"The Age of Innocence" review by Paula Lamb

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

FIC WHA (Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head)

"Another 'oldie but goodie'. An intriguing look at the American version of royalty (late 1880s society in New York City). How the unwritten rules that governed the thinking and behavior of the 'right' people. How people's sense of morality, honor, and decency caused the individual who went against the "rules" or even thought of doing so, pain and at times ostracism. This book was a Pulitzer Prize winner. The first for a woman author."

Reviewed by Paula Lamb

"Deadly Game" review by Susan Peck

Deadly Game by Christine Feehan

"Romance, suspense, and the paranormal all in one!"

Reviewed by Susan Peck

"Beach Road" review by Paula Lamb

Beach Road by James Patterson and Peter deJonge

FIC PAT (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Lobeco)

LP available (Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head)

"As is typical of James Patterson novels, this one grabs the reader from the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. In this one, the final twist is a biggie."

Reviewed by Paula Lamb

"The Jane Austen Book Club" review by Maureen Vicaria

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

FIC FOW (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Lobeco, St. Helena)

"A very pleasant summer read! Wonderful, rich characters. I enjoyed how it fluctuated between past and present."

Reviewed by Maureen Vicaria

"Lost Lake" review by Kathy Chadwick

Lost Lake by Philip Margolin

FIC MAR (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Lobeco, St. Helena)

LP available (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort)

"Story seems very far-fetched. With a presidential election coming it's scary as what are the candidates really like. It does get you thinking who will make a good president and not just buy votes like this general did."

Reviewed by Kathy Chadwick

"Open House" review by Maureen Vicaria

Open House by Elizabeth Berg

FIC BER (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Lobeco)

LP available (Bluffton)

"An intense, humorous account of a recently divorced woman. The character felt so read, like someone I have known for years. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did!"

Reviewed by Maureen Vicaria

"Mind Game" review by Susan Peck

Mind Game by Christine Feehan

FIC FEE (Hilton Head LP)

"Suspenseful, exciting, and sensuous makes this very hard to put down!"

Reviewed by Susan Peck

"Dead Watch" review by Lee Bowen

Dead Watch by John Sandford

FIC SAN (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco)

LP available (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head)

"Not as exciting and as much fun as his Lucas Davenport novels but still a good read."

Reviewed by Lee Bowen

"Beach Road" review by Sherry Potrilla

Beach Road by James Patterson and Peter De Jonge

FIC PAT (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Lobeco)

LP available (Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head)

"The best James Patterson yet. The biggest plot twist at the end of any book I have read, could not put it down. Had to call me mom and sister to tell them they have to read it."

Reviewed by Sherry Potrilla

"The Watchman" review by Lee Bowen

The Watchman by Robert Crais

FIC CRA (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco)

LP available (Bluffton, Beaufort)

"Joe Pike is one cool tough dude...good action mystery."

Reviewed by Lee Bowen

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" review by Paula Lamb

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon

FIC HAD (Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head, Lobeco)

"This is one of the most remarkable books I've ever read! Although it is fiction it reads like an actual memoir as seen through the eyes and brain of a 15 year old very "special" young man. For those curious about the workings of gifted autistic brains, this book explains so much in a way that keeps the reader glued to the page from beginning to end. A fascinating journey!!"

Reviewed by Paula Lamb

"Rocket Boys" review by Brad Wolff

Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam
B Hickam (Available at all branches)

"What an amazing book! Not only does Homer discover how to build rockets in the late 50's but also has self-discovery in coming-of-age. His memories begin as a teenager who really weaves a fantastic story-line. And Homer has an incredible witty humor which keeps his reader laughing. 5 stars!"

Review by Brad Wolff

"The Mermaid Summer" review by Layla Manning

The Mermaid Summer by Mollie Hunter
FIC HUN (Beaufort and Hilton Head)

"I enjoyed this story. I got it because of the title and it was a bit young for me but I was engrossed in the story and thought it was a clever book. It gave me ideas for a story I want to write about mermaids (which I seem to be obsessed with this summer)."

Review by Layla Manning

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" review by Layla Manning

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowlings
FIC ROW (Available at all Branches)

"Great addition to a great series. I'm rereading them all before the seventh book comes out."

Review by Layla Manning

"The Squire's Tale" review by Teri Horn

The Squire's Tale by Margaret Frazier
FIC FRA (Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head)

"Engaging romance inside a classic who-dunnit. Couldn't but notice the similarity to Chaucer's "A Canterbury Tale". Believable characters, rich background. Will definitely read more by Ms. Frazier."

Review by Teri Horn

"Marque and Reprisal" review by Teri Horn

Marque and Reprisal by Elizabeth Moon
FIC MOO (Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head)

"Ms. Moon continues the sci-fi series starring Kylara Vatta, heiress to a vast interstellar trade empire. In book two, Kyllara continues her efforts to find the killers of her family and any surviving family members. Along the way, she encounters betrayal, fierce battles, and understanding of who she is."

