Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich-she's baaaaack....



Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is, or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie’s name is on the killer’s list.
Short on time to find evidence proving the killer’s identity, Stephanie faces further complications when her family and friends decide that it’s time for her to choose between her longtime off-again-on-again boyfriend, Trenton cop Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert Ranger. Stephanie’s mom is encouraging Stephanie to dump them both and choose a former high school football star who’s just returned to town. Stephanie’s sidekick, Lula, is encouraging Stephanie to have a red-hot boudoir “bake-off.” And Grandma Bella, Morelli’s old-world grandmother, is encouraging Stephanie to move to a new state when she puts “the eye” on Stephanie.
With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men, and a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie’s life looks like it’s about to go up in smoke. ( Synopsis from Barnes & Noble.com)


After her last 2 books being somewhat lackluster, I was happy to see that the old Janet Evanovich was back. Loved this book!!!. It was full of the old sass and humor of the earlier books. Stephanie is back to being torn between her two hunky guys and there's a third to add to the mix. Someone is killing people and leaving them in the old bail bonds lot with love notes to Stephanie. Mention was made of her sister Valerie and Albert Klaughn who have all but disappeared in the past few books. Lula is on a gun totin' rampage in this book and there's even a bear plotline. Instead of Vinnie's office, the staff is working out of Mooner's bus. I laughed out loud at several parts. Joe's granny Bella puts the hex on Stephanie which leads to some interesting developments and conversations....Lula-" it's one of those starter tumors".... Fans of the series will breathe a sigh of relief that the fun of reading the earlier books has returned. A must read.

RPL library notes: This book will be available after 6/21/11 in the Adult new fiction section. There is a waiting list. The audio version will be available soon, check with the Circ desk for information.

Folly Beach by Dorothea Benton Frank

Home is the place that knows us best. . . .
A woman returns to the past to find her future in this enchanting new tale of loss, acceptance, family, and love.
With its sandy beaches and bohemian charms, surfers and suits alike consider Folly Beach to be one of South Carolina's most historic and romantic spots. It is also the land of Cate Cooper's childhood, the place where all the ghosts of her past roam freely. Cate never thought she'd wind up in this tiny cottage named the Porgy House on this breathtakingly lovely strip of coast. But circumstances have changed, thanks to her newly dead husband whose financial—and emotional—bull and mendacity have left Cate homeless, broke, and unmoored.
Yet Folly Beach holds more than just memories. Once upon a time another woman found unexpected bliss and comfort within its welcoming arms. An artist, writer, and colleague of the revered George Gershwin, Dorothy Heyward enjoyed the greatest moments of her life at Folly with her beloved husband, DuBose. And though the Heywards are long gone, their passion and spirit lingers in every mango sunset and gentle ocean breeze.
And for Cate, Folly, too, holds the promise of unexpected fulfillment when she is forced to look at her life and the zany characters that are her family anew. To her surprise, she will discover that you can go home again. Folly Beach doesn't just hold the girl she once was . . . it also holds the promise of the woman she's always wanted—and is finally ready—to become. (Synopsis from HarperCollins.com)


Dorothea Benton Frank does it again! Her latest book tells the story of Cate Cooper, a widow whose husband left her broke, humiliated, and with a soiled piano ( you'll understand once you read it). She heads down South to Folly Beach to stay with her crotchety Aunt Daisy and Daisy's partner Ella.These two ladies are wonderfully drawn characters! Cate goes to live in a cottage once owned by a couple who worked with George Gershwin on one of his musicals. Each chapter starts with a vignette about Dorothy Heywood and her husband Dubose, all of which tell a sub-story in itself. Cate finds the inspiration to start a new life, career, and romance on Folly Beach. I especially enjoyed her interaction with her son Russ and his obnoxious wife, Alice. As usually happens when I finish one of Ms. Benton Frank's books, I want to head for the beaches of South Carolina and soak up the south and all of its ways !

RPL Notes: This book can be found in the Adult New fiction section. It will be available soon as an audiobook as well. We have several of Dorothea Benton Frank's earlier books in the Adult Fiction section and on the Audio CD shelves.