In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming

What a great book. There was murder, mystery, tension, humor, lies, secrets.... it was great!! It takes place in the north country of New York. A baby shows up at a church and a girl is found dead. The new priest from the church gets involved with the police department trying to help solve the crime. She gets under the chiefs skin and there is a whole other layer of tension there. Back stories come up that flow with the story and you just can't help but enjoy the whole thing. There are twists and turns everywhere. Fleming wove a great tale and pulled it off beautifully. I will be looking for more of her books in the future.

speak softly, she can hear by Pam Lewis

When I first started reading this I was really wondering what I was getting into. This is a novel about a girl coming to age and a tragic event that truly shaped her whole life. She ended up alienating herself from her friends and her family. She was always fearful that she would be found out and tried to 'reinvent' herself in different places. There was a good twist in the end. I guess what I found amazing was how well all the pieces fit and worked off of each other. Carole had hidden herself since this tragic event and totally let it shape her life. It shaped how she thought and lived. She missed many things as she grew up because of one event in her life. It really made me think about events in my life and where I am today. How much influence have events led me to where I am today? Good and bad things always happen, I guess it all depends on how we process and use these events as to what kind of life we lead.

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

My annual Christmas read. I always pick a Christmas themed book to read in December and I picked this one up this summer. I know that it has been made into a movie, but I have not seen it yet. The Kranks decided that they are going to skip Christmas because their daughter will not be home and to avoid the stress and money spending they went through every year. It took a little convincing to Mrs. Krank, but she finally went along with it. There was much badgering and Scrooge calling by fellow workers and the neighborhood. They stuck to their guns, until the end. I can't tell you more, just to say that there was some selfless giving in the end. I don't believe that you need to skip Christmas as much as you need to remember what it is about and keep it simple. Little things always mean so much more. Being on our boat this year it has kept us away from the hustle and bustle of everything. I usually make most of my things anyway and try to think of little things that would mean something to the person I am giving to. None of us really need much except to be with each other and enjoy that time. In the end that is all that really matters.

While my Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky

Delinsky can sure tell a story that pulls you right in. There are not many of her books that don't make me cry a little and make me laugh. Molly's sister Robin was a runner and was looked up to by many people. Molly always felt like she was in the shadows and sometimes did things out of spite towards her sister. Robin went for a run and things were never the same again. Molly had to deal with guilt and her mother lashed out at everyone. Molly wanted to do what her sister wanted while her mother could not let go. During the week that this story took place the whole family learned more about themselves and Robin. It is so important to let families know what we want. Why can't we talk about that? It is also important to be able to share things with families and not worry about the backlash or not living up to their expectations. We are all individuals that need to grow and experience things in our own way. Families are a very complicated thing and Delinsky lays this out very well. She shows you the good and the bad. There is acceptance and growing that occurs and you can only hope will continue. Another book that makes you think a little more about yourself and what you have laid out for you and others.

The Deep Blue Sea for Beginners by Luanne Rice

An interesting story about a girl who has gone to her mother to try to convince her to come home. Her mother had left her and her sister 10 years earlier. In that time their father had died. Pell, the older sister, has been holding things together but now wants her mother there. Pell had been told by her father that a decision was made for her mother to leave. In the process of getting to know her mother she learned much more. Throughout the story the characters are faced with things that they had buried that now had to be looked at. How can a mother leave her children? How can a father hide so many truths about his children's mother? Why do we always feel we need to protect our families instead of just telling the truth? There were other characters within the story that helped tie some things together and made it all the more richer. Rice is a great story teller, wonderful with characters and I really never tire of what she comes up with.

The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky

This book held me through the whole thing. It is about a mother and daughter who are involved in an accident. After the accident assumptions are made and lies start erupting. There are many layers within the story that worked very well together and gave you a deeper understanding of the characters. It also gave you a sense of how one assumption, or one lie, can lead you down so many different paths that just take you deeper and deeper into the woods. That all makes it harder to find the right path or even be able to find your way out. Delinsky did a wonderful job with the whole package and really left you to think about situations you may find yourself in. What would you do?

Murder on Monday by Ann Purser

This book started out really good. I love British slang and humor. The story seemed like it would be good and had great potential. A murder happens and the local house cleaner is going to be the ears to gather clues for the police to figure out what happened. There are a few sub-stories that I am still not sure how they fit in. Once I got to the end I felt it fell flat, but understood some of the sub-stories. This is the first in a series but I am not sure if I will continue with the whole thing. It is really disappointing when you read something and at the end you kind of feel like you wasted your time.

