Susan here, with our newest What We’re Reading post, and we have a bumper crop to share with you! Without further ado, and because I’m dealing with a broken arm so typing is not my favoritest activity at the moment, here are some of the books this past month that have thrilled us, intrigued us, surprised us, captivated us, and of course are sending us in search of yet more wonderful books . . .
Mary Jo says –
I've spent much of the last weeks reading about Lady Trent and her dragon studies, but since I'll be interviewing the author, Marie Brennan, on June 23rd here at the Word Wenches, I'll say no more now.
Moving on, Jayne Ann Krentz has written a lot of contemporary romantic suspense under her own name. She also writes historical romantic suspense as Amanda Quick, and futuristic romantic suspense as Jayne Castle. (She's had a few other pseudonyms, but no need to go into those. <G>)
Amanda Quick made her bow writing Regency set historicals, and later moved into the Victorian period. But her newest book, The Girl Who Knew Too Much, is a jump into the 1930s, a period that is now old enough to be considered historical, but with cars, telephones–and Hollywood movies.
The heroine, Anna Harris, finds her generous employer has been murdered and left a message for Anna to run. Being no fool, Anna does that, ditching her car and her identity and leaving no tracks as she travels from New York to California along the iconic Route 66. Under a new name, she becomes a reporter for a Hollywood gossip newspaper and ends up drawn into a murder mystery in an upscale resort town north of Los Angeles. There is murder, a movie star, a Guy, and it all works out very nicely. I really enjoyed the 1930s setting and it looked like this might be the first of a trilogy. Fun!
Andrea/Cara here,
This month I’ve been glomming my way through a fabulous Elizabethan mystery series by Rory Clements. I had read about the first book, Martyr, several years ago and made a note of it, but somehow it got buried in the TBR pile. Then I happened to stumble upon the e-book version, which is very reasonably priced ($1.99!), and . . . click. And then click again and again. Oh, joy—there are 8 books so far in the series! It’s wonderfully written, with fabulous history—a plus for me, as I’m not that familiar with the era. The protagonist is John Shakespeare, Will’s older brother, who is an intelligence agent for Walsingham in the first book, then for Lord Cecil after Walsingham’s death. Will makes a few cameo appearances, but the real meat of the stories is the political and religious iintrigue, which Clements makes come alive. It’s gritty—bad things happen to people, (though not in graphic detail.) It also has an interesting cast of secondary characters, and weaves in real life personages of the times. (Martyr is all about a Spanish plot to assassinate Sir Francis Drake in prelude to launching the Armada.) Have just finished book three and highly recommend the series.
I also read Love Song, which was mentioned by Nicola in a past WWR blog and loved it! I have Sophia Bennett’s other books added to the Must Read pile.
Anne here.
This month most of my reading has been a big reread of Robin Hobbs "Assassin" series in preparation for reading the latest (and last) in the series, Assassin's Fate, which came out this month. I first started reading this series some years ago, reading a book, then waiting for the next to come out, so it was wonderful to read them all in one long feast. If you like fantasy, and haven't read Robin Hobb's "Assassin" series, start with Assassin's Apprentice, in which we meet Fitz, a young child, a royal bastard whose very existence has toppled the King-in-Waiting into a kind of exile. It's a dangerous life.
As well, I've read several contemporaries — Sophie Kinsella's My Not So Perfect Life — which I loved! So many good chuckles — and Julie Anne Long's two contemporaries, Hot in Hellcat Canyon, and Wild at Whiskey Creek — which I also thoroughly enjoyed. And after following up on Nicola's recommendation of Sophia Bennett's Young Adult novels, I've glommed all her books I could get.
Nicola says–
This has been a big reading month for me as I was one of the judges of the Romantic Novelists' Association debut writers’ award. There were eleven contenders and the books were all cracking good reads. Even more wonderful, they covered almost every aspect of the romantic fiction genre so there was something for every taste. The winning book, The Magic of Ramblings, by Kate Field, is a beautiful contemporary novel about love, friendship and re-discovery. It’s warm, poignant and has some profound things to say about human nature. There is also a fabulous hero and a delicious slowburn love story. All the judges adored its romantic and nostalgic feel.
