Adult Fiction & Non-Fiction Book Reviews by Roundtable Reviews

April's Fool - Blanche Marriott

2012-01-26T07:05:00.000-05:00

Released February 2012

Blanche Marriott
Avalon Romance

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Every year, April Vaillancourt and her friends gather to pull an April Fools prank. The best prankster gets a free meal. As her friends are all in married or getting married, talking about being in love and considering children, April decides she wants to prove she has a special someone too. After a miserable relationship that ended up in a broken heart, she really wants to show her friends that she can move on without Stan. Putting her photo editing skills to good use, she creates a wedding album that fools all of her friends and wins her the free meal. The wedding album, however, gets left behind.

Michael Goode is stunned when his co-worker comes in with a wedding album. Michael is certain he's never met the bride and cannot imagine how she got the pictures of him. With a little investigative work, Michael learns who the "bride" is and decides to pay her a visit. He never expects sparks to fly. After a little thought, Michael realizes he could put this fake marriage to good use by convincing his soon-to-retire boss who has strong family values that he's married. It might just land him the promotion he wants, IF he can convince April to play along.

April's Fool is quite charming. The chemistry between the couple is apparent from the start. While the relationship is initially built on a lie, the couple start to realize that there's an undeniable attraction. The problem is neither wants to admit that they're falling head over heels in love.

This is author Blanche Marriott's third novel and it's very impressive. I'll have to go check out her backlist because I really enjoyed her writing style. If you're looking for a lighthearted romance, you won't go wrong with April's Fool.

Bond Girl - Erin Duffy

2012-01-24T08:01:00.000-05:00

Released February 2012

William Morrow

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Kick in your pants fiction is something I always appreciate. I like stories told with such brutal honesty that I often forget it is fictional and not real. I'm pretty sure that some of the material in Bond Girl could only have come from the author's personal experiences during her 10 years on Wall Street, but whether or not it is exaggerated is left to the reader to decide.

As a young girl, Alex Garrett found herself immersed in the world of high finance thanks to her father's innovative "Bring Your Daughter to Work Days," occurring long before the national event started up. Her love of Wall Street developed early, but she had no idea what the world was really like.

After college, Alex lands what she believes is a dream job at Cromwell Pierce. Little does she know that her days are about to become filled with planting herself on a folding metal chair trying to make sense of what her co-workers are doing, running some of the oddest errands imaginable and trying to prove to the men that women can do everything the men do without crying, whining or letting them see you sweat.

I have a friend who works as an account manager for a financial firm, so I have heard about some of the things she endured during her training. None of that compares to what Alex goes through. Quite seriously, my hat is off to some of Wall Street's elite because scratching your way to the top doesn't sound fun.

Among the wackier things Alex must do, the reader follows her to Brooklyn on a quest to find a 50-pound wheel of Parmesan while also picking up dozens of eggplant or meatball grinders, all on her tab. There's also the job detail where she must watch a co-worker eat all of the contents from a vending machine and make sure he doesn't skip anything or throw up if he wants the $28,000 attached to the dare. Finally, there's the married client who will stop at nothing to try to get Alex to sleep with him, and crying sexual harassment isn't allowed in Wall Street's men's world.

I admit Bond Girl infuriated me, made me laugh and definitely had me cheering Alex on. It's a great read and one that is already getting a lot of buzz. Don't miss it!

Redwood Bend - Robyn Carr

2012-01-23T08:31:00.000-05:00

Released February 28, 2012

Robyn Carr
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Moving from Vermont to California is challenging for any woman, but moving twin five-year-old sons all the way across the country is extremely challenging. Katie Malone knows she needs to be closer to her brother, Connor (Hidden Summit 1/12) so that her boys have a male role model. She never expects to deal with a flat tire and meet her dream man all in one night though.

If there's one thing Dylan Childress knows, it's that he is not the marrying kind. His parents went through more marriages than he can count and developing a lasting relationship is just not in his DNA. Yet, if Dylan could ever settle down, he's pretty sure Katie is the woman he'd want. Changing her flat is just the start of what could change his life forever.

Redwood Bend definitely tugged at the heartstrings. I liked Katie's character. She's been through a lot with her military husband dying before their boys were born, dealing with the fall out of her brother's stint as a key witness that put them both in the witness protection program and trying to be the best mother possible to very rambunctious boys. Dylan, for me, was a little harder to like because he's so hung up on his parents fault that he can't see he's nothing like them. It's really his insecurity that forms the heart of the tension in this book. Most readers will agree that it's hard to put the book down until you know that he's going to get it right.

This is the second in a series and the characters in April's release make an appearance in this book. I can't wait to see how things work out for them.

Scrumptious - Amanda Usen

2012-01-22T06:29:00.000-05:00

Released January 2012

Amanda Usen
Sourcebooks

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Marly Bennett's seen her father walk out on her, as well as having a month who bounces from husband to husband, and she knows marriage is not something she wants. Why commit to one man who will walk away in the end? For that reason, she makes it a point to enjoy sexual encounters without commitment.

Joe Rafferty's mother's dying wish was that he would stop having affairs and find the right woman. Joe, however, say how much his parents fought and doesn't think marriage is all it's cracked up to to be.

Soon, Joe and Marly find themselves working to help save a mutual friend's restaurant. After Olivia's head chef husband is literally caught with his pants around his ankles in the restaurant, Olivia fires him and needs Marly, her dessert chef, to help out on the main line. Olivia also recruits Joe, a talented chef. Putting the two together in the kitchen leads to more heat than just what's cooking.

Scrumptious is a dazzling entry in the newer sub-genre of foodie romances. Much of the story includes details on cooking and takes place in the kitchen. It's clear to the reader that Joe and Marly are meant to be together, but the couple are a little slower to catch on. There's lots of passion building up over the span of the book that will delight contemporary romance readers. The story captures more than just this growing romance though. Someone keeps sabotaging Olivia's restaurant and Joe and Marly team up to find out who is doing it since they're all keeping Olivia's soon to be ex out of the restaurant.

The one thing I would have loved to have seen are a few recipes. With culinary mysteries, authors always add recipes to the mix and I'd like to see the same here. The author talks a lot about creme brulee, and I think it would have been nice to add a recipe for it or the decadent chocolate wedding cake Marly makes during a few chapters.

Smitten - Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt & Denise Hunter

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Released December 20, 2011

Colleen Coble
Kristin Billerbeck
Diann Hunt
Denise Hunter
Thomas Nelson

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I'm a sucker for stories set in Vermont. I've read some over the years that have completely gotten the state's geography wrong and others that were pretty spot on. The romantic anthology, Smitten, by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt and Denise Hunter is one of those that is spot on. While Smitten is a fictional town, I imagine Waterbury in my head as I'm reading it. The only difference is that Waterbury's death hasn't the closing of a mill town, it's the flooding resulting from Hurricane Irene that ravaged the city. Big businesses like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has moved much of their plant to another town and are talking about moving some of the business out of state. Ben and Jerry's is moving much of their production to another town. Businesses along the main drag were severely flooded and many ended up shutting down. While reading Smitten, those are the images that popped up in my head.

Smitten is the story of four women who decide to save their town by turning it into a romantic hot spot. Each author takes on one of the characters. There's Natalie who's been raising her niece Mia since Mia was an infant. When Natalie's drugged out sister threatens to take Mia away unless Natalie gives her money, Natalie finds support in the man rumored to be Mia's father. Julia needs to find a place for her spa, and the other half of Zak's former grill doesn't seem ideal, no matter what her mentor says. A fire forces Shelby to find a new location for her finishing school for girls, and working with Nick seems like the best solution, but his attitude is making it hard to stay. Reese's dreams of owning a sporting goods store are coming true, but with her friend Griffen handling the renovations, she's not sure being friends is good enough.

Basically, while the women have the town's support for turning Smitten into a romantic getaway, the men in their lives think it's a ridiculous idea and fight the women every step of the way. That adds to the romantic tension that develops within each story. It's very enjoyable, though I did feel the romantic tension between Denise Hunter's Reese and Griffen was best.

All in all, this is a very enjoyable quartet of stories that captured the setting well and tossed very likable characters into the mix. Rumor has it that other books set in Smitten are in the works. I, for one, can't wait to read them.

Please Read This

2012-01-18T06:18:00.000-05:00

Quite simply, there will be no update today because of my stance against SOPA. Read more here:

https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/

Going Off Topic: Alton Brown

2012-01-17T07:53:00.000-05:00

I'd planned to have another book finished today, however life got in the way again. Alton Brown and Hannaford proved to be my undoing this time.

It's no secret that I love to bake. When I found a bunch of red bananas at Hannaford for less than normal bananas, I decided to buy them up. Then, I found walnuts in their bargain bin and bought those too. Bananas and walnuts -- well they were just begging me to turn them into bread. I love banana bread.

Usually, I go with the recipe in my breast cancer cookbook, but I've discovered I prefer baking by weight rather than standard cup, tablespoon or teaspoon measurements. Alton Brown's cookbooks are all set up by weight. Pulling out my trusty Kitchenaid - it's pink and I don't care if pink goes with my gray/green kitchen, $50 from every sale goes to the Susan Komen Foundation, so it's important to me to only buy the pink mixer.

Anyway, his recipe for banana bread uses oat flour. I didn't have any oat flour on hand, but I did have steel-cut oats, so I put them in the blender until they were flour so all was good. In the end, I'm delighted to say that this is the best recipe for banana bread I've come across. It's moist, flavorful and the addition of oats gives it a little something extra. I highly recommend any of Alton Brown's cookbooks specifically because he does list everything by weight. If you don't have a scale, he also gives cups/spoon equivalents.

The Lavender Lover's Handbook - Sarah Berringer Bader

2012-01-16T07:21:00.000-05:00

Released April 2012

Lavender at Stonegate/Sarah Berringer Bader
Timber Press

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Of all my gardens, my herb garden is my personal favorite. I love watching honeybees on my sage bushes and collecting mint for teas, gathering chives for salads or using fresh oregano in pasta dishes. Lavender is the one thing I haven't successfully gotten to thrive. I think I may have learned why after reading The Lavender Lover's Handbook.

Sarah Berringer Bader, owner of Lavender at Stonegate, offers an in-depth look into lavender. Beautiful pictures show the different varieties and landscaping designs that incorporate lavender. She discusses companion plants, craft ideas, recipes, care and even reasons why every garden benefits from lavender. What I learned along the way is that the farm where I buy my lavender is wrong. They told me to plant it and leave it alone. Turns out that after all these years, I should have been pruning my plants. It's no wonder they've never really taken off and just become woody.

Using the tips found in The Lavender Lover's Handbook, I have a game plan for next year. I have very sandy soil that drains quickly and isn't great for retaining water. Apparently, these are conditions that suit lavender well. Given that, my biggest issue is going to be finding lavender that withstands Vermont's bitterly cold winters. The book offered lots of varieties for zone 5 or higher, but for those of us in zone 3 or 4, the selection is limited. I do have my list now of varieties to look for and plan to start searching in a few months. Around here, you don't tend to plant until late-May because up until that point, snow and freezing temps are still possibilities.

What I really loved is that she included recipes, including one I've been using for years--Lavender shortbread cookies, I've never frosted them though. She also includes recipes for household cleaners and scented sprays. Those alone are invaluable to me because I love a local lavender spray but have never figured out how to replicate their product, now I know.

If you enjoy gardening or simply want to learn more about growing and using lavender, this is the book to own. It's definitely a keeper.

The Baker's Daughter - Sarah McCoy

2012-01-15T07:59:00.000-05:00

Released January 24, 2012

Sarah McCoy
Crown Publishing Group

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Simply put, The Baker's Daughter is one of the warmest, most emotional books I've read in months. I cried, laughed, and really just couldn't put it down. Elsie as a senior cracked me up more than once, but Elsie as a teenager, well the things she endured just broke my heart.

In 1945, Germany is at war and most people know what happened to the Jews. Teenager Elsie Schmidt helps her parents run their bakery, while her older sister left to have her son and become part of the Lebensborn Program. Connected to her sister by only letters that come sporadically, Elsie finds herself growing more and more concerned by Germany's actions. Especially after she witnesses the cruel treatment of a young Jewish boy during a Christmas party. Eventually, she ends up hiding the boy and hopes her actions will not lead to her family's ruin.

In present day, journalist Reba Adams is trying to interview Elsie, owner of a German bakery, for a Christmas-themed article. Reba is engaged to a border patrol officer in El Paso, but doubt clouds her view of a happily ever after. When Elsie asks her why she wears her engagement ring on a chain around her neck, Reba finds herself sharing her story with the elderly woman. Meanwhile, Reba's questions take Elsie back to a time that changed her life forever.

The Baker's Daughter switches back and forth from Reba's life in the present day, Elsie's life during WWII and even Reba's fiance's experiences working with Mexican illegals. Connecting the treatment of illegals with the treatment of Jews was unexpected, yet quite clear and thought-provoking.

Elsie quickly became one of my favorite characters of all times. Her interactions with the Internet cracked me up. That laughter was necessary at times because the trips to 1940s Germany could be very heavy and emotionally draining. I realize I can't even begin to understand the terror that everyone felt, and I'm glad I never had to.

In the end, I'm so glad I read The Baker's Daughter. I think it would be an excellent choice for book discussion groups, and if they ever make it into a movie, I'll be first in line to see it.

Overfishing: What Everyone Needs to Know - Ray Hilborn

2012-01-14T07:23:00.000-05:00

Released April 2012

Oxford University Press

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Overfishing: What Everyone Needs to Know takes a hard look at the fishing industry and people's consumption of fish today. It's not a secret that many fish are no longer thriving. Cod is one fish that is usually mentioned by the media about having dwindling numbers and being overfished. People turn to fish like tilapia in hopes of finding a new source of white fish that is in abundant quantities.

The decline in fish populations is something I've grown up being extremely aware of. My grandfather was a North Sea fisherman. Decades ago, monkfish was known as "trash fish" and people refused to eat it. Some fishermen would throw them overboard or trash them, my grandfather would bring them home to his wife and daughter knowing the meat in the tail was boneless and incredibly tasty. Fast forward a couple decades and now I find it virtually impossible to find monkfish in stores and on the rare occasion I do it's well over $10 a pound. After WWII, larger commercial fishing ships rigged with trawlers entered the North Sea making it harder for the smaller fishing boats to take in a decent haul and destroying the sea floor. It was something that always concerned my grandfather. It's stories like these that I'll never forget.

In Overfishing: What You Need to Know, author Ray Hilborn discusses what overfishing is and if it's possible to eat fish, proven to be extremely beneficial to many organs, without depleting the different species. The author sets up the book by asking a question and then answering that question using research and interviews. He also discusses some of the fish on the verge of extinction and steps that are being taken to saving them. Orange roughy is one of the fish he discusses. I admit, I've only had orange roughy once in my life and that was back in the 80s. It's another fish that is virtually impossible to find now.

If you're interested in learning more about the dangers of overfishing and what is being done to save many fish species, Overfishing: What You Need to Know is an exceptional resource.

Blue Moon Promise - Colleen Coble

2012-01-13T06:27:00.000-05:00

Released February 14, 2012

Colleen Coble
Thomas Nelson

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Her father's been murdered, her step-mother doesn't seem interested in raising their children, and that leaves Lucy March completely alone raising her younger brother and sister in a rental house. Worse, Lucy loses her job and her landlord announces she has one week to vacate because he's sold the property. Lucy doesn't know what she's going to do. It's at that moment that Henry Stanton shows up with an offer. He wants Lucy to enter a marriage by proxy with his son. Nate's been too busy running their cattle ranch to look into providing heirs and his father's had enough.

Lucy doesn't like the idea of marrying a man before she's even spend time with him. However, someone's been following her around and when that stranger breaks into their home, she's desperate to get away. Marrying Nate seems to be the only possible solution to her problems.

When his father drops Lucy and her two young siblings off, Nate's not happy. He can't see the scrawny woman being of any use. Yet, the more time he spends with her and the children, the more he hopes they'll become a permanent addition to his ranch. If only he could convince Lucy to give their marriage a chance...

As a Christian romance, Blue Moon Promise is truly enjoyable. The romance between Lucy and Nate develops slowly giving them plenty of time to get used to one another and adjust to married life. The addition of a dangerous stranger adds some tension to the story too.

There were a few times that I did question Nate's decisions, especially when he decides to have time alone with Lucy by leaving the kids home alone. With a stranger lurking around, I'm kind of surprised Lucy agreed to that. In addition, there's a twist towards the end that took me by surprise and that I'm not sure I liked, but I don't want to reveal more about that.

I recommend reading Blue Moon Promise. It's a fun romance and one that I ended up starting and finishing in one sitting because it was that engrossing. Once you have, I'd be curious to here what others thought of the twist.

The Stubborn Dead - Natasha Hoar

2012-01-11T05:52:00.001-05:00

Released January 2012

Natasha Hoar
Carina Press

The Stubborn Dead is very short, yet I was actually surprised at how well author Natasha Hoar managed to create what felt like a full-length story in just under 80 pages/20,000 words. Paranormal fans will find a lot to like in what I hope is the first part of a series.

Rachel Miller is one of the Order of Rescue Mediums and after finishing up one job, she receives an urgent call from a woman who has a wraith invading her home. Wraiths are a little trickier, but Rachel is up for the challenge. Little does she know that this is not your ordinary wraith, she's about to go head to head with an entity long expected to be extinct. If Rachel fails to do her job, orders are to have her powers removed permanently. No matter what happens, Rachel knows she cannot fail.

The story starts off with a bang as Rachel is in the middle of a challenging removal and the suspense and tension keeps building from there. I found it very hard to put the story down, so I'm actually thankful that the story was so short. It made it easy to read it in one sitting.

While there do seem to be some unanswered questions remaining, I'm assuming that's because this is the first book in what will be an exciting series. Hopefully, there will be more stories involving Rachel coming out in the near future.

