Valentine

Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore

It's 1976, and the forsaken West Texas
town of Odessa, is on the verge of a boom.

Oil rigs spew liquid gold, the pungent odor
filling the air with a stink that's hard to erase.
The men who work long, dangerous, and tedious
hours, live with reckless abandon when they leave
the fields, slugging bourbon down parched throats,
looking for excitement and purpose in this dry, dusty
hole they call home. The women are always on guard,
anticipating the aftermath that's sure to come.

Fourteen-year-old Glory Ramirez miraculously escapes
a violent rape in the predawn hours after Valentine's Day
by one of these cocky cowboys with money in his
pocket, and an eye for pretty girls.

Bruised and battered, Glory finds herself on the
doorstep of Mary Rose Whitehead's isolated ranch,
begging for help, her life hanging by a thread.
When the attacker, still nursing a pounding hangover,
comes looking for his victim, pregnant Mary Rose, is ready
for him with her trusty rifle, while her daughter and
Glory huddle inside.

The ensuing, terrifying confrontation is just the beginning
of the harrowing days and nights leading up to the hideous crime
being tried in a court of law. In a town filled with hatred,
racism, and superiority, townspeople will judge and condemn
Mary Rose for her involvement, refusing to believe the truth
about one of their own.

An incredible array of characters make this riveting story come
alive. Corrine, a retired, grieving schoolteacher, who never fit into the
mold of a stay-at-home wife, Debra Ann, the disheveled
wise-beyond-her-years child next door whose mother walked out,
on her family, the sad, timid Vietnam War veteran, longing for home,
who Debra Ann befriends, and the naive waitress who takes matters
into her own hands when pushed too far.

This brutally raw, yet achingly tender debut novel, is one you won't
soon forget. The Texas-born author whisks the reader away to a land
of rolling tumbleweeds, vast miles of emptiness, deadly, hissing snakes,
clear, star-studded skies, and breathtaking sunsets. You will feel the
pain, fear, empathy, sorrow, and hope as each character trudges on
through the lives they've been handed.

And you will marvel at the strength and fortitude of amazing women.

The Authenticity Project

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

Strangers become friends, when they dare to
share their innermost thoughts in a simple,
traveling notebook, called The Authenticity
Project.

Julian Jessop is an old man, whose once glittering
star has faded. There was a time when his art work
graced prestigious galleries, and the rich and famous
flocked to his side. But those days are gone, and he
now struggles to find a reason to get out of bed in
the morning. His body may be ravaged by time, but
vivid memories are not forgotten, especially those of
dear Mary.

As Julian reflects on his life, he wonders how
different things could have been if he'd told
the truth over the years, rather than living
a lie. So he writes poignant words in an unadorned,
green journal, and leaves it at his favorite cafe, hoping
the next curious person will be inclined to write
their own deeply private musings.

Cafe owner, Monica, finds the journal as she ends
another frenzied day in her struggling business where
the usual dirty cups and leftover crumbs wait to be cleaned
by her capable hands. A glass of wine, and a few
moments of silent reading are about to change Monica's
regimented life in ways she never imagined.

Julian's words leave an imprint on Monica's soul. Perhaps
it's time to express her hopes, fears, and disappointments
on the next pages for a stranger to read. For too long, she's
hidden her desire for a family because she feared acknowledging
the truth. Now, remaining anonymous, Monica feels a new-found
freedom.

The little journal travels to faraway places, finding its
way into the hands of an array of characters who
take pleasure in telling the truth, ugly as it may be.
You'll meet an alcoholic addict running from his past, an
overwhelmed woman with a precious baby, obsessed with
social media, and a gossipy lady who seems to have a knack for
knowing exactly what to do in trying circumstances.

Interwoven in the story are a gay couple who long
for acceptance, and a handsome Australian in love with
the idea of romance. Together, all their stories intertwine
in a most fascinating way.

