One Good Soldier by Travis S. Taylor

One Good Soldier was awesome to read. You can’t go wrong with a book that has “jarhead”, hand-to-hand combat, and space terrorist. The story was packed full of “in your face” combat actions and sprinkled with a healthy dose of “colorful language.” What makes this book stood out from the other was the cool “Transformerish” aspect of the story. The story line rolls along smoothly and easily follows. The ending added a nice twist to the story. Overall, this book was definitely worth three days of reading; and it’s true, one can’t put it the book down until it’s finished.

Review by Tien Tran

The Royal Harlot by Susan Holloway Scott

The Royal Harlot by Susan Holloway Scott is a little raw, not for a teenage reader, but gives an interesting account of Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine and mistress of King Charles II, in a time when the role of royal couresan was a precarious one but also one of power, wealth, and fame.

Review by Karen Valencia, Northeast

Host: a post summer reading club review

We had so many good reviews over the summer, we didn't want you to miss out on them. So we will continue to post reviews of good books that you've read!

The Host by Stephanie Meyer
I found this book to be a fascinating mix of science fiction and romance. The writing style is much more mature than that of Ms. Meyer's earlier works in the Twilight series, and the book is not "girl-centric" in nearly such an extreme. The plot deals with the idea of whether or not it is worthwhile to give up individuality and passion in order to have a utopian society. it is told through the eyes of Wanderer, an alien trying to suppress the emotions of her host with little success., and the reader experiences the turmoil of this main character when she is faced with the splitting decision of following the heart of her host beating within her or upholding the high and seemingly noble expectations of her own people. I enjoyed the story, and it made me think about things from a different angle than what I had previously considered.
Review by Sheila Hall, Southeast

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

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 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 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.

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

The Edge: a summer reading club review

Catherine Coulter, well known for her romantic novels, once again proves in The Edge she is a master of mystery and suspense novels. FBI agent "Mac" MacDougal journeys to the Oregon town of Edgerton to be with his sister following a car wreck that has placed her into a coma. His sister Jilly disappears shortly after his arrival. Mac searches for answers and helps local law inforcement in trying to solve an unusual murder of a local resident. Mac's journey in finding his sister becomes hair raising. Coulter has writter a novel that keeps the reader burning the midnight candle.

Written by Sherry Woods, Southwest Page turners member

Kindred in Death: a summer reading club review

Kindred in Death: J. D. Robb's futuristic Lieutenant Eve Dallas continues her battle against killers. This time it is the daughter of one of the high rank officers in the New York PSD who is found murdered. A series of grizzly murders having the same MO lead Lt. Dallas and her sidekick Detective Peabody down a nightmarish path that mirrors some of her own past. With the aid of her charismatic husband and unusual group of friends, the team unravels the master plan to take out beloved family members of the persons responsible for the perceived death of the killer's mother.


Once more, Robb makes the the year 2060 come to life. This book is a must for Robb fans.

Written by Sherry Woods, Southwest Page turners member

Divine Justice: a summer reading club review

Divine Justice: Once again, Baldacci’s Camel Club participates in attempting to save one of its members that has been marked for death. John Carr going by his alias of Oliver Stone finds himself the deadly target of a man he had previously worked with. In an attempt to protect those he knows, he leaves everyone and everything behind. He creates a new alias for himself. In the new life that he makes, his inbred sense of righting wrongs leads him into new danger. He calls out to his former acquaintances to assist in the downfall of a corrupt group of murderers. Instead, he finds himself in a situation that he will be unable to extricate himself.


Read on to discover if it all ends in a place of no return. This is a page turner in the best Baldacci tradition.

Written by Sherry Woods, Southwest Page Turners member