From the first sentence of Julie Andrews' autobiography, Home, I felt as if I were sitting in the same room as her, listening to her tell me her story. You can completely feel her presence throughout the memoir. Starting with her childhood, Julie Andrews gives readers an in depth look at what it was like growing up during the second world war, and then, growing up on stage. A performer from the get go, she started on Vaudeville as a young child, and, with her stage work, helped support her family when times were tough. She takes you on a tour of a life in the spotlights, from Europe all the way to Broadway, ending on her way to Hollywood to star in the classic film, Mary Poppins. For new or life-long fans of Julie Andrews, this memoir will give you insight into the life of one of the most accomplished actors of our time.

Cornelia Brown is back and she has brought friends in the glorious sequel to Love walked in. Shockingly, the city girl has moved to the suburbs with her new husband and old friend Teo, where she is unhappy to learn she does not meet the standard of neighbor and social queen Piper Truitt. Cornelia also meets Lake Tremain, a vivacious and slightly closed off single mom. All three women are facing immense, life changing events which bring about many jaw-dropping moments.

A must have for everyone who enjoyed Love walked in , and for anyone new to Marisa de los Santos . Belong to me is full of life, laughter, love, and surprises.

What a treat this was, for years customers have told me to read this. I was entranced by the story of a young boy growing up in pre war South Africa. It is magical. Peekay will grab your heart, the five hundred plus pages fly by and you are left wanting more. I look forward to Tandia as I hear it is wonderful as well. Power of One inspires, I would recommend it to anyone. History, humour and wonderful characters, perfect for the cold winter nights by the fire.

Obsessed with classic black and white movies, Cornelia desperately wishes to find her own Carey Grant. On a busy day at work he finally walks in. All is well until Cornelia is unexpectedly introduced to his estranged young daughter, Clare. Abandoned by her mother just before Christmas, Clare is left with few options and welcomed with open arms into Cornelia's life, forming a life altering bond that neither have experienced before.

Elizabeth Gilbert had everything she was supposed to want - a husband, a successful career and a good home, but she was deeply unhappy and confused. After a terrible divorce, she decided to take a year for herself to explore spirituality, and love for herself and life. This book follows her journey as she travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia. In Italy she learns to take pleasure in life again; in India she gets in touch with her spiritual life; and in Indonesia she finds the balance she craves. She is a delightful writer, honest and extremely likeable. She shares her adventures with humour and wit, and makes you want to go on your own adventures.

Jennifer

Khaled Hosseini does not have to worry about any sophomore curses pertaining to his new novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns.  I found this novel to be not as powerful as the Kite Runner, but an interesting book on its own. From the first page I was transfixed with Miriam and her life.  Would her Father ever accept her as his legitimate daughter, or keep her at an arms length?  Then the story moves beyond this question, and keeps you turning the pages to see how it all unfolds.  While Hosseini has a bit of a lyrical style, his writing does not get his readers bogged down with complications.  Having read both of Hosseini's books within a day, I will eagerly await his third.

Kris Kaila

Three Bags Full is a wonderful twist on the classic whodunit. George, a shepherd, is found murdered in his field, with a spade through his chest. His sheep want to find out who killed him. Like all the best murder mysteries, it is set in the U.K. (in a cozy village in Ireland), starts with a body, and ends with an explanation. Seeing it (or rather, "smelling" it) from the point of view of the sheep makes all the difference. The unorthodox team of detectives is led by Miss Maple, the smartest sheep in Glennkill. She is helped in her investigations by Othello, a young black ram with inner demons of his own, and Mopple the Whale, a sheep who remembers everything. The human characters include Ham, a terrifying butcher, and Gabriel, a shepherd with a very strange flock. The humour, unexpected "sheep-ish" insights, and surprisingly philosophical speculations of the flock make this a fun and unusual read.

Trish Petrie - Guildford Black Bond Books

A detailed and beautifully written historical fiction novel diving into the life of Queen Elizabeth I and her love affair with childhood friend and nobleman, Robert Dudley. Romantic, intelligent, and heartbreaking..I loved every bit of it.

Liz

This is an amazing book; moving, amusing, and heart-wrenching. Oskar Schell is a nine-year-old New Yorker whose father died in the World Trade Center on September 11th. He sets off on an adventure through New York City, trying to find the lock that matches a key his father left behind. He meets up with all sorts of people along the way and the interactions between the characters are delightful. Oskar is one of the most original voices I've read. This book is filled with compassion and totally extraordinary.

Jennifer

Winner of the Governor General's Literary Award
In this absorbing adventure from Ireland to Canada, Peter Behrens weaves a spellbinding tale of a young Irishman trying to survive after the potato famine in Ireland. Overcoming many obstacles, both internal and external, Fergus O'Brien takes readers on a harrowing and intense journey of self discovery. Anyone who has Irish roots, loves history or appreciates an incredibly well written story won't be able to put this book down.

Taylar

The Red Tent is the story of a family of women in the early Judeo-Christian era. It is the story of Jacob told from the feminine perspective. The story follows the lives of the wives of Jacob - Leah, Rachel, Zilpah and Bilhah - and Leah's daughter Dinah, a healer, who has been given the gift of midwifery and describes the struggles of the women as they cope through life's transitions of birth, death, union, separation, and the beginnings of life in a new land.

Cathy