At a time when we are experiencing a global pandemic,
I can't think of a better selection than this one. It exemplifies
what the world needs right now, such as kindness, reaching out to
others, forgiveness, honesty, and some much-needed humor. The
inspiring plot offers a ray of sunshine in uncertainty.

And be sure to read the author's acknowledgements at the
end of the book, to further understand the heart of the story.

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift".

I think we can all agree on that.

Things You Save in a Fire

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

This should be Texas firefighter, Cassie Hanwell's,
shining moment as she wobbles across the stage
in uncomfortable high heels, to accept a prestigious
award of valor.

Instead, the momentous occasion marks the end of
a promising career when she pummels the councilman
handing her the honor, with a sharp hook that leaves
him in a bloodied heap on the floor.

Sometimes, painful, high school memories from ten
years ago, are hard to forget.

Now Cassie finds herself living with her estranged
mother, miles away near Boston, assigned to a different
firehouse badly in need of repair, and constantly proving
to her male counterparts that a female is worthy of
working along side them in every conceivable way.

When she meets the new rookie, the "girly"
part of her awakens. Not only is he kind, considerate,
and easy on the eyes, he's also a man who just might
break the impenetrable  barrier she's drawn around herself
after unspeakable heartache.

But becoming personally involved with someone in the trade,
is a really bad thing to do, as Cassie well knows. So she puts a
damper on her feelings and deals with the matters
at hand, like a cruel, relentless stalker who clearly
hates her, the budget cuts that put her in competition
with the rookie, and the near-death experience that tests
every survival skill she's ever learned.

This positively, entertaining novel, filled with
surprises at every turn, reiterates the power of
forgiveness, and how it can give hope to the
abandoned and betrayed, and those who have
simply lost their way.

It's a story filled with tears and laughter, romance and
inspiration, as it accurately portrays some of the
finest men and women in society, known as firefighters,
paramedics, and first responders. The details about what
they do each and every day is quite amazing, and worthy
of our admiration.

The Gifted School

The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger

They've been friends since their children
splashed in the pool together, learning to swim.

Four women who formed an immediate bond
as young mothers, drinking coffee from mugs
with inspirational words of ever-lasting
affection, meeting for early morning jogs
under the invigoratingly, blue skies of
Crystal, Colorado, sharing the same hard-working
housekeeper, and keeping each other abreast
of all the juicy gossip about the fabulously
rich and beautiful in a town where envy and
jealousies abound.

But when an exclusive, magnet school is set
to open in this suburb overlooking the mountains,
small cracks in a rock-solid friendship begin
to appear. Adults scheme to deliver their child's
perfect portfolio, and anxious kids feel the pressure
of stressful testing, as they claw over one another
to claim a spot on the coveted roster of students.

Everyone is keeping secrets, some small,
some monumental. Eventually, they find themselves
powerless to hide stunning, salacious deceptions,
deep-rooted resentments, and regrettable errors
in judgement.

This book takes an introspective look at how far some
parents will go to ensure their children are part of the
elite in the hallowed halls of higher learning, even if
it means losing their own dignity.

If you enjoyed Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies,
then put this one on your list. An outrageously,
entertaining read, dealing with a relevant topic,
that will undoubtedly prompt spirited discussions
at your next book club about social status, race,
and entitlement.

Rush

Rush by Lisa Patton

The campus of Ole Miss is crackling with
excitement and anticipation.

This is RUSH, that glorious time in college when
wide-eyed, eager young girls primp and pray they
will be lucky enough to win a precious bid to one
of the revered sororities at this esteemed university.

Sophisticated Lilith Whitmore (with her designer shoes
and penchant for anything Tiffany), has one goal in mind.
She's determined her lovely daughter secures a bid to the
exclusive Alpha Delta Beta Sorority, no matter what the cost.
As the House Corp President, it's easy to casually intimidate
everyone she meets. Never underestimate Lilith's influential
powers.

