Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

Very moving story about a family learning about themselves and their history through love and loss.  The father has been the glue of this family from the beginning.  When he dies the girls are forced to learn to deal with their mother.  During their younger years she has always told them fairy tales and now they are learning that it really was their family history.  The ending moved me to tears.  Hannah did a beautiful job weaving all of this together, she is such a joy to read.

Chapter and Hearse by Lorna Barrett

Tricia just can't stay out of trouble.  There is an explosion and someone dies, so it can't be an accident.  Her sister is on a book tour so Tricia is helping out with those shops.  All the characters lend something to the overall picture and Barrett does a great job with development and story line, so nothing goes to waste.  As you go through the series you get more from each character, but I don't think you would miss too much if you didn't read them in order.  Just a fun read, something comfortable to curl up with and get lost in for a while.

Buffalo West Wing by Julie Hyzy

Another fun book by Hyzy.  There is never a dull moment in the White House kitchen.  There is a new administration and with that does come some new personnel and a learning curve for the First Family.  A package shows up in the kitchen and no one is sure where it came from.  This leads to tensions and issues with protocols.  Ollie, executive chef, finds herself in some challenging situations and does her best to stay in control.   A good twist in the end that I was not expecting.  Can't wait to read the next one!!

Sailing the Big Flush by Eileen Beaver

Subtitle: It's a Crack Up -- The title in and of itself makes you curious.  She and her husband, Doug, take a sailing trip up into Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy.  The Bay of Fundy has some of the worlds largest tides-- up to 50 feet!!  For those of you that are not familiar, the height of the water changes up to 50 feet every six hours. When the water goes out there are places where there is NO WATER!!  Eileen gives a very good account of their trip. At times it reads like an adventure that Terry and I would take.  There are many things that she learns along the way. It was very challenging learning how to read the water and figure out how to set the boat up so it would not tip over when the tide went out.  Along the way they meet many colorful characters and explore some wonderful small towns.  It reminds you that people can be very friendly, outgoing and helpful.  It was a little tedious at times, with her trying to "find her center", but very enjoyable and funny.  I, of course, could easily put myself in her situation and would love to experience this amazing body of water, I just don't know if I am up for the stress of it all!!