Reading Recommendations: Secret Keepers, a novel, Mindy Friddle

At seventy two, Emma Hanley plans to escape small town Palmetto, South Carolina, and travel the globe. But when her fickle husband dies in undignified circumstances, Emma finds herself juggling the needs of her adult children. Her once free spirited daughter, Dora, turns to compulsive shopping and a controlling husband to forget her wayward past. Her son, Bobby, still lives with her, affected with an illness that robbed him of his childhood promise.

When Dora's old flame Jake Cary returns to Palmetto with a broken heart and a gift for gardening, the town becomes filled with mysterious, potent botanicals and memories long forgotten. Soon enough, Jake and his ragtag group of helpers begin to unearth the secrets that have divided the Hanleys for decades.

"This debut novel is atmospheric in the way of Southern fiction, but its also brand new. With casual skill, Friddle makes the case that who we like in life may be a critical as who we love." -Publisher's Weekly

And, A Tale Out of Luck, a novel, Willie Nelson with Mike Blakely

Retired Texas Ranger Captain Hank Tomlinson intends to spend the rest of his days raising cattle on his Broken Arrow Ranch and nurturing his frontier town of Luck, Texas. But when the brutal murder and scalping of a mysterious drifter lends to a clash between cavalry soldiers and a band of Comanche Indians suspected of the killing, a full scale Indian uprising seems likely.

Worse yet, the murder of the drifter bears a disturbing resemblance to a string of killings, Hank remembers from his distant and violent past as a Texas Ranger.

Meanwhile, Hanks' twenty year old son, Jay Blue, and his adopted brother, Skeeter, find themselves on the trail of a valuable Kentucky mare who vanished under their watch. The trail leads them into the dangerous haunts of outlaws and vengeful Comanche warriors. Now Hank must attempt to keep his sons safe while trying to catch a murderer he knows will soon strike again. His ace in the hole is beautiful Flora Barlow, the tavern owner with a knack for detective work.

Though rival lawman Matt Kenyon and competing rancher Jack Brennan complicate Hank's investigation, he and Flora slowly begin to uncover a crooked web of crime, deception, and murder. Dark secrets emerge, and everyone must choose sides as lawmen, outlaws, soldiers, and Indian warriors converge for a final bloody confrontation.

Yes, Willie Nelson is that Willie Nelson!

And, What's Age Got to do With It? Living Your Happiest and Healthiest Life, Robin McGraw

"I look in the mirror and don't recognize the tired woman staring back at me." "I'm 42 years old, and feel like I'm 62." "I'm so afraid of getting older."

If you've had these or similar thoughts, you're not alone. Robin McGraw receives thousands of emails from women asking her what she does to look and feel so vibrant, energetic, and healthy at the age of 55. It all started back in Robin's twenties and thirties when pivotal moments made her realize that if she did not put her health and well being first, no one else would. In her early thirties, Robin experienced the sudden death of her mother, a wonderful woman who put the needs of her family above her own, and, as a result, didn't know that her health was ailing. This tragedy made Robin realize that in order to be the best wife, mother, and woman possible, she had to take care of herself as if her life depended on it.

Robin says, "I wrote this book, not only to answer questions about what I do to stay healthy and in shape, but to remind women that it's time to move yourself to the top of your list of priorities. It's never too early to start taking care of yourself, but it's also never, ever too late."

Robin may be better known as Mrs. Phil McGraw. Through her appearances on his nationally syndicated talk show, Dr. Phil, she's been asked many questions, many of those she answers in this book. Inside information from a panel of top experts in the areas of fitness, nutrition, skin care, menopause, hair, makeup, fashion and much more.

See you at Rylander!