The next step is convincing a former acquaintance, Wilda,
to accept a role on the Advisory Board. It's an easy task
that doesn't take much coaxing since Wilda is rattling around
in an empty house waiting for something to make her feel
productive. Their daughters are even going to be cozy freshman
roommates, but it's all part of Lilith's conniving scheme to
make her own dreams come true, and Wilda falls
right into her trap.

A rich cast of characters fill the pages of this
witty, captivating novel. You'll meet the new, hopeful
pledges who are spoiled by the dedicated staff at the Alpha
"House". Catering to the girls living in the luxurious
mansion is all part of the job, but what about their own
needs?

Pledge Cali has the intelligence and drive to
dream big, but laments the fact that someone may uncover
the truth about her drug-addicted mother. And Ellie,
Wilda's daughter, learns that expensive room decor is
no substitute for self-esteem and true friendship.

At the very core of the story is Miss Pearl, housekeeper
extraordinaire,  and devoted confidant to needy, naive
co-eds whom she loves as if they were her own children.
When Pearl dares to pursue a promotion for herself,
she soon finds that old prejudices of race and class still
fill the halls of a place she holds so dear. She's
sacrificed everything in the name of love.....maybe
it's time to put her own wants and rights above all else.

Little does she know, change is coming. A motivated
group of new pledges speak with one voice to better
the lives of those they love and admire; a chance to
break away from out-dated rules and open a dialogue
about equality for all.

This is a tale written by an author who knows first-hand
about the opulence found in Southern sororities. It's a stark
examination of the fragile, sometimes stormy relationship
between mothers and daughters, the secrets wives keep
from their husbands, the feelings of inferiority for not
having a "pedigree", how forgiveness can right so many
wrongs, and the realization that if enough passionate voices
speak, people will listen.

Take a look at Lisa Patton's latest novel, set to be released
on August 21st. Immerse yourself in this poignant story,
written with charm and delightful humor, about the inspirational
awakening of a group of young women who vow to
make a difference in the lives of the forgotten ones.

The Queen of Hearts

The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin

Emma and Zadie have weathered the most challenging of times, yet still remain steadfast friends.
The grueling days of medical school are behind them. Life now consists of finding balance between career and family, often navigating that slippery slope between raising children and finding time to unwind. But there's a festering wound beneath the surface of their friendship, a wound that's about to be ripped open, a wound that may never heal.

Aloof, brooding, and brilliant, Emma is a trauma surgeon with a husband who adores her; he's the antithesis of what everyone expects to see on the arm of this beautiful woman. Patients adore delightful Zadie. As a pediatric cardiologist, she radiates a zest for life at work and home with her successful husband and four rambunctious children. What Emma and Zadie don't talk about in their busy lives is the traumatic event that occurred during their third year of medical school. And they certainly don't speak of Dr. Nick Xenokostas, the charming, wildly attractive surgeon who had such a profound impact on their lives many years ago. Surprisingly, Nick has accepted a position in town working in Emma's practice, and his presence is hard to ignore. Harboring all sorts of secrets, the good doctor feels bound and determined to reveal sins of the past. And one of these women will go to extraordinary lengths to keep him from doing just that, feverishly anticipating the dire consequences that are sure to follow.

Exactly how much duplicity can a friendship withstand? This story, clearly written by an emergency  room physician, examines the heart...the one that steadily beats to keep us alive and the one that can be easily broken by deceit and lies. Pack this debut novel in your bag for that relaxing, upcoming spring break. You'll laugh, cry,  and be thoroughly entertained by a tale that explores how vulnerable we all are when it comes to matters of the heart.

Elmet

Elmet by Fiona Mozley

John Smythe is a big, burly, hulk of a man who lives contentedly off  the land and nature in a corner of Yorkshire, England, once known as Elmet. Lovingly, he protects his two children, the beautiful, brave Cathy and tenderhearted Daniel. Secret missions often take "Daddy" away from home where his dark side erupts, exposing the power of his fists and the fury of his temper.

