiveness. This was a gentle, thoughtful read.

- Pat

Where My Heart Belongs

Where My Heart Belongs
by Tracie Peterson

This is a modern-day prodigal story involving two sisters in a small Kansas town. Amy hates her small town life and leaves home. Kathy stays and her future plans change dramatically. When Amy reappears, the sisters have a long road to reconciliation.

A good vacation read!

- Dixie

Backyard Giants

Backyard Giants
by Susan Warren

Backyard Giants is a fun story of a year in the life of competitive pumpkin growers. Competitive pumpkin growing - who knew there was such a thing?

After reading this delightful book you will have a good idea of the determination and devotion (some would say obsession) it takes to grow a world-record 1500 lb. pumpkin. Backyard Giants is funny, insightful, and full of useful horticultural information.

The author follows several growers as they try to beat the odds and grow a pumpkin the size of a small cow. You learn about pumpkin patch preparation, pollination, and pruning. You feel the amazement when the pumpkins grow 40 to 50 pounds a day, and the agony when, after a season of tender loving care, a pumpkin splits and is disqualified from competition.

- Kathy S.

Strawberry Fields

Strawberry Fields
by Marina Lewycka

This is a tale of migrant workers who pick strawberries in the heart of England. All are seeking a better life - legally or illegally. Told in the voice of each migrant, this is hilarious picaresque journey around England. At the heart of the story is Andriy and Irina - Ukranians who fall in love in spite of themselves.

Lewycka is a masterful storyteller. With sympathy she portrays the exploitation of the migrants, as well as their neverending hope for a better future.

- Holly

Death of a Perfect Wife

Death of a Perfect Wife
by M. C. Beaton

Constable Hamish Macbeth of Lochdubh in the Scottish Highlands is back again solving yet another murder in this usually sleepy village.
Enter Trixie Thomas and her husband Paul from England. They open a bed and breakfast in Lochdubh and residents soon notice that Trixie is very much different in beliefs than themselves. A "perfect wife", Trixie subjugates her husband and convinces the local women of Lochdubh to follow her example. Obeying Trixie, the wives begin serving health food instead of the usual "harmful" but hearty meals, and campaign against smoking, much to the dismay of their husbands. It is no wonder when Trixie is murdered and the town is finally relieved of her domineering presence.
Prepare to be entertained as Hamish Macbeth eliminates suspects along the way and eventually solves the murder!

- Ann