Songs of Summer by Jane L Rosen is another enjoyable "Summer Reads" (If you haven't read it, SPOILER ALERT STOP READING HERE. The central plot takes place of Fire Island. The story while a little predictable still kept me interested. I was impressed by the characters back story. I would have preferred a few more surprises. I liked the ending BUT, it was for me, cookie cutter - It is as if Ms. Rosen didn't try hard enough to be creative which is why a 4 and not a 5.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a fantasy/mystery. I listened to the audiobook and also enjoyed the australian narrator. The parallel story lines of Mary and Liza and Lucy and Jess were interesting and enjoyable

This story is set in China during the 1800s. The fate of girls and women were tied to male society. During that time mothers bound their daughters feet. Generally, the feet of girls born in the country were not bound. This story is about two young girls: Little Flower and Lingjing. Little Flower’s mother bound her feet to give her a good chance of marriage. Lingjing’s father interceded in the binding of his daughter’s feet so she was released from the process. When Little Flower’s father dies, her mother needs to make a deal for her daughter’s future. The fate of both girls is sealed. The look at Chinese culture as well as twists and turns in the life of the two girls was fascinating. I could not put this book down. I was engaged in all the twists and turns in little Flowers’ life.

Read this book!!! Penn is an author who is a stay-at-home dad; Rosie is emergency room doctor who eventually changes her preferred specialty to accommodate her youngest child. The couple has 5 sons, but at 3 years old the youngest tells them that when he grows up, he wants to be a girl. This book does an incredible job of showing what it’s like when a member of the family was born with the wrong genitalia. The author tells how different family members and community members react, and the impact this has on the child, the parents, the siblings, the grandmother, and friends. It’s also a novel about parenthood in general. I did not want to put this book down. It's insightful, heartfelt, full of quotes that I highlighted, and a must read.

Fiona Davis is my favorite author. I enjoy all her historical fiction novels especially this one because it involves the archaeological digs in Egypt which I find intriguing.

If you have heard stories about Captain Kidd, this non-fiction book will set you straight. I found it an interesting read.

Still Life by Louise Penny Really appreciated this sophisticated Mystery. Well written, well thought out, exciting, and engrossing. A different type of Mystery then many of the popular fiction I have read. Intricate plot planning, good character development, multi-dimensional characters, and a good mystery as well. I was very involved in trying to solve it. Also loved Armand Gamache, an introspective, honorable, diligent detective, interested in the people as well as the crime. I delighted in his manner of investigation, his desire to listen, to learn, to admit when he is stuck. Jane is dead, and many are suspected. As it is with small towns, everyone knows everyone and there are secretes, but there is also a marvelous feeling of community. The town itself becomes a character. A “Who done it”, of the highest caliber.

I really enjoyed this light summer read and love story like its title.

Jackson got what he wanted a son Amber was still not satisfied Amber and Jackson plotted varies schemes. Nothing seemed to satisfied Amber. Jackson wanted Daphne back Everything seem to backfire in there faces. one evening Jackson gets a visit from someone he stole diamonds from he tells them amber was the one who stole the diamonds they beat Jackson so bad the he no long is able to threaten anyone he is permanently locked in his head. the same people free amber from jail and take her. she also is no long a threat to anyone.. I found some of the chapter hard to get through. but was happy with the ending

I'm catching up on the Rina Lazarus/Peter Decker series. I fell behind. I love this series by Kellerman.