Susan here, on the last day of January 2018 (already!), bringing you our WWR (What We're Reading) post. Contemporary, historical romance, a treasure trove of mysteries, an English king and a Renaissance giant — the Wenches have discovered some truly great reads this month!
Pat says –
I still can’t tell if I enjoyed THE ART OF CRASH LANDING by Melissa DeCarlo or was just seriously annoyed with it—which means I really got into it and lived with it, which doesn’t happen often anymore. The protagonist is a hot mess. Her mother was worse. Her life’s screwed up, and then her grandmother dies and she runs off to see if she inherited anything–before even calling the lawyer. She continues to recklessly fling herself into life, other people’s lives, future lives, but with each futile leap, she learns a little more. The reader gets to watch as she opens up, just a little, to the possibility that there are other lives out there besides hers, that they’re as seriously messed up as she is, and maybe, just maybe, she might fix one small thing here and there. There’s a touch of romance, but mostly, this is a woman learning how to live and face the future instead of wallowing in guilt and self-loathing. I don’t think I’d like this woman if I met her, but she’s someone I wouldn’t hate by the end. If I made you curious, try it!
Mary Jo –
I've read several good books recently, but for the now, I'll just tell you about Emily Larkin's Trusting Miss Trentham – #3 in the Baleful Godmother historical series, it features Letty Trentham, a plain woman who is the greatest heiress in England, and has been gifted with the ability to tell truth from lies every time. Since she's an heiress, this is useful–she's turned down almost 200 proposals because no matter what they say, she knows they're lying and only interested in her fortune.
Then one night at a ball, after she's turned down one proposal, she's approached by gaunt, haunted Major Icarus Reid, recently out of the army, and needing her help to find which of two English officers betrayed secret information that led to the French ambushing Reid's scouting party in Portugal. Four young men died, and Reid was broken in deep emotional ways. He wants to see justice done so he can die in peace, and he needs Letty's help to find the liar.
Letty weighs the cost to her reputation against the lives of four men who were needlessly slaughtered, and says yes. This leads the two of them on a colorful journey across country, and a relationship that develops in unusual and fascinating ways. Well worth reading!
Nicola —
This month I’ve been sampling some of the new-style Mills & Boon books following on from the launch of a new series – Dare – and the makeover and new look for the other lines. There’s no doubt that Dare is very HOT and the books very explicit although like all Mills and Boon romances they are strong on the emotional connection between hero and heroine. One – or both – of the protagonists are pretty tortured (in the emotional sense of the word – there’s no BDSM!) and the use of a first person narrator also makes the stories very immediate. If you like very racy stories this line could be for you! The books are out in e-only in the US and print and e-book in the UK and Australia from February, I think.
M&B have also given a new look to the other lines – I love the teal colourway they are using, and the books look fresh and contemporary. My favourite though (of course!) are the historicals. The new covers are gorgeous and the book I read “From Governess to Countess” by Marguerite Kaye was as enjoyable as Marguerite’s books always are; I love her rich descriptions and the deep emotional and moral dilemmas she gives her characters. Gorgeous! (UK edition here.)
On the non-fiction side I’m reading Charles Spencer’s book “To Catch A King: Charles II’s Great Escape.” (UK edition here.) After the Battle of Worcester in 1651, Charles II spent six weeks on the run evading Cromwell’s troops in the greatest manhunt that England had ever seen. The book tells the story of this most memorable and dramatic episode in Charles’s life and it is totally gripping. It reads like a thriller but also gives an insight into the character of one of England’s kings for whom I have always had a bit of a soft spot. I haven’t finished it yet but it’s a brilliant read so far! If you’re in the UK the book is available in hardback and it’s out in audiobook in the US with the other editions to follow.
Andrea/Cara:
Since the Christmas break I've done a lot of reading. I've been catching up on crime — fiction that is. I'd fallen a bit behind with it, so I started with the always excellent Elly Griffiths and read The Ghost Fields, The Woman in Blue, and The Chalk Pit. I really love her Ruth Galloway series. If you haven't tried Elly Griffiths, start with the first book in the series, The Crossing Places.
A while ago I started reading the first of Rhys Bowen's mystery series featuring Lady Georgiana Rannoch, Her Royal Spyness, but Life got in the way; the book, with others, got set aside. When this happens I often lose interest, but I couldn't wait to get back to it–starting the book over in audiobook, which I loved. Lady Georgie is clever and delightful, and Bowen creates 1930s England (and a bit of Scotland) completely. Her characters, Lady Georgiana and her quirky friends (including a sexy Irishman), a few rawther buttoned-up aristocrats and even the very Queen, are fascinating and individually drawn. Bowen has a light touch with the mystery aspects, and Lady Georgie's escapades (and calamities) are so engaging that I'm thoroughly hooked now, and I'm halfway through the next in the series and have purchased a couple of books ahead (I tend to bounce around in my book choices and don't closely follow many series, sothis says a lot!). Susan
On the basis of Mary Jo’s recommendation and the fact that I had loved the first Baleful Godmother book, I snapped up Trusting Miss Trentham and also the second novella in the series. I LOVE these books, I really do. They are warm and funny and emotionally engaging and once I start I don’t want to put them down. Seconding the recommendation!
On the basis of Mary Jo’s recommendation and the fact that I had loved the first Baleful Godmother book, I snapped up Trusting Miss Trentham and also the second novella in the series. I LOVE these books, I really do. They are warm and funny and emotionally engaging and once I start I don’t want to put them down. Seconding the recommendation!
