Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Title: Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Author:  Maria Semple

Genre: Fiction, humorous

Summary: (Goodreads) When her daughter Bee claims a family trip to Antarctica as a reward for perfect grades, Bernadette, a fiercely intelligent shut-in, throws herself into preparations for the trip. But worn down by years of trying to live the Seattle life she never wanted, Ms. Fox is on the brink of a meltdown. And after a school fundraiser goes disastrously awry at her hands, she disappears, leaving her family to pick up the pieces--which is exactly what Bee does, weaving together an elaborate web of emails, invoices, and school memos that reveals a secret past Bernadette has been hiding for decades. Where'd You Go Bernadette is an ingenious and unabashedly entertaining novel about a family coming to terms with who they are and the power of a daughter's love for her mother.

Rating: Very good!

Why I Like It: Funny, engaging & entertaining!

Other: audio: very good, also liked by Patsy

Reviewer: Patsy

The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion

Title: The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion Author: Fannie Flagg Genre: Fiction with half the story told during WW2 Summary: (From Amazon)
"Mrs. Sookie Poole of Point Clear, Alabama, has just married off the last of her daughters and is looking forward to relaxing and perhaps traveling with her husband, Earle. The only thing left to contend with is her mother, the formidable Lenore Simmons Krackenberry. Lenore may be a lot of fun for other people, but is, for the most part, an overbearing presence for her daughter. Then one day, quite by accident, Sookie discovers a secret about her mother’s past that knocks her for a loop and suddenly calls into question everything she ever thought she knew about herself, her family, and her future.

Sookie begins a search for answers that takes her to California, the Midwest, and back in time, to the 1940s, when an irrepressible woman named Fritzi takes on the job of running her family’s filling station. Soon truck drivers are changing their routes to fill up at the All-Girl Filling Station. Then, Fritzi sees an opportunity for an even more groundbreaking adventure. As Sookie learns about the adventures of the girls at the All-Girl Filling Station, she finds herself with new inspiration for her own life.

Fabulous, fun-filled, spanning decades and generations, and centered on a little-known aspect of America’s twentieth-century story, The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion is another irresistible novel by the remarkable Fannie Flagg."

Rating: A new Favorite!   
Why I Like It: I found this book really funny. Also, I really enjoyed learning a different side of history of WWII. Also, it is very easy to read.

Other: This has a character that is also in the book "Welcome to the World Baby Girl" but each book can stand alone.
Reviewer: Brigette

News Of The World

Title: News Of The World

Author: Paulette Jiles

Genre: Fiction

 Summary: "In the aftermath of the American Civil War, an aging itinerant news reader agrees to transport a young captive of the Kiowa back to her people in this morally complex, multi-layered novel of historical fiction from the author of Enemy Women that explores the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust." From Goodreads

Rating: Good

Why I Like It:   For a "road trip" book in the 1870's in Texas, this book has an elegance of writing to it. The main character, Captain Kidd, is a noble man, while still being realistic and not perfect. I enjoyed the adventures, learned interesting history and I was moved by kindness and care for other people. One of my favorite reads of 2017.

Reviewer: Brigette

My Mrs. Brown

Title: My Mrs. Brown 

Author: William Norwich

Genre: Fiction

 Summary: "From William Norwich, the well-known fashion writer and editor, an unforgettable novel about a woman with a secret who travels to New York City on a determined quest to buy a special dress that represents everything she wants to say about that secret…and herself." From Goodreads

Rating: Great!

Why I Like It:  This book has really stuck with me. Mrs. Brown meets an assortment of friends on her journey to save money and buy a special dress. I love books that have a variety of cast of characters. And I love a main character as Mrs. Brown who is hard working and kind. This book was written by someone who works in the fashion industry. I think he brings a certain depth of thought to the meaning of function of clothes that is really interesting. It is a short book and easy to read.

