Bonnie

Bonnie
by Iris Johansen

Bonnie is the explosive conclusion to the trilogy preceded by Eve and Quinn. Johansen previously wrote 11 books that described these characters and the road they traveled to discover who killed Bonnie.

The trilogy goes into more detail about the initial loss of Bonnie and how Eve and Quinn met. A fitting conclusion to a wonderful story.

-Rochelle

Summer in Europe

A Summer in Europe
Marilyn Brant

Have you ever traveled in Europe for the summer, or wanted to? Enjoy the trip with a quirky groupof Sudoku and Mahjongg playing characters as you relive or imagine your trip of a lifetime. Single, almost engaged Gwen joins the tour with her zany Aunt Mae, discovering her true art and perhaps, true love. The descriptions are delicious - from the food to the vistas and classic points of interest. Discover Europe along with the realization that - “It’s not where you go. It’s what you take back with you.”
-Sally

Jefferson's Sons

Jefferson's Sons
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Written for young people, Jefferson's Sons is the story of Sally Hemings' children fathered by Thomas Jefferson and the life they led as slaves at Monticello. This is a very gently-told fictional account of how life may have been for Beverly, Harriet, Maddy and Eston. Their mother Sally was fierce in her love for them and her assurances to them that "Master Jefferson" would set them free upon their 21st birthdays. It was Sally's firm conviction that Beverly, Harriet and Eston would grow up and pass for white in society. It is also the story of Maddy's anger and frustration, knowing his skin would be too dark to pass and that he wouldnever see his siblings again once they came of age. This is a wonderful book to share with older elementary-aged kids, either at home or in the classroom, and would be a great discussion starter.

I especially liked the Afterword. The author explains what is really known about the Hemings family and how she used historical documents to tell this story. She goes on to say that this is her
imagination at work and that someone else using the same historical documents might well write a totally different story. There is a lot here to get kids thinking. The author includes a list of sources for further study.

- Linda

Wife-In-Law

Wife-in-Law
by Haywood Smith

Betsy Callison and Kat Ellis lived across the street from each other and became very best friends even though they were complete opposites. Betsy was very neat, dressed properly, and a great cook and housekeeper. On the other hand, Kat dressed like a hippie, was not a very good cook, and her house was a mess. Surprisingly, even their husbands became friends. Life was good for both families until Betsy’s husband, Greg, wanted a divorce. Of course Kat was there for Betsy to lean on. Then Kat’s husband, Zach, became very ill with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease and one year later passed away.

The women’s friendship was tested two years later when Greg moved back to town and started dating Kat. He lied to Kat and let her believe he changed and convinced her into marrying him. Betsy did not want to interfere with their lives so kept her thoughts to herself until a “friend” approached her with proof Greg was cheating on Kat. Betsy was reluctant to approach Kat with the evidence but was pressured into it. The day Betsy decided to tell Kat about Greg turned out to be a fatal mistake and turned both families’ lives around. Betsy wished she had listened to her conscience and never showed Kat the photos of Greg and the other woman.

Rose

Nightwoods by Charles Frazier

Nightwoods
by Charles Frazier

In his latest novel, Charles Frazier returns to Appalachia to tell the tale of Luce, a young woman who takes in her sister's emotionally scarred children. She must then protect them from their abusive, violent father when he comes looking for them. Frazier is an excellent storyteller. As the novel develops, the reader is led into a deeply entangled tale that becomes more menacing with every page. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat to the end.

-Kathy S.

Vera

Vera
(DVD TV Series)

The Vera TV series is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves. The story is filmed in Northumberland, which is on the east coast of England.

Vera Stanhope is Chief Inspector Detective. Her appearance is very disheveled but do not let that fool you. She is very smart and nothing gets past her or her colleague, Sergeant Joe Ashworth. When unraveling a murder, Vera’s techniques are quite different from the norm and she is often quite tactless with the victims’ families, friends, and especially her team.

Vera is very different from the other TV series Midsomer Murders, Inspector Lewis, Murdock Mysteries, etc. but I found the series entertaining.

