The Jewels of Paradise by Donna Leon

The Jewels of Paradise: A Novel by Donna Leon --- 244 pages

Let's be clear upfront: this new book by Donna Leon is not part of her very popular mystery series featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti of the Venetian Questura. It is however set in Venice, but possibly represents the first of a new series by Leon, featuring Caterina Pellegrini, an expatriate Venetian and musicologist with a doctorate in 17 th century Baroque Opera.

Caterina has been living and working in England at the University of Manchester, the only job she could find, and it has been a cold and uncongenial exile from her native Venice. Another member of the faculty, a Romanian musicologist who drowns his troubles in wine, encourages her to look for another job and get out of Manchester.

Caterina pursues a research job in Venice. Although it is temporary, and the work itself doesn't seem to make much sense to her, it offers possibilities for a musicologist trying to establish a scholarly reputation.  A lawyer has hired her to review the contents of two locked trunks, said to be the property of a 17th century Italian composer who was also a well-connected Vatican emissary to the various princedoms that then made up the German Holy Roman Empire. The Abbe Steffani was also mixed up in a notorious scandal in 1694, known to history as the Konigsmarck Affair, in which the licentious Count Konigsmarck, engaged in a intrigue with the wife of the Hanover prince who would become George I of England, disappeared in the middle of the night and was never seen again.

Now two Venetian men, descendants of Steffani's only surviving relations, are each claiming the right to inherit the contents of the trunks. A story handed down in their families insists that Steffani died in possession of a treasure, referred to as "the Jewels of Paradise." Catarina's charge is to examine the contents of the trunks to see if they contain any treasure, or clues to the whereabouts of treasure --- and also any indication of which of his relations Steffani might have designated as his heir.

But it doesn't take Caterina long to smell a rat in this rat's maze of avarice, suspicion and deceit. And unlike the poor Abbe, Caterina has no intention of allowing herself to be used by anyone.

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke, 368 pages
Immortal Empire Series Book 1

I picked up this book due to a post on this blog.  I enjoyed the mashup of Victorian steampunk and urban fantasy.  This is a world where Queen Victoria is a vampire and still rules in 2012 along with an aristocracy made up of vampires and werewolves.  There are touches of modern day technology sprinkled throughout with a steampunk twist.  I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.    

If You Give a Mouse a Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff

If you Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff, 29 pages

If you have a child who has not read any of Laura Numeroff's books, I highly recommend any of her books.  If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is one of her more popular books.  I had not heard of If You Give a Moose a Muffin, so I had to read it. Her books are all very colorfully illustrated by Felicia Bond.  These are extremely popular books especially with children in the younger grades.  The stories are inventive and encourage the child to use their imaginations.  A fun book!!

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, 62 pages

This is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books. I could read this over and over. Green Eggs and Ham is the fourth best selling English book of all time.  I am not surprised.  Dr. Seuss books are timeless.  Generation after generation enjoy his books.  His books are funny and whimsical and enjoyable for all ages.  Although, some kids may wonder why the pictures are not more colorful, but it was published in 1960. This was even before I was born!!

Truly, Madly: A Lucy Valentine Novel by Heather Webber

Truly, Madly by Heather Webber - 316 pages

Lucy Valentine is coerced into running Valentine Matchmaking while her father recuperates from a heart attack and a cheating scandal in the Caribbean.  What the world doesn't know is that Valentine Matchmaking is so successful because the Valentine family is psychic, allowing them to read auras and match people perfectly.  Unfortunately, Lucy does not have that gift.  Her gift was transformed into a gift for finding lost objects when she was shocked by electricity when a teen.  She has no idea how she will be able to run the matchmaking agency while her father is out of town.  Then she "sees" a missing ring on a skeleton and enlists the detective in the office upstairs to help her find the dead body.  It only gets worse from there.
I really enjoyed this book.  I enjoyed the mystery component of the book even though I figured it out about halfway through the book.  I did find it interesting that a book about matchmaking did not have a lot of actual romance in it.  It was more a mystery.  It will be interesting to see if that continues through the series or if it becomes more of a romance.

