Seven Sisters (Benni Harper Mysteries) by Earlene Fowler

Not my most favorite of the series, but nonetheless enjoyable.

Benni's stepson announces that his girlfriend is pregnant and that they plan to marry. The girlfriend is none other than one of his father's fellow police colleagues.....at the party planned for their engagement one of the future relatives is found shot dead. Benni does resist in getting caught up with this mystery of who did it, but is back in the centre of it all, due to the police officer investigating the case. The new police officer had an appauling amount of people skills and I found him to be very irritating. Due to an impending wedding, Gabe finds that he is spending time with his ex wife, and I found that Benni was very controlled over this and I just wanted her to be more challenging with her hubby! What unfolds is a very sad and tragic story....

The Quilter's Kitchen by Jennifer Chiaverini

The latest book in the Elm Creek series is a small one, not just on size but also content, with just 214 pages which also includes the recipe index. The story is essentially focused on two of the Elm Creek Quilters, the new cook Anna and Sylvia sorting through the historic kitchen ready for a refit. What they find along the way sends Sylvia back to her memories some of which are shared within the confines of the book. Each chapter is given to a family feast and then concludes with a series of recipes before moving to the next chapter.

The recipes are a nice touch to the book, and although I enjoyed the book, there were either too many recipes or not enough story, and I found that I was left wanting to know more.

Christmas Cake

It is that time again, when we plan to make the Christmas Cake & Puddings. Each year Mum asks what size I am planning to make etc. We usually make then together and have a girly chat.

Mum has used the following recipe since the early 1980s, actually my Grandmother spotted it in a copy of Woman Magazine, and since then we have used this one, albeit, the copy does look in rather a sorry state! The actual date is gleened from a book review on the reverse of the recipe - 1983!

Tainted Tree by Jacquelynn Luben

I came across this book purely by chance and am so glad that I did. I was looking on Google to see what books were set in Guildford and noticed that this one was and available from a local publisher. It appealed to my genealogical mind, so I ordered it and it arrived on Monday just in time for a business trip. I devoured the book during my 6 hours traveling yesterday.

Addie inherits a lovely house in Guildford from someone she does not know,but she understand that the deceased has links were her mother, who died in childbirth with Addie, In America. The people that Addie's mother was living with write to advise the would be grandparents of the death of their daughter to find that they do not want to accept responsibility for the child,and after a period of time, Addie is adopted by the couple. Addie has a happy and loved childhood, but finds that she has questions of her heritage and wants to "know" her deceased Mother, and she has no idea who her father is.....Inheriting the house is a catalyst for discovering the answers.

The link is the Addie's mother was god daughter to James, and it is his house that she has inherited. Addie sets out on a journey of discovery, and as with most genealogical type searches Addie soon finds that she has more questions than answers, and that she has to live with the decisions that her ancestors made.

The author has done obvious research into genealogical searches and mentions the huge references of birth,marriage and death records at St Catherine's House, of course they are not longer available in the serch room by that has occured since the book was published earlier in the year, and the reference to it in the book reminded me of days lifting those heavy books and battling for space with other researchers. Also the use of the surname of Daborn a very Surrey name!

Addie does meet living relatives, including her great grandmother, who she discovers was illegitimate and has spent the majority of her life in a hospital simply for having a child out of wedlock. There are tears of joy as the elderly lady realises that the young woman standing with her is not simply a stranger from the social but a relative, a descendant of the daughter she had been told had died. I could almost feel Ada's pain and anguish.

The genealogical search is just like a jigsaw, gathering the facts and placing what you know into the mix to build the picture, and that was done as we read of Addie's search.

Quite simply I loved this book, not just for the subject matter, but the way the story unfolds and evolves. I was there, within the pages.

Available from the publisher's website

Signed by the author.

Tuesday Night at the Kasbah by Patricia Kitchin

There was something rather fun about this book. A group of women, all yearning in someways for something they haven't got, meet at a belly dancing class. The group forge friendships at varying levels as they struggle with their own personal crisis, which seems to involve the men in their lives......

Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky

The concept of this book was that there should have been five parts to the book, instead there are only two.
The author was a Ukrainian born Jew and did not survive the Second World War. For me, that was an incredibly powerful set of statements, as indeed was the book. To have lived in a Country occupied by another is incomprehensible, and very thought provoking.

