"Thereby Hangs a Tail" by Spencer Quinn

5 stars
Chet and Bernie once again take on the bad guys. This time we meet Princess, a tiny "show" dog, and find a murderous plot surrounds her. What do the hippies have to do with anything? How about the sheriff or the husband? As the plot unfolds, we find Suzy (reporter) back in the mix. Will Chet ever get more of the special bisquits?

I enjoyed this sequel to "Dog On It." Reading the book from Chet's point of view makes me look at my own dog and wonder what he is thinking. Spencer Quinn has another hit on his hands and I can't wait for number 3!!

"Before I Fall" by Lauren Oliver

"I suppose that's the secret, if you're ever wishing for things to go back to the way they were. You just have to look up." Sam's thoughts - pg. 284

Samantha is a senior in high school, someone who seems to have it all. But, does she? At the beginning of the book we learn that Sam dies in a car accident, BUT, she is given the opportunity to relive the day again and again to learn about herself and those around her. Why are she and her friends "mean girls?" Is Rob right for her? What is her relationship like with the members of her family? Sam tries to make some changes as she relives the day. Are they enough to save her?

I enjoyed reading this book as part of B&N's First Look program. Lauren Oliver writes with a style that invites you into her story. (i.e. "The sky is a perfect, pale blue. The sun has just risen, weak and watery-looking, like it has just spilled itself over the horizon and is too lazy to clean itself up." pg. 10) I didn't like many of the characters at first, including Sam, but as Feb. 12th was repeated and I learned more, I found myself drawn into their lives. What would you do if you could relive a day? Would you make it better? How would your changes affect others? Read this book and you might just find yourself looking for the answers to these questions. You might just join Sam in saying: "I love my life. I want my life." pg. 153 This is a really good book for young adults and their parents to read and discuss together.

"Love Your Heart" by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas

Katie is going to be in a school talent show, but which talent should she choose? As she works to discover which one she is going to perform, Katie meets with differing results. She looks to her daddy for help. Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas bring us the second in a series of father-daughter books, this one about a little girl trying to discover her true talent. What she does at the talent show truly shows who she is. While worried that her daddy will be disappointed, she finds she need not worry about that. Katie may be a little girl, but her story teaches some powerful lessons.

There aren't many pages in this book, but the story is alive and applicable to people of all ages. In these pages we read about perseverance, friendship, and unselfishness. This is a great gift-giving book and will make many bedtimes more special as fathers read to and with their daughters. It is also a good book for young readers. Faith Hill writes a wonderful Forward, and Abigail Marble provides great illustrations. I found the story delightful and will be collecting the entire series (as I hope they write more) to have on hand when our grandchildren come to visit.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Mom's Bible": God's Wisdom for Mothers

The Bible, the inspired Word of God, is meant to be read and studied by us. Reading through the Bible provides strength for daily trials, and motivation for pursuing God’s plan for our lives. "Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers" (NCV version) by Thomas Nelson Publishers is a wonderfully enhanced Bible written to help mothers glean special thoughts and strength from God's Word. This version of the Bible is filled with Scripture that is understandable and easy to read. It also contains explanations of the passages read, applications for daily use, and situations and stories that bring the text to life.
“Mom’s Bible” is set up traditionally, Genesis to Revelation, which makes finding your favorite passages quick and easy. The notes, etc., are well written and applicable to just about everyone. The setup of Scripture and notes on the same page may take a little time to adjust to, but everything flows easily and naturally so the adjustment time is short.
When I received my copy of this Bible, I was thrilled with the way it is constructed. While I like soft covers, this hard cover works. The pages have muted colors that draw your eye to the extra points but don’t “blare” at you. The extra notes and explanations touched me as a mother personally, and I will continue to enjoy this Bible for years. It is great for gift giving, something I will be doing.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Eternal on the Water" by Joseph Monninger

"You don't value a fire any less because someday it will go out." pg. 152

From the beginning of this book, we know that Mary will die. But this is not a book about her death. It is a book about living each day to its fullest - celebrating your life. It is also a book that will introduce you to Huntington's Disease.

Mary and Cobb, both educators, meet as each prepares for a trip on the Allagash River. Cobb is a first-timer, here to research Thoreau. Mary is back for a regular trip. The connection they feel is immediate and intense. It is truly love at first sight. As they journey down the Allagash, Mary educates Cobb about her study of Corvids (crows and ravens) and relates much of the mythology around them. He also meets the Chungamunga girls, of which Mary is a part. Each girl is threatened with a life-ending disease, but given the opportunity of spending some extended time on the Allagash. It is a moving journey. How many of them want to know they are on limited time, and how many want to live life without that clock ticking?

Then, Mary and Cobb come together in Indonesia. Here we meet Turtle Freddy and read of his work to save the sea turtles. The descriptions of people, places, and animals is breathtaking and realistic.

There are many interesting characters in this book, (Francis, Annie & John, Wally, Joan, Myrtle, etc.) each writing a part of Mary's story. Come, take a journey with them down the Allagash, to Indonesia, to New England, and the West Coast. This story will make you think about living each moment fully and completely.

"The Long Way Home" by Andrew Klavan

Memory loss. Murder conviction. Foreign terrorists. Charlie West is seventeen and this is the reality of his new life. Alone and on the run, Charlie tries to figure out what really happened in the past year. He doesn't believe that he killed Alex or that he joined a group of terrorists, but did he? Why can't he remember?

Charlie realizes that he has to go back home to find the clues that will prove his innocence. There is one place he feels is safe enough to use as a hide-out, so he heads for "Ghost Mansion." When he finds his friends waiting for him, Charlie gets the much needed boost he has been looking for. But, has he now put them in danger? What about Beth? He can't remember falling in love with her, but as she tells their story, he begins to fall in love again. Will she be a target of the terrorists? What does his Karate teacher, Sensei Mike, have to do with all of this?

"The Long Way Home" is the second installment in a YA series. While I hadn't read the first one, I was able to figure out what was going on. (Now I want to read the first one!) The book contains lessons in trust, faith, and courage that are appropriate for everyday life. I really enjoyed the book and found it to be a quick read. The series would make a great gift for the young adults in your life! I can't wait for the third one to come out in November, 2010!

"The Poe Shadow" by Matthew Pearl

The year is 1849 and Edgar Allen Poe is dead. Quentin Clark considered himself Mr. Poe's lawyer and is very upset at the manner of death and the persecution he perceived laid on Mr. Poe. Why wasn't Poe able to start the magazine he wanted? Why were so few people at his funeral and his grave left unmarked? Quentin sets off to find the "real" cause and manner of death, leaving everything important behind. His engagement and his law practice are in jeopardy. But he doesn't see it. Quentin sees nothing but his desire to clear Poe's name and reputation. He does need help however, and enlists the aid of the man he believes is a man Poe used in his stories. But, who is the real Dupin? Who wanted Poe dead? Who wants Quentin to stop looking?

The premise of this fictional work is a good one, but I found myself bogged down with mundane things too many times. I love to read mysteries and wanted to love this one. It is good for those who love extraneous details and "stop and go" storytelling. I will look for more work by Matthew Pearl.

My favorite quote is: '"I see," he replied knowingly and with a tone of some satisfaction. "Mr. Clark, the most dangerous temptation in life is to forget to tend to your own business -- you must learn to respect yourself enough to preserve your own interests. If pursuing the causes of others -- even in charity -- prevents your own happiness, you will be left with nothing.' pg. 220