The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond

When you start reading a book and you keep looking forward to see how long the chapter is you know it is going to be a long read. Usually with this situation I just put the book down, but I was really curious to find out what happened. Abby was taking her future step-daughter for a walk on the beach, looked away for a few seconds and she was gone. This book goes through all the emotions and actions that she, her fiance and many others go through. It was very wordy and at times quite monotonous. I can't say that I would not recommend it because the author does capture the loss and frustration, but be prepared to take your time and maybe have another book going at the same time.

Light on Snow by Anita Shreve

I have tried reading her books over the years and I could not get into them. This one was easy to get into even though the subject matter was not the easiest to deal with or think about. A girl and her father have moved into a rural area in New Hampshire to escape some of their past. On one of their nightly walks they find an abandoned baby in the woods. The story takes us through what they are dealing with and how they are processing it. New characters come in that add layers to the whole thing. I liked how she developed the characters and made you feel for each one of them and what they were going through. It is a fairly quick read with some lasting impressions.

Open House by Elizabeth Berg

A story about a women who is surprised when her husband wants and divorce and moves out. She goes through a huge range of emotions. She is not sure what she will do. She is concerned about her son and how he is processing the situation. She needs to get roommates and a job to keep her home and those experiences are very enlightening. I am not one that usually enjoys books about divorce and such, but the depth given to the character and how she chooses to manage herself, good or bad, made for a very insightful and enjoyable book.

Death by Sudoku by Kaye Morgan

I picked this up at a library book sale. I enjoy doing Sudoku and thought it was interesting someone decided to write a mystery about it. The premis was good. Someone was sending messages through the puzzles and tragedies were happening. The writing was not very smooth and there were so many sub-plots things got bogged down. There were times I was really not sure where the story was going. At the end of the book there are some tips and clues on how to solve puzzles. Also, there were puzzles throughout the book and all of the answers are in the back. This is the first of a series, so I might pick up the next one to see if the writing improves.

Firefly Lane by Kristen Hannah

Hannah can really weave a tale and keep you going right up to the end. I laughed and I cried, hard. This is a story about two women who become friends in their teen years and keep it going for a very long time. There are many bumps in the road, but also many joys. Hannah shows you their insecurities and strengths and how they play off of each other. As you read you can feel what they are going through like it is yourself and you hope they make the right decision or choice. It is a wonderful book that truly could be taken right out of any ones lives.

Hail to the Chef by Julie Hyzy

What a fun book!! I am really enjoying mysteries, and when they are tied to something like cooking it makes it even better. This is the second one in a series and it was just as good as the first. Ollie, the executive chef for the White House, always manages to get herself into some sticky situations. Watching her figure things out, pick her battles and come out on top makes everything flow so well together. I can usually figure some things out, so I am always waiting to see when she will get it and what she can possibly do. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.

The Queen Jade by Yxta Maya Murray

This book was not the easiest to get through, but I am glad that I pushed my way through. The beginning dragged a bit but the last quarter really pulled me through. This is an adventure story that takes you through jungles, quicksand, bugs and everything in between. It is about a story that takes place in Guatemala in the mountains about blue jade. There are cryptic clues and word play that send these folks on an adventure, that for some started many years earlier. The depth of the characters and the interweaving of them was done very well. This is not a quick read, but it is a good one and gives you some history of that area, which I always find enjoyable.

Distant Shores by Kristen Hannah

A very easy book to get lost in. It is about a couple who is going through some changes and realizes that they have drifted far apart. Jack is finally coming back into his own and heading down a path he thought would never come back to him. Elizabeth feels lost, always following him and not really know what she wants to do anymore. She does not want her world rocked anymore. Watching them come the realization of themselves and evolve was done very well. I am sure many of us have gone through this, or will at some point. The ending was a little predictable, but was not totally disappointing. It lets think that there is hope.

