At Wick's End by Tim Myers

A murder in a candle store. These always turn out to be so much fun. Harrison Black inherits a candle store and building from his great aunt. Once he gets there he realizes that it was not an accident that killed her, but murder. He does his own investigation and puts his foot in his mouth a few times, but does a good job. By doing some investigating Black learns a lot about the other people in the building and himself. A very fun book with some candle making tips and a couple of recipes. I just wonder what he will be getting into next.

Peony in Love by Lisa See

When I started reading this I was having a hard time getting into it. It was not flowing well for me. But slowly See pulled me in and I could not believe the words that were unfolding in front of me. She has a way of weaving a story that leaves you wanting more. -- I have always enjoyed historical fiction and reading about China and the way things were is totally amazing to me and also hard to believe. How families were set up, how girls were treated, foot binding, arranged marriages, the strictness of behavior. But also the mystical beliefs, rituals that were followed and the fear of the other world is just awing to me. -- This was a story of a girl who experiences love sickness and what it does to her. In turn it affects many people down the line in the way they live and the guilt and regrets they experience. It is a beautiful story.

Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke

What can I say?? Another great book. I always worry with a series that things will start to sound the same and there will not be enough creativity. Fluke is ever coming up with new ideas and situations for Hannah Swenson. Swenson, yet again, finds a body. The situations and predicaments she gets in make me laugh and shake my head. The great thing about this book is that I really did not know who did it until it was revealed. I know that I can be slow sometimes, Terry always figures these things out early on. Fluke gave so many plausible possibilities that I was really shocked when the end came. All I can say is that I can't wait to read the next one!

P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

I saw the movie before I read this. They are completly different, but equally very good. If I had read the book first I may not have liked the movie so much. Reading about someone dealing with the loss of their spouse, or loss in general, is very difficult. I wonder myself what I would do and how I would react should my husband die before me. What Holly's husband did for her was amazing and you could see and feel her grow and struggle with his "list". Through it all it made her a stronger person and someone that she could live with. Ahern did a great job in putting you right there with Holly. I wanted to crawl into the story and hug her and just make it all go away. Lossing someone you love is a terrible thing and Ahern brought some things into perspective and threw some things right in your face. A great book and something I hope I don't have to go through for a very, very long time.

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book 5 - This was a really good one. The past couple were okay but did not leave me wanting to read more. This one kept me going through the whole thing. There was a lot of action and a lot of personal introspection of the characters. You really were able to see them grow and make decisions that affected not just themselves, but the whole world. Riordan did a great job and the way he pulled you into this one with his imagination and drama was awesome.

The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks

He was true to form and I was not disappointed. Some of the story was predictable, but there were a few twists. Julie was a widow and when she finally decided to start dating she ran into a few winners. Her last one really took the cake even though he seemed so perfect. She develops another relationship and he really is the one and truly looks out for her. When you are nearing the end of the book Sparks really takes you for a ride and I got really angry. I spoke out loud as to what a jerk this guy was and Terry was a little shocked. I guess I got wrapped up into the story!! Sparks did a great job developing the characters and I was sad to get to the end.

Song of the River by Sue Harrison

This is first the first book in a trilogy. Before this trilogy there was another one that was very good, so I am looking forward to seeing how this one plays out. This seems to be a later continuation of the first. The story takes place in 6450 B.C. and follows a few different tribes. It is interesting to see the different beliefs and customs they have and how it all differs even though they are so close in proximity to each other. Chakliux is one of the main characters and you see how he works to keep other tribes from fighting and how his physical difference cast suspicion's with others. The number of taboos and rituals that were to be followed to keep the spirits happy was challenging. I always enjoy reading about how people interact with others and how conflicts are put to rest. Harrison is very good at weaving a tale, even though she may get wordy at times. I am looking forward to seeing how all these tribes and people may or may not work things out.