HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: A NOVEL OF FORBIDDEN LOVE by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro - 252 Pages

I first read HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA when it was originally published in 1978 and reread in now because it was nominated by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) for the "Bram Stoker Vampire Novel of the Century Award" ; http://www.horror.org/blog/?p=2268. The winner will be announced at the Bram Stoker Awards Banquet during the 2012 World Horror Convention on March 31, 2012.

Yarbro's novel is not your typical vampire novel. Although the main character, Count Saint-Germain, is a vampire, he happens to be the good guy and I believe, in 1978, this was the first time a vampire had been portrayed as an actual force for good. Saint Germain only requires a small amount of blood each day to survive and prefers for his 'suppliers' to be willing donors, not coerced or hunted victims. He is a good friend, always willing to help someone who is in need or in trouble, especially the innocent. He also appears to an excellent employer, as all of his servants are extremely loyal. And from the amount of female interest St. Germain attracts, he is apparently a great lover with no lack of 'potential' willing partners.

The novel takes place in Paris, France in 1743 and Yarbro provides plenty of historical detail about the clothing and social position of the characters, most of whom are members of the French aristocracy. She develops and maintains the historical setting by introducing and ending each section with excerpts from letters between various individuals. The very formal writing style of these letters is reminiscent of the time period and not only sets the stage for the following chapter but also relates events which take place off-the-page. As I was reading, I found that these letters helped to introduce many of the characters, enhanced my understanding of the time period, and pulled me further into the story.

Anyone looking for a vampire horror story may be disappointed because, even though this is a vampire novel, it is really a romance as indicated by the subtitle, 'a novel of forbidden love.' Hotel Transylvania is the first published title (although not the first chronologically) in Yarbro's Count Saint-Germain series. The 25th book in the series, Commedia Della Morte: a Novel of the Count Saint-Germain, was published March 2012. See: http://bit.ly/HcgTeb

2012 Notable Children's Books-Young Readers

I read the following books: Where's Walrus, These hands, I want my hat back, A ball for daisy, Dot, Goodnight, goodnight, construction site, Over and under the snow, Should I share my ice cream, Ten little caterpillars, Do you know which ones will grown. My 15 month old really enjoyed the Where's walrus and A ball for Daisy, they both were interactive books in which he could participate without me sticking to certain words. Also, for me as the reader I enjoyed making up my own story with the pictures. Should I share my ice cream, was a great beginning book for teaching the sharing concepts with your friends. I did not care for I want my hat back and Over and Under the snow.

Then He Kissed Me / Christie Ridgway / 293 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

Stephania Baci owns a limousine service and on New Year's Eve she is commissioned to drive her ex-boyfriend and his princess fiance.  The brother of the princess, Prince Jacques Christian Wilhelm Parini, decides to go along for the ride.  Stevie has always been the tomboy of the family and had distanced herself from the family-owned winery. She is called to oversee the wedding celebration of her ex when her sister breaks a bone and is unable to do so.  This, of course, necessitates her continual run ins with Jack and romance results.  This is an enjoyable, humorous read speaking to the importance of family, independence, and hard work.

Night Road / Kristin Hannah / 385 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

This YA read deals with the dangers of partying, drinking, and driving.  Twins Zach and Mia have been friends with Lexie for 3 years.  They are well-to-do children of a doctor and their mother Jude loves gardening and caring for her kids and husband.  Lexie lives with her Walmart working aunt in a trailer park.  Her mother died of an overdose and she never knew her dad.  Jude monitors the kids' behavior, sets, curfews, and reminds the kids often of the no drinking rule.  Tension mounts when Zach decides to attend college with Lexie rather with his sister.  This decision is not well received by his parents.  Mia offers to forgo her dream college to attend with Zach and Lexie.  At the last senior party, Zach has way too much to drink.  He was supposed to be the designated driver and both Lexie and Mia ask him repeatedly to stop drinking.  An accident on Night Road causes the death of one of the teens and life-altering consequences for all involved.

Flyaway / Lucy Christopher / 328 pages / Notable Children's Book - Older Grades

Set in England, Flyaway is an endearing story of determination, friendship, passion, and reconciliation.  Isla and her father love the swans that call the reserve home on their migrations.  One fateful day, a flock of swans encounter a power line and meet with sad results.  Her father suffers a heart attack as they determine to aid the stricken swans.  Isla meets Harry, a young seriously ill young boy awaiting a bone marrow transplant for his leukemia, when she visits her father at the hospital where he must have a serious surgery to replace a valve in his heart.  Harry encourages Isla in her outings with the downed swam and her flight project.  He can see the reserve from his hospital room window.

Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish / Grace Burrowes / 404 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

An abandoned baby first brought Lady Sophia Windham and Wilhelm Lucifer Charpentier together.  Jolene, the baby's mama, left Kit with Sophie to see to business and never came back.  The baby set to wailing and Sophie was at a loss at what to do.  Vim stepped forward, knew precisely what to do for Kit, and decided with the snowstorm brewing, his reluctance to reach Sidling, and Sophie's inexperience, he best accompany them to the Windham estate.  Vim is not aware that Sophie is a titled lady.  Her family has gone to Kent for the holidays and has dismissed the servants escept for a couple of aged grooms.  Sophie is to meet them there accompanied by her three brothers.  She had wanted some time alone so she told her family that she wanted to stay behind awhile to visit with a nearby friend.  Visit she did...but with Vim and Kit and formed lasting attachments.  Although the love scenes leave little to the imagination, the storyline is enjoyable and banter between the brothers is quite humorous.

The Scorpio Races / Maggie Stiefbater / 409 pages / Notable Children's Books - Older Grades

The Scorpio Races are held every year in November on Brisby Island.  They are bloody and deadly and involve vicious water horses.  Puck Connolly decides to ride in the races in an attempt to forestall her brother Gabriel's departure from the island.  Their parents are dead and without Gabe, Puck doesn't see how she and her younger brother, Flynn, will be able to keep the farm.  Sean Kendrick is four time winner of races and horse trainer for a local stable.  When he fails to dissuade Puck from riding in the race he gives her invaluable advice and unconditional love.

Ashfall / Mike Mullen / 466 pages

Michael Grant, author of Gone, Hunger, Lies, Plague, and Fear,says that "the scariest apocalypse is one that could really happen."  The events described in Ashfall, the eruption of Yellowstone's supervolcano, could really happen.  Scientists say that eruptions have already occurred three times.  They believe that another eruption is inevitable.  Unfortunately, Alex has chosen not to accompany his parents and younger sister to visit his uncle in Warren, Illinois.  He is looking forward to spending the week-end alone reading, playing computer games, and hanging out with his friends.  A rock thrown 300 miles crashes the roof/ceiling of Alex's bedroom.  His house catches on fire.  He is attacked by looters and watches his neighbors kill them.  The entire town has lost all utilities and emergency survival measures are instituted.  Setting out to find his parents, he encounters Darla and a world gone mad.  This is a riveting YA novel.

Snow in Summer / Jane Yolen / 243 pages

An enticing cover and the name Jane Yolen promised this would be an unforgettable adventure in reading and this promise was abundantly fulfilled.  This is a captivating, intriguing, and suspenseful retelling of the Snow White story set in twentieth century Appalachia.

Dangerous in Diamonds / Madeline Hunter / 359 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

To say that Tristan, the Duke of Castleford, is a rake is a gross understatement.  He is known for his carousing and his time spent with the ladies.  He claims to only be sober on Tuesdays and so that is when he must conduct all his business.  He inherits several parcels of land with the stipulation that "the tenants be allowed to remain indefinitely at the current rent of 1 pound a year..."  Castleford is surprised by this bequest as the grantor has a son to whom the property should have gone.  Researching his new property and tenants, Castleford discovers why the son was not given the property and is tamed by the winsome Daphne Joyes.  This was enjoyable, but quite risque.

