Tag Archives: book-review

Shetland Sheepdog

Books Lists and Life

Books & Reading, Dogs & Other Animals, , , , , , , ,
Shetland Sheepdog
Our foster dog who has since been adopted!

Wow, I had no idea I was so far behind in reporting my books read. Below are the lists for the months of March and April 2025. I will have to make another post soon to update you on my lists for May and June. Things have been busy, but still! My husband and I were both sick with the flu for three weeks. As I was recovering, my husband came down with it. A foster dog has come and gone on to his new home. We have done pet sitting for four dogs, two from the same family at a time. And the gardens are in full swing now requiring daily work. Whew, I am tired just thinking about it. So, here you go, my lists for March and April are below.

Books Read in March 2025

  1. The Lincoln Highway-Amor Towles (761 pages)

This book was not what I expected although I am glad I read it. Emmet is released from a juvenile work farm where he was sent for involuntary manslaughter. He discovers that two friends incarcerated with him stowed away in the warden’s trunk when he was delivered home. Emmett has gone home to take care of his 7 year old brother Billy. Their mother ran off years before, their father recently died, and their father lost the farm to the bank. Emmett and Billy plan to hit the Lincoln Highway and start over in San Francisco. This book covers their unexpected adventures for the 10 days before they head west. Most involve Wooly and Duchess from the work farm and next door neighbor Sally.

2. Artful Journals-Janet Takahashi (Non-fiction)

I really enjoyed this book about journal making. I learned some new techniques and enjoyed seeing the photos and processes.

3. The Art of Card Making-Various artists (Non-fiction)

This is a nice book with card projects, envelope making, etc. I enjoyed looking at the book but am not going to do any of the card projects. I would rather make my own than copy someone else’s templates.

4. Reason for Hope-Jane Goodall (Audiobook)

I have read this book before in print. It is an excellent book describing Jane’s time with the chimpanzees at Gombe and her continuing experiences. Not only is she a scientist, she goes to great lengths to change the world. I decided to to do the audiobook this time because I love Jane’s voice.

5. Tea with Elephants-Robin Jones Gunn

Friends Fern and Lily fulfill their dream of traveling to Africa together. Now middle-aged, God helps them see their blessings on this trip. We the reader get to live the experiences through them. From touring a tea plantation to seeing lions and elephants. The writing in this book is beautiful.

6. The Serviceberry-Robin Wall Kimmerer (Non-fiction)

The cover byline says it all-Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World. Some parts of the book were beautifully written and at other times, I found it to be a slow read. The message of the book makes it well worth reading.

7. Journal Sparks-Emily Neuburger (Non-fiction)

This Storey Book is part reference book, part hands on workbook. I enjoyed it and it is highly thought provoking. For now I have jotted down several ideas from it but may purchase my own copy in the future.

Magazines:  Country Living

Books Read in April 2025

  1. The Sketchbook Challenge-Sue Bleiweiss (Nonfiction)

Focuses on picking specific prompts for journaling ideas. Gives examples through showing individual artists works and comments. Also talks about how to do various methods such as screen printing or using wax, etc. Beautiful images of artists’ work.

2. Identity Unknown-Patricia Cornwell

A one time love interest and long time friend of Dr. Scarpetta is found dead at a defunct amusement park. He was an extraterrestrial scientist and died under suspicious circumstances. Lucy, Benton, and Pete are all working with Kay to solve the case. I thought this book was slower paced than most in the series because there was so much ground work to lay first. The last quarter was exciting. As with all Cornwell’s books, I enjoyed it.

3. Kiss Me At Christmas-Jenny Bayliss

I have read all five of Bayliss’ novels and enjoyed them all. I wouldn’t pick her books by the titles but when I see the author’s name, I grab them. I have never read one of her novels and not felt better. In this one, school guidance counselor Harriet Smith is trying to get through Christmas while her college age daughter spends it away from home. Hence her one night stand who shows up the next day as the attorney representing the owner of the defunct theater her students have broken into. Harriet takes responsibility and is let off the hook if they agree to fix the place up and put on a play for the holiday. Lots of caring friendships and more transpire throughout the course of the book.

4. Unraveled-Peggy Orenstein (Audiobook, Nonfiction)

This title is appropriate on two levels. It is about knitting a sweater, from shearing the sheep to processing the wool and then knitting the sweater. It is also about so much more. The book starts during the pandemic and onward. The author describes mentally unraveling with pandemic concerns, the demise of her father, and more. I’m glad I listened to this rather than reading it. I think it may have been a slow read but was an enjoyable listen.

