So Long at the Fair - Christina Schwarz

Christina Schwarz's latest from Random House takes place in small town Wisconsin. This is also the setting for her Oprah tagged, best selling novel Drowning Ruth.

The entire novel takes place over the course of one day. Jon is having an affair with Freddi, a woman her works with. His wife of many years, Ginny, senses that something is a bit off, but chooses to ignore her feelings. This is the day that Jon decides to end either his marriage or his affair.

Scattered throughout the book are chapters from the past. Ginny and Jon live in the same town they grew up in . Their families live there as well. These past chapters slowly expose secrets over the course of the book that are affecting the present. I did find this a bit distracting as I had to flip back and forth to make sure I was tracking the backstory correctly. The characters from the past are introduced into the present, but you really have to be on your toes to catch who's who.

Schwarz's forté is the exploration of relationships. Her dialogues expertly expose the hidden feelings, desires and failures of her characters. Her descriptions of both people and settings draw strong pictures. So Long at the Fair ends ambiguously. Each reader will draw their own conclusion. I did find the cover art ambigous as well. After reading the book, I found the title to be a bit of an uninspired afterthought as well.

Inside Out Girl - Tish Cohen

Inside Out Girl was just released last month by Harper Collins Canada and is on my 'You've got to read this one!' list.

Rachel is a single mother of two who obsesses over accident reports, parenting tips and ensuring her children are safe.It is out of character for her to pull over and help a man and his daughter change their flat tire. Len is the widowed father of Olivia. Surprising herself further, Rachel agrees to a date with Len. As they continue to date, Rachel's children are horrified to find out that Len's daughter Olivia is the ' Inside Out Girl" who attends their school. Olivia has non verbal learning disorder. Although very bright, she is unable to process facial and voice cues, resulting in socially inappropriate behaviour and anxiety. She often chooses to wear her clothes inside out, thus the name. She is extremely well informed about rats, frequently quoting rat facts in times of stress.

As she falls in love with Len, Rachel is forced to face some issues from her own past. Her children are also going through difficulties that she is unaware of. Could this relationship really work?

Cohen's writing is so real. I found myself furious at the bullying of Olivia, nodding in sympathy with Rachel's angst and applauding the parenting of Len.

Cohen has done a remarkable job with all the characters - they truly come to life - especially Olivia, who will make you laugh, make you cry and cheer for the little girl who can teach us all a thing or two - and not just about rats.

This would be a great read for a book club.

Tish Cohen is also one of the founding members of the grog I've mentioned before - The Debutante Ball. She also writes her own blog. I'm off to find a copy of Town House - Cohen's first novel for adults, which has been optioned for a movie.

Cocktails for Three - Madeleine Wickham

You may be more familiar with Sophie Kinsella - author of the Shopaholic series, as well as other chick lit titles. But Kinsella and Wickham are one and the same. Earlier novels were written under her real name - Wickham.

I listened to this in audio format, driving back and forth to work. Katherine Kellgren is one of the best British readers I have listened to. Her lively voice, expressions and accents all bring the book to life.

Maggie, Roxanne and Candice all work at The Londoner - a fashion magazine. They regularly get together for cocktails. Although the best of friends, they are keeping a few secrets from each other. When Candice befriends their waitress, a girl from her past, their lives are all affected.

Although this is chick lit, it is not as comical as the Shopaholics. I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much in written form, but it was a good listen!

Say Goodbye - Lisa Gardner

I've read and enjoyed Gardner's last 5 or 6 books. She's turned into a really good suspense/thriller writer similar to Harlen Coben. So I picked up this one on the strength of her name without bothering to read the flyleaf.

Kimberly Quincy is a pregnant FBI agent. Delilah Rose -a young informant who works as a prostitute tells her that other working girls are going missing. And she thinks it has something to do with a john who has a fascination with spiders. Lots and lots of spiders.

A fellow cop on the Evidence Response Team thinks Delilah Rose may be right. He's been trying to work the case on his own. They join forces to try and catch the elusive Mr. Dinchara (anagram for arachnid). What Kimberly doesn't realize is that the spider man seems to have her already in his sites.

A back story is introduced in italics. These stories are the parts I found a bit disturbing. Went back to the flyleaf and sure enough there is no mention of this part of the story. The italized story deals with fairly graphic sexual child abuse.

In the acknowledgments at the end of the book, Gardner does recognize that this is the most violent and difficult book she has written. Some of the crimes are pulled from recent headlines.

Gardner writes great suspense. I enjoy the characters and the personal element she introduces in them make them seem more real. There's a couple of good twists that will keep you guessing till the end.

Confessions of a Carb Queen - Susan Blech

Okay it was the picture of the donut that caught my eye first. And then I read the back cover. Susan Blech went from a body builder to a woman who weighed 468 pounds. This book is the story of how she lost 250 pounds without resorting to surgery.

Co-written with her sister, it a soul baring, no holds barred memoir. Blech exposes her life for all to see. She is extremely candid - no topic is off limits.

This was a quick, fascinating read. I was struck by her honesty,courage and determination. Today Blech is a motivational weight loss speaker. You can follow along at her blog.

Everything Under the Sky - Matilde Asensi

Matilde Asensi's novels are originally written in Spanish. Her previous novel The Last Cato was an international bestseller. Her latest novel, Everything Under the Sun ,is newly released from Harper Collins Canada.

Elvira DePoulain is a middle aged artist living in Paris in 1923. Although she has not lived with her husband Remy in twenty years, they are on good terms. When she receives notice that he has passed away, she travels to China with her orphaned young niece Fernanda to settle his affairs. When she arrives she is stunned by what awaits her. Remy died heavily in debt and under French law, she is responsible for payment. Still in shock, she is further disturbed when Paddy, an Irish journalist tells her that her husband was not randomly killed by thieves but was murdered by the Green Gang, as they believed he possessed an ancient carved box. They did not find the box, but Elvira does. A Chinese antiquarian- Lao Jiang - explains the box holds clues to a wealth of treasure. He persuades her to accompany him on the quest. She agrees as she needs the money to pay off Remy's debts.

Asensi does a wonderful job with descriptions of China and it's culture. Particularily fascinating are the explanations of the concepts of Tao and Feng Shui. Her puzzles are well thought out and rival any adventure book of this type- The Da Vinci Code for example.

Where I found myself wanting more was in the characters themselves. Although Elvira is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who grows even more along the trek, I just didn't buy it. Her pronouncements seem forced and awkwardly placed, especially those dealing with her niece. Much more interesting was Fernanda and the young servant boy Biao. Their youthful enthusiasm and intelligence came across as much more realistic. Lao Jiang seems to be written as a bit of a caricature, as does Paddy the Irishman. We know Lao Jiang is not quite what he seems with his brooding silences and taciturn manner.

All in all, not a bad read, but not as good as I would have hoped. Looking for something similar? Try James Rollins.

