Lost Stars

by Claudia Gray

 

Obviously a Star Wars novel, this story takes place simultaneously with Episodes IV, V, & VI. It follows the lives of two children who grow into adults serving the Empire, and the difficult and very different choices they both make. This was intended as a young adult novel, but I think it has been the most enjoyable story for me to read of all the newer ones that have come out since The Force Awakens hit theaters. It's an easy read, not at all the science fiction type writing but more of a story of relationships and coming of age.

~Becky

IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS CHAOS - A For Better or For Worse 2nd Treasury

By Lynn Johnston

John and Elly Patterson and family could very well be North America’s favorite funny-page family. The Pattersons share their everyday joys and sorrows, frustrations and successes while they raise their young family. Elly struggles with writing a column for the local paper and keeping up with the kids. John is full of surprises and stories from his dental practice. A wonderful portrayal of family life in the early 80’s. The book includes photos, newspaper clippings and commentary on the real stories behind the strips.

~ Dixie

Little Heathens Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression

By Mildred Armstrong Kalish

Little Heathens is a memoir of growing up on an Iowa farm during the Depression. It is a marvelous encounter with an iconic way of life. Mildred Kalish shares practical accounts of how things were done on the farm: making head cheese (scrub the pig’s head with a brush until pink and clean), setting a good fire, how they did laundry, and much more. Included are recipes and home remedies. She describes the hard work and the fun in equal measure. A very good book.

~ Dixie

Thin Ice

By Irene Hannon

Thin Ice is the second in the Men of Valor series. Thin Ice introduces us to Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force officer, who carries deep guilt from his last mission. He is now working for the FBI. Enter Christy Reed, former Olympic ice skating star now a skating teacher. Christy is struggling with grief over the loss of her parents in an accident and her sister in a house fire.

Christy felt she was handling the tragedies fairly well until she receives a letter from beyond the grave: a letter from Ginny that seems to indicate she is still alive but in the hands of a kidnapper. Despite warnings to the contrary, Christy turns to the FBI for assistance. Special Agent McGregor lands the case as his first with the Bureau.

Lance begins to work the case and comes up with more questions than answers. Ginny seemed to have no enemies. Christy’s parent’s auto accident was strange. Who is the real target?

~ Dixie

Bloodline

by Claudia Gray

For Star Wars fans who want more, this will help fill a void. This is the story of Leia, decades after Return of the Jedi but just before she forms the Resistance we see in The Force Awakens. Even though it is focused mostly on politics in the Senate, the book is not boring or dry. We get insight into Leia's feelings and plans, and a significant amount of excitement. We even find out what Han Solo has been doing all these years. New characters are introduced that we can hope will someday be in the next movies since the writer of Episode VIII had some input on the novel. Easy read, and not too heavy on the sci-fi.

~Becky

The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential

by John C. Maxwell

Through humor, in-depth insight, and examples, internationally recognized leadership expert John C. Maxwell describes each of these stages of leadership. He shows you how to master each level and rise up to the next to become a more influential, respected, and successful leader.

~Crystal

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs

A horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar.

~Crystal

Once Upon a Prince (Royal Wedding #1)

by Rachel Hauck

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan.
The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon's Island is the queen of his heart. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love.

~Crystal