The Black Book by James Patterson and David Ellis

A murder leads detective Billy Harney to uncover the secret of a brothel to Chicago's elite. There's a house full of incriminating evidence, but the one thing they really need is missing: the little black book.

I love being immersed in a story that completely sucks me in because of the mystery. You cannot be focused on the outside world while you're trying to unravel this plot. Highly recommended for mystery fans.

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

This book follows young Audrey, who is dealing with social anxiety disrupting her life in a big way. It also takes a trip to talk about her brother, who is a serious gamer, and her parents. I appreciated the way Kinsella described the anxiety and the treatment Audrey is going through. I thought her budding relationship was adorable, even as he struggled to understand the anxiety and all that implied. Her mother makes some over-the-top parenting moves, but I suppose we all have those sometimes.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Four smiles.

Recommended for anyone wanting a contemporary fiction story about a character with a mental illness.

A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin

I have to admit that I had already watched Game of Thrones before reading this book. So part of my fascination with this was in how well done the television show is. Seriously, it's impressive. The characters match their descriptions, the quotes are almost exact, and the places fit. I actually had to check to make sure I had an original book and not one that was written AFTER the television show. Really, well done to the people who make the show.

That being said, if you've seen the show you don't need to read the book. There were a few scenes where I learned something new or had a new sense of a character, but those were VERY few considering the length of the book. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved this book. I loved the characters and the intrigue. If you haven't seen the show, couldn't get into the show, or need a fantasy fix...this is your book. It's masterfully done and takes you to an entirely new world.

I'm rating this four smiles.

Note for Parents/Teachers: Just like the show, exercise caution here. We're talking violence, sex, blood, gore, and incest.

Tombstone by Matt Braun

The legend of the OK Corral shooting is spreading across the frontier. A private detective, Luke Starbuck, is sent to Tombstone to find the truth. But his mission will turn personal, driven by a desire to do one thing: Kill Wyatt Earp.

I'm a huge fan of historical fictions that surround Tombstone, Arizona in the late 1800s. I'm a big fan of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, and the gang. I love their story and the history of that era. This book uses the facts of the case and takes liberties with the rest (most of the good stories do) and I can appreciate that. It's a different take on the tale, for sure, but one I enjoyed.

Recommended for fans of westerns or Tombstone tales.

Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff by Chip Gaines

You may know Chip Gaines the reality TV star, married to Joanna, father of a bunch of cute kids. But do you know Chip Gaines the young entrepreneur? The guy with a dream and a hammer?

Chip has so much to offer in this book. His business and worldviews are inspirational and optimistic. The love he has for Joanna is adorable. The stories he tells are lessons that I enjoyed learning.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading (and laughing) at this book. Highly recommended for entrepreneurs, nonfiction fans, or fans of the Gaines family.

Note for Parents/Teachers: Absolutely nothing in this book would cause me even a second of pause if my child were reading it. Go for it! Hand it to the kids who dream of owning a business. They'll be better for it.

Woman of God by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

A new Pope will be chosen in Rome and she might be a woman.

I really liked that idea. The idea that a woman could actually be considered as Pope is, to say the least, shocking. I was interested in the story.

But that's where my nice things to say about this book end. I didn't like this one at all. It lacked character depth. The main character was flat for me and that just didn't work. I found uninterested in whether she became Pope or not. In fact, I wasn't sure I wanted her to be.

Overall, not a fan. I'd say if you think you'd enjoy a story about a doctor who goes to war-torn countries to try and save lives, this book would be a better fit for you. If you are not opposed to a little romance that doesn't always end well, even better.

I'm giving this one smile. Have you read it? I'd love to know what you think.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

This historical fiction follows young Annemarie Johansen as she does what any good friend would do, even when it's not the easy thing to do. Nazi-held Denmark in 1943 is enough information to tell you the basic premise for the story. The history lesson is well done and the storyline is emotional and enthralling. Highly recommended.

Note for Parents/Teachers: This one is geared toward kiddos. It would be great for a lesson on WWII or a lesson on standing up for what you know is right even when it's difficult or dangerous.