"Burning Wild" by Christine Feehan

Burning Wild by Christine Feehan

"Loved this book! Jake is a billionaire with a horrific childhood and a secret ability to shift into a leopard. Emma and her daughter take up residence with Jake as she becomes his son's nanny. However, she has a secret of her own. The two of them must come together to save their children from Jake's evil parents. Great story. Some steamy romantic scenes."

Review provided by Eve Heaton, Beaufort Branch Library

"Nightmare House" by Douglas Cleg

Nightmare House by Douglas Cleg

FIC CLE available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"Ethan Gravesend inherits his grandfather's labyrinthine house, and all the supernatural atrocities that go with it, in this fantastic Lovecraftian horror story."

Review provided by Laura Hayden, Beaufort Branch Library staff

"The Garth Factor" by Patsi Bale Cox

The Garth Factor by Patsi Bale Cox

B Brooks available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head in New Books

"Okay- I'll admit it. I picked up this title because I wanted to dirt on the Trisha Yearwood and Garth's so-called love affair and resulting nuptials. Fortunately for me, I am also a musician and love to read all things music related. I didn't get any juicy gossip about the Brooks/Yearwood union but I did learn a lot about the country music industry. Anybody who has listened to country music over the past 10 years knows a Garth Brooks song- he has definitely stamped the industry. The Garth Factor not only shed light on the present country music industry, it also gave me a glimpse into the life and music career of Garth Brooks, while also highlighting the changes he initiated to improve financial standing of working musicians and songwriters. Since I'm a fan of both Yearwood and Brooks, I wish them the best in their marriage!"

Review provided by Amanda Brewer, Beaufort Branch Library staff

"Stealing Lumby" by Gail Fraser

Stealing Lumby by Gail Fraser

FIC FRA available at Bluffton

Large Print available at Bluffton and St. Helena

"Billed as a read-alike for Jan Karon's Mitford series, "Stealing" is #2 in what is currentlya four part series set in the small town of Lumby. The eccentric characters help or hurt each other leading to funny plot twists. Hank the plastic flamingo is a recurring presence."

Review provided by Fran Hays, Beaufort Branch Library staff

"Stanley Yelnats' survival guide to Camp Green Lake" by Louis Sachar

Stanley Yelnats' survival guide to Camp Green Lake by Louis Sachar

FIC SAC available at all branches

"I found some of the book confusing because one chapter would be different than what another chapter said. Overall, I liked the main message that no matter what choices are given to you, you can still make your own choices and know and be who you really are."

Review provided by Lanetta Sova, Beaufort Branch Library staff

"One thousand white women" by Jim Fergus

One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus

FIC FER available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"Imagine that the Federal government under President Grant actually promised the Cherokee Nation 1,000 brides as a means to assimilate the Indians into the white man's world. Imagine the consequences to the women who accepted and to their Indian husbands, considering that the whites generally never honored a treaty made with Native Americans. A fast-paced and riveting book."

Review provided by Fran Hays, Beaufort Branch Library staff

"Small Steps" by Louis Sachar

Small Steps by Louis Sachar
FIC SAC available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco

"Armpit from the book Holes is now back at home and trying to do life one small step at a time but things get over his head when he buys, sells, and goes to a concert. I really liked the idea of taking life one small step at a time and setting small goals yet not letting the past rule you."

Review provided by Lanetta Sova, Beaufort Branch Library staff

"A Voyage Long and Strange" by Tony Horwitz

A Voyage Long and Strange by Tony Horwitz

970.01 HOR available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Lobeco

"This book is for any one who thinks he knows American history. Did Columbus discover America? No. Did the Pilgrims step ashore on Plymouth rock? Not that any of them ever mentioned. Was Plymouth the first English settlement in America? No. Where Indians invited to a Thanksgiving meal? No- they just showed up! Want to know more? Read this fascinating book!"

