This is book one of six in the Book Retreat Mystery series.

Jane Steward, a widow with 6 yr old twin boys, runs Storyton Resort. Storyton is a resort that caters to people who love to read. It is situated in the hills of Virginia. Jane runs the resort with her Great Aunt and Uncle. Business is slow and to generate more revenue, Jane comes up with the idea of having a themed week. All guests are to come dressed as their favorite literary detective. The week goes well until one of the guests turns up dead.

I LOVE this book! As I write this review, I have not yet finished it. I was enjoying it as I do most all cozy mysteries, but without giving anything away, I got about a quarter of the way through the story and WOW! Something happens that adds a whole new dimension to the story. The book is very well written, the characters are wonderful and surprising. I can’t say enough about this book. Now I must stop this review and go finish reading the book. I hope you all give this a try and enjoy it as much as I do. I will definitely read the whole series.

– Carol, Mystery Buff BC

A while back, I was browsing through the stacks of a bookstore, looking for a good new comic to read. I love, love, love graphic novels and was hoping to find something new, and I soon found myself looking through the kids’ section, waiting for something to catch my eye. Cue Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson. The pink and sparkly cover featuring a happy girl and unicorn immediately caught my attention. And upon opening it, I saw an introduction from Peter S. Beagle, author of The Last Unicorn, claiming, “…Phoebe and Her Unicorn is nothing less than the best comic strip to come along since Calvin and Hobbes.” Very high praise, and, being a Calvin and Hobbes fan myself, I decided to check it out.

This book is the first of a number of collections of the comic strip. We’re introduced to a precocious 9-year-old girl named Phoebe who one day meets an arrogant, self-absorbed unicorn named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils (no, really). After inadvertently saving the unicorn, Phoebe is granted one wish, and the result is a friendship between the unusual pair. The rest of the book introduces Phoebe’s family and classmates as she navigates the world with her new unicorn pal.

I love this comic! It’s legitimately funny and took me by surprise. I highly recommend it!

– Anne, BPL

This book had me from the first page and I didn’t put it down till I reached the last. No matter what your beliefs about afterlife, this is an incredible story of humanity, love and loss. You’ll find yourself wanting more from each character that you meet. The gruff main character Eddie will pull at your heartstrings as you learn more and more about, his life and those that helped shaped him.

Keep the sequel (The Next Person You Meet in Heaven) close to you – you’ll want it immediately after you turn the last page of this book.

– Amy, FOBPL

This book is a sweet bit of fluff. Wanderlust is mixed with a reluctant but blooming romance between 2 gifted photographers given the assignment of traveling the United States to take photographs of what inspires them. On the road, in only the company of one another, these 2 artistic but totally different personalities, learn to appreciate each other’s very different perspectives on what makes the perfect photograph.

Just as film develops to reveal moments captured by the photographers lens, these 2 characters develop a mutual respect for one another and an intense love for one another. Their journey reveals a past of severe Post-trauma for one, a past of dreams lost for the other but a strength within them both to break down the barriers they have carried with them for too many years and love again.

– Joanie, BPL

Our JUMANJI MARATHON

JUMANJI

We first enjoyed Robin Williams and crew in the original Jumanji DVD Rated PG.

Robin Williams played Alan, Bonnie Hunt was Sarah, and Kirsten Dunst & Bradley Pierce were the unwitting children when all of them were swept into the game. The story is of a young boy who disappears for 26 years, and returns to his home amid total chaos and wonderful and terrifying adventures.

JUMANJI: Welcome to the Jungle

New Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan Rated PG 13 (stronger language)

Four teenagers in detention, all completely opposite in characteristics, and an old video game console in the basement. What could go wrong? SO many things!! I don’t want to warn you, just be ready!!

Keep your eyes open for the nuances that link the stories together.

JUMANJI: The Next Level

Same Cast as Jungle, Rated PG 13 again.

This story opens a short time later, but the game has changed, and the graphic continue to improve. I won’t give away the changes, but they are ”not in Kansas anymore”. You will need to be attentive to all the switches, and you will again find links and bridges to the other stories.

We highly recommend an evening of popcorn & Jumanji, chuckles and gasps (and sweaty palms) – and the drum beats go on!!!

– Beth, Mystery Buff BC

I decided that this was the time to introduce my kids to Watership Down via audiobook. The kids started their journey with the rabbits on Monday. It’s a hit. We all listen to it during breakfast before the kids zip off to homework and chores. This trustee gives it two thumbs up!

– Alyshia Jensen, Trustee