The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend

Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day (I did not make this up).  Christy Hargrove from Asheville, North Carolina created this day.  In 1793 in France deposed King Louis XVI is executed.  This brings an end to the monarchy in France.  President Carter pardons (nearly all) Vietnam era draft evaders (aka dodgers) on this day in 1977.   The first American novel titled The Power of Sympathy is printed in Boston in 1789.  In 1981 production begins for the iconic DeLorean DMC-12 in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland.   

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald takes place in Broken Wheel, Iowa.  Sara Lindqvist has decided to visit her pen pal Amy Harris.  They got to know each other through an online secondhand book shop.  They then started writing to each other and sharing books.  When the store where Sara worked went out of business, Sara was convinced by Amy to come and visit.  When Sara arrives in Broken Wheel she finds out that Amy has passed away (and today is her funeral).  Everyone is very friendly though and convince Sara that she should stay (in Amy’s house).  It is what Amy would have wanted.  Sara decides to stay (since she is already there).  Broken Wheel is a dying town, but they all look out for each other and take care of Sara.  No one will let Sara pay for anything.  Sara wants to find a way to repay their kindness.  Amy owned a store in town that is sitting empty.  Sara decides to take Amy’s books and set up a shop (she really just wants to help people with books).  Sara wants to show the townspeople the wonderful world of books.  Broken Wheel is a place where Sara finally feels comfortable (can be herself).   But what will happen when it is time for Sara to go back to Sweden?

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend is a story about two people who love books.  They like talking about books, reading books, and they want to share it with their friends (and anyone they can).  I thought this would be a wonderful book (as I love books), but the story is really quite boring.  I never connected with the characters.  This novel really dragged on and on (I have to admit that I might have skimmed a little during the middle).  The way it is written is awkward (it is the best word to describe it).  The novel does get better towards the last third (if you can make it that far and stay awake).  I enjoyed the townspeople’s meddling (the last part of the book) and how Sara brought life back to Broken Wheel.  I give The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend 2.5 out of 5 stars (I did not like it).  The premise is good, but the characters just did not come to life for me (nor did the story).  This novel was not originally written in English. Maybe something was lost in translation?  

You can follow Katarina Bivald on Amazon to get updates on her releases.  I received a complimentary copy of The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently reading Dearly Departed by Hy Conrad.  I hope all of you have a wonderful Thursday!  Stay warm (I actually needed a jacket to go outside the other day), take care, and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Hannah's Choice

Happy Wednesday!  The week is just flying by.  In 1929 the film In Old Arizona was released.  It was the first full-length talking motion picture filmed outdoors.  In 1936 Edward VIII becomes the King of the United Kingdom.  Edward VIII is the man who gave up his kingdom for a woman (Wallis Simpson).

Hannah’s Choice by Jan Drexler is set in Conestoga Creek in 1842.  Hannah Yoder is eighteen years old.  She lives with her parents (Annalise and Christian) and her siblings (Liesbet, Margareta, Peter, William, and Jacob.  There were more children but they died nine years earlier from illness (all the children got very ill).  Since then Annalise has been extremely depressed (and has treated Hannah horribly).  Hannah is good friends (all her life) with Adam Metzler.  Adam, though, is a Mennonite.  He is in love with Hannah, but Hannah is Amish (her father would never approve the match).  Christian Yoder is worried about the lack of Amish in the year.  More Amish are leaving the area for greener pastures.  Christian is worried about the non-Amish influences on his children (he wants to make sure that the stay Amish).  Christian gets an opportunity to move his family to another state where a new Amish community is being started.  With this news comes Josef Bender who is instantly attracted to Hannah.  Josef starts spending time with Hannah.  Hannah will have a choice to make?  Stay in Conestoga Creek and marry Adam (with all that is familiar).  Or marry Josef Bender and move to a new state (a new life).  Adding to Hannah dilemma is an issue with Liesbet.  Liesbet (at sixteen) fell in love with an Englischer (who was just seducing Liesbet).  Liesbet leaves her home (which makes their father more determined to move) and marries her young man.  But life is not rosy for Liesbet (it is not at all what she imagined).  What if Liesbet comes looking for them and they are gone?  Hannah will have to make a choice. 

