Tara's Staff Picks
A brilliant story of rebuilding a family's life after a devastating personal tragedy, engaging in an ensuing romance, another terrifying tragedy by natural catastrophe with a special surprise entwined, a new change of life, romance renewed and the best prospect of a "and they lived happily-ever-after" ending. A story filled with love + loss + recovery + happiness. Great read!
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Flight 1421, airborne less than 2 minutes flying over crystal-clear turquoise water, an engine explodes & all three hydraulic systems lose fluid. No hydraulic fluid. No hydraulic power. The plane is dead in the air. And that's just the beginning of this terrifying novel. One tends to reflect on what could change if everything turns out okay.
Gripping! Tara
Join Mr. Ekelund as he rediscovers nature and the great outdoors on his personal journey of 12 monthly adventures and his reflections thereof. Quite an interesting outing!
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The author wants to dedicate a meaningful book on life for his children but he cannot grasp an idea...and then he meets Charlie, a man 102 years old with a buff body, washing his 20-year-junior girlfriend's car! An amazing story of life, and living, making choices and being the best that you can be with your decisions while thoroughly enjoying yourself. A model of a life well lived.
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This is a great story of the bonds of sisterhood and the power of believing in that bond. Hazel works in a bookstore and comes across a mysterious children's book that resembles a land she invented to sooth her now missing sister, Flora, as they spent their childhood in the English countryside during WWII. The real magic of a story may be within reach.
Happy Reading! Tara
Join Edie Howard, staff and guests at the Blue Lion Hotel in this romantic, historical commemoration of the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II with all the diabolical hysterics involved!
A great read! -Tara
What an amazing adventure! Who would know that a switch in gym bags could produce such life changing events! Full of action, passion, wit, humor, faithful friendships, twists and turns everywhere and the most unexpected ending EVER! Such a treat of a read -
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Eleven year old Graham Dodd travels with his mom looking for a heart transplant. He meets a girl named Lou in a Florida hospital waiting room whose Dad needs the same and they form an amazing friendship. She tells Graham about a contest to find an endangered Snail Kite bird and the adventure begins. Travel with them in the FL swamps and meet all the challenges, family, friends and foes as they learn about each other and life. Loved it!
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Wonderful verbiage: "acerbic, mustachioed, gaucherie, dunderheads, capitulating sigh" for a few. Phyllida Bright is the housekeeper at Mallowan Hall, home of Agatha Christie and her husband, Max. Phyllida is also organizing the "Murder Fete" of famous authors to benefit a local organization with the winner receiving an International Publishing Contract. Let the entries begin, except they are lost in murders and investigations. Stupendous!
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A spirited murder mystery set in 1851 Gold Rush California. Follow Eliza Ripple, recently employed at a brothel after her husband's death, and her friend, Jean, who begin investigation of the disappearance then murder of local young women. Both investigators are inspired by their interest in Edgar Allen Poe's Detective Dupin's work as they navigate around their clients who are seemingly more suspicious. Marvelous characters, scenic details and smells!
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There's a lot of drama going on in the town of Fourth Cliff, a sleepy New England fishing island. Well, sleepy until the murdered bodies of the island's POWs start waking up the islanders. Captain Mary Beth Swann, the island's self-appointed Chief of Police, struggles with the townspeople challenging her authority as she becomes more intimate with the town while working the murder investigations. Mystery and crime readers will love this historic WWII novel.
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A powerful, moving story written by a masterful artist, Matthew Quick, "WE ARE THE LIGHT" narrates the healing process for a small town's senseless movie theater shooting. Explained through the mourning mind of one survivor, it describes the town's inability to cope and the measures taken to become whole again. Amazing how the psyche guides and measures our reactions until we are more able to see the light...with a lot of love and understanding.
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This is a deeply moving story about opening up your mind & heart, allowing different points of views & cultures to flow into the void spaces of your preconceived notions of people, friendship, gardening & life! Warm, funny, sad & wonderful - a definite must read.
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"Trust" begs the reader to search for the truth. Read the four different stories that frame this family's wealth in the varied memories of how the facts were formed. Following the generation's teachings, from father to son, according to which personal gain ought to be one with the good of the country. These four accounts are all from one and the same city, New York. An entertaining read to say the least!
