I developed a love of reading early in life.  My mom taught me to read before I started school with a little book she wrote and illustrated just for me titled, "Jane's Red Ball."  We always talked with each other about what we were reading and recommended books back and forth.  My mom was my best friend and she passed away very unexpectedly in 2013.  Often since that time, I think about how much I'd love to share a book with her and Leaving Time definitely topped that list.  
To me, this book was a compelling story about mother/daughter relationships and the amazing nature of elephants and their social culture.  Jodi Picoult is truly an amazing storyteller and always draws me in from the first page.  She does a fantastic job writing characters that are diverse, yet authentic and identifiable.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written story that will keep you interested and intrigued.  I also believe it would be a wonderful book club choice.  


My favorite quote from the book:  "If you think about someone you've loved and lost, you are already with them. The rest is just details.”                                         To my Mom, I think about you all the time!  

I always look forward to reading a holiday novel by Richard Paul Evans and The Mistletoe Promise did not disappoint.  It is a wonderful story about love, healing and redemption.  Nicholas approaches Elise in the food court of their office building and makes a proposal.  They would contract with each other to attend holiday functions together and have lunch together everyday but their commitment would end on Christmas Eve.  I couldn't help but get caught up in Elise's journey with Nicholas.  Mr. Evans does such a fabulous job describing scenes, I often felt I was experiencing the meals and holiday festivities myself.  The Mistletoe Promise is an uplifting story for the holidays and it was a pleasure to gift this novel to friends for Christmas.