Which isn’t to say that it wasn’t a difficult choice as there were some outstanding books on the list. If you like romantic suspense then you may well enjoy House of Secrets by Lynda Stacey, a book that is a wonderful combination of romance, thriller, mystery and history. In the same genre there is The Girl on the Beach by Morton S Gray, which is a very taut and suspenseful romantic thriller.
In romantic comedy I loved Who Does He Think He Is by Emily Kerr. The heroine, Aurelia, might have a title and a stately home but she is also lumbered with a pile of debts and a father who behaves like an irresponsible teenager. The fact that the book also includes a film star and some Regency dressing up made it even more fun!
I also laughed out loud at Sitting Pretty by April Hardy, about a pet sitter who moves into someone’s house when she loses her job and her home. You can imagine what happens when the owner of the house returns unexpectedly…
In contemporary romance there was Castell’s Passion by Arabella Sheen, which had more than a hint of sensual passion, an exotic setting and a very satisfying happy ever after.
The Cottage at Firefly Lake by Jen Gilroy is an emotional and absorbing read about a second chance of love. It’s the first in a new series and if you enjoy reading about recurring characters in a community setting it’s the perfect choice!
A different sort of contemporary romance was How to Win Back Your Husband which starts at the heroine’s divorce party when she realises she doesn’t want her marriage to be over. This was a funny, sweet and romantic book.
Touched by Abbey MacMunn was the sole paranormal finalist and this is a sexy, fast-paced, and 
exciting read I really enjoyed.
Last but not least, there were two great historical romances on the list. Perception by Terri Fleming is a beautifully-written sequel to Pride and Prejudice, telling the story of the unmarried Bennet sisters. It totally captures the elegance of the Regency period. The Thief’s Daughter by Victoria Cornwall is a contrast; an evocative and well-researched historical novel that depicts all the rugged beauty and dangerous reality of life in 18th century Cornwall. Tense and suspenseful this is a wonderfully romantic page-turner and I loved it.
So there you have my bumper list and eleven wonderful reads!
Pat says –
A Discovery of Witches, Deborah Harkness–This first in the All Souls Trilogy is apparently a bestseller, and for a change, I can see why. I picked it up because the heroine is a historian and a witch. There is a love story, but this is an adventure story about magic and unworldly creatures. Think of Anne Rice, Harry Potter, and Charlaine Harris all stirred together. There are a couple of violent scenes, but I skimmed them. Mostly, everyone acts very sensibly and rationally and there’s lots of delicious history and quotes from old books to sink into. The vampires don’t sparkle or sleep in coffins, the demons are creative and often mad, and the witches. . . are powerful. So if this is your cuppa, give it a try.
Joanna says –
I’m moving along to the second book in a series by Ben Aaronovitch. I may have WWR-ed the first in the series, Rivers of London (Midnight Riot in UK), already.
Moon Over Soho is delighting me as I slog doggedly toward the end of the month. An oasis of competence in a desert of ‘meh’ books. (One already-iffy popular science book I’d been grazing through at bedtime finally got wallbanged on page 80 with the phrase “so-called mitochondrial DNA”.)
Moon Over Soho is what I’d call Magical-Realism-Police-Procedural. Yes – I’m using “Magical Realism” exactly as I want to and directly at odds with the way any Serious Critic of Literature™ would tell me it should be used.
London Police Constable and Apprentice Magician Peter Grant pursues a stone-cold villain in a gritty (but magical) modern day London. Colorful characters. Beautiful language. Visits to the fascinating patchwork of ethnic Urban. Excitement and adventure. Great fun.
I am not usually a fan of First Person Viewpoint. Aaronovitch makes me see why authors do this. He practices such subtle and exemplary technique. Picture me as a gentle brown spaniel following along behind him, sniffing at his plotting and characterization, wagging my tail enthusiastically.
