Yes, it would be wonderful to go back and change past events when we don’t like them or their outcomes, but really, what gives us the right or authority to do so? What do we know?

When Jake Epping is asked by his dying friend Al to go back in time in a travel portal to prevent the JFK assassination, he is hesitant, but believes he is doing the right thing. Jake arrives in 1958 in Maine and lives between there and Dallas for the next five years before having to prevent Oswald from killing the then-President. What he discovers when he returns “home” only proves the point that things happen for a reason and even though we may not like them, we need to accept them and move forward. While this novel is not typical of Stephen King, it proves that he is capable of writing a fascinating story with a moral to it. Jake is a likeable, fallible person who is given an enormous task and great responsibility.

The book, while long, spends a lot of time on Jake as he lives in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Jake comes to love the era and sees the heyday of America known as Camelot enjoying a simpler time without PCs, cell phones and the internet. He is able to make friends with many people and finds true love. Best of all, King doesn’t spend a great deal of time explaining how time travel works; it’s just a vehicle to take us back to the glory days of America. This is fortunate, because if the time travel scenario were more difficult, it would probably confuse those of us not into time travel stories. King has obviously done a lot of remembering and research to make the book realistic to the time. He uses vernacular that would have been used back then and mentions products, songs and brands that were popular. It’s fun to see how Jake makes decisions based on what he knows from 2011 while still calculating the risks to the decision. He makes several bad ones and has to live with them, and it’s interesting to see how he handles the aftermath.

King does continue with his adult themes of violence, profanity and sexual situations, so this book is definitely not for all readers. While it does contain adult content, it is a good read not only for the characters, but also for the powerful message. We can all learn a lot from Jake’s experience.

The 1960s were a tumultuous time in the South. Along with foreign relations with Cuba, Vietnam and Korea, the United States was never under more stress and at war with itself. Towns like Jackson, Mississippi, were still hanging on to their old way of life. Many women who were the grandchildren of slaves still worked with cotton or as “the help” for white women and their families.

The Help is the astonishing debut novel by Kathryn Stockett that tells the story of three very different women. The lives and town of two African American housemaids and one white socialite, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, are on the brink.

Aibileen, maid to one Lufolt household and mother to over seventeen white children lost her own son in an accident. That, along with the untimely deaths of other young men at the hands of violence, push Aibileen to the breaking point.

Skeeter longs to have a career as a writer and witnesses many conversations among her society friends that really open her eyes to the true nature of what it means to be black or white in the South. Trying to discover what happened to her own beloved maid, she gets the idea to write a book featuring over a dozen interviews of maids who work for some of the most influential families in Jackson.

The Help is one of the most eye-opening fictional accounts I’ve read. I forgot that I was reading fiction many times and was compelled to flip the pages like a mad woman! I will admit I’m not the world’s biggest southern fiction fan, but that was before I read this book. In spite of being a very serious story of class difference, racism and poverty there were some moments that had me rolling on the floor laughing–especially the pie story. Let me just say I’m not sure if I will ever eat a chocolate pie. The best books make you laugh, cry and get angry all in the space of a few sentences and this story certainly does that. While this may not be for younger readers, I certainly recommend it to all adults. And yes, even the guys out there.

*R– Some strong language, alcohol use, violence and a scene of brief nudity

**Review copy from my own library

Lexi Baill has been in foster care so many times she’s lost count.  Her alcoholic mother makes periodic stops to take custody of Lexi, only to go on a binge and disappear again, leaving Lexi in yet another foster home.  As a result of her addictions, Lexi’s mother dies when she is just seventeen and she fears she will go into yet another foster home.  Her social worker surprises her by telling her that she has an aunt living in the Pacific Northwest who is willing to take custody of her.  Her aunt is by no means wealthy, but she loves and cherishes Lexi, who is happy to have someone love her.

On the first day of school in her new town, she befriends a young girl sitting all by herself at lunch.  Mia is the quiet, reserved part of a set of twins. Her brother, Zach, is outgoing and popular.  Mia and Lexi become inseparable, and even though she has feelings for Zach, she ignores them out of respect for Mia.  Eventually Mia learns of Lexi’s feelings and gives the two her blessing.  It’s their senior year of high school and everything works out perfectly, until the three go to a party and get drunk.  Mia decides to drive the short way home, but she crashes the car and Mia dies.  She takes full responsibility for the accident and ends up spending five years in jail.  The rest of the story deals with how Mia’s family processes her death and how Lexi and Mia’s family treat each other afterward.

