This is just the kind of book that would have made my mother’s eyes twinkle with laughter. Ernest Pettigrew, a widower, is the quintessential old school British gentleman — sardonic, quick in wit, and impeccable in manners. Ensconced in the village of Edgecomb St. Mary in Sussex, England, he somehow never imagined that his "ossified existence of sixty-eight years" would take a delightful turn with Mrs. Ali, a dignified, well-read Pakistani shop keeper who recently lost her husband. Mrs. Ali and Major Pettigrew are not expecting much from life at this stage in their lives and this newfound friendship is something altogether promising and delightful — if not surprising. In this village, where you may be judged for the cookies that you bake or the climatis that you grow, their attraction is getting unwarranted attention from both their neighbors and families. After all, the class delineation still haunts England, much more than the remnants of their former colonies.

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, a debut novel by Helen Simonson, is just a delightful read. One gets a feeling that Simonson gleefully created all these endearing characters (even the nasty ones) and let them loose in this village. There is Roger, the Major’s pretentious son, and his American girlfriend who just wants to cash in on the real estate developments of the village. When the Major objected to his son buying a cottage from a racist, Roger commented, "It’s called the real world. If we refused to do business with the morally questionable, the deal volume would drop in half and the good guys like us would end up poor. Then where would we all be?" To which the Major replied, "On a nice dry spit of land known as the moral high ground."

Simonson’s elegant writings with splashes of satire and humor make this book a refreshing summer read. It certainly makes us believe in the possibilities of love, of romance no matter how late in life, and of the transforming power of courtesy and kindness.

Cristina J. Lozare – Central Library

It’s hot, my brain hurts, and I need some mindless fun. Thank you MaryJanice Davidson!

Betsy Taylor (former model, unemployed, 30, single…and recently deceased) is in a bad mood. Her stepmother, the Ant, has buried her in a cheap suit — and stolen her designer shoe collection. Betsy is an anomaly: a vampire who doesn’t burn in sunlight, resists the drinking of blood, and still attends church. She is also the prophesied Queen of the Vampires.

Sexy vampire Eric Sinclair is chasing her to make her his Queen, the ancient, creepy vampire Nostro is chasing her to make her permanently dead, while Betsy is chasing the Jimmy Choos at the legendary Nordstrom semi-annual shoe sale. Witty madcap chick-lit and paranormal romance at its best, devour these books like summer snow cones. You’ll be sad when you reach the eighth book of the Undead and… series and then have to wait until next summer to shake your head at Betsy and, did I mention her step-sister is the Anti-Christ?

Shirley ONeill – Administration Offices

Gail Carriger’s debut novel Soulless is best described as enchantingly silly. Taking place in a steampunk version of Victorian London, vampires and werewolves — and other supernaturals — are accepted members of society. And, as in all good Victorian novels, manners matter.

The book opens with our heroine Alexia Tarabotti retiring from a ball to enjoy a small repast in her host’s library. No shy debutante, Miss Tarabotti has ordered refreshments from the butler after finding there was scandalously little on offer in the ball room. Instead of being able to enjoy her tea, she is brazenly attacked by a starving vampire. This just isn’t done! Even worse, she manages to kill the poor thing — although her ballgown is definitely the worse for wear and the treacle tart, most sadly, does not survive.

So, how did this society lady survive such a ghastly occurrence? Quite simply, she is soulless. In order to maintain a world in balance, the supernatural creatures must have a natural predator. Such is our preternatural dear Miss Tarabotti, whose touch reverts vampires and werewolves to mundane human status. Aside from her top-secret abilities, Miss Tarabotti labors under several other social handicaps. Her deceased father was Italian, and she inherited his Mediterranean complex. Also, the spinster has a decided scientific and bookish bent.

After the unfortunate scene in the library, the authorities from the ministry assigned to keep track of supernatural activities join the fray. Although they manage to keep Alexia’s face and name from the press, she must deal again with her social nemesis Lord Woolsey, who rules Britain’s werewolves and runs the aforementioned ministry. Alexia finds him socially appalling, but personally appealing.

