A War of Gifts by Orson Scott Card

A War of Gifts: An Ender Story - Zeck Morgan grew up in a fundamentalist Christian home. When he was forced to enter Battle School, he did everything in his power to be kicked out.  This included refusing to hit anything at which he shot and passively accepting the abuse foisted on him by his classmates.  At Battle School, religion of any kind is banned.  When he observes one boy giving a gift to another boy for Sinterklaas Day, Zeck, thinking he'll get kicked out for stirring up trouble, tells the teachers that this is a religious observance.  This begins a storm among the teachers and students as to what constitutes religious practices.

A War of Gifts by Orson Scott Card

A War of Gifts: An Ender Story - Zeck Morgan grew up in a fundamentalist Christian home. When he was forced to enter Battle School, he did everything in his power to be kicked out.  This included refusing to hit anything at which he shot and passively accepting the abuse foisted on him by his classmates.  At Battle School, religion of any kind is banned.  When he observes one boy giving a gift to another boy for Sinterklaas Day, Zeck, thinking he'll get kicked out for stirring up trouble, tells the teachers that this is a religious observance.  This begins a storm among the teachers and students as to what constitutes religious practices.

Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

Ender's Shadow (The Shadow Series) - This is the story of Bean, the boy who became Ender Wiggin's right hand man in Ender's Game.  As an orphan on the streets of Rotterdam, Bean, was the smallest of the small, but more intelligent than any other.  Knowing he could not survive through strength, Bean learned through observation and insinuated himself into a street gang by giving strategic advice to the leaders.  This brought him to the attention of those responsible for recruiting children for Battle School.  In Battle School, Bean again learned by observation and infiltrating the teachers' systems to learn everything he could about the other children and why they were being groomed for battle.

Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

Ender's Shadow (The Shadow Series) - This is the story of Bean, the boy who became Ender Wiggin's right hand man in Ender's Game.  As an orphan on the streets of Rotterdam, Bean, was the smallest of the small, but more intelligent than any other.  Knowing he could not survive through strength, Bean learned through observation and insinuated himself into a street gang by giving strategic advice to the leaders.  This brought him to the attention of those responsible for recruiting children for Battle School.  In Battle School, Bean again learned by observation and infiltrating the teachers' systems to learn everything he could about the other children and why they were being groomed for battle.

Sacrifice by S.J. Bolton

Sacrifice - Tora Hamilton and her husband, Duncan Guthrie recently moved to the Shetland Islands.  Duncan grew up on the islands but Tora is considered an outsider.  When her horse, Jamie died, Tora decided to bury him on their land.  While she was digging the grave, she came across the corpse of a woman who had recently gave birth and had her heart removed.  An obstetrician, Tora wants to know what happen.  However, the only person who seems to care is Detective Sergeant Dana Tulloch, herself an outsider.  The investigation of the two women lead them to a mysterious maternity hospital on a nearby island that registers only a few births every year.

Sacrifice by S.J. Bolton

Sacrifice - Tora Hamilton and her husband, Duncan Guthrie recently moved to the Shetland Islands.  Duncan grew up on the islands but Tora is considered an outsider.  When her horse, Jamie died, Tora decided to bury him on their land.  While she was digging the grave, she came across the corpse of a woman who had recently gave birth and had her heart removed.  An obstetrician, Tora wants to know what happen.  However, the only person who seems to care is Detective Sergeant Dana Tulloch, herself an outsider.  The investigation of the two women lead them to a mysterious maternity hospital on a nearby island that registers only a few births every year.

Now You See Me by S.J. Bolton

Now You See Me - On August 31, the anniversary of Jack the Ripper's first murder, Lacey Flint finds a dying woman leaning against her car.  Within several hours a journalist receives a letter very similar to those the Ripper sent in his day.  Only this one mentions Flint by name.  As the police investigate, other women are murdered, almost exactly and to the day of the Ripper's next victims.  DI Mark Joesbury, assisting Dana Tulloch, believes Flint is the culprit.  Furthermore, Flint realizes that she is at fault as well.