New York to Dallas / J. D. Robb / 579 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

I'm sorry to say that I did not care for this book.  I just wanted it to be finished so I could read something else - something uplifting or fun.  New York to Dallas was scary and depressing.  It is set in the near future (2060) and this setting feels contrived.  Eve Dallas is once again seeking to apprehend Isaac McQueen, a serial rapist and murderer, who has escaped from prison by murdering a guard.  He is after Lt. Dallas who as a rookie was key to his first arrest and incarceration.  The relationship between Dallas and her tycoon husband, Roark, is redeeming and comforting, but not enough to compensate for the terror and fear this book engendered.

"You have to trust, or you're only living half a life.  You have to try to help or even that half is empty."

Death in High Places / Jo Bannister / 235 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

Although I found the cover to misleading, I was pleasantly surprised by this book's content.  I had thought that all the danger and intrigue would occur in the snow-covered mountains.  A death does occur there, but this in four years before the current story begins.  Nicky Horn, the climber who survived the treacherous trek up the mountain, is being hunted by a paid assassin sent by the father of the dead hiker, Nicky's best friend, to avenge his son's death.  A good Samaritan interrupts Horn's kidnapping, saving his life...but he has ulterior motives...

"Your perspective changes slightly as you get older.  You accept that, like it or not, you're not going to be here forever, and all you can try to do is leave the place tidy and face whatever comes with courage and optimism."

"The law isn't the only arbiter of a man's actions.  The first, the really important one, is his own conscience."

Catfish Alley / Llynne B ryant / 328 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

Roxanne Reeves has bid a contract on restoring and redecorating Riverview, an historic plantation home.  The new owner has suggested that an African-American tour might be added to the annual house and garden tour and that Roxanne would be the ideal person to research and chair this tour.  In an effort to please the woman and secure the restoration project, she contacts Grace, a highly respected retired teacher who represents the heart and soul of the black community of Clarksville.  Roxanne has not been honest about her past in the Bayou and is determined to maintain her prestige among her well-to-do friends.  While touring with Grace, however, she rediscovers friendship and discovers atrocities committed upon the black community.

Can't nobody keep you down if you got an education.  Don't you worry about what white people say about you.  You just smile and keep on reading.  Read every book you can get your hands on."

"It's never too late to go back home."

2012 Notable Children's Books - Younger Grades

I read:
 Little Treasures: Endearments from Around the World
See Me Run - dogs unearth a dinosaur bone
Tia Isa Wants a Car - odd jobs to save for a car
Chirchir is Singing- Although Chirchir attempts to help don't go smoothly, her singing to the baby makes everyone's work easier.
Over and Under the Snow - descriptions of wildlife inhabiting the subnivean zone and skiing
Me, Jane - story of Jane Goodall, her toy monkey, Jubilee, and her great love for animals.  Great note from Jane and simplistic, but appropriate illustrations.
Ten Little Caterpillars - and the food they eat and butterflies/moths they become
Tell Me the Day Backwards - Soft, soothing illustrations enhance this bedtime story of a bear's day backwards.
These Hands - African Americans' struggle for equality portrayed by a grandfather recounting to his grandson what his hands can, could or could not do.  Illustrations are softly blurred reminiscent of memories.
All the Water in the World - description of the water cycle and importance of water.  Rhythmic, descriptive language, centerfold vertical flip.

My favorite was These Hands by Margaret H. Mason because of the theme - success comes through hard work, determination, and family values.

2012 Notable Children's Books - Younger Grades

I read Ball; Bring on the Birds; The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred; Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site; Little Shite Rabbit; Naamah and the Ark at Night; New Year's Reunion: a Chinese Story; Stars; Tales for Very Picky Eaters; and Where's Walrus?.  My favorite was Tales for Very Picky Eaters because of the patience, creativity, and humor of the father in dealing with a universal dilemma of youth - picky eating.  I also really like Stars for the creative notation of stars in places we don't usually expect to find them.  I think very young readers will enjoy Finding the Walrus.  Little White Rabbit was cute and clever and Cazuela was catchy and rhythmic.

2012 Notable Children's Books - Middle Grades

I read The Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed Families, Migrant, Nursery Rhyme Comics..., The Third Gift, Won-Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku.  My Favorite was The Mangrove Tree.  I loved how you could read the left hand pages to younger kids and perhaps summarize the factual information on the right hand pages...or read the book page by page to older kids.  Great ecological message.  My grandson loved Nursery Rhyme Comics.  We had to reread and discuss several of the stories...and he is a reluctant listener (5 years old).  Pictures in Migrant were whimsical.  Cal was endearing.  We were surprised to learn that myrrh comes from a tree.

2012 Notable Children's Books - All Ages

Press Here was simple but thoroughly enjoyable.  We had to read this one three times.  Great participatory read!!
If Rocks Could Sing was quite impressive.  We were amazed that the author found all the letters and objects in the rock shapes.  When we go to the beach this summer, my 5 year old grandson and I are going to attempt to do this.
Swirl By Swirl invited us to pay closer attention to nature, to find shapes, patterns, similarities and differences.
Never Forgotten is a must read!! Great lyrical telling of the kidnapping of Africans for the slave trade, its ramifications on family, references to mende blacksmiths, the 4 elements, and the source of hurricanes.
Can We Save the Tigers? is a very readable exploration into extinct and endangered animals.
Heart and Soul...is a beautifully illustrated account of America's history from an African-American point of view.  Excellent!!

I loved them all, but my favorite was Never Forgotten by Patricia McKissack!!

Ivy + Bean What's the Big Idea / Annie Barrows 131 p.

Ivy and Bean team up to find a cure for global warming. The second graders investigate cooling the earth with ice cubes-- a no go. Others suggest planting trees, a giant vacuum cleaner to suck up the heat and send of into space, and lots more. Ivy and Bean's idea for the science fair involves creating awareness in adults. A cool way to introduce this topic.

2012 Notable Children's Recordings

The Hunger Games/Suzanne Collins/267 pages

Since I'm the last person on the face of the earth to read this book, what can I say? Everyone knows the story and probably has already seen the movie. Overall, it was somewhat entertaining and I liked it better than Twilight, but I just don't get the over the top adoration for it. I'll read the rest because my daughter insists, but they aren't the greatest. Sorry.

The Reef/Nora Roberts/440 pgs

Marine archaeologist Tate Beaumont lives for the challenge of retrieving sunken treasure. Years ago during her first treasure search, her family joined forces with Matthew and Buck Lassiter, and of course Tate and Matt fall in love but he destroyed her hopes, and work became her passion. Years later though, Tate's father plans to ask Matthew and his uncle to help him find "Angelique's Curse," a ruby-and-diamond-encrusted amulet, rumored to have been worn by the witch Angelique as she was burned at the stake. The Beaumonts and the Lassiters unite in the search for the amulet but are being stalked by an insane collector who has already committed murder in pursuit of "Angelique's Curse": Matthew's father.

The Company of the Dead/David J Kowalski/752 pgs

The premise of this book is what interested me - it is the story of a man, Wells, who goes back in time to try to stop the sinking of the Titanic. Instead what he does changes the entire future of the world. In this new future, the grand-nephew of JFK is trying to go back and stop what happened in the past - because he has found out what Wells did and that the world is not the way it was meant to be. Don't let the number of pages scare - most chapters are short and it does get your attention so you don't want to put it down.

Slice of heaven- Sherryl Woods pg 395

One of the sweet magnolias Dana Sue has a daughter who is battling an eating disorder. Her ex-husband had cheated on her two years ago and left town on Dana Sue's wish. When Annie's eating disorder threatens her life Dana Sue is forced to call her ex-husband. Dana Sue's life has turned upside down, she is also struggling herself with diabetes. I have been enjoying this series because it relates to such real life situations. I can't wait to find out what happens in book 3, Feels like home.

Wicked Appetite-Janet Evanovich Pg320

Wicked Appetite looks to be a new series by Janet Evanovich. The story takes place in Salem, Massachusetts. Lizzy is the town baker and has acquired a ghost like person with supernatural powers, a cat, and a monkey. She is tasked with having to find seven stones to save the seven deadly sins of each individual who has been cursed. In my opinion the story is too far fetched and not really like Janet Evanovich. I don't think this is a book series of hers that I will enjoy.

Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns/391 pages

Cold Sassy Tree was a "charming" story that takes place in a small town in  Georgia in 1906. It came highly recommended as a southern coming of age story. Not sure about that, but it was entertaining. It moved a little slow for my taste but I think the author did a beautiful job conveying the cultural and historical aspects of the time and of the southern lifestyle in a small town. The narrator is a 14-year old boy that has just lost his grandmother. Will Tweedy has a special relationship with his Grandfather and most of the story revolves around him and the scandalous uprising when Grandfather marries his attractive store milliner, hatmaker, a few weeks after the death of his beloved wife. The book is humorous but also deals with death, abuse and losing someone you love.

Nancy Drew Ghost Stories / Carolyn Keene 151 p.

Nancy Drew, assisted by her long-standing friends Bess Marven and George Fayne, find themselves face to face with ghosts-- a bunch of ghosts -- in this ghostly short story collection. My favorite is The Curse of the Frog. Fortune teller Madame Zurga scares her patrons with the Frog Curse. Unbeknown to Ms. Lammar, she is sitting on a fortune-- pirates' loot. Her uncle leaves a strange request in his will and it takes Nancy to figure it out.

Wife By Accident / Victoria Ashe 237 p.

Hayely Black sets out to make it on her own only to make one misstep onto Nevada's most eligible bachelor's new, very, now mangled expensive watch. Now indebted to Gary Tarleton, she agrees to an unusually arrangement (it's a romance, right) to decorate his mansion and become his wife (in name only). Gary has a deep secret and long standing goal that only is best friend knows. Very slowly Gary and Hayely find themselves falling for each other.

Perfect Mistress / Victoria Alexander 394 p.

Widowed Julia, Lady Winterset, finds herself battling to keep the wolf from the door. But she does has one asset, a book, and not just any book, but a scandalous manuscript. Now several gentlemen are interested--one to build his publishing empire, another to advance his standing as an author, and the last, a gentleman and an Earl (and the son of one of Julia's great-grandmother's lovers), to stop anything scandalous attached to his family. Harrison Landingham is dead set against publishing the memoirs of a "perfect mistress". He meets his match in Julia. Full of fun, a perfect romance between two equally matched protagonist, engaging dialogue, and even a ghost make this a delightful read. I plan to read more from this author.

RT Reviewer's Choice Nominee

Water, Stone, Heart / Will North 140 p.

Recently divorced Andrew Stratton does something out of character, signs up for a course on mortarless stone-wall building in Boscastle, Cornwall England. Once there he befriends his landlord's daughter Lilly, a precocious 10-year old with depth of knowledge about Boscastle and it's surrounds. His ex's parting salvo motivates him to embrace this change, he falls in love with the area and its people. Though the slow growing romance between Andrew and also divorced Nicola Rhys-Jones are of interest, the real treat in this story is the loving description of Cornwall.

Italian Lessons / Peter Pezzelli 251 p.

Romance is in the air when Carter Quinn takes Italian lessons to win the girl of his dreams, Elena--someone he has just met. Trouble is she is an exchange student, soon to return to Italy. As a recent grad, he is free to wing it to Italy. He convinces Giancarlo Rosa to give him a rush course. Carter influences Giancarlo so much that Giancarlo has a change of heart about old hurts and asks a favor of Carter. This engaging story is romantic without the predictable ending.

I See You Everywhere/Julia Glass/272 pages

The story of two sisters, Louisa and Clement (Clem for short) and their somewhat antagonistic relationship. They are as different as can be and fight when they talk or see each other which isn't often. The book is broken into different chapters covering 25 years and told from alternating points of view.

I think these chapters were originally short stories reworked into a book. As a result, the overall book is quite choppy. Interesting, but a little too deep for vacation to which I'll go back now.

Emma Dilemma: big sister poems / Kristine George / 47 pg.

I rarely read poetry, however, I made an exception for this outstanding book. It is a story about sisters and the relationship problems of being older and having a sister a few years younger. It sets up a relationship and each poem is an incident in their lives. Then there is the crisis and the resolution which I shall not reveal so you will check out the book.

I cannot write poetry, have difficulty reading it, but this is such a good book. It is in children's J811.54 Try it.

How They Croaked / Georgia Bragg / 161 pages

This kids book is a fun book about some really awful deaths of famous people in history. I guess "fun" and "awful deaths" sounds gruesome, and it is. However, it is written in an interesting style, much like the "you wouldn't want to be a ___________" books.

Most of the people in the book died of the horrible medical care available at the time. An example is Henry VIII whose horse collapsed under the weight of him in armour. The horse crunched his good leg and knocked him out. Although the doctors worked dilligently applying hot irons to his legs, Henry died of pulmonary embolism. Then, the gross part -- his body exploded inside his coffin and dripped out. Ewww.

Great to read with meals.

Top Screwups Doctors Make / Joe & Teresa Graedon / 262 pgs

This is another good book by the Graedon's who are pharmacists of the "peoples pharmacy" fame. It is full of practical advise for going to the doctor and/or the hospital. They include a very helpful list of drugs that may cause memory loss so if you are worrying about Alzheimer's, you might check your regular medications for "anticholinergic" properties from the list on page 164.
They then discuss many common diagnoses such as cholesterol, celiac, thyroid, depression, asthma, diabetes, osteoporosis and others. they point out things to watch for and possible alternate causes or things to try. It's just a practical book. They used to have the drug interaction book that was very helpful as well.

Then Came You/ Jennifer Weiner/ 336 pages

This is the story of 4 women. 1 is a poor college student looking to earn money through egg donation. One is a 43-year-old woman looking for a surrogate. One is the step-daughter of that woman. And one is a woman looking to get rid of some of her family's debts by becoming a surrogate. I think you can figure out how they all intertwine. It was a good story. My only problem with this book is the cover. The lady on the front does not seem to be any of the women--very annoying, but not crucial to enjoying the book.

Need You Now / James Grippando/ 357 pages

James Grippando can keep you on the edge of your seat and you won't see those plot twists and turns coming until they're right in front of you. The plot could have been taken from today's news...ponzi scheme, witness protection, terrorists, rogue agents and government plotting gone bad. You will really feel for the main characters who are trapped between two opposing forces, pitted against one another, and must learn to trust each other in order to escape with their lives. If you read other Grippando books, you will recognize FBI Agent Andie Henning who does a fine job of making sure the good guys win. Put this one on your "to read" list. You won't regret it.

Black Hills/Nora Roberts/472 pgs

As a child Cooper Sullivan was sent to the Black Hills to spend the summer with his grandparents. While there he meets Lil Chance and they are inseparable and as the years go by they end up as lovers. They are reunited when Coop leaves New York to assist his aging grandparents on their ranch, but Coop must come to Lil's aid when there are a series of unsolved killings and vandalism that seem to be linked to Lil's wildlife refuge.

The Girl Who Chased the Moon/Sarah Addison Allen/269pgs

After the sudden death of her mother Dulcie, Emily Benedict is sent to live
with her reclusive and giant of a grandfather in Mullaby, North Carolina.
Emily soon learns that not everyone in Mullaby liked her Mother and that
the small town has a lot of mysterious happenings taking place.
She is shocked by her bedrooms changing wallpaper, the so called
“Mullaby Lights” that appear at nighttime, and the strange Coffey family
who refuse to come out after dark. Julia the cake baker who lives
next door takes Emily under her wing and introduces her around town.
She finds out several things she never knew about her Mother when she
was growing up and finds herself attracted to a boy who her grandfather
tells her to stay away from because of the two families bad history together.
I was drawn into this story from the beginning because of the very likeable characters and the mystery surrounding the town's people. It's an emotionally enchanted tale of forgiveness. I have read all of Sarah Addison Allen's books and can’t wait to find out the title of the next one.
New York Times Hardcover Fiction Best-Seller List, April 4, 2010

So Damn Lucky/Deborah Coonts/381 pgs.

