All Through the Night by Mary Higgins Clark

I have not read one of her books in a long time.  This was a wonderful story about a woman who thought she had left her new born baby with the church only to fine out years later she had been taken by a robber.  The story lines unfolded nicely and the slueth, Alvirah, had a way with tying things together.  Not your typical Christmas story, but made me feel all nice a fuzzy inside.  Kindness and forgiveness goes a long way.

Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber

What a fun little book.  Ashley wants to surprise her mom for Christmas, but can't get a flight.  Dash needs to gt to Seattle for an interview and can't get a flight.  They end up sharing a rental car, and what a trip that is.  The interesting little twist is with the FBI following them.  Lots of action and fun along with a bit of romance.  Very enjoyable Christmas read.

The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

Patterson never disappoints!  Gaby is getting married on Christmas day but will not tell her family or friends who she is marrying.  She won't even tell the groom.  She does this in part to get her family all together for the holiday.  It was a wonderful story full of love, compassion and sweetness.

Christmas, Present by Jacquelyn Mitchard

I did not like this book.  It was short and a quick read, but did not put me a the Christmas mood.  Elliot takes his wife Laura to a Cirque du Soleil performance.  On the way home she gets a terrible headache and the car breaks down.  She says she has to go to the hospital and they find out a blood vessel burst in her brain and she has less than 24 hours to live.  This is all happening the day before Christmas.  It was not a story I would tell at Christmas time.  I know these things happen, but this did not grab me.  It was all quiet self absorbed and I can't get any life lesson from the way this was written.

Fleece Navidad by Maggie Sefton

It is Christmas time in Fort Conner.  Lots of knitting and cookies going on.  Of course there always need to be some mystery and death.  Claudia comes to town and gets involved in everything.  She seems to win everyones heart over until her deceased husbands daughter comes to town.  Then you don't know who is telling the truth.  And then someone is killed in a hit and run which divides everyone.  Kelly has a nose for figuring things out and wraps it up neatly.  It was a bit predictable, but very enjoyable.  Sefton always does a great job with her characters, it makes me want to jump into the fray with them.

The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson

This was a wonderful story about five women who were on a reading group.  They supported each other through good times and bad.  When Abby, the one who held it all together, died unexpectedly no one was sure what would happen with the group.  Abby had made each of them an angel ornament that her husband delivered after her death.   Because of these ornaments all the women had an amazing experience for the holidays by getting out and doing for others.  It really was a heart warming story about friends, faith and giving.

Razor Girl by Carl Hiaasen

Another tweaked book by this guy.  It really makes you wonder how he pulls all these things together.  There is a girl who causes fake car accidents while shaving.  A guy called Blister because of a botched robbery.  An attorney supporting a huge drug claim who has now become a victim himself.  A guy who does not want to lose his sunset view and comes up with some interesting ways to scare the neighbors.  And last but not least a fake Cajun with a lousy accent who hates chickens.  Somehow Hiaasen ties all of this together.  There were a few too many story lines for me, but it was never boring!!

The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball

Subtitle: A Memoir of Farming, Food and Love-- What a great read!  A city girl falling for a country boy.  She leaves the city and moves into a world unknown to her that she grabs with both hands.  She loves getting her hands dirty and the freshness of what they produce.    She and her husband have grand ideas of feeding the community and it is not met without struggle, but they persevere and carve out a nice life for themselves.

Shadows at the Fair by Lea Wait

A very interesting mystery involving antique prints.  Maggie goes to a weekend fair to sell her prints and meet up with old friends.  What she does not expect is to be solving not one murder, but two.  There are always stories about people and how things are and she needed to weed through it all to get down to the bones of the matter.  For a first book this was very well written and not too predictable.  I definitely figured some things out, but I was not totally sure who did it until the end.  I was not completely surprised, but how Wait unraveled it was well done.  Looking forward to finding more in this new mystery series.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

This was a very interesting book and one I had wanted to read for a while.  It is about a 'rabbit hole' that takes you back in time.  A diner owner discovered it but can't carry out what he wanted to do and involves a local teacher. The goal is to stop the assassination of John F. Kennedy.  There are many twists and turns and many outcomes I did not expect.  It really was a great novel and King is an amazing story teller.

