Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

 I have loved all  of Kristin Hannah's books. I learn something about the time period and am always deeply moved by the characters. This story is about the Dust Bowl and starts out in west Texas. I had not really studied or read much about this time period, so I learned a lot. I don't want to give away too much, but it was a difficult time to have lived through, in addition to the Great Depression. With that said, it is not a make you happy, smile on your face book, but has so much substance. Once again, I will keep reading Hannah's novels.

The Butterfly Effect by Kelly Elliott

Once again Kelly Elliott had me mesmerized by The Butterfly Effect. What I love about her books is I get to escape into a sweet, but somehow damaged love. This time it's a story that takes place in New Hampshire and Willa's family owns an apple orchid. She is in love with her brother's best friend Aiden, who joins the Navy and becomes a SEAL. I learned some things about apples, but also the effects of war and PTSD. I love the strength she builds into her characters and I can already see there are a few stories that can come from this book. I cannot wait to read them too!

Feels Like Home by Kelly Elliott

Kelly Elliott has a real knack for small town romance novels. In this one, Anson, a country western singer, returns to his hometown, Comfort, Texas to regroup. He left his first love there six years previously. Kelly makes you feel like you know her characters. You root for them and hope things work out. I love that her books make me smile, laugh, and sometimes cry. I can always see exactly where she is describing in her books. If you haven't read any of Kelly's books, give this one a try, I don't think you will be disappointed.

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom does it again. He captures my attention from the beginning of every story he tells. Frankie Presto is a magical character whose music brings life to this story. Like all Albom's stories, this was one I didn't want to end.

The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer

The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer

A former CIA doctor is doing her best to stay hidden, as they are trying to kill her. When they draw her out to save the world from a terrible virus, she gets involved with another operative who is also on the run. This is an intriguing story. Meyer does a great job of keeping you interested until the very end.

Mightier than the Sword by Jeffrey Archer

Mightier than the Sword by Jeffrey Archer

There are a number of interwoven stories in this novel. There is love, politics, deceit, plotting, and one man's mission to right a wrong. Archer's novel is part of The Clifton Chronicles. The only problem with a story like this is that it is a cliff hanger. I looked forward to each chapter. I appreciated the historical references, as Harry Clifton, one of the main characters, worked toward trying to have a Russian prisoner released and have his book published. If you like historical fiction, you will enjoy this book!

Doc: The Rape of a Town by Jack Olson

Jack Olsen's Doc The Rape of the Town of Lovell will leave you wondering how such a thing could happen. This is a true account of a small town doctor taking advantage of his submissive female patients. As the doctor of a town for 25 years, he is looked upon as a trusted man. It is hard to believe how he used his position to rape a multitude of women and get away with it. He targeted women who were raised to be submissive and naive. I hated this man and at first found it hard to imagine that many women remained quiet about their molestations and continued to use this doctor for years. As I read and learned more about their upbringings my heart broken for these women.

Not a happy story, but an incredible one.