Hannah’s Choice was a good book.  It is the first book in Journey to Pleasant Prairie series.  I read it straight through late one night.  I liked the characters and it was easy to read.  The setting sounded so lovely (I do not blame Hannah for not wanting to move).  I give Hannah’s Choice 4 out of 5 stars.  If you like historical, Christian fiction, you will enjoy Hannah’s Choice.  It is a well-written story and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of Hannah's Choice from NetGalley and Revell in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently reading Sage's Eyes by V.C. Andrews (it is a very pointless novel).  Before I close, I have a new joke for you!  How many mystery writers does it take to change a light bulb?  

Two!  One to screw the bulb almost all the way in, and one to give a surprising twist at the end.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Brooklyn On Fire

It is National Popcorn Day!  Who doesn't like popcorn?  It was always a tradition with my father and myself.  When I was little we had the popcorn popper where you used oil (did I just date myself). The last few years we used microwave popcorn.  My favorite popcorn is from the movie theater.  It is always so delicious.  On this day in 1953 viewers tuned in to I Love Lucy to watch Lucy give birth to little Ricky.  In 1977 snow actually fell in Miami!  It is the only time in history that Miami has seen snow.  This tidbit will make you laugh.  In 1935 Coopers Inc. sells the worlds first pair of briefs (for men) at Marshall Fields in Chicago.

Brooklyn on Fire by Lawrence H. Levy is the second book in A Mary Handley Mystery series. It is April 1890 in Brooklyn, New York.  Mary Handley is working at Lazlo’s Books since her last case.  Mary is also advertising herself as a Consulting Detective (for hire) and has an office in the back room of the bookstore (Lazlo loves that she is a detective and encourages her work).   Mary is approached by Emily Worsham.  She wants to hire Mary to investigate the death of her uncle, John Worsham.  The catch is that John Worsham died twenty-one years previously.  Emily pays Mary for two weeks’ work and asks her to send updates via mail (she does not live in New York).  Emily believes her uncle was murdered and did not die from natural causes.  Mary starts to investigate and there is more to this case than she originally thought.  There are some people who believe the past needs to stay buried (along with their secrets) and will do what they can to stop Mary’s investigation.  Mary wants to prove she is a good detective (better than a man and the police department) and will not stop her investigation until she finds all the answers.

Brooklyn on Fire is a good book, but not great (not as wonderful as the first book in this series).  There is a lot going on in this book.  Personally, I felt it was too much.   Brooklyn on Fire is well written, has a good mystery, and a strong, female main character.  I give Brooklyn on Fire 4 out of 5 stars.  I just think the author tried to put too much in one book (I only summarized the mystery above).  We have New York City wanting to consolidate Brooklyn (incorporate it into NYC) with the bigwigs from both cities conniving, romance between Mary and George Vanderbilt, Mary’s brother gets engaged (which was nice) as well as the main mystery (which is very complicated).  I will, though, read the next book in A Mary Handley Mystery series.  I keep hoping Mary will get hired on with the police.

The first book in A Mary Handley Mystery series is Second Street Station (it is very good).  I received a complimentary copy of Brooklyn on Fire from Blogging for Books, LibraryThing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently reading Grace's Forgiveness by Molly Jebber (it is good). Before I close today I wanted to share a joke!  What building has the most stories?  The Library (of course)!  Have a great Tuesday!  Stay warm (good excuse to stay inside and read) and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!  MLK's birthday is actually January 15.  It is also Winnie the Pooh Day.  We celebrate the birthday of A.A. Milne who created Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and friends.  Do you know what A.A. stands for?  It is Allan Alexander.  On this day in 1778 James Cook discovers the Hawaiian Island (which he called Sandwich Islands).  In 1903 the first transatlantic radio transmission (from the United States) is transmitted from Wellfleet, Massachusetts.   You can check out other events and birthday's that occurred on January 18 on Wikipedia.

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is the latest book by Susan Meissner.  The novel starts out in 2012 with Christine McAllister discovering a beautiful green Robin Hood style hat in her latest acquisitions for her vintage clothing boutique.  There is a tag inside that reads Scarlett #13.  Could this be an actual hat from Gone with the Wind?  This hat is supposed to be at the University of Texas.  How did it get in the box of items they just acquired? 