Dakota Born (Dakota Trilogy #1) by Debbie Macomber

I loved this book. A typical Debbie Macomber, a light and comfortable read. I enjoyed it so much that I read the preview of the second in the series.

Lyndsay has been let down in love, or so she thinks. To mend her broken heart she returns to the town that was home to her grandparents where she becomes the school teacher. Thinking back to her childhood Lyndsay recalls her grandmother hiding something in the fireplace and seeks to discover what it was....

French Pressed (Coffeehouse Mysteries) by Cleo Coyle

Clare is in the early stages of a relationship with Mike the new policeman in her life! Just as Mike and Clare are settling down for a romantic interlude, then Clare's ex husband enters the scene, followed on by two murders and Clare's beloved daughter in the frame for them both. Clare puts romance on the back burner and engages Mike to help her prove her daughters innocence.

Another nice addition to the coffeehouse mystery series.

Murder Is Binding (Booktown Mysteries) by Lorna Barrett

This new series is off to a good start....

Tricia opens wonderful mystery bookshop in a bookshop town, that is set upon Hay on Way. The local book sellers are feeling the pinch as the local land agent wants to increase the rents. The owner of the cookery bookshop next door is in fierce dispute. Following a brief visit from Tricia the cookery bookshop owner is murdered. All the local eyes turn to Tricia and when the police chief appears to have stopped looking for an alternative suspect Tricia knows she must work hard in an attempt to clear her name.....

The Blood Detective by Dan Waddell

I saw a review of this book several months ago in a genealogical magazine, it appealed to my genealogical mind and once it had arrived from Amazon, did not sit on mount TBR for long. Written by the man who wrote the Who Do you think you are series, this obviously links into real genealogical sources.

The story is centered around a chief inspector who is required to investigate a murder. The evidence does not seem to add up, and before long the inspector and his team are taping into the knowledge of a genealogist who discovers that the current series of murders are linked back to a series of Victorian murders. The genealogist spends lots of time looking into one of the most under used sources there are...newspapers, and sadly discovers that the man, who was tried by the victorian court was not guilty, so is this a crime of retribution?........

Tomaree by Debbie Robson

This is the story of Peggy who meets and falls in love with an American serviceman stationed in Australia during the Second World War. At the war end, after they had married Peggy leaves for America to start a new life. Some thirty years later, Peggy returns to Australia for her mother's funeral. Sorting through her mother's belongings allows Peggy to cast her mind back over the years, as she relives the romance with her husband, her relationship with her late mother and the coming to terms with her relationships with them both, and how she deals with the journey of discovery and the secrets she finds along the way.

Written by a fellow Book Crosser, who I met at the Convention!

Mariner's Compass by Earlene Fowler (Benni Harper mystery)

Oh my, the best of the series....yet!

Benni inherits all the worldly goods of someone who has recently passed away; the only problem is that she has no idea who he is?.....Then Benni hears that to claim the estate she has to move into the house she is due to inherit for two weeks. Benni is curious, why all the secrecy? Who is this man and why? All the questions and answers which of course lead to even more questions and general investigating, which leads her to question her own family and those she called Mom and Dad......

Dove in the Window (Benni Harper Mystery) by Earlene Fowler

Another great one in the life,time and tribulations of Benni Harper. A party and shindig at the ranch owned by Benni's father results in a murder and later a follow up. Benni's former brother in law is in the frame and much to the dislike of Gabe, Benni sets out to prove he is innocent......

The Binding Chair by Kathryn Harrison

I have read back through the two sets of Journal Entries and the website that was placed in one JE about foot binding, as I could really "visualize" the process from the description in the book, and for me that was crucial to understand the storyline.

Essentially, this is the story of Mae who is married to a silk merchant and is his fourth wife, she flees him to a life in a Shanghai brothel, which is preferable to her married life. In 1899 she meets and marries an Australian called Arthur. The time line does flit from past to present, which I found in part irritating,but nonetheless,I continued to read.The ending is both dramatic and unexpected.

The Tea House on Mulberry Street by Sharon Owens

There was something of a charm about this book,and as I predicted when the book arrived,it was devoured quickly,and ring jumped two books, shh, don't tell anyone!

