Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor

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We meet our narrator and main protagonist, Zoe, on one of the worst days of her (and her best friend Olivia's) life. They deal with the devastating news differently, as we find a year later along. They remain the closest of friends. But then Olivia gets sick. And Zoe has to figure out how to handle day to day life with her best friend's new life. Not to mention the problems Olivia has dealing with being ill herself.

The prose is well-written and flows in a conversational style that seems to fit a sixteen to seventeen year old girl. I care about what happens to the characters - not just the two or three main ones, but all of them. The story feels realistic, and I wasn't sure exactly where things were going. The book was hard to put down once I got started.

I would recommend this novel to teenagers in the target age group, as well as parents/adults who might want to see what seriously ill teens and their friend go through. It's fiction, but the medicine seems correct to me (I'm a doctor). More mature kids could probably read it (or have it read to them by a parent) at a slightly younger age.

Reviewer: Lorien Goodale

Available: February 14, 2014

Love Birds: Discover Your Love Type - One of 8 Birds - and the Secrets to Living with the One You Love by Trevor Silvester

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Non-fiction, best placed in the relationship area, this is all about getting along with people. After a nicely brief introduction, we jump right to a quiz to help figure out which bird you are are. There are two main categories, which are explained a little after the first quiz. Then you take another quiz to further subdivide you. Once you know which of the 8 you are, and which of the 8 your partner is, there are chapters to tell you about each other and areas that might be troublesome.

Basically, this book takes the Myers-Briggs inventory and uses birds instead of initials. To be fair, the writer does tell you this, and he explains which of the birds mean each Myers-Briggs category. And it is useful. My husband and I took the quizzes, and gave them to his pre-teen daughter. We all got valuable insights from figuring out what each of us was, and then reading about relating to one another. So, even though this is supposed to be for romantic partners, I don't think it should be limited to that.

Although I enjoy British writing a great deal, I found a few terms that I didn't know. For some people that might be annoying. The explanations are concise, but detailed enough to get the information that you need. It didn't take long to actually do the quizzes and then read about our types.

I recommend this book for anyone looking to understand themselves and their partner better, or anyone they love.

Reviewer: Lorien Goodale

Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs

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This review is for Candlelight Christmas, a Lakeshore Chronicles book. The two main people it centers around are Logan O'Donnell and Darcy Fitzgerald. Both are divorced, Darcy more recently and feeling much more raw over the loss. Darcy's best friend happens to be Logan's sister India. Of course, she decides the two should meet. Don't our loved ones always want us to be happy? And happy together they will be; the reader will arrive at this conclusion before the couple does.  Also in the mix are their close-knit families (in Darcy's case, this includes her ex-husband, who happens to be the child of her parents' best friends), including Logan's son Charlie.

The plot is somewhat predictable, but it did hold my interest. I enjoyed the characters and liked riding along with them. I did feel that I couldn't see inside some people's heads. The writer gives us a good view of Logan, Darcy, Charlie and some others, but I couldn't really picture or understand some of the other minor, but still important characters. I enjoyed the settings (skiing in the mountains, Thanksgiving at the beach), especially because of reading it in the winter. The travel in the novel was a lot of the fun.

Susan Wiggs is certainly a competent writer. This is an easy, fun holiday read-- entertaining but not challenging.  If you like well-written romance novels without lots of sex, this a great book for you. 

Reviewer: Lorien Goodale

The Copernicus Legacy: The Forbidden Stone by Tony Abbot

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The first book in a series for "middle graders", this is an adventure-filled story about four preteens who end up involved in a very dangerous mission. Wade, who loves the stars and science, received a star chart from his uncle (actually a former professor of his dad's) several years ago. When Uncle Henry dies suddenly, the four kids go to the funeral with Wade's dad. They are soon on the run from Uncle Henry's killers, because they begin to follow a series of clues to find out why he died. The roller coaster ride that ensues is a lot of fun. I found the children's distinct personalities to be well-drawn. It was entertaining to follow them as they travel all over the world. The end is tumultuous and leaves the reader yearning for the next installment. Highly recommended, especially for kids in the target audience (and adults!) :). Kids who like Harry Potter, mysteries and suspense will enjoy this book.

