Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo

Since a serial killer stopped terrorizing local citizens in the 1990's, nothing much happens in the rural burg of Painters Mill, Ohio, which is just how Chief Kate Burkholder likes it. After years of experience in the more urban setting of Columbus, Ohio, she jumped at the chance to become the police chief of her hometown. Her past as a member of the local Amish community has given her a unique perspective and ability to act as a go-between between the private Amish community and the "English."

When one of her officers responds to a "loose cattle" call and instead finds the nude body of a young woman in the snow, Kate's peaceful existence comes to an abrupt halt. Not only is the murder reminiscent of the serial killings that took place in the '90's, but it brings Kate's history crashing back to her, including a secret that she, her brother and sister have kept all these years. When the town calls in outside help, Kate is resistant, fearing her secret will be exposed after 16 years, but as bodies continue to turn up, she must face her fear in order to solve the gruesome crimes.

John Tomasetti has been to hell, and does not seem to want to leave. Since losing his partner and family a few years earlier, his life has continued in a downward spiral, thanks to his steady diet of booze and painkillers. When he is assigned to work on the Painters Mill murders, he knows it is his last chance. Can Kate overcome her fear and mistrust to work with Tomasetti?

This is the first book in a promising new series featuring Chief Kate Burkholder, and I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of John Tomasetti as well. Despite the Amish connection, this is definitely NOT a cozy mystery - the grisly details, salty language and sexual situations and references are not for the faint of heart. Kate is a great heroine - strong yet vulnerable, principled yet hesitant, and damaged yet hopeful. I look forward to seeing more from this series. Fans of this book may also like Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series or Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon series.

New Book by the Author of The Time Traveler's Wife

Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveler's Wife, explores the world of gothic literature in her latest novel, Her Fearful Symmetry. Although this story takes quite a turn from her previous work, it still requires some suspension of belief to make it through the plot.

Elspeth is dying, in London, leaving her younger lover, Robert behind to mourn. Rather than leaving her worldly possessions to him, she leaves her flat and its contents to her twin nieces, whom she has never met. Julia and Valentina have grown up with their parents, Edie and Jack, in Lake Forest, Illinois. Edie and Elspeth were twins as well, but estranged.

The twins move into Elspeth's flat, and begin exploring London, meeting their neighbors in the building, Martin, who has severe OCD, and Robert, Elspeth's former lover. Before long, they also realize that Elspeth herself is occupying the flat as well, and they and Robert begin communicating with her. As Elspeth grows in strength, she discovers she can remove souls from living creatures when, in trying to pet the twins' kitten, she accidentally hooks its soul and removes it from its body. She is able to put it back in, with Valentina's help, and the kitten seems unscarred from the experience. This gives Valentina an idea to finally escape the over-bearing Julia once and for all. But will Elspeth and Robert agree to her plan?

This book has so many things I like in a story - ghosts, cemeteries, romance, family secrets, London. Niffenegger's writing style is lovely and the story slowly unwraps. I have a difficult time believing Valentina was willing to go as far as she did in order to escape her twin; perhaps that is part of what makes this story so ultimately horrific. The ending is a bleak one, devoid of much hope for the future for the parties involved. In short, this is a beautifully written gothic horror novel for our times.

Push by Sapphire

Set for limited release in the U.S. in November, 2009, under the title "Precious" (with none other than Oprah and Tyler Perry behind it,) Push is the story of a young woman who lifts herself out of dire circumstances to go from feeling like "nuffin'" to loving herself and her accomplishments.

Claireece Precious Jones, who goes by "Precious" has not had an easy life. Poor, illiterate and obese, she gave birth to her first child at the age of 12 (after being consistently raped by her father since a very young child) and is pregnant with her second (also by her daddy) at the age of 16. Living with her mother who also verbally, physically and sexually abuses her daughter, Precious is a child who has fallen through the cracks of society.

When her junior high principal points her in the direction of an alternative school, (after suspending her over her pregnancy,) Precious begins to turn things around. Her teacher at the school, Blue Rain, challenges and nurtures Precious to overcome her past, deal with the present and look toward the future. Through her interactions with the other students and Blue, Precious learns to love herself and take care of herself and her baby.

