The World According to Bob

by James Bowen

When I saw this book it was waiting to be re-shelved with the other new books.  The cover caught my eye.  I looked it over and thought it might be interesting but it was the second book written about Bob, so I decided to read A Street Cat Named Bob first.  These two books were wonderful, very uplifting, very amazing.  The relationship between Bob, a street wise cat and his owner James Bowen is extremely strong; they have saved each other’s lives in many ways.  This brutally honest book describes the life of one time homeless drug addict.  James turns his life around with the help of a cat that would have died if James hadn’t felt he was worth saving.  These two are such a hit in England (and around the world) that there are numerous images and YouTube videos available on the internet and there is talk about a movie.

I am strongly recommending these books, even if you don’t like cats (how could you not like cats?) you will still find these books astonishing.

~Beckie

The Keeper

By John Lescroart
Audiobook format read by David Colacci

On the night before Thanksgiving, prison guard Hal Chase went to the airport to pick up his brother, Warren. When they returned hours later, Hal's wife Katie was missing as their young children lay sleeping in their beds. Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky pair up to prove that Hal didn't murder his wife although he is the prime suspect. The plot thickens as the couples' marital problems and 'accidental' deaths at the jail come to light.

Although this is the 15th Dismas Hardy novel, it is the first book that I have read by Lescroart. I enjoyed the characters and their dialog, as well as the pacing and plot line. After reading several thrillers in the recent months, it was a welcome change to read a true mystery.

~ Paula

The Kitchen House

 By Kathleen Grissom

This book was phenomenal; a book that was hard to put down. I enjoy historical fiction of the colonial period and this book did a superb job of portraying the period. The story is told from the separate viewpoints of a young indentured servant and a slave. The slave raised the young girl and they formed a very strong bond. The reality of the time is not glossed over; therefore parts of this book may be unpleasant for some readers. I highly recommend this book and I hope she writes a sequel.

~ Beckie

And the Dark Sacred Night

By Julia Glass

This novel reveals a man’s struggle to discover his biological father. By the end of his journey he discovers the identity of the man that has truly been his father. He also gains insight to more of his mother’s life and finds the truth of the secrets that she has been keeping. I hope you enjoy this well written story as much as I did.

~ Beckie

Long Way Home

by Louise Penny

The release of Louise Penny's latest mystery is a highlight of my summer.  I can't wait to find out what has happened in the village of Three Pines.

In "Long Way Home", Clara is in search of Peter.  At the end of the last book, Clara and Peter decided to separate for one year so that they can contemplate the importance of their marriage.  However, following the one year deadline, Peter hasn't returned.  Clara turns to Inspector Gamache for help.  Gamache is now living in Three Pines following his retirement from the Surete du Quebec.  With the help of Myrna, Jean-Guy Beauvior and Gamache, Clara journeys to the mouth of the St. Lawrence seaway in search of her husband.

I refuse to spoil the plot. If you have read the other Louise Penny mysteries, put this title on hold.  You will want to read it.  If you haven't read the others, you are one lucky person!  You have ten good books to read and a cast of characters to fall in love with.  I can't recommend this series enough.

-Holly

Bittersweet

By Colleen McCullough

Set in Australia during the Depression era, the descriptions of the times and place are probably the best part
of this book. I enjoyed the story of the two sets of Latimer twins and the ties of sisterhood that overrides all else in this historical romance. Find a cozy place and block out some time to enjoy this book.

~ Sally

The Sea Garden

By Marcia Willett

Having read every Marcia Willett book that I can get my hands on, I want to say that this is as good a read as any she has written. She revisits several of her characters, although you do not need to have read previous books to enjoy this story of Jess and her journey to the Cornish coast of England. Jess arrives in the English countryside to meet the widow of the artist whose award she has just received. As Jess becomes acquainted with Kate, and meets the many family members, she senses that she is a part of their story. I enjoyed the descriptions of the sea, the river, the moors and the secrets that Jess encounters about her own past. The twist at the end of the story is very unexpected.


~ Sally