- Rose

How to Really Love Your Adult Child

How to Really Love your Adult Child
Building a healthy relationship in a changing world.

By Ross Campbell, MD & Gary Chapman, PhD

While most parenting books are aimed at parents of young children, this book is for the parents of young adults. The authors focus mainly on those born roughly between 1980 and 1995 known as Generation Y, the Millennials or Mosaics. Unlike the parents, these children grew up in a less stable and rapidly changing society.

Throughout the book Campbell and Chapman remind the reader that the primary goal of parents is to guide their children toward independent living and maturity. The authors do a great job of helping the parent understand today’s young adult. They give recommendations on how to deal with many topics including when your child is not succeeding, when your child moves back home, conflicts with lifestyle issues and becoming an in-law and/or grandparent.

The common thread through this book is to keep the lines of communication open, make sure you show your love the way your child understands, be a positive role model and to lift your child up in prayer.

Written from a Judeo-Christian worldview, this book would be helpful for parents of any faith.

- Dixie

This Life is in Your Hands: One Dream, Sixty Acres, and a Family Undone

This Life is in Your Hands: One Dream, Sixty Acres, and a Family Undone
by Melissa Coleman

In the fall of 1968, the author's parents, Eliot & Sue Coleman, an idealistic young couple from well-to-do families, pack a few essentials into their VW truck and abandon the complications of the modern world and carve a farm from the woods. They move to a remote area on the coast of Maine and become disciples of Helen & Scott Nearing, authors of the homesteading bible, Living the Good Life. On 60 acres of land, Eliot & Sue begin to forge a new existence, subsisting on the crops they grow and sell as they build a home with their own hands.

Pursuing this purer, simpler life comes at a price. A tragic accident happens that destroys the family's life. It's interesting to see how the author looks back on her life, the role of fate, and the power of forgiveness as she struggles to understand her family's complicated past. An excellent read!

- Ann

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday
by Danielle Steel

On November 1, people around the world will be celebrating a birthday. For some it will mark a milestone, for others it will be an ordinary birthday. For three people living in New York, this year’s birthday will change their lives forever. Valerie Wyatt has her own television program and is a popular author. She will be sixty but looks much younger due to weekly workouts, plastic surgery, and of course Botox injections. Her daughter, April Wyatt, will be turning thirty and owns a successful restaurant. She is in for a very big surprise on her birthday! Lastly, Jack Adams is an NFL superstar and a successful sports commentator. He woke up on his fiftieth birthday with serious back problems and needs an MRI. All three are brought together by a tragedy that happens before Christmas and changes their outlook on life, love, family, and friendships.

- Rose

Six Inches of Partly Cloudy

Six Inches of Partly Cloudy
by Dick Goddard

Dick Goddard has been on TV for 50 years! Everyone in NE Ohio has probably watched “Uncle Dick” give the weather report at one time or another. Many of us have watched him for decades.

This book is a compilation of personal stories, photos, fun facts and essays on just about everything. There are stories by Dick’s friends and colleagues and cartoons drawn by Dick himself.

This book is a fun trip down memory lane and highly recommended for anyone who puts their “trust in Goddard”.

- Dixie

The Borrower

The Borrower
by Rebecca Makkai

Available through CLEVNET, The Borrower is the story of Lucy Hull, a 26-year-old children's librarian in Hannibal, Missouri. She becomes confidante to 10-year-old Ian who loves to read but whose parents don't allow him free rein in his reading choices. Lucy finds ways to slip Ian the classic children's books she thinks he should read and then comes to believe it is her duty to save Ian, who is a very quirky child, from religious zealot Pastor Bob. Together, Lucy and Ian embark on a 10-day odyssey of fun, anxiety and introspection. The story is as much about Lucy's coming of age as it is about Ian's struggle to fit into his world. The scenes in the library are really funny, as are Lucy's interactions with her Russian father. I enjoyed Lucy's journey and eventual self-reflection.

- Linda

1225 Christmas Tree Lane

1225 Christmas Tree Lane (A Cedar Cove Novel)
by Debbie Macomber

It saddened me to learn this is the final book of the Cedar Cove Series. I eagerly waited for each sequel and looked forward to reading about the families, how they grew, and solved their problems.

