When Strawberries Bloom by Linda Byler

Lizzie Glick begins a new adventure when she is asked to teach school. She just knows she can do a good job, but when her personal life gets a little complicated, she reacts becoming grumpy and short with her students and family. Her love life seems non-existent and she can't imagine why her best friend Stephen would be interested in her for a wife. Her Dat is having health problems and this seems to be something else for her to worry about. Romance in the colonies. Sandy Penton.

Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos

This book is not my cup of tea. Bouncing around from ghosts, to screwed up siblings, meandering all over the place, I finally gave up. Read if you must. Sandy Penton

The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall

Lena Kauffman, considered by some as unmarriageable because of a port wine stain on her face, is doing her best to educate the Amish young people in her school. Her enthusiasm overcomes even the unruliest of students, but is tempered by the criticism from some of the members of the community. Newly widowed Grey Graber seems to be her lone supporter. Struggling with the rules of the Order, Grey and Lena want only the best for the young people. Woodsmall writes with authority about the Amish lifestyle and learning to cope with human fallibility. A good second book in the series. Sandy Penton.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

An oldie but a goodie. The Herdmans are terrors in their community. Six rambunctious siblings scrapping and squabbling over every little thing and picking on every one, including each other. The rest of the community is preparing for their Christmas program when the Herdmans show up at the church looking for cookies, cake and possibly other goodies promised by an ornery teasing school kid. Entranced by the idea of a play, they all volunteer to be in the pageant, and have their own ideas about Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus and how they should be portrayed. A wonderful little story, makes you want to grin from page to page. Sandy Penton

chocolat by Joanne Harris

When I saw the movie I thought what a romance picture. After reading the book, romance is not the word(s) that describes this intriguing, complicated, fantasy. Vianne Rocher and her daughter arrive during a carnival in the small hamlet of Lansquenet on the eve of Lent. Determined to find a place to settle down, she opens a small shoppe specializing in chocolate. The priest of the church across the road sees Vianne as a witch tempting his parishioners and the villagers, influencing them to disregard the seriousness of, in his opinion, the celebration of Easter. The priest has secrets of his own, but the reader only catches glimpses of them as he confers with a bed-ridden priest who is in a coma. As they say, the truth will out. Fascinating. Sandy Penton.

The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is the best Amish fiction story I have read yet! Jorie King has been waiting for Ben Zook to return from the Viet Nam war where he was serving as a stretcher bearer and conscientious objector. He wasn't ready for marriage or commitment. Now, they have received word that Ben has been killed in the line of duty. His widowed brother Caleb has been left with two younger brothers and a young daughter in his care. The community thinks Caleb should get married again, but Mary Beth is still in his heart. The new veterinarian in the community needs a place to live with his family and Jorie offers a house for them to live in creating unrest amongst some of the believers. Jorie and Caleb are thrown together in this realistic novel, dealing with secrets, frustrations, envy and just plain human quirks and weaknesses of both the Amish and the English. Sandy Penton.

Legacy by Danielle Steel

A ho-hum novel about Brigitte Nicholson, wanna-be writer employed by Boston University. Her world is totally whacked when boyfriend of 6 years says "Bye-bye" and heads off to Egypt to an archeology dig and the end of their relationship. To top it off, she is replaced at her job at the university by a computer. Her mother, a genealogy buff, wants Brigitte to go to Salt Lake City to do a little digging of her own in the library there. While researching, Brigitte discovers a Sioux Indian princess is a distant relative and becomes excited about the research. She travels to Paris, France where she meets a really nice guy, has an opportunity for a job, and finds out a lot of information about her relative. The question is, will Brigitte return to Boston and her dreary life there, or will she return to Paris, and write a novel about her ancestor? Read it and see. Sandy Penton.

Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater

Nate Langley is back from the war, recovering from PTSD, and wanting to have peace and quite on the ranch. Jenna Callahan Colby, childhood friend, hires him to work on the family ranch and finds herself attracted to Nate. Can Nate overcome the mental warfare going on in his head without help? Can Jenna find a new life with Nate and her year-old son after a disastrous marriage to another? This is a good book giving the reader some insight into what returning war vets go through, trying to pick up where they left off with their families and friends. I recommend. Sandy Penton.

Painted Ladies by Robert B.Parker

Spenser finds himself body guard for Dr. Ashton Prince, as he exchanges cash, ransom, for a valuable painting. When Dr. Prince is blown up before Spenser's eyes, Spenser questions why all the entities involved are too eager to blow Prince's death off, get Spenser off the case and why no one will talk to him. Parker's last book is a little disappointing, but still has that zing that makes Spenser a likeable character. Of course, Susan and Pearl are as entertaining as usual. Not a bad read. Sandy Penton.

Seek Me With All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman

Emily Detweiler and her family have moved to Canan, Colorado where they hope to start over. Another new family to arrive is David Stoltzfus and his family. He is frustrated because he doesn't understand why his parents sold their farm and moved everyone here. David also doesn't realize that he is one of the reasons they had to move. A romance blooms between Emily and David but both resist because of their past. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that are in the way? Will Englischer neighbor, Martha, find happiness? Will Ivan and Katie be able to mend their broken fence? This story is a little different than the usual Amish tale but most readers will find it interesting. Sandy Penton.

Chocolate Magic by Zelda Benjamin

Chloe Brandeau is trying to stay afloat with her chocolate shop and her apartment rentals but can't seem to get ahead. Her friends are trying to set her up with a man which she doesn't seem to have time for. Ethan Behar, young financial wizard, enters her shop and life determined to get what he wants, which isn't what Chloe wants. A cute romantic comedy, well worth the short time it takes to read. A feel good story. Sandy Penton.

A Promise of Hope by Amy Clipston

Young widow Sarah Troyer awaits the arrival of her first babies, twins. Bereft after her husband, Peter, dies in a fire, she struggles each day wondering how she and the children will survive without their father and husband. Fortified by their faith, she is encouraged by her family and friends who encourage her daily. When Luke Troyer arrives in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, all are startled by the appearance of a relative, when Peter had told everyone he was an orphan with no brothers or sisters. Anger at Peter's deception, Sarah finds it difficult to forgive him and then Luke who tries to keep from hurting her feelings and finally her brother Timothy is the last straw. A good read with a happy ending. Sandy Penton.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Lisbeth Salander is imprisoned yet again, this time in the hospital with a critical wound to her head. Refusing help from Mikael Blomqvist, he is determined to reach her and help her anyway. His sister Annika Giannini, an attorney, has pledged to help her, but needs to gain Lisbeth's trust. At this point, even more villains appear on the scene to complicate Salander's life. To right all the wrongs, we have sympathetic doctors, lawmen, journalists, and computer hackers all trying to untangle the web of conspiracy entangled around Lisbeth. This trilogy ends with a satisfying and resounding SMACK. Right wins again. Larsson is a magnificent author. The world has lost a great journalist. Sandy Penton.

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is planning to print an expose story about the sex trade in Sweden in conjunction with author Dag Svensson whose book on the subject Millennium plans to publish. When Dag and his partner are murdered days before publication, Blomkvist is put in a spin when Lisbeth Salander's fingerprints are found on the weapon. Convinced she is innocent, he jumps into investigating to prove her innocence. Salander, herself, becomes a target for the murderer. An exciting second book in the trilogy, well worth the read. Suspense, murder, sex, police action, corruption, all included. Sandy Penton.

Escape to Morning by Susan May Warren

Will Masterson has prayed that his life might be changed. When his close friend Lew was killed in combat, Will has desired to have the faith in God that Lew had. While on a covert mission in northern Minnesota, Dannette Lundeen crosses his path with her search and rescue dog Missy. Dannette also is seeking God's help in her life. She has friends, but would like to settle down and raise a family. Meanwhile, Will's mission is putting Dannette in danger and he is powerless to stop her due to her stubbornness. Warren writes a believable story combining romance and suspense. A good read. Sandy Penton.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Forty years ago 16 year-old Swedish Harriet Vanger disappeared. Believing she has been murdered, her wealthy but aged uncle Henrik Vanger wants the mystery solved so he hires investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist to go over the old police records, Henrik's own information and the family information to try to solve the mystery of her disappearance. Blomkvist is in the midst of a libel trial and being the partner and publisher of a prominent magazine, forced to take a 3-month "vacation" he steps down and agrees to Henrik's lucrative proposal. Needless to say, the Vangar family is less than happy to have Blomkvist digging up the dirty laundry of their past and when he hires Lisbeth Salander, genius hacker, to work on the investigation with him, the plot gets thicker. We have romance, mystery, attempted murder, corruption and a fine story. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Sandy Penton.