Review by Teri Horn

"Back on Blossom Street" review by Barbara Conner

Back on Blossom Street by Debbie MacComber
FIC MAC (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Lobeco)
New Book Section

"Excellent book. I love reading book series!"

Review by Barbara Conner

"Bet Your Bottom Dollar" review by Barbara Connor

Bet Your Bottom Dollar by Karin Gillespie
FIC GIL (Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head)

"Wonderful book. Brings back memories of a 50's and 60's, store near my home. It sold some items, had a soda fountain, and also a deli with some food (eggs, bread, etc) items. "

Review by Barbara Conner

"The Quickie" review by Jamie Daniel

The Quickie by James Patterson
FIC PAT (Available at Bluffton)
New Book Section

"Another good book by Patterson. In this book, you do things for love, is it worth it or are you going to get burned? You will have to read the book to find out. The answer may surprise you."

Review by Jamie Daniel

"Hide" review by Gwen Sager

Hide by Lisa Gardner
FIC GAR (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Lobeco)
New book shelves

"Excellent suspenseful thriller. I made a lot of guesses along the way- some of them were right! I would highly recommend this author."

Review by Gwen Sager

"The Puppet" review by Tamera Galtelli

The Puppet by Joy Fielding
FIC FIE (available at all branches)

"Great thriller!!!"

Review by Tamera Galtelli

"If She Only Knew" review by Jamie Daniel

If She Only Knew by Lisa Jackson

"Great suspense book! It will keep you guessing. I couldn't put it down!"

Review by Jamie Daniel

"Pleasure for Pleasure" review by Layla Manning

Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloise James
FIC JAM at Lobeco

"I adored this book-mostly because I've long been a fan of the hero and have been dying to read his love story and see him happily settled. I thought it was delightful. and the heroine suffers from self-consciousness regarding her weight which makes her imminently relatable for me. Turns out she's gorgeous. Yay!"

Review by Layla Manning

"Unusually Stupid Americans" review by Layla Manning

Unusually Stupid Americans: A Compendium of All-American Stupidity
by Kathryn Petras

"This book is at turns hilarious and depressing. It's crammed full of tales and facts of boarish beaurocrats and the criminally stupid. At times I found myself asking: do these morons really run this country or is it an extremely effective scare tactic? The jury's still out."

Review by Layla Manning

"The Good Guy" review by Lin Mix

The Good Guy by Dean Koontz
FIC KOO (Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head)
Large Print at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"There's a hero here and there's a villian...the one really good and the other really bad and it's nip and tuck all the way. You'll love the Lamplighter Tavern in the opening chapter."

Review by Lin Mix

"The Mermaid's Singing" review by Lisa Carey

The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey
FIC CAR at Beaufort

"I picked up this book because of the mermaids in the title, but it isn't actually about mermaids. This book deals beautifully with the complex relationships between three generations of mothers and daughters in one family. This isn't usually the type of book I like (I have enough matrilineal complications of my own to deal with), but I did enjoy this. "

Review by Layla Manning

"Fortune's Fool" review by Layla Manning

Fortune's Fool by Mercedes Lackey
FIC LAC (Beaufort and Bluffton)
New Book Shelves

"I got a recommendation for this book from the summer reading blog. I really enjoyed the author's use of "traditional" folklore and fairy-tales. It was an easy read, very entertaining, and even gave me some ideas for a story I want to write."

Review by Layla Manning

"The Blue Zone" review by Karen Stosak

The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

FIC GRO (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Lobeco)

"Real page turner. Couldn't put it down."

Review by Karen Stosak

"Hour Game" review by Lee Bowen

Hour Game by David Baldacci

FIC BAL (Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head, Lobeco, St. Helena)

LP available (Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head)

"Throwback to the whodunnit. They are dropping like flies."

Reviewed by Lee Bowen

"Ordeal by Sea" review by Lee Bowen

Ordeal by Sea by Thomas Helm

"An excellent account of the Indianapolis disaster with interviews of the survivors...a great tragedy."

Reviewed by Lee Bowen

"Indigo Slam" review by Lee Bowen

Indigo Slam by Robert Crais

FIC CRA (Beaufort)

"Another good one by Crais. Elvis Cole always gets his man and usually a girl along the way."

Reviewed by Lee Bowen

"Killer Dreams" review by Gwen Sager

Killer Dreams by Iris Johansen

FIC JOH (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Lobeco)

LP available (Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head)

"I have read other books by this author and find her writing to be riveting. I lose weight when I read her books because I don't even want to take the time to eat! :) I can't put the book down."