Head Over Heels - Jill Shalvis

2012-01-10T06:52:00.000-05:00

Released December 2011

Jill Shalvis
Hachette Book Group

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Chloe Traeger's never stayed in one place for long. After inheriting one-third of a run-down oceanside inn, Chloe reluctantly gets to know her half-sisters (Tara from The Sweetest Thing (A Lucky Harbor Novel) and Maddie from Simply Irresistible (A Lucky Harbor Novel)
) and starts selling her homemade skin creams and beauty products around the small town of Lucky Harbor. Her attraction to the town's sheriff, Sawyer Thompson, makes no sense, but she can't help but find herself enchanted by his charms, even when they're arguing.

Sawyer doesn't have time in his life for a woman, so why is it that he can't get Chloe out of his head. After one kiss, it's clear that he'll never be able to get enough of Chloe, but with his job, he can't afford to get into a steady relationship.

These two polar opposites want nothing more than to stay away from each other, but sometime fate has other plans...

Head Over Heels is the third novel in the Lucky Harbor series and I'm thrilled that the stories will keep coming, even though this rounds out each of the sisters' stories. I've liked Chloe from the start. She's enough of a rebel that she keeps everyone on their toes, but she definitely has a soft side too. Pairing her with Sawyer, a straight-laced sheriff with a long history, worked well and really made him one of my favorite heroes from this series. Don't get me wrong, I adored Jax, but Sawyer earned a higher score on my list of favorite fictional heroes.

If you haven't read any of the Lucky Harbor series, I highly recommend starting from the beginning. It's not that you need to read them in order, they do stand alone, but they're such a charming trio of books that I can't imagine wanting to bypass any of them.

Leone's Italian Cookbook - Gene Leone

2012-01-09T13:20:00.001-05:00

Reissued 1997

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

When my aunt died, she left behind her cherished, very dog-eared copy of Leone's Italian Cookbook. After marrying her very Italian, NYC husband, building up an array of Italian staples that reminded him of his grandmother's cooking was important to her and Mama Leone's was the cookbook that inspired her to become an amazing Italian cook in the comfort of her kitchen. Having that copy in my own kitchen is equally satisfying.

If you're unfamiliar with Mama Leone, she was more than the star of a Billy Joel song. She cooked up amazing dishes in an Italian restaurant that ran from the early 1900s to the 1990s. What you'll find in Leone's Italian Cookbook is an array of Italian recipes that don't disappoint that her son Gene collected and shared with the world.

My favorite recipe in this entire book is the Italian gravy she made. Packed with meats, herbs and spices, this recipe requires a lot of time slowly simmering, but it's amazing and well worth the wait. This is only the start, you'll find recipes for clam sauce, homemade cheesecake, lasagna, and some of the greatest meatballs I've ever had. It's not just the recipes either, I've read this book from cover to cover learning about Mamma Leone's history and the restaurant's history. All in all, if you can get your hands on a copy, it's a keeper.

Freebie from Susan Mallery

2012-01-07T07:18:00.000-05:00

Fool's Gold Series

As a special gift to her readers, Susan Mallery is giving away a special cowboy calendar widget that you can add to your computer, or print out a Fool's Gold: Cowboy Country calendar, and add some eye candy to your day! Visit http://foolsgoldca.susanmallery.com/cowboycalendar.html for more information.

Canal House Cooking, Volume 7 - Christopher Hirsheimer and Melissa Hamilton

2012-01-06T13:37:00.000-05:00

Released January 17, 2012

Open Road Media

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I love rustic Italian cuisine. I've always said that if I could move away, the Mediterranean is where I'd head--Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal all have piqued my interest over the years. This is one reason I eagerly dove into Canal House Cooking Volume 7. Part of the draw to these countries is the availability of fresh foods, year round. I live in Vermont and here what farmer market's exist, and there are not many, are only held in summer months. The rest of your time, you're stuck with what you froze from your garden or what is shipped to the area from southern states.

Canal House Cooking Volume 7 details Christopher Hirsheimer and Melissa Hamilton's journey to Italy. They decided to rent a house, purchase foods from locals and experience true Italian cuisine. Throughout this cookbook, they discuss their experiences and share amazing recipes for things like homemade pasta, including spinach pasta and ricotta gnocchi; homemade ricotta, something I'm trying this weekend; homemade sauces; homemade desserts; and much more.

I have a pasta machine, the hand-cranked type, not an electric one, and love making my own pasta. The authors do discuss flour choice and to me it really does make a difference. The best pasta I ever made was with a bag of semolina flour I found on a clearance rack. I laced it with fresh leaves of basil and it was amazing. The authors give you the basics in an easy-to-understand format, so there's no reason not to try it. Even if you lack a pasta machine, all you need is a rolling pin.

If you want a cookbook that really gets to the heart of Italian cuisine, Canal House Cooking Volume 7 is an excellent choice. It's available for the Kindle on January 17th.

Ruby Red Heart in a Cold Blue Sea - Morgan Callan Rogers

2012-01-05T08:50:00.001-05:00

Released January 2012

Morgan Callan Rogers
Viking

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I don't think it took long before I realized I had another book to add to my keeper shelf. I try to limit the number of books I keep because of the size of our house, but Ruby Red Heart in a Cold Blue Sea is an amazing story. It's part-mystery and a solid coming of age story set in a quaint ocean town in Maine.

Florine Gilham starts her 12th summer off by getting into a little trouble. She and her friends decide to head to the summer homes and set off firecrackers, but one of them sets a porch on fire. That leads to Florine's mother reducing her hours and keeping her daughter under close watch. Soon the town's moved on and forgotten about the kids' prank, school resumes and Florine is back to her routine of making bread with her grandmother, watching for her father's lobster boat to return and spending time with her three buddies.

It's not long before Florine's mother disappears during a weekend trip. Days, weeks, months and eventually years pass without police finding a trace of the missing woman. Forced to grow up without a mother she desperately misses, Florine tries to navigate the world feeling a sense of loss that no one seems to understand.

There's very little I disliked about Morgan Callan Rogers' debut novel. Developing her characters seems to be the author's strong point because I felt for each and every one of them, especially Florine. The setting is breathtaking, and it's obvious the author is from the area I've visited for a week every year since I can remember. I adore coastal Maine and she captured the magic perfectly, even though I am one of the interlopers that come only in the spring or summer months. If you want a glimpse into Maine and can't afford the trip, the author does a great job at capturing the lifestyle of the lobstermen, the magic of the ocean and the quiet, peaceful setting.

I do advise having Kleenex handy. Ruby Red Heart in a Cold Blue Sea made me laugh, definitely brought tears to my eyes and left me wanting more.

The Odds: A Love Story - Stewart O'Nan

2012-01-04T07:44:00.000-05:00

Released January 2012

Stewart O'Nan
Viking

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Years ago, I read Stewart O'Nan's Last Night at the Lobster and loved it, so I was eager to read The Odds: A Love Story. In O'Nan's latest tale, Art and Marion Fowler are on the brink of bankruptcy after both lose their jobs in the troubled economy. Their grown children no longer depend on them and Art's indiscretion is something Marion cannot forgive. With their finances in shambles, the pair are ready to sign divorce papers and start anew. With one last hurrah, the couple head off to Niagara Falls staying in the honeymoon suite of a fancy casino. They honeymooned here, so it seems fitting that their marriage ends where it began. Between sightseeing and fine dining, the couple take what money they have left and hope that Lady Luck might smile on them bringing an end to their problems.

The Odds isn't a lengthy story. At just over 190 pages, it's a quick read, yet still detailed and engaging. I hate to admit that I found myself sympathizing with both characters from time to time. Being married for so many years does cause couples, especially when there are children and jobs both demanding your attention, to get stuck in a rut at times. By the end, I hoped for the best, but the odds of a winning big in a casino, as many know are incredibly slim. Readers will just have to pick up a copy of the book and find out if Art and Marion become a statistic or if they're able to save their marriage.

At the beginning of each chapter, readers will find a little snippet of trivia involving odds. Such as the odds of a marriage lasting, the odds of a person filing bankruptcy, the odds of returning to the place you spent your honeymoon or the odds of becoming sick during a vacation. These snippets are just as much fun to read as Art and Marion's story.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T05:52:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!

Usually the start of a new year brings around the either dreaded or anticipated New Year's Resolutions.

Last year turned a chapter for me. After years of freelance writing, I landed an editing job and have been busy balancing personal time, editing and writing. Some days it's been a struggle to find time for all three and this year organization is top of my list. There are far too many days when I'm putting in a 10 hour work day and then realize that I still need to get laundry done, meals prepared and things set up for the next day. I need a better system, so that's my goal this year.

Anyone have tips or really worthwhile books on organization to share?

Need You Now - James Grippando

2011-12-31T09:51:00.000-05:00

January 2012

James Grippando
Harper

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

The toughest part of this review really is just how much of the plot to give away to present the plot. There are lots of layers involved that the book jacket doesn't touch upon, but the book jacket really doesn't go into the full implications of the story at hand either and that makes it tough.

Things start with Abe Cushman and Gerry Collins. Cushman is a NASDAQ chairman who is arrested for a massive Ponzi scheme that nets him billions of dollars. Rather than face jail, he commits suicide. Cushman was like a father to Gerry Collins and Gerry now has very some very angry investors on his hands. Gerry also winds up dead, but his death is at the hands of a murderer.

Three years pass, financial advisor Patrick Lloyd is in Switzerland to supposedly meet the Bank of Switzerland's managing director, though he cannot imagine why they want to meet with a Wall Street newbie.This begins a nightmarish quest to unravel where Cushman's millions are because someone is convinced Patrick's ex-girlfriend, Lilly Scanlon, knows where Gerry hid the money and that Lilly revealed everything to Patrick.

With Lilly and Patrick not sure who they can really trust, Patrick knows one thing, he needs to unravel what really happened with Cushman's Ponzi scheme if he's going to get out of this situation alive.

There are other things going on within Need You Now too. A strong part of the story line involves Patrick's real identity and the reason he met Lilly in the first place. That aspect is revealed a few chapters in, so readers know things other characters don't early on. This leads to complications on which characters within the book are really trustworthy. I found myself questioning a few of their motives many times.

As the story does rely heavily on aspects of Ponzi schemes, something that I got sick of with Bernie Madoff, I found my hardest time was staying involved in the story. There were times when I felt like I'd seen it all before, yet I am a huge fan of Grippando's novels, so I had to keep reading. There's also the issue of the overplayed Lady Antebellum song, "Need You Now," coming up in the story and after that I couldn't get that song out of my head.

In the end, I still enjoyed the story, but not as much as I do the Jack Swyteck novels. For me, that series remains a favorite.

Balancing Act - Patricia Davids

2011-12-26T06:43:00.000-05:00

Released August 2011

Patricia Davids
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

After a crash on snowy roads leaves ballerina Cheryl Steele with a broken foot, she has no choice but to recuperate while her ballet director recasts her starring role in a ballet version of Alice in Wonderland. During her recovery, Cheryl agrees to help with her rescuer's twin daughters. There's one problem, Cheryl's back in a town she left long ago due to a troubled childhood. If Sam Hardin learns her real identity, he may not look as kindly upon having her as a house guest.

Meanwhile, Sam's five-year-old twins are hoping that Cheryl decides she loves them all so much that she never wants to leave. When things don't look to be working in their favor, they decided to try to force the adults in their lives to realize they were meant to be a family.

Balancing Act is a cute, quick romance. During the busy holidays when a quick read is the best option, Patricia Davids story is both heartwarming and moves swiftly to the final page. This is a Harlequin Heartwarming novel, a reissue of a Love Inspired novel. It's suitable to any reader looking for a gentle romance without sex or violence.

With well developed characters and great chemistry because the adults and children, readers will enjoy this cozy tale of romance.

The Bentleys Buy a Buick - Pamela Morsi

2011-12-23T09:45:00.000-05:00

Released August 2011

Pamela Morsi
Mira

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

One thing jumped out at me the minute I started reading The Bentleys Buy a Buick. This isn't your ordinary romance. The hero and heroine are a happily married couple with a home, business and loving son. There's no development of a new relationship to get past. If you've always read romances and wished you could see what happened after the couple married, here's your chance.

After years of being a stay-at-home mom, Erica Bentley's back at work. She learns quickly that gossip rules the office and that the demands of working, parenting and keeping house are not as easily balanced as one might hope. Her husband, Tom, is equally busy running his auto garage that specializes in classic cars. He has a bigger problem on his plate. He learns his best friend is having an affair, and Tom is torn between telling the man's wife or hoping the man comes to his senses before he has to fire him and let the truth come out. He's also busy restoring a Buick Roadster for an elderly woman who really hopes Tom will want to buy her "Clara" after putting so much work into her.

Soon, the gossips in the office have targeted Erica due to her friendship with one of the doctors in the hospital where she works. They decide to start gossiping about Erica's marriage being in trouble. It doesn't take much before Erica fears Tom may be having an affair with "Clara." She's determined to fight for her man, no matter what it takes.

Because The Bentleys Buy a Buick does involve a married couple who are well into an established marriage, I really enjoyed the focus. Granted, I also, at times, wanted to knock some sense into both Tom and Erica because their secretive behavior was driving a wedge into their marriage and neither seemed smart enough to realize it. With the mix of humor and romance, I found myself really enjoying each page and hoping the author will consider writing other stories about married couples in the future. It was an exciting change of pace.

Angry Birds: Bad Piggies' Egg Recipes: Various

2011-12-20T06:32:00.003-05:00

Released December 2011

Rovio Mobile

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

There's no doubt that Angry Birds have become an incredibly popular game, leading to a line of stuffed toys, apparel and other goods. Now comes a cookbook that features the one thing the piggies covet -- eggs.

This whimsical cookbook is filled with egg recipes. Recipes range from breakfast dishes to omelets suitable for lunch of dinner. With 40 recipes in all, there are dishes to suit every taste and budget. I admit, I wasn't sold on a cookbook that features nothing but egg recipes, but then I came across one that is so simple, yet so delicious that I realized there's more to this cookbook than I was expecting.

This recipe is very simple and involves pouring a couple teaspoons of heavy cream into a greased custard cup , even a muffin tin will do, and then breaking an egg into it. Sprinkle the top of the egg with salt, pepper, chives and cheese and bake until the yolk is set. It's so easy, yet so incredibly delicious.

You don't have to be an Angry Birds fan (though I admit I am) to find enjoyment in this cookbook. If you need a few ideas on unique holiday dishes that don't take long to prepare or cook, Angry Birds: Bad Piggies' Egg Recipes is perfect.

Good Girls Don't - Victoria Dahl

2011-12-19T08:15:00.000-05:00

Released September 2011

Victoria Dahl
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

After her family's pub and brewery is burglarized, Tessa Donovan can't help but notice Detective Luke Asher. Her brothers may warn her off him, but Tessa finds Luke to be irresistible. He can't be all bad can he?

Luke isn't fond of his co-workers thinking he's the father of his partner's soon-to-be born child, but he's not about to turn his back on her either. He knows that Tessa's brothers think he's scum, but he's determined to make things work with Tessa, even if it means sneaking around behind their backs. As things heat up with Tessa, he starts to wonder if he'll ever be able to win their trust.

Meanwhile, there's a case to solve. Someone stole the brewery computers and it's up to Luke to find out who took them and why.

Good Girls Don't hooked me from the start. It's obvious that Tessa's brothers are hugely overprotective, and there is a reason that readers will learn about as they delve into the book. The mystery regarding Luke's partner's baby also serves as a secondary storyline. I liked Tessa and Luke's chemistry and couldn't wait to see how things ended.

One thing that struck me instantly is that I need to see Tessa's brothers get their own stories. I'm looking that up as I type this to make sure this is the first of a trilogy, and it is. There are two additional books released this fall that match each brother with a woman. I'll need to find those two novels. I also hope that at some point, Luke's partner finds her own special someone.

Getting Lucky - Kayla Perrin

2011-12-18T15:42:00.002-05:00

Released August 2011

Kayla Perrin
Harlequin Spice

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Apparently, this is part of a series, and somehow I missed that. Being part of a series might explain why I struggled to like any of the characters. In a nutshell, you have three best friends, all have suffered bad relationships or breakups and aren't quite sure what to do next. I've read Kayla Perrin before and really liked her writing style and storylines, so I'm surprised that Getting Lucky turned out to be a huge dud for me.

Annelise is five months pregnant and madly in love. However, she's been in a bad relationship before and isn't ready for marriage, even if the baby's daddy is. With her happiness, she's upset her friends are miserable. Soon, she has a brilliant idea.She invites her friends to Mexico for a week of R & R. What they don't know is that she's arranged to have two male friends "surprisingly" meet up and hopefully hook up with her friends. If they find out, it may threaten their friendship.

Lishelle is stunned when she learns her ex-boyfriend is getting married. She can't get him out of her mind and wonders if she made a mistake when she let him go. Claudia's self-esteem took a beating no thanks to her ex and rumors of her sexual trysts with him make it really hard to find or trust another man. When Mr. Right appears, her hesitation may end up costing her a chance for a true romance.

Given how "nice" Annelise's cop friend and his brother were supposed to be, I'm kind of surprised they agreed to a lengthy blind date with two women they didn't know. It's that aspect that made the entire plot seem implausible. Not to mention, I wish I had the kind of money were I could decide on an impromptu vacation to an all-inclusive tropical resort. I know cops and they don't make the kind of money necessary for a surprise trip of that nature. Even local news anchors don't really make that much money. Maybe there are people who can take a vacation at the drop of a hat, but what kept playing through my head was "only in fiction."

I had issues with the characters too. Granted this is an erotic romance, so there will be steamy sex scenes, but it seemed all these women thought about and they were quite happy to have one-night stands at the drop of a hat. Again, I know there are women out there like that, but certainly not in my crowd. One-night stands are far too risky in this day and age in terms of safety and potential sexually transmitted diseases. As a result, I found it impossible to connect with any of the characters making it really hard to like the book.

I do hate finding fault in books, but sometimes it just jumps out and makes me really dislike a story. That's what happened with Getting Lucky. I finished it, but wish I really could have thrown it against the wall and called it quits in the beginning of the story.