The Harbor by Carla Neggers

This was a hard book for me to get into. It just did not flow well for me. I don't enjoy re-reading things to figure out what is going on. Once I got into it though the story line was intriguing. It is a murder-mystery and takes place on the coast of Maine. Neggers captured the coast well and the people were very enjoyable. I always enjoy learning about the different characters and delving into what makes them tick. I especially like seeing them evolve throughout the story. There were some of the typical scenarios - love, double crossing, sex - but it did not see too trivial. Neggers kept me going until the end and I truly did not know who did it. I can't say that I am jumping to read another one of her books, but I don't regret reading this one.

A Thousand Splended Suns by Khaled Hosseini

This book was a little harder for me to get into than 'The Kite Runner'. It is about two women and their struggles before and during the wars in Afghanistan and the surrounding areas. The brutality and torture, the rules and hardships are pretty hard to take. There is a part of my brain that has a hard time believing that there are places like this that treat people this way. Both of the women in this story are very strong and you have to admire how they get along and continue. I don't know how I would be in the situations that they were in and can only hope that I could be half a strong as they were. -- In reading both of Housseini's books it makes me want to learn more about that part of the country. How it got the way it is, how people live and what they feel their future is. It is a totally different culture and way of life that is so far outside of what I know it is hard to get these attitudes and behaviors to sink in that people really do live that way.

It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong

Sub-title: My Journey Back to Life -- I was curious about this book and have always enjoyed reading about athletes and what they go through. He is a really tough guy on many levels. His book was very touching in spots when he was dealing with the cancer, I even teared up a few times. I don't think I could ever work with the man because he is very demanding and very much a perfectionist. If you wanted to know what makes this man tick this was a very good view into him and this part of his life.

All My Patients are Under the Bed by Dr. Louis J. Camuti

Sub-title: Memoirs of a Cat Doctor -- What a fun book. A cat doctor who makes house calls in the New York City area. He found that it was less stressful for the animal if he came to them. All of his little stories and antidotes were fun. I laughed a lot and wish that I could have been a fly on the wall when he was making some of these house calls. A very enjoyable and fun read.

Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner

Enjoyable, yet painful at times. It seemed to jump around a lot from the past to the present and it was not always clear. The story is about two friends who grew up together, had problems fitting in and hurt each other but are brought back together by an accident. They have to work through their differences and do come out ahead in the end. Some of Weiner's other books were much better, but this was a good book when it comes to looking at the dynamics of friendship.

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

Picoult really has a way to make you think. She gives you situations that can make you uncomfortable and make you question how you would handle the situation. She presents to you a family with a child that has Asperger's. There is also a younger brother and of course the mom. Picoult takes you through each of the characters and brings you into their world. -- There is a murder and the child with Asperger's is under question. Because of his interest in forensics and his relationship with the victim it is even hard for his mom to not think that he had done this. The younger brother has always had to act as the older one and has acted out in his own ways, unknown to his family. Watching Picoult unfold all of the feelings of pain, confusion, anger and love is amazing. She is a master with words and always leaves me wondering and questioning.

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.

The Battle of the Labryinth by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book Four - I got a little bogged down in the beginning but the last 25% of the book was great and I can't wait to read the last one. Agian there is a quest, and this time to save camp. The mosters and situations have built through out the books and get greater as we go along. Riordan is very good at leading you along and many times I am not sure what is going to happen. I like that. Looking forward to see what happens in the last book. What will the prophecy hold??

Titans Curse by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book Three -- The adventure continues. It is fun to see where the gods will lead these kids. I am surprised at the situations they get in. By using their knowledge and team work they get out. I am really enjoying this series. It is fun and light.

Where is Joe Merchant? by Jimmy Buffett

What can I say? It is by Jimmy Buffett and if you are familiar with any of his songs, the book has the same feel. It was fun, twisted and made you wish you were there. The adventures and situations that were involved in the book made me shake my head and smile at the same time. A very fun book that is a little off, a great place to loose yourself and escape from reality for a while.

Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks

This book has been sitting on the shelf for a couple of years now and I thought it was time to see what it was all about. Aside from some of his ramblings it was a very enjoyable book. The characters that he meets along the way and some of the adventures that he goes on because of his fridge made me chuckle. He not only got to see the wonderful landscape but was able to enjoy the locals, which many of us in our travels never really experience. He had a good sense of humor about him and all I can say is, be careful when you are drinking about making a bet.

