See the review above.

If you are someone who loves historical fiction, you will want to read this memorable book. The story takes us behind the scenes of the 1921 Cairo Peace Conference, where the modern Middle East was invented. At the heart of the novel is Agnes Shanklin, an unmarried 38-year old Ohio school teacher. She has just lost her family to the Great Influenza epidemic that has swept the nation and Europe. With the small inheritance that she receives, she decides to take a trip to Egypt and the Holy Land. By happenstance (thanks to her adorable and lovable dachshund, Rosie, who accompanies her on the trip) upon her arrival in Cairo, she meets Lady Gertrude Bell, Winston Churchill, Lawrence of Arabia, and a charming German spy, who are all there for the Peace Conference. ~ Cindy

I really enjoy books that offer a perspective unfamiliar to me. Dinaw Mengestu has written a first novel that does just that. "The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears" tells the story of an Ethiopian immigrant trying to build a life in a rundown neighborhood in Washington D.C. Though Sepha Stephanos has lived in America for 17 years now, he still feels like an outsider. However, he no longer feels that Ethiopia is his home either. He is caught between two worlds and unsure of his own identity. When a white woman and her bi-racial daughter move next door to the convenience store that he owns, Sepha begins to see hope of a different life. This is a beautifully written book about identity, race, and belonging. It is the tale of African immigrants, the lives they leave behind, and the new ones they try to build. I found it to be touching and enlightening. ~ Torrie

I have read James McBride's memoir, The Color of Water and his first novel, The Miracle at St. Anna - I am a fan. I have just finished his second novel, Song Yet Sung and I am once again impressed with the depth and skill with which this man puts words to paper. The decision to read this novel was not an easy one, even if it is McBride; it is, after all, set in 1850 Maryland and focuses on slaves and slave traders - dark subjects. But I only needed to read the first paragraph to be convinced that I needed to read on, and it turns out this novel is ultimately about hope.

One reason I love historical fiction is because I always learn something, and in this particular case, I learned a lot. I learned that the eastern shore of Maryland represented (for slaves) only another 80 miles to freedom. I knew about people who were hired to capture runaway slaves, but I learned there were also people who stole black human beings, slave or free, and sold them further south where their value was highest. I also learned the swampy, creek-filled shore of Maryland was part of the underground railroad used by Harriet Tubman.

The novel begins in an attic where Liz Spocott has been held prisoner for three weeks. Liz escaped from her master only to be shot in the head by Patty Cannon and her group of slave traders. Surprisingly, she doesn't die and even inadvertently helps the group of slaves she is being held with escape from the attic. Liz is a surprising character. She was the Master's pet (in all that implies), is beautiful, smart and she is called the Dreamer because she sees the future in her dreams. Not just tomorrow or next week, but far into the future: "I dreamed it, she said. I dreamed of freedom. And she told him of her dreams, of young black men in great cities who shot one another from horseless carriages, and of fat children who cried of starvation and ran from books like they were poison. She told of white school children gathered around magic boxes that bore the sorrowful stories of the colored man's past enslavement and the children weeping real tears. She told of black women appearing in front of illuminated boxes that could be seen far distant, their wonderful nappy hair clipped and pressed and shaped dozens of different ways, and of whites who laughed with joy and smiled with glee at being called nigger." (Author's formatting)

This is a complex book with many thoughtfully portrayed characters: Kathleen Sullivan, a young widow trying to make it on her own with the help of her three slaves who she treats well and with genuine affection. Amber, a young man (one of Kathleen slaves) who finds Liz hiding and tries to help her. Woolman, a black man living wild in the swamps. Denwood, a slave tracker who has been lured out of retirement for a big payday when he returns Liz to her master. And Patty Cannon, a character from our history who had as many as 300 slave runners in her employ. In the novel, she is surrounded by just three men and she is determined to capture Liz and make her pay for freeing the slaves from her attic. But in addition to great characterizations, the pace of the novel is compelling and created such anxiety in me while I was reading it, I wasn't sure if I should stop reading it to give my blood pressure a rest or hurry up and finish it so I would know how it ended.

I have to admit, one other thought came to me as I was turning the final pages. I wonder what Liz would have thought if she could have seen Barack Obama in her dreams. Would she have even been able to comprehend that our country is finally on the cusp of possibly electing an African-American man to the highest office in our nation? ~Patti

Wow! Here is a book not to start unless you have the time to finish. Reminiscent of Frederick Forsyth, it combines a precise combination of mystery, fast-paced action, twists, turns and a fair amount of violence.

Samuel Carver is the "accident man." He is ex-Special Forces and has the smarts and skills to make bad people die in ways that look like accidents and therefore does not raise suspicion of foul play. He's not really sure who it is who hires him to create these accidents, but the money is good and the jobs help to burn some of the guilt and anger he carries with him. While on vacation in New Zealand, Carver is once again summoned to arrange an accident for a terrorist. He goes to Paris, arranges a car accident and thinks the job is done. But, enter the first twist; the real storyline of the novel has just begun!

I would strongly suggest not reading any reviews of this book (other than this one, of course). The surprises Cain has in store for the reader are part of the fun of the book. The "Could this be true?" and "What if?s" just add to the intrigue. I will say the author has set this novel up to be a first in a series and I am thrilled; seriously, goose-bumped thrilled. ~Patti