Reviewed by Gwen Sager

"On the Run" review by Kathy Chadwick

On the Run by Iris Johansen

FIC JOH (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Lobeco)

LP available (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head)

"Fast moving and keeps your interest from the beginning to the end. Good book. It ws interesting to see how she works so well with horses."

Reviewed by Kathy Chadwick

"The Fifth Horseman" review by Paula Lamb

The Fifth Horseman by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

FIC PAT (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Lobeco, St. Helena)

LP available (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head)

"A fast moving, gripping story, set in San Francisco (one of the series of the Women's Murder Club). The main story is very timely. If one is scheduled for a hospital stay it is probably best to postpone reading this one until the person is back home."

Reviewed by Paula Lamb

"Bishop's Reach" review by Paula Lamb

Bishop's Reach by Kathryn Wall


FIC WAL (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort)

"An enjoyable read - as are her other novels. Ms. Wall manages to make the lazy low-country seem more exciting than most of us who live here find it to be. "Bay" is a feisty, self-sufficient woman who is likeable even when she gets herself in trouble."

Reviewed by Paula Lamb

"Plantation" review by Christina Senouillet

Plantation by Dorothea Benton Frank


FIC FRA (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Lobeco)

"Love this book! I love how this author took actual locations from the lowcountry and surrounding areas. I really became attached to the characters and couldn't put it down. Cried at the end, but loved the ending - it suited the book."

Reviewed by Christina Senouillet

"From Baghdad with Love" review by Nancy Wolff

From Baghdad with Love by Jay Kopelman
Nonfiction 956.704 KOP
(Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head)

"Non-fiction account of a combat marine who finds a homeless puppy during the battle of Fallujah, adopts him and then goes to excessive trouble to get him back to the states in the midst of war-time Iraq. The storyline about the dog became less interesting as the book went on, but the description of everyday life in Iraq and the author's inner and outer response to the stress of danger of war was fascinating."

Review by Nancy Wolff

"The Kite Runner" review by Nancy Wolff

The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini
FIC HOS (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Lobeco)
Large Print at Beaufort

"Beautifully written, gripping plot with sympathetic characters. I was desperately hoping the main character would be able to redeem himself from a haunting, devastating experience from his childhood. Thank God he finally did. Hurrah!"

Review by Nancy Wolff

"Winesburg, Ohio" review by Lin Mix

Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson
FIC AND (Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head)

"The Wall St. Journal reminded us a couple of weeks ago that this is an American Literature classic. It's a little book of short stories of early 20th century life in a small Midwestern town. It's good summer reading especially for people who are often interrupted."

Review by Lin Mix

"Perdition House" review by Jamie Daniel

Perdition House by Kathryn Wall
FIC WAL (Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head)

"Good book. It does peak into "history" so if you enjoy reading that, then this is for you. (Third book in a series, too)"

Review by Jamie Daniel

"The Solace of Leaving Early" review by Melissa Hibbs

The Solace of Leaving Early by Haven Kimmel

"If you enjoy philosophy and religious discussion, you will enjoy this."

Review by Melissa Hibbs

"Trading in Danger" review by Teri Horn

Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon
FIC MOO available at Beaufort

"Fast paced, logical, good characters. Solid sci-fi."

Review by Teri Horn

"Bidding for Love" review by Teri Horn

Bidding for Love by Katie Fforde
FIC FFO (Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head)
New Book Section

"Ms. Fforde has a talent for creating young, vivacious characters and believable story lines. Good summer read!"

Review by Teri Horn

"This Scepter'd Isle" review by Teri Horn

This Scepter'd Isle by Mercedes Lackey and Roberta Gellis
FIC LAC (Beaufort and Hilton Head)

"Difficult to stay interested in. The plot dragged."

Review by Teri Horn

"The Curse of Chalion" review by Teri Horn

The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold

FIC BUJ (Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head)

"The book dragged. The characters were dull. The climax was short and sudden compared to the rest of the book."

Review by Teri Horn

"Once Upon a Kiss" review by Layla Manning

Once Upon a Kiss by Nora Roberts, Jill Gregory, Ruth Ryan Langan, and Marianne Willman

"This is a collection of romance "fairy-tale" stories by four authors. Though I realize they have limited pages to work with, I didn't find the characters and their development of romance believable (even though my own romance was pretty instantaneous). In fact, my mind rebelled @ some of the turns the tales took: he betrays the heroine, lies and yells at her, and she then jumps into bed with him? Give me a break. I finished the book because I hate to leave a book open-ended, but I don't think any of the stories are good works by usually terrific authors."

Review by Layla Manning

"False Impression" review by Ja'Nese Wright

False Impression by Jeffrey Archer
FIC ARC at all branches

"Following each character through the twists and turns of each page was quite enjoyable. Jeffrey Archer ensured that this novel would be a page turner by engaging the reader in the "cat and mouse" game among the characters. This suspenseful drama was a great read from Mr. Archer!"