Review provided by Fran Hays, Beaufort Branch Library staff

"Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac" by Gabrielle Zevin

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

FIC ZEV available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"After falling down the school steps a girl can't remember her last five years. As she tries to remember and then regains her memory, she is able to re-analyze her life. Makes one wonder what you would do or how you would do things different if you didn't have the last four years of memories to affect you."

Review provided by Lanetta Sova, Beaufort Branch Library staff

"Liars and Saints" by Maile Meloy

Liars and Saints and A Family Daughter by Maile Meloy

FIC MEL available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Review of Liars and Saints: "A well-written family saga. Watching the family members interact, we learn that holding family secrets doesn't make a person ineligible for sainthood in a food Catholic family.

A Family Daughter is the sequel: "The author takes some of the same characters from her 1st novel, Liars and Saints, but adds a twist. Liars and Saints becomes a novel written by one of the family who try to work out which scenes and situations are true and imagined. Does contain adult situations and descriptions.

Review provided by Fran Hays, Beaufort Branch Library staff

"Rise of the Evening Star" by Brandon Mull

Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull

FIC MUL available at Beaufort and Hilton Head

Audiobook available at Beaufort and Hilton Head

Review is of audiobook version: "The person reading is really good and does not put you to sleep like the Clear Eyes (commercial) guy. The book is a page turner. I really enjoyed listening to this book on my way to and from work and other places."

Review provided by Lanetta Sova, Beaufort Branch staff

"Stealing Henry" by Carolyn McCullough

Stealing Henry by Carolyn McCullough

FIC MCC available at Bluffton and Hilton Head

"The novel alternates the story of a young mother, Alice, with that of her teen daughter, Savannah. Alice, in the present, is married to an alcoholic child abuser. The two have produced Henry, whom Savannah tries to protect while finding a path from the nomadic life she knew with her mother, to one that is right for her."

Review provided by Fran Hays, Beaufort Branch library staff

"Roman Blood" by Steven Saylor

Roman Blood by Steven Saylor

FIC SAY available at Beaufort

"Saw this book on the cart while shelving and gave it a try. Now I am hooked on the whole series. It's a set of mysteries set in ancient Rome- sort of an "I, Claudius" with Inspector Poirot. Not bloogy or too racy considering the setting but great fun!"

Review provided by Dennis Adams, Beaufort County Library staff and the "Answer Man"

"The Sunflower" by Richard Paul Evans

The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans

FIC EVA available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head
Large Print available at Bluffton and Hilton Head

"Evans' books, in one way, are formula romances: you can usually rely on the "right" people becoming a couple and living happily ever after. In another way, Evans has a message. In the case of this book it is that poor children end upon the streets or enslaved. The Sunflower is a good summer read."

Review provided by Fran Hays, Beaufort Branch staff

"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madelyn L'Engle

A Wrinkle in Time by Madelyn L'Engle

FIC LEN available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Lobeco, and St. Helena

Audio available at Beaufort and Bluffton

"This teen classic combines fantasy and science fiction to produce a tale of good against evil; rescue and redemption. This book originally published in 1962, is still a great read for teens or adults."

Review provided by Fran Hays, Beaufort Branch staff

"Marked" by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

FIC CAS available at Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Lobeco in Teen Fiction

"Although billed as a "young adult" book (upper end of the young adult category) adults who liked the Twilight series would enjoy this "House of Night" series (currently there are five books in a series of nine - according to the author's website). The first in the series is Marked and follows the adventures of a young girl (16 years old)who gets marked as a vampire and takes up residence in the House of Night (a sort of vampire finishing school). The book reminded me a bit of an older darker Harry Potter (boarding school with all manners of teachers and a core group of friends who come to the aid of our main character). There is The Big Bad Evil that has to be defeated (most likely in book nine)and a lot of growing up done by everyone along the way. I really enjoyed all five books and have held the sixth on Amazon. If you liked Twilight and Harry Potter you should give this series a try."

