I absolutely loved this book. I was sad that it had to come to an end.

Each character of this story is a treasure. Not just the sister's or the family members, but all the town's people and the town itself. The narrative is so unique. It is told from a perspective that is almost a fourth sister or as if the sisterhood itself is a character.

Even if you are not a sister, you can not help but be drawn into this story and see that there is a fine line between sibling rivalry and mutual admiration. You may even find a bit of each sister in you. This story will also remind you of the daughter you are, your mother and maybe even the mother you are or might be.

I wish I could read it again for the first time.

Friendship Bread by Darien Gee is a definite feel-good book. Even at the points were you feel the characters are about to make a bad decision and send the story a new direction, the don't. These characters have integrity.

It took me about 100 pages to get all the character figured out. Each chapter introduced a new couple and their circumstances. Eventually I could distinguish the principles from the subordinates.

The friendship bread itself is almost like a character. It infiltrated each home in Avalon and spread happiness and restores order in some cases.

I knew even before reading the author's bio that there was a chance this book could be followed by other books about the same town much like Jan Karon's Mitford or Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone that want to enjoy a uplifting trip to Avalon. Who knows, friendship bread might infiltrate your town and spread happiness and restore order. Heaven knows it times like these we could use it.

Veterinarian Dr Nick Trout tells his life story through the animals that he has known and mostly loved. We hear of young Nick's encounters with animals and we meet the pets that became part of his family and the fabric of his life. Through these animals he learns to appreciate all the relationships in his life and his chosen profession.

I loved this book. It was totally readable and compelling. At times I laughed out loud and other times I quietly cried.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, animal lover or not.

I plan to read this author's other works.

The Distant Hours, by Kate Morton, is part ghost story. The ghost in this case is the Milderhurst Castle.

Living in the castle are the Blythe sister. Twins, Persephone and Seraphina, and the youngest sister Juniper. The castle lies outside the village of Milderhurst, England. The history of the castle and it's occupants is shrouded in mystery and in tragedy.

The height of the castles lore is when the master of the castle, Raymond Blythe, becomes a famous author after writing what becomes a classic children's tale "The Mud Man". He lives a reclusive life in the castle with his daughters until his death. His actions before his death shape the future of his daughters.

I think you will enjoy this tale. It weaves it's way through time and the truth becomes clear as it is revealed to Edie when she is chosen to learn the secrets of Milderhurst Castle and its residents. When I finished I was ready to turn the book over and start again.

I was drawn to this book by it's subject matter and location. In those aspects I was not disappointed. I was though disappointed in how slow the book started out and how when you thought it was finally going to take off it didn't.

The characters and their relationships were beautifully developed, but I never felt they grew.

The descriptions of Shanghai were enlightening and did make me want to read more.

Overall I think The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai is a good first book and I would read more by this author.

I just finished reading Tatiana de Rosnay's A Secret Kept & I loved it. It had the right blend of drama and vivid characters. The story line was great and as in Sarah's Key, the chapters were short & concise which ads to the flow of the novel.

I thought that Sarah's Key was written more in the style for young adults even though it was a great book. Tatiana de Rosnay has definetly kicked it up a notch for this book.

You will laugh & then you will cry. You will laugh & cry at the same time. This the nature of the book The Leisure Seekers by Michael Zadoorian.

Ella and John are reaching the end of their lives together. Ella has been diagnosed with terminal cancer & John with Alzheimer's. It is Ella's courage & determination that lead them on the trip of their lives from Michigan to California following Route 66 when they can.

With John behind the wheel & Ella calling the shots, they make there way across the country reliving old memories & making some new ones. Told entirely in Ella's voice this story will make your heart fly & also break. There are some truly hilarious moment and some with such insight that it hard to believe this book is written by a baby boomer man & not an end of her life "old" lady.

I am glad that I was able to travel along with Ella & John on their journey. I think you will be too. In regards to this book , Elmore Leonard wrote " Come to the end and you'll say 'Oh my God.'". That is true.