We then join Violet Mayfield in 1938.  Violet is the newest secretary in the secretarial pool at Selznick International.  Violet heard that Audrey Duvall is looking for a roommate.  Violet is originally from Alabama, but she needed a change (she was in the right place at the right time).  Audrey wants to be an actress.  She almost got her big break when she was a teenager (before talkies), but then the movie industry changed.  Audrey’s voice is too deep many feel for the movies.  Bert Redmond works in the wardrobe department and is involved in the costumes for Gone with the Wind.  Violet is lucky enough to be picked to be the secretary to Miss Susan Myrick (technical advisor for the film).  These three have adventures around the city after they finish work (especially at parties where Audrey tries to network).  Bert likes Audrey, but Audrey is not interested in Bert (except as a friend).  Violet is interested in Bert, but she is scared to tell him her big secret.   We follow these three through the filming of Gone with the Wind and their lives following the film.  Audrey and Violet both have secrets that will continue to affect their lives for many years to come.

I am a fan of Susan Meissner, but I did not feel that Stars Over Sunset Boulevard was her best work.  It was an interesting book, and I loved the behind the scenes information on Gone with the Wind that Ms. Meissner worked into the book.  I just felt the book was lacking (hard to explain).  I think I wanted more spark, but it was more ordinary especially after they finished working on Gone with The Wind at Selznick International.  I really did not like what happened to the hat at the end of the book (it was a big disappointment).  I give Stars Over Sunset Boulevard 3.75 out of 5 stars.  The book has some good moments and some very slow parts (I skimmed through these sections).  This does not put me off Ms. Meissner’s books.  I will definitely continue to read her stories.

You can follow Susan Meissner on Amazon to get updates on her latest books.  Books by Susan Meissner that I enjoyed are A Sound Among the Trees, Lady in Waiting, and A Fall of Marigolds. I received a complimentary copy of Stars Over Sunset Boulevard from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently reading Earnest by Kristina Von Kreisler.  I hope you have an enjoyable day!  I am off to do housework (there is always something to clean).  Take care and Happy Reading!


Kris
The Avid Reader

Blue Ribbon Trail Ride

Did you make a New Year's resolution?  Are you tired of trying to keep them?  Them you will like today!  It is Ditch Your New Year's Resolutions Day!  Through your resolutions out the window for one day.  On this day in 1929 Popeye the Sailor Man first appeared in the Thimble Theatre (no, I did not spell it wrong) comic strip.  The Goldbergs, the first American sitcom, airs on this day in 1949.  In 1982, January 17 was on a Sunday and it was called Cold Sunday.  In many cities temperatures fell to their lowest in over a hundred years.  You can check out other events that happened on this day on Wikipedia.

Blue Ribbon Trail Ride by Miralee Ferrell is the fourth book in the Horses and Friends series.  Kate Ferris (thirteen) and her friends, Colt, Melissa, and Tori have come up with a way to raise money so her autistic brother, Pete (and others like him) can attend a special summer camp.  They are going to have a scavenger hunt trail ride.  They have askes businesses in local towns to donate prizes and are collecting entry fees from the people who wish to participate.  Kate’s mother, Nan is having them use a beautiful antique jewelry box as the cash box.  Several people have commented on the beautiful box and even asked to purchase it, but it is not for sale.  The kids collected quite a tidy sum when the box goes missing (with the money in it).  The box was locked, but it was not hidden (it was in the barn office).  Kate and her friends set out to find the culprit.  Will they be able to find the box and the entry fee money (which will pay for Pete and other kids to attend a wonderful camp)?

Blue Ribbon Trail Ride is a cute story.  It is nicely written with a good moral lesson (about forgiveness and helping others).  I found the book to be engaging with a good (though simple) mystery.  This is the perfect book for children, tweens, and young adults (and adults).  I give Blue Ribbon Trail Ride 5 out of 5 stars.  

The other book in Horses and Friends series are A Horse for Kate, Silver Spurs, and Mystery Rider.  I received a complimentary copy of Blue Ribbon Trail Ride from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Thank you for stopping by and reading my review.  I am currently reading The Bitter Season by Tami Hoag.  Somehow it did not get on my master list (good thing I double check things periodically).  I hope you have a great Sunday!  It is cold here and I am loving it. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

The Children's Home

It is Appreciate a Dragon Day!  For Harry Potter fans, this is our day!  On this day in 1919 the Eighteenth Amendment was ratified. It banned the making, sale, and consumption of alcohol (I bet a lot of you are glad that this amendment was repealed)!    In 1938 the first jazz and swing concert was held in Carnegie Hall on this day! In 1964 Carol Channing Hello, Dolly! opened on Broadway.  These are just a few of the fun events that happened on January 16 in history!

