Long Upon the Land by Margaret Maron

Margaret Maron delivers another solid installment in the Deborah Knott series.  Judge Deborah Knott gets to delve into her parents' past when her father becomes a suspect in the death of a wife-beating former moonshiner.  Thankfully, there are other suspects in Vick Earp's murder.  He not only battered his wife, he beat up his younger brother, his cousin, the neighbor's cat, and whoever was unfortunate enough to cross his path.  Deborah and her husband Dwight work the clues in the present and back to the 1940s to try to find out who killed Vick and dumped his body on Knott land. 288 pages.

A Light in the Window by Jan Karon

In the second book of the Mitford series, Father Tim is dating his neighbor Cynthia but is unwilling to admit that he loves her.  Complications develop when Cynthia sees Father Tim return home after an unplanned all-nighter at a rich widow's house.  Can Father Tim fight off the unwanted attentions of Edith Mallory?  Will he overcome his fear of commitment and ask Cynthia to marry him?  You'll find out the answers to these questions and more.  Another satisfying read! 432 pages.

A Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear

I probably was pre-disposed not to like this installment of the Maisie Dobbs series because I drove my Mom out to the St. Louis County Public Library to see the author and she had cancelled due to illness! Argh! (Belated note to self: always remember to call ahead and confirm that an event will take place as scheduled before driving more than 20 minutes away to attend said event! Duh!) Anyway, at the end of the last book Maisie had decided to close down her detective agency and travel to India.  I was looking forward to reading about Maisie's experiences but the new book sums up her time there in a few sentences and skips ahead to Gibraltar during the Spanish Civil War. Wait, what? Winspear tells us via letters written to Maisie by various friends and family that Maisie has experienced a catastrophic personal loss.  Maisie is so distraught that she cannot face returning to her home in England.  Gibraltar acts as a kind of limbo for Maisie as she struggles to regain her purpose and the will to go on. 308 pages.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain

 Hank Morgan, a 19th-century resident of Hartford, Connecticut, suffers a blow to the head, and awakens to find himself transported back to the time of King Arthur. He is ridiculed at court for his strange appearance and dress and is sentenced) to burn at the stake. The date of the burning coincides with a historical solar eclipse in the year 528, which Hank had learned about in his earlier life. While in prison he informs the King that he will blot out the sun if he is executed.
 

He sends word to King Arthur that he will blot out the sun if he is executed. When the King decides to burn him anyway, and the eclipse takes place, he convinces the people that he caused it. He is released, and is given the position of principal minister to the King. He learns about the practice and superstitions of the people, and using his knowledge from the future, industrializes the country. He sets up secret schools that teach modern ideas.

The book makes fun of contemporary society, but the main thrust is a satire of romanticized ideas of chivalry, and of the idealization of the Middle Ages 1n 19^th-century literature.

 
158 pages
copyright 1889

Sydney Chambers and the Shadow of Death by James Runcie

I watched the Grantchester Mysteries on PBS and loved them so much I had to read the books! Sydney Chambers is an Episcopal priest and WWII veteran in post-war England.  Sydney becomes a de facto detective when he is asked to perform the funeral service for a man believed to have committed suicide. The dead man's mistress tells Sydney after the service that she doesn't believe her lover committed suicide.  They had been planning to run away together.  Sydney is persuaded to look into the matter, using his position as a priest to get information not readily available to the police. Along the way we are introduced to Sydney's housekeeper, a new deacon, the local police inspector, and Sydney's friends and family. A well written, enjoyable read! 400 pages.

"My Brother's Keeper" by Adrienne Wilder

Ellis Harper has lived a solitary life taking care of his mentally disabled older brother, Rudy, who manages to do things he shouldn't when they go out in public.  They become the target of the town bully after Rudy scares the man's girlfriend at the store.  But Ellis and Rudy find a kind of protector, and Ellis a kindred spirit, in Jon Foster, a former cop whose partner was killed because of his mistake.  Helping Ellis take care of Rudy brings Jon out of his depression to find a purpose in life again.  This is book one in the My Brother's Keeper Trilogy.  280 pages (Kindle edition).

I've Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark

Five years ago, Dr. Greg Moran was murdered in front of his 3-year-old son. His killer was never found. He had told a witness that Laurie, his wife, was next, and then Timmy, his son.

Laurie is a producer of reality TV shows. She conceives the idea of basing a  reality show on unsolved crimes. She will gather all the people involved in the original case, interview them, and re-enact the crime. She believes that doing so may lead to the case being solved.

The first case, which will be the pilot for a series, will be that of a wealthy socialite who was killed 20 years before after her daughters graduation party. She convinces all the people involved to be a part of the interviews. The show will be taped at the estate of the widower, where the party took place.

In the meantime, Dr. Moran's murderer, who has been in prison on an unrelated case sees this as his chance to finish the job he started.