On the basis of Mary Jo’s recommendation and the fact that I had loved the first Baleful Godmother book, I snapped up Trusting Miss Trentham and also the second novella in the series. I LOVE these books, I really do. They are warm and funny and emotionally engaging and once I start I don’t want to put them down. Seconding the recommendation!
On the basis of Mary Jo’s recommendation and the fact that I had loved the first Baleful Godmother book, I snapped up Trusting Miss Trentham and also the second novella in the series. I LOVE these books, I really do. They are warm and funny and emotionally engaging and once I start I don’t want to put them down. Seconding the recommendation!
On the basis of Mary Jo’s recommendation and the fact that I had loved the first Baleful Godmother book, I snapped up Trusting Miss Trentham and also the second novella in the series. I LOVE these books, I really do. They are warm and funny and emotionally engaging and once I start I don’t want to put them down. Seconding the recommendation!
I have only read two new book this month, and actually they are both older books. The first is Mary Balogh’s SNOW ANGEL, which I loved a quite a bit more than some of her other older offerings. I’m a true Balogh fan girl though, so anything she does is an automatic buy for me.
The second one was a book by Carla Kelly called MRS. DREW PLAYS HER HAND. A lovely love story. I like Carla Kelly a lot, but in some of her books descriptions of unpleasant things can be a bit raw. Some thing – even if only seen in your mind’s eye – cannot be unseen. But that is my problem, not Ms. Kelly’s. She’s a wonderful writer.
LEONARDO DA VINCI by Walter Isaacson sounds wonderful. But the price looks a bit steep. It would eat up my whole monthly book budget. I’ll have to check my library to see if it is available.
I have only read two new book this month, and actually they are both older books. The first is Mary Balogh’s SNOW ANGEL, which I loved a quite a bit more than some of her other older offerings. I’m a true Balogh fan girl though, so anything she does is an automatic buy for me.
The second one was a book by Carla Kelly called MRS. DREW PLAYS HER HAND. A lovely love story. I like Carla Kelly a lot, but in some of her books descriptions of unpleasant things can be a bit raw. Some thing – even if only seen in your mind’s eye – cannot be unseen. But that is my problem, not Ms. Kelly’s. She’s a wonderful writer.
LEONARDO DA VINCI by Walter Isaacson sounds wonderful. But the price looks a bit steep. It would eat up my whole monthly book budget. I’ll have to check my library to see if it is available.
I have only read two new book this month, and actually they are both older books. The first is Mary Balogh’s SNOW ANGEL, which I loved a quite a bit more than some of her other older offerings. I’m a true Balogh fan girl though, so anything she does is an automatic buy for me.
The second one was a book by Carla Kelly called MRS. DREW PLAYS HER HAND. A lovely love story. I like Carla Kelly a lot, but in some of her books descriptions of unpleasant things can be a bit raw. Some thing – even if only seen in your mind’s eye – cannot be unseen. But that is my problem, not Ms. Kelly’s. She’s a wonderful writer.
LEONARDO DA VINCI by Walter Isaacson sounds wonderful. But the price looks a bit steep. It would eat up my whole monthly book budget. I’ll have to check my library to see if it is available.
I have only read two new book this month, and actually they are both older books. The first is Mary Balogh’s SNOW ANGEL, which I loved a quite a bit more than some of her other older offerings. I’m a true Balogh fan girl though, so anything she does is an automatic buy for me.
The second one was a book by Carla Kelly called MRS. DREW PLAYS HER HAND. A lovely love story. I like Carla Kelly a lot, but in some of her books descriptions of unpleasant things can be a bit raw. Some thing – even if only seen in your mind’s eye – cannot be unseen. But that is my problem, not Ms. Kelly’s. She’s a wonderful writer.
LEONARDO DA VINCI by Walter Isaacson sounds wonderful. But the price looks a bit steep. It would eat up my whole monthly book budget. I’ll have to check my library to see if it is available.
I have only read two new book this month, and actually they are both older books. The first is Mary Balogh’s SNOW ANGEL, which I loved a quite a bit more than some of her other older offerings. I’m a true Balogh fan girl though, so anything she does is an automatic buy for me.
The second one was a book by Carla Kelly called MRS. DREW PLAYS HER HAND. A lovely love story. I like Carla Kelly a lot, but in some of her books descriptions of unpleasant things can be a bit raw. Some thing – even if only seen in your mind’s eye – cannot be unseen. But that is my problem, not Ms. Kelly’s. She’s a wonderful writer.
LEONARDO DA VINCI by Walter Isaacson sounds wonderful. But the price looks a bit steep. It would eat up my whole monthly book budget. I’ll have to check my library to see if it is available.
I’m a fan of Larkin’s Baleful Godmothers books too and of Louise Penney and Rhys Bowen as well. And I will definitely check out the da Vinci biography and the Lucy Diamond books.
