Forever and a Day by Emilie Loving

This is a charming little book. It is only my second from this author, but she must be a love-at-first-sight author. So, reality is suspended frequently in many situations, but I truly enjoy the main characters. She gives them values and morals, which is very refreshing. This is the story of a wealthy young woman in New York who kindly and discreetly helps her friends. -Laurie S.

NYC: A Mission to Die for by Loraine Scott

A fun, intriguing mystery that leaves you guessing what twist will happen next. A senior LDS missionary couple use their investigative skills to solve the murder of a homeless man who became their friend. -Klayne S.

Turn Coat by Jim Butcher

On the whole, Turn Coat is about the problems in the wizarding world that Butcher's been giving hints about and glimpses at for a while now--and they come into focus in the most surprising of ways--Morgan asking Harry for help.

There's just so much good stuff to be mined from Harry helping Morgan hide from the Wardens, deal with the Merlin (and others at HQ), investigate a murder/frame-job--it's almost a shame to see Butcher wrap it up in 400 pages, because I'd love to get more of it. Great stuff.

In addition to all that, we see three important relationships forever altered in important ways (well, maybe one's only temporarily altered, time will tell)--some good long-term character development for our pal Harry and his gang.

So, so good--Butcher had the ol' brain firing on all cylinders for this one. -Hobart N.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

I have never (until this book) read a story which used such short and yet effective imagery. The main character Esparanza was quite real and grew so close to my heart. The bit about the monkey garden, and soaking into the earth/wanting to was very beautiful. Every page I flipped left me wondering about our world's condition and the lives of many that are lived less than at peace. I would dub this book memorable and somehow motivating. -Diana S.

Pearl in a Cage (Audio Book) by Joy Dettman

It's the best book of the summer! A complex tale of an Australian family in the 1930s--family interaction, a mystery, a depression--all read with expertise by Deidre Rubenstein. Her voices were easily discernible and brought life to this excellent read. -Karen G.

Blood Law by Jeannie Holmes

The story follows a vampire cop on a murder investigation. Her ex fiance shows up and her mother, and they make her job harder. All the bad guys were pretty easy to figure out. Also thought it was a nice twist to vampires since they could live off real food as long as they fed their blood hunger. -Sharai N.

The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell

I think Ms. Cornwell still writes a good novel using the same characters we have come to love after many years. The medical part is always fascinating, and I have learned a lot from both the medical/technical information implanted into the story. This book brings a lot of closure to our characters and seems to draw them all close again as they were in the good old days. Old ghosts are resurrected and dealt with. Fabulous ending with the bread! Tied everything together perfectly. -Lynne C.

Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkard

Linore is an excellent writer. Her style is reminiscent of Jane Austen. This is the best novel I have read in years. I can't wait for more books from this new author! -Sharla D.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

This is a great dystopian adventure. It's a nail biter from beginning to end as you follow Lena as she struggles between what she's alwasy been told and reality. You will never believe how it ends! Wonderful writing style! -Jennifer C.

Crescent Dawn by Clive Cussler

A Dirk Pitt novel about treasure hunting, love, family ties. A corrupt brother and sister team wreak havoc in the Middle East to boost their personal agenda. Dirk Pitt, along with his son and daughter, foil their plans and restore priceless artifacts to the world. -Delaynie W.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

This book had a very fairy tale-like feel to it, which gives it a timeless quality. Also, there is no profanity or anything inappropriate, which I really appreciate. Great story! -Alison H.

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

Very good book about a young lady that made the best of a bad situation by going off her faith. She then loved and assisted in miracles for those she loves and in return love her. Very heartwarming story. -Courtney P.

The Laughing Corpse by Laurell K. Hamilton

Anita Blake is independent, confident, and capable. She makes a great animator and really keeps the story moving. Hamilton has an equal amount of mystery, suspense, and sass to these novels that I am looking forward to reading more of her Anita Blake books. -Sarah W.

