I recently finished The Arsonist by Sue Miller, which I really liked. I've always enjoyed her books for a strong sense of place (New England!) and I think she draws rich and interesting characters. This book included a recently retired couple where the husband was in the early stages of Alzheimer's, and I found that part almost too painful (and I thought of you, Beckyliz).
I'm currently reading The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline and I like it so far. It's about a young woman in the 1800s who is transported as a criminal from England to Australia.