This is the third Lucky O'Toole series entry, and is as entertaining as the previous two. Lucky is the Head of Customer Relations of the Babylon Resort in Las Vegas. During his act, magician Dimitri Fortunoff appears to die, and is supposedly rushed to a nearby hospital. When his body fails to appear, Lucky becomes involved in trying to discover what has happened. As in the previous novels, Coonts entertains with the quirky characters that join the cast. There is mystery, romance, and humor. I have never read Evanovich, but I suspect her audience would enjoy this series.

The Dead Town / Dean Koontz / 402 pages

This is the fifth and final volume in Koontz's Frankenstein series. Sorry to see this series end. Koontz does a fine job of creating both vile and saintly characters. In this final volume Victor Immaculate, the Clone of Victor Helios, nearly succeeds in creating his Communitarian society by using flesh-devouring Builders to kill nearly 4000 people in the little town of Rainbow Falls, Montana. Victor's goal is to annihilate every living thing on earth. Strong quirky characters join forces with Deucalion to save the town, destroy Victor and save the earth. Koontz uses humor, horror, action-filled plot, and the bizarre to hook readers. Recommended series.

Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart / Sarah MacLean 370 p.

Juliana Fiori, Italian, finds it easy to break the ton's society rules. Her scandalous nature makes her the talk of the town. Way far on the other side is Simon Pearson who goes the extra mile to avoid scandal. Is his life turned around when Juliana stows away in his carriage. He's ready to teach her about propriety and she thinks he needs to learn about passion. Both are surprised as they realize that opposites really do attract.

RT Reviewer's Choice Nominee

Check library catalog

This Old House Salvage-style projects / Amy R. Hughes 144 p.

This Old House magazine editor, Amy Hughes shares do-it-yourself projects utilizing salvage items. My favorite is the pot rack made from an iron window guard—very very easy. Need an outdoor bar, Amy’s got the project for you. And wish I had a shed out back to recycle into a delightful garden retreat. Each project has a supplies list, work time, cost and skill level, along with step-by-step clear instructions. Be ready to head out to the nearest salvage yard.

Check library catalog

Beastly by Alex Flinn/304 pages

Since this seems to be the year for retelling fairy tales, you might want to go back and read this Beauty and Beast remake by Alex Flinn. This book has been around for a few years and they even made a movie.  We did it again for our young adult book discussion and overall, gave it a thumbs up. Flinn has given the fairy tale a modern twist with a handsome, popular, rich boy living in New York City, Kyle Kingsbury. Kyle is superficial and believes that looks are very important. After making fun of the wrong person, she casts a spell on Kyle that seems impossible to break. The author  keeps some of the original themes, living in the castle, the roses and "Beauty's" father handing her over to the Beast. The group liked the modern twists, each chapter started with chat room dialogue from a support group for teens that have been transformed, i.e. mermaids, frogs, a little far-fetched but hey it's a fairy tale. Flinn has recently released a new novel "Bewitching" that tells the story of Kendra, the witch that put the spell on Kyle and turned him into the beast.

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles/303 pages

Even though this novel was somewhat predictable, I did like it. I liked the characters and I liked the story. Caleb is returning home after  doing time in juvenile detention for driving drunk and then leaving the scene of an accident after he hits someone. The someone just happens to be his neighbor and his twin sister's best friend. Maggie survives, but has become a social outcast, mainly because of her disability and struggles to find a place to fit in with her so-called friends. The author does a good job showing how the accident affects Caleb and Maggie and  all the areas of their lives; school, home and romantic relationships. I didn't realize there was a sequel while I was reading this book,  the first book did not end with a "happily ever after", but I was satisfied with the ending. So I will definitely be reading the sequel Return to Paradise.  I would recommend this for fans of Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti.

Undead and Unworthy/MaryJanice Davidson/285 pgs

In this book, the seventh in the series, Betsy discovers that it is not all marital bliss in the suburbs as her husband, Sinclair, takes up reading The Book of the Dead, she is hounded the ghost of her evil stepmother and she is as insufferable in death as in life, and a pack of once feral vampires decides to pay an unwelcome visit. She is still trying to adjust to being Queen of the Vampires plus trying to figure out what some of the new powers she seems to have acquired are and what they mean.

The Knitting Diaries/Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, Christina Skye/347 pgs

This is a set of three short titles all with a basis of knitting and romance.

In the first one, "The Twenty-First Wish" by Debbie Macomber,
Anne Marie Roche and her adopted daughter, ten-year-old Ellen, have each written a list of twenty wishes. But Ellen has quietly added a twenty-first wish: that her mom will fall in love with Tim, Ellen's birth father, who's recently entered their lives. Of course Anne Marie is dating someone else but has had a crush on Tim. Will Ellen's wish come true??
The second title is "Coming Unraveled" by Susan Mallery. In this one, Robyn Mulligan had dreamed of becoming a Broadway star but when that doesn't work out, she returns to Texas, running her grandmother's knitting store. But the handsome, T. J. Passman isn't making it easy on her. If he can learn to trust and overcome his tragic past, they just might find a way to make all their dreams come true.

The final title is "Return to Summer Island" by Christina Skye. Caro had left Summer Island for the big city and to become a victims advocate but after she is hit by a car and is left with a terrible break to her arm, she returns home, unable to knit. While there she meets Gage Grayson, a marine who is returning to duty in Afghanistan in one day. She falls in love and help to take care of his pets and correspond with him while he is gone.

They are all very good romances and there are also knitting patterns with each story - if you knit - I don't.

Chocolate Covered Murder/Leslie Meier/249 pages

Winter in Tinker's Cove, Maine can give anyone the blahs, and Lucy Stone is no exception. She's feeling a little down and the realization that she's put on more than a few pounds doesn't help. She's looking forward to the Valentine's Day Ball that will headline the local winter travel promotion, Love is Best on the Coast. The new chocolate shop in town has created a stir by winning the title of Best Candy on the Coast, a title long held by another local shop, and by the behavior of the sexy, if somewhat trashy, manager. Lucy has her suspicions about the death of a local fisherman even after it's declared an accident. When another person ends up murdered, Lucy looks for the link between the deaths.

A couple of cozy mysteries in a row, so it's time to move onto another genre. It's time for vacation reading!

Breaking Stalin's Nose / Eugene Velchin / 150 pages

This children's book is a well-written, fascinating look into the past. It only spans two days in the life of Sasha, but they are life-changing. The author does set up all the background knowledge needed for reading the book, but it may be difficult for children today to grasp what that communist culture of the late '40's was really like. For me, reading it, was affirmation of what I had always heard and believed about the Soviet Union. People betraying each other and living in fear of the secret police.

I loved how he showed indoctrination in progress in the classroom and the deep need and desire to be a Young Pioneer. I think this book would be a great book for children and all ages to read and discuss. It only took me an hour to read the book so it would not be a burden to read. The author left Soviet Union when he was 27 so he knows what he is talking about. There is also a great website: www.breakingstalinsnose.com

I can't imagine what it would be like to never be free to say or do what you want for fear of being watched and arrested. This is a must read. It is also a Newberry Honor Book.

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder / Joanne Fluke / 336 Pages

This is the first book featuring Hannah Swensen, owner of The Cookie Jar, a local business in the small town of Lake Eden, Minnesota. Early one morning she discovers a body, that of her milk delivery man, Ron. He was shot in the alley behind her store on the way to deliver her daily dairy items. She finds herself involved in the case when her brother-in-law, Bill, needs her help in solving the case so he can get his big promotion to detective. She gets into lots of trouble along the way but always manages to get out of it, especially when she brings along her famous cookies to share with those she needs to "interrogate." The book is full of delicious-sounding cookie recipes that were mentioned in the book. Overall, this was a nice cozy mystery with enough going on to keep you reading. I look forward to reading the second of the Hannah Swensen mysteries.