The Detective's Accidental Baby - Jacqueline Diamond

2011-12-13T06:56:00.002-05:00

Released February 2012

Jacqueline Diamond
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

The next entry into the Safe Harbor Medical romance series focuses on nurse Erica Benford. Readers of this series know Erica best as Owen Tartikoff's (The Surgeon's Surprise Twins) scrub nurse.

The last thing Erica wants is a child in her life, but a one-night stand with a hunky detective leads to an accidental pregnancy after the condom breaks. Erica decides the best thing to do is to go through the pregnancy and put the child up for adoption.

Sherlock "Lock" Vaughn grew up in foster care after his adoptive parents proved to be duds. He's not about to let strangers raise his child. He's determined to prove to Erica that he'll make a great single dad. Proving this is tougher than it seems, however, because Erica is equally determined to prove that his ideas of parenthood are nothing like the reality.

Lock has a few ties to characters from past Safe Harbor books too. He and his brother run a detective agency and their secretary is Patty from Falling for the Nanny.

The Detective's Accidental Baby is a quick, easy read that throws in a surprise I didn't see coming. I won't go into it here, but if you've been reading the series, there's a secondary storyline that focuses on another character I really like. It was interesting to see her pushed into a situation that strengthened her place in books to come.

Happy Haulidays Winner Announced

2011-12-09T19:10:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Jennifer Miler, blogger for Where the Best Books Are. She and one of her readers won Chronicle Book's Happy Hauliday's Contest.

For those who didn't win, enter "haulidays" when checking out and earn free shipping and up to a 35% discount.

What Happened to Hannah - Mary Kay McComas

2011-12-07T07:40:00.000-05:00

Released February 2012

Mary Kay McComas
William Morrow

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing What Happened to Hannah for Amazon Vine. Loveswept romance fans may recognize the author's name. She's back with a full-length novel that really made an impression. Check out the full review here.

The Forgetful Lady - Jacqueline Diamond

2011-12-03T09:14:00.001-05:00

Released December 2010 (Reissue)

Jacqueline Diamond

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

The Forgetful Lady is not a new novel. Jacqueline Diamond wrote it back in 1984. It was then reprinted in 1986. Because this is a Regency-era romance, it doesn't feel dated. Women were treated differently back then often having little say in their choice of spouse. If you take a look at your own family's genealogy, as I have, it's refreshing to know that women's rights have come so far. One of my husband's distant relatives had to marry her older sister's older husband in the early 1800s when her sister died in childbirth with their 12th child. Letter's that others documented make it clear she was unhappy marrying a man 20 years her senior and becoming an instant-mom to nieces and nephews ranging in age from infancy to late teens, but she couldn't go against her father's wishes. It was just a way of life back then.

Within Jacqueline Diamond's novel, the heroine Lady Elizabeth Fairchild is in love with Lord Meridan, her family's neighbor, and hopes to impress him during a fox hunt. Unfortunately, she's thrown from one of his horses and loses her memory. Her brash attitude and insistence on telling others the truth makes her the talk of the town, and not in a good way. All Beth knows is that Lord Meridan blames her for his friend's death and she can't remember what she did. Unless she can, Lord Meridan may never see her as worthy of his hand.

Within The Forgetful Lady, there is a lot of catty behavior. Beth's mother had me wanting to strangle her, and her sister was honestly no better. Had I been Beth in today's world, I would have left and never returned. They were really horrible. Lord Meridan's really not much better. He's arrogant, unbending and absolutely maddening.

Yet it's those same characteristics that really prove that Jacqueline is a master at creating characters. You may hate some and love others, but it's clear that characterization is her strong suit.

Last Chance to Win $500 in Free Books from Chronicle Books

2011-12-02T06:22:00.001-05:00

The final day to enter to win Chronicle Books' Happy Haul-idays contest is today. You have until 11:59 pm EST to enter. Do so by posting a message here: http://roundtablereviewsadult.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-haul-idays-from-chronicle-books.html

Good luck to all who have entered!

A Town Called Valentine - Emma Cane

2011-11-28T07:18:00.000-05:00

Released February 2012

Emma Cane
Avon Books

Reviewed for Vine by Tracy Farnsworth

Full review is available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/A32RYIYZOQDBQ7/ref=cm_cr_dp_auth_rev?ie=UTF8&sort_by=MostRecentReview

Fall From Pride - Karen Harper

2011-11-17T08:35:00.000-05:00

Released July 26, 2011

Karen Harper
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Fall From Pride is a gripping romantic suspense, but it almost has a strong mystery/suspense storyline that makes me think mystery readers will enjoy it. It's also the first book in Karen Harper's "A Home Valley Amish" series. I'm thrilled there will be two more stories because I'm curious to see how the author resolves a few things in future novels.

Sarah Kauffman loves painting and her series of Amish quilt square paintings done on the side of local barns is drawing attention. However, when an arsonist burns down one of the barns, arson investigator Nate MacKenzie heads into Amish country to investigate. When a second barn burns to the ground, it becomes clear that someone holds a grudge, but is that grudge with the Amish or with Sarah?

Nate being an Englisher and Sarah being Amish poses a problem in terms of their developing any kind of relationship. If Sarah and Nate decide to test the waters of their growing attraction, Sarah must abandon her family and face being shunned by the Amish community. Nate being an Englisher with a job that keeps him on the move can't abide by Amish rules. It poses a conflict that romance fans will really enjoy.

All in all, I loved the story and the characters in Fall From Pride. There are two more stories to come, and I can't wait to see who appears in the next story and what challenges they will face. Now that I'm done reading, I can't wait to get into the kitchen to test out the recipe for Half-Moon Pies provided on the author's website. After reading so much about them, my mouth has been watering.

The Last Icon - Steven Travers

2011-11-15T06:56:00.000-05:00

Released November 15, 2011

Tom Seaver
Steven Travers
Taylor Trade

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Many baseball fans know the name Tom Seaver. I won't call myself a MLB fan, but I grew up with a brother who followed the Red Sox almost religiously and later married another die-hard fan. For virtually all of my life, like it or not, I've been immersed in baseball since I was a young child. Tom Seaver really played for the Mets. While his career ended with the Red Sox, he was a Met's player from 1967 to 1977. What follows in The Last Icon is a look at Seaver's childhood, college years and progression into a very long run in MLB.

There are things in The Last Icon that really kind of shocked me. It's hard not to pay attention to the salaries some athletes make. In comparison, Seaver was one of the lowest paid I've come across. Author Steven Travers, also a MLB player, lists Seaver's salary over the 20 years he was with the Mets, Reds, White Sox and Red Sox and it came to just under $5.9 million. There are baseball players earning far more than that after just a few years, and some I don't feel deserve what they earn. Granted, 25 years have passed since Seaver retired, but still. Look at the Yankees' contract with A. J. Burnett, one that cost them $82.5 million over five years and he went 32-35. By comparison, Seaver was making a paltry amount.

The Last Icon covers all of Seaver's years in baseball and progress into where he is now. For me, that's one of the best parts. By the end of the book, you learn about his vineyard and the wines he and his family produce. All in all, it's a comprehensive look at both the MLB player and the man. There's more to this biography than just the sporting side thanks to this very personal, in-depth look.

Craving Perfect - Liz Fichera

2011-11-14T07:04:00.000-05:00

Released July 25, 2011

Liz Fichera
Carina Press

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

It's short and sweet, but I really did enjoy Craving Perfect. At under 300 pages, it takes little time to read this romance, but I like quick stories, especially in the busy holiday season. I think many readers will understand the main character, Grace Mills, she's not perfect but really wants to be. Anyone, teen or adult who's ever muttered "I wish I looked like her..." has been in Grace's shoes.

Grace Mills, owner of a popular bakery/coffee shop, is tired of having big feet and an extra 30 pounds that just won't go away. She wants to catch the eye of the gym hottie, Max, but falling off the treadmill isn't the best way to do it. Humiliated, she heads home to hide out for a few days before trying again. What she doesn't know is that she has caught the eye of Carlos, one of the gym's employees, and he just wishes she would notice him and not that arrogant Max who does little more than ridicule Grace behind her back.

Soon Grace finds herself in an alternate reality thanks to a seemingly magical treadmill. In this new world, she's not only a perfect size two, but she's also engaged to Max. Sometimes, being perfect isn't as much fun as it seems...

Craving Perfect is a fun read. I find it annoying when size eight women think they're too fat, so I was afraid I'd dislike Grace, but she turned out to be someone I felt a connection with from virtually the first page. I think you need to keep an open mind as to how Grace g travels between the two realities because it's highly implausible, especially in the beginning, that she did bounce back and forth between the two worlds simply by hopping on a treadmill, but towards the end I came up with an explanation that worked for me and that's really all that mattered.

Freebies from Oceanview Publishing

2011-11-10T06:54:00.000-05:00

Oceanview Publishing is offering three e-books for free. Head to Amazon and grab your free Kindle downloads ASAP.

Happy Haul-idays from Chronicle Books

2011-11-09T08:25:00.000-05:00

With the holidays approaching faster than many of us would like, it's time for Chronicle Books "Happy Haul-idays" contest. For those who didn't hear of this amazing festivity last year, Chronicle awards one lucky reader and one lucky book review blogger with the chance to win $500 in books. This year, they're adding a third winner - the blogger chooses a favorite charity to receive $500 in free books.

Most children and adults love books, so if you're anything like me, the thought of $500 in free books is enough to make me giddy! However, I learned about 10 years ago that not every child receives encouragement to read. My neighbor's son was 10 years old and had bounced from school to school without learning how to read more than toddler books. His reading and spelling skills were atrocious. By spending a lot of time in our house surrounded by books, he discovered Gary Paulsen's books and developed a passion for reading. The Children's Literacy Foundation strives to help children in Vermont and New Hampshire learn to read and develop a passion for reading. The organization does not receive state or federal funding, so all books come from generous donations from area residents and businesses. I feel they deserve a batch of books in time for Christmas.

It's up the blogger to create a list of books they'd love to be able to buy, something I have no problem doing! Given that, here is this year's list:

Cookbooks:

Tartine Bread (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/food-drink/baking-desserts/tartine-bread.html)
Rustica: A Return to Spanish Home Cooking (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/food-drink/general-cookbooks/rustica.html)
The NFL Gameday Cookbook (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/food-drink/general-cookbooks/the-nfl-gameday-cookbook.html)
Fresh From the Farmer's Market (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/food-drink/health-vegetarian/fresh-from-the-farmers-market-5680.html)
Pretty Cupcake Kit (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/food-drink/baking-desserts/pretty-cupcake-kit.html)
Time for Dinner (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/food-drink/general-cookbooks/time-for-dinner.html)
The Big Book of Easy Suppers (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/food-drink/general-cookbooks/the-big-book-of-easy-suppers.html)

Fiction:

Murder Alfresco (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/literature/fiction/murder-alfresco-1.html)
Small Town Odds (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/literature/fiction/small-town-odds-1.html)
The Wishing Box (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/literature/fiction/the-wishing-box.html)
Lineup For Yesterday (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/literature/illustrated-fiction/lineup-for-yesterday.html)

Non-Fiction:

Copywriting (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/literature/non-fiction/copywriting.html)
No Plot? No Problem! (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/literature/non-fiction/no-plot-no-problem.html)
The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Man Skills (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/pop-culture/humor/the-complete-worst-case-scenario-survival-handbook-man-skills.html)
Garden Anywhere (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/life-style/lifestyle-home/garden-anywhere.html)
The New Color Book (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/life-style/lifestyle-home/the-new-color-book.html)

Children/Young Adult:

Disney's Day & Night (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/kids-teens/by-age/all-ages/day-night.html)
Spot 7 Christmas (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/kids-teens/by-age/all-ages/spot-7-christmas.html)
Spot 7 School (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/kids-teens/by-age/all-ages/spot-7-school.html)
MoMA My Museum (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/kids-teens/by-age/all-ages/moma-my-museum.html)
F In Exams (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/kids-teens/by-age/young-adult-12-18-yrs/f-in-exams.html)
Julius School Planner (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/kids-teens/by-age/young-adult-12-18-yrs/julius-school-planner.html)

Miscellaneous:

Taro Gomi Daily Doodle 2012 (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/kids-teens/by-age/all-ages/taro-gomi-daily-doodle-2012-daily-calendar.html
Mini Goals Notepad (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/paper-goods/journals-notebooks/speciality-journals/mini-goals-notepad.html
Under the Tuscan Sun 2012 (http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/paper-goods/calendars/under-the-tuscan-sun-2012-engagement-calendar.html)

Ready to enter? All you have to do is comment on this post. Feel free to list any books I may have overlooked! There are lots of exciting options at Chronicle Books.

The Bull Rider's Secret - Marin Thomas

2011-11-06T08:44:00.000-05:00

Released July 2011

Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Brody Murphy's secret is what keeps him on the move. He doesn't call any specific place home and he's as happy as he can be traveling from rodeo to rodeo. His winnings provide him with just enough cash to move to the next location. He never expects to befriend a teen boy and end up working for the boy's mother.

When Kat's ranch hands walk off the job because they refuse to take orders from a woman, she fears she could lose her job as the ranch foreman. Hoping to keep up with her duties, she offers Brody a job. She never expects to fall in love with him, however, and he's not exactly the staying kind.

The Bull Rider's Secret is a short and sweet romance that takes little time to read but leaves you happy you spent time with Brody, Kat and her son. There's some conflict, but it doesn't mask the growing attraction between Kat and Brody. Over all, this is a fun read that most Harlequin fans will definitely enjoy.

Until There Was You - Kristan Higgins

2011-11-03T07:23:00.000-04:00

Released November 2011

Kristan Higgins
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

In high school, Posey Osterhagen fell head over heels for the high school bad boy, Liam Murphy, until the day he completely ruined her prom. Though the pair never even dated, the things Liam said stuck with Posey. Now he's back in town with a daughter in tow and Posey fears she'll fall for him all over again. Staying away from him would be so much easier if her parents hadn't opened their arms and German restaurant to both Liam and his daughter.

The harder Posey tries to avoid Liam, the more she finds herself spending time with him and falling all over again. Now he's a widower, and he definitely puts his daughter first, so even if things fell into place, would Liam even want someone like Posey in his life?

Until There Was You is not a bad read, but I don't know that it's one of my favorites by Higgins. The chemistry between Liam and Posey works well. I loved the many of the minor characters, including her brother and his partner. It was Liam's in-laws that drove me nuts. For a "bad biker boy," I really expected to see him stand up for himself more often. The other issue is that Posey, very similar to Liam, also lets everyone take center stage and never puts herself first. From her witchy cousin who I really never liked to Posey's idiot ex-boyfriend, everything she does is to please them. She's almost too nice and I really would have liked to see her completely flip on someone, just once.

The wit and humor that go hand in hand with Higgins writing is still strongly in place. That's half of what makes me love her books so much. Many of her characters call it as they see it and don't mind saying so and it's for those moments that I couldn't stop reading.

People Still Live in Cashtown Corners - Tony Burgess

2011-10-31T06:45:00.000-04:00

Released October 2011

Chizine Publications

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

People Still Live in Cashtown Corners... Bob Clark is the quiet, likable owner of a self-serve station in Cashtown Corners. He and his helper, Jeremy, provide townspeople with gas and a friendly smile. That is until the day Bob snaps and decides that killing people is the only way to ease an uneasiness deep within.

This is not an easy book to read. It's dark and gripping, but weirdly the author opens up painting a serene picture of a quiet town and the reader gets to know the main character first. Once that bond is formed and you're involved in his life, you learn he's a serial killer. It's definitely disturbing liking a serial killer.

Then I reached the crime scene photos and became confused. I wondered if I somehow mistook the "fiction" novel for being a true crime book. The pictures are convincing and had me fooled. Kudos to the author for taking a fictional story and making it seem incredibly real.

Busy Reading

2011-10-27T08:24:00.000-04:00

I know posts are behind, but I've been busy writing an e-book about senior homes for a client and that's involved reading a lot of material on laws, choosing senior homes, etc.

I am slowly working my way through a book that's rather disturbing. In this book, the "hero" is a kindly gas station owner who discovers a passion for murder. As the murderer starts out as someone you like, it's definitely an unusual read that I, so far, highly recommend.

The Wonder of Your Love - Beth Wiseman

2011-10-18T06:52:00.000-04:00

Released October 2011

Beth Wiseman
Thomas Nelson

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

The last thing Katie Ann Stolzfus wants is to be confronted by her deceased husband's mistress. Yet, that's exactly what happens. Katie Ann is trying to raise her newborn son without help of the infant's father and having the mistress in the picture is not comforting. Falling in love is the last thing she wants or needs.

Eli Detweiler raised his children alone after his wife died in childbirth. He's in Canaan, Colorado, for a wedding and feels an immediate attraction to Katie Ann. With his relatives and Katie's neighbor rooting for this mismatched couple to fall in love, can Eli convince them that he's raised his family and simply wants to travel the world now.

The more time Eli and Katie Ann spend together, the more they realize that maybe the plans they've made are not what God has in store.

I liked most of the characters. There is one in particular who I felt came off as abrasive, especially at the end of the book, but it wasn't enough to affect my enjoyment.

The Wonder of Your Love is a cozy Amish romance. It's the second book in the Land of Canaan series. Having missed the first novel, I do feel it works well as a stand-alone novel. Given that, I have a feeling where the third book is heading and am very intrigued to see how things turn out.

Lethal - Sandra Brown

2011-10-12T07:18:00.000-04:00

Released October 2011

Sandra Brown
Grand Central Publishing

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

If you haven't read any reviews for Lethal yet, avoid Amazon's reviews. I made that mistake before starting the book and two give away major plot twists.

I loved the premise behind Sandra Brown's latest. Lethal follows the drama and mystery surrounding a warehouse shooting. Lee Coburn is suspected of killing seven men at a trucking company and is on the run. Police, FBI agents and a mysterious entity known only as "The Bookeeper" all want him found.

