Monroe Township Library

Book Lovers Blog

**Staff Pick**
A Tree Grown in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith Recommended by Jean For some reason, I never got around to reading this book until now. It's a classic, of course, written in the 1940s and reflects a lot on the author's real life. I really enjoyed reading about how different life was and all of the challenges her family endured while seeking a better life. The story spans about 20 years of her life in the poorer section of Brooklyn beginning at the turn of the century. I'm glad I finally read it! Posted: 04-19-2013 Posted by: jennifer

**Staff Pick**
Heartsick by Chelsea Cain Recommended by Jennifer Gretchen Lowell is a beautiful woman, and a vicious serial killer, who claims Detective Archie Sheridan as her 200th victim! Susan Ward is an up-in-coming journalist who profiles Sheridan, and gets more than she'd bargained for. This gripping thriller is a dark tale of a love-hate relationship between Lowell and Sheridan, and the methodical work between all three characters to catch a new serial killer. Lowell is locked away in a maximum security prison serving a life sentence, but still manages to control Sheridan, who needs her to help solve murders both old and new. The first in a series of six books, Heartsick is a great read with fresh characters in the genre of serial killer fiction. Posted: 03-26-2013 Posted by: jennifer

**Staff Pick**
News from Heaven by Jennifer Haigh Recommended by Jean This new fiction reads like a continuing short story. The stories are based out of a fictional coal mining town in Pennsylvania. The author really draws you in and brings you along throughout the lives of generations of family and friends living in this town. This book was really enjoyable to read. I look forward to more from Jennifer Haigh. Posted: 03-26-2013 Posted by: jennifer

**Staff Pick**
Peaches for Father Francis (Chocolat #3) by Joanne Harris Recommended by Jean I loved it! Joanne Harris continues the story of Vianne Rocher and the village of Lansquenet in France. Vianne returns to the village with both her daughters to help someone in need and gets involved in their lives in an unexpected way. Old characters are brought back and many new ones are introduced. Harris has such a unique writing style that's so much fun to read. I really enjoyed it! Posted: 03-13-2013 Posted by: jennifer

**Staff Pick**
Paranoia by Joseph Finder Recommended by Monica Adam, a low-level employee at a high-tech company, paid for his friend's retirement party using company funds! He gets caught and is given a choice - jail or agree to become a corporate spy. His employer transforms Adam and with the aid of false documents he is, according to plan, employed by their leading competitor. Now he's living in high style. A life based on lies and betrayal. What and who is the real deal? The new lifestyle is great but so is the danger. Who can he really trust? A movie based on this book will be released in October 2013! Posted: 02-08-2013 Posted by: jennifer

**Staff Pick**
SecondWorld (audio) by Jeremy Robinson Recommended by Monica Eat your Wheaties before you listen to or read this thriller! The action just keeps on coming! Red flakes are falling from the sky in several cities, depleting the oxygen in the air. Is this a natural phenomenon, or an attack? Lincoln Miller, an ex-Navy SEAL turned NCIS agent, is going to find out the hard way! Posted: 02-05-2013 Posted by: jennifer

**Staff Pick**
A Sight for Sore Eyes, by Ruth Rendell Recommended by Jean This is the best Rendell yet! Listened to the audio book and it was amazing! For lovers of murder mysteries and psychological thrillers, her storytelling is like no other. Highly recommend. Posted: 01-15-2013 Posted by: jennifer

**Staff Pick**
Gold by Chris Cleave Recommended by Karen Gold is the story of Zoe, Kate and Jack, three Olympic sprint cyclists. While there is a lot of information about the sport and training, the story is about the complex, competitive friendship of Kate and Zoe. Ultimately, it is a story about family, love and sacrifices. I listened to this book and found myself thinking of where to drive so I could continue hearing the story! Posted: 01-04-2013 Posted by: jennifer

**Staff Pick**
Portobello by Ruth Rendell Recommended by Jeanne My "new" favorite author! If you like crime fiction, or just a really well-written story, this is the book for you. The story takes place in London's Notting Hill. A man stumbles across an envelope full of cash and takes it upon himself to find its rightful owner. I listened to this book which was read by Tim Curry. Loved it! Posted: 12-04-2012 Posted by: jennifer

**Staff Pick**
Come Home by Lisa Scottoline Recommended by Theresa After divorce, Jill didn't just say goodbye to her ex-husband, but also his two daughters as well. Jill misses her step daughters and tries to contact them but isn't successful. Three years later, her step daughter Abby knocks on the door crying that her father was murdered. The police rule it as an accidental death. Jill digs into the investigation to find out the truth. This book reminds me of Save Me by the same author. Posted: 11-19-2012 Posted by: jennifer

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