All of these books have something good to offer readers.

One Summer

By David Baldacci

Grand Central, $13.99

David Baldacci, well-known for his wonderful thrillers, proves once again that he can write in pretty much any genre and give readers a great story.

When the book opens, Jack Armstrong is facing certain death due to a terminal illness. When his wife, Lizzie, is killed in a car wreck while going out to get his medicine, the family, which includes children Mikki, Cory and Jackie, is devastated. Jack's in-laws offer to take the children, leaving Jack in a hospice. But, a miracle occurs, and Jack recovers.

Now he must rebuild his relationships with the children and work through his grief over the loss of his wife. He decides to take them to a South Carolina beachfront home that he discovers has been left to him by Lizzie's aunt. Jack focuses on restoring what Lizzie used to call "her" lighthouse, not spending much time with his family. He begins to wonder if he and the children will ever get over the loss of Lizzie.

You'll probably shed a few tears while reading this one.

The Weird Sisters

By Eleanor Brown

Berkley, $15

I noticed that I've already seen this book on The Country Bookshop's Best-Sellers List, and deservedly so.

The three Andreas sisters seem to be as different as day and night, although all have been brought up to be big readers. Named for characters in Shakespeare's plays - Rosalind (Rose), Bianca (Bean) and Cordelia (Cordy) - the women come back to the small college town in which they were raised, ostensibly to care for their mother.

They aren't necessarily happy to find each other there. All three are hiding secrets. And, their totally different mindsets put them at each other's throats some of the time.

Rose, a college professor, is in love with another professor, but afraid of leaving her current situation to make the change in location she will be making if she marries him; Cordy, the youngest, is pregnant; and Bean has lost her job because she embezzled some money.

These women must come to the realization that they are finally adults with decisions to make.

Brown gives readers a warm and wonderful read.

Grace

By T. Greenwood

Kensington, $15

If you read the first two pages of this novel, I promise you will finish the book. In fact, you might not want to put it down.

Thirteen-year-old Trevor Kennedy enjoys taking photos. Although the principal of his school calls him "troubled," she ignores the fact that he has been bullied for many years. His art teacher sees another side of him, realizing how creative he is with a camera.

Trevor's parents have tried to be understanding, but are under pressures of their own. His mother is shoplifting silly stuff at the local store; his father is trying to take care of grandfather, a stubborn and hateful old man who is a hoarder.

Crystal, a store clerk who sees it all, has her own problems, but finds herself mixed up in those of the Kennedys.

This is one of the most compelling books I've read in a long time, with a bang-up ending.

Sweet Stuff

By Donna Kauffman

Brava, $14

For a read that's all about fun, Donna Kauffman's "Sweet Stuff" fills the bill. It's sassy and funny.

One of the Cupcake Romance series, set on Georgia's Sugarberry Island, this volume finds Riley Brown staging houses. When hunky writer Quinn Brannigan comes to town to finish his latest novel, sparks fly every time the two of them meet.

A predictable ending, but it's fun getting there.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com.