THE GIRLS by Emma Cline makes me question the world around us. I didn’t like the characters or even empathize with them, yet they drew me into their bizarre world, making me wonder what would happen next. Credit to the author for making me curious enough beyond what made me very uncomfortable. Our fascination with…

An enjoyable debut, THE BEAST OF CLAN KINCAID by Lily Blackwood creates anticipation for this mercenary’s missing brothers’ stories. Fans of Scottish historical romance books will especially enjoy the twist at the end of this novel that propels us forward to book two, expected in December 2016. Niall Braewick and his two brothers fled separately…

THIS ROAD I RIDE by Juliana Buhring is an inspirational cycling memoir especially enjoyed by those who appreciate mental and physical endurance. Juliana’s story is not just about the ride, but includes snippets of what she endured in captivity in a religious cult and other traumatic events in her life that she works through while…

The gorgeous cover drew me to LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER by Catherine Ryan Hyde, but its wilderness adventure aspects with a positive message convinced me of this new-to-me author’s talent. LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a young man’s coming of age adventure that teaches him confidence and forgiveness. Ethan Underwood is a scrawny…

An excellent adventure memoir, BRAVING IT by James Campbell describes three thrilling expeditions into the Alaskan arctic wild with his daughter. It’s not just the individual journeys that are thrilling but the fact that a father and his fifteen-year-old daughter willingly went three times to brave the elements, when each experience threatens to break their…

ONLY BELOVED by Mary Balogh, the seventh book in the SURVIVORS’ CLUB series, features an older couple, each with a painful past, hoping to find peace and companionship. A charming finale of a beloved series. When the last one of his six Survivors’ Club friends marries, the Duke of Stanbrook realizes he’s lonely. At forty-eight…

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW by Jo Goodman will entice you to seek more of these romantic feel-good westerns. Jo Goodman always entertains western historical fans with her brand of subtle humor that comes across so beautifully in actions and words. Find a shelf and start stocking it with Goodman’s westerns and be prepared to reread…