5. Better Than Friends-Jill Shalvis

Another thoroughly enjoyable book from Shalvis. Olive Porter is back in Sunrise Cove to help her best friend with her son and provide moral support after the friend’s husband is in an accident on the job that puts him in a coma. Olive’s parents live off the grid and may be missing too. While dealing with all this she attempts to avoid former love interest and friend Noah Turner who happens to be her best friend’s twin brother. No luck. The two are continually thrown together with predictably delicious results.

6. Make Magic-Brad Meltzer (Nonfiction)

An inspirational message to his son’s graduating class at university. This message is actually for all of us. We need more magic in the world and the fact that it’s within our reach gives hope. This is a vey short book that should be read again and again.

7. The Grownup’s Guide to Painting with Kids-Jennifer McCully (Nonfiction)

This book contains instructions for lots of fun looking projects that I might try with or without kids. Not right now though so I am putting it on my Thrift Books Wishlist and returning this copy to the library.

8. We Solve Murders-Richard Osman

The story is fast paced and exciting. I’m pretty sure this will be made into a movie as was Osman’s previous book. The story line switches between characters and locations always chasing the murderer/s. The main characters are private security officer Amy Wheeler and her father-in-law, retired detective Steve Wheeler. The plot of this story in a nutshell is someone is trying to frame and kill Amy. They and friends go globetrotting to solve the case before it’s too late.

9. Love at First Book-Jenn McKinlay

This is a little different than McKinlay’s usual books but so good. Even teared me up at one point. Emily Allen lands a job as assistant to her all-time favorite author while she writes the final book in her famous series. Emily leaves her needy, controlling mother behind and flies to Ireland for the job. Of course, the author has an unfriendly but extremely hot son to contend with. You will become smitten with all the Irish characters in the book. When it’s time to leave, will Emily go? No spoilers from me!

10. Birds and Flowers in Colored Pencil-Fei Niao (Nonfiction)

Not much intro or technique. It does have some nice drawings though. I tried specific areas from a couple pictures. I need more guidance.

11. Little Landscapes-Priscilla Hauser (Nonfiction)

I like nearly all the paintings in this book. They come a tracing pattern for each one! I’m taking this book back to the library but have added it to my Thrift Books list to buy later.

12. Acrylics for the Absolute Beginner-Charles Evans (Nonfiction)

Same deal as above. Added to my list to buy later. I have to finish the painting lessons in the book I’m currently working through before I start another.

Magazines:  Forks Over Knives, Best Friends, Mary Jane’s Farm (I enjoy this one so much I just ordered a subscription!)

Acrylic painting

Art, Hiking, Books, and Catching Up

Books & Reading, Country Life, Dogs & Other Animals, Thoughts On Life, , , , , , , , ,
Acrylic painting
Acrylic painting styled after a drawing I saw in a magazine.

This post will feature a little of this and a little of that since I have been remiss in frequency of posting so far this year. That doesn’t mean I haven’t kept myself busy though.

I continue to work on my painting skills, or lack thereof. I am working my way through a book of acrylic painting lessons by Lee Hammond. I do every lesson, even the ones that do not appeal to me. I figure the point is to learn new techniques and ideas. I am afraid if I skip one, I will be deficient in a basic skill forever! I did take a break from the lesson book and do the painting above. Every so often I like to paint something just for fun. After all, if it’s not fun, why am I doing it? This painting is done on a 5 x 5 inch flat canvas. I think part of the reason I find her to be so cute is because of her diminutive size. And she gives me lots of ideas for other paintings. Silhouettes of my nieces with things they like painted inside, gymnastics, girl scouts, etc. A silhouette of a sheltie with things like leashes, agility equipment, sheep, and such painted inside. Seeing as one of my goals is to become proficient enough to donate a painting to our local Sheltie Rescue auction to raise money for the dogs, this last idea may be a good one.

I have been trying other artistic endeavors too. I have done some handmade cards for people’s birthdays and other events. Some have been painted; others have been collage. I find that I enjoy collage and art journaling. I guess I like my senses to be bombarded with lots of information. My brother always says I don’t like any food unless it has at least five things in its name. Like cookie dough, chocolate chunk, fudge swirl chocolate ice cream. I would have to say he is correct on this. My first thought on vanilla is blah! I know it’s not true but my thought when I hear vanilla is, absence of flavor. I have to say that my preference for multiple items carries over to all senses, not just food. I read multiple books at a time. Different books for different moods, right? And then, sometimes an audiobook is a better option, say when driving. And I tend to lean towards multimedia when it comes to art. The fact that I want to try various mediums goes along with this mindset. That’s why art journaling is fun to me. It can combine it all. I even made a tiny little journal that I bound with thread and needle.