Worth Dying For by Lee Child

This is probably Child's best novel yet! Jack Reacher is hitch-hiking through the barren landscape of Nebraska only to be caught up in a small community's drama. Bullies, wife-beaters, secrets. All because he thought the local doctor should respond to a woman's cry for help. Then the secrets are squeezed out, little by little. This reader could not put the book down. Action-packed, vigilantism at it's finest, suspense guaranteed, a great read. Get this book today! Sandy Penton.

Santa Fe Edge by Stuart Woods

Ed Eagle is being harassed by ex-wife serial killer, add a few other plots and Woods pretends to create an exciting, suspense filled tale. Disappointing to say the least. Sandy Penton.

The Day The Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan

It is early 1900s and Bess Heath, at seventeen, is about to find her world crumbling about her. Living on the edge of Niagara Falls, she has had the best of life; now her father has lost his job, she will not be returning to private school and her sister and fiance have broken up. Her mother returns to sewing for people. Bess meets an unlikely young man, certainly inappropriate by her family's standards, but is immediately attracted to Tom Cole, riverman. Buchanan writes a compelling, heart breaking tale of young love won and lost. A good read. Would recommend. Sandy Penton

Tough Customer by Sandra Brown

PI Dodge Hanley is shaken to the core when he receives word that his only daughter is being stalked by a deranged murderer. He flies to Houston to meet the mother of daughter Berry who he hasn't seen for 30 years. Joining forces with local deputy sheriff Ski Nyland, Dodge attempts to locate the stalker, turned killer, and things just get worse. Sandra Brown fans will find this murder mystery a real thriller. Sandy Penton.

The Seeker by Ann H Gabhart

It is the beginning of the civil war period in the 1860s in Kentucky. As the only child of her widowed father, Charlotte Vance is mistress of Graystone and when he contacts her to prepare for his return home and he has a surprise, Charlotte readies for a celebration. Much to her chagrin, father arrives with a new (much younger) wife who seems to be totally in charge and wants Charlotte out of the way. Living next to a settlement of Shakers, and wanting to help her maidservant (whom she considers a sister), Charlotte and Mellie flee to the village and frees Mellie. This civil war story covers the travail of young love, the horrors of war, duplicity of others, and the relief of forgiveness. At times an intense read, well worth the time. Sandy Penton.

The Outsider by Ann H Gabhart

It is 1807 and Gabrielle Hope is the member of a Shaker Community because her father had abandoned her and her mother and they had no where to go. Local doctor, Brice Scott, sets into motion a series of events that shakes the shakers, upsets Gabrielle's notion of brotherly love versus matrimonial (forbidden to her) love, and encourages young Nathan to follow his heart and leave the community. A unique and peculiar people, Gabhart spins a tale of romance and biblical love. Worth a read. Sandy Penton.

The Ice Limit by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

Palmer Lloyd is a connoisseur of rare and expensive things, coveting to the extent of spending embarrassing amounts of money to own them. Now he wants to own a meteorite, one found in South America, waaaayyyy south, down by Cape Horn in fact. He hires the"A" team (Effective Engineering Solutions, EES for short) to retrieve it and Dr. Sam McFarlane to co-lead the expedition. Preston and Child write yet another page-turning thriller that this reader couldn't put down. Interesting conclusion, too. Sandy Penton.

Gap Creek The Story of a Marriage by Robert Morgan

Julie Harmon became her father's "son" when her little brother died. Living in the Appalachian hill country of North Carolina, her life is hard and she works hard, butchering, cutting wood, attends the dying. Her father succumbs to tuberculosis and the women are left to farm and tend the place. Hank Richards passes by Julie and her mother (who are sawing up a downed tree) and vows to have Julie for his wife. Within a month they are married and move to Gap Creek to live with a widower, Mr. Pendergast, who wants Julie to "housekeep" for him for the rent. Hank goes to work in a sawmill. Julie and Hank begin their life as husband and wife, and it is not easier, Ma Richards is not easy to get along with, and Hank becomes moody and angers easily when he loses his job. Thus, the scene is set for a winter of hardship in the Gap and the strains that are put on Julie adjusting to her life as a wife, daughter-in-law, and housekeeper. It is hard to know where to stop, this story is so intense. I found it to be a good though unsettling read. Sandy Penton.

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen

Published in 1993, Kaysen writes about her experience with a break down in 1967 at age eighteen, spending a year and a half in treatment and how her life was affected. After reading this, I have determined that probably 99 percent of the people who are not already certified crazy, are probably suffering from Kaysen's problem, borderline personality disorder (her records show a character disorder). It seems to me that she just didn't want to conform, was definitely depressed and her parents didn't know what to do with her. Read this if you will, I'm not recommending. Sandy Penton

Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long

Sarah King has loved being in her garden since she was a child. Now she has to attend the produce stand her family owns and she is definitely nervous. Enter their new neighbor, veterinarian Dr. Grant Williams, single, definitely attractive, and verboten to Sarah. Alas, love blooms anyway and the ensuing romance is delightfully told by Long. Amusing, full of Amish anecdotes, a joy to read. Sandy Penton.

More Than Words by Judith Miller

Book two in the series, Daughters of Amana, Miller keeps the reader interested and entertained, sharing her knowledge of life in the Colonies in the 1880's. Gretchen Kohler wants to write, yet she is tied to her father's store and watching her elderly grandmother. When flim-flam man Allen Finley arrives at the store and sweet-talks her, Gretchen finds his praise turning her head. The arrival of a band of gypsies, camping on the outskirts of the village, causes consternation among the villagers and Gretchen finds herself being "tossed together" with them due to the antics of younger brother Stefan. This tale has some interesting twists and turns, coming to an agreeable conclusion. A pretty good read. Sandy Penton

Autumn's Promise by Shelley Shepard Gray

Lilly Allen, Englischer, has had a bad year and is hoping that her life will take a turn for the better. Widower Robert Miller, Amish carpenter, has his eye on Lilly, knowing full well that the church members will frown upon his interest in Lilly. Nevertheless, he can't get her off his mind and Lilly finds herself attracted to him, also. Will true love bring this couple together? Will Lilly join the Plain Life, giving up her cell phone, computer, her car? Or will Robert cross-over, risking shunning by his family and friends? Gray writes a compelling fourth book in this series, Seasons of Sugarcreek. Hate to see it over. Sandy Penton.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert, traveler and author, relates her amazing spiritual journey after divorce and severe depression threaten to keep her down. Determined to find a different, peaceful existence she heads for Italy for four months, experiencing it fully then heading to India to spend four months meditating in an Ashram and learning from her Guru. After much soul searching and meditating, learning self-discipline, she heads for Bali to meet a Balinese medicine man who two years prior, had told her she would spend three or four months with him. This is not a "new-age" hype book, but a painfully honest look by Gilbert at herself, her reason for living, and how she attains her goals. A really great read. (Don't know how they could have made a movie out of it... ) Sandy Penton

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum she is not, but Elizabeth Tucker has potential. Wacky characters and scenarios into the paranormal, Liz bakes wonderful cupcakes at a bakery and has a self-appointed protector, Diesel who tries to keep evil Gerwulf Grimoire away from Liz. Finding herself embroiled on a scavenger hunt for possessed stones, she struggles with the corrupting nature of the charms leading to the stones, creating a chaos of sorts that reads like keystone kops. Will be interesting to see where Evanovich takes this character. Sandy Penton.