At one time, John was employed as a debt collector for the landowner Mr. Price, who allows them to live on the idyllic property once owned by the children's mother. Now Price confronts John about possibly forfeiting these living arrangements. John is the voice of a group of dissenting laborers demanding more pay from the farmers, who are led by the landowner himself. Price decides John must fight in order to settle the dispute. But there is far more violence that follows when Price loses a prized possession. A brutal, bloody encounter finds a family under attack, piercing the tranquility they cherish. Fearless Cathy, along with the unwavering support of her brother, sacrifice all in the name of family loyalty.

If you are a reader who wants to start the New Year with a change of pace, I encourage you to check out this selection that has already earned accolades and awards. Mozley's melodic writing, with a whisper of medieval fantasy, is a soulful, emotional debut steeped in legend about a brother and sister's love.

The Story of Arthur Truluv

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg


Arthur Moses is an eighty-five-year-old man who dearly misses his late wife, Nola. His heart aches for her.

So he visits her grave daily, often bringing small gifts or flowers as he eats lunch and reminisces about the life they shared. Along the way, Arthur stops to visit the buried he never knew. You see, Arthur has the striking ability to know their stories, feel their pain, and bask in the peacefulness of this quiet refuge the deceased call home.

It is on one of these soothing, tranquil days, that Arthur spots a young girl from afar. A tentative wave turns into an unlikely friendship between two lonely people. Her name is Maddy, and like Arthur, she enjoys talking to the dearly departed who live in this secluded cemetery. Maddy finds contentment there, away from cruel high school classmates who seem to take pleasure in ostracizing her. She grasps the elusive memory of a mother she knows only from faded photographs, a father who finds difficulty in comforting a daughter he doesn't understand, and an older lover who has discarded her. Maddy is all alone; that is, until she takes a chance on befriending an old, intuitive gentleman who miraculously finds the beauty hidden deep inside her.

Friendship turns into love and admiration, as Maddy and Arthur find that age has no boundaries
when it comes to matters of the heart. Arthur's pesky and persistent neighbor, Lucille, becomes part of this non-traditional family, after losing a love of her own. Together, they find blessings they thought only others were lucky enough to share.

A sweet, poignant story filled with laughter and tears, to lift your spirits this holiday season, reminding us that reaching out to others may bring the greatest joy of all.

Seven Days of Us

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak

Christmas. That mellow time of year when petty differences are cast aside in order to spend quality time with loved ones. But the very British Birch family soon finds out that seven, solid days of suffocating togetherness can bring some very unexpected challenges and surprises.

It's holiday time, and eldest daughter, Dr. Olivia Birch, comes home to the family country estate to recuperate, after treating patients exposed to a deadly virus during her time abroad. Her gift to the family is seven days of quarantine for everyone and anyone unfortunate enough to cross over the threshold of this tired, old home. What she doesn't mention, is her recent, forbidden tryst with another doctor hospitalized with the virus, and the heightened risk she now faces of contracting it, too.

Home hasn't changed all that much since she's been gone. The strained relationship with her father remains, as he struggles with an unfulfilling job as a restaurant critic. The tediousness of being around her pert, sassy, engaged sister, makes her feel like an outsider
in her own family. And her loving, indulgent mother, still desperately
wants to keep the peace, while clinging to what's left of her marriage
and her own identity.

Olivia's not the only one being less than truthful. Her mother chooses not
to reveal a dire medical diagnosis until after the holidays, but inadvertently
shares the news with a young, incredibly appealing American she
meets at the airport while waiting for her daughter to arrive. In a matter
of just a few days, this same man reappears at their doorstep. He seems to know
quite a bit about Olivia's sister's fiance, far more than he cares to share with
this group of people who warily watch his every move.

Will the curse of seven endless days and nights, side by side, turn out to be a blessing?

A fabulously festive, family drama with a host of complex, likable characters that
arrive just in time for Christmas.

Without Merit

Without Merit by Colleen Hoover

 Merit Voss leads a very unconventional life.