Made in the U.S.A. - Billie Letts

I've read all of Billie Letts' novels to this point. You may have heard of her first one - 'Where the Heart Is'- a New york Times bestseller, an Oprah pick and also made into a movie starring Natalie Portman. It is the story of a young pregnant teen who lives in the local Wal Mart.

Made in the U.S.A. returns to Wal Mart. Lutie and Fate McFee's father ran off to Las Vegas a year ago, leaving them behind with his girlfriend Floy. While shopping at the local Wal Mart, Floy drops dead. Fifteen year old Lutie decides that they shouldn't wait around for social services to put them into foster care, so they take Floy's car and head off to Vegas to find their dad.

With little money and unable to find their dad, they try to survive in Sin City. Some unknown good Samaritan seems to be watching out for them, leaving food and notes on the hood of the car they're living in - but it's not enough. Lutie and Fate are soon subjected to the ugly side of Vegas.

I'll stop there without going any further into the plot and spoiling the tale.

Letts' hallmark seems to be that family is not always biological. This theme was also the basis for 'The Honk and Holler Opening Soon'. And it's done well again in Made in the U.S.A.

Although it becomes somewhat predicable as to what's going to happen in the end, it is still an enjoyable, feel good read that will have you cheering for Lutie and Fate and the resilience of the human spirit.

Hardly Knew Her: Stories - Laura Lippman

Add this one to your 'coming soon' list!Hardly Knew Her will be released by Harper Collins Canada on September 24th.

I'm a diehard fan of Laura Lippman and her Baltimore P.I. Tess Monaghan series. This collection displays a completely fresh and different side of Lippman's writing.

The stories are divided into three parts - Girls Gone Wild, Other Cities, Not My Own and My Baby Walks the Streets of Baltimore.

The first story is 'The Crack Cocaine Diet'. Two suburban girls decide that cocaine would be the best method to lose weight quickly. It starts off rather funny but where this story goes is completely unexpected.

'One True Love' is the story of a Heloise, a suburban prostitute who will do anything to keep her private and public life separated. Heloise and her sister Meghan are the subjects of the novella at the end of the book. I was captured by the character of Heloise and privately hope she pops up in future novels. I think we haven't even begun to see what she and her sister are capable of.

There are stories featuring Tess. The best is an interview of Tess Monaghan by Laura Lippman for the Baltimore Beacon-Light. Tantalizing snippets of information about Tess's life are sprinkled throughout.

Pony Girl is a truly frightening story. This story takes place in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. A young man decides he should keep his eye on two young women so they don't get hurt. What he ends up seeing....well I don't want to spoil the ending.

Oh and the one about senior citizen porn......and what to do with that cheating husband?

Lippman has written in many different voices - old, young and yes a few male protagonists- and characters as well as new locales.

Each story 'hooked' me. I never knew what to expect - each story was a guess as to where Lippman was going to go with it. All are wonderfully different but all showcase Lippman's marvelous talent as a writer. If you haven't read Lippman yet, this would be a great place to start.

Back in 6 Years - Tony Robinson-Smith

Subtitled - A Journey Around the Planet Without Leaving the Surface.

Tony Robinson-Smith has been teaching English in Japan for five years when he suddenly decides he's had enough. (having sung the only 2 english songs on the karaoke list at a bar over and over again may have helped swing his decison...)

He decides he will not travel by air at any time and heads back to England to begin his journey. With no firm plan, he hitchhikes his way through France and Spain without issue. Things get really interesting when he attempts to cross the Sahara and transverse Algeria. (Always take extra water....) He winds his way throughout Africa, reaches Cape Town and tries to figure out how to sell himself as an experienced (read none) seaman to cross the Atlantic. Each chapter is prefaced with a map tracing the route he is taking. I found it interesting to follow along.

And so his journey continues - around South America and up into North America. Although I found the entire book engrossing, I really enjoyed the chapters dealing with Canada. Tony decides to bicycle across Canada going east to west. However he starts out in April. Canucks will realize we can still get snow at this time - especially in the Maritimes.

"When would Canada warm up. No wonder ninety per cent of the bloody population lives huddled along the U.S. border"

It is also in Canada that he meets Nadya. Nadya joins Tony when he reaches the Asian part of his journey. The journey slows down a bit here and we are treated to more leisurely and detailed chapters.

All in all, Robinson-Smith manages to touch base in fifty-five countries. This book was written from his notes and journals. As an armchair tourist, I was enthralled by tales of places most of us will never visit. The locales he explores and people he meets are fascinating.

Most remarkable is that he achieves his goal - he never flies. But the whole adventure takes six years! Not many people would see this through to the end. Interestingly he is now teaching English in Bhutan. Wonder if there's a story there?

Yet another great memoir from Goose Lane Editions. Thanks to MiniBookExpo for the opportunity to read and review this book!

The Queen of Babble Gets Hitched - Meg Cabot

Okay so you're saying to yourself - " Isn't she the one who writes the Princess Diaries for younger readers?"

Well yes you're right - but Meg Cabot also writes a number of novels geared towards adults.

This novel is the sequel to The Queen of Babble and Queen of Babble in the Big City.

Lizzie Nichols is finally engaged to Luke, which is what she's always wanted - right? Then why is she so attracted to Chaz - Luke's best friend? And why can't her mother understand why she doesn't want to have her wedding in their backyard instead of Luke's family estate in France? At least her career - restoring wedding dresses - is going well. Or it was until the owners of the shop have to leave her on her own for a while and chaos breaks out.

You get the idea - this is just a really great chick lit read. Cabot's writing is fresh and funny. Everyone can identify with Lizzie -she tries to please everyone, has a hard time not saying what she thinks and worries constantly about almost everything. Cabot has created an endearing, lovable character that you just want to cheer for.

You could read this novel as a stand alone, but I think you would find it so much funnier to start at the beginning.

Fans of Sophie Kinsella would also enjoy this series.

The Corpse Will Keep - Pat Capponi

I first discovered Pat Capponi when I picked up a copy of Last Stop Sunnyside and have eagerly awaited the next novel in the engaging Dana Leoni series. Harper Collins Canada has just released The Corpse Will Keep.

Dana lives in a rooming house in Toronto. She moved there to hide out after a brutal assault and subsequent descent into depression forced her to abandon her studies at university. She lives with an eclectic group of characters. To most, they are on the fringes of society, mentally, socially, emotionally and medically challenged. They banded together in Last Stop Sunnyside to solve the disappearance of one of their housemates. This common goal gave them new focus and purpose in life. Now Dana is studying for her private investigator license and there is a "Dana Leoni - PI" sign on the door.

A television report on their case prompts Bernie, an old university friend of Dana's, to contact her. His mother Anna has become reclusive in the last few months and is clearing out her bank accounts. Bernie suspects that her behaviour might have something to do with the charity work she was doing.

"I need someone who can fit in anywhere...I need someone I can trust". And so they have an actual paying case.

