August 14, 2020 - Staff Reviews

The Wife and the Widow

By Christian White

Release Date: September 24, 2019

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/4754247

3 Stars - A fast-moving novel with an eerie atmosphere. White's story is written in the edge-of-your-seat style that makes the first fifty pages or so fly by. You'll either be hooked or you won't. The parallel perspectives of the wife and the widow characters are filled with thoughtful description, interspersed with everyday life details. Nearly every page paint the question "what if this was me?"

White's characters are deliberately vague at times, but Abby and Kate are average women having their lives shaken up completely. At times, Kate's rather precocious daughter Mia steals the scene, though at times I felt like she came off as younger than her described age. The beginning sets up seemingly a hundred different possible scenarios, and some lucky guessers will probably have a good hunch. But the story is written in a way that it's still intriguing. Fans of Harlan Coben, Gillian Flynn, and other authors taking on the domestic thriller challenge will enjoy this mystery the most I believe.

Personally, I am a terrible liar so I sometimes have trouble grasping stories and characters who rely heavily on lies. But the many different paths and possibilities all the deception allowed for was fascinating. I think I could have used some help with the settings and dialects as well. White is Australian and while he tells the story in excellent ways, at times I felt like he just assumed I knew what he was talking about. Some of the places mentioned, I had little to no geographic knowledge of and required a bit of a better picture in my head location wise. Similarly, at times the dialouge had little details or quirks that left me scratching my head or re-reading. I also enjoy having a bit more description of the general details and mood of the location the story is taking place in. Hanging in to the ending will worth it for readers who just have to get to that last page.
(NS)

August 12, 2020 - Staff Reviews

Title: The Grimm Legacy

The Grimm Legacy Series, Book 1

By Polly Shulman

Read as an eBook from WVReads 

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/wvreads-brooke/content/media/347143

First and foremost I had to read this Young Adult novel because the main character Elizabeth, becomes a page in the New York Circulating Material Repository. Be still my librarian heart! 

If you are a fan of The Librarian, Night at the Museum, and a host of other adventure type tales that take place in a remarkable facility, this is your book.

I really don't want to give anything away. So I am going to share the blurb that the WVReads had, which is where the photo is from as well.

"Elizabeth has just started working as a page at the New York Circulating Material Repository - a lending library of objects, contemporary and historical, common and obscure. And secret, too - for in the repository's basement lies the Grimm Collection, a room of magical items straight from the Grimm Brother's fairy tales. But the magic mirrors and seven-league boots and other items are starting to disappear. And before she knows it, she and her fellow pages - handsome Marc, perfect Anjali, and brooding Aaron - are suddenly caught up in an exciting, and dangerous, magical adventure."

I have checked out the second book now, and need to read the next one in the series! I am hooked!

(as)

August 10, 2020 - New Arrivals

August 10, 2020

Adult Fiction

Lady at the Window: The Lost Journal of Julian of Norwich by Robert Waldron.

There are two windows in Lady Julian's anchorage: one looks upon the interior of St. Julian's Church with its high altar and tabernacle; the other opens onto the city of Norwich with its publicans, sinners, poor, people in the marketplace, and neighbors. Among these there are those in deep distress who find their way to Lady Julian, now famous for her wisdom and holy counsel. There is the young woman with a child outside of marriage. There is a wounded young soldier, jobless, homeless, and afraid. There is a man who has betrayed his betrothed. And others. No one leaves Julian's window without psychological and spiritual uplifting. – Provided by publisher.

The Last Train to London by Meg Waite Clayton.

In 1936, the Nazis are little more than loud, brutish bores to fifteen-year old Stephan Neuman, the son of a wealthy and influential Jewish family and a budding playwright whose playground extends from Vienna's streets to its intricate underground tunnels. Stephan's best friend and companion is the brilliant Žofie-Helene, a Christian girl whose mother edits a progressive, anti-Nazi newspaper. But the two adolescents' carefree innocence is shattered when the Nazis take control. – Provided by publisher.

A Reasonable Doubt by Philip Margolin.