Honor Gillette, a widow, is preparing cupcakes for her father-in-law's birthday celebration when her four-year-old daughter announces there is a sick man outside. Honor goes to investigate and finds Lee. He takes both Honor and her daughter hostage. Her husband hid something of great value before his death, and the car accident that took his life may not have been an accident at all. Honor feels as though she has no choice but to stick with Lee until the truth is revealed.

As usual, I found it hard to put Lethal down. Even when ten-hour work days meant I had to stop reading, I found myself wondering how the book would play out. I'm glad this week has been a little less crazy leaving me time to fit in some reading.

Now that I'm finished, I had a hard time with a few things. Without giving spoilers, I just need to say that "The Bookeeper's" identity baffles me. I didn't see it coming and quite honestly, I don't think it fits at all.

The other complaint involves the ending. I think that there may be more to come, but I'm not sure. I can't find anything about Lee Coburn to suggest this is a first in a series, but the ending really makes me wonder.

Significant Changes to the NEC 2011 - Jim Dollard and Michael Johnston

2011-10-10T06:19:00.000-04:00

Released August 2010

NECA
NJATC
Delmar Cengage Learning

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Significant Changes to the NEC 2011 highlights all major changes in the National Electrical Code. The format of this reference guide makes it easy to find exactly what you need when you need it. Everything is laid out to be as simple as possible with color photographs, quick summaries and then detailed sections that cover each change in as much detail as possible. At the top of the page is a quick symbol that categorizes the change whether it is a new entry, relocated entry, revision or deletion.

For example, one of the changes regards Locking and Indicating (225.52 C and D). A shaded box presents the language of that code and below that is a box that summarizes what the change entails. To the left is a longer section that details the importance of that change. In this case, the change allows an electrician to "lock" disconnects in an "open position without the use of a special locking device."

A sample of significant changes or additions include:
Height of Working Space
Raceway Seals
Concrete-encased Electrodes
Ground-fault Protection of Equipment
Simultaneous Presence of Flammable Gases and Combustible Dust

The reference guide starts with a table of contents, goes into each change and then ends in a detailed appendix.The lay-out makes it easy to follow and quickly helps you find what you need.

The reference guide is a little bulky at almost 8 by 12 inches. It's not going to be a book that easily fits in a tool box, but it is one you should keep available at all times.

From Ashes to Honor - Loree Lough

2011-10-08T06:23:00.001-04:00

Released September 2011

Loree Lough
Abingdon Press

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

In the Bible, it says "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." That plays a pretty important part in From Ashes to Honor. I don't like giving reviews that have spoilers, but to really review this book, I have to start by saying that anyone reading this book expecting a Christian romance is going to be sadly disappointed. The book's ending is as far from an expected ending in a romance as is humanly possible.

From Ashes to Honor is the first book in the First Responder series. It's well-written and I liked many of the characters, but by the end I was really disgusted. Up until that point, I'd been led to believe I was reading a romance, but I don't know if I could qualify it that way at the end. It's extremely realistic and sad at the same time.

Mercy Samara is a NYC counselor and sees her share of the fall out after 9/11. One of her patients, police officer Austin Finley is showing so much anger that Mercy recommends desk duty. Austin's not happy with that choice and ultimately leaves the police force.

For Austin, 9/11 will forever be the day that he dodged a call from his twin brother only to learn that call was his brother saying goodbye after realizing that he would never make it out of the World Trade Center where he worked. Austin also lost his partner that day. He's angry and even madder with Mercy for being the reason he is demoted.

Years later, the pair meet again in Baltimore. Austin is now a paramedic and Mercy is a high school guidance counselor. They click and the romance begins. The problem is Mercy doesn't believe in God and Austin could needs her to believe. He's putting everything he has into convincing her because he cannot commit to a woman who doesn't believe.

One thing that immediately came to mind is a show Morgan Spurlock did. He had a series called 30 Days. During this series, either Spurlock or someone hired to do the show would enter a situation/job that made them very uncomfortable and had to fully immerse themselves in that situation for 30 days. There was one episode where a very Christian woman had to live in an atheist family's home. Many of her actions towards this family bothered me, but it's when she attended an atheist group meeting that she started learning of the cruel behavior people in this group were experiencing. Supposed Christians treated many of these atheists cruelly making me wonder if they simply don't read the Ten Commandments or feel they are above those teachings.

I got that same feeling from From Ashes to Honor's very abrupt ending. Mercy didn't believe, therefore she wasn't good enough. I liked her character, she had valid reason to be angry with God. Because of the treatment she received in the end, however, I definitely disliked the book.

Heartstrings and Diamond Rings - Jane Graves

2011-09-30T06:13:00.001-04:00

Released October 2011

Jane Graves
Hachette Book Group

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Alison Carter is sick of failed relationships. After her latest beau suggests they add her friend to their bed, Alison gives up. She decides to spend some money and rely in the services of a highly-recommended matchmaking service.

Brandon Scott's grandmother died leaving him in control of her matchmaking business. Brandon knows real estate, not dating, but he needs the money to make a down payment on an old warehouse. He knows the area is prime for apartments. He decides to play role of matchmaker and collect as much money as possible before anyone realizes he's a fraud. What he doesn't expect is to find himself falling in love with his very first client.

Now that Brandon has fallen for Alison, he's stuck. If he admits he's a fraud, he'll lose his money. If he continues setting her up on matches, he may lose the only woman who's ever set his heartstrings humming.

Heartstrings and Diamond Rings is another great entry into Jane Graves' titles. I liked both Alison and Brandon, but I admit that it was Alison's friend Heather (Tall Tales and Wedding Veils) who really had me snickering. She's definitely one to call it as she sees it and that means no holding back where Brandon's concerned. I also really enjoyed Alison's father because he is brutally honest. It's refreshing to have characters really speak their minds.

This is a fast, fun read that is certain to keep you entertained.

I Used to Know That: Geography - Will Williams

2011-09-21T08:09:00.001-04:00

Released June 2011

Reader's Digest

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

My teens sat on the front deck with me as I started reading I Used to Know That: Geography. While my husband and kids are know-it-all's when it comes to geography, my days of a travel agent help me out some, but all of the Eastern European countries baffle me. I simply know too little about them to be even close to accurate at guessing their locations, capitals or physical features. This good is a godsend for anyone who struggles to know some of these important facts.

I Used to Know That: Geography is broken into helpful sections that include each continent, rivers, oceans, maps, population counts and other important facts. We spent hours drilling each other on the capitals of countries throughout the world or even those in the United States. We struggled to name the ten largest seas. While they guessed Black Sea, it is on the list but in the tenth spot, South China Sea is in fact the largest. I'm still not convinced that the Gulf of Mexico counts as a sea though. We also went into the nicknames of all the states to see who could match them.

It is the state nicknames where I lost a little faith and have something to teach the author and the book's editor/s or fact checkers. Vermont comes from the French words Vert + Mont = Green + Mountain. The state's nickname is NOT "The Great Mountain State," it is the GREEN Mountain State. I was disappointed that that mistake slipped through. In the end, it made me question if there are other inaccuracies within the book because with more than 750,000 copies sold, there are some people who are now either questioning what they learned in school or wandering around with incorrect information.

I would have loved to give this book high praise and tell everyone to rush out and buy it, but that slight doubt on how many other errors might be within the material bothers me. It's such a great book, but to have found an error of that magnitude is discouraging.

Heart of Evil - Heather Graham

2011-09-20T07:50:00.001-04:00

Released July 2011

Heather Graham
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I'd like to say I cared about the characters in Heart of Evil or that they drew me into the story, but quite honestly this is the first time I've really disliked one of Heather Graham's books. If I hadn't been reading it for review, I wouldn't have finished it. As is, it took me two months to finally reach the ending, and that really is disappointing.

Following her father's death, Ashley Donegal of Donegal Plantation, is in charge of this year's Civil War reenactment. She never imagines the event will end up with her finding the body of one of the reenactment's actors. When other people disappear, it becomes clear there is a deranged killer on the loose, one who is targeting those closest to Donegal Plantation.

Jake Mallory is being plagued by horrific dreams involving Ashley, a woman he once loved. When he the Krewe of Hunters, a special crimes investigations unit that looks into paranormal angles, are called in to investigate a death at Donegal Plantation, he knows this will reunite him with the woman who turned him away years ago. Upon arriving in the town, he's welcomed by the ghost of a woman who obviously needs his help.

As Jake and Ashley work together, they learn that events from the Civil War era are definitely behind the current murders. Can they solve the crime before the killer targets Ashley?

I expected a lot from Heart of Evil but it really fell short. There are too many characters and none of them seem to be fleshed out well enough for the reader to form any connection. The plot ambles on and quite honestly it reached a point where I eagerly anticipated the killer again because the killer seemed to be the only character to give off any strong emotion. When Jake and Ashley decided to give their relationship another go, I didn't care. It's simply sad to not care about anyone in a novel.

The storyline is okay and definitely has some strong points, but overall, it moved slowly and until I reached pages in the range of the 270's nothing seemed to compel me to keep reading. By that point, the book only had about 100 pages left.

I read a galley copy that hopefully received editing before the print version hit stores. In a few areas, I had to go back and reread sections because the character's name suddenly switched in the middle of a scene. Given that, I went into Barnes and Noble last weekend to compare the version I had with the final copy and sure enough those same inaccuracies appear in the paperback release. When paying $8 for a book, the reader should have to struggle to keep track of which character is really speaking.

Heather Graham's fans may want to consider reading a snippet of the book before purchasing it. It's not the worst book I've ever read, but it's definitely not a strong example of the author's writing. Nothing about it compels me to read other Krewe of Hunters books.

Plugging Into Real Worship - Andrew P. Logan, Sr.

2011-09-17T06:53:00.002-04:00

Released January 2007

Xulon Press

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

In Plugging Into Real Worship, Pastor Andrew Logan explains the importance of regular worship. Many know that my experiences as of late stink quite frankly. I worked for a church daycare as a teen and loved that pastor, he was down to earth and treated everyone with respect. I remember going to a service in another church and learning that the pastor "welcomed" each new female member of his church in a very intimate way, as a teen I was horrified to learn that he'd slept with most everyone in the church over the age of 18. As an adult, I've sampled a few churches and they seem very high school cliquey. It's a major turn-off.

The last time I went, my husband had been forced to work overtime for four weekends in a row and, at the time, we had one car making it hard for me to drive five miles to the church. After his four weeks of mandatory OT, we went to church. The pastor's wife sat in front of us and whispered to her friends, "Oh, look, the sinners decided to show their faces today. I don't know why they bothered." This was followed by a round of giggles and stares. We never returned. I know I'm not the only person out there who is disillusioned with religion because of situations like this. Therefore, I read Plugging Into Real Worship guardedly because it seems to me that some of our religious leaders are not very Christian at all.

I immediately enjoyed Pastor Logan's honest, straightforward nature. The writing style is friendly and engaging. It's not overly long like so many non-fiction books I've read. The brevity keeps you reading. The subject matter is broken into "reasons" and each is clearly presented. "Reasons" include:

God Demands It
Worship Expresses Gratitude
Worship Prepares us for Sanctification
Worship Brings Compassion and Mercy
Worship Provides Protection and Victory
Worship Invites God to Meet With Us
Worship is a Heavenly Transaction
Worship Closes the Door to Sin and Iniquity
Worship Blesses Others Around You
Worship is the Way to a Fruitful Life
Worship Brings Healing and Deliverance
Worship Brings Ordination for Service

Passages from the Bible help demonstrate each point giving clear imagery into situations where disobeying God's commands cost someone dearly and how worship saved them.

I was delighted to see that Pastor Logan included a section on things a pastor shouldn't do. It's short, but something that I think needs to be said. All in all, there are some good lessons to be learned from Plugging Into Real Worship, so don't overlook this one.

Long Trail Home - Vickie McDonough

2011-09-15T05:39:00.001-04:00

Released October 2011

Vickie McDonough
Moody Publishers

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Abandoned by her immoral father at the age of 12, Annie is overjoyed when she comes across The Wilcox School for the Blind. She fakes her blindness in order to finally have a loving home. Seven years later, Annie hides the truth from everyone except the woman who took her in because if the truth came out, they could lose everything they've established over the years. Caring for the blind children is all that matters to these two women.

Riley Morgan left his home after his younger brother's death to fight in the war. Knowledge that his fiancee was awaiting his return kept him going. He hasn't been home in years and is shocked when he learns Native Americans slaughtered his parents and destroyed much of the only home he's ever known. Wounded, he heads off to visit his fiancee only to learn while he was at war she married another man. He ends up at the Wilcox School for the Blind where he becomes their handyman in exchange for room and board.

It doesn't take long before Riley and Annie fall in love. However, he's already had one woman lie to him and Annie isn't sure how he'll react when he learns she is not blind. Is love in store for these two?

I really enjoyed Long Trail Home. There is some underlying conflict with the school, but that takes backstage to the developing relationship with Riley and Annie. Like any couple, they have things they need to work on, but unlike many romances where I feel the conflict drags on too long, I found the issues in their romance were handled at a very realistic pace. That made the story completely enjoyable.

As the end of the book neared, I simply wasn't ready for it to end. I really wanted to keep going and see what happened next. Kudos to the author for drawing me in and keeping me entranced from start to finish.

Vampire Art Now - Jasmine Becket-Griffith & Matthew David Becket

2011-09-14T07:52:00.000-04:00

Released September 2011

Jasmine Becket-Griffith
HarperCollins

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I can't draw. I'm great at doodles, but ask me to draw a person and trust in the fact that you'll get someone with hands the size of their head, legs that are misshapen with knees the size of a bread loaf and eyes that look seriously deformed. Yet, art fascinates me. I adore Monet and Renoir, basically anything to do with the Impressionists.

Given that, I eagerly dove into Vampire Art Now because while some of it is rather grotesque and frightening, it's art. (I must apologize to my daughter who was engrossed in her history homework when I walked in and showed her the images of some very creepy looking dolls, thus making her jump about four feet in and air as she screamed. Sorry I laughed, but the look on your face was hilarious.) For anyone who buys this book, they're in Chapter 4: Graveyard Grotesque.

In a world fascinated with vampires, Vampire Art Now is going to impress many readers, movie enthusiasts and even TV fanatics. If you watch True Blood, have read or seen Stephenie Meyer's Twilight books and movies or go back to the roots with Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi and Nosferatu, you'll really enjoy this art book.

The collection of drawings, photographs, paintings and sculpted items are broken into a number of categories:

The Aristocracy & Victoriana
Vampiric Vixens
Contemporary Goth and Urban Undead
Graveyard Grotesque
Vampire Hunters and the Hunted
Undead in the Darkroom
Cartoons and Comics
Bloodlust and Bittersweet Romance
Dracula and His Disguises
Gothic Quarters

The book closes with a listing of the artists who contributed their art for this project. The directory includes websites, emails and the works of art appearing in the book. When you're looking at the art, each piece includes a description into the history or idea behind the artistic work. It's incredibly thorough and, at times, pretty creepy.

The Night Strangers - Chris Bohjalian

2011-09-13T07:08:00.000-04:00

Released October 2011

Chris Bohjalian
Crown

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I grew up on a steady diet of Dean Koontz and Stephen King. Eventually, I progressed to a local horror author Joe Citro. I've read Chris Bohjalian's newspaper column for years and read Midwives years ago, though I'm not sure if I liked how things panned out. I've laughed at some of his stories and been deeply touched by others. Given that, I wasn't sure if he could pull off horror.

The Night Strangers is a story that really hits home, mainly because I live two miles from the lake where the plane crashes. I have National Guard planes regularly flying over my house for training, we see coast guard helicopters from our back yard when they're either performing their job or training and we line up well with Plattsburgh's airport and see those planes fly overhead year round. Just down the road near a golf course in Milton, there are a number of geese who make their summer home in a small pond. They always are in the road, wandering the homeowner's yard or flying in huge numbers after getting spooked. I know the area and know how many Canadian Geese are in the area and that makes the story very personal.

Shortly after take off from Burlington International, Captain Chip Linton finds his plane in serious trouble. He flies into a number of geese destroying the engines. He opts to make a landing on Lake Champlain because it's August, the water is warm and it's the safest option. As long as he keeps the plane level, it will be a perfect landing. Unfortunately, a ferry turns away sharply creating a wave that causes the plane to flip and 39 passengers die.

To start fresh, Chip, his wife Emily and their twin daughters Garnet and Hallie move to an old Victorian in New Hampshire. In the basement, Chip comes across a door that is sealed tightly with exactly 39 bolts. As if this isn't creepy enough, the town has taken an unusually disturbing shine to the twins. These men and women, who call themselves "herbalists," spend as much time as possible with Garnet and Hallie and are always bringing food to the Linton's home. At first, it seems innocent enough but then Chip and Emily begin to wonder if there is something more going on.

The Night Strangers is a ghost story. It's also a mystery with strong paranormal leanings. The setting fascinated me because I knew many of these places. My grandmother lived in Barnet, I have relatives in St. Johnsbury and have been over to the White Mountains in NH many times. Having a familiar setting added to the ambiance. I loved that aspect.

What I didn't love was the naivety of some of the characters. I realize Chip was recovering both mentally and physically from his crash. Emily was trying to hold her family together. The twins being 10 were immature. However, as the "herbalists" continued their creepy ways, and they are creepy, I really wanted to see Emily take action. As a mother, I would have been concerned over the attention to my children way before Emily showed any concern. I struggled a bit with her character because she seemed far too accepting.

I'm really not sure what to make of The Night Strangers. I didn't hate it, but it is not my favorite book either. Yet, I couldn't stop reading it because I had to know how things ended. I do suggest reading the author's Sunday column in the Burlington Free Press though. I think it is among his best work.

What I'm Currently Reading

2011-09-12T08:25:00.000-04:00

One of the books I'm currently reading (I always have more than one book going at a time) is taking me a little longer than I planned. Mainly because I'm halfway through the story and still haven't decided if I really like it.

