A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin

George R.R. Martin's fans have waited 6 years for this fifth installment of his great Song of Ice and Fire series. Many readers were disappointed by this book, but I'm not one of them! Although no major plot points are resolved, the story continues to be absorbing. This book concentrates on some of my favorite characters from the series: Tyrion, Jon Snow and Daeneyrs. I remain amazed at how the author has assembled this terrific cast and continues to arrange and manipulate the various story lines like pieces on a chessboard. Since the first book (Game of Thrones) was made into an HBO series, and the filming of season two is underway, I am hopeful George R.R. Martin will finish this wonderful story. Let's hope it doesn't take another six years!

A Bad Day for Sorry by Sophie Littlefield

Stella Hardesty is a fifty year old woman who has made a name for herself. But maybe not in the way you might think. Since ridding herself of an abusive husband, she has come to help others in similar situations. She is a scrappy gal who doesn't let her age get in the way of what needs to be done - even if it is a little left of the law.
In this book, Stella's client, Chrissy Lardner, seeks Stella's help in finding her little boy, Tucker. What Stella doesn't know is that Tucker has gotten himself tangled in the mess of a mafia family. As Stella and Chrissy try to figure out who might have taken the boy and why, they develop a bond and work together to solve the case.
It appears that this is the first book in a new series. I look forward to the next installment of Stella and her crime stopping efforts.

The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen

I love a good murder/mystery, and Tess Gerritsen is a good murder/mystery writer. The latest installment in the Rizzoli & Isles series has Jane Rizzoli, a Boston homicide detective, called to China town to investigate a murder. This murder seems to have ties to a murder/suicide that took place 19 years ago. That murder was solved...Or was it? As Jane investigates with the help of coroner Maura Isles the investigation widens to include 2 missing girls. With a good dose of old Chinese proverbs and shadowy China town figures, this book had me guessing until the end. An excellent read.

Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

Parker Brown turned the quartet's childhood game of wedding day into their dream jobs. Now she's the face of Vows-the one who meets every bride's demand, keeps every event on schedule and brings Emma's flowers, Laurel's treats and Mac's pictures all together in one glorious package. She know how to make dreams come true. Then mechanic Malcom Kavanaugh steps into her life. He loves figuring out how things work, and Parker Brown is no exception. But as a good friend to Parker's brother, Mal knows that moving from minor flirtation to major hookup is a serious step. This was a great conclusion to this series of books.

Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

The third book in the "Brides Quartet" was about Laurel, the wedding cake maker, and Del who is Parker's brother. Lauren has been in love with Del all of her life, but she always thought that Del thought of her as nothing more than a sister. Lauren reacts to Del's behavior in a way that he wasn't expecting. The two start dating and have many ups and downs in the relationship. Mainly with Lauren's insecurity about their relationship and the fact that Del is wealthy and a member of a prominent family. After a run in with Mac's mother things heat up a bit. In the end I wasn't disappointed and would highly recommend this book.

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

The second in her "Bride Quartet" series once again didn't fail in providing me the escape I was looking for. The book follows Emma, a florist in her partners wedding business, as she overcomes her single girl ways to catch the man of her dreams. It just so happens that this man is also an old friend of the extended family at Vows. I would certainly recommend it to any reader who enjoys strong friendships and decent romance.

Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay

This was an interesting, rather quirky read. A bit of a different approach to the story of a woman who can't find the right man. Jesse is dreaming of the day when she will finally meet Mr. Right. When God shows up in the flesh, she discovers that her way is not necessarily the best way.

Good Grief by Lollie Winston

This is a fun easy read about a woman who lost her husband to cancer. The book follows her through the first 18 months after his death. You get to go through the grief process with her. The story is told with so much insight and humor that you fall in love with Sophie the widow. In her own words, she desperately wants to be a good widow-graceful and composed. She will break your heart as you see how she falls apart and then rebuilds her life. The story is told with so much humor that you have to laugh out loud.