She lives in a converted church that her atheist father, Barnaby Voss, purchased from a local pastor with financial woes. In an attempt to make this house of worship look more like a home, he adds a white picket fence, but decides to leave the marquee out front. Every morning, Merit's brother, Utah, updates the sign with bits of trivia that have nothing to do with The Lord. It continues to give the people in this tiny, Northeast Texas town, something to talk about.

Merit's parents are divorced, but her mother still lives in the basement due to a severe case of social anxiety. Added to the mix is twin sister, Honor, who seems to excel at everything while Merit crawls deeper into her hole of isolation, regularly skipping school, collecting cast-off trophies, and giving her family the silent treatment which no one seems to even notice. Then there's stepmother, Victoria, half-brother, Moby, and the mysterious Sagan, who Merit is wildly attracted to after a passionate kiss that turns out to be a case of mistaken identity. Out of nowhere, Victoria's estranged half-brother, Luck, shows up to make this eccentric family complete.

It's just a matter of time before simmering, pent-up secrets come to a boiling point. Festering wounds are exposed for all to see when Merit airs the family's dirty laundry. A near tragedy finally causes this maladjusted family to realize how close they are to losing one another and the love they share.

While entertaining readers with the antics of an offbeat family, this novel also takes a
candid look at the prevalence of mental illness in our society.  "Depression doesn't
 necessarily mean a person is miserable or suicidal all the time. Indifference is also a sign of depression." Just one of many symptoms too often ignored.

A refreshing novel, so easy to read, with just the right amount of humor, sending a message
of hope to those who suffer.

Goodbye, Vitamin

Goodbye,Vitamin by Rachel Khong

Reeling from her fiance's recent rejection, Ruth Young decides it's a good time to return home to help her mother. It seems that her father, a once esteemed history professor, is exhibiting the early stages of Alzheimer's. It's only for a year, she tells herself, feeling bittersweet about the move. At thirty years of age, she's disappointed in herself, her poor choices, and a future that looks awfully dim.

So restless Ruth quits her job as a sonogram technician, packs any valuable possessions, and sets off for an adventure to a place she once knew so well. But coming home isn't easy, especially when you find that things are far worse than imagined.

Ruth reflects on just about everything as the days go by. Her observations are astute, humorous, and tender. Like how her father's former students act out a charade in order to make him feel valued, even though he no longer has the ability to teach. Or how her mother handles a heartbreaking betrayal of trust from a husband riddled with imperfections. Or how her brother can't quite seem to forgive and forget the drunken tirades of a father out of control. And when she reads her father's insightful notes, written during those early years of discovery, they reveal a man bursting with pride and joy for his daughter. Ruth realizes their bond is forever strong, even though her father's misty memories are now beginning to disappear.

This could be a pain-filled story. Instead, it's a diary of love and laughter. A quick read that will leave you smiling, content, and satisfied.

Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine

Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor leads a simple life. After the daily grind of a menial job, she looks forward to the Friday evening ritual of pizza, Chianti, and plenty of vodka. Weekends are spent dreaming about a local musician she's never met, but loves from afar. And if someone at work or on the street, happens to stare at the hideous scars on her face, she understands. It doesn't bother her at all.

Things seem to change when she meets Raymond, the unkempt, geeky IT guy from work. By chance, they save an elderly man's life and become fast friends. Eleanor gradually ventures out of her sparse apartment, accepting luncheon "dates" with Raymond, boldly changing her drab appearance, and even socializing with total strangers.

What Eleanor doesn't share are the dreaded Wednesday night phone conversations with "Mummy". She doesn't like to talk about her painful childhood memories. Maybe her therapist can unlock the past she's tried so hard to forget. In any case, those painkillers she's been accumulating may eventually take care of the problem.

If a novel can be labeled a comedic love story, then this one falls into that category. Readers will laugh at Eleanor's hilarious, innermost musings about life in general. But expect to shed a few tears interspersed with the laughter, as Eleanor learns that she deserves a life filled with friendship and perhaps, even love. This character will capture your heart.