Reviewer: Lorien Goodale

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

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This romantic comedy by Australian author Graeme Simsion has been sold in many countries and would make a fun movie.

The narrator, Don Tillman, is an obsessive, socially-challenged genetics research professor. I could not help but envision him sometimes as the TV program characters "Monk" or Jim Parsons as Sheldon in "Big Bang Theory".  He had only a few friends and no luck attracting a "suitable" woman.  After deciding he would like to marry and have a family, he develops a 16-page questionnaire to help find his ideal woman. The interview process certainly created some comic scenes.

Then Rosie seeks his assistance in finding her biological father. Even though she definitely does not meet his requirements for a girlfriend or wife, he begins to enjoy her company.

I laughed a lot at Don's idiosyncrasies and then his attempts to make some changes in his life. I hope a movie is made of this novel!

Reviewer: Betsy Griffies

How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny

This is the latest in a murder mystery series set in rural Quebec and Montreal. Written somewhat like literary fiction, Penny's writing flows smoothly as caramel. There is a regular cast, led by Chief Inspector Gamache, his officers, his wife and family, and villagers in Three Pines. Then there's the dark underside of the Surete.

I have fallen in love with Inspector Gamache. Alas, I cannot relocate to Canada. And then, there is the little issue of our respective spouses ...

Seriously, though, I feel as though the characters in Penny's Three Pines series are friends, and each installment in the series is a chance to catch up on their happenings. As usual, murder is involved. This time, it doesn't happen at the little village, but it is a friend of a villager. The story behind the killing is intriguing. A second plot involves Beauvoir, who has descended deeply into his addiction, which is tied to the ever-escalating plans of nefarious movers and shakers in and out of the Surete.

Many loose ends in the series are tied up, and it seems like it might be ended in this book, or at least taking a distinctly different turn. It certainly ends in a happy place for most of the good guys.

If you enjoy murder mysteries, thrillers, or literary fiction, you would probably enjoy the series. There's the additional plus for me of learning about the culture embedded into the writing, which is different than the one I live in. I recommend reading the books in order. Read one, and you might get hooked.

Reviewer: Lorien Goodale

Available: August 27, 2013

In the After by Demitria Lunette

This is another post-apocalyptic young adult novel. The protagonist (Amy) is seventeen at the time of the main action, of which there is plenty. We learn quickly that 3 years ago, the world was overtaken by aliens which killed most of the humans. Amy, because of her environmentally inclined father, has a safe place to live run on solar power. It's hard to be alone, though. And when she starts meeting people, things happen that change her situation dramatically and permanently.

The writing flows well overall. It is written partially as flashbacks and becomes slightly confusing because of this, but it also fits with the storyline to be told this way. The end is sort of a cliffhanger, and clearly leading into another book.

The story is somewhat predictable, but still enjoyable. I would definitely be interested in reading a sequel, or more novels by this author.

Reviewer:
Lorien Goodale

The Guns at Last Light by Rick Atkinson

Rick Atkinson's third volume of his ambitious and excellent history of American forces in Africa and Europe during the Second World War (the Liberation Trilogy) is now available.  The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-1945 covers the lead up to D-Day until the end of the war in Europe.  Atkinson's first two volumes on North Africa and Italy were well received by general readers and scholars alike and this offering is no different. Generals and dogfaces are covered as their stories are told.  There is a special emphasis on the leadership problems among the Allied leadership (Eisenhower, Bradley, Patton and Montgomery) but also the problems faced with the integration of French forces into the effort to liberate France.  Ike's reputation as a master of personal diplomacy is well deserved according to Atkinson. The author's talent for "you are there" reporting is evident throughout the book as it was in the first two.  This volume might win the author another Pulitzer.

