A Dog's Purpose / W. Bruce Cameron / 319 pgs

Since starting at the Spencer Road Library in January, I have a longer commute from Wright City and back again. My dislike for St. Louis radio stations and my political pundit fatigue this election year has driven me to audiobooks and I’ve been enjoying them immensely! I just finished A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron and it has greatly contributed to my new appreciation for dogs, which is a feat considering how firmly of a cat person I have been up until now. A Dog’s Purpose tells the tale of a dog who learns his purpose in life over the course of four dog lifetimes - first as Toby, then Bailey, then Ellie, and finally as Buddy. The book is hilarious as we learn how dogs think, their desire to be a “good dog,” to take car rides and eat food! However, it is also a three hanky tale, so be forewarned that a lot of heartstrings will be tugged. I am about to check out the sequel, A Dog’s Journey, and can’t wait to take my husband (a firm dog lover) to see the movie version starring Dennis Quad when it comes out on January 27th. I suspect with the new movie coming out, the book might go on the reserve list. As of right now, there are only three of thirteen copies available, but it is offered as an e-book and e-audiobook.

The Little Black Wedding Dress / Lindi Peterson / 288 pgs

While Honey (yes, that's her name) is still grieving the death of her sister from cancer, Porter Landon (yes, that's his name), her former fiance, walks backs into her life to beg her to help him become a family with his teenager daughter and her baby son, Jet (I'm seriously not making up these names). Honey is not pleased with being drawn into her ex-fiance's family drama, but somehow allows herself to be dragged back into the life of the man who cheated on her and married someone else. Oh, and Honey owns a bridal shop and decides she wants to design a black wedding dress - because reasons.

Ok, so, I pretty much hated this book. In fact, this may be just one of the worst books I've ever read. Besides the implausibility that a woman in her mid-30s would go from despising the man who had cheated on her over 15 years before to (very suddenly) falling back in love with that man, I disliked the present tense writing, and Honey's wimpiness. I found it kind of boring - even the lady on the book cover looks bored and kind of disappointed with herself. Also, be prepared to be hit with the phrase "Legend has it that if you wear a black wedding dress, it's because you're pining for a lost love." If you read this book, you'll read that "legend" at least a dozen times throughout. For an inspirational romance, I didn't get much inspiration from it. I seriously believe it was categorized as such only because there's no hanky-panky involved.

Christmas List / Richard Paul Evans 353 p. 20th Century Challenge

Christmas List / Richard Paul Evans 353 p.

It's three weeks to Christmas.  James Kier died in an automobile crash.  His death is reported in the newspaper.  It is big news when a real estate mogul dies.  The twist is that he didn't die.  James is unwillingly pitched into learning just what people really thought of him.  He is a fierce competitor, and frequently ruthless.  Blogs are filled with personal comments about him.  When his mistress fails to show up at their 'destination', he is disappointed.  When he appears at her home and finds her surrounded by all the expensive items quickly charged to his account before the news of his death can close it, he learns some very harsh home truths.  And he continues to learn more about himself at every turn.  And his ex- doesn't seem to be ready to welcome him home with open arms.  At the other James Kier's wake, he finds a man who is truly mourned, and who's life made a positive impact on others.  This gives him a wake-up call.  He has prepared a list of people he has most actively hurt over the years.  And does his executive secretary hand over quite a Christmas list for him to work through as he prepares to change his ways.

The First Phone Call From Heaven/Mitch Albom/320 pgs.

In Mitch Albom's fictionalized town of Clearwater, Michigan, several residents begin receiving phone calls from the deceased. Are these phone calls real, or an elaborate hoax? As word of the phenomenon spreads, one resident, Sully Harding decides to get to the bottom of the matter. It's a novel of grief, hope, and inspiration. If you liked Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven, you will probably enjoy this!

The Alchemist/Paulo Coelho/197 pgs.

