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Sundays at Tiffany's
Sundays at Tiffany's
Author: James Patterson, Gabrielle Charbonnet
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover

Cheryl B. (cjbaltes) from ORANGE, CA wrote on 12/4/2008...


This is a VERY quick read. Perfect for the beach/park when you have no interest in a deep, meaningful plot. It's a great story, but it's written like a script and the authors are anticipating the movie version, with cheesy side comments and almost no descriptions. Now if they could only take this great fantasy idea and write a novel!!

Stonebrook Cottage
Stonebrook Cottage
Author: Carla Neggers
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Romance
Book Type: Paperback

Janet C. from MEREDITH, NH wrote on 12/4/2008...


Carla Neggers never fails to entertain. Not your hum drum romance, but pleasant romance suspense. Up and coming defense attorney, Kara returns home to Texas after living years in New England. Texas Rangers, Connecticut governor and suspicious circumstances, are children really in danger?

Beside a Burning Sea
Beside a Burning Sea
Author: John Shors
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback

Tish O. (tish) from FREEHOLD, NJ wrote on 12/4/2008...


this book could have been so much better if the author had not gone for the obvious. that being said, i enjoyed the book of 9 survivors of a blown up hospital ship in the South Pacific during WWII. there is action,adventure a love story and finaly a rescue...but you would know that because it was obvious.

L.A. Times
L.A. Times
Author: Stuart Woods
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback

Janet C. from MEREDITH, NH wrote on 12/4/2008...


Mobsters, movies and mystery just what Stuart Woods does best. Surprising twists and turns.

Santa Claus, Inc.
Santa Claus, Inc.
Author: Linda Ford
Genre: Children's Books
Book Type: Paperback

Anna L. (annalovesbooks) from CHICAGO, IL wrote on 12/4/2008...


ISBN 0590115049 – In my house, it is now the season for reading through the piles of childrens' Christmas books. The pleasure is all mine, now, with only a grown child, and it's one I really enjoy. Santa Claus, Inc., although not especially original or unique, is one of this year's pleasures for me.

Nick Martin hasn't believed in Santa Claus for a while, but he's managed to con his parents into thinking he does because he's certain that believing gets him more presents. When his parents sit him down to talk to him about Santa, Nick is sure that the jig is up – and it is, but not the way he thinks! Turns out, according to his parents, that there really is a Santa Claus and it's his grandfather. Even stranger, really, is that Santa is really Santa Claus, Inc., a family-owned company. The oldest son of each generation takes his place as the new Santa when he turns 50 and now, at 10, Nick is due to start his training. That summer, he's flown to the family's northern home and begins, only to discover that he's really, really not cut out for this job. His efforts to drag Santa Claus, Inc. into the computer age go wrong, his reindeer allergies surprise everyone and, even if he could drive the sleigh, he's afraid of heights! The business won't fail, however, because Nick's twin sister is perfect - except for being a girl! - for the job.

The twist isn't entirely novel and, in fact, is almost identical to the story in ASIN: B000VKKV30, Santa Baby (a movie), although the movie features an adult daughter. Still, this is a cute, entertaining story for the holiday season. The book, marked for ages 8 to 12, might appeal more to the younger end of that age range, especially those struggling to hold onto their belief in Santa. I found myself with only one annoyance – both the front and back covers mention elves on strike, but inside the book there ARE no elves. Santa Claus, Inc. employs short Laplanders, instead. That aside, this is an enjoyable and quick read at 72 pages and adults will enjoy it as much as kids.

- AnnaLovesBooks

Critical Judgment
Critical Judgment
Author: Michael Palmer
Genre: Literature & Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers
Book Type: Paperback

Pamela L. (ISpy) from BLACK MTN, NC wrote on 12/4/2008...


This book kept me up all night so that I could finish it. Actually, any of Michael Palmer's books can do that to me. You might want to add him to your favorite mystery writers list.

A Knight in Shining Armor
A Knight in Shining Armor
Author: Jude Deveraux
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback

Janet C. from MEREDITH, NH wrote on 12/4/2008...


One of my personal favorites. A touch of the now, a touch of the past and touch of what comes. A must read for Jude Deveraux new comers, a must reread for all Jude fans!

The Meaning of"A Knight in Shining Armor": A person, usually a man, who comes to the aid of another, usually a woman, in a gallant and courteous manner.

Snow Day (Blue Ribbon Book)
Snow Day (Blue Ribbon Book)
Author: Betsy Maestro
Genre: Children's Books
Book Type: Paperback

Anna L. (annalovesbooks) from CHICAGO, IL wrote on 12/4/2008...


ISBN 0590460838 – If you're looking for a fun kids' book, this isn't it, despite the vaguely misleading cover. I think it deserves the 4 stars I've given it, however, because it is a good non-fiction book for young readers (marked for ages 5-8).