Susan here—
You'd think that being sidelined with a broken arm would give me lots of reading time, and it did, though not as much as I would want! I too read Sophia Bennett's Love Song, and just adored it–this tale of a girl working for a dreamy rock band is a wish-fulfiller if there ever was one, and so delightful that I went in search of her other books, and have started reading The Look, which yes, looks to be excellent as well, a timely story of sisters, one handed a modeling career and the other falling ill – an exploration of loyalty and love. Bennett is skilled with a light yet meaningful voice.
I picked up an old favorite last week, Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier's riveting masterpiece. I was 
drawn in once again, falling in love with Maxim de Winter and his nameless bride, pulled along by the mysteries and passions surrounding Rebecca . . . even when I know what's coming, it's fascinating. Her writing is always magic, just timeless and beautiful.
I'm also reading Alice Hoffman's The Dovekeepers, which I've been dipping into now and then, and finally had time to return to this complete immersion in ancient Judea. This story of four women whose various paths lead them to the tragedy at Masada is deeply powerful. Storytelling and writing of this 
caliber is rare, and the novel is compelling. On every page, I am walking ancient deserts alongside these passionate, intense women. Simply stunning.
And this afternoon I got my copy of Jo Beverley's latest and final book, Merely a Marriage . . . I've just now read the first chapter. It is beyond wonderful.
Please let us know your favorite recent reads too—your picks always lead us to great reading discoveries!
Thank you all so much! I’ve already purchased several of your mentions. I have not been disappointed when doing this in the past.
Thank you all so much! I’ve already purchased several of your mentions. I have not been disappointed when doing this in the past.
Thank you all so much! I’ve already purchased several of your mentions. I have not been disappointed when doing this in the past.
Thank you all so much! I’ve already purchased several of your mentions. I have not been disappointed when doing this in the past.
Thank you all so much! I’ve already purchased several of your mentions. I have not been disappointed when doing this in the past.
You’d think living in a hotel (renos seem to be moving backwards 😒) with no cooking/cleaning I’d be reading like there’s no tomorrow. Unfortunately, I haven’t be able to concentrate long enough to read a page let alone a chapter. What I love about WWR blog is the diversity of books recommended. So, when the big “move-in” finally happens, I’m planning on forgoing our holiday just so I can sit at home and read to my heart’s content. I’m particularly interested in The Magic of Ramblings, and a Thief’s Daughter, and my life at the moment could use a good romantic comedy.
On a sour note: although I have the kindle version, I went out yesterday to puchase a print copy of Jo’s last book, only to discover, after an in-store computer search, that no store in my large city has it in stock. thats over 20 stores! And when I asked at store level why this was the case, I received a very dismissive “ah, well, it’s a romance, so “she”–meaning Jo–” is probably not a big seller, ” Grrr! I walked away before the clerk received a tongue-lashing, lol.
You’d think living in a hotel (renos seem to be moving backwards 😒) with no cooking/cleaning I’d be reading like there’s no tomorrow. Unfortunately, I haven’t be able to concentrate long enough to read a page let alone a chapter. What I love about WWR blog is the diversity of books recommended. So, when the big “move-in” finally happens, I’m planning on forgoing our holiday just so I can sit at home and read to my heart’s content. I’m particularly interested in The Magic of Ramblings, and a Thief’s Daughter, and my life at the moment could use a good romantic comedy.
On a sour note: although I have the kindle version, I went out yesterday to puchase a print copy of Jo’s last book, only to discover, after an in-store computer search, that no store in my large city has it in stock. thats over 20 stores! And when I asked at store level why this was the case, I received a very dismissive “ah, well, it’s a romance, so “she”–meaning Jo–” is probably not a big seller, ” Grrr! I walked away before the clerk received a tongue-lashing, lol.
You’d think living in a hotel (renos seem to be moving backwards 😒) with no cooking/cleaning I’d be reading like there’s no tomorrow. Unfortunately, I haven’t be able to concentrate long enough to read a page let alone a chapter. What I love about WWR blog is the diversity of books recommended. So, when the big “move-in” finally happens, I’m planning on forgoing our holiday just so I can sit at home and read to my heart’s content. I’m particularly interested in The Magic of Ramblings, and a Thief’s Daughter, and my life at the moment could use a good romantic comedy.