Robin Lockwood is a young criminal defense attorney and partner in a prominent law firm in Portland, Oregon. A former MMA fighter and Yale Law graduate, she joined the firm of legal legend Regina Barrister not long before Regina was forced into retirement by early onset Alzheimer's. One of Regina's former clients, Robert Chesterfield, shows up in the law office with an odd request--he's seeking help from his old attorney in acquiring patent protection for an illusion -- Provided by publisher.

Adult Non-Fiction

Native Healer: Initiation into an Ancient Art by Medicine Grizzlybear Lake.

An exciting glimpse into the world of Native American shamanism. Many today claim to be healers and spiritual teachers, but Medicine Grizzlybear Lake definitely is both. In this work he explains how a person is called by higher powers to be a medicine man or woman and describes the trials and tests of a candidate. Lake gives a colorful picture of Native American shamanism and discusses ceremonies such as the vision quest and sweat lodge. – Provided by publisher.

Acts of Our Gentle God by Jay A. Schulberg.

Acts of Our Gentle God presents compelling evidence from the Bible to exonerate God of the charges that he is uncaring, judgmental, controlling, unfair, bad-tempered, or violent. The book demonstrates that the entire Bible, correctly understood, is in harmony with the definitive statement "God is love" (1 John 4:8). – Provided by publisher.

Easy/Juvenile/Young Adult/Graphic Novel

Radio Man by Arthur Dorros; translated by Sandra Marulanda Dorros. C

As he travels with his family of migrant farmworkers, Diego relies on his radio to provide him with companionship and help connect him to all the different places in which he lives. – Provided by publisher.

Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland. YA

After the fall of Summerland, Jane McKeene hoped her life would get simpler: Get out of town, stay alive, and head west to California to find her mother. But nothing is easy when you're a girl trained in putting down the restless dead, and a devastating loss on the road to a protected village called Nicodemus has Jane questioning everything she thought she knew about surviving in 1880s America. What's more, this safe haven is not what it appears--as Jane discovers when she sees familiar faces from Summerland amid this new society. Caught between mysteries and lies, the undead, and her own inner demons, Jane soon finds herself on a dark path of blood and violence that threatens to consume her. But she won't be in it alone. Katherine Deveraux never expected to be allied with Jane McKeene. But after the hell she has endured, she knows friends are hard to come by--and that Jane needs her too, whether Jane wants to admit it or not. Watching Jane's back, however, is more than she bargained for, and when they both reach a breaking point, it's up to Katherine to keep hope alive--even as she begins to fear that there is no happily-ever-after for girls like her. – Provided by publisher.

Brooke County Public Libraries    Wellsburg (304) 737-1551    Follansbee (304) 527-0860

August 7, 2020 - Staff Reviews

Love on Lexington Avenue

By Lauren Layne

Release Date: September 2019

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

2.5 stars- I think I was the wrong reader for this story but romantic comedy fans will find much to swoon over. Layne has mastered writing fun novels about city dwellers and unlikely love matches. Her prose shines here but I just could not invest myself in the plot.

Layne was a go-to read for me years ago, chick lit fiction without extra drama/angst. It's no surprise to me she's on the new wave of romantic comedy bestsellers. I'm talking the ones with animated cover characters and sassy snippets of dialouge. Her friend groups are always great, straight from 'Friends' usually. The idea of three best friends having bonded over their love of a manwhore... I couldn't get it. These women are likable, witty, and mostly classy. However, this has a lot rehashing how, in general, they slept with the same guy. Claire is cute and funny. As a person, she's great. But too defined by her relationships with others and outside perspective for me. Scott is Layne's usual grumpy hero with a heart of gold the adorable heroine chips away at. Most comments say "If you love Sex & The City..." and they would probably be correct with a few exceptions. 

Layne's stories can be engrossing but without the whole 'who's the killer or stalker' angle? Anybody who loved Tessa Bailey's Fix Her Up will embrace this story and some fans of Janet Evanovich's early romances. Personally, I don't think the tale of sweet heroine casting a spell over the gruff but good-guy hero gets old. All that said, Claire (and her friends) come off very sheltered and naive, a little too much so. Sometimes I found myself wondering if real people like them exist. I love pink, consider myself a low key girlie girl but still. And we've reached a point where authors can give a lead a millennial's personality but be mid-30s. It's probably refreshing to some to have a shift in main characters back to people in their 30s after years Ebook sales geared to women in their 20s. Here both hero and heroine have a past and baggage to overcome. This fell just a little short of my expectations from Layne and I don't think I'll be reading the other two in this trilogy.

(NS)

August 5, 2020 - Staff Reviews

Title: Little Women

Author: Louisa May Alcott

e-Audiobook listened to through WVReads 

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/wvreads-brooke/content/media/117851

Believe it or not I never read this book before. Our library book club was reading this for their June discussion, and I thought, this is the time to do so.

I listened to it due to my commute, and am fairly new to audiobooks. It takes a second to get accustomed to it as I speak fast and need people to speak at a similar paste to keep my attention at times. But this narrator which was by Justine Eyre, did a decent job. The book does lag at times and I feel that was just the detail the author was putting in to it. I would never read it again like I would some books, but I am glad that I did, especially before watching the movie. The movie was good but was a bit out of order, though it does tell most of the story and it sometimes hard to follow. 

I completely understand why so many movies, artists, authors, etc. pull quotes from this book. There were so many good ones that I felt were just perfect. 

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”

“I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen.”

“Love is a great beautifier.”

“Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.

I could go on, but some of these really are a favorite of mine now. 

(as)

August 4, 2020 - Staff Reviews

The Stand

By Stephen King

Release Date: May 1, 1990

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/166393

3 stars - A chilling apocalyptic tale that feels ripped straight from today's headlines, despite being originally published decades ago. King fans will find much to embrace, while some-time fans might be a bit overwhelmed.  I was enthralled but also sort of exhausted while reading this enormous novel.

King prefaces this re-release by saying he knows it's quite the undertaking for a reader. I was inclined to agree. The publisher's decision to chop so much of the original story for printing purposes was wrong. It effectively kills a writer's vision too often for weak reasoning. But here King seems like he hasn't fully developed his trademark prose just yet. He has so many characters introduced in the beginning that it's hard to really connect with any one or two of them. It takes some time for the adventures to start but the plotlines do get all twisted and tangled together. I found it fascinating to follow every day, ordinary people trying to survive horrific event. Anyone who gets more and more scared reading today's headlines, should probably hold off on this book.

Many scenes are spine-tingling and I think will stick long after I finishing them. There's a good blend description wise of character personalities, settings, and science. King acknowledges that some people probably prefer the short version. I think I may have been in that camp. I've never been a fan of director's cuts, feeling like the film is dragged out and expanded. However, I did not read nor have a copy of the short version so I do not know what details were missing. To be honest, some of this feels really dated while the general plot itself is very timely. Dates suggested this was updated for 1990 but much of the content is still very 1970s-ish. This book is prime for one of those tv-reimagining updates. Overall, there's almost no way to get bored or too bogged down in the details here, but be prepared to really dig in your heels. 
(NS)

August 3, 2020 - New Arrivals

August 3, 2020

Adult Fiction

Devoted by Dean Koontz.

Woody Bookman hasn't spoken a word in his eleven years of life. Not when his father died in a freak accident. Not when his mother, Megan, tells him she loves him. For Megan, keeping her boy safe and happy is what matters. But Woody believes a monstrous evil was behind his father's death and now threatens him and his mother. And he's not alone in his thoughts. An ally unknown to him is listening. A uniquely gifted dog with a heart as golden as his breed, Kipp is devoted beyond reason to people. When he hears the boy who communicates like he does, without speaking, Kipp knows he needs to find him before it's too late. Woody's fearful suspicions are taking shape. A man driven by a malicious evil has set a depraved plan into motion. And he's coming after Woody and his mother. The reasons are primal. His powers are growing. And he's not alone. Only a force greater than evil can stop what's coming next. -- Provided by publisher.

