Royal Affairs by Leslie Carroll

As the subtitle implies, this book is, "A Lusty Romp through the extramarital Adventures that Rocked the British Monarchy." What a fun read! The book spans the entire history of the British monarchy from 1154 with Henry II and Rosamond de Clifford to present day with Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles. I'm a sucker for historical romance and this book has just the right amount of historical fact and juicy gossip. Even if you're not a big history buff this book is full of strong, successful (in a matter of speaking) woman who will definitely leave an impression on you, after all they all caught the eye of a King! So from scheming villainesses to international spies to politicians and actresses, these women will entertain!

Boom by Tom Brokaw

I am a baby boomer. I grew up in the sixties and graduated from college in 1970. As I was reading (actually I was listening to it) the book, I was constantly hearing songs in my head (as the titles were mentioned) and pictures in my mind of long-ago newscasts of assassinations, moon walks and body bags. Yeah, that's right - I remember all of that. It is what was actually happening that eluded my memory - well that isn't exactly right. I lived out the sixties in Indianola - race riots, anti-war demonstrations and bra burning ceremonies were not being held on our campus or in Buxton Park. So this book brought me up-to-date on how influential that decade was and what changes came about because of those times. Brokaw does a magnificent job of connecting the past to the present and telling the stories of many people - most of whom you will recognize. It was very well done and kept my interest. It also made me realize how fortunate I as to have been in the middle of Iowa - where I was kept naive but happy.

Of Men and Their Mothers by Mameve Medwed

After the last book I read, this one was fluffy and a fast read. There are many humorous parts in it but it is not one of my favorites. Maisie Grey is the main character. She is living with her teen-aged son, Tommy, after divorcing her husband. The husband was easy to get rid of compared to her MIL (mother-in-law). Her life is further complicated with the end of a relationship and the beginning of a new one (who is still living in his late mother's house). She is saddled with a new employee who is fighting for custody of her child. Tommy brings home his girlfriend who is on the outs with her mother. Lots and lots of mothers! Good for a laugh and to pass a few hours.

Exit Music by Ian Rankin (Mystery)

A Russian ex-patriate poet is killed violently. A random act of violence? It's hard to tell, especially when a witness is also murdered. There are a lot of Russian business men in Scotland - is there a connection? It's up to Detective Inspector Rebus to figure it all out and he only has a few days before his mandatory retirement kicks in. Will he make it? Will he survive it all? It's a long book but moves quickly, full of the flavor of Edinburgh.

I like Rebus and am sorry to see this series end. Or will it?