My Favorite Witch by Annette Blair

My Favorite Witch by Annette Blair - 294 pages

Jason is coerced by his grandmother to head up the family foundation's charity fundraising while he is recuperating from an accident.  This means working everyday with the "witch" Kira - organizing fundraisers and coaching the orphanage hockey team.  This also means sharing an apartment with Kira as his grandmother gave her free room and board as part of her salary.  Will he be able to fulfill his grandmother's wishes, work with Kira, and recuperate enough to return to the NHL?
This is the sequel to The Kitchen Witch.  I didn't find this book as funny, but it definitely kicked up the "sexy" component.  It was a fun book to read and I look forward to reading the last book in the series.

Ten Apples on Top by Theo. LeSieg

Ten Apples on Top by Dr. Seuss, 58 pages

I must have read an older copy of this book because my copy said by Theo. LeSieg, aka Dr. Seuss.  This was a fairly entertaining book as are all Dr. Seuss books.  I highly recommend this book especially if you have a preschooler who is learning to count.  It is not a super colorful book, maybe because it is a older book, but the pictures are fun to look at.  And, I have read almost all the Dr. Seuss books so I was surprised I had not come across this one when my kids were younger.  Dr. Seuss is a fun read for all ages!!

Bad Habits by Jenny McCarthy

Bad Habits, Confessions of a Recovering Catholic by Jenny McCarthy, 222 pages

This book was hilarious.  It was a funny, quick read with stories from Jenny's childhood and being raised in a Catholic household.  It was a big change from reading the Fifty Shades series because one might think Jenny's books are not such clean reading.  This was a delightful book that shares Jenny's relationships with her sisters and her parents.  It was a very honest tale following her growing up going to Catholic schools and all the trouble her and her sisters got into.  I especially liked the story of her and her sister wetting the bed and getting up in the middle of the night  to wash the sheets.  I enjoyed this book so much I read it in one night.

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James, 578 pages

I tried a different strategy with this book and just jumped right into it from the second book.  That seemed to help, because I just wanted to finish reading the series.  Although, I did spoil it for myself by finding out what happens, but maybe by now everyone knows how the series ends.  This book was long and seemed to go on and on.  Ana and Christian continue to be oh so perfect with some unrealistic plot complications taking place.  I could not wait to finish it, not because it was good reading, but because I just wanted to be finished.  The reader does find out more about Christians twisted childhood and there is a little suspense, but I still find it so hard to believe that he turned out so perfect.  I think E.L. James should have stopped after the first book.

Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James, 532 pages

I had the hardest time getting started on this book.  If I had not bought all three books in this series, I may not have read this book.  It took me about 70 pages to get into the story.  The book instantly continues from the first one where after only a few days of being apart Ana and Christian get back together.  I found this book slow to get into, maybe because everything about these characters is too perfect and mushy.  Though, the underlying stories in this series made the books worth reading.  The reader needs to learn about why Christian is the way he is and more about his childhood.  I did happen to read what happens in the book before I read it which I wish I hadn't.  There is also interesting twists with Christians former subs.

"Article 5" by Kristen Simmons

"Article 5" by Kristen Simmons - 364 pages

This book is about a new America where the Bill of Rights has been revoked and they now have the Moral Statutes.  Anyone who doesn't comply is arrested.  Ember Miller is a seventeen year old daughter of a single mother and that goes against Article 5.  When her mother is arrested, she is sent to a detention facility for "rehabilitation".  After she is broken out of the detention center by one of the officers that arrested her, she needs to learn how to survive and how to trust the only boy she ever loved.

Say You're Sorry by Michael Robotham

Say You're Sorry by Michael Robotham, 433 pages
Joe O'Loughlin series book 7

The Oxford police ask psychologist Joe O'Loughlin for help in profiling a murder suspect.  Joe gets more than he bargains for when the murder becomes connected to a larger case involving missing children who have been lost for years.  The narrative alternates between Joe working with the police and the journal entries of one of the missing girls.  The suspense builds slowly as more facts are revealed.  The plot brought to mind for me some elements of the Shawn Hornbeck kidnapping which made it seem more believable.