Added to this stew of passion and mystery, the excellent authoress Gail Carriger also mixes in young dandies about the town, a best friend with awful taste in hats, a nefarious, scientific gentleman’s club, and a stepfamily who just does not appreciate Alexia. The wit is sly, and the romance bold. Our heroine saves the day, but loses her parasol. She gains much more in the end.

Kristen Blount – Administration Office

One of the joys of the summer reading clubs is seeing what other folks enjoy reading and finding new, interesting books. Customers from Miller Branch contributed these reviews, and there’s a little something for everyone.

Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather

Willa Cather captures the feel of New Mexico and the southwest with vivid description. The lovely missions and landscapes of sand and mountains remain today, just as the author pictured in her writings. The dear archbishop really is buried in his Santa Fe church, an architectural prize.  – Janet P.

Confections of a Closet Master Baker by Gesine Bullock-Prado

This is the interesting story of Sandra Bullock’s sister, who left a high-powered Hollywood career to open a small bakery in Vermont. It includes recipes, although not for her specialty Almond Macaroons. I enjoyed reading this book – except for the place where she calls Jane Austen "Victorian." – Ana K.

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham

This upbeat novel is about a third string NFL quarterback who in the last minutes of a championship game blew a 17-point lead and gave the single worst performance in NFL history. Not willing to give up football since that was all he knew, his agent secured him a position of starting quarterback in Italy. Being the only professional (and paid) player on the team, he soon learned how seriously these Italians took their game. What followed every game (win or lose) was beer and pizza paid for by the team’s owner – hence "Playing for Pizza."  – Karen D.

Slightly Shady by Amanda Quick

Full of suspense with a surprise ending, this book is about two people who come together to solve crimes through private inquiries. One does it for a living and one, due to circumstances, is now forced to also do it for a living. Together they solve the crimes of who has been murdering women, and the mystery of the Blue Chamber group. In the end, it was a person no one would or could think of. Also, the two people who started out as adversaries became lovers. – Amy T.

Every entry for Water Your Mind — summer reading for adults — is a chance to win a monthly prize at each branch and a grand prize at the end of summer. Send in your reviews!

True Blood may seem like your average girl-meets-vampire-but-is-secretly-loved-by-a-wolf-man story, but it is actually much deeper. In this alternate Louisiana, as in much of the United States, there are vampires that dwell among humans. A company realizes the danger of vampires feasting on humans, and develops a synthetic substitute for human blood: True Blood. 

Meet the cast of characters who make up the colorful tapestry in this Southern Gothic romance. In a small rural Louisiana diner, a waitress named Sookie can read people’s minds — except Bill’s, who happens to buy True Blood. Sookie’s best friend is Tara, who is tactless when interacting with others, but tries to be a good daughter to her alcoholic mother. Tara’s cousin is Lafayette, a gay drug dealer who works with Sookie and Tara at the diner. Sookie’s brother Jason loves the ladies, but for some reason the ladies end up dead. And the police think he may be the main suspect…

True Blood is a wildly creative series. Besides telling a supernatural tale sprinkled with romance, it also provides social commentary. Vampires are treated as second-class citizens who must fight for their rights, against those who disagree with the vampire political movement. Meanwhile, some humans hunt the vampires and drain them of their blood for sale as a drug. There are people taking the drug and becoming addicted to it.

The show is based on the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris. Dead Until Dark is the first novel, and provides the main plot line for the first season. Dead Until Dark is available at the Library in book and playaway form (Playaways self-contained digital audio books). There are currently ten books in the series, along with several short stories. There is also a CD featuring music from the series, with songs that vary as much as the characters on the show — including country, rock, swamp, and blues rock. 

For a creative series with colorful characters, I recommend the addictive True Blood. 

