Chrirob Fun in 2021

Another year, another wonderful set of books to dive into! Here's hoping 2021 is better for everyone than 2020! Starting with a list, then will go back later this week to add the summaries...gotta run to virtual nursing school lecture! :)

1. A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher
A heartwarming story of a young couple at life's crossroads and a married couple trying to move beyond their tragedies. A really nice little novella.

2. Nine Days a Queen by Ann Rinaldi
A young adult novel about the rise and tragic fall of Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for only 9 days until Mary Tudor regained her throne. A good introduction to Lady Jane Grey for young adults.

3. Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer
A young adult novel introducing them to Princess Mary Tudor and her tumultuous young life before ascending the throne as Queen Mary.

4. The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Lucy Wilson is plagued by guilt since the disappearance of her little sister and never feels she will be anything but a disappointment to her family. When her father's cousin requests her help in a small Appalachian town, Lucy reluctantly agrees to help. What Lucy does not know, is that she will not just be an office assistant to her cousin, she will become much more. While Lucy strives to acclimate to her new role, surroundings, and neighbors, she discovers that love, friendship, jealousy, and dangers abound not just in the city, but in her new small town as well.

This was a wonderful book! I could not put it down and would love to see a sequel and what happens to all of these delightful characters! Great job Ms. Fisher! Thank you LibraryThing for the Early Reviewers Copy!!!!

5. Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz
Selah Hopewell is in charge of organizing the newly arrived tobacco brides for the bachelors of James Towne. While she fosters a prospective young bride in her family's home, she begins to discover that the bride's eye has landed on Master Xander Renick...and Selah discovers that she just might not approve of that particular match.

This book was also very good and was a great insight into the early life of James Towne, tobacco farming, and the hard & dangerous life faced by the early colonials and natives. Another very engrossing novel from Ms. Frantz! Thank you LibraryThing for the Early Reviewers copy!!!

6. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill (Tales from Ivy Hill #1) by Julie Klassen
Jane Bell has just lost her husband and has inherited his business. As the new innkeeper of The Bell, Jane flounders in her role as she loses herself in her grief. However, when her formidable mother-in-law and flirtatious brother-in-law come to Ivy Hill and discover the state of their family coaching inn, they will stop at nothing to ensure it succeeds before they lose everything.

This is a great series! I read this book in 2 days and devoured it! It does have a lot of characters, which took a little getting used to, but they are all wonderful characters and you what to know more and more about this wonderful town and its' people.

Welcome back!

Welcome back and happy reading! How was The Moonlight School? The publisher contacted our library about possibly setting up an author talk with Fisher about that one. I haven't read it yet, and I really think it might work better for our Appalachian Center to sponsor than the library. I'm considering its merits though.

And keep up with my friends here. Have a great 2021.

Happy reading in 2021, Christine!

>3 thornton37814: I loved The Moonlight School and so did my mom - she snagged the ARC once I was done! It was a really good book and I would also love a sequel to see "what happens" to the characters later.

:)
Christine

>4 PaulCranswick: Absolutely! Happy 2021!!!!! :)

>5 FAMeulstee: Happy 2021 and Happy Reading!!!! :)

Sorry...copied and pasted from above post as the Touchstones were not working for some reason...are working now! Yay!

Another year, another wonderful set of books to dive into! Here's hoping 2021 is better for everyone than 2020! Starting with a list, then will go back later this week to add the summaries...gotta run to virtual nursing school lecture! :)

1. A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher
A heartwarming story of a young couple at life's crossroads and a married couple trying to move beyond their tragedies. A really nice little novella.

2. Nine Days a Queen by Ann Rinaldi
A young adult novel about the rise and tragic fall of Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for only 9 days until Mary Tudor regained her throne. A good introduction to Lady Jane Grey for young adults.

3. Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer
A young adult novel introducing them to Princess Mary Tudor and her tumultuous young life before ascending the throne as Queen Mary.

4. The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Lucy Wilson is plagued by guilt since the disappearance of her little sister and never feels she will be anything but a disappointment to her family. When her father's cousin requests her help in a small Appalachian town, Lucy reluctantly agrees to help. What Lucy does not know, is that she will not just be an office assistant to her cousin, she will become much more. While Lucy strives to acclimate to her new role, surroundings, and neighbors, she discovers that love, friendship, jealousy, and dangers abound not just in the city, but in her new small town as well.