Now You See Me by S.J. Bolton

Now You See Me - On August 31, the anniversary of Jack the Ripper's first murder, Lacey Flint finds a dying woman leaning against her car.  Within several hours a journalist receives a letter very similar to those the Ripper sent in his day.  Only this one mentions Flint by name.  As the police investigate, other women are murdered, almost exactly and to the day of the Ripper's next victims.  DI Mark Joesbury, assisting Dana Tulloch, believes Flint is the culprit.  Furthermore, Flint realizes that she is at fault as well.

Hazardous Duty by W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV

Hazardous Duty (A Presidential Agent Novel) - President Joshua Ezekiel Clendennen has decided to end the reign of the drug cartels in Mexico and the pirates in Somali.  To do this, he wants Colonel Charley Castillo and his group on the case.  However, Castillo, forced to retire by Clendennen, and his group no longer exists.  Furthermore, most people close to the president believe he has gone crazy.  Therefore, those charged by the president to get Castillo cook up a plan to make it look like Castillo is doing the job while deciding how to handle the president.

Hazardous Duty by W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV

Hazardous Duty (A Presidential Agent Novel) - President Joshua Ezekiel Clendennen has decided to end the reign of the drug cartels in Mexico and the pirates in Somali.  To do this, he wants Colonel Charley Castillo and his group on the case.  However, Castillo, forced to retire by Clendennen, and his group no longer exists.  Furthermore, most people close to the president believe he has gone crazy.  Therefore, those charged by the president to get Castillo cook up a plan to make it look like Castillo is doing the job while deciding how to handle the president.

The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery - Sheinkin tells the story of the Benedict Arnold.  From his birth to his death, we learn of Arnold's heroism and why he did what he did.

The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery - Sheinkin tells the story of the Benedict Arnold.  From his birth to his death, we learn of Arnold's heroism and why he did what he did.

A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist

A Bride Most Begrudging - In April of 1643, Lady Constance Morrow, boards a ship in England to say goodbye to her uncle.  Uncle Skelly has been imprisoned and is being sent to America to work as a slave for seven years.  Before she leaves the ship, the captain shackles her as well, intending to sell her as a bride in America.  When they arrive, Uncle Skelly has died, and Constance is sold to Drew O'Connor.  Drew however, only wanted a maid to help him care for his baby sister.

A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist

A Bride Most Begrudging - In April of 1643, Lady Constance Morrow, boards a ship in England to say goodbye to her uncle.  Uncle Skelly has been imprisoned and is being sent to America to work as a slave for seven years.  Before she leaves the ship, the captain shackles her as well, intending to sell her as a bride in America.  When they arrive, Uncle Skelly has died, and Constance is sold to Drew O'Connor.  Drew however, only wanted a maid to help him care for his baby sister.

The Bride Wore Size 12 by Meg Cabot

The Bride Wore Size 12: A Novel - Although this is the first Heather Wells book I read, it is actually the 5th in the series.

Heather Wells is planning her wedding to PI Cooper Cartwright.  It is also Freshmen Orientation Week at New York College.  In addition, Prince Rashid, the son of a sheik is rooming in the dorm where Heather works as an assistant hall director.  Assigned an entire suite, Prince Rashid's presence has turned Fischer Hall into the most popular dorm. Moreover, the prince lives the life of a playboy  Thus, Heather is already stressed when one of her RAs is found dead in her room.

The Bride Wore Size 12 by Meg Cabot

The Bride Wore Size 12: A Novel - Although this is the first Heather Wells book I read, it is actually the 5th in the series.

Heather Wells is planning her wedding to PI Cooper Cartwright.  It is also Freshmen Orientation Week at New York College.  In addition, Prince Rashid, the son of a sheik is rooming in the dorm where Heather works as an assistant hall director.  Assigned an entire suite, Prince Rashid's presence has turned Fischer Hall into the most popular dorm. Moreover, the prince lives the life of a playboy  Thus, Heather is already stressed when one of her RAs is found dead in her room.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery) - Hannah Swenson owns The Cookie Jar, a bakery in Lake Eden, Minnesota.   When Ron LaSalle, the local dairy's delivery man, is found dead behind her store with Hannah's cookies scattered around him Hannah's decides to help her brother-in-law, Bill, investigate. Bill just passed the detective's test and believes Sheriff Grant will promote him if he solves the case.  Hannah convinces her sister, Andrea to help her.  As they investigate, they learn that a prominent man in town has loan several people money, foreclosing on their homes when they defaulted.

