The Friendly Book Nook » Fiction

1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber

Sally — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:34:25 +0000

From back cover:

1022 Evergreen Place, Unit B

Cedar Cove, Washington

Dear Reader:

Guess what? I’m falling in love! With Mack McAfee.

My baby daughter, Noelle, and I have been living next door to Mack since the spring. I’m still a little wary about our relationship, since I haven’t always made good decisions when it comes to men. My baby’s father, David Rhodes, is testament to that. I’m so worried he might sue for custody.

In the meantime, the World War II letters I found are a wonderful distraction. Both Mack and I are trying to learn what happened to the soldier who wrote them and the woman he loved.

Come by sometime for a glass of iced tea and I’ll show you the letters. Plus I’ll tell you the latest about Grace and Olivia, my brother Linc and his wife, Lori (who tied the knot about 5 minutes after they met!), and all our other mutual friends. Oh, and maybe Mack can join us…

- Mary Jo Wyse

My Review: As with all books in the Cedar Cove series – I love this book! I wish I could live in a community like the one depicted in this series of books. With each book we get a glimpse into the lives of several of the occupants, BUT each book concentrates on one couple above the rest so you get familiar with each family living in Cedar Cove. This book concentrates on Mary Jo and Mack – a couple we were introduced to in a previous book – in fact he delivered her baby! They live side-by-side in a duplex at 1022 Evergreen Place. Their relationship goes through some ups and downs throughout this book. Another couple mentioned quite a bit in this book is Rachel and Bruce. I hope the next book concentrates on their unusual and somewhat difficult relationship. This series is a GREAT summer read (actually it’s a great read for any time of the year). The books are fast moving. The characters are interesting. The stories keep you engaged and wanting to read more. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors. She writes great chick lit about women of all ages, so she reaches a large audience. This book is better read as part of a series. I’m not sure it could stand alone as well. Therefore I suggest you begin with 16 Lighthouse Road and go on from there.

This book is available the beginning of August 2010.

Fortunate Harbor by Emilie Richards

Sally — Sat, 22 May 2010 20:11:49 +0000

This book is a GREAT beach/summer read. Four women have nothing in common but their addresses – a village of beach cottages on land called Happiness Key in Florida. Tracy received the land from her ex-husband, who was currently in prison for some shady business dealings. Tracy, who was used to a wealthy lifestyle, now supported herself with rent from the cottages as well as working and directing in a recreation center. Wanda is the oldest of the group and married to a policeman. She bakes amazing pies and as a result of being laid off opens her own pie shop. She acts as the mom of the group. Janya a young Indian-American woman is trying to get pregnant, but her husband seems disinterested. The last of the foursome is Alice who lives with her young granddaughter. A newcomer joins them with a mysterious past and then Tracy’s husband appears suddenly released from prison in California, which raises many questions. These five women worked together, supported each other, and considered each other friends – an unlikely group!

I always enjoy stories which include groups of women as friends and support systems. Throw a few mysteries to be solved into the mix and I’m in heaven! This book meets those criteria. It is a little bit long – 560 pages, but on the beach – or your patio/deck with a glass of ice tea or diet coke, the pages will fly by quickly. There are some surprise twists throughout which make this book a page turner. The characters are interesting and likeable, and because they are of varying ages everyone can relate to somebody. Give it a try this summer.

A Summer in Sonoma by Robyn Carr

Sally — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:05:13 +0000

They’ve been best friends since 7th grade. But this summer, teetering on the threshold of thirty, four women are going to need each other more than ever. Cassie has sworn off romance after yet another bad date. Yet deep down, she’s still looking for Mr. Forever. A long-haired biker doesn’t figure into her plans, so where’s the harm intouring the back roads of Sonoma on a Harley with Walt Arneson?

JULIE married her high school sweetheart—who can get her pregnant with a mere glance—too young and now wonders how her life became all about leaky faucets and checkbook balances. Maybe love isn’t enough to sustain the hottest couple in town.

MARTY’S firefighter husband has forgotten all about romance, and an old flame begins to look mighty tempting.

BETH, a busy doctor trapped in a body that’s betrayed her yet again, is becoming a difficult patient and a secretive friend.

This book will not be available until sometime between May and July, 2010.

My Review: This was a fun, quick read. I love the premise of four good girlfriends – all different – yet all interesting. Real life marriage including real life problems was presented – but with marriage and family rated before all else in importance. Women long for these types of friendships. Friendships that are loyal and last through the test of time. Women also long for deep lasting relationships with the men in their lives. This book satisfies all of those deep desires. The characters could be someone you know or knew. I never read anything by Robyn Carr before, and will most likely look for books by her again. Reading this was a great way to begin my Spring Break from school!

