spooky mystery

Author Carol Goodman delivers yet another suspenseful mystery with The Ghost Orchid. Deep within the mountains is Boscoe, a famed and highly-exclusive artists colony. Here, writer Ellis Brooks is working on a novel about the 1893 disappearance of the notorious medium Cornith Blackwell and her supposed connection to the Boscoe Estate. As the artists of Boscoe delve deeper into their individual projects, strange and unexplainable things start to happen--things that mirror the events of that fateful summer over 100 years ago. Is this coincidence? Or is it the work of a restless and vengeful spirit? Soon Ellis and the other artists are plunged into a century-old mystery involving murder and kidnapping. None will be at peace at Boscoe until the mystery is solved. And none of them could predict the outcome.

The Ghost Orchid is a creepy and atmospheric story that's impossible to put down. Also, check out the author's other novels. AJL

Strength and Survival

When a dying father of three loses his wife unexpectedly, life becomes chaotic. The children are sent to live with relatives and he is left to die, alone. His mysterious recovery prompts him to reunite the family and begin again. A surprise inheritance takes them to South Carolina, to live in an old seaside home with an obsolete light house. The property needs a lot of repair work, but so do they… One Summer by David Baldacci examines a young family working to overcome loss and find love. An uplifting read!DB

Dressmaker of Khair Khana

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon is a true story about a young girl who struggled to help her family when the Taliban seized control of the city of Kabul. Kamila Sidiqi started a sewing business to support her family but it soon turned into a way to help many women in her community. After the Taliban took control of Kabul women were not allowed to attend school, work outside of the home or leave the house without a male escort. The men were forced to flee from the military and the women were soon struggling to feed themselves. With Kamila’s help they were able to learn a skill and earn enough money to support themselves. This is an inspiring story reminiscent of Three Cups of Tea. SG

Love,doubt and faith.

It's the spring of 2002 and in Boston the reputation of the Catholic Church is in ruins. For one devout family whose revered member is a priest, the consequences are devastating. In Faith, we meet Sheila McGann, although long estranged from her difficult family has remained close to her brother Art, a popular priest. When he is accused of child molestation along with many other priests, she goes to support him. As the scandal bring long denied family secrets and feelings to light, all seek the truth. A deep exploration of family,loyalty,doubt and faith, this novel written by Jennifer Haigh is intelligent and well written M.L.

a desperate swim

When she witnesses a child falling into Lake Champlain,Troy Chance doesn't even think as she dives into the icy waters off a ferry. As the ferry disappears she retrieves the little boy and faces a cold mile-long swim to shore. So starts the novel Learning to Swim by Sara J. Henry. Who is this child who only speaks French? Why is there no press about a missing boy? Her discovery of the child's identity and why he was almost killed is the chilling mystery explored in this novel. Interesting characters and a fast-moving plot make this an exciting read. M.L.

Fairytales & Family Secrets

If you're a parent or a teacher, the name "Jane Yolen" probably brings to mind the author's prodigous body of children's literature and picture books. But Yolen has written a few novels for adults too, among them the haunting story of Briar Rose. Inspired by the Chelmno concentration camp, which was housed inside of a castle, Yolen crafts her story of the Holocaust around the fairytale of "The Sleeping Beauty." After the death of her beloved grandmother, Becca begins to delve into her family's past and uncovers a hidden message in her grandmother's favorite story, "Briar Rose." Her discovery takes her back to the terrifying days of World War II, half a world away. Suitable for both Adult and Young Adult readers. HM

Shea Stadium Remembered

The Last Play at Shea is a documentary film featuring performances by Billy Joel, among others. This film gives the history of Shea Stadium in New York City and charts the life and career of Long Island native Billy Joel. Interspersed with interviews from baseball players and musicians who have played at Shea is live concert footage of the 'last play' by Joel. Other performers in this final concert include Garth Brooks, Tony Bennett, Paul McCartney and John Mayer. It's a nostalgic look at the 60s through current times with great historic concert footage of such well known bands as the Beatles, The Who and The Police. It is a pleasure to watch. Highly recommended! SG