The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy

Kit McMahon of Lough Glass, Ireland, is devastated when her mother, Helen McMahon, disappears and is believed to have drowned in the lake. As time goes by secrets appear to work on people's consciousness and a woman named Lena Gray gets in touch with Kit. Binchy weaves an Irish tale of secrets, of mistakes, and unrequited love. You either like this book or maybe not, it was difficult for me to stay with it, but did to the end. Not a bad choice if you like family situations. Sandy Penton

The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva

Determined to sereve his ties with the Office, Gabriel Allon retreated to the windswept cliffs of Cornwall with his beautiful wife, Chiara. But once again, his seclusion is interrupted by a visitor. The visitor is a art dealer by the name of Julian Isherwood. Isherwood would like Gabriel to find a painting by Rembrandt that was stolen from the person that was restoring for Isherwood. Gabriel says "yes" to this request. What start as a simple quest to find a missing painting turns into quest to keep Iran from starting a nuclear program. It is rather long, but you won't want to stop reading. Very entertaining. I couldn't put it down. PatM

Veil of Night by Linda Howard

This is Howard's best yet! Jaclyn Wilde, wedding planner, is stressed out. Six weddings planned for five days and an appointment with the bride to be from hell, Carrie Edwards. Already running late, she hurries to the City Hall to pay a speeding ticket physically running into Detective Wilder on her way out. When meeting with Jaclyn and some of the vendors, Carrie fires Jaclyn who ushers the vendors from the reception hall and leaves. In the meantime, someone skewers Ms Edwards to death. Miss Personality she was not and possible murderers abound. Eric Wilder is assigned to the case, but reluctantly because Jaclyn has become a love interest and he needs to do his job correctly. Howard does a superb job of story-telling, keeping the reader's interest throughout. Great read. Sandy Penton.

Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik

Angry Housewives is about five young women of Fresia Court in small-town, Minnesota. The reader is given glimpses of their lives as they form a book group and the choices of books they read help us to "flesh out" their characters and Landvik exposes their stories: Faith, who is living a lie, Audrey, resident sex queen, Merit, shy doctor's wife, thoughtful and wise older Kari and Slip, afraid of nothing. Determined, these women are closer than sisters, looking out for each other, loving and caring, forgiving. We are taken through the years with these women, who might be women we all know, making the last chapter bittersweet. A good read. Sandy Penton.

Scavenger by David Morrell

Takes up where "Creepers" leaves off, a few months later.... time capsules lead Frank Balenger and Amanda in a new direction. When Frank wakes up on the beach and Amanda is missing, he makes a diligent search for her. The Game Master has created a "god-like" game with humans as the avatars, he is the controller. Frightening and "techie" Morrell creates a life-like scenario, in a "it could happen" tale. Good sequel to "Creepers." Sandy Penton

I'm Perfect, You're Doomed by Kyria Abrahams

Biographical, Kyria tells about her life growing up as a Jehovah's Witness. Amusing, sometimes not, a bizarre tale of mental illness. So-so read. Sandy Penton

The Shimmer by David Morrell

Police Officer Dan Page, mystified by his wife's (Tori) disappearance, traces her to a small cattle town, Rostov, Texas where a mystical phenomenon appears after dark. These luminous vari-colored balls of light hover and seem to emit a strange humming sound. When a madman cuts down twenty people with an AK47, Dan offers to help investigate these unusual goings on. Morrell again writes a compelling mystery, complete with human emotions and how the lights seem to affect those humans. Good read. Sandy Penton

Creepers by David Morrell

Do you ever wonder what is in those abandonded buildings you see? Are they empty? Do the rooms have stories to tell? The hero of this story, Frank Balenger, is on a mission. He becomes part of a group of "creepers" who plan to explore the abandoned Paragon Hotel, built in the glory days of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Frank finds that he is getting more than he bargained for. For a good read that you can't put down, enjoy "Creepers" for thrills and chills you won't soon forget. Sandy Penton.

The Cabinet of Curiosities by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

FBI agent Pendergast arrives at the scene when mass burials, over a century old, have been discovered during a New York City construction project. Contacting Nora Kelly of the New York Museum of Natural History for assistance, Pendergast finds her embroiled in a struggle for funds to continue her work. In a relationship with journalist Bill Smithback, Nora finds him overbearing when he jeopardizes her job by releasing confidential information. Preston and Child write a chilling and dark murder mystery, spinning the threads of the characters into a complex tale of museums, archeology, forensics, and history. A great read. Sandy Penton

In the name of honor by Richard North Patterson

The McCarran and the Gallaghers, two military families, have been close for decades, ever since Anthony McCarran and his friend Jack Gallaghers went to Vietnam and only Anthony came back. Anthony's wife committed suicide when their children are young. So the rest of the families become a family unit of their own with Gallagher's daughter Kate and McCarran two children Meg and Brian. Tragedy strikes when Brian shoots and kills D'Abruzzo, who is married to Kate and his commanding officer in Iraq. Captain Paul Terry, who is about to leave the service, is appointed to defend Brian. As the trial goes on, Paul must find out what really happen that fateful night. There are many twist and turns, especially at the very end. It's worth reading. Pat M

Don't you dare read this, mrs. dunphrey by Margaret Peterson Haddix

This book is about Tish Bonner. Everyone has to keep a journal in Mrs. Dunphrey's English Class, but the teacher has promised she won't read any entry marked "Do not read this". Almost all of Tish's entry has this on it. Tess desperately needs someone to talk to,even if it's only a notebook she doesn't dare let anyone read. As Tish's life spins out of control, the entries in her journal become more and more private...and dangerous. This is a young adult book, but I couldn't put it down. It's not very big, but it has a lot of good stuff in it. I am thinking of having a book discussion on this book. It will you think. Pat M

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

A romantic story about Catherine Crawfield, half-vampire, twenty-two, killer of bad vampires, seeking her vampire father with vengeance on her mind. Crossing paths with vampire bounty hunter, Bones, she enters into a partnership with him to kill other "bad" vampires. Makes for light reading, interesting story line, and likeable characters. Sandy Penton

A Cold Place in Hell by William Blinn

Billy Piper rides a crazed stallion, ends up broken in many places, and an old cowboy nurses him back to health in this riveting western by Blinn. Not your typical shoot 'em up western, "A Cold Place..." deals with human emotions, a love for humans and animals, and the problems faced when deciding right from wrong. I greatly enjoyed this book and recommend to you. Sandy Penton

Where Willows Grow by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Anna Mae and Harvey Phipps are about to lose their farm in Kansas due to the drought when Harvey responds to an advertisement requesting workers to "build a castle in Kansas." He leaves home on a sour note and stubbornness sets in on both sides to create tension and fear in their lives. Having asked their neighbor Jack Berkley to look in on his wife and family while he is gone, Harvey doesn't realize he has just allowed the fox to be in the hen house. "Where Willows Grow" is a believable tale of life in Kansas in the late thirties during the drought, a story of faith in God and how believing in Him helps one face the unpleasantness life can bring. I recommend highly. Sandy Penton.

Damaged by Alex Kava

FBI Special Agent and profiler Maggie O'Dell is off to Pensacola, Florida with friend Charlie Wurth, Assistant Deputy Director of Homeland Security. A cooler with body parts has been found floating in the ocean and many questions have been asked. To complicate things, a hurricane is approaching landfall. Colonel Benjamin Platt, a friend and associate of Maggie's is also in the area. As Director of Infectious Diseases at USAMRIID, he is investigating a mystery virus that is causing deaths in amputees. As the storm intensifies, so does the net drawing Maggie and Ben together as they make connections between the virus and the body parts. Well written and interesting. I enjoyed it a lot. Sandy Penton.

The Way to a Man's Heart by Mary Ellis

Leah Miller loves to cook. When an opportunity arises to help with the opening of a new diner she jumps at the chance. Jonah Byler, new to the district, is dealing with concerns of his own, but he is drawn to Leah and wishes to court her. Will Leah and Jonah work things out? When Leah's partner in the diner commits fraud will Leah be able to hold her head up in the community? The Way to a Man's Heart is well written and interesting to the end, and includes several recipes that sound yummy. Sandy Penton

Anathema by Colleen Coble

Amish girl Hannah Schwartz, betrothed to another, is secretly meeting Englischer Reece O'Connor who wants to marry her. When she returns home of an evening to discover her parents brutally murdered, her world falls apart. To escape, she runs away with Reece only to find herself in an even worse situation. This finely crafted mystery grabs the reader's attention, holding it to the very end. I liked it a lot. Would recommend to all. Sandy Penton

Damaged by Alex kava

In Penascola Beach, FL, the Coast Guard braces for Category-5 hurricane that has entered the Gulf of Mexico. During a routine patrol of the waterways, the aircrew pots a massive fishing cooler floating a mile offshore. Inside, the find it filled with body parts. Criminal profile Maggie O'Dell is sent to investigate. Eventually, Maggie is able to trace the torso in the cooler back to a man who mysteriously disappeared week earlier after a hurrican hit Port St. Lucie on the Atlantic side. Can Maggie solve this before the hurricane hits Penascola Beach. I really like reading Alex Kava. They keep your interest all the way through. Pat M

Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen

Medical examiner Maura Isles is in Wyoming for a medical conference when a group of friends invite her on a skiing trip. Stranded in a storm, they stumble upon a deserted town in a mountain valley. No phone service, no electricity, no one knowing where they were, the small group prepare to either wait out the storm or try to get some help. Days later, Maura's friend Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli receives word that Mara's burned body has been found at the scene of a vehicle accident. Jane, struggling for answers as to why this happened, persists in investigating her disappearance. This reader found Ice Cold an intriguing, suspenseful book, hard to put down. A great read. Sandy Penton

Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo

Pray for Silence is Linda Castillo's second book. The first book, Sworn to Silence, was great. You don't have to read it first, but I would recommend it. It has the same main characters. This book is about Kate Burkholder, chief of police of Painters Mill, OH. She grow up in an Amish family, but she left. The book begins with the discovery of a family of seven who has been slaughtered on their family. They are a Amish family who just moved from Lancaster, PA. She must figure out who would do such a thing. State Agent John Tomasetti, who was in the first book, returns to help with the case. I couldn't put the book down. I hope to writes many more books. Pat M

Thief of Words by John Jaffe

Annie Hollerman has spent 20 years trying to run away from a past mistake. Now a successful literary agent in Washington, DC, her best friend coerces her into a lunch date with journalist Jack DePaul, opening a whole can of worms leading to the past she is fleeing from. Jaffe writes a funny, thoughtful, engaging little novel of romance that the reader found hard to put down. You will like it. Sandy Penton

The Aloha Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini

Bonnie Markham of Elm Creek Quilt Camp is taking a break. Getting a divorce from husband, Craig, she is off to visit college friend Claire in Maui to help her establish a quilter's retreat in a bed and breakfast. A lot of Hawaiian history and information about Hawaiian quilting. I found it slow going. Sandy Penton

Betsy's Return by Wanda E Brunstetter

Betsy Nelson returns home to care for her ailing father, minister to a small church on the canal. When Reverend William Covington arrives to fill her father's pulpit, Betsy fears for her and her father's future. Taking in laundry to earn money, Betsy is determined to provide for herself and her father. A story of love and forgiveness, Brunstetter writes a compelling tale. Sandy Penton

Dangerous by Diana Palmer

Winnie Sinclair 911 operator, is attracted to Kilraven, who seems to resist getting involved with the opposite sex. Read several chapters, unsolved murders seemingly connected to Kilraven, still couldn't get interested in it. Put me to sleep. Sandy Penton

The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall

I understand HBO sitcom Big Love is loosely based on this book. Golden Richards, husband to four wives and father to twenty-eight children is having a midlife crisis. #1 wife Beverly aspires to rules the roost but things can be pretty much described as chaos. Golden spends most of the week away in another state at his work site (for a brothel, no less) and the wives are getting testy. The kids are running amok. The first part of this novel is pretty humorous given the situations Golden and his family gets embroiled in, but then things take a turn for the worse. This was a very interesting book to read and I would recommend if you can take polygamy with a grain of salt.

The General Custer Story by Lauran Paine

Published in 1996, Paine writes a compelling and well-researched biography of Custer and the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Well worth the read, especially if you are a history buff. Sandy Penton

The Zero Hour by Joseph Finder

FBI Special Agent Sarah Cahill is drawn into a murder investigation involving ex-husband homicide detective Peter Cronin. Meanwhile, across the ocean, charismatic terrorist operative Zero converses with Malcom Dyson, fugitive financier, who is hiring him to make a "hit." Sarah conducts an intense, secret manhunt for Zero, with no knowledge of his appearance. Finder again composes an intense thriller with believable scenarios, much to this reader's delight. A good read. Sandy Penton.

High Crimes by Joseph Finder

Criminal defense attorney/Harvard law professor Claire Heller Chapman is leading the perfect life with daughter and husband Tom Chapman, she thinks. One day a trip to the mall with her family is all it takes to throw a monkey wrench in the works. As they stroll through the mall, her husband is suddenly accosted by two men who address him by another name and accuse him of murder, at which point he flees midst the crowds leaving a theatre. Claire finds herself question- ing Tom's identity, his past, and wondering what else he has lied about. Finder writes a thrilling court-room drama, military style, keeping the reader's interest through the surprise ending. I could not put this book down. Sandy Penton.

White Hot by Sandra Brown

The Hoyle family is Destiny, Louisiana. Huff is arrogant, controlling, cruel and has raised his first- born to be exactly like him. Youngest son Danny has just been found, an apparent suicide and sister Sayre has returned after an absence of ten years. Sayre just wants to pay her respects to Danny and leave town but when questions are raised regarding Danny's death, she decides to stay and do some investigating. Brown writes a thrilling page-turner, this reader could not put it down. Sandy Penton

Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber

Dr. Michael Everett is grieving his wife who passed away a year ago. Hannah's brother gives Michael a letter she had written before she died to give to him stating her wishes. Stunned, Michael finds she has picked out three women for him to consider marrying. Macomber writes a tale of recovery from different types of grief as each individual is suffering heartache of their own. I really liked the positive outlook the reader is given. I would recommend this book to anyone. Sandy Penton

Love Finds You in Homestead Iowa by Melalnie Dobson

Times are hard in Chicago in 1894. Jacob Hirsch, whose wife died less than a year ago leaving him with a young daughter, has been laid off from the Bank where he worked. Penniless and no job prospects, he buys tickets to Washington hoping to find a job there. When Jacob and Cassie arrive at the train station, there is an angry mob milling about. When told to get on the train as quickly as he can, he and Cassie end up riding in an open box car, due to the violence of the mob.

Arriving in Iowa instead of Washington, Cassie is very ill and Jacob is advised to get off the train at Homestead to seek medical help for her. Thus begins a heart-warming story of a father's love for his daughter and what he endures. Falling for an Amana woman, he seeks to join the colony. I found this novel very interesting and hard to put down. A really great read. Sandy Penton

Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian

A morbid drawn-out tale of a minister who has lost his faith, his congregation and his lover. Just did not like this book. Sandy Penton

Domestic Affairs by Eileen Goudge

The story of three women who come from different walks of life and how their lives merge and they are changed. Goudge does a great job of creating her characters, bringing them to life and painting a possible view of life in today's world. A rags to riches, riches to rags story. If you like Delinsky, you will like Goudge. Sandy Penton

The Death Dealer by Heather Graham

Genevieve O'Brian has been spooked by bizarre slayings and fearing for her mother, who belongs to the Poe Society, she hires PI Joe Connolly, a close friend that she wishes were closer... Joe thinks he is hearing dead people speak and questions his sanity. A lot of background on Edgar Allen Poe in this narrative of murder and suspense, plus a little paranormal goings on. An OK read. Sandy Penton

Stagecoach Graveyard by Thom Nicholson

Marty Keller is a bounty hunter. Hired by nearly broke Stagecoach company owner Malcolm O'Brian to stop the attacks on his freight and stage line, Keller takes pity on O'Brian and decides to stop the outlaws for good. A pretty good read. Sandy Penton

Never Far From Home by Mary Ellis

Young Emma Miller, having started her own wool busisness, causes concern in her family when she is attracted to neighboring Englisher young James Davis, also from a family of sheep farmers. Wanting to be independent, to educate herself further in order to do a good job of raising sheep, Emma struggles to find her place in the Amish world. A good read. Sandy Penton

A Widow's Hope by Mary Ellis

Widow Brown is moving to Ohio with her sheep. Staying with her sister and brother-in-law (who's not very happy about this turn of events) Hannah makes the acquaintance of Seth, also a widower with a small daughter who hasn't spoken since her mother's death. Ellis spins a compelling tale of individuals trying to find out and do God's will. A good read. Sandy Penton

The 47th Samurai by Stephen Hunter

A backwards glimpse into World War II finds the fathers of Bob Lee Swagger and Philip Yano engaged in a battle to the death, opposing each other. Philip Yano seeks Bob Lee out, looking for the legendary sword his father carried in battle. Sharing their stories, Bob promises to try to find the sword and return it to Philip. Thus begins Bob Lee's immersion into Samurai history, a search for the sword, a trip to Japan and murder. Swagger fans will find another exciting, enthralling tale of action and dedication, well worth the read. Sandy Penton

Snake in the Glass by Sarah Atwell

Emmeline Dowell has a glass-blowing business in Tucson and has just returned from Dublin with bad news for her brother Cam. When she tells him his lady love Allison is not and may not be returning to Tucson, he storms out of Em's apartment saying only that he has a small job he needs to finish up. Meanwhile, a body is found in the desert that in turn connects to the arrival of a strange little professor, Denis Ryerson, wanting to use her glass oven to process peridot stones. Atwell contrives a neat little mystery while throwing in bits of information about the peridot gem stones. Not a bad read. Sandy Penton

Anna's Return by Marta Perry

Anna jumped the fence three years ago and now she returns with a one-year-old daughter. Staying with her brother Joseph and his family, she strives to fit in again with the Amish community. But she has secrets: she is not the birth mother of Gracie and she doesn't plan to stay.