The detail and understanding that Capponi brings to her dialogues, interactions and settings is authentic. Capponi is writing from experience, having survived the very situations she writes about. She is now one of Canada's leading mental health care advocates. For many readers, the details of living conditions will be an eye opener. The novels are set in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood.

This is not to say that the books are dark and humourless. They are funny as well. How do you tail someone when your bus pass has expired?

Capponi deftly portrays the lives of a marginalized group of society while at the same time providing us with an entertaining witty tale. She has managed to write an intriguing mystery that could be pulled from today's headlines using the most unlikely band of sleuths.

Falling Under - Danielle Younge-Ullman

Oh boy - where to start?! Danielle Younge-Ullman's debut novel Falling Under grabs you from the first page and just doesn't let go until you reluctantly turn the last.

Falling Under opens with a gut-wrenching scene in which a little girl - Mara- witnesses the ugly end of her parent's marriage. And discovers that there is no Santa Claus.

Fast forward to the present. Mara is a grown woman now. She is an artist working from home - as she has trouble leaving the house. She imagines every bad thing that might happen and becomes paralyzed with fear. Her social circle is limited to her best friend Bernadette and her agent. Bernadette is active and outgoing, always involved in a social cause. Mara is one of her causes.

"Bernadette is saving the world. I can barely save myself".

She also has a love/hate relationship with Erik, her lover, who she only sees when she feels like she's on the edge of a precipice. Erik is emotionally damaged as well.

The story alternates between present and past. As young Mara grows older we learn more and more of how she came to be trapped in the small world she inhabits and why she is unable to function normally.

Younge-Ullman has uncannily captured the hurt, the betrayal, the angst and the despair of Mara. The descriptions and dialogues of her dysfunctional family and relationships are raw and unsettling.

Mara uses her body to please others and punish herself. While some readers may be disturbed by the sexual scenes, they are integral to the plot.

When Mara meets a man she thinks she can love, the two stories collide and we learn the full history behind Mara's inability to love and let herself be loved.

"Certain memories, certain thoughts, are holes....Holes ripped in you, through which precious things escape and leave you wanting, needing, gaping open......And you are left empty, a skeleton, a shell with wind rushing through you and a sensation of sinking, barely existing..."

No spoiler - but I loved the ending - it kept me thinking long after I finished reading.

Falling Under is a outstanding debut from this bright new Canadian author. This intense, edgy novel would generate lots of discussion for a book club.

Younge-Ullman is also part of a group of debut authors who regularly 'grog' (group blog) at The Debutante Ball.

No Such Thing as a Free Ride? - Simon Sykes & Tom Sykes

-Subtitled: A Collection of Hitchhiking Tales - North American Edition from Goose Lane Editions.

What a fantastic idea this was- to collect stories, memoirs, observations, folklore and ideas about hitchhiking and compile them. Tom and Simon Sykes are father and son from England. Their first compilation was the British edition of No Such Thing as a Free Ride?

This book was broken down into wonderfully inventive categories on hitchhiking. Being broken down into articles of varying lengths allowed me to pick and choose what to read. First I devoured "You Had to Be There - Strange and Amusing Events", followed closely by "I Hadn't Thought this One Through - Misjudgements and Miscalculations".

But honestly every article is a great read. I was fascinated with people's experiences on the road. Some good, some bad, some downright scary, but all with a view as to how hitchhiking touched their lives.

There is a great appendix at the back with a listing of references to hitchhiking in websites, books, music and film.

And who contributed to this collection? A wonderfully diverse bunch of folks including author Piers Anthony and musician Randy Bachman to name a few.

Hitchhiking is a somewhat scary proposition nowadays from both sides - picking up and getting in. But who hasn't stuck out their thumb at least once? And has a story to tell about it? The Sykes are still collecting stories and essays. Got one you'd like to contribute? Contact them here.

And thanks to MiniBookExpo for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Recipes of a Dumb Housewife- Lorina Stephens

My husband is quite used to seeing a pile of books on the kitchen table waiting for review. However this one caught his eye - " A cookbook!" - and so I had to wait my turn to read this book from Five Rivers Chapmanry.

"Recipes" is conveniently divided into categories - suppers, soups, pasta, sweet tooth, breads, salads and a few more. I have to admit it - I skipped right to sweet tooth!

Many of Lorina's recipes have been developed over time with an eye towards nutrition, flavour, time and budget. Not one to let something go to waste, she has developed recipes incorporating leftovers or what happened to be in the pantry at the time. She is both imaginative and frugal without forsaking taste. The result is a collection of unpretentious 'down-home' fare.

Now back to that sweet tooth section. Citrus Cake was developed as a way to use up those oranges and grapefruits languishing in the crisper. As I happened to have some of those on hand, this was the first recipe I tried. Delicious and perfect with an afternoon cup of tea. I next tried " Really Bad For You Chocolate Orange Pie". Ohh but it was really really good!

My husband asked for the stuffed peppers - perfect as the garden is full of them right now. This recipe is also part of the Starving Student repertoire Lorina developed for her son when he went to university. My husband loved them.

Nutritional information is offered for each recipe.

Ohh, and about that title? Stephens is anything but a dumb housewife. She also writes fiction and is an artist who works with many mediums. She'll be on a virtual book tour this month - you can catch up with her here.

Many thanks to MiniBookExpo for the opportunity to review this book!

MoonPies and Movie Stars - Amy Wallen

The intriguing cover (and title!) of MoonPies and Movie Stars by Amy Wallen promises a rollicking good read and it did just that.

It's late 1960's in Devine, Texas.We meet the central character Ruby as she is preparing to decorate her bowling alley for a wedding reception the town's womenfolk are having to celebrate the wedding of their favourite soap opera's stars. As her sister Loralva and her daughter's mother in law Imogene and others arrive to help we get a real sense of the town, their relationships and temperaments from the dialogue. More than a few characters remind me of a few folks from my small town!

"Becca Ann has such a nice smile, and whenever I ask her to do anything she grins like she wouldn't rather do nothing else! What more could you ask for in a daughter-in-law?"

As they settle in to watch the wedding on television, Ruby is stunned to see her daughter Violet in a commercial. Violet has been missing for four years. She upped and left her husband Harley and children Bubbie and Bunny without a word. Ruby ended up taking in the kids to live with her. Both children have some issues - Bubbie is fascinated with roadkill and Bunny is never without her Mrs. Beasley doll.

Ruby decides to go to Hollywood and find Violet. Loralva is going as well- to help find Violet - but also to fulfill her dream of meeting Bob Barker and being on the Price is Right game show. Harley's mother Imogene invites herself along, as she is thrilled to now be related to someone famous, plus they need her Winnebago to make the trip.

MoonPies and Movie Stars is an absolutely charming novel. Ruby is someone you wished you knew - she has a heart of gold and the determination to see anything through. There are lots of comedic moments and situations - especially when they arrive in Hollywood. But there is also a deeper thread running though the story. What is family and what makes a mother? Wallen deftly mixes the humorous and the poignant with Southern charm.