Essentially set in Northern Ireland and covers the lives,loves and tribulations of some of those who frequent a tea shop. Some of the characters were horried, and others remarkably sweet - the story of Clare and Peter! There was a familiarity with this storyline - it reminded me of The Hat Shop on the Corner by Marita Conlon-McKenna, albeit,that was set in Southern Ireland.

Does anyone fancy reading The Hat Shop on the corner?

The Winding Ways Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel by Jennifer Chiaverini

The latest in the Elm Creek Series. Several of the Elm Creek Quilters are moving on, Gwen's daughter Sommer who has been working before heading back to university and Gwen's friend Judy who moves out of town with her family. Despite Sarah and Sylvia being sad, Sarah has some news of her own.....an addition or two to the residents of Elm Creek.

Lesa’s Book Critiques

I came across this fascinating blog, with lots of recommendations for books, as if I needed any more!

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber

Synopsis

Anne Marie Roche is a young widow who manages Blossom Street Books, two doors down from A Good Yarn - the Blossom Street store featured in Wednesdays at Four. Separated from her husband at the time of his death, Anne Marie is grieving his death and has found solace in friends who have also experienced the death of their partner. Together they've created an informal widows' support group and as part of their therapy, each woman in the group makes a list of twenty wishes.Anne Marie's desires include falling in love again, learning how to knit (which is where Lydia from early Blossom Street titles comes in), and becoming a volunteer. In fulfilling her wishes and with a little help from her friends, Anne Marie builds on her relationship with her step-daughter, comes to terms with not only his death, but also her husband's betrayal.

A lovely story, devoured very quickly whilst in Glasgow last month.

Summer at the Villa Rosa by Nicky Pellegrino

Synopsis
Raffaella Moretti, by far the most beautiful girl in the southern Italian town of Triento, is about to marry the only boy she has ever loved. It seems that nothing but happiness lies in store for Raffaella. Yet, just one year later, she is a widow, and has had to take a job as housekeeper in the Villa Rosa, for the young American who is temporarily working in Triento. As Raffaella struggles to recapture her own lost happiness she starts looking for ways to help those around her to do the same. There is Silvana the baker's wife, her passion barely hidden; Carlotta the gardener's daughter with her mysterious grief, and the kind and gentle owner of the Gypsy Tearoom who offers Raffaella friendship. As the lives of these villagers interweave, Raffaella is pulled into the centre of a conflict that threatens not only to divide Triento but also to destroy all she holds dear. Filled with food, love and longing, SUMMER AT THE VILLA ROSA is like taking a seat in a sun-drenched piazza, and becoming a tiny part of the endless spectacle of life there.

Goose in the Pond by Earlene Fowler

Alas devoured in almost one sitting. Gabe & Bernie are jogging in a local park when Bernie gives up running and starts to rescue a duck who is caught up in some rubbish. As she bends forward to help the duck, Bernie spots a dead body, someone she knows from the library.

So, as if Gabe doesn't have enough to do, solve a murder and keep Bernie under control! his long lost son turns up followed swifly by a relative of Bernie, then Bernie's grandmother moves in......

So Many Books, So Little Time: A Year of Passionate Reading by Sara Nelson

A fascinating account of the how the author deals with her challenge of a book a week for a year. The book is full of personal stories and snippets and books titles and authors. I read the book over about a week and made a note of all the books & authors she mentions and may well attempt a challenge of my own!

The Dress Lodger by Sheri Holman

I really was looking forward to reading this book, I loved the concept of the storyline, as I enjoy these types of historical novels. Sadly the writing style spoilt the book for me and I gave up reading it.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O 'Farrell

A really thought provoking,enjoyable and fascinating read.

Esme is a girl with ideas ahead of the times. Her behavior is unacceptable to her close family, who decide to have her confined in a mental asylum at the young age of 16. Sixty years later the asylum is due to close. The officials of the hospital manage to track down Esme's great niece,Iris, who up until this point knew nothing of Esme's existence. Iris is both in denial of the relationship and yet fascinated in what has happened in the family, 60 years previous. Despite, feeling that Esme is not her responsibility Iris is unable to walk away from her.