Two Weeks Notice by Rachel Caine

Two Weeks Notice by Rachel Caine, 320 pages
Book 2 in the Revivalist Series

Bryn Davis learned in the last book that dying wasn't the end of her troubles after she was brought back from the dead by an evil pharmaceutical company.  The company, Pharmadene, may be no more but Bryn is now shackled to the government as it tries to contain the havoc wreaked by the drug Returne which brings back the dead but with a terrible price.  Bryn's life is further complicated by romance and missing persons from her undead support group.  This is urban fantasy with interesting characters and an intelligent plot.  I've enjoyed all of Caine's books that I've read.

Yes, Chef: A Memoir by Marcus Samuelsson

Yes, Chef: A Memoir by Marcus Samuelsson, 336 pages

Samelsson was orphaned at three in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden by an adoptive family.  His path from absolute poverty and despair to being a world reknowned chef is an inspiring look at what anyone can accomplish with the drive to be the best.  Samuellson explores the dichotomy between who he was born as and who he became through the influences on his life in both the kitchen and in the everyday world.  I found his perspective on being treated as an outsider due to skin color or accent in every culture: in the professional kitchen, in Sweden, in America and even in Ethiopia, to be an intriguing look at what it means to truly feel like you belong somewhere. 

The Art of War, by Kelly Roman

The Art of War, by Kelly Roman, 352 pages

This graphic novel is dark, gory, and very much adult.  Consider yourself warned! The story takes place in a dystopian America, where China controls the economy, day traders are vicious and often murderers, and Kelly Roman goes undercover to find out who murdered his brother- and why.  This puts him in the employ of the most ruthless broker of them all- Sun Tzu.  While the story isn't an adaptation of (the real) Sun Tzu's Art of War, it does juxtapose text from the classic war manual with the futuristic storyline- proving that war, strategy, cunning and deception are all timeless.
P.S., I got this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway- how cool is a free book??

Belly Laughs - Jenny McCarthy

Belly Laughs: The naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth by Jenny McCarthy - 165 pages

Revealing the naked truth about the tremendous joys, the excruciating pains, and the inevitable disfigurement that go along with pregnancy, Jenny McCarthy tells you what you can really expect when you're expecting! From morning sickness and hormonal rage, to hemorrhoids, granny panties, pregnant sex, and the torture and sweet relief that is delivery, Belly Laughs is a must-read comic relief for anyone who is pregnant, has ever been pregnant, is trying to get pregnant, or, indeed, has ever been born!

Bleach, vol. 50: The Six Fullbringers by Tite Kubo

Bleach, v.50 by Tite Kubo - 192 pages

Ichigo discovers that Ginju wants to restore his Soul Reaper powers to him.  After several of his friends are attacked, Ichigo decides to work with Ginju and the other Fullbringers in the hopes of being able to save his friends.

Bleach, vol 49: The Lost Agent by Tite Kubo

Bleach, v.49 by Tite Kubo - 192 pages

Ichigo has lost his Soul Reaper powers and is now living life as a normal high school student.  He sees his friends and families dealing with the spirits, but he can no longer see or feel their prescence.  Then a stranger, Ginju, starts trying to get Ichigo's notice.  What could he possibly want?
This is the first book in the reboot of the Bleach series.  The previous 48 volumes all dealt with the Arrancar story arc.  I'm truly interested to see where the series will go from here.

The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair

The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair

Logan is desperate to find someone to babysit his son when he is called into work.  Melody agrees to do it if he will get her a job at the tv station he works at.  Logan agrees with the thought he can find her a receptionist position.  Melody wants to host the new cooking show and amazingly his boss agrees to give her the job even though Melody can't cook.
This is the first book in a paranormal romance series.  Melody is a "witch" although she never actually casts a spell that works during the entire story.  I did find the book pretty humorous and might hunt out the other books in the series.