This month I have been reading a book I find fascinating: Kindred Hands: Letters on Writing by British and American Women Authors, 1865-1935 edited by Jennifer Cognard-Black and Elizabeth MacLeod Walls. I have been reading it slowly because I go back and reread passages so often and because I take time to ponder what I have read. I found the letters of Rebecca Harding Davis particularly engaging. In letters to her editor, she expresses her fear that a story he liked was “like giving people broken bits of apple-rind to chew” and worries about the influence of Charlotte Bronte being too obvious. Her letter to her son Richard Harding Davis as she tries to balance her belief in his gift and notes of caution that “time and hard work” are necessary to reach his potential is especially wonderful. I love the way the letters humanize these women. In keeping with my reading resolution for 2018, I am pushing myself to read one book of poetry by a new poet each month. January’s book has been Lacunae : 100 Imagined Ancient Love Poems by Daniel Nadler. It is a lovely collection of short lyrics with evocative lines, and I was captivated by the idea of a techie writing poems about a world without technology. And as always I have been reading romance and mystery. My sister recommended Alison Golden’s Reverend Annabelle Dixon series, and I have enjoyed those. I thought Roxanne St. Claire’s Bad to the Bone was the best of her wholly delightful Dogfather series, and I loved the two most recent historical ARCs I read: Meredith Duran’s The Sins of Lord Lockwood and Mary Balogh’s Someone to Care.
I’m a fan of Larkin’s Baleful Godmothers books too and of Louise Penney and Rhys Bowen as well. And I will definitely check out the da Vinci biography and the Lucy Diamond books.
This month I have been reading a book I find fascinating: Kindred Hands: Letters on Writing by British and American Women Authors, 1865-1935 edited by Jennifer Cognard-Black and Elizabeth MacLeod Walls. I have been reading it slowly because I go back and reread passages so often and because I take time to ponder what I have read. I found the letters of Rebecca Harding Davis particularly engaging. In letters to her editor, she expresses her fear that a story he liked was “like giving people broken bits of apple-rind to chew” and worries about the influence of Charlotte Bronte being too obvious. Her letter to her son Richard Harding Davis as she tries to balance her belief in his gift and notes of caution that “time and hard work” are necessary to reach his potential is especially wonderful. I love the way the letters humanize these women. In keeping with my reading resolution for 2018, I am pushing myself to read one book of poetry by a new poet each month. January’s book has been Lacunae : 100 Imagined Ancient Love Poems by Daniel Nadler. It is a lovely collection of short lyrics with evocative lines, and I was captivated by the idea of a techie writing poems about a world without technology. And as always I have been reading romance and mystery. My sister recommended Alison Golden’s Reverend Annabelle Dixon series, and I have enjoyed those. I thought Roxanne St. Claire’s Bad to the Bone was the best of her wholly delightful Dogfather series, and I loved the two most recent historical ARCs I read: Meredith Duran’s The Sins of Lord Lockwood and Mary Balogh’s Someone to Care.
I’m a fan of Larkin’s Baleful Godmothers books too and of Louise Penney and Rhys Bowen as well. And I will definitely check out the da Vinci biography and the Lucy Diamond books.
This month I have been reading a book I find fascinating: Kindred Hands: Letters on Writing by British and American Women Authors, 1865-1935 edited by Jennifer Cognard-Black and Elizabeth MacLeod Walls. I have been reading it slowly because I go back and reread passages so often and because I take time to ponder what I have read. I found the letters of Rebecca Harding Davis particularly engaging. In letters to her editor, she expresses her fear that a story he liked was “like giving people broken bits of apple-rind to chew” and worries about the influence of Charlotte Bronte being too obvious. Her letter to her son Richard Harding Davis as she tries to balance her belief in his gift and notes of caution that “time and hard work” are necessary to reach his potential is especially wonderful. I love the way the letters humanize these women. In keeping with my reading resolution for 2018, I am pushing myself to read one book of poetry by a new poet each month. January’s book has been Lacunae : 100 Imagined Ancient Love Poems by Daniel Nadler. It is a lovely collection of short lyrics with evocative lines, and I was captivated by the idea of a techie writing poems about a world without technology. And as always I have been reading romance and mystery. My sister recommended Alison Golden’s Reverend Annabelle Dixon series, and I have enjoyed those. I thought Roxanne St. Claire’s Bad to the Bone was the best of her wholly delightful Dogfather series, and I loved the two most recent historical ARCs I read: Meredith Duran’s The Sins of Lord Lockwood and Mary Balogh’s Someone to Care.
I’m a fan of Larkin’s Baleful Godmothers books too and of Louise Penney and Rhys Bowen as well. And I will definitely check out the da Vinci biography and the Lucy Diamond books.
This month I have been reading a book I find fascinating: Kindred Hands: Letters on Writing by British and American Women Authors, 1865-1935 edited by Jennifer Cognard-Black and Elizabeth MacLeod Walls. I have been reading it slowly because I go back and reread passages so often and because I take time to ponder what I have read. I found the letters of Rebecca Harding Davis particularly engaging. In letters to her editor, she expresses her fear that a story he liked was “like giving people broken bits of apple-rind to chew” and worries about the influence of Charlotte Bronte being too obvious. Her letter to her son Richard Harding Davis as she tries to balance her belief in his gift and notes of caution that “time and hard work” are necessary to reach his potential is especially wonderful. I love the way the letters humanize these women. In keeping with my reading resolution for 2018, I am pushing myself to read one book of poetry by a new poet each month. January’s book has been Lacunae : 100 Imagined Ancient Love Poems by Daniel Nadler. It is a lovely collection of short lyrics with evocative lines, and I was captivated by the idea of a techie writing poems about a world without technology. And as always I have been reading romance and mystery. My sister recommended Alison Golden’s Reverend Annabelle Dixon series, and I have enjoyed those. I thought Roxanne St. Claire’s Bad to the Bone was the best of her wholly delightful Dogfather series, and I loved the two most recent historical ARCs I read: Meredith Duran’s The Sins of Lord Lockwood and Mary Balogh’s Someone to Care.
