Fables: War and Pieces, 191 pages

This was probably the saddest book so far. Characters that I had come to care about didn't make it, and it's amazing how involved in these books I've become. The next two books are severely overdue and I may have to go to the patron's house and get them back, I'm that hooked on this series.

Fables: The Good Prince, 228 pages

This was one of the sweetest books in the series so far.

Fables:Wolves, 159 pages

Bigsby is back! This series has continue to hold my interest and is definitely not fairytales for little kids.

Fables: Sons of Empire, 200 pages

Finally one of the books has a semi-happy ending, but for how long. I love this graphic novel series, sadly I seem to be winding my way to the end. I don't know what I will do next.

Paris, Tightwad, and Peculiar by Margot Ford McMillen, 93 pages

My husband had checked this book out and I thought it looked interesting. It's a relatively short read, giving the background for some of the more odd place names in Missouri. I had always thought Versailles and Paris, MO, were named after France, but no, they're actually named after towns in Kentucky. This wasn't an indepth read or totally engrossing, but if you want to learn some interesting tidbits in an afternoon, this is a good book for that.

MASH goes to Maine by Richard Hooker, 190 pages

The doctors you loved in the original book are back home. Hawkeye decides to pull all his friends together into practice in Crabapple Cove, Maine. I have to say I like this book better than the first one. It was hard to read at times with the use of local vernacular, but it was still pretty funny. I'm glad I got this inter-library loan.

The Runaway Princess by Kate Coombs, 279 pages

Meg has has her hand in marriage and half the kingdom promised to whoever can rid the kingdom of the witch, the bandits (who only steal from the rich and give to the poor) and the dragon. Meg decides to warn the witch, bandits, and dragon rather than hang around waiting to be rescued from a tower. Adventure and mishaps galore soon set in.
I picked up this book for Sammi today, and then discovered that the book I brought to read was actually the 4th in a series, and I can't read a series out of order. So I started Sammi's book and was hooked. It was fun, and a good read, with a heroine determined to save herself.

Raising Stony Mayhall by Daryl Gregory, 422 pages

Stony is a different kind of zombie. He was found as a baby, and grew up. Now his family works together to hide Stony from the government who wants to purge all zombies from the world.
This was a different kind of zombie book, with the zombies retaining awareness, and banding together to stay under the government's radar. It wasn't a bad read at all.

Elizabeth's Secret Diary, Volume II by Kate William, 325 pages

This is a behind the scenes look at the Sweet Valley High books #71-82, with storylines never seen before. I'm closer than ever to the end of this series.

101 Road Patrol Tales by E.W. Tompkins Jr., 203 pages

Tompkins was a patrolman with the California Highway Patrol and this book contains 101 of his funniest and oddest moments. It was a little hard at times to follow because he would try to lay out a scene using a lot of directions and my spatial imagination isn't always the best, but for a fun light read, it wasn't bad.

Too Much Information by Gene Ambaum & Bill Barnes, 127 pages

This is the newest Unshelved collection that my supervisor was nice enough to pick up for me at PLA. I am a huge fan of Unshelved and wish it could be assigned reading for some of our patrons. I feel like I alternate between Dewey and Colleen.

Fables: Arabian Nights (and Days), 143 pages

These graphic novels just keep getting better and better. I can't wait for Bigsby to show back up.

American Pie by Pascale Le Draoulec, 368 pages

This is the book for Readers Without Borders book club, and I'm very glad I picked it up. Pascale is heading to New York from California, and decides to turn her trip into a discovery of pie, America's favorite dessert. It's amazing how just talking about pie will turn strangers into friends bonding over this homage to family and past. It's amazing how pie differs from region to region, yet it has a common ground that brings us all together with fork in hand. I have discovered a new passion for baking and some great new pie recipes that I can't wait to try. I may wait a little while before I attempt my pie crusts, but I will be trying them sometime. This was a great read that I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone.

