the Myth of You & Me by Leah Stewart

This is about best friends and how things can fall apart.  One moment everything is perfect with the world and the next moment you are tossed into a whirlwind that you are not sure how to get out of.  Cameron runs out on her best friend Sonia after Sonia tells her something that shatters her world.  It seems where the book picks up that all Cameron has done is run.  A major event in Sonia's life looks like it is going to bring them back together.  Throughout the book you learn of what happened and back story for each of the girls and how things shaped their lives.  Stewart did a great job showing the raw feelings that teenagers and young women have and how deep hurt can go.  Many times in our lives we look back and go over things that happened to us and sometimes we can see how they have shaped us and wonder what we could have done differently and how we could change it now.  Everything had a nice flow and as difficult as some of the subject matter was it was a very enjoyable read.

Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon

I read the whole Mitford series and loved it so I knew that I would be sure to love this one too.  She has a very comfortable style that makes me feel right at home when I am reading.  Karon can make you laugh and shake your head and just want to shake some of her characters.  This story takes Father Kavanaugh back home.  He faces many things that he has tried to put behind him over the years.  Painful memories surface as well as things that he never would have expected if he had tried.  He learned more about his family which helped him to understand more of why things had been the way they were.  I think that is something that happens to all of us as we get older.  Of course there is a happy ending and I would expect nothing less.  Karon writes books that make you feel good, question yourself in what you can do and provides something for everyone.

Farm Girl by Francis W. Porretto

A fun story about a girl who happens on a man with some land that he lets her farm.  Their relationship grows as the farm does and ideas about things also change and move forward.  It is a bit racy at times and it is a fairly short read.  The character development was okay, but at times I wanted to know more.  The one thing that was captured was the girls enthusiasm.  This spread throughout the book and I could not help but be pulled into that feeling.  (NOOK)

My eReader

I really did not think that I would ever get an eReader.  I love holding a book in my hand and did not think that I would enjoy reading on something that just seemed impersonal.

I had the opportunity when I was in Charleston, SC visiting some friends to compare, hold and play with a Kindle and a NOOK.  Until that point I was sold on a Kindle.  I just thought it was a better machine and with Amazon behind it I did not think I could go wrong.  Another thing I liked about them was that they did audio.  Well, once I held both of them I  just loved the NOOK.  I loved how it felt in my hands.  It felt more like a book and was very comfortable.  It was easy to use and was just a reader.  Now, it does not have audio but it does have space for an expansion card which really intrigued me.

Terry bought me a NOOK for Christmas.  He could not wait and I have been enjoying it for the past few weeks.  The more I use it the more I love it.  It is very easy to use and it is great to have so many books with me all the time.  A great thing with the NOOK is that it uses Adobe and you can read ePub and PDF's.  I am able to search the web for free books and as long as I can get them in either of those formats I can put them on my NOOK!  I am addicted to looking for books.  Most of the ones I am getting are classics and older novels.  I am having so much fun and really looking forward to reading books I have wanted to or should because they are classics.  And I can do it all for free!!  And I can do it all without loading the boat down with books!!

When I am reviewing books I will make a notation at the end if I read it on my NOOK so you can see how much I am using it and the vast number and types of books you can get for eReaders.  I will only get free books.  If I get it from a library I will also let you know.   Can you tell, I am loving my NOOK!!!

Recycled by Cecilia Peartree

This was a very odd short story, nothing of what I was expecting.  It is about an elderly woman in a community who was attacked and finding out who did it.  There were strange twists and turns and odd characters.  At the end of the story there was a snippet about the author and we were informed that some of the characters introduced here will be part of further mysteries.  If that is the case I may be able to better understand 'Recycled'.  Even in a short story you can develop characters and all Peartree did was tease and confuse me. (NOOK)