I’m a fan of Larkin’s Baleful Godmothers books too and of Louise Penney and Rhys Bowen as well. And I will definitely check out the da Vinci biography and the Lucy Diamond books.
This month I have been reading a book I find fascinating: Kindred Hands: Letters on Writing by British and American Women Authors, 1865-1935 edited by Jennifer Cognard-Black and Elizabeth MacLeod Walls. I have been reading it slowly because I go back and reread passages so often and because I take time to ponder what I have read. I found the letters of Rebecca Harding Davis particularly engaging. In letters to her editor, she expresses her fear that a story he liked was “like giving people broken bits of apple-rind to chew” and worries about the influence of Charlotte Bronte being too obvious. Her letter to her son Richard Harding Davis as she tries to balance her belief in his gift and notes of caution that “time and hard work” are necessary to reach his potential is especially wonderful. I love the way the letters humanize these women. In keeping with my reading resolution for 2018, I am pushing myself to read one book of poetry by a new poet each month. January’s book has been Lacunae : 100 Imagined Ancient Love Poems by Daniel Nadler. It is a lovely collection of short lyrics with evocative lines, and I was captivated by the idea of a techie writing poems about a world without technology. And as always I have been reading romance and mystery. My sister recommended Alison Golden’s Reverend Annabelle Dixon series, and I have enjoyed those. I thought Roxanne St. Claire’s Bad to the Bone was the best of her wholly delightful Dogfather series, and I loved the two most recent historical ARCs I read: Meredith Duran’s The Sins of Lord Lockwood and Mary Balogh’s Someone to Care.
This month I discovered Stella Riley has started writing books again. I read The Marigold Chain when it first came out in the 80s and then some years ago managed to track down some of her Cavalier/Roundhead books. I have started the Rockcliffe series and they are fabulous. I find myself smiling as I read them
This month I discovered Stella Riley has started writing books again. I read The Marigold Chain when it first came out in the 80s and then some years ago managed to track down some of her Cavalier/Roundhead books. I have started the Rockcliffe series and they are fabulous. I find myself smiling as I read them
This month I discovered Stella Riley has started writing books again. I read The Marigold Chain when it first came out in the 80s and then some years ago managed to track down some of her Cavalier/Roundhead books. I have started the Rockcliffe series and they are fabulous. I find myself smiling as I read them
This month I discovered Stella Riley has started writing books again. I read The Marigold Chain when it first came out in the 80s and then some years ago managed to track down some of her Cavalier/Roundhead books. I have started the Rockcliffe series and they are fabulous. I find myself smiling as I read them
This month I discovered Stella Riley has started writing books again. I read The Marigold Chain when it first came out in the 80s and then some years ago managed to track down some of her Cavalier/Roundhead books. I have started the Rockcliffe series and they are fabulous. I find myself smiling as I read them
In December, Mary Jo posted in her Facebook group (page?) about some books by Trisha Ashley. I didn’t get to them in December, but I have spent January gobbling up every one I could find! And I did enjoy each one.
Then I received notice that the final book in Susan Squires “Children of Merlin” series will arrive next Tuesday. It has been more than a year since the last one came out. So I have begun rereading all the earlier ones in sequence. I want to be up-to-date on the over-all story arc on this series. I’m sure that it will be important in this final offering.
Susan Squires writes paranormal; this series is more nearly pure fantasy; but not high fantasy.
In December, Mary Jo posted in her Facebook group (page?) about some books by Trisha Ashley. I didn’t get to them in December, but I have spent January gobbling up every one I could find! And I did enjoy each one.
Then I received notice that the final book in Susan Squires “Children of Merlin” series will arrive next Tuesday. It has been more than a year since the last one came out. So I have begun rereading all the earlier ones in sequence. I want to be up-to-date on the over-all story arc on this series. I’m sure that it will be important in this final offering.
Susan Squires writes paranormal; this series is more nearly pure fantasy; but not high fantasy.
In December, Mary Jo posted in her Facebook group (page?) about some books by Trisha Ashley. I didn’t get to them in December, but I have spent January gobbling up every one I could find! And I did enjoy each one.
Then I received notice that the final book in Susan Squires “Children of Merlin” series will arrive next Tuesday. It has been more than a year since the last one came out. So I have begun rereading all the earlier ones in sequence. I want to be up-to-date on the over-all story arc on this series. I’m sure that it will be important in this final offering.
Susan Squires writes paranormal; this series is more nearly pure fantasy; but not high fantasy.
In December, Mary Jo posted in her Facebook group (page?) about some books by Trisha Ashley. I didn’t get to them in December, but I have spent January gobbling up every one I could find! And I did enjoy each one.
Then I received notice that the final book in Susan Squires “Children of Merlin” series will arrive next Tuesday. It has been more than a year since the last one came out. So I have begun rereading all the earlier ones in sequence. I want to be up-to-date on the over-all story arc on this series. I’m sure that it will be important in this final offering.
Susan Squires writes paranormal; this series is more nearly pure fantasy; but not high fantasy.
In December, Mary Jo posted in her Facebook group (page?) about some books by Trisha Ashley. I didn’t get to them in December, but I have spent January gobbling up every one I could find! And I did enjoy each one.
Then I received notice that the final book in Susan Squires “Children of Merlin” series will arrive next Tuesday. It has been more than a year since the last one came out. So I have begun rereading all the earlier ones in sequence. I want to be up-to-date on the over-all story arc on this series. I’m sure that it will be important in this final offering.
