The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinski

I like this author and I like this book. Delinski has a way of writing that lets the reader know all the secrets and makes you unable to stop turning the pages because you can't wait to find out how it will all unfold. This was no exception.

The story centers around Deborah and her daughter Grace who, while driving home during a rain storm, hits something. It turns out, that something was Grace's history teacher. Initially, Deborah doesn't correct the investigators when they assume she was driving, but after the teacher dies and Grace is consumed with grief and regret, she realizes she has to do something. Ultimately, everyone confesses...Deborah to the false report, Grace to several wrong-doings and the teacher to putting himself in the path of the vehicle to commit suicide. Through it all, Deborah questions the relationships of her father and ex-husband not only with her, but with her children and sister as well. And surprisingly, she develops a relationship with the teacher's brother as they struggle to figure out exactly what happened.

Would I recommend this book? Yes.

Good Grief by Lolly Winston

When 36-year old Sophie Stanton's husband dies, she completely loses it...at rock bottom, she wears her robe and slippers to her high-profile PR job and is subsequently escorted from the office and placed on leave. She decides to sell her house and move from California to Oregon where, after several major missteps, she starts to find her way back from the grief. This is a good, quick read.

Would I recommend this book? Sure.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This was recommended by someone in my book club, so I reserved it. After I started it, people started giving me mixed reviews; some thought it was strange or that the story was just too bizarre, but others absolutely loved it. This isn't something I typically experience...usually everyone loves/hates a book, either way it's unanimous. Unanimous for/against or I'm reading something no one else has heard of, but never have I had so many people give such a variety of reviews.

Well, I liked the book. Didn't love it, didn't hate it, but liked it. I like the way it was written, but I think it was much too long and drawn out. I like the main characters, but there were definitely some bizarre elements. I like the illustration of Mississippi during the civil rights movement, but felt like the real message took a back seat to the frivolous details. I like the narrators, but didn't care for most of the secondary characters.

Would I recommend this book? Probably. It's good enough to kill some time, but not a must-read.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I don't generally like futuristic, non-realistic stories, but this book is an exception. In the future, the nation of Panem, which was once North America, holds annual Hunger Games as a way to remind the twelve Districts that the Capitol is in control. During these games, each district has a lottery in which male and female "Tributes" are selected randomly from all children ages 12-18. These 24 Tributes meet in the Capitol and compete until only one remains. The winner and his/her District are greatly rewarded.

The main character in the story, 16 year old Katniss Everdeen, is from District 12 and for her, survival is second nature. Since her father was killed in a mine accident when she was 11 she has been hunting, gathering and trading (all illegally)to provide for her mother and younger sister. As the games progress, Katniss learns a lot about human nature, society and herself...and ultimately wins.

Another great from the Juvenile Literature genre, this book forces the reader to think about and question our own society and wonder if this really could happen. As the story unfolds, the control of the Capitol and the differences among the Districts starts to feel eerily familiar and possible. In my opinion, the best type of book is one that makes you think and ask questions, and this does exactly that.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, and I've already checked out the second in this trilogy...stay tuned for Catching Fire!

Hearts On A String by Kris Radish

Like all of Radish's books, this is about the complicated relationships between women...in this case five strangers who are thrust together by circumstance and come out as friends. Kris Radish understands women. She gets the intricacies in how we relate to each other and has the ability to bring all the nuances to the forefront with her writing.

Five strange women are in the airport bathroom attempting to rescue a cell phone from the toilet when they learn that all flights are cancelled due to a storm that is heading their way. After their success with the phone, they agree to return to a hotel suite together to wait out the weather. Crazy? Yes, but it was that or stay in the airport bathroom for an undetermined length of time, and really, who wants that?

The stories of all five unfold over the days they are together. There is a level of distrust and guardedness, but at the same time, there is a certain comraderie that develops almost immediately. I think most women would choose a fancy hotel with 4 strangers over a dirty, crowded airport any day. There's something about our gender that makes this type of thing work...Radish explains it as a string that connects the hearts of all women; she might be right.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, but be prepared for obvious Chick Lit.

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

This is the third book I've read by this author and she has yet to disappoint me. All three books have been VERY different, which I appreciate because there is no sense that I'm reading "another one of those books" like I get with some authors. I'll admit, I am now officially in love with Kristin Hannah!

This story is a love triangle of sorts that illustrates the complex relationships between two sisters and their mother after their father/husband dies, forcing them all together. The girls have never felt close to their mother, to the point where they determined that she doesn't love them, in fact might resent/hate them, but when their father is doling out his final wishes, he compels each woman to get to know and take care of their mother, not an easy thing to do. The only time they feel even remotely connected to their mother is when she is telling them a fairy tale, the same one she told when they were young and this is the place they all come together.

The first half of the book takes some patience to get through, but it's definitely worth it. Hannah has a way of describing historical and cultural happenings that makes you feel like you were/are there. The way she uses Anya Whitson's fairy tale about Stalin's Russia to connect the woman to her daughters is nothing short of amazing.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you haven't ready anything by Kristin Hannah, I'd also recommend The Magic Hour and Firefly Lane. I will definitely be looking for more of her work on my next trip to the library!!!