On a sour note: although I have the kindle version, I went out yesterday to puchase a print copy of Jo’s last book, only to discover, after an in-store computer search, that no store in my large city has it in stock. thats over 20 stores! And when I asked at store level why this was the case, I received a very dismissive “ah, well, it’s a romance, so “she”–meaning Jo–” is probably not a big seller, ” Grrr! I walked away before the clerk received a tongue-lashing, lol.
You’d think living in a hotel (renos seem to be moving backwards 😒) with no cooking/cleaning I’d be reading like there’s no tomorrow. Unfortunately, I haven’t be able to concentrate long enough to read a page let alone a chapter. What I love about WWR blog is the diversity of books recommended. So, when the big “move-in” finally happens, I’m planning on forgoing our holiday just so I can sit at home and read to my heart’s content. I’m particularly interested in The Magic of Ramblings, and a Thief’s Daughter, and my life at the moment could use a good romantic comedy.
On a sour note: although I have the kindle version, I went out yesterday to puchase a print copy of Jo’s last book, only to discover, after an in-store computer search, that no store in my large city has it in stock. thats over 20 stores! And when I asked at store level why this was the case, I received a very dismissive “ah, well, it’s a romance, so “she”–meaning Jo–” is probably not a big seller, ” Grrr! I walked away before the clerk received a tongue-lashing, lol.
You’d think living in a hotel (renos seem to be moving backwards 😒) with no cooking/cleaning I’d be reading like there’s no tomorrow. Unfortunately, I haven’t be able to concentrate long enough to read a page let alone a chapter. What I love about WWR blog is the diversity of books recommended. So, when the big “move-in” finally happens, I’m planning on forgoing our holiday just so I can sit at home and read to my heart’s content. I’m particularly interested in The Magic of Ramblings, and a Thief’s Daughter, and my life at the moment could use a good romantic comedy.
On a sour note: although I have the kindle version, I went out yesterday to puchase a print copy of Jo’s last book, only to discover, after an in-store computer search, that no store in my large city has it in stock. thats over 20 stores! And when I asked at store level why this was the case, I received a very dismissive “ah, well, it’s a romance, so “she”–meaning Jo–” is probably not a big seller, ” Grrr! I walked away before the clerk received a tongue-lashing, lol.
Thanks for this column; it’s always a favorite! Wishing you and your arm healing thoughts, Susan.
— Unboxed by Amy Crook. This book/world has a premise which I found quite intriguing. A couple of observations: First, I could wish the book were less graphic, because I think others who might enjoy the magic aspect will not read it due to the adult content. [And then there’s the fact that my adult daughter (who gave this to me as a gift since it was on my wish list) has expressed an interest in borrowing it. I’m not sure what she’ll think of her mother’s taste in books!] Second, the author spends considerable time writing about all of the eating and drinking the characters do. Most of that drinking is of tea and to a far lesser extent alcohol, while the eating is of biscuits and pastries with occasional breaks for curries and other savory foods. The book would likely be 25 percent shorter were those scenes to be omitted. This would probably not be a good book to read if you’re hungry or thirsty! All that said, I did enjoy the book and will likely re-read it at some point. I’d certainly like to read more by this author.
— I also re-read (yet again!) Written In Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop after deciding to buy my own Kindle copy. It’s still on sale for $2.99.
— And I read the science fiction romance Stranded with the Cyborg by Cara Bristol which happens to be currently free to Kindle readers. This was a pleasant read, but I doubt it’s a book I’ll re-read.
— Joanna Chambers’ historical male/male romance A Gathering Storm (Porthkennack Book 2) which I enjoyed. While this book is second in the series, all of the books stand alone and are only linked by their location in Cornwall.
— Sarina Bowen’s contemporary romance Falling From the Sky (Gravity Book 2) which I enjoyed (though it’s not my favorite from the author). While it’s book two in a series, it stands alone well.