A snowstorm has struck the town and, when residents wake up, they find their world has ground to a halt. There'll be no school, which the kids think is great, but there will also be no stores open, offices are closed, and even the airport is shut down. People shovel, plow, and use a variety of vehicles to remove the snow so that they can return to business as usual. They sand the roads (the same idea as salting the roads) and tend to branches on power lines. The story also discusses snow removal in the city, at the airport, on train tracks and dealing with ice on bodies of water.

The title, and the cover illustration, do give the impression that this is one of those books – a fun story about one of those regrettably rare days when the world grants a winter wish to schoolchildren: a day off to play! That's just not the case, and for that seemingly intentional misleading impression, I take away a star. Really, the book is about snow removal and the various methods and vehicles that people use to deal with it, making the book educational – which is somewhat akin to making a kid do homework on the one and only snow day of his childhood. Still, it's a nice book, and author Betsy Maestro does a pretty good job of keeping it from being too boring. Illustrator Giulio Maestro's work compliments the text nicely, although he's way better with trucks than he is with people. The duo seems to have chosen a fairly rural setting for this snowstorm, which deals with snow in pretty much the same way as the city – the only real difference being the distance between houses.

- AnnaLovesBooks

Do I Look Fat in This? : Life Doesn't Begin Five Pounds from Now
Do I Look Fat in This? : Life Doesn't Begin Five Pounds from Now
Author: Jessica Weiner
Genre: Health, Mind & Body
Book Type: Hardcover

Elizabeth T. (serenebean) from CARPENTER, WY wrote on 12/4/2008...


this is the best book i've read concerning body image. jessica weiner is my new hero! her philosophy for looking at the reality of body image today is a must read for anyone questioning their beauty and worth...

From the Deep Woods to Civilization: Chapters in the Autobiography of an Indian
From the Deep Woods to Civilization: Chapters in the Autobiography of an Indian
Author: Charles A. Eastman
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs, History
Book Type: Hardcover

Elizabeth T. (serenebean) from CARPENTER, WY wrote on 12/4/2008...


Great book to have read for History class. Easy read, too. It may be an overly "simple" story, but a great memoir to track the change of the Native American culture.

All-American Puppies #5: Puppysaurus (All-American Puppies)
All-American Puppies #5: Puppysaurus (All-American Puppies)
Author: Susan Saunders
Genre: Children's Books
Book Type: Paperback

Sandy O. from WHITTIER, CA wrote on 12/4/2008...


All three of my children, two boys and a girl, loved reading this book. If you love puppies and all the silly things they do, then you will love this book. Great book for a book report.

The Glass Castle
The Glass Castle
Author: Jeannette Walls
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Book Type: Paperback

Mary Ann W. (MrsLoveBug) from BELCAMP, MD wrote on 12/4/2008...


I loved this book! The experiences that these children had and all they went through will astound you and leave you thinking about people's motivations. It's a great story about going against all odds and coming out successful. It is wonderfully written and i highl recommend it!

Why Sinatra Matters
Why Sinatra Matters
Author: Pete Hamill
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Book Type: Hardcover

Elizabeth T. (serenebean) from CARPENTER, WY wrote on 12/4/2008...


I loved this book! Portrays Sinatra as a person, not some glammed up star. It allows the reader to know Sinatra as he was, flaws and all. Great book for any Sinatra fan who wants to learn more about the Man...

To Catch A Thief
To Catch A Thief
Author: Christina Skye
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback

Sherri H. (mamadoodle) from ROME, GA wrote on 12/4/2008...


Very little romance. I would categorize this more as a mystery/suspense with some romance thrown in.

The Last of the Mohicans (Oxford World's Classics)
The Last of the Mohicans (Oxford World's Classics)
Author: James Fenimore Cooper, John P. McWilliams
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback

Elizabeth T. (serenebean) from CARPENTER, WY wrote on 12/4/2008...


I didn't finish this book... i had high hopes, but the language difference just made it to hard for me to follow.

I Know This Much Is True
I Know This Much Is True
Author: Wally Lamb
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback

Mary Ann W. (MrsLoveBug) from BELCAMP, MD wrote on 12/4/2008...


This book was captivating! You are totally drawn into this family, its history and how it relates to the present time. It's an interesting read into schizophrenia and how it affects a whole family. I definitely recommend it!

Hanna's Daughters
Hanna's Daughters
Author: Marianne Fredriksson
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback

Elizabeth T. (serenebean) from CARPENTER, WY wrote on 12/4/2008...


Loved this book! Lots of interesting cultural information and was just a good book about 3 generations of Norweigan women.

The Handy Religion Answer Book
The Handy Religion Answer Book
Author: John Renard
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Book Type: Paperback

Elizabeth T. (serenebean) from CARPENTER, WY wrote on 12/4/2008...


I never read the whole book... as a new researcher of religion, it was just too complicated for me, i couldn't keep my focus. I'm sure it would be a better companion to someone who is more familiar with religion. But I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who wants a more simple, straightfoward, easy to read book to learn about religion.