I decided not to write a summary about 1225 Christmas Tree Lane but to let the you, the reader, enjoy the final chapter of the town of Cedar Cove and the families we intimately came to know and love. A good read for the holiday season!

- Rose

Bill Cunningham New York

Bill Cunningham New York
a film by Richard Press (DVD)

Bill Cunningham is obsessed with fashion. He spends his time riding his bicycle around New York photographing people on the street for his New York Times column - "On the Street". He is witty and his observations are always on the mark about upcoming fashion trends.

This documentary takes you behind the scenes into his personal life. His life is very singular & focused on chronicling the changes in fashion since the 1960's. From his Carnegie Hall apartment, to his hob-nobbing with high society, this documentary is a slice of New York City life. I recommend it highly.

-Holly

Smokin' Seventeen

Smokin’ Seventeen
by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie’s day starts off on the wrong foot when she runs into Joe Morelli’s Grandmother Bella at the bakery. They had an argument and Bella put the “vordo” curse on Stephanie. Another dilemma for Stephanie is she still cannot decide between Joe Morelli, who is Bella’s grandson, and Ranger. To make matters worse, her mother plays matchmaker and invites Dave Brewer, a former classmate of Stephanie’s, for dinner. Big mistake! He likes to cook and uses this as an excuse to hang out at Stephanie’s apartment, uninvited of course, whenever he wants to use her kitchen or cook for her.

Join Stephanie for a bundle of laughs as she bungles her bounty-hunting pursuits, finds out what the vordo curse is, share her dates with Morelli and Ranger, dodges Dave’s attentions, and tries to avoid being run over by one of Cousin Vinnie’s clients.

- Rose

The Soldier's Wife

The Soldier's Wife
by Margaret Leroy

World War II is fast approaching the beautiful landscapes of Guernsey Island. With her estranged husband off fighting, Vivienne de la Mare must keep her two daughters and senile mother-in-law safe during the German occupation. Amidst shortages, curfews, and the evidence of brutality, she has an affair with a German officer. Not knowing when or if this war will end, Vivienne grapples with how to keep those she loves safe, loving someone who is the enemy, and answering the question of what she will do when her basic humanity is in question.

Margaret Leroy has the ability to transport you not only to this beautiful land but to the era as well. You will find yourself wondering what you would do if faced with Vivienne's challenges.

- Kathy R

The Year of Living like Jesus

The Year of Living like Jesus: My Journey of Discovering What Jesus Would Really Do
by Ed Dobson

Rev. Ed Dobson, pastor emeritus of the Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, always thought about the question of what it would mean to be "just a follower of Jesus". What would it look like? Is it even possible? He decided to answer that question one day after listening to an interview with A.J. Jacobs, an unreligious Jew who tried to live a year biblically and wrote a book about his experience called, The Year of Living Biblically. Inspired by Jacob's book, Dobson embarks on his own journey of living like Jesus, that is, eating like Jesus, talking like Jesus, thinking like Jesus, and hanging out with sinners like Jesus for an entire year. Dobson chronicles his day-to-day experience which is often humorous and thought-provoking; bringing up topics and issues modern day Christians rarely, if ever, stop to consider. Through his journey he learned more about himself than he thought he would and came to a new understanding and appreciation for Jesus of Nazareth.

-Rob

Abigail's New Hope

Abigail's New Hope: Wayne County Series #1
by Mary Ellis

Abigail Graber serves her community in Wayne County as an Amish midwife until a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn. Despite her best efforts, the young mother dies, but the baby is saved.

Abigail is sent to jail, and her sister Catherine is sent to take care of Abby's children while Abby's husband, Daniel, struggles to work the farm. Catherine meets Daniel's cousin, Isaiah, who lives in their woods and is deaf.

While Abby searches for forgiveness, Catherine changes, and in return, finds love.

A great start to a new series by a local author!

- Ann

The Mirage Man

The Mirage Man: Bruce Ivins, the Anthrax Attacks, and America's Rush to War
by David Willman


Less than a month following 9-11-2001 the US was a target of an anthrax attack. Letters were sent from a mailbox in New Jersey targeting politicians and members of the media. For years this case went unsolved.