Sounds Like Me by Sara Bareilles

Subtitle: My Life (so far) in Song -- I enjoy her music.  It can be upbeat or melancholy.  She writes in a way that many can relate.  This is a series of essays she wrote through her songs.  She is like many artists that struggle with personAl demons, but is able to have a creative vent that not only can help to move them out of their funk, but touch others in ways that makes them change for the better too.  She is very straight forward and it was easy to get pulled into her story and watch her evolve.

The Motion of the Ocean by Janna Cawrse Esarey

Subtitle:1 Small boat, 2 Average Lovers and a Woman's Search for the Meaning of Wife -- I did not pick up this book, I had passed it over.  Terry went back to get it.  He enjoyed it so I thought that I would give it a try.  It was a good book.  There were definitely some whiny parts, but there is bound to be when you leave the comforts of home and travel across the Pacific Ocean.  There was much I could identify with also.  Her husband going into great detail for what you feel is a yes or no question.  Entering into unknown territory and conquering it.  Only having your partner to talk to when you really need someone else who will just listen and not try yo fix it all.  The book made me laugh and cry and see that I am not alone in this crazy sailing world with all the same feelings.  It was easy to get through with some great take aways.

Narrow Escape by Marie Browne

This chronicles a year she and her family are on their narrow boat in England.  It was a rough year and there were many ups and downs and crazy situations.  Some of them I could truly identify with, others just made me laugh out loud.  Some of the things that occur may seem far fetched but are things that people who live aboard have to deal with on a daily basis.  I have enjoyed all of her books.  She is funny, truthful and real.  Her books are pretty fast reads and very worth your time.

The Wedding Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini

A good story about Sarah's daughter getting married.  There were a lot of remembrances from years past that got everyone to where they were today.  All of the trails and tribulations that made the relationships even stronger.  This book is part of a big series and I have only read a few.  They are just nice, wholesome books that draw you into the family and all those that touch their lives.

Starlight on Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs

Faith needs to find a job.  She is going to be evicted and she and her children need a home.  A job came up and it was in the town where she was, so it was good for her kids.

After a rough start with the interview things begin to smooth out.  She has a difficult patient but manages to work with her and get her to do things she wouldn't do before.

Faith needs to enlist her patients son to become more involved, which he does begrudgingly.

Many secrets are revealed and much growing and realization of who each person really is develops throughout the book.  Wiggs does a great job developing the characters and growing to feel all of the hurts and joys.

Night Over Water by Ken Follett

I listened to this book and it took me the better part of the summer to get through it.  Follett does not disappoint.  This is about an airliner, the Pan Am clipper that flies back and forth between England and the United States.  In this adventure one of the crewmen finds out that his wife has been kidnapped and he needs to force land the plan so people can come aboard and hijack a passenger.  There are several story lines through out the novel.  There is an English family fleeing to America, a movie star heading home, lovers going to start a new life and others coming to terms of how their life is going.  An intense book at times, but also some laugh out loud spots.  Really enjoyable, and I can't wait to move onto another one of his books!

The Edge of Winter by Luanne Rice

A story taking place on the coast of Rhode Island.  A place where a love of nature and a strong hold on its history brings people together and tears people apart.  A young girl finally sees a snowy owl and also learns of the fate of a sunken submarine.  She wants to save it all and learns much about the ways of the world around her.  Other characters are dealing with their past and working on a stronger future.  Rice is always good at weaving story lines together and really giving you a good feel for everyone involved.  A good book worth the time.

Comfort Me with Apples by Ruth Reichl

Subtitle: More Adventures a the Table -- Reichl is a food critic.  She eats amazing food all around the world.  Her other books told of her many adventures, this book takes you back to the beginning.  It takes you to her personal side.  She talks about her relationships, how she lived and things that led her into some interesting experiences early on in her career.   Reichl is funny and honest and really, really enjoys what she does.  If you enjoy food and you really love reading about it you will like this book and the recipes she offers.