This is a light, fluffy vacation read; vintage Mary Higgins Clark, which I found very enjoyable.

321 pages

At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon

I had to go back to re-read the Mitford series after reading Jan Karon's Somewhere safe with somebody good.  I just love Father Tim.  He's overweight, tired all the time, and burnt out at his job at the Mitford Episcopal Church.  His bishop suggests that he take a vacation and his doctor warns him to get his diabetes under control or else!  Father Tim starts running again and opens his house to a stray dog.  It all snowballs from there and soon Father Tim finds himself raising a young boy and dating his neighbor.  Who would have thought it could happen!  A very enjoyable read.  413 pages. 

"Learning to Feel" by N.R. Walker

Overworked city doctor moves to rural, small town where he meets a free spirit artist who changes his life for the better.  Nathan Tierney is the doctor who moves from Boston to Belfast, Maine.  Trent Jamieson is the artist who is working on the house that Nathan gets with the new job.  The two men are from very different backgrounds (Nathan - middle class, intact family; Trent - orphan with no permanent home) but find something in the other that makes them better.  Trent's dog, Bentley, plays a key role in the story.  Well-written and moving.  218 pages (Kindle edition).

"When Skies Have Fallen" by Debbie McGowan

This touching story is about two gay men serving in England in WWII.  Arty Clarke is an airman and excellent dancer whose best friend and dance partner, Jean, helps his love blossom with Technical Sergeant Jim Johnson.  Homosexuality is against the law in England, but that doesn't stop them from falling in love and trying to be together.  But that love is tested when Arty is critically injured in an airplane accident, and Jim is called home to the United States.  This was another quiet but great story from McGowan that included lots of dancing, a strong female character in Jean, and a couple of cute cats.  296 pages (Kindle edition).

Ross Poldark: a novel of Cornwall by Winston Graham

The Poldark series, originally published in the 1940s, is the basis for a gritty PBS series about Cornwall in the 1780s.  Ross Poldark, a member of the gentry, returns from fighting for the British in the war for American independence to find that the woman he loves, Elizabeth, is now engaged to another.  He now has to pick up the pieces of his life and try to make a living on the small family farm he has inherited.  Graham creates a great moody atmosphere for Cornwall and vividly depicts both the struggles of the poor villagers and the tensions among the landowners and gentry.  I don't know if I would have enjoyed this as much if I had read the book first, as the actors gave very strong performances and rooted the characters in my mind.  The videos follow the story pretty closely, but included more emphasis on the broken romance between Ross and Elizabeth and the relationships with other members of the large Poldark family.  Ross is not afraid of bucking the conventions of his class and unexpectedly develops a love relationship with his kitchen maid, Demelza, and marries her to the astonishment of his family.  Demelza is a strong character in her own right, unschooled but a quick study, and Graham vividly describes the awkward scenes of her trying to fit into refined society and the cruelty of the gossip and hurtful remarks wielded by the other women.  The next volume in the series focuses on Demelza, and should be a fun read.  376 pages

"Leo the Magnificat" by Ann M. Martin, illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

Based on a true story, this book follows Leo, a cat who wonders into the garden of a church.  Although he is healthy and well fed, no one comes to claim him and he decides to stay at the church.  He makes many friends, roams the neighborhood, and charms everyone.  He even plays matchmaker and helps with the Christmas pageant.  Leo lives a long, happy life.  The final page of the book shows a picture of and tells about the real Leo the Magnificat, a Siamese tom who lived at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral in Louisville, KY.  The watercolor and gouache Impressionistic illustrations perfectly convey Leo's thick fur and vivid expressions.  This is a lovely story of a cat who touched many lives for the better (as all cats do).  32 pages.

"Scaredy Cat" by Joan Rankin

Author/illustrator Rankin gives us a story from the point of view of a kitten who encounters multiple scary objects in the house where he lives with his Mama Meow and human Auntie B.  Monsters, a forest, wiggly thingamajigs, crocodiles, and more make the kitten tremble in fear until Mama Meow explains what they really are.  Simple yet expressive drawings only add to the wonderful story.  Highly recommended.  32 pages.

"Hedgie's Surprise" by Jan Brett

Jan Brett is one of the most popular and talented (in my opinion) author/illustrators to ever be published.  She doesn't disappoint in this tale of Hedgie the hedgehog and his friend Henny the speckled hen.  Henny's eggs are stolen everyday by the hungry Tomten, the mischievous child of the owner of the barn where Henny lives.  Henny wants to raise her eggs into chicks, but the boy steals the eggs for his breakfast.  Hedgie steps in and tricks the youngster by putting various edible objects into Henny's nest for him to take, like an acorn, a potato, and a strawberry.  But what is Hedgie doing with Henny's eggs?  Brett's detailed drawings are wonderful, as usual, as is the cute story of a friend coming to the rescue.  32 pages.

