A Bitter Truth by Charles Todd

This is the third in a series with Bess Crawford, WWI nurse, as the protagonist. She returns to her London flat on leave over the Christmas holidays, only to discover a woman in her doorway. The rest of the story deals with Bess helping the woman and her family. There is a murder close to the beginning of the story (which was irritating, as I found the man one of the few interesting characters) and a convoluted story involving family tragedy and scandal. I didn't really enjoy the book much. The writing seems quite uneven: there are times when the prose flows nicely and you can follow along easily. Other times, I would read a sentence and think "huh?" because it didn't make sense, or could have easily been edited to something better. The story seems contrived and is frankly not that intriguing. It seems as though parts of the plot are just shuffled in there to try and make the story more complex. The characters are fairly well-developed but not enough to keep me interested in the tepid plot. I was frankly shocked that this is an experienced, multiply-published author. A disappointment.

Reviewer:  Lorien Forrest

Ape House by Sara Gruen

Gruen based the story on bonobos at the Great Ape Trust in Iowa, where she experienced interactions between the apes, and between the apes and humans.

In the novel, six bonobos in the Great Ape Language Lab are already well-trained, including the use of sign language to communicate with humans. After an accident at the lab and the theft of the apes, the majority of the novel is devoted to the injured principal scientist and a newspaper reporter. These characters reconnect later in the story in an attempt to locate the apes and regain custody. The sections devoted to the apes are very interesting especially when the apes become attractions in a reality TV show.

Reviewer:  Betty Giffies

By His Majesty's Grace by Jennifer Blake

I had heard of Jennifer Blake before. While I don't usually pick up books in this genre, I thought I would check it out. I was pleasantly surprised. The writing is decent, and the historical setting (late 1400s) interesting. At the start of the book we are introduced to Lady Isabel, a young woman who has no reason to like the idea of marriage - especially when she is ordered willynilly to travel to her husband's home and wed him at not much notice. As the book goes on, we are introduced to her two younger sisters, and other interesting characters. I enjoyed seeing the other side of things as well- Lady Isabel's spouse to be, Randall Braesford tells his perspective too. Although some of the story is predictable, it is pleasantly so, and there are some twists and turns in the plot. Overall, not bad at all. Perfect light entertainment to while away an afternoon.

Reviewer:  Lorien Forrest

Sidekicks by Jack D. Ferraiolo

Sidekicks was a great book filled with just about everything. It has action, romance, comedy, and a surprising plot twist that will keep you guessing. This is a great book for both adults and kids of all ages.

Reviewer:  Daniel Gilley

Final Storm by Jeff Shaara.

Jeff Shaara has done it again. The Final Storm is his fourth war novel on World War II and focuses on the Pacific War. He writes mostly about the battle of Okinawa and the dropping of the atomic bomb.  He tells his story through the eyes of the participants and does it well. It is a quick read that makes the reader experience the horrors of war. His first three WWII books were on N. Africa, D-Day and the push to the end of the war and focused on the Army. This book focuses on the Marines and the Navy as they worked their way up the chain of islands toward Japan. Shaara's father wrote the classic war novel, The Killer Angels, and Jeff follows in his steps with books on the Civil War, World War I and his four books on WWII. I highly recommend it to those interested in historical fiction, war and adventure.

Reviewer:  Melvin Steely

Witches of the East End by Melissa de la Cruz

So Melissa de la Cruz has done it again! From the author of The Blue Bloods series comes Witches of East End. Not for the faint (or chaste) of heart, Cruz's foray into adult fiction is a supernatural thrill ride. She provides the reader with enough unexpected twists and turns to keep the story engaging while pulling from the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. A few visits from a Blue Blood or two and an epilogue that promises another installment in the future makes Witches of East End a must-read for those looking to add a little magic to their summer.

Reviewer:  Carrie Fitts

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I just finished reading Kathryn Stockett's, The Help (Berkley, 2009). It was given to me by my daughter who remembered Mable Nolen, the maid who worked for my family for over three decades.  This first novel looks at the relationship between black maids and white employer families during the 1960's in Mississippi. From the maid's point of view. Things that white families hardly ever thought about were taken for granted. We hardly noticed a problem with the rules and regulations governing the black/white relationship. Those who lived through this period will find the story brings back a lot of memories.  Some make you smile but some are painful to remember.  Those who grew up in the post-60's period will get a good look at period of time that has passed and find themselves shaking their heads and wondering why either side put up with it. The book is well written and moves quickly.  It has been made into a major motion picture due out in August.

Reviewer: Melvin Steely