Hiding in the security of all things books, with some movies and tv - occasionally food...
Alice Bliss, by Laura Harrington, is the story of fifteen-year-old Alice, a daddy’s girl, and the year she and her family spend with her father, Matt, deployed in Iraq. Alice’s mother Angie questions his decision to serve his country over the family who needs him, and Matt, though probably well-meaning, puts considerable pressure on Alice [...]
Even though I have heard many stories by now about writers, début novels, and how the first published novel is not necessarily the first finished novel, I am still impressed when début authors manage to publish wonderful novels the first time out. Amanda Hodgkinson’s 22 Britannia Road is one such début, exploring what happens to [...]
Jay Cassio and Dan Del Colliano have been friends since they were six years old. Sticking together through family upheaval and hardships, each was always a presence in the other’s life. They even occasionally worked together; Dan as a private investigator and Jay as an attorney with his own small practice. When the wife of [...]
Chandra Hoffman’s Chosen arrived as an unsolicited review copy a few weeks ago from Harper Collins, and I wasn’t sure when I would get to it. Any book that promises to examine the adoption issue from all angles is definitely high on my list of books to be read, but it was this review of Chosen [...]
Perfect Peace, by Daniel Black St. Martin’s Press – March 16, 2010 – Hardcover – 352 pages Source: Personal Copy Gus and Emma Jean Peace marry for less than perfect reasons (neither has expectations that they will be able to get a better marriage partner) in 1930′s Arkansas, and start a family increasingly populated with [...]
Man In The Woods, by Scott Spencer Ecco – September 14, 2010 – Hardcover – 320 pages Source: Sent by the publisher for review Paul has lived a rootless existence for most of his life but recently has found the love of a good woman in best-selling inspirational author and recovered alcoholic, Kate, and has [...]
The Local News: A Novel, by Miriam Gershow Spiegal & Grau – February 9, 2010 – Paperback – 384 pages Source: Sent by the author for review Lydia Pasternak’s life has changed with the frightening disappearance of her brother Danny, a star on the football team. As the search for him continues Lydia finds herself [...]
Dracula, My Love: The Secret Journals of Mina Harker: A Novel, by Syrie James Avon A – July 20, 2010 – Trade Paperback Original – 480 pages Source: Sent by publisher for review Mina Murray is in Whitby on holiday with best friend Lucy Westenra and her mother. Both are enjoying the last of their [...]
Path to My African Eyes, by Ermila Moodley Just Us Books – October 1, 2007 – Paperback – 176 pages Source: Personal Collection Thandie has just moved with her parents from South Africa to the United States after her father receives a teaching position at a California university. Thandie has a rough beginning as her [...]
Backseat Saints, by Joshilyn Jackson Grand Central Publishing – June 8, 2010 – Hardcover – 352 pages Joshilyn Jackson (Website) Source: Review copy sent by the publisher Rose Mae Lolley has known a world of hurt since her mother left her as a young child, and her once adored father turned his fists on her [...]