An absolute gem of a first novel, MoonPies and Movie Stars will appeal to fans of Fannie Flagg and Billie Letts. I'm looking forward to the next one!

As to the title - well MoonPies are a favourite Texas snack and play a pivotal role in this tale. And to my Canadian readers - as near as I can figure MoonPies are a first cousin to Wagon Wheels.

Stealing Athena - Karen Essex

I was immediately captured by the beautiful cover art of Stealing Athena by Karen Essex, released by Random House.

This story is told from the viewpoints of two women in two different periods of history whose lives are touched by the same priceless art.

Lady Mary Elgin is a young, wealthy, pregnant twenty one year old who accompanies her husband on his mission as England's ambassador to Turkey in 1799. Lord Elgin has a burning desire to literally bring the beauty of Greek sculpture and architecture back to Britain. He sets his sights on the city of Athens, the Parthenon and the many sculptures dedicated to the goddess Athena. Mary is vibrant and outgoing. She uses her beguiling ways (and her money) to benefit and further her husband's cause.

Aspasia is living in Athens at the height of the Golden Age - the time of the building of the Parthenon and many monuments and temples by Pheidias. She is the courtesan of Pericles -one of the leaders of the city of Athens. She is also a philosopher and although never fully accepted by the Athenians, she provides counsel to many of them.

I don't usually read this time period, but I found myself entranced with the exquisite detail that Essex has infused her work with. I then skipped to the back of the book and discovered that Lady Elgin is not a fictional character and the deconstruction of the Parthenon by her husband really took place. Much of Mary's fictionalized life is based upon her actual journals.

More chapters are devoted to Mary's life and this is the character I enjoyed the most. Her determination, will and drive are inspiring - even more so considering the time period she lived in . Although I enjoyed Aspasia's chapters as well, I found myself glossing over some of the detailed descriptions.

There are many parallels between Aspasia and Mary's lives - the role of women in a male dominated society being one of the foremost. However the extraordinary way both use their strong personalities to deal with these constraints are similar as well. The men in the stories are portrayed well also. I really ended up despising Lord Elgin and his cavalier treatment of not just Mary but the Greek countrymen who did not want their heritage removed.

Stealing Athena features a fascinating fictionalization of historical events. Fans of Emma Donoghue would enjoy Stealing Athena.

Don't Tell a Soul - David Rosenfelt

I've read a few of Rosenfelt's previous novels (there are six) featuring lawyer Andy Carpenter. They are good solid legal mysteries that have held my attention.

Rosenfelt's latest Don't Tell a Soul is a stand alone novel. The cover is eye catching and seems to promise a good thrilling read.

Tim Wallace's wife died in an boating accident. He was the only witness and although it was ruled an accident, Detective Jonathon Novack doesn't buy it. He is sure Tim murdered her and is determined not to let the case go.

Since his wife's death, Tim has shied away from going out with his friends. On New Year's Eve they finally get him out to their favourite bar. It is here that a drunken man asks Tim if he can keep a secret. He then tells Tim that he murdered a woman in a neighbouring town and where he buried her. "Don't tell a soul. Now it's your problem".

Tim does go to the cops and the woman is found exactly where the stranger said she would be. Trouble is - the cops think Tim murdered her as well and the evidence seems to be stacking up to prove them right.

This was a good read that kept me turning pages but some of the scenes and plots just don't ring true. Rosenfelt does a fine job of planting red herrings but I was disappointed in the ending which seemed to finish up rather abruptly for me. I thought it was a great premise but it just didn't deliver the punch I thought it would.

Don't Tell a Soul had overtones of the plots of Harlan Coben's Tell No One and Gone for Good.

Home Sweat Home - Lynn Johnston

A For Better or Worse Collection

Okay okay I know - it's a collection of cartoon strips. But Lynn Johnston's strip is one I have read faithfully for almost twenty years. Home Sweat Home is the 35th collection.

Johnston is a Canadian cartoonist. The strip has followed the lives of the Patterson family. Their lives actually progress in real time. Johnston bases many strips on that of her actual family. Elly and John and their family have become a part of many family's days. The strip is not always after a quick gag or joke. Instead it deals with the everyday problems of life with a view to finding the lighter side. That is not to say that more difficult topics have not been dealt with. The coming out of one character who is gay caused many newspapers to boycott the publication of Johnston's cartoon. However For Better or Worse is carried by over 2000 newspapers around the world!

Sadly that is coming to an end. After 30 years, Johnston is looking to retire. In 2008 she has been blending past strips with new panels and will wind up existing story lines in the near future.

You can always follow the daily strip online here. Or go back to 2003 online and read forward to present day.

I've had fun over the years following the lives of the Pattersons and their family and friends. Many of the situations rang so true to life, from the death of a beloved pet to a child heading off to University.

This reader will mourn the demise of this comic strip.

Sleeping With Ward Cleaver - Jenny Gardiner

Are you looking for just the perfect little paperback to slip into your beach bag?

Well, look no further than Jenny Gardiner's debut novel from Dorchester Publishing. The kitschy cover art and blurb by Meg Cabot promise a light fun read. It was the winner of Romantic Time's American Title III contest.

We meet Claire Dolittle, a married mother of five (!) who isn't too happy with her life, her husband or herself right now.
"I am not Claire anybody. I'm a cookie-cutter, nagging, middle-aged mother-slash-sexless housewife, fighting a date with destiny: sex with Ward Cleaver and eventual death and burial as a washed-up has-been of a woman."

Claire now views her husband Jack as lead character Ward Cleaver from a sixties sitcom. Ward was the master of his domain, dispenser of all wisdom for his family and somewhat humourless.What happened to the fun, spontaneous sexy man she married?

When an old flame, Todd, contacts Claire they start an email correspondence that becomes more than a little steamy. At the same time Jack is off to a business conference in Miami with his young new assistant Julia. When Claire offers to go as well, Jack turns her down. Is he having an affair??

Claire receives some unexpected advice from Todd- " What makes you happy, Claire? Is it anything that you actually do? Or are you spending your life with have-tos? Remember, all work and no play makes Claire a dull girl!"

Well, maybe Todd is right. Maybe she needs to change her outlook as well....but first off to Miami to find out what's going on at that conference.

Gardiner recreates many scenes that women with children can relate to - the mess, the scheduling, the demands, trying to hold an outside job and still hold on to who you are throughout it all.

Supported by a cast of off beat family and friends, Sleeping with Ward Cleaver is just what it promises to be - a fun read with a feel good ending that might just make you think twice about your own relationship!

Gardiner is also a writer for The Debutante Ball, a grog that features first time authors. Pretty funny stuff - check it out here.

Chasing Darkness- Robert Crais

Crais returns with the 12th novel in the Elvis Cole series.