David Willman does a good job of taking you through the events leading up to the attacks, and the following poorly run FBI investigation. For years the FBI focused on the wrong man, never suspecting microbiologist Bruce Ivins to whom they often turned for information about anthrax.

This is a tight and well-written book. You don't have to be a math or chemistry whiz to understand it. It is a quick read and well worth it.

- Kathy S.

Hummingbirds and Butterflies

Hummingbirds and Butterflies
by Bill Thompson III and Connie Toops

An excellent resource explaining the “how to’s” of attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your backyard. Not only does this book list plants to attract different species, but also illustrates garden plans. Plants are important, but nectar, the correct feeder, and feeder placement play a major role as well. The life cycle is described, as well as habitat, behavior, distinctive marks, and sounds that hummingbirds make. For being so small, they sure do make a lot of noise! The photographs and illustrations to help identify different species and their habits are outstanding and colorful. There is also a chapter on troubleshooting, including frequently asked questions. A lot of myths surrounding butterflies and hummingbirds are debunked and the truth explained.

This book is an excellent tool for any gardener, bird watcher, or nature lover, and would be a wonderful addition to any personal library.

- Rose

Clara and Mr. Tiffany

Clara and Mr. Tiffany
by Susan Vreeland

Clara Driscoll worked for Louis Comfort Tiffany as a glass artist in the 1890s through the first decade of the twentieth century. This interesting historical novel is based on this period in her life. Set in New York City, Vreeland deals with many of the social issues of the time. Women in the workplace, women’s rights, immigrant living and working conditions are a few that are examined.

A fascinating look into the art of Tiffany Studio and a riveting period in America.

- Rochelle

Pastures New

Pastures New
by Ann Purser

After Frank Palmer's job is eliminated due to his company down-sizing, he and his wife Peggy take a leap of faith and purchase a post office in a quiet English village named Round Ringford.

Ringford awaits the Palmers in eager anticipation. Village scourge, Ivy Beasley, lurks behind her lace curtains like an old spider waiting to pounce. Kindly Jean Jenkins, with her brood of children, is helpful and welcoming, and Doreen Price, farmer's wife, becomes Peggy's best friend.

Never a dull moment in this quaint village! Followers of the Miss Read stories will surely enjoy this.

- Ann

The Dirty Life

The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food and Love
by Kristin Kimball

This is an amazing story. A 30-something Manhattan travel writer falls in love with a farmer, moves way upstate in New York (near Lake Champlain) and begins a new-model farm concept: supplying not just vegetables, but a total diet of organically grown food for its paying members. The description of the grueling first year of this never-before-tried plan is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Author Kristin Kimball gamely coped with and analyzed every new procedure and obstacle that came her way. It was hard to put this book down. Ms. Kimball must be an extraordinary woman!

- Linda

The Beach Trees

The Beach Trees
by Karen White

If you have ever visited New Orleans or the Gulf Coast, the vivid imagery in the pages of Karen White's newest book will take you back. The storyline is told by the two female characters, Aimee from the 1950s and Julie from the present, and is the story of their search for the same woman who does not want to be found. With the backdrop of pre-Camille Biloxi and post-Katrina New Orleans, it is a story of a mysterious painting, an orphaned four-year-old boy, a destroyed Biloxi beach house, and people who optimistically rebuild in the face of great tragedy. A good summer read.

- Kathy R

Georgia's Kitchen

Georgia's Kitchen
by Jenny Nelson

Georgia is a chef trying to make her mark in the culinary world of New York City. Her life comes crumbling down around her when she finds herself out of a job and her fiance leaves her. She is suddenly unemployable and alone. Georgia does not fall apart - she picks up the pieces of her life by focusing on her career and her desire to open her own restaurant.

This is a great summer read. It is light, entertaining and charming. The characters are likable and fun, and the author does a wonderful job of drawing you into Georgia's life: her challenges, frustrations and her dreams.

- Kathy S.