Here's to Us by Elin Hilderbrand

A blending of three families joined by one man, who dies.  They are all to get together on Nantucket at a place he was happiest.  Lots of history, lots of anger, lots of misunderstandings- and it all comes to a head.  Hilderbrand does a wonderful job weaving their lives together and seeing deeply into each character and where they are coming from.  I do get a little tired of her style of writing from one persons view and then the other, it can feel a bit choppy.

Narrow Minds by Marie Browne

Another fun adventure of getting back onto a narrow boat.  Marie was not happy being back in a house.  She did not like the neighbors or all that a house involved.  She wanted to get back on the water.  It took a lot of looking and convincing her family, but they finally found a boat, that of course needed lots of work.  Remodeling is always a challenge and there are always unknowns.  Her husband needed to get a job, so they then had to work out moving the boat and coordinating transportation.  There is never a dull moment in this adventure and was a great read.  Can't wait to get my hands on the next book!!

Hit by a Farm by Catherine Friend

Subtitle: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Barn -- An interesting account of starting a farm with nothing and not knowing much about it.  It was all very much a learning process for her and her partner Melissa.  They bought some land, got sheep and goats, chickens and a couple llamas.  They also started a vineyard.  Many times they were in over their heads.  Lambing season was very hard, getting the vineyards started was a challenge.  They were able to work through most things, though there were times that Catherine was ready to quit and leave.  In the end Catherine did need to separate herself a bit, to be able to do what she wanted, which was to write.  She ended up finding a good balance and things worked out.  There are many laugh out loud times and times that you just have to shake your head.  It was an enjoyable read, at times a little melodramatic, but fun.

The Chance by Robyn Carr

She continues to develop stories and people very well.  This time there is a troubled kid, Justin, who is getting help (unwanted) from the garage where he is working.  A drifter, Al, comes into town and is welcomed by the community.  And Lanie finally makes a connection with her father only to be dealt the blow of Alzheimer's.  All of these story lines are woven together very well and it just makes you want to keep finding out more.

Died in the Wool by Mary Kruger

A fun book about a murder that happened in a yarn shop and figuring out how and why it happened.  There are always people in towns that don't like each other and want to stab you in the back.  Going to the extent of killing someone is a bit much.  Many people were suspects and the one that did it was quite a surprise.  It will be interesting to see how Kruger develops the series.  It was not a story that was very gripping, but it was interesting. 

On Celtic Tides by Chris Duff

Subtitle: One Man's Journey Around Ireland by Sea Kayak -- What an amazing journey!  Dealing with winds and tides and not sure of places to land made it very stressful at times.  Duff learned a lot about himself and his heritage.  I learned a lot about the history of Ireland, the myths and the legends.  The people were immensely friendly and giving and left Duff feeling part of a bigger family.  I got bogged down a few times with the history or of himself getting philosophical, but overall it was a great narrative of an amazing trip.

The Hero by Robyn Carr

I really enjoy her books because they are so easy to get lost in.  They are usually a quick read and give you just enough steaminess to still allow you to use your imagination.  This is a continuation in a series and a girl is found walking along the road with her little girl.  Rawley picks her up and brings her into town.  She is quickly adopted by everyone and folded into the town.  There are always some hiccups and events, but they turn out well in the end.  Some other relationships in town continued to develop nicely.  I am really looking forward to continuing the series and see what else can happen.

Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin

A fun, quick moving book.  Nan gets dragged back into the family she had worked for and it was no better than the first time.  More drama and angst.  Some of it was fun, some of it quite sad.  Nan, the main character, has grown and is much stronger than she had been and that was nice to see.  Sometimes you just need some time and stronger boundaries to get through things and to learn what you are capable of. 

