The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham

I am a sucker for historical fiction.  This one got me a little with all of the people and who they belonged to and at what times.  It takes place while King Edward IV is reigning and all the twists and turns of his marriage and who is in alliance with each other.  It fascinates me how quickly loyalties change and how quick those in power could judge and kill.  There was such a tremendous amount of violence during that time and it was so visceral.  I think that I enjoyed the fictional part more than the historical just because there were so many kings and queens and dukes and duchesses, it was very hard to keep straight and Higginbotham seemed to include everyone.  Because of that I am not sure if I will be seeking out more of her books.  If you can get past all of the names, the story was great. (NOOK)

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri

This was a collection of eight stories.  The last three were tied together.  There was only one that I did not really like, I just felt very unsettled and uncomfortable with how it ended.  I was drawn into these stories and really felt a part of what was going on.  The subjects of families and friends and time passing were relevant, it made me not want the stories to end.  Lahiri wrote beautifully and it felt like she was talking just to you.  Her style was free flowing and never felt contrived or disjointed.  I am looking forward to finding more of her books and being drawn into her world.