Books Completed Since August 1

  Leather & Lark, Brynne Weaver
In Weaver's first book, Butcher & Blackbird, we met Rowan and Sloane, two serial killers who slake their thirst for death by killing other serial killers (and child molesters). Now we follow Rowan's brother Lachlan, a contract killer who is basically in thrall to the man who pulled him and his brothers out of trouble, and Lark Montague, Sloane's best friend since boarding school, where Sloane avenged her abuse and her best friend's abuse by a teacher.

When Lachlan has to get Lark out of a jam, he thinks she's a spoiled princess; when he locks her in the trunk of a car, she hates him. However, as the two re-encounter each other, they discover that an unknown killer is after Rowan and Sloane, and that Lark's family might be targeting Lachlan for the wrong reason. So they arrange a marriage of convenience—just to save his life, you understand—and then Lachlan discovers Lark's secret habit.

Lachlan and Lark aren't quite as spontaneous as Rowan and Sloane, but there are plenty of surprises in this dark romance. Warning: very violent with graphic descriptions.

  In Pursuit of Jefferson, Derek Baxter
Baxter was once a die-hard Thomas Jefferson fanatic, trying to look past the man's weaknesses, especially his adherence to that "peculiar institution," slavery, in the light of his ideas about liberty. He decides to tour Europe following Jefferson's itinerary after taking part in a marathon in which he dresses up as Jefferson. About halfway through, the specter of slavery begins to trip him up, and he wonders if he should follow this founding father after all.

I knew this book wasn't by a historian, and I generally like books by amateur historians following a certain historical path; what I wasn't prepared for was a wine tour, even though I know Jefferson was big into wines and planted a vineyard at Monticello. But there's too much wine-tasting here, and repetition of how guilty he feels for liking a man who supported slavery. The whole of Jefferson should be considered, including the bad; you can't stick him up on a pedestal and declare him perfect because he wasn't. Once or twice was enough to tell us about your guilt.

Wine-tasting is boring. Period. Enough books about wine.

  Happy Place, Emily Henr
Harriet and Wyn met in college and have been soulmates ever since, or so their best friends think. But when they reunite for one final get-together at a family-owned Maine cottage for the annual lobster festival before the cottage is sold, they're keeping a secret: they've broken up, and they don't know how to broach the idea to their friends. In the meantime, Harriet—working long hours as a physician—and Wyn, who's gone back to his family in Montana and is now happily making furniture, have to navigate the feelings they still have for each other, how their lives are changing, and the future.

As always, Henry discusses the serious things behind the fun and friends: family expectations, the effects of depression, the perils of not voicing your dreams. Enjoyed this one, but it makes you hurt, too.

  A Different Mirror, Ronald Takaki
While all those famous (and white Protestant male) figures in United States history were getting their names and the dates in the history books, what about the ordinary folks and the newcomers? Takaki follows each of the groups—Native Americans, Black, Latino, Irish, East and Central Asian, Jewish and other non-Christian, and currently Middle Eastern—as they try to fit into the mythology that has grown up around the founding of the country. Broken treaties, broken promises, and much bigotry ensued. See what "the little people" (the workers and the outsiders) were doing while "history was writ larger" in the traditional books. Brings a richer palette to the American experience.

  Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey
This is the final book in "The Founding of Valdemar" series, in which the refugees from Baron Kordas Valdemar's have taken root in an old Hawkbrothers stronghold on the banks of a river, building the city which will become Haven. They still worry about an attack from the old Empire, but the stakes become deadly when it's discovered that a vicious, rogue mage has been extending tendrils into the area for months. Can they defend themselves? Kordas' meditation brings about the creation of the Companions and the development of the Herald system. In the meantime, Restal, the king's oldest, discovers a kindred spirit, as does Delia, the queen's sister.

Enjoyed this, but what's with all the emphasis on the cat? I love cats, but the worshiping of Sydney-you-asshole is excessive.