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book Two: Another great adventure for Percy Jackson. He is not sent on a quest, but goes on one and helps out. The situations he gets into and how he and his friends learn to work together to get through are great. In the end he lets go and lets another take the glory and feels all the better for it. It was very enjoyable and I am curious to see what happens next.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

There are many reviews on the front and back of the book. "Powerful... Haunting" "Extraordinary" "Riveting.... Unforgettable" I have to agree with all of these. I found it to be a very hard book to read for the subject matter. The book started in Afghanistan with a young boy and followed his life into adulthood. He lead a very easy life and did not always appreciate it or treat those who took care of him well. You watched him grow and deal with the consequences of his actions. I guess what was hard for me was how real it all felt knowing that it was fiction. Because of the wars going on now and hearing about it in the news for so long it was all the more real to read about. I know of the prejudices and conflicts that have been occurring for years and years and know that it will be going on for so many more. It all goes round and round and it never stops. As much as this was fiction you have to know that deep down things that happened in this book happen every day over there. I am glad I finally read the book and know that I will be thinking about it for a long time.

The Beach House by Jane Green

This was one of those books that you just picked up and fell in to. I always enjoy how an author gives depth to characters and shows the interactions of everyone. There are several families involved in this story that all end up in the same place at the end, Nantucket. They end up in an old seaside home that an old timer has decided to rent rooms to help her financial situation. Nan, the owner of the home, has a wonderful way with all the summer tenants and their families. There are a couple of twists that truly surprised me. I was shocked at how she wound these side stories into the whole novel. I am looking forward to reading more of her books. It really is a good summer read.

a big little life by Dean Koontz

Subtitle: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog -- What a wonderful memoir. I have listened to a couple of Koontz's books and enjoyed them, so I thought this might be a good read. I tells of how he and his wife decided to get a dog, Trixie, and how much it changed their lives. One of the things for him was how his writing changed and he was willing to venture into stories he feels he never could have written before Trixie. It talks of her fun antics and how she was great for everyone. I laughed and cried. It made me want to go out and get a dog. I won't, but someday.

The Fairy Chronicles by J. H. Sweet

Subtitle: Marigold and the Feather of Hope, the Journey Begins -- What a cute book!! I like to read these before I pass them onto my grand-daughter, just to make sure they are good. This is a little story about a nine year old who finds out that she is a fairy. She meets many others and gets to go on an adventure involving the Feather of Hope. It is short and sweet and there are three more books in the series. So, if you have a little girl who likes fairies, I recommend this. I could not help but smile and giggle as I read this.

Elder Rage -or- Take My Father...Please! by Jacqueline Marcell

Subtitle: How To Survive Caring For Aging Parents -- Once I was able to get past all of the movie and TV references it was a very informative book. She went home because her mom needed to go into the hospital and thought she was going to die. When she got to the house she realized how bad things were and knew something needed to be done. Her father would go into terrible rages threatening her and others and getting physical. This book is about her journey in learning how to deal with her father, dealing with the medical professionals (and I use that term loosely), going through many in home caregivers and in the end learning that it is the disease and not really the person that is being the way they are. My grandmother has Alzheimer's and treats many people very kindly and then gets to my dad and it is a different story. She is not violent, but can be very verbal. My dad has made progress over the years dealing with her. I hope that it does not come to this for me, but if it does I hope I can remember this book and how my dad has dealt with the situation and remember that it is the disease and the person doing the crazy and hurtful acts does really love me. -- At the end of this book are several sections on dealing with these situations and organizations that you can contact for help.

a quarter after tuesday by Jo Kadlecek

I am not one that usually reads religious fiction and did not know that this was what the book was based on. It was not over powering and I did not feel like religion was being beaten into me. The feeling was more along the lines of doing onto others as you would yourself. This was an easy book to read and I really liked the main character, Jonna Lightfoot. It takes place in New Orleans and she is the religion reporter for the local paper. She runs into some interesting characters and we are learning about the city as much as she since she had recently moved there. I have not been able to figure out how the book ties in with the title and when I finished the book and I kind of wondered what the point was. I don't feel I wasted time reading it, but I was left scratching my head. I also found out that this was part of a series, this was book two of three. I would be interested to see how the others go.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians:Book One -- This was a great little book. I had seen it in book stores but never gave it much thought. Then I was catching up on a blog I follow - Three@Sea - and their daughter, Ayla, raved about it. She wanted to finish it before the movies came out. Needless to say, now I was curious. It is about a boy, Percy Jackson, who is always having troubles in school. He ends up at this summer camp and finds out he is a son of a god, but does not know which one. He gets sent on this quest with a couple other kids and this book follows the adventure. It covers all your emotions and makes you want to keep reading more. This was the first book, now I can't wait to read on and find out what other things can happen to this kid.