What a pleasure it will be to meet Eleanor when this novel becomes a movie for all the world to see.  

Idaho

Idaho by Emily Ruskovich

Wade's mind is slowly slipping away. The onset of early dementia is robbing him of memories, some joyful, others excruciatingly sad.

Despite Wade's violent episodes, Ann loves her husband unconditionally, unabashedly, with a pureness that only she understands. It's this devotion that inspires her to envision the story behind tragic events that tore Wade's first family apart so many years ago on a hot, dusty, Idaho day.

Wade's ex-wife, Jenny, rots in a prison cell, convicted of murdering their six-year old daughter, May. Older sister, June, vanished after witnessing the horrific deed, her whereabouts still a mystery.  What could prompt a loving mother to commit such a hideous crime? Wade is adrift in his own world, retreating deeper each day into a place Ann cannot enter. So she must begin her lonely quest for answers. In her darkest days, Ann reminds herself, " he has lost his daughters, but he has also lost the memory of losing them".

With her beautiful, melodic prose, Ruskovich's flowing passages are a marvel to read. The clues to this mystery are intricately woven in the author's poetic words. Forgiveness is power, redemption is within our reach. Sorrow is losing the memory of ever having loved at all.

Small Admissions

Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel


It's that time of year again, when anxious parents play the waiting game to hear if their precious darlings are accepted into Hudson Day School, one of Manhattan's finest private educational institutions.

Kate Pearson didn't exactly envision herself in the admissions department of an elite New York school, but when your world is shattered by the likes of a charming French lover, and your sister is hovering over your every move, a steady paycheck is most appealing. So she begins the tedious interviews with a selection of twelve-year-olds; some worthy of entering the hallowed halls of Hudson, and others who are the offspring of overbearing, obnoxious, status-seeking parents who need to satisfy their own egos with an acceptance letter.

Surprisingly amidst this chaos, Kate's life begins to change. While dodging the drama ( and secrets) surrounding her best friends, and heeding the advice of her misunderstood, bohemian parents, Kate discovers she has the talent, the heart, and the drive to make a difference.

The author's experience as an admissions counselor adds to the realistic view of this particular world of academia. Refreshing, enlightening, and often uproariously funny, this new release ushers in the New Year with a little bit of levity.

The Whole Town's Talking

The Whole Town's Talking by Fannie Flagg


Still Meadows is a very special graveyard overlooking an industrious little town by the name of Elmwood Springs, Missouri. Here, the dearly departed look down and observe the happenings in a place their Swedish ancestors founded over one hundred years ago.

It all starts with Lorder Nordstrom and his bride, Katrina, who arrived by mail back in 1889. Chapter by chapter, the residents struggle with the highs and lows of life. Surprisingly, they find their way back to one another in a place they never imagined. Existing in the afterlife while watching over the living, turns out to be most interesting, indeed.

Told with warmth, superb humor, and remarkable characters, this touching novel is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of love. Much like Flagg's The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion, (reviewed in 2013 under humor), this selection is a delight in so many ways.

Food for thought if you believe that life here on Earth is just the beginning.

The Mothers

The Mothers by Brit Bennett

Haunted by the suicide of her mother, a defiant seventeen-year-old African American woman makes a life-altering decision and then silently watches as cherished friendships disintegrate and burn.

Nadia Turner doesn't understand why her mother chose to leave her without a simple goodbye. Her Marine father is vacant and distant, unable to raise a daughter while mourning a spouse. But what does seem comfortable and right is her relationship with Luke Sheppard, the decorated former football star and son of the esteemed pastor of the Upper Room Chapel. He's enthralled with her "prettiness",  and soon they forge a clandestine relationship resulting in a devastating secret that follows them into adulthood and beyond.

This debut novel from a new, rising author will attract an array of audiences, including young adults.  It examines the dynamics of open dialogue in family relationships, the fragility of true friendships, and the aftermath of idle community gossip and cover-ups, in this case perpetuated,  by "The Mothers" .

The Bookshop on the Corner

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan


A quirky librarian who has the uncanny ability to match readers with that perfect book they've been looking for, discovers that taking a chance on her own life has unexpected rewards.

Nina Redmond loses the one thing she loves more than anything in the world; a job surrounded by books. She's at a crossroad in her career, short on money, and at odds with her roommate, Surinder, who's tired of housing all those books Nina has rescued from libraries that are giving them away. If only she could make her dream come true of opening her own little bookstore.

With keen ingenuity, Nina buys a lumbering old van, moves to the Scottish Highlands and opens a library on wheels, much to the delight of the locals. Just like the endless blue skies that follow the relentless rains in the village of Kirrinfief, Nina finds that deep disappointments can lead to everlasting happiness.

Fun, playful, and humorous, this feel-good novel is an ideal choice to usher in the holiday season.  Any reader who fondly remembers when the traveling "bookmobile" came to town, will enjoy this easy read.

It's like spending time with an old friend.

Faithful

Faithful by Alice Hoffman


How long do you punish yourself for living?

That's the question Shelby Richmond asks herself every day after the tragic accident on any icy road that left her best friend, Helene, in a peaceful coma, while she herself walked away with just a scratch.

So Shelby chooses to live in drug-induced darkness and despair in her parents' basement, speaking in monosyllabic sentences and shunning anyone or anything that reminds her of the past. After all that's happened, it's what she deserves.

But then the postcards arrive from an anonymous sender, each one beautifully sketched with one word of encouragement. Slowly, the armor around her broken heart begins to crack, revealing the slightest glimmer of hope. Shelby ventures outside, cautious to cover her shaved head and gaunt, waif-line appearance that makes bystanders stare at her in fear and disgust. She begins to look beyond the pain, buoyed by unlikely, newfound friends, a chance at romance, and the undying love of a mother she never understood. Secretly, she dreams of an elusive career as she remembers the girl she used to be.

This moving story from a distinguished author, examines the power of forgiving yourself and reaching deep inside your soul to believe in your own self-worth. The re-connection between mother and daughter is especially touching, revealing the possibility of redemption for the lost and lonely who dare to let go of the past and believe in a new tomorrow.

Commonwealth

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett


A blended family of six children come to know and respect one another despite their unconventional upbringing.

Beginning with a stolen kiss at a child's christening, this story chronicles fifty years in the lives of step siblings struggling to cope with one another and the chaotic circumstances that surround them. The joys and sorrow of this diverse family eventually end up on the pages of a best-selling novel, much to the chagrin of those who actually lived the words on the written pages.  Parents' indiscretions, deceit, and lies permeate the tale but then, the children have a few secrets of their own.

This gifted writer draws on her own experiences in a warm family drama filled with humor and insight into the disharmony that inevitably occurs when different personalities collide. However, Patchett also reveals the fierce sense of loyalty and love needed to make a fractured family whole once again.

Nine Women, One Dress

Nine Women, One Dress by Jane L. Rosen


In this winsome, beguiling story, nine women discover that the proverbial little black dress has the power to dramatically change their lives forever.

Beginning with the creative genius who escaped the Holocaust and years later, designs the must-have dress of the season, this tale follows the path of a perfect little piece of fabric as it's passed from one woman to another, resulting in transformations they never thought possible.

Meet Natalie, a lovely Bloomingdale's salesgirl, lamenting over her failed romance. There's Felicia, fiercely loyal to her boss whom she's loved from afar for years, and Andie, the private investigator, who knows all too well the pain of a cheating spouse. Meet two Muslim sisters who privately shed their burkas for a moment in time, and a naive Southern beauty whose walk down the runway in a dress that's the talk of the town, leads to a welcome acceptance of her Alabama roots. A vast array of supporting characters join these women in discovering that the future may not be so bleak after all.

This quick read is a delight, combining humor and heartwarming scenarios into a story that will bring a smile to your face.

"A beautiful dress holds a little bit of magic in it".