"Little Bat" by Tania Cox, illustrated by Andrew McLean

Little Bat lives in a rainforest in northeastern Australia and clings to her mother in fear knowing that she is expected to start flying soon.  Other animal friends come by to give advice to the little red flying fox.  These include a paradise kingfisher, a Boyd's forest dragon, a green ringtail possum, a king parrot, a lesser sooty owl, a Ulysses butterfly, a yellow-breasted sunbird, a spotted-tailed quoll, and a green python.  Colorful, detailed drawings on a dark blue background showcase these forest dwellers.  This is a lovely book about encouraging a friend.  30 pages.

"Franklin's Halloween" by Paulette Bourgeois, illustrated by Brenda Clark

This installment in the Franklin series finds the young turtle and his friends preparing for the big Halloween party at Town Hall.  He tries on various costumes and finally decides to be "Franklinstein".  A visit to a haunted house causes a few scary moments, but Franklin and his buddies end the evening in a selfless gesture for their friend Bear.  Cuteness abounds.  32 pages.

"The Cookie-Store Cat" by Cynthia Rylant

This lovely book with simple drawings tells the story of a cat who is adopted by a baker and lives in his cookie store.  The reader follows the cat as he goes through his days greeting the various customers and other store owners in the neighborhood.  He is loved by all, especially the old baker who found and took him in as a malnourished kitten.  Recipes for the cookies mentioned in the story are at the end of the book.  40 pages.

Take Me On by Katie McGarry

Summary: "Abandoning kickboxing after a tragedy in the ring, champion fighter Haley is forced to train an attractive mixed martial arts student who secretly fights on Haley's behalf to redeem his troubled past."

I made a huge mistake by reading this book out of order from the rest of the Pushing the Limits series by Katie McGarry. The story was not quite what I expected, as there was a ton of unnecessary drama heaped upon the characters. I almost couldn't enjoy the simple story of the training/fighting because the two main characters were so bogged down by ridiculous burdens. Overall, there were some really great moments and memorable lines, but it was exhausting to read. I hope the other books in the series are not so over-the-top. 

455 pages

"The Cat Barked?" by Lydia Monks

Wonderful illustrations are the highlight of this children's book told from the perspective of an orange tabby cat who thinks dogs have all the fun until his human girl points out many things cats can do that dogs cannot.  Highly recommended for kids and adult cat lovers. 32 pages.

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

384 pages

A startlingly honest and beautifully written book, I’ll Give You the Sun focuses on three years in the lives of teen twins.  It’s a sad, sweet tribute to art and teenage life and love and wonderment.  

Here’s a description from Amazon:
At first, Jude and her twin brother are NoahandJude; inseparable. Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude wears red-red lipstick, cliff-dives, and does all the talking for both of them.
Years later, they are barely speaking. Something has happened to change the twins in different yet equally devastating ways . . . but then Jude meets an intriguing, irresistible boy and a mysterious new mentor.
The early years are Noah’s to tell; the later years are Jude’s. But they each have only half the story, and if they can only find their way back to one another, they’ll have a chance to remake their world.
This radiant, award-winning novel from the acclaimed author of The Sky Is Everywhere will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once.

St. Louis: An Illustrated Timeline by Carol Ferring Shepley

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Home of the World Series St. Louis Cardinals, Art Museum, Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, recording artist Nelly, Opera Theatre of St. Louis founded in 1976.  In 1958, the St. Louis Hawks beat the Boston Celtics for their only championship and later moved to Atlanta.  In 1954, St. Louis school board prepares for Brown vs. Board of Education.  Charles Lindberg crosses the Atlantic Ocean in the airplane named the Spirit of St. Louis.  213 pages.

Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor, with illustrations by Jim Di Bartolo

Lips Touch: Three Times is a collection of three short stories with elements of romance and the supernatural intertwined. 

The first story, "Goblin Fruit", is about a teenage girl named Kizzy who lives with her eclectic family in a small town. Her grandma warns her of the dangers of goblins luring young girls to damnation with their sweet, addictive fruit, but Kizzy is so desperate for attention, that she ignores her grandma's warnings from beyond the grave. Kizzy's story was immense fun, but it was way too short! The next two stories are much longer, but I really wish Kizzy's had been longer instead. 

The second story, "Spicy Little Curses Such as These", is about a newborn girl who is cursed by a demon to have the most beautiful voice in the world, but the most deadly. Whoever hears her voice will immediately drop dead. An old woman who is a servant of the demon actually delivers the curse, and she changes it so that the girl has full understanding of the curse placed upon her. The story takes place in India, and it's warm, exciting and spicy! 

The third story, "Hatchling", is one of the most intense supernatural stories I've ever read. It was terrifying yet awesome, and I have no idea how the author ever came up with such a twisted story. I couldn't begin to explain it because I would not do it justice. It was alarming, yet very, very good. 

The illustrations by Jim Di Bartolo are hauntingly beautiful!

265 pages