April '08 Booklist

It's the end of the month, did you read any books in April? Here's my list:

1. Susan Wittig Albert - Bleeding Hearts: Book 14 in the China Bayles herb shop mysteries. China finds herself investigating a supposed suicide that is linked to the beloved high school football coach, Tim Duffy. The subject is definitely something to look into since the coach is being accused of sexually abusing his students. She is also trying to locate a missing quilt, and deciding exactly how she should deal with a new step-brother. China is determined to put the pieces of the puzzle together and gets help from Chief Sheila and Ruby's Ouija board!! Another great addition to this wonderful series. (fun/light mystery)

2. Kim Edwards - The Memory Keeper's Daughter: Dr. David Henry is forced to deliver his twins during a horrible blizzard. When the second one is born, a little girl named Phoebe, he realizes she has Down Syndrome and makes a hasty decision to send her away to be raised in a group home. He believes that he is saving his wife a lifetime of agony and ends up telling her that the baby died. Little does he know how his one decision will affect all of their lives. Especially when the attending nurse takes Phoebe and raises her as her own. The book...more Dr. David Henry is forced to deliver his twins during a horrible blizzard. When the second one is born, a little girl named Phoebe, he realizes she has Down Syndrome and makes a hasty decision to send her away to be raised in a group home. He believes that he is saving his wife a lifetime of agony and ends up telling her that the baby died. Little does he know how his one decision will affect all of their lives. Especially when the attending nurse takes Phoebe and raises her as her own. The book instantly draws you in, spans 25 years, and keeps you wondering if the truth will ever come out!! I also watched the movie on Lifetime and even though there are a few changes in the story, it ended up being a good depiction. (Fiction)

3. Miranda Bliss - Murder on the Menu: Book 2 in the Cooking Class Mysteries. In this book, Annie and Eve are not taking a cooking class. However, they are helping their old instructor, Jim, open up a restaurant named Bellywasher's. The girls find themselves investigating a murder, taking care of a very expensive dog and one of them even dates a Senator. Great twist and turns that keep you guessing until the end. Also includes many laugh out loud moments! (fun/light mystery)

4. James Patterson - The 5th Horseman: Book 5 in the Women's Murder Club. The girls are trying hard to solve 2 mysteries this round. The first involves a serial killer who is leaving the victims in fancy cars wearing very expensive clothes. The second involves a hospital where more than 30 patients are waiting to be released, but suddenly they receive the wrong medication that kills them. This was my least favorite in the series so far. There was just a lot going on and I felt that the ending was rushed! (Mystery/Thriller)