Robert Bates – Glenwood Branch

I have owned and given away at least three copies of Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie. The copies I loan rarely come back to me because this is one of the best feel-good romantic comedies ever. It’s an opposites-attract romance, with a great supporting cast that includes his friends and family, her friends and family, a neurotic cat, Elvis, an Italian restaurant,, and a collection of snow globes. Min Dobbs is an actuary who wears great shoes and goes by the nickname "Stats," and Cal Morrisey owns a training consultant business with two of his best friends and loves to bet on everything. The book hangs on a bet (and whether it was actually made) about Cal getting Min to go on a date — and maybe into bed. My favorite scene involves chocolate donuts and a Little League baseball game.

While Bet Me is my favorite (the audiobook is good, too), other Crusie titles don’t disappoint. Manhunting romps through a golf resort when Kate Svenson decides she has The Plan to find the perfect husband. It’s funny how plans can fall apart at a moment’s notice. In Welcome to Temptation, a big city girl Sophie Dempsey meets small town small-mindedness. Of course, mayor Phin Tucker is just the one for her. This book contains some of the funniest scenes ever put in print.

Crusie’s newest novel, The Cinderella Deal, offers a sweet romance between two lost souls. Daisy Flattery is an artist who collects cast offs (furniture, clothes, pets) because she still sees the value and beauty in them. Her mantra is "color and contrast." Linc Blaise is a college professor who has a line on the perfect job, only the dean prefers married staff. He and Daisy strike a Cinderella Deal where she pretends to be his straight laced fiancee until "midnight." Of course, it turns out to be a fairy tale match.

The author has a talent for writing about smart, modern women who still believe in happily ever after. The dialogue in all her books sparkle, and often produce out-loud chuckles. The pacing is fast, and the romances are hot. Or maybe, the romance is fast, and the pacing is hot. Either way, a Jennifer Crusie novel is always good for a laugh, a blush, and a sigh.

Kristen Blount – Administration Office

Denise Younger, a single 35-year-old federal government administrator, is off to New Orleans to attend a two-week job-related conference. Arriving a few days early, she decides to check out the local sights. Denise finds herself attracted to the Nightie-Night, an upscale lingerie boutique located in an elegant building in the St. Charles area. While purchasing a luxurious nightie, Denise encounters Tariq, the 24-year-old drop-dead-gorgeous store manager.

Whew! Where is my fan? Two Weeks Until the Rest of My Life is a titillating, racy jaunt of a novel. This is a fun read, full of melodrama — a decent debut for novelist Harold Fisher (writing under the name of RoseFogg), local news anchor of The Daily Drum on WHUR-FM radio in Washington, DC.

Can a man write a sensual romance? Yes. Can a male write convincingly from a woman’s point of view? I’ll let you be the judge. Join us at Central Library on Tuesday, March 2 at 7:00 pm as Harold Fisher discusses his very provocative novel and answers your questions. Books available for purchase and signing.

Register online or call 410.313.7860.

Elaine Johnson – Central Library

Howard County Library announces a new initiative, Pass the Book. During Teen Read Week 2009, the Library will distribute copies of  The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld to teen readers throughout the community.

The Secret Hour follows Jessica Day as she arrives in Bixby, Oklahoma, only to discover she’s at the center of a strange convergence of mystical energy. Sharing "the secret hour" between midnight and 12:01 with four of her classmates, Day finds herself on the front lines of a battle for the future of humanity; primeval "slithers" and "darklings" are using the secret hour to find their way back into our reality, intent on reclaiming the planet. The Midnighters must harness the unique properties of the secret hour to fight back using their own special abilities.

The Secret Hour is a great book to share, and with Pass the Book you’ll have the chance to introduce this title to readers in Howard County and beyond. Teens receiving a specially labeled copy of The Secret Hour are encouraged to read the book, track the book (by registering their copy at hclibrary.org/passthebook) and pass the book to another teen reader. Readers can return to the web site to see where their books have traveled. Throughout the year they will have the opportunity to participate in online discussions and challenges based on events in the novel. A display in each branch features read-a-like titles and the other books in the Midnighters series — Touching Darkness and Blue Noon. A number of Midnighter-themed events are also planned in connection with this initiative, including Midnighter Lore at Central Library, Slither Repellant at Elkridge Branch, and Triskaidekamania at Savage Branch.