License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, & My Life at the Gold & Silver

License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, & My Life at the Gold & Silver
by Rick Harrison

In Las Vegas, there's a family-owned pawn business called the Gold & Silver, run by three generations of the Harrison family. It's featured on the History Channel as well and is one of the most entertaining programs I've watched in a long time.

This book takes readers behind the scenes of Rick; his son, Big Hoss; and Rick's dad, the Old Man. Chumlee, Big Hoss's best friend, adds some flavor to the history of the shop as well. Rick had a rough start in life, due to health problems and later drug problems, but he sobered up, reconnected with his dad, and opened the shop.

There are incredible stories about the history of some of his most interesting that come to the pawn shop, as well as the crazy customers that try to either pawn or sell an item.

- Ann

Chasing Fire

Chasing Fire
by Nora Roberts

This is the first of Nora Roberts' romantic suspense novels that I've tried. I did guess "who done it" early on in the book, which I'm usually terrible at doing . . . so maybe that says something. The reason for the recommendation is the subject: smokejumpers in Montana, the "Zulies" who risk life and limb fighting giant forest fires. The author gives the reader a real feel for the equipment, fire-fighting procedures and life on the base. I liked the heroine, Rowan Tripp. She's tough, fearless and yet compassionate and willing to accept others' opinions. I found this an enjoyable, even if not a terribly suspenseful, read.

- Linda

See You in a Hundred Years: Four Seasons in Forgotten America

See You in a Hundred Years: Four Seasons in Forgotten America
by Logan Ward

Disillusioned by city life in New York City, Logan Ward and his wife Heather pull their young son out of daycare and literally "head for the hills" of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, specifically the farming community of Swoope.

The Wards recreate the year of 1900 on their farm, adopting strict rules that limit them to only the tools that were available at the turn of the century. You will read about their struggles (irritable livestock and a plague of garden pests) in the midst of living without a phone, car, computer, etc. The reader will also see how this couple reclaim their lives from our fast-paced, materialistic society and in the process rebuild their fractured marriage and find what they didn't know they were looking for - community. An excellent read!

- Ann

Angel's Rest

Angel's Rest
by Emily March

Angel's Rest by Emily March (An Eternity Springs Novel) starts a series that Debbie Macomber fans should enjoy.


- Rochelle

Home to Woefield

Home to Woefield
by Susan Juby

This is such a fun read! Prudence leaves her life in New York City when she inherits a rundown farm located on an island off the coast of Canada. She befriends a group of quirky, endearing characters, and together they must learn to work together to make the farm a success. The group's misadventures are humorous indeed. It takes a lot to make me laugh out loud while reading, but this book had me chuckling all the way through.

This is a quick, fun read - take it on vacation this summer!

- Kathy

A Way in the Wilderness

A Way in the Wilderness
by Elizabeth Wagler

The Waglers, and Amish family, tell their story of financial struggle as they raise their large family and try to stay out of debt, unlike so many of their neighbors, who are deep in debt and despair. They come up with some creative solutions to earning a living, which I found interesting.

- Ann

Black Swan

Black Swan
(DVD)

Nina would like the part of the Swan Queen in the ballet production of the Black Swan but does not make it. She persuades the director of the ballet she can dance the parts of both good and evil swans. He has his doubts but gives her the opportunity to prove he is wrong.

This movie starts out at a slow pace then crescendos into action. You will sit-at-the-edge of your seat as an emotionally unstable Nina struggles to be the perfect ballerina and fights personal demons that push her to the edge.

Even though this movie is based on Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake ballet and uses the music as background, it was not produced for relaxation, but for drama and suspense. Black Swan does contain graphic and violent scenes.

- Rose

Inside WikiLeaks: My Time with Julian Assange at the World's Most Dangerous Website

Inside Wikileaks

by Daniel Domscheit-Berg

Daniel Domscheit-Berg met Julian Assange in December 2007. In short time, he became the Wikileaks spokesperson as well as a content manager. His account of the quick & controversial rise to power of Assange is very interesting. With important secret documents being posted on their website daily, Daniel writes candidly about moral dilemmas facing the WikiLeaks team. Their travels throughout Europe and their overwhelming workload creates stress that inevitably fractures their team.