On the surface, Anna seems compliant, her family forgiving her, surrounding her, making her feel safe. Childhood friend Samuel, also a fence-jumper returned, befriends Anna, knows the acclimation back into the community is not as easy as she would have people believe. He draws her out, learning part of her secrets and finds himself falling for her. Will Anna be safe here? Will she stay or disappoint her friends and family and leave again? A good end to the series. Sandy Penton

Rachel's Garden by Marta Perry

Rachel Brand, widow of one year, is trying to keep her farm going and raise her two daughters. Her brother-in-law, Isaac and her father want her to sell the farm. Her late husband wanted the farm to be their future and Rachel is stubborn. She wants to have a greenhouse (Ezra's gift to her) and sell plants, become a nursery. Gideon Zook, who was with Ezra when he fell to his death, wants to help Rachel, and she reluctantly lets him. Someone lets the horse out of the stall, loosens some of the roofing causing a leak and tampers with Gideon's windmill. Will Rachel succeed or will she give in to the pressure to sell the farm. Will Gideon forgive himself for Ezra's fatal accident? There is a lot of lessons about forgiveness in this heart-warming story. A good read. Sandy Penton

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

A narrative of black women (maids, family caretakers) in the South during the early sixties. Twenty-two-year old Skeeter arrives home after graduating from college to discover her childhood companion, Constantine, is no longer in the home and no one will tell her what happened. Skeeter's social life has taken an adjustment in that all her girlfriends are already married and raising families and she doesn't quite feel that she fits in anymore. Taking a journalism job with the newspaper, she has to rely on Aibileen (her friend Elizabeth's maid) to answer the homemaker questions for the column she is to write.

Aibileen has many years of experience raising white people's children (she is on her seventeenth) and when her son is killed two years previously, she has an ache in her heart that two-year-old Mae Mobley fills and she treats her like a daughter. Minnie is Aibileen's close friend, short, fat and sassy, and between the two of them, the reader gets some pretty clear ideas about their life at that time. A very well written novel based on some of Ms. Stockett's own experiences. Sad but hopeful reading. Sandy Penton

Big Girl by Danielle Steel

Victoria Dawson, heroine, manages to overcome a thirty years of not fitting in, feeling like the "other" sister, and not worthy of her parents love. Steel does a great job of exploring the effects of subtle verbal abuse and what happens when parents don't seem to have their priorities straight. Victoria emerges victorious in this sensitive novel of women's issues in todays world. A good read. Sandy Penton

Blood Vines by Erica Spindler

Alexandra Clarkson has been having nightmares, now she is having terrifying visions of blood and fire, writhing bodies. When her dysfunctional mother commits suicide, Alex feels she is adrift in the world, with no family or childhood memories. The mummified body of a child is discovered and Detective Daniel Reed is called to investigate. When the telephone number next to a news article found in Alex's mothers home about the body leads Alex to call, it is to Reed. This leads to the discovery that Alex's mother was once married to Harlan Sommer, a prominent vintner of Sonoma County. Seeking to know more about her past, Alex asks questions and disturbing events begin happening. Is the body of the babe her brother? Is Harlan Sommer her father? Can Alex trust herself with Reed? Spindler writes a mystifying thriller. Hated to see it end. Sandy Penton

Spring's Renewal by Shelly Shepard Gray

Spring's Renewal is the second in the Sugarcreek series, picking up the story of scarred Amish schoolteacher Clara Slabaugh. Caring for her widowed mother (two sisters had married and moved away) Clara has resigned herself to living alone and no chance of marriage. When Tim Graber arrives to help his aunt and uncle with their spring planting and chores, he is drawn to Clara and realized that the girl he left at home may not be the one for him. A compelling and heart-warming story that leaves the reader satisfied at the end. A good read. Sandy Penton

Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich

Evanovich still has Stephanie Plum in the thick of things along with cohort Lula and office manager Connie this go 'round. Vinnie has been kidnapped and the ransom asking is $786,000 dollars (with interest accruing) due to his gambling vice. The ladies have a week to raise the cash, collect a few FTA's (Failure to Appear), experience a run in with Mr. Jingles the alligator and eat a few donuts. Don't want to give all the surprises away, Sizzling Sixteen is earthy, funny and Stephanie Plum at her best. Read it today! Sandy Penton

Running Around (and Such) by Linda Byler

A refreshing peek at Amish life through the eyes of a fifteen-year-old, Lizzie Glick. Written for teens and based on true experiences from an Amish writer, adults will find this series intriguing as Lizzie goes through the pangs of growing up Amish with it's constraints and her many questions. Her temper and dislike of housework gets her into hot water with Mom and Dat. Approaching her sixteenth birthday, she is anxious about stepping into the next stage of her life, meeting boys, going to singings, and learning to work outside the home. (Some yummy recipes are included...) Looking forward to the next book in the series. Sandy Penton

Innocent by Scott Turow

Judge Rusty Sabich awakes to find his wife dead beside him. The sequence of events that follow raise many questions in the minds of his son Nat, the police and Prosecuting Attorney Tommy Molto. From the prologue to the end, this book is a fascinating page-turner with psychological twists and turns, exploring the thoughts and actions of the characters involved. A must read if you like suspense, mystery. Sandy Penton

Waiting for Summer's Return by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Summer Steadman, bereaved widow, having lost her husband and four children to typhoid fever on the empty plains of Kansas, accepts the offer extended by Mennonite widower Peter Ollenburger to tutor his convalescing son. Sawyer spins a tale of humans dealing with their fears and insecurities that everyone can relate to. A heart-lifting and inspirational story. Sandy Penton

The Burning Wire by Jeffery Deaver

Fans of Lincoln Rhyme will love this one. There is some maniac running around playing with electricity, causing killer arc flashes and using this silent, invisible weapon to kill people. The question is why and where will he, or they, strike next? To add more stress to Rhyme's life, the Watchmaker has appeared in Mexico and he is doing double duty helping authorities there also. Rhyme's physical limitations begin to take a toll.... A really good read. Sandy Penton

Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller

Iowans know about the Amana Colonies, and now you can read about them. Twenty-0ne year old Johanna Ilg is shocked when she returns to her home to find three visitors from the "outside world" in her parents parlor. Dr and Mrs Schumacher and their daughter, Berta, who would be living in three of the upstairs rooms of their house. Miller spins a tale of a life different than most, explaining the customs and traditions of the colonists compared to those outside the colonies. Johanna finds her hands full with a rebellious, spoiled Berta, as well as finding out her parents have some plans and secrets of their own. Intriguing. Sandy Penton

Supreme Justice by Phillip Margolin

A novel of the Supreme Court justices to titillate your fancy. You have Sarah Woodruff on death row in Oregon for killing her lover, John Finley. A series of appeals has led to the Federal Supreme Court and questions about John Finley's background. Subtle and not so subtle threats stirs the curiosity of Brad Miller, Keith Evans and Justice Felicia Moss which leads to the hiring of Dana Cutler to investigate further. Margolin writes another intriguing novel about the government and the all too humans who run it. A good read. Sandy Penton

The Rule of Nine by Steve Martini

This novel continues with corruption and murder rampant in Paul Madrianiland. Hit man known as the Mexicutioner is teamed up with the Old Weatherman who wants to go out in style with vigilante-type justice. The assassin tends to want to get personal about some of his hits and make the intended victim suffer rather than "get in and get out" as you might say. Martini keeps the reader on their toes with a good read. I recommend. Sandy Penton

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

A smarmy little tale about three people looking for love in all the wrong places. Ralph Truitt, widowed for 20 years has advertised for "A Reliable Wife." Catherine Land answers the ad and after a short correspondence, arrives in the cold of winter in rural Wisconsin. But, she is not what she seems to be. Anthony Truitt (Ralph's son), also known as Tony Moretti, has been found in St Louis living a life of immoral pleasure. Bring the three together and one might assume you would get a twisted love story of sorts. Read if you must. Sandy Penton.