Victims/Jonathan Kellerman/338 pgs.

This is another "Alex Delaware" featured novel which usually guarantees a fast, puzzling mystery--this one is no exception. A murderer is loose--his signature kill involves removing his victims' intestines. Lieutenant Detective Milo Sturgis brings Alex Delaware, a psychologist, in as a consultant. Trying to figure out the connection of the victims to the murderer comprises the heart of this mystery. This is another solid entry in the Alex Delaware series.

Damned: Life is Short. Death is Forever / Chuck Palahniuk / 247 p.

A strange story about a 13 year old girl named Madision who dies and finds herself in hell.  There really is no plot just the character rambling around and making a place for herself in hell.  In Palahniuk style there are moments of prickly satire and genius observations, but mainly this book suffered from long winded descriptions of the disgusting landscape or the unsavory actions of the people who inhabit the underworld.  There were quite a few times that I wished I was not listening to this book while trying to eat during my lunch break.  The book also gets a little redundant, with every chapter starting out with, "Are you there Satan? It's me Madison..."  After the 20th time I just wanted to roll my eyes and scream "ENOUGH ALREADY!!"

If you like snarky comments and have read Chuck Palahniuk before, you might want to give this title a try.  Otherwise...pass.

Homeport/Nora Roberts/456 pgs

Dr. Miranda Jones, an art historian, comes home and is mugged in her driveway. The same day, her mother calls her from Florence Italy and needs her to come right away and check out a bronze 15th century statue of the Dark Lady, one of Michelangelo's mistresses. But soon her reputation is in shambles and she meets a very handsome art thief, Ryan Boldari, when he wants to know why the bronze statue he just stole is a fake. Miranda and Ryan are soon involved in a plot to bring Miranda down, which includes stolen statues and murder.

Sacred and Profane/Faye Kellerman/311 pgs

This is the second title in the Decker/Lazarus series. While on a camping trip with Rina's 2 sons, Decker finds the bodies of two young women. His investigation into the murders leads him into the world of snuff movies and pornography. All the while, he is going thru training for converting to Judaism. Stories are little slow.

Only Mine/Susan Mallery/379 pgs

This is Dakota Hendrix's story. She has been loaned to the production company of a reality show - True Love or Fool's Gold and she is screening eligible bachelors. Two of the contestants are twins and their older brother Finn Anderssen will do anything to keep his twin brothers off the show. He ends up staying in Fool's Gold as the pilot for the show and romance ensues. Another good Fool's Gold story.

Chime by Franny Billingsley/361 pages

Briony has a secret. She thinks her secret killed her stepmother, damaged her twin sister's mind and now her secret threatens all the children of Swampsea. I thought it was hard to get into this story, hard to like Briony and her guilt ridden dialogue. But after awhile, she grew on me. I liked the setting, a magical swamp where Boggy Mun can strike people dead with the swamp cough and Mucky Face, a monster from the swamp calls Briony mistress. Takes place at the turn of century and witches, and those thought to be,  are hung for sport. Briony is convinced she is a witch and will be hung for her past secrets. Then comes Eldric, the swamp drainer's son, a very likeable and handsome young man who finds Briony and her twin sister enchanting and makes Briony forget to hate herself.

As one reviewer said, "large parts of my brain checked out as I tried to grapple with the sequence of events, none of which are tied together by traditional means. Chapters abruptly begin, abandoning the locations, focus, or characters of a previous chapter. Things happen suddenly with no explanation. Someone loses a hand at one point and I'm still not entirely clear how it happened. "

I am Half-Sick of Shadows / Alan Bradley / 293 pages

I love these Flavia de Luce mysteries set in Buckshaw, a crumbling British manor home. The books are quaint, humorous, alive with interesting characters, and all round satisfying. Flavia, the 11 year old youngest daughter in a poor aristocratic family, is a chemist and loves poisons. She has insatiable curiosity and never seems to quail when discovering dead bodies. Half-Sick of Shadows is the 4th book (and one of the best) in the series. While these books are in the adult collection, teens and those precocious young readers who are looking for good books that aren't too "mature" would also enjoy reading about Flavia, her family, her passion for chemistry and her logical approach to solving mysteries. Can't wait to read the next Flavia de Luce mystery.

The Apothecary / Maile Meloy / 353 pages

This is Meloy's first novel for young readers and it is a stunner. The book takes place in the early 1950's during the Cold War. (It's rather unsettling to think that the era you grew up in is now considered historical fiction! ) Annie Scott's parents who are TV script writers are forced to flee the US during the McCarthy era. They get a job in London and 14 year old Annie finds out that London holds unexpected, fantastic adventure and relationships that will last throughout her life. She and her friends Benjamin and Pip along with Benjamin's father (the Apothecary) and his scientist friends give the world hope when they find a way to contain and defuse the power of the atomic bomb. In the process they are transformed into birds, use the "smell of truth" and find out how to become invisible. This is a great read for upper elementary and middle school students and recommended for those who like Harry Potter, Emerald Atlas, and Seeds of Rebellion.

Loving Frank/Nancy Horan/356 pgs.

This was our March book club selection. I never knew much about Frank Lloyd Wright's personal life, and even though this is a fictionalized account of his life and Mamah Borthwick Cheney's, he was quite the egoist. The book was interesting, if not compelling, but made for a very interesting book discussion.

Dinosaurs Before Dark/Mary Pope Osbourne/80 pgs

My four year like to have chapter books read to her at night so I decided to give this series a shot. She was reluctant since the cover did not include sparkles or the color pink but turns out she loved it. The book was a quick read and the pictures kept her motivated to stay with the story.

Like a Willow / Lois Lowry / 216 pages

It is 1928 and the Great War rages in Europe while the Spanish Influenza ravages much of the world.  Lydia Pierce and her older brother Daniel are orphaned by the epidemic.  They go live with their aunt and uncle, but unfortunately for just a short time.  Their uncle takes them to the Shaker settlement at Sabbathday Lake.  Shaker ways are described in detail and Lydia tries her best to understand them and to adapt.  Not so her brother Daniel, who runs away.  Written from the actual diary of Lydia Amelia Pierce, the book is most informative and inspiring.

The Cheshire Cheese Dat, a Dickens of a Tale / Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright / 228 pages

Skilley is a most unusual cat.  He doesn't eat mice.  Much prefering cheese, he takes a position at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese as a mouser.  Pip, head of the mice, makes a pact with Skilley to provide him cheese in exchange for his not catching mice.  Skilley fears a ghost inhabits the inn as the mice refer to Nell fondly and sadlly in the past tense.  He hears noises in the attic which he believes to be Nell's ghost.  The noises appear to be made by Mordrid, one of the queen's ravens.  Nell has taught Pip to read and write and Pip helps Mr. Dickens to write A Tale of Two Cities.

Book of Days / James L. Rubart / 381 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

This book has a very intriguing cover and the story lives up its promise.  "It is an exciting but poignant novel about how truly important our memories and choices are to who we become."  Exploring biblical ideas in a modern context, it tells of Cameron's search for the legendary Book of Days, wherein God has written everyone's past, present, and future.  He fears he is suffering from the same disease that took his father's mind and he hopes that finding the book can miraculously save his memories.  Cameron struggles with faith and with his dead wife's memory, and her foster sister.   Suspense enhances the plot as forces are at work to hinder Cameron's search.  Quite thought provoking!

Making Waves / Tawna Fenske / 344 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

Wow!  Was this ever a wild ride!  Julie is the smartest woman alive with an IQ of 186. Because she gets bored easily, she has had many jobs.  She is awkward socially and is seeing a psychiatrist to help her cope.  She has agreed to accept a voluntary layoff from her most recent position so that she can spread the cremated remains of her recently deceased uncle over the Caribbean Sea.  She encounters Alex, a recently shrifted executive of an international shipping company and becomes embroiled in his and his so-workers plot to hijack a ship full of diamonds.  Of course, romance blooms.  This is laugh out loud romp with an ex football player turned gourmet cook to enliven the plot and make the reader quite hungry.