This was a wonderful book! I could not put it down and would love to see a sequel and what happens to all of these delightful characters! Great job Ms. Fisher! Thank you LibraryThing for the Early Reviewers Copy!!!!

5. Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz
Selah Hopewell is in charge of organizing the newly arrived tobacco brides for the bachelors of James Towne. While she fosters a prospective young bride in her family's home, she begins to discover that the bride's eye has landed on Master Xander Renick...and Selah discovers that she just might not approve of that particular match.

This book was also very good and was a great insight into the early life of James Towne, tobacco farming, and the hard & dangerous life faced by the early colonials and natives. Another very engrossing novel from Ms. Frantz! Thank you LibraryThing for the Early Reviewers copy!!!

6. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill (Tales from Ivy Hill #1) by Julie Klassen
Jane Bell has just lost her husband and has inherited his business. As the new innkeeper of The Bell, Jane flounders in her role as she loses herself in her grief. However, when her formidable mother-in-law and flirtatious brother-in-law come to Ivy Hill and discover the state of their family coaching inn, they will stop at nothing to ensure it succeeds before they lose everything.

This is a great series! I read this book in 2 days and devoured it! It does have a lot of characters, which took a little getting used to, but they are all wonderful characters and you what to know more and more about this wonderful town and its' people.

7. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales from Ivy Hill #2) by Julie Klassen
The Bell is doing well after renovations and Jane Bell and her brother-in-law Patrick have their hands full running the coaching inn. Miss Rachel Ashford has lost her father and her home and must now board with her friend Mercy Grove and her Aunts at Ivy Cottage. While life in the cottage is not her beloved family home, it is a roof over her head with friends and with a girl's school under its' roof, life within its' walls are never boring! As Rachel tries to find her new place in society, Mercy Grove is attempting to expand her girl's school, but will the town of Ivy Hill be willing to support and finance an education to all children no matter their station, family, or income?

This novel was just as spell-binding as the first in the Tales from Ivy Hill series! I can't wait to read #3: The Bride of Ivy Green.

8. The Bride of Ivy Green (Tales from Ivy Hill #3) by Julie Klassen

Mercy Grove has lived her adult life with her Aunt in Ivy Cottage and found fulfillment teaching at her girls school. However, life has many unexpected surprises in store for Mercy...and not all of them are pleasant. Jane is adjusting to married life once more and trying not to worry about their future with or without children. Rachel is also adjusting to life as Sir Timothy's wife and as Lady Brockwell. Add to that, a whole host of new additions to the little town of Ivy Hill and you have the makings of fun, excitement, and drama.
This was another wonderful novel in the Tales from Ivy Hill Series! I hope there are more to come!

9. Can I Get There by Candlelight? by Jean Slaughter Doty

A young girl moves to a summer rental with her parents and her pony Candlelight. One day, while riding Candy, she stumbles upon a very old gate and decides to investigate. She discovers a beautiful neighboring home and a young girl who seems a bit old fashioned but friendly. They soon strike up a friendship, only to discover that time may be against both of them and their friendship.

This book was a revival of my childhood visits to the local library. It is one of the first books I remember ever checking out of the library in North Richland Hills. It was not the title that hooked me, but the picture of the horsehead on the spine; all books about horses in the children's section had a horse's head on the spine to lure fellow horse lovers! It was quite a mysterious little tale and I never forgot it...think it may have been my first mystery book to read! Happy reunions with your favorite childhood books! :)

10. An Ivy Hill Christmas (A Tales from Ivy Hill Novella) by Julie Klassen

Richard Brockwell has never really been a "family man." He loves them, but really does not prefer their company. However, when his funds are threatened to be withheld unless he visits his family for the Christmas holiday, he reluctantly makes the trip to Ivy Hill. Richard does not expect a pleasant visit and cannot wait to return to bustling London. From the moment Richard steps onto the coach to Ivy Hill, his holiday adventures begin and his life begins to change. From renewing old friendships, to making new friends, and recognizing the love of family and of new friends, Richard begins to realize that perhaps this trip will not be the worst of his life, but maybe the beginning of the best time of his life.

this was a good little novel with the beloved characters from Ivy Hill. We meet new characters like Richard and old favorites from the Ivy Hill series. Fans of this series will definitely enjoy An Ivy Hill Christmas.

11. Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming by Miralee Ferrell
Angel Ramirez was raised by her Uncle to help their gang drive and manage cattle. When she is forced to leave the gang, Angel lives in disguise as a cowboy drifting from job to job as a tracker and cattleman. But she is growing tired masquerading as a man and longs to be open about her womanhood...but she does not know how to even begin to make this transition. When Angel gets a job working as a tracker for cattleman Travis Morgan, fate steps in and gives her the chance...but will Angel ever survive as a transitioning to a woman in a man's world?

This was a cute story of a woman pretending to be a man and then learning how to become a woman.

12. Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot
Dorothy Clark may be working in Polly's Place Restaurant in her small hometown now; but she dreams of making a difference through her writing. When Brandon Holloway arrives in Mesquite Springs intending to start a newspaper, Dorothy is secretly thrilled! She may get her chance to become a journalist and bring about positive change to her fellow citizens. However, some people do not want a newspaper in town...and some people begin to focus their hostilities not only on the newspaper, but Brandon and Dorothy and others of Mesquite Springs. Can they work together to save not only the paper, but the town as well?

This was a really good book and is Book 2 in the Mesquite Springs series. I have not read book 1, but I think I will pick it up - even if I know how it turned out!
Thank you LibraryThing for the Advanced Readers Copy!

14. The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton
Elodie Winslow loves her job analyzing and cataloging antiquities. When she stumbles across an old, leather satchel with a mysterious photograph of a beautiful woman and the lost journal of an infamous artist she begins to wonder how they are connected to James Stratton...the satchel's owner. As Elodie begins her search for answers, she stumbles upon a mystery with consequences deeper than anyone could have imagined. Who is the mysterious woman in the photograph? Is she the tragic fiancee of artist Edward Radcliffe? What is the secret held in Edward Radcliffe's artist retreat-turned museum Birchwood Manor that holds the key to the mysterious woman, the tragic artist, his lost fiancee, a missing jewel, and a history of tragedy?

This was a fantastic book and I had no doubt it would be since it was by Kate Morton! I have loved all the previous novels I have read by her and this was no exception.

15. Stella Bain by Anita Shreve
Wounded Stella cannot remember who she is, but she can remember that she knows how to drive an ambulance and help with wounded in the wartime front. For some unexplained reason, she feels she must get to London and will find her answers at The Admiralty. Along the way, she begins to remember tiny bits of her memory, but only enough to frustrate her and aggravate her trauma-related symptoms. What will her mind reveal once the door to her memories is opened...and will she truly want to know?

This was a great book! I read it in 2 days and am excited to seek out more stories by Ms. Shreve!

16. The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen
Olivia is keeping a secret, a dangerous secret...yet when she flees her home and family, she never dreams that she will be required to harbor more secrets. When the dashing, Lord Bradley comes across her flight from danger and appears to be a potential haven of safety, Olivia grasps that hope...only to be dashed into more intrigue, secrets, and danger. As Olivia fights to keep herself and her family safe, she is also trying to help Lord Bradley keep his family honor and members safe as well...Will the secrets never end?

This was a great book! I devoured it in 3 days! Another great novel from Ms. Klassen!

17. Bring Her Home by David Bell
Summer and her best friend have been missing for 2 days and her father has just received word. Two girls have been found in a local park. Both girls are beaten beyond recognition: 1 is clinging to life in the hospital and 1 is dead. Both girls' appearance is so similar that they could pass for twins...just like Summer and her friend Haley. As both girls parents begin to unravel what happened to their children, they must also discover if this pair of girls might be Summer & Haley...and which one is living and which one is dead...

This book was awesome! I literally could not put it down and was thrown for plot twists almost the whole way through the book. This is a must-read!

>18 chrirob: That one sounds really interesting - I'm adding it to my list. Thanks for the review!