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Are you the hunter or the hunted; the hider or the seeker? In this gripping tale we have those hiding, as they are being stalked, but with clever hunter instincts. We have hunters, looking to kill, with great seeking instincts. And there're the seekers, hiding, trying to rescue the stalked while hunting for the killers. All parties have endurance but some are better equipped. And then the snow storm settles in and no one is prepared. A thrilling survival story with great wit, cunning skills and knowledge of the outdoors. Highly recommended!
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This compelling story is based on a true story of the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers. It is an admirable contribution to Welles Crother's life, a young man who gave his all to those trapped in the South Tower and his unfailing dedication to service in his role as Firefighter. It's also a moving story of loss, love and his family's efforts to keep Welle's ethics and courage alive as a teaching tool as the way to live life.
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Read the amazing story of Ann Cole Lowe and how she became the designer of Jacqueline Bouvier's wedding dress as she was to marry John F. Kennedy in 1953. This historical novel is inspirational + full of solid values passed down through generations. Such determination to be admired. Sit back and enjoy!
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My son texted me from a sandy beach in Puerto Rico with a picture of this book + a message "I cannot put this down" - Truth! It's a page turner; a compelling historical novel defining the Native American's values + dreams in 1866-1867 while their lives, livelihood + culture are being transformed by the invasion of the West by the U.S. Army + western bound pioneers. Excellant!
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In winter, we all do it, collectively, in our own way, but Kathering May has an eloquent manner of describing the searching and healing endured when the shroud of cold, lost daylight, and hibernation descends upon us and keeps us inside. Moving and thought provoking and enlightening that it's not just me - well worth the read!
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Do you believe in God? What if there's a life threatening disaster and he/she appears and promises to help you if you believe? What then; what would you endure and/or sacrifice? A survivor has created a journal of the event and the lifeboat is lost to sea, landing on shore a year following, with the handwritten journal. Can the pieces be put together as facts unfurl? Look out for the unexpected ending - so short a novel but so great the imagination.
- Tara
A grand historical novel set at Highburg House with its magnificent gardens. Learn of the three women connected across time, who worked there, intertwined with the families there. All shared to make the secrets that bloom in the garden's story. For the historian, avid gardener, poetic dreamer and passionate lover in us all. Great read!
- Tara
Who gets away with murder?....The detective next door! Read this novel as a seasoned crime detective does the unthinkable, uncovers an accomplished abettor, and tries to live a normal crime detective's life! Full of page-turning guess whats!
- Tara
What will happen next at this luxury resort managed by a hostess crazed with manipulation issues as she creates fantasy to entertain her guests? Will the attendees be able to stick together to work things out? Funny, interesting....loved it!
- Tara
This is a beautiful mindful book about "livin" (no "g" because it's a verb). It speaks of life, family, relationships, love, honor, and values; there's respect, religion, discipline, accountability, and understanding differences, not leaning on right or wrong. The book notes losing, finding, and making your way in life.
It's an easy, deep and rewarding read that will make you want to re-read it (and travel).
- Tara
It's almost impossible to not love this young man as he progresses through the 4th grade. How can he compete with the smartest, the tallest, the quietest and all when all he wants to be is the best at something? And he seems to fail at all except to be the most observant. You'll enjoy this guy as he navigates his way through it all. -Tara
What a wonderful story intertwining minds and souls of the present as they reconnect in their elder years and entertain themselves and their Muses by creating a fictional journal. A beautiful tale of aging, old friends and beginning anew; a story of choices and decisions, love and life. Enjoy!
One of my favorite authors....written in his dry sense of humor and commonsense way, always complicated but filled with values. Equally entertaining and rewarding; nothing gets past this loyal, layed-back Louisiana detective until the final pages. - Tara
Do you love animals and mysteries? This is an incredibly compassionate "whodunit" with a lot of thoughtful insight, visual images, and farfetched advice throughout, keeping you entertained until the whirlwind ending... all narrated through the mind of an eccentric, convincing "crazy madwoman." -Tara
Not my ordinary read; in this autobiography you are introduced to a Harlem native; streetwise hustler, gambler, con-man, and savvy entrepreneur with grit, managing his livelihood into the fashion world with many of his risque customers enchanted with his one-of-a-kind creations. Once started, a cannot-put-down, entertaining piece of work! -Tara
How can anyone not love the stories by Nan Rossiter? Heartwarming... reaching into the depths of true-life situations with compassion and understanding, then finding the amazing conclusion each time. An idyllic must-read! -Tara
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So, what do you do as a young girl whose life has been shattered and the only place you feel safe is in the house where you lived with your family...but now they're gone and someone new has moved into the house? How can you stay and not be noticed; how can you move on? Ingriguing!