2012 Notable Children's Books - Younger Grades

I read:
Do You Know Which Ones Grow? - flip pages are enticing, great for audience participation.
Grandpa Green - great mini history lesson told through text and topiary.
Harry and Hopper - gently treatment of loss of a pet.
I Broke My Trunk - as always, delightful Mo Willems
I Want My Hat Back
King Jack and the Dragon
Mouse and Lion
Prudence Wants a Pet
Should I Share My Ice Cream - Again, marvelously Mo Willems.
Dot
Goodness...to choose a favorite is difficult...I really like them all...My 3-way tie:  Do You Know Which Ones Grow?, Harry and Hopper, and Prudence Wants a Pet.  The kids really liked Do You Know Which Ones Grow?.  It really sparked a discussion of living and non-living things.

2012 Notable Children's Books - Middle Grades

I read:  E-mergency - definitely for older, substituting o's for e's would totally confuse the little ones.  Very clever cover to cover. 
Night Flight, Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic - great illustrations and descriptive language, great mood piece to begin discussion of Ms. Earhart's life, personality, and destiny. 
The Great Migration - great historical/personal treatment of African-American migration from South to North form 1915-1930. 
Diego Rivera, His World and Ours - awesome stylized illustrations. 
Underground, Finding the Light to Freedom - very few words.

I loved all these books, but my favorite was Night Flight, Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic.  This is must read, great read-aloud, and will appeal to all ages!

Ivy and Bean What's the Big Idea? / Annie Barrows / 131 pages

The Science Fair is coming to Emerson School and the second grade has decided to do their projects on global warming.  Ivy and Bean collaborate and experiment with several ideas until they finally devise a very creative and highly effective project.  A great Afterword discuses the efficacy of their various rejected projects.  Fun illustrations!!

Operation Yes / Sara Lewis / 234 pages

"Be kind, for everyone you know is fighting a great battle."

The goal is to raise $l00,000 for soldiers wounded in the war - Afghanistan and Iraq.  The students in Room 208 plan to sell LGM's - Little Green (army) Men for $1 each.  They launch a media campaign and write and perform a play to ensure the success of Operation Yes.  Their teacher, Ms. Loupe, inspired the campaign when she was overcome by grief at her brother's injuries in the war.  This great story, extolling the importance of creative teaching, in about friendship, commitment to an ideal, and the issued faced by members of our military and their families.

Clementine and the Family Meeting / Sara Pennypacker / 162 pages

This book is just too cute.  Clementine learns in the family meeting that a new baby will be added to the family.  Although she is relieved that the family meeting was not about something she had done wrong, she is definitely N-O-T excited!  She thinks 4 is a perfect number for a family.  This, however, is not her only concern.  Her best friend, Margaret, has become interested in make up and fashion, and her science fair project partner, Whalen, wants to do the project on one of his super powers.  Even if don't laugh out loud, you will definitely be smiling as you read this book and encounter the many names Clementine has for her brother.

The Scent of Jasmine / Jude Deveraux / 499 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

This is a highly unlikely scenario for a story.  Cay is sent in her ballgown and diamond hair clips to deliver a pack horse loaded with supplies to an accused murderer who has just escaped from prison just prior to his death by hanging.  The escape goes awry and Cay is on the run with  fierce looking Alex McDowell, a man found guilty of murdering his wife on their wedding night.  While Cay's family attempts to clear her name, Alex and Cay join an expedition to explore the wilds of Florida in her godfather's stead.  The story is humorous and an enjoyable read with just the right touch of suspense and romance.

Wonderstruck / Brian Selznick / 637 pages

"Maybe We are all cabinets of wonders."

Reminiscent of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, a Caldecott winner, Wonderstruck is an absolute must read. The illustrations are mesmerizing and the storyline is suspenseful.  Young Ben is rendered deaf with lightning strikes the house and reaches him through the phone line.  His mother, a librarian, was killed in an accident, and he is about to place a call in search of his father, whom he has never met.  When his story dovetails with Rose's at the museum, be sure you tissues on hand.

Coudy with Chance of Marriage / Kieran Kramer / 418 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

This is a delightful romance in The Impossible Bachelors series.  Jilly Jones has run away from her cruel husband, Hector, and opened the bookstore on Dreare Street with proceeds from the sales of her mother's property.  Hector has confiscated all her inheritance and has treated her badly.  Dreare Street is known to be the unluckiest street in London and is constantly shrouded in fog.  Add to this the rowdy sailors across the street at Captain Arrow's house, and Jilly realized she must do something to improve the neighborhood...and improve it she does!!

Hothead / Cal Ripken, Jr. / 135 pages

Connor Sullivan is the best player on the Orioles, but hasn't let it go to his head.  His temper tantrums, however, have gotten him suspended from the team.  When the coach comes visiting, Connor is afraid he is off the team for good.  When Connor and his father share their concerns, Coach understands and gives Connor one more chance.  Great read for 3rd-4th graders, although Connor is in 7th grade.

A Perfect Mistress / Victoria Hamilton / 394 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

Julia inherits her great-grandmother's memoirs, a racy, scandal-ridden book.  She has fallen on hard times after the death of her husband and in 3 months will no longer have enough to pay her expenses.  She meets with a publisher in hopes of selling the work to ease her financial burdens.  The spin-off publisher fails to satisfy her hoped for recompense.  Her 2 widowed friends convince her to approach personages and family members mentioned in the memoir to see if they would buy the book.  Her great-grandmother, now a ghost, weighs in on the dilemma. Romance ensues and the memoirs mysteriously disappear.

Down the Darkest Road / Tami Hoag / 495 pages

"Life is about choices, good and bad, and the consequences of those choices.:
"What was wrong with a world where a predator had more rights than the people he preyed upon."

This is another fantastic, suspenseful read by Tami Hoag!  Lauren Lawton's daughter disappeared after a softball game she snuck out to attend.  Roland Ballencoa, a freelance photographer and a convicted pervert, was at the game.  Lauren is convinced that he kidnapped her daughter and is determined to see that justice is served.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making / Catherynne Valente / 247 pages

"September loved to read and like it best when words did not pretend to be simple, but put on their full armor and came out with their colors flying."  She loves books, reading, and fairy tales especially.  She is lonely, as her father was called to war and her mother works long hours in an airplane factory.  September is spirited away to Fairyland where she performs heroic, selfless deeds to save her new, most unusual friends.

Best of 2011

There You'll Find Me / Jenny B. Jones / 314 pages / R.T. Reviewer's Choice Award

Jenny B. Jones is a high school teacher in Arkansas and has won the Carol Award four times, deservedly.  This awesome book deals with the loss of a loved one and the aftermath of this loss.  Finley Sinclair's brother, Will, was killed by a bomb blast in Afghanistan where he was setting up schools.  Finley reacted badly to his death and got in with the wrong crowd and did things she now regrets.  She in on her way to spend her senior year at an all-girl Catholic school in Ireland, when she meets teenage vampire movie heartthrob Beckett Rush.  Finley is determined to follow her brother's travel journal, experiencing what he experienced, find the Celtic cross on the otherwise blank last page, and complete her composition for her audition at the New York Conservatory.  Staying at an Irish bed & breakfast, she deals with anorexia, a dying pseudo-grandmother, and an arrogant lovable Beckett, as she reconnects with God.

Dance with Dragons/George RR Martin/1040 pages

I can't believe I actually read this entire series! This title runs parallel in time to A Feast for Crows for about 2/3 of the book, then it picks up with all the players in play. It was difficult to remember what happened in AFFC and to keep straight where everyone was. Like AFFC this entry in the series is a lot of story and not much action, until the very end. I can't wait to see what happens but I hope Martin starts moving this story forward a little faster.

Finding Perfect/Susan Mallery/346 pgs

When her best friend dies, Pia O'Brian thinks she is going to inherit the cat but instead she gets her friend's three frozen embryos. Pia is determined to do the right thing and decides to become a single mother. But she ends up meeting ex-football star, Raoul Moreno, who is commitment shy but decides to be her pregnancy buddy.

