Top of the Morning by Brian Stelter

To paraphrase the New York Times Review of Top of the Morning by Brian Stelter, it’s not the best writing in the world.  However, what this book does have going for it is an insider’s view of the war behind morning television shows.  If you ever thought the big three networks were “dead” in favor of cable channels, Stelter reigns the reader in by divulging a strategic plan to oust Ann Curry from NBC’s Today Show, and the long, slow slide that made ABC’s Good Morning America number one again in the ratings after more than 800 weeks of dominance by Today.  Stelter also outlines, for example, the ridiculous lengths producers will go to in order to ensure that other networks don’t steal the prime guest for tomorrow’s show from one another, literally sleeping in hotel hallways to guard the guests from poaching.  It’s not exactly a beach read, but if you like a tabloid shocker about media itself, Top of the Morning may be just your cup of coffee.

Always Put in a Recipe and Other Tips for Living by Evelyn Birkby

     I really enjoyed this book. It's the best thing I've read in awhile. It was written by an Iowa homemaker who lives in a rural community of southwest Iowa and has written a weekly column for the local newspaper for years. I guess what I liked most about it was the fond memories it evoked from my own childhood growing up on the farm. Cold winters, hot summers, animals and vegetables, playing in the grove, cooking, mowing, and the happy times with family.
     The book consists of a compilation of Evelyn's best columns. Her style is open and down to earth. She shares mostly the good times, although like any life, there were sad times too. There are recipes included, because as Evelyn says: "Food serves a much broader purpose than just feeding the body. It is a conduit to friendship, a setting for fellowship, a way to receive recognition when certain dishes are praised, and a connection with generations through shared recipes."
     Her adventures as a writer started when she had young children. So a record of her life flows though the columns. Now, sixty-three years later, she is still recording the lives and interest of those around her, and has put those columns together in this book for our reading delights!

The 5 Love Languages of Children By Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell

In this follow-up to “The 5 Love Languages”, Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell collaborate to help us learn how to show our children they are loved in a way they best understand.  This book is based on the idea that love can be communicated in different ways; through physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, and acts of service.  Each of us has one way that speaks most clearly to make us feel we are loved.  The authors guide us through these five love languages by giving examples of different parent/child interactions. They also show us how to use this to be more effective in discipline, learning, and anger issues.  I found this book to be helpful in navigating parenting issues.

Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Eli Landen is suspected of murdering his adulterous wife, but there is no evidence to convict him.  Needing to escape, he returns to his family's ancestral home of Bluff House.  Eli finds himself caught off guard by his attraction to Abbra Walsh, the house's caretaker.  Then Abbra is attacked at the house by a mysterious intruder.  Eli knows that somehow this is connected with his wife's murder and other accidents that have been happening at Bluff House.  He realizes until he can solve the mystery he will never be at peace.  This was a very good romantic suspense novel with the mystery playing out to the very end.  I really liked it and would definitely suggest.

Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moss

At first I thought this is another health book preaching about the negative effects of sugar, salt and fat, but I found that it reveals an in-depth, insider look into the politics of mega processed food companies, such as Kraft, General Mills, Coca - Cola and Nabisco.  Ever wonder why you cannot resist munching on chips, or my favorite, Cheetos?  Never mind the single serving size printed on the back of the bag.  Who can adhere to it when millions of dollars are spent by corporations to figure out the optimal "mouth feel" and marketing of a snack solely to get consumers hooked?  This is a very informative book!

Unwritten by Charles Martin

    If you are a fan of Charles Martin, this book will not disappoint you.  If you haven't read any of his books I invite you to try any one of them.
     Two people with deep problems who want to hide. A Priest who is determined to help them. 2 staged deaths.  I don't want to say more for fear of giving away too much. The author peels back one layer at a time in developing his characters and their stories, with a twist or two thrown in.
     I found it hard to put this book down, but don't skim through it, a lot of wisdom can be found by reading and savoring the text.

House Girl by Tara Conklin

    From 2 time periods, 1852 and 2004, this book tells the story of two women.  A young slave girl, Josephine, in Virginia, yearns for freedom and wants to "run".  A young lawyer, Lina, in New York City, is looking for descendants of slaves who may benefit financially from the wrongs of slavery in the past.

     Josephine's mistress, LuAnne is a painter but Josephine is the one with the talent.  Years later when LuAnne's paintings are valuable, questions are raised about who really painted these.  As Lena digs into Josephine's past she is uncovering answers about Josephine's life, slave owners, and the Underground Railroad.

    Lina also is trying to find more out about her mother who died when she was four years old, especially after her father paints puzzling pictures of her mother for an art show.

    This book really pulled me in.  I especially liked Josephine's story and the historical aspects.  It may be a great book for a book club to discuss!