Winners of Novel Destinations

Congratulations to the winners of the random drawings for the submitted photographs and book reviews:
Lori Leduc
Suzanne Bertrand
Gerry Fitta
Katelin Zucker
Barbara McCormick
Gene Burgess

Still Life by Louse Penny

An interesting muystery that takes place ina rural village south of Montreal. Chief Inspector Arman Gamache is called upon to determine if Miss Jane Neal's demise is an accident or murder.
The people of Three Rivers is an area where loyalists to the crown came at the time of the American Revolution.
Great characters an intriguing plot.
Reviewed by Gene Burgess

The Duchess by Amanda Foreman

Originally published as Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire, this is a biography of a fascinating woman of the 18th century, the great, great, great, great aunt of Princess Diana. The time period is the French Revolution when the aristocracy inherited wealth, gambled, used drugs, alcohol and were promiscuous.
There is a lot of discussion about politics and power. All the demons of yesteryear have not rested. This is an interesting look back at history.
Reviewed by Gene Burgess

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Dorian Gray has his portrait painted by artist Basil Hallward. Gray, a handsome and rather self indulgent young man wishes that he could stay youthful and the portrait would age. Plenty of suspenseful twists and turns to the story. Be careful what you wish for....
Reviewed by Gene Burgess

Beastly by Alex Finn

Beastly is a great book if you love romantic books with drama in it as well. The character Lindy was my favorite, she is so romantic and does not want to tell the guy (Kyle) she is in love with him until the very end. Kyle turns into the Beast and starts to fall in love with Lindy.

Reviewed by Erica K Badessa

Guilty as Sin by Tami Hoag

This book focuses on the prosecution of Dr. Garrett Wright, professor of psychology at Harris College, who is accused of kidnapping Josh Kirkwood. Prosecuting attorney, Ellen North goes against defending attorney Anthony Costello, with whom she had a liaison with while they were working in the cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota) before Ellen moved to Deer Lake, MN. That relationship had ended years before. Ellen had lost cases to Anthony before and found him to be an unscrupulous lawyer who considered winning the case a game.

Another ten-year-old boy is kidnapped while Garrett Wright is being held for Josh Kirkwood's kidnapping. Wright's attorney makes his case to the judge that perhaps Wright is not guilty of the first kidnapping either. Costello manages to get the circumstantial evidence against Wright dismissed and Wright is released on bail, free to return to his home two houses away from the Kirkwood residence.

The local police, sheriff's office, and BCA all cooperate to investigate Garret Wright's background to try to rebuild the case against him. Their efforts pay off and eventually justice is served.

This book is a "page turner" with lots of twists and turns keeping the reader off guard. It answers the questions left hanging in the author's previous book, Night Sins.

Reviewed by Suzanne Bertrand

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

The first time I read this book was February of last year, I re-read it multiple times last year because I loved it so much. I found it easy, with Cashore's writing, to really immerse myself in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. I fell in love with the characters, even in their bad times and with their downfalls. Katsa is such a strong character and it was great to watch her come into her own and finally become her own and be comfortable with herself. It was also great to watch her build friendships and relationships with the characters she meets along her journey, even trust others as she hadn't before. Po is of course amazing, though he can be a little self centered at times, but he is always patient with Katsa and tries to do what is best for others. But of all the characters I love Bitterblue the most. Even after all she has been through, or maybe because of it, she is strong, trusting and has more courage than so many others. She is prepared to face any challenge even if it is a large group of grown men with swords, to protect those she loves. A fantastic adventure in a beautifully created world that teachers us to each find our own strength.

Reviewed by Angie Stroud