FICTION

The Cleaner
By Brett Battles    $6.99
     Welcome to the world of Jonathan Quinn, a professional “cleaner” in the world of espionage. A well-written suspense novel that will have you looking forward to the next one! An excellent choice for a “beach read”.
--Phil

 

The Lottery
By Patricia Wood $14
     The “sleeper of the summer” and a feel good book for your soul. You will soon find yourself in love with Perry and cheering for him, as he learns how to endure and manage his family and friends, now that they’ve discovered he’s a millionaire!
--Kerry

Time Traveler’s Wife
By Audrey Niffenegger  $14
     This is a completely unique and beautiful story. Don’t let the time traveling theme turn you off, it is not a sci-fi book. Simply put, it’s a lovely story of a man, Henry, who due to some genetic defect can travel through time, his ever-faithful wife, Claire and the great love they share.
--Jean

A Thousand Splendid Suns
By Khaled Hosseini   $25.95
     An extremely well written novel about the plight of women in Afghanistan that chronicles several decades of Afghan history. One of the best books that I read in 2007. A guaranteed great read.
-- Phil

On Chesil Beach
by Ian McEwan $13.95
     A wonderfully romantic story which follows two helpless virgins on their wedding night as they struggle to discover the other physically. Lyrical and honest, historical and true to life, McEwan captures the ‘wedding night’ jitters gone awry.
--Ryan

Thread of Grace
by Maria Doria Russell     $14.95
     There are many strong women and men who are heroes in this book set in Italy during WWII; some, like priests and rabbis are called to be heroes every day; some surprisingly, are the enemy. Throughout, women hold their families together despite great odds.
--Marcia

The Road
by Cormac McCarthy     $14.95
     McCarthy’s latest novel is a haunting journey you won’t soon forget. In a post-apocalyptic world covered in ash and darkness, a nameless father and his young son struggle to survive horrific hardships as they travel south. Though frightening and dark, this tale of survival is also eloquent, beautiful and emotional. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! A must-read!
--Hannah

The Preservationist
by David Maine $12.95
     Dive into this imaginative re-telling of the story of Noah’s arc. “Noe” and his family are fascinating characters who take turns telling the story. A well-written, well-loved tale with a fresh perspective.
--Hannah

Dark Angels
By Karleen Koen    $15.95
     Alice Verney at the Court of Charles II is as compelling as “The Other Boleyn Girl” and is also caught in the intrigues and treachery of the times. I was swept up in the lavish and dangerous courts of France and England in this excellent historical novel. --Lynn

Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven
By Fannie Flagg      $13.95
     This is my favorite Fannie Flagg novel! I laughed out loud and have been thinking about heaven ever since. A great feel-good read for the summer. --Lynn  

The Spellman Files
by Lisa Lutz $14
     This light and funny novel is a wonderful summer read. Izzy Spellman is trying to leave the family business which happens to be a private investigation firm. But Izzy has one last job to do before she can get out. Not that she knows what to do once she leaves. Unfortunately for her it's the only job she's ever had. Literally, she started when she was just 14 years old. The whole family is a hoot, especially Izzy’s sister Rae.
--Jean

Dream When You’re Feeling Blue
By Elizabeth Berg    $14
     The three Heaney girls are growing up during WWII. A compelling story, rich in detail, the girls exchange letters with the men that they love serving overseas. A vivid and nostalgic picture of the time. --Lynn

The Madonnas of Leningrad
By Debra Dean    $13.95
     As Marina slips away from the present, she carries us to the “Hermitage” in Leningrad as the priceless art collection is removed for safe-keeping. Her story unfolds as she survives the brutal siege by recreating the art in her mind. A haunting story with an unforgettable conclusion.. --Lynn

Barter Island
by Peter Scott $16.95
     In 1971, on Barter Island (a tiny island off the coast of Maine), the old ways clash with the new. However, the islanders endure with courage and dignity. The setting and characters are so real, that it is with a great sense of regret when you come to the end of the story.
--Jane H.

Miss Julia Strikes Back
by Ann B. Ross      $14
     Miss Julia takes off for Florida on the trail of thieves whom she suspects have stolen her most precious possession! A delightful caper!
--Jane H.