— a collection of two historical romance novellas which I also enjoyed ~ The Duke and His Duchess / The Courtship (Windham Series) by Grace Burrowes. These stories feature the parents of the main characters from the author’s first series of books; it showcases their courtship (what a surprise!) and a time in their life when they have four young children. You need not have read any of the author’s other works to enjoy these novellas.
— I resumed my reading of Sheri Cobb South’s John Pickett historical mysteries after a hiatus of a couple of months: Pickpocket’s Apprentice is a prequel to the series. This is available for 99 cents to Kindle readers. I also read Dinner Most Deadly, Too Hot to Handel, and the now final book in the series namely For Deader or Worse. I believe more books are to come.
— In my re(re)-read of Anne Bishop’s the Others series, I finished her Murder of Crows plus Marked In Flesh both of which I enjoyed once again.
— I also read Half by Eli Lang which was a pleasant male/male paranormal romance. I don’t think it’s a book I’ll be re-reading though.
— Storm Season (Accidental Roots Book 1) by Elle Keaton — a male/male romance. I enjoyed this so much that I bought the follow on book.
— Moving in Rhythm by Dev Bentham — enjoyable male/male contemporary romance
— The Clockwork Heart by Kim Fielding — short romance novella about a man and a clockwork golem. I enjoyed this.
— A Shift in the Water (Elemental Shifter Book 1) by Patricia D. Eddy — pleasant urban fantasy but not likely a book I’ll re-read.
— Rayzor’s One (Alien Bounty Hunters Book 1) by Michele Mills — science fiction romance; not stellar (a pun!)
— Tremolo: A Verismo Short Story by E.M. Lindsey — I have another book by this author that I’m looking forward to reading.
— Flashbulb (Flight HA1710 Book 3) by Clare London. I enjoyed this male/male romance and will likely re-read it at some point.
— Laura Florand’s contemporary romance Trust Me (Paris Nights). While this is third in a series, it stands alone well. The heroine is a survivor of a terror attack — which does not seem as fictional an event these days as one would wish.
— Half-Blood Dragon: Book One of the Dragon Born Trilogy by K.N. Lee. This was an enjoyable fantasy except for two facts — first, it ends with a definite cliffhanger and second, some of the language doesn’t seem to fit the setting (for example, use of the word okay).
— Fabricating Jada by Vanessa Marie. This was a pleasant read; it’s a new adult romance.
— re-read, with pleasure, Pretty Face (London Celebrities) by Lucy Parker and Oracle’s Moon (Elder Races Book 4) by Thea Harrison.
— For my book group: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. My, what a surfeit of semi-colons! What the book lacks, however, is chapters, and even page breaks were in short supply. At one point, I checked and there were some forty pages plus between page breaks. I would read along and be thinking, “My kingdom for a page break!” This was a dense read with multiple story lines and points of view. I don’t regret reading it, but I was happy to be done.
— a re-read of Ruth’s Bonded (Ruth & Gron Book 1) by V.C. Lancaster and the sequel (a new read for me), Gron’s Fated (Ruth & Gron Book 2). These are categorized as science fiction romances and were entertaining reads.
— Nathan Burgoine’s novella In Memoriam which I enjoyed quite a bit. It’s a short male/male romance that I’ll be re-reading.
— Sarina Bowen’s contemporary romance Shooting For the Stars which I enjoyed.
— a fantasy book that had some unique world building: Silver Blood (Series of Blood Book 1) by Emma Hamm
— a(nother) re-read of Anne Bishop’s Etched in Bone and Vision in Silver. I’m not sure what needs of mine these books are meeting.
— Just finished the cyborg romance (yes, that appears to be a genre!) ~ Peyton 313 (Cyborgs- Mankind Redefined) by Donna McDonald. It was a pleasant read even though the heroine spent a lot of time crying and repenting her prior actions. This book is currently free for Kindle readers.
— I finished my re-read of Anne Bishop’s the Others series with Vision In Silver, Marked In Flesh, and Etched in Bone. I recommend this series.