Gift of Fire by Jayne Ann Krentz

Gift of Fire by Jayne Ann Krentz - 344 pages

Verity is determined to make Jonas utilize his education and background to better himself.  So she secures a job for him authenticating an Italian castle and searching for a buried treasure.  She hopes it will start a consulting business for him while getting a vacation for herself while he works.  However, the castle doesn't turn out to be a great vacation spot.  The owners are determined to search for the treasure.  Their guests all claim to be psychic.  And now people are starting to get hurt and killed.
Turns out this is the sequel to Gift of Gold which I have not read yet.  It would probably be a better book with the background from the first book.  Still, it was an enjoyable read.  It is one of Krentz's earlier books which includes a psychic element to it.  (I find it interesting that she started with paranormal romances before going to straight romance novels.  Now she is back to writing paranormal stories again.)  I did find the book slightly dated with references to technology and attitudes between the sexes.

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler - 243 pages

When Zita discovers that she is more than just a servant in the castle -- that she's actually the thirteenth princess -- she is overjoyed.  She is thrilled to find out she has sisters who love her.  She eagerly anticipates Sunday night when she can sneak up to their bedroom and spend the night with them.  But there is something horribly wrong going on.  Her sisters are falling sick.  They are too weak to do anything but lie around in bed.  It is only with the help of Zita's friend the stableboy and his brother that they are able to discover what is wrong and fix it.
This is a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairytale.  I started listening to this as an audiobook but had difficulties getting it play in my car so I switched to reading the book.  I'm glad I did.  This is a good retelling of the fairy tale with the introduction of some new characters to the story including a thirteenth princess and the soldier's brother. 

The Mark of Athena, by Rick Riordan

The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3), by Rick Riordan, 586 pages

The Heroes of Olympus series, an offshoot of sorts of the Percy Jackson books, is a big fan of the cliffhanger ending.  The Son of Neptune (Book 2) left us with a Greek warship from Camp Half-Blood approaching New Rome- the Mark of Athena picks up at that very point.  Nothing is every easy for Percy Jackson or any of the other six demi-gods who embark on a quest that takes them through Kansas, Atlanta, and all the way to Rome (yes, the real one) to prevent evil Gaea's rising, save Rome, Greece, and therefore the rest of the world, and try to unite the warring demigods of New Rome and Camp Half-Blood.  No pressure.  The books are easy to read and fairly fun, if you don't get bogged down by how to pronounce ancient Greek terms and names.  And if you don't mind being left with another cliff-hanger ending, not to be resolved for another year.

A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin

A game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin, 694 pages

A Game of Thrones is the first book in A Song of Ice and Fire, a five book series by George R.R. Martin.  The book introduces what I can only assume are major characters to the series, being that it is the first in it.  I've never read a fantasy type book before, but it was recommended to me by a friend whose opinion I value and I must say I was impressed.  For a fantasy novel, there was less magic and such than I would have guessed there to be, but also I have never really read in the genre, so yeah.  Anyway, the story takes place in the fictional land of Westeros where seasons last longer or shorter than they would regularly, which I suppose will be important towards the general plot of the series and follows the struggle of three major houses: The Starks, the Lannisters, and the Barantheons.  The Barantheons hold the crown but the king married a Lannister and fathered three heirs with her, while making Eddard Stark the king's hand, which is kind of like the Vice President.  Well, to make a long story short, some stuff happens and then other things happen because of the initial stuff happening.  The book was good.  Read it, or don't.  I liked it.  Oh, and also HBO made a t.v. show from it.  From what I have seen of it, the show follows the book pretty faithfully, which is somewhat of a rarity for film adaptations of books.   

Captain Vorpatril's Alliance by Lois McMaster Bujold

Captain Vorpatril's Alliance: A Vorkosigan Saga Novel by Lois McMaster Bujold --- 422 pages

A new Vorkosigan Saga novel is always a cause for rejoicing among Bujold's legions of fans, and at long last she has provided Miles' hapless cousin Ivan with a story all his own.

Poor Ivan, overlooked and under-appreciated by his family, friends and the world in general, and quite content to keep his profile low and his life uncomplicated by political intrigue and all the mayhem his close proximity to the Barrayaran throne invites. But when he collides with a similarly imperiled political refugee running for her life, he just can't walk away.