"There are things I want you to know" about Stieg Larsson and me by Eva Gabrielsson

I really enjoyed Larsson's trilogy starting with 'The Girl with the DragonTattoo'.   It was very interesting to see how the core of his writing was truly based on life experiences and the world around him.  He was very political and involved with causes, as was Gabrielsson.  They fought the same causes and wrote together.  Given that they were not married she got nothing, regardless of the 32 years that they were together.  It has been an on going battle for her, but she is surrounded by family and friends that have been her rock and continued to help her through this difficult time.

Thin Ice by Mark Ammons

Subtitle: Crime Stories by New England Writers -- I read most of these short stories.  Some were very creative and funny, others were just horrible.  None of them were good enough that I would search out the author to read more of their work.  If you want something mindless and are not looking to try to find someone new to read, this will be right up your alley.

The Newcomer by Robyn Carr

A very easy read dealing with a few different story lines.  There is a teen who has to deal with spurned love and bullying, a love that has finally taken the leap and a life changing move that may strain a new relationship.  It is all woven together really well and very moving at times.  Carr is very good a a simple read with good depth.  Looking forward to more in this series.

The Zookeepers Wife: a war story by Diane Ackerman

This was not what I was expecting and it ended up being very much an education on the persecution of Jews during World War 2 in Poland.  The zoo that housed many animals turned into a place where people could hide.  I have read a lot about the war and that time period, but this really gave  me a good picture of what people went through and the lengths that people went through to save others.  It was very well written with amazing descriptions and content.  Is is a book I would have chosen had I known what it was about, probably not.  Am I glad that I read it, absolutely.

One Woman Farm by Jenna Woginrich

Subtitle: My life shared with sheep, pigs, chickens, goats and a fine fiddle -- What a fun book.  It was a quick read full of life and description.  Woginrich takes you through a year on the farm, some of the struggles and all of the joy.  She really embraces every moment and loves what she does, and can be quite infectious.  I don't know if I want to be a farmer, but she does light a fire under you.  She has written other books and I think I am going to look them up, she is great and has a wonderful way with words.

A Year in Paradise by Stephen Wright Watterson

Subtitle: How we lived our dream -- A very short, fun read.  They left Ohio and headed to the Erie Canal, down the Hudson and made their way to Florida for the winter.  They explored many haunts that we have and just enjoyed their year on the water.  If you want a fun overview of a trip like this, Watterson did a great job capturing the essence of the experience.

X by Sue Grafton

An interesting book, but I was never quite sure what the main story line was.  There was a picture that had been stolen, a fake identification and a dead private investigator that left some cryptic notes that needed to be figured out.  It seemed like all three eventually resolved themselves, but it was a bit ragged for me.  In the middle of it all there was also another little sub-story about some neighbors.  This is the first Grafton book I have read, because of my alphabet challenge, and I am not sure if I want to try another.

Wind, Whiskey and Whales by Silver Donald Cameron

Subtitle: A Cape Breton Voyage -- A great story about a wonderful summer voyage around Cape Breton.  It was a nine year project building the boat and they made many amazing stops along the way.  Lots of harbors and nooks and crannies, great people and towns.  I learned a lot of history about the island with all the ups and downs with industry - coal, fishing.  Beautifully told, great humor.

The Voyage of Kristina by Wayne Carpenter

This was a wonderful travel narrative of a family starting in California, heading down the coast to go through the Panama Canal, over to Florida, up the coast to Nova Scotia and down to the Bahamas.  It was very well told and nice to see that some sailors that are even more seasoned than me freak out from time to time.  This was not their first adventure and it is sure to not be their last.  This was a great read and very well told, I felt like I was riding along with them at times.

Under the Banner of Heaven by John Krakauer

Subtitle: A Story of Violent Faith -- If you want an education on Mormonism, this is a really good start.  I really did not know much, and most of it was hear say, not actually reading it for myself.  When you are learning about different faiths there is always the 'rose colored glasses' view, but there is also much violence, disruption and change.  Krakauer was expounding on an event that happened in 1984 and the best way to even attempt to understand it was to delve into the history of the religion.  I had a hard time following everything because he did bounce around a lot from past to present.  I wish I could say that I would read it again to get a better grasp of it all, but it is just too much for me to take in.  Depending on what you know about Mormonism, you probably don't know as much as you think.