A Victorian Christmas Anthology by Catherine Palmer

This was a collection of four stories all taking place around Christmas.  They all also dealt with women who were going to be getting married, either by choice or by arrangement.  Everything takes place in the late 1800's from the mid-west to England.  Not only are these women dealing with a pending marriage they are also dealing with some type of loss, be it a parent, husband or family.  All of these stories also call on God to guide them and showing the men in thier lives the importance of giving themselves to Christ.  As you know, christian fiction is really not my cup of tea, but Palmer did a beautiful job telling these stories, pulling you in and making you feel a part of the story and part of these womens lives.  Palmer is known for her christian ficition and has won awards and I can understand why. (NOOK)

The Glass Case: A short story by Kristin Hannah

This was a very short story, but her writing was as good as ever.  A mother was dealing with where she was in life and with a loss that occurred earlier in her life when an event made her rethink some things and realize many more.  It is hard to say much about the story because I would give it all away.  If you get a chance to read it, do.  (NOOK)

Dispatches from a Public Librarian by Scott Douglas

This was a trip.  Scott Douglas talks about some of the things that happen to him in the library.  The things that patrons ask and the things he has to deal with are things that I had never thought about.  He also has some interesting insights on the state of libraries and the rolls they play within the public venue.  He had a couple essays in the end that did not do much for me, but the dispatches in the beginning were very funny.  I could not help laughing out loud and knowing that I have seen some forms of the  people of which he spoke in my forays to the library.  If you need a good chuckle, find this book!! (NOOK)

Permed to Death by Nancy J. Cohen

A client in a hair salon dies and the only other person around is the owner, Marla.  Marla is an interesting character and due to some things that happened to her in her past she needed to find out what happened to her client.  The story is laid out well, there is tension in the right places and intrigue that makes it hard to figure out who did it.  There is not a lot of drama, but there is the inter personal conflicts that keep you going.  I figured it out who did it before I reached the end but was very pleased with how the book finished.  It was a great little mystery.

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

I loved this book!!  It is told from the servants point of view and you got a feel for the whole family through them.  It never ceases to amaze me what servants and lady's maids did for their employers and how snooty and uncaring the employers could be.  This took place in the early 1900's.  There was much family tragedy and cover up and also glamor and parties, gossip, cheating and adjusting to changing times.  I know that there is a part of most of us who think the rich have it all and have nothing to worry about.  What I noticed in this book, and can't help but put in place today, it the mental unrest and drama that they live in.  What does this person think, what should I wear to this... things were all critically thought out at the time and I wonder how much fun was actually had.  The book was beautifully written, I laughed and even cried in the end.  I really felt a part of the story and got just as stressed as the characters and servants did.  It was a fascinating time and was portrayed very well through out the novel.

A Daughter of the Snows by Jack London

This was one of his earlier books, written in 1902.  I am not really sure if I have ever made it through any of his books before and now I am looking forward to reading more.  This took place in the late 1800's and focused on a daughter returning to her father in the Yukon.  There are many sub-stories that got confusing to me at times, but in the end all melded together.  I loved his descriptions of the Yukon, the gold-rushers, the scenery and how challenging things were at the time.  It was all quite fascinating.  I laughed outloud and shook my head many a time while reading this.  The world was a rough and tumble place and you  had to be able to stand on your own two feet.  I was truly transported back to this time period and he captured it amazingly well. (NOOK)

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I have seen this in the movies in a few forms.  I have seen it in play form and was even old Marley myself in grade school.  But I had never read it.  There is something about seeing it in book form that really made me think about what was going on.  I got very wrapped up in the emotion of it all and even though I knew the ending, could not wait to get to the end to see it all played out.  It really is a wonderful book and we should all take time to read the old classics like these. (NOOK)

A Christmas Holiday by Brendan Gerad O'Brien

It is that time of year and I love to read feel good Christmas stories.  I got this one and was very disappointed.  Yes, there was the idea that the guy was going to surprise his wife with a trip, but she was in a bad mood and he did not tell her right away.  Then he goes to the pub and decides to raffle off the tickets and get more money.  In the end there is a little twist, but it was just stupid, in my opinion.  Yes, it was a Christmas story.  Yes, it was a short story.  And yes, it was free...... thank goodness. (NOOK)

Blessings by Anna Quindlen

A novel that takes you back and forth in time with the characters that can sometimes be hard to follow.  The basis of the story pulls you in and makes you wonder what could possibly happen.  Quindlen made the characters very rich and likable, even in the roughness and coldness of some.  Everything folded together in a way that flowed beautifully and made for a deep story that left me with some questions but also a satisfaction that things work out one way or another.  I am curious to see what some of her other books are like.

