Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Who:  Harry Dresdon

What: A wizard who solves crimes, usually paranormal crimes

Why: Humans don't deserve to die and maybe what's killing the humans is  no longer human

When: Today, alternate universe

Where: Chicago

I picked up a Jim Butcher book at Barnes and Noble about a year ago.  I realized it was like number eight so I went back and found book one.  I like to read in order.  This book did not disappoint.  I kept it nearby and read in all my free moments.  I'm probably one of the more conservative readers "Hey, I write inspies!"  This one tiptoe very close to my comfort zone but did not deter me from continuing.  I've already purchased the next one.

Who:  Ruth  Handler, of Barbie fame.

What: A memoir of sorts.

Why: To tell the story of the woman behind Mattel and breast Cancer

When: 1950's through 1990's and a bit more

Where: Mostly California

How was it?  This was an easy book to read, very informative and engaging.  I liked reading about a woman who took a leadership role during a time when women were not welcomed at the helm.  Toys are always fascinating, and the details from toy shows and such made this a page turner.  Good!

After All by Mary Tyler Moore

Genre: Memoir
Distributor: Putnam
Acquisition: Used bookstore, hardback
Length: 317 pages but there’s pictures
Rating: PG 13
Starring: Mary Tyler Moore
Theme: I Will Survive
Comments: I like memoirs. This one was good. I thought Mary was honest, sometimes too honest. For such an upbeat Mary Richards and/or Laura Petri, the realize actress is pretty dark.

Last Light by Terri Blackstock

Genre: Inspirational General Fiction
Distributor: Zondervan
Acquisition: Free Kindle Book
Length: 578 pages
Rating: PG 13
Starring: The Brannings and their Neighbors
Theme: Survival among chaos
Comments: I think this is the first general fiction label I’ve given. I found this to be an ‘interesting’ book. When I tell my students their work is interesting, they always ask how. This book hooked me and disturbed me. Probably what the author wanted. Surviving in a world with all conveniences are good is not a situation I want to contemplate.

Tuscan Holiday by Holly Chamberlin

Genre: Women’s Fiction
Distributor: Kensington
Acquisition: Free on Kindle
Length: 352 pages
Rating: PG 13
Starring: Elizabeth (Mom) and Marina (adult daughter)
Theme: Sometimes it takes a different setting and no distractions to connect.

Comments: This was free on Kindle. There were time when I looked forward to reading it because I liked the setting. There were times I skimmed. I agree with many readers that I didn’t care for the advice colum at the beginning. I also wish I could have see Peter get what he deserved.

Ghost Ship by P. J. Alderman

Genre: Cozy Paranormal
Distributor: Bantam
Acquisition: Purchased for Kindle
Length: 368 pages
Rating: G
Starring: Jordan, her neighbors and her ghosts
Theme: Murder, Murder, Everywhere
Comments: This one did what it’s supposed to do. It sold the next one which I predict will be Charlotte’s story. Again, great characterization, excellent setting, and engaging writing. I’m still a little put off by everyone and their mother keeping journals. And, I don’t buy calling Charlotte – a soiled dove – innocent. I still want the ghosts to be more straight forward (and for this book, come on, what was the motivation for Garrett confessing that he ‘didn’t’ do it). Good job!

Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida by Debby Mayne

Genre: Inspirational
Distributor: Summerside Press
Acquisition: Walmart
Length: 320 pages
Rating: G
Starring: Amanda and her sister; Jerry and his parents.
Theme: It’s worth the wait
Comments: Amanda owns a bicycle shop and basically takes care of her youngest sister since their mother cannot. Jerry is an ‘oops’ baby who shoulders the care of his aging parents. Amanda and Jerry find love. The younger sister finds love. The aging parents fall in love again.