I live in the Tampa Bay area and have been to The Lowry Park Zoo on many occasions. This book knocked me off my reading chair. It opens with the disturbing killing of elephants in Africa due to over population and the story of how several elephants were relocated to the Lowry Park Zoo. The author gives the reader a glimpse behind the scenes of operating a zoo along with the politics of fundraising. He gives credence to proponents of zoos and a voice to those who feel animals should never be caged for the enjoyment of others. He tells the story of the animals who came to live at the zoo and the people who cared for and loved them. The book evoked many emotions including anger, laughter and tears. It is the kind of book that you will never forget.

Adrienne Sharp deftly weaves the tale of a prima ballerina and the Russian court who captured her love and catapulted her career. The reader is immersed in the excesses of the imperial Czars and the frustration and poverty of the masses. The love story travels the vast Russian kingdom and survives revolutions and wars. What more would you expect from a historical novel? Well done!

Not knowing much about Catherine DeMedici I was anticipating a historical novel with a larger than life protagonist. The author's strength is his ability to give dimension and multiple layers to Catherine. He deftly intertwines historical facts to reveal a young girl who becomes a woman of strength and devotion. A woman who would do anything to protect her family and her adopted country France....including murder! Although, I enjoyed the book, it was not the page turner I was anticipating.

Fans of historical fiction and mystery novels will find Heresy a successful blend of both genres. King Henry the Eight's lust for Ann Boleyn and a desire for a male heir resulted in a break from the Roman Catholic Church. The result of this action is the background setting for multiple murders at Oxford University in 1583. A possible romantic interest and the hunt for rare manuscripts enhances the plot and keeps the pace moving.

This is a skillfully written book which I enjoyed. Women readers will identify with the author's struggle to balance her role as a wife and mother without sacrificing her individual identity. The physical and mystical journey the family experiences strengthens their bond and belief in the possibility of everything. At times, the novel references politics and historical background more than necessary which distracts from the main story.

The Air Between Us did not live up to it's comparison to The Secret Life of Bees. Due to the brief introduction of the many characters in the beginning of the book it did not capture my interest. I felt the plot suffered due to this lack of character development. The author herself states that the most difficult part of the book to write is the beginning because she does not know her characters well. However, she did highlight the roles of blacks and whites in the deep south on the verge of desegregation with an interesting plot twist revealed.

Author Elle Newmark brings to life 1498 Venice by stimulating the readers senses through poetic descriptions of the aromas, tastes and sounds of this ancient city. It is a story of a young, orphan beggar and his struggle to survive a world of mystery, murder and intrigue. The poverty of the street is balanced by glimpses into the world of the elite rich and reveal how they both need each other to survive. Luciano's journey out of poverty aided by a secret society is a story well told and an enjoyable read.