The Flower Reader by Elizabeth Loupas, 414 pages

Rinette Leslie is at the deathbed of Mary of Guise, queen regent of Scotland, and plans on making her way home to her beloved Granmuir. But the dying queen entrusts Rinette with a silver casket filled with secrets of Scotland's leading families. Rinette makes it home to Granmuir and marries her beloved Alexander, but the silver casket claims his life and her happiness. She trades the silver casket for her husband's murderer, but will Rinette be able to survive long enough to see that trade happen? She must rely on her ability to read the flowers, but can she trust her instincts?
This was a great historical read, with Rinette being a strong female character in a time that neither valued nor appreciated a woman's worth. I was skeptical when I first started the book, about Rinette's flower reading ability, but it was portrayed in a way that fit the book and wasn't hokey or over the top. I enjoyed how the historical personages, such as Nostradamus and James Stewart, were interplayed with fictional characters. Fans of Karen Harper and Philippa Gregory will enjoy Elizabeth Loupas' new take on historical fiction.

Fables: Homelands, 190 pages

This was slightly different from the previous books, as it covers 3-4 years from Jack's time in Hollywood, the Homelands, and Fabletown. We finally get to discover who the Adversary is in this book also. I love how all the different fable and legend characters are brought into the stories.

Tales of Terror from the Black Shop by Chris Priestley, 243 pages

These are some very dark and creepy childrens' stories, filled with gruesomeness and a high shiver factor. I really think we need to add these books to our library.

Fables: The Mean Seasons, 166 pages

Volume 5 in what is becoming one of my favorite graphic novel series. Bigby and Snow White are a great couple, can't wait to read more about them.

A Catered St. Patrick's Day by Isis Crawford, 323 pages

A perfectly fine murder mystery, just not my favorite.

Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror by Chris Priestley, 239 pages

I had really enjoyed Mister Creecher by Christ Priestley, so I thought I would pick up one of his other books. Unfortunately, we don't have any others, so I had to request this via inter-library loan. Edward is visiting his strange and slightly creepy Uncle Montague, listening to his stories. It doesn't take very many before Edward notices something odd that all the stories have in common. But, will Edward figure this out in time, or will he end up in one of Uncle Montague's stories.
This was an entertaining read, creepy and a lot of fun.

Victims by Jonathan Kellerman, 338 pages

The newest Alex Delaware book, but I think at this point I'm just reading them out of habit. The books are still an okay read, but not as gripping and intriguing as they were at the beginning of the series. Plus, the end felt like it was wrapped up just too neatly and fast for my taste.

The High School War by Kate William, 201 pages

The rivalry between Palisades High and Sweet Valley High has escalated into a full-fledged war-with Jessica Wakefield caught in the middle. She's fallen in love with Christian Gorman, the ringleader of the deadly Palisades gang. And when Jessica's boyfriend, Ken Matthews, finds out, he might do something he'll regret for a lifetime. After a school dance turns violent, Elizabeth Wakefield watches powerlessly as her steady boyfriend, Todd Wilkins, is hauled off to jail. What will he do when he discovers she's the one who called the police?

Falling for Lucas by Kate William, 231 pages

Jessica Wakefield's ski vacation goes from fun to fantastic when she takes lessons with handsome skiing instructor Lucas King. There's only one problem: her best friend, Lila Fowler, has fallen for him, too. Jessica's determined to keep Lucas out of Lila's clutches, even if she has to risk life and limb to do it! Elizabeth Wakefield loses sight of her boyfriend, Todd Wilkins, on a craggy slope, and moments later he's caught in a sudden avalanche. Afraid that he might be trapped under the freezing-cold snow, Elizabeth joins forces with a rescue squad to reach him. Will Todd be found alive?

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, 335 pages

I'm not sure how this book ended up on my read shelf since it's been a month or two since I put it on my hold list, but it was a different read that was really good. It covers basically one year in New York City int the life of a young girl who ends up associating with some of the upper crust of society. The story was not predictable, but never strained belief. I would totally recommend this read.

Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith, 287 pages

This was the playful romp of a sequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are married and settling down for a long and happy life together when Darcy is bitten by a zombie. Elizabeth must turn to Darcy's aunt for help, knowing that the price may her marriage.
While this wasn't as good as the first book, or Jane Austen's original Pride and Prejudice, this was still an enjoyable read.

Death of a Kingfisher by M.C. Beaton, 245 pages

This is another great Hamish Macbeth mysteries by one of my favorite writers. I love how Hamish is so much better with his dog and wild cat than with women. There is always lots of action in these books, combined with great humor. The children in this novel with totally creepy.

Meet Me at Midnight by Kate William, 197 pages

Elizabeth Wakefield hates Nicole Banes. And from the moment she arrived at Camp Echo Mountain, Nicole has hated Elizabeth, too. It doesn't help that Elizabeth is dating Joey Mason, the guy Nicole loves. Now Nicole wants revenge-and a surprise visit from Elizabeth's longtime boyfriend Todd Wilkins gives Nicole the perfect opportunity to ruin Elizabeth's life. As usual, Jessica Wakefield has fallen for the one guy she can't have: Paul Mathis, a gorgeous local. Camp rules absolutely forbid sneaking off the grounds-especially at night. Will Jessica's plans for a moonlit meeting end in disaster...or true love?

Elizabeth's Rival by Kate William, 199 pages

Elizabeth Wakefield is thrilled to be a junior counselor at Camp Echo Mountain in Montana! Best of all, Elizabeth is reunited with one of her closest friends from middle school, Maria Slater, who's also a junior counselor! But when Maria introduces Elizabeth to her best friend, Nicole Banes, it's hate at first sight. And it doesn't help that Elizabeth and Nicole are both falling for the same guy. Lila Fowler's idea of roughing it is giving up her silk sheets. But when she meets gorgeous, rugged Bo Schaeffer, she can't help telling a tiny white lie-that she loves the outdoors, too. Will Lila be able to hike up a mountain, pitch a tent, and chop firewood to impress the most handsome guy she's ever met? Or will the real Lila shine through?

Who the Hell is Pansy O'Hara? by Jenny Bond & Chris Sheedy, 318 pages

This is a behind the scenes look at some of literature's most loved books and volumes. It explores whose manuscript was taller than the author, what author was part of the Allied team that cracked the Enigma Code belonging to the Nazis, who served time in Siberia, who book started as a challenge for children's books, along with forty-six other fascinating stories. Some of the books mentioned I had never read but I'm now planning on picking up (Valley of the Dolls, to name one.)

Fables: March of the Wooden Soldiers, 239 pages

Book 4 in what is becoming one of my favorite graphic novel series. They are very dark and gripping. The ending to this one left me just a little sad, but I can't wait to see what Prince Charming does next.

My Boyfriend is a Monster: Under His Spell by Marie P. Croall, 127 pages

A cute teen graphic novel featuring a teen girl too focused for boys until a fae kingling drops into her life. This wasn't my favorite in the series so far, but considering it didn't take too long to read, it wasn't bad.

Deader Homes & Gardens by Joan Hess, 291 pages

This was another funny mystery in the Claire Malloy series. I completely loved how she immediately fell in love with "her" house and everything she went through to try to get it. As always, a fun fast read.

Jessica's Secret Diary, Vol. 2 by Kate William, 329 pages

This featured Jessica's devious romance with Todd Wilkins, along with classic moments from Sweet Valley High books #40-#55.

Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie, 625 pages

I love reading historical fiction and nonfiction, especially about women royalty, so this book was a perfect fit. It was an indepth look at one of history's most maligned women. Much has been made of her young lovers, with many untruths tossed about. What it comes down to is, Catherine was a strong woman who took control of a country she loved from a weak husband, and became one of Russia's best rulers.
This book was extremely well-researched with lots of backstory included, so you know not only what happened in Russia, but how other countries played an important role. I had never known how strongly the French Revolution affected Catherine and her ruling. All in all, this is a must read for fans of history, royalty, or outstanding biographies.