One of the book club ladies made me promise to read this before our next meeting, and I'm so glad I did! On the surface, it's a story about an Andalusian shepherd boy, Santiago, who loves to travel, and is in search of a special treasure--however, he's uncertain what the "treasure" is that he is seeking. Santiago learns many life lessons along the way, and makes the reader re-evaluate his/her own journey on this earth. It's inspirational in a non-preachy way, and highly recommended! I would especially recommend it to readers who like Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

The Discovery / Dan Walsh / 352 pages

The Discovery by Dan Walsh is a novel within a novel - the first is set in World War II, Daytona Beach and the second in modern day Charleston.

When his grandfather, the renowned novelist, Gerard Warner dies, Michael inherits his Charleston mansion and an unpublished manuscript that soon proves to shine a light on the hidden past of his grandparents, a past that proves no sacrifice is too great for one you love.

The Discovery will appeal to fans of romantic suspense and Christian fiction. Similar titles include: The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh, A Place Called Home by Lori Wick, The Truth Seeker by Dee Henderson.

Some Kind of Normal / Heidi Willis / 226 pages

Some Kind of Normal by Heidi Willis is a moving, emotionally gripping tale of faith and love.

Set in the Texas Hill Country, Some Kind of Normal asks the question “How far would you go to save the life of someone you love?” Would you turn your back on your church? Your family? Can faith and science share the same space?

When, after a bout with the flu, her daughter develops diabetes and nearly dies, first from a diabetic coma and then from a rare insulin allergy, Babs Babcocks struggles with both her faith in God and her faith in medicine, ultimately deciding it is up to her to save her daughter’s life. All that stands between herdaughter’s life and death is a tenth grade education, a zealous group ofBaptist ladies, and 1.8 million Google hits. 


Some Kind of Normal will appeal to readers of gripping, emotional stories and to those who enjoy reading about life in a small town. Similar titles include: Between Friends by Kristy Kiernan, Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky, and Before You Know Kindness by Chris Bohjalian.  

This is a wonderful book, but you might have to search for it! 

The Time Keeper/Mitch Albom/224 pgs.

This is the story of Father Time and his impact on man. It tells of Dor, enthralled with measuring time, and how he becomes "Father Time." In addition, it is Sarah Lemon's story--a teenager going through her first heartbreak. Lastly, it is Victor Delamonte's story--an elderly business tycoon suffering from an incurable disease. Sarah wants time to stop; Victor wants to cheat time of his death. How Father Time meets Sarah and Victor and impacts their lives is crucial to the story. Albom takes the reader on an interesting, and inspirational journey with The Time Keeper. However, my two favorite Albom books are Tuesdays With Morrie, and The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder / Rebecca Wells 391 p.

In tiny La Luna, La., Calla Lilly Ponder has a delightful childhood filled with friends and neighbors and finally a steady boyfriend Tuck.  From her mother M’Dear, Calla inherits the art of healing and comfort through fixing hair as well as the guiding principles to hold her throughout life’s ups and downs.  With a broken heart, Calla turns to colorful New Orleans and the L’Académie de Beauté de Crescent, to develop her special gift and to sooth her pain.  There she experiences new friendships, new loves, as well as tragedies.  Loaded with Southern charm, a nostalgic remembrances, and charisma, this heartwarming story holds the one to the end.

One Perfect Word/Debbie Macomber/207 pgs.

This is the first non-fiction book I have read by Debbie Macomber--very inspirational. She describes how she focuses on one word for an entire year, and how it impacts her life. Macomber is a very spiritual, Christian person; the word she chooses  usually has a biblical context. She also includes prayers from the journals she has kept for years. She reveals her own journey as a writer, and the struggles she has encountered in her own life. She is a very optimistic, encouraging person, and it comes through in her writing. I'm glad I read this book.

Heaven is for Real/Todd Burpo/163 pgs.

This is the true story of Colton Burpo's out of body experience during an emergency appendectomy surgery. Shortly after his recovery, almost 4 year-old Colton begins relating his experience to his parents--description of heaven, deceased relatives he had never met--even the baby his mom had miscarried. It's a hopeful story--thought provoking.