Faithful Place

Tana French

Some of my book club friends were all pumped up about a new Tana French novel to read.  I have to admit I didn't even know who she was.  I thought this was a good book.  It took me awhile to get into it.  I definitely struggled with the colloquialisms (SAT word, huh) of another culture.  It got on my nerves throughout the whole book that I often couldn't fully appreciate the dialogue or know just how offended I should be by the cursing.  :)  I did like the story though.  It was a little predictable, but I liked learning about the relationships involved and the special place it gave to your first true love.  The book also makes you think about what your life would be life with a different parents and my sister would LOVE the importance placed on birth order in this family.  I think this is a good read if you can get past the language barrier even though it is in English.

The Scent of Rain and Lightning

Nancy Pickard

I think I liked this even better than the other book I recently read by this author.  I thought it was less predictable and I identified with the characters more.  I thought this was my kind of mystery, intriguing but not scary.  I also liked the perspective on family and appreciated how the mom in the story had realistic opinions about her children while fiercely loving them. 

Brava Valentine

Adriana Trigiani

A cute holiday read.  This was the perfect unwind for a few minutes at the end of a long day book.  It was fun, sweet and not challenging in any way.  It even involved celebrating the holidays, but you also got to escape to Italy and South America.  This was the second in a series and I enjoyed it.  I liked that it had a little more meat to while still remaining fun and overall light hearted.  I do hate that people are so laid back about the commitment that a marriage is, but this is a cheesy novel so I won't get up on my soap box.  And, I did love the story of her parents working through a challenge in their marriage rather than giving up!