Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

Very moving story about a family learning about themselves and their history through love and loss.  The father has been the glue of this family from the beginning.  When he dies the girls are forced to learn to deal with their mother.  During their younger years she has always told them fairy tales and now they are learning that it really was their family history.  The ending moved me to tears.  Hannah did a beautiful job weaving all of this together, she is such a joy to read.

Chapter and Hearse by Lorna Barrett

Tricia just can't stay out of trouble.  There is an explosion and someone dies, so it can't be an accident.  Her sister is on a book tour so Tricia is helping out with those shops.  All the characters lend something to the overall picture and Barrett does a great job with development and story line, so nothing goes to waste.  As you go through the series you get more from each character, but I don't think you would miss too much if you didn't read them in order.  Just a fun read, something comfortable to curl up with and get lost in for a while.

Buffalo West Wing by Julie Hyzy

Another fun book by Hyzy.  There is never a dull moment in the White House kitchen.  There is a new administration and with that does come some new personnel and a learning curve for the First Family.  A package shows up in the kitchen and no one is sure where it came from.  This leads to tensions and issues with protocols.  Ollie, executive chef, finds herself in some challenging situations and does her best to stay in control.   A good twist in the end that I was not expecting.  Can't wait to read the next one!!

Sailing the Big Flush by Eileen Beaver

Subtitle: It's a Crack Up -- The title in and of itself makes you curious.  She and her husband, Doug, take a sailing trip up into Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy.  The Bay of Fundy has some of the worlds largest tides-- up to 50 feet!!  For those of you that are not familiar, the height of the water changes up to 50 feet every six hours. When the water goes out there are places where there is NO WATER!!  Eileen gives a very good account of their trip. At times it reads like an adventure that Terry and I would take.  There are many things that she learns along the way. It was very challenging learning how to read the water and figure out how to set the boat up so it would not tip over when the tide went out.  Along the way they meet many colorful characters and explore some wonderful small towns.  It reminds you that people can be very friendly, outgoing and helpful.  It was a little tedious at times, with her trying to "find her center", but very enjoyable and funny.  I, of course, could easily put myself in her situation and would love to experience this amazing body of water, I just don't know if I am up for the stress of it all!!

Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

 Sarah thought her life was just great.  She was trying to get pregnant and her husband was healthy.  One surprise visit to her husband destroyed all of that.  She headed back to the safety of home in California.  The further away she got and the more she looked at her relationship she saw how much her husband "controlled" her and how little she thought of who she was and what she did.  She fell into the arms of her family, made new friends and found out she was pregnant.  Very well written, good development of the main story along with a few sub-stories that all worked well together.  A lot of looking into ones self and how important we are and that once we feel good about that other good things can and will follow.

Serve the People by Jen Lin-Liu

Sub-title: A stir-fried journey through China -- Lin-Liu is a wonderful writer.  She is very descriptive and can really pull you onto the book.  She is Chinese American, which until she moved to China, had never labeled herself as.  The Chinese did not understand how she knew so little of the area and history.  Where she felt comfortable was with food and she loved trying different things.  She ended up going to cooking school, having private lessons and working in some different kitchens.  She shares some wonderful recipes and stories of some wonderful people.  I can't wait to try some of the recipes!!  Great book!!

A Killer Stitch by Maggie Sefton

Another fun time with the Lambspun ladies and gentlemen.  The beginning of this was a little slow for me, but it did pick up.  Of course there is a murder and of course Kelly needs to get involved.  What I really enjoy about Sefton is her ability to involve so many people and not have it feel bogged down.  She really makes everyone a part of the "family" and keeps bringing in new people.  She did have a good twist in the end.  I did not see it coming, but when it was there it did make sense.  I really do enjoy her story telling and am looking forward to the next book.