Another Fool's Gold title and a very good story.

Chasing Fire/Nora Roberts/472 pgs

Smoke jumper Rowan Tripp has a strict rule: never get romantically involved with anyone she works with. But when she meets new recruit Gull Curry that rule is severely tested. The year before, her jump partner died and when it seems that someone is blaming Rowan, Gull comes to her rescue. The story gives you a good idea about what life is like for a Missoula, Montana smoke jumper. Good story

Death of a Kingfisher/M.C. Beaton/245 pages

Hamish Macbeth has a new deputy to help out in his small police station in the Highland village of Lochdubh. He's always resisted help before, but Dick seems nice enough and is just waiting to retire. He turns out to be helpful when a series of bizarre accidents leading to multiple murders plague The Fairy Glen in nearby Braikie. The Fairy Glen is a new tourist attraction in Buchan's Wood. The tourist director is a bewitching woman who claims to have Second Sight and who may have set her sights on Hamish.

One thing that I enjoy about the last couple in this series is that the case isn't wrapped up in a week. It takes months of running down dead ends before justice is served, and justice isn't always serviced in a standard way. Nice little cozy series.

The Deception of the Emerald Ring / Lauren Willig / 387 pages

Third book in the series of spy books from the Napoleonic era. (Loosely historical) This book takes place in Ireland where Britain put down another Iris rebellion before Napoleon could send French troops to support Ireland.

The main story is about Letty who by accident is forced to wed Lord Geoffrey Pinchingdale-Snipe and all the mishaps that follow that mix-up. It's still a light, fluffy, comical series that is good for driving or before sleep. Very enjoyable.

Rules of Attraction / Simone Elkeles / 326 pages

Okay, okay, so I like sappy books. This second in the series (after Perfect Chemistry) is about the second Hispanic brother who returns from Mexico to finish high school in Colorado where he meets a girl and has trouble with a drug gang. It's pretty much the same type story. I don't think that all Mexican guys have anger issues, but they seem too in these stories. To add yet another pc touch to the story, the girl's best friend is a gay guy. I can hardly wait to read the next book about the last brother who wants to be an astronaut. Stay tuned.

Graveminder / Melissa Marr / 324 pages

Shivery, creepy, and wonderful is how I would describe Marr's book Graveminder. A small town makes a deal with Mr. D to keep their town safe if they provide a Graveminder and Undertaker to keep the walking dead from rising up and devouring everyone. It's not a gory book, just a creepy book. Marr throws in some romance, good guys & bad guys, an alternate world where the dead from all time periods reside together, an interesting plot and some questions about decisions that impact future generations. Marr usually writes YA and this is her first adult novel. A good quick read.

Cloaked in Red

Cloaked in Red / Vivian Vande Velde 127 p.

So you think you know the story of Little Red Riding Hood, the girl with the unfortunate name and the inability to tell the difference between her grandmother and a member of a different species? Well here is a book that takes this simple story and puts eight new twists on it.

This young adult book consists of eight short stories all with a connection to Little Red Riding Hood. This was a fun, quick book to read. These stories are written from a variety of viewpoints, Little Red, the Wolf, the Wood Gatherer and Granny. They are unique, sometimes funny, and also surprising!

Graceling

Graceling / Kristin Cashore 471 p.

As you travel to a time when certain people are born with an extreme, and at times feared, talent called a "grace," Lady Katsa works at making the best of her particular grace, killing. She teams up with another "graceling," Prince Po (who has his own particular grace), to save their land from a corrupt and power hungry king.

This young adult novel was recommended to me as a good family book to listen to as we were headed on a long road trip (two adults and two high school teens). What can I say, other than the action, the suspense, the romance, the sorrow, the manipulation, the strength of character, etc all add up to a book that you just don't want to put down (or in our case stop listening to).

Sin and Surrender / Julia Latham 372 p.

Sixth in the League of the Blade series features the youngest Hilliard, Paul. Paul returns to participate in his final mission for secret fraternity of knights to protect the king. His role is to play one of the lost heirs to the crown to draw out the traitors. His bodyguard is the beautiful Julia Gresham cum mistress -- also a member of the League. Danger arises at every turn. And Paul finds resisting Julia to be an even greater challenge.

RT Reviewer's Choice Nominee

Check the library catalog

21-day Weight Loss Kickstart / Neal D. Barnard 348 p.

Dr. Neal D. Barnard offers a 21-day program about eating better, not less and improving your health. He shares curring edge research that supports a plant-strong diet. With his proven successful program, in three weeks, one gets lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improved blood sugar, and weight loss. Includes recipes and menus by Jason Wyrick (former diabetic). An exciting program for those looking to improve one's health and enjoy the process.

Check library catalog

Almost Perfect/Susan Mallery/379 pgs

Back in high school, Liz Sutton was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks with a bad family life. She fell in love with the most popular boy in town, Ethan Hendrix, and their secret romance helped her through the worst of times. Until he betrayed her. Liz left Fool's Gold, California and didn't know at the time that she was pregnant. Now Liz has returned to town to help her nieces and must face Ethan who doesn't know of their son's existence. Good story but predictable.

Gambler's Woman/Jayne Ann Krentz/277 pgs

Alyssa Chandler has a job as a statistician and is a mathematical genius. On the weekends, she has been spending her time in Vegas gambling and winning but while there, she meets her match in a dangerous gambler named Jordan Kyle. Soon though her real life and her pretend life meet up and it starts to get tricky. Okay story.

This one's for the Children...

March's Bonus Challenge is Posted! 

This month we are reading from the 2012 Notable Children's Books and the 2012 Notable Children's Recordings lists. 

Click on the "Bonus Points!" tab for more information on the Challenge Rules. 

The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman / Meg Wolitzer / 294 pages

Thoroughly enjoyable book for those upper elementary & middle school age kids who feel "different." The story revolves around the national Youth Scrabble Tournament. Yep...Scrabble Tournament...Googled it and there are youth Scrabble championships! (As all parents know, there is a competition for everything.) Duncan Dorfman, son of a single mom, wants to fit in at school and discovers he has a special power...being able to read letters with his fingers. Nate is the skateboarder whose father's loss at the tournament impacted his entire life. April is the only non-sporty member in a family totally focused on sports. In the end, each character learns something about himself or herself, about other kids and about adults in their lives. This book might work with the kids who like Blue Balliett, Ellen Raskin, E.L. Konigsburg, or Eric Berlin and those who don't feel like they fit into the crowd. They might want to try Scrabble too....lots of tips are in the book!

Pick Another Checkout Lane, honey/Demer & Wheeler/ 322p

Joanie Demer and Heather Wheeler write a coupon and savings
blog called, TheKrazyCouponLady.com and Joanie has starred on TLC
Channels “Extreme Couponing”. The two started out as college roommates and
now teach thousands of people every year how to save money by couponing.
The book is loaded with great information including insider tips to most of the well known stores in the country. They also tell the reader where to find coupons, and how to organize them. They teach us why it important to learn store policies regarding coupons and suggest saving options to pay down your financial debt. I found this book very up-to-date and well organized and would recommend it to anyone interested in saving money.

Whiter Than Snow/Sandra Dallas/292p

This novel opens with nine children walking home from school in Swandyke, a small mining town in Colorado in the 1920’s. The children are buried suddenly buried under an Avalanche. Of the nine children only four survive and the story unfolds the lives of most of their family members. The main characters include the Patch sisters, who have not talked in years due to a betrayal involving a man, Joe Cobb the only black man living in Swandyke, Minder Evans a Civil War Veteran and Essie Snowball a local prostitue. In addition to these five, Grace Foote also a main
Character is married to the mine manager. Each has a very unique story to share.I felt the book moved a little slow in the beginning and was not one of Dallas’s best works but the ending wrapped things up rather nicely. It was nice to see how certain characters pulled together during the catastrophe. I would highly recommend her other book “The Persian Pickle Club” or “Prayers for Sale”.