Mark of Royalty by Jennifer Clark and Stephonie Williams

I kept hoping that this book would surprise me, but the ending was predictable, the plot cliche, and the protagonist was a pawn who waited for her problems to be solved by other people instead of acting herself. -Carolanne S.

Peace Child by Don Richardson

I read this one out loud to my kids, ages 8-15 years old. Don Richardson tells what the Sawi culture was like before outsiders came. The culture was violent and glorified betrayal and violence. Don and his wife were able to tell the Sawi about Jesus' life, death and resurrection and to connect the stories of Jesus to parts of the Sawi culture. Many Sawi believed in Jesus and the violence and cruelty in the culture dropped dramatically. Unfortunately, the story ends about 1974. The Sawi homeland has changed a lot since then, and I'd like to know how the people are doing now. -Michele H.

The Confession by John Grisham

Could not put it down. I wanted the kid to be saved, and when he wasn't I cried. Reminded me of John Grisham's non-fiction book. And made me re-think how I feel about the death penalty. -Jodie H.

Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deanne Gist

Miss Ester Spreckelmeyer is a tomboy and old maid in 1898 Texas. When Tony Morgan comes to town he and Ester collide in personality, but little did they know that the personality rift would lead to love. The new love is then threatened, and they must work together to survive. -Deb A.

Look Again by Lisa Scottolin

This book was heart wrenching! As a mother it was very hard to read. I openly cried. It was very well written, just be prepared for the sad parts! -Karma G

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

I thought this book was a little slow moving at first. It picked up about one third of the way, though. It was an intriguing view into circus life. It was fun to read the present day parts as well, as it helped to understand his state of mind when he was older. -Jennifer C.

"There are Things I Want You to Know" by Eva Gabrielsson

For 32 years this writer was the companion of Stieg Larsson, author of the worldwide best-selling Millenium Trilogy. He was also an anti-fascist and human rights author, and they chose not to marry to protect their address from the public, which left her legally unprotected after his untimely death. She claims knowledge of a 4th book but continues legal battles with his father and brother. A quick, easy read for Trilogy fans. -Karen G.

Chance to win 25.00 gift card to the new store HASTINGS!

We know you've been reading this summer!

So why not earn a chance at an additional $25.00 prize by sharing about one of the books you have read?

Come, tomorrow (Saturday July 23rd) at 10:30am to the Book Discussion. 

We will draw 3 gift cards from Hastings.

All you have to do is be present and briefly tell us about a book and whether you would recommend it to others. -- Look forward to seeing you there! [In the library basement]"

Minding Ben by Victoria Brown

In hopes of a better life, Grace, a responsible and mature sixteen year old from Trinidad, is sent to New York by her mother... Nothing goes as planned but Grace is flexible and resourceful, and finds a family to live with, a job as a nanny, and friends in Brooklyn. The nanny job is actually housekeeper, maid, and shopper, as well as minding little Ben. Chores do not end as scheduled, as most days begin well before reporting time. Days off are arbitrarily rearranged or taken away, and proper compensation is rarely part of the new arrangement.

Minding Ben is a vivid portrayal of an immigrant's path in the United States, service versus servitude, and a young girl coming of age while learning to live in a new country far away from her mother and sister.

It also depicts the tendency among the greater white world to view as the same all "black" people, but Caribbeans and Africans draw many distinctions and proud comparisons. I empathized, as Asians are commonly lumped together as well! -Micki K.

Black Thorn, White Rose by Ellen Datlow and Jerri Windling

Great collection of stories by a very talented group of authors. They're taken from fairytales and twisted them into horrifc tales that chill the blood. Great reading...except right before bed. : ) -Kathaleen W. 

Legion From the Shadows by Karl Edward Wagner

A good fantasy novel based loosely on the conflict between the Romans and Picts. Lots of suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. Battles, intrigue, and conflict enough to keep the story moving smoothly.
-Marvin W.

Prophecy by Greg Gordon

A very good fantasy adventure. Lots of action with a good mix of magic and humor thrown in. The characters are people I would like to hang out with. Good from beginning to end. -Marvin W.

