The True Memoirs of Little K by Adrienne Sharp, 378 pages

This examines the last Russian tsar Nicholas and his last years as told by Mathilde Kschessinska, the ballerina who captured his heart and had his first, though illegitimate, son. It was intriguing and captivated me from page one.

Blood Work by Holly Tucker, 304 pages

This looks at the history of blood transfusions, including the first dog to dogs and a calf to man. It's hard to believe that more people didn't die from these early transfusion attempts.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio, 315 pages

Auggie was born with severe facial deformities that resulted in him being homeschooled until now. He is about to start fifth grade at Beecher Prep. Auggie knows that he is normal on the inside, his outsides just don't show it, but can he make his classmates realize that.

Jeana had reviewed this book and it sounded pretty good so I checked it out for my 10-year-old. I happened to finish the book I was reading on my lunch break and this was in the van so I started it today. I couldn't put it down. This was one of the sweetest books I've ever read. It reminded me somewhat of the "Mask" movie with Cher. I was crying at the very end of the book, it was so good. This might be a juvenile book, but I think everyone should read it. I really can't say enough good things about it. Pick it up, but make sure you have some tissues at the end of the book.

Once Upon a Time by Kate William, 199 pages

Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield are spending their summer as au pairs-for a royal family! When Jessica sees the beautiful European chateau where they'll be staying for the summer, she feels like she's living in a fantasy world-complete with a prince, a royal ball, and a guarded castle. Is there an evil stepmother too? Elizabeth adores her young charges at Chateau d'Amour Inconnu. The only problem is Pierre, a six-year-old who likes to hide from her. While trying to find Pierre one day, Elizabeth gets lost in a vast topiary maze on the castle grounds. What she discovers at the maze's end just might turn her wildest fantasies into reality!

Fashion Victim by Kate William, 197 pages

Fired! Elizabeth Wakefield has been booted from her magazine internship-for stealing an idea she thought up in the first place! With the help of her twin sister, Elizabeth sets out to prove she was framed. Her snooping leads her into terrible danger when the glittering world of fashion publishing takes a dark and nasty turn. Jessica Wakefield has a major dilemma. Dating fashion photographer Quentin Berg has been an exciting whrilwind of glamorous late-night parties. He knows all the right people. But Quentin isn't all he's cracked up to be-in fact, he's shallow, stuck-up creep. It's Cameron Smith-a clerk from the magazine's mail room-who's got real class. Do nice guys really finish last?

Oscar Wilde and Game Called Murder by Gyles Brandreth, 394 pages

A murder mystery featuring Oscar Wilde as the detective. What's not to like?

Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance by Gyles Brandreth, 347 pages

I reviewed this for the Globe so I don't want to say too much. I really enjoyed it though.