The Children’s Home by Charles Lambert is an unusual book.  Morgan Fletcher lives alone in his big house until Engel shows up.  Then one day a baby is left at the door.  Slowly other children start to appear at the house.  When one of the children become ill, Engel finds Dr. Crane to come and visit.  At first Morgan hides from Dr. Crane.  Morgan was severely injured by his mother. His face and one hand are badly disfigured.  Then slowly Morgan gets to know Dr. Crane and they spend time together.  Then people come looking for the children.  When they search the house, the children (and all of their things) disappear.  Until one day they find one child (maybe they are supposed to), Moira.  Morgan and Dr. Crane along with the children go looking for the Moira.  Why was the little girl taken and what is their fascination with children? 

The Children’s Home is just plain odd.  I have tried to summarize it to the best of my ability.  This book is really not that long, but it seem to go on forever.  I really tried, but I was never able to get into this book.  Odd things happen in the book, but nothing is ever explained (like what year is it, the country, last names).  The writing style is convoluted and formal.  I do not think I got the point of this book, but then I do not believe the writer knew what type of story he wanted to write.  The world the writer created did not seem complete or whole.  We are only given a little bit of information about it (like everything else).  I give The Children’s Home 1 out of 5 stars (which means I really did not like it).  It sounded like an interesting book, but I just found it odd and confusing (and very disgusting at the end).  This book is not for someone with a light stomach.  There are some nasty things that happen near the end of the book (with equally horrible descriptions). 

I received a complimentary copy of The Children’s Home from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently reading The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth (it is disappointing).   I hope everyone has had a great Saturday!  If you like cozy mysteries and movies, check out the Peach Cobbler Murder (based on the Hannah Swenson book series) on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries tonight.  It is just delightful!  Have a great evening and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

At Love's Bidding

Happy National Hat Day!  I love vintage hat and have a collection of them hanging in my room.  I have them from various eras going back to the 1920s.  Do you like hats?  Then put one on today. Make a statement and enjoy yourself!

At Love’s Bidding by Regina Jennings is the second book in the Ozark Mountain Romance series and it is set in 1873.  Miranda Wimplegate is used to staying in the shadows.  She does not like being the center of attention and you can tell from the dull clothes that she wears in colors that will make her blend in with her surroundings.  Miranda works at her family's auction house Wimplegate Auction House (not very original) in Boston, Massachusetts.    The family sold a painting that was not supposed to be in the auction (so who put it there).  Miranda and her grandfather, Elmer Wimplegate (who seems to be having memory issues) go to Pine Gap (where the purchases mailed the painting) to retrieve the painting which will protect the reputation of their auction house.  In order to ensure that they get the painting, the purchase the auction house in Pine Gap (sight unseen).  What they do not know is that the auction house caters to animals (and whatever else anyone wishes to sell).

Wyatt Ballentine is the manager of the sale barn at the auction house in Pine Gap.  He has been saving up to buy it and is upset when he finds out that the owner sold it to outsiders.  Wyatt is hoping he can convince Miranda and Elmer that this is not the business for them and get them to sell the auction house to him.  Wyatt does not anticipate Miranda and her determined nature.  Miranda will have her hands full with keeping an eye on her grandfather (who is getting worse each day), looking for the painting, and not letting Wyatt know what she is looking for in the auction house.  I think Miranda and Wyatt are in for an adventure!

At Love’s Bidding is a cute novel.  I liked the main characters (especially Wyatt) and the setting of Pine Gap.  There are some interesting people in this delightful little town.  At Love’s Bidding is fun and easy to read.  I give At Love’s Bidding 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I liked seeing Miranda grow and blossom during the course of the novel.  At Love’s Bidding can be read without having enjoyed the first book in the series.   I look forward to the next book in the Ozark Mountain Romance series.

The first book in the Ozark Mountain Romance series A Most Inconvenient Marriage.  I received a complimentary copy of At Love’s Bidding from NetGalley and The Book Club Inc. (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.  

I am currently reading Lights, Camera, Murder! by Marie Celine (it is just okay).  Are you ready for the weekend?  I hope you have a great time and get a chance to relax (after doing your errands, laundry, cleaning, etc.).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Snow Globe

Today is Dress Up Your Pet Day!  When I was a child, we had a little poodle named Fluffy.  My sister and I would dress the poor thing up in clothes (before you could buy special doggy clothes in pet stores).  None of my current dogs will let me put clothes on them!  We have a chihuahua, but he is not so little (he is the laziest dog) nor does he like us to put clothes on him.  I tried the first winter he was with us and ended up with a big bite mark on my hand.  Do you have a pet you can dress up? Today is the day to parade him or her around in all their finery!

