What's left behind...

When a famed children's book author and illustrator dies unexpectedly, falling off a roof, the people left behind are left with a mess. His beloved caretaker is left to distribute his estate, which a museum was confident of getting. Moreover, the museum was going to build a new wing to display his books, papers and paintings. It is left to the hapless caretaker, Tomasina Dulair to inform the museum of this and tell his former friend and curator about the change. Another complication is a planned movie of his life, and the actor depicting him, who wants access to Tomasina to try and find his character. Julia Glass does a masterful job writing The House Among the Trees, to add to her many fine other novels.There are several points of view in this book, adding to the richness of the writing. ML

Wrecked

Wrecked by Cynthia Eden is a dark, sensual, sinister, and edgy story. It is brilliantly written, with such a threatening sense in every scene, with a constant twists in the plot and unexpected turns of events that you can get hooked on every word and every moment. The characters are strong, capable, the best of the best at finding the missing. There is also the vulnerability to them, such brokenness in their souls, that gives them a completely new, deeper level of charm and charisma that is impossible to ignore.

Wrecked is the sixth and last book in the LOST series and it could be as standalone. *JK*

Are we hungry yet?

 

In this age of fast food, the book Shake Shack, stands out. Yes, fast food but fast food done very well. In this book , co authored by Randy Garutti (the CEO of of Shake Shack) and Mark Rosati (the Culinary Director) there are stories of how Shake Shack evolved, and an exploration of their corporate culture, founded on good food and doing good. Then, there are the recipes for all the classics. Burgers, many different kinds, including the shroom burger.(mushroom stuffed with cheese) The fries look yummy, the hot dogs interesting and the ice cream shakes! Wow! Guaranteed to make you hungry. The only downside...they are not in Michigan. ML

Merely a Marriage

Merely a Marriage by Jo Beverley is a Regency/Historical novel. At the start, we meet Lady Ariana Boxstall, who is concerned about the future of her family, especially after the childbirth death of Princess Charlotte. Ariana fears that she would lose her beloved Boxstall residence to her drunken uncle, if her brother dies. She then sets a plan in motion for her brother Norris to marry, but the one condition is she must marry first.

Jo Beverley has been one of my favorite romance authors for years, and it's sad to think that this novel will be the last book after her death from cancer in 2016. *JK*

Remember When...

Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout, picks up where her last novel ends. Lucy Barton, has made a name for herself as a well-known author. She has escaped her impoverished childhood in Illinois and lives in New York. Book signings take her around the country and while in Chicago, she decides to return to Amgash--the hometown she left seventeen years ago. Find out how the townspeople and relatives who knew her when are doing today. Small-town USA and a curious cast of characters will keep your interest. DB