I've been a fan of Chris Bohjalian's Burlington Free Press column for years. His daughter Grace was born shortly after my son. I remember spending countless Sunday mornings reading his column eagerly as I nodded and agreed with his take on parenting vs. mine. Our kids are now learning to drive at almost the same time, the only difference is while my son wasn't in a hurry to learn to drive, my 15-year-old daughter was begging to get her permit the same day she turned 15. Thank God it was Labor Day and offices were closed!

I admit I like The Night Strangers so far but I'm also struggling because I just don't get it. There are things going on that leave me baffled as to how some people can be so blind, but I don't want to stop reading either because I need to know that the characters in the book smarten up at some point. Maybe I'm just more protective of my kids because I work from home and they're rarely out of my sight...

The other book I'm reading grabbed me from the start and it's been a struggle to know which book to read. Bohjalian's book is on my Nook and far more convenient to take outside while enjoying the crisp autumn air. Sandra Brown's Lethal is definitely gripping though, it's just bulkier to carry around. Brown fans MUST buy this book though. I was hooked from the first sentence.

Borders Going Out of Business Sale

2011-09-11T08:27:00.000-04:00

For anyone with a Borders in their area, the final week of the going out of business sale is in full swing. I went into our Burlington, Vermont, location yesterday and was amazed to find a CD I'd been looking for for $4. Needless to say, I was extremely happy. Everything, including the furnishings, are priced at 70 to 90 percent off. Our location had tons of books left.

As for the CD, Seasick Steve is a blues musician I came across on the BBC show Top Gear. He was on showing off the guitar he made from old hub caps. He's quite fascinating and has one of the saddest stories I think I've ever heard, so I'm happy he's gaining a following.

The Surgeon's Surprise Twins - Jacqueline Diamond

2011-09-09T08:34:00.000-04:00

Released October 2011

Jacqueline Diamond
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Bailey Wayne's pregnancy is advancing faster than she expected. Since agreeing to be a surrogate for her older sister, Bailey's been forced to pay her medical bills because her sister and brother-in-law are waiting to finish a huge deal before they have cash flow. In exchange, they're letting Bailey live rent-free in an investment property.

Bailey is shocked when Dr. Owen Tartikoff shows up at her house planning to move in. He's co-owner but sharing the house with a doctor who goes out of his way to be miserable to his staff isn't Bailey's idea of fun. Unfortunately, she has no other option, she can't afford rent and her bank account is drained leaving her without cash for medical appointments either.

Owen has his own secrets. His brother and sister-in-law never told Bailey that they asked him to donate sperm. When he agreed, he didn't know a surrogate was involved. The more he time he spends with Bailey, the more he comes to love her. When he learns she has no money left for medical doctors and that they've been making her pay the bills, he insists on performing a prenatal check and ultrasound for free. That's all it takes for him to realize that giving up his children will not be easy, especially when he's falling in love with their mother.

The Surgeon's Surprise Twins is another offering from the Safe Harbor series. If you've been following the series, you'll enjoy catching up with previous characters. If you're new, Owen and Bailey's story does work as a stand-alone novel.

I was expecting to really dislike Owen. His character has been horrible in previous novels, yet I really grew to admire him. Bailey I've always liked, but her sister, Phyllis, is a piece of work. I really hope she disappears from future stories because she's just a nasty person. Jacqueline Diamond does excel at creating characters you either love or hate. If Ms. Diamond decides to include Phyllis in a future novel, I'll be curious to see if she can make her likable given her actions and attitudes throughout this book.

Everything We Ever Wanted - Sara Shepard

2011-09-07T08:17:00.000-04:00

Released October 2011

Sara Shepard

Harper Collins

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth for the Amazon Vine Program

I've read a few of my daughter's "Pretty Little Liars" books, and find Sara Shepard to be very good at creating characters I either love or hate. That's the thing, I expected to feel passionately about the characters in Everything We Ever Wanted and it simply fell short.

The story revolves around a dysfunctional family living in Philadelphia. The story switches back and forth between the different characters' points of view, but it's easy to keep track of who is speaking.

Sylvie Bates-McAllister's grandfather founded Swithin School and now she heads their board. When she receives a 9 p.m. phone call informing her that her adopted son Scott is suspected of leading a hazing incident that killed a young boy, Sylvie's world is ripped out from under her. She immediately calls her other son, Charles, to relay the news and ask for a family meeting to discuss the situation.

Charles does not get along with his younger brother. In their teens, an incident between the two led to the breakup of Charles and his girlfriend. He's never quite forgiven his brother. Worse, Scott bounces from job to job, barely made it through Swithin and seems to have no motivation to do something with his life. Scott seems content living off the family's money. All of that makes Charles really resent Scott.

Charles's wife, Joanna, isn't sure of her place in the family. All she knows is that she finds herself attracted to Scott and the more Charles pulls away from her, the more she comes to rely on Scott for friendship and support.

Quite honestly, so much of this book was unnecessary. If Sylvie had simply taken the time to talk to her sons open and honestly, she could have learned the truth from the very beginning. She came off as a very lousy mother. The same goes for the problems between Charles and his brother and Charles and his wife. I reached points where I wanted to grab each character and tell them to sit down, talk about their feelings and move on. However, that would have ended the story after a couple chapters, so I realize things had to drag on.

For me, the book didn't move quickly. Things seemed to drag on far longer than necessary. By the time I reached the ending, I never felt that I'd connected with any of the characters and simply didn't care how things played out. That's never a good sign.

I suppose for readers who really enjoy dysfunctional families who seem to have no skills at discussing their issues with one another, Everything We Ever Wanted may be a great choice. I'm really sad that I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have the author's young adult novels.

Two I Didn't Finish for Reasons I'll Explain

2011-09-04T08:27:00.003-04:00

I'd expected a quiet summer with a son preparing to narrow down his college options and a daughter finding work babysitting. That didn't happen, nor did the promises that they'd do the majority of the housework and laundry so that I had more time to work. I've been working a lot for sites like Populis Creates, Wikio and Demand Studios, as well as writing and editing for a few companies on Amazon MTurk and setting up a writing team for a new editorial position with an online web directory.

Given that, I have two books I'd started reading and meant to finish so that I could get the reviews posted, but the publishing companies took the ebooks down this week and I've only half read them. I thought I had 60 days, but apparently they'd only given me a 30 day license, so my bad.

Given that, I'd like to promote them anyway.

Jill Marie Landis writes romance novels and I've always loved Come Spring and Summer Moon. I was eager to read her new mystery Mai Tai One On. I was a few chapters into the book, so I have no idea how it ends. What I do know is that the beginning was enthralling.

Em Johnson runs her uncle's tiki bar because her divorce left her finances in bad shape. Things go haywire when the body of a man is found in their luau pit. Worse, the dead man is not one of Em's or her uncle's favorite people. When the investigation looks at her uncle as a possible suspect, Em decides she needs to try to unravel the mystery.

T. Marie Benchley's Once Wicked Always Dead was a different story. I'd tried to start reading it but just couldn't get into the story. It sounds great - a woman's parents die, she learns her husband is having an affair, so she leaves her jet-set lifestyle and heads to Montana to run her family's ranch. Things aren't much better there because developers want the land and will do anything to drive her away.

It sounds right up my alley, but after a number of attempts to get past the first chapter, I had to switch to something else for a while. I'd hoped that a break might be all I needed, but now I'll never know.

Lake Eden Cookbook - Joanne Fluke

2011-08-29T08:43:00.000-04:00

Released October 2011

Joanne Fluke
Kensington

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Fans of Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swenson cozy mysteries rejoice because the Lake Eden Cookbook is being released on October 1st. The hardcover book contains favorite recipes from every book and a few new ones.

Even if you've never read the series, this is a cookbook first and foremost, but there's a story mixed into the pages. Every recipe has a history in Lake Eden and the characters stories, including a few secrets, are revealed along the way. Learn about Winnie's trip to the morgue or Andrea's first attempt at making Hannah's lemon meringue pie.

There are new recipes within the book. A sampling of them includes:

Razzle Dazzle Baked Brie
Bourbon Brownies
Herb's Herb Biscuits
Hannah's Chicken Salad
Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie

As usual, I went for one of the more absurd recipes to give it a shot. A couple years ago, I made Pork and Beans bread thinking there was no way it would be edible and it really was yummy. This time I went for the lobster bisque made using Campbell's condensed green pea soup and condensed tomato soup. Surprisingly, it works, though the 1/2 cup of sherry was too strong for me, it drowned out the lobster, so I'll make it again cutting it to 1/4 cup.

1105 Yakima Street - Debbie Macomber

2011-08-24T06:53:00.000-04:00

Released September 2011

Debbie Macomber
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Debbie Macomber's latest Cedar Cove novel catches readers up with a few characters from previous entries. There's actually a few different stories going on in 1105 Yakima Street, but after a few chapters, I had no problem keeping track of the different plots. There's also a summary of the characters and relationships in the opening of the book to offer some guidance along the way. I've read some of the Cedar Cove series, but not all of it, so I relied heavily on that summary.

Things start off with Rachel Peyton leaving her husband Bruce and her step-daughter behind. Rachel's pregnant and Jolene's animosity and Bruce's unwillingness to take action have caused Rachel unneeded stress. Her blood pressure puts the baby at risk, so walking away is the best thing for Rachel and her unborn child. Bruce isn't quite as willing to let go, but Jolene is thrilled that she's won.

Olivia and her brother Will face a difficult choice when their mother forgets she's cooking a meal and the resulting fire destroys her kitchen. They realize she and her husband both need to be in an assisted living home, but convincing the couple of this will take some effort. Meanwhile, Will's ex-flame is getting married putting him in a bad mood and everyone knows that the perfect woman for Will is right in front of him, only he's too blind to see it.

Linc and Lori have their own issues. Lori's dad is sabotaging Linc's new business and continues to keep sabotaging things unless Lori comes to her senses and leaves him. Cut off from the family fortune, Lori and Linc must move to a smaller, less expensive home and cut all ties to Lori's family.

These are only a handful of the stories occurring within 1105 Yakima Street. Every character from past stories makes an appearance and has some kind of challenge to overcome. The writing is light with just the right amount of tension. Things set up nicely for the remaining book in this series set during Christmas. This second-to-last book is a fun summer read and one I am sure Debbie Macomber fans will love.

Playing Dirty - Susan Anderson

2011-08-22T07:21:00.000-04:00

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Released August 2011

Susan Andersen
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Ava Spencer suffered the utmost in humiliation when Cade Gallari made it clear he'd only slept with "the fat girl" as part of a bet. Now she's 10 years smarter and she's not about to fall to his charms again. She owns a mansion where he needs to film his latest documentary and she needs the money, but she will handle this as the business transaction it is and nothing more.

Unfortunately, Ava finds herself struggling to resist his charms. Cade wants to show Ava that he's truly sorry for his actions of the past, but he isn't sure what to do to get her to believe he never meant to hurt her. As his passion for Ava grows, he finds himself desperate to get her to forgive him so that they can have the future they deserve.

There is definite sizzle between Ava and Cade. I did, at times, find her rather whiny. She was overweight as a teen and cannot move on with her life. Per the book, she's a size 12 and turns men's heads, yet she still will not move on from the hurt caused by both her mother and Cade. For as strong a heroine as she seemed at times, her insistence on fretting over her weight seemed out of character. At one point, she shows up during filming wearing a tight fitting dress knowing it will drive Cade crazy. She clearly knows men like what they see, yet she still worries about her weight incessantly.

Ava has two best friends who co-own the mansion. As I read Playing Dirty, I found myself wondering if I'd missed previous books in this series. It turns out I had because Bending the Rules 2009) is Poppy's story and Cutting Loose (2008) is Jane's story.

There's also a secondary plot involving stolen jewels hidden within the mansion and a criminal desperate to find them. This minor plot adds conflict that I'm not sure was necessary to the story, but readers who enjoy romantic suspense may enjoy having this slight mystery to break up the interactions between Cade and Ava.

Playing Dirty is a fun romance. I wouldn't say it's a keeper for me, but it definitely did keep me reading from start to finish. I've read many of Susan Andersen's romances and this isn't a favorite, but her fans will certainly enjoy the last book in this Wolcott Mansion trilogy.

100 Yards of Glory: The Greatest Moments in NFL History - Joe Garner and Bob Costas

2011-08-21T06:20:00.007-04:00

Released November 2011

Houghton Mifflin Hardcourt
NFL

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I won't even try to compare myself to my husband when it comes to football rules and trivia. He's been a diehard fan of the Patriots and the 49er's for decades. In the 20 years I've been married to him, I've learned a lot and I'm certain I have more to learn. 100 Yards of Glory proved that there are things I never knew about football and the men who've made a name for themselves playing this popular sport.

My foray into the world of football started with a game back in 1990 between the Saints and the Patriots when I worked for a travel agency. I surprised my hubby with tickets to the game and accommodations in the same hotel where the Saints were staying. Bobby Hebert and his teammates were the exact opposite of what I was expecting. They were incredibly friendly, the picture of manners and compassion, and my nephew had the time of his life getting autographs. The Saints changed my opinion of professional athletes and I started following them from that point on. 100 Yards of Glory delves into details regarding the players, the teams and their coaches.

The book begins with an introduction by Joe Montana. While he's one of my husband's favorite players, I admit that my experience with Mr. Montana came from a song and dance number he did for a kid's show called Kangaroddy. I'm certain that's not how he wants to be remembered, but I'll never forget that one show. After that, the different dynasties (Patriots, Cowboys, 49ers, Steelers, etc.) are discussed starting with the Bulldogs in the 1920s. The book continues into NFL championships, unforgettable Super Bowl games, unbelievable plays and the best quarterbacks and coaches.

I learned a lot along the way. I'd heard of Johnny Unitas, but I never knew he was so tiny. Realistically, he was 30 pounds heavier than my size 0 daughter. This is only one of many things I learned about the players, the teams and the coaches. Diehard fans, like my husband, may find much of this material to be common knowledge (that is what my husband said when he read it), but for the newcomer, this is an amazing resource.

How to Write a Novel In One (Not-So-Easy) Lesson - Jacqueline Diamond

2011-08-20T05:07:00.002-04:00

Released August 2011

Jacqueline Diamond

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

If you need a guide to help you get started on your novel, you cannot go wrong with Jacqueline Diamond's How to Write a Novel In One (Not-So-Easy) Lesson. First, the $2.99 price is more than reasonable, it's actually very, very inexpensive. For many readers, that's the price of the cup of coffee you get while scouring shelves for a book or two. Second, it's one of the warmest, most conversational writing guides I've ever seen.

If you don't know Jackie's work, let me attest that she has written dozens of novels in a variety of genres from category romances to paranormal and mystery to non-fiction. She has a way with creating characters that feel like friends. It's very rare that I don't fall in love with her heroes or want to be buddies with her heroines. She also teaches writing classes, so she is experienced in creating lessons anyone will understand and put to good use.

In How to Write a Novel in One (Not-So-Easy) Lesson, she clearly demonstrates exactly what you need to do to build a plot, create conflict and make your characters likable. It's not a long book, just over 50 pages, so it's not something you'll need to read for weeks. It's designed to get help you hone your skills and come up with a book that delights readers. In a nutshell, I highly recommend purchasing this very helpful writing guide.

You Are My Only - Beth Kephart

2011-08-19T07:06:00.000-04:00

Released October 25, 2011

Beth Kephart
Egmont USA

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

*Note that this is a young adult novel, but I think many women will be able to relate to one of the characters and therefore think it would have a great market in women's fiction, so I'm posting the review here.

Let me start by saying I loved You Are My Only, but I'm not sure I'd qualify it as being young adult. I obviously read it as an adult, a parent, and my understanding of maternal bonds really helped with the impact this story has on the reader. I'm not sure a teenager will understand those parental bonds.

Emmy Rane became a mother just barely out of her teenage years. Her baby daughter is the only thing keeping her sane, as she deals with her marriage to an abusive man. One afternoon, she brings Baby outside to the swing and then realizes she left the blanket inside and runs quickly inside to retrieve it. When she returns, Baby is no where to be found.

Fourteen-year-old Sophie has spent her life moving from town to town with an overprotective mother who insists on homeschooling her. In their latest home, Sophie secretly befriends a boy and his whimsical aunts. Being part of the outside world, even if she must keep her activities hidden from her mother, Sophie starts to develop an independent streak. When her mother goes to work, Sophie's curiosity gets the best of her and she begins to unpack the boxes her mother says are forbidden to her. What Sophie finds changes her life.

You Are My Only is told through the two difference perspectives. Emmy side of the story tells of her desperation as she searches to find her baby. Sophie's side tells of a confined lifestyle where she's not allowed to be in the public eye. Her first 14 years have been spent hiding in houses and being told to hide whenever someone comes to the door. Readers know from the start that Sophie is Emmy's missing daughter, but it's still gripping watching Sophie learn about her past and following Emmy's tragic story because nothing comes easy for this young woman.

The writing style may take a little getting used to. Sophie's first-person account can be choppy at times with very short sentences, but realistically that is how many teens think. My own 14 year old is the queen of short sentence and frequent subject changes. To me, Emmy's side is unique. She tends to focus on specific details, such as her baby girl's yellow sock. Once her daughter disappears, she clings to that yellow sock. It's an honest reaction that any mother would feel in her shoes. I simply can't imagine how any woman copes after a child goes missing and I hope I never experience the pain because I believe it would be brutal.

You Are My Only is a gripping, powerful story. My only concern is that many teens may not truly understand or be able to sympathize with Emmy after her daughter disappears. As a result, I tend to think the book would have a much better market in women's fiction.

South of Salem - Janni Nell

2011-08-15T05:04:00.000-04:00

Released June 2011

Janni Nell
Carina Press

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Janni Nell's South of Salem released in an e-book format in June 2011. This is my first foray into the series and it was incredibly enjoyable. The story isn't very long, it's under 200 pages, but it felt like a solid read and never felt rushed.

