Swimming Lessons by Mary Alice Monroe

I love books that take place in the low country of South Carolina.  Toy is finally finding her place I  the world.  She has a job she loves, a little girl that means everything to her, and an amazing circle of friends.  Toy is taking on more responsibilities in her job and opening her heart to love.  A problem from her past rears its ugly head, but she is stronger now and her friends provide great support.  Another enjoyable read from Monroe.

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See

A wonderful story about traditions, family, and finding your place in the world.   Ancient tea trees, a child born out of wedlock, leaving the only home you know, higher education, adoption, and finding love.  All of these things and more are in this wonderful novel by See.  She weaves a beautiful tail in which you fall in love with everything and wonder about it all.  A book you need to put on your list.

Skink by Carl Hiaasen

Subtitle-- No Surrender: Another wild ride into the wilds of Florida.  Hiaasen has an amazing imagination.  Malley runs away and her cousin Richard goes to find her with the help of Skink.   Richard finds Skink in a fake turtle nest on the beach.  That should just give you an inkling of what this character is like.  This appears to be the fifth book that Hiaasen has written for youth.  There is always an environmental bent and he has a good one with this book as well.  You want a crazy, fun read pick this book up!

Christmas reading

Once December hits I start reading Christmas themed books.  This year I lucked out and read six!  They were all good.  Some of them not my normal reading but fun all the same.  There were books about love and loss, finding and rekindling.   The overall theme is to bring happiness and joy.  You would  not be disappointed with any of the ones I read but I will pit them in order of favorite to least favorite, but they were all extremely enjoyable.

The Christmas Joy Ride by Carlson
Keeping Christmas by Walsh
Snowfall on Haven Point by That he
Christmas on 4th Street by Mallery
Bella's Christmas Bake Off  by Watson
Time for me to Come Home by Shackleford