The Book Connection's Top 10 Books of 2011

I think this was the hardest year for choosing my Top 10 Books. In going through my spreadsheet, I kept checking off books I knew should be on it, but then there over double what I was supposed to have. I had to go back through the list again, check out what I had to say about these books, think on it some more, and then compose a new list--a few times. I've decided to include honorable mentions because there are several books that could have made the list.

1. Falling Home by Karen White
2. A Christmas Journey Home by Kathi Macias
3. The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson by Jerome Charyn
4. Born Under a Lucky Moon by Dana Precious
5. People of the Book by Kathi Macias
6. Friendship Bread by Darien Gee
7. Joe DiMaggio: The Long Vigil by Jerome Charyn
8. A Higher Court by John Betcher
9. Elizabeth I by Margaret George
10. In the St. Nick of Time by K.M. Daughters

Honorable Mentions:

1. Bears With Us by Marilyn Meredith
2. Love You More by Lisa Gardner
3. The Queen's Gamble by Barbara Kyle
4. My Dearest Friend by Hazel Statham
5. Murder is a Family Business by Heather Haven
6. The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin
7. The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner
8. Cold Lonely Courage by Soren Paul Petrek
9. Resurrection Garden by Frank Scully
10. Murder in the Vatican by Ann Margaret Lewis

Book Review: Born Under A Lucky Moon by Dana Precious

If you're looking for a fabulous and funny summer read, pick up a copy of Born Under a Lucky Moon by Dana Precious.

Jeannie Thompson's life has never been boring. Her family is filled with colorful, and often embarrassing, relatives who seem to be the victims of some of the oddest things; making them the talk of the little Michigan town where they live.

It is 2006, and Jeannie's longtime boyfriend is thinking of taking their relationship to the next level. She's not sure they should rock the boat. Not only are they both busy in the entertainment industry, she knows how other boyfriends have felt about her less than normal family, and she's not sure Aidan will be any better.

As Jeannie's past and present collide, she must reconsider her life growing up near the Great Lakes of Michigan, and the career she carved out that has alienated her from her family. 

I discovered Born Under A Lucky Moon at another blog and commented on the review. The author's publicist contacted me and sent me a copy. All the other reviews had been spectacular, so I was hoping I would enjoy this one too. Now I wish I had read it sooner.

Debut author Dana Precious pulls together a stellar plot, quirky characters, the love/hate relationship we can have with our family/stomping grounds, and a romance to come up with a major winner. I loved everything about this book. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I read it in one day. Born Under A Lucky Moon is filled with laughs and tears, unexpected twists, family, and down home charm. It's about the Thompson family, but it could be about any family.

Born Under A Lucky Moon is the perfect book to choose if you want a great read that is funny, yet moving.

Title:  Born Under A Lucky Moon
Author:  Dana Precious
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
ISBN-10: 9780061876875
ISBN-13: 978-0061876875
SRP:  $13.99
Also available in a Kindle edition.

I received a copy of this book from the author's publicist in exchange for my honest opinions. I received no monetary compensation to provide my review.

Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations go out to Wanda, who won a copy of Born Under a Lucky Moon by Dana Precious. I'll email her tomorrow. She'll have 72 hours to respond with her mailing address. If I don't hear from her within that time frame I'll select a new winner.

Our congratulations also go out to shanaelyse, winner of an eCopy of The Widow's Ransom by Mallary Mitchell.

Thanks to all who participated. Look for more giveaways coming soon!