A Cat Named Brat by Lydia Adamson

This book I picked up at a marina and it was a fun, quick read.  I am always a sucker for a murder mystery and this one had several layers that lead you on a goose chase right up to the end.  The main character, Alice, is a cat person and gets involved in the mystery.  She is one of those characters that seems to stick her nose in where it shouldn't be, but does not get in much trouble.  There are colorful characters that work well and you get to know just enough.  This is just one of those books that if you want to get lost in a quick mystery for several hours that does not require much thinking, this is just right.

Megan's Way by Melissa Foster

A wonderful story about family and friends having to deal with the death of a key woman in their lives.  It was a bit hard to read at the time since my grandmother had just died, so reading about death and loss was difficult.  For a difficult subject it was beautifully put together and I could feel all of the emotions.  I was pulled in and made to laugh and cry.  Death is never easy to deal with and we always question the relationship and things that we did and did not do.  Foster did a great job and if you want to experience raw emotions put together so eloquently I highly recommend this novel.

The Crimson Rooms by Catherine McMahon

This took place in the early 20th century in England.  Women did not have much going for them and this was about a female lawyer and how she was trying to make a go of it.  It was post war and there were the layers of that being worked through with her and her family.  Then there was a surprise from overseas that rocks the whole family.  It did have a lot going on but I do not think that anything was glossed over or poorly portrayed.  The building of the characters and how they worked together had very good flow and I can say that I really saw them, which does not always happen for me.  I will probably pick up more of her books if I do see them.

the photograph by Penelope Lively

I found this book to be very unsettling.  It follows several people who are dealing with a new piece of information about a loved one who has died.  The questions that arise about what they knew of her and who she was made them question every little thing about her.  Would going over every last thing make a difference?  Does it change anything?  I would like to think for myself that I would let the past be the past and remember what I wanted to and not let things taint that.  I just felt very uncomfortable reading the book.

Listening Is an Act of Love by Dave Isay

Subtitle: A Celebration of American Life from the Storycorps Project -- This was very interesting.  When Terry saw what I was reading he recognized it from NPR.  I had never heard of it before.  This is a very small compilation of some of the interviews that were done.  There are a couple Storycorps booths set up in New York City and then there are traveling booths that go everywhere else.  You can go there with anyone and just talk, tell your story.  If there is no one you want to go with you there is a facilitator there to ask you questions.  Some of the stories shared in this book were wonderful.  They covered everything from wars and love to just how life had been.  I laughed and cried and really would like to hear the interviews themselves.  This really brings in the idea that we all have a story to tell, no matter how big or how small, and these stories shape us, how we live and how the world goes on.

Medical Error by Richard Mabry

This was not an oh-my-goodness great book.  The story line was good, I just don't think that the way it was presented was the best it could have been.  The book was about a doctor that had her narcotics license compromised and her identity stolen.  The character development was not that great and the characters were not that exciting.  For me, also, it was a religious fiction which is not high up on my list.  I don't even think that that aspect of the story came through very well either.  It is very frustrating when it seems like the bones of a story are really good and you expect a lot, but in the end the execution just sucks.

World Without End by Ken Follett

Follett is an amazing author.  This book sucked me right in and I had a hard time putting it down.  As much as it was a sequel to 'Pillars of the Earth', I do not think it was necessary to read it.  The character development and interactions pulled you along.  Watching people grow and push the limits and in the end really come out ahead made me feel really good about everything that happened throughout their lifetime.  So much happens within the story it is hard to describe much without giving too much away or writing a book about it.  All I can say is that it is a read that you should not miss out on.

