Crocodile on the Sandbank

by Elizabeth Peters

This month we read the first in a series of Amelia Peabody mysteries written by Elizabeth Peters. Set in Egypt in 1884, the story is an account of Amelia's travels to Egypt to learn about the pyramids and all things Egypt. As the mystery unfolds one can't help but respect and admire Amelia's courage and non-conformity.

Our venue this month was the Tin Angel Cafe in Salt Lake City, a quaint and delicious little place across the street from Pioneer Park. Their wild boar dish was amazing, a great chance to try something different. Everyone enjoyed their food and the staff was very attentive.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

This month we enjoyed a wonderful historical fiction novel set during World War II on the island of Guernsey. The German occupation of the island during the war plays a significant part in the story but with unexpected twists helping you to realize that even German soldiers were human too. The format of the book is simply a series of letters written to and from the characters in the book, a unique and clever way to show the perspective of each character. We all loved this book and found that we could not put it down.

Our restaurant this month was Macaroni Grill in Salt Lake City. Tasty but not amazing, we enjoyed some good Italian food.

Wish You Well

by David Baldacci

For March and April we read a very touching novel called Wish You Well. A departure from Baldacci's thriller-type books, this story was inspired by his mother's upbringing in Virginia. Set in the 1940's, it is the story of two children who move from New York City to their grandmother's farm in Virginia. Their grandmother is a hearty old woman who teaches them a great deal about farming and about life.

Our meeting spot was El Rocoto, a small Peruvian restaurant. The staff was very friendly and the food was good - large plates of meat and potatoes, very hearty.

The Buddha in the Attic

by Julie Otsuka

This month we read The Buddha in the Attic, an interesting book written with a different perspective. Rather than focus on one story and one set of characters, the author writes in general about a group of people - a group of Japanese women who came to America for arranged marriages. The story follows the lives of these women throughout the hardships they face in America, leading up to World War II and the Japanese internment camps. Most of us liked the story although some found the 'group' writing style to be confusing and would have preferred more focus.

We met at Fuji Sushi in Centerville and found their bento boxes and their sushi to be quite yummy.

Angels in the Gloom

by Anne Perry

This month we read Angels in the Gloom, a World War II book set in England. Although this is the third book in a series, it was self-contained enough to read on its own. We found this to be a great story with wonderful characters. A great way to learn about history.

We met at PF Chang's in Salt Lake City and enjoyed some delicious Chinese food.

A Redbird Christmas

by Fannie Flagg

This month was a light read since we are all so busy at holiday time. A Redbird Christmas was a delightful novel to inspire some Christmas spirit. We all enjoyed it.

We met at the Village Inn in Bountiful and savored some yummy comfort food.

Half Broke Horses

     

by Jeannette Walls

This month we read Jeannette Walls' novel that she loosely based on the life of her grandmother, Half Broke Horses. Most of us really enjoyed the book and found it very entertaining. We thought it was more upbeat than Glass Castles. We liked the first-person perspective of the story and thought Walls made the right decision to make it a novel and use the first person instead of writing a more serious biography of her grandmother.

We met at Sizzler in Bountiful for a steak-and-salad meal which we enjoyed but found to be a bit salty. We don't usually splurge for dessert but at Sizzler its included with the meal so we indulged in some yummy brownies and ice cream.