The Secret Life Of Bees

Title:  The Secret Life Of Bees
Author:  Sue Monk Kidd Genre: fiction
Summary: "Set in South Carolina in 1964.  Tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed.  When Lily's fierce-hearted black "stand-in mother," Rosaleen insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free.  They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina-a town that holds the secret to her mother's past.  Taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna."
Rating: very good
Why I Like It:  Very interesting characters and story about an unhappy 14-year-old  finding love and family and learning some life lessons.

Other: Author also wrote THE MERMAID CHAIR which  I enjoyed.
Reviewer: Kathy

Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories, #1)

Title: Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories, #1)
Author: Mary Robinette Kowal
Genre: mystery, romance, historical fiction
Summary: from Goodreads: Shades of Milk and Honey is an intimate portrait of Jane Ellsworth, a woman ahead of her time in a version of Regency England where the manipulation of glamor is considered an essential skill for a lady of quality.  But despite the prevalence of magic in everyday life, other aspects of Dorchester's society are not that different: Jane and her sister Melody's lives still revolve around vying for the attentions of eligible men.  Jane resists this fate, and rightly so: while her skill with glamor is remarkable, it is her sister who is fair of face, and therefore wins the lion's share of attention.  At the ripe old age of twenty-eight, Jane has resigned herself to being invisible forever.  But when her family's honor is threatened, she finds that she must push her skills to the limit in order to set things right - and, in the process, accidentally wanders into a love story of her own.
Rating: pretty good (the following books in the series are excellent!)
Why I Like It: Davey actually recommended this series to me!  This first book is pretty much Pride and Prejudice story with a little magic.  And when I say magic, it's not what you think.  It's an imaginary skill of weaving pieces of "matter" to make beautiful things - something the author made up.  There is lots of adventure and mystery in these stories - not just a romantic tale!  I really like Jane and Vincent's relationship because they are witty, truthful, and constantly aware of each others needs.
Other: I listened to all of the books on audiobook and the narrator does a phenomenal job!
Reviewer: Avery

Lenci The History and the Dolls

Title:  Lenci The History and the Dolls 

Author:  Nancy Lazenby 

Genre: nonfiction, reference
Summary:  Years of primary research by Lenci (an Italian doll company) expert Nancy Lazenby have resulted in the most comprehensive book ever created, tracing the company's eighty-two-year history and production of fine felt dolls. Based on founder Elena Scavini's unpublished memoirs, interviews with her grand-daughter and with Bibija Garella, one of the last owners of the company, as well as with key people involved in the final decades of Lenci s history, this stunning volume also features more than four hundred color photos of dolls and other items made by the company. The full reference section presents detailed photos of specific features by which Lenci dolls can be identified, a visual history of the various tags used from 1919 through 2001 and a close look at a variety of felt dolls often misidentified as Lenci's. This beautiful book is an invaluable reference for beginning and advanced collectors alike.

Rating: Good.  Easy to read.  Have to have an reason to research the subject.
Why I Like It:  Obtained information about Lenci dolls I found in my closet.

Nancy's Lenci dolls - Aldo & Alice

 
Reviewer:  Nancy

Even This I Get To Experience

Title:  Even This I Get To Experience
Author:  Norman Lear
Genre: autobiography
Summary:  Norman Lear is the renowned creator of such iconic TV programs as All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, and Mary Hartman, Mary Hardman.  He remade our television culture from the ground up.  He was a writer, director and/or  producer in many TV shows and movies.  He had a very difficult childhood and was an airman in WWII.

Rating: very good
Why I Like It:  Interesting behind the scenes look at a big change in our popular culture.  I remember when All in the Family first broadcast and all the controversy.

Reviewer: Kathy

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

The Quilter's Apprentice

Title: The Quilter's Apprentice
Author: Jennifer Chiaverini
Genre: Historical Fiction, Quilts
Summary: From http://jenniferchiaverini.com: Master quilter Sylvia Compson shares the secrets of her creative gifts with her young assistant, Sarah McClure. During their lessons, the intricate, varied threads of Sylvia's life begin to emerge. It is the story of a young wife living through the hardships and agonies of the World War II home front; of a family torn apart by jealously and betrayal; of misunderstanding, loss, and a tragedy that can never be undone.
Rating: Very good!
Why I Like It: First book in series, the whole series is very good! Characters are interesting, carries on from one book to the next, I liked some of the books better than others, but would rate them all very good.
Other: Did listen to some on audio – enjoyed both reading & audio.
Reviewer: Patsy