Never Change by Elizabeth Berg

Myra Lipinski, spinster at 51,has a dog, Frank, and a career as a visiting nurse. Things change her predictable life when she is assigned a new patient, a face from the past. Chip Reardon, high school classmate, has been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor and has returned to his hometown to spend what time he has left. Under Myra's care past as well as current events are examined and explored, weaving a poignant tale of regrets and new beeginnings. A good, but sad, read. Sandy Penton.

Going Rogue An American Life by Sarah Palin

If you are the least bit interested in what goes on behind the scenes during a political campaign or even local politics, Sarah Palin gives her version of her life as a native Alaskan, Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Governor of Alaska, and Vice Presidential candidate with John McCain. Palin comes across as a truly independent soul, one who will fight the good fight for what is right to the last. God-loving, motherhood is very important, and very interested in the plight of her fellow Alaskans, Palin battles Big Oil and wins, not one to "sit down and shut up" as she puts it. She knows going in that the race for one of the top seats in government is not going to be easy, but her family and friends support her and she gives it an honest try. But trying to be honest is not easy in the world of politics. With another election coming up, it will not hurt the voter to read about Sarah and her experiences. Perhaps it will even make a difference in the future of our wonderful United States of America. I urge everyone to read this biography. Sandy Penton.

In Memory's Kitchen A Legacy from the Women of Terezin by Cara de Silva

Cara de Silva relates the story of Mina Pachter, imprisoned in a concentration camp at Theresienstadt (Czech republic) during the 1940's. Mina, with the women there, tried to maintain a normalcy, for them, by remembering recipes and creating a cookbook after a fashion. When a person reads between the lines, one senses the deprivation the women suffered, the cruelty they were subjected to, and how their thought processes were affected by the imprisonment. A short read, a lot of recipes, heartbreaking. Another look at the atrocities of concentration camps. Sandy Penton.

Cemetery Dance by Preston & Child

Nora Smithback and husband William are celebrating their first year of marriage and her success at the museum. When she returns from a trip to the bakery, she finds her husband brutally murdered and is attacked by the intruder as he is leaving. Pendergast enters the scene when elements of voodoo start appearing and the suspect is someone who had died two weeks prior to the murder. Preston and Child spin a chilling tale of mystery and intrigue. A good read. Sandy Penton

Where the Heart Leads by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Farm-bred Kansan Thomas Ollenburger has fulfilled his parent's dream of a college education. Returning home from Boston, he struggles with wanting to please his father and to return to Boston to work. A member of the Mennonite community, his deep beliefs ground him in his decisions, but when Boston socialite Daphne Severt decides she wants Thomas for her own, Thomas forgets about looking to God for answers and direction in his life and finds himself in a situation that is very uncomfortable. Sawyer writes a compelling tale of faith, compassion and healing, well worth the read. Sandy Penton

SummerHill Secrets 1 by Beverly Lewis

Fifteen-year-old Merry Hanson lives with her family next door to the farm of an Amish family, the Zooks. A book about teens in Amish country, their relationships to one another, their differences, and the temptations they face. Not a bad read.

When Men Become Gods by Stephen Singular

A synopsis of the life and times of Warren Jeffs, Mormon polygamist. Singular describes what happens when ploygamy becomes a dangerous, abusive, militant cult intimidating women and children as well as men. If you have been watching the series "Big Love," you will recognize the difference immediately. All is certainly not fun and games, with all members of the "family" getting along. A charismatic Jeffs rules his family and the members of his religious group with an iron hand, meting out justice and injustice alike, tearing families apart and indoctrinating the children from an early age with fear and violence. Quite an educational read. Sandy Penton

Hush by Kate White

Lake Warren, marketing consultant, mother of two, finds her life in disarray when she learns her husband Jack, who has filed for divorce, now wants full custody of the children. Her job is the only thing keeping her sane. Attracted to one of the doctors at the firm she is working for, she accepts an invitation for "one last drink" at his place. Upon awakening, she discovers him with his throat cut and panics. Wanting to keep her personal life secret, she flees the scene and begins to weave a tale of lies to protect herself. An intriguing story of deceit, jealousy, corporate fraud and murder. An ok read. Sandy Penton

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Half-blood Percy Jackson (whose father is Poseidon) is nearing the magic age of 16 and has been pondering the prophecy that some bad things would happen on his next birthday. He is still battling Kronos (who has taken over Luke's body) and together with Beckendorf, they have attacked the "Princess Andromeda." Nothing is ever half-done with Percy and right off the bat he is battling a giant (I mean really, really big) crab. Riordan packs this final adventure with action and drama. A good ending to a very good series. Sandy Penton

61 Hours by Lee Child

Jack Reacher, "hitching a ride" on a tour bus, finds himself involved in a drug-related murder investigation when the bus leaves the road during a snow storm. Getting assistance from nearby Bolton, South Dakota, the passengers and Jack are "farmed out" to local citizens for the duration of the storm. Police Chief Holland and his large force is stressed by the storm and implications of their responsibility to the new prison outside of town due to a clause in a contract signed by the mayor. Holland and his assistant Andrew Peterson ask Jack for assistance because of his military background and experience. Throw into the mix nasty old Plato from Mexico, drug lord and just plain evil man, a freezing snow storm, and a brave elderly witness and you get excitement and suspense that only Child can produce. Another great adventure. Sandy Penton

Nightwalker by Heather Graham

Jessy Sparhawk works in Las Vegas. Not inclined to gamble she decides to try her luck and ends up with a dead man pinning her to the craps table. Dillon Wolf, hired by casino executive Emil Landon, is drawn to Jessy and feels there might be a connection between Jessy's dead man and Landon's stalker. An adventure into the unknown, ghosts seen by those called "nightwalkers", a puzzle for Dillon to solve with his sidekick, ghost Ringo Murphy. Light entertainment for the casual reader. Not a bad read. Sandy Penton

Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline

This book starts out with me hating Bennie Rosato's twin sister, Alice Connelly. The first chapter grabs you with the evil in Alice, burying her sister, Bennie, alive. Alice then proceeds to assume Bennie's identity, steal her money, and try to disappear from the face of the earth. Alice fails to take into account Bennie's will to live. Chapter by chapter, the suspense made this reader stay up until after midnight to finish the story. Would make a thrilling movie. A great read. Sandy Penton

Wrecked by Carol Higgins Clark

Jack and Regan Reilly expecting to spend a quiet weekend at a vacation home on Cape Cod Bay during a winter storm (first anniversary, no less). Jack has returned with breakfast and two elderly sisters, neighbors, who seek shelter after the storm has damaged their home. (There goes the romantic weekend they were hoping for... ). About this time caretaker Skip stumbles in the door to announce another neighbor is lying in a heap at the bottom of her staircase to the beach.

Jack, Regan and Skip run back only to find Mrs Hopkins has apparently washed away raising the following questions: Who is this reclusive neighbor? Was she dead when Skip found her? Has she really washed away? Was it an accident?

The next chapter reveals.... An interesting story, but there are way too many characters, many of them beyond quirky, involved for this reader. An ok read. Sandy Penton

Cat O'Nine Tales by JeffreyArcher

A book of short stories by Jeffrey Archer. Called charming by one reviewer, this reader was less than enthused by the tales, some of which were supposedly inspired by Archer's own time spent in prison. Perhaps you will like it better than I did. Sandy Penton

Double Cross by James David Jordan

Former Secret Service Agent Taylor Pasbury turned security service is mulling over the people she knows who have died, either accidentally or violently. Her previous employer Simon Mason has turned up dead, and it appears someone has been embezzling his foundation's money. A long-lost mother shows up after twenty years. A hum-drum story of a recovering alcoholic making good. Read if you must. Sandy Penton

The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough

Luke Davis returns to Lookout, older and wiser (he hopes) and has been hired to be the Marshall. His two ornery cousins, Garrett and Mark, decide Luke needs to get married and pretty soon three mail-order brides are on their way. Small towns being what they are, Luke is soon forced into choosing a bride which leads to an interesting and entertaining story about romance in the old west. Would make a cute movie. An OK read. Sandy Penton

Durable Goods by Elizabeth Berg

Twelve year-old Katie lives with her dad and eighteen year-old sister on an Army base in Texas. Life is strained, being twelve, waiting to grow up, living with an angry father. Katie's friend, Cherylanne, advises Katie as only a fourteen-year old can about boys, puberty and life. Katie struggles with missing her mom, fear of her dad's anger, and the angst of moving yet again. Berg seems to understand the complexities of this young girl and the transitions she is going through. A compelling read. Sandy Penton

Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci

Regina Campion is a member of a team that does not officially exist and does things around the world that none will even know. Their targets are the scum of the earth - individuals who traffic in human slavery, nuclear materials, genocide, who are inherently evil.

