Top Book Buys

DOWN RIVER By John Hart

John Hart’s debut, THE KING OF LIES, was compelling and lyrical, with Janet Maslin of The New York Times declaring, “There hasn’t been a thriller as showily literate since Scott Turow came along.” Now, in DOWN RIVER, Hart makes a scorching return to Rowan County, where he drives his characters to the edge, explores the dark side of human nature, and questions the fundamental power of forgiveness.

Adam Chase has a violent streak, and not without reason. As a boy, he saw things that no child should see, suffered wounds that cut to the core and scarred thin. The trauma left him passionate and misunderstood --- a fighter.

THE BOOK THIEF By Markus Zusack

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

PLAY DIRTY By Sandra Brown

Griff Burkett, former Dallas Cowboy football icon, has just been released from prison after serving five years for racketeering. In a state where football is king, he was convicted of shaving points and conspiring with mobsters to cheat his fans of imminent victory. There is no way that he ever could serve enough time to redeem himself in the eyes of most Texans. Yet, upon his release, one of the state's wealthiest couples invites him to their estate and offers him a job.

Quote of the Week

There is no expedient to which a man will not go to avoid the labor of thinking.
Thomas A. Edison
US inventor (1847 - 1931)
 
1- Apple Mojito

The Ingredients
1 shot Vodka
1 shot apple liqueur
1 large dash Lime juice
1/2 spoon of sugar syrup(17.5-ounce) can coconut juice
Soda water.

The Mixology
In a cocktail shaker, muddle together sugar syrup and some fresh mint leaves. Add the lime juice, Russian Standard Vodka and the Apple Liqueur and stir well together. Pour into a highball glass half filled with crushed ice. Top up with soda water.
Additional notes:
Crisp and fruity apple flavoured cocktail. Tonic water or sparkling mineral water could be used as alternatives to soda water. A variation of the classic Mojito recipe.
2- Strawberry Haze

The Ingredients
1 shot White Rum
1 shot strawberry liqueur
4 strawberry
1/4 shot sugar syrup
Champagne

The Mixology
Remove the stalk from each strawberry and muddle these together in the base of a cocktail shaker. Add the White Rum and sugar syrup plus ice and shake well together. Fine strain into a flute or large martini glass. Top up with Champagne.
Additional notes:
Champagne is a perfect accompaniment to strawberries so what could be better than a cocktail that brings both together? For best results use a dry or “Brut” champagne – alternatively you could use another dry sparkling wine such as cava.
3- Gin & Tonic Jellies

The Ingredients
1 shot cherry brandy
1 shot Creme de Cacao - White
1 shot Amarula cream
2 1/2 shots milk

The Mixology
Shake all of the above ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Additional notes:
Rich and creamy cocktail with the flavour of chocolate and cherries.

Upcoming Event