>19 scaifea: It was really awesome! You will love it! :)

18. Ring of Secrets Book 1 of the Culper Ring Series by Roseanna White
Winter Reeves has a secret...a secret that not only could get her killed, but ruin her country's chances at freedom. While gathering intelligence against the British might be dangerous, even treasonous, it is nothing compared to the danger of her own grandparents. Fledgling America might survive a war with Britain and win its' freedom, but can Winter survive her grandfather's wrath and hatred long enough to see it?

19. Whispers from the Shadows Book 2 of the Culper Ring Series by Roseanna White
Gwyneth Fairchild never thought she would find herself outside of England...or see her father killed right before her very eyes. With his last breath, General Fairchild commands his daughter to run and seek refuge within England's very enemy...America. When Gwyneth's ship is boarded by American privateers, she is shocked to learn that her father not only sent her into a country at war, but seeking refuge and safety within the Lane family...a family devoted to America and full of spies.

This was a very interesting series about a family of spies within the Culper Ring and their service during multiple wars/episodes in American history. Currently reading the third novel in the series and will update once finished!

20. Circle of Spies Book 3 of the Culper Ring Series by Roseanna White
Marietta Hughes has never seemed to be certain about what she really wants out of life. Her first love ended in disaster, as a widow she finds that she never really loved her husband, and now in mourning she is being pursued and pursuing her husband's brother. Into this foray of her complicated life is thrown the knowledge that her family has been and is currently involved in espionage in the War Between the States. Now, her grandfather Thadd wants Marietta to spy on her brother-in-law and help an undercover Pinkerton detective discover what threats lie in her home that could destroy the Union. As Marietta discovers secrets about her home and in-laws, she is also discovering secrets of her own mind and heart. But, will Marietta live long enough to make the changes to her life she feels are necessary to becoming who she wants to be?

This was the end of the Culper Series books and was very interesting. Sometimes it is a challenge to follow all the people and plots (the spy ring is ever elusive!) but is was enjoyable.

21. Annie, Between the States by L. M. Elliott
Annie never wanted a war between the Union and the Confederacy; however, war is here and she has been thrust right into the heart of battle. As Annie learns to live her young life in wartime, she also learns to begin to question the life she once knew. As she forms her opinions of both sides of the Civil War, so too must she begin to form an opinion of what is means to live free and fight for what you believe in. Life will never be the same for the North or the South, and neither will it be the same for Annie, her family, or her country.

This was a very interesting young adult novel of one young woman growing up amidst war, poverty, hunger, and need while also learning to cherish family, strength, and conviction.

22. How Y'all Doing? by Leslie Jordan
I have just started this little book and while it may be little, it brings a lot of laughs and love. If you are a fan of Leslie Jordan then you will delight in reading his stories, written just as if he were sitting there talking to you. A true gem of delight!

23. A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham
Hazel wants nothing more than a means to support herself and another chance at life. After being released from prison and "forgotten" by her family, Hazel takes a chance and exaggerates the truth of her medical experience in order to get a job. Her gamble pays off and she is hired as an assistant to Dr. Gilbert Watts, local dentist. She wants nothing more than a job and some stability; he wants nothing more than an assistant and his quiet, unobtrusive life. However, as Hazel tries to clear her name of the crimes she was charged for she discovers a web of lies that may put them all into great danger - and love.

This was a really good book and was very happy to have received an Early Reviewers copy from LibraryThing!
Once again, Ms. Fordham's novel does not disappoint!

24. Down Came the Rain by Brooke Shields
This was a very poignant telling of the struggles of post-partum depression suffered by Shields during the birth of her daughter. It also highlights the struggles of bringing the realities of PPD to the mainstream and helping it become an accepted and REAL problem for many women. Very truthful and brutally honest story of the struggles of Ms. Shields and the realities of post-partum depression in its' many forms.

25. Conversion by Katherine Howe
A mystery illness has struck the quiet halls of St Joan's Private School for Girls that has everyone in Danvers, Massachusetts on edge. With so many girls being afflicted with so many different, bizarre symptoms everyone is racing to try and discover what is causing the illness. Colleen is among the young students of St Joans, but has not been affected by the illness...yet. As she races against time to try and help solve the mystery of the illness, she may just discover another mystery hundreds of years old...one that Danvers would like to forget.
This was a great book that was woven with the tale of the Salem Witch trials to provide a historical perspective and tie to the City of Danvers...with a guest appearance by the Dane family! Another great read from Ms. Howe!