Cole is a Vietnam vet who has set himself up as a private detective.With tongue firmly in cheek, he bills himself as 'The World's Greatest Detective'. Sidekick Joe Pike, also a vet, works with Cole, but doesn't have a lot to say. His actions speak louder than words.

Chasing Darkness opens with police discovering Lionel Byrd, an apparent suicide victim. On his lap is a photo album with detailed death pictures of seven women. Three years earlier, Byrd was accused of the murder of victim number 5. He was set free based on evidence provided by Elvis Cole.

The cops come calling on Elvis. Cole is adamant that he didn't make a mistake - Byrd was innocent. But the evidence seems overwhelming. Consumed with guilt, Cole starts reinvestigating. But the cops aren't happy with Cole poking his nose in. As far as they're concerned, the case is closed.

Cole is a modern day 'hard boiled' detective. He has very firm ideas on right and wrong and a strong moral compass. Crais' novels feature good strong plots and lots of action. Anyone who enjoys Robert Parker's Spenser series or Lawrence Block would enjoy Elvis Cole

Queen of the Road- Doreen Orion

Subtitled:
The True Tale of 47 States, 22,000 Miles, 200 Shoes, 2 Cats, 1 Poodle, a Husband and a Bus with a Will of It's Own.

Okay, how could you not want to pick up this new title from Broadway Books ??? The cover and subtitle grabbed me, but I was captivated in the first 10 pages of this travel memoir from Doreen Orion.

Both Orion and her husband Tim Justice are practicing psychiatrists. Tim is still seeing patients in an office setting while Doreen consults from home for insurance companies etc. Tim is a busy guy, always with a project on the go. He enjoys the outdoors as well. On the other hand, Doreen is more than happy to stay in her pajamas, work from home, watch television and never leave the house. Her record is 118 hours in without stepping a foot outside. Two seemingly polar opposites.

Without quite knowing how it happened, Doreen agrees to Tim's dream - to travel across America in a bus for a year. That's right - a bus. But what a bus it is! (Take note that their bus ends up being the September centerfold for Bus Conversions magazine.)

Orion is an extremely funny woman. I was laughing out loud right from the beginning and wondered if she could keep it up throughout the book.....she did.

After an initial 3 week test run, they set out. Not everything goes quite to plan - the bus has some issues and so does Doreen - she's terrified of the bus.

With a fantastic sense of humour, Orion describes the trip, her relationship with Tim, the people they meet and the situations they find themselves in.

Just a few weeks into the trip they notice a shift in their outlooks and attitudes.

"Getting to the top of the bell tower reaffirmed for me that Tim and I were making new choices about how to live our lives and whether it was finding time for that climb or putting our careers on hold, we were doing things differently that we had in the past, giving us hope that the lessons learned on the road about what was truly valuable might just stick".

And this is really the essence of the book. How do you want to live your life and what is really important? As we follow Tim and Doreen's travels, you start to look at your own life and wonder what you could do a little bit differently.

It's also a love story. They are together 24/7 for a year. Although they already have a good marriage, they rediscover each other on the road.

Fascinating as well is the ongoing travelogue. The places they visit are detailed, and an appendix gives web addresses for many of the places.

I love a good travel memoir and this was one of the best I've read. This would be a great selection for a book club. There is a thoughtful list of discussion questions to get you started at the end. ( Oh - and a cocktail recipe at the beginning of every chapter!) As well, Orion will attend your book group - either in person or by speakerphone.

The idea of a boat trip was bandied about at the end of the book. Sounds like a great idea Doreen and Tim - can't wait to hear what adventure you embark on next! You can always follow along at Doreen's blog.

High Crimes - Michael Kodas

Subtitled: The Fate of Everest in an Age of Greed.

I actually listened to this in audio format. I think it had a greater impact than on me than reading it would have.

Sir Edmund Hillary conquered Everest, the highest peak in the world, in 1953. Since then climbers have flocked in droves to achieve this same lofty goal and the world has watched, fascinated with those willing to risk their lives to stand 'on top of the world.'

Michael Kodas, the author, attempted this climb in 2004. He was sponsored by the newspaper he worked for in Connecticut. This book covers so much more than his trip.

The title says it all. Hillary himself expressed disgust on the 50th anniversary of his achievement over the 'circus' that Everest has become.

Kodas exposes the underbelly of Everest. He details the many deaths on the mountain and follows one family as they search for answers. The thieving, greed and selfishness detailed are not as much as a revelation as they might have been. Numerous stories detailing rescues of climbers left for dead, passed over by many other climbers have been in the news.

Everest basecamp is home to prostitution and drugs,theft and violence.

When I finished listening to the book, I went online and viewed pictures of Everest. It is breathtaking in it's beauty. I can see why people the world over flock here to achieve their dream. However it the sheen is tarnished.

In High Crimes, Kodas presents a well researched, detailed interview of many of the key players in the Himalayas and the ugly side of the mountain.

The Flirt - Kathleen Tessaro

Newly released in June from Harper Collins Canada is Kathleen Tessaro's third novel - The Flirt.

From the cover art I originally thought the novel was to be about a woman flirt. I was mistaken....

The Flirt is set in London, England. We meet Hughie Armstrong Venables-Smythe in the first few chapters. A would be actor, he is perusing the classifieds and spies an intriguing advertisement:

"Unique situation available for an attractive, well-mannered, morally flexible young man. Hours irregular. Pay generous. Discretion a must. Please send photo and brief romantic history"

Hughie comes from aristocratic stock, but the family fortunes have paled and his name, posh accent, good looks and charm are what he's surviving on now.

We are quickly introduced to many more characters;

Leticia - Hughie's latest sexual dalliance - no strings attached
Rose - a young single mother waitress who is attracted to Hughie
Sam - a busy plumber currently working at Leticia's business
Olivia - the unhappy wife of a very wealthy man, Arnaud
Ricki - friend of Rose and Sam, gardener to Olivia
Johnathan - works for Arnaud - and hates it
Amy - Johnathan's perpetually pregnant wife
....and other supporting characters.

I've introduced the list of characters as in a playbill because that's the feel the book had for me. A delicious British romantic comedy. Somewhat along the lines of Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest. No farce, but lots of sly comedic lines and situations.

Everyone is living their lives, but recognize that they aren't really happy. Hughie is hired by Valentine and Flick. I won't go much further in divulging the plot. Suffice it to say that Hughie's new profession touches everyone's lives.

Each chapter is written from a different character's viewpoint. This did make the book hard to put down as I wanted to read yet another chapter before shutting the light off. Tessaro skillfully weaves all the stories together in a most satisfying ending - though not all as are you may have imagined.

There is some minimal sexual language used that may offend some readers.

This is a good summer chick lit book. If you like British authors such as Marion Keyes and Jane Green, you will enjoy Kathleen Tessaro. I read Elegance years ago and very much enjoyed it.

What Was Lost - Catherine O'Flynn

Oh wow - what an amazing little gem this book was! This was O'Flynn's debut novel. She's got a fan here that will be looking for her second.

