I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In the latest from Sophie Kinsella, Poppy Wyatt has a problem: she lost her engagement ring, a ring that belongs to her fiance’s family.  To make matters worse, someone steals her cell phone.  While panicking, she happens to see a cell phone in a trash can.  Out of desperation, she takes the cell phone and claims it as her own.  She soon learns that the cell phone’s owner used to work for businessman Sam Roxton, and he is not very happy that Poppy has laid claim to the company’s cell phone.  Poppy and Sam work out a temporary agreement in regards to the phone use, which leads to impossible situations involving the two of them.  As the novel progresses, Poppy learns a lot about herself and the people around her and becomes to see her life in a different way.

Once again, Kinsella writes a hilarious, light book perfect for a vacation read or a weekend escape from reality.  I started reading Kinsella years ago, with her Shopaholic series; she is one of my go-to authors for something quick and fun to read.  The characters come to life, and I can envision the whole scene playing out while I read.  For I’ve Got Your Number, there were times I laughed out loud – Poppy gets herself into some pretty funny situations.  Chick lit lovers should try out this one.

And, for those who cannot get enough of Sophie Kinsella: she also writes under the name Madeleine Wickham.  These books are just as fun to read!

Reviewed by Jessica   

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book


**This is the first book in the Outlander series**

In the year 1945, Claire Randall and her husband Frank take a second honeymoon in the Scottish highlands. One day, while exploring the countryside alone, Claire finds a henge of rocks. Upon touching one of the boulders, Claire is transported back in time to the year 1743 and meets James Fraser, a member of the MacKenzie clan. Claire also meets British Captain Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall, Frank's ancestor, who has a personal vendetta against James. Amid the danger and violence Claire faces, a deep attraction to James forms, which complicates her thoughts about her life in 1945. When opportunity to return to 1945 occurs, Claire must decide between the passion she feels in the 17th century and the life she's known in the 20th century.

I picked this up years ago upon the recommendation of a patron. Simply put, I love this book and have devoured all the books in the series. Part romance, part historical fiction, with a dash of science fiction...this book appeals to readers of basically any genre. But, don't let the romance descriptive deter you from trying this - people I know who despise romance novels cannot believe how much they enjoyed reading this book and the series.

Despite the over 600 pages in length, Outlander is a fast read. Gabaldon has an amazing storytelling gift that brings the readers into the story right from page one. The characters come to life and are well developed. Gabaldon's extensive research is evident in the descriptions of the 17th century and the conflicts of that era between the Scottish clans and the British. Before the reader knows it, he/she has finished the book. But be prepared - have the next in the series, Dragonfly in Amber, ready to read or go through withdrawal.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Deception at Lyme by Carrie Bebris

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy travel to the seaside village of Lyme in this sixth installment of the Mr. and Mrs. Darcy series for some rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, they stumble upon a mystery and a murder; a Mrs. Clay is found lying at the base of the Cobb, and her fall precipitates the birth of her child. Mrs. Clay dies from her injuries, leaving the child in care of an uncaring father and in the middle of an inheritance dispute. Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy receive the effects of Mr. Darcy's late cousin, who died in a naval battle and discover another mystery to solve. With the help of characters from Jane Austen's Persuasion, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy hope to solve the mysteries and murder before more tragedy strikes Lyme.

Bebris does a remarkable job adapting Austen's characters into a mystery novel. One can easily picture Mr. Darcy and his wife Elizabeth (Bennett) solving murders. Each book in the series focuses on one of Austen's novels, bringing those characters in contact with Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and creating new relationships among Austen's characters.

I enjoy reading this series and sincerely hope Bebris continues Mr. and Mrs. Darcy's adventures. There are so many Austen adaptations that fail to capture the spirit of Austen's characters; Bebris really maintains each character's personality in her novels. Austenites should find much to appreciate in this series. Historical mystery readers will also enjoy this series.

While the story line does allude to prior cases, readers who do not mind reading a series out of order can easily pick up this sixth installment and enjoy.

Reviewed by Jessica

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Senior year at Woodrow Wilson High School does not begin the way Jessica Packwood had planned. While waiting for the bus the first day of school, Jessica spots a strange male staring at her from across the street. She is further horrified when she finds out his name is Lucius Vladescu, a new exchange student from Romania who will be living at her farm. Jessica receives the shock of her life when Lucius and her parents state that she is a vampire princess and is to be married to Lucius after her 18th birthday. If the marriage does not take place, Jessica’s birth family the Dragomirs and the Vladescus will be at war.

Completely grounded in logic and fact, Jessica does not believe anything said. For her, vampires do not exist. Jessica likes her life – working on her parents’ farm; competing in math competitions; dating Jake, a nice guy who lives on a nearby farm. As the story progresses, Jessica has to decide if she really believes Lucius’ claims or if she is willing to lose what really matters the most to her.

Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is a fun, humorous story. I was hooked from the first page and read through the story quickly. Fantaskey has a wonderful writing style and has created engaging characters. Jessica is strong-willed and refuses to give into her convictions; though there are times she cannot believe she can do a task, she is able to perform well and rise to the occasion. Those looking for books with strong female characters may want to take a look at this book. It is also a refreshing departure from the Twilight-esque story – vampires are interpreted in a different light, and I feel that overall the characters are stronger and easier to like (though one could argue about Lucius’ likeability at times). And, part of the story takes place in Lebanon County, which may appeal to those who like to read books with local settings.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the sequel!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Fiona Finnegan, an eighteen year old living in East London in 1888, dreams of one day having her own shop with the love of her life and best friend, Joe Bristow. She has a loving family, who work hard to get a meal on the table. When tragedy strikes and shatters her world, Fiona flees to New York to begin a new life. Spanning ten years, this first book of a trilogy follows Fiona's climb on the social ladder to one of the most respected people in the tea trade. However, she does not forget her roots in East London and the circumstances that led her to New York. She learns she must confront her past in order to move on with her future.

I had wanted to read this series for awhile...I had read Donnelly's A Northern Light, one of her young adult novels, several years ago and absolutely loved it. I was not disappointed with this novel either. The back cover of the novel compares this to epics such as A Woman of Substance and The Thornbirds. Those who enjoy the epic historical fiction and romances of John Jakes and Ken Follett will also enjoy this series. The 700+ pages may seem a bit daunting, but I simply lost track of time while reading and devoured the pages. Fiona's passions and desires make her come alive. The fictional characters' interactions with real historical figures and events help to cement the novel in the past. Donnelly sets the book in an exciting and dangerous time - 1888 East London saw the Jack the Ripper slayings, and Donnelly also takes readers to New York City and into the heart of big business and revolutionary changes, like a subterranean railway system. The Tea Rose is a truly entertaining novel.

I am anxious to pick up the next in the series, The Winter Rose.

Reviewed by Jessica