Broken

Broken
by Karin Slaughter

Broken is a crime novel featuring Dr. Sara Linton, widow of Grant County Police Chief Jeffrey Tolliver. Sara, now living in Atlanta four years after her husband's death, comes home for the Thanksgiving holiday and is swept into a murder investigation. A local college coed was murdered and a local teen with developmental disabilities is charged with the murder. The Grant County police department has gone downhill since Jeffrey's death. Sara, who blames Det. Lena Adams for her husband's death and is convinced the police are hiding something, calls in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to take over. Special Agent Will Trent and Sara start to form a bond during the course of the investigation. The characters are well-developed and nuanced and the story moves along nicely.

- Linda

The Williams-Sonoma Baking Book

The Williams-Sonoma Baking Book
General Editor - Chuck Williams

This year, my pick for an excellent holiday dessert cookbook is The Williams-Sonoma Baking Book. There are recipes listed from cookies to tortes and each recipe has a photo of the finished product. Besides baking tips and techniques, the book has a section on pies and tarts, making yeast breads, and frosting cakes with step-by-step photos. In the back of the book, there are charts for substitutions, measuring liquids, frosting amounts, and other helpful facts.

Not only does this cookbook contain new ideas for desserts; but, classic recipes with a new twist. There is Plum Buckle, Ruby Jewel Cookies, easy-to-make Neapolitan Cookies, and delicious Peanut Butter Cookies with a touch of chocolate frosting. Or, try some of the basic recipes such as Coffee Meringue Buttercream, Candied Flowers, or Maple Whipped Cream as an added touch to your own creation.

- Rose

The Last Time I Saw You

The Last Time I Saw You
by Elizabeth Berg

Another reunion story. This book verges on trite, and then Ms. Berg surfaces with a truly touching viewpoint. Written from a multiple character point of view, it was difficult to really hate the bad guys or really love the good guys.

- Sally

Stephen Fry in America

Stephen Fry in America

DVD

Stephen Fry is the quintessential Brit who travels across the US in his little black British taxicab in this BBC documentary. Starting in Maine & ending in Hawaii, he discusses many things American.

It is interesting from beginning to end. I love Stephen Fry and found his observations about us very enlightening. He is an intelligent observer. I could listen to him all day.

-Holly

The Wholesome Junk Food Cookbook: More Than 100 Healthy Recipes for Everyday Snacking

The Wholesome Junk Food Cookbook: More Than 100 Healthy Recipes for Everyday Snacking
by Laura Trice

This time of year, the zucchini and squash blossoms are in abundance so I am always searching for new ways to use them. This cookbook contains some tantalizing recipes: the Squash Blossom Quesadillas, Zucchini Pancakes, or the Zucchini Parmesan Squares. Since it has been unusually warm, you may want to try one of the smoothies or freezer pops for dessert along with a nice cool glass of citrus essence spa water.

What really makes this book unique is not only for the easy recipes, but the author’s suggestions on achieving a better diet and using better ingredients. Just follow the guidelines, “Fantastic Fourteen,” for a list of high-quality ingredients to have in your pantry.

- Rose

The Quickening

The Quickening
by Michelle Hoover

This story tells of the lives of two women living on adjacent farms somewhere in the midwest from 1913 to 1950. Mary and Edinina are neighbors with very different personalities, The Quickening focuses on the reluctant relationship they must form together. Their lives become entwined, often with tragic results.

These memorable characters live a life we today can hardly imagine. They began with very little and worked hard to make a life of some degree of comfort and security. Their setbacks, heartbreak and their rare moments of joy make this book memorable. I finished this book a week ago and I am still thinking about it: this one leaves an impression on you.

- Kathy

One Amazing Thing

One Amazing Thing
by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

When an earthquake devastates the Indian visa and passport office, an unlikely group of companions are stuck together in the collapsed building. To pass the time until rescue, each tells a story from their life; a story of one amazing thing they had each experienced. The fear of death allows them to open up and share personal memories, stories of the twists and turns that life takes, stories of love and suffering and mistakes – demonstrating that deep down, they have more commonalities than differences. As the stories progress it becomes obvious that rescue will be neither swift nor sure. Each person’s ‘one amazing thing’ brings the group together in unexpected ways.

- Sally

Hannah's List

Hannah’s List
by Debbie Macomber

Dr. Michael Everett’s wife, Hannah, passed away a year ago from cancer. The pain of her loss is still deep in his heart and he still misses her. To ease the pain, Michael puts in long hours at the pediatric practice and volunteers at a medical clinic. His brother-in-law, Ritchie, pushes him to start socializing, but Michael just cannot do it. At the anniversary of his sister’s death, Ritchie presents Michael with a letter from her. Hannah wants him to start socializing and lists three women as dating candidates. Of course, he is opposed to this but as Ritchie points out, this was Hannah’s last wish and must be respected.

The story line for Hannah’s List was unusual and the reader is swept away with Michael’s emotions as he embarks on a journey to embrace life.

- Rose

The Cookbook Collector

The Cookbook Collector
by Allegra Goodman

Allegra Goodman has been described as a "modern-day Jane Austen" and this novel is an adaptation of Sense & Sensibility. Emily Bach is a 28 yr old CEO of a software company while her sister, Jessamine, is a 23 yr old philosophy student. Emily is scientific & organized and Jess is passionate & scholarly.

Set in backdrop of Silicon Valley in the 90's, the novel carries through to the sobering reality of 9/11. I absolutely loved the story and didn't want the novel to end. I can't recommend it enough.
-Holly

The Spy Next Door

The Spy Next Door
(DVD)

When Bob Ho becomes the babysitter for his neighbor's wild children, they accidently blow his cover as a spy! The chase is on as Bob fights off the bad guys and tries to keep the kids safe. The story is predictable but Jackie Chan's stunts are highly entertaining. A good family film for all ages.

- Dixie

The Gardener's Color Palette

The Gardener’s Color Palette
by Tom Fischer
with photographs by Clive Nichols

I was drawn to the dazzling colors of the flowers on the cover and the photographs inside are just as spectacular. Not only is it pleasing to the eye, but the contents of this book make it an excellent resource for designing a garden, or if you are thinking about changing the color scheme of an established garden. The flowers are grouped in ten color categories and includes the type of plant, zone, height, bloom time, and lists flowers that compliment each other.

I was not going to purchase more flowers this year, but after paging through The Gardener’s Color Palette . . . who can resist!

Rose

My Boyfriends' Dogs

My Boyfriends' Dogs
by Dandi Daley Mackall

Written for young adults, My Boyfriends' Dogs is the story of Bailey Dailey (who lives on Ukelele Lane), a 16-year-old who desperately wants a boyfriend. She gets one . . . and then another . . . and then another, acquiring their dogs along the way. Bailey has a wonderful relationship with her mom and her best friend Amber, who both try to gently steer her in the right direction as she struggles, with blinders on, through her relationships. A great story for girls who like dogs and boys!

- Linda

This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection

This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection

by Carol Burnett

book-on-cd

I thoroughly enjoyed this book written and read by the wildly funny Carol Burnett. She shares her personal history, her rise in show business and stories about the people she's met along the way. Most of these anecdotes are hilarious (she is a hoot off-stage, too), some are heartbreaking (it's real life!), and all are told in such an easygoing style that you will feel like you just had a chat with your next-door neighbor.

- Dixie

The Imperfectionists

The Imperfectionists
by Tom Rachman

This novel, set in Rome, tells about a struggling international newspaper. Each chapter focuses on a different employee of the paper: the accountant, publisher, copy editor, obituary writer and more. The author does a good job of getting into the heads of his characters, and he captures the quirkiness and eccentricities of the individuals. Each story has its own flavor and rhythm, some are dry and humorous - others poignant and disturbing.

The Imperfectionists is very enjoyable to read. It's short, sharp, and leaves you wanting more. Highly recommended!

- Kathy

The Maiden Heist

The Maiden Heist
DVD

A very funny story about three art museum security guards who have spent many years at the museum. When word gets out that the collection will be moved, they can’t bear the thought of losing their favorite pieces. They come up with a plan to save their beloved masterpieces and so starts a funny romp with this all-star cast. This is a very entertaining movie well worth watching.

- Dixie