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

The Blind Side by Michael Lewis

The Blind Side the book is not The Blind Side the movie. If you are a football nut then you will love the book. Lewis covers the history of footballs' changing strategy with the arrival of bigger, heavier, faster players. There are chapters in between that tell you the story of Michael Oher and how the Touhy family invited him to become a part of their family, a real Cinderella story. This reader had a difficult time with the football parts but it is worth the time if you are interested in Michael's rags to riches story. Sandy Penton

Never Far From Home by Mary Ellis

Emma Miller has taken a fancy to a fancy Englischer, James Davis, much to her family's chagrin. Having her sixteenth birthday, Emma declares she wants a full rumschpringe which alarms her daed Simon who is a district deacon, as well as her mother and sister. Aunt Hannah and her husband Seth are having their difficulties as Hannah is finding it hard to let her husband make all the decisions about the farm work since as a widow prior to their marriage, she had full responsibility for her farm. Will Emma be tempted to jump the fence and go English? Will James love her and leaver her? Does Simon follow his wife's suggestion and allow Emma a little breathing room? Will Hannah and Seth be able to find a common meeting ground?

Author Ellis does a great job of allowing her characters personalities to develop and come alive. This reader had a hard time putting the book down. Another great read. Sandy Penton

A Widow's Home by Mary Ellis

Widow Hannah Brown moves to her married sister's place taking a herd of sixty sheep along. Brother-in-law Simon is not a happy camper. Sister Julia hasn't been well and Hannah is hoping to help care for her and the children. Simon's brother Seth, also a widower with a small girl, is attracted to Hannah but they seem to be at odds constantly. Ellis writes convincingly of family situations and the art of learning to get along with each other. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Sandy Penton

A Cousin's Challenge by Wanda E Brunstetter

When Jolene Yoder lost her hearing after an accident, she went to live with her Aunt to learn sign language and to read lips. When a family with two deaf children moved to her home community, Jolene receives a message that they want her to return home to teach the children sign and lip-reading.

About the same time Lonnie Hershberger loses his hearing in a farm accident and becomes angry and discouraged when his girlfriend breaks up with him, causing him to feel more useless than ever. Jolene agrees to also teach Lonnie sign and lip-reading.

Jake Beachy has returned to the community to help his folks when his dad has an accident that prevents him from shoeing horses. Jake hasn't joined the church yet and his mom and dad are both after him to decide what he is going to do.

As a reader might guess, romance blooms between the most unlikely couples and the community as a whole benefits from Jolene's sign and lip-reading instructions. Many things are happening in this, the third in this series, making an enjoyable read. Sandy Penton.

A Christmas Visitor by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer

Molly loves Matt, but when she becomes pregnant (surprise, surprise) she deals with disturbing feelings: yes, she should love this baby, what about her business that is finally taking off again, what will their older girls think? are questions that go through her head.

Meanwhile, Miranda has found an unconscious man who then suffers amnesia. Miranda and her grandmother decide to provide a place for "Adam" to live while he tries to remember who he is. Miranda finds she is attracted to "Adam" but resists as she knows he has a life somewhere else, besides her boyfriend Greg is a factor. Will "Adam" regain his memory? Is Miranda going to get the actress part she has auditioned for? Is Greg going to like Miranda being gone for up to a year if she gets the part?

Reverend Ben and Carl, janitor at the church, have found a statue of an angel that they decide to put on display in the church for the Christmas season. When strange things begin to happen, Ben wonders if having the angel in the church is a good thing. Spencer writes a captivating story that is great any time of the year, not just at Christmas. I recommend. Sandy Penton

Rebecca's Choice by Jerry S Eicher

Rebecca Keim and John Miller are making wedding plans. When former maiden school teacher and friend dies leaving her estate to Rebecca instead of her siblings (as her niece Rachel lusted after) storm clouds arrive to rain on Rebecca's parade. Because of a childhood friendship Rebecca is in trouble with the church and marriage to John seems threatened. Rachel is so angry she is driving her son, Luke, away, and connives to cause Rebecca harm. Eicher brings to a conclusion this series with a penetrating look at what worldly goods can do to innocent God-fearing people. A good read. Sandy Penton

The Mulligan by Nathan Jorgenson

Dr. Joe Mix is in a quandary. He hates his job, his wife is a bitch and his boys are in college so they don't really need him anymore. This is a story of how one man makes a life-changing decision and heads out to find out if there is more to life than just waking up, going to work, going home and then to bed just to repeat again the next day. If you are a golfer, like fishing, and love a really good story, this is the book for you. All readers should like the journey Joe Mix is on, how he comes to terms with choices he has made, and be encouraged by the choices he is making as he moves forward. Jorgenson is a marvelous story-teller. Sandy Penton

Dead Sleep by Greg Iles

Photojournalist Jordan Glass is shocked when visiting an art exhibit in Hong Kong and discovers a painting within a group of similar portraits that appears to be herself, but deep inside she realizes it is a painting of her sister Jane who disappeared thirteen months ago and has been presumed dead. Rushing back to the states, she reaches her contact with the FBI and arranges to meet with them. Teaming up with agent John Kaiser, Jordan travels to New Orleans on the trail of a psychopathic serial killer who paints the bodies of his victims. Iles creates a terrifying tale of suspense and mystery. A great read. Sandy Penton