Sailing the Dream by John F. McGrady

Talk about taking you somewhere! This couple took a vacation to Bora Bora and then decided they wanted to sail there, and they did. It took some doing, but reading about their adventure was so pleasurable. They started up in Washington and made their way down the west coast before they headed west across the ocean. The downsizing they did and the learning curve was immense and they had a great time. Their son ended up going with them and they all learned so much about each other and the world all I could do was smile. This in no means makes me want to sail across the ocean, but to be the armchair traveler was a great invitation into this part of their lives. It was a book that left me feeling like I knew them and could spend time with them. Just a wonderful book.

Flower Children by Maxine Swann

All I can say it that this was a very strange book. I believe in stretching my wings and trying different books, but this was a bit much. It is a novel about a hippie family and the things that they experience, from the kids point of view. The writing was very flowing and it was easy to read. There were some amusing adventures, but it was all pretty off the wall. I am sure that some hippie families may have been like this, although this seemed a little extreme.

Wildlife Wars by Terry Grosz

Subtitle: The Life and Times of a Fish and Game Warden -- Great stories. This was really a bunch of essays put together that followed the early part of Grosz's career. It was easy to read and his descriptions really pulled you into the story and you could see what was going on. It does amaze me how so many people abuse the law and how they try to talk their way out of it, when the evidence is laying right there in front of them! Being a Fish and Game warden is no easy task and I really take my hat off to those who choose this profession.

Always Looking Up by Michael J. Fox

Subtitle: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist -- I have always enjoyed Fox. I loved his movies and was a pretty faithful watcher of 'Family Ties'. I like learning about peoples lives and what got them to where they are today. I also wanted to hear more about Parkinson's since my mother shares this with him. -- The book is in four parts- Work, Politics, Faith and Family. I enjoyed all of them and can see all that he has accomplished, some things under very challenging circumstances. I am not a political person, so this was not as intriguing to me, but noticed some of his frustrations with the system mimicked mine. To read overall how he has chosen to live with Parkinson's and deal with life as it comes is inspiring. In the end you need to figure out how to play the hand you are given, and no matter what it is you can come out a winner.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Wow!! What an amazing book. I truly had a hard time putting it down. This was historical fiction taking place in nineteenth-century China. It is told by a woman and the events that led her through her life. All of the myths and legends that wind through their lives. The suffering to be made desirable to get a good husband, whom you don't meet until your wedding day! Your worth and the pecking order within the families. Desirable traits and behaviors. I was totally enthralled. Lee has a way with words that just pulls you into the story and the time. There are not enough words to say how much I enjoyed this book!!

rowing the Atlantic by Roz Savage

Subtitle: Lessons Learned on the Open Ocean -- I love these kinds of books. She was not happy with where her life was going and made a change. Now, I don't think I would row across the Atlantic, but she did, and what a trip is was. Things broke, her body fought her, the weather was a beast and mentally it was a real challenge. She faced all of these things head on and told you about it in a way that did not make her sound whinny about the whole experience. I could relate to her on some level of low self-esteem and confidence. So, when she did something she did not think she could do and succeeded I felt it very much for her. She learned a lot about herself and told you about it in a very easy way. It was never preachy or made me feel like I was not doing well with my life. In some ways it is challenging me to do things differently in my life. It was very inspiring.

Quentins by Maeve Binchy

This was a very enjoyable book. There were back stories throughout which I sometimes really did not get. They did not seem to flow well with everything. The main story was interesting and not too predictable. I had to check to see when the copyright because is so paralleled some recent events in the financial arena. You watched a young woman be pulled in by a man who wrecked so many lives and how in the end she got her life back. I was pulled in and was left smiling and looking forward to reading another Binchy book.

Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett

This is the first book in a series and I sure hope that I can find the rest of them. It was a very fun and easy read. The characters are great. It is based in a small town in New Hampshire in which the whole downtown is made up of new, used and antique bookstores. A murder occurs in one of the bookstores and the story is all around the who-done-it. I truly was not sure who did it until I got very close to the end. Barrett pulls you in and makes you feel a part of the story.