Allegra Fairchild is beckoned home to help her stepfather Steven, a politician from a wealthy Boston-area family. Allegra is not close to her mother or sister, they look down on her because of her work with the paranormal. However, when Steven appears to be possessed, Allegra's mother has no choice but to turn to her daughter for help.

Allegra soon determines that her stepfather isn't possessed, but he is haunted. People from his bloodline are killing themselves while sleepwalking and it's up to Allegra to find out why and put an end to it. With the help of her guardian angel, Casper, Allegra tackles another chilling case.

The family dynamics between Allegra, her mother and her pregnant sister are often alarming. Allegra's obviously a better person than I am because after just one of their snide comments, I would have left them to fend for themselves. Yet, as the story progressed, I found myself liking them and I enjoyed watching Allegra handle them.

There's a bit of a romantic element going on between Allegra and her guardian angel. The heavens frown upon any relationship between angel and mortal, so it will be fascinating to see how this aspect plays out over the series.

Books I Struggle to Review

2011-08-14T09:19:00.001-04:00

From time to time, there are books that I struggle to finish reading. Usually, I can get through them without a problem. Friday, I tried so hard to get through a book, but I simply couldn't do it. As a result, I told the publisher I refused to post a review without being able to read the entire thing.

It is food for thought, however, I read hundreds of books per year and plenty of articles as an editor for online websites. I read all the time, so it takes a lot for me to not finish something. Yet, in this case, the book received incredible praise from reviewers. It makes me wonder why I couldn't get through it.

Years ago, I sat down to read a book that was a few months from being published. I adored the book and couldn't stop raving about it. Meanwhile, I saw lots of reviews from people and had lots of comments from even more who felt it was contrived. That book, The Lovely Bones, went on to become one of my favorite books of all times. The movie wasn't my favorite, but oh well.

Another book I've loved that others hate, To Kill a Mockingbird: 50th Anniversary Edition. I kept my high school copy and reread it yearly. My English teacher was so delighted to have a student really connect with a book that he told me not to worry about giving it back, he'd happy replace it knowing he inspired a student to read a classic. The same is true of Earth Abides. We read that book the same year and often reread it. Yet, I talk to many friends and acquaintances who think those books stink and can't understand why I return to them time and time again.

Does anyone out there have this book? If so, I'd love to hear from readers who did love the book and see if I can figure out what made me dislike it so much. I can't be the subject matter, I have no problem with same-sex relationships. That leaves me to think it was the time period, but then I was born in the 1970s, so you'd think I'd like the trip back in time...

Never Enough - Lauren Dane

2011-08-12T08:39:00.000-04:00

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Released September 2011

Lauren Dane
Penguin

I know I've said this before, but I think readers need to know that erotica is the one genre that I find very hit or miss. Many stories I read seem intent on jumping right into the sex without building much of a plot. Lauren Dane is one of two erotic romance authors that I really enjoy.

Never Enough is another story in the series surrounding the Brown siblings. Brody Brown stepped in to raise his younger siblings after their parents' deaths. In Never Enough, Brody's younger brother Adrian finds his true love and learns a few surprises along the way.

Gillian Forrester adopted her drug-addicted sister's infant when she was just 21. Thirteen years later, Gillian is the only mother Miles knows and they have an incredible relationship. When Gillian's sister dies, she makes Gillian promise that she'll find Miles' father and tell him he has a son.

While Gillian fears that she could lose her son, she also intends to keep her promise. She tracks down rock star Adrian Brown and informs him he's a dad. The problem is that he's convinced she's just another groupie after his money. Adrian's siblings realize there's more to Gillian than he thinks and they encourage him to find out if he is, in fact, a father. Adrian isn't prepared to meet with Gillian, fall head over heels and want this ready-made family to last.

Never Enough is quite charming. The story focuses on Gillian and Adrian's growing romance, but the author also turns the focus to some of today's musicians. It's obvious who the author listens to as she writes, though I admit after seeing the lyrics to Etta James, I'm surprised the Muse remake wasn't on that list, it's awesome in my opinion.

The one thing I do dislike about erotic fiction plays a part here, but I realize the genre requires it. Given that, I still think authors can be erotic without coming up with every term in existence for the sexual organs. I've learned to tune the cruder terms out, and once you do that, this book really does take your breath away.

Soldier on Her Doorstep - Soraya Lane

2011-08-09T07:41:00.000-04:00

Released July 2011

Soraya Lane
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Despite his military training preparing him for impossible situations, Alex Dane is as tortured a hero as you'll find. His family died when he was young leaving him to move from one foster home to another. He watched a close friend die in the field. Now he's at William Kennedy's home to deliver a bundle of personal items to William's widow. Alex's plan is to arrive, give his condolences and leave. However, William's wife, Lisa, has other plans.

Sensing that Alex has no where to go, she invites him to move into the cottage in her back yard. She needs someone to fix it up and her daughter, virtually mute since William died, seems to have taken a shine to Alex. Lisa hopes that Alex will get her daughter to talk openly again and maybe he'll start to feel at peace. What Lisa doesn't expect is to fall head over heels for the quiet man, but she does and she's confused if it's finally time to move on with her life as William would have wanted.

Soldier on Her Doorstep simply took my breath away. While I first wondered what kind of woman would invite a stranger into her home, Lisa's unique qualities come through clearly. It soon becomes apparent that she simply needs someone around because it's how she is. Sure, she's a little too trustworthy, but as her romance with Alex takes off, it was fun watching Alex be forced to come to terms with his past and realize that he was the only thing holding himself back.

As a category romance, Soldier on Her Doorstep is a quick read. It's under 200 pages and doesn't take long at all. Yet, it felt like a full romance packed with incredible depth and great characters. I read lots of Harlequin and Silhouette romances and Soraya Lane's latest brought tears to the eyes and left me feeling that "wow" factor that I love to get after finishing a romance novel.

An O'Brien Family Christmas - Sherryl Woods

2011-08-06T06:54:00.000-04:00

Released October 2011

Sherryl Woods
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Readers head to Ireland for An O'Brien Family Christmas. I admit that having finished Susie and Mack's story, I was eager to join them on their honeymoon abroad. The O'Briens are not your typical family, so the entire family heads to Ireland with Grandma Nell leading the way.

If you're new to the series, you'll catch up quickly, but I highly suggest going back and reading past stories. Grandma Nell plays an important role in this family whether it is matchmaking or simply letting her children or grandchildren vent their frustrations. She's long been a favorite character. In An O'Brien Family Christmas, Grandma Nell is reunited with the man she left behind.

The main romance within the latest Chesapeake Shores novel involves Laila and Matthew. Laila's grown up with a domineering father who thinks her relationship with the much younger Matthew is bringing shame to her and her family's bank. After quitting her position with the bank, Laila also leaves Matthew because she's certain that it could never last.

As the O'Briens head to Ireland, they talk Laila into joining them. Matthew hopes he can prove that he's matured and ready for a serious relationship. Laila hopes she can avoid Matthew while in Ireland and simply enjoy a trip she's always dreamed of taking.

I won't say Laila's been my favorite character, as a grown woman, I really expected to see her stand up to her parents and follow her heart without a lot of fussing over what others might think. After a while, I came to see her viewpoint though and settled into the story.

An O'Brien Family Christmas is shorter than other Chesapeake Shores novels. At just over 280 pages, it's a quick read but also a satisfying one. All in all, it's a solid romance that opens doors for future romances.

Beach Lane - Sherryl Woods

2011-08-05T08:05:00.000-04:00

Released June 2011

Sherryl Woods
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I've absolutely loved the Chesapeake Shores series, but for some reason I struggled with Beach Lane's opening. I started and stopped a number of times before I realized I just needed to get it over. Trying again, I went through the first chapter in a rush and then found myself completely absorbed in Susie and Mack's story.

Susie O'Brien and Mack Franklin have been friends for ages and the chemistry is clear, but the O'Brien family has had enough of their "just-friends" policy. They know the couple are well matched and need to take their relationship to the next level.

Things don't go as planned though. Mack loses his job and doesn't want to burden Susie with his loss of income. Meanwhile, Susie receives devastating news that leaves her facing the hardest challenge of her life. It's up to the O'Brien family to do some meddling to help this couple realize what they need most is the support of their true love.

Reader be warned, Susie's story will break your heart. My teens kept looking at me as though I was nuts. I read the pages with tears pouring down my face and just couldn't take a break. I had to know how things ended. The descriptions of Susie's challenges touched my heart, as well as reminding me of situations I've seen others face. Mack turned into one of my very favorite romance heroes and I can't wait for him to make follow-up appearances in other books. I honestly cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out. I already know it's going to take my breath away!

The Legacy - Katherine Webb

2011-07-30T08:34:00.000-04:00

Released August 30, 2011

HarperCollins
Katherine Webb

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

The Legacy is a gripping story that kept me hooked from start to finish. This is unusual for me because I usually grow tired of stories that frequently switch from past to present and back. The story begins more than a century earlier with a young, desperate woman leaving her baby where she knows a group of gypsies will take him in. This starts the basis for a long hidden secret that changes the lives of many women.

Erica and Beth Calcott return to Storton Manor for the first time since their eleven-year-old cousin Henry vanished. Erica was eight at the time and remembers little about that day, but she knows it changed their family's lives forever. After their very cruel grandmother dies, Erica and Beth inherit the estate and spend the holidays there to decide what to do with the house neither of them want. At the same time, Erica hopes facing the past might be what it takes to get her sister to overcome the depression that led to a suicide attempt. Erica is certain that Beth's depression goes back to Henry's disappearance.

The story winds between Erica and Beth in the present day and their great-grandmother in the early 1900s. Readers are privy to information that Erica is trying to unravel. As there are really two stories at play, I found myself reading eagerly to find out what happened in each era. I was fascinated with the hardships each woman faced and by the end of the story wished it would keep going.

The Legacy was released in the U.K. in 2010, but it's being made available to U.S. readers. It's a fascinating story that will keep many readers up into the wee hours.

A Summer Reunion - Kasey Michaels et. al.

2011-07-28T05:12:00.052-04:00

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Released July 2011

Kasey Michaels
Sarah Mayberry
Teresa Southwick
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I love anthologies where one central theme is followed but each author gets to take her own spin on the events and situations. That's the case in A Summer Reunion. Sisters Peggy Longwood and Victoria "Tory" Fuller were separated as young girls when their parents died in a tragic car accident. As their parents had no living relatives, the girls and their brother were put into foster care and eventually adopted by different families. Decades later, the sisters find each other and learn that their baby brother has since died, but a family reunion is planned to bring all of their blood relatives and adoptive families together.

Peggy plans an elaborate event in her coastal home. With her sister by her side for the first time in decades, Peggy's ready for an amazing reunion. There's one problem, in addition to having a broken leg making it hard to move around, Peggy's kidneys are failing for unknown reasons and she's waiting on a miracle.

In Kasey Michaels' story titled "All Our Yesterdays," Tory's daughter locates and contacts her birth father. Tory never told her ex-boyfriend that she was pregnant, she simply walked away and moved to the other side of the country. He wants to get to know his daughter, his grandchildren and possibly reunite with the only woman he's ever loved.

Sarah Mayberry's story stole my heart. In "All Our Todays," Peggy's daughter Laurie is stunned when her ex-husband of two years sends her a puppy. The last thing she needs to complicate her already busy life is a puppy, but he's not answering his phone and Peggy has a feeling his fling has ended and he wants to come home. Once she arrives at her mother's beachfront estate, Laurie is shocked to find an instant attraction to one of her mother's guests. Adam Hunter was Peggy's late brother's business partner and he's there to share pictures and stories of the brother/uncle they never really knew. Laurie and Adam hit it off but with Adam living in Australia and Laurie in the U.S., can they make a relationship work?

Finally, Teresa Southwick's novella "All Our Tomorrows" focuses on Peggy's son David. After his fiancee called it quits, David moved into his mother's guest cottage and threw himself into his work. Peggy's physical therapist Kinsey has been in love with David for years. Having to share the guest cottage won't be easy, especially when it becomes clear to Kinsey that David simply doesn't return her feelings.

All three stories move smoothly with a fast pace and great chemistry between the characters. While I really loved Kasey Michaels' and Sarah Mayberry's stories, I found Teresa Southwick's story a little less gripping. I think my biggest issue is that David is obviously scarred and dealing with something and when it's finally revealed, I was a little surprised at how quickly he suddenly got over it. I've never been in his shoes, so maybe I'm simply ignorant to the emotional healing process after something like that, but it just seemed far too easy a resolution to me.

Despite that one issue, I did enjoy A Summer Reunion. It's a great beach read and one that most romance fans will enjoy reading more than once.

The Journey - Wanda Brunstetter

2011-07-27T06:22:00.000-04:00

Released April 2011

Wanda E. Brunstetter
Barbour Books

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

The Journey is the first book in Wanda Brunstetter's Kentucky Brothers series. I started reading this thinking I was coming into a series well under way, so it was surprising to see it's the first. The author throws a few punches along the way making it stand out from most Christian novels. Most readers will find themselves stunned by a couple of the twists and turns.

In The Journey, Titus Fisher is heartbroken when his long-time girlfriend up and leaves Amish country for a new, exciting life in California. After Phoebe begs him to join her and he tells her he's not interested in leaving the Amish way of life, he accepts a job in Pennsylvania helping out in a family-run wood shop. There he is stunned to meet the owner's daughter who closely resembles Titus' ex-girlfriend.

While he first acts cold and almost hateful towards Suzanne Yoder, Titus soon comes to find that she's nothing like Phoebe. As his feelings grow, he begins to wonder if Suzanne is the woman God intends Titus to marry. Just as he's getting use to his new life, Phoebe realizes she misses him and reappears saying she's ready to marry.

The pacing of the story kept me involved, but there are a number of characters. Titus's mother and father were married before Titus came along so he has a number of half-siblings, full siblings and their wives and children. There is a family tree in the front of the book to help things along, but for the first couple of chapters, I found it difficult keeping up with the who's who aspect. Then the story does make frequent jumps from Kentucky to Pennsylvania and back, so you have to remember which sibling is in each state.

My only other complaint is the frequent use of Penn-Dutch/German terms. It almost came across as though the author threw them in simply to show off some of the terminology. I didn't see that the terms added much to the story at all, in fact I often found them to be distracting.

I still enjoyed the story and look forward to the next chapter in the Kentucky Brothers' lives.

Fenway 1912: The Birth of a Ballpark - Glenn Stout

2011-07-26T06:41:00.000-04:00

Fenway 1912: The Birth of a Ballpark, a Championship Season, and Fenway's Remarkable First Year

Released October 2011

Houghton Mifflin
Glenn Stout
Red Sox

Reviewed by Dave Farnsworth

It's no secret that the Red Sox have been my favorite sports team. My enthusiasm for this team dates back to the 1960s with Yaz, right into the 1970s with Jim Rice, Carlton Fisk, and Luis Tiant to name a few. I groaned along with many fans when Bucky Dent scored his three-run homer and groaned when Bill Buckner missed a ground ball. The Red Sox have been my team for many decades so I was excited when my wife announced there was a history of Fenway coming out in the fall.

I'm not much of a reader. I don't mind reading, but few books really capture my attention. Fenway 1912 was different. The writing is gripping and really captures the historical aspects that went into the construction of the park right up to the Red Sox winning the World Series in 2004 and again in 2007. It's packed with information that even diehard fans may not know. I know I learned quite a bit in the process.

Red Sox fans need to read this book. It's great to read up on some of the older players and learn more about where they went after their baseball careers. That's another aspect that surprised me because one player, Ray Collins, came from and spent much of his post-MLB life in the same town where I work and I'm shocked the town doesn't honor him in some way.

Quick-Fix Vegan - Robin Robertson

2011-07-25T05:48:00.040-04:00

Released October 2011

Robin Robertson
Andrews McMeel

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Owner of the site Global Vegan Kitchen, Robin Roberston's latest cookbook introduces quick and easy vegan recipes. You don't have to be vegan or vegetarian to appreciate the recipes within Quick-Fix Vegan, there are great side dishes, starters and main entrees found within.

As soon as I started reviewing the book, I knew I had to make the homemade vegetable stock. The recipe is simple, made with things I always have on hand, and was something I could make in the Crock Pot. Once done, I let it cool and put it into freezer containers. It's a great reward for just a few minutes work. Cooking the stock is the only thing that takes time and for the bulk of that time, you leave it alone to simmer.

I also rushed out to get the ingredients for the Oriental cold noodles that make a delicious peanut butter/hoisin sauce and then add broccoli and sauteed tofu. Because I'd made a tofu-chocolate pie earlier in the week, (Check out Alton Brown's Moo-less Chocolate Pie, swap the honey for agave nectar and you have a vegan-friendly version) I omitted the sauteed tofu. Everyone in the house loved this salad, so I highly recommend it.

I'm definitely not vegan or vegetarian, however our teen daughter dabbles in vegetarianism, so once or twice a week, I do strictly vegetarian meals. If she ever wants to go all the way, that will be fine, but for now, she does love boneless chicken and a variety of seafood. She loves soy, but I limit her intake of soy milk, tofu and soy beans. I know a vegan. She'd been vegan since her teen years and lived on essentially on soy-based cheeses, soy burgers, tofu and soy beans. In her 30s, she learned she had breast cancer. There was no family history of breast cancer and her doctor then asked how much soy she consumes. In her case, it was with virtually every meal, and the phytoestrogens in soy mimic estrogen. I definitely advise that you talk to a nutritionist or your doctor to determine how much soy is too much.

Overall, if you're vegan, vegetarian or simply love cookbooks, I think Quick-Fix Vegan is a must-have!

Faces of Hope 10 Years Later: Babies Born on 9/11 - Christine Pisera Naman

2011-07-24T05:22:00.000-04:00

Released August 2011

HCI

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

The follow-up to Faces of Hope: Babies Born on 9/11 finds the youngsters born on that tragic day sharing their illustrations and thoughts on what they will do to make the world a better place.This book is dedicated to Christina Taylor Green, the young girl who was killed in the tragic Arizona shootings that severely injured Representative Gabrielle Gifford.