— The Protector by Cooper West which I enjoyed but not as much as I liked the second book in the series, Parker’s Sanctuary: A Guardsmen Novel. I’ll look forward to reading more in this series. This is a male/male paranormal romance series.
— RUSH by Emma Scott which I enjoyed. This is about a violinist (suffering through a difficult time) and a man dealing with blindness.
— Cambria Hebert’s Text (Take It Off Book 4). The first part of the book seemed sadly believable but then came aspects that require quite a bit of willing suspension of disbelief. (On telling my husband about those aspects, he said so much so that new shocks would be required!) I did enjoy reading the book, but I doubt it’s a book I’ll re-read.
Thanks for this column; it’s always a favorite! Wishing you and your arm healing thoughts, Susan.
— Unboxed by Amy Crook. This book/world has a premise which I found quite intriguing. A couple of observations: First, I could wish the book were less graphic, because I think others who might enjoy the magic aspect will not read it due to the adult content. [And then there’s the fact that my adult daughter (who gave this to me as a gift since it was on my wish list) has expressed an interest in borrowing it. I’m not sure what she’ll think of her mother’s taste in books!] Second, the author spends considerable time writing about all of the eating and drinking the characters do. Most of that drinking is of tea and to a far lesser extent alcohol, while the eating is of biscuits and pastries with occasional breaks for curries and other savory foods. The book would likely be 25 percent shorter were those scenes to be omitted. This would probably not be a good book to read if you’re hungry or thirsty! All that said, I did enjoy the book and will likely re-read it at some point. I’d certainly like to read more by this author.
— I also re-read (yet again!) Written In Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop after deciding to buy my own Kindle copy. It’s still on sale for $2.99.
— And I read the science fiction romance Stranded with the Cyborg by Cara Bristol which happens to be currently free to Kindle readers. This was a pleasant read, but I doubt it’s a book I’ll re-read.
— Joanna Chambers’ historical male/male romance A Gathering Storm (Porthkennack Book 2) which I enjoyed. While this book is second in the series, all of the books stand alone and are only linked by their location in Cornwall.
— Sarina Bowen’s contemporary romance Falling From the Sky (Gravity Book 2) which I enjoyed (though it’s not my favorite from the author). While it’s book two in a series, it stands alone well.
— a collection of two historical romance novellas which I also enjoyed ~ The Duke and His Duchess / The Courtship (Windham Series) by Grace Burrowes. These stories feature the parents of the main characters from the author’s first series of books; it showcases their courtship (what a surprise!) and a time in their life when they have four young children. You need not have read any of the author’s other works to enjoy these novellas.
— I resumed my reading of Sheri Cobb South’s John Pickett historical mysteries after a hiatus of a couple of months: Pickpocket’s Apprentice is a prequel to the series. This is available for 99 cents to Kindle readers. I also read Dinner Most Deadly, Too Hot to Handel, and the now final book in the series namely For Deader or Worse. I believe more books are to come.
— In my re(re)-read of Anne Bishop’s the Others series, I finished her Murder of Crows plus Marked In Flesh both of which I enjoyed once again.
— I also read Half by Eli Lang which was a pleasant male/male paranormal romance. I don’t think it’s a book I’ll be re-reading though.
— Storm Season (Accidental Roots Book 1) by Elle Keaton — a male/male romance. I enjoyed this so much that I bought the follow on book.
— Moving in Rhythm by Dev Bentham — enjoyable male/male contemporary romance
— The Clockwork Heart by Kim Fielding — short romance novella about a man and a clockwork golem. I enjoyed this.
— A Shift in the Water (Elemental Shifter Book 1) by Patricia D. Eddy — pleasant urban fantasy but not likely a book I’ll re-read.
— Rayzor’s One (Alien Bounty Hunters Book 1) by Michele Mills — science fiction romance; not stellar (a pun!)
— Tremolo: A Verismo Short Story by E.M. Lindsey — I have another book by this author that I’m looking forward to reading.
— Flashbulb (Flight HA1710 Book 3) by Clare London. I enjoyed this male/male romance and will likely re-read it at some point.