The Coffeehouse Mystery Series by Cleo Coyle

Sally — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:56:47 +0000

“The perfect cup of coffee is a mystifying thing. To many of my customers, the entire process seems like some sort of alchemy they dare not try at home….” Ten years ago, Clare Cosi left an unhappy marriage along with a job she loved: managing the historic Village Blend coffeehouse in New York’s Greenwich Village. For a decade, she was happy raising her daughter in the quiet suburbs of New Jersey; but now that Joy is grown and gone, life has gotten way too quiet for Clare. With a little cajoling from Madame, the Blend’s flamboyant, elderly owner, Clare agrees to return to her old job, and right from the start she gets one heck of a jolt. On her first morning back as Village Blend manager, Clare unlocks the front door to find her beautiful, young assistant manager unconscious in the back of the store, coffee grounds strewn everywhere. As Anabelle is rushed to the hospital, police arrive to investigate, but Detective Mike Quinn finds no sign of forced entry or foul play, and he deems it an accident. Clare disagrees; and after Quinn leaves, there are a few questions she just can’t get out of her mind, like why was the trash bin in the wrong place? If this wasn’t an accident, are her other baristas in danger? And are all NYPD detectives this attractive?

My Review: This is my new favorite series. I love the setting – a coffeehouse in Greenwich Village, New York City – I can relate to the main character – Clare Cosi, and the mystery keeps me engaged. It is difficult to figure out “who did it.” There is usually a twist in the end, so I THINK I know, but I really don’t – I like that! In the end it all comes together and makes perfect sense. Again, this author has added recipes and hints for making great coffee! I haven’t exactly read these in order but I’m on my fifth story, Murder Most Frothy, I have downloaded two of them to my Nook, and have bought the ones which aren’t available to download on my Nook. I look forward to reading the rest. A new one is available for pre-order titled Roast Mortem will be I believe book 9 in the series. I plan to read them all.

Kelly’s Chance by Wanda Brunstetter

Sally — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:10:51 +0000

watch?v=tRow0fPkzMo Click on to see “Kelly’s Chance” on YouTube

Life for Kelly McGregor is a daily drudge of driving her overbearing father’s mules along Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Canal. She dreams of one day owning an art gallery where her own drawings and paintings are on display. But these dreams don’t include marriage. . .not after seeing what her father has done to her mother. How then can Mike Cooper, a general store owner, make her realize he is different than her father and wants to support her artistic talent? Will Kelly learn that dreams can walk hand in hand with a love created by God?

My Review: This is a sweet book. Any female from age 13 to 100 could enjoy it – a great read for Valentine’s Day because it is a love story. I appreciated it because it shows that not all people are the same. This is a Christian fiction book, but is mild and not over the top as far as “preachiness.” The Wanda Brunstetter books I have read in the past have been about the Amish community. This book I would consider more historical fiction. Kelly’s Chance is entertaining and light reading. I would recommend it for a great escape when life gets too hectic. It kind of reminds me of the Grace Livingston Hill books I used to read if you are at all familiar with that author.

Hannah’s List by Debbie Maccomber

Sally — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:53:24 +0000

On the anniversary of his beloved wife’s death, Dr. Michael Everett receives a letter Hannah had written him. In it she reminds him of her love and makes one final request. An impossible request. I want you to marry again. She tells him he shouldn’t spend the years he has left grieving her. And to that end she’s chosen three women she asks him to consider. During the months that follow, he spends time with Winter, Leanne, and Macy, learning more about each of them…and about himself. Learning what Hannah already knew. He’s a man who needs the completeness only love can offer. And Hannah’s list leads him to the woman who can help him find it.

Macomber2010Bookmark

This book is slated to be published in May of 2010 – be watching for it!

My Review: This was a great read! I cried and I laughed. If you have read any of the Blossom Street books, you will recognize many of the characters. What a different concept. A husband receives a letter from his dead wife which listed three women she wanted him to consider for remarriage. He thought it impossible because he was still deeply grieving her death. The characters are colorful and probably resemble some of your friends. I know they reminded me of people I know. Three couples are highlighted so I would call this book a romance and slice of life read. The link above will take you to a Debbie Maccomber bookmark that lists all of her books being published in 2010. I’m also looking forward to the new Cedar Cove book. If you enjoy easy, enjoyable reading with happy endings you will love this book!

Recovering Charles by Jason Wright

Sally — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:49:10 +0000

Product Description
Luke Millward is a man who does not know he is lost. His girlfriend loves him; his career is going well; and every night he falls asleep knowing that his life is good and meaningful. Only when the past reveals its twisted smile in a phone call and the disconnected voice asks him to come find his father in post-Katrina New Orleans is Luke compelled to find out what kind of man he truly is. Recovering Charles is for every family who’s had its share of tough times, for anyone who regrets the things you’ve never said, for everyone who needs to know their life has a second verse.

My Review: This book is a quick and interesting read. The setting Hurricane Katrina has been done a few times before, yet there are many stories to be told there. This book tells the story of a young man discovering himself by learning about his family, especially his father, who he had actually given up on. He sees his father through the eyes of friends who loved him as they searched for him. The main character, Luke, is very likeable even though he seems somewhat confused. It all works out in the end and is quite satisfying. This book can be another great summer read – maybe even a beach read!

Seeing Things by Patti Hill

Sally — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:03:36 +0000

Video on \”Seeing Things\” by Patti Hill

Birdie Wainwright, 72, isn’t concerned about seeing things that others can’t. For a woman who still climbs mountains with her dog (Miss Bee Haven) and likes to tango, the impractical visions brought on by macular degeneration are just another gift from God, adding more adventure to life. But when a tumble down the stairs breaks her ankle and leads back to her son’s home in Denver where she must convalesce, Birdie’s imagination really takes flight. Following a conversation with her grandson about The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, she begins to see and speak with the unkempt literary character himself on a regular basis. As the line between reality and whimsy turns brittle, faith is tested among friends and loved ones, and hope is reborn.

Seeing Things is a story about family, reconciliation, and hearing from God in unexpected ways.

My Review: I enjoyed this book although it took quite a while to read. Parts of the story moved along slowly, but mostly it was my schedule that made it slow. The family dynamics were quite interesting and it was quite a change reading a book from a 70 somethings’ point of view. I learned some things about macular degeneration and how to better relate to people who may have this disease. I grew quite fond of the teenage boy and found his relationship with his father disturbing until I read further and found out some of the reason behind this relationship. Although this is categorized as Christian fiction, the story told was of true to life people with real problems. This was a good slice of life story!

A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston

Sally — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:46:13 +0000

Product Description
When Rebecca Kauffman’s older sister, who left the Amish community when she was a teenager, dies in an automobile accident, Rebecca is left custody of her two modern non-Amish teenage nieces, Jessica and Lindsay. Will she be able to reconcile the two worlds in her home—or will the clash of cultures tear her world, including her marriage, apart?

From the Back Cover
Rebecca Kauffman’s tranquil Old Order Amish life is transformed when she suddenly has custody of her two teenage nieces after her “English” sister and brother-in-law are killed in an automobile accident. Instant motherhood, after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child of her own, is both a joy and a heartache. Rebecca struggles to give the teenage girls the guidance they need as well as fulfill her duties to Daniel as an Amish wife.

Rebellious Jessica is resistant to Amish ways and constantly in trouble with the community. Younger sister Lindsay is caught in the middle, and the strain between Rebecca and Daniel mounts as Jessica’s rebellion escalates. Instead of the beautiful family life she dreamed of creating for her nieces, Rebecca feels as if her world is being torn apart by two different cultures, leaving her to question her place in the Amish community, her marriage, and her faith in God.

My Review: Books about Amish life are so fascinating to me; including this new one by Amy Clipston. Imagine two teenage girls being transported from normal American life with all the advantages and perks we have to a simple, basic life in an Amish community. Imagine a young married Amish woman unable to have children of her own inheriting these two girls. Imagine her husband getting pressure from the Amish community to control those girls. Sounds like disaster ready to happen, right? First of all, the girls lose both of their parents in an automobile accident. This seems like quite a bit to deal with, would you agree? The result is an interesting, quick read that pulls at your emotions. I look forward to more books by this author!

The Kay Scarpetta Series by Patricia Cornwell

Sally — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:20:40 +0000

1. Postmortem - Synopsis:

Under cover of night in Richmond, Virginia, a human monster strikes, leaving a gruesome trail of stranglings that has paralyzed the city. Medical examiner Kay Scarpetta suspects the worst: a deliberate campaign by a brilliant serial killer whose signature offers precious few clues. With an unerring eye, she calls on the latest advances in forensic research to unmask the madman. But this investigation will test Kay like no other, because it’s being sabotaged from within and someone wants her dead.

2. Body of Evidence

From Library Journal
Kay Scarpetta, chief medical examiner of Virginia and heroine of Postmortem , gets involved in the case of a brutal stabbing death in Richmond of romance writer Beryl Madison. Now Madison’s greedy lawyer accuses Scarpetta of losing his client’s latest manuscript, an autobiographical expose of Beryl’s early life as protege of a legendary novelist. As more deaths occur and the killer closes in on her, Kay suffers palpitations over the sudden and devious reappearance of long-lost lover Mark but still finds time to provide forensic details. Despite its foregone conclusion, a swift-moving, thrilling, and provocative second novel.

3. All That Remains

Cornwell combines bone-rattling suspense with an insider’s view of forensic science as her sleuth, Richmond, Va., medical examiner Kay Scarpetta, investigates a series of grim murders of young couples. A 13-week PW bestseller, a Mystery Guild selection and a Literary Guild featured alternate in cloth.

My Comments: I am coming late to this series, but I love it! I have started the fourth book and I find it really hard to put these down. Who has read all of these books? Do they get better and better, or just go the way of most series? I think Cornwell is still writing them. I love medical mysteries and strong, independent lead women characters. Kay Scarpetta is all of this and pretty darn real. She has a type A+ personality – driven, smart, and a risk taker. If you have read these – which is/are your favorite(s)? Do they remind you of any other series? Let me know.