Novel Destinations Book Reviews

Vampire Knight, Vol. 8 by Matsuri Hino

Cross Adademy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!

After reading through book 11, this is my favorite. . . the big reveal!  After Kaname bites Yuki, it's obvious she should be a vampire, but she awakens from her memories and what a twist!  I never saw it coming.  Definitely a 5-star manga.  --Amanda

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
After a night of indiscriminate partying, Rachel sleeps with a close friend's fiancé and is consumed with guilt, until the intensity of her feelings forces her to make a difficult choice.

I liked this book as it kept my attention and I didn't want to put it down.  It kept me guessing as to what was going to happen with Rachel, the main character.  The ending was a bit sad but sweet, as Rachel lost her friend but gained her love. --Tracy

Population 485: Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time by Michael Perry
An exquisite and often heart-wrenching memoir of life in a small northern Wisconsin town.  Mike writes in a straight-forward and engaging style about his life as a "first responder" on the volunteer fire department.  His work is so evocative that I often felt I liked in the same town.  Certainly many of the experiences he relates are universal to small town life.  Highly recommended!  --Douglas

Oceans Apart by Karen Kingsbury
Airline pilot Connor Evans and his wife, Michele, seem to be the perfect couple living what looks like a perfect life. Then a plane goes down in the Pacific Ocean. One of the casualties is Kiahna Siefert, a flight attendant Connor knew well. Too well. Kiahna's will is very clear: before her seven-year-old son, Max, can be turned over to the state, he must spend the summer with the father he's never met, the father who doesn't know he exists: Connor Evans.

Karen Kingsbury always writes such inspirational stories!  This is another one.  This book is about love and forgiveness.  --Dorris

Miss Julia Rocks the Cradle by Ann B. Ross
Each new book in Ann B. Ross's Miss Julia series is like an interesting and refreshing visit with an old friend.  A respected lady of advanced years, Julia and her curiosity and standing in the community continue to place her in situations and predicaments both challenging and humorous.

The latest installment, Miss Julia Rocks the Cradle, finds Julia helping to deliver twins at home during a rare North Carolina snowstorm, as well as braving the cold and dead of night seeking answers to questions surrounding an unidentified body found in the tool shed of a neighbor, being the victim of fraud when her personal checks are stolen, reevaluating her position on women in the clergy, and learning that honesty and sharing help to strengthen relationships in marriage (although 'little white lies' sometimes work, too.)

Graceful southern flavor abounds; small town culture proliferates; and fun entertainment awaits the reader of this well-written story.  It get 5/5 on my list of favorites.  --Diane