The Bad Thing by Michael O'Rourke

This is a murder mystery involving a serial killer. Several good plot twists, but the ending fell flat. It left a few loose ends that would have added a lot to the story if they had been tied up. -Marvin W.

The Borderkind by Christopher Golden

Awesome series!! What a cool twist to myths Jack Frost with serious attitude. The sandman scares the snot out of me! Wonderful depth to all characters. Couldn't put it down until the very last page. -Kathaleen W.

The Lost Ones by Christopher Golden

Wow! Each of these books gets more and more involved! Golden's plot twists and turns down a dark, creepily, intriguing path that demands his reader's full attention! Absolutely impossible to put down. DO NOT begin unless you can read for several hours!! -Kathaleen W.

The Missing by Beverly Lewis

In this second book of the Seasons of Grace series, Grace tries to locate her mother, when she mysteriously left the family.  Lewis paints a clear image in the reader's mind of the landscapes, homes, and people in the Amish communities involved. -Leslie D.

The Telling by Beverly Lewis

The third and final book in the Season of Grace series was a little overly predictable but ended well none-the-less. Heather's wholistic approach to battling cancer is thought provoking at the very least. -Leslie D.

The Chestnut King by N.D. Wilson

A wonderful end to a great triology. Very imaginative. Great series for people of all ages. -Mandy C.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This is an excellent book that tells the story of the black servants in the south in the 1960's. It follows three women, two servants, and one young white woman, who all believe things should be different. (Be aware of explicit language). -Mandy C.

The Warlock by Michael Scott

I absolutely love this series. It is wonderfully written. I can't wait until  the final book comes out next summer. It had the biggest surprise I have ever had while reading a book. -Mandy C.

Don't Make a Black Woman Take off her Earings by Tyler Perry

This book, written by Tyler Perry (as 'Madea'), gives her ideas about all kinds of topics and some of her humor. Tyler also shares how he came up with the Madea character. In one chapter, Madea talks about being rich and the problems wealth brings. She teaches how important credit is. I really enjoyed this book. I had lots of laughs. It was a great book. If you want a laugh, I recommend this book. -David L.   

Where Mercy is Shown Mercy is Given by Duane "Dog" Chapman

Dog starts this book with an event that lands him in jail. What sounds like something bad ends up being a blessing and a turning point in his life. When Dog leaves, he is determined to make a change in people's lives. He becomes a bounty hunter and starts planting seeds of hope and faith, especially in Bond Jumper's life. This book also covers the ups and downs in his life, from landing a TV show to getting arrested in Mexico. But through it all, he keeps his faith and inspired me to keep my faith and hope and that God is always there. I loved this book. It is one I will read time and again. -David L.

Claimed by the Wolf by Charlene Teglia

This book left some to be desired, mostly at the end. I thought there should have been more action, and it just seemed like the writer ran out of ideas or something. The book was also labeled as a horror, which, in reality, was far from it. It was more of a romance. -Sharai N.

The Dragons of Babel by Michael Swanwick

Definitely different than I expected. The story follows a boy who has no real idea where he came from or who he is. It was a little predictable towards the end, but still a decent read. -Sharai N.

Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story by Carolyn Turgeon

I loved this book. It's a nice twist on a fairy tale one grew up with. The characters were well thought out and their descriptions were excellent. I would read this again. -Sharai N.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I picked this up last year, not long after reading the Twilight series, and promptly put it down a few pages later, thinking "I don't think I can bear another teen romance." At the urging of friends and seeing some reviews, I just picked it up again, devouring it in just a few days. In this future world, the U.S. has become Panem, a place dominated by the Capitol, surrounded by 12 districts in service to this powerful Capitol. Children aged 12-18 are required in these districts to submit their names in The Hunger Games lottery, a to-the-death competition held as atonement by the Districts and a show of power by the Capitol for an uprising that occured 74 years before. This was riveting enough reading that my family had to endure sandwiches for a few nights for dinner... -Lavelle G.

Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum is a bounty hunter who always has funny, sometimes scary adventures. This time she is in the wrong place at the wrong time. She witnesses a robbery that leads to the explosion of her car. She sees the robber take his mask off, so now she knows who the "red devil is," and now his whole gang is after her. -Amy G.

Rescue by Anita Shreve

I had a hard time getting through this book. Both the storyline and writing were anything but captivating. The book chronicles the story of a rescue worker who becomes forever involved in the life of a woman he saves. -Sarah B.

Creating Magic by Lee Cockerell

This book is written by the man who ran Walt Disney World Resort. He writes about great leadership and how we can all use common sense approach to improve our lives. Very interesting and inspiring. -Stephanie W.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

This was an excellent read. The author combined a little African history with her writing which made it seem more authentic. The characters were interesting and well thought out. It was narrated by the daughters of a Christian missionary on an African mission. Each chapter was written from a different daughter's perspective. This is probably one of the best books I've read in a long time. -Gaynel B.

Wolfbreed by S. A. Swann

An interesting take on werewolves. A group is raised by an order of monks and trained to kill in the name of God. Story follows one werewolf and her escape to find the man she loves who is a human. -Sharai N.

The Undaunted by Gerald Lund

Wow! Wow! Wow! This book was so intense! Written very well, Gerald Lund has such a way with words, sending you into a timecapsule and making you feel as if you were actually there. The faith and obedience of the pioneers were brought to life. You cannot help but respect them for all they endured. -Jenny M.

Born of Shadows by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Fast, easy, fun read. Nothing new or unexpected but I enjoyed this read nonetheless. Kenyon always creates great characters and entertaining storylines. -Brooke C.

By Reason of Insanity by Randy Singer

A captivating book in a legal setting. A great plot with various characters and situations. A sweet story of strong family ties. -Mary W.

Beyond Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

Book 2 of 3. A firefighter's wife loses her husband when the Twin Towers collapse. Can she ever learn to love again and move on without feeling guilty? -Andrea H.

Trail of Blood by Lisa Black

A forensic examiner Theresa MacLean teams with her cousin homicide detective Frank Patrick to investigate a 75 year-old murder soon linked to a current killing. Although unlikely to be the same serial killer over such a span of time, both murders and more that follow seem to have the same modus operandi of dismemberment and display of the body pieces.

Interwoven with family tensions, romantic tangents, and professional ethics or the bending thereof, the author writes a compelling and deviant tale of mystery among well-explored characters. We feel we know their likes and dislikes from food, to pets, to occupations. We see into their frailties and wish to know them better. We have opportunity to do so in other Theresa MacLean novels. -Micki K.

First Family by David Baldacci

I am a huge David Baldacci fan, and this latest book did not disappoint. For those who don't know his work, Baldacci is like Tom Clancy and John Grisham rolled into one. The plot involves the kidnapping of the President's niece and the fascinating history between the President and the kidnapper that Sean King and Michelle Maxwell--two former secret service agents turned private investigators-- discover -Korri H.

Marathon and Half Marathon: the Beginner's Guide

Very thorough about how to train for marathon running. Enjoyed the way it was written, clean and concise. -Judie S.

The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz

This book was just OK, mostly because I never felt connectd to or invested in the characters. They also never seemed to bond or show much sympathy to each other, which made it difficult to read and could also be a trait of Japanese culture. -Alison H.

The Passage by Justin Cronin

Excellent book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The book is well written, the characters are developed well and the story was new/different enough to be fun. -Brooke C.

007 Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver

Carte Blanche is a step in the wrong direction following the action-packed Edge. The book feels uninspired. exciting chases and deming-do has been replaced with a phone that can perform retina scans and provide biographical data. BO-RING! -Steve A.

Voilette Between by Alison Strobel

This is the story of two people who lost their spouses in death. Following an accident that leaves Violette in a coma, she finally lets go of her first husband, Saul, and wakes up ready for a new relationship with Christian. An interesting commentary on emotions that have to be resolved before a person can move on. -Mary W.