Evan Waller, aka Fedir Kuchin, is their latest target. Outwardly appearing as a highly successful business man, it had taken three years to gather the incriminating documentation and now the team will pursue him.

Shaw, from "The Whole Truth," is also on a mission to capture the same man. When Shaw and Regina become aware of each other's mission, their prey escapes throwing the two together to try to stop Waller. Baldacci leads the reader on a merry chase, full of suspense. A good thriller. Sandy Penton.

Return of the Mountain Man by William W Johnstone

Kirby Jensen, aka Smoke, aka Buck West is on a mission. Some dirty, low-down, low-life, murdering snakes, aka Potters, Richards and Stratton murdered his father, his wife and young son, and friend and mentor, Preacher. Now he was on the trail and ready to trade an eye for an eye. Johnstone writes a believable, action-packed novel of life in the untamed west, where law was what you could get and the sheriff was sometimes the face on a wanted poster in another town. I liked it a lot. Sandy Penton

Blue-Eyed Devil by Robert B Parker

Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch are back in Appaloosa, keeping peace at the Boston House. Chief of Police Amos Callico has political aspirations and a force of 12 men to keep peace in the town (if the business owners pay their dues, that is... ). One evening General Laird's son was in the bar being drunk and disorderly and Virgil and Everett had to take charge, with the boy getting killed. Parker has written another chapter in this saga of western justice, political intrigue, and the life of a gunman. Parker fans will love this, I did. Sandy Penton

The Telling by Beverly Lewis

Grace Byler and an unlikely companion, Englischer Heather Nelson, are in search of Lettie Byler, Grace's mother. Lettie has been gone for several weeks on a searching mission of her own, leaving her family worried and confused. When Grace arrives in Kidron, Ohio only to find her mother left the day before, she and Heather return home. The secret Lettie has kept all these years (Lettie's parents, also) is about to be exposed to all the members of her church as she needs to confess sins from her youth. What is the secret? How will her family and the church receive this revelation? Will she be shunned? Will she be forgiven? How does Heather Nelson figure in all this? Lewis ties up all the loose ends in this the third of the series, and a good job of it I must say. A good read. Sandy Penton

Lou's Dirty Dozen by Ranny Grady

This is the story of Jessie Crandall Grady who grew up in the depression and dust bowl years in Kansas and her eleven brothers and sisters. Her father dies early on and mother Lou has to come to grips with raising her children. This is an uplifting story of hardships met with Christian attitude and allowing God to provide for what is needed. A refreshing look at motherhood and life. A good read. Sandy Penton

Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs

Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan is returning home when there is a major plane crash involving 88 passengers and crew in the mountains nearby. Given verbal authority to help with assisting with body recovery and identification, she proceeds to do so. Concerned that her daughter might have been one of the passengers, Tempe digs in trying to help solve the cause of the accident. When she discovers a disembodied foot nearby and analysis indicates it could not be from a passenger, Tempe decides to do a little detecting on her own. Coming upon a hidden lodge, forensic evidence indicates there may indeed have been a body on the ground, but it is no longer there. Returning to civilization she seeks help with retrieving evidence and finds doors normally open to her being slammed shut. Makes for a really good mystery and her conclusions certainly make sense. Lots of information about forensics analysis. Sandy Penton

Blood Vines by Erica Spindler

This book is about Alexandria Clarkson. She is having terrifying visions filled with vlood and ceremonial images. Her mother has just committed suicide without leaving behind any information. When Alex was five, her little brother was abducted. She can't remember anything about her life then. They have just found a body 25 years later that may be him. Alex goes back to wine country to try and figure out what happened. And there are people who will stop at nothing to prevent that. I really enjoyed this book. There was a romance, along with a very good mystery. I thought I knew who did it toward the end of the book, but I was wrong. Pat M

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Carrie Weaver finds her life in a turmoil when her father dies leaving her and her brother, Andy, at the mercy of stepmother Esther just when she has planned to run with Solomon Riehl. She turns to Daniel Miller(Solomon left any way...) and they are married, but theirs is a marriage of convenience, not love. When Daniel dies, Carrie struggles to keep the household together. When Able, Daniel's cousin appears, secrets begin to surface. Will Carrie be able to keep her family together? What is Daniel and Able's secret? When Solomon appears after all this time will Carrie be tempted to return to him? Lots of stuff going on here.... Not a bad read. Sandy Penton

Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs

Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan seeks to extend sympathy to a friend whose grandchild has been found dead. She is also called to analyze the bodies of two victims of an unusual small plane crash. Tempe, frustrated with her daughter who makes plans for her, finds yet another gruesome discovery (aided by Boyd, her dog) which leads to yet another connection to the dead baby and the victims of the plane crash. Reichs spins an interesting tale of death, crime and a touch of romance with Andrew Ryan, detective. A good read. Sandy Penton.

The Wild Zone by Joy Fielding

Tom, Jeff and his brother Will get caught up in the life of Suzy and her abusive husband. Tom ( a little psycho) has problems of his own, with his wife and flash-backs from the war. Jeff's ego (a personal trainer to the ladies) keeps him jumping to conclusions and making a few wrong choices. Suzy has a secret. Fielding keeps the reader turning the pages, experiencing the steamy streets of Miami, in this twisted tale. Not a bad read. Sandy Penton

The Disciple by Stephen Coonts

CIA operatives Tommy Carmellini and Jake Grafton team up to destroy Iran's nuclear-powered grab for control of the Mid East as well as the rest of the world. An unlikely duo of a sister and brother with sympathies toward the Western world aid Carmellini in his search for information. A military spy thriller that keeps the reader's interest to the end. Sandy Penton

Deadly Decisions by Kathy Reichs

Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist, is drawn into a deadly situation when nine-year-old Emily Anne Toussaint is shot dead during outlaw motorcycle gang warfare. Compassionate Tempe yearns to clear the streets of killers. When nineteen-year-old nephew Kit arrives on her doorstep he attends a dinner party with Tempe and is intrigued by television personality Lyle Crease, who also happens to have biker connections. The discovery of a young girl's skull and two leg bones during a crime scene investigation, leads Tempe back to North Carolina on a mission to solve a mystery. The reader gets a lot of crime scene and forensic analysis detail that makes for a good read. Enjoyed. Sandy Penton

The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

Percy, Annabeth, Grover and Tyson enter the labyrinth in search of Daedalus. Half-blood Percy discovers more of his powers while Grover and Tyson branch off in search of Pan. Good and evil, heroes versus monsters, struggle with each other midst the fantasy world of magical mythological creatures. Another good adventure in this series. Sandy Penton

Under the Dome by Stephen King

Oh my gosh, a daunting 1072 pages, but I could hardly put it down. Chester's Mill, Maine is suddenly isolated when a glass-like dome covers their community. All of the characters in this story make the whole, the good and the bad, the kind and the mean. Dale Barbara, known as Barbie, a short order fry cook, used to be in the army, becomes hated (threatened) by "big fish in the pond" Jim Rennie, a member (and leader) of the selectmen of the town. Jim Junior and his three callous, conniving buddies ( Jr does have a little heart, though, you'll see.. ) savage young mother Sammy Bushy. Eric "Rusty" Everett, married, two kids, a physician's assistant finds his medical talent in great demand after the doctor succumbs to a heart attack after completing a complicated surgery. Newspaperwoman Julia Shumway wants to print the truth and risks her life to do so. There are many more important characters, too numerous to try to name, but all are central to the vice, corruption, kindheartedness, religiousness (?), the struggle to do right or wrong in a small town that is captured, with no way out. I can't begin to explain it. If you like complicated, mysterious, shocking, caring stories, Dome is for you. Sandy Penton