The Vorkosigan Saga so far comprises fifteen novels and numerous novellas and short stories, and it would be a book in itself to try to summarize the series here. But if you like nonstop action, fully dimensional characters and plots you can sink your teeth in --- difficult moral choices AND some of the most delicious and deadpan humor in the galaxy, then give Bujold a try. The first book in the series is Shards of Honor and this is one series that I recommend reading in order. Fortunately, Bujold includes a chronology at the end of each volume.

The Queen's Lover by Francine du Plessix Gray

The Queen's Lover; A Novel by Francine du Plessix Gray --- 288 pages

Du Plessix Gray has written a work of historical fiction, describing the secret love affair between Marie Antoinette, the ill-fated queen of France, and the Swedish Count Axel von Fersen. The story is presented as von Fersen's memoirs, as edited after his death by his sister Sophie.

Du Plessix Gray quotes extensively from von Fersen's actual correspondence and his journals as she tells this story, from the Count's first meeting with the then Dauphine at a masquerade ball in 1774, until his death at the hands of a mob in Stockholm in 1810.

As part of the privileged inner circle of royal intimates, von Fersen became the friend, confidant and champion of the Queen and the King and their children. But like everyone else around them, he underestimated the fury unleashed by the Revolution. When the Queen died, Fersen mourned her for the rest of his life.

And yet, this did not prevent him (either before or after her death) from indulging in affairs with other women. Indeed he had a reputation as one of the most notorious philanderers in Europe. In contrast to the more formal tone of most of her narrative, du Plessix Gray has Fersen describe his lovers in crude and explicit terms. The effect is jarring, and makes von Fersen a much less sympathetic character.

American Gods, by Neil Gaiman

American Gods, by Neil Gaiman, 632 pages

Shadow is about to leave prison, where he has been behaving himself for the past three years.  Days before his release, he discovers that the only person waiting for him, his wife Laura, has died in an accident with the man who was going to give him a job.  With everything falling apart, Shadow is approached by a man named Wednesday, who offers him a job.  Upon taking the job, Shadow finds himself thrust into a world where obscure gods brought to America are real and all around us, a war is brewing between old gods and the new gods of media, electronics, drugs, among others, and where roadside attractions are the holiest places in America.  It's a sprawling work with alot of fun bits about mythology.

Ashen Winter, by Mike Mullin

Ashen Winter, by Mike Mullin, 576 pages

This is the sequel to Ashfall, and the second book in what should be a trilogy.  After a super-volcano in Yellowstone exploded and sent the world (but especially the Midwest) into an ash-covered nightmare, Alex survived and found his way to an uncle's farm in Illinois with the help of Darla, his more-than-a-girlfriend.  Now Alex decides it is time to find his mom and dad, who ventured back into the now-treacherous country of Iowa to find him.  Alex might find his parents, but it might be at the expense of the love of his life.

This is a thrilling read- every chapter end compels you to read "just the next chapter."  This volume is even a little scary, with a touch of McCarthy's The Road as an influence.  I would recommend for both young adults and adults.

Reflected in You, by Sylvia Day

Reflected in You, by Sylvia Day, 338 pages

In book 2 of the Crossfire series, things are as hot and heavy as in the first novel, Bared to You.  Eva and Gideon have a pretty passionate relationship, but old jealousies and insecurities threaten to tear them apart.  What is Gideon hiding, who would attack Cary, and why can't Eva just chill out?  This is a pretty steamy read for fans of erotica, but it's also a pretty annoying read for fans of plot and sympathetic characters.

The Next Always by Nora Roberts

The Next Always by Nora Roberts -- 324 pages

The first book of the Inns BoonsBoro Trilogy has made a great first up and coming new best seller for Nora Roberts. Clare and Beckett have known each other since they were 15, but only Beckett knows what Clare does not, Beckett is still in love with Clare. Well Clare is back in town, but with three boys in tow, but this does not stop Beckett from getting what he had wanting since he was 15. While he is trying to pursue Clare he is also building an inn with his brothers and mother. This house/inn has been in shambles for a really long time and it is time to put it back together and bring this town some new tourists. Now you know there will always be some sort of trouble, but you just have to read it to find out.