Lye in Wait by Cricket McRae

Subtitle: A Home Crafting Mystery -- What a fun mystery.  Sophie Mae makes her own soaps, bath salts, lip balms, etc. in the basement of the home she shares with Meghan and Meghan's daughter Erin.  Their handy man dies in the basement and she cannot let it go because she just knows there is foul play.  She in sticking her nose in many places it should not be.  The things she gets wrapped up in and the little sub-stories through out made this a very fun and enjoyable book.  I laughed out loud and shook my head many times.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

How everything came together was amazing.  This book did not flow as well for me as the last one though.  It got quite wordy and there was a lot of back story on many characters.  It was needed to help you get the whole picture as to where the story was.   I still could not put it down because I needed to know who this would all fall together.  I was very satisfied with the ending and am very sad that Stieg Larsson in no longer with us to share his brilliant writing.

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

The word that comes to mind is "WOW".  I just could not stop reading this.  One thing lead to another and the twists and turns kept me gobbling up this book!  It is hard for me to describe because I don't want to give anything away.  What I can tell you is that you learn way more about Lisbeth Salendar, and some of it makes your jaw drop.  Lets just say that when I finished this I IMMEDIATELY started reading the next book!!  I had to see how this would continue to unfold.

Finding Grace by Sarah Pawley

This was a wonderful story about a girl, Grace, who was raised in the backwoods of Virginia.  It was a rough life and when her family was going to force her to marry she ran away to Chicago to be with her brother and his wife.  The innocence of going from there to the big city was portrayed very well.  Grace was shy and innocent and then full of spit fire and it all worked.  A gentleman eventually fell for her and it changed him.  Grace really grew throughout the book and I felt like I really got to know her and could feel what she was feeling.  Pawley did a great job putting this together and making it all work.  (This is the first book I read via Kindle!!)

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

Subtitle: An Eater's Manifesto; Eat Food, Not Too Much, Mostly Plants -- This was an eye opener on many levels.  We are constantly preached to as to what we should eat, take these vitamins, this food is better than that one.  There are many levels of people telling us this - scientists, government and occasionally food growers - and all of the perogatives are different.  Agendas and money are running how and what we eat.  In conjunction with reading this I also watched Food, Inc.  When you put these two things together it really makes you think about what you are putting into your body.  If something says it is a health food on the label, is it really healthy?  Because the meat says it is grass fed, what kind of grass and was it for their whole life?  The organic produce on the shelf in your grocery store, how long did it travel to get there?  I am truly looking at food differently and looking forward to growing more in my little green house!

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

What an amazing book.  I was a little intimidated at first because it was quite a thick book.  I have always enjoyed listening to his books, but had never sat down and read one.  Boy am I glad I did.  It takes place in the 12th century and deals with monastaries, castles, cathedrals, kings and earls.  The layer upon layer in which he built this story kept me going.  The violence and the love, the hate and the passion.  Truthfully, I was quite bummed when I finished because I had become so involved.  The great thing is that there is a sequel!!!  You know what I will be looking for.

Saturday by Ian McEwan

I really was not sure if I was going to continue reading this book.  It was not easy to get into and it was mostly description and introspection on the main character.  Henry, a neurosurgeon, we follow for about 24 hours.  In my opinion he thinks to much and is kind of stuck on himself.  You learn about what he does, his family and some of his history.  McEwan is an award winning author and the book was constructed well, but it really wasn't for me.

Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama

I am fascinated by this type of historical fiction. The culture and traditions of the Chinese are really amazing to me. This is about a girl who was sent to work in the silk factory and her journey. Her family had not been doing well and her father took her to a fortune teller and it led her into this work. She had to move to a large city, live with girls and women she did not know and learn a trade that was totally foreign to her. She made friends and worked her way up in the industry and learned much about herself and the world around her. Tsukiyama did a wonderful job laying the story out and I really did not want to stop reading. I was drawn into the era and could not imagine anything like it, still can't. I don't know what it is about these types of books, but I just love them. I love learning about a different time that is so far removed from me and this was done beautifully.