Hiking view
West Branch State Park, Buckeye Trail near East boat ramp.

We have begun hiking again. Not every day like we were, but currently a couple of days a week. It would be more, but on some of the days my husband golfs, so he already has his walk in for the day. We stopped hiking last fall because our dog Zekie’s health was failing, and I couldn’t bear to leave him home by himself. He would have had to be crated, with his severe separation anxiety, I knew he would have been drooling and making a mess of himself. His Cushing’s Disease and liver disease caught up to him and we had to let him go in January. I still miss yelling, “Zeke, put that down” and “Zeke, stop licking that”! (The Cushing’s Disease left him with a need to lick everything in sight; the cabinets, the floors, himself. And I mean constantly. I must have told him to stop licking the wood floors thirty times a day.) Ahh, the good old days. Then we went through a spell of weather where it was too icy to walk. But now, milder weather is here, and we are walking more.

I am reading as always and will leave you with my list of books read for January and February. Enjoy!

Books I Read in January 2025

  1. The Life Impossible-Matt Haig

The book starts with Grace Winters living a shell of a life after the death of her husband, and the death of her 11 year old son years ago. Out of the blue, she inherits a house in Ibiza from a former coworker she hadn’t heard from in decades. Grace goes there and is met with mysterious happenings that lead to a new life and exciting times to conquer an evil force. After an odd encounter with an unknown life form in the sea, Grace develops unexplained powers that help her with the coming challenges. A mysterious and beautiful book.

2. Pumpkin Spice Puppy-Lauren Berenson

Dog enthusiast Melanie Travis is back on the heels of another murderer. She is dropping off pumpkin spice tokens for her school’s fundraiser to a local pet store and finds a body along with the victim’s devoted Chow. Her search uncovers multiple people with a grudge against the victim including neighbors who didn’t like all the rescue Chows he took in. A short read with an enjoyable story.

3. Modern Watercolor Workshop-Pooja Kendall-Umrani (Non-fiction)

A beautiful book for the beginner. Painting geometric/repeating shapes. Good for learning techniques and controlling the paint.

4. Between the Sound and the Sea-Amanda Cox

Joey (Josephine) accepts a temporary job in a different state rehabbing and old, decommissioned lighthouse. There is a mystery to be unraveled surrounding the disappearance of the keeper’s daughter. A widower is using his wife’s life insurance money to fund the project. Enter the widower’s grandson in opposition to the project. Lots of unsolved mysteries from long ago to be addressed. The book got off to a very slow start for me but I keep with it and the end was rewarding.

5. How to Let Things Go-Shinmyo Masuno (Non-fiction)

Written by a Buddhist monk. The book contains 99 tips to relinquish control and free yourself up for what matters, per the cover. This book has something in it that could benefit everyone. Lots of good insights.

6. Big Vegan Flavor-Nisha Vora (Cookbook)

The book begins with lots of information and techniques before going on to recipes. Many of the recipes look delicious, but again I don’t have many of the ingredients on hand and I have a fairly well-stocked kitchen.

7. Dog Songs and a Thousand Mornings-Mary Oliver (Audiobook, Poetry)

I’ve discovered the magic of Mary Oliver from Facebook. This book is read by her. It is short, enjoyable, and easy listening. I went through it in two days while making dinner and a trip into town.

Magazines:  Downeast (2), AARP

Books I Read in February 2025

  1. A Merry Little Murder Plot-Jenn McKinlay

I love all of McKinlay’s books, especially the Lindsey Norris library lover’s mysteries! Lindsey and her friends must solve a murder and catch the killer during this Christmas season mystery. Lots of support from friends and fun times as Lindsey and crew try to keep their artist in residence from becoming the next victim.

2. The Blue Hour-Paula Hawkins

A story about Vanessa the artist and her friend Grace who live on Eros Island in the British sea. I’m not sure whether to call this a murder mystery, a slow paced thriller, or a character study. It fits all three categories. Vanessa has died and left her artwork to the personal museum of her married ex-lover. There is speculation about happened to Vanessa’s missing husband. The friend Grace is present throughout it all. Part of the story is told with pages of Vanessa’s diary and flashbacks. The story kept me intrigued and I would recommend it.

