The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly: Book Review

“Um, and what about ‘happily ever after’?” asked David, a little uncertainly. “What does that mean?” “Eaten quickly,” said Brother Number One. That should give you an idea what you’re up against with this novel. Twelve-year-old David finds himself in a fairytale kingdom one night, but this kingdom isn’t exactly the way he expected it […]

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The Clearing by Heather Davis: Book Review

Amy doesn’t have a whole lot going for her in Seattle. She’s just come out of a disastrous relationship and her friends don’t believe her when she tells them how bad it was for her. She decides to try to get a fresh start by moving in with her great-aunt Mae in a little town […]

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Lumby on the Air by Gail Fraser: Book Review

Pam and Mark Walker are celebrating their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary by inviting their families to stay at their bed-and-breakfast for a week. As in all families, there are some underlying issues that make the prospect of spending a week together a bit…interesting. Luckily, the county fair is in town that week, so everyone has plenty […]

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Duchess of Aquitaine by Margaret Ball: Book Review

This review is full of spoilers if you don’t know anything about Eleanor of Aquitaine. This is (obviously) the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, from the time of her father’s death to her divorce from whichever King Louis of France (that was never made clear). She plots to become Queen, goes on Crusade, and then […]

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Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson: Book Review

Adrianne’s father died a few years ago, leaving her and her sister, mother and aunt practically destitute. Adrianne blames herself for the family’s misfortune. She works hard and tries her best to take care of everyone. One night, her younger sister runs out of the house and gets caught in a raging storm. Adrianne goes […]

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Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer: Book Review

Unless you’ve been hiding deep, deep, deep under a rock, you know that Eclipse comes out today. Well, tonight, actually.  I thought I would post my review of the book. Let me say first of all that I’ve become a reluctant Twilight fan. You won’t find me shouting my love for Edward, Bella, or Jacob […]

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Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay: Book Review

Shen Tai’s father, the great Kitan general Shen Gao, died haunted by an epic battle he led against the neighboring country of Tagura. He won the battle but in his old age he came to realize that the cost was too high. 40,000 casualties lie unburied in the beautiful meadow at Kuala Nor. Tai decides […]

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Dear Jane Austen by Patrice Hannon: Book Review

Imagine, if you will, that Jane Austen can somehow receive letters from her modern-day readers, asking for her sage advice in love and marriage. That’s the premise for this charming little book. Part “autobiography”, part self-help book, and part critical analysis, Dear Jane Austen is full of practical advice for all women, no matter what […]

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The Vision of Emma Blau by Ursula Hegi: Book Review

Stefan Blau runs away from his home in Germany when he is a young man. He’s always dreamed of living in America. He eventually finds himself in New Hampshire, building a beautiful apartment building, running a restaurant, and doing his best to provide for his family. Honestly, this book might have suffered from too many […]

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The Magicians by Lev Grossman: Book Review

Quentin Coldwater is the top in his class. He’s also in love with his best friend’s girlfriend and unhappy at home. One day, he receives a manuscript that looks like an unpublished addition to his favorite fantasy series, set in a fantasy world called Fillory. In a roundabout way, this manuscript leads him through a […]

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