Paper Money by Ken Follett

This was one of his earlier books and more present day than things I have recently read.  A political novel with gangs, blackmail, murder, and deceit.  It was hard for me to follow in the beginning but as the book unraveled everything came together.  It was almost like 'six degrees of separation'.  It was interesting and I can say that Follett's style has changed over the years.  It is  nice to see that progression. 

Yarn to Go by Betty Hetchman

Casey, who is a baker by trade, ends up taking over a knitting retreat after her aunt that had died.  Casey knew nothing about knitting, at all.  It was an interesting group and quite a struggle in the beginning.  People from different backgrounds, different knitting abilities, and different problems.  Then add I to the mix a murder and it was quite a weekend.  It wasn't predictable and Hetchman worked the characters really well and wrapped things up even better.  This is a first in a series so I am curious as to what will come next.

Sit! Stay! Speak! by Annie Englad Nobin

Addie inherited her aunt's house in Alabama.  She took this opportunity to get out of Chicago, escape some difficult memories and get some things in order.  She was there a short time and rescued a dog that in the end really rescued her.  Because of her curiosity she did not stay on the good side of some folks and got into some sticky situations.  She made friends and made it through the difficult times.  This book had very good flow and was a very easy and enjoyable read.  I really did not want it to end.

My Cat Spit McGee by Willie Morris

From someone whom was a consumate dog lover turned cat lover.  When Willie found out his future wife was a cat lover he wondered what he was going to do.  Over the course of time he fell in love with cats and there would be several at a time in his home.  He tried to figure them out, try to train them like a dog and learned that cats had their own way.  Willie is a great story teller and I laughed a lot.  If you are an animal lover of any sort you will enjoy this book!

Water Witches by Chris Bohjalian

This author never disappoints.   He takes challenging subjects and creates a wonderful story.  Scottie is an attorney for the local ski mountain and they want to do an expansion.   Vermont is having one of the worst droughts on record, an elusive animal was spotted on the mountains and jobs are needed.  His wife and daughter are dowsers and have their own things going on as well.  The story line weaves the mysticism of dowsing,  environmental issues and personal struggle is making the right decision.  Told beautifully and very touching.