Hungry Woman in Paris by Josefina Lopez

Wow, it's been a long time since I've read a streamline sensuality novel. Can't really call it romance, as Canela ends up single. Single and happy with her many sexual adventures. It was a good change from the usually heavy novels I pick up. And a much needed break from the work of non-fiction I am currently trapped in, reading as a personal gain of knowledge. Which I want...but don't enjoy nearly as much as a good, long, well-told lie. I enjoyed this little book. An easy read sure to make women of any shape and size repect it's story.

J.L.Wils

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

This is an endearing little book. It is enchanting and edgy at the same time. It's a good story with mystery, sensuous prose, and turns that surprise you. I enjoyed reading it all the way through. There is a sequel out now, The Girl with no Shadow, but...can't say I'm that hooked to follow a sequel. It was great for what it is, a short novel.

jlw

The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters by Elisabeth Robinson

This is a good book. Creatively written in letters from Olivia Hunt to the people she loves, she hates, and the people she works with. The Characters are colorful and lead colorful lives and remain true to themselves. I enjoyed the varied back drops in this story - Rome, Spain, California, New York. And I especially like the fact that the main character, Olivia, is a Hollywood Producer, an industry I know nothing about. The other big thing in this book is the devastating sickness of her sister. Being in health care myself put me at a disadvantage here. Elisabeth's research on the subject was pretty good but the few places where she made a mistake, on obvious mistake to me, was quite a turn off. However, the story was great and if you have no idea what a Hickman is then you will have no problem enjoying this book.


jlw

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

Sarah Addison Allen's debut mainstream novel. Rich in down home comforts with glittering threads of mysticism. I enjoyed it as much as Tyler Hughes enjoyed the meals brought to him by Claire. The characters are colorful and weaved together thoughtfully. I happen to be a lover of old homes and so this book struck a special note with me. It leaves out the deeper undercurrent that I usually crave in a novel, and though she tapped on deeper humanity I always felt it was just that...a tap. Yet, I enjoyed it nonetheless. Cheerful, it is like a sweet sugary apple cobbler: it doesn't leave you feeling any wiser but it sure is satisfying to the taste buds.

Sarah's new book Sugar Queen will be coming out May2008.

jlw