A Woman of Independent Means: a summer reading club review

A Woman of Independent Means by Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey

At first I was annoyed by the narrator of this book, whose life was revealed in the many letters she wrote to family and friends. But as I read on, I came to admire her for her perseverance and independent spirit, in the face of family tragedy and a society not so willing to accept the liberated attitude she possessed. by the end I really liked her and was sad to see her letters trickle to a stop. But such is life...

Review by Elaine Hellmund

The Missing: a summer reading club review

Beverly Lewis has created another masterpiece in The Missing. The saga continues as our heroine longs for her mother. All of her clothes a missing, poetry journals and Mamma. Where is mamma?


The only clue is a letter that reads. "Please forgive me. I must do this. There's no telling when I will return." The town and family are in turmoil. Grace ended her engagement to Henry, who is aloof and emotionally un available. Grace and the family struggle to run the cattle farm with out Lettie the mother. Finally lettie reached Ohio and searches for a child she gave away as a teen mother. Will she return to PA and confide in her family her secret. The conclusion will tell all. I wait for the conclusion "the Telling. " This book is another best seller.

By Bell, a library patron

Waiting for Normal: a summer reading club review

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor: I borrowed this audio book to see if it was something I could incorporate in my classroom for the coming school year. This is a great book for Middle School students to discuss what is "normal" in their world and how "normal" has various definitions. As an adult I enjoyed this book because it reminds us how our actions make lasting impressions in the lives of children regardless of the length of time we spend with them.


Kim C., library patron

Same Kind of Different As Me: a summer reading club review

This book is a must! Everyone should read it!

This is a true story about a wealthy art dealer and a homeless man and the woman who brought them together. It is a story of two very different people and their spiritual journeys. It is an inspiration to all Christians and those who care about their fellow man. It made me reflect on how I am often too judgemental and often stop short of truly serving all mankind. It made me think very seriously about if I am truly "feeding" the hungry and clothing the naked.

I especially liked the thought provoking questions at the end . This book is a must for all book clubs, Sunday school classes and mission groups.

review by Judy Erwin, Northeast Branch patron

Here If You Need Me: as summer reading club review

This is a true story of how a woman made lemonade out of a tragic lemon. Following her husband's tragic death, Kate Braestrup went to seminary and became an ordained minister. She served as a chaplain for the Maine game wardens. It is a beautiful story of how she shared Gods love to people who had tragic circumstances in their lives. This was a reflection of the love and care she received following her husbands death. It showed how we can be a support to others just by being there and listening to them.

review by Judy Erwin, a Northeast Branch patron

A Room with a View by E.M Forster


The story takes place in the euphoric scenery of Italy and rustic England. Lucy, a prim proper lady, meets a reserved and impetuous underclassed lad named George Emerson. There is attraction and chemistry, but he has little connections in society. Her mother would certainly disappprove the match simply based on his lack of money and education. The two young people witness a brawl in Florence which leads to a murder. They both are eternally connected. Lucy's trip finally ends but not before George steals a kiss. Mean while she returns to england and is soon engaged to Cecil, the biggest snob ever. Finally, Lucy realizes her true feelings and ends her engagement with Cecil. Lastly, she marries George. I like this book because Lucy went against society and did what was right for her.

By Bernice Bell, a library patron

Room One: a summer reading club review

Room One by Andrew Clements: I borrowed this book in hopes it was something I could incorporate into one of my lessons for the coming school year. In addition to loving the humor and innocence of the characters, I think my students will empathize and relate to the challenges of doing great things when they are part of a small group and to check their motivates when helping others. I am looking forward to reading/listening to more of Andrew Clements' books.


