Lucretia and the Kroons By Victor LaValle review 67

Lucretia is a young girl, trapped by her life in a world she doesn't really understand or want to be part of. Her best friend, Sonny, is dying. Her other "friends" tease and mock her. She has a dream? Drug trip? Psychotic break? the day her friend Sonny dies. She knows Bad things happen to Kids.
A difficult book to read, but holds your attention like a train wreck in slow motion. To see the beginnings of a descent into madness is hard, but fascinating.

A Time to Love by Barbara Cameron Review 66

Jenny had been through the worst war could offer. Although she was not a soldier, she still had been severely injured by the IED that had been thrown at her as she reported on the plight of children in the midst of a war.
She felt like she had lost everything, her Looks, her ability to move and speak easily and fluently, and her career.
She was crippled and shattered. All she could think about was getting to her grandmothers home to hide from the world and her problems. After her Mom had died, her Amish grandmother's house was her summer retreat, where she felt loved and peaceful. A tiny part of her wondered about Matthew, the Amish boy who had been her close friend as a teenager and the tentative kiss they had shared before she left that last summer.
Would she find that same sense of peace and safety now? Enjoy Jenny's journey as you follow her struggles to find her place in her new reality and learn to trust in Gods plan for her.
ISBN# 978-1-4267-0763-6

The Sleeping Night By Barbara Samuel Review 65

Angel and Isaiah grew up together, they had loved each other most of their lives. But this was the South in 1946. Neither one had ever admitted it, even to themselves. Because She was white and he was black and that could get them both killed.
It is a heart wrenching story of love, violence, hatred and evil. Both in Europe and in Texas. A story that will chill you to the bone. Made worse by the fact that you know it could be true. I won't give away the end, but I know, this is one story you will never forget, and hopefully we will neither forget or forgive the things that happened  in our country, in Hitler's Europe, in the end both were born of unmentionable evil.

ISBN#978-1-66194-127-2

From Streetlights to Stars by Becky McGurrin review 64

how does an Irish Catholic Family end up as Mennonites? Not a question many folks would ever think to ask. But here is a book that answers that question in a most beautiful, simple fashion. It provides an insight into the Mennonite church from both an insider's and outsiders perspective. Fascinating and fun to read, it is a good chance to ponder the questions for your self "What do I believe and why"? We all can gain something important by taking time to do just that every few years. I think you will enjoy following this family as they travel down a path very little traveled by most.
ISBN #9781932676129

Rum Punch Regrets By Anne Kemp Review 63

Abby was lost..or more accurately had lost...her fiance, her perfect wedding and now, her job. Then her sister Leigh calls and insists she needs to fly to the Caribbean to get her secret house ready for sale. A house that Abby had never heard of and neither had Leigh's husband! That "house" turns out to be an Inn, well maybe more of a B & B. With guests, staff and a renter!  The renter Ben, lives in the pool house. he's studying to be a veterinarian and none too happy when Abby ends up on an air mattress in his pool house! They both seem able to just rub each other the wrong way without trying. Nothing is turning out to be what it seems. Will the Inn ever get repaired enough to be sold? Will Abby find a good man? Will Leigh ever stop treating Abby like an irresponsible teenager? I won't tell. This is one sweet little drink of a book you will have to sip yourself..but don;t be surprised when it sneaks up on you with a punch!
 ISBN# 978-1-937957-70-4

Tyler's Magic by Malcolm Ater Review 62

A true story about a boy who taught his Harper's Ferry community, and many others, what hope, determination, and honor can do.
Tyler Moore had Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that effects a child's ability to breathe, digest food, and fight infections.  Most children with Cystic Fibrosis never see their 20th birthday. All Tyler wanted was to be a normal kid. Then he realized he might be  part of something that would remain forever. Tyler led his Junior high wrestling team to 39 victories in one season, his team carried on for one more to be the only Junior High in the State to ever win 40 matches in one season. To do it, they had to fight prejudice, cheating the weather, and a curse! It's an inspiring story.
For me, it was a bit more personal. My next door neighbor's daughter died from Cystic Fibrosis at 12 years old. These kids have to pack so much living into every year. They truly shine from the inside out.
ISBN#978-1-4581-2645-0

Betty's Little Basement Garden By Laurel Dewey Review 61

Betty Craven had the perfect life. Well, that's what it seemed like to others. They never knew that she was empty inside and her house was emptying slowly as she surreptitiously sold her antiques and paintings. Her Husband was dead, Although if she were honest, maybe that was a small relief. Her son, Frankie was dead and that ripped her her out every hour of every day.
Betty hasn't created her perfect garden yet this year, her women's group meeting wasn't perfect enough to please her. Her neck was killing her. That drumbeat in her ear was driving her slowly insane.
What saves her sanity, love life, body and soul? Cannabis (don't call it "Pot" please, Betty would be offended) Not exactly what you expected is it?
Through the metaphor of weed, Betty teaches us what life can become when you let go of your fears, prejudices, misconceptions, and self doubt. A wonderful journey on Betty's discovery of herself.

ISBN# 978-1-61188-038-0