The novel opens in 1984 and we meet nine year old Kate Meaney. She is a bit of a loner, preferring adults to children her own age. One of her favourite adults is Adrian, the son of a local shopkeeper. Kate is determined to be a detective. This is the driving force of her days. She carries a notebook and makes observations of all the people and situations she comes across. She has staked out both her neighbourhood and the new mall, Green Oaks. She decides to concentrate her time on Green Oaks. She shares her sleuthing duties with her little stuffed monkey. Until....she disappears.

O`Flynn's portrayal of this little girl is amazing. Her determination, earnestness, and curious mind are all vividly painted with words. I was somewhat reminded of Christopher - the main character in the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night. (Another really good read!)

Fast forward to 2003 at the Green Oaks Mall. It has expanded and is very large now. Kurt works as a security guard on the night shift. One night he inexplicably sees a young girl with a stuffed monkey on the security camera. When he searches, she is gone. Lisa, Adrian's sister works at a music store in the same mall. Working late one night, she gets lost in the staff only corridors and finds a stuffed monkey lodged down by a pipe.

Lisa and Kurt are both lonely and feel their lives are empty. They meet and their lives become connected by a long missing little girl. The development of the characters of Lisa and Kurt is excellent. As with Kate, you immediately feel a real sense of their lives.

Having worked in retail hell for many years, I found O'Flynn's descriptions of the mall, it's workers and customers to be spot on, very funny at times, but also very sad.

This book is as much about the mystery of what happened to Kate as it is about Karl and Lisa reclaiming their lives.

O'Flynn was listed for many prizes for this debut novel - and rightly so!

Mini Book Expo for Bloggers

Mini Book Expo for Bloggers is my new favourite site of the day!

Lex features books you can "claim". Then all you have to do is post a review within a month of receiving the book. Don't blog? No problem - you can send Lex the review and she'll post it on the site for you.

"Claim it. Get it. Read it. Blog it"

Can't get any easier or better than that can you? I was lucky enough to claim a book last week - stay tuned for the review of " No Such Thing as a Free Ride".

Nothing to Lose - Lee Child

Lee Child returns with Nothing to Lose, the 12th novel in the Jack Reacher series.

Jack Reacher is an ex military cop, 10 years out of the service. He has no home, not ties and lives his life by a simple rule. Leave me alone and I'll leave you alone.

He arrives in Colorado between two tiny towns, Hope and Despair. To continue his journey forward, he heads towards Despair. It is in Despair that his simple rule is tested. It is a cold, spare, tired town. Jack heads to a diner for something to eat before he heads on his way, but unbelievably he is ignored. No one will acknowledge or serve him. Suddenly four big guys show up and tell him to get out of town. Reacher, being Reacher, refuses to go. The Despair Police arrive, he is arrested, convicted of being a vagrant and unceremoniously dumped at the line dividing Hope and Despair. He is picked up by a woman cop from Hope.

Well, now his interest is really piqued. Back to Despair he goes under cover of night. This time he finds a body in the scrub by the side of the road. What is going on? He finds an ally in the Vaughan cop. There are more missing young men, a huge industrial plant that seems to be recycling metal and one man who controls the town and everyone in it. No outsiders allowed.

Reacher is the quintessential hard boiled hero. No backing down, his own set of morals and tough as nails. There are no great emotional revelations from this protagonist.

Nothing to Lose has a very strong military story line. Fellow Canadians will find the following quote funny; "Canada's army is three men and a dog. They probably keep their stuff forever"

And the following quote quite telling, " Canada isn't fighting in Iraq. Canadians had more sense."

I have enjoyed previous Reacher novels, but this one somehow fell a bit flat for me. Too much political comment. The seemingly disparate plots come together in the end, but all a bit too conveniently. This is still a really good series, but if you've not read any before you might want to start with another.

Fearless Fourteen - Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum is back in her fourteenth adventure in this series from Janet Evanovich.

For those of you who haven't hear of Stephanie Plum - well, you're missing out on a laugh out loud read.

Stephanie works works for her cousin Vinnie as a bond enforcement agent in Trenton, New Jersey. Her sidekick Lula is a former ' ho with a penchant for for spandex two sizes too small. Her boyfriend Morelli is a local cop. Stephanie also moonlights for Ranger, who owns a security firm. But best of all ( in my opinion) is Stephanie's family - especially Grandma Mazur. Her antics are hilarious.

Fearless Fourteen finds Joe's cousin Dom released from jail. Dom wants to lay his hands on the loot he stashed from a bank robbery - the reason he was in jail. The problem is - Dom's partners want their share too. Everyone thinks the key to finding the loot is in Morelli's house. And the ex partners think that kidnapping Dom's sister Loretta might trigger some action. This leaves her teenage son Zook with no parental figure. Joe and Stephanie take him in. Throw in Moondog (from previous tales), Gary the Stalker, Brenda the aging songstress, Bob the dog and it's really just non stop crazy situations.

The snappy one liners, the sexual tension between Stephanie, Joe and Ranger, Grandma's antics, and the lives of the folks in the 'Burg' all add up to a rollicking good read.

Although they can be read on their own, reading them in order (start with One for the Money) will give you the most enjoyment.

Pure entertainment reading that won't take you too much time but will deliver lots of laughs.

The Broken Window - Jeffery Deaver

Lincoln Rhyme, Amelia Sachs and crew are back in the 7th book of this series by Jeffery Deaver.

Lincoln's estranged cousin, Arthur Rhyme is arrested on murder and rape charges. He claims he is innocent. Against his wishes, his wife Judy contacts Lincoln for help.

For those of you unfamiliar with this series, Lincoln Rhyme is a former police captain, injured on the job and now a quadriplegic. Amelia Sachs was a young aspiring policewoman who became Rhymes eyes as she "walked" crime scenes, gathering evidence for him. Together they have solved many crimes based on Lincoln's expertise with forensic evidence.

And that is what bothers Lincoln about Arthur's case - the evidence is just too perfect. The case seems airtight.

Some digging unearths two other cases similar to Arthur's. Further investigation leads to SSD - a data mining corporation. It seems the real perpetrator might be hiding behind walls of SSD.

Data mining is real and very scary. When you get to page 352, there's a dossier put together on one of the characters, listing literally everything. Purchases, habits, relationships, financial data, lifestyle, communications and lots more. It's quite frightening - think of all the loyalty cards you have, the debit and credit cards you swipe, the searches you do on the web.

The perpetrator is using this information to commit crimes and have someone else take the fall. He's always one step ahead of the police. Then he starts messing with their personal information and things take a turn for the worse.

The novel opens, closes and contains references to a case involving an assassin the Lincoln last encountered in 'The Cold Moon'. If you've not read it yet, you might find these references a bit confusing. I believe this is what the next Rhyme novel, due in 2010, will focus on.

Deaver is always a great read. The clues, evidence and the ingenious way they are used to pursue the case are fascinating. The Broken Window was very hard to put down at the end of the day.