Sins of the Fathers by Patricia Sprinkle

Katherine heads off on a genealogical trip with Dr Flo Gadney. The purpose of the trip is to research to see if those named on a headstone in a family churchyard are indeed the ancestors of Dr Flo. Several murders later and lots of gun fire and the two women establish the truth. Lots of use of genealogical sources which is good and readers can identify with.

Deep in the Valley by Robyn Carr

This was a lovely book. The last few months have been fairly hectic for me, and strangly my reading has almost come to a standstill. So it was lovely to receive this in the post and for this to be the book that splurted me back to reading again - thank you!

June Hudson is a Doctor. She needs help to keep the town healthy. She interview a Doc who appears to good to be true, then she hears a comment from a patient and starts to doubt her colleague....June is lonely, she only has a work and the locals in the community for company then she meets Jim, who is not all he appears to be,and romance is in the air.

This is a start of a trilogy, I'll see if I can locate books 2 & 3.

The Main Corpse by Diane Mott Davidson

Finished several weeks ago. This was not the first I have read in this series, and I found this one to have a slow storyline.

Caterer Goldy, can not keep out of trouble, despite being married to a policeman! Her good friend is accused of murder but Goldy can not believe this and tries to help her friend establish the truth. In the meantime, Goldy becomes a fugative herself!

Inheritance by Livi Michael

This very gentle book was devoured whilst on a recent business trip. I enjoyed the storyline, it appealled to my genealogical mind!

It is the very gentle story of Louise, who, upon the death of her mother inherits very little except for what I would consider the most valuable of all, lots of memories and a box of photographs. Louise heads to Lancaster, where she attempts to understand the lives of those ancestors who went before her. There were chapters interspered with family trees, and those of the life of Great Aunt Martha.

The Hat Shop on the Corner by Marita Conlon-McKenna

I really enjoyed this one and read on a business trip to Belfast, not Dublin but nonetheless, Ireland!

This is a gentle story. Ellie has inherited her mother's hat shop, as she debates whether to sell up or carry on, she is encouraged by her friends to follow her heart and believe in herself. She meets and is charmed by Rory, but he is not the man the for her!

Note to self to look out more from this author.

Things I want my Daugters to Know by Elizabeth Noble

This was a beautiful book. Barbara has been diagnosed with cancer. Various therapy have not been successful, and she therefore prepares herself and her family. Barbara writes a series of letters to her 4 daughters - Lisa,Jennifer,Amanda and Hannah. Each one has problems that they can not face, yet the letter they each receive from their mother upon her death is pivital in their moving on through the grief to a happy future.

Going Dutch by Katie Fforde

When Jo's husband trades her in for a younger model, she suddenly finds herself living on a barge near the Thames. Used to being a kept woman, she soon realises she'll need more than a few culinary skills to keep herself afloat. Aware she was about to make a terrible mistake, Dora has fled from a huge wedding, her fiance, her mother and a very critical village to come under Jo's protective wing. While offering mutual support, Dora gets a job where she has to row to work and Jo works out how to make a living. And though they may not know much about boats they're determined to make the best of things. One thing's for certain, though, they've both sworn off men for good. Unfortunately, life has other plans and inflicts arrogant but attractive Marcus, who's the oracle on all things nautical, and laid-back, charming, jack-of-all-trades Tom on their ordered lives. And as if they didn't have enough to worry about, they've discovered they have to take the barge to sea...

When Calls the Heart (Canadian West Bk 1) by Janette Oke

I really enjoyed this book. Set in Canada in the early 1900s. Elizabeth, a teacher in Ontario is encouraged to visit Alberta where her half brother resides with his family. After consideration Elizabeth makes the trip West, to rural Canada where she accepts a teaching post. She meets and falls in love with a Mountie called Wynn, who firmly believes that he should not marry because of the harshness of the terrain, but can Elizabeth encourage Wynn to change his mind.

Divas don't knit by Gil McNeil

I thought this would be very chick litty, but it was a lovely read and as a reader it was easy to identify with the main character.

Jo is the mother of two young boys, her husband a reporter who spends lots of time away from home announces that he wants a divorce. As he leaves Jo he has a fatal car accident. Jo discovers that her husband has managed to take a second mortgage out on their home....Jo tackles the chaos of her domestic life by moving out of London to the coast to take over and run her grandmother's wool shop which she renames McKnits. Jo is about to start of a new beginning and make some fascinating new friends.