This Life is in Your Hands by Melissa Coleman

Subtitle: One Dream, Sixty Acres and a Family's Heartbreak -- This was a very good look at how people were trying to get back to the land in the late 60's and early 70's and how it did and did not work for people.  Everything starts with good intentions, but challenges come up that can strain people and families.  Add to that a tragic death and it can really form how the family functions.  It was very well written, I could feel the despair and joy and wonder of all that was happening to their family.  Well worth the read.

Seven Summits by Dick Bass, Frank Wells and Rick Ridgeway

If you like adventure and the art of getting it done you will enjoy this book.  Dick and Frank had a goal to climb the seven highest summits in the world in one year.  There were many trials and tribulations, much wheeling and dealing and a lot of personal growth..  This is not something that I would ever really want to do, but it does make me want to explore a bit more and see what I can accomplish.  The writing did not always have the best flow and rhythm, but it was very enjoyable.

The Red House Murder by A.A. Milne

Whenever I think of A.A. Milne I think of Winnie the Pooh.  So, when I came across this murder mystery I thought I would give it a try.  It was interesting and based very much on the formula of Sherlock Holmes.  There were eccentric people, strange situations and wild imaginations.  It is always interesting to see someone write in a different genre than what you are used to.  Milne did a fine job, but I will stick with Winnie the Pooh.

The Queen of the Big Time by Adriana Trigiani

This starts in the late 20's.  Nella is excited because she is going to get to go to school in town.  It all starts well, but then her father is in an accident and she has to go to work.  She caught on well and made her way up through the ranks.  She had a love that left her and she did her best to move on from that.  She made the best of her life and felt it was very full.  When her husband died she looked at things a little differently and embraced life a bit more.  Very well crafted with the angst of growing up, family duty and love.

A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett

I really never tire of his books.  This takes place in the late 1700's and follows a woman that is fairly well off and a coal miner.  Their lives take interesting turns through Scotland, England and Virginia.  Follett's details with history and development of his characters makes it very hard to put his books down.  He has amazing talent and always leaves me wanting more.

Old Friend From Far Away by Natalie Goldberg

Subtitle: The Practice of Writing Memoir --  I have always enjoyed her books, ways of looking at things and really just breaking the writing down.  I am not saying that I am going to write memoir, but it did encourage you look at your life, ways to look deeper and different ways to look at your past.  Goldberg holds nothing back and can be quite raw, yet at the same time very encouraging.  For me she makes writing seem possible.  I know that I will be using this book as a reference and will go through it chapter by chapter and spread my wings of writing.

Secret Star by Nora Roberts

Book Three in Stars of Mithra -- The final installment of this series.  It followed the same formula of the other two.  A detective needs to solve this break in and another murder, murders of which seem to be stacking up.  Though, when he finds out that the person he thought was dead is not things get much more interesting.  In the end all works out and there is love in the air.  A very simple series to read if you just need to escape into a little fantasy for a while.

Narrow Margins by Marie Browne

Marie and her husband and family move onto a narrow boat in England and live and travel in the canals.  They did this out of necessity and really knew nothing.  It was a simple read that made you laugh out loud, shake your head and feel the pain of new and scary experiences.  It was not all fun and games, but they learned a lot and embraced the boat life.

Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan

I have had a day to mull this book over and I am still not sure how I feel about it.  The story takes place in a summer cottage on the coast of Maine.  The chapters are done by person and how they have or have not functioned in this very dysfunctional family.  Alice, the mother/grandmother has lived with a guilt that has not only tainted her life, but everyone she has been in contact with.  It was difficult to read when you saw the layers of selfishness, greed, martyrdom and raw confusion in all these peoples lives.  Personally I also thought the ending sucked, which really tainted my whole feeling about the book.