Bestselling novelist Kristin Hannah writes provocative and heart-wrenching stories, each with their own issues and challenges.  Every story is based on a charged, difficult subject, and she manages to throw a wrench into the system so that readers will be even more intrigued.  In this case, not only is Lexi in jail, but she gives birth to Zach’s baby.  She believes it is in the best interest of the child to give full custody to Zach, whose family will help raise the little girl.  Readers are easily torn between blaming Lexi for driving drunk and feeling such pain for her losses.  Kristin Hannah winds up a good story with not necessarily a perfect ending, but an acceptable one.  Life doesn’t usually end up with the perfect, storybook ending, so this is probably more true-to-life anyway.

Night Road deals with mature themes and may therefore not be suitable for younger readers.  There are some curse words and sexual situations.  There are scenes in which underage students drink and smoke marijuana, and of course there is violence in the tragedy of the accident.  Because of these themes, readers who are not tolerant of difficult situations may want to steer clear of this book.  Readers who are able to handle such adult themes will enjoy a sad but eventually hopeful novel.

Antigone Brown’s life reflects her personality: flighty, impulsive, sometimes frustrating, and always interesting.  When she gets flustered or depressed, she takes her vintage Ford Mustang and drives for days on the open road to clear her mind.  Her logical, steady husband, Sam, just doesn’t understand her erratic behavior.  When Mercy hits the open road after discovering she is pregnant, she not only frustrates Sam, but also surprises him when she brings home a young runaway, Ryder.  Ryder is from the inner city and has run away to avoid his abusive mother.  Antigone successfully persuades Sam to take in Ryder as one of their own.  Shortly after this, Antigone hears that a local women’s group in Mercy, North Carolina, has decided that certain books should not be in the school library, and Antigone is incensed.  Even though she is dyslexic and struggles to read cereal boxes, she takes up the fight against these women because she believes people have the right to share and express ideas freely.

Sherry Roberts weaves an interesting story that immerses readers in the lives of the characters.  We get how frustrated Antigone can feel and how frustrated Sam can be with her.  We ache for Ryder after reading about his sad personal situation.  No matter what one’s opinion of book banning is, the reader is sure to understand Antigone’s standing up to the bullies in her life.  It’s refreshing to see her stand up for what she believes is right, even if it’s something that gives her grief.  Antigone struggles with even basic reading, but she is not willing to give up something just because it’s something that makes her life difficult.

In general, the story doesn’t have much in the way of violence.  Many people do curse, however, and use some vulgar language.  Ryder comes from an abusive home, so those sensitive to the plight of abused children may not be comfortable reading certain sections of the book.  There is also a scene in which a beloved pet dies, so anyone uncomfortable with deaths of animals may not be willing to read it.  For being based on a topic that is not widely covered, however, the Book of Mercy manages to entertain and delight the reader.

The latest installment of the Elm Creek Quilters series, The Wedding Quilt, takes place approximately twenty-five years in the future. In this novel, friends and family from near and far congregate at Elm Creek Manor to share in the happiness of Sarah and Matt’s daughter, Caroline, as she prepares to get married. Rather than spending the majority of the story on the wedding, however, the readers get a chance to “catch up” on some of the guests and their background stories. Readers certainly get to indulge in the fun of a wedding, but they also can answer the question “whatever happened to…” in relation to many key characters throughout the series. In a way, it’s like a reunion we didn’t know we were attending.

At first, the whole story felt disjointed or “missing” something. While Chiaverini makes an effort to indicate that the story takes place twenty-five years in the future, it still feels as though bits and pieces of certain story elements are missing since the previous books. Fortunately, if one gives it the time and attention to continue, the reader will find the stories of various previously-known characters to be interesting and fun. Some tie into local central Pennsylvania history, while others are just fiction.  Best of all, we get to read about a surprise at the wedding: a secret gift Sylvia had set away for each of Sarah’s twins before she died. Of course, the story has a happy ending.