Kim C., library patron

Cross Country: a summer reading club review

Cross Country by James Patterson

A novel about detective, Alex Cross, as he chases a ruthless killer from Washington, D.C. to Africa. James Patterson does an excellent job with the characters, as well as all of the details. Very descriptive, heart pounding excitement that you won't want to put down! I always look forward to the next sequel.

written by Tina B., SW Branch patron

Passing into Light: a summer reading club review

Passing into Light by Sharon Ewell Foster

Passing into Light, a genre of Christian Fiction, is a sequel to Riding Through Shadows. This book is about having a past that needs to be revisited in order to be able to go forward in life. It explores the struggles of denial, thinking that everything is fine; and the difficult journey of facing the old demons, tying up loose ends of the past, and letting go of the extra baggage we tend to carry with us. The book then captures the bliss of being able to ‘pass into light’ and begin living the life God planned for us.
This is a very good read. I recommend starting with the first novel, Riding Through Shadows to understand some of the characters and their pasts. Ms. Foster is an excellent Christian fiction writer, who uses her characters to tell the stories of the Bible. For those beginning their walk in Christianity, it is an enjoyable way to learn different parts of the Bible. At the same time, those of us who already know these stories are reminded of the lessons that are to be learned from them.

Review written by Pam W., patron

Mr. and Miss Anonymous: a summer reading club review

Mr. and Miss Anonymous: As penniless college students, Lily and Peter finance their tuition and expenses by donating eggs and sperm to a fertility clinic. Years later, they accidentally meet again. As a news report flashes on TV during their meeting, they discover the fertility clinic was not what it appeared to be. Heartwarming twists and turns follow the couple as they save themselves and two teenage boys into a promising future.

Written by Sherry Woods, Southwest Page turners member

The Secret: a summer reading club review

The Secret by Beverly Lewis


The Secret is a compelling novel of depth and suspense. Grace Byler is the heroine. The lush country side of Lancaster PA. is the refreshing back drop. Grace, a humble Amish girl of 22 is driven to serve her family and obey the traditions of the Amish church. Through out the weeks and months Grace's mother roams the hill side at wee hours of the morning. The mother Lettie Byler is deeply troubled. No one knows why. Lettie cries and mopes constantly. Her parents may know but they won't tell. Lettie tries to talk to her despondent husband with out success. Finally, Lettie runs away the night that Grace is secretly proposed to. Grace saw her mother dissapear into a cab at 4 am when Grace was to tell her of the proposal. The book was hard to put down. The final thought is the simple life is not so simple. I reccomend the book to any romantic thrill seeker.

By Bernice B., library patron

The Scoop: a summer reading club review

In a similar vein to Fern Michael's Sisterhood series, Michael's in The Scoop follows the antics of "Toots" Lounderberry and three of her longtime school friends as they try to help Toot's daughter keep the newspaper job she loves. Buying the newspaper anonymously brings unexpected complications. Michaels combines thrills, laughter, crime and romance in a thoroughly delightful read.

Written by Sherry Woods, Southwest Page Turners member

His Forever Love: a summer reading club review

His Forever Love by Missy Tippens. The legend in Magnolia, Georgia syas that a couple who holds hands around the "forever" tree will have unending love. This is a beautiful inspirational story about Bill Weelington and Lindsay Jones, and God's plans for them. Missy Tippers did a wonderful job in reminding the reader that God was not only in Bill and Lindsay's lives, but is in my life as well. Touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

review by Tina B., SW Branch patron

The Sisterhood Series: a summer reading club review

Three of the Sisterhood series by Fern Michaels that continue the saga of seeking justice for tohers as they did in previous books in the series. Fast paced and suspenseful, the sisters again and again place themselves in danger. In Fast Track they battle an embezzler at the World Bank; in Under the Radar the girls mysteriously lose their mentor Charles and do battle on their own. And in Razor Sharp, the girls, still on their own, head to Vegas to seek justice for an infamous madam of a bordello. All of these books keep the reader in suspense as they follow the exploits of the seven sisters.

Written by Sherry Woods, Southwest Page turners member

The Ultimate Gift: a summer reading club review

The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall. What would you do for a billion dollars? When billionaire Red Stevens passes away, his greedy family comes running to the office of attorney Theodore J. Hamilton. Each walks away with a happy "sum", except 24 year old Jason Stevens, great-nephew of Red Stevens. Together Jason, with the guidance of Theodore and his secretary, Margret Hastings, go through a year of gruelling and unthinkable tasks.
This is a beautifully written book of finding one's self and realizing the important things in life. A great motivational and inspirational book. Jim Stovall covers all bases.

submitted by Tina B., SW

Full Blast: a summer reading club review

Full Blast by Janet Evanovich: Small town newspaper editor Jamie Swift teams up with newspaper owner, Max holt, in a roller coaster read that is sure to have you laughing. A good summer read.

