Dead Luck by Lincoln Hall

Left for dying on the descent from Mt. Everest, Lincoln Hall miraculously survives a night alone in the “death zone”.  This book details Hall’s love of climbing, the preparations, dangers and disasters that happen on the world’s highest peak. Hall’s rescue by fellow climbers is contrasted to the death of David Sharp who lay dying while 40 climbers passed by in the summit attempt.  A riveting story of survival.

Frozen Thames by Helen Humpheys

In 1142, Matilda, the English queen, sneaks pass her enemies by dressing in white and walking across the frozen Thames River.  This vignette and many others intrigue, inspire, and entertain in this novel featuring the frozen Thames.   Going through history, you learn of ice fairs, people drowning, and the lives of English citizens living along this infamous river.  Imagery abounds both in prose and pictures in this beautiful little book.    

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

In her debut novel, Stockett captures the overt prejudice in 1960s Mississippi.  Told  mainly through the eyes of Aibileen, a black maid and nanny, we return the time of white only bathrooms, where blacks were considered by the white employers as dirty and carriers of disease.  Skeeter, a young white woman newly graduated from Mississippi University, decides to write Aibileen’s story and those of her friends.  Meeting in secret, you can feel the black maids fear as they tell their stories of indignities and struggles.  A powerful book that shows the human spirit can triumph over injustice.

Charlotte

Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child

The action starts on page one. It is the middle of the night and “Jack Reacher” is on a subway in downtown Manhattan when he notices a woman sitting a few rows away. The car is hot and stuffy, yet she is dressed in a big, bulky coat. Jack recognizes the classic signs of a suicide bomber. This explosive and surprising encounter teams Jack with a NYPD cop and creates adversaries out of the FBI and DOD. Al Qaeda and the Afganistan war all have a roll in this well-plotted, intricate storyline.

Little Stranger Sarah Waters

Just after WWII a middle-aged Dr. Faraday is called to a declining country estate called Hundreds Hall. As his friendship with the family grows, he discovers that things are not quite right at Hundreds-perhaps it’s a secret history mental illness, perhaps simply the stress of reduced circumstances, or perhaps something more sinister.

Simply Mexican by Lourdes Castro

I love Mexican food but do not have the patience for a recipe which calls for fourteen different roasted chilies. The recipes in this book really look doable and delicious.

The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway

This is a beautifully written book. A heart-wrenching portrait of war and the effect it has on the lives of “average” people.

Water Ghosts by Shawna Yang Ryan

Water Ghosts starts with a kernel of truth. Locke, California is a town founded in 1915 by Chinese workers who worked the asparagus farms and pear orchards along the Sacramento River. It is a window into an unknown piece of Chinese-American history. The writing is exquisite, mesmerizing, magical and disturbing.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

This is such a a lovely novel. I was once again reminded of the incredible courage demonstrated by people during World War II; I was also reminded of the atrocities, but most of all I was entertained by engaging storytelling and wonderful characters.

Guernica by Dave Boling

The novel begins with a man discovering his loving wife has died, leaving him with three sons to raise. The eldest takes control of the family farm. Always in the background, is the history of the Basque people, the Spanish Civil War and the opening salvos of WWII.

Jill

Mary Kay

Sue

Home by Marilynne Robinson

Home is a novel of familiar relationships, forgiveness and hope. The depth of the three main characters are revealed bit by bit, drawing the reader ahead to the conclusion of this satisfying read.

Away by Amy Bloom

Beautifully written with memorable characters; although the protagonist's story is tragic, the novel is also hopeful & funny.

Dead Heat by Dick Francis and Felix Francis

Fast-paced and humorous. A great relief to Dick Francis fans to discover that the father-son duo is a success!

Felt Forward by  Maggie Pace 

Knit it and shrink it - easy, charming projects for clothing, jewelry and home accessories - a great gift for a knitter of any skill level.