Snow Globe by Jeanne Skartsiaris is a young adult paranormal novel (sort of) set in Dallas, Texas.  Aja (pronounced Asia) Harmon is eighteen years old and finishing up her senior year of high school.  Her mother has moved her around every year of her academic career (which has made it rough on Aja).  The principal and some of the teachers have made judgements of Aja based on her file, appearance, and her mother’s occupation as a psychic (she is the real deal).  Aja decides if they think she is bad she will do something bad.  She then steals $40 from Mrs. Dempsey’s purse (the English teacher who dislikes Aja).  When the police (Officer Clay) arrive at her house to arrest her, Aja sneaks out (and hurries to work).  Aja meets Walker who offers her a lift to her job at Abercrombie and Fitch.  Aja gets fired when she confronts a customer who is abusing her daughter (the store sides with the mother).  Aja gets a new job at Golden Leaves Retirement Community (she is saving up money to move to California after she graduates) thanks to her new friend Walker.  Aja will be a waitress in the resident dining room.  The one person that Aja has in her corner (besides her mother) is the school counselor Mrs. Burnett.  She believes in Aja and is encouraging her (and helping her).

Aja was not sure she would enjoy working with the elderly, but the residents surprise her (except for one who seems to dislike her).  Aja also makes a friend in Walker whose grandparents are residents at Golden Leaves and with Mr. Jenson (who believes Aja looks like his wife).  Aja, unfortunately, has caught the attention of (corrupt and lecherous) Officer Clay.  When jewelry goes missing at Golden Leaves will Aja be able to prove that she was not the culprit?  Aja will have to fight the system and prove to people there is more to her than meets the eye.  Aja has special abilities (like her mother) but they scare her.  Will Aja ever be able to accept her abilities (and who she is)? 

Snow Globe is a good novel, but I found it a little lacking.  I wanted more of the paranormal element.  The novel teaches a lesson about make snap judgements about people (about perceptions based on appearances).  The novel is written well and engaging.  There is a lot going on in the book, but I liked how the teenagers interacted with the elderly (and that they learned from each other).  I give Snow Globe 4 out of 5 stars.  Snow Globe has a lovely ending that wraps up all the storylines.  Snow Globe is a young adult novel, but can be read by all adults.  I hope my review of the novel makes sense. It is a difficult novel to explain (there is a lot going on).  I wanted to provide better information than the blurb on Amazon and Goodreads (because there is very little paranormal elements in this book).  

Snow Globe is available on Kindle Unlimited (if you are a member or wish to try it for free for thirty days).  I received a complimentary copy of Snow Globe from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review. 

I am currently reading Home to Cedar Branch by Brenda Bevan Remmes.  I am off to cook dinner on the grill.  Have a great evening and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Dirt on Ninth Grave

Happy Hump Day!  On this day in 1910 was the world's first radio broadcast. The Radio Telephone Company transmitted live performance of Enrico Caruso performing Cavalleria rusticana and  Pagliacci at the Metropolitan Opera House!  In 1968 Johnny Cash records Live At Folsum Prison and the Great Fire of New Orleans began in 1830.  These are just a couple of events that took place on this day!

The Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones is the ninth book in the Charley Davidson series.  It Sleepy Hollow, New York the Firelight Grill has a new employee named Janey Doerr (aka Charlotte “Charley” Davidson).  Jane Doe was too boring and normal so she changed it up a little.  Charley has amnesia and does not remember who she is.  She woke up behind the diner four weeks ago with memory.  Charley has special abilities (she can see the dead, see aura, and can tell if someone is lying are a few of them), but she does not understand how they work.  She is also afraid to tell anyone (for fear of what they will think).  Charley is lucky to have made a good friend in fellow worker Cookie (and her husband, Bob).  The diner gets a new cook.  One of the regulars, Reyes Alexander Farrow has just been hired, and Charley is very attracted to him.  Charley is not sure she should act on the attraction (he also infuriates her).  Then Charley notices something strange going on at Mr. Vandenberg’s antique store.  Charley discovers that some Middle Eastern men are holding Mr. Vandenberg and his family hostage so they can use his storeroom (to drill a tunnel into a dry cleaners).  Charley sets out to help him.   Will Charley be able to help the Vandenberg’s?  Will she ever get her memory back (and why did she lose it) and what happens when she does?