This book provides real insight into the European hacker world. From Julian's ego to the nomadic life they all had to assume, I really enjoyed the inside scoop. I recommend it to everyone who followed the WikiLeaks headlines.

- Holly

Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin
(DVD)

First let me say that as soon as this movie was over I wanted to watch it again. It is that good.

This is the amazing true story of Temple Grandin, an autistic professor. Claire Danes plays the title role and does a great job of portraying just how challenging every part of life could be for someone with autism.

Contrary to the doctor’s suggestion, Temple’s mother refuses to institutionalize her when she is diagnosed with autism. Through determination and love from her mother, aunt, and a special teacher, Temple learns to adapt to situations that are confusing and terrifying concepts to her.

The movie does a great job showing Temple’s strengths and weaknesses and the reaction of the people around her. In the movie, her mother is quoted as saying “she is different, not less”. That sums it up beautifully.

My words can’t do justice to this film so I say:

Check it out and pay attention.

- Dixie

Minding Frankie

Minding Frankie
by Maeve Binchy

Noel is a drunk and bored with his job. He still lives with his parents but the family relationship is strained. One day, Noel receives a phone call at work from an old flame, Stella Dixon. She wants him to visit her at the hospital. He remembered she was fun and could match him drink for drink. But, the Stella in the hospital ward was very pregnant and dying of cancer. Then she delivers the shocking news, he is the father and Stella wants him to raise the child.

Noel, with the help of his cousin Emily, tries to turn his life around and takes responsibility of raising his daughter, Frankie. Moira, the social worker wants to take the baby away from Noel and constantly checks up on him. The community, even his parents, rally around him and help to take care of Frankie and shield them from the relentless and unyielding social worker.

With all the family and community support given to Noel, will he be able to remain sober, and most important, keep Frankie?

- Rose

Secretariat

Secretariat
DVD

Disney does it again with a real winner – Secretariat – probably the most well-known thoroughbred horse ever. This is the true story of an incredible horse and how he became a legend. Penny Chenery is the housewife who believed in him and risked everything to make sure he became a champion. This is a movie the whole family will enjoy. Rated G. Watch the bonus features for footage of the actual races and commentary by Ms. Chenery and others who knew this remarkable horse.

Check out some books for more information on Secretariat:

Secretariat by William Nack

The Story of Secretariat and the Loyal Groom Who Loved Him by Lawrence Scanlan

- Dixie

On, Off

On, Off
by Colleen McCullough

Most people would associate McCullough with the The Thornbirds or her series about the Roman empire. She has switched genres and is penning suspense novels.

This book is set in the 1960s before forensic science and DNA identification had exploded onto the scene. Profiling by the FBI and the phrase "serial killer" were not part of the culture. Teenage girls of a certain age and type disappeared. McCullough kept the pace going and finished with one fascinating ending.

I can't wait to start the next one.

- Rochelle

The King is Dead

The King is Dead

by the Decemberists

The Decemberists are bright, talented and whimsical. Describing their music is tricky. They are a band that transcends folk/indie or pop/rock categories.

"January Hymn" is nothing short of sweet & "Calamity Song" is very good road song. They are my new favorite band & I could listen to "The King is Dead" all day. If you are tired of the same old, give them a try.

- Holly

Bird Cloud

Bird Cloud
by Annie Proulx

Annie Proulx fell in love with and purchased a section of land (640 acres or one square mile) in Wyoming. This section is 7000 feet above sea level where hurricane force winds and giant snow drifts in winter are routine. She chose this spot as the site for her "dream house", and set to work designing and building a home that would both settle in harmony with the land as well as meet her needs and desires. A more difficult task than initially anticipated, this attempt to make her dream house a reality is the focus of Proulx's book.

There is something of interest for everyone here as the author describes the designing and building of her home, her observations about the wildlife, archaeology and natural history of the region. At times Bird Cloud seems to ramble along with no central theme, but it can be described as a book of many little stories joined by the common thread of the story of the land and the author's determination to create her own place where she could live in harmony with her land and nature.

- Kathy S