Review provided by Eve Heaton, Beaufort Branch customer

"The Quickie" by James Patterson

The Quickie by James Patterson
FIC PAT avaiable at all branches

"Couldn't put it down! You think you have everything figured out and then there's a new twist. One of the best I have read in a long time."

Review provided by David Kell, Beaufort Branch customer

"Shock Wave" by Clive Cussler

Shock Wave by Clive Cussler
FIC CUS available at Hilton Head and Lobeco
Large Print available at Beaufort and Hilton Head

"Cussler doesn't write bad stories- every one is a page turner and this is no exception. I think in this one Dirk Pitt is starting to realize that the clock is running and he is not bulletproof."

Review provided by David Kell, Beaufort Branch customer

"Mounting Fears" by Stuart Woods

Mounting Fears by Stuart Woods
FIC WOO available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Lobeco
Large Print available at all branches
Audio available at Beaufort and St. Helena

"Classic Woods- between Lee and Burrington. Both are page turners."

Review provided by David Kell, Beaufort Branch customer

"Vision in White" by Nora Roberts

Vision in White by Nora Roberts
FIC ROB available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"Ok, so "Nora" books aren't literary works of art...but it is summertime and the book is fun and mindless! This first in a four part series is romantic and entertaining. Roberts does have a way of getting you involved with her characters. So grab a beach chair and sunscreen and enjoy!"

Review provided by Camille Richardson, Beaufort Branch customer

"Slave to Sensation" by Nalini Singh

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

"The title is a bit racy but the book is very well written. I would classify it as a paranormal/romance/mystery (is there such a classification?). It is the first one in a series featuring a futuristic world of emotional devoid Psy, Humans, and Human/Animal Changelings. It had a good plot and strong characters. There are six or seven so far in the series and I've read a couple of the others but the first one has been so far the best."

Review provided by Eve Heaton, Beaufort Branch customer

"Hill Towns" by Ann Rivers Siddons

Hill Towns by Ann Rivers Siddons
FIC SID available at Beaufort, Bluffton, & Hilton Head
Large Print available at Beaufort
Audio available at Lobeco

"The beach house we rent every year is full of Siddon books so I read one each summer. I loved this book mainly for the main setting- Italy. Siddon vividly portrays the passion and sensousness of Italy in a great story. Enjoy and Buon Giorno!"

Review provided by Camille Richardson, Beaufort Branch customer

"Dexter in the Dark" by Jeff Lindsay

Dexter in the Dark by Jeff Lindsay
FIC LIN available at

"This is the best one yet! You can see how Dexter is without his dark passenger. I can't wait for the next one."

Review provided by Sadatious Smalls, Beaufort Branch customer

"Sullivan's Law" by Nancy Taylor Rosenburg

Sullivan's Law by Nancy Taylor Rosenburg
FIC ROS available at all branches

"A real page turner. I couldn't put it down!"

Review provided by Marjorie Smith, Beaufort Branch customer

"Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
FIC GAB available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head
Audio available at Bluffton

"It was a good book- but it is too long"

Review provided by Sadatious Smalls, Beaufort Branch customer

"Sundays at Tiffany's" by James Patterson

Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
FIC PAT available at all branches

"This book is so charming it is like an adult fairy tale! Imagine, having a childhood imaginary friend who turns out to be real, a good (and handsome) man, and in love with you. Cool! A fun summer read."

Review provided by Camille Richardson, Beaufort Branch customer

"Naked in Death" by JD Robb

Naked in Death by JD Robb
FIC ROB available at Bluffton (audiobook)

"I needed a new series to read and someone recommended this first book in the Death series. It is written by Nora Roberts under the name J.D. Robb. Set in the future, cop Eve Dallas is trying to find a someone who is killing paid companions starting with the grand daughter of a high profile senator. Her involvement with a suspect with his own mysterious past drags up memories of her past drawing her further into the case. Part mystery, part cop drama, and part romance this book has it all. If you like this first one then you will be happy to know that there are many many many more to follow in the series"

Review provided by Eve Heaton, Beaufort Branch customer

"New Moon" by Stephenie Meyer

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
FIC MEY available at all branches

"This book is amazing! I thought that the first one was good but it just keeps getting better and better. Stephenie Meyer keeps you on the edge of your seat through out the whole book. I love this romance between to people you would never expect it from. I read the entire book within 2 days. I could not put it down."

