True Courage, by Dee Henderson

"Do you enjoy a good love story or romantic novel, but get tired of predictable plots and overly starry-eyed characters? 'True Courage' by Dee Henderson charts the path of Luke and Caroline as they begin a dating relationship, learn to work together through a family kidnapping and discover more strength, courage and deeper character in themselves and each other than either imagined. The plot turns and twists will keep you reading to discover what is around each corner. Between emotional reunions, empty rescues and failed ransoms, Henderson delivers a novel for those who enjoy suspense and relationships."

Cane River, by Lalita Tademy

"Regardless of ethnic background, this book speaks volumes to the women's movement today. The author researched the 3 most important women in her family who lived in the 1800's on Cane River near Natchitoches Louisiana. These African-American women preserved their dignity and secured the future for their children by instilling pride in each generation. What a legacy for young women today. The book could be called the female version of 'Roots'."

Plum Lovin', by Janet Evanovich

"I waited for this book with anticipation and was not disappointed! If you haven't read any of Janet Evanovich's 'numbers' novels about Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter, you're missing out! They are laugh-out-loud funny. In this book Plum is forced to stand in as a 'relationship expert' in order to get her next skip. Due to her history it is ironic that she be put in this position. What ensues is a fun little read that will make you want more. (Fortunately there are 13 other books in the series and one short story.) This would make an excellent gift for your best girlfriend. The Plum character has a little bit of all of us in her. The situations she gets into have several of my friends using her as an adjective (as in that was so Stephanie Plum)!"