How To Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry, Pages 352

A book about a bookshop where you can find many things, who would have thought that I myself would have fallen in love with the novel about the bookshop. The plot line by Veronica Henry is brilliant and flawlessly written. Also yet again the setting took place in Scotland, which I am beginning to think that books set in this country will tie me over until I get to visit it again. As far as the characters, there are many here and there. (pay close attention - you have been warned) Anyone looking for a cosy read and a fast one, pick this up and give it a try.

I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll 287 Pages

I Am Watching You is the first novel I’ve read by Teresa Driscoll, and it did not disappoint. I was hooked from page one, and found myself reading a chapter here and there, every chance I could. The way that Driscoll switched between characters for every chapter had me on the edge of my seat the entire book, and the way she would end each chapter had me reading as fast as I could so I could get to that particular character's next chapter. And to top it all off... you will never see this ending coming. 

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick, 331 pages

This sweet little tale tells the story of 69 year-old Arthur Pepper and the physical and emotional journey he embarks on a year after he is widowed.

He begins the story feeling helpless, abandoned and alone.  By the end, Arthur has come into his own.  He finds he is not helpless, not abandoned and not alone.

This would be a great book to read during the frenzy of the holidays.  Need to relax?  Sit down, pour a cup of tea, and embark on a journey with our friend Arthur.

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, 286 pages

The Owens women are witches and unlucky in love.  So it has been for over 200 years.  Two young sisters lose their parents and move across the country to be raised by two elderly aunts they've never met.  Thus begins Alice Hoffman's "Practical Magic."

I missed the book the first time around and read it after reading the excellent prequel, "The Rules of Magic."  Both are entertaining chick lit reads.  I'm glad I went back and read this one, though my heart remains with the Rules.  It was great fun to see how Alice Hoffman has matured as a writer between the 1995 publication of "Practical Magic" and the 2017 publication of "The Rules of Magic."

The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein 329 pages

Chris Grabenstein is well-known for his Mr. Lemoncello series and for working with James Patterson on books like I, Funny.  You can imagine my surprise, then, that he could be such an effective and chilling horror writer.  This story is still very accessible to children, probably 5th grade and up would be the recommendation, but there were some very spooky bits.  This is the first in a series where the protagonist, Zach Jennings, not only sees ghosts, but interacts with them and solves mysteries with his super cool stepmom.  Grabenstein has proven that he can write exceptional stories for all ages.  I think teens and adults who enjoy a ghost story with personality and lots of atmosphere would enjoy this one, too. 

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling 652 pages

This installment in the Harry Potter series was one of the most fascinating to me.  I loved that they were learning so much about Tom Riddle (the man who became Lord Voldemort) and there was so much scary stuff going on.  It was thoroughly enjoyable...even with the ending it had.  Death is but another adventure to the curious mind.  When you get to the end of this (if you haven't before,) just remember that.  There are worse things to fear than death.  I think Harry understands this better than many and certainly better than Voldemort. Oh, and romance is in the air in this installment, too.  I would put this toward the top of my favorites.  Harry definitely grew as a character at 16.  Such a welcome development after book 5!  I listened to this one read by Jim Dale...still not crazy about the hard t on the end of Voldemort, but enjoyable nonetheless!

The Lost Letter by Jillian Cantor, 322 pages

I happen to love WWII related fiction. I picked this book up thanks to a recommendation from an online book club that I participate in. I was hooked from page one. Alternating chapters with different time periods normally bugs me but it really worked with this story. It's an interesting and intriguing tale about something I hadn't heard of before...stamp engraving. I know it doesn't sound that interesting but I was so fascinated by it.There's an AHA moment in this book. When I got it I texted a co-worker that I wasn't coming to work until I finished the book (I finished in time for work). I also instantly recommended this book to a ton of people. Plus I instantly put it on hold for patrons at my library that I knew would love it. I will definitely read everything this author writes from now.

The Cafe by the Sea by Jenny Colgan 416 pages

This is yet again another novel that made me fall back into love with Scotland. A time where I spent most of my Christmas Break my Sophomore year. With the twist of summer hinting in and out of the book, this made me feel like I was home. An interesting read with a plot line that was so unpredictable and characters that felt like they were my own best friends, left The Cafe by the Sea a novel that I could not put down.

Coraline by Neil Gaimen 208 pages

Initially I saw this movie and was astounded by the amount of production that went into it. I soon learned that the movie was based off of a book (like any movie anymore). I read this only because it was needed for one of my college courses. I ended up loving it. If you are one that is expecting the book to be like the movie, well I won't be the one to make that judgement for ya. But if you love Coraline and the adventures that she goes on in the world - then this book is for you. A feel of suspense of what comes next and yet, excitement for what is yet to come. That's what Coraline really brings you.

Coraline Book Cover

Coraline Movie Poster

The Cracked Spine by Paige Shelton 304 pages

The Cracked Spine is just what happened to this book once I was done reading it. It was the best mystery book I have read in a long time (and I don't ever really read mysteries). The setting was one that I loved only because my inner wanderlust was wanting to be in Scotland right next to this shop, in front of a bakery. A mystery that is hard to solve is well worth the read. I cant wait to read the second book in A Scottish Bookshop Series.