Disturbing the Dead

By Sandra Parshall

Tom Bridger returns to his hometown after a car accident takes the lives of all but himself and his nephew.  He joins the sheriff's department, and is thrown into solving the only case his father couldn't --- the disappearance of a local woman.  Meanwhile, he is falling in love with Rachel Goddard, a local veterinarian who is trying to escape her own past.  After Rachel hires the dead woman's niece, both women become targets.  Tom must solve the murder, unravel old secrets, and protect Rachel.

This is supposedly the second book about Rachel Goddard, but except for it having her in the story, there is no continuity.  This is a stand-alone story about a vet and a deputy sheriff.  That being said, it's a good mystery.  There wasn't much to follow Rachel's story from the first book, including her relationship with her boyfriend.  It was kind of more realistic for him to overprotect her, and for Rachel to want to get away from him and her hometown.

Three Came Home

By Agnes Newton Keith

Published in 1947, Keith tells the story of her family's captivity by the Japanese during World War Two.  She followed her husband, Harry, to Borneo just a few years before the war broke, and decided not to leave him even though it meant that she and her young son would be prisoners.

This book not only tells about the prisoners' deprivation and suffering, it also demonstrates what happens to a human being as a captive and as a captor.  Keith does not hate the Japanese; she understands that their actions are a result of the war.  There are some soldiers that are kind, and some that smuggle food to the children.  But then there are others who enjoy hurting and demoralizing their captives; they believe death is more honorable than captivity.

I had no idea that women and children were taken prisoner during the war.  Keith explains that shouldn't bear leaving her husband behind.  But Harry is sent to the mens camp, so it is up to Agnes to keep herself and her son George alive for over 2 years. 

Agnes is very realistic in her writing, without being too graphic - she doesn't paint herself as a saint.  One part that I thought rang true was when she said that the women she liked before, she grew to love.  The women she felt indifferent to, she grew to hate. And the things she thought were useless - fine clothes and makeup - were lifesavers.  She could trade her clothes for food, and makeup made her feel more human.  I found myself thinking, "What would I do in the same situation?"  Then hoped I would never have to face it.

Bulls Island

by Dorothea Benton Frank

Elizabeth "Betts" McGee returns to her hometown in the Carolina lowcountry to help her former fiance develop untouched Bulls Island.  She left under sad circumstances, and thought she would never go back again.  The secrets she brings with her will shock everyone.

I liked this book, but didn't love it.  Betts seemed too emotional to be a high powered investor, and had frighteningly bad taste in men.  I don't know how she survived and prospered in New York.  Plus, her former flames' theory that Bulls Island would be developed eventually, so it might as well be a Southerner instead of a Yankee making money, was a short-sighted, ridiculous argument.  Why not fight to keep it as a protected sight?  Oh, right, there's no money in it.  For someone who supposedly loves his culture, he comes off as a money-grubbing jerk.

Self Esteem: The Essence of You

by Ida Greene

Supposedly, this book helps you look into your core beliefs and how to boost your self-esteem.  Unfortunately, it was rambling, oddly organized, and mostly talked about spiritual enlightenment.  It also threw in a chapter about controlling anger & communicating more effectively.  Weird book!

I Am Number Four

by Pittacus Lore

The planet Lorien was destroyed by the Mogadorians, but not before nine special children and their protectors escape.  The nine are under constant threat of being found by their enemies, but due to special charms, they must be killed in order.  They have found and killed the first three Lorien children.  John Smith is Number Four, and the Mogadorians are now looking for him.

Fun, fast-paced book.  The characters were realistic, and even though I thought I knew how things would work out, I didn't know how anyone could possibly escape the Mogadorians.  Now I need to watch the movie!