The Chemist by Stephanie Meyer.

An ex-agent on the run from her former employers must take one more case to clear her name and save her life. She used to work for the U.S. government, one of the darkest secrets of an agency so clandestine it doesn't even have a name. And when they decided she was a liability, they came without warning, and they killed the only other person she trusted. When her former handler offers her a way out, it is her only chance to erase the giant target on her back. But the information she acquires only makes her situation more dangerous. And now she finds herself falling for a man who can only complicate her likelihood of survival.... – Provided by publisher.

After Sundown by Linda Howard & Linda Jones.

Sela Gordon, shy owner of a Tennessee general store, prefers solitude. If anyone can chip away at her protective shell it's the handsome, mysterious, ex-military man who's been hiding for two years in the wilds of Cove Mountain. But when he warns her that a catastrophic solar storm with the capability of taking down the power grids is approaching, Sela must come out of her shell and be the leader Wears Valley needs. Living in self-imposed exile, Ben Jernigan has learned the hard way to look out only for number one. With a top-notch security system, he's serious about keeping people at a distance. Yet he has to caution the undeniably sexy Sela about the impending threat-and now she's making it too easy for him to lower his guard. As panic spreads, Sela and Ben discover that in the dark, cut off from the outside world, there's no more playing it safe-in life or in love. – Provided by publisher.

Adult Non-Fiction

Pops!: Icy Treats for Everyone by Krystina Castella.

This first-ever ice pop compendium includes more than 100 recipes for pops with unique tastes and flavor combinations, such as Sour Plum, Sweet Martini, Thai Iced Coffee, and Blueberry Cheesecake-cool treats today's grown-up kids will be proud to serve at their birthday gatherings, barbecues, and cocktail parties. And for those whose creative interests stretch beyond the kitchen and into the DIY realm, Pops! offers innovative techniques for making ice molds from found objects and even small toys. With more than 30 full-color photographs and tons of quirky sidebars, Pops! features frosty indulgences for every occasion. – Provided by publisher.

The DC Comics Encyclopedia by Phil Jimenez, Scott Beatty, Robert Greenberger, & Dan Wallace.

This is the book that comic-book fans all over the world have been waiting for - a unique and definitive, one-volume encyclopedia of more than 1000 of the classic characters created by comics giant DC Comics. Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, The Joker, Catwoman…all the world-renowned super heroes and super villains are here, as well as lesser known favorites and weird and wonderful one-offs. The illustrations feature amazing work by the cream of DC's greatest-ever artists, while the authoritative text is supplied by top DC chroniclers. Special double-page features celebrate the incredible vehicles and weaponry, titanic clashes and romantic encounters of your favorite DC heroes and villains. Packed with information as well as thrilling, original, comic-book art, the fun and excitement of more than 60 years of comic-book history explodes off every page! – Provided by publisher.

Easy/Juvenile/Young Adult/Graphic Novel

No, No, Gnome! by Ashlyn Anstee. C

Gnome cannot wait to help his friends harvest the school garden! But his eagerness and excitement get him into trouble, leaving them all saying 'No, no, Gnome!'"-- Provided by publisher.

Legends of Marvel: The Avengers by Peter David, Roger Stern, Walter Simonson, Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz, Kathryn Immonen. GN

Legendary storytellers come together to tell new tales featuring classic Marvel heroes from the world of the Avengers! As Peter David and Dale Keown reunite with their signature icon, Bruce Banner is tired of life and about to lose all hope, until a miracle occurs: a fight worthy of the Incredible Hulk! In the wake of his classic saga of the siege of Avengers Mansion, Roger Stern reassembles Earth's Mightiest Heroes to face their oldest foe, Loki... with reality itself at stake! Roy Thomas returns to World War II with the ever-valiant Invaders: Captain America, Namor the Sub-Mariner and the original Human Torch! And experience the myth and majesty of immortal Asgard - and the mighty Thor! – Provided by publisher.

Brooke County Public Libraries    Wellsburg (304) 737-1551    Follansbee (304) 527-0860