Athena/Heather B. Moore

Synopsis:

    "Self-proclaimed bachelorette Athena Di Jasper is at the top of her game. Her online magazine is thriving, and she's in a comfortably static relationship, free of the kind of commitment that could lead to marriage—she's seen her parents' rocky union, and it's not for her. When her on-again, off-again boyfriend Karl wants to move their relationship to the next commitment level, Athena's obvious dismay leads him to challenge her workaholic tendencies. His accusation is true: she hasn't even paused to read a novel in years. Determined to prove Karl wrong, Athena takes a break from her hectic schedule to peruse a used bookstore, where she meets Grey, the intriguing—and single—propietor. Her quest for change and her desire to see more of Grey leads Athena to stray from her to-do list and join the Newport Ladies Book Club.
When Athena's world is turned upside down by a family tragedy, she's left to care for her terminally ill father. Juggling the demands of attending to an ailing parent and running her business, Athena comes to value the friendships of the book-club members, and she find herself relying more and more on Grey's support. When she stumbles across an old shoebox in her mother's closet, she's stunned by its contents, which hold unexpected truths about her parents' relationship. As Athena delves into a past that defies her judgment about her parents' marriage, she is forced to reevaluate her views on life and love."

Review:

    Accused of being a workaholic and hermit, Athena takes that as a challenge to change some things in her life. First and foremost to read a book other then her magazine. That's when she meets Grey (Owner of a little bookstore). He brings new insight into Athena's world. With her Mother's passing and now having to take care of her ailing father, will she muddle through somehow by herself, or will she let others in, who are willing to help her drastically changing life?
    I loved this fourth addition from the Newport Ladies Book Club! I learned so many new things about Athena, and was pleased with the outcome! Each book held something great. I can most relate to Athena being close to her age. I loved seeing her relationship grow with the other ladies and how supportive they all are for each other, even though they didn't know each other at first. I have never heard of the books that they read in the book club (except for the last (The Help) that they actually didn't start to read yet) but I enjoyed how each book had an impact on each reader. I may need to read those books now.
    This isn't the end of the Book Club series. Keep a look out for the next 4 books, which will come out at different times next year. With all new point of views from  Ruby, Shannon, Ilana, and Victoria. We of course have met these women in this first set of 4 already out. It will be fun to see what they all have to share in their own lives.
    Pick up Olivia, Daisy, Paige, and Athena today and get caught up!
   

Secrets of the Red Box/Vickie Hall

Synopsis:

    "Bonnie has secrets to keep - secrets with the potential to destroy lives, including her own. Running from her destructive and pain filled past, she recreates herself, believing she has escaped the damning evidence hidden in the red box. When her former life is revealed by a cruel twist of fate, Bonnie faces losing everything, including Glen, the only man she’s ever loved. But is Bonnie the woman he thinks she is?"

Review:

    All the way through this book you try and imagine, what in the world is Bonnie hiding in that red box of hers? Seriously it cant be that bad, can it? It took me by total surprise. I was thinking, ok she killed someone or something along those lines, boy was I wrong. This book is based in the 1940's and close to the end of WWII. Glen is off fighting the war, while Bonnie is fighting a war of her own back in the States.
    I did find it a little hard to like Bonnie's character, and maybe it was done on purpose that way, but I feel the story didn't really start until her and Glen finally met. Overall I did like the book, but it did take me longer to get through it then most. I think the end was the perfect outcome and made me even look at Bonnie in a better light. I loved how Glen changed her, even if he has to lose her in the process. You will just have to read the book to know what I am talking about!

Refuge/Carole Rummage

Synopsis:

    "Laney Lowell moved across the country to escape her past, not to fall in love. But when she becomes friends with Gabe, a handsome artist plagued by a mysterious disease, she'll have to decide between facing his dark truth or walking away from him forever." 

Review:  

    Laney feels lost and alone when she moves in with her Aunt and Uncle, this is until she decides to run one morning in the forest nearby. Named the Refuge for the red wolves the town is trying to save from being extinct. Laney meets Gabe while he is out getting inspiration for his next art project. He and Laney find out they have much in common, save for the disease Gabe and his older brother have. What disease, no one knows. 
    This is a Young Adult novel. I think that if you enjoyed Twilight, or other books in that field, then you will like this book. For me I figured out what the disease was quite early on, but for Laney it took her until almost the end of the book to figure it out. I loved the roles of her Aunt and Uncle, and how opposite they are from one another, yet they are the perfect match. 
    This book also puts into perspective that tragedy can strike when you least expect it, and your life can change quite drastically. Spend every day living like it could be your last, cause who knows who or what will be taken from you when you least expect it.

Jeremy's Christmas Journey/Scott Johnson

Review:

    Make sure you watch the video above to get the Synopsis of this book. This book comes with a CD that holds the Testimony's of Mary (the mother of Jesus), James (brother of Jesus), and many more. Jeremy is a boy who has gone through a lot in his still so young life. Feeling bitterness against others for the fate that has befallen him, he has lost his Faith in Christ and his miracles. Then one Christmas Eve Jeremy is taken on a journey that could change his begrudging soul.
    This was a fun book, Especially having the actual music and words to listen to while reading through it. The Testimony's in the book are all put to music, which makes it that more emotional. I would really love to see this book come to life, like The Forgotten Carols (that's what it reminds me of), so if you enjoy the music from that, then I am pretty sure you will love this book!
    This would be a great Christmas gift and a wonderful story to make a tradition of reading each year, just like the Christmas Story. The Author, not just of the book, but those who wrote the music and those who performed them should get a big pat on the back. Fantastic!
    Here are some links for you to check out:

 YouTube channel has trailers and samples of the music from the CD: http://www.youtube.com/user/sjohnson2221

Author website: authorscott.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/AuthorScott

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/JeremysChristmasJourney

Twitter: DocScottJohnson

Amazon: Jeremy's Christmas Journey: Book and CD

Barnes & Noble: Jeremy's Christmas Journey: Book and CD

Saving Savanna/Sara Fitzgerald

Summary:

    "Devan can’t help but blame God for his wife’s death, so the last thing he wants to do this holiday season is celebrate. But when his daughter, Savanna, makes a special Christmas wish, their little family will never be the same. Filled with faith and tenderness, this heartwarming story is sure to remind you of the real power behind the magic of Christmas."

Review:

    This book is short and sweet (only 9 pages of story line). Devan struggles to make sense of his life now that his wife has been gone for 7 months. His adorable daughter Savanna is full of questions about where her mother is and if she is in Heaven.
    This is a good Christmas short you can share with your children, parents, siblings, especially those who have lost loved ones and are finding it hard to adjust. I truly believe that children are there to help us grow, just as much as we are there for them. Read this book this holiday season and follow Savanna's example to just have faith, and give love to those who may have lost their way.