The characters have a real feel to them as does the storyline, we can feel Jo's pain and concern through the pages of the book. A lovely, gentle read which I am pleased to say has a sequel.

Author's Web Site

Irish Chain by Earlene Fowler

An old boyfriend returns home to visit his uncle, nothing particularly odd, until the uncle and another resident are discovered murdered. Benni can't resist.....meanwhile, Benni is asked to gather some data for a local history for publication about the Japanese community during the war, a fascinating subject with secrets as Benni soon discovers....

As Always, Jack: A Wartime Love Story by Emma Sweeney

Emma following the death of her mother stumbles across a series of letters which were sent from her father to her mother in their courting days, at the backend of World War Two. After 6 months of corresponding, they had in reality only spent two weeks together. Upon being decommissioned and returning to the States Jack immediately visits the father of his sweetheart to ask for consent to marry. They did marry and had a family together, the author Emma was still being carried by her mother when her father died. To all intents and purposes, Emma did not know her father, but as she grew up developed a picture in her mind of the type of person he was. The letters that she found enabled Emma to flesh out the character he had. Emma does in order to find more answers about her father's life visit his family home, and meets several Aunts and the area where they grew up. I would have liked to have explored that a bit further, and perhaps there is scope for another book....The book overall was an enjoyable one, this edition had some lovely illustrations and background paper reinforcing that this book was essentially a series of letters, from an era when communication was about writing letters, involving pen, ink, paper & stamps and not our modern methods.

This book also made me think of my grandparents. They married in September 1939 and by November of the same year my Grandfather was in the Army stationed in Africa. There is very sadly, no letters from this time of separation, in fact there was very few photos, not even of their wedding. There is one though which I have inherited of my Grandfather in a relaxed portrait with written, on the back "Your love one, George X"

Morning Comes Softly by Debbie Macomber

As I had to spend 4 hours on the train today, I thought that I would read a light enjoyable book to ease the journey.

Travis is grieving for the loss of his brother and sister in law. Now the sole guardian of his two nephews and a neice Travis realizes that if he can not find a housekeeper he should advertise for a wife. Mary replies to the advert. A slightly frumpy librarian, who does not want to be left on the shelf. Following their marriage, Mary and Travis realise that they do love each other and the children.

This has a different slant to many of Macomber books, but what a lovely way to spend a train journey!

Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich

Continuing with the eventful life of Stephanie Plum, this time with Diesel, with only vague appearances of Ranger & Morelli. I can't believe though, that we have made it through a Plum book with no car blown up!

Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran

The very gentle story of three sisters who flee their home Country of Iran to start a new life in Ireland, via London. Establishing yourself in a foreign country is never easy, and given the turbulant times of Iranian history, the sisters have their work cut out for them as they try to be accepted into the local community. What better way than through tempting the community with aromatic foods from Iran. Interspersed with recipes, which sound delicious!

Funny in Farsi : A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America by Firoozeh Dumas

Each chapter represents a chunk of the author's life,as she grows up in America. A really amusing account, exploring the cultural differences between Iran & America. The outline that is given of immigrants arriving in another country, working hard to support other family members to migrate is a reflection of many groups of immigrants. (My own family did this from Italy to the UK). The Values of the extended family, whilst sharing the highs and lows of each others lives.

Fool's Puzzle by Earlene Fowler

In the first of the series we meet Benni Harper, a widow who is still grieving for the death of her husband and in some ways that of her in laws and the ranch where she and her husband lives. In order to try and start over Benni is reported to have moved into town and taken a job as director of a folk art museum. Just three months in to the new job, Benni discovers a murder victim and then later another victim. Is there a connection with her late husband & the first victim? No matter how much Benni upsets the local police chief Benni simply has to find out.....Looking forward to meeting Benni again and to see how her relationship with the police chief develops.

Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich

My first Evanovich book outside of the wonderful Stephanie Plum series. I wasn't sure that I would like this, I like Plum too much, but this was just as good, wacky & very funny in places. Here we follow the life, misfortune and determination of Alexandra Barnaby, whose brother has disappeared, along with a boat that he doesn't own. His flat has been turned over, not once but twice. Barnaby is determined to find & protect her little brother. She meets Hooker, who is perhaps as full on as Morelli & Ranger. I look forward to meeting the characters again next time.