Susan Squires writes paranormal; this series is more nearly pure fantasy; but not high fantasy.
I just finished Deanna Raybourn’s “A Treacherous Curse”, her latest novel continuing the Veronica Speedwell series.
Hilarious, touching and wonderfully written. I enjoyed the first two as well and will keep going with all the subsequent adventures. This, like the Lady Julia series, has a solid mystery and the ongoing sexual tension between Veronica and Stoker.
I also read Brandon Sanderson’s latest book in his Stormlight Archives’ series, “Oathbringer.” It’s a huge epic fantasy series (eventually ten books). This is number three bringing the story to an even greater pitch of excitement and adventure toward the next book.
I just finished Deanna Raybourn’s “A Treacherous Curse”, her latest novel continuing the Veronica Speedwell series.
Hilarious, touching and wonderfully written. I enjoyed the first two as well and will keep going with all the subsequent adventures. This, like the Lady Julia series, has a solid mystery and the ongoing sexual tension between Veronica and Stoker.
I also read Brandon Sanderson’s latest book in his Stormlight Archives’ series, “Oathbringer.” It’s a huge epic fantasy series (eventually ten books). This is number three bringing the story to an even greater pitch of excitement and adventure toward the next book.
I just finished Deanna Raybourn’s “A Treacherous Curse”, her latest novel continuing the Veronica Speedwell series.
Hilarious, touching and wonderfully written. I enjoyed the first two as well and will keep going with all the subsequent adventures. This, like the Lady Julia series, has a solid mystery and the ongoing sexual tension between Veronica and Stoker.
I also read Brandon Sanderson’s latest book in his Stormlight Archives’ series, “Oathbringer.” It’s a huge epic fantasy series (eventually ten books). This is number three bringing the story to an even greater pitch of excitement and adventure toward the next book.
I just finished Deanna Raybourn’s “A Treacherous Curse”, her latest novel continuing the Veronica Speedwell series.
Hilarious, touching and wonderfully written. I enjoyed the first two as well and will keep going with all the subsequent adventures. This, like the Lady Julia series, has a solid mystery and the ongoing sexual tension between Veronica and Stoker.
I also read Brandon Sanderson’s latest book in his Stormlight Archives’ series, “Oathbringer.” It’s a huge epic fantasy series (eventually ten books). This is number three bringing the story to an even greater pitch of excitement and adventure toward the next book.
I just finished Deanna Raybourn’s “A Treacherous Curse”, her latest novel continuing the Veronica Speedwell series.
Hilarious, touching and wonderfully written. I enjoyed the first two as well and will keep going with all the subsequent adventures. This, like the Lady Julia series, has a solid mystery and the ongoing sexual tension between Veronica and Stoker.
I also read Brandon Sanderson’s latest book in his Stormlight Archives’ series, “Oathbringer.” It’s a huge epic fantasy series (eventually ten books). This is number three bringing the story to an even greater pitch of excitement and adventure toward the next book.
Thank you for the lovely mention. I know I’m biased, but I think that M&B have done an amazing job with their new covers, especially the historicals.
I’ve been mostly reading histories of Venice for my current book, but since I’m nearly finished that, I’ve treated myself to a couple of biographies that have nothing to do with anything I’m writing. I just finished Claudia Renton’s Those Wild Wyndhams, three sisters at the heart of political power in the late Victorian period. What struck me yet again was how inter-twined society was, and how extensive were the tentacles of the likes of the Wyndhams, when they wanted to have things their way.
Sarah Bakewell’s The Smart, which I’m reading now, is about power of a very different kind – sexual. The eponymous Caroline seems to have been one of those females who slayed every man who looked at her (including James Boswell). This is a bio-romp, involving all sorts of dastardly doings in Georgian London, and two unfortunate identical twins who thanks to Caroline, ended up on the gallows. Exactly the kind of history I love!
I’m definitely going to take a look at Emily Larkin and Rhys Bowen, both of these look right up my street and are new to me too, so I’m glad I stopped by. Thank you.
Thank you for the lovely mention. I know I’m biased, but I think that M&B have done an amazing job with their new covers, especially the historicals.
I’ve been mostly reading histories of Venice for my current book, but since I’m nearly finished that, I’ve treated myself to a couple of biographies that have nothing to do with anything I’m writing. I just finished Claudia Renton’s Those Wild Wyndhams, three sisters at the heart of political power in the late Victorian period. What struck me yet again was how inter-twined society was, and how extensive were the tentacles of the likes of the Wyndhams, when they wanted to have things their way.
Sarah Bakewell’s The Smart, which I’m reading now, is about power of a very different kind – sexual. The eponymous Caroline seems to have been one of those females who slayed every man who looked at her (including James Boswell). This is a bio-romp, involving all sorts of dastardly doings in Georgian London, and two unfortunate identical twins who thanks to Caroline, ended up on the gallows. Exactly the kind of history I love!
I’m definitely going to take a look at Emily Larkin and Rhys Bowen, both of these look right up my street and are new to me too, so I’m glad I stopped by. Thank you.
Thank you for the lovely mention. I know I’m biased, but I think that M&B have done an amazing job with their new covers, especially the historicals.
I’ve been mostly reading histories of Venice for my current book, but since I’m nearly finished that, I’ve treated myself to a couple of biographies that have nothing to do with anything I’m writing. I just finished Claudia Renton’s Those Wild Wyndhams, three sisters at the heart of political power in the late Victorian period. What struck me yet again was how inter-twined society was, and how extensive were the tentacles of the likes of the Wyndhams, when they wanted to have things their way.