3. Counting Miracles-Nicholas Sparks

The book centers around Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mother, and Tanner Hughes, retired military and trying to find his place in life. Elderly Jasper lives nearby with his dog Arlo and plays a vital role in their lives. Jasper is horribly disfigured from a tragedy years earlier. All are drawn together with the appearance of the legendary white deer. A very good story.

4. Book Play-Margaret Couch Cornwall (Non-fiction)

A lovely book about how to make little handmade books. Covers supplies, techniques, and offers a few projects. I got some new ideas that I may just give a try!

Magazines: Best Friends

My recommendation from the above books is as follows. If you want an enjoyable book that makes you think, read The Life Impossible or Counting Miracles. If you just want to have fun, read A Merry Little Murder Plot. There weren’t any books listed above that I didn’t like.

And I’ll share the picture below just to make you smile! PeeWee likes to sleep on the back of the couch for multiple reasons. He stays out of the way and doesn’t get stepped on. He can watch out the window for neighborhood excitement such as the US mail jeep, delivery trucks, tractors, motorcycles, and loud cars. And all the better to see what we have on our plates on the tv trays that may be of interest to him. And everything is of interest to him!

Sheltie
PeeWee sleeping on the back of the couch.

Books I Read in May 2024

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A wonderful selection I found at the library!

I had no idea I was so far behind on publishing my reading lists! I can only attribute it to how busy we have been. Or maybe poor memory. We have been building a 12 x 16 ft. storage shed! Who knew I could lift my half of a 12 foot framed wall onto the prepared floor base? Certainly not me. My husband designed the shed and is the brains of the operation. I help lift things, run for tools and more boards, etc. Several days during construction have reached 90 degrees and I am NOT a fan of heat. I tried to keep my whining to a minimum and we are now under roof. The worst is over. Famous last words. I have learned a lot and surprised myself with some of the things I was able to do. All those hours watching my dad when I was a kid and handing him tools have paid off. I’ll share a photo of the shed some other time. Maybe when it’s all done. For now, here is my list of books read way back in May.

  1. Good Housekeeping, Organize Your Life (Non-fiction)

Usually, I’m disappointed by organization books, but not this one. It has some realistic ideas for regular people. I love a good idea on how to make my things look organized and less like junk.

2. Noon-Meike Peters (Cookbook)

These are recipes so simple; you can easily make them for lunch hence the name of the book. Each recipe is beautiful in the accompanying photo and indeed easy to prepare. There are food combinations that I never thought to put together, and they do sound delicious. I will be trying some new meals soon!

3. Mrs. Pargeter’s Patio-Simon Brett

A British mystery written in classic style. Mrs. Pargeter finds a skeleton with a bullet hole in the head when a stone in her patio cracks in half. This leads to her trying to find out why it is there and how it happened. She uses her deceased husband’s little black book of helpful people to handle the task. Mrs. Pargeter never catches on to the fact that all of these men are criminals with different specialties as was her husband. A comic murder mystery.

4. One Summer, America, 1927-Bill Bryson (Non-fiction)

This book took me the better part of two months to read. I did read other books at the same time. There was a lot of information to digest. Everything from the various flights of Lindbergh and other pilots of the day to baseball greats Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Prohibition, various gangsters, nazis, and anarchists are presented, and we’re given a look into their personal lives. Bryson puts a personal spin on the characters to keep things interesting while we learn about history. I learned a lot so it’s definitely worth reading. 660 pages not including the 90 pages of index and references.

5. The Ikaria Way-Diane Kochilas (Cookbook)

A nice book with some good recipes. Lots of dishes similar to what I throw together in my kitchen. The photos of the area are beautiful and it’s worth checking out this book simply for them. I enjoy reading about the longevity of the Ikarians who are in one of the Blue Zones where many people live longer than average.

6. You Are My Sunshine-Sean Dietrich (Non-fiction)

The author’s wife cajoles him into undertaking a long bike ride across The Great Allegheny Passage and the C & O Canal Towpath. One major obstacle-Sean is afraid of bicycles, so his ride is an adult sized trike. Just one of many hilarious obstacles that the couple overcame on their journey. The author also has a blog and podcast-Sean of the South.

Magazines:   Cuisine at Home (2), Country Cottage, Cottages and Bungalows, Cottage Journal

Books I Read in March 2024 (with Solar Eclipse photo!)

Books & Reading, Country Life, , , , , , , , , ,
Solar Eclipse, Ravenna, Ohio
Solar Eclipse, Ravenna, Ohio, April 8, 2024, at 3:00 pm.