Although this is a little book, it is anything but light reading. Written from Precious's perspective, this is a difficult book to read, due primarily to the graphic subject matter. Precious is an amazing character - just when it seems as if everything is going right for her, she receives news that would shatter most people. This is a unique work of urban fiction with an unforgettable heroine - I am looking forward to the movie, which won both the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Heart Sick by Chelsea Cain

Are you looking for a sick and twisted tale of a serial killings this Halloween? Chelsea Cain's Heart Sick might be just what you are looking for. This book is the first of the Archie and Gretchen thrillers series (followed by Sweetheart and Evil at Heart.)

Two years after a serial killer that terrified the Pacific Northwest turned herself in, another one is loose on the streets of Portland, Oregon. Archie Sheridan, the head of the task force that helped capture Gretchen Lowell (he was her final victim and the only one that survived,) has been lured off of his medical leave to head up a task force to capture "the After School Strangler." Tagging along after him is local reporter Susan Ward, who is doing a profile on Archie. Susan is surprised to learn that two of the suspects in the current murders are former high school teachers of hers.

Although Archie survived his ordeal with Gretchen he is an extremely scarred individual, both physically and emotionally. He cannot seem to escape the grip that Gretchen has over him, continuing to visit her in prison every Sunday, trips that led to the demise of his marriage. He also has a vigorous pill-popping habit in an effort to stay on top of the pain. He somehow manages to hang on to his tenuous grasp of reality and be an effective leader.

Both Archie and Susan are extremely vulnerable human beings - the details of Archie's torture at the hands of Gretchen are gruesome, and as the book progresses, the readers learn more about Susan's troubled adolescence. Gretchen, the imprisoned serial killer is terrifyingly cold and plays both Susan and Archie to satisfy her own sick needs. The puzzling relationship between Gretchen and Archie is intriguing to say the least - I'm diving right into the next book of the series, Sweetheart, to see what happens next!

Benny and Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti

This little book offers a quirky attempt at romance between two very unlikely people. Benny is a thirty-something dairy farmer, who, following the death of his mother, realizes what a lonely life he leads on the farm. Desiree, (or "Shrimp" as Benny calls her) is also in her thirties, a cultured and educated librarian, and recently widowed. They first meet at the cemetery - Benny is there tending his parents' garish grave, while Desiree routinely spends her lunch hour at her husband's grave - where both feel intense dislike for the other.

Once they recover from their initial dislike, both realize their physical attraction is mutual and they fall into a passionate affair. Both, however are set in their ways, and neither seems to be willing to give up their compartmentalized little lives in order to make their relationship work. While their physical need for each other grows, their values and interests work to drive them apart. Will the two of them ever be able to let go of their differences and build a life together?

Benny and Shrimp is the debut novel of author Mazetti and was first published in Sweden, where it was a bestseller. The writing is sparse yet lively, written from both of the main characters perspectives. While the story is set in Sweden and gives some lovely details of both rural and urban Swedish life, it could easily describe dating in any of the western cultures. It is a quick read, and the unorthodox ending guarantees the reader will be thinking about Benny and Shrimp long after finishing.

The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf

Family secrets lie just beneath the surface in this suspenseful debut novel, set in contemporary small town Iowa. 7 year-old best friends Calli and Petra are closer than most girls that age - Calli, a selective mute since the age of 4, relies on Petra to be her voice, while Petra seems to instinctively know what Calli needs at any given time. When both girls disappear from their homes one hot summer morning, no one anticipates how the day will end.

When Deputy Sheriff Louis finds out about the missing girls, he immediately sets out on the case. While his history with Calli's mother, Toni, complicates his involvement, he has no intention of backing off the case. Toni, along with Petra's parents, anxiously await news as Calli's brother and other volunteers search for the girls in the woods. Griff, Calli's father is supposed to be away on a fishing trip; however he did not get away that morning as planned. Could he be responsible for taking the girls? What other secrets will be uncovered throughout the course of the search?

While there are some plot holes in this story, overall it is a mesmerizing read. Told from multiple viewpoints, including silent Calli's, the short chapters and increasing tension keep the pages turning. Fans of Jodi Picoult or Anita Shreve will appreciate this novel, as well as anyone who is looking for a quick and engrossing family drama.

