Burning Bright by Nick Petrie

Peter Ash figured the best way to escape the claustrophobia that’s his legacy from the war is to backpack through the California redwoods. But that led to escaping up a tree beyond the reach of a bear, and that led to discovering a series of climbing ropes and a woman who was running from her would-be kidnappers by hiding in the crowns of the redwoods. June is hardly your typical damsel in distress, and that’s good, because this situation is going to require every resource both of them have to make it out alive.

Nick Petrie takes a look at some of the damage inflicted by a tour of duty, and you get to see a little bit of how Ash copes, or doesn’t, with the aftermath and what that means for his life. This was beautifully plotted and paced, and the reader was pleased to find out there was two more novels in the series. If you like action, adrenaline, and a lot of fast thinking this book may be for you.

A House In The Sky by Amanda Lindhout

As a child, Amanda’s distraction from difficult life circumstances was old National Geographic’s, and as soon as she became an adult, she began to travel and write about the places in those magazines. It was a trip to Somalia, to report on the war that was her undoing, on her fourth day she was kidnapped and held for ransom for over a year.

Lindhout tells an intriguing story, both of her life prior to the kidnapping, and the life with her captors. Nigel, a photographer, was kidnapped and held alongside her, and while they could serve as comfort and encouragement for each other their history made things very complicated. It’s an interesting and intense read, and well worth picking up.

Redeeming Honor by E. A. West

Meghan’s twin brother, Ryan, is living with her on her alpaca farm while he recuperates from his last tour of duty. When Ryan asks if they could host one of his wounded war buddies on her farm, Meghan expected another tough Marine like her brother. Instead, she meets Basir, the Afghani interpreter for Ryan’s unit. Although they’re hindered by cultural differences and Basir’s belief that he has nothing to offer, a shy attraction blooms between the two.

Redeeming honor is an inspirational romance and a refreshing change from dramatic storylines about dark secrets and past mistakes keeping people apart. Instead, Meghan and Basir deal with various issues and conflicts as they come up, in a thoughtful and realistic way that makes you believe that their relationship will last and flourish, no matter what comes up.

Piggy Bunny by Rachel Vail

Liam knows exactly what he wants to be when he grows up, he is going to be the Easter bunny. Unfortunately, everyone around him seems to think that because he’s a pig, becoming the Easter Bunny is out of the question. But with a little help, Liam hopes to prove them all wrong.

Piggy Bunny is a lovely picture book with simple but expressive illustrations, and a strong story about believing in yourself and your dreams. While the story is geared for younger listeners, parents will enjoy the quiet humor and the creative way Liam (and his grandparents) help everyone see his potential.

High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

As breakups go, the breakup with Laura didn’t even make Rob’s Top Five Worst list, but somehow, despite all his experience with breakups he can’t quite seem to get over Laura and get on with things.

High fidelity is oddly personal and much more about life than about music, as the title might suggest. Some of Rob’s behavior may make you cringe, but on the whole, it’s an intriguing window into the mind and heart of a man who is suddenly wondering if the life he’s made for himself is really the life he wants. The reviewer felt this was an excellent read, and is definitely recommended.

Our Little Secret by Roz Nay

Angela’s world has shrunk to the size of a police interrogation room, and the latest in a series of officers is asking her about Saskia again, her ex’s wife. Angela decides it’s time to explain everything, to help “fill in the picture” as the police keep saying - but it will be on her terms. She will fill in the whole picture, a story that goes back 10 years to high school and her first love – Saskia’s husband.

Our little secret is a story about lost love, shifting alliances; untrustworthy people and strained relationships. The ending lands solidly, but is still unexpected. This is a first novel by Canadian writer, Roz Nay, and a psychological thriller of considerable skill. Our reviewer can only hope that this is the start of a long and prolific career.