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.