In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming

Reverend Clare Fergusson, the newly installed Episcopalian minister in upstate Miller's Kill, New York, has a lot to learn about the community, so when she discovers a newborn baby in a cardboard box near the church, she takes the opportunity to align herself with a married couple from her congregation who are interested in adopting the baby. Unfortunately, when the baby's mother, Katie, is discovered murdered, the husband of the couple turns out to be Sheriff Russ Van Alstyne's number one suspect.

Clare and Russ discover they share a background in the military as well as a common interest in solving the crime, and they form sort of a "good cop - bad cop" team, with Clare taking on a more human interest in the involved parties and Russ sticking to the facts. Their friendship grows beyond their common interests, however, as the mystery behind who murdered Katie grows when her father is also found murdered. When Clare finds herself in imminent danger, it is Russ who discovers her whereabouts and attempts to come to her aid before she becomes an additional fatality.

While I wouldn't label this book a cozy mystery, it isn't terribly gruesome or violent, and it does feature some mild swearing. It is an engaging, intelligent plot with memorable characters, and features a charming small town with some not-so-charming crimes. Russ and Clare are both likable and worthy as the hero and heroine, but Russ's marriage throws a little wrench into their blossoming friendship. Best of all, it is the first in a series, so if you like this particular book, it is easy to figure out what to read next!

The Time-Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler’s Wife is a unique love story, but it is also a biography of a man’s life captured in snapshots as he travels through time. The majority of his traveling revolves around the woman who is to become his wife. The main character, Henry, has the unique opportunity of meeting her (Clare) as a young girl, as a teenager, and as an adult. Clare therefore goes her whole life knowing that this is the man she will marry. She must just wait for their timelines to meet up before they can truly be together. Like a Nicholas Sparks’s novel, this love story also has some unexpected twists and turns. Unlike a Sparks’s novel, this love story can be a bit more graphic than what one would read in say The Notebook.

Yet, with such a unique twist to a traditional love story, it may be hard for some to put this book down as the reader tries to anticipate how this story will conclude. However, there may be others who will be frustrated by the seeming tedium of a story in which the reader already appears to know the conclusion from the earliest pages: these two people will marry and share an enduring love, but there is more to the story. I myself was bored with the seemingly unending jumps in time, but as the story neared its end, I became quite curious of the fate of the main character especially as the loose threads of storylines in his life are revealed to create a comprehensive biography of The Time Traveler’s Wife. While it would not be high on my list of recommended readings, it was unique enough and captured my interest enough, especially in the last few chapters that I would probably recommend it for those who enjoy the romance genre a la Nicholas Sparks. This review refers to the audio version of the book.

Will the movie, due out August 14th, measure up? Let us know what you think! Thanks to Patti Barker for her review!

True Colors by Kristin Hannah

The Grey family has always been an important fixture in the town of Oyster Shores, Washington, since their great-grandfather helped found the town in the 1800's. The three sisters, Winona, Aurora and Vivi Ann, are following in the footsteps of generations past, tied to the town by the family ranch and each other. They have learned to stick together through thick and thin.

Since the death of their mother when the girls were teens, their father has been distant and unflinching with high expectations of his daughters. Winona, who never took to life at the ranch, went on to become a lawyer, Aurora married and had twins, but the beautiful Vivi Ann loved the ranch and was a natural horse woman, earning the approval of her father, much to Winona's consternation. Adding to Win's jealousy is the fact that her childhood crush, Luke, comes back to town and is immediately smitten with Vivi Ann. When Vivi Ann's actions betray her lack of feelings for Luke, Winona takes the opportunity to betray her sister in the hopes of winning Luke's favor.

As the women grow older, rifts continue between Vivi Ann and Winona, while Aurora tries to keep everyone together. Eventually, Win has the opportunity to help her sister in a legal matter in which she had previously refused involvement. Will this bring the family back together? Will Win's father ever accept her for who she is? Will Win ever get over herself?

Hannah's talent is writing about women for women. This book immediately sucked me in, but then sort of dried up in the middle before picking up speed again. The ending was fairy tale quality, but it will leave readers happy. Kristin Hannah is a great choice for summer reading - if you like True Colors, try one of her many older titles, such as Firefly Lane, Distant Shores, or On Mystic Lake.

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

Winter in Wisconsin, 1907 is a stark, sometimes brutal sometimes beautiful season, words that can also be used to describe this novel. Catherine Land, a beautiful, but no longer young woman, has answered a newspaper ad for "a reliable wife." Ralph Truitt, aging, rich, and lonely has selected Catherine from dozens of replies, based on her description of herself as a simple and honest woman and the picture she sent, which is actually of her much plainer cousin India. Despite her obvious deceptions, Ralph goes forward with his plan to marry her.