The God Of Animals
by Aryn Kyle   $14
     The powerful story of the coming of age of a young girl on a horse ranch in Colorado amid a passing way of life. Despite this being a debut novel, the author gracefully portrays this young woman and how she is left to bear the brunt of her family’s struggles.
--Jane & Nancy

Rules For Old Men Waiting
by Peter Pouncey       $13.95
     A tender and beautifully expressed
rumination on love and loss by a
highly intelligent and marvelously
brave “old man”.
--Sandy

Triangle
by Katharine Weber     $14
     The last survivor of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire has told her story many times. When she dies, her granddaughter tries to unravel the facts of the incident. A brilliant, complex and haunting novel.
--Sandy

A Good Year
by Peter Mayle   $13.95
     A delightful, romantic romp through the wine country of France (by the author of “A Year in Provence). Sure to warm you up on a cold fall/winter day!
--Jane
 

The Undomestic Goddess
by Sophie Kinsella $12
   This is a delightful, humor filled romp through an uppercrust English countryside centered around a case of mistaken identity! Great fun!
--Jane
 

The Secret Lives of Fortunate Wives
by Sarah Strohmeyer   $14
     The one word to describe this book would be fun! Desperate Housewives in northeast Ohio – I loved it. It’s the kind of book you’ll stay up late reading, saying to yourself “just one more chapter…”
--Jean
 

Two Days After the Wedding
by Joan Medlicott      $12
     This is a wonderful new book about “the ladies of Covington” – how they confront the joys and sad events of daily living and wisely come to terms with the men in their lives. --Jane

Shadow Man
by Cody McFadyen $6.99
     Special Agent Smoky Barrett takes the lead in this serial killer thriller. She has been hunted and has become the hunter. The crimes are gruesome, and the tension builds enough to require some close-the-book-now respites. However, the story is too compelling to abandon, and the plot twists and ending reward the reader for persevering.--Nancy 

An Assembly Such As This
by Pamela Aidan  $14
     For any one who loved the classic Pride and Prejudice and/or the A&E miniseries starring Colin Firth as Fitzwilliam Darcy will love this  novel. This time the story is told from Darcy’s point of view and it’s  fantastic! This is the first of three books in the series. --Jean, Lynn

Snowflower and the Secret Fan
By Lisa See  $13.95
     An engrossing and fascinating story of women’s friendships in 19th century rural China. Written in a style of a memoir, the author vividly describes foot-binding, arranged marriages and nu shu in such a way that the reader is immersed in an unimagined world.
--Lynn & Nida

A Can Of Peas
by Traci DePree    $12.99
     Visit Lake Emily, a small farming community in Minnesota and you may want to stay on permanently. A wonderful book with warm, caring friends and neighbors coping with the joys and problems of everyday life.
--Jane

The Turtle Warrior
by Mary Relindes Ellis   $14
     Set in rural northern Wisconsin, this is a story of survival, redemption and love. A boy begins a coming-of-age journey and confronts the best and worst of family issues along the way. A very beautiful novel!--Sandy

Good Grief
by Lolly Winston   $6.99
     Well, this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Sophie Stanton is a young widow trying to cope with the death of her husband from cancer and failing miserably. I loved that it made me want to laugh and cry in the same moment. Not your typical chic lit, this one is not to be missed.--Jean

Ahab’s Wife
by Sena Jeter Naslund    $15.95
     This compelling adventure, set in mid 19th c. New England, is both suspenseful and romantic.  A deep knowledge of both the sea and the heart, strong characterization and original writing make this an unforgettable treat.
--Sandy

La Cucina
by Lily Prior    $13
A wild, wonderful Sicilian tale both original and provocative! You will feel warmly satisfied with its hearty offering of laughter, sensuality, and delicious foods.
--Sandy

One Thousand White Women
by Jim Fergus $14.95
     In 1875, a group of white women headed for the Northern Great Plains to become Cheyenne brides. Their tale of sorrow and triumph is beautifully told through the journals of May Dodd. A riveting portrayal of our Old West!
--Sandy

My Sister’s Keeper
by Jodi Picoult  $14
     Anna was born with one purpose – to be a donor for her older sister Kate, who was diagnosed with terminal leukemia at age 2. Now, at 13, Anna sues her parents for the rights to her own body – at the risk of losing her sister. The ensuing battle, both within the family and within the courtroom leaves the reader wondering exactly what will be the outcome? A great read!
--Nida and Jean

The Queen’s Fool
by Philippa Gregory    $15
      I loved this second book in the series as much, if not more than The Other Boleyn Girl. Our narrator is a   young girl caught between Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth. Told with great period detail, a story we   all know is told so masterfully that it is filled drama, intrigue and suspense.  This is a great trilogy! --Lynn

Other Boleyn Girl
by Philippa Gregory  $15
     A fascinating account of love, sex, ambition and intrigue in the court of Henry VIII.  The story revolves around two sisters competing to be the Queen of England. A guaranteed page-turner!
--Jane, Lynn

Savannah Blues
by Mary Kay Andrews-$13.95

     Savannah steams and so does our heroine, Weezie, an “antique picker”.       
     A romance, a murder, mix them all together and you have a fun read. --Jane H.

More Than You Know
by Beth Gutcheon-$13
   This is a ghost story that takes place in a small town on the coast of Maine, bridging two centuries and two intense love stories. Beautifully and peacefully written, showing how love and hatred shape lives and families.-Jane H.