Some Book Recommendations

There is nothing quite like losing yourself in a good book. The shelves of the bookstores and libraries are full of options. I love recommendations so I know my money and time is being well-spent. Here are four books that were recommended to me. I enjoyed them and feel comfortable forwarding the recommendations.

By the way, September 7 is National Buy A Book Day. We're being asked to help the booksellers, authors, and publishers keep the business alive and well by buying one regular-priced book from any book-seller on that day. So if you feel inspired, you might want to buy one of these to read. "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini

Khaled Hosseini has managed again to transport me to a part of the world I know very little about. "A Thousand Splendid Suns" was recommended to me by my sister. I had it sitting in my stack of books to read for about six months and even though I thought "The Kite Runner" was amazing, I had trouble starting this book. It might be because "The Kite Runner" was so heartbreaking that I wasn't sure I was ready for that again.

Be warned, this book will also break your heart. I cried. But I was also inspired by the incredible strength of the women in this book. Khaled Hosseini's beautiful writing and respect for these women really moved me. I know there are some (Mom) who have had trouble getting past the cruelty and brutality of this story, but for those of you that can, the courage and unselfishness of these women's lives just might change your life. I loved it."Dismissed with Prejudice" by Christopher Meyerhoeffer

This book was recommended by my friends Melanie and Tracey. I worked at a criminal law office for a few years and find well-written legal thrillers to be fascinating. This book was. Nick comes home from trying a case to find his wife murdered and his daughter missing. From the first page to the last, it moved quickly and seamlessly. It was unpredictable and entertaining, with action, suspense and intelligence all there. I don't like to read a book whose author thinks I'm stupid and this book allows you to think and keeps you on your toes.

I hope this ends up being part of a series because I really want to know what happens to Nick and his daughter.

"Moonraker's Bride" by Madeleine Brent

This book was recommended by my Mom and my sister. It transports you back to 19th century China and England and was delightful to read. It was part history, part romance and part thriller and it was all woven together with great writing.


The heroine, Lucy, is as likeable as they come. She's innocent, charming, funny and smart. The story was involved but unmuddled and I had trouble putting the book down. I liked it so much I ordered two other books by Madeleine Brent. I hope I enjoy them as much.

"The Diary of Mattie Spenser" by Sandra Dallas

This was a wonderful book, also recommended by my Mom and sister. It was a startling depiction of life on the homesteading prairie told from the thoughts and experiences shared in the diary of Mattie Spenser, a sympathetic, strong and likeable woman.

I found Mattie to be so relatable and interesting. Her struggles to build a family and a home no matter the hardships were inspiring.

I have to admit that this book challenged my sense of right and wrong a little bit. Mattie faced a moral dilemma that would have been daunting for just about anyone and I struggled with her choice. It made me think and examine the rationalizations I found myself willing for her to make. This is such a well-written and thought-provoking book. I am anxious to read more by Sandra Dallas.