Sarah Bakewell’s The Smart, which I’m reading now, is about power of a very different kind – sexual. The eponymous Caroline seems to have been one of those females who slayed every man who looked at her (including James Boswell). This is a bio-romp, involving all sorts of dastardly doings in Georgian London, and two unfortunate identical twins who thanks to Caroline, ended up on the gallows. Exactly the kind of history I love!
I’m definitely going to take a look at Emily Larkin and Rhys Bowen, both of these look right up my street and are new to me too, so I’m glad I stopped by. Thank you.
Thank you for the lovely mention. I know I’m biased, but I think that M&B have done an amazing job with their new covers, especially the historicals.
I’ve been mostly reading histories of Venice for my current book, but since I’m nearly finished that, I’ve treated myself to a couple of biographies that have nothing to do with anything I’m writing. I just finished Claudia Renton’s Those Wild Wyndhams, three sisters at the heart of political power in the late Victorian period. What struck me yet again was how inter-twined society was, and how extensive were the tentacles of the likes of the Wyndhams, when they wanted to have things their way.
Sarah Bakewell’s The Smart, which I’m reading now, is about power of a very different kind – sexual. The eponymous Caroline seems to have been one of those females who slayed every man who looked at her (including James Boswell). This is a bio-romp, involving all sorts of dastardly doings in Georgian London, and two unfortunate identical twins who thanks to Caroline, ended up on the gallows. Exactly the kind of history I love!
I’m definitely going to take a look at Emily Larkin and Rhys Bowen, both of these look right up my street and are new to me too, so I’m glad I stopped by. Thank you.
Thank you for the lovely mention. I know I’m biased, but I think that M&B have done an amazing job with their new covers, especially the historicals.
I’ve been mostly reading histories of Venice for my current book, but since I’m nearly finished that, I’ve treated myself to a couple of biographies that have nothing to do with anything I’m writing. I just finished Claudia Renton’s Those Wild Wyndhams, three sisters at the heart of political power in the late Victorian period. What struck me yet again was how inter-twined society was, and how extensive were the tentacles of the likes of the Wyndhams, when they wanted to have things their way.
Sarah Bakewell’s The Smart, which I’m reading now, is about power of a very different kind – sexual. The eponymous Caroline seems to have been one of those females who slayed every man who looked at her (including James Boswell). This is a bio-romp, involving all sorts of dastardly doings in Georgian London, and two unfortunate identical twins who thanks to Caroline, ended up on the gallows. Exactly the kind of history I love!
I’m definitely going to take a look at Emily Larkin and Rhys Bowen, both of these look right up my street and are new to me too, so I’m glad I stopped by. Thank you.
I have just completed the first book in Philippa Gregory’s Wideacre trilogy. The audio book cost me £3 as an Audible daily deal and runs to 26 hrs. I had previously enjoyed Gregory’s ‘Lady of the Rivers’ and now that she is quite famous for her historicals I eagerly anticipated a fascinating read/listen. Have to say this is not a romance with a HEA. It involves murder,revenge,incense,Women’s problems,obsession,power of landed gentry, and poverty of country villagers in 18th century England. I don’t think that anyone will feel any empathy for Beatrice the heroine, more likely to feel horror for some of her motives and actions, but nevertheless the book fascinates and relentlessly draws one in to her world of farming a country estate for profit. I’m definitely going to try book 2 to see if things improve for the villagers of Wideacre and see how Beatrice’s offspring cope … hopefully their future will be brighter … though I’m not banking on it!
I have just completed the first book in Philippa Gregory’s Wideacre trilogy. The audio book cost me £3 as an Audible daily deal and runs to 26 hrs. I had previously enjoyed Gregory’s ‘Lady of the Rivers’ and now that she is quite famous for her historicals I eagerly anticipated a fascinating read/listen. Have to say this is not a romance with a HEA. It involves murder,revenge,incense,Women’s problems,obsession,power of landed gentry, and poverty of country villagers in 18th century England. I don’t think that anyone will feel any empathy for Beatrice the heroine, more likely to feel horror for some of her motives and actions, but nevertheless the book fascinates and relentlessly draws one in to her world of farming a country estate for profit. I’m definitely going to try book 2 to see if things improve for the villagers of Wideacre and see how Beatrice’s offspring cope … hopefully their future will be brighter … though I’m not banking on it!
I have just completed the first book in Philippa Gregory’s Wideacre trilogy. The audio book cost me £3 as an Audible daily deal and runs to 26 hrs. I had previously enjoyed Gregory’s ‘Lady of the Rivers’ and now that she is quite famous for her historicals I eagerly anticipated a fascinating read/listen. Have to say this is not a romance with a HEA. It involves murder,revenge,incense,Women’s problems,obsession,power of landed gentry, and poverty of country villagers in 18th century England. I don’t think that anyone will feel any empathy for Beatrice the heroine, more likely to feel horror for some of her motives and actions, but nevertheless the book fascinates and relentlessly draws one in to her world of farming a country estate for profit. I’m definitely going to try book 2 to see if things improve for the villagers of Wideacre and see how Beatrice’s offspring cope … hopefully their future will be brighter … though I’m not banking on it!