If The Shoe fits by Rae Ellen Lee

Subtitle: The Adventures of a Reluctant Boatfrau -- Terry said I had to read this book. He said that the couple reminded him a lot of us in their behaviors. This couple, after spending a vacation in the Caribbean, decide to buy a boat, live aboard and sail back to the Caribbean. They lived in Montana and ended up buying a boat in Washington and lived there. He was in seventh heaven and thought this was the best thing. She had a hard time adjusting and her fear of water made things less than enjoyable. I could identify with her, though I don't think I am as bad as her. Reading about the trials, the learning curve, the repairs and the uncertainty of it all rang pretty true with me. She is a good story teller and this was a very enjoyable and easy read. It really gives you an idea of what some of the situations are that you encounter on a boat. Now I want to hear about their Caribbean travels!!

19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Again she weaves a very intense story. The short of it is there is a shooting at a school. The long of it is how all of these kids in the school tie together. Whether it be classmates, parents or professionals. It makes you question how you are raising your own children. Are you helping them make the right decisions and helping them find a good path? Does it matter what you do, will they still go their own way anyway? It also makes you think about when you were in school and how you were treated and how you treated others. The subjects that are tackled are hard and can make you feel a little raw. I enjoy reading her books because they make you think and this one was no different.

A Life Worth Living by Robert Martensen

Subtitle: A Doctor's reflections on illness in a high-tech era --- This was a very interesting book that sheds light on several situations that you may one day be involved in. There is so much that we, as patients, are not told that it is very hard to make a good decision. Also, there are patients who don't want to listen to doctors, but doctors don't seem to do anything to make them understand the real situation. Some of the stories were hard to read, but really made me think about how I want things to be for my husband and me when it gets to be that time when we need to make medical decisions. -- I do have to say that it was not the easiest book to read. I had to read things several times because the flow was not there. The ending also left much to be desired. If you can get past those things it was a good read.

Here If You Need Me by Kate Braestrup

Subtitle: A True Story -- I have been wanting to read this for a while and lucked out by finding at a library book sale for a buck. It is about a woman who is a chaplain for the Maine Warden Service. What got her there was the untimely death of her husband. In a way she was following in his footsteps, as this is something that he was going to do. The book talks about some of the situations she found herself in with the wardens, how she and her family grew from tragedy and how sometimes it is just more important to be there than to say anything. Her thoughts and views about religion and God are very similar to mine, so this really struck a chord with me. I laughed out loud, shook my head and wiped tears from my eyes. It was a good read that made me think, and I like that.

Grayson by Lynne Cox

I picked this up on a whim at the library. I am a sucker for sea life stories and this one sounded interesting. It is a true story, which as I read it became more and more enthralling. Cox goes out for her training swim in the Pacific off of California. As she gets ready to finish up a friend on the pier gets her to not go to the beach because a baby Gray Whale is following her. This book is about her experience with the whale and many other sea creatures along the way. Her descriptions are amazing, I could see everything she was seeing. I could feel everything that she was feeling. Her personal growth and the way she could absorb what was happening to her was very reflective. She is an amazing woman and told an even more amazing story.

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

How does she keep writing such good books?? When I saw this at the library I just had to grab it. She had me through the whole book. It is about a woman who is trying to come up in the world and gets bogged down by routine things, and then she goes to a funeral and the ghost of her great-aunt starts to 'haunt' her. The things they get into and the revelations they find about themselves had me laughing, shaking my head and an occasional tear in the eye. Kinsella has never let me down and I can't wait until she comes out with another book!!

Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Kennedy

This is a book for kids ages 8-12 and was very cute. It is about a young girl who wants to grow a giant pumpkin and enter in the Pumpkin Festival. We learn of her trials of trying to grow this giant pumpkin over the years and why it is so important for her to accomplish. She gives up a lot but gains so much more. It was a very quick read for me and I can't wait to pass it on to my granddaughter.

The EGG and I by Betty MacDonald

What an enjoyable book. It was published in 1945 and was about how a woman who married and followed her husband into be a chicken farmer in the Pacific Northwest. The trials, tribulations and funny things that happened along the way made me feel very thankful for my 'easy' life. She is very descriptive, but not too much. It really felt like she was just sitting here telling me a story. She really transported me right into her world. Her little side stories about the neighbors were great. I laughed and got teary. She did a great job all around, this is a keeper.