Bones are Forever by Kathy Reichs

Bones Are Forever by Kathy Reichs (304 pages)

This latest entry into the Temperance Brennan series suffers from the same issues as the other most recent books.  The focus is so much on the forensics that the characters seem to come a distant second in the narrative.  Its a fun, fast read but not a gripping one.  Basic plot is that a woman checks herself into the emergency room and shows signs of having recently had a baby but leaves before she can be questioned by police.  Brennan is drawn into the investigation when remains of a baby are found in a squalid apartment and a web of intrigue ensues.

Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn, 419 pages

It's Nick and Amy's five year anniversary, only it looks like Amy has been murdered and all of the clues point to Nick.  This book is masterfully manipulative, jerking the reader's emotions (as well as understanding of the truth) back and forth, and really providing a gripping story that will keep you reading until the late hours.  This book is a journey through a marriage, and raises alot of questions about honesty and authenticity.

Whenever I get a book like this that I was on a long wait list to read, it always has to prove itself to me, that it was worth the wait.  This one was worth it- the only drawback is that if you're anything like me, you'll be desperate to have someone else to discuss it with.

Songdogs, by Colum McCann

Songdogs, by Colum McCann, 224 pages

Conor Lyons is searching for his mother through his father's photos and through a road trip that follows their footsteps through Mexico, across America, and back to his birthplace of Ireland.  His father, once a vibrant young photographer, is now an aging man approaching his end, and provides little more than his photographs for Conor to discover what happened to his mother.  What Conor finds is not resolution, but certainly a sense of understanding.

This is beautifully written, and would make for an interesting book club selection.

Seawitch by Kat Richardson

Seawitch: a Greywalker mystery by Kat Richardson (352 pages)

The latest in the Greywalker detective series doesn't disappoint.  Harper Blaine was clinically dead for two minutes and came back with the ability to delve in the space between this world and the next, which comes with skills like being able to talk to ghosts which can be handy for a detective solving murders.  Harper is put on the case of the mysterious return of the derelict boat, the Seawitch, which had been presumed lost at sea with all hands.  The return of the empty boat raised questions both professionally and personally for Harper as she tries to get to the bottom of what truly happened on that boat.  Fans of urban fantasy such as the Dresden Files and the Meredith Gentry series will enjoy Harper Blaine and her world as a Greywalker.

Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher - 288 Pages

Clay Jenson returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush - who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a first-hand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself - a truth he never wanted to face.

Triangles - Ellen Hopkins

Triangles by Ellen Hopkins - 529 pages

Holly: Filled with regret for being a stay-at-home mom, she sheds sixty pounds and loses herself in the world of extramarital sex. Will it bring the fulfillment she is searching for?

Andrea: A single mom and avowed celibate, she watches her friend Holly's meltdown with a mixture of concern and contempt. Holly is throwing away what Andrea has spent her whole life searching for - a committed relationship with a decent guy. So what if Andrea picks up Holly's castaway husband?

Marissa: She has more than her fair share of challenges - a gay, rebellious teenage son, a terminally ill daughter, a husband who buries himself in his work rather than face the facts.

As one woman's marriage, another's rekindles. As one woman's family comes apart at the seam, another's reconfigures into something bigger and better. In this story of connections and disconnections, one woman's up is another one's down, and all of them will learn the meaning of  friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness.

Angelfall by Susan Ee

Angelfall  by Susan Ee --- 283 pages

This is the first book to Penryn and the End of the Days series. What a book. This is not your average angel and human book. The angels have decided to be the bringers the apocalypse because one of their own was shot down. The human's days are only numbered. Penryn then is in the middle of a very bad angel fight and saves the life of an angel (while she is thinking why am I doing this). In retaliation, the angels then take her wheelchair bound sister. Penryn then takes the angel, Raffe, "hostage" so he can take her to find her sister. While on their journey, they come into contact with a resistance army that is willing to fight back against the angels.This book is a thrilling roller coaster ride that that leaves you on the edge of your seat. You will want to read this book in one sitting.   