Caught by Harlan Coben

Wendy Tynes is a reporters who mission is to identify and bring down sexual predators via elaborate-and nationally televised-sting operations. She catches Dan Mercer in one of these sting. But Mercer claims he is innocent, and that he's been framed. At the same time, seventeen-year-old Haley McWaid goes missing. When Dan Mercer is killed by a angry father, Wendy must find out if Dan is innocent like he said, or if he had something to do with the missing girl. I couldn't put this book down. There is surprises all through the book, all the way to the end. Pat M

Hush by Kate White

Newly divorced 44-year old marketing consultant Lake Warren finds her lastest job for a Monhattan firtility clinic rewarding until her ex-husband, Jack, sues for full custody of their two children. Lake gives in to a one-night stand with flirtious Dr. Keaton. But when Dr. Keaton is murdered while Lake is asleep one his terrace, Lake begins her own investigation into his murder. I really liked this book. There were enough twist and turns to keep you guessing at who the killer was and why. Pat M

Deception by Johathan Kellerman

A bizarre death leads Alex Delaware and Milo Sturges into the preppy world of the privileged classes. Milo invites Alex to help investigate and things get dicey when they start running into blocked avenues of information. When things first appear to be cut and dried, Milo senses that there is more to this murder than meets the eye. Kellerman leads the reader on a complex chase with clues leading to more clues and possible killer(s). I enjoyed this novel extremely. Sandy Penton

Game Over by Fern Michaels

Women of the Sisterhood Series, much ado about nothing. Couldn't get interested in this frilly farce about women in politics in Washington, DC. Read if you must. Sandy Penton

A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston

Rebecca Kauffman, married to Daniel for fifteen years, has longed for a child. When her sister, Grace who has been shunned by the order, is killed in an auto accident with her husband leaving two teen aged daughters, Rebecca feels it is God's will that she raise the girls. Having been raised Englische, the girls aren't so sure they want to leave the city and Daniel isn't sure that having them in the community is a good idea. Makes for an interesting read, especially the dynamics between Rebecca and Daniel. Another good read. Sandy Penton

An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller

Anna has moved to Middlefield, Ohio with her mother and has a history she wants to forget. When she meets Lukas, she finds herself attracted to him but feels it is an impossible situation and doesn't want to encourage him. We are also given a peek into Muriel and Gabe's family situation and are pleasantly surprised at the progress they have made. Muriel's sister Elizabeth is attracted to Aaron who is a recovering drug addict. All situations create a fine story of the trials and tribulations of trying to live a Christian life in a strictly Christian community. A good read. Sandy Penton

Kisser by Stuart Woods

Stone Barrington, once a cop, now an associate with a prestigious law firm, finds himself involved with a couple of beautiful women. Carrie Cox, aspiring actress is being pursued by ex-husband Max who seems to want to kill her and Mitzi Reynolds, a lady cop who is setting up a sting but is not averse to getting to know her co-workers better (if you get my drift) are Stone's conquests. The fleecing of a wealthy art dealer's daughter sets the scene for Stone's entry into the upper crust of society. An ok read. Sandy Penton

A Sister's Hope by Wanda E Brunstetter

Martha Hostetler, the third sister, is still raising dogs and working at a restaurant and becoming ever more paranoid about the severe acts of violence that are directed at her parent's farmstead. Luke Friesen is in love with Martha but her father has a great dislike for Luke and forbids her to see him. Everyone is suspect. Luke, because Roman fired him; Mr. Collins because he wants to buy their place; Toby because he and Luke have had a falling out; Englischers because sometimes they do it for amusement; even Gary Walker, former boyfriend of Grace's. Aunt Rosemary visits with the sheriff but isn't confident that he is doing all he should. Grace is upset because Anna's "Poppa" has appeared on the scene. What turmoil. Brunstetter does a wonderful job of tying up loose ends for an enjoyable read. Sandy Penton

A Sister's Test by Wanda E Brunstetter

Ruth Hostetler is the main character in this second book of the series and she is to being courted by Martin Gingerich with marriage in the offing. The vandalism is continuing to the Hostetler's farm holdings and is beginning to get more serious. Grace and Cleon have settled into their new home (replacing the one that burned) but all is not lovey-dovey yet.

Roman Hostetler has a visit from someone from his past and he's not happy about her showing up. Will Roman listen to what she has to say? Ruth is devastated when her future turns bleak, will she recover? Widower Abe is struggling with raising six children and holding down his job. Asking his sister, Sue, to come help him out, she leaves a beau and is anxious to return to him. Can Abe find a solution to his problem?

Another exciting novel about the Sisters of Holmes County. This reader is ready for the third book. Sandy Penton

A Sister's Secret by Wanda E Brunstetter

Grace Hostetler has a secret. She isn't too concerned about it until Englischer Gary Walker (that someone from the past... ) comes to town as a free-lance photo journalist and wants to write about the Amish. Grace and Cleon Schrock are to be married. Should Grace tell Cleon or not? Why didn't she tell her folks? Oh the anxiety. Then there is a series of attacks on the Amish community with the Hostetler's seeming to get the most of it. Is Gary the vandal? Maybe it is Luke, the hired man, or Mr. Collins who wants to buy the Hostetler farm. Cleon marries Grace alright, and everything is hunky-dory until a tall Englischer brings evidence of the deception right to her doorstep. And the plot thickens. I have to say, this is a pretty exciting novel and am anxious to read the next in this series. Sandy Penton

A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller

Set in the village of Middlefield, Ohio, this tale of the Amish is a bit unusual. Mariah has married Levi who has a twin brother Gabriel. Of late, Levi has spent a lot of time working for a yankee and has not been home much. After four months of marriage, Levi sends Mariah a note saying he is sorry, but he is leaving the church and her and seek his place in the world. Needless to say, Mariah is stunned and mystified. What has she done wrong? Levi's brother Gabe has loved Mariah from afar but is only concerned with Mariah's welfare (she has just realized she is pregnant...) so he approaches Levi to come home.

In the meantime, Tobias and Rachel are at odds with each other. Not courting, but a part of the community, the reader senses that Tobias and Rachel are destined to be together. Rachel and Christian seem to be headed to the altar. Will Rachel realise Tobias really has feelings for her? Will Tobias get past his fear of rejection and talk to Rachel?

Fuller creates a bit of excitement in her novel of Amish love and lovers. I liked it. Sandy Penton

A Vintage Affair A Novel by Isabel Wolff

A Vintage Affair has Phoebe opening a vintage clothing shop after leaving a lucrative job with Sothebys. The treasured clothing has reached the knowledgeable proprietor who loves the romance and styles of different eras and wants her customers to enjoy them to the fullest. Phoebe misses her friend Emma and shares their early years with the reader. Mrs. Bell, a customer, befriends Phoebe and also shares memories of her early years and the clothing she wore. Wolff writes a heartfelt and compelling tale of love and love lost. A must read. Sandy Penton

Miss Julia Renews Her Vows by Ann B Ross

Miss Julia is ever so pleased with herself. She has gotten J. D. Picken and Hazel Marie married and they are off on a short honeymoon. Now she is trying to get the word out that they have been married (some time ago) and now twins are on the way without having everyone count on their fingers... Much to Julia's dismay, her husband Sam has promised the pastor that they would attend the marriage enrichment classes, leading Julia to believe that Sam thinks there is something wrong with their marriage. Well, you readers know how Miss Julia thinks, and she hasn't changed a bit. When she discovers Fred Fowler (an old acquaintance) is in charge of the classes her anxiety notches up and she decides to try to keep a secret from Sam. To make matters worse, widow (six times over) Francie Pitts is in town and Julia isn't sure what man she is after now. Author Ross has another hit. Great reading. Sandy Penton

Split Image by Robert B Parker

Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall put their heads together when they share cases looking for insight. A thug is found dead in the trunk of his car which leads to local tough Reggie Galen. Long-time tough guy Knocko Moynihan, a friend of Reggie, lives next door to him and guess what, is married to Reggie's wife's twin sister. When Knocko is found murdered, Stone is convinced Reggie probably knows something about it. Maybe the sister's do, too.

Sunny is approached by the parents of Cheryl DeMarco who think she has been indoctrinated into some kind of cult. Sunny talks to Cheryl and then the parents and decides there really isn't anything she can do. Then the head of the commune tells Jesse that Cheryl has disappeared.

Through it all, Jesse and Sunny share their insights about past relationships with significant others and the progress they are making, wanting to be comfortable with each other. This reader thoroughly enjoyed the sarcasm and wit. A great read. Sandy Penton