Reviewer: Brigette

Christy - Book Review

Title: Christy
Author: Catherine Marshall
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: From Amazon "In the year 1912, nineteen-year-old Christy Huddleston leaves home to teach school in the Smoky Mountains -- and comes to know and love the resilient people of the region, with their fierce pride, their dark superstitions, their terrible poverty, and their yearning for beauty and truth. But her faith will be severely challenged by trial and tragedy, by the needs and unique strengths of two remarkable young men, and by a heart torn between true love and unwavering devotion."
Rating: Good
Why I Like It: I really enjoyed re-reading this book. The last time I read it was 20 years ago! I found it to be really inspiring. I loved it being set in the Smokey Mountains, a place I love to visit and hike. Also, I could relate to working to help people but in the process having to face up to the evil in the world. The book demonstrated to keep seeking God and looking at His love. I felt like the ending was rushed, but I love the book overall. I look forward to reading with my daughters when they are teenagers.
Other: This had been made into a TV series in the 1990's. I plan on getting the DVD's from the library. Also, as a child my husband Luke was in a musical based on this book.
Reviewer: Brigette

The Irish Country Doctor

Title: The Irish Country Doctor  
Author: Patrick Taylor  
Genre: Fiction  
Summary: From Amazon: "Barry Laverty, M.B., can barely find the Northern Ireland village of Ballybucklebo on a map when he first sets out to seek gainful employment there. But Barry jumps at the chance to secure a position as an assistant in a small rural practice. At least until he meets Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly...Through O'Reilly, Barry soon gets to know all of the village's colourful and endearing residents and a host of other eccentric characters who make every day an education for the inexperienced young doctor."
Rating: Good
Why I Like It: This book is easy to read and I love the immersion into Irish country life. I love all the different characters. Some people compare this to "All Creatures Great and Small". I think each book is good in their own right. 
Other: This is the first in a series.
Reviewer: Brigette

Garlic and Sapphires

Title: Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise
Author: Ruth Reichl  
Genre: Memoir
Summary: From Amazon: "Ruth Reichl, world-renowned food critic and former editor in chief of Gourmet magazine, knows a thing or two about food. She also knows that as the most important food critic in the country, you need to be anonymous when reviewing some of the most high-profile establishments in the biggest restaurant town in the world—a charge she took very seriously, taking on the guise of a series of eccentric personalities."
Rating: Good
Why I Like It: This book is really interesting to learn how a family food critic would go around New York and wear disguises. She really cared about the common person having a good experience at a restaurant.
Reviewer: Brigette

Daddy-Long-Legs

Title: Daddy-Long-Legs Author: Jean Webster Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary: From Amazon: "A trustee of the John Grier orphanage has offered to send Judy Abbott to college. The only requirements are that she must write to him every month and that she can never know who he is. Judy's life at college is a whirlwind of friends, classes, parties and a growing friendship with the handsome Jervis Pendleton. With so much happening in her life, Judy can scarcely stop writing to 'Daddy-Long-Legs', or wondering who her mysterious benefactor is..."
Rating: A good classic Why I Like It: I first read this book as a teen-ager. I liked it then, but I liked it even more now as an adult. This was the first book I ever read written in letter form. I think it is a fun way to tell a story. Re-reading this as an adult I was struck by how funny it was. I think I missed the humor as a teenager b/c of being at the same time in life as the main character.
Reviewer: Brigette Hill

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

Title: The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax Author: Dorothy Gilman Genre: Spy/action, with some comedy
Summary: From Amazon: "Mrs. Virgil (Emily) Pollifax of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was a widow with grown children. She was tired of attending her Garden Club meetings. She wanted to do something good for her country. So, naturally, she became a CIA agent. This time, the assignment sounds as tasty as a taco. A quick trip to Mexico City is on her agenda. Unfortunately, something goes wrong, and our dear Mrs. Pollifax finds herself embroilied in quite a hot Cold War--and her country's enemies find themsleves entangled with one unbelievably feisty lady." Rating: Great!
Why I Like It: This book is so much fun. Mrs. Pollifax is such an unlikely spy. She cares about the people around her, which leads to some funny situations and unexpected friendships. This is not a serious or grizzly spy book, but at the same time there is still action.
Other: This is part of a series of books. You don't have to read them in order, but references are made to past characters at times.
Reviewer: Brigette Hill