Twilight: a summer reading club review

Stephenie Meyer's Twilight is unique. Bella meets a mysterious Edward. Will she figure out what his secret is? This is a new take on Vampires.

Juanita S.

Summer Reading Club Review: The Anteater of Death

Anteater of Death

Lucy is the very pregnant giant anteater who loves mashed bananas and termites and is so dear to zookeeper Teddy Bentley. At the beginning a dead man is found in Lucy's enclosure and at first the zoo officials and police think Lucy killed him since they find her licking off his dead skin. It's not until the next to last chapter that we find out who the real killer is....

And in the last chapter Lucy gives birth and is a happy new mom caring for her

anteater.

-Barbara Y.

Deadlock: a summer reading club review

Deadlock by Iris Johansen: Washington calls in John Garrett, a former employee of the CIA and M16, to rescue two UN workers kidnapped in Afghanistan. This is a non-stop read in following Johansen's twists and turns. Try not to hold your breath as the characters race against time in unraveling the truth.
Written by Sherry Woods, Southwest Page turners member

Katherine: a summer reading club review

For you ladies who enjoy a touch of true romance, scandal, tragedy, and chivalry in a meticulously-researched medieval history, I recommend Katherine by Anya Seton. It tells the story of Katharine Swynford, the royal mistress of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Born in 1350, Katharine, who bore John four children, became progenitress of every British king or queen from the Tudors through the Windsors as well as five presidents of the United States. Follow up by reading Mistress of the Monarchy by Alison Weir for another view of Katharine's life.

Reviewed by Karen Valencia

The Mercedes Coffin: a summer reading club review

The Mercedes Coffin by Faye Kellerman: Wealthy Genoa Greeves ties a cold case of 15 years with a present day crime. She enlists the LAPD to reopen the case and search for the connections that ties the two cases together. After all, both murder victims are found in the trunk of a Mercedes!

 Written by Sherry Woods, Southwest Page turners member

Dark Visions: a summer reading club review

L.J. Smith's Dark Visions is a series that keeps you guessing. Five extraordinary teens have psychic abilities. There is something wrong with the Zete's institute. Will they figure it out before it is too late?

-Juanita S.

Small Town Brides: a summer reading club review

Small Town Brides by Janet Tronstad and Debra Clopton

Two novellas in one novel! The first novella "A Dry Creek Wedding", involves romantic Rene Mithcell, who is fleeing Texas for Montana to get away from her ex fiance and unromantic truck driver Clay Preston whom she rides to Montana with.

The second novella "A Mule Hollow Match" involves Paisley Norton (Rene's cousin) and Trace Crawford (Rene's ex fiance) and a young niece he never knew about.

Janet and Debra did a beautiful job in writing this book. Their writing was done in good taste and is very descriptive. I would not have known that two different authors wrote this. The novellas intertwine beautifully. Very inspirational. A must read!

submitted by Tina B., SW

Fireside: a summer reading club review

Fireside by Susan Wiggs: When AJ's mother is picked up by immigration, his care falls to his father who he has never met. As a professional athlete, father Bo Crutcher finds his life upside down. Bo and AJ return to Bo's hoemtown and try to form a relationship. Will Bo and AJ return to Bo's hometown and try to form a relationship? Will Bo be able to free AJ's mom? Read Fireside, the fifth in the Lakeshore Chronicles to find out. A good read, although I recommend you read the first through fourth first.

Written by Sherry Woods, Southwest Page turners member

Getting Stoned with Savages: a summer reading club review

Getting Stones with Savages by J. Maarten Troost

I always love reading Troost's travel tales. He's endured some conditions I would never be able to - nor would most travelers, but in the process he's had experiences that mere tourists don't - he's lived as the people ("when in Rome do as the Romans") - giving him a much richer experience than one gleaned from a Fiji resort. I've read all three of his travel tomes and look forward to his next adventure!

Review by Elaine Hellmund