Hello, friends! Just wanted to share this photo from the solar eclipse we experienced on Monday. We went over to my mother-in-law’s house to share the experience and make it more festive. Some people who live one street over made it into a party. When the eclipse reached totality, everyone yelled and cheered. It was a momentous thing to see.

And now, on to my book list for the month of March, short though it is.

  1. Njuta:  The Swedish Art of Savoring the Moment- Niki Brantmark (Non-fiction)

This refers to savoring the moment from the Swedish perspective. There are chapters suggesting how to do this at home, at work, outdoor, for special occasions, etc. Basically, learn how to “take time to smell the roses”.

2. Come Rain or Come Shine-Jan Karon

This is the first book I have read from the Mitford series. The series has been around for years and seems to maintain popularity, so I thought I should give it a try. The story centers around two high school sweethearts tying the knot. The husband just graduated from veterinary school and is taking over the local practice as the old vet retires. The two also get word that the boy they applied to adopt from a poor situation is on his way. He arrives in time to take part in the wedding. They are surrounded by family, friends, and community as they prepare for the big day. A tale about family and community, sometimes one and the same. I found the book to be a little too “goody two shoes” for my taste, but if you are looking for an uplifting story, this may be it.

3. Oodles and Oodles of Vegan Noodles-Cheynese Khachame (Cookbook)

The first half of this book has recipes for cold noodle soups and cold noodle salads which aren’t really my thing. Although, the recipes in the second half look delicious, they require several items per recipe that I don’t have, and I consider myself to have a fairly well stocked kitchen.

4. The Twelve Months of Christmas-Sheila Roberts

Molly, Sunny, and Arianna all have lousy Christmas’. The three become friends and decide Christmas needs to be celebrated each month of the year to spread joy and make up for their rotten holidays. Family and friends become involved in the celebrations and the friendships grow after some rocky times. Almost makes me want to try it myself even though I enjoyed my Christmas. More socializing and celebrating is a good thing.

5. Landlines-Raynor Winn (Non-fiction)

Winn and her husband walk across England and Scotland and back again. Over 1,000 miles. Impressive in itself, but even more so because Winn’s husband suffers from a degenerative brain disease. They undertake this journey in the hopes that he will improve as happened last time they undertook a long distance hike. This is the author’s third book about her hiking adventures. I feel her pain and see the beauty as she and husband Moth take to the trails. The tale is inspiring as they persevere.

Magazines:  The Nature Conservancy, AARP, Country Living, Midwest Living, Food & Wine

Books I Read in February 2024

Books & Reading, , , , , , , , ,
book
A fun book!
  1. Unleashed Holiday-Victoria Schade

I’ve been looking for this book ever since it came out in the fall. Dog trainer Chelsea Higgins is not happy when her old nemesis and former love interest Andrew locates his new gym right next to her business. She agrees to a job training Andrew’s mother’s goats. Chelsea also ends up helping Andrew train his deaf boxer and adopts an unruly Boston Terrier. We are amused by the many run ins between them all.

2. The Road to Little Dribbling-Bill Bryson (Non-fiction)

This is the sequel to Notes from a Small Island. The author moved from the United States to Britain years ago and has become a dual citizen. His descriptions of the country and his experiences are informative, and at times hilarious.

3. How to be Wildflower-Katie Daisy (Illustrated)

This is a book of gorgeous paintings by Katie Daisy with famous quotes and a bit of commentary from her. I used to buy her planners when I was working because they are so beautiful.

4. Housebroke-Jaci Burton

Hazel is living in her friend’s house with her five foster dogs, after said friend moved to the opposite coast. Hazel is surprised when renovator Lincoln Kennedy shows up, because her friend forgot to tell her the house was sold. Being a good guy, Lincoln lets Hazel, and the dogs stay in the guest house. They have all kinds of fun antics, but what will happen when it’s time for Linc to flip the house? A fun book.

5. House Cat-Paul Barbera (Non-fiction)

A cute book combining decorating and cats. We see photos of people’s interiors and meet their cats. Most of the homes are in New York, so not all my style, but still… cats!

6. A Lighthouse Christmas-Jenny Hale

Mia returns to the lighthouse where she grew up, after her grandmother’s death. She, and her mother and sister are readying it for sale to pay off debts. None of them really wants to sell it. Things are complicated when the real estate agent is good looking and nice too. Then there’s Mia’s estranged husband who wants her back. An enjoyable book.

Magazines:  Yankee, Down East, Best Friends

You may have noticed that a couple of these are Christmas books and Christmas is long over. I always enjoy a good Christmas book. I see no reason to relegate Christmas magic to December. A little bit of magic is good at any time of year.

All the fiction books were fun, it’s your pick! I enjoyed the book by Bill Bryson, and I suspect it would be especially fun as an audio book to take advantage of any British accents. I will be looking for more of Bryson’s books on a future trip to the library.

I hope all of my Ohio friends are safe and warm after yesterday’s little snowstorm. Our temperatures had been in the 60’s which resulted in me doing yard work. Yesterday we had several inches of snow, and winds. Today, it’s back to the 50’s, and 60’s in the days following. This is Ohio. We are not surprised.

Books I Read in December 2023 and January 2024

Books & Reading, Dogs & Other Animals, , , , , , ,
Claire during a winter snow.

I thought I would share pictures that inspire me to stay indoors and read as I share my lists of books read. And with this post, I will be up to date on sharing my reading progress! I didn’t complete many books in January. I’m not quite sure why. Must have been too much television and too many magazines.

Books Read in December 2023:

  1. The Bone Hacker-Kathy Reichs

Tempe Brennan, forensic anthropologist, travels to the Turks and Caicos Islands on this unexpected case. Bones are found on the island, and everything is hush hush because it would be bad for tourism. Tempe uncovers evidence that is leading to the killers, but will she solve the case in time?

2. The Milkweed Lands-Eric Lee-Mader (Non-fiction)

This book has lovely illustrations to go along with the text. Very informative with information about various insects and animals, life stages, and much more.

3. Pretty Pastel Style-Selina Lake (Non-fiction)

This is about decorating in pastel colors. It covers every room in the house, plus workspaces and outdoor spaces. The pictures are gorgeous.

4. A Simple Act of Gratitude-John Kralik (Non-fiction)

The author decides to see if he can change his less than happy life by being more grateful. He undertakes a year plus of writing 365 thank you notes. This book was not fast paced or full of exciting stories. I kept with it because I thought I would obtain value from reading it, and I did. There are lessons to be learned about the difference simple, kind acts can make.

5. Botanical Style-Selina Lake (Non-fiction)

A design and style book with beautiful photographs. There are some simple projects included too.

6. The Land of Lost Things-John Connolly

This is a dark fairy tale that begins and ends in our world. I enjoyed the story of Ceres who falls through a hole in a tree and comes out in another world. She must fight off all sorts of evil creatures to return home to care for her daughter. I did not realize this is the second book in a series, but it stands alone so that was ok. I will read the first book (The Book of Lost Things) sometime because I enjoyed this fantasy world.

7. Treacle Walker-Alan Garner

This is a short little book with another story that I would call a fairy tale. I found the story to be confusing and hard to follow. I understood enough to get something out of the tale though.

Magazines:  Entertain & Celebrate Christmas, HGTV The Christmas Idea Book, Hobby Farms, Cottages & Bungalows

Zekie Bear during the winter snow.

Books Read in January 2024:

  1. The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp-Leonie Swann

I had a bit of trouble following the plot because some of the characters suffer from forgetfulness and dementia. A group of elderly folks live together in a house rather than going into residential care. They all have responsibilities and look out for each other. This works well until the murdered bodies start appearing. They must solve the crimes to stay safe and continue living in their home. The plot took some unexpected turns that kept me reading once I got past the slow start.

2. The Edge of Maine-Geoffrey Wolff (Non-fiction)

A National Geographic Directions book. The author talks about his experiences sailing the coast of Maine, peppered with local lore and history. Some stories are more interesting than others. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

3. Dead Mountain-Preston & Child

This is the first book I have read by these authors, and I will be reading more. FBI agent Corrie Swanson calls in her friend, archaeologist Nora Kelly to work on a case. Nine hikers disappeared under mysterious circumstances years ago and the case was never solved. Two more bodies were recently found, and the two women work together to try to solve the case. There are numerous twists and turns as new information is discovered.

Magazines:  Cottages & Bungalows, Christmas Joy, Woman’s Day (2), Good Housekeeping (2), Food & Wine

No one of these books really stood out to me among the others, although several were good. If you want a thriller that will keep you reading, go with Dead Mountain. Otherwise, it just depends on your mood. I find that I like different books at different times. And I am often reading two simultaneously. I usually have a fiction book and a non-fiction one that I am working on. My mood and how quiet the house is decide which one I will pick up.

Grab a book and a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy!

Four of our dogs enjoying the snow.