Dear Mr. Knightley

Title: Dear Mr. Knightley
Author: Katherine Reay
Genre: Fiction
Summary: From Amazon: " Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others, namely, her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story by giving that story to a complete stranger. Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is, both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore. But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get stranger than fiction. An anonymous, Dickensian benefactor (calling himself Mr. Knightley) offers to put Sam through Northwestern University's prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress. As Sam's dark memory mingles with that of eligible novelist Alex Powell, her letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional. While Alex draws Sam into a world of warmth and literature that feels like it's straight out of a book, old secrets are drawn to light. And as Sam learns to love and trust Alex and herself, she learns once again how quickly trust can be broken.
Reminding us all that our own true character is not meant to be hidden, Reay's debut novel follows one young woman's journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.
Rating: Good
Why I Like It: This book has a lot of references to Jane Austen's work, which I really enjoyed. Also, the main character is an adult that has been through the foster care system. I have a special place in my heart for orphan's and children in foster care. I have worked with some of these kids as an occupational therapist. This book is a good example of how we can love the people around us and provide family for them whether they are blood family or not.
Reviewer: Brigette

Mason Jar Salads and More

Title: "Mason Jar Salads and More" 
Author: Julia Mirabella 
Genre: Cookbook 
Summary: (From Amazon:) "Discover the coolest way to pack a tasty, healthy lunch! Mason Jar Salads and More shows how to prepare on-the-go meals that are packed with fresh produce and whole foods." 
Rating: Good  
Why I Like It: What is special about jar salads is that you can make them ahead of time (up to 3 to 5 days ahead of time). This book teaches you how to layer the ingredients so that they don't get soggy. When you are ready to eat them, you pour it out onto a bowl or plate. I make salads for Luke's lunch and send them to work with him. I also use a larger jar and make a salad for the girls and myself to share. One night during the week I will make a bunch of salads for the week. I even took some in a cooler when we went on a trip this last fall. While living out of a hotel room, it was nice to have a good, fresh salad ready to eat. Once you learn the concept of layering, you can modify the recipes to what your tastes are, and what you have on hand. It is a fun way to use the Bucher canning jars. My favorite recipes are: Southwestern Salad, Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad, Cobb Salad, and Apple Frisee Salad (I use spinach or green leaf lettuce for that one). 
Reviewer: Brigette

The Grand Sophy

Title: The Grand Sophy
Author: Georgette Heyer
Genre: Romantic, Comedy, Historical Fiction
Summary: From:  amazon.com - "Sophy sets everything right for her desperate family in one of Georgette Heyer's most popular Regency romances. When Lady Ombersley agrees to take in her young niece, no one expects Sophy, who sweeps in and immediately takes the ton by storm. Sophy discovers that her aunt's family is in desperate need of her talent for setting everything right: Ceclia is in love with a poet, Charles has tyrannical tendencies that are being aggravated by his grim fiancee, her uncle is of no use at all, and the younger children are in desperate need of some fun and freedom. By the time she's done, Sophy has commandeered Charles's horses, his household, and finally, his heart."
Rating: So Good!
Why I Like It: This book is really fun and lively. The main character has lots of personality.
Reviewer: Brigette

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt

Title:"Saving CeeCee Honeycutt"  
Author: Beth Hoffman and Jenna Lamia
Genre: Fiction,
Rating: Good
Why I Like It: This book is really sweet. While the main character comes from a hard life, the love and care of people that she meets helps her to heal.  Lots of interesting characters in it. Go check it out!
Reviewer: Brigette