Many Sides, One Story

Emily Giffin, author of Love the One You're With and Baby Proof, brings us another compelling story of the messiness of life. Tessa has a surgeon husband, two sweet children, great friends, and a full life. Valerie is a single mother and lawyer living in Boston. The two women's lives intersect when Valerie's son, Charlie, has an accident and Tessa's husband treats him. Heart of the Matter is told from alternating perspectives that will captivate you until the end.

Tiny Treats

Petite Sweets has recipes to delight even the biggest dessert fans. The bite-size treats range in difficulty and ingredients--I have a hard time choosing which one I'll try first! I'm leaning toward the chilled ones, like the White Chocolate Mousse, but I could be persuaded to start with a Chocolate Hazelnut Eclair...

Batter Up

As the weather warms up, the call of ball fields and popcorn gets louder for some of us. In a timely tribute, Lance Parrish collects Detroit Tiger history and shares it in Few and Chosen. It's packed with photos and statistics--just right for getting you in a game state of mind.

The Unexpected

Anna Quindlen has a poetic way with words. Her latest novel, Every Last One, features the Latham family: Mary Beth, Alex, and their three teens. You are pulled into the complicated life of a busy household and all the drama of friends, school, and work. A single night changes things in an instant and leaves you reeling in its wake. I highly recommend the audio version of it, read by Hope Davis.

A Fantasy World

Except the Queen a tale of two worlds-and one destiny... Sisters Serena and Meteora were once members of the court of the Fairy Queen- until they played a prank that angered her highness. Separated and banished to the realm of Earth, they must find a way to survive in a strange world in which they have no power. But there is more to their new home than they first suspect... Meteora bonds with a troubled young girl with an ornate tattoo on her neck,recognizing it as a magic symbol that will surely bring danger down on them all. Serena, meanwhile, takes in a tortured homeless boy whose mind is plagued by dark visions. The signs point to a rising power that threatens to tear asunder both fairy and human worlds. Extremely well written!

Will Work for Food

Gabriel Thompson decided to work in three industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor: agriculture, poultry processing, and behind-the-scenes in restaurants. A year and three jobs later, he was tired, sore, and had an appreciation for the people who don't have the choice to walk away from the back-breaking work. Working in the Shadows will enlighten you and make you think twice the next time you buy a head of lettuce or a bouquet of flowers.

Homer's Odyssey

Extraordinary dog stories, while fun and heartwarming, have become as common as kibble (Honestly, does anyone really care to hear how Lassie rescued little Timmy from a watery grave in the old well--yet again). Extraordinary cat stories, however... Well, these are a bit more unusual. Perhaps because felines themselves are a bit more selective in their actions, a bit more discriminating in their desire to please.

One such amazing cat is Homer, the hero and title character of Homer's Odyssey, by Gwen Cooper. Blind as a result of a kittenhood illness, Homer was adopted by Cooper out of pity for his seemingly helpless condition. However, Homer soon distinguished himself as not allowing his condition to slow him down and proved himself to be among the most extraordinary of extraordinary cats. Whether catching a fly mid-flight or defending his owner from a burgler, Homer is a shining example of not allowing a disability to diminish one's life in any way. Truly an inspirational and positive read! --AJL

Charming novel

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand is very satisfying to read. I was on Major Pettigrew's side from the beginning and knew he would figure out a plan to do the right thing. It is a wonderful story: charming and British, about culture, race and learning to fit in an old society struggling with change. Don't miss this gem!

Flea Market Finds

When the weather gets nice the garage sales and swap meets start to appear. If you are a regular on the resale market or new to the game, you'd be wise to browse Collecting Under the Radar: Tomorrow's Antiques before you head out. This wonderful resource covers a wide range of worthwhile items that you might find in your treasure hunting. It tells you what's most valuable and top tips for finding and maintaining most worthy hidden gems.

Healthful Cooking

The recipes in The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook emphasize pure flavors, balanced and healthy ingredients, and easy cooking methods. It includes ideas for every meal of the day and includes desserts and chocolate. Mireille Guiliano also incorporates tips on entertaining and menu planning in this simple, straightforward book.

Dog Doctor

Dr. Nick Trout, best-selling author of Tell Me Where It Hurts, once again relates some of his most memorable experiences as a veterinary surgeon. Love is the Best Medicine tugs at your heart and reminds you to treasure the furry friends in your life.

Home Sweet Home

This guide is full of ideas to inspire you to refresh your home. Home Decor has projects accompanied by photos for every room in the house, no matter what your style. Insets scattered throughout the book lend experts' words of advice and wisdom to assist you in your design process.