Review provided by Meagan Speegle, Beaufort Branch customer

"Covenant Hall" by Kathryn Wall

Covenant Hall by Kathryn Wall
FIC WAL available at Bluffton and Hilton Head

"Kathryn Wall's new Bay Tanner Mystery is a hit! This story, set in the Low Country, continues several story lines including Bay's relationship with a BCSO sergeant and her relationship with her father. Bay Tanner has been hired to find a bone-marrow donor for a young girl who if fighting a life threatening disease. Who would know that finding this little girl's family would bring Bay closer to her own? If this is your first chance to read one of this local author's books, prepare yourself to be thoroughly entertained. Just a suggestion... if, as a first time reader, you want to make Covenant Hall even better, go back and start reading Bay Tanner's stories from the beginning with In For A Penny."


Review provided by Amy Edwards, Beaufort Branch customer

"Must Love Dogs" by Claire Cook

Must Love Dogs by Claire Cook
FIC COO available at Beaufort and Hilton Head
Audiobook available at Beaufort Branch

"My second time reading this one but still enjoyed it. Good light summer reading!"

Review provided by Donna Sammond, Beaufort Branch customer

"Serendipity" by Louise Shaffer

Serendipity by Louise Shaffer
FIC SHA available at Hilton Head Library

"This is an enjoyable book and my first Shaffer read. The author does a great job of letting us get to know the characters in detail. I wanted to give Carrie a little kick to get her to see her grandmother earlier and I never understood why her mother would have estranged herself."

Review provided by Camille Richardson, Beaufort Branch customer

"Wings of a Dove" by Beverly Bush

Wings of a Dove by Beverly Bush

FIC BUS available at Beaufort and Hilton Head

"This is a good book but has too many scriptures to me and I really didn't like how the main character is so spineless for most of the book, but I would read another book by her."

Review provided by Sadatious Smalls, Beaufort Branch customer

"Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

371.822 MOR available at all branches

"This book is an autobiography of an American mountain climber who, because he was rescued by a Pakistani, has devoted his life to building village schools for Pakistani children. It's a very good book."

Review provided by Lin Mix, Beaufort Branch customer

"A Good Woman" by Danielle Steel

A Good Woman by Danielle Steel

FIC STE available at all branches

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head

"Well written with great historical references. It reminds us how far our society and culture has changed. At times I felt myself in the main character's place. Thoroughly enjoyed!"

Review provided by Faye Alson, Beaufort Branch customer

"Third Secret" by Steve Berry

The Third Secret by Steve Berry

FIC BER available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Lobeco

"Many times during this I felt I was reading a novel by Dan Brown. The references to the Catholic church were fascinating,b ut one must remember that this, too, is only a novel. It is a good story. Not as much "clue following" as in his other novels, but still a good read."

Review provided by Ann Lentz, Beaufort Branch customer

"Prince of Lost Places" by Kathy Hepinstall

Prince of Lost Places by Kathy Hepinstall

FIC HEP available Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"This was such an enjoyable story with turns and twists you don't expect. It's a pleasure to discover an author who doesn't write the same old tired themes. Kudos to Kathy Hepinstall."

Review provided by Helaine Kinsey, Beaufort Branch customer

"Tea time for the Traditionally Built" by Alexander McCall-Smith

Tea time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall-Smith

FIC MCC available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head

Large Print available at all branches

Audio available at Bluffton

"A gentle book- no violence or bad language. Simple mysteries but the book is more about observation of human nature."