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Imagine at midnight, every night, you can visit this special library, pick out a book and become a character in this plot according to your desires. This fantasy library has some quirks that may twist your fate....very enticing!
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Owen and Hannah had only been married a year before he disappeared with a note for Hannah - "Protect Her". She knew he meant Bailey, her step-daughter, who lost her mom and didn't want her stepmom. As they began their search for Owen they realized he was not what they had known and their bond grew, until one day he shows up. Learn how adaptable mothers and cubs can assume a new life.
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Autumn 1943 - Antonina Mazin, a Jewish Italian, leaves Venice to hide with Nico Gerardi, who is studying the priesthood. Returning to his family farm he takes Antonina as his bride convincing everyone they are married and in love. A local Nazi official, with a vendetta, grows suspicious and plots revenge. Read as Nina and Nico grow together and transform their lives.
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Meet Belle de Costa Greene, a little known story about the personal librarian to J.P. Morgan's famous manuscript collection, with a big secret. Read as she transforms into one of the most powerful women in New York City with her cunning, intellect, style and wit. Marvelous!
- Tara
Brilliant, thrilling....wow what a ride!! Join the crew of Coastal Flight 416 for a page turning adventure full of action and surprises. Gives new meaning to the the phrase "there will be consequences". Awesome read!
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"In most of the world, a woman's value is tied to her youth and beauty".
"Profound changes are needed in society and it's us, women, who can impose them."
"Feminism is the radical notion, as Marie Shear said, women are people."
"The burden of family planning is on the woman."It's a wonderful book of women's power.
- Tara
"The only thing you have to be is yourself". Read of the transformation of this wedding dress and the lives it affects through three generations. Learn again of the values of family, fashion, relations and tradition. "There's no such thing as the biggest mistake (in life). There's only what you do and what you don't do." A must read!
- Tara
Silas, a 12 year old boy is woken in the middle of the night by 3 horsemen who arrive to take his father, leaving him alone. A bald-faced pony shows up at his door and Silas knows he must find and rescue his father with the assistance of his companion, a ghost named Mittenwool. An adventurous journey that exposes Silas to the real world outside his comfort zone. Grit, compassion and love weave their way through this outstanding novel for all ages. Magical and thrilling!
- Tara
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Here's a new twist for a mystery - meet Little Detective Agency's Private Investigator Bernie Little and his large canine partner, Chet! Narrated through the eyes of the very loyal, protective and energetic Chet, this crime fiction will thoroughly entertain you as the Agency solves its client's dilemma, even with romance involved! A great, relaxing read.
- Tara
Imagine you lose everything...your income, home, and standing. You have your family but waning health. Options? A walk-about; packing up rucksacks with what is essential for a 630 mile trek along the South West Coast Path between the Bristol and English Channels in England. Wait...in your 50s?? What an amazing adventure - pure love!
- Tara
Characters - Eileen, Simon, Alice and Felix
Who hasn't fallen in love with the boy next door? Who hasn't had a lifetime connection with their college roommate? A fun read - never assume you know another's thoughts!
- Tara
Tsunami, Japan, 2011 - thousands of lives lost. Telephone booth (disconnected) installed in a garden that carries voices into the wind to talk to lost loved ones. This is a beautiful story of many people searching for their lost loved ones, but also two special people that search and find each other amongst their anguish and loss. Breathtaking and powerful for anyone but especially those with loss, hope, acceptance and letting go. Enjoy!
- Tara
Join "Paras" and the critters (& humans) she befriends on their freedom adventure as they explore the streets of Paris, foraging for food, shelter and the spirit of being free while avoiding the gendarme who may capture them as stray pets. Learn of the human compassion that protects, feeds and supports them eventually leading them to a home together. You are not going to want this to end!
- Tara
Chava is a Golem; Ahmad is a Jinni. They meet by chance and form a friendship in 1899 New York City, Both struggle to fit in with their immigrant neighbors while not revealing their true identities.
A wonderful creative story mixing historical fiction with mythology to form a love storey, even with a formidable threst to their lives!
Captivated & held me, totally!!
- Tara