White Houses by Amy Bloom

 My Rating: 2.5

The affair between Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickock told from the perspective of Hick.

I normally love historical fiction but this was horrendous. What was the point - to portray two unlikable boring people (ok, 3+ if you count Teddy and others in there) - then it was a success. I was hoping there would be a lot of history and interesting facts...nope. This was meandering drivel. I had to force myself to finish this and regretted it. Definitely save the time and skip this one.

Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell

 My Rating: 4.9

The sheriff's deputy at the front door brings hard news to Ree Dolly. Her father has skipped bail on charges that he ran a crystal meth lab, and the Dollys will lose their house if he doesn't show up for his next court date. Sixteen-year-old Ree, who has grown up in the harsh poverty of the Ozarks, learns quickly that asking questions of the rough Dolly clan can be a fatal mistake. She perseveres as she has her Alzheimer's mother and two little brothers to care for. She encounters obstacles of every kind and finally confronts the top figures in the family's hierarchy

Wow, just wow. Woodrell's writing is incredible. This is very gruesome and graphic and not for the faint of heart. If you weren't already, it will make you glad that you weren't raised in the extreme poverty of Ozarks. This is Soprano's meets The Ozarks.

The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner

My Rating: 4.7

Sophie is a young Irish mail-order bride to her husband Martin. They are living in San Francisco with his step-daughter who has captured Sophie's heart, even if Martin hasn't. The big earthquake hits as well as so many other revelations and Sophie has to make many choices she never thought she would have to face.

I enjoyed the audio version with Sophie's Irish lilt. The descriptions of the San Francisco earthquake were so vivid. The rest of the story line was a fun thriller that you had to go with. I have read and enjoyed many of Ms Meissner's books and will continue to read the others in my queue.

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict

 My Rating: 4.8

Belle is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection.

As with all Marie Benedict's book, this was very well researched and had me learning many things. This story line deals not only with the book/art world but with segregation, the suffragette movement and more. I would advise you don't read too much about this book as I enjoyed it more not knowing about Bell's secret. Definite recommend.

In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren

My Rating: 4.8

Maelyn lives with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions. Since she was born, her family has spent every Christmas holiday, along with two other beloved families, in a cabin in Utah. After the holiday, her family is a horrific auto accident only for Mae to suddenly wake up on the plane going TO Utah....to relive the holidays again.

This was a delicious fun read. The characters were well developed and the "Groundhog Day" plot was handled with a lot of fun. Definitely recommend the audio version and it is perfect for Christmas.

The Lost Husband by Katherine Center

My rating: 4.8 

After the sudden death of her husband, Libby gets a welcomed letter from her 'crazy Aunt Jean' offering her an escape from living with her critical mother. Libby grabs her bags and her two kids and escapes to Aunt Jean's goat farm. 

This was the most delicious beach-read I have indulged in for a long time. What a decadent little read. A wholesome (for the most part - although there are a few curse words) and thoroughly enjoyable read. If you are in the mood for a light, fun, beach read then this is the book for you!