Stealing Home-Sherryl Woods 400

This is the first book in the Sweet Magnolias series. I would describe this reading as not a love story but an experience on true live situations. Maddie is faced with a divorce from her husband while trying to keep face with their 3 children who are so hurt and devastated by their dad's actions. Maddie's son Ty deals through baseball, Kyle through jokes and Katie can’t figure out why daddy isn’t home for dinner. Maddie has support from her two high school friends Helen and Dana Sue. This book will make you laugh, cry, and scream.

Chesapeake Blue/Nora Roberts/374 pgs

This is the final story about the Quinn Brothers and is Seth's story. Seth has spend years in Europe and is returning as a successful artist. He is intrigued by a newcomer to town, Dru Whitcomb Banks, who owns the local floral shop. She is hesitant to trust Seth,and Seth is hiding the fact that Gloria has been contacting him for years. Good story and wraps it all up

Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday/Susan Mallery/100 pgs

Carina Fiore is in love with veterinarian Cameron McKenzie. She works in his office as a pet groomer and takes care of his daughter. Since his divorce, Cameron hasn't been willing to trust his heart—or his daughter—with anyone. He too is attracted to Rina but is afraid that it will change their friendship. But when a kiss under the mistletoe unlocks the passion between them, Rina and Cameron may just find love for the holidays after all...

The Orphan Master's Son / Adam Johnson / 443 pages

This was a difficult-to-read difficult-to-put-down book. It is the story of Pak Jun Do, a North Korean orphan. He isn't really an orphan, but was raised as one. The story is difficult to read due to the many bad things that happen in the story, but it is difficult to put down because you want to know how Jun Do will fare. You are rooting for him despite the things he has done in his life. The life in North Korea is portrayed as one of crude, heavy-handed government and terrified, paranoid (rightfully so) citizens who are almost universally lacking in basic needs. How tragic it would be to explain to your eight year old child that at some point a parent might be forced to denounce the other parent in order to protect the lives of their children.

As a child, all communist countries were suspect and it is still easy for me to make the leap from fiction to reality in this book. I hope that there is a lot of fiction in this book rather than fact.

Dreams of the Dead / Perri O'Shaughnessy / 340 pages

I'm a long time reader of the Nina Reilly books. Like her character and the complex relationship with her long time friend, sometimes lover Paul van Wagoner. Like reading about the mountains and Lake Tahoe. Love her Washoe Indian secretary Sandy Whitefeather. This story continues the story of the messed up Strong family. Nina Reilly ends up representing the patriarch in the sale of his debt-ridden resort which is held up by an affidavit from the presumed-dead son & murderer, Jim Strong, claiming his share. We get a look at how guilt festers and impacts your life, how sicko people can be, and how good happy feelings come from family. For some reason I just couldn't connect with this book. The dialogue seemed false and the plot contrived. Let's just say that Nina's obsession with expensive designer shoes may be the best twist in the book.

Scent of Jasmine / Jude Deveraux 499 p.

This is the fourth in the Edilean series of historical romances. Catherine Harcourt's godfather convinces her to deliver a packed horse to a escaping convict, Scottish immigrant Alex McDowell, on the way to a gala ball in Charleston. Naturally things don't go according to plan. Catherine abandons her ball gown for boys clothes as she finds herself on the run with this convicted wife murder. A mutual attraction grows as they seek refuge in the Florida everglades.

Check the library catalog

RT Reviewer's Choice Nominee

The opinions expressed are personal and not that of the St. Charles City-County Library District.

Taken by the Prince / Christina Dodd / 380 pgs. / RT Reviewer's Choice Nominee

Victoria Cardiff is a proper English governess, who tries very hard to keep her reputation as an icy cold, independent, spinster.  Unfortunately for her the dashing and dangerous Raul Saber Lawrence cannot forget about the passionate kiss he stole from her three years ago at a party thrown for his sister.  It's been three years since that night and Raul is in the middle of plotting a revolution to free the people of his home country Moricadia and instill himself as the rightful king.  When Raul runs into Victoria again this time in Moricadia, he panics, worrying that Victoria will ruin his plans since she knows the truth of his plans and his secret past.  In order to ensure her silence, Raul kidnaps Victoria and carries her away to his castle where she is kept as his prisoner. .... Annnnddd, the plot pretty much ends there.  The rest of the book is Raul trying to seduce Victoria out of her shell all the while trying not to give up his heart to her.  *coughing & gaging noises coming from the peanut gallery* 

The book is pretty sexy and has enough action with the revolution and Victoria trying to escape to keep you reading.  Romance readers will enjoy this book, the rest who are looking for more of a storyline should try Joanna Bourne's Spymaster Series.

Three Fates/Nora Roberts/450 pgs

This is the story of three siblings Malachi, Gideon and Rebecca Sullivan whose relative has stolen one of the Three Fates, a group of 3 silver statues portraying the three Greek Fates, and which was thought to have sunk with the Lusitania. When their Fate is stolen, they set out to get it back and beat the dealer to the other two statues. Malachi's search sends him to Tia Marsh, a respected authority on mythology who, along with stripper Cleo Toliver and securities expert Jack Burdett, holds the keys to the missing statues. Another good story

The Ritual Bath/Faye Kellerman/282 pgs

I have always enjoyed the Alex Delaware stories written by Jonathan Kellerman, Faye's husband. So I thought I would try the first one in this series - Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus. I wasn't disappointed.
A report of rape in a LA yeshiva brings police detective Peter Decker into an Orthodox Jewish community. With the help of one of the school teachers, Rina Lazarus he tries to work around their strict religious practices and customs in order to investigate and ends up falling for the teacher.

Only His/Susan Mallory/344 pgs

Nevada Hendrix' s sisters are engaged, and even her mother has a more active love life than she does. When she decides to apply for her dream job, she thought she would be meeting with the owner of the company but instead ends up with Tucker Janack, her first love. Tucker agrees to Nevada's "business only" rules. Because he believes that love is really obsession and a trap. And it doesn't help when his old flame comes to town too.

Celebrity In Death/J.D. Robb/389 pgs.

When I first started reading J.D. Robb's (a.k.a. Nora Roberts) series, it was in paperback. Once the series went to hardback, its popularity has really risen. To do the series justice, I really think the reader should start at the beginning--that way one sees how Eve and Roarke's characters evolve.  Lieutenant Eve Dallas is a homicide cop in a futuristic New York City.  A case that Eve solved awhile back had been made into a book, which was then being turned into a movie. At a party given in Eve's honor, the actress portraying Eve's partner, Peabody, is murdered. The murder victim, K.T. Harris, is strongly disliked by the other cast  members. As the case progresses, it becomes evident that more than one person has reason to want her dead. It's a fast read, and gives further understanding into Eve's character, and her relationship with her husband, Roarke. Very enjoyable!

Take The Survey!!!

Thanks to the Friends of the Library, We have been given a grant to purchase some cool stuff for the contest.  With this power comes great responsibility!  So I have decided to ask you all wonderful participants to please send in your suggestions on what kinds of prizes you would like to see.  (OK, I am also trying to learn a new piece of software called SurveyMonkey so that is why I am posting this survey to you as well). 

*Please do not forget to thank the Friends if you happen to run into them. They are the reason why we get to do so many cool things in the District (like this competition). 

So on to the Survey!!  Don't worry it's 10 questions and will not take more than 5 minutes! Click on the link below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZHSFZKG

Savvy Saving/Jennings & King/131pg

Savvy Saving is a light consumer education book written by two successful bloggers, Melissa Jennings and Shelley King. They met through the International Adoption process and wanted to stockpile and save money for their families. King and Jennings went on to establish the blog, www.stockpilingmoms.com and have thousands of followers. The book is very up-to-date book covering such topics as stockpiling, menu planning, finding coupons and how to organize them. Anyone starting out trying to save more money raising a family will find this book helpful and it is presented in an easy to understand and light manner.