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

I really did not want to put this one down. Thank you Nancy!!! The book takes place in England and is a sort of coming of age story of Maisie Dobbs. Her mother dies and her father has her go work for a family he knows. This family sees talent in her other than being a house maid of sorts. The way that Winspear lays everything out just makes you want to keep reading. Maisie ends up helping in the war effort and afterwards starts her own business, but how she gets there makes you keep on going. The depth of character and how you are drawn in, wanting more, was wonderful. Winspear had me right to the end and I really can't wait to read more. This is the first book in a series.

Time on Ice by Deborah Shiparo and Rolf Bjelke

Subtitle: A Winter's Voyage to Antarctica -- I am very glad that people take trips and do adventures like these because I really don't think that I ever would. This was a trip they really had planned out and knew they wanted to spend the whole winter in Antarctica. Their boat would freeze into the ice and they would be stuck there. Much planning was done. They built themselves up physically because they were going to be doing a lot of skiing and exploring during their time down there. The boat was outfitted to endure the winter and the rough weather to get there. The food provisioning was amazing. They were going to be out of touch, with no resources around for a long time. They did a wonderful job telling their story, the trials and tribulations and their opinions on where things are today environmentally and such. They are very big into leaving things in their natural state and in telling how things really are not like that in Antarctica. It was an amazing adventure and I am very glad they shared it with us.

The Rapids by Carla Neggers

I really like her style of writing. This book was more mystery, secret service stuff and you always wondered what was going to pop up next. Neggers pulls you in and makes you feel like part of the story. Her character description is excellent and you feel like you know the characters. It was an enjoyable and fun read.

Middlesex by Jeffery Eugenides

It was one of those books I picked up in a book exchange and when I started it I was not quite sure what to expect. The story is about an hermaphrodite, not something you would usually read about. This book takes you back to Greece and to the present day. The layering of family history, tragedy and success is well laid out. Eugenides wrote seamlessly and had a very good style about him. I really got involved and wanted to keep going to see what would happen. The ending did work really well for me. I felt led on and then left hanging. For a very different subject matter though, it was pulled off very well.

A Very Eligible Corpse by Annie Griffin

This is the first book in a new series and I can't wait until I can read more. It is about a couple of sisters who live together, seniors, and the oh-so-interesting adventures that occur. They are different as night and day and one truly takes care of the other. Of course, in any mystery, someone dies. The list of possible subjects seems rather large, but only one sister is at the top of the list. Hannah, the one not on the list, is going to save her sister. It was such an enjoyable story. The descriptions were a bit much, but did not take away from the plot line. I think they really gave a good picture of everything going on. I can't say enough and can't wait to get my hands on the next one.

The Widow by Carla Neggars

Another mystery that really had me going until the end. I love it when you read something and you think you figure it out and there is a twist or another layer added. Then you have to re-think everything. That happened to me a few times as I went through this. One thing that did draw me to the book was it taking place on Mt. Desert Island. I could see the places that were being talked about and described. I was really feeling a part of the book. Neggars is a good writer that makes the words flow and has not left me dissatisfied at all. I am looking forward to reading some more of her work.

Ireland by Frank Delaney

A very long book. There were times that I did not think I was going to make it through. At the same time it was enjoyable and I am glad that I stuck it out. It follows a boy and his quest to find the 'Storyteller'. In between him watching him grow up and the emotional growth there are many stories about Ireland history. The stories are very rich and descriptive. I can picture some of them even as I sit here and write this. It was very well written and if you like history with a little myth throw in you will enjoy this book.

Riddle of the Ice by Myron Arms

Subtitle: A Scientific Adventure into the Arctic -- A very interesting book. We are constantly hearing about climate change and what it is doing to the environment. The first time Arms tried going to the Arctic Circle area he was blocked by ice, in July. It was not supposed to be there. This got him wondering as to what was going on. He did much research and talked to many scientists and such. A few years later he headed back and was able to go all the way up Greenland. Things were much different, but some of the encounters he had with locals let him know that things were changing. There are so many different currents and levels in the way the water moves and sometimes the flow seems to stop and scientists are trying to figure out why. At times in got a little more technical that what I could absorb, but the overall book was very informative and made you think about what is going on in the waters around us.