— Laura Florand’s contemporary romance Trust Me (Paris Nights). While this is third in a series, it stands alone well. The heroine is a survivor of a terror attack — which does not seem as fictional an event these days as one would wish.
— Half-Blood Dragon: Book One of the Dragon Born Trilogy by K.N. Lee. This was an enjoyable fantasy except for two facts — first, it ends with a definite cliffhanger and second, some of the language doesn’t seem to fit the setting (for example, use of the word okay).
— Fabricating Jada by Vanessa Marie. This was a pleasant read; it’s a new adult romance.
— re-read, with pleasure, Pretty Face (London Celebrities) by Lucy Parker and Oracle’s Moon (Elder Races Book 4) by Thea Harrison.
— For my book group: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. My, what a surfeit of semi-colons! What the book lacks, however, is chapters, and even page breaks were in short supply. At one point, I checked and there were some forty pages plus between page breaks. I would read along and be thinking, “My kingdom for a page break!” This was a dense read with multiple story lines and points of view. I don’t regret reading it, but I was happy to be done.
— a re-read of Ruth’s Bonded (Ruth & Gron Book 1) by V.C. Lancaster and the sequel (a new read for me), Gron’s Fated (Ruth & Gron Book 2). These are categorized as science fiction romances and were entertaining reads.
— Nathan Burgoine’s novella In Memoriam which I enjoyed quite a bit. It’s a short male/male romance that I’ll be re-reading.
— Sarina Bowen’s contemporary romance Shooting For the Stars which I enjoyed.
— a fantasy book that had some unique world building: Silver Blood (Series of Blood Book 1) by Emma Hamm
— a(nother) re-read of Anne Bishop’s Etched in Bone and Vision in Silver. I’m not sure what needs of mine these books are meeting.
— Just finished the cyborg romance (yes, that appears to be a genre!) ~ Peyton 313 (Cyborgs- Mankind Redefined) by Donna McDonald. It was a pleasant read even though the heroine spent a lot of time crying and repenting her prior actions. This book is currently free for Kindle readers.
— I finished my re-read of Anne Bishop’s the Others series with Vision In Silver, Marked In Flesh, and Etched in Bone. I recommend this series.
— The Protector by Cooper West which I enjoyed but not as much as I liked the second book in the series, Parker’s Sanctuary: A Guardsmen Novel. I’ll look forward to reading more in this series. This is a male/male paranormal romance series.
— RUSH by Emma Scott which I enjoyed. This is about a violinist (suffering through a difficult time) and a man dealing with blindness.
— Cambria Hebert’s Text (Take It Off Book 4). The first part of the book seemed sadly believable but then came aspects that require quite a bit of willing suspension of disbelief. (On telling my husband about those aspects, he said so much so that new shocks would be required!) I did enjoy reading the book, but I doubt it’s a book I’ll re-read.
Thanks for this column; it’s always a favorite! Wishing you and your arm healing thoughts, Susan.
— Unboxed by Amy Crook. This book/world has a premise which I found quite intriguing. A couple of observations: First, I could wish the book were less graphic, because I think others who might enjoy the magic aspect will not read it due to the adult content. [And then there’s the fact that my adult daughter (who gave this to me as a gift since it was on my wish list) has expressed an interest in borrowing it. I’m not sure what she’ll think of her mother’s taste in books!] Second, the author spends considerable time writing about all of the eating and drinking the characters do. Most of that drinking is of tea and to a far lesser extent alcohol, while the eating is of biscuits and pastries with occasional breaks for curries and other savory foods. The book would likely be 25 percent shorter were those scenes to be omitted. This would probably not be a good book to read if you’re hungry or thirsty! All that said, I did enjoy the book and will likely re-read it at some point. I’d certainly like to read more by this author.
— I also re-read (yet again!) Written In Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop after deciding to buy my own Kindle copy. It’s still on sale for $2.99.
— And I read the science fiction romance Stranded with the Cyborg by Cara Bristol which happens to be currently free to Kindle readers. This was a pleasant read, but I doubt it’s a book I’ll re-read.
