True to Form by Elizabeth Berg

Thirteen-year old Katie is facing a summer full of conflict. Her dad wants her to be a baby-sitter for a couple who have three very imaginative boys and to help care-take an elderly couple who just need someone there when the husband needs to leave the house. Her family has moved a lot and she misses a girl-friend from her former city of residence as well as feeling pretty much like a "loser." Katie's step-mom is as supportive as she can be of Katie and agrees that her dad can be pretty strict but that he loves Katie very much. This is a novel of a teenager growing up, finding out who her friends really are, and coming to terms with unexpected consequences. Berg writes a tale of a girl who is wise beyond her years and who learns the importance of forgiveness.
A good read. Sandy Penton

Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman

Young Amish widow, with no children, is struggling to survive on her farm. With the Bishop's permission, she has renovated a small cottage for rental to Englischers. It is winter and cold! Wealthy Kade Saunders has rented the cottage for a period of three months to recover from a disappointing relationship when his wife, whom he has been separated from for three years, drops off divorce papers and their autistic son.

Sadie and young Tyler form an immediate connection. She is also attracted to Tyler's father and this disturbs her greatly for she doesn't wish to go against the Ordnung. Enter Amishman Milo from Texas who has been courting Sadie by mail for about two years. Will Sadie go with Milo to Texas and marry him? Will Kade establish a relationship with his son whom he hardly knows? Will Sadie patiently wait for God's answers to her prayers? Will Kade find the peace he is looking for? Well written and an enjoyable read. Sandy Penton

Lunch at the Piccadilly by Clyde Edgerton

Carl Turnage visits his aunt, Lil Olive, at the Rosehaven Convalescence Center. Carl takes care of things for her, seeing that she gets her bills paid, takes her to lunch and shopping, sometimes with some of the other ladies of the Center. L. Ray Flowers, a freelance preacher is also convalescing from a knee injury and because he has the time and inclination, he begins a little preaching service with guitar entertainment with the help of Carl who isn't sure what is happening.

Lil wants to drive and Carl thinks it is inadvisable. She also wants to return to her apartment which isn't possible without in-home care. Carl just wants to do what is right for his aunt. Any reader who has had a parent, friend or loved one in a care center will be able to relate to Carl's thoughts and feelings and also to the wonderful characters who people this narration. A good read, although somewhat sad. Sandy Penton

Winter's Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray

Joshua Grabar and Gretta Hershberger are courting, but lately Joshua has seemed preoccupied and Gretta is concerned. She has joined the church and he hasn't. Will they be getting married anytime soon? Meanwhile, an Englischer family by the name of Allen has moved into the house next to the Grabars'. When Joshua sees their daughter, Lilly, he finds himself wondering if he is making the right choices. Lilly has some secrets of her own that she is struggling with. Gray has written a compelling and insightful story of human relations and their faith in God to lead them in their lives. The first in a series, Seasons of Sugarcreek, this reader is anxious to read the next book. Sandy Penton

Percy Jackson & the Olympians The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is to go to yet another school when he receives a distress call from his friend Grover. Ever loyal to his friends, Percy sets off (by getting a ride from his mom) to Half-Blood Camp to recruit help. The young heroes meet the most difficult challenge yet when they enter the trap set by Titan lord, Kronos. Another exciting and adventure filled addition to the series. A great read. Riordan, keep the adventures coming... Sandy Penton

Butcher's Hill by Laura Lippman

PI-for-hire Tess Monaghan is hired by ex-felon vigilante Luther Beale. He is recently out of prison and wants to make amends to the children who witnessed his crime (which he says he doesn't think he committed by the way). It isn't such a hard job but as time goes on, witnesses keep dying. Tess is confounded by the trail of lies, deception and murders. The third in a series of Tess Monaghan novels, the reader is surprised by the unveiled events which made for a good read. Would recommend to you mystery buffs. Sandy Penton

Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man by Fannie Flagg

First published in 1981, Daisy Fay is a refreshing return to memory lane of the south in the '50's. Daisy Fay is writing in her diary about her family and their experiences in Mississippi and how she grew up. A great read, humorous, and light-hearted. If you have already read this one, read it again! Sandy Penton