Stonebrook Cottage by Carla Neggers

A nice mindless read that had many twists and turns and kept me wondering up until the end. There are deaths, accidents, secrets, lies and tension - both emotional and physical. There really was not a dry moment in the book. There was a mysterious explosion, the death of a governor, runaway kids and adults not knowing what they were capable of. It all mixed together to make a good story and I hope I can find more of her books soon.

The Haunted Abbot by Peter Tremayne

It was a little harder to follow this one. I had a hard time keeping things straight. Tremayne does know how to weave a tale and this was a good one. Eaudulf did most of the investigating because Fidelma was ill. He can get himself into some interesting spots and it is quite enjoyable to watch him get out. In the end Fidelma figured things out and it was not what I was expecting. I enjoy the historical aspect of the story and always find it interesting how things were years and years ago. It will be a while before I read another of his books, but I will not pass it up if it comes my way.

true colors by Kristin Hannah

I have always enjoyed her books and this one did not let me down. It is about a family who goes through some rough times. There are three sisters who have always stuck together, but when one decides to hold back her feelings it snowballs into a terrible mess. The way Hannah dives into the family, has them interact and lets them grow is done wonderfully. She has a knack for this and it makes you feel like a part of the story unfolding in front of you. I laughed and I cried. The ending I expected, for the most part, but that was not a bad thing. I wanted things to work out and she made it happen in a way that I did not feel let down. Hannah is a great author and has done another wonderful job in story telling.

The Ugly Duckling by Iris Johansen

A very interesting story that takes place on a couple different continents. The short of it is that it is about revenge. A terrible thing has happened to Nell and the only way she feels that she can heal and move on is through revenge. Taneck is there to help her do this, but is always trying to get her to change her mind. There is action, physical tension and suspense. I liked how everything flowed together and had me going until the end. I was not sure how things were going to play out and I was pleasantly surprised. I look forward to reading more of Johanesn's books.

The Man Who Invented Florida by Randy Wayne White

I picked this up because one of the reviews said he was like Carl Hiaasen. Now I love Hiaasen, so I had high hopes for this guy. Some of the elements were definitely there -- the people living in the mangroves, crazy people, hippies and environmentalists. But that is about where it ended. It did not flow very well and was not really all that enjoyable. There are lots of sub stories and history that you get bogged down in a bit. White has written many books since this one and maybe they flow better, if I can pick up another one for free I may see if it is any better. Even Terry is reading it now and is not very impressed.

The Monk Who Vanished by Peter Tremayne

This was an historical fiction mystery that took place during the seventh century in Ireland. I really do enjoy this type of fiction because it takes me back to a place that I never would have really thought about and makes it real for me. Sister Fiedelma is the one who tries to figure everything out. The kingdom is depending on her and she is an interesting one to watch process things. Brother Eadulf is kind of like her assistant and it is fun to watch them interact and play on each other. In the beginning I was a little confused. There were a lot of strange names and places and it seemed like many different substories. But, the more I read the more I wanted to see what was going to happen. I was pulled right in and could not get enough. I have picked up another one of Tremayne's books and can't wait to get started on it. Very, very fun if you enjoy historical fiction!

Greetings from Somewhere Else by Monica McInerney

What a fun book! It was about a family who had a relative die and one of the stipulations of the will was for one of them to come and run her bed and breakfast for a year. The family lived in Australia and the relative lived in Ireland. Well, the daughter, Lainey, went. She is a very controlling type person and worked well when she had projects going. She learned a lot about herself, family and friends on this year long journey. I laughed out loud and gasped about many a thing. It was just a very enjoyable book.

Wildflowers by Robin Jones Gunn

I read this yesterday afternoon/evening. It was a wonderful story about a woman coming to terms with how her life had gone and how she was going to make it better. There had been many trials and tribulations through the years and she had to figure out how to let go. The book is Christian Fiction, not something I would normally read, but the overall story was good. I am not all about the religious part but am glad that it works for people. I would read Gunn's other books because her style is very easy going and comfortable.

Scent of Evil by Archer Mayor

Subtitle : A Joe Gunther Mystery Novel -- It took me a while to get into this one. There were lots of twists and turns and you were just not sure how everything was going to fit together. At times it seems like things were going off on a tangent only to be brought right back in as something relevant. Mayor took the book right to the end, it was well written and it kept you thinking, which I always think is a good thing. The ending was a little anticlimactic but very fitting.

Wild Man Creek by Robyn Carr

I enjoy this author. She tells a good story, you may be able to relate to some of it and it never feels like a soap opera. It is about a woman who is forced out of her job and needs to learn to relax. She ends up going back to some of her roots and really flourishes. A gentleman enters the picture, of course, who is also going through a major life change. Things cross, romance happens, distance occurs and you can probably figure out what happens next. It was a fun book to read and just what I needed at the time. For a fun, relaxing read I think this is a good one.

How to Wash a Cat by Rebecca M. Hale

A very good mystery. There were a lot of twists and turns and it was a very creative story. It takes place in San Fransisco in an antiques shop. There is history and tunnels and intrigue. My biggest complaint was all of the description. Hale could describe things to death. It was not lengthy because of that but it seemed almost overly dramatic. That will not stop me from reading the next book she comes out with because it was witty and fun.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

I finished this a few days ago and needless to say I have not been able to stop thinking about it. In the beginning I was not sure what was happening and which way things were going. I had to take it real slow. I was not sure how things were going to fit in with each other. The way that Larsson layered the plot and history and small stories within the bigger one was very intriguing. His character description and depth really let you get to know the characters. It is hard to explain the story line because there are so many going on at the same time, you just need to read it. Once I finished the book and was talking to my husband about it we looked up the author. When you learn more about him it helps to explain some of the events and things that occurred in the story. It seemed that this was very cathartic for him and he was truly writing for himself. I am looking forward to reading his other books, but I need to finish processing this one first.

Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin

Subtitle: A no-nonsense, tough-love guide for savvy girls who want to stop eating crap and start looking fabulous! -- Not what I expected, at all. It started out quite funny and making sense. Truthfully the whole book makes sense, but I am not sure I like the in your face approach. They definitely had an agenda -vegan-ism. They are totally against the meat/dairy industry and for organics. I don't think that is a bad thing, and if half of the things they say are true (I did not double check their end notes) that it is all quite disgusting. There are many chemicals, antibiotics and poisons put into our foods. I have gone back and forth about being a vegetarian. I have a husband that loves meat, so it does get challenging. I know I could do it and I know that aside from feeling better about it I know that I don't like how animals are treated. In the end the one thing that I truly take away from the book is to 'use your head'. Read about the foods you are eating, figure out what is best for you and don't always believe all of the hype out there. You are the only one who can make yourself feel better and look the way you want. Yes, I think a more plant based diet is better for you, but I know it is not for everyone and we all need to do what we are comfortable with.

Maybe (maybe not) by Robert Fulghum

Subtitle: Second Thoughts from a Secret Life -- What a fun little book of short snippets of what has gone on in his life and things he thinks about. You want to cry sometimes and at other times laugh out loud. Fulghum has a way of making you think about things that you never really want to put down on paper and he had the nerve to. Terry read this first and shared some of the things he really enjoyed, so I just had to read to whole thing. Some things that stick out in my mind -- a girl that has to sell candy for soccer, conducting an orchestra, a gentleman trying to participate in church and how that really goes, things he has and has not done with his family over the years. It was an easy read, but a must read at the same time. Pick it up and see what you think.

The Vendetta Defense by Lisa Scottoline

A very interesting book. It takes you into an Italian community and how over decades forgiveness was never given, grudges held and a vendetta that needed to be upheld. The story takes place in Philadelphia but really starts in Italy. There is a family that followed the Fascists and had their own agenda. Then there is a family of simple farmers who just wanted to live their life. One man wins a woman over another and that is really where the story begins. Scottoline did a wonderful job with the characters and I just wanted to jump in a hug some of these guys. She really made me feel a part of the story and wishing for certain outcomes. I wasn't sure at first about this book, it is not something I gravitate towards, but I am very glad I picked it up and will continue to seek out her books.

Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs

A good old easy to read chick book. After some of the books I had been reading I needed a little break. You have a single mother who lost her job and her son who can be challenging. Then enters a homeless girl who has her own interesting story and a sexy next door neighbor that is just as challenging to figure out. Some things that happened were very predictable yet others did surprise me. Wiggs did a good job with the characters and making them work well together. I have enjoyed her books in the past and look forward to finding more of them to get lost in.

Bitter Harvest by Ann Rule

Subtitle: A woman's fury, a mother's sacrifice -- Had I read more of the cover and comments I would not have picked this up. This is a true crime story and really not something I like to delve into. It was very well written and this is Rule's specialty. This is about a woman who seems to have things together but is prone to temper tantrums and always having her own way. When her marriage started to fall apart things got really bad. She started a small house fire when her husband first asked for a divorce and started to poison him when he asked a second time. In the end she completely lost it and burned her second home down killing two of her children. She was a sick and twisted woman and is in prison for the rest of her life. If you like to read about these things then you will probably enjoy it. It was not a terrible book, but it was not the subject matter I enjoy reading about.

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham

This was very different from all of his lawyer type books. I have never really been able to get into his books and was not sure about this one. Someone we met along the way said this was a good read and Terry actually ended up reading it before me and enjoyed it. The story is about a washed up NFL quarterback who is at the end of the line and ends up playing ball in Parma, Italy. It was an easy and enjoyable read. Rick Dockery, the quarterback, gets some of his love for the game back and is doing pretty good and in a very different place personally in the end. It was a fun story.

The Letter of the Law by Tim Green

I picked this up at a book exchange from one of the marinas. It was a very good choice. It takes place in Texas with an up and coming lawyer. She wants it all and gets pulled into a case that ends up haunting her. Green did a great job developing the characters and pulling you through the whole story. He took you right to the end and I was not sure what was going to happen. There really was no predictability. Green made you feel for the characters that were good and really revile the ones that were bad. I am looking forward to finding more of his books.

Star Island by Carl Hiaasen

All I can say is that you knew you were reading Hiaasen when you picked this up. The stories are always different, but the sick, twisted things that he weaves leave you laughing and scratching your head. This book was about a music star wannabe, Cherry Pye, and all the troubles that went along with it. The strange body guard, a crazed photographer, twisted parents - it just goes on and on. An old character shows up, Skink, and he always has something good up his sleeve. Terry and I both read this one and we loved the whole thing, until the end. Truthfully the end sucked! It was a huge let down from the whole story. But, if you have not read any Hiaasen yet you really must. He is funny and sick and twisted and you will end up laughing and wondering where on earth he comes up with this stuff.

The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice

I am still not sure what I think of this book. Once I was about half way through I wanted to see what was going to happen. There really did not seem to be any story line. It takes place after the war in the mid-50's. Penelope is one that runs in higher circles and wound up running with Charlotte. They went to all these different parties, name dropped and seemed to just have a good time. There were underlying issues with everyone through out the book, but nothing was really stand out. I guess there is really not much I can say. I am glad I made it through the book, but I am not sure what the whole point of it was.

Sister's Choice by Emilie Richards

A very moving book, but a little predictable. Two sisters who have lead very different lives and are not sure how to trust each other. The younger sister, Jamie, was pretty much brought up by her older sister, Kendra. Jamie was the wild one while Kendra was the responsible one. Jamie decides to be a surrogate for her sister. There are a lot of bridges being mended through this process and issues that have long been dormant that come out and need to be resolved. There are some sub-stories that make the story very rich and enjoyable. Some questions that come up for me are how much do you do for your sister? Why do you feel you need to do things? Are you looking for acceptance or praise? How do you know when enough is enough without losing yourself? Richards did a beautiful job developing the characters and story line and I don't feel that anything was really lacking. It was one of those books where you could put it down, but you really did not want to and a little sad when it was over because you want to know what happens in these folks lives. It left me with a good feeling and a need to watch out for more of her books.