Review provided by Sally Fisher, Hilton Head customer

"Twenty Wishes" by Debbie Macomber

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber

FIC MAC available at all branches

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Audio available at Union

"The entire Blossom Street series is heart warming! I would imagine that most readers will make their own list of wishes since the characters had so much fun making theirs come true! I can't wait to read the next one!"

Review provided by Camille Richardson, Beaufort Branch customer

"Tell No One" by Harlan Coben

Tell No One by Harlan Coben

FIC COB available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Union

Audio available at Beaufort, Bluffton

"This is definitely a page turner that keeps you guessing until the end. Add it to your "books to read" and you won't be disappointed."

Review provided by Helaine Kinsey, Beaufort Branch customer

"The Road" by Cormac McCarthy

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

FIC MCC available at Beaufort, Hilton Head, Lobeco, and St. Helena

Large Print available at Bluffton and Hilton Head

Audio available at Bluffton, Hilton Head

"Intense and gripping view of the possible future. Very interesting and would make and amazing book club read!"

Review provided by Jean Wharton, Hilton Head customer

"The House of Gentle Men" by Kathy Hepinstall

House of Gentle Men by Kathy Hepinstall

FIC HEP available at Beaufort

"The author scores highly with this unusual tale. It keeps your interest from the first page to the last where you now are a true fan of Hepinstall wanting to read more!"

Review provided by Helaine Kinsey, Beaufort Branch customer

"Bliss" by Lauren Myracle

Bliss by Laruen Myracle

FIC MYR in Beaufort Teen section

"It is a good book but I do not like the ending- it seems unfinished."

Review by Sadatious Smalls, Beaufort Branch customer

Whale Done! by Ken Blanchard

Whale Done! the power of positive relationships by Ken Blanchard

158.2 BLA available at Union

"Blanchard discusses how to build positive relationships at home, work, and with your kids by using the WHALE DONE approach method, which focuses on the positive aspects instead of the negative aspets. It's a great read for those who want better relationships in life."

Review provided by Vikki DeLoach, Beaufort Branch customer

"Say When" by Elizabeth Berg

Say When by Elizabeth Berg

FIC BER available at Beaufort, Hilton Head, Union

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"I enjoyed this book very much. The characters and dialogue were believable. I thought Betsy did an admirable job of capturing the emotions and disorientation following a separation."

Review provided by Ann Lentz, Beaufort Branch customer

Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

FIC KID available at all branches

Audio available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Union

"It was a pleasure to listen to the narration of Secret Life of Bees. The story line was in part historical and very informative. The theme kept recurring and the intrigue kept building up until the very end. The author sure knows how to weave her tale."

Review provided by Corinne Hagood, Beaufort Branch customer

Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

FIC NIF available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco, and Union

Audio available at Beaufort

"One of the most cleverly written books I have come across in a long time. Henry is a time traveler who can't control where or when he is going. The only thing that seems constant is his pull to a girl named Clare who he meets at various ages - 8, 10, 19, etc. It isn't until they met when they are supposed to that they fall in love and thus starts her journey as the time traveler's wife. The book was so unique that the movie rights were picked up shortly after publication and it will be coming to theaters this August (2009). This book secured a spot on my list of top ten recommended books. NOTE - My two 20something nieces LOVED this book but my sister-in-law found the the time jumps difficult to follow. We all look at her like she is crazy :)"

Review provided by Eve Heaton, Beaufort Branch customer

The Gullah Mailman by Pierre McGowan

The Gullah Mailman by Pierre McGowan

B McGowan available at all branches

"This is a book of stories by Pierre McGowan about his father Sam and about life on St. Helena Island in the last century. It is a good read and you will never be sorry if you read at least one local book a year."

Review provided by Lin Mix, Beaufort Branch customer

"Dead Until Dark" by Charlaine Harris

Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris

FIC HAR available at Union

"I started reading this series as soon as I heard that HBO had optioned it as a TV Series (a good year and a half before the series True Blood aired). The book features Sookie Stackhouse as a mind reading waitress in Louisiana who is fascinated with the recently outed vampires who are trying to fit into main stream society (she can't read their minds!). Through a series of mishaps and misadventures she gets pulled into the vampires strange world of politics and learns of other not so mythical creatures. Currently there are nine books in the series so the good news is if you like this first book. Each book has a mystery/adventure of sorts that has to be resolved and the author is very good about keeping the story moving along. I have two friends I recommended this series to and both have read all of them in a short amount of time (which gives you a little clue about how addicting they are once you get started)."

Review provided by Eve Heaton, Beaufort Branch customer

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
FIC MAC available at all branches
Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head
Audio available at Union

"The entire Blossom Street series is heart warming! I would imagine that most readers will make their own list of wishes since the characters had so much fun making theirs come true! I can't wait to read the next one!"

Review provided by Camille Richardson, Beaufort Branch Library customer

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Shaffer

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Shaffer
FIC SHA available at all branches
Large Print available at Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Lobeco
Audio available at Beaufort and Bluffton

"Juliet is an English writer who strikes up correspondence with residents of an island off the coast of England shortly after WWII. Written entirely in letter format between herself, her editor, her best friend and the quirky inhabitants of the island Juliet finds herself drawn into their experiences, heartbreaks, and hidden romance of the German occupation of Guernsey. This was a what I would call a hidden gem of a book. You can't help but fall in love with the inhabitants of the island and their individual stories of the German occupation. It made me both laugh and cry. It takes a few pages to get into the letter writing format but after that it is easy to tell who is writing who about what. Excellent read!"

Review provided by Eve Heaton, Beaufort Branch Library customer

"In spite of of its long and odd title, this is a wonderful books. A great read, especially for women. It is a group of letters to and from London and Guernsey Island about life there during the second World War."

Review provided by Lin Mix, Beaufort Branch customer

Best of Everything by Kimberla Lawson Roby

The Best of Everything by Kimberla Lawson Roby
FIC ROB (Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Union)
Audio available at Hilton Head Branch

"I have read several books by Kimberla Robey and by far this is one of the best. The book is about the Rev. Curtis Black's daughter, who is recently married to the associate pastor, Phillip of her father's church. Phillip is secure is in faith and very much in love with his young wife, but he cannot get her to give up her old ways(spending money). During her college years Rev Black took care of all of daughter's expenses and lavished her with expensive gifts to make up for his indiscretions. Alicia's spending puts a wedge between her and Phillip and as much as tries to love her it is not enough. While Phillip's father was dying, Alicia was in the mall shopping and lies to her husband about the car breaking down. Too deep in debt she turns to Levi ( a drug dealer who was thrown out of her father's church. Alicia is arrested along with Levi in a drug bust and everything comes full circle. Her husband divorces her and moves back to Chicago and Alicia ends up living with her father and stepmother."

Review provided by Alice Atkins, Beaufort Branch Library customer

"The Woods" by Harlan Coben

The Woods by Harlan Coben

FIC COB available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco, & Union

Large Print available at Beaufort and Bluffton

Audio available at Beaufort Branch

"A great story, but calls to mind one of Coben's other books. Both involve loved ones who have been dead a long time who are suddenly not dead. The twists and turns really kept me guessing. As usual, I enjoyed Mr. Coben's book."

Review provided by Ann Lentz, Beaufort Branch customer

"Swimming Lessons" by Mary Alice Monroe

Swimming Lessons by Mary Alice Monroe

FIC MON available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Large Print available at Beaufort and Bluffton

"I usually enjoy Monroe's books very much. This one didn't draw me in as much as her others. I found this to be somewhat trite and more like the "blueprinted" romances that I don't enjoy. Monroe's writing style seemed different, also."

Review provided by Ann Lentz, Beaufort Branch Library customer