Where People Like Us Live by Patricia Cumbie

In 1978, when her restless father moves the family to Racine, Wisconsin, fourteen-year-old Libby quickly becomes friends with neighbor Angie, but there is something strange about Angie's stepfather and when Libby learns the truth, she must make a very difficult choice.

This book has a creepy (as in uncomfortable, not scarey) factor that will be appealing to teenage girl readers. Like Libby, everyone wants to belong...to have a good friend--what price do you pay to keep a friend?

Rating: 8 of 10.

The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Thirty-three-year-old Cassie wants a husband and children for Christmas and decides to hire a professional matchmaker to help her dreams come true, but Simon Dodson demands Cassie complete three tasks before he introduces her to her perfect mate.

OK, this isn't great literature--think lite Danielle Steel; however it was a pleasant (if predictable) read.

Rating: 8 of 10.

While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky

Molly is shocked to learn that her  sister Robin, a world-class runner, has had a heart attack and may never regain consciousness, and while the rest of her family seems to be crumbling, Molly is left to make the big decisions.

I really identified with Molly & her family. The struggle of doing the right thing (whatever that may be) and the family dynamics were interesting to observe...and they felt real to me--at least the mother & Molly did.

Rating: 9 of 10.