Wedding Bell Blues by Linda Windsor

An interesting novel about four women whose school friendship continues into adulthood. Determined to be a success following the failure of her marriage, Alex is thrown together with her ex husband who is to be the best man at her sister's wedding. Both her and her ex husband soon realise that they still love each other.... A Christian theme runs through the book, and this was not especially off putting. Regardless,I enjoyed the book and hope I can read the second book in the Piper Cove Chronicles series.

Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber

The light hearted story of Katherine O'Connor, or KO to her friends. Set on the peripherals of Blossom Street, there are brief glimpses of the regular inhabitants of Blossom Street. KO is single and possibly looking for love, her sister is married with twin girls who is bring the twins up to enjoy & believe in their free spirit, as coaxed by the author, a child psychologist, called Wynn. Whynn happens to live in the same apartment building as KO. KO struggles not to voice her disapproval. A meeting between KO & Wynn, then dinner in a snazzy resturant, and the two of them can't help but like each other.

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

A truely amazing book, demonstrating complete courage, strength & bravery. Corrie's family died in the concentration camps, Corrie the only one to survive did remarkable things with her life, and is an inspiration to us all.

Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich

Not my favourite Stephanie Plum, but enjoyable nonetheless. Grandma Mazur goes AWOL to a casino with someone else's money, add to that the usual chaos of the life of Stephanie, Lula revealing all, a horse in Stephanie's lounge and the usual episode of firebombing cars, and welcome to the world of Stephenie Plum!

The New Year's Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini

The latest book by Jennifer Chiaverini which follows on from The Quilter's Legacy, when the friends of Sylvia & Andrew are gathered for a Christmas Eve dinner only to find that the two of them marry. In the New Years Quilt, Sylvia & Andrew set off to visit Andrew's daughter, Amy, to pass on their news along with a quilt made for Amy by Sylvia. The storyline does continue, but there are lots of flashbacks to earlier books.

The Long Journey Home by Flore Leipman

Wow! An amazing book about the Scottish born author. The daughter of a immigrant parents - whose family & ancestors had migrated from a variety of Countries - Poland,Germany,Russia,Switzerland & France. Flora finds herself & her siblings heading back to Russia following the death of her father in Scotland. The life that Flora and her family were to endure was nothing short of horrific. Life was very hard & the Regime through this time was full of red tape and very restricting. I would have liked to have learn't about the reunion of Flora and her brother Sammy, who Flora believed had perished in the Camps in the Soviet Union.

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich

The latest in the Stephanie Plum series is as funny as ever and contains all the usual characters. Grandma Mazur just gets better and better. No Stephanie Plum would be complete without the usual chaos of Stephanie & Lula and this starts with a scene of Stephanie almost choking her ex husband whilst planting a bug on him for Ranger, but when her ex husband ends up missing the police ask questions, of course her alibi is Morelli!

The Singing Line by Alice Thomson

A really enjoyable account of the life of Alice & Charles Todd, the author's great great grandmother. From Cambridgeshire, once Alice had married Charles they embark on their new life together in Australia. Alice to raise their family in a very harsh, yet beautiful country whilst Charles was amongst others to string the telegraph across Australia.

The author and her husband not only travel in the footsteps of Charles (and Alice) across what is harsh terrain, but uses some genealogical sources, family information and historical sources to rebuild their fascinating lives.

74, Seaside Avenue by Debbie Macomber

On loan from Liz, the seventh book in the ever popular Cedar Cove Series. Cedar Cove is a community where the lives of the residents are entwined with each other. In this book we see the exit of a few of the characters of the previous books in the series. The mystery of the fire that destroyed the restaurant is solved, and actually wasn't who I thought it was. Now eagerly awaiting book eight to be published.



Will be off in the post to mid week as I had forgotten A was on hols. Thanks for the Loan Liz

6 Rainer Drive by Debbie Macomber

On loan from Liz. the sixth book in the ever popular Cedar Cove Series. Cedar Cove is a community where the lives of the residents are entwined with each other. As they deal with their loves and losses, it has been a pleasure to "be" in Cedar Cove once more. Now loitering on my desk, this will be winging its way to Audrey who is another Macomber addict next week.