Copies of The Secret Hour will be available on Monday, October 19. Join us online and in-person throughout the year for quizzes, reviews, and Midnighter-themed events as we pass this exceptional teen adventure around Howard County and beyond.

John Jewitt – Savage Branch

Sauscony Valdoria is one of my favorite heroines, tough-minded and tender-hearted. Sauscony, nicknamed Soz, is great at math, science, assembling weapons, survival, and figuring tactics. She’s not as great at figuring out people, which can lead to some funny situations. She’s completely literal minded and embodies a series of contradictions.

Soz’s family rules great expanses of the universe, but lives in a rural castle on a protected world. She’s a military genius whose father expects her to get married and have babies. She’d rather run obstacle courses and fly fighter planes than talk about emotions or feelings. In another twist, Soz comes from a family gene-gineered to be the ultimate telepaths, which means she’s empathic to the nth degree. Soz is a super-soldier who feels the hatred of her enemies.

In Asaro’s universe, three interstellar empires share the universe … Earth, The Ruby Empire (Soz’s family), and the Aristo Traders. The Rhon telepaths (mostly Soz’s family) and the Aristo Traders are absolute anathema to one another. Where Soz and her family are extra empathetic, the Traders completely lack that quality. In fact, they achieve a sort of ecstasy from the pain of others, particularly from telepaths who can broadcast their suffering. This makes for some very intense scenes in many of books. Earth plays a sort of intermediary role, trying to keep the peace to varying degrees of success.

Schism is a great place to enter Catherine Asaro’s Skolian series because it introduces Soz as she leaves home for the military academy as war looms on the horizon. Her tale continues in The Final Key, Primary Inversion, and The Radiant Seas. Her story is as fascinating as her funny, strong, ironic character. Other books in the series advance the timeline while focusing on several of Soz’s relatives (parents, siblings, and cousins). Diamond Star, about one of Soz’s brothers and his rock-star career on Earth, was published recently.

Asaro is an award-winning Howard County writer with a Ph.D in chemical physics from Harvard University. Her books have believable hard science elements, along with strong romantic elements.

Kristen Blount  – Administrative Office

As hard as it might be to believe, there are actually adolescent girls out there who aren’t interested, nor comfortable, in reading plotless (and plodding) books about how to put the bite on a male vampire. Young adult fiction that won’t make a sixth grader blush, like the proverbial needle in the haystack, is getting harder and harder for concerned parents to find. But when you do, it can be a shimmering gem such as in first-time novelist Jenny Han’s Shug.

At 12 Shug is passionate and perceptive Annemarie Wilcox of Clarendon, Georgia. She is also unbelievably tall, freckled, and in tremendous doubt when her daddy tells her she will be a looker one day.

Even more impossible to comprehend is how her heart betrays her on a late summer evening when she wakes up to discover that her best friend since childhood, Mark Findlay, is positively kissable! Now — if he’ll only notice that she is budding with womanhood.

Well, Mark doesn’t notice, and as Annemarie embarks on her first year in middle school she must endure not only the pain of this best friend’s careless rejection, but all the other anguish that comes with the territory of maturity – the best girlfriend who blows her off for some jerky guy; the gorgeous mother who drinks too much and shames Annemarie even more; the beautiful, but damaged big sister she’s not sure how to comfort; and worst of all, Jack Connelly, an obnoxious cretin she has known and despised since third grade, but whose troubled life is suddenly about to cross paths with her own.

Jenny Han has imbued in Shug, not only an endearingly complex character, but someone young female readers (not quite anxious to grow up) will recognize –- themselves.

Aimee Zuccarini – East Columbia Branch