"Valediction" by Robert B. Parker

"Valediction" by Robert B. Parker - 284

This is a Spencer novel.  It is about a man who hires Spencer to find his girlfriend who has been kidnapped by a religious group.  There are many twists and turns in this book.  Was she really kidnapped, is the religious group involved in drugs and money laundering, and who is the one running the show?

The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts

The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts - 336 pages
Book Three of The Inn Boonsboro Trilogy

Hope is thrilled that her two best friends fell in love with two of the three Montgomery brothers.  She just doesn't plan to fall in line with the others and fall for the last brother Ryder.  She finds him snotty and crude.  He finds her snooty and obnoxious.  However, the ghost Lizzie believes they are meant for each other and is determined to help them find love together even as they work to find her missing Billy.
This was the final book in the Inn Boonsboro trilogy.  It was obvious how the book was going to end.  However, I still enjoyed reading the story.

A Babe in Ghostland by Lisa Cach

A Babe in Ghostland by Lisa Cach - 368 pages

Megan knew when Case walked into her antique shop that he would be trouble and she was right.  It turns out that he wants to hire her to make sure there are no ghosts in his new house even though he doesn't actually believe in ghosts.  If only he was right.  Turns out there are several ghosts in his house: a man and two sisters who were caught in a love triangle nearly 100 years ago.  Now the sisters have decided they would rather have Case.  It's up to Megan to save him from the sisters.
I was in the mood for a fun, frothy read.  This book definitely fit.  It's a romantic paranormal mystery.  It was fairly obvious who the ghosts, good and bad, were from the beginning, but it was fun to see the characters catch up.  It was also slightly creepy with the sisters trying to crawl into bed with the Case several times in the book.

Year Zero by Rob Reid

Year Zero by Rob Reid - 384 pages

This book got a lot of hype when it came out.  It has an intriguing premise.  The Earth's music has been drifting out into the cosmos since the 1970s and has been a huge hit with the aliens of the Refined League who have been making billions of copies of our songs.  One small problem.  The law of the Refined League make it so they are bound by the laws of the content producers - so they owe us tons of money for their illegally copied songs.  Low level entertainment lawyer Nick Carter is visited by alien emissaries trying to resolve the debt before other aliens destroy the Earth so they won't all be broke from owing us for the songs.  This book is written in the tone of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy but its not as successful with the wit and humor.  There are also Terry Pratchettesque footnotes throughout the book as well.  The overall idea of the book was interesting enough for me to keep reading to the end but the writing style was irritating by that point.    

January First by Michael Schofield

January First: A Child's Descent into Madness and Her Father's Struggle to Save Her by Michael Schofield, 304 pages

When his daughter January has imaginary friends Michael doesn't think too much of it, but then those imaginary friends turn out to be the first symptom of a huge struggle facing their family.  At first he sees Jani as just a misunderstood genius but then is forced to come to grips with the realization that his daughter is suffering from severe mental illness and spends most of her time in a world only she can see.  It's stunning to think that a child doesn't know the voices and people she sees aren't real since they've been there all her life.    

Battles with the insurance company, the school system and even his wife soon take over Michael's life.  I feared the worst for how this story would end but there is a resolution that leaves the reader believing that there is a place in the world for those who may have two feet firmly in a world of their own making.  

After Eden by Katherine Pine

After Eden By Katherine Pine - 578 pages

Devi "suffers" from severe headaches, but she is about to find out that this is a warning system to let her know trouble is about to come her or someone that is close to her. While having one of these episodes she meets, Oz, the owner of a book shop she frequents often. Her world is then turned upside down. She needs to find out what has happened to her twin brother, but know one seems to know, even Oz, Devi's fallen angel. She is willing to do anything to get her brother back, but what to do when you find out you are not in God's grace.

Dodger by Terry Pratchett

Dodger by Terry Pratchett --- 360 pages

Terry Pratchett is arguably the finest writer of comic fantasy in the late 20th-early 21st century. His Discworld novels comprise a universe unique and complete in itself, and in addition to these he has written a number of fantasy novels for children and teens --- of which Dodger is the latest example.

The tale takes place in a setting we instantly recognize as Dickensian England; early 19th century, Victoria only lately come to the throne, with guest appearances by Sweeney Todd, Sir Robert Peel, Charlie Dickens himself and a young and ambitious Ben Disraeli. Young Dodger has lived by his wits on the streets of London since escaping from the workhouse where he was consigned as a foundling child. He started life as a mudlark and is now a tosher --- a person who searches for small items that can be salvaged from the muck of London's ancient sewers.

One night during a raging storm, Dodger stumbles upon a young woman trying desperately to escape from two brutal captors. He rushes to her assistance, aided by the timely appearance of two gentlemen, who prove to be the social reformer Henry Mayhew and the newspaperman Charles Dickens. Much to his amazement, Dodger finds himself embarked upon a whole new career as a most unlikely hero.   

Mad River by John Sandford

Mad River: A Virgil Flowers Novel by John Sandford --- 387 pages

Virgil Flowers first appeared as a supporting character in Sandford's Prey series featuring Lucas Davenport, but soon proved interesting and popular enough in his own right to get his own spin off series of murder mysteries in addition to continuing appearances in the original series.

In this novel, Flowers is sent to assist the sheriff's department in rural Bare County when three bored teenagers with dead end lives and a lot of anger get their hands on some guns and go on a killing spree. The hard part is knowing that sooner or later this is going to end badly, Virgil thinks, and the longer it goes on, the more people will die along the way. He knows the sheriff and his deputies have no intention of taking these kids alive. But Virgil objects to that kind of vigilante justice, so he's made up his mind to bring in the kids himself, make sure they get a trial before they get locked up for the rest of their lives. He manages to get one of them into custody, and that boy tells a very troubling tale that makes  Virgil begin to wonder if maybe somebody just saw some advantage for himself in setting these kids up with guns and pointing them in a particular direction. Maybe at least one of these murders wasn't just random, aimless violence. But the only way he can get proof of what he suspects is if he can get at least one if not both of the other two kids into custody and talking to him. Which appears to be less and less likely to happen.

Every Day - David Levithan

Every Day by David Levithan - 322 pages

Every morning, A wakes up in a different person's body, a different person's life. There's never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.
It's all fine until the morning A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin's girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with- day in, day out, day after day.

The Pledge, by Kimberly Derting

The Pledge, by Kimberly Derting, 323 pages

Charlie lives in a society that is strictly divided by class, where each class speaks their own language in an effort to keep themselves segregated.  Charlie has a secret, however- she can understand every language she hears.  This secret could result in her own execution, since her country is ruled by a deadly and desperate queen, determined to punish anyone who is different.  When Charlie meets a handsome young man in an underground club, things begin to spiral out of control- for both Charlie, the queen, and the entire country.  It wasn't my favorite, but this is worth checking out by those who enjoyed series such as Divergent, Matched, or other young adult dystopias.

Something Deadly This Way Comes - Kim Harrison

Something Deadly This Way Comes by Kim Harrison - 245 pages

Being dead has it's disadvantages. Madison feels caught between the light and the dark, and between her real life and her timekeeper status. When Madison has the opportunity to get her body back - she faces her most difficult decision yet. if she  claims it, she could return to being a normal girl - and have a chance at a real relationship with Josh. But would having the one thing she wants in the world also means giving up everything she's worked so hard for?

Early To Death, Early To Rise - Kim Harrison

Early To Death, Early To Rise By Kim Harrison - 228 Pages

Madison Avery's dreams of ever fitting in at her new school died when she did. Especially since she was able to maintain the illusion of a body, deal with a pesky guardian angel, and oh yeah, bring the reaper who killed her to his untimely end. Now Madison has learned that she's the dark timekeeper, in charge of angels who follow the murky guidelines of fate. Never one to abide by the rules, she decides it's time for a major change to the system. . With the help of some unlikely allies, Madison forms a rogue groups of reapers who definitely don't adhere to the rules of the heavens. But as she grapples with the terrifying new skills that come with being a timekeeper, Madison realizes she may not be prepared for what lies ahead - unless she gets some seriously divine intervention.