Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Review: The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty

Author: Liane Moriarty
Genre: Women's fiction
Pages: 414
Published: 2011

Having recently enjoyed Liane Moriarty's newest book, Big Little Lies, I saw this older one come through in the returns and decided to check it out. The main character, Ellen O'Farrell, is a hypnotherapist who becomes romantically involved with Patrick, who has a young son. He also, unfortunately, has an ex-girlfriend who has been stalking him for three years and she has gone so far as to begin seeing Ellen, using a fake name, just so that she can spy on her.
 
This was a really interesting story line and alternated between Ellen and the stalker ex-girlfriend, Saskia. Saskia manages to come off as sympathetic, instead of just being a villain. I really enjoyed this book, as I have all of the books of Liane Moriarty's I've read. Would definitely recommend this!!!
 
5/5 stars  
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Reviewed by Kim

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!   

Friday, August 22, 2014

Books for the Animal Lover!

If you're anything like me (Stephanie... major animal lover), you probably love reading about animals. I'm a SUCKER for these kinds of books, especially touching stories about how someone's pet(s) impacted their lives. I'm usually either sobbing like a baby while reading these books, laughing hysterically, or sometimes both (case in point: Marley and Me by John Grogan), but I just can't get enough! Here are some recommended reads for the fellow animal lover that I absolutely love:

1. Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Greatest Dog by John Grogan: as mentioned above, this book made me laugh hysterically and also made me cry buckets. It is the classic dog lover story, and if you haven't read it yet... you MUST! You can watch the movie too, but you just have to read it first. Marley is hilarious, naughty, sweet, and lifechanging. I distinctly remember reading this in high school, late into the night because I couldn't put it down. I finished at 2:00 in the morning, and as my mother passed by me to use the restroom was quite alarmed: "are you okay?! What's wrong?" This was in response to the sobbing that was happening. Oh the tears!

2. Moments With Baxter: Comfort and Love From the World's Best Therapy Dog by Melissa Baxter: this is a sweet, sweet book. It features Baxter, an incredible therapy dog, and has a number of photo essays about his work at a hospice. Your heart will be warmed by this incredibly uplifting story. Baxter has since passed away, but his legacy will live on!

3. Dewey: the Small-Town Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron: This is a must read if you like cats and libraries, and really... who doesn't?! Dewey was an abandoned kitten turned library cat at a small public library in Iowa. He touched many lives and made many friends in the library, and I WANT ONE! Library cat... yes please!

4. Stay: A Novel by Allie Larkin: if you're more of a fiction fan, then Stay is a must read for you! It also happens to be by a fabulously talented and LOCAL author, Allie Larkin! It's a hilarious and heartwarming women's fiction read about a woman who drunkenly orders a German Shepard puppy online. This story has it all including family, love, and puppy antics. I love this one! How could I not?!

5. Beaglemania by Linda O. Johnston: if you love mysteries (cozies, in particular) AND animals, then I have found the perfect series for you! Beaglemania is the first in the Pet Rescue mystery series about Lauren, a woman who runs a no-kill animal shelter, saves animals, and solves crimes! Lots of fun!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Fifty Shades of Grey Read-alikes!

With the upcoming theatrical release (Valentine's Day 2015!), we've been noticing the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James again.We wanted to recommend some similar series to those who have already finished this trilogy and are looking for their next read!

The Crossfire Series by Sylvia Day:
  1. Bared to You
  2. Reflected in You
  3. Entwined With You
  4. Captivated by You (not yet released)

















The Sweet Series by Maya Banks:



















Gabriel's Inferno Series by Sylvain Reynard:

  1. Gabriel's Inferno
  2. Gabriel's Rapture
  3. Gabriel's Redemption




















As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the titles above to link directly to the items in our catalog!  

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Review: The Art of Adapting by Cassandra Dunn

Author: Cassandra Dunn
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Pages: 354
Published: 2014

Lana is a recently separated mother of two teenagers who decides to have her brother, Matt, who has Asperger's syndrome, move in with them.  In spite of and maybe because of his personality quirks, Matt is able to see the struggles his niece and nephew are going through that Lana is unable or unwilling to acknowledge. 
 
I was so impressed with this first-time novelist's debut.  The characters were so well written and real and it was really cute how Matt was able to connect and help with the family's problems in his own way, given his social limitations.  I would highly recommend this and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

5/5 stars
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Reviewed by Kim

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!   

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Summer Reading Reviews, Part 4!

Thanks to all of our patrons who have submitted reviews for the books they have been enjoying this summer. Below are some more reviews from some of our Barnard Crossing Branch patrons who have been participating in our 2014 summer reading program!


I’ve Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark
Reviewed by Susan W.


A pair of blue eyes and a 20 year old unsolved murder is at the center of this mystery.  A three year old boy sees his father murdered by a blue-eyed man who threatens him and his family with these words, “Tell your mother she’s next, then it’s your turn.” A well written thriller by one of the great mystery writers.

Rating: 9/10



The Beach Quilt by Holly Chamberlin
Reviewed by Susan W.

In a small town in Maine, a 16 year old finds out she is pregnant and in the course of the next year, the lives of many change dramatically. This story is told through the eyes of the five main female characters which helps describe how all of their lives change. It is filled with hope, love, friendship, and strength, along with the hardship of teen pregnancy.

Rating 9/10



The Portrait by Iain Pears
Reviewed by Wilson B.

A great psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages.  A very quick read.

Rating: 10/10


Thanks again to all of our fantastic summer readers! We hope you are enjoying reading, reviewing, and winning prizes. There's not much time left in the 2014 reading program, but we hope you will continue reading all year long and that you will join us again next summer for more summer reading fun!