Review by Ja'Nese Wright

"Knit One, Knit Two" review by Lindsey Philpott

Knit One, Knit Two by Maggie Sefton

" A great read and intriguing mystery. I loved the use of minixing in all the knitting things and great friendships!"

Review by Lindsey Philpott

"Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits" review by Layla Manning

Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits by Robin McKinley

"I enjoyed this collection of short stories. I thought, though, that it would be a collection of myths and folklore from around the world. Not quite what I expected, but still a good read for those who love the water and a bit of magic."

Review by Layla Manning

"Truly Tiny Gardens" review by Trish Dean

Truly Tiny Gardens by Thomasina Tarling

712.6 TAR at Beaufort Branch

"Great! Excellent gardening ideas for small spaces."

Review by Trish Dean

"Chocolat" review by Trish Dean

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

FIC HAR (Beaufort)

"Excellent!! Fun! Highly recommended!"

Review by Trish Dean

"NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Popular Standards" review Nancy Anderson

NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Popular Standards by Max Morath

781.64 MOR at Beaufort Branch

"A great encyclopedia of artists and their works with biographies of performers and writers who produced most of the popular music of the years between the 1930s and 1980s. These standards are still being sung and recorded by a new generation which has discovered them and made them new again."

Review by Nancy Anderson

"A Mermaid's Tale" review by Layla Manning

A Mermaid's Tale by Amanda Adams
398.21 ADA (Beaufort)

"This book is a delightful blend of charming personal narrative and fascinating mythology and folklore. I highly recommend it."

Review by Layla Manning

"Finding Oprah's Roots" review by Wilma Holman

Finding Oprah's Roots by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
929.1072 GAT (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Lobeco)

"Wonderful book on the African experience that is a part of most African-Americans in this country. Good examples of how tot race your history using Oprah's search as a guide. How DNA testing can get results beyond the written history that is absent from the ancestry of the African-American that endured slavery in the U.S. I recommend this book to anyone searching their history."

Review by Wilma Holman

"The Sunday Philosophy Club" review by Fran Hays

The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith
FIC McC (Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head)
Large Print available at Bluffton

"McCall Smith, best known for his #1 Ladies Detective Series, has another featuring philosopher Isabel Dalhousie. This first title in the series is set in Edinburgh, Scotland. Isabel witnesses the death of a young man who falls from a concert hall balcony after a performance. She feels that her brief glimpse of him makes her morally responsible to discover why and how he died. Her questioning of the ruthless people who knew the young man put Isabel in danger and makes her re-examine her commitment to finding the truth. The Sunday Philosophy Club is well-written and nicely paced. "

Review by Fran Hays

"Great Expectations" review by Paula Lamb

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

FIC DIC (Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head, St. Helena, Lobeco)

"There are reasons that books become classics. This is a beautiful example. Comedy, mystery, suspense, tragedy all expressed in incomparable use of the English language. I treat myself to a "classic" novel several times a year. This is undoubtedly one of the best treats I've given myself.

(Reading a classic as an adult is much more meaningful as when read as a young student in school.)

Reviewed by Paula Lamb

"Magy K" review by Rosa Martinez

Magy K by Angie Sage

"La historia comienza con una pareja de magos que espera su septimo hijo; al nacer el nino muere y la partera se le lleva a enterrar pero no es asi; mien tras queel padre encuentra entre el bosque una nina con la cual remplasa su hijo muerto pero al cumplie la nina los 10 anos. Se enteran que en realidad! es la princesa y que su madre fue muerta por un mal cazador y es cuando la historia se pone mas interesante."

Reviewed by Rosa Martinez

"Step On A Crack" review by Kelly Martin

Step on A Crack by James Patterson

FIC PAT (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head)

LP available (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head)

"I have to say up front that I am a huge James Patterson fan but even I waas skeptical that he could invent any new character that I could enjoy as much as Alex Cross, but he did! Terrific book - had all of the elements that make for a great read - suspense, terror, a little romance, and even a few tears! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed by Kelly Martin

"Hot Number" review by Amy Wright

Hot Number by Carly Phillips
FIC PHI available at Bluffton

"This is an awesome book. I did not want to put this down until I finished. It was a good thing I had the day off! It is hot, spicy, romantic, and funny. Very good book!"]

Review by Amy Wright

"European Myths and Mythology" review by Layla Manning

European Myths and Mythology by Jacqueline Simpson
398 SMI (Beaufort and Hilton Head)

"The subject matter is fascinating, but I found the treatment a little dry in several places."

Review by Layla Manning

"Rivers End" review by Amy Wright

Rivers End by Nora Roberts
FIC ROB (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Lobeco)

"You can never go wrong with a Nora Roberts book. This is an excellent book. It has some spicy moments, some romantic moments and is suspenseful. I love Nora Roberts!"

Review by Amy Wright