A Novena for Murder by Sister Carol Anne O'Marie, A Sister Mary Helen Mystery (#1)

Sister Mary Helen was told she must retire.  This is something she had been putting off.  Now at 75 someone thought she needed to rest.  So she returned to her alma mater, Mount St. Francis College for Women in San Francisco.  Soon after her arrival on the serene campus there was an earthquake...and a murder.  Detectives Gallagher and Murphy arrived to investigate the murder.  Little did they realize they would have help in finding the Professor's killer.  One of the sisters started a novena to help find the murderer.  And Sister Mary Helen decided she would also help.  Actually, she found another body.  With the number of murders doubled, Sister Mary Helen stepped up her efforts and enlisted two more nuns to investigate, also.  Retirement was not as relaxing as she had expected it to be but helping others was what she wanted in life anyway.  And she was determined to help find the one or two murderers and stop the killing on campus.    She did not expect to retire and become a sleuth.  Her natural curiosity and observation of human nature over the years of service to others drew her into this new line of work.  And makes for an enjoyable read.

Get it in the catalog in book or large print formats.

~Beth

The Children's Summer Reading Finale is Tonight!

We've had a wonderful Summer Reading program this year! We're going to celebrate all the hard work and dedication that our Summer Readers have shown by throwing an awesome party! Tonight at 6:00 we will have our Summer Reading Finale! We'll have pizza, frozen treats, and drinks as well as exciting inflatable adventures for our Summer Readers to enjoy. We'll also hold the drawing for the free bike from Cahaba Cycles! All you need to get into the program is to be a participant in our Summer Reading program. We'll have your final bags which have everything you need for the Finale. You can pick them up at the Children's desk anytime prior to the program.

You Gotta See Safari Greg and The Amazing Urban Safari!

Tonight we will be having a program that's sure to please animal lovers of all ages. At 6:30 Safari Greg will share some of his favorite animals and stories from around the world on his one-of-a-kind Urban Safari.

Not only will it be a fantastic show, you and your family could win a free trip to see a Birmingham Barons baseball game! The Barons will be having Harry Potter Night this Saturday, July 16th at 5:30 p.m. There will be fun games, a costume contest, and Super Saturday Fireworks! You and three of your family members could attend that game, or a game of your choice this season for free!

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci

While commuting back and forth to work, I've just recently discovered books-on-CD. Actually, I recently purchased a car with a CD player in it and decided I'd take advantage of it. My first attempt was Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen which I quickly ejected after the sixth chapter because I could not take it any longer--much too depressing, desperate, disappointing, dirty and detailed!

My next attempt at listening to an audiobook was a much better experience. I found I really liked the Sixth Man by David Baldacci. Guess I like mystery and suspense. The story involving national defense, spies, PIs, and a murder case are so expertly intertwined that I didn't actually realize the two main characters, Sean and Michelle, seem to be recurring lead characters in some of Baldacci's books. And it didn't matter at all that I didn't know a thing about them.

It's a fast moving audiobook with a very exciting last few chapters with many twists and turns. Also the sound effects throughout the book, caught me off guard several times which added emotion and intrigue to the story. Oh, and I agree with another review I read, for the last CD, you might want to make sure you can devote your attention to it or you will have to listen to it again, like I did.

I don't think this is the last David Baldacci book/audiobook that I will enjoy listening to while I travel about.

Reserve this book, book-on-CD, or large print in the catalog.

Maria by Eugenia Price

Maria by Eugenia Price

I read and enjoyed this Florida trilogy years ago and decided it was time to read it again. Maria is the first title. Maria and her British husband move to St. Augustine which has been under Spanish control but is changing over to British rule. She is a midwife by profession and he is a military man. The descriptions of the natural environment, plants and topography as well as architecture make it worth
reading the book. As she tells about the characters, their lives and surroundings it is easy to feel you are there. How Maria lives and deals with the many changes in her life is the story. She is a strong woman who is smart and surrounds herself with people who are her friends and people who can help her grow. Reading this trilogy gave me a desire to see St. Augustine and the nearby area.

Get Maria in the catalog.

~Beth

Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn

Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn

Jenna and Sue are sisters in law that really like each other. They travel to Venice to cook for a group of men who are there on retreat. When not planning the meals and shopping for the ingredients they are tasting many of the gelato flavors and exploring Venice. Everything they do is an adventure for them, including the cooking and serving. They unexpectedly have aha moments while in this very lovely and romantic of settings. It is a good read and a refreshing story about relationships and being available for aha moments.

Reserve Sisterchicks in the catalog in book-on-tape or book-on-CD formats!

~Beth

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

I enjoyed reading this first title in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series. Hannah owns the Cookie Jar-bakery and coffee shop. She has always been good with baking and even developing recipes for cookies so her job is just perfect for her. Her brother in law, Bill, is police chief of Lake Eden, a small town in Minnesota. When Ron was killed very near her shop and shortly before he was to make a delivery to the Cookie Jar, Hannah was shocked and saddened. Then curious and also concerned that they actually had a murderer on the loose in their quiet little town. Bill asked her to help him investigate the crime but don't let anyone know she was snooping around. As she considered the possible motives and people involved she proceeded to make inquiries. Hopefully the guilty party would not realize what she was doing or her life would also be in jeopardy. Before all was done Hannah had enlisted the help of Bill's wife and the man she found was really funny, Norman the dentist. Of course, free cookies were given to everyone she would "visit" and all who helped her. I learned I can read the story without reading the enticing recipes and getting too hungry. I will continue with this series and see what Hannah cooks up next.

Find Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder in our catalog in book, large print and Playaway formats.

~Beth