Each state is represented by the child born on 9/11 that appeared in the first book. Included are a snapshot of the child, though on my advanced copy the children's pictures were no more than a black box so I can't comment on any of those images. Each child also drew a picture and it's clear to see that there are some budding artists among them! Following that is the thing that child plans to do to make the world a better place. Dreams range from becoming president to helping battle for world peace.

This is a poignant collection, especially for those who were old enough to remember the events of 9/11 or were affected personally by the horrific acts of terrorism. Released just in time for the 10 year anniversary, this is a collection that will touch many hearts.

Count Down to Love - Julie Ford

2011-07-23T07:13:00.000-04:00

Released July 2011

Julie N. Ford
Cedar Fort

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

When her fiance fails to show up for their lavish wedding, Kelly Grace Pickens is both heartbroken and desperate. She now has a huge bill to pay and Kelly Grace knows her career as a songwriter/country star is in the toilet since her fiance also happened to be her business manager. In a moment of desperation, Kelly agrees to fill in as one of the bachelorettes on her cousin's reality TV show.

Kelly is out of her league on Count Down to Love. She's simply there to make money fast to pay off her wedding debts. She never expects to be drawn to the bachelor or get caught up in the competition. But now that she has, can she keep Dillon or will her past heartbreak keep her from readily giving her heart away?

Count Down to Love is a gentle romance with great chemistry between Dillon and Kelly. This is a Christian romance so don't expect steamy sex scenes because you simply won't find them here. Kelly's virtues actually made the book more appealing in my opinion. Having her ditch conventions and the typical antics of reality stars was a refreshing change of pace. The other bachelorettes are realistic in terms of the types of women you do see on reality TV. I still think all reality shows have ruined the television and loved that Kelly continually ignored the producers cries for more drama and more heat. I wish that happened more.

I can't say this was my favorite romance of all times, but it was enjoyable. It's not a book that would make it to my keeper shelf, but it is a book that I think is suitable of a trip to the pool or beach for a couple hours of entertainment.

Skyward - Mary Alice Monroe

2011-07-20T07:33:00.001-04:00

Released June 2011

Mary Alice Monroe
Mira Books

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

There was something so familiar about Mary Alice Monroe's Skyward. My first goal before starting this review was to find out if this was a reissued novel. I knew the plot, right down to the ending. Sure enough, this is a reissue. It was originally released in 2003.

Harris Henderson operates a sanctuary for injured birds of prey. His wife, a drug addict, abandoned both Harris and their daughter years ago, breezing in and out of their lives when she pleases. When Harris's daughter, Marion, collapses while shopping, she's rushed to the ER where Harris learns she has diabetes. Knowing he can't manage her required care alone, Harris hires a live-in nanny to help out.

Ella Majors quit her hospital job after seeing another child die unnecessarily. She hopes working as a private nurse/nanny to five-year-old Marion will give her a chance to move on. Ella never expects to fall madly in love with Marion's father and find herself becoming a mother to the young girl. However, there are uphill battles that both Ella and Harris face if they're going to make their relationship last.

I'm a huge fan of Mary Alice Monroe's novels. She writes with a poignancy that few authors capture. Her settings and characters come to life. When blended with the emotional plots, it's hard not to get wrapped up in the entire story from start to finish. As I read, however, it became clearer and clearer that I'd read the story. One point stuck out and that's when I was certain I'd read this book before. The author gives her Vermont character a dialect that really isn't heard in much of Vermont. It's really the old Vermont farmers that use words like "ayup." I've lived here for 39 years and the only times I've ever heard that word spoken was in a radio commercial for Vermont wood stoves or when I was in a small Maine town on vacation. It shouldn't bother me, but I really don't like being stereotyped as a state full of people who talk like that.

Regardless, I enjoyed Skyward just as much this second time around. Even though I knew the key points and knew what happened in the end, I still had fun getting caught up in Harris and Ella's story.

The Summer We Came to Life - Deborah Cloyed

2011-07-10T07:34:00.000-04:00

Released June 2011

Deborah Cloyed
Mira

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

It supposed I should start right off by saying it took me two months to get through The Summer We Came to Life. I loved the premise, but the delivery really just didn't work for me. The intertwined story lines distracted me to the point where I'd have to put the book down.

The story involves a group of women who have always vacationed together to some exotic destination. Since they were girls, they've spent a part of every summer vacationing together as a mix of girls and parents, but a death has drastically changed Samantha Wheeland's thoughts. She and Mina were closest and Mina's death (cancer) has shocked Samantha to the core. Instead of staying with those who love her, Sam took off to Central America. On top of everything else, Sam's rich boyfriend has proposed and she's not sure what to make of it. It's some of the women's mothers who push Sam into going to a beach house in Honduras.

Mina's other friends also struggle with their grief. For Isabel, she becomes a workaholic and then loses her job leaving her stunned. Kendra also works away the grief, but soon discovers she has a problem that cannot be ignored. Meanwhile, their mothers use this time to share their stories of love and loss in hopes of helping them face their problems head on.

In Honduras, each woman comes to terms with Mina's death by being around those who loved her most. As she reads Mina's diaries and receives signs from Mina, Sam starts to consider the choice she faces. When another tragedy strikes, Sam is finally forced to confront her choices and decide if marriage is right for her.

I expected to really love this book. It's extremely rare that I pick up a Mira and not fall head over heels in love with the story. In this case, I understood Sam was grieving, I lost a loved one myself last fall, and found her gloomy attitude hard to take.

Surprisingly, it was the mother's stories that really grabbed me. I loved hearing about Jesse's husband and her struggles to flee a male dominated world with her daughter. I equally enjoyed Lynette and Cornell's story involving their bi-racial relationship in the 1960s. Those stories were fascinating and I wish they'd gone into much more depth. Had the book focused just on them, I would have loved every word.

Only Yours - Susan Mallery

2011-07-09T05:44:00.002-04:00

Released September 2011

Susan Mallery
Harlequin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Montana Hendrix's day takes an unusual turn when one of the dogs she's working with takes off on a lively romp through the hospital. She catches up with the dog in the burn ward where she receives a thorough scolding by Simon Bradley, a top surgeon known for his expertise treating pediatric burn cases.

When Simon's burn patient responds to the dog, he realizes he needs to look into Montana's work with therapy dogs. Working closely with Montana, Simon can't help but notice that Montana fills his every thought, but a horrific event from Simon's childhood has convinced him that love doesn't exist. Is Montana the woman who can teach Simon that love does exist and is exactly what he needs?

It's usually a given that if I read a Susan Mallery novel, I'm in for a treat. Only Yours is perhaps the best story I've ever read by this romance author. I loved every word of Montana and Simon's story. Simon's definitely a wounded hero, but Montana is the perfect counterpart because she's tough as nails and very obstinate. This is not the first book in the series and somehow I missed the first, but I will definitely be remedying that. If you're looking for a sizzling character romance, you will not want to miss Only Yours.

Man From Tennessee - Jennifer Greene

2011-07-08T06:35:00.000-04:00

Released June 2011 (Reissue)

Jennifer Greene
Carina Press

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Man From Tennessee is not a new book. It was originally released in 1983 under the pseudonym Alison Hart. It's been reissued in e-book format by Jennifer Greene. At $4.49, you can't go wrong with these series romance reissues.

Five years ago, Kern married Trisha in a hurry and brought her to his country home. She never felt that she fit in and eventually fled her marriage and the country life. Jump forward five years and Trisha is stuck returning to Tennessee with Kern's mother in tow. Seems Kern's been injured in an accident and needs his mom. The kicker is that Kern and Trisha never divorced and the feelings they have are just as real now as they were then.

I usually love Jennifer Greene's romances, but Man From Tennessee just didn't appeal to me. Trisha was too combative and for whatever reason, even after she abandoned him, Kern kept holding on to hope. After five years, I would think he would have some bitterness, yet nothing phases him. Meanwhile, Trisha keeps trying to dodge both Kern and her feelings for him. If she hasn't filed for divorce in five years, you'd think she would have been a little smarter about knowing there had to be a reason for her reluctance. The story became a bit of a cat and mouse game with Kern continually trying and Trisha continually running away.

Because the story costs just over $4, I'd still recommend it, especially to Jennifer Greene fans. It's definitely not one of my favorite stories, but towards the ending, I did find myself enjoying the outcome.

The Lake - Banana Yoshimoto

2011-07-05T08:21:00.000-04:00

Released May 2011

Melville Publishing House
Banana Yoshimoto

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

A portion of the proceeds of Banana Yoshimoto's The Lake go to Japan Disaster Relief. That alone makes this a book readers should seriously consider purchasing because the lasting effects of the earthquake are ongoing and new earthquakes occur regularly even if the media doesn't offer as much coverage of that area now that the initial event has passed.

In The Lake readers meet Chihiro, a young woman who grieves the loss of her mother. Living in Tokyo and trying to establish herself as an artist, she soon spies a neighbor across the way and they form a romance that grows slowly. The woman realizes that Nakajima must have endured some traumautic event in his childhood, but she cannot figure out what it is or how she can help him move on. That is until he brings her to a friend's house on lake. There's she starts to unravel his past and is shocked to learn what really happened to him.

The Lake is a very short book of just 200 pages. It doesn't give a lot of time to really get to know the characters. By the time, I found them growing on me, the story was over. That said, the writing was very mellow and almost soothing. This isn't a story that rushes to the conclusion, it drifts merrily on its way throwing in surprises every now and then. That made the writing really stand out as being unique. As a result, I liked the story, but I can't say I loved it. Yet, I still think this is a story that will have people talking.

Homemade Haunting - Rob Stennett

2011-06-29T08:12:00.000-04:00

Released March 2011

Rob Stennett
Zondervan

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

As a teen, I read a steady diet of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I adored their books and couldn't get enough. This led to me a local author, Joe Citro, and a lifelong fascination with horror novels.

Rob Stennett's Homemade Haunting is a little milder with a Christian aspect. After his mother's death, Charlie Walker stopped believing in God. After all, he spent hours praying that his mom would improve and she died anyway leaving Charlie's dad to raise their son alone. Now married, Charlie finds his lack of faith put to the test.

Charlie takes a hiatus from his teaching job to work on his novel. This means moving to a smaller home, but Charlie's wife and kids go along with the plan. When Charlie's research turns to a Ouija board, his wife is nervous and asks him to get rid of it, but he sneaks it to the basement and opens a whole world of demonic forces. Now to save his family, Charlie must turn to the God he doesn't believe in.

I won't put Homemade Haunting as being one of the creepiest books I've ever read. Stephen King holds that spot with his evil clown Pennywise from It. However, I did find myself entranced with the book and ended up reading it in one sitting. Homemade Haunting's first-person narrative draws the reader into the story and you really feel like you're part of the story as it unfolds in front of you. There's also a slight story-within-a-story feel with the novel Charlie is writing taking shape during the book. Quite honestly, I'd love to see that story published too because it's got great potential to be creepy.

Go the F**k to Sleep - Adam Mansbach

2011-06-28T09:35:00.000-04:00

Released June 2011

Adam Mansbach

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Go the F**k to Sleep is one of the year's funniest books. It's short and sweet, but it had me snickering from the first page. I know there will be some who completely misinterpret this as being a kid's book and become outraged, but it's clearly adult and offers a satirical look at both children's books and parenting. If you can't tell that it's for adults from the title, well then...

Ask any parent about what they loved about their infants, toddlers and young children and they'll give you a list of varying answers, but ask that same group what they hated and I guarantee bedtime rituals appears on that list. My son from the time he was three months felt that midnight to the crack of dawn were play times. Worse, he wouldn't nap in the day either, so why he was such a night owl baffled his pediatrician and my husband and I. Until he was eight months, I'd be the lucky winner who would have to be up with him. I know that between Eagles music, his favorite at that age, and my own silent chants of Go the F**k to Sleep those things were the reason I stayed relatively sane.

My daughter was better until at the age of 18 months she figured how to escape her crib and was also able to scale baby gates. We moved her to a twin bed and that led to difficulties getting her to stay in bed. Given all that, I know exactly how the couple in Go the F**k to Sleep feel!

The book is very short, just over 20 pages, but will make you laugh because you've been there. All I can say is it gets better!

The Protector - Shelley Shepard Gray

2011-06-27T15:59:00.000-04:00

Released July 2011

Avon Inspire
Shelley Shepard Gray

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

After her mother's death, Elle must sell the family farm. Her friend, Dorothy, offers to let Elle rent the other half of her townhouse and helps Elle land a job at the local library. Elle's thankful for her friend's help, but Dorothy's possessive nature is starting to concern Elle.

Loyal bought Elle's family farm and is proud of the work he's done restoring it. He's happy to show off his hard work to Elle and finds himself falling for her. However, the closer he and Elle become, the more determined Dorothy is to put an end to their friendship.

I missed The Caregiver: Families of Honor, Book One so I had to take time to get to know the characters. Elle's determination is impressive because Dorothy is just about as evil as they come. She's a real witch in this book and her character was not one I enjoyed.

I can't say this is my favorite Amish romance over the years, but it's enjoyable. I still think I preferred Shelley Shepard Gray's Seasons of Sugarcreek though. Given that, I'm wondering if it's the fact that I missed book one that doesn't make it stand out for me.

Bloom County: The Complete Library Volume I - Berkeley Breathed

2011-06-24T06:40:00.000-04:00

Released October 2009

Berkeley Breathed
Idea and Design Works

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Once upon a time, syndicated comics were actually good. They weren't rehashed versions of the same strip released 20+ years earlier (i.e. Peanuts or For Better For Worse) or so pointless that it's puzzling why they even make it into the comic section. I'm talking the days of The Complete Calvin and Hobbes (Calvin & Hobbes) (v. 1, 2, 3)--note to many of today's comic strip writers, Bill Watterson retired before his strips became stale and I can think of a good number who should have learned from him.

Back in those days there were three comics that my brothers and I fought over the comic section to read. That would be Bloom County, Calvin and Hobbes, and Gary Larson's The Far Side. The rest of the comics, well we really could care less because they simply weren't as good.

I can't offer the review I'd hoped to offer because there's only a portion of the book released through NetGalley.com. However, I feel it's worth the trip back to a time when political messages and comics could go hand in hand and be funny. (Sorry Doonsbury, but I've just never enjoyed you.) For that reason, I urge readers to check out Bloom County and meet Steve, Opus, Milo, Cutter John, Bill the Cat, and the rest of the Bloom County crew as they poke fun at politics, media, and people of the world.

A Faint Cold Fear - Karin Slaughter

2011-06-23T05:53:00.000-04:00

Released June 2011 (Reissue)

Karin Slaughter
HarperCollins

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Medical examiner/pediatrician Sara Linton is in the middle of another horrifying case. A young college student apparently jumped off a local bridge to his death and a suicide note is found at the scene, but something seems out of character for this kid to have really gone through with a suicide. When more suicide cases occur, Sara and her ex-husband chief of police Jeffrey Tolliver suspect the worst.

When Sara's pregnant sister is brutally attacked near one of the crime scenes, Sara's emotional state is pushed to the brink. Jeffrey and Sara must work together as fast as possible to find out who is behind these murders and why.

Karin Slaughter pulls no punches. First, her descriptions of the bodies are quite horrific and gory, but it's that detail that really makes the Sara Linton series stand out. If you have a weak stomach, be warned that the descriptions make it very easy to visualize the things Sara and Jeff encounter. As disgusting as some details were, it adds a strong dose of realism to the pages. Death isn't pretty, I learned that this past September when my aunt died. What Karin Slaughter does is presents the cases in the most realistic light possible. Like it or not, there's no glossing over with these books.

If you're familiar with this series, former detective Lena Adams now works for the college's security team. She does play an integral part in A Faint Cold Fear, but readers will be saddened to see just how out of control she's become.

While I did spend some time crying during portions of A Faint Cold Fear, I do think this is my favorite of the series so far. I'm now incredibly eager to read the next two books in my effort to catch up. If you like Kathy Reich's Temperance Brennan series or love Patricia Cornwell's books, Karin Slaughter is definitely going to rock your world.

5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Son - Vicki Courtney

2011-06-22T06:46:00.001-04:00

Released June 2011

Vicki Courtney

Just a note that if you're looking for a guide to parenting boys that has a strong religious leaning, Vicki Courtney's new book may suit your needs.

5 Conversations Your Must Have With Your Son tackles subjects that some parents face -- pornography, pre-martial sex, masturbation, and overprotective mothers. Much of the material and statistics within is quoted from other books and news articles. Overall, I wasn't thrilled with the message that if you're not pushing your son towards God, he's set up for failure. I think back to my friends. One friend stands out because her parents were strongly Catholic and pushed all children into every church class, program, and summer camp provided. If the child disagreed, they were severely punished. As a result, their daughter had sex for the first time at 13 and married an abusive older man at 17. I don't believe that pushing a child towards God is always the best solution.

Given that, it's not a book that I'd keep, but those who have stronger religious beliefs will likely enjoy the message provided.

One Night, Two Heirs - Maureen Child

2011-06-21T06:41:00.000-04:00

Released July 2011

Harlequin
Maureen Child

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Sadie Price kept a secret from Rick Pruitt for close to three years. Both Sadie and Rick's mother felt he'd be better off fighting a war if he didn't know he had twin daughters at home.

When Rick returns to Texas and finds out he has daughters, he's furious and wants Sadie to marry him. The problem is that Sadie refuses to marry for anything short of love and Rick's duty to his daughters isn't enough. Meanwhile, Rick isn't willing to fall in love but wants to prove to Sadie that love isn't the only thing that can keep a marriage from failing. It's a battle of wills between the pair.

One Night, Two Heirs is a quick summer read. I didn't find that the character's relationship was that sizzling. Rick's reasons against love were, quite frankly, pathetic, just as Sadie's anti-marriage reasoning was lame. For two people who came off as being intelligent, I didn't buy their justification at all.