Despite the initial confusion, the book quickly welcomes Elm Creek fans to another installment of the beloved characters. As usual, Chiaverini keeps things clean and family-friendly. Even characters who have disagreements do not demonstrate violence, and there are no sexual undertones or vulgar language. People who love quilting, historical fiction, or even just a good story will be happy with this book. Older teens will be able to read the story without parents worrying about offensive content.

The only shortcoming is that the chapters are very long, so if reading this book before bed, the reader may have to stop in the middle of a chapter. While not terribly upsetting, it does create a bit of frustration for some people who just want to find a good stopping place. Still, the Wedding Quilt provides enough entertainment and stories of friendship to keep its readers happy.

After twenty-five years of marriage, Eli and Noelle Hueston are contemplating divorce. Their only daughter was murdered three years before and they can no longer seem to find a way to belong together. Their last son is about to graduate from high school and Eli is finding himself drawn to the widow of one of his former deputies. On a cold dark night in northern Minnesota, everything changes for them. While witnessing a hold-up, Noelle hits her head and wakes up with no memory of the last twenty-five years of her life. Thinking she is twenty-one, she’s shocked to find she has a husband, two sons, and a life that didn’t meet her expectations.

As Eli helps Noelle begin to heal physically he realizes it’s time for him to start healing emotionally. He’s shocked to find secrets out about the wife he thought he knew so well. He’s also ashamed to find he’s drawn to the pretty widow, Lee. As Noelle and Eli begin to find a common ground and healing, they start falling in love with each other all over again. However, when their problems and secrets come to life it seems as though they’ll never truly be able to make their crippled marriage work…or will they?

Set in the familiar town of Deep Haven, Minnesota, Susan May Warren has once again written an engaging novel. Neither Eli nor Noelle are likeable characters until they begin to give up control, surrender to God, and start trusting in his plans for them. The loss they experienced with their daughter is tragic indeed, but joy and life are found in loving and appreciating the memory of all she was. Noelle will make you laugh as she looks in the mirror and finds herself twenty-five years older than she remembered with wrinkles and sags in all the wrong places.

You’ll quickly find yourself drawn into this book. With just enough mystery and just the right touch of romance Warren will delight you. And one of the reasons I like Warren so much is her ability to write healing through a fictional story. Her love of the Lord is evident and spills through each of her books. Find a fireplace, put on your mittens, and get ready for a heartwarming read.

Thank you to Tyndale House for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rated: PG for adult themes

Jason Heller’s Taft 2012: A Novel adds a twist to the parlor game of asking which famous dead people you’d like to have dinner with. The story is told from Taft’s perspective when he wakes up starving, and surprisingly, buried underground. He is able to dig his way out, only to find himself on the White House lawn, being chased and shot in the leg by a Secret Service Agent. The top scientists and doctors in the world are able to confirm that he is indeed William Howard Taft, who was president 100 years ago. Considering that he mysteriously disappeared the day Roosevelt was sworn into office, nobody can figure out how he was buried under the White House lawn.

As Taft begins to live his life, he is given the rock-star treatment until he needs a Secret Service Agent to protect him after Congress decides he is entitled as a former President. He is able to meet his biographer, a woman who knows intimate details of his life, and he gets to meet his great-granddaughter. She is already into politics, and after his legions of fans create a Taft Party, he decides to run for President with her as his running mate. While not popular or especially effective during his own reign, Taft now has a good chance of winning the political race.

Taft 2012 is a fun novel because it not only brings someone back to life unexpectedly, but it also brings a larger than life character into existence. Taft is known for his ability to have marathon speech sessions and for his enormous appetite and corresponding physique. Bringing him into today’s political arena would be difficult, but somehow, it works. It’s fun to bring together history and current day with a fun twist. I truly enjoyed learning more about Taft through real and fake news blurbs that were interspersed into the book.

Two things, however, are a bit of a mystery to me. First, the whole procedure of verifying that this man emerging from the White House lawn is barely covered. One would think that someone who should have been dead for the better part of a century should be scrutinized a little more carefully. Second, for someone who has not been around people and the advances of technology in quite some time, Taft is remarkably good at adapting to modern life. Maybe it is just the skeptic in me, but those seem to be two odd and unexplained situations. Or, maybe, Heller just decided to leave a little to the reader’s imagination.

Rating: There are a couple of sexual situations, but otherwise, there is very little offensive in this book.  Most mature readers should be comfortable reading it.

Ever since her husband died, Gaby wants to find a new love. Three close friends ask her to marry them, and she must choose. She does, but refuses to reveal the groom until she marches down the aisle. In the meantime, her adult children, each dealing with their own problems, must get to Gaby’s home in time for her wedding. Then everyone, including the potential grooms, will know who Gaby will marry.

James Patterson’s veering from his traditional suspense/thriller mysteries is a success in the sense that the story is a quick, fun read. The characters are likeable, so the reader is willing to cheer them on to success. Even Gaby, who seems a bit selfish and self-centered by not at least letting the groom know who she chooses, is a warm, caring person. Each of her children has an issue or two to resolve, and at times, their issues intertwine with each other and with Gaby. Never does the reader believe that Gaby does not love her family. If anything, the reader doesn’t get much of a sense of how much she loves each suitor. Patterson and DiLallo have captured the essence and magic of Christmas through the Christmas Wedding and anyone looking for a quick, but heartwarming story will not be disappointed.

Rating: This book does have some adult themes (drug use, domestic abuse, profanity, alcohol abuse) that make it suitable for mature readers only.

In New York City, it’s tough to find any affordable housing. That’s why Susan and Alex Wendt and their daughter, Emma, are so excited to find a lovely brownstone in Brooklyn Heights for a song. Their landlady, Andrea, is a bit eccentric, but the apartment boasts so many nice features that they fall in love with the place and don’t give it another thought. Just a short while after moving in, however, things change for the worse. Susan finds a drop of blood on her pillowcase and begins to see bedbugs that nobody else can see, her paintings start to develop bedbug bite marks, and Susan learns of the strange disappearance of the previous tenants. Eventually Susan gets closer and closer to the brink of insanity until finally, Alex sees the bedbugs. These are a special kind and require drastic measures to get rid of them.

I love to read a scary thriller, but rarely does it turn out to be truly horrifying. Not since I was a teen hiding under my blankets reading Stephen King’s, Salem’s Lot, have I been so scared. The best part is that it is not the blood-and-guts gore that so many authors try to use. Rather, Winters plants a seed of paranoia in the brain about something that could potentially happen. In small doses, this is what makes a book truly creepy. Every so often I had to stop reading and take a look at my arms, or run my face along my neck, to make sure there were no bedbugs on them. That feeling of itchiness and skin crawling when one hears about a lice infestation is multiplied infinitely when reading Bedbugs, and that is what makes it so fun. True thriller readers should find this a fun and horrifying story.

Rating: Because of the themes of Bedbugs, it should be read by mature readers only.

Yep, you read right- the book is called Crafting with Cat Hair! For those of us pondering what to do with all those little cat hair tumbleweeds rolling across the floor, we now have an answer. While the book doesn’t go into how to make a cat hair sweater, it does give us some cute and interesting ideas for what to do with all that hair our cats shed.

Tsutaya first introduces us to the concept of felting, which is already done with sheeps’ and goats’ wool. Once the reader understands this technique, the rest of the ideas in the book relate back to it. Crafters can make cat hair finger puppets, appliques on mittens or scarves, or even shadow box memorials to beloved felines who are no longer with us. Not only is this book full of cute ideas, but it also encourages recycling. We can use not only the castoffs our cats give us, but also things we might otherwise put in the trash – milk cartons and old sweaters are just a couple of examples.

In addition to the adorable projects, Tsutaya gives helpful tips on how to properly brush and care for a cat and its fur. She supplies information about cat hair so we know how clean it is, how to clean it, and how to avoid it if we have allergies. All in all, Tsutaya shows us a whole new springboard into crafting.

After reading this book, it’s easy to see how creative and caring Tsutaya is. She includes pictures of her own and friends’ cats throughout the book (including a little biography of each at the end) and describes cat behavior. She gives charming and easy diagrams to copy when making patterns. Most of all, she shows her true love for both felines and crafts. Anyone interested in trying a new craft that uses items our fur-babies give us will enjoy reading this book and trying the projects suggested.