I have just completed the first book in Philippa Gregory’s Wideacre trilogy. The audio book cost me £3 as an Audible daily deal and runs to 26 hrs. I had previously enjoyed Gregory’s ‘Lady of the Rivers’ and now that she is quite famous for her historicals I eagerly anticipated a fascinating read/listen. Have to say this is not a romance with a HEA. It involves murder,revenge,incense,Women’s problems,obsession,power of landed gentry, and poverty of country villagers in 18th century England. I don’t think that anyone will feel any empathy for Beatrice the heroine, more likely to feel horror for some of her motives and actions, but nevertheless the book fascinates and relentlessly draws one in to her world of farming a country estate for profit. I’m definitely going to try book 2 to see if things improve for the villagers of Wideacre and see how Beatrice’s offspring cope … hopefully their future will be brighter … though I’m not banking on it!
I have just completed the first book in Philippa Gregory’s Wideacre trilogy. The audio book cost me £3 as an Audible daily deal and runs to 26 hrs. I had previously enjoyed Gregory’s ‘Lady of the Rivers’ and now that she is quite famous for her historicals I eagerly anticipated a fascinating read/listen. Have to say this is not a romance with a HEA. It involves murder,revenge,incense,Women’s problems,obsession,power of landed gentry, and poverty of country villagers in 18th century England. I don’t think that anyone will feel any empathy for Beatrice the heroine, more likely to feel horror for some of her motives and actions, but nevertheless the book fascinates and relentlessly draws one in to her world of farming a country estate for profit. I’m definitely going to try book 2 to see if things improve for the villagers of Wideacre and see how Beatrice’s offspring cope … hopefully their future will be brighter … though I’m not banking on it!
I loved The Smart as well, Marguerite. It’s a very racy tale isn’t it! I’m going to check out Those Wild Wyndhams – that sounds just the sort of thing I would enjoy.
I loved The Smart as well, Marguerite. It’s a very racy tale isn’t it! I’m going to check out Those Wild Wyndhams – that sounds just the sort of thing I would enjoy.
I loved The Smart as well, Marguerite. It’s a very racy tale isn’t it! I’m going to check out Those Wild Wyndhams – that sounds just the sort of thing I would enjoy.
I loved The Smart as well, Marguerite. It’s a very racy tale isn’t it! I’m going to check out Those Wild Wyndhams – that sounds just the sort of thing I would enjoy.
I loved The Smart as well, Marguerite. It’s a very racy tale isn’t it! I’m going to check out Those Wild Wyndhams – that sounds just the sort of thing I would enjoy.
It’s ages since I read Philippa Gregory’s early books, Quantum, and you have whetted my appetite to re-read them. Someone mentioned the other day that her new books are going to set during the Irish Potato Famine – a departure from her most recent focus on Queens but perhaps not so far from what interested her earlier in her career.
It’s ages since I read Philippa Gregory’s early books, Quantum, and you have whetted my appetite to re-read them. Someone mentioned the other day that her new books are going to set during the Irish Potato Famine – a departure from her most recent focus on Queens but perhaps not so far from what interested her earlier in her career.
It’s ages since I read Philippa Gregory’s early books, Quantum, and you have whetted my appetite to re-read them. Someone mentioned the other day that her new books are going to set during the Irish Potato Famine – a departure from her most recent focus on Queens but perhaps not so far from what interested her earlier in her career.
It’s ages since I read Philippa Gregory’s early books, Quantum, and you have whetted my appetite to re-read them. Someone mentioned the other day that her new books are going to set during the Irish Potato Famine – a departure from her most recent focus on Queens but perhaps not so far from what interested her earlier in her career.
It’s ages since I read Philippa Gregory’s early books, Quantum, and you have whetted my appetite to re-read them. Someone mentioned the other day that her new books are going to set during the Irish Potato Famine – a departure from her most recent focus on Queens but perhaps not so far from what interested her earlier in her career.
I have been a fan of Emily Larkin since she was interviewed here some time ago. Her regular Regencies, outside of the Baleful Godmother series, are very good too. But “Trusting Miss Trentham” may be my favorite of that series, and I was lucky enough to win a copy from the author!
I read a lovely Harlequin Historical(what you call M&B on the other side of the pond) last month, “His Convenient Marchioness” by Elizabeth Rolls. It had older protagonists, both previously widowed. In fact the hero was 50. Do not let that put you off! It’s a great feel-good MOC read.
I also finally finished “Garlic and Sapphires” by Ruth Reichl, which is about her experiences as the restaurant reviewer for The New York Times. She’s a very funny writer, and there are great stories, recipes, and descriptions of many wonderful meals.
I have been a fan of Emily Larkin since she was interviewed here some time ago. Her regular Regencies, outside of the Baleful Godmother series, are very good too. But “Trusting Miss Trentham” may be my favorite of that series, and I was lucky enough to win a copy from the author!
I read a lovely Harlequin Historical(what you call M&B on the other side of the pond) last month, “His Convenient Marchioness” by Elizabeth Rolls. It had older protagonists, both previously widowed. In fact the hero was 50. Do not let that put you off! It’s a great feel-good MOC read.
I also finally finished “Garlic and Sapphires” by Ruth Reichl, which is about her experiences as the restaurant reviewer for The New York Times. She’s a very funny writer, and there are great stories, recipes, and descriptions of many wonderful meals.
I have been a fan of Emily Larkin since she was interviewed here some time ago. Her regular Regencies, outside of the Baleful Godmother series, are very good too. But “Trusting Miss Trentham” may be my favorite of that series, and I was lucky enough to win a copy from the author!
I read a lovely Harlequin Historical(what you call M&B on the other side of the pond) last month, “His Convenient Marchioness” by Elizabeth Rolls. It had older protagonists, both previously widowed. In fact the hero was 50. Do not let that put you off! It’s a great feel-good MOC read.
I also finally finished “Garlic and Sapphires” by Ruth Reichl, which is about her experiences as the restaurant reviewer for The New York Times. She’s a very funny writer, and there are great stories, recipes, and descriptions of many wonderful meals.
I have been a fan of Emily Larkin since she was interviewed here some time ago. Her regular Regencies, outside of the Baleful Godmother series, are very good too. But “Trusting Miss Trentham” may be my favorite of that series, and I was lucky enough to win a copy from the author!
I read a lovely Harlequin Historical(what you call M&B on the other side of the pond) last month, “His Convenient Marchioness” by Elizabeth Rolls. It had older protagonists, both previously widowed. In fact the hero was 50. Do not let that put you off! It’s a great feel-good MOC read.
I also finally finished “Garlic and Sapphires” by Ruth Reichl, which is about her experiences as the restaurant reviewer for The New York Times. She’s a very funny writer, and there are great stories, recipes, and descriptions of many wonderful meals.
I have been a fan of Emily Larkin since she was interviewed here some time ago. Her regular Regencies, outside of the Baleful Godmother series, are very good too. But “Trusting Miss Trentham” may be my favorite of that series, and I was lucky enough to win a copy from the author!
I read a lovely Harlequin Historical(what you call M&B on the other side of the pond) last month, “His Convenient Marchioness” by Elizabeth Rolls. It had older protagonists, both previously widowed. In fact the hero was 50. Do not let that put you off! It’s a great feel-good MOC read.
I also finally finished “Garlic and Sapphires” by Ruth Reichl, which is about her experiences as the restaurant reviewer for The New York Times. She’s a very funny writer, and there are great stories, recipes, and descriptions of many wonderful meals.
January was cold and dreary, necessitating huge quantities of books absorbed in massive quantities. For self-soothing, I flew through three Mary Baloghs: Only Enchanting, Only a Promise and Only a Kiss. She never fails to offer comfort, hope and delight. But I also discovered some wonderful new-to-me authors: YA writers Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (These Broken Stars – super!) and Brigid Memmerer (Letters to the Lost – also wonderful). I somehow never read Suzanne Brockmann before, but I stumbled into her Troubleshooter series and now have another huge stack to add to my list. But my greatest find this month was With Love from the Inside, by Angela Pisel. It’s a women’s fiction novel in a style similar to that of another very popular American writer, but it has no gimmicks – just a wrenching story that left me crying tears of both sadness and joy.
January was cold and dreary, necessitating huge quantities of books absorbed in massive quantities. For self-soothing, I flew through three Mary Baloghs: Only Enchanting, Only a Promise and Only a Kiss. She never fails to offer comfort, hope and delight. But I also discovered some wonderful new-to-me authors: YA writers Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (These Broken Stars – super!) and Brigid Memmerer (Letters to the Lost – also wonderful). I somehow never read Suzanne Brockmann before, but I stumbled into her Troubleshooter series and now have another huge stack to add to my list. But my greatest find this month was With Love from the Inside, by Angela Pisel. It’s a women’s fiction novel in a style similar to that of another very popular American writer, but it has no gimmicks – just a wrenching story that left me crying tears of both sadness and joy.
January was cold and dreary, necessitating huge quantities of books absorbed in massive quantities. For self-soothing, I flew through three Mary Baloghs: Only Enchanting, Only a Promise and Only a Kiss. She never fails to offer comfort, hope and delight. But I also discovered some wonderful new-to-me authors: YA writers Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (These Broken Stars – super!) and Brigid Memmerer (Letters to the Lost – also wonderful). I somehow never read Suzanne Brockmann before, but I stumbled into her Troubleshooter series and now have another huge stack to add to my list. But my greatest find this month was With Love from the Inside, by Angela Pisel. It’s a women’s fiction novel in a style similar to that of another very popular American writer, but it has no gimmicks – just a wrenching story that left me crying tears of both sadness and joy.
January was cold and dreary, necessitating huge quantities of books absorbed in massive quantities. For self-soothing, I flew through three Mary Baloghs: Only Enchanting, Only a Promise and Only a Kiss. She never fails to offer comfort, hope and delight. But I also discovered some wonderful new-to-me authors: YA writers Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (These Broken Stars – super!) and Brigid Memmerer (Letters to the Lost – also wonderful). I somehow never read Suzanne Brockmann before, but I stumbled into her Troubleshooter series and now have another huge stack to add to my list. But my greatest find this month was With Love from the Inside, by Angela Pisel. It’s a women’s fiction novel in a style similar to that of another very popular American writer, but it has no gimmicks – just a wrenching story that left me crying tears of both sadness and joy.
January was cold and dreary, necessitating huge quantities of books absorbed in massive quantities. For self-soothing, I flew through three Mary Baloghs: Only Enchanting, Only a Promise and Only a Kiss. She never fails to offer comfort, hope and delight. But I also discovered some wonderful new-to-me authors: YA writers Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (These Broken Stars – super!) and Brigid Memmerer (Letters to the Lost – also wonderful). I somehow never read Suzanne Brockmann before, but I stumbled into her Troubleshooter series and now have another huge stack to add to my list. But my greatest find this month was With Love from the Inside, by Angela Pisel. It’s a women’s fiction novel in a style similar to that of another very popular American writer, but it has no gimmicks – just a wrenching story that left me crying tears of both sadness and joy.