Reviewer:  Dr. Mel Steely

Death in the Baltic by Cathryn J. Prince

Cathryn J. Prince's book, Death in the Baltic, is interesting and informative for World War II buffs.  It tells the story of German refugees as they fled the oncoming Soviet Army in the last months of the war.  It follows the journeys of a number of refugees as they moved west to board the former pleasure boat the Wilhelm Gustloff to escape  to the west and away from the Soviets.  Prince includes interviews with some of the younger survivors of one of the worse sea disasters (9,400 died) in maritime history.  It was little reported because of wartime conditions but well covered here.  Included is the story of the Soviet sub commander who ordered the fatal torpedoes into the Gustloff.

Reviewer: Dr. Mel Steely

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

 
This is a young adult dystopian novel. The heroine is a young woman named Cia. We meet her on the day of her graduation from high school. She is subsequently chosen for something called "the Testing", which is basically entry to further education and leadership opportunities. She is thrilled until she starts to learn some sinister things about the process. Then she is actually taken to begin the Testing. Other candidates die, some right in front of her. The final part of the Testing is a huge ordeal (weeks long), and even more people die. The ending of the book appears to be set to go straight into the second of three planned novels.

A lot of comparisons to books like The Hunger Games have been made. There are some similarities, definitely. However, this book was well written. The characters are well fleshed out. It wasn't predictable, other than some events that seemed unavoidable. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. If you have a young reader that has problems with violence, you may want to preview this book first.

Reviewer:  Lorien Goodale

Available: June 4, 2013

In Sickness and in Health by Barbara Kivowitz and Roanne Weisman

This book is written for couples in which one of the partners becomes ill, disabled, or dies. It addresses the changes in the relationship which occur. Each chapter follows two or three couples and illustrates the various issues couples might have to deal with. I found it practical, well-written, and compassionate. The diversity of the couples was great, and the many ways each handled the changing dynamics in their relationships was well-analyzed. There are thoughts from experts in aging, dying, and spirituality included in appropriate places. It's a book that I will keep on my shelf, because inevitably I will eventually need it, or my husband will. It would also be helpful for family members trying to help and/or understand.

Reviewer: Lorien Goodale

Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky

I hesitated before reading this book, because I have found Delinsky's recent works annoying in the extreme. Inconsistent and improbable behavior by characters, stilted dialogue, and disappointing plots were in my mind as I began. However, I'm glad I read it. This isn't the best book I've ever read, but it's far from the worst.  It's definitely a higher caliber than the last few of  Delinsky's novels.

We have two women friends who haven't seen each other for years. One is a nomadic journalist; the other married in her mid-twenties and has a famous blog, with a related cookbook on the way. The blogger asks the journalist for help in writing the cookbook. They agree to meet and stay at the Maine island beach house of the blogger's parents (where they spent much time as younger people in the past, including the blogger's wedding).

As soon as the two women arrive on the island, secrets begin to "rock the boat". The rest of the book entails the unraveling of the past and a healing for most involved, as they decide the future directions of their lives.

There's romance, including sex (but not to the degree of erotica), and lots of inner dialogue. The island characters are interesting and mostly believable, and the setting is perfect for an entertaining summer read. I wasn't annoyed at all! Would certainly be interested in trying more of Delinsky's future writing. 

Reviewer:  Lorien Goodale

Letters from Skye: a Novel by Jessica Brockmole

What a love story! I was not sure I would enjoy reading another novel in the form of letters, but it was worth it. One set of letters were written 1912-1917 and the second set during WWII. 

After reading a book of poetry, a young American student named David writes to the poet, Mrs. Elspeth Dunn on the isle of Skye, and starts the correspondence from 1912 to 1917.  The second set of letters is between Elspeth's daughter Margaret and a few others, especially her boyfriend who is a pilot in the Royal Air Force. Margaret was born during WWI but knows little about her mother's early life and nothing about her father. When Margaret discovers a bundle of her mother's letters, her mother suddenly leaves their home in Edinburgh.  Margaret then begins searching for her mother and information about their past.

