Swimming Lessons by Mary Alice Monroe

I love books that take place in the low country of South Carolina.  Toy is finally finding her place I  the world.  She has a job she loves, a little girl that means everything to her, and an amazing circle of friends.  Toy is taking on more responsibilities in her job and opening her heart to love.  A problem from her past rears its ugly head, but she is stronger now and her friends provide great support.  Another enjoyable read from Monroe.

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See

A wonderful story about traditions, family, and finding your place in the world.   Ancient tea trees, a child born out of wedlock, leaving the only home you know, higher education, adoption, and finding love.  All of these things and more are in this wonderful novel by See.  She weaves a beautiful tail in which you fall in love with everything and wonder about it all.  A book you need to put on your list.

Skink by Carl Hiaasen

Subtitle-- No Surrender: Another wild ride into the wilds of Florida.  Hiaasen has an amazing imagination.  Malley runs away and her cousin Richard goes to find her with the help of Skink.   Richard finds Skink in a fake turtle nest on the beach.  That should just give you an inkling of what this character is like.  This appears to be the fifth book that Hiaasen has written for youth.  There is always an environmental bent and he has a good one with this book as well.  You want a crazy, fun read pick this book up!

Christmas reading

Once December hits I start reading Christmas themed books.  This year I lucked out and read six!  They were all good.  Some of them not my normal reading but fun all the same.  There were books about love and loss, finding and rekindling.   The overall theme is to bring happiness and joy.  You would  not be disappointed with any of the ones I read but I will pit them in order of favorite to least favorite, but they were all extremely enjoyable.

The Christmas Joy Ride by Carlson
Keeping Christmas by Walsh
Snowfall on Haven Point by That he
Christmas on 4th Street by Mallery
Bella's Christmas Bake Off  by Watson
Time for me to Come Home by Shackleford

Paper Money by Ken Follett

This was one of his earlier books and more present day than things I have recently read.  A political novel with gangs, blackmail, murder, and deceit.  It was hard for me to follow in the beginning but as the book unraveled everything came together.  It was almost like 'six degrees of separation'.  It was interesting and I can say that Follett's style has changed over the years.  It is  nice to see that progression. 

Yarn to Go by Betty Hetchman

Casey, who is a baker by trade, ends up taking over a knitting retreat after her aunt that had died.  Casey knew nothing about knitting, at all.  It was an interesting group and quite a struggle in the beginning.  People from different backgrounds, different knitting abilities, and different problems.  Then add I to the mix a murder and it was quite a weekend.  It wasn't predictable and Hetchman worked the characters really well and wrapped things up even better.  This is a first in a series so I am curious as to what will come next.

Sit! Stay! Speak! by Annie Englad Nobin

Addie inherited her aunt's house in Alabama.  She took this opportunity to get out of Chicago, escape some difficult memories and get some things in order.  She was there a short time and rescued a dog that in the end really rescued her.  Because of her curiosity she did not stay on the good side of some folks and got into some sticky situations.  She made friends and made it through the difficult times.  This book had very good flow and was a very easy and enjoyable read.  I really did not want it to end.

My Cat Spit McGee by Willie Morris

From someone whom was a consumate dog lover turned cat lover.  When Willie found out his future wife was a cat lover he wondered what he was going to do.  Over the course of time he fell in love with cats and there would be several at a time in his home.  He tried to figure them out, try to train them like a dog and learned that cats had their own way.  Willie is a great story teller and I laughed a lot.  If you are an animal lover of any sort you will enjoy this book!

Water Witches by Chris Bohjalian

This author never disappoints.   He takes challenging subjects and creates a wonderful story.  Scottie is an attorney for the local ski mountain and they want to do an expansion.   Vermont is having one of the worst droughts on record, an elusive animal was spotted on the mountains and jobs are needed.  His wife and daughter are dowsers and have their own things going on as well.  The story line weaves the mysticism of dowsing,  environmental issues and personal struggle is making the right decision.  Told beautifully and very touching.

Cocktails for Three by Madeline Wickham

What a fun story about three women who get together once a month for cocktials.  They all work together is some way shape or form and have a great time kicking back.  They each have very separate lives and each in their own way starts to fall apart.  Through each of their own distress they don't communicate well with each other and are not there when they need each other the most.  They find their way, but it is difficult.  A very enjoyable book full of laughter and emotion.

