Hunting Unicorns by Bella Pollen
ISBN # 0802142087

What a sad, funny, interesting book. The main narrator dies in the first chapter but continues to tell the story from the Great Beyond (ala Desperate Housewives). This actually works very well since one of the other two narrators, Maggie, isn't quite so interesting.

The book is about a modern-day aristocratic English family who is falling apart at the seams--literally. Their grand estate is crumbling around them and what taxes and tree blight has left, alcoholism is consuming the rest.

The heir, Rory, is an extremely likeable and honorable protagonist and carries the story quite well. Which is a good thing since the other protagonist, Maggie (an American journalist sent to do an expose on the English aristocracy) is not so sympathetic.

There are some truly hysterical moments, as well as poignant moments in the book which is why I'm recommending it. Definitely a good read, told from an English perspective, about love, life, and the death of an era.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
ISBN# 1594480001

I think everybody should read this book. It is perhaps the most flawlessly written book I have ever read. My book club picked this book and I must admit that I probably would have never read it if they hadn't. I mean, the hero is an Afghan national who immigrates to Los Angeles in the 80's when the Russians invade Afghanistan. Not really subject matter that would ordinarily interest me.

But, wow! The main characters are simply too powerful to ignore, their conflicts and inner turmoil too complicated to simplify or explain in a few paragraphs. The writing is flawless and compelling without being melodramatic or overbearing even through some difficult subject matter.

What I enjoyed most about this book, however, is the end. In so much so-called "literary fiction", the ending leaves the reader wanting. There are only so many books I can read where the ending is depressing and without hope for the redemption of the characters. This book ends on such a wonderful note of hope that I wept.

Don't miss this book.

It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn
ISBN# 006053124X

I'm sure it's become obvious by now that I love regency historical romances and that my three favorites authors in this genre are Mary Balogh, Eloisa James, and Julia Quinn.

This book is the latest installment from Ms. Quinn in the Bridgerton series--the Bridgertons being a large, wealthy, aristocratic family in Regency England. This one involves the youngest daughter, Hyacinth, and her quest for a husband.

Ms. Quinn has such a funny and witty style while writing truly believable characters that you genuinely like. I know that when I start one of her books that I'd better make some time because I won't be able to put it down until I'm done. This offering was no different and I enjoyed every single page. I saw Ms. Quinn recently at a writer's conference and she assured me that the final Bridgerton book (about the youngest child) has already been written and should be on the shelves next year. I can't wait!

Check back for more book faves--I always have a pile on my bed stand and I love to talk about books almost as much as I love to write them!

- Great young adult reads

In My Father's House by Ann Rinaldi
ISBN # 0-590-44731-9

Oscie Mason is a young woman trying her hardest to keep her pride while rumors of her stepfather, Will McLean, circle around her family. Oscie is the oldest of her siblings and the one who remembers her father better than them, does not accept the fact that Will McLean is a kind man who just wants his family to escape the Civil War to take care of his wife and her children. Rather, she won't accept anything he says to her.

Will McLean moves his family to Appomattox, a nice town where he thinks they will be safe from the war. But the war will find its way to the quiet town and Oscie will have to make some decisions, as well as rebuilding her life that is being torn apart because of the war. But will the life Oscie had before she has tried so hard to keep a part of the present find its way back to the past? And, will the relationship between Oscie and her stepfather snap apart as their county had?

This was the first Ann Rinaldi book I read (my mom picked it out for me, and I was doubtful), but it got me started on the collection of the Ann Rinaldi books I have in my room. Written in first person, as all Rinaldi's books are, it really draws you in as if you were Oscie Mason and dealing with the hardships she had to endure.

The Lady Grace Mysteries- Assassin by Patricia Finney
ISBN# 0-385-73151-5

Grace Cavendish is the youngest Maid of Honour to Queen Elizabeth I and the Queen's favorite, due to Grace's mother who saved the Queen's life by drinking a poisoned drink meant for her. When a mysterious murder took place, Grace asked the Queen if she could investigate. After all, it was the death of one of her suitors, and another has been suspected, and Grace just wants to clean this unpleasant mishap up. But as her investigation deepens, she realizes it may not be all that it appears to be, and she might be putting her life in danger unless she can figure it out soon.

A friend of my mom's recommended this novel to me. I never really have been interested in history that dates back to the 1500's, but I have always been a fan of mystery. I read it, and have since then read the two following the first. These Grace Cavendish mysteries are very well written and I recommend this book to all mystery fans.

The Lady Grace Mysteries- Betrayal
ISBN 0-385-73152-3

The Lady Grace Mysteries-Conspiracy
ISBN 0-385-73153-1

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
ISBN# 0385730586

Four young girls who've been together since they were in their mothers' wombs each share something special- a pair of magic pants. Carmen, the youngest of the foursome, bought the pants at a thrift store with nothing really in mind for them. When Tibby sees them and tries them on, everyone admires how well they look on her. Every girl then tries them on and are convinced they are magic. They decide to send the Pants to each girl, as this is their first summer being away. Lena is visiting her grandparents in Greece and she gets them first. Next, Tibby who is staying home and is bummed about working at Wall-man's, then Carmen who is visiting her dad in South Carolina, and Bridget who is traveling out of the country for soccer. This wonderful tale about four girls who learn to grow up "together and apart" over the summer was a really great book. I saw the movie before the book, and I recommend reading the book first if you haven't seen the movie already. This novel goes into depth about the emotional times and accepting the things the girls rather not.

The Clique by Lisi Harrison
ISBN# 0-316-70129-7

Massie Block is leading the pack at their all girls school, called the Octavian Country Day School, located in Westchester County, New York. Her followers who are always up to date on fashion, school gossip, and especially mean comebacks, are oohed and aahed upon as they walk down the hallways in their private school. But what is really keeping them together, besides their weekly shopping tips and their gorgeous faces? Claire Lyons is a tacky girl who doesn't know the first thing about fashion in New York is in for a surprise when she moves to Westchester County from Florida. Massie and Claire's fathers were good friends back in school, and Massie's father let Claire and her family live in his guesthouse until Claire's father finds a job. Claire, hoping she can be friends with the ultimately popular clique is backstabbed and frowned upon by them, and Claire realizes getting in can be harder than she thought.

A bunch of my friends from school were reading this book so I decided to try it. I loved it, and I quickly went to Barnes & Noble to buy the other two. The fourth book in the Clique series is coming out in October.

Best Friends for Never
ISBN 0-316-70131-9

Revenge of the Wannabes
ISBN0-316-70133-5