Romance: the Cure for Winter Blues

There is no shortage of romance novels on the shelves of your local library. If you're looking for something a little different, however, with terrific characters, some tears, some laughs, and, yes, that heart-tugging romance you crave, check out Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos. It has some unexpected turns, and some predictable scenarios, too, but the characters are what gives this book its special glow. The characters are REAL. You can imagine sitting beside them in a coffee shop, or passing them on the street, or meeting them at the library. The book starts out one way, with 30-something Cornelia seeking romance in one way, but finding true love in an entirely different direction. Sarah Jessica Parker is set to co-produce and co-star in the film version, too, which is due out in 2008. So you can get a head start and read the book now!

Smart Suspense

Gentlemen & Players, by Joanne Harris, is a look inside a private boys' school in England that will keep you guessing and gasping until the last page is turned. Harris is an expert at leading the reader along a path that can take sudden sharp turns. Nothing is quite as it seems in the world of St. Oswald's. The cast of characters that Harris has created are fully drawn and full-dimensional. Even if the world of British boys or private schools is not familiar to you, the author's descriptive skills will make you feel as if you're sitting in Mr. Staightley's classroom witnessing the story unfold. The novel was also recently nominated for the 2007 Edgar Allan Poe Award as Best Novel.

Surprise Ending!

Uncharted, by Angela Hunt, is a read worth checking out. Five long-time friends find themselves stranded on a desolate island. Not only are they stranded but it seems impossible to get off by any efforts they make. A diversified cast of characters soon realize that the island is no ordinary island. In fact it is eerie, even bizarre with quicksand and caves covering buried secrets, hidden passions and a truth that is the surprise of all surprises. It is a gripping book and may even change your life, so check it out next trip to the Delphi Public Library.

Outstanding Christian Fiction....

A GREAT and entertaining read found in the Christian Fiction genre! Next trip to the library, look up this fascinating book, The Begotten, by Lisa T. Bergren. It's a page-turner for sure. Lisa Bergren takes you back to the year 1339 to medieval Italy where she accurately brings to life the church of that era while she uses a colorful cast of characters to develop her story line which is one of mystery and miracles. Bergren holds to historical and scriptual truth, dealing with light versus darkness, as well as prophecy and deceit. The plot, which is sometimes intense, and leaves you waiting for her sequels which, to our delight, are soon coming: The Betrayed, 2007 and The Beloved, 2008.

A wonderful read you won't want to put down. Check it out! Literally!

So Many Books, So Little Time ...

The reader's dilemma--how to squeeze in more time to read all those books stacked up on your nightstand! 2006 has been a good year for great new books, and 2007 promises to offer even more of our favorites. Every now and then, though, it's nice to revisit an old friend, a favorite from childhood, or perhaps take a stab at that old classic you never got around to reading. One of my "old friends" is John Irving, and every now and then it's nice to reacquaint myself with some of his many unique and fully drawn characters. Owen Meany is one of those fictional characters that seems to linger in my thoughts as if he were a real memory. A Prayer for Owen Meany is a gem of a book, and when you reach the last page you will feel as if you have said good-bye to a part of your family. Irving delves into serious social issues (the Vietnam War) and religious issues (Christian martyrdom), but he does so with great humor and sensitivity. Critical reviews have been mixed, but Owen Meany has stayed with me for years. I believe that's the sign of a great book.