The Rumor by Elin Hildebrand

It is amazing how things can spiral out of control with what people think they hear.  A visitor becomes someone you are having an affair with.  The gardener becomes the father of an unborn child of a married woman.  Pictures are shared that are meant to be private.  Without speaking to the person you can ruin their lives and reputations.  Hildebrand does an amazing job developing the characters, twisting the plots and just reeling you in.  She never disappoints.

men and dogs by Katie Crouch

Hannah has never come to grips with the fact that her father drown.  Twenty years after it has happened she has ruined her marriage and her business and goes back home to recover from a fall.  This visit home rekindles her desire to prove her father was alive. As good as the book sounds it was quite a disappointment.  The writing was okay but there was nothing like about the characters, the situation or the ending.  I made my way through the book but it was not enjoyable.

Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

Subtitle: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life  -- This was a very enjoyable read.  We all want to be healthy and happy and in the scheme of things it is quite easy.  You just need to make it a part of your daily life.  It is important to move everyday, eat less, have a hobby, and socialize.  For something so easy, why is it hard to to.  This was very well laid out, great examples, and great stories.  We just need to remember to take our time and enjoy life.  Take advantage of every moment and take care of ourselves.

Balancing Act by Joanna Trollope

This book is about a family run business that is going through some growing pains.  It is hard for the matriarch to let go of the reigns and for the kids to find their footing.  The flow of the book was not good for me.  I felt jerked around a bit, had a hard time following at times and really wanted to know more about the characters. Overall it was pretty meh for me and it took me a bit to soon through.

porch lights by Dorthea Benton Frank

I love books that take place in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Jackie ends up going back home with her son for the summer after losing her husband in a tragic accident.  She goes back to her momma and spends the summer trying to find herself and what she wants.  Her son Charlie grows into himself on the shore and loves his freedom.  Her mother Annie thrives in their company .  A wonderful story about love, loss and family

Night of Many Dreams by Gail Tsukiyama

Tsukiyama never disappoints me.  This is about two sisters, Joan and Emma, and how they manage to find themselves and their place before,  during, and after World War II.  They struggle with what is appropriate and customary to the ever changing world.  Joan loves movies and drama and is able to loose herself in that world.  Emma wants to spread her wings and see the world.  Through changing times and lives they always mange to be there for each other.  Beautifully written and wonderfully developed.

The Accidental Book Club by Jennifer Scott

Jean never planned on a book club but it was something she started looking forward to.  There were always lively discussions and good food.  When her daughter is in an accident and her son-in-law can't handle the daughter she gets shipped off to Jean.  Bailey is a handful and embarrasses Jean more often than not.  It is a rough summer and many good things do come of it as well as realizing you are stronger than you think you are.

Huck by Janet Elder

Subtitle: The Remarkable True Story of How one Lost Puppy Taught a Family -- and a Whole Town-- About Hope and Happy Endings -- This was a fun, quick read.  Michael had wanted a dog forever.  He made great arguments to his parents but they would not budge.  When his mom was diagnosed with cancer she made a decision that after her cancer treatments they would get a dog.  This gave the whole family something to look forward to.  They loved this puppy, he fit in well with the family and brought much joy.  When they decided to go on vacation they left Huck with family in New Jersey.   They barely got the vacation started and were called saying that Huck had run away. This led to an amazing search not only by the family but by all of the surrounding towns.  It was amazing testament to how people and towns can pull together for a common good.

the Zahir by Paulo Coelho

Not sure how I feel about this book.  Very wordy and very heady.  A woman leaves her husband and he becomes consumed with this.  He sees her everywhere and does not know why she left.  It is a long road for him to deal with her leaving and then coming to terms with the situation.   It was well written, just not my cup of tea.

A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle

A wonderful book about a couple that moved to France.  The trails and tribulations of home renovation and learning the ways of the French.  Enjoying the food and wine, meeting the people and just learning to live the way of the French.  I am so glad I finally read this and I don't know why I waited so long to read this.  Now I am looking forward to reading more of his books.

Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton

Subtitle:The Inadvertant Education of a Reluctant Chef -- Hamilton lead an interesting life.  In her youth her family broke up and she became a bit of a wild child.  She lied about her age to get work, stole things and even did drugs.  Once out of high school she travelled a bit and did get in some college.  She lived in New York City and worked in kitchens and with catering services.  It was a rough and tumble life and she learned a lot.  Eventually she purchased her own restaurant and did very well for herself.  There were a lot of ups and downs and many lessons learned.  She put her thoughts together well and there was good continuity throughout the book.

An Owl Came to Stay by Claire Rome

Claire took in an owl, Wooly.  She gave him a good life and worked hard at making sure he could go back in the wild.  He had a great studio to explore and an amazing yard.  He did go back, but always came to visit.  She took in a few more and only one made her studio his permanent home.  Claire draws great pictures and is a wonderful story teller.  I love owls and love how she was able to interact with them yet let them be wild.

X Marks the Spot by M. J. O'Shea

Jack is trying to keep his TV show on the air and his job.  Alo  just wants to be academic, write his paper and keep his head above water through graduate school.  Alo is gifted his great grandfather's papers and there has always been talk of treasures left behind during World War 2.  Alo does not really want to get involved, but as he looks further into things he can't help himself.  Through a series of events he ends up with Jack and they travel the world, they also hook up.  There are many twists and turns along the way and it was enjoyable and not all of it predictable.

The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck

Many secrets are kept during World War II.  Marianne is the widow of a resistor. Before her husband left he asked that she take care of other widows in the same position.  She finds some of the women and their children and creates a make shift family.  They all come from different backgrounds and deal with the situation differently, but they all survive.  This novel opens up a little bit of the underground that occurred during the war and it's long term consequences.  Shattuck gave the characters very distinct personalities that played against each other well that made everything come together.

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

The crazy adventures continue with Sookie and the vampires.  She has to go to Dallas to help another nest figure out where a member had gone.  This leads to some crazy adventures and death defying acts.   I did not find this one as exciting as the first, so we will see how the series continues.

The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier

Ella moves to France with her husband and is looking forward to learning more about her family history.  Things do not go as planned and a dream leads her down a path she had not expected.  She 'meets' Isabelle, a relative from the 16th century, who had a less than idyllic life.  Chevalier had a nice balance and continuity going between past and present.  She was able to shock you and pull you in to wonder how things unfold.

Ultraviolet by Nancy Bush

This is the third book in a series which I did not realize when I picked it up.  It isn't bad as a stand alone, but there is some background information that I would like to know.  This was a female detective story where Jane Kelly gets herself into some interesting spots.  The two investigations dealt with a murder of the father of the bride and a teen party get together that was up to no good.  This was not overly exciting and at times I really felt it was a trudge getting through.  I am curious of some of the back story though, so I may seek out the first couple of books to  see where this all started.

Travels with my Chicken by Martin Gurdon

Subtitle: Amazon Man and his Companion Take to the Road -- Gurdon wrote a book about chickens and went on a book tour around England.  He took one of his chickens along for the ride.  He has some interesting adventures, gets lost a lot and is always asked if he eats his chickens.  He is a bit scatter brained in his writing style but it was enjoyable.

Shoutin' Into the Fog by Thomas Hanna

Subtitle: Growing up on Maine's Ragged Edge -- Hanna grew up on Georgetown Island dirt poor.   He was the second of eight children who had to become the 'man of the family' at a very young age.  There were times that he had fun and adventures were had, but there was a lot of nothing most of the time.  Ending up in the Navy was a good turn of events for him and shaped the rest of his life.  I know that life isn't easy for many, but when I read about someone growing up in a home that has cardboard for insulation on the walls and the floor is frozen in the winter time it changes how you look at things.

Riddle of the Ice by Myron Arms

Subtitle: A Scientific  Adventure into the Artic -- This was an interesting look into climate change and what is happening with ice flows,  pack ice and glaciers.  There was a lot of scientific things discussed and much flew over my head but some was rather intriguing.   The trip by sailboat into this artic region, the weather that had to be watched and the floating ice that had to be maneuvered through can leave you on the edge of your seat.  This was Arms' second attempt and he was not disappointed.   If you even want a glimpse into what is happening with how the climate is changing and what scientists are thinking this is a great jumping off point.