26. Seduction by Amanda Quick
Sophy Dorring has loved the Earl of Ravenwood since she was a young girl. However, that is not the reason she has agreed to marry him...well, not the only reason. She must use her status and means as his wife to try and solve the mystery of her sister's death. And if Ravenwood happens to develop feelings for her along the way to solving that mystery, all the better in Sophy's opinion...

A good, quick read that is always entertaining and humerous.

27. The Widow's House by Carol Goodman
Claire and Jess Martin have moved to from the city into the calm countryside as caretakers of Riven House. Hopefully, this move will jump-start her husband's stalled career as a writer...and also their languishing marriage. As they both attempt to acclimate to their new home, something begins to torment Claire and the sought-for peace they both seek vanishes in the night. As Claire tries to solve the mysteries of Riven House, will it also help her solve the mysteries of her failing marriage?

As always, Carol Goodman delivers another psychological thriller that keeps you on your toes! Love all her novels!

28. The Girls of Ennismore by Patricia Falvey
Rosie Killeen and and Victoria Bell could not me more different. Rosie is from the small Irish village near the Ennis Estates and struggles with her family to make ends meet. Victoria is the only daughter of Lord and Lady Ennis and has always lived a privileged, yet solitary life. However, one chance meeting between these two girls will change both their lives and their family's forever.

Set at the turn of the century in Ireland, this novel is a wonderful depiction of friendship between the classes and how its' rewards can very quickly turn to punishment and reminds us that love has no boundaries.

29. Cleopatra's Shadows by Emily Holleman
When civil war breaks out in Egypt, eight-year old Arsinoe is abandoned by her father King Ptolemy, her mother & young brothers, and even her beloved sister Cleopatra. Only her half-sister Berenice remains, having triumphed in seizing the throne from her despised father. As Arsinoe struggles with the transition from princess of Egypt to abandoned enemy of the crown, she finds that she is not completely alone. Her tutor, the eunich Ganymedes and a handful of royal slaves help her to survive not only her abandonment, but her sister and the impending clash with Rome and King Ptolemy.

This was a very interesting book that made me want to learn more about Cleopatra's siblings and family. I learned a lot and it made me realize there is so much more to Cleopatra than has been popularized.

30. The Reluctant Suitor by Kathleen Woodiwiss
Lady Adriana Sutton has had a crush on Colton Wyndham forever. Once she thought she would be his wife, but when Colton found out about their arranged marriage between his parents and Adriana's, he stormed out of his family's life and joined the military. As the years pass, Lady Adriana has come to accept that Colton Wyndham will never return and marry her, so she begins to receive potential suitors - even though none can hold a candle to Colton. When Colton becomes Lord Wyndham, he is forced to return to his family estates - and to Lady Adriana. While he know he will have to address the marriage contract, what he does not expect, is that this wisp of a tomboy has now grown into a very beautiful and strong-willed woman. Can both strong-willed independent souls survive a 3 month trial courtship to see if they will suit or are even attracted to one another?

This turned out to be a very good book, but I will admit that it took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style. Lots of twists and turns that I honestly did not expect!

31. The Villa by Nora Roberts
The Giambelli family have run their vineyards successfully and wisely for 3 generations. But now, it is time for change, not stagnation. Teresa Giambelli has decided her company and her family need to change their ways - personally and professionally - in order to expand their winery business and remain competitive. But, with change comes resentment, distrust, and greed and the play for power and money is never far from the minds of those that hoard it. Will the 3 generations of Giambelli women and men be strong enough to keep this empire alive and this family intact?

This was a really good novel and I would have loved to see a sequel and know how this family progressed and what ideas came to fruition.

32. Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn - The Smythe-Smith Quartet #1
33. A Night Like This by Julia Quinn - The Smythe-Smith Quartet #2
34. In Progress.... The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn - The Smythe-Smith Quartet #3

35. Very soon to be in progress...The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy by Julia Quinn - The Smythe-Smith Quartet #4

36. Circle of Spies (Culper Ring Series #3) by Roseanna White
Marietta Hughes has never seemed to be certain about what she really wants out of life. Her first love ended in disaster, as a widow she finds that she never really loved her husband, and now in mourning she is being pursued and pursuing her husband's brother. Into this foray of her complicated life is thrown the knowledge that her family has been and is currently involved in espionage in the War Between the States. Now, her grandfather Thadd wants Marietta to spy on her brother-in-law and help an undercover Pinkerton detective discover what threats lie in her home that could destroy the Union. As Marietta discovers secrets about her home and in-laws, she is also discovering secrets of her own mind and heart. But, will Marietta live long enough to make the changes to her life she feels are necessary to becoming who she wants to be?

37. Ring of Secrets (Culper Ring Series #1)
38. Secrets from the Shadows (Culper Ring Series #2)

39. A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham
Hazel wants nothing more than a means to support herself and another chance at life. After being released from prison and "forgotten" by her family, Hazel takes a chance and exaggerates the truth of her medical experience in order to get a job. Her gamble pays off and she is hired as an assistant to Dr. Gilbert Watts, local dentist. She wants nothing more than a job and some stability; he wants nothing more than an assistant and his quiet, unobtrusive life. However, as Hazel tries to clear her name of the crimes she was charged for she discovers a web of lies that may put them all into great danger - and love.

This was a really good book and was very happy to have received an Early Reviewers copy from LibraryThing!
Once again, Ms. Fordham's novel does not disappoint!

40. Down Came the Rain by Brooke Shields
This was a very poignant telling of the struggles of post-partum depression suffered by Shields during the birth of her daughter. It also highlights the struggles of bringing the realities of PPD to the mainstream and helping it become an accepted and REAL problem for many women. Very truthful and brutally honest story of the struggles of Ms. Shields and the realities of post-partum depression in its' many forms.

41. Conversion by Katherine Howe
A mystery illness has struck the quiet halls of St Joan's Private School for Girls that has everyone in Danvers, Massachusetts on edge. With so many girls being afflicted with so many different, bizarre symptoms everyone is racing to try and discover what is causing the illness. Colleen is among the young students of St Joans, but has not been affected by the illness...yet. As she races against time to try and help solve the mystery of the illness, she may just discover another mystery hundreds of years old...one that Danvers would like to forget.
This was a great book that was woven with the tale of the Salem Witch trials to provide a historical perspective and tie to the City of Danvers...with a guest appearance by the Dane family! Another great read from Ms. Howe!

42. A Heart Adrift: A Novel by Laura Frantz
Esmee once burned with the fire of love for Henri Lennox - until his love for the sea doused those fires. Nearly a decade after Henri's abrupt departure, Esmee has found happiness helping to run Shaw's Chocolates, her mother's shop and dream while caring for her aging father. But when she catches word that Henri is back in York and now a captain of his own sailing vessel, Esmee is forced to wonder if she ever stopped loving Henri - and if he might still love her. While the threat of Colonial Wars rage around them, will Esmee and Henri have a chance to right old wrongs, survive the current threats from France, and forge ahead in a future together?
This was a good book, thank you LIbraryThing Early Reviewers! I felt it ended abruptly and was left wondering what happened next...so perhaps a sequel is in the future for Henri, Esmee and the family & friends...???

43. Season on the Wind by Suzanne Fisher
Penny Weaver never thought to see Ben Zook again once he left their Amish village. But there he suddenly was, on her doorstep and planning to rent a room in her barn while he searched for the elusively rare White-winged tern. Ben was the love of Penny's life and it broke her heart when he left so suddenly - so why does he act like he does not even know or recognize her? As the chase for the rare bird attracts the attention of the entire town, can Penny solve the mystery of Ben's loss of memory and rekindle their feelings?
This was a very good book and I loved learning about all of the birds as an added bonus. A great little plot twist at the end! Thank you LibraryThing Early Reviewers!!!

44. Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox
Sarah must reluctantly return home to live in the same small town she tried so hard to move beyond - but it and the Old Depot Grocery kept calling to her. Her mother Rosemary has lived in their little town all her life and has dreamed of doing something more than raising her daughters and helping run her mother's Old Depot Grocery. Nan loves running her Old Depot Grocery and is thrilled that her granddaughter Sarah has come to help rescue the family business. However, time is running out to save not only the business but their dying little town. Can these three generations of Clearwater women find harmony living together before their past tears down their futures.
This was a good book and the characters were very strong, sad, and amusing - reminded me of many of my own family members! Thank you Library Thing for the ARC from Early Reviewers.

45. Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner
Mindy loves her adoptive family - but she has always wanted to know more about her past. When she approaches her family and tells them of her desire to travel back to Vietnam to find her family it sends emotional ripples throughout the family. While each remembers the roads they travelled leading to Mindy's adoption, they all come to realize that sometimes one must find their own way while spreading their wings to fly.
This was an interesting novel and was glad I took a chance on it through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers!

46. The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil
Jo Mackenzie's life has literally turned upside down when her husband decided to divorce her and then died all in the same day. Faced with taking care of her 2 young sons, she decides to leave London and the prospects of returning to a fast-paced career in journalism and begins anew in the quiet seaside town of Broadgate Bay. As she tries to put her family back together Jo also begins an attempt to revive the local knitting shop co-owned by her Gran. Small town life takes some getting used to...especially when a Hollywood starlette buys a local estate and turns all their lives upside down.

This is a very cute series and I cannot wait to dive into #3 Knit One Pearl One after reading #2 Needles and Pearls.

47. Needles and Pearls by Gil Mcneil
48. Knit One Pearl One by Gil Mcneil
This series was a great read with such lively characters! I would love to see another to see how it all turns out in the end!

49. Love Finds You in Wildrose, North Dakota by Tracey Bateman
Rosemary Jackson travels hundreds of miles to begin a new life with her twin sister in the wilds of North Dakota after their father dies. But when Rosemary arrives, she does not find her sister - she finds her widowed brother-in-law and a baby niece barley surviving birth. Rosemary wants to help care for her niece, but her brother-in-law won't have it and can't seem to pull himself out of the depths of his despair. If that were not enough, tempers flare high with each encounter between Rosemary and Finn Tate...will they ever get along for the baby girl in both their care?

This was a very good book that had a very interesting storyline: Rosemary and her sister were identical twins! So imagine that shock and learning curve as you navigate the waters of friendship, family, and romance.

50. The Mayflower Bride - Daughters of the Mayflower #1 - by Kimberley Woodhouse
Mary Elizabeth Chapman sets sail for the New World with her father and younger brother, leaving her deceased mother and all their memories behind. It is not her dream, but her father's and her people's to begin anew in this wild new world. However, their journey does not begin well and nearly begins in disaster, until they transfer onto another ship to sail to the New World: The Mayflower. Their journey is not a smooth one and is fraught with danger, near-starvation, and illness. How will Mary and the other passengers ever make it to the New World...will they even survive when they arrive?

This was a very good book that really led me to want to learn more about the journey of the Mayflower and the first settlers arriving in pre-America. The series follows the path of Mary Chapman's descendants through pivotal times in America...an interesting storyline!

51. The Pirate Bride - Daughters of the Mayflower #2 by Kathleen Y'Barbo
Maribel Cordoba is the great granddaughter of Mary Chapman and is rendered an orphan on the high-seas. When she is taken captive by privateer John-Luc she does what no one expects - desires to join him as a member of the crew. Will this spirited, young eleven-year old girl actually live to become a member of a privateering vessel, yet alone survive the rough crew of men?

Another very interesting book that continues the line of Mayflower brides.

52. The Attic on Queen Street by Karen White
Melanie is trying to navigate her life and manage her family when her husband left her. Somehow she cannot fully believe what she did was so bad that Jack would leave her for good. As she tries to "win" Jack back, Melanie is also trying to solve the murder mystery of her friend's sister by reluctantly using her psychic-paranormal abilities...and that of her family members. Will Melanie ever learn to curb her OCD and perfectionist tendancies before she loses everything...and perhaps her life?

This is the final (?) novel in the Tradd Street Series and I am so sad to see it end...

Keep the Trenholm storyline going Ms. White!