As an employee of Department 6, a private security company, Rachel Jessop knew there would be difficult and dangerous assignments; but as far as Rachel is concerned, working with fellow operative Nate Ferrentino should qualify for hazard pay. Unfortunately, the only way into Paradise, the former Arizona ghost town and current residence of the Church of the Covenant and its charismatic leader Ethan Wycliff, is if Rachel and Nate are married. Rachel knows Ethan has to be stopped. Not only did the cult almost kill a woman by stoning her for her sins, there also seems to be some connection between the church and the recent disappearance of a teen. Given their own tangled romantic past, working with Nate is bound to be challenging; but then again, no one ever said working for Department 6 would be easy. Novak expertly blends romantic thrills, suspenseful chills, and realistically complicated characters together in a white-knuckle read that is certain to keep readers riveted to the last page. -- Charles, John (Reviewed 08-01-2010) (Booklist, vol 106, number 22)

In perennially popular Binchy’s latest, four strangers on holiday in Greece band together after witnessing a tragic boating accident to become friends, and lovers, in an enchanting story that explores the mercurial nature of friendships and the elusive meaning of family. Residents of different countries, the four vacationers discover a commonality: a desire to escape contentious family situations back home. A newly divorced father, Thomas has taken a year’s sabbatical to give his young son time to acclimate to his new stepfather. David, a timid Englishman, knows he’s disappointing his successful father by not taking over the family business. Elsa, a glamorous German TV reporter, has walked out on a tumultuous love affair, while Fiona is defying family and friends in Ireland by running off with her rebellious boyfriend. Serendipitously, two locals, Andreas and Vonni, befriend the travelers and help them gain perspectives that will put their unsettled lives in order. A beloved storyteller, Binchy excels in the art of the character-driven plot. Although her characters are not necessarily complex, the stories she weaves around them are tales as compelling for their surprises as they are comforting in their sympathetic warmth. Redolent of the life-affirming enthusiasm that is Greek village life, Binchy’s newest is a rich homage to meaningful relationships. -- Carol Haggas (BookList, 07-01-2004, p1796)

Uncovering a secret life isn't a very original plot, but then again neither is boy meets girl; it all depends on what the writer does with it. And in his extraordinarily self-assured debut novel, playwright Kellerman (son of Faye and Jonathan) shows that he could probably take us on a xompelling journey to the water cooler. L.A. novelty-company secretary Gloria Mendez, in love with her boss, is hearbroken when he dies while on vacation in Mexico. No family comes forward, so she heads south to claim the body. In sun-bleached Aguas Vivas, a dead town whose only industry is its graveyard, she finds ashes and suspicious-acting cop. As Kellerman teasingly plays pieces of the puzzle, Gloria soon learns that nearly everything about the man she longed for has been a mirage--and she learns a few things about herself, too. This tightly focused thriller features expertly drawn characters, vivid scenes, and simmering tension. If it never comes to a rolling boil, that's all right. There's plenty of heat here to justify the buzz -- Keir Graff (Reveiwed 12-15-2005) (Booklist, vol 102, number 8, p27)
 

I have read many historical books based in an era that can be described as nothing more than tragic and horrific for so many effected by the Nazi regime. Yet for all the horrors of this dark time of history, has a book touched me more than this one.

Sarah is a Jew who lives with her family in Paris. In one fateful night in July 1942, they are awakened by the French police who are arresting all Jewish families in Paris.Instinctively, Sarah in an effort to protect her young brother, she will make a decision that will change their lives forever.

In this compelling story, Tatiana de Rosnay will take you on a journey that will leave an imprint on your heart and soul forever.

If you like this Author, be sure to check out her newest book called A Secret Kept!

This is the Fifth book in the Leven Thumps series.

I really enjoyed these books. They are a unique breath of fresh air in the world of fantasy. The worlds of Reality and Foo are in a battle to survive and Leven is the key. The other half of Geth (the part that is still a very angry toothpick) finally meet. To say more would just confuse the reader. Start at the beginning of the series and enjoy! This series is filled with action, humor, wisdom, and fun. I didn't tire of the series and enjoyed every book.

I would highly recommend these books for older children, youth, and the young at heart!

I read this book a year ago and it still intrigues me until this day. From the first sentence I was propelled into the life of Mary Dodd, a woman whose life and circumstance leads her to be among a throng of a thousand white women in a clandestine operation conducted by the US government of 1875 with the Cheyenne nation. The purpose is controversial program is to exchange 1,000 white women for 1,000 horses in the pursuit of peace.

What happens next to Mary and some of her companions will the reader captivated to the very last word.

I encourage any historical fiction fans to read this book!

This is a sad yet happy true story book. The 7 year old boy is being moved to his 5th foster family in 4 weeks. He is very hyper and aggressive. Through the gentle guidance of his foster mom he learns to put his past behaviour behind him and finally manages to get accepted into a new school. This happened in England so some of the differences in their systems (school, child welfare) are interesting. The truth about his life and the life of 5 of his 6 siblings is very disturbing but luckily for him he appears to have gotten into care and a permanent family in time. The author is his foster mom ("carer" in England). Amazing what the efforts and good beliefs of just a couple people can make in the life that had such a tragic beginning.

The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano

This book is a wonderful combination of mystery, action and romance; my favorite combination. It examines what would become of a girl who was raised in the witness protection program and is still in danger after 20 years. What would life be like without any personal identity or connections to other people? What would happen if she came face-to-face with the family she was hiding from and fell in love with one of those family members? This Romeo and Juliet type story has just the right amount of suspense, passion, tragedy and redemption.

An amazing story about the rehabilitation of fighting dogs that endured huge acts of cruelity and confinement that many were then transformed into Service dogs and loving pets just looking for affection.They didn't want to give these dogs a chance but people fought and this story is truly amazing.I will look at pit bulls in a whole new light.If you love animals this will bring a tear to your eye.