The Language of Threads by Gail Tsukiyama

Pei and Ji Shen flee from China to Hong Kong.  Through the silk work Pei has done she has connections there, a place to stay and someone to find her work.  They settle into things, but it is challenging and their past does haunt them.  The war comes and there is much suffering and loss, but they survive.  Pei does very well after the war with her own business and is able to reconnect with family.  This is a very simple description of a story filled with loss, pain, confusion and regret.  Tsukiyama writes with depth and color that brings you into such o foreign world and makes you feel more than just a sightseer.  This novel is a continuation of Pei's story, 'Women of the Silk', which is just as beautifully done.  A very well done piece of historical fiction

Karma Gone Bad by Jenny Feldon

Subtitle: How I Learned to Love Mangoes, Bollywood and Water Buffalo-- I really enjoyed this book.  Jenny's husband got a job in India and they were going to live there for two years.  She was looking forward to the adventure and the experiences she would have.  Things turned out to not be all they expected and she really struggled.  She was very whiny and had many a pity party.  It reached a point where her husband sent her back to the US.  Once home she had a hard time adjusting there too and realized she had to put a better foot forward.  She writes beautifully and I was drawn into all of her experiences.  At some level I feel I have been in her shoes and maybe that's why I liked this so much.  A very good memoir, something not to miss, in my opinion.

The Jester by James Patterson and Andrew Gross

This is an historical novel taking place during the crusades.  I think that it had good potential, but it fell a little flat.  It was very simply written and not really catching from a history standpoint.  I kept reading because I wanted to see how things would unfold.  When you have the underdogs trying to take over the rulers, you want to see how it ends.  It wasn't terrible, but it was not Ken Follett.

The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman

An interesting novel about life, death and lightening.  One woman, who suffered tragedy when she was young, was struck by lightening and was always cold.  Her brother studying the affects of lightening on survivors and encouraged her to join the study.  Through that study she meets someone who, after surviving a strike, is always hot.  His touch will burn you.  It was a very strange and cerebral story.  Coming to terms with your past, choices you have made and what to do with your future.  

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Subtitle: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing --  She takes a pretty hard line when it comes to tidying, much more that I really think I am into doing, but has some great ideas that I am looking forward to try.  One of her big things when you start to get rid of things is to hold every item and ask yourself if it brings you joy.  She has a great way of looking at things and helping you really make life changes that you can maintain.You can always move things around and re-organize, but if you don't really look at what you have and are honest with what you need and love, you will always have clutter.

Hiking Through by Paul Stutzman

A very enjoyable account of a man who hiked the Appalachian Trail shortly after his wife had died.  It was something he had wanted to do this for a long time, so he took this time to explore this trail and figure out what to do next.  He was a bit more religious that what I usually read, but his account of the trail was what I was interested in and it did not disappoint.  Wonderful descriptions that made you laugh and smile, and difficulties that made you feel his pain.  If you want an account of the trail this is a really good sample of what it is like.

The Guest House by Nancy Thayer

A very enjoyable, light read.  Sophie and Trevor needed a get away for the summer and due to cousins that don't communicate well ended up booking both of them in the same Nantucket house.  They did not know each other and it was not what they had planned on for the summer.  In the end, everyone benefited greatly, came to terms with some of their own ghosts and became stronger families because of it all.  Nothing was contrived, everything was easy to identify with that had a fairly predictable ending, but a nice read all the same.  I'm very interested in reading some of her other books.

All the President'sMenus by Julie Hyzy

Such an awesome author.  All seems calm in the White House Kitchen, but give it time.  Chef Paras always ends up with some trouble and this time it is with foreign guests in her kitchen.  Other staff members have 'put up' with her ideas, but more people are embracing her gut feelings.  In following her gut she saved many again, albeit without a few bumps and bruises.  This has been a great series and I just found out Hyzy has written another!  I'm so excited!!

Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

Wow!  A very long book that is very well written.  I really enjoy his writing and he is so good at totally submersing you in the story.  Starting in 1911 and finishing up in 1924 he follows five families with their struggles and triumphs during this difficult time.  There is war, hunger, love, coming of age and the frustrating truths of how the world works.  Reading about these times, people from different classes and upbringings, it all comes back to the human race and how we choose to work with or against other humans.  A wonderful novel in which I am looking forward to the next installment to see how things progress.  Just amazing writing!

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

I needed an 'E' book for my alphabet challenge and Terry said this was a good one.  I had passed it by over the years, so now was a good time to see what it was about.  It is truly a book set in New England, the characters demeanor and stalwartness rang true through the whole story.  Ethan Frome did not have an easy life and things that he cared about and wanted to do had to be set aside, he was not dealt the best hand and it was such a twist of fate in the end you felt sorry for the guy.

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

Subtitle: Medicine and What Matters in the End -- I was hesitant at first to read this.  I know that death is inevitable and sometimes I just don't want to think about it.  Gawande is a doctor and the longer in his profession he saw things that were lacking when it came to the end of life.  Doctors are taught to save people at all costs, almost to the point of the patient be damned.  He wrote about many different cases, including his fathers, and how everything was dealt with.  There are the doctors that took the time to listen and nurses and hospice care that gave value back to peoples lives.  Family is always hard, and being young and faced with a terminal illness is challenging.  You don't want to give up.  As the patient there are things to look at and we always talk about the quality of life.  Three questions that I came away with and that I will use with me and my family when things are nearing the end are: 1. What are your goals? 2. What are your fears? and 3. Where is the line in the sand?  These things can change as your health changes, but it gives everyone a baseline to work with and control to the one whose life is directly being affected.  The end of life does not need to be a terrible experience and we need to remember that doctors don't always know what is best.

Don't Stop the Carnival by Herman Wouk

I have listened to Jimmy Buffet's Don't Stop the Carnival many times, based on this book, but had not taken the time to read it.  A gentleman from New York, Norman Paperman, falls in love with this island, Amerigo, and buys a motel there thinking it will just be paradise.  Once there he learns much more than he ever bargained for.  Between getting the lay of the land, learning the island politics and dealing with guests who just want to experience the tropics he gets more than a handful of troubles.  At times I felt the book dragged a bit, but there was much humor, much of which I could relate too.  Enjoyable, funny and worth the time.

Captive Star by Nora Roberts

Stars of Mithra, #2 -- A bounty hunter, Dakota, thinks he is in for an easy take and is quite surprised.  It turns out that it is not as easy as it seems.  M.J. takes him down and quickly puts him in his place.  They both end up get run after and shot at not really knowing why.  They get very close to finding the answers, but not before the people that had been chasing them die.  M.J. gets back together with her friend Bailey, who had sent her a gem stone and is relieved she is okay.  They still need to find Grace who has the last stone.  And of course, in true Roberts fashion Dakota and M.J. fall in love.

The Beekeeper's Daughter by Santa Montefiore

This was a wonderful story about love, loss and finding your way.  The story bounces between Grace and her daughter Trixie.  They both fall in love with men they cannot have because of class and duty.  They both try to move on and make things work, but they pay a price of sadness.  Near the end when everyone learns the truth about their history they are given a new lease on life and live life to the fullest, cherishing every moment.  The ending was a little bit of a let down, but the take away is to talk with those you love, don't push them aside and assume you know why they are the way they are.  Life is a wonderful thing that should be embraced, not full of regrets.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

I have decided to do a book challenge this year where you read a book starting with each letter of the alphabet.  Anne of Green Gables has been one of my favorite movies for years, but I had never read the book.  What a wonderful book!  The movies followed the book almost exactly and it was so refreshing to read and get wrapped up in Anne Shirley's adventures, troubles and amazing imagination.  Anne so lived in the moment and embraced her life with such energy.  For a fictional character she lead a life that we should all embrace.  I have become so enthralled with the first book I will be reading the rest in the series!