— Joanna Chambers’ historical male/male romance A Gathering Storm (Porthkennack Book 2) which I enjoyed. While this book is second in the series, all of the books stand alone and are only linked by their location in Cornwall.
— Sarina Bowen’s contemporary romance Falling From the Sky (Gravity Book 2) which I enjoyed (though it’s not my favorite from the author). While it’s book two in a series, it stands alone well.
— a collection of two historical romance novellas which I also enjoyed ~ The Duke and His Duchess / The Courtship (Windham Series) by Grace Burrowes. These stories feature the parents of the main characters from the author’s first series of books; it showcases their courtship (what a surprise!) and a time in their life when they have four young children. You need not have read any of the author’s other works to enjoy these novellas.
— I resumed my reading of Sheri Cobb South’s John Pickett historical mysteries after a hiatus of a couple of months: Pickpocket’s Apprentice is a prequel to the series. This is available for 99 cents to Kindle readers. I also read Dinner Most Deadly, Too Hot to Handel, and the now final book in the series namely For Deader or Worse. I believe more books are to come.
— In my re(re)-read of Anne Bishop’s the Others series, I finished her Murder of Crows plus Marked In Flesh both of which I enjoyed once again.
— I also read Half by Eli Lang which was a pleasant male/male paranormal romance. I don’t think it’s a book I’ll be re-reading though.
— Storm Season (Accidental Roots Book 1) by Elle Keaton — a male/male romance. I enjoyed this so much that I bought the follow on book.
— Moving in Rhythm by Dev Bentham — enjoyable male/male contemporary romance
— The Clockwork Heart by Kim Fielding — short romance novella about a man and a clockwork golem. I enjoyed this.
— A Shift in the Water (Elemental Shifter Book 1) by Patricia D. Eddy — pleasant urban fantasy but not likely a book I’ll re-read.
— Rayzor’s One (Alien Bounty Hunters Book 1) by Michele Mills — science fiction romance; not stellar (a pun!)
— Tremolo: A Verismo Short Story by E.M. Lindsey — I have another book by this author that I’m looking forward to reading.
— Flashbulb (Flight HA1710 Book 3) by Clare London. I enjoyed this male/male romance and will likely re-read it at some point.
— Laura Florand’s contemporary romance Trust Me (Paris Nights). While this is third in a series, it stands alone well. The heroine is a survivor of a terror attack — which does not seem as fictional an event these days as one would wish.
— Half-Blood Dragon: Book One of the Dragon Born Trilogy by K.N. Lee. This was an enjoyable fantasy except for two facts — first, it ends with a definite cliffhanger and second, some of the language doesn’t seem to fit the setting (for example, use of the word okay).
— Fabricating Jada by Vanessa Marie. This was a pleasant read; it’s a new adult romance.
— re-read, with pleasure, Pretty Face (London Celebrities) by Lucy Parker and Oracle’s Moon (Elder Races Book 4) by Thea Harrison.
— For my book group: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. My, what a surfeit of semi-colons! What the book lacks, however, is chapters, and even page breaks were in short supply. At one point, I checked and there were some forty pages plus between page breaks. I would read along and be thinking, “My kingdom for a page break!” This was a dense read with multiple story lines and points of view. I don’t regret reading it, but I was happy to be done.
— a re-read of Ruth’s Bonded (Ruth & Gron Book 1) by V.C. Lancaster and the sequel (a new read for me), Gron’s Fated (Ruth & Gron Book 2). These are categorized as science fiction romances and were entertaining reads.
— Nathan Burgoine’s novella In Memoriam which I enjoyed quite a bit. It’s a short male/male romance that I’ll be re-reading.
— Sarina Bowen’s contemporary romance Shooting For the Stars which I enjoyed.
— a fantasy book that had some unique world building: Silver Blood (Series of Blood Book 1) by Emma Hamm
— a(nother) re-read of Anne Bishop’s Etched in Bone and Vision in Silver. I’m not sure what needs of mine these books are meeting.
— Just finished the cyