The Wonder

By Emma Donoghue
Audiobook format

Lib Wright is a nurse that receives an unusual assignment. She is to travel from England to Ireland to watch an eleven year old girl who claims to have not eaten since her birthday four months earlier. Lib is very skeptical for obvious reasons; people cannot survive without food for four months. During her stay with Anna O’Donnell she discovers many secrets. An expected discovery is that Anna is dying a very slow death.

Give this compelling book a listen (or read) and discover if Anna survives her four month fast and what could possibly make her decide to stop eating.

~Beckie H.

Turn of Mind

By Alice LaPlante

64 year-old Jennifer White is a widow, a former acclaimed hand surgeon, and Alzheimer victim. We witness her decline first-hand through Jennifer's own experiences. When someone murders Jennifer's best friend, 75-year-old Amanda, who lives three doors down, suspicion falls on Jennifer because the killer surgically removed four fingers from Amanda's hand.

Jennifer herself has no idea whether or not she has committed this heinous crime. We watch on the edge of our seats as Jennifer moves from one uncomfortable situation to the next, with a sense of entitlement, confusion, and sometimes humor.

This is the first literary mystery by Alice LaPlante.

~ Paula

Tying the Knot

By Elizabeth Craig

It’s so great that Burton Library has been a part of the CLEVNET consortium all these years because I can get books by authors that Burton does not own. Tying the Knot by Elizabeth Craig is one of these books and the fifth Southern Quilting Mystery Series. Two of the reasons I started reading these mysteries is the connection with quilting and a Corgi named Noo-noo in each of the books (I quilt and own a Corgi). I really enjoy the way Elizabeth weaves the story and keeps you guessing till the end.

Since Beatrice moved to Dappled Hills a few years ago to be closer to her daughter some murders have occurred. Beatrice often finds the body and has an uncontrollable impulse to find the culprit. She is great friends with her neighbor who happens to be married to the chief of police (very helpful in solving mysteries). In this book the sister of her “boyfriend” and pastor Wyatt is getting married. The murder happens during the reception and goes un-noticed till after the party is over. If you enjoy soft mysteries, you’ll enjoy this author; you might want to start with the first book Quilt or Innocence, they were all great.

~ Beckie

Turbo Twenty-Three

By Janet Evanovich
Audiobook format

I love listening to Lorelei King read Janet Evanovich’s books! This woman is so great at creating distinct voices for each character. And Janet is so great at producing mysteries that have you laughing out loud. The two of them together make any trip in the car shorter and a whole lot more fun. In this story, Stephanie Plum (bail bondswoman) and Lula (her sidekick, co-worker and former ho) are looking for Larry Virgil (FTA) to reschedule his court date. When they find him, he is driving a stolen ice cream truck and discovered in the back is a man frozen solid, covered in chocolate and chopped pecans. If you are a Stephanie Plum fan you will not be disappointed is the latest saga of her life, all your favorites are included: Joe Morelli (her almost fiancé), Ranger (her extremely desirable mentor and occasional lover) and Grandma Mazur. I don’t think blogs should retell the entire story so you’ll have to take my word for it that this is another great one!

~ Beckie H.

The Skeleton Tree

By Iain Lawrence

Chris is 12 years old and his Uncle Jack asks him to go on a sailing trip with him. His mom reluctantly lets him go. When Chris boards the boat there is another boy on board, Frank, a little older than he is. They are busy right away getting ready to travel and Uncle Jack says he will introduce them properly the next day, when they have more time. Before tomorrow comes, the boat sinks and Chris and Frank are the only survivors. They find themselves alone on a beach with nothing to help them survive. Frank is clearly the stronger of the two and shows his distain for Chris by bullying him constantly. Chris spends more time with a friendly raven that Frank hates and is clearly afraid of. Chris is persistent in trying to find out why Frank is so unhappy. Eventually they discover an unbelievable bond that explains Frank’s hostile behavior. They realize quickly that they have to work together to survive and last long enough for help to come.

~ Dixie

Movie Reviews

God’s Not Dead 2

DVD
When high school teacher, Grace Wesley, is asked a question in class about Jesus, her response lands her suspended and in the courtroom.

I liked this movie, something like this could definitely happen these days.

~Crystal

Alice through the Looking Glass 

DVD
Alice returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland and travels back in time to help the Mad Hatter.

I enjoyed this movie, I like going back and seeing how some characters are doing and what’s been resolved.

~Crystal




Ghostbusters (2016)

DVD
Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbery and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.

It was cool to see the female version of a classic male movie.

~Crystal

When Mischief Came to Town

By Katrina Nannestad

Children's Book

After her mother passes, Inge Maria moves in with an elderly grandmother she does not know. She enrolls in a new school and meets a variety of people in the new town. Wherever she goes, mischief seems to follow. Inge Maria has a creative sense of humor and offers reasons for the occurring events. Inge Maria helps take care of an injured animal and meets another child who is also orphaned. She is touched when Grandmother shares what little they have with both. She finds acceptance and unconditional love with Grandmother and learns the importance of compassion, friends, and family relationships.

~ Miss Deb

Some Boys

By Patty Blount
YA Book

Grace is raped by the star athlete in school that everyone loves. She is ridiculed and mocked by many as the truth is revealed. Despite many options, Grace faces everyone at school and lives the mantra “what is right is not always popular, what is popular is not always right. She is a survivor.

This book certainly makes one think about how one would respond if your best is accused of rape and how to treat others who have been raped. Readers will find themselves torn between various versions of the event. It is very realistic in dialogue, delivery, and situation and wraps up nicely in the end.

~ Miss Deb

Empire of Storms (#5 Throne of Glass series)

By Sarah J. Maas

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

~Crystal

Mozza at Home: More than 150 Crowd-Pleasing Recipes

By Nancy Silverton

Now, in Mozza at Home, Nancy shares her renewed passion and provides nineteen menus packed with easy-to-follow recipes that can be prepared in advance (with no fancy restaurant equipment needed!) and are perfect for entertaining. Organized by meal, each menu provides a main dish along with a complementary selection of appetizers and side dishes. 

Under Nancy's guidance you can mix and match all the options depending on the size of your gathering. Make a few sides for a small dinner party with friends, or make them all for a delicious family feast! And don’t forget dessert there’s an entire chapter dedicated to end-of-meal treats such as Devil's Food Rings with Spiced White Mountain Frosting and Dario's Olive Oil Cake with Rosemary and Pine Nuts that can be prepared hours before serving so that the host gets to relax during the event too.

~Crystal

Wild Sex: The Science Behind Mating in the Animal Kingdom

By Dr. Carin Bondar

Birds do it, bees do it — every member of the animal kingdom does it, from fruit flies to blue whales. But if you think humans have a tough time dating, try having to do it while being hunted down by predators, against a backdrop of unpredictable and life-threatening conditions. The animal kingdom is a wild place – and it’s got mating habits to match. The sex lives of our animal cousins are fiendishly difficult, infinitely varied, often incredibly violent — and absolutely fascinating.

In Wild Sex, Dr. Carin Bondar takes readers on an enthralling tour of the animal kingdom as she explores the diverse world of sex in the wild. She investigates a wide range of topics, from whether animals experience pleasure from sex to what happens when females hold the reproductive power. Along the way, she encounters razor-sharp penises, murderous carnal cannibals, and spontaneous chemical warfare in an epic battle between the sexes.

~Crystal

The Family Handyman

The Family Handyman Refresh Your Home and 100 Weekend Projects Anyone Can Do
Refresh Your Home has many tips and techniques to save you money, energy, and frustration. There is a lot of useful information for the seasoned DIYer to the beginner. The book includes pro’s favorite shortcuts, info on which products work best and some funny stories of other homeowner’s bloopers.

100 Weekend Projects has some great ideas with all color photos and easy step by step instructions. (I’ve already arranged to have one project built for me!) I liked the book so much I bought one for a Christmas gift.

Both books would be great to have in your home library.

~ Dixie

Today Will Be Different

By Maria Semple
Audiobook format

Did you, like me, enjoy 'Where'd You Go, Bernadette?' also by Maria Semple? There are some definite similarities between Bernadette and Eleanor Flood. Each, a middle-aged woman living with her husband and child in Seattle; stay-at-home Moms who previously had prestigious careers; quirky and neurotic people with a dry wit and a hilarious take on everyday life.

In 'Today Will Be Different', Eleanor is the wife to Joe, a hand surgeon who’s a team doctor for the Seattle Seahawks, and mother to young Timby.

Overcoming buried family secrets & painful memories, this is a funny and smart book that made me laugh out loud and the audiobook narrator is the best!

~ Paula

What We Find

By Robyn Carr

I will try any book written by Robyn Carr but I almost didn’t try this book because I thought what was written on the book jacket sounded like something that would not interest me.  I’m glad I didn’t listen to myself; I have thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Fans of Robyn Carr and folks new to this author, give this book a try, you will enjoy how she represents powerful women and their interactions with other women and men in stressful situations as well as everyday life.  I appreciate how Robyn Carr always leaves you feeling good about the characters and the lives they “live”.

~ Beckie

The Lake House

By Kate Morton

Every family has secrets and the Edevane family is no different. It is 1933 and the Edevane family is hosting their Midsummer party. This all night party is a huge event for hundreds of people and looked forward to with great anticipation. Before the night is over, a great tragedy strikes and life is never the same for this family.

Theo Edevane, the much loved only son, has vanished from his crib. The happiness of this party night has vanished also. The long investigation that ensues turns up nothing and the Edevane family leaves their beloved summer estate for London, never to return.

Seventy years later, Sadie, a young detective stumbles upon the run down mansion and learns of the baby boy who disappeared so long ago. What Sadie uncovers is an astonishing tale of secrets, suspicions and regret. I loved this book, it kept me guessing until the end.

~ Dixie