Cycling Home from Siberia by Rob Lilwall

Quite an undertaking.  Rob did not choose the easiest route and covered an amazing 35,178 miles.  He did take boats and one time a bus but the rest was all pedal power.  There were many struggles and a big learning curve and he came out for the better.  There was some religion, but not near as much as I was expecting listening to other folks.  When you take on such a massive adventure you will question what you are doing and the meaning of it all.  It was an easy read and a super adventure.

By Way of the Windows by Jim Moore

So Jim and his wife Molly decide to build a boat and sail around the world.  It took a few years to get the boat built and four years to sail around the world.  Some places they visited were everything they were expecting-warm people, friendly anchorages and plenty of food and drink.  Other places were dirty and disappointing.   They learned a lot at sea, one big thing was that their boat could handle just about anything.  High winds and seas were no problem.   Trusting themselves took some time.  A great adventure that was very well told.  They went back to their starting point but did not stay long.  The ocean was calling  them.

Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle

Another coffeehouse mystery dealing with dying people.  This time Clare is trying to figure out why someone wants her ex husbands  fiance dead.  This leads her down many interesting paths, none of which were overly  expected.  At times I did feel this book dragged a bit and the story was a little tired.  It took me a while to read  because it just didn't hold my attention.  The ending was not what I expected, but it was not jaw dropping either.  I have always enjoyed her books and will continue with the series, some are just better than others.

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

I grew up watching  this on public television and had never read the book. It is such a great read.  I wanted to keep on with the rest of the series, but other books await.  James is a veterinarian in England just starting out and lines himself up with quite a character.  Along with all of the wonderful, crazy strange and enjoyable people and animals he deals with he also has to deal with his boss Siegfried.  With Siegfried it is hard to tell when he is coming or going.  He also will tell James one thing and then do the opposite, all the time!  It is quite funny.  There are many touching stories and many more that make you laugh out loud.  If you haven't  read his books, you must.  I cannot wait to read some more.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

So the vampires have come to Bon Temps, LA and Sookie has been dying to meet one. She finally does, Bill, and ends up on an interesting adventure.  People are being murdered and Bill is the suspect, and then her brother Jordan.  As I am reading this I am wondering why I am.  Harris has a way of writing that it is hard to believe it is happening and you just need to see what happens next.  This is the first in a series and I have to say that it is now on my reading list.

A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

A wonderful story done in character chapters.  Learning about everyone in that arrives at Stone House and how they got to where they were and chose, or didn't choose, to move forward in their lives.  Everyone had secrets and tragedies and had to figure out how to deal with them.  All was intertwined in a way that flowed beautifully in only a way the Binchy can write.  Another story that makes me want to go to Ireland.