I always enjoy finding a series that you can follow the character's lives as well as the mystery presented.

Fans of TV shows like CSI will enjoy this series. Faithful readers of John Sandford would enjoy it as well.

The Sister - Poppy Adams

The Sister, published by Harper Collins Canada, is Poppy Adam's debut novel.

The novel opens with Ginny Stone awaiting the arrival of her sister Vivi, who she has not seen in over forty years. Ginny still lives in the family mansion in a small English village, but it has seen better days. It is crumbling around her and she has confined herself to four or five rooms. She has no television, no phone, no radio and no visitors. She never leaves the house. Provisions are brought by the son of one of the old caretakers every couple of weeks. She is obsessed with time.

" When you live by yourself in a house that you very rarely leave and is even more rarely visited, it's essential that you don't lose track of the time. Every minute lost- if left uncorrected - would soon accumulate to an hour, and then hours, until - as you can imagine - you could easily end up living in a completely erroneous time frame"

"What I fear is timelessness, a lack of structure in my life, an endless Now."

Ginny followed in her family's footsteps, becoming a renowned lepidopterist, a scientist who studies butterflies or moths.

Vivi on the other hand, yearned to escape what she saw as a limited and suffocating environment. Although Ginny is the older sister, Vivi was always the leader, the dreamer and the adventurer. The girls spent all their time together and seemed inseparable. Vivi seemed to take after their mother Maud - who loved company and entertaining. Ginny took after their father Clive - who was happiest when not with people.

Vivi does escape to London, where she makes a life for herself.

When Vivi arrives, the reunion is awkward. Their memories of childhood and their parents seem worlds apart.

The story is told from Ginny's viewpoint. We are tantalized by snippets from the past and then back to the present.

Adams has certainly done her research on the world of moths and butterflies. I must admit that I started skipping passages that detailed this. On the other hand, this detail just adds to drawing the characters of Clive and Ginny as this is their world.

Ginny's character is well developed. I was able to connect with her loneliness and confusion. The progression of her will as secrets, incidents and anger are exposed is very believable. Although we are left wanting to know more of Vivi's life away, this lack of knowledge is exactly what Ginny has. We can empathize with her confusion and unravelling.

This novel has a distinct Gothic feel about it. A delicious British tale of dysfunctional family relationships and the havoc they can wreak.

The Sugar Queen - Sarah Addison Allen

Oh what a wonderfully enchanting story this was!

Josey Cirrini lives a very quiet life with her mother. She has no friends and pretty much lives to look after her mother.

Josey has a secret closet she escapes to . It is filled with junk food, romance novels and travel magazines.

She seems reconciled to this life until she discovers that Della Lee, a local waitress from the wrong side of the tracks, has moved into her closet. Della Lee refuses to leave as she feels it is now her destiny to 'fix' Josey's life. Josey has pined after the mailman for three years and Della Lee is determined to make things happen.

Della manages to get Josey to leave the house. Secretly, of course as Margaret, Josey's mother would not approve. Josey meets Chloe. Chloe is also at a crisis point in her life. Books are inexplicably attracted to Chloe and turn up everywhere she goes.

I love the following quote." Books can be possessive, can't they? You're walking around in a bookstore and a certain one will jump out at you, like it had moved there on its own, just to get your attention. .... Sometimes it's a comfort just to have a book around....For company of course"

Josey finally has a friend in Chloe and begins to discover the joy that living life can bring. Chloe needs Josey just as much. And Della Lee? Well she's still in the closet, occasionally slipping out in the night to scare the housekeeper. Except she's starting to look a little translucent.....

The Sugar Queen is just a delight to read. The characters are quirky and lovable. The story is pure Southern magic, letting us believe in love and friendship and well - maybe just a little bit of magic.

I have not read Addison Allen's first novel Garden Spells , but will be hunting it down - or maybe it will find me!

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Happy Birthday Canada!

Black Out - Lisa Unger

This is Unger's third novel. Her first two, Beautiful Lies and Sliver of Truth were both bestsellers. Black Out will be a bestseller as well.

Annie Powers has the perfect life. An attentive husband, a beautiful daughter, a lovely home and enough money to do what she wants. But it's all a sham, a cover. Annie used to be Ophelia March. When Ophelia was a teenager she was caught up in the spell of a psychotic serial killer. Barely escaping with mind and body intact, she 'killed' off Ophelia and thought it was all behind her. But someone is leaving hints that Annie recognizes as belonging to Ophelia's life. The body of the killer - Marlowe Geary - was never found. He can't still be alive can he? Has he come back to claim Ophelia? Annie's husband Gray will do anything to protect her and Annie will do anything to protect her daughter Victory.

Annie cannot remember much of her past. Her mind has blacked out a lot of it. What is real and what is imagined? She has to try and remember the past and what really happened.

The story alternates tantalizingly between the present and the past. Just when you're caught up in one story, it switches to the other. Very addicting but tiring when you just want to read one more chapter at 1:00 am!

This was an engrossing read. Unger keeps us off balance with plot twists and turns that you don't always see coming. The ending brings yet another twist.

The Front- Patricia Cornwell

Well - where to start....

The Front is the second in Cornwell's 'At Risk' series featuring Massachusetts investigator Win Garano, District Attorney Monique Lamont and Win's grandmother 'Nana". I did read the first one but thought it was confusing and overly complicated. I thought I would try The Front and give this series a second chance.

Lamont sends Garano to Watertown to investigate a very cold case that she thinks may be linked to the Boston Strangler case. Watertown investigators are part of the Front - an organization of law enforcement agencies who do not want to be dependent on the State. Lamont wants Garano to work with 'Stump' a Watertown cop. Lamont has her own agenda but leaves Garano out of the loop. So that's the basic plot - and it sounds reasonable. But then Cornwell throws in Scotland Yard investigating the Watertown case as well. Absurd? Yes.

The plot is far fetched and unconvincing. Cornwell tries too hard with too many surprise connections and convenient, confusing conclusions. It just doesn't wash.

The characters never become real to me. Their characteristics are there but never leap off the page. They are one dimensional. The dialogue tries too hard, but just never becomes believable.
Nana seems to make a gratuitous appearance only as an interesting aside. Lamont is so far fetched it's unbelievable. Garano is the only one who comes close.

Just a big disappointment. The publication of The Front was delayed by over six months from it's original date. It's a smaller hardcover and only 180 pages. Certainly not worth $25.00 Can.

Cornwell's last three novels have been a letdown. Even her Scarpetta novels are suffering. Looking for something similar ( but better?) Try Kathy Reichs.

Sail - James Patterson and Howard Roughan

Okay, so my brain is still kind of mushy from holidays and I'm having a hard time actually realizing I still have to work, so yes - I read a Patterson.

I think he pumps out a new novel every six months or so. You pretty much know what you're getting - larger type and margins, short chapters and a story that won't challenge you. A good beach read. Sail is no exception.