The reader soon learns that both parties have ulterior motives in mind - Catherine to inherit Ralph's money and live in luxury with her much younger lover, and Ralph to use Catherine to bring his long-estranged son back home and quench his eternal loneliness. The novel quietly twists and turns along these plot lines while each of them realizes that fulfilling their deepest wishes may not be what brings them satisfaction after all.

Goolrick's writing is hypnotizing - his rich visual descriptions drew me in until I could hear, smell, feel and see through the character's eyes. The book quietly seethes with passion and teeters on madness, examining the human condition in all of its capablilities. While it is a book to be savored, it is suspenseful enough to keep the pages turning until the end. I highly recommend this book to fans of gothic or romantic novels, or anyone who is a lover of language. Some readalike suggestions are:

Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier

My Antonia by Willa Cather

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Downloadable Book!!! My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler

If you are ready for a politically incorrect, unapologetic and unhealthy look at love in the fast lane, you might be ready for Chelsea Handler's first book, My Horizontal Life. Handler, the host of the E! network show, "Chelsea Lately," has written a hilarious, if not raunchy, memoir of her sexual history, leaving few, if any, stones unturned.

Chelsea's alcohol and drug-fueled conquests sometimes left me feeling hungover myself, but they also always left me laughing. Her ability to poke fun at herself and her loved ones are one of the reasons this book works for me - who doesn't like to hear about other families' dysfunctions? While this book certainly isn't for everyone, I would recommend it for fans of Chelsea or comedy in general. There is strong language, alcohol and drug use, and, of course, plenty of sexual situations as well as frank sexual talk. If you can get past these factors and are looking for a funny and light read, give Chelsea Handler a try. You might also want to try her second book, Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea.

I chose to listen to this title on my iPod, by downloading the book through our new OMNI library website (http://www.blogger.com/www.omnilibraries.org.) Chelsea does not narrate this book; however, Cassandra Campbell does a masterful job of capturing Chelsea's attitude and her sense of comedic timing is impeccable. I am typically not an audio book type of gal - I am far too easily distracted - but this particular book is written in little snippets of stories, so it is easy to pop in and out of the book without losing the momentum of the story. At times, it almost seemed more like a stand-up routine rather than a book, but I enjoyed it either way. I am looking forward to more from Chelsea Handler in the future.

Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner

Jennifer Weiner is one of those authors whose books I cannot wait for - beginning with her first book, Good in Bed, she has captured audiences with her wonderful characters and story lines. Her new book, Best Friends Forever, meets all these expectations and then some.

Addie Downs seems to have it all - she's young (33,) attractive, has a successful career and a beautiful home - the only thing she is lacking is someone to share it with. Other than her brother Jon, brain-damaged in a car accident as a teenager, she has no family or friends. One night, her best friend from high school shows up at her door after a 15 year absence, desperately asking for Addie's help and completely disrupting her quiet life.

Valerie Adler, Addie's best friend from childhood, has left her small town behind, working as a "meteorologist" for Fox News in Chicago. She and Addie's relationship fell apart during their senior year, but the reader does not learn the details until well into the book. The whole reason for their falling out is what has led Val into the trouble she is currently experiencing. Despite Addie's usual common sense, she allows herself to be drawn into Val's web, and joins her on her plan to "get out of town for awhile." The two unlikely fugitives head south in Addie's parents' old station wagon, with the town sheriff, who has the hots for Addie, not far behind. What transpires is a wacky tale of friendship and forgiveness, complete with a BIG surprise at the end.

If you enjoy this particular book, give Jennifer's other books a try. Also check out her wonderful website and blog at http://www.jenniferweiner.com/. This is a perfect book for some light summer reading - it will leave you smiling. The only problem I have with this book is that now I have to wait forever for her next one to come out!

I Love You, Beth Cooper! by Larry Doyle

Denis Cooverman, valedictorian for his Buffalo Grove High School graduating class has no idea that he is about to experience the night of a lifetime (which in his case would not take much.) Rather than present the usual rabble that goes in one ear and out the other, he takes the opportunity with his graduation speech to single out a few of the people who made his life more difficult during his high school years. He also calls out his best friend to admit that he is gay, but not before announcing to the sweaty mass of humanity filling the gymnasium that he, debate team captain and frequent target of harassment, Denis Cooverman, was in love with the head cheerleader and most popular girl in school, Beth Cooper.

