Map of the Heart by Susan Wiggs
Widow Camille is raising her teenager Julie, and goes a bit overboard to try and keep her safe. She hides herself in her darkroom developing/restoring negatives. When Julie is hurt at school Camille freaks out and tightens her grip on Julie that causes all sorts of issues with Julie. A job of developing her client's film that may answer a mystery gets destroyed but leads to a acquaintance that will play a huge part in their lives. Camille's ailing father needs to return to his birthplace in France and reluctantly Camille agrees to accompany him. There a bit of mystery is revealed that leads to a secondary story of her father's mother during WWII. Loved these characters and their heartbreaking, but triumphant stories. This book will be on my favorite of the year list.
Year One by Nora Roberts (#1)
A family is celebrating the holidays together. On a hunting trip something happens that unleashes a virus that causes a pandemic. Over two-thirds of the population are gone and among the survivors strange things are happening. Many seem to handle these changes well, but others don't. The survivors gather in small groups and travel out of the cities to smaller communities in order to find ways to live and to avoid the bad/evil factions. The story centers around three of these groups as they find each other and build a community. The immune are of interest to the government and realize they need to hide. The characters that make up the three groups vary and make this a fast paced, exciting read that left me looking forward to the next book.
Too Shattered For Mending by Peter Brown Hoffmeister
Little (Gavin) is doing all he can to stay in high school, help his young cousin, eat and just hold it together while his older brother is serving time in jail. The sheriff is looking for his grandfather Big and thinks Little knows more than he is saying. His life is hard and you can't help but root for him as the story progresses. Gritty, heartbreaking, and full of emotion gives this hard to put down novel much to like.
Drowning to Breath by A.L. Jackson (#2) audio
Sebastian York and Andi Arndt narrate this story of Shea and Sebastian who thought they found their happily ever after until their pasts and secrets resurface and threaten to drown them both. They are willing to do what it takes to combat that which could destroy them both. This audio puts you through the ringer as the characters fight for what they want the most.
A Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase (#1) audio
Olympia has chosen a from the Dis-Graces, a group of three Dukes that have been friends for years. Ashmont is the intended groom. On the wedding morning Olympia is settling her nerves with some tea, not realizing it is spiked. She gets a bit tipsy and her second thoughts have her escaping out the window. Hugh, Duke of Ripley is tasked with bringing her back. Amid a few misfortunes, some hilarious, they come to really like each other. Hugh is trying to do the right thing by his friend, but both find themselves looking for excuses to delay their return. But they will have to face their family and friends. . Kate Reading narrates this fun, delightful book. I look forward to book two in the series.
*Thanks to Harper Audio for this review copy*
Up Next:
Badlands by C.J. Box
Can't Let Go by Gena Showalter
The Late Show by Michael Connelly
Having another warm up and enjoyed some sunshine. More snow is on the way, but the little glimpses of warmth help. Going to donate my hair this week to Locks of Love. Will share pictures next week.
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