Percy Jackson & the Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Seventh-grader Percy Jackson has had quite a year. It was exciting finding out his father is Poseidon making him a half-blood, spending summer camp with other half-bloods and mythical creatures, now he is disappointed that he won't be allowed to go to summer camp this year. His summer starts like this: he is dreaming about Grover, the satyr running for his life on the streets of Florida. How can he help Grover? Does he really have a half-brother? What is Clarisse's search for? Lots of excitement and adventure in this, the second in the series. This reader likes the story line and action. Sandy Penton

Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Teenager Percy Jackson is kicked out of the sixth boarding school he has attended for vaporizing his pre-algebra teacher and he is dreading going home to his disappointed mother. Lately, events have been happening that seem impossible. His quirky friend Grover is sticking by his side but Percy loses him after the bus is destroyed. His love of Greek mythology seems to mean more and more to him every day as stranger and stranger things keep happening. This first book in a series makes this reader think of the Harry Potter series, but is an easier read and is very entertaining. Sandy Penton

Allison's Journey by Wanda E Brunstetter

Since the death of his father Aaron Zook has vowed never to marry, all he wants is to run his step-father's harness shop which had formerly belonged to his mother and father. Allison Troyer is visiting the Webster County area staying with her Aunt Mary, her mother's twin, and Uncle Ben. Allison's mother had died in an accident when she was very young and her father's sister, Aunt Catherine, has raised her very strictly, not encouraging her in the duties and chores of a housewife. Allison's father is hoping that Aunt Mary can help Allison out. Aaron is taken with tomboy Allison and finds the attraction disturbing as he tells himself he doesn't want to get involved with a woman. A good read and a good ending to the series. Sandy Penton

Dear to Me by Wanda E Brunstetter

Teen aged Melinda Andrews thinks she has a calling to care for animals that the local veterinarian has encouraged. Considering getting her GED and leaving the Amish way of life, Melinda finds her relationship with beau Gabe Swartz strained as he tries to understand her desires and struggles with the idea of "jumping the fence" and becoming Englischer. A well-written story of human relationships and desires. Sandy Penton

On Her Own by Wanda E Brunstetter

Harness maker Paul Hilty arrives in Webster County for the funeral of his brother Dan. While there he decides to stay and help recently widowed Barbara Zook with her harness shop while she recuperates from the birth of her fourth son. Having never married, Paul is attracted to Barbara and thinks about the possibility of courting her, but Bishop John seems to be desiring Barbara for a wife for his girls also. Is there a future for Paul and Barbara? Will Bishop John convince Barbara to marry him? Need to read and find out. Another good read. Sandy Penton

Going Home by Wanda E Brunstetter

Going Home is about Faith Stutzman Andrews. Another story about someone raised Amish but leaving home and family to try out the Englischer life. Having been a comedienne in the entertainment world, she returns home with her five year old daughter six months after her abusive husband is killed after stepping in front of a car. The elder Stutzman's fear that she is home only for a little while and then will be off again. Bachelor Noah Hertzler is attracted to Faith and does his best to encourage her to stay in the community. A heart-warming story of faith and family love and relationships. Sandy Penton

The Survivors Club by Lisa Gardner

Three women who have been either assaulted or raped or both, by the same individual, have formed a club. They meet together to share their experiences and become stronger women. Jillian's sister was raped and died. They are all awaiting the outcome of the trial of the man whom was arrested for these crimes when he is killed entering the court. Then another woman is raped and killed and the same DNA is found on the body. Now, it is unclear who the serial murderer is and the public is alarmed. Gardner writes a compelling, intriguing tale that ranks up there with Silence of the Lambs. A good read. Sandy Penton

Snake Dreams: A Charlie Moon Mystery by James D Doss

Charlie Moon, retired from the police department, is still in the thick of things when Officer Scott Parris calls on him to discuss a murder. Aunt Daisy adds to the confusion when she tries to do a little detecting on her own. One critic compared the writing to author Tony Hillerman but in this readers opinion Doss is way out there with this convoluted tale, taking the long way around to tell a story, and when it is over, I'm still not sure who did the dirty deed. Sandy Penton