Hannah's mother is intent on seeing her married and arranges for Hannah to meet Norman Rhodes, the new dentist in town.  When Hannah learns that the Sheriff hired a new deputy, Mike Kingston, she only hopes her mother won't consider him marriage material.

This book includes a bonus short story Candy for Christmas.  Hannah finds Candy hiding out in her bakery.  Candy has run away from home.  Hannah decides to take care of Candy while she investigates why she doesn't want to go home.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery) - Hannah Swenson owns The Cookie Jar, a bakery in Lake Eden, Minnesota.   When Ron LaSalle, the local dairy's delivery man, is found dead behind her store with Hannah's cookies scattered around him Hannah's decides to help her brother-in-law, Bill, investigate. Bill just passed the detective's test and believes Sheriff Grant will promote him if he solves the case.  Hannah convinces her sister, Andrea to help her.  As they investigate, they learn that a prominent man in town has loan several people money, foreclosing on their homes when they defaulted.

Hannah's mother is intent on seeing her married and arranges for Hannah to meet Norman Rhodes, the new dentist in town.  When Hannah learns that the Sheriff hired a new deputy, Mike Kingston, she only hopes her mother won't consider him marriage material.

This book includes a bonus short story Candy for Christmas.  Hannah finds Candy hiding out in her bakery.  Candy has run away from home.  Hannah decides to take care of Candy while she investigates why she doesn't want to go home.

Killer by Jonathan Kellerman

Killer: An Alex Delaware Novel - Connie Sykes has sued her sister, Ree Sykes, for custody of Ree's daughter Rambla.  Alex is asked by the court to evaluate the sisters and make a recommendation to the court.  When Connie threatens Alex, he reports this to the judge.  Later, Connie is murdered and Ree and Rambla disappear.  Even though every believes Ree is nonviolent and would never hurt anyone, more and more Ree looks like Connie's killer.

Killer by Jonathan Kellerman

Killer: An Alex Delaware Novel - Connie Sykes has sued her sister, Ree Sykes, for custody of Ree's daughter Rambla.  Alex is asked by the court to evaluate the sisters and make a recommendation to the court.  When Connie threatens Alex, he reports this to the judge.  Later, Connie is murdered and Ree and Rambla disappear.  Even though every believes Ree is nonviolent and would never hurt anyone, more and more Ree looks like Connie's killer.

Private L.A. by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan

Private LA - When Thom and Jennifer Harlow, along with their three children disappear, Private L.A. and founder Jack Morgan and his on-again off-again lover, Justin Smith are hired by the couple's  lawyer and publicist to investigate secretly.   After filming in Vietnam, the couple returned home to their ranch for a vacation with their children.  However, when the maid came, their was no one home, and no trace of the family.  

Meanwhile, a group, calling themselves NO PRISONERS, appearing to kill indiscriminately begins to terrorize LA.

Private L.A. by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan

Private LA - When Thom and Jennifer Harlow, along with their three children disappear, Private L.A. and founder Jack Morgan and his on-again off-again lover, Justin Smith are hired by the couple's  lawyer and publicist to investigate secretly.   After filming in Vietnam, the couple returned home to their ranch for a vacation with their children.  However, when the maid came, their was no one home, and no trace of the family.  

Meanwhile, a group, calling themselves NO PRISONERS, appearing to kill indiscriminately begins to terrorize LA.

Silent Night by Robert B. Parker with Helen Brann

Silent Night: A Spenser Holiday Novel - Slide, a young boy, comes to Spenser to help his mentor, Jackie Alvarez.  Alvarez runs Street Business, a community center for homeless kids.  Lately, Alvarez has received threats and the kids have been shaken down for the money they earn at the jobs that Street Business helps them obtain.

Silent Night by Robert B. Parker with Helen Brann

Silent Night: A Spenser Holiday Novel - Slide, a young boy, comes to Spenser to help his mentor, Jackie Alvarez.  Alvarez runs Street Business, a community center for homeless kids.  Lately, Alvarez has received threats and the kids have been shaken down for the money they earn at the jobs that Street Business helps them obtain.