Decaffeinated Corpse by Cleo Coyle

Clare's ex husband and business partner embarks on a business deal with an old friend, the deal is Decaffeinated coffee....Clare establishes that the plant has been smuggled into America from South America, then someone tries to mug their friend and two people end up dead. Clare can not resist, and simply has to investigate.....

Latte Trouble by Cleo Coyle

Another is the series of the coffeehouse mysteries. One of Clare's staff serves drinks to two people at a party, moments later it is realized they were poisoned, but are they intended victim?

Mrs Miracle by Debbie Macomber

Another lovely,festive feel good factor read from Debbie Macomber. Following the arrival of Mrs Merkle, also know as Mrs Miracle and the lives of those around her as she helps then overcome their sadness & pain.

Coast to Coast by Jan Minshull

I really enjoyed this book, and would have devoured in one sitting except that I fell asleep in the early hours of this morning, but finished during my rare lay in this morning.

This is the gentle story of Linda, who is under appreciated and taken for granted by her family. At what started out as Linda proving a point, became her reality as Linda embarked upon the Coast to Coast walk, though some harsh,yet beautiful territory. Upon the walk, Linda takes the time not only to enjoy and think about where she is walking, but also reflect upon her family, their loves and secrets and her position within her family group. During the walk she mets various people, but one in particular enters Linda's thoughts, and think that perhaps Linda should have been more daring.......

Here a lovely photo of Mount Grace Priory, which features in the book.

Murder Most Frothy by Cleo Coyle

Clare Cosi is working for the summer with her weathly friend David. At a party a yound man is found shot in his bathroom, Clare can't help investigate, and notices that the victim is wearing very similiar clothes to that of David....so who was the intended victim.......

WW1: Experiences of an English Soldier

Several weeks ago I came across a fascinating blog. A selection of war letters from the First World War have been posted on the corresponding day on a blog by the Grandson of the soldier who wrote them 90 years ago.

I won't spoil the details, except to say two things, this deserves to be read, it is fascinating and I make no apology if you become hooked on reading the diary; and secondly this deserves to be published. I just wish I had this much detail about my relatives who fought in the First World War.

Simply fascinating & completely incredible that they have survived.

The link is HERE

Books for 2007

January 2007

1. Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee *

2. Yarn Harlot, the Secret Life of a Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee *

3. The Mango Season by Amulya Malladi

4. Footprints in the Sand D by Sarah Challis *

5. Sam’s Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson *

6. The Birth Order Book by Dr Kevin Leman

7. Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl by Kate McCafferty

8. The Jasmin Moon Murder (A Tea Shop Murder Mystery) by Laura Childs

9. No! I don’t want to Join Another Book Club by Virginia Ironside

10. (Un) Arranged Marriage by Bali Rai

11. Will You Be Mother?, Women who Choose to Say No by Jane Bartlett

12. Crow Lake by Mary Lawson

13. Bound for Murder by Laura Childs

14. The Quilters Apprentice (Elm Creek Novel Book 1) by Jennifer Chiaverini *

15. Round Robin (Elm Creek Novel Book 2) by Jennifer Chiaverini *

February 2007

16. The Cross Country Quilters (Elm Creek Novel Book 3) by Jennifer Chiaverini *

17. The Runaway Quilt (Elm Creek Novel Book 4) by Jennifer Chiaverini *

18. The Quilter’s Legacy (Elm Creek Novel Book 5) by Jennifer Chiaverini *

19. The Master Quilter (Elm Creek Novel Book 6) by Jennifer Chiaverini *

20. The Sugar Camp Quilt (Elm Creek Novel Book 7) by Jennifer Chiaverini *

21. The Christmas Quilt (Elm Creek Novel Book 8) by Jennifer Chiaverini *

22. Circle of Quilters (Elm Creek Novel Book 9) by Jennifer Chiaverini *

23. The Florabama Ladies Auxiliary & Sewing Circle by Lois Battle

March 2007

24. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom *

25. Journey to the South by Annie Hawes

26. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

27. Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde

28. The Rose Revived by Katie Fforde

29. Paradise Fields by Katie Fforde

30. Stately Pursuits by Katie Fforde

31. Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich

32. Wild Designs by Katie Fforde

33. Life Skills by Katie Fforde

34. Sisters in the Wilderness by Charlotte Gray

35. Coyote Dreams by Jessica Davis Stein *

36. Letters Between A Father & A Son by V. S. Naipaul

37. Lucinda’s Secrets: The Spiderwick Chronicles Book 3 by Tony Diterizzi & Holly Black

April 2007

38. Do it Tomorrow, and Other Secrets of Time Management by Mark Forster

39. Blue Latitudes by Tony Horwitz

40. Buried Treasure by Victoria Finlay

41. A Gentle Madness by Nicholas A. Basbanes

42. Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald

May 2007

43. The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs *

44. The Boy Who Loved Anne Frank: A Novel by Ellen Feldman

45. Welcome to the Great Mysterious by Lorna Landvik

46. Animals Dream by Barbara Kingsolver (DNF)

47. Blue Slipper Bay by Wendy K Harris

48. Capability’s Eden by Diana Saville

49. Knitting by Anne Bartlett

June 2007

50. Toast by Nigel Slater

51. The Perfect Paragon (Agatha Raisin Mystery) by M. C. Beaton

52. Night by Elie Wiesel

53. Roots & All, A history of the Eaton & Hastings Families by Dinah Eaton

July 2007

54. The Founding (Moreland Dynasty Series Book 1) by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

55. 16, Lighthouse Road (Cedar Cove Series book 1) by Debbie Macomber

56. 204, Rosewood Lane (Cedar Cove Series book 2) by Debbie Macomber

57. 311, Pelican Court (Cedar Cove Series book 3) Debbie Macomber

58. 44, Cranberry Point (Cedar Cove Series book 4) Debbie Macomber

59. 50, Harbor Street (Cedar Cove Series book 5) by Debbie Macomber

60. The Quilter’s Homecoming (Elm Creek Novel Book 10) by Jennifer Chiaverini

61. Sullivan’s Island by Dorothea Benton Frank

62. Small Town Girl by LaVyrle Spencer

63. Amy’s Honeymoon by Julia Llewellyn

64. Bond of Blood by Benjamin Nicholls

65. Scuba Dancing by Nicola Slade

66. The Island by Victoria Hislop *

67. A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg

August 2007

68. Murder in the Museum by Simon Brett

69. Murder in the Family Tree by Patricia Sprinkle *

70. Ancestors by Paul Crooks *

71. Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi

72. Puppet Maker by P. M. Mason *

73. In Search of Henry by Arnold Powell *

74. The Day the World Came to Town 9/11, In Gander, Newfoundland by Jim Defede

75. Susannah’s Garden by Debbie Macomber

76. Family Skeletons by Rett MacPherson

September 2007

77. Murder Uncorked by Michele Scott

78. Murder by the Glass by Michele Scott

79. Silenced by Syrah by Michele Scott

80. A Misty Mourning by Rett MacPherson

81. Knit One, Kill Two by Maggie Sefton

82. Needled to Death by Maggie Sefton

83. A Deadly Yarn by Maggie Sefton

84. On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle

85. Through the Grinder by Cleo Coyle

86. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

87. The Geographer’s Library by Jon Fasman

88. The Postcard by Beverly Lewis

89. The Crossroad by Beverly Lewis

90. The Sanctuary by Beverly Lewis

91. Stitches in Time by Barbara Michaels

October 2007

92. Sweatwater by Dorothy Garlock

93. Hero in Disguise by Vicki Lewis Thompson (Hometown Reunion book 4)

94. Those Baby Blues by Helen Conrad (Hometown Reunion book 5)

95. A Touch of Texas by Kristine Rolofson (Hometown Reunion book 7)

96. More than a year in time by Jane Lassen

November 2007

97. Life Planner (thought catcher) by Jennifer Percival

98. Blood Orange Brewing (Tea Shop Mystery) By Laura Childs

99. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

100. Rice Mother by Rani Manicki

101. Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson

102. It’s my Party & I’ll knit if I want to by Sharon Aris

December 2007

103. Slippery when wet by Martin Goodman

104. Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon

105. Fragrant Harbour by John Lanchester

106. Cane River by Lalita Tademy

107. Killing Cousins by Rett MacPherson

108. Dead Angler by Victoria Houston

109. The Xmas Factor by Annie Sanders

110. Siege by David Humphry