Freddy Goes to Florida by Walter R. Brooks

What a fun book.  This was first published in the mid 1900's.  When I read a review on the back that compared it to Winnie the Pooh in imagination I had to read it!  The farm animals are tired of how their farmer treats them and don't like the cold winters so they head south.  This is a wonderful adventure where you can't help but laugh and shake your head.  I can't wait to read some more in the series, there are 26!  Terry found five more on line.

Death in a Difficult Position by Diana Killian

Yoga is supposed to calm and center you.  This is a murder mystery that was funny, sad, and very enjoyable.  A new pastor moves into town and deems yoga hedonistic and tries to turn people against the yoga studios in the area.  Words fly, an old urban legend spooks people, and romance is afoot.  All of this is very well entwined and put together for a good read.  This is the fourth book in a series.  I am looking forward to reading the previous books to see how we got to this spot.

Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave

Sunshine seemed to have everything going for her.  A cookbook deal and a show on the Food Network.  All it took was her Twitter account to be hacked and her world came tumbling down.  She headed back to her hometown in hopes of an escape only to be faced with her past.  The book was a bit whiney but well written.  A book about facing your past and being honest with yourself and others.

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