Dread and the Dead Filled the Dunnam House
Dread and the Dead Filled the Dunnam House
Author: Doris "Dusty" Smith
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Book Type: Paperback

Christy E. (AbigailChristy) wrote on 12/4/2008...


Written by paranormal investigator Dusty Smith. Story is regarding a haunting in Florida at the home of the Dunnam family.

Eternal Pleasure
Eternal Pleasure
Author: Nina Bangs
Book Type: Paperback

Alisa C. (spoiled1) from TEN MILE, TN wrote on 12/4/2008...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

I wasn't expecting much when I ordered this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. This series will be a keeper.
It puts a spin on immortals. Especially when you're tired of the vampires, werewolves, ghosts and shapeshifters. Imagine dinosaurs, yep that's right. The Eleven are shape shifters with the souls of dinosaurs and I'm looking forward to meeting them all.

A Thief of Time (Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee)
A Thief of Time (Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee)
Author: Tony Hillerman
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Book Type: Paperback

Harriet H. (southern2005) from MADISON, AL wrote on 12/4/2008...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Joe Leaphorn is the most imaginable and unforgettable person in this book, how he uses his heritage and history to solve the mysteries that surround the events is why I keep coming back to Tony Hillerman books. Worth the read.

I Can't Wait Until Christmas (Little Golden Book)
I Can't Wait Until Christmas (Little Golden Book)
Author: Linda Lee Maifair
Genre: Children's Books
Book Type: Hardcover

Anna L. (annalovesbooks) from CHICAGO, IL wrote on 12/4/2008...


ISBN 0307004562 - I've suddenly run into a trend of Christmas books that begin with Thanksgiving and I'm not sure I like that - Christmas is growing bigger all the time! But this isn't a new thing, because the copyright on this book is 1989.

As they finish Thanksgiving dinner, Big Bird tells his grandmother that he can hardly wait for Christmas. Four weeks is so long! She tells him about the gift she most treasured and, when he returns home, Big Bird gets Maria to help him build a birdhouse just like the one she described. Each week, Big Bird asks how much longer it is until Christmas and each week he repeats that he can hardly wait. He fills his time by following his grandmother's suggestions to visit Santa, decorate a tree and other holiday preparations. When the big day finally arrives, Big Bird gets everything he wants, beginning with a visit from Grandmother!

Author Linda Lee Maifair has done a super job of tapping into the "are we there yet?" way that little children look forward to Christmas. There isn't a child in the world who celebrates Christmas who can't relate to Big Bird's excitement. There's no religious aspect to this tale, which will appeal to some and appall others. Colorful, attractive illustrations by Joe Ewers adds another layer of fun - gifts can be identified despite being wrapped, which is probably every kid's dream; the hunt for a tree with Big Bird's friends is silly and the decorating is funny... Sesame Street, Golden Books and Christmas - what a trio!

- AnnaLovesBooks

Our Town: A Play in Three Acts
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts
Author: Thornton Wilder
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback

Jocelyn E. (hoopridge) from EASTPOINTE, MI wrote on 12/4/2008...


If you didn't read this in high school, you should read it now. It's a wonderful story of love in small-town America. It's an almost Norman Rockwell type of family tale of a time long gone by (or did it ever even exist?). George and Emily fall in love, get married, and then...well, I won't give it all away.

The fun part of the play is that the actors dress in period costumes (1900s), but there are virtually no sets or props. All props are mimed, and there is only the occasional table and chairs to serve as set pieces. This way, you don't get distracted by the "stuff" onstage and can concentrate on the story. A sweet little play.

Show Baby Christmas
Show Baby Christmas
Author: Ann Ricketts
Genre: Children's Books, Reference
Book Type: Hardcover

Anna L. (annalovesbooks) from CHICAGO, IL wrote on 12/4/2008...


ISBN 0861128869 – I'm reviewing Christmas books by the shelf-full these days, which has made me a little more picky than usual about the quality of them. One might seem great, but once you've read 20 in a row, it's easier to see the few true stand-outs. This, although cute, isn't one of them.

Each set of facing pages is a pair; on the left there is an image and one Christmas-related word telling what the image is of, on the right is a more detailed image and a set of rhyming lines about the image. Santa, for example, is shown by himself on a snowy background and then shown at a window with a sack full of toys.

Stephanie Ryder, the illustrator, did a super cute job. The children, Santa, even the wrapping on the gifts, all have surprising detail that most kids won't care much about, but that add to the overall charm of the book. The thick board book pages will stand up to much handling and they're glossy, so a quick wipe will help them stay clean. The book is marked for ages 1-3, but I'm sure the under one year old crowd will enjoy it as well. The text is short and simple; no author is listed on the book. A nice, basic introduction to some of the Christmas season's most noteworthy attractions.

- AnnaLovesBooks

After Midnight (Loveswept, No 737)
After Midnight (Loveswept, No 737)
Author: Linda Warren
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Paperback

Barbara D. (bad) from FOLEY, AL wrote on 12/4/2008...


A great romantic suspense story. Easy read but hard to put down once you start.

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