At the post-graduation reception, Denis is anticipating receiving the accolades of his peers; however, as usual, no one pays attention to him, until Beth Cooper herself approaches him. Panicked, he invites her and her 2 friends to an impromptu party at his house later that evening. The chain of events that follow after Beth and her friends actually show up at his "party" consisting of Denis and his possible gay best friend, Rich, are unprecedented in Denis's young life.

This is your typical high school nerd breaks out of his mold story; however, the writing is snappy, the book moves along at a frenetic pace, and the dialogue is clever. It reminded me very much of one of John Hughes' movies from the '80's, such as "Sixteen Candles" or "Weird Science." Be forewarned, however - there is excessive violence, sexual encounters of all sorts, and substance abuse galore so if any of that subject matter offends, this may not be the fun summer read you are looking for. If you plan on seeing the major motion picture of the same title that is currently out, it would be an interesting comparison to read the book before you see the movie!

The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard

Abby and Mitch, high school sweethearts devoted to one another, were about to take a very big step in their relationship when the fates intervened, altering their lives forever. While heading downstairs to Abby's father's medical office for some protection, Mitch witnesses Abby's father, a respected doctor, and his best friend's father, the sheriff, bring in the frozen young body of a beautiful young woman. Before he can recover from the shock of what he sees, he is further traumatized when he witnesses Abby's dad covering the girl's face with some plastic bags and battering it with a baseball bat. The next morning, Mitch has unexpectedly left town, leaving Abby and his best friend, Rex, hurt, confused and dealing with his unexplained absence.

Fast-forward 18 years: Abby is a small-business owner, still single, and still affected by Mitch's disappearance all those years ago. She is dating Rex's n'er-do-well brother, Patrick, who may be responsible for the Virgin's death. Rex has taken over as the sheriff of the county, his father's old job, and is also still at a loss over Mitch's absence. The body of the young girl whom Mitch had seen at Abby's house was never claimed, but the town raised enough money to bury her with a large headstone. Over the years, she became known as the "Virgin" around town, and was even rumored to perform miracles for people from beyond the grave. With the advent of the internet, the "Virgin's" reputation has grown, and people come from all over to ask the deceased woman for help.

After all the years of the mystery of the Virgin simmering just under the town's surface, Abby, Rex, and Mitch are about to be reunited to discover the truth of the crime once and for all. What they discover shocks and sickens them and the entire town of Small Plains. Will anyone else have to die in order to keep the secret of the Virgin safe?

Nancy Pickard tells an intriguing tale of suspense in this quick read. Although some of the plot seems a bit contrived and hard to fathom, I was still into the book enough to stick with it through the end. The story begs the question of how far one will go to protect a friendship, a family and a town. The use of miracles in the book illustrates how one person's miracle is another person's tragedy, and how, in the end, people will reap what they sow.

enLIGHTened by Jessica Berger Gross

In my never-ending quest for a healthier lifestyle that works for my lazy self, I picked up this book about yoga, diet, and overcoming the obstacles in our lives that prevent us from ultimate mental, emotional and physical health.

Jessica Berger Gross grew up in an abusive household where both of her parents worked to support the family. Meals were most often ones of convenience, with little thought to the effects the food was having on the family's health. Between eating to comfort and insulate herself from the issues in her family and the unhealthy nature of the food that was eaten, Jessica developed a weight problem that would plague her on and off through much of her young life.

One semester in college, she traveled to Nepal to study. Here she was forced to walk to most places, while eating primarily vegetarian meals, and she lost weight without even trying. She was also able to continue her dabbling with yoga, which she was first introduced to in high school. While these healthy habits would not continue consistently upon her return, the seeds had been planted for healthier, more sustainable habits that would eventually bloom into a full-blown lifestyle.

I enjoyed this book a great deal - it is never preachy or condescending, it includes some yogic teachings and poses, as well as small tips and recipes that were helpful to the author as she found her way. Jessica also shares some of the very personal struggles she endured before she found herself in the healthy place she is today. I found this book to be very inspiring but not heavy or pressure-inducing. While I don't ever see myself living as clean a life as Jessica, this book gives me hope that small steps can make a big difference.

One You May Have Missed...

Patty Jane's House of Curl by Lorna Landvik, first published in 1995, is a story of friendship, family and endurance. It is at times funny, heartbreaking, joyous and inspiring. The story details how an unlikely family of women stick together through thick or thin, triumphing over the obstacles that life throws at them with humor and perseverance.

Patty Jane Rolvaag, proprietor of Patty Jane's House of Curl, has made it through some tough times in her life. Growing up in an alcoholic household, being apparently abandoned by her husband shortly before the birth of their daughter, and watching her sister struggle with alcoholism herself all contribute to Patty Jane's determination to build a better life for her and her daughter.

Thor Rolvaag was considered by many to be the most handsome man in Minneapolis when he and Patty Jane were married in the summer of 1953. He laughed off Patty Jane's assertions that she had conceived on their wedding night, until it became obvious that she indeed was pregnant. Thor's fear of loving someone that much led him astray, seemingly never to return. Two days after his disappearance, Patty Jane delivered a healthy baby girl, Nora. Thor's mother, Ione, and Patty Jane's sister, Harriet, took over caring for things while Patty Jane recovered from the loss of her husband, forming a tight-knit family. Over the years, Harriet endures her own tragic loss, Patty Jane attends beauty school and opens up her own place - the House of Curl. The shop becomes a neighborhood gathering spot, and Patty Jane branches out to offer edifying and empowering programs to the local women.

In an incredible plot twist, after several years of being absent, Thor is located and returned home, having suffered irreversible brain damage which kept him from returning home on his own. Although everyone's circumstances have changed, Thor is welcomed back into the family - he is still legally married to Patty Jane, after all. In the end, the family endures yet another loss, yet Patty Jane and the others once again come together and celebrate all the life and love in their world. This one is a tearjerker!

The Courtesan's Daughter by Claudia Dain

Lady Sophia Dalby is accustomed to having what she wants when she wants it - not many women possess the brains, beauty and good fortune to go from being a well-known courtesan to marrying a British lord. Now that her seventeen year old daughter, Caroline, is of age, Sophia knows it will take more than a little planning and good luck to find a suitable match for her daughter.

Caroline knows of her mother's past, and also recognizes that her mother is keenly intelligent, world-wise, and still a powerful force with men, all of which Caro wishes to emulate. When Sophia announces that she has arranged a husband for Caro, by purchasing the debts of a young man and insisting on his marrying Caro to pay them off, Caro rebels, refusing to marry someone who had essentially been bought. Instead, in a rash decision, she decides that she would like to be a courtesan like her mother was.

Needless to say, Lord Ashdon, Caro's intended, is quite insulted that Caro would choose becoming a courtesan rather than his wife, and he is quite determined to have her, one way or the other. Naturally, they are both immediately physically drawn to the other, and both fall into their roles just the way Sophia planned. Eventually Caro abandons her plan to become a courtesan, recognizing that Ashdon is the only man for her. Ashdon, for his part, cannot resist Caro's charms, ultimately resulting in their marriage. But is all happily ever after?

With all of its twists and turns, this book reminded me of the movie "Dangerous Liaisons," but without all of the evil undertones. Sophia is a strong woman character, definitely a force to be reckoned with, and Caro and Ash's passion for one another will make romance fans happy! There are numerous sub-plots going on that add to the overall story and cast of characters, and the witty dialogue keeps the story line moving. Fans of this book will want to read more of Lady Sophia in the remainder of the "Courtesan" series; or check out Claudia Dain's webpage at: http://www.claudiadain.com/

Slightly Married by Mary Balogh

Ah, the old "marriage of convenience." No stranger to romances, this particular plotline is resurrected here, although it never feels stale in Mary Balogh's capable hands. Colonel Lord Aidan Bedwyn has promised a dying soldier that he will inform his sister, Eve, of his death and protect her "no matter what." The soldier dies before he can clarify this statement. Bedwyn, a powerful and "granite-faced" man is a man of honor, so he visits Eve to relay the sad news. While visiting, he learns that proud, independent Eve is about to be turned out of her house, along with everyone else who resides there, due to the terms of her father's will. However, if she were to marry within the allotted time period left, the estate remains hers. Bedwyn makes Eve an offer she cannot refuse.

The two agree to marry and stay physically together long enough to ensure the estate stays in Eve's hands, then live their separate lives while remaining married in the eyes of the law. Although both had others in mind for matrimony, they both realize this is the only way to save Eve's home and all the people she has taken in there. They travel to London to perform the private, quiet ceremony.

Following the ceremony, Eve and Bedwyn spend the day sightseeing - she begins to see another side of him, and truly enjoys the time she spends with him. Hidden beneath his stoic nature is a kind heart and a subtle sense of humor. They travel back to her estate, where they both thoroughly enjoy turning her cousin away as he comes to claim the estate for his own, and attend an impromptu wedding reception thrown in their honor. Following this, they part forever, or so they think.

Although they are living separate lives, the two think often and fondly of one another, as well as the others they had thought to marry, but now never will. When Aidan's brother, the Duke of Bewcastle, learns that Aidan is married, he forces Aidan to claim her and present her to society in London, despite Aidan and Eve's wish to remain on the downlow. Eve, of course, is up to the challenge despite her obvious lack of aristocratic heritage. What will become of this "marriage of convenience?" Will Eve and Aidan ever be true marriage partners? Will they live happily ever after?

This is a fine example of Regency romance, with the requisite happy ending, so there are no surprises here. The characters are well drawn, the book zips along at a nice pace, and it all culminates in a satisfying conclusion. This is a good, solid, historical romance, sure to appeal to the romantic in all of us!

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Piscine Molitor Patel, Pi for short, is a thoughtful and curious teenager growing up in Pondicherry, India. His father runs the local zoo, and Pi enjoys a secure and edifying home life with his parents and older brother, Ravi. Pi discovers the joy of spirituality, and has no problem identifying with three major religions: Christianity; Islam; and, his native Hindu, garnering comfort from all three.

Pi and his family leave India, with some of their animals, to emigrate to Canada; however, their ship capsizes and sinks quickly, leaving Pi, an injured zebra, a hyena, an orangutan named Orange Juice and a tiger named Richard Parker the sole survivors and co-inhabitants of a lifeboat. Nature takes its course and soon only Pi and Richard Parker are remaining. Pi comes to realize that the survival of Richard Parker is vital to his survival, and plans accordingly, ensuring that Richard Parker is well fed and watered. Pi and Richard undertake a long, arduous, often humourous journey on the seas, eventually landing on a seeming island paradise, until Pi realizes the island is carnivorous, and he and Richard Parker are off once again. Near death, the two finally land on the coast of Mexico, where Richard Parker disappears into the jungle and Pi is rescued and taken to a hospital.

While at the hospital, Pi is questioned by two Japanese officials in regards to the sinking of the ship, who do not believe his fantastical story. After much grilling, Pi tells the officials a second, less fanciful story. Which one do they believe? Which one will you believe? What do the two stories reflect about Pi's world view? How is Pi not only able to survive 227 days, but also keep a tiger alive as well?

This book is most unusual - I cannot seem to stop thinking about it and pondering its meanings. I realize I'm a little late reading it - it was published in 2002, but better late than never! This is a beautifully written and mesmerizing book and I recommend it to anyone with a lively imagination or someone who needs more imagination in their life (like me!) Enjoy!

Columbine by Dave Cullen

When I first saw early reviews of this book, my first reaction was, "Why would anyone want to read about this?" The more I thought about it, though, the more intrigued I became. It has been almost 10 years since that infamous day in April, 1999 - what have we learned? School shootings continue to pepper the news periodically, some more infamous than others. The NIU shootings of 2008 hit especially close to home. Is there anything to be learned from these acts of violence?

We're all familiar with the myths surrounding Columbine: the killers were targeting jocks; they were members of the "Trench Coat Mafia;" they were acting out after being bullied. Dave Cullen, a journalist who began covering the story the day it happened, reviews the thousands of pages of documents relating to the crime, as well as journals and videos of the killers in order to answer the questions: Why? What really happened? The answers are both enlightening and chilling.

This book is true crime writing at its finest. Despite the difficult nature of the book, it was almost impossible to put down. Cullen's exhaustive research is evident in the details, not only of the crime itself, but of the planning, investigation, and impact on the families directly affected as well as the community as a whole. This was a fascinating, but frightening, book to read. For further information, see the book trailer: