Walk on Earth a Stranger (Goldscryer #1)

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson is the first book in her Goldscryer series - a historical fiction series of the California Gold Rush in which the main character can sense gold around her.

Leah Westfall, 15, lives with her parents in Dalhonega, Georgia. She helps her father work the land, search for gold and hunt for their food. While most of the jobs she does are not what the other girls in town would do, she is happy with her family - and her best friend Jefferson McCauley.

Before school, Jefferson comes up to her with a flyer. Gold has been discovered in California - enough gold to report across the nation. And Jefferson wants to go make his fortune. He lives with his father who is more concerned with drinking than raising a son. Jeff has been keeping the homestead and finding them food, but wants to strike out on his own.

When Leah's parents are murdered, there is nothing keeping her in town. Nothing except an uncle who hints that he has uses for her. He is the only one left who knows that she can feel the gold in the ground. Leah gets a bad feeling from him and plans her escape. If she can catch up to Jefferson by Independence, Missouri the will travel together.

Carson has written a novel that feels a bit like the Grapes of Wrath, but set in an earlier time period. Leah's magic plays little role in the first book in the series, but will likely come more into play if she reaches California. In the mean time, this is a great historical novel of a time of change in American history when thousands of people headed west toward a vague promise of gold. Great start to the series!

Carson, Rae. (2015). Walk on Earth a Stranger. New York: Greenwillow Books.

To Hold the Bridge (Old Kingdom / Abhorsen)

To Hold the Bridge: An Old Kingdom Novella and Other Tales by Garth Nix includes an addition to his amazing Abhorsen or Old Kingdom series, which now includes four books and two short novellas.

Morghan has very little of value. His parents recently died and left him the clothes on his back and a piece of paper from his great grandfather. The piece of paper, however, while potentially worth some money is also a way to apply to one of the most well funded companies in the Old Kingdom.

On the northern edge of the Old Kingdom there is a large river - the Greenwash - that is difficult to cross. Just north of the river there is a market at the change of each season - a chance for those of the Old Kingdom to trade with the nomadic tribes to the north. Years ago a company was founded to build a bridge across the river - the Greenwash Bridge Company. People bought shares that would mature over the building of the bridge.

Morghan is not sure why his parents had not sold the share - as they had anything else of value. But he has spent the only and last of his money on passage to the bridge. The share gives him the opportunity to apply to be a cadet in the Bridge Company. If he succeeds, along with hard work, he will gain food and shelter for the coming years.

Nix has written a novella about a different part of the Old Kingdom. In the past we have learned about the Wall at the southern edge of the Old Kingdom, but the far north is new territory. With the Abhrosen series continuing (yeah!) reader will hope to see more of Morghan and the stories of the Bridge Company (please, please, please!). If you are not familiar with the Old Kingdom books - start Sabriel today! This is one of the best fantasy series ever created!

Nix, Garth. (2015). To Hold the Bridge. New York: Harper.

The Edge (Peak #2)

The Edge by Roland Smith is the sequel to his book Peak - about a kid who climbed Everest in an attempt to become the youngest person to summit.

Peak Marcello still loves to climb mountains and rocks, but is happy escorting his younger twin sisters around New York City for the summer.

When the film crew who documented his climb of Everest show up, Peak is read to say no to what ever they are asking. And a climb sponsored by the billionaire Sebastian Plank, were 200 under 18 year-olds climb on the same day for peace sounds terrible. Peak prefers to climb alone. But his friends will not get the job filming if he does not agree to climb.

So it is decided that he and his mother, a world class climber in her own right, will join the team. At the last minute they learn their destination - the Hindu Kush Mountains in Afghanistan. And when they arrive, the camp does not look big enough for 200 climbers.

Teams of five young climbers will be climbing mountains all over the world - all caught on film to make a documentary about peace that will air on television. Peaks team includes a climber from Japan, Ukraine, Australia and France. The two he notices are from Australia - because the guy is obviously more talk that skill - and France - because she is really cute and a great climber.

But before the day of the big climb, Peak awakes from a nap after a long afternoon of filming to find everyone missing. Two guards who were their to protect them are dead and the only other climber still in camp looks like he fell to his near-death from the wall. Peak's mother and the other climbers and crew have been kidnapped.Peak will do whatever it takes to follow their trail and find his mother and friends.

Smith has written a great sequel that could be read on its own. This is a great adventure book with enough technical detail to make the story come alive but not enough to overwhelm readers who do not climb. If you like adventure, suspense, mystery, or survival books - this is for you.

Smith, Roland. (2015). The Edge. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Half a War (Shattered Sea #3)

Half a War by Joe Abercrombie is the third book in his Shattered Sea series.

The kingdoms around the Shattered Sea are at war. The war has been coming for a while as the High King and his Ministers try to control more and more of what goes on within the different kingdoms.

The kings of Gettland and Vansterland have promised help in defending Throvenland from the High King's army - but that help has not arrived. King Fynn has had to make a deal with the High King. But the High King has betrayed the agreement. Bright Yilling, the king's champion, has destroyed the city and killed most of the royal family of Throvenland.

Princess Skara is disguised and escapes with the pirate Blue Jenner. She is taken to Gettland, to Queen Laithan - her cousin. But Skara vows to see herself back in her family's land. She will do what she must to save her kingdom.

Abercrombie has created a great fantasy series. There is a twist to the story that I will not give away, but please read it so we can discuss the hidden with  the story!

Abercrombie, Joe. (2015). Half a War. New York: Del Rey Books.

A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell Mystery #1)

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn is the first book in her Veronica Speedwell mystery series.

Veronica Speedwell grew up is an orphan who grew up with her two aunts. Now her second aunt has passed away. While she Veronica should feel sad her thoughts keep drifting to the fact that she will be free to do as she pleases - which in her case is go on expeditions and catch butterflies. Having moved every few years growing up, she does not feel attached to the village she happens to be living in at the moment.

Veronica is a lepidopterist. She has been on quite a few expeditions and has sold butterflies to fund future travels. And she is ready to be off on a new adventure, but when she returns to the cottage after her aunt's funeral, there is a man searching the place. Assuming it is someone who read the death notice in the paper and is looking for valuables, Veronica scares him off. A baron helps her chase the intruder away.

Convinced Veronica is in danger and unwilling to leave her alone, the baron offers her a ride to London. Because it will save her the train fare, Veronica agrees. Once in London, the baron hands her over to Mr. Stoker for safe keeping. Mr. Stoker is in the midst of trying to stuff an elephant for a wealthy client. While Veronica does not believe she is in danger, she humors the baron. So begins her argumentative relationship with Stoker, a natural history scientist as well. When the baron is killed, Veronica and Stoker decide to find out who killed him.

Raybourn has created a wonderful new mystery series which begins in the year 1887. Fans of Maisie Dobbs will likely enjoy this series, thought the books have a different feel and are set years apart. I am very much looking forward to Veronica and Stoker's future adventures.

Raybourn, Deanna. (2015). A Curious Beginning. New York: New American Library.

Torn Away

Torn Away by Jennifer Brown is the story of surviving a natural disaster and its aftermath.

Jersey Cameron has always lived in the Midwest. She grew up loving storms, even with the tornado drills they had to do at school. She loves dancing in the summer rain.

Now, a couple of weeks before the end of her junior year, all she wants to do is be lazy. When her little sister asks to teach her the East Coast Swing that she learned in dance class, Jersey says no. When her mother and sister leave for dance class, Jersey finally drags herself off of the couch to do chores and get dinner ready.

Just as she starts cooking a tornado warning siren goes off. She considers ignoring it. There are so many false alarms. Then she decides she should go to the basement where she spend the most terrifying fifteen minutes of her life.

When she emerges from under the pool table, bruised and battered, but alive, she is surprised to find that most of her house is missing. She has no cell phone service, and she doesn't know where her mom and sister are, or her step-father.

Brown has written the story of a girl whose life is ripped away from her. She has to grieve while also learning how to survive. She is sent to live with family who might as well be strangers - people her mother warned her about.

Brown is a great writer who tackles tough issues with amazing characters. Her books are strong and her stories thought provoking and sometimes heart wrenching. Check one out today.

Brown, Jennifer. (2014). Torn Away. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

Half the World (Shattered Sea #2)

Half the World by Joe Abercrombie is the second book in his Shattered Sea series.

Thorn Bathu is one test away from becoming a warrior. Each year of study runs more girls out of the program until she is the last one. Now Thorn is the last. But something goes wrong during her last fight and a classmate is killed. Her teacher, who never wanted to pass her, accuses her of murder.

Brand watched Thorn's last test. It was unfair as she was set against three classmates. Brand tries to be good, but did not speak up at the unfairness of it. But when she is sentenced to the full impact of the law - which may include stoning to death - Brand has to speak up. He talks to Father Yarvi, the King's Minister, and doing so loses his place as a warrior himself.

Father Yarvi has use for both Thorn and Brand. He is about to leave on a mission to find allies in the ever changing political climate. The High King is exerting pressure on the kings of the land, as if he wants to usurp their power with his own. Yarvi and his crew will travel half around the world, fighting their way for the opportunity to have a few worlds with rulers who may stand at their side should war come.

Abercrobie's trilogy is a great work of fantasy fiction. His characters are compelling and readers will become fans quickly. Read this series!

Abercrombie, Joe. (2015). Half the World. New York: Del Rey.

The 7th Woman (Paris Homicide Mystery #1)

The 7th Woman by Frederique Molay is the first book in her Paris Homicide Mystery series - set in Paris around the Chief of Police Nico Sirsky.

Nico Sirsky is the head of the Paris Criminal Investigation Division, the famous Brigade Criminelle, tasked with catching the worst criminals in Paris. Working with teams of detectives and the medical examiner, Nico will have to find a serial killer.

When the first body appears, they don't know it is a serial killer, so they start looking at the family and friends of the victim. When the second woman if found, a note tells them that there will be seven bodies in seven days.

Molay's novel gives readers a look inside detective work in France - which is much different from the process here in the US. Her detective is competent and surrounded by helpful coworkers. Her killer is sadistic and likes to play games with the police. If you are a fan of France or mysteries, read it.

Molay, Frederique. (2012). The 7th Woman. New York: Le French Book.

Under the Lights (Daylight Falls #2)

Under the Lights by Dahlia Adler is the sequel to Behind the Scenes in her Daylight Falls series based around a new teen tv drama filmed in Los Angeles. Behind the Scenes focused on characters Ally and Liam while the new book alternates between their best friends Vanessa and Josh.

Vanessa Park is the lead actress in Daylight Falls. While she has the talent to the be the lead, her role is unique in that she is the first Korean American to land a lead in a teen drama. She has now been on the show for a year and tries to be a good role model for other young girls to follow your dreams. In that theme, her agent has set her up with a boy band boyfriend.

Josh Chester has a reputation as a bad boy in Hollywood. He is known for his parties but has very few real friends. His best friend, Liam, is the male lead in Daylight Falls. For the last year, Liam's girlfriend Ally has been Josh's personal assistant. But now she leaving for college in New York.

When Ally leaves, both Josh and Vanessa's lives change. Vanessa loses access to her best friend and someone she can talk to about anything. Sure Ally is still her best friend, but she is off in New York studying and finding other friends to hang with. Josh loses the one person in his life who will not put up with his attitude. While both Josh and Vanessa could use a friend, it seems unlikely they will fill that role for each other.

Adler's second book follows two changing lives. Josh has to decide what he wants to do with his life when he has to decide between a pathetic reality show or losing the house he lives in - because his mother owns the house and needs his name to land the show. Vanessa stops pretend dating guys her agent sets her up with and finds the person she never knew she was looking for.

Daylight Falls is a sweet series that will capture readers' hearts.

Adler, Dahlia. (2015). Under the Lights. New York: Spencer Hill Press

Wildest Dreams (Thunder Point #9)

Wildest Dreams by Robyn Carr is the ninth book in her Thunder Point romance series - set in the Oregon coastal town of Thunder Point. The series follows many characters in town and allow readers to see what previous main characters are doing now.

Lin Su Simmons has been working as a nurse for Winnie Banks for a couple of months. She and her son Charlie almost feel like a part of the family. Lin Su has, as a single mother, done whatever she has to do to make life safe for Charlie. Her life has been devoted to his health.

Winnie and Charlie spend afternoons on the computer together. Charlie, who suffers from asthma, has spent much of his time indoors and feels more comfortable around adults. Over this summer he has met a couple of kids his age and is looking forward to going to school in Thunder Point.

Blake Smiley just bought the house next to Winnie. He is a professional triathlete who competes all over the world. Charlie is instantly in awe of Blake. Lin Su is not sure it is a good idea with Charlie's asthma. When the local doctor, Scott Grant, proscribes working out to strengthen Charlie's lungs and stamina, Blake volunteers to help. Not only is Charlie a great kid, but it will give him more excuses to talk to Lin Su.

Carr has created a lovely romance series around a beautiful small town on the ocean. Her characters are the kind of people you hope to live near.

Carr, Robyn. (2015). Wildest Dreams. New York: Mira.

Honor Girl

Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash is an autobiographical graphic novel of the summer she figured out that she likes girls - and the first girl she loved.

Maggie spent every summer at Camp Bellflower for Girls in Appalachia. Most of the other girls at the camp are from Kentucky, but her parents drive her from Atlanta. Her mother and her grandmother went to Camp Bellflower and Maggie is sure that nothing has changed in the entire history of the camp.

Each morning the girls start their day with a Civil War reenactment, where they yell Gray and Blue at each other for twenty minutes. The girls are separated by age and choose activities for the summer. Maggie is improving her shooting skills and is one of two girls competing for an award.

Maggie is joined by a cast of girls, from her best friend Shannon, to her new friend Tennis Bethany, to her first love Erin, in this lovely coming out story. Thrash tells her story with wit and sensitivity. Though it has a different feel, fans of Alison Bechdel's Fun Home will delight this novel.

Thrash, Maggie. (2015). Honor Girl. New York: Candlewick Press.

Half a King (Shattered Sea #1)

Half a King by Joe Abercrombie is the first book in his Shattered Sea series - about a prince who was never meant to be king.

Prince Yarvi is about to take the test to become a Minister. He has been studying most of his life. As the second son of the king he would not be king anyway, but being born with a deformed hand and unable to yield a sword doesn't help.

A few days before he leaves for the city across the sea where the High King lives, Yarvi's brother and father are killed. Suddenly he is the king of Gettland. His first duties are to bury his family and then lead a raid on the neighboring king who killed them.

His uncle has promised to keep him safe and fight by his side, but it is a set up. The uncle who was always kind is about to kill him and take over the throne.

When Yarvi falls over the side of the tower he is presumed dead. His uncle wants the body to bring back as proof of his death in battle. But Yarvi is not dead. He landed in the sea and somehow survived. Now he is alone in a foreign land.

Abercrombie has created a wonderful character in Price Yarvi. The trials and torture to which he is subjected form a great story and fine beginning to this series. Wonderful read.

Abercrombie, Joe. (2014). Half a King. New York: Del Rey.

Eleanor and Park

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell is a beautiful book of friendship and love - the winner of the YA Printz award for best book and as good at the previous winner Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

It is 1986 in Omaha, Nebraska when Park sees the new girl get on the school bus for the first time. Since the school year already started, everyone else on the bus has already claimed the seat they wanted. And no one wants to share with a new kid - especially one who is dressed oddly. After a moment's hesitation, Park slides over and shares his seat with her. But he doesn't look at her or talk to her. He just didn't want her to make it to the back of the bus to the bullies.

Eleanor just moved back in with her family. Her mom's boyfriend (now husband) kicked her out a year ago. She went to her mom's friend's house to stay for a few days - and stayed a year. She has not seen her four siblings in all that time.

Eleanor doesn't know why the Asian kid moved over for her and then ignored her. But she didn't try to talk to him either. During her first day of school, she notices that he is in a few of her classes.

After a few days sharing a seat on the bus, Park notices that Eleanor is reading his comics while he does. A couple of days later, he brings her one to borrow.

So slowly begins a friendship between Park and Eleanor, one that grows into first love in this amazing novel. Rowell has created great characters in this must read story.

Rowell, Rainbow. (2013). Eleanor and Park. New York: St. Martin's Press.

Adrift

Adrift by Paul Griffin is a survival story about five teen off of Long Island, New York.

Matt and John are working in the Hamptons for the summer. They are from Queens and are trying to save money for college. They both work more than one job.

During their job selling ice cream on the beach, Matt and John meet three rich kids. Driana is from Manhattan and her cousin Stef and her boyfriend Jojo are visiting from Rio. Dri invites Matt and John to a party at her father's house.

Matt is instantly smitten with Driana. John does not want to hang out with them at all, but usually follows Matt.

When they see Dri and Jojo a couple of nights later they are looking for Stef. It seems she has borrowed the neighbor's wind surfing board and is hitting the waves - in the dark. Jojo and Dri are going after her with a small boat. Matt and John join them.

After they catch up to Stef, they are surprised to see how far out they have drifted. Since it doesn't seem like anyone has used the boat for a long time, there is not much fuel. They do not have enough to make it back to shore.

What follows is five teens stranded at sea and the tensions between them. As the story unfolds readers will learn of the character's pasts and the story becomes more complex than a simple boat adrift.

Griffin, Paul. (2015). Adrift. New York: Scholastic Press.

American Gods

American Gods by Neil Gaiman is the tale of what happens when people move to America, bringing their gods with them - and then, over time, forgetting the old gods.

Shadow is about to be released from prison after three years. He is getting nervous that something will happen to stop him from going home to his wife. He senses a change coming in the air.

On his way home there is a man sitting next to him on the plane. The man seems to know a lot about Shadow and offers him a job. But Shadow had a job all lined up. He was going back to his old job at his best friend's gym. Only now everything has changed.

After getting off of the plane at a stop along the way, Shadow rents a car to drive the rest of the way. When he stops at a bar in the middle of nowhere for food, the man from the plane is waiting for him.

The man, calling himself Wednesday, really wants Shadow to work for him. He is on the road and could use someone to watch his back. By the end of the night, he has convinced Shadow to work for him.

Now they are crisscrossing the United States while Wednesday tries to get an eclectic group of mostly older people to promise to join him. He knows a war is coming and they have to band together to stand against the new order.

Gaiman has written a great story of gods from all over the world and how they are trying to get by in the US without the support of people worshiping them. This is a fun book.

Gaiman, Neil. (2001). American Gods. New York: Harper Torch.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli is a coming of age story and a coming out story - sparked by blackmail.

Simon Spier is not out about the fact that he is attracted to boys. He has never said the words out loud. But while visiting an online board he found someone else as his school who is gay and not out. Now, using fake names, they have been emailing each other for a while. Simon is relieved to have someone to confide in - someone who understands the fears about coming out. He and Blue have a great friendship online and have no idea if they have classes together during school.

Then his secret email account is discovered. Simon checked his email at school and somehow forgot to log out. Now Martin is blackmailing him. He wants Simon to make it possible for him to hang out with Abby - one of Simon's good friends. Simon has to decide how to react - does he hang out with Martin and Abby so his secret is kept. Or should he figure out a way to come out before he can be outed.

Albertalli has written a moving and funny novel of coming out. She captures the feelings of what it is like to want to come out to the people you love with the fear of rejection. The online relationship gives both Simon and Blue someone to talk to in confidence, discussing thing they never would have the courage to talk about in person. This is a really sweet book.

Albertalli, Becky. (2015). Simon vs. the Home Spiens Agenda. New York: Blazer & Bray.

Everything Leads to You

Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour is a the story of a mystery in the middle of a Hollywood movie.

Emi and Charlotte are best friends. They are days away from graduating from high school and are already working as interns on a movie. Emi is helping with set design and Charlotte is assistant to the art director.

For the final piece of furniture to complete the room Emi is designing herself, she needs the perfect sofa. Among the many garage and estate sales, Emi finds herself in the home of the iconic actor Clyde Jones - the biggest star of the American Western.

As huge fans, Emi and Char pick out a belt buckle (for Emi's brother Toby) and a Patsy Cline record. When they get back to Toby's apartment to play the record they get two surprises: Toby is giving them his apartment for two months while he scouts locations in Europe with the promise that something epic happens while he is gone. And a letter falls out of the Patsy Cline record.

A letter addressed to Caroline Maddox, in the handwriting of Clyde Jones - to be delivered in the event of his death - sends Emi and Char on a mystery. It will not be as simple as going to the address on the envelope - Caroline Maddox has not lived there for at least three years.

LaCour has created a lovely novel with elements of mystery, romance, movie magic, friendship and more, peopled with great characters. She made a book about LA and Hollywood, neither of which I am remotely interested in, into a delightful story.

LaCour, Nina. (2014). Everything Leads to You. New York: Dutton Books.

All Our Pretty Songs (Metamorphoses #1)

All Our Pretty Songs by Sarah McCarry is the first book in her Metamorphoses trilogy.

Friends since birth, two girls will have to choose between love and their friendship. Set in the Pacific Northwest, Aurora and the unnamed narrator are as close as sisters. Though they look like opposites - both in dress, houses and economic class - they are inseparable. Their mothers were best friends when they were younger, too.

During the summer before their senior year a musician comes to town; both girls are drawn to him. Jack has a musical gift, his playing put people into a kind of trance. Even though everyone else has picked Aurora, Jack likes the narrator. But she and Aurora are not the only ones who have noticed Jack's gift. His music has called a magic from below. A magic that may have been why Aurora's musician father disappeared when she was a kid.

It is up to the narrator to protect the people she loves - if she can - while they are drawn to the dark forces. How can they not see the sinister side like she can? And once they decide, how can she stop them?

McCarry, Sarah. (2013). All Our Pretty Songs. New York: St. Martin's Griffin.

Looks

Looks by Madeleine George is a book about a new friendship.

Meghan Ball is practically invisible in her school - in spite of the fact that she is the largest person at Valley Regional High. People say things in front of her as if she is not there. She has no friends, but recognizes potential in a new student.

Aimee Zorn is as thin as Meghan is large. She is outwardly angry. And on the first day of her freshman year she sees a group of boys picking on a large girl and no one doing anything to stop it.

Meghan tries to warn Aimee when she starts to hang out with Cara. They are on the literary magazine together and Cara seems interested in her poetry. Meghan is sure it will end badly, like her friendship with Cara ended badly.

George has created a realistic book about how it feels to be different or invisible in high school. Her characters seem like stereotypes but are complete people who are not seen as whole by their shallow classmates. Looks is what can happen with the support of even one friend.

George, Madeleine. (2008). Looks. New York: Viking.

Tumbledown (Sequel to Desolation Point)

Tumbledown by Cari Hunter, a sequel to Desolation Point, is a thriller that will have readers biting their nails until the end.

Alex Pascal and Sarah Kent survived a terrible chase through the wilderness in Washington state two years ago. After their ordeal and escape, the FBI told them to lay low. They were not put into witness protection, but there was a chance that the white supremacist group would try to find them to exact revenge for spoiling their plans.

Now Sarah and Alex, using a new last name, are living in a small town in Maine. Alex is on the local police force and Sarah is a first responder studying to become an EMT. Their lives are good. They still keep a watch around their cabin and have a good lock on the gate, but life is what they want it to be.

When Sarah gets called to assist with a birth (because the only ambulance near by has already pick up a heart attack case) she gets her picture in the local paper. When Sarah and Alex find the picture, they are worried that it will be seen. But it is such a small town...

Caleb Deakin has not stopped looking for the two women he blames for his father's death. He has paid a lot of money for a computer that will scan for their names and images each day. When he gets a hit he immediately packs for a trip to Maine.

Hunter has created another book that will keep readers up late for the thrill ride.

Hunter, Cari. (2014). Tumbledown. Valley Falls, NY: Bold Strokes Books.

The English Spy (Gabriel Allon #15)

The English Spy by Daniel Silva is the fifteenth book in his Gabriel Allon suspense / espionage series. Allon is an Israeli Mossad agent, though he has wanted to retire for years and keeps being pulled back in to take care of problems.

The death of an English princess sets off a series of investigations that quickly lead the head of MI-6 to conclude that there are only two men capable of capturing (or killing) the man responsible.  Graham Seymour meets with the head of the Office, Israeli's version of MI-6, and gets approval to contact Gabriel Allon.

Gabriel is about to become a father. His wife is about to give birth to twins. The last thing Gabriel wants is to hunt down an assassin - and one of the world's foremost bomb makers. But Gabriel does what needs to be done both to protect the innocent and to settle old debts.With the help of an ex-SAS officer who has turned assassin, Gabriel will hunt down the Real IRA bomber.

Silva is a masterful story teller. He is a brilliant writer. His books are fast-paced with realistic characters we hope are in the world protecting us. Start the Gabriel Allon series at the beginning with The Kill Artist. Or start with his WWII espionage masterpiece, An Unlikely Spy. You will  not be disappointed!

Silva, Daniel. (2015). The English Spy. New York: Harper.

A New Hope (Thunder Point #8)

A New Hope by Robyn Carr is the eighth book in her Thunder Point romance series. Thunder Point is a small, close-knit town on the Oregon coast. Carr's books do a great job in allowing readers to keep up with characters from previous novels in the series.

Ginger has been in Thunder Point for just a few months. She was sent to live with her aunt, Ray Anne, due to a depression her parents did not know how to help her through. Ray Anne gave her a make over and got her a part-time job at the local florist - things that she hoped would be small steps to getting Ginger out of her head.
Now Ginger loves her job. She is making good friends and she sees a future. 

Matt Lacomette has had a bad year himself. Since his divorce he has been know as Mad Matt by his family members - moping around without his previous lighthearted personality. And at his sister, Peyton's, wedding he made an ass of himself. Now he has to find the young woman he offended to apologize.

While neither Matt nor Ginger is ready to try another relationship, they hit it off right away. And both can use a friend.

Carr has created a lovely town filled with people who readers will befriend and keep in their memories for a long time to come.

Carr, Robyn. (2015). A New Hope. New York: Mira.

Taking the Heat (Girls Night Out #4)

Taking the Heat by Victoria Dahl is the fourth book in her Girls Night Out romance series.

Veronica Chandler is Dear Veronica - an advice columnist for the Jackson paper. Her column is popular and readers assume she is an expert in love. But Veronica feels like a fraud. While she gives great advice, she has never been in love herself. She doesn't even let her friends know that after running away to New York to follow her dreams, it turned out she hated the city. Now she is home in Jackson Hole living in one of her father's buildings. To make matters worse, her boss has decided she should do a live advice show at the local pub.

Gabe MacKenzie is new to Jackson Hole. He is a librarian, specializing in digital collections. He has been hired by the Jackson public library to create a e-book collection. For Gabe, it is a dream job - good hours doing something he loves and lots of free time to rock climb. His coworker has asked him to join them for a night out - at a local advice show.

Dahl is a great writer who creates fully developed characters. Any of her books would break the stereotype that romance books are not well written or well developed. Her books are wonderful and sexy, filled with humor. Pick one up today!

Dahl, Victoria. (2015). Taking the Heat. New York: HQN.