I'd love to say that One Night, Two Heirs blew me away, but it honestly wasn't my favorite Maureen Child romance. I loved the Fiends series involving Cassidy Burke and have enjoyed many of her series romances, so I was expecting to love her latest work. It wasn't a lousy read, but it wasn't one that made me say “Wow!” either. It was merely okay.

Free Kindle Download

2011-06-17T08:10:00.001-04:00

Everyone loves freebies! Click on the picture and fill out the information and the Kindle download is yours for free. What a great way to start the weekend!

Sweet Possession - Maya Banks

2011-06-17T07:54:00.000-04:00

Released April 2011

Maya Banks
Penguin

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

It's no secret that I find erotic romances to be hit or miss. Some focus too much on the sexual aspect and ignore the plot. Maya Banks excels in this genre. She's my favorite erotic romance author and deserves every moment in the spotlight. Her stories are all about the plot and the erotic relationships come secondary making the stories the perfect blend of story and passion.

Someone is threatening Lyric Jones and her producer wants her safe. The pop star diva isn't easy to work with, she's opinionated, brazen, and has the attitude of ten princesses rolled into one. Connor Malone is not thrilled to be assigned as her bodyguard, but his father isn't about to take no for an answer.

After meeting Lyric, Connor can't help but admit there's an attraction, but he doesn't want a pampered princess in his life. Meanwhile, Lyric has never had a man treat her with disdain and she's not liking it. As sparks fly, Lyric starts to show a side of her that only serves to heighten Connor's attraction. Connor knows he can't take his eye off her security detail, so keeping his mind and hands off Lyric proves harder than he expects.

In terms of Lyric, I had to say there's a touch of all the pop divas rolled into one. Yet, I really found her character to be completely likeable. As she gets to know the men and women in Connor's life, many who have had their own story, Lyric becomes one of my favorite characters of all time. Connor's an alpha-male but his interactions with the women in his life definitely add a lighthearted feel. All in all, if you enjoy erotic romance, this is one of the best books of the year.

Tender Loving Care - Jennifer Greene

2011-06-12T06:36:00.000-04:00

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Released April 2011

Carina Press
Jennifer Greene

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Tender Loving Care isn't a new book. Originally released in 1987 by Berkley Publishing under the name Alison Hart, the story does, at times, feel dated. Not that this is a bad thing, but the reader clearly sees the changes that have occurred in over the past two decades, particularly in terms of parenting styles.

When Zoe Anderson learns her best friend is dead, she's shocked, saddened. However, she has her godchildren to focus on. The four-year-old twins have been left in the care of her and Rafe Kirkland. It's been years since she's seen Rafe, but the spark is still there. Together, the pair must figure out what to do with two boys who do not fit in their busy work schedules, but who they can't send off to foster care either.

Soon a plan is hatched. Zoe will spend a few weeks at Rafe's Montana home caring for the boys while Rafe works. When that time period is up, they'll move to Zoe's Washington home and Rafe will stay home with the boys while Zoe goes to work. This will help them decide who is best equipped to become the boys' guardian.

Tender Loving Care is a sweet romance. It's just over 120 pages, so it takes little time to read. Fans of the shorter series romances from Harlequin or Silhouette will adore this look at Jennifer Greene's earlier work.

Witches of East End - Melissa De La Cruz

2011-06-11T07:54:00.000-04:00

Released June 21, 2011

Melissa De La Cruz
Hyperion

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Quite simply, I'll just say wow! Melissa De La Cruz's entry into adult fiction proves she's going to give many paranormal authors a run for their money. The very first sentence, it's extremely long, struck me as being rather Dickens-ish. For those who find Dickens to be overly verbose and dull, De La Cruz is none of that, her writing is vibrant, exciting, and just doesn't let go.

Joanna Beauchamp is delighted her daughters have returned. Freya is sexy, self-assured, and knows what she wants from life and excels at her job in a local bar, while Ingrid is quieter, professional and loves her work at the town library. What the public doesn't know is that the Beauchamp women are witches.

During the Salem Witch trials, the three were saved by the Council but banished from every using magic again. Unfortunately, circumstances have pushed Freya and Ingrid to cast spells once more. When they do so without any repercussions, Joanna joins in. Freya creates a menu of love potions that helps save marriages and bring couples together. Ingrid uses her powers to help a co-worker who struggles with infertility. Joanna returns a man from death.

All is not well in North Hampton. A mysterious force is causing birds to die, people to become very sick, and others to act unlike themselves. When a local woman disappears, followed by the disappearance of the mayor, the Beauchamp women must figure out what is going on. This isn't easy because people in town are beginning to think the Beauchamps are behind the rash of disappearances and misdoings in town and the police are starting to join in on those suspicions. Joanna, Freya, and Ingrid fear the events at Salem are about to repeat.

Witches of East End is a magnificent summer read. Norse mythology helps shape part of this story with Loki and Balder playing a key role. My mythology is rusty, but the author does summarize the myth briefly. Those who want more depth will find a good article about Loki and Balder at About.

A Marriage Carol - Chris Fabry & Gary Chapman

2011-06-07T09:03:00.000-04:00

Released September 2011

Moody Publishers
Gary Chapman
Chris Fabry

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

With their marriage in a state of shambles, Marlee and Jacob Ebenezer head to their lawyer's office on Christmas Eve to sign divorce papers. They don't know how they'll tell their children, but they know they simply can't remain in a loveless marriage any longer.

On the way, their car slides off the road. Marlee awakens to find her husband missing and walks to the nearest house seeking help. There she meets an unusual man who helps her reflect about her past, present, and future while trying to figure out what she wants most from life.

A Marriage Carol is a spin on Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol. It's short and sweet at just under 120 pages. Readers should have no problem reading through the story in one sitting.

At heart, I think the message in A Marriage Carol is strong and worthwhile to many couples. I'm always a little ill at ease when a book with a strong pro-marriage theme comes out. Many I've read, non-fiction particularly, are always written by singles who came from a failed marriage or have never even been married. In my opinion, that makes their message worthless because they really haven't experience the highs and lows and struggles to get back on track.

I've been married 20 years and divorce hasn't entered into our heads, so I like to think I know what I'm talking about. I do see situations where I think divorce is the best option and it was refreshing that Gary Chapman had his character point out abuse and infidelity. Many of the Christian books I read seem anti-divorce in any reason and that's where I disagree. I have a friend who was in an abusive marriage. She left when he pointed a gun at her. I am thrilled she finally gained the courage to file for divorce and get herself out of a dangerous situation.

In situations like that, I do believe leaving is the better option. However, many don't stop and think about the whole picture, they're too caught up in the "what if." That's what's done right in A Marriage Carol; Marlee's character really must think about her expectations and experiences rather than acting impulsively. It makes for a thought-provoking read that's followed up with book discussion questions that should make for interesting conversations.

Kisscut - Karin Slaughter

2011-06-02T07:31:00.000-04:00

Released June 2011 (Reissue)

Karin Slaughter
HarperCollins

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Kisscut is the second novel in Karin Slaughter's series about medical examiner/pediatrician Sara Linton. Sara and her sister spend an evening at the local roller rink and Sara really needs to use the rest room but it's occupied by a couple of local teens. When they finally leave, Jenny, one of Sara's patients, bumps into her but rushes off without speaking to Sara. After touching the door handle, Sara realizes it's covered in a blood and finds a dead, mutilated baby in the toilet. Outside, Sara's ex-husband Chief of Police Jeffrey Tolliver battles with Jenny who is threatening to kill a local boy. When the Jenny begins to act on her threats, he's forced to shoot her.

Performing an autopsy on Jenny isn't easy for Sara, especially when she knew her so well. She finds no evidence that Jenny had given birth, but there are obvious signs she'd been raped. Worse, someone removed the girl's labia and sewed her vagina shut. Jeffrey and Sara must now uncover this horrible crime and find out what really happened to Jenny.

Kisscut is not for the faint of heart. It's gritty, gory, and incredibly realistic. To break up the tension, there's a romantic angle between Sara and her ex. They love each other but his indiscretions were too much for her to take. Now he wants a second chance and she really wants him in her life, but she's also hesitant because he once cheated. That angle will appeal to romance readers.

This is a spoiler if you didn't read Blindsighted, if you plan to stop reading! One of Jeffrey's detectives, Lena Adams was raped in the first book. Her sister was also murdered in that book. Lena's mental state is on the edge in Kisscut. The story also cuts away to her attempts to deal with the emotional and physical pain she's endured and her actions may very well put her job on the line.

One thing I love about Karin Slaughter's crime novels is that they are horribly realistic. Incredible detail goes into the book, as gruesome as it may be she captures the stark reality of the crimes. There's a Canadian show I love called Da Vinci's Inquest - Season 1. The reason I love this show is that unlike CSI, not every crime is solved in one episode and DNA tests take weeks or months to come back. Some cases are never solved at all. It's sad but that's real life. There are thousands of cold cases out there where a killer got away. Karin Slaughter's books remind me of Da Vinci's Inquest - Season 2 because nothing resolves easily. The tension builds up throughout the book and keeps you on the edge of your seat for that reason. As gruesome as the subject matter may be, I loved Kisscut just as much as I loved Blindsighted.

The Ultimate Journey - Jim Stovall

2011-06-01T07:21:00.000-04:00

Released June 2011

Jim Stovall
David C Cook Publishing

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Years ago, I found myself glued to a movie titled The Ultimate Gift. Since that time, The Ultimate Gift has become a favorite movie that I've watched numerous times. It stars Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine), James Garner, and Drew Fuller. If you haven't seen it, it's a tearjerker but well worth every minute.

Apparently, The Ultimate Journey is the third part in the Ultimate trilogy. I missed The Ultimate Life (The Ultimate Series #2) along the way. In this third story, Jim Stovall's characters Jason and Alexia are married and heading off on their honeymoon. Along the drive, their limo driver joins them in reminiscing about Red Stevens.

For those unfamiliar with Jim Stovall's series, Jason is a spoiled jerk quite honestly. When his grandfather dies, Jason and assorted family members expect to inherit Red's fortune. Jason learns he will inherit plenty but only after passing a number of criteria. The spoiled Jason soon meets Alexia and her ailing daughter. Through them, he learns the true meaning of giving freely. This sets up the series.

In The Ultimate Journey, Jason and Alexia start to learn that life isn't about reaching a destination but in voyage that brings you there. Much of Red's past is brought up and it's full of ups and downs. Readers really get to know the younger Red and the trials he faced before his death. I won't say I liked it better than The Ultimate Gift because that story has a place in my heart. It's still a nice change of pace that's uplifting and definitely gives the reader food for thought.

I Used to Know That: Civil War - Fred DuBose

2011-05-31T08:19:00.000-04:00

Released April 2011

RD Trade Publishing

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I Used to Know That: Civil War offers a detailed look into facts regarding the Civil War. The book begins with the Antebellum Period and continues to the Civil War and the Reconstruction. Not only do you get a who's who of key figures, but you also get a glimpse into details usually skipped in history books, such as the types of clothing worn by certain people.

I hated history in school. It wasn't until I started reading books voraciously that I found myself fascinated with the past, the Civil War being a favorite time period. Reading I Used to Know That: Civil War helped me understand the events leading up to the war and the affects of the war and the country following the war. This really is a useful guide that students and adults alike will both enjoy and walk away having learned a lot.

She Makes It Look Easy - Marybeth Whalen

2011-05-29T06:33:00.000-04:00

Released June 2011

www.marybethwhalen.com

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Moving to a new neighborhood with three rambunctious boys isn't easy for Ariel Baxter. Her husband's new job means he's away on business trips frequently. Things pick up when her new neighbor Justine Miller befriends her.

Justine is seemingly perfect. Her house is organized. She bakes constantly. In fact, she makes everything she feeds her family. There's no packaged food at Justine's house. Soon Justine invites Ariel into her clutter-free world by setting Ariel up with her organizational book for managing everything.

Justine's not as perfect as she seems though. Her marriage isn't all it's cracked up to be. As Ariel soon learns, Justine doesn't really know a thing about friendship and certainly has flaws that force Ariel to realize who her true friends are.

I really enjoyed She Makes It Look Easy. I started reading it during a thunderstorm that had my cats freaking out in the wee hours yesterday morning and ended up spending the next 2.5 hours engrossed in the story. It's a shame that Ariel is so dependent on Justine because the reader quickly realizes what a manipulator she really is. Watching Ariel grow and realize her mistakes is refreshing.

I didn't read Marybeth Whalen's previous novel, The Mailbox. I've heard it is also fantastic and am tempted to find a copy. I know I'll love the writing style. She's definitely an author to watch.

Blindsighted Karin Slaughter

2011-05-26T07:17:00.000-04:00

Released June 2011

www.karinslaughter.com

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Dr. Sara Linton splits her days as a pediatrician and working as Grant County's coroner. She's forced to work closely with her ex-husband, Police Chief Jeffrey Tolliver. Running late for lunch with her sister, Sara receives a cryptic postcard that brings back memories she'd like to forget. Brushing things aside, she heads to the local diner. There she stumbles upon a local professor named Sibyl Adams who's been raped and butchered. Sibyl dies in Sara's arms.

Sibyl's twin sister Lena happens to be a police officer. Despite his reservations, Jeffrey allows her to work the case under his supervision. When a second victim is found on Sara's car, they realize they're working with a serial killer who will stop at nothing.

I read lots of mysteries and love to try to guess the killer's identity before it's revealed. About half way through Blindsighted, I had the killer nailed. I admit I didn't know why at that point, but I did know who. Despite this, I was glued to the pages. I'm a fan of Kathy Reich's Temperance Brennan. I used to read Patricia Cornwell until she killed off a character I adored. I'm addicted to the show Bones, once I got past the huge difference between TV Bones and book Bones. Another guilty pleasure is the Canadian show DaVinci's Inquest. With that in mind, Karin Slaughter blew them out the water.

The sexual tension between Sara and Jeffrey is perfect. Sara hides a secret that the reader learns a ways into the book. This helps put the end of their marriage into perspective. I adored Sara's parents who couldn't be more supportive of her. Lena's a little tougher, but she has just lost her twin and takes it very personally. It's clear that Lena's going to face some challenges because her character is slightly combative.

I have three more Karin Slaughter books waiting in my pile and they're moving to the top. I don't want to wait to see what happens next!

My Family Table - John Besh

2011-05-20T07:16:00.000-04:00

Released November 2011

www.andrewsmcmeel.com
www.chefjohnbesh.com

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Until I came across My Family Table, I thought I was the only person in the world who didn't enjoy the craze of cooking shows on television. The only show I will watch, and if I miss it I'm not heartbroken, is Alton Brown's Good Eats. I learned to cook by watching my mom and certainly by watching my grandmother. In both cases, they taught that family should eat together and that homecooking is always best.

In My Family Table, Chef John Besh teaches a few simple basics to have on hand so that no matter how busy, you can have a homecooked meal. I totally agree. I keep stock in the freezer, along with cooked chicken or beef that I can quickly throw into soups. We grow a garden and freeze as much extra produce as possible for the winter. Yes, it's time consuming, but it's well worth it.

Each chapter delves into harder recipes that cover everything from breakfast foods to desserts. Chapters open with a brief glimpse into Besh's life. I'll admit one local item threw me off. He mentions scuppernong preserves at one point and I was baffled. I've never heard of such a thing and ended up looking it up. I'm betting the closest I could get locally are wild concord grape preserves. I have wild grapes growing in my front garden, so once they produce enough, I'll simply make my own. Otherwise, I'm intrigued and plan to order some online because no store in this area carries it.

The very first recipe I'll be making is going to be perfect for this weekend. We have family coming for a cookout and hummingbird cake is something I've never tried. The recipe looks easy and will be perfect for a family gathering.

Welcome to Last Chance - Hope Ramsay

2011-05-18T04:30:00.000-04:00

Released March 2011

www.hachettebookgroup.com

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

On the run from another troublemaker beau, Jane Coblentz hops on a bus heading to Last Chance, South Carolina. There she's welcomed into the town by an array of locals. However, her attraction to Clay Rhodes is definitely not something she wants or needs. She just wants to hide out and try to move on with her life, a life that's proven she's good at picking the wrong man.

Clay Rhodes is back in Last Chance to mend a broken heart. The last thing he needs is a woman obviously hiding something. His mother, owner of the Cut 'n' Curl salon, has other ideas.

Welcome to Last Chance is the first in a series about the Rhodes family. My understanding is that the books will each feature one of the three brothers, though I wonder if their sister will also get her story.

As for the story itself, I'm on the fence. I liked the small town. It felt homey and drew me in. Clay seemed like an idiot quite honestly. I don't want to give away spoilers, but he seems to lack a backbone and that bugged me. Jane's secret past also seemed a little over the top. When it reaches the climax, I really had found myself so disillusioned with events that I simply no longer cared.

Given that, I would like to return to the town of Last Chance. I liked the characters, but simply felt too much happened in the one story that it become tiresome. With a little less conflict tossed together, Welcome to Last Chance would have been a huge hit with me.

I Used to Know That Shakespeare - Liz Evers

2011-05-17T04:50:00.002-04:00

Released May 2011

www.rdtradepublishing.com

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

Are you studying Shakespeare in school or simply love his works? I Used To Know That Shakespeare is a must-have! I hated Shakespeare with a passion in high school, now I don't actually mind his plays. My biggest issue back then was the language. Teachers expected us to get it without issue, and I never did. Cliff Notes were my saving grace back then.

I Used To Know That Shakespeare breaks it all down into easy-to-understand summaries. The book starts with a biography of Shakespeare. It delves into all of his plays and sonnets, giving a summary that makes it simple to understand exactly what's going on. There's also a listing of key players and important quotes.

While this book won't help you pass intricate exams on Shakespeare's works, it does break the story down so that you know exactly what is going on. The author's easy-to-follow guide is written in a very user-friendly style that draws you into the book. When you've finished, you'll understand the basics and be prepared to read his plays or sonnets without fear.