Quiver by Peter Leonard

This book was just okay.  I picked it up in the captain's lounge while we were in Punta Gorda to fulfill part of my alphabet challenge.  Kate becomes a widow when her son accidentally kills her husband while they were hunting.  Some people from both her and her husband's past come into the picture in hopes to make some money.  They kidnap her son and demand ransom.  There really was not anything overly exciting or demanding in this story and I was glad when I had finished it.  This was Leonard's  first book, so there is room for improvement.

A Pearl in the Storm by Tori Murden McClure

Subtitle: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean -- What an amazing thing to try to accomplish.  She was going to row across the Atlantic Ocean in a small row boat taking the northern route.  It was not all fun and games.  There were days of good rowing and others of terrible storm after terrible storm.  She was physically, mentally, and emotionally beaten by the sea.  It was hard coming back and assimilating into everyday life.  It was a very gripping story that I read in one day.  The way that she described events and her emotions, you were right there with her.

Oral History by Lee Smith

An interesting story about a girl who goes to find out more about her family from Appalachia.  Smith tells the colorful life full of love, murder, suicide, death and family lines.  It is not a lifestyle that many people can relate to and Smith was very descriptive and well versed in telling the story.

Now, Where Were We by Roy Blount, Jr.

So I fell in love with this man's voice on Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me.  I didn't fall in love with his writing.  The book is a little dated, written in the 80's with a bunch of essays about Reagan.   There are other essays about kids, diet, exercise and some other very random things. For me it was a trudge to get through and I will stick to listening to him from now on.

Merle’s Door by Ted Kerasote

Subtitle: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog-- When I first started reading this I was not sure how much I would like it.  There was a lot of history and talk about dog behavior, when dogs became pets and how, analyzing dogs behaviors versus human behaviors.  Some of it was interesting, but I was glad when Kerasote started talking more about his relationship with Merle.   Kerasote came upon Merle at the beginning of a raft trip and they were together for almost 14 years.  There was a free spirit about Merle that was respected and the author learned as much about his dog as he did himself.  There were many great adventures and an amazing bond between them.  At the end of the book I bawled like a baby.   It was very well written and the author really touched on that special relationship between a human and their four legged friend.

Life List by Olivia Gentile

Subtitle: A Woman's Quest for the World's Most Amazing Birds-- This was a very enjoyable book about a woman who found birds as an outlet from being a housewife to then being an escape from cancer.  She did not start birding until her late 30's and it is amazing what she took in in about a 30 year period.  It came at a cost to her family and marriage, but she was driven and knew what she wanted.  She had some amazing adventures, scary encounters and an indescribable view of nature.  She was mourned all over the world after she died for her accomplishments but also her generosity and willingness to share her knowledge.  She grabbed life by the horns and did not let anything stop her.

Kim by Rudyard Kipling

This was a difficult book for me to get through.  The language was challenging and the use of proverbs and riddles without saying what was really happening got to be a bit much for me.  I realize that it is a classic and on top 100 lists and there is a part of me that can understand that. The time period that it took place and the imagination was well thought out.  It was about a boy who traveled and had some amazing adventures,  it just wasn't for me.

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

The Disney movie this was not, but it was interesting.  There were a lot more stories about the jungle and the way things worked.  Mowgli got around and really was an integral  part of the jungle.  It was challenging to read and I am sure I could read it a few more times before I got all of it.  For the time period it was an amazingly imaginative story and I highly recommend it,  just take your time.

The Interior by Lisa See

The depth that See writes with forever amazes me and pulls me into to the wonderful stories.  This is the second book in the Red Princess Mystery series.  She delves deeper into her characters and weaves story lines that are beautiful and harsh at the same time.  The push and pull between the main characters, the fine line of partial truths to get to the truth and the brutal honesty of events creates a layered story.  Her portrayal of China, it's customs and history make the story come alive and I  find it fascinating.  She is an amazing author with a talent that just jumps off the page.

The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs

This was about a woman who knew nothing of her family and in an afternoon learned she had a half sister and grandfather.  The most surprising thing for her was that she would inherit half the estate when her grandfather passed.  She ended up at the orchard and found that it was going to go under and became very involved in trying to save it.  This was an enjoyable read with the typical love story line with everything working out, but it wasn't over the top.  This was the first in a series so I am looking forward to what Wiggs will do with the characters.

Hen Frigates by Joan Druett

Subtitle: Wives of Merchant Captains Under Sail-- This was a very interesting book.  Hundreds of years ago travel on ships and moving cargo around was very different from today.  This book was put together using the diaries of the wives who traveled with their husbands.   It covered everything from what they wore to how they were expected to behave, personal relationships to raising children.  Things were very candid yet held close to the vest.  Many wives embraced the experiences and learned how to run the ship while others never liked it and chose to stay ashore after only a few times out.  At first it was hard to get into, but once you get the authors style it was quite enjoyable.

Grace (Eventually) by Anne Lamott

Subtitle: Thoughts on Faith-- This was okay for me.  I am not a religious person and do not look to a higher beings to guide me. She does talk about situations that anyone can relate to, religious or not, and some things were very funny, others quite sad.  I think overall for me her writing was very disjointed. What she would start with at the beginning of an essay had no connection with what she ended with. It was a little unsettling and made me wonder what point she was trying to make.  She is not an author for me.

The Firecracker Boys by Dan O'Neill

Subtitle: H-bombs, Inupiat Eskimos,  and the Roots of the Environmental  Movement -- Well, this was an interesting one. When I do an alphabet challenge I read books that I would usually pass over.  I am trying to clean up our book shelves and this fit for my "F" book.  Overall it was an interesting, depressing, frustrating  and educational  book.  The idea was to learn how to use nuclear power in a peaceful way.  What amazed me was the lack of concern for the environment and people.  Scientists and the government would tell people what they wanted to hear, but not the truth.  Alaska, where this controversy started,  was thought to be a waste land, not a place rich with people and history and an abundance of nature vital to many.  If you can get through the poor writing and disconectedness of the O'Neill'so thoughts and ability to put things together you will get an eye opening. I am glad I read the book, and very glad that it is over.

Cycling Home from Siberia by Rob Lilwall

Quite an undertaking.  Rob did not choose the easiest route and covered an amazing 35,178 miles.  He did take boats and one time a bus but the rest was all pedal power.  There were many struggles and a big learning curve and he came out for the better.  There was some religion, but not near as much as I was expecting listening to other folks.  When you take on such a massive adventure you will question what you are doing and the meaning of it all.  It was an easy read and a super adventure.

By Way of the Windows by Jim Moore

So Jim and his wife Molly decide to build a boat and sail around the world.  It took a few years to get the boat built and four years to sail around the world.  Some places they visited were everything they were expecting-warm people, friendly anchorages and plenty of food and drink.  Other places were dirty and disappointing.   They learned a lot at sea, one big thing was that their boat could handle just about anything.  High winds and seas were no problem.   Trusting themselves took some time.  A great adventure that was very well told.  They went back to their starting point but did not stay long.  The ocean was calling  them.

Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle

Another coffeehouse mystery dealing with dying people.  This time Clare is trying to figure out why someone wants her ex husbands  fiance dead.  This leads her down many interesting paths, none of which were overly  expected.  At times I did feel this book dragged a bit and the story was a little tired.  It took me a while to read  because it just didn't hold my attention.  The ending was not what I expected, but it was not jaw dropping either.  I have always enjoyed her books and will continue with the series, some are just better than others.

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

I grew up watching  this on public television and had never read the book. It is such a great read.  I wanted to keep on with the rest of the series, but other books await.  James is a veterinarian in England just starting out and lines himself up with quite a character.  Along with all of the wonderful, crazy strange and enjoyable people and animals he deals with he also has to deal with his boss Siegfried.  With Siegfried it is hard to tell when he is coming or going.  He also will tell James one thing and then do the opposite, all the time!  It is quite funny.  There are many touching stories and many more that make you laugh out loud.  If you haven't  read his books, you must.  I cannot wait to read some more.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

So the vampires have come to Bon Temps, LA and Sookie has been dying to meet one. She finally does, Bill, and ends up on an interesting adventure.  People are being murdered and Bill is the suspect, and then her brother Jordan.  As I am reading this I am wondering why I am.  Harris has a way of writing that it is hard to believe it is happening and you just need to see what happens next.  This is the first in a series and I have to say that it is now on my reading list.

A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

A wonderful story done in character chapters.  Learning about everyone in that arrives at Stone House and how they got to where they were and chose, or didn't choose, to move forward in their lives.  Everyone had secrets and tragedies and had to figure out how to deal with them.  All was intertwined in a way that flowed beautifully in only a way the Binchy can write.  Another story that makes me want to go to Ireland.