I was a bit thrown when I first started - the opening pages are a character synopsis. I would expect this to be developed through the story, but not the case here. The premise is interesting. Dr. Katherine Dunne and her three children ( all with their own issues) decide to go for a vacation aboard the family sailboat. Dunne has remarried - Peter, a lawyer - after the death of her husband. Peter is unable to go on the trip, but Jake, the children's uncle goes with them. The trip seems doomed as the boat breaks almost immediately breaks down. Their radio is knocked out and a deadly storm is approaching. Won't spoil the rest - but someone definitely doesn't want the Dunnes to have a good vacation......

Again, no challenge, but if you're up for some mindless reading this is a perfect choice.

Bar Flower - Lea Jacobson

Lea Jacobson's memoir is subtitled " My Decadently Destructive Days and Nights as a Tokyo Nightclub Hostess."

I'm a sucker for a good memoir and this one sounded really interesting.

Jacobson is an American fascinated with Japanese culture and language. Her studies have made her quite proficient in the language, so she accepts a teaching position in Japan. Her visa is good for two years.

Learning the culture through a book and experiencing it firsthand are two different things though. Jacobson has difficulty accepting the rigid standards and structures of Japanese society. She is fired from her teaching position and begins to drift.

She ends up hostessing in a Tokyo nightclub. I think like most people I had some preconceived notions as to what hostessing entailed. Jacobson gives a detailed account of this profession. In fact her memoir reads as a diary, detailing friends, encounters and thoughts. We are offered a fascinating glimpse into Japan from someone living fully immersed in the culture.

This immersion begins to take it's toll on Jacobson. She descends into alcoholism and self harm in many forms. She realizes she needs out and returns to the US, but is just as disillusioned there, and returns to Japan.

Jacobson ends her book with the Japanese saying" Fall over seven times, wake up eight." She manages to pull it together. I found myself wanting a bit more concrete detail from the epilogue, but found her blog which ties up things a bit more.

Vacation Time - Part Three

Home again - after much delay. In total I spent a full day in the Detroit Airport due to delays!
Had a great time, just going to take it easy today and get back into the swing of things......

Vacation Time - Part Two

Yes I got on the plane. Due to mechanical difficulties, missed flights and possible re routing (Minnesota!!) what should have been a 6 hour journey with a 2 hour layover turned into and almost 12 hour day. My first flights were certainly memorable!

Having a great time with my daughter and son in law. The NCAA's have been amazing! But the city of Des Moines and surrounding areas are suffering. There is massive and major flooding. You've got to check out the pictures here:


http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

Vacation Time

Well as you read this I will be winging my way to Des Moines Iowa where I will be attending the 2008 NCAA Division 1 Track and Field championships at Drake University with my daughter!

Back next week......... ( providing I survive the plane ride.......)Not a frequent flyer.........

The Pile on the Floor - Various Authors

Okay so the above are only a few in my pile on the floor.....some are due back at the library soon. Ahh!! Too many books and not enough time... Scroll down for a brief description of each.

What are you reading? Or hoping to read?

The Red Leather Diary - Reclaiming a Life Through the Pages of a Lost Journal

"Rescued from a Dumpster on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, a discarded diary brings to life the glamorous forgotten world of an extraordinary young woman."

The Genius - Jesse Kellerman

( Jonathan Kellerman's son) Ethan Muller finds a treasure trove of art in a New York slum. He presents it as his own at an art show. The police are interested as the paintings are part of a four decades old murder investigation.

Delusion - Peter Abrahams

A woman's world is turned upside down when new evidence frees a man she put in prison with her testimony years ago."

The House at Riverton - Kate Morton
" A sweeping debut novel set in England between the wars. It is the story of an aristocratic family, a house, a mysterious death and a vanishing way of life, told by a woman who witnessed it all and kept a secret for a lifetime."

Love the One You're With - Emily Giffin

"This is a story for anyone who has ever wondered: How can I truly love the one I'm with when I can't forget the one who got away?" This is the 4th novel from Giffin - the previous three have all been New York Times bestsellers.

Driving Sideways - Jess Riley

As promised... Here's the review of Driving Sideways by Jess Riley !

In the first few pages we meet Leigh Fielding. She has lived with her brother since her mother abandoned them and their beloved Gran passed away. Her poor health (she suffers from PKD - Polycystic Kidney Disease) - has dictated her living a "safe"life.

However... she has recently received a kidney transplant from the late Larry Resnick and feels good for the first time in years. So good that she plans a road trip to California. Against her brother's wishes she sets out alone on ' The Unfinished Business Tour.' The unfinished business includes: visiting an old boyfriend, meeting her best friend's elusive boyfriend, meeting and thanking her kidney donor's family and confronting her mother.

Not too far into the trip, Leigh is coerced into letting a teenager ride with her. They are soon joined by Jillian, a friend of Leigh's. 'Larry' is frequently channeled for direction. And just who is in that black Acura they keep seeing? The trio's adventures are comical and entertaining. That's not to say it's all fun and games. Leigh didn't expect to live past thirty and is going through a lot of self discovery.

Riley's characters are witty, full of life and so engaging. Their dialogue rings true - just like you were having a conversation (or argument!) with your best friend. The banter, the references to pop culture all bring the book to life. Leigh's imagination in painting possible scenarios is hilarious.

I hesitate to lable this book as strictly chick lit. It is so much more - an examination of the fragility of life, relationships with family and friends and what, in the end, is really important.

I was happy that Riley did not tie everything up into a neat package. It rings truer the way she has written it.

Jess Riley is pretty funny herself. Check out her blog Riley's Ramblings.

This is a great book to share with your friends. Honestly, I just want to make some calls and hit the road!!

P.S. Jess - Hope you're working on the next book! Can't wait!

Phantom Prey - John Sandford

John Sandford brings us the 19th book in the "Prey" series, Phantom Prey, featuring Lucas Davenport.

Davenport works for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. He is a bit of a rogue cop, not quite fitting in, with a team of like minded detectives. He's rumpled, aggressive, loyal and determined.

Davenport is married to Weather, a surgeon. When she asks him as a favour to talk to her friend Alyssa about her daughter Frances' disappearance and possible murder, Lucas reluctantly agrees. The local cops haven't been able to move the case forward and he really doesn't see how he can help.

Frances was dabbling in the Goth world and her mother believes this group holds the key to her missing daughter. Lucas starts making inquiries and someone starts targeting Goths. A mysterious woman - a Fairy Goth- may have answers, but can't be found.

Nothing is as it seems and the closer Lucas thinks he's getting to an answer, the less things make sense.

Del and Lucas are also staking out Siggy - a drug lord they've been trying to capture for awhile. This is a fun second story line.

Davenport's irreverence and that of his team is entertaining. Sandford never disappoints. Phantom Prey is another solid read with a great character.

Readers of Jonathan Kellerman, Jeffery Deaver and Michael Connelly will enjoy this series.