I have not read any of the books in this series before, and I discovered that is a detriment.  You really do need to read the other books in the Charley Davidson series in order to understand everything going on in The Dirt on Ninth Grave (or just to understand the book).  I thought the book was okay.  There is a lot of foul language and sex (talk and act) with very little mystery.  The first twenty percent of the book is basically Charley admiring Reyes (how handsome, sexy, hot, etc.) and the other guys that are regulars at the diner.  There is no action (the book does not move forward at all).  The book picks up pace in the last forty percent (if you make it that far).  I give The Dirt on Ninth Grave 3 out of 5 stars.  The idea is good, but I was just not a fan (I think I will have to go back and read the other books in the series—at least the first book). The Dirt on Ninth Grave reads more like an erotic novel than a paranormal mystery book. 

There are eight other books in the Charley Davidson series. I received a complimentary copy of The Dirt on Ninth Grave from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently reading The Forgotten Room by Karen White, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig (it is very good so far).  The second season of Younger starts tonight.  It is not normally my type of show, but I have enjoyed it (and look forward to new shows).  I hope all of you have a delightful Wednesday!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Girls She Left Behind

Today I thought I would tell you what happened on this day in the past. In 1971 All in the Family premiered on CBS (I thought this one would give you a laugh).  In 2004 the largest ocean liner the RMS Queen Mary 2 made its maiden voyage.  Hattie Caraway became the first women elected to the United States Senate in 1932. The United States House of Representatives rejected the proposal to give women the right to vote on this day in 1915 (it will take four more years for us to get the right to vote).  To check out other events that happened on this day, click here (Wikipedia).

The Girls She Left Behind by Sarah Graves is the second book in A Lizzie Snow series.  Elizabeth “Lizzie” Snow is a former Boston Homicide Detective who moved to Bearkill, Maine.  Lizzie is now a deputy with the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department (she is the liaison from the sheriff's department for the town).  Lizzie gave up her dream job (as a detective) to look for her deceased sister’s (Cecily) daughter, Nicki who has been missing for eight years.  There was a sighting of Nicki in the area (but it is a big wooded area in this part of Maine).  The Girls She Left Behind starts fifteen years prior when a man kidnaps Jane Crimmins and her cousin, Cam.  Jane manages to escape from the man, but she never tells anyone of what happened to her, her cousin, or the other girls in the basement.

Fifteen years later three girls are rescued from the basement of the man’s house.  Cam is one of the girls rescued.  Henry Gemerle is the kidnapper, but he is found incompetent to stand trial.  He is sentenced to a mental hospital.  In Bearkill, fourteen-year-old Tara Wylie has disappeared.  At first her mother, Peg believes that Tara just took off for a day again.  Tara usually shows back up.  This time Tara does not return and actually misses school (something she has never done before).  Then Lizzie finds out that Henry has escaped from the mental asylum and may be in the area.  Did Henry take Tara?  Lizzie will have to work quickly to find Tara but she has the added difficulty of forest fires breaking out in the area.  The might have to evacuate the area at any moment.  Lizzie works with Dylan Hudson of the Maine State Police (and Lizzie’s ex-lover) to find Tara.  But Lizzie thinks Peg is hiding something from her.  Is Peg Wylie’s secret more important than her daughter’s life?

The Girls She Left Behind is a good book, but not as wonderful as the first book in the series.  I had a little trouble getting into The Girls She Left Behind.  The mystery and suspense are excellent (and the book does pick up the pace and get much better as you get further into the book).  I am, though, tired of the relationship between Lizzie and her two (maybe) beaus (Dylan Hudson and Trey Washburn).  (Spoiler Alert) The relationships really do not advance or change in the book.  There is also no further progress on Lizzie's search for her missing niece. (Spoiler complete)  I found that part of the book to be frustrating (and really unnecessary).  I give The Girls She Left Behind 4.25 out of 5 stars (which means I liked it).  I look forward to the next book in this series (I hope the boyfriend situation will be resolved).

The first book in  A Lizzie Snow series is Winter at the Door (which is excellent).  I received a complimentary copy of The Girls She Left Behind from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another book that came out today is Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones (I will do a review soon).  I am currently reading Sanctuary Bay by Laura Burns and Melinda Metz.  Do not forget about my contest to win a copy of The View from Prince Street (see my post from Saturday).  You still have time to leave a comment to win a copy of this book!  Have a great afternoon and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader