The Seraph Seal by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner

In this apocalyptic novel, Paul Bender, a historian, has been chosen from birth for a special calling. He receives an unusual message, which launches him on a search for an ancient manuscript. Along the way he finds others who help him piece together ancient wisdom and prophecies to escape the end of the world.

I didn't enjoy this book for several reasons. It was very confusing. It was too difficult to follow the plot. The authors took little time for character development, perhaps because there were so many important characters. Because of the worldwide scope of the setting, the story continually jumped around. The authors also left unanswered some questions regarding the plight of several main characters.

If a reader enjoys a story where The DaVinci Code meets Left Behind, he would appreciate this novel. I do not recommend it, although I did learn some interesting tidbits along the way. Booksneeze provided me with a complimentary copy of this book and I am giving my honest opinion of it.

The Chamber by John Grisham

Sam is a member of the KKK who has planted bombs in synagogues and other public places. His last bombing attempt goes awry when he kills 2 boys and severely injures their father. Despite a couple of trials with hung juries, he ends up on death row in Mississippi. His grandson Adam, who has grown up estranged from Sam, becomes his lawyer in the final days before Sam's scheduled execution. The book chronicles Adam's attempts to save Sam from the death penalty. In the process, he comes to know and respect and even love his grandfather. Adam learns more about his family's dysfunctional past and brings a measure of healing to his family.

Having read several of Grisham's other books, his style was familiar to me. What caught me by surprise was the lack of the trademark Grisham twist at the end of the book. I was disappointed. It seemed to me that Grisham wrote this book solely to express his feelings regarding the death penalty. The story did make me think, but it did not change my opinion. I don't think I would recommend this book. Grisham has written many other books and this is not one of his best.

In the Company of Others by Jan Karon

Father Tim and Cynthia have finally taken their long-awaited trip to Ireland, only things are not as they had expected. Cynthia re-injures her "historic" ankle. A strange man darts from their wardrobe and a valuable painting is stolen. As the story progresses, they find themselves embroiled in a difficult family situation. Should they leave to find a more restful respite or stay where they are obviously needed?

Fans of Jan Karon's fiction will enjoy the further adventures of Father Tim and Cynthia. The addition of selections from the inn's ancient journal added interest to the story and supported the over-arching theme of forgiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

Since I have an e-reader, I have been reading more of unfamiliar authors. Aimee Bender was new to me, and her book made me think. The main character, Rose, is gifted with the ability of being able to taste the emotions of the persons who prepared her food. This gift she considers a curse, though others want to use it for their benefit. As the story progresses, she becomes aware of others in her family who also have a special skill. She is able to find ways to cope with hers, but other family members aren't as resilient. In his struggle to cope with his gift, her brother disappears, but not before he shares his secret with her. Rose and her family try to move beyond their loss, and as the book closes, the author gives us hope that Rose has succeeded.

This book made me think about the gifts that we possess. Our gifts are not for our own benefit, but to be used for others. As a believer, this makes sense to me, but the author seems to think that the discomfort of the gift outweighs the benefit. As Monk says, "It is a blessing . . . and a curse."

If you enjoy a "psychological" novel that explores family relationships, has a bit of fantasy thrown in, then I think you would enjoy this book.

Miss Julia's School of Beauty

The title, I thought, was a bit misleading, as our favorite southern belle, Miss Julia, now Mrs. Sam Murdock, doesn't open a beauty school, but rather helps Hazel Marie (her dead husband's paramour--but that's another book!) to set up and run a beauty pagent. She gets into some unusual scrapes, which jepardize her current marriage to Sam. She does some soul searching to determine the best course of action and pursues it in her inimitable style.

I enjoyed this book as a light summer read. The twists and turns kept me wondering until the end as to how Miss Julia would solve her dilemma. Fans of Ann B. Ross' Miss Julia stories should enjoy this one also.