Three Dashes Bitters by Jack Simmons

This book by an inspiring friend of ours--a philosophy professor, no less--kept me reading all night. I enjoy the author's wry humor, and the situations keep you wanting to see what happens as the likeable protagonist keeps screwing up. His best friend is worse even than him, but they both have admirable qualities--even inspirational ones, and you're charmed and shaking your head and hooked through to the end. Between the ridiculous situations are sprinkled little truths and some food for thought. A fun read whose unexpected story line reminds me of Catcher in the Rye.

The Blue by Nancy Bilyeau

Swashbuckling, 18th-century fun!  I enjoyed Genevieve's consistently headstrong character. She was so flawed and yet so strong in her beliefs, nearly ruining everything with her lack of caution in the end! The setting of a porcelain factory was interesting and different, while her Huguenot background presented a novel perspective I appreciate, having Huguenot ancestry in our family tree as well.  So far, I recommend almost anything by Nancy Bilyeau as a fun, generally clean read.