Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Set in 1929 Great Britain, this first in a mystery series follows private investigator Maisie Dobbs as she tracks down clues related to her first case. A concerned husband tells Maisie he is afraid his wife is having an affair. This investigation leads Maisie to confront her past, specifically tragic events that occurred during World War I.
Filled with fantastic characters, Maisie Dobbs is a great, well-written book! Winspear uses this book to build the character of Maisie Dobbs, introducing readers to a young Maisie with a desire for knowledge and taking readers through Maisie's development into a skilled observer and thinker. Though I have many titles in my to read pile, I am really anxious to read the second in the series, Birds of a Feather.
Readers interested in World War I era stories may want to take a look at this; mystery lovers should also try this book.
Since this is the 2010 Adams County Reads One Book, check your local library for programs taking place in September based on this book. There's lots happening!
Reviewed by Jessica
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The Red Siren by M.L. Tyndall
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Five years ago, Dajon Waite’s ship was seized by a woman pirate off the coast of England. Now stationed in Charles Towne in the Carolinas, he receives a request from Admiral Westcott to safeguard his three daughters while the admiral ventures to Europe on naval business. Dajon is reluctant to take the position, not only for personal reasons but also for the notorious behavior of the daughters. The eldest, Faith, seems extremely headstrong and independent. Faith happens to be a pirate, secretly sailing the seas and plundering merchant ships of their goods. As Dajon begins to fall in love with her, Faith must fight between her feelings for Dajon and her love of pirating. The Red Siren is the first in the Charles Towne Belles series.
I have read very little inspirational fiction, but I did enjoy this book. Taking place in the early 1700s in America, this has the perfect mix of romance and historical fiction with a strong Christian message. As I mentioned above, Faith Westcott is headstrong and independent; her sisters are not very different. The Westcott girls resemble rebellious teenagers of today, pouting when they do not get their way and defying direct orders that would keep them safe from harm. For me, that was a tad bit annoying. Though the plot line was predictable, like just about any romance novel, it was easy for me to get lost in the narrative and lose track of time. The ending of the book sets up perfectly for the second book in the series.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Five years ago, Dajon Waite’s ship was seized by a woman pirate off the coast of England. Now stationed in Charles Towne in the Carolinas, he receives a request from Admiral Westcott to safeguard his three daughters while the admiral ventures to Europe on naval business. Dajon is reluctant to take the position, not only for personal reasons but also for the notorious behavior of the daughters. The eldest, Faith, seems extremely headstrong and independent. Faith happens to be a pirate, secretly sailing the seas and plundering merchant ships of their goods. As Dajon begins to fall in love with her, Faith must fight between her feelings for Dajon and her love of pirating. The Red Siren is the first in the Charles Towne Belles series.
I have read very little inspirational fiction, but I did enjoy this book. Taking place in the early 1700s in America, this has the perfect mix of romance and historical fiction with a strong Christian message. As I mentioned above, Faith Westcott is headstrong and independent; her sisters are not very different. The Westcott girls resemble rebellious teenagers of today, pouting when they do not get their way and defying direct orders that would keep them safe from harm. For me, that was a tad bit annoying. Though the plot line was predictable, like just about any romance novel, it was easy for me to get lost in the narrative and lose track of time. The ending of the book sets up perfectly for the second book in the series.
Reviewed by Jessica
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Romancing Miss Bronte by Juliet Gael
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Based on Charlotte Bronte's life, this debut novel takes readers back to nineteenth-century England and the Bronte household. Charlotte and her sisters try to publish their works with little success until Charlotte's Jane Eyre becomes the talk of London. The deaths of her brother and sisters keeps her grounded and close to home, where she becomes the only caretaker for her aging father. Mostly resolved to living a spinster's life, Charlotte is surprised by a declaration of love from an unlikely source, someone she doesn't love. To be alone or to live with someone who you don't necessarily love - Charlotte's decision will change her life forever.
Fans of Bronte family's works should check out this novel. While it is a fictional story, much of it is based on fact, thanks to the diaries and letters of Charlotte and her friends. Before starting this novel, I knew a little bit about the Bronte family. Now, I really want to learn more. Gael writes such a wonderful novel; she really brings Charlotte and her family and friends to life. Truly amazing!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Based on Charlotte Bronte's life, this debut novel takes readers back to nineteenth-century England and the Bronte household. Charlotte and her sisters try to publish their works with little success until Charlotte's Jane Eyre becomes the talk of London. The deaths of her brother and sisters keeps her grounded and close to home, where she becomes the only caretaker for her aging father. Mostly resolved to living a spinster's life, Charlotte is surprised by a declaration of love from an unlikely source, someone she doesn't love. To be alone or to live with someone who you don't necessarily love - Charlotte's decision will change her life forever.
Fans of Bronte family's works should check out this novel. While it is a fictional story, much of it is based on fact, thanks to the diaries and letters of Charlotte and her friends. Before starting this novel, I knew a little bit about the Bronte family. Now, I really want to learn more. Gael writes such a wonderful novel; she really brings Charlotte and her family and friends to life. Truly amazing!
Reviewed by Jessica
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
One Good Dog by Susan Wilson
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
This is a wonderful story of loss, love and second chances. Adam March lost control one day and everything changed. He was fired from his job as a top executive, left by his wife who has to save her social standing, ignored and disdained by his daughter, and kicked out of all of his homes into a one bedroom economy apartment. When Adam’s life is falling down around him an unlikely friend gives him a reason to keep going. Chance is a pit bull mix that has lived his life in a cage. After years fighting in the pit, he escapes during a rescue attempt and wanders the streets of Boston, free for the first time in his life. After a blizzard, he finds himself caged once more, this time at an animal shelter. Against their will, this unlikely pair forges a bond strong enough to save both of their lives.
Wonderfully written, I could not put it down. Told alternately from the perspective Adam then Chance, this book will speak to anyone who has ever known the friendship of an animal. I found more than a few life lessons tucked between the lines of this story. Sometimes you have to lose control to find yourself. Everyone is fighting a battle, though the battle scars may not show. Appearances are next to useless. You never can tell where you will meet a new friend.
Reviewed by Lisa
Format: Book
This is a wonderful story of loss, love and second chances. Adam March lost control one day and everything changed. He was fired from his job as a top executive, left by his wife who has to save her social standing, ignored and disdained by his daughter, and kicked out of all of his homes into a one bedroom economy apartment. When Adam’s life is falling down around him an unlikely friend gives him a reason to keep going. Chance is a pit bull mix that has lived his life in a cage. After years fighting in the pit, he escapes during a rescue attempt and wanders the streets of Boston, free for the first time in his life. After a blizzard, he finds himself caged once more, this time at an animal shelter. Against their will, this unlikely pair forges a bond strong enough to save both of their lives.
Wonderfully written, I could not put it down. Told alternately from the perspective Adam then Chance, this book will speak to anyone who has ever known the friendship of an animal. I found more than a few life lessons tucked between the lines of this story. Sometimes you have to lose control to find yourself. Everyone is fighting a battle, though the battle scars may not show. Appearances are next to useless. You never can tell where you will meet a new friend.
Reviewed by Lisa
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
In one week, Rhoda Janzen experiences two tragedies – her husband of 15 years leaves her for a man he met on the Internet, and she is involved in a car accident that leaves her bruised, broken and in need of rehabilitation. She decides to recuperate at her Mennonite parents’ home, which launches a series of reminiscences of her childhood growing up in a Mennonite community. With humor and a dash of sadness, Janzen mends both physically and mentally and gains a new perspective spiritually.
I loved reading this memoir; there were times I laughed so hard I’m sure I disturbed everyone around me! Janzen’s narrative flows quickly and very smoothly. She draws the reader into her personal story in such an inviting way, willing to share her deepest marital turmoil and poke fun at herself from time to time. Plus, for those interested in learning more about the Mennonite faith, Janzen provides an appendix at the end, detailing aspects of the religion and the community with some humor.
A remarkable read!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
In one week, Rhoda Janzen experiences two tragedies – her husband of 15 years leaves her for a man he met on the Internet, and she is involved in a car accident that leaves her bruised, broken and in need of rehabilitation. She decides to recuperate at her Mennonite parents’ home, which launches a series of reminiscences of her childhood growing up in a Mennonite community. With humor and a dash of sadness, Janzen mends both physically and mentally and gains a new perspective spiritually.
I loved reading this memoir; there were times I laughed so hard I’m sure I disturbed everyone around me! Janzen’s narrative flows quickly and very smoothly. She draws the reader into her personal story in such an inviting way, willing to share her deepest marital turmoil and poke fun at herself from time to time. Plus, for those interested in learning more about the Mennonite faith, Janzen provides an appendix at the end, detailing aspects of the religion and the community with some humor.
A remarkable read!
Reviewed by Jessica
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