Reviewer: Betsy Griffies

Watching the Dark by Peter Robinson

When I picked up a copy of Peter Robinson's _Watching the Dark_, I noticed the note "An Inspector Banks Novel."  Having enjoyed a few episodes of "DCI Banks" on public tv, I had no idea they were based on books.  Now I want to read all the Inspector Banks mysteries in order since earlier events were mentioned in this book. 

The case in this book started with one murder in Banks' area in the Yorkshire Dales of England and led to a missing girl case in Tallinn, Estonia. Since I have visited both areas, I was even more interested in the story.

If you enjoy English mysteries, as well as the tv series, try this one.

Reviewer: Betsy Griffies

Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

This is a young adult paranormal coming-of-age story with a twist - no undead here, no witches at all. Instead, the two main characters are sylphs - wind creatures that look just like humans and can even live among people. They are also teenagers. Audra knows she is a sylph, and in fact is protecting Vane without his knowledge. When Audra is forced to let Vane in on the secrets she's been keeping, life changes for both of them. They both have to face their past, and get ready to fight evil forces quickly - within a short time of Vane finding out he's something more than human.

Messenger writes very well. She has a plausible teenager "voice". The book switches back and forth from Vane and Audra's points of view. For me, this didn't interfere with the flow of the novel at all. I could relate to most of the characters in the book, and found their behavior and choices made sense. Some elements of the book were predictable, but there were also twists and turns I didn't foresee. If there's a sequel, I definitely want to read it.

Reviewer: Lorien Goodale

Ambassador's Daughter by Pam Jenoff

The Ambassador's Daughter by Pam Jenoff is a love story set in 1919 Paris. The Great War is over. Margot has accompanied her father to support him in his work as a delegate to the peace conference. She is bored, and soon finds trouble - and romance.

I enjoyed the book and thought the writing was pretty good. However, some of the events and characters seemed contrived and artificial. I can't say much without giving the plot away. Pretty much everyone in the book has secrets, some darker than others. There's a feeling of unreality to the whole novel. Maybe some of that is because after a huge war, life feels surreal, and the writer does a great job of conveying this feeling. Or it may be that the machinations of the author are just too much for the story to bear.

If you like historical romance and can suspend your disbelief of realistic situations, you will enjoy this book.

Reviewer: Lorien Goodale

Snake Oil by Becca Stevens

This is a review of the nonfiction book by Becca Stevens, Episcopal pastor and also founder of women's ministries Magdalene and Thistle Farms. 

Becca starts every chapter with a recipe for oils - oils for anointing for healing, special celebrations, and just for every day. She talks about the meaning of being one who sells snake oils. I found that part informative because it was a part of history I didn't really know. She leads you on a journey through her life, and those who helped her heal from the sufferings we all have. You hear about the housing ministry that she started, helping women in bad situations get their lives turned around, and the manufacturing of oils, candles, etc that grew out of the first ministry. It's a fascinating trip. But it seemed a little ramble-y to me at times. It is a brief book, and so that probably won't bother most people. I've never read a book quite like it before, and it is hard to describe. It's part memoir, part reflection on the spirituality of social work, part musings from a healer. These all wind through Becca's own life so I guess that makes sense. I like the tone of the book: very soothing.

This is a good book for helping someone reflect on past pain, the need for healing, and even learning that maybe you have already healed some. 

Reviewer: Lorien Goodale

The Aviator's Wife: A Novel by Melanie Benjamin

“We know Charles Lindbergh as the hero who was the first to fly solo across the Atlantic, and his wife, Anne, as a poet and writer. In The Aviator’s Wife, Benjamin offers a vivid portrait of the private side of the man and his family. The story is told from Anne’s point of view and portrays a life where the family’s every move is monitored by the press and fed to the public. From Anne’s growing self-confidence as Charles’ co-pilot in exploration to the tragic kidnapping of their firstborn son to Lindbergh’s extra-marital affairs, we share the joys and sadness of the aviator’s wife in this poignant novel.”
Reviewer:  Vicki Erwin, Main Street Books, St. Charles, MO
from February 2013 Indie Next List, American Booksellers Association, indiebound.org

Schroder: A Novel by Amity Gaige

“This deeply layered novel about an embattled father reclaiming his only joy drew me in with the intense beauty of its language and the doomed journey of its unreliable narrator. In Erik Schroder, Gaige gives us a character who should repel but whom I loved for his humanity and the way he expressed his love for his daughter and she, her love for him. Schroder takes the reader into the arrested heart of a foreigner whose need to appear American is ultimately his undoing. That we care about him is a testament to Gaige’s skill and compassion.”

Reviewer: Vicki DeArmon, Copperfield’s Books, Sebastopol CA
from February 2013 Indie Next List, American Booksellers Association, indiebound.org

Ghostman: A Novel by Roger Hobbs

“Jack, both brilliant and cunning, has made it to the top of the gangster ranks. Extremely wealthy, equipped with the most modern technological tools and constantly changing addresses and even his physical appearance, Jack is like a living ghost. Only a happy few know how to contact him. An old partner in crime to whom he is indebted calls on Jack to clean up the mess from a seemingly well-organized heist gone bad. Not trusting his former partner, hunted by an extremely dangerous mobster, and chased by the FBI, Jack needs all of his tricks to keep his ghost-like existence intact. Smart and captivating from beginning to end, a stellar debut!”

Reviewer —Jean-Paul Adriaansen, Water Street Books, Exeter, NH
from February 2013 Indie Next List, American Booksellers Association, indiebound.org.

The Dinner: A Novel by Herman Kock

“In this brilliant novel, two brothers and their wives meet for dinner in an upscale restaurant. Structured around the courses of the meal and narrated by Paul, what starts out in the first section — Aperitif — as a hilarious riff on the pretentious meal that he is reluctantly sharing with his brother, Serge, takes on an increasingly ominous tone as the reason for the meeting gradually unfolds. Psychologically taut and beautifully constructed, this tale hooks the reader from the first page to the hair-raising conclusion. A literary page-turner that explores the lengths to which families will go to protect their own.”

Reviewer: Sheila Daley, Barrett Bookstore, Darien, CT
from February 2013 Indie Next List American Booksellers Association. indiebound.org.

The House Girl: a Novel by Tara Conklin

"Lina, a young, ambitious New York attorney in 2004, never knew her mother.  Josephine, a young house slave in 1852, never knew her child.  More than a century apart, their lives connect in unexpected ways.  Corporate law offices, art museums, antebellum homes, and the Underground Railroad provide the setting for a story filled with secrets, betrayals, and love.  Does the "House Girl" title apply to both women?  The paths of those strong women will have the reader marveling at the layers Conklin has created to tell their intertwined stories."

Reviewer: Beverly Bauer, Redbery Books, Cable WI
from February 2013 Indie Next List, American Booksellers Association, IndieBound.org

The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig

Fans of Willig's books in the Pink Carnation series should enjoy this one even though it is set in the 20th century.

The story goes back and forth between modern New York City lawyer Clemmie and her grandmother (England - Kenya_New York) as Clemmie discovers secrets about her family.

Reviewer: Betsy Griffies

Moon Over Edisto by Beth Webb Hart

I have always enjoyed books about the Charleston area, especially the islands, yearning perhaps for that perfect beach vacation or summer home.  Hart evokes an idyllic life style where fresh fish, shrimp, and crabs are there for the taking.

The story revolved around a New York City artist/professor who returns to Charleston and Edisto Island to handle a family crisis.  In doing so, she has to postpone a Fulbright opportunity in Budapest, engagement and wedding, and plans to apply for department dean.

Reviewer: Betsy Griffies