Comfort Me with Apples by Ruth Reichl

Subtitle: More Adventures a the Table -- Reichl is a food critic.  She eats amazing food all around the world.  Her other books told of her many adventures, this book takes you back to the beginning.  It takes you to her personal side.  She talks about her relationships, how she lived and things that led her into some interesting experiences early on in her career.   Reichl is funny and honest and really, really enjoys what she does.  If you enjoy food and you really love reading about it you will like this book and the recipes she offers.

Here's to Us by Elin Hilderbrand

A blending of three families joined by one man, who dies.  They are all to get together on Nantucket at a place he was happiest.  Lots of history, lots of anger, lots of misunderstandings- and it all comes to a head.  Hilderbrand does a wonderful job weaving their lives together and seeing deeply into each character and where they are coming from.  I do get a little tired of her style of writing from one persons view and then the other, it can feel a bit choppy.

Narrow Minds by Marie Browne

Another fun adventure of getting back onto a narrow boat.  Marie was not happy being back in a house.  She did not like the neighbors or all that a house involved.  She wanted to get back on the water.  It took a lot of looking and convincing her family, but they finally found a boat, that of course needed lots of work.  Remodeling is always a challenge and there are always unknowns.  Her husband needed to get a job, so they then had to work out moving the boat and coordinating transportation.  There is never a dull moment in this adventure and was a great read.  Can't wait to get my hands on the next book!!

Hit by a Farm by Catherine Friend

Subtitle: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Barn -- An interesting account of starting a farm with nothing and not knowing much about it.  It was all very much a learning process for her and her partner Melissa.  They bought some land, got sheep and goats, chickens and a couple llamas.  They also started a vineyard.  Many times they were in over their heads.  Lambing season was very hard, getting the vineyards started was a challenge.  They were able to work through most things, though there were times that Catherine was ready to quit and leave.  In the end Catherine did need to separate herself a bit, to be able to do what she wanted, which was to write.  She ended up finding a good balance and things worked out.  There are many laugh out loud times and times that you just have to shake your head.  It was an enjoyable read, at times a little melodramatic, but fun.

The Chance by Robyn Carr

She continues to develop stories and people very well.  This time there is a troubled kid, Justin, who is getting help (unwanted) from the garage where he is working.  A drifter, Al, comes into town and is welcomed by the community.  And Lanie finally makes a connection with her father only to be dealt the blow of Alzheimer's.  All of these story lines are woven together very well and it just makes you want to keep finding out more.

Died in the Wool by Mary Kruger

A fun book about a murder that happened in a yarn shop and figuring out how and why it happened.  There are always people in towns that don't like each other and want to stab you in the back.  Going to the extent of killing someone is a bit much.  Many people were suspects and the one that did it was quite a surprise.  It will be interesting to see how Kruger develops the series.  It was not a story that was very gripping, but it was interesting. 

On Celtic Tides by Chris Duff

Subtitle: One Man's Journey Around Ireland by Sea Kayak -- What an amazing journey!  Dealing with winds and tides and not sure of places to land made it very stressful at times.  Duff learned a lot about himself and his heritage.  I learned a lot about the history of Ireland, the myths and the legends.  The people were immensely friendly and giving and left Duff feeling part of a bigger family.  I got bogged down a few times with the history or of himself getting philosophical, but overall it was a great narrative of an amazing trip.

The Hero by Robyn Carr

I really enjoy her books because they are so easy to get lost in.  They are usually a quick read and give you just enough steaminess to still allow you to use your imagination.  This is a continuation in a series and a girl is found walking along the road with her little girl.  Rawley picks her up and brings her into town.  She is quickly adopted by everyone and folded into the town.  There are always some hiccups and events, but they turn out well in the end.  Some other relationships in town continued to develop nicely.  I am really looking forward to continuing the series and see what else can happen.

Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin

A fun, quick moving book.  Nan gets dragged back into the family she had worked for and it was no better than the first time.  More drama and angst.  Some of it was fun, some of it quite sad.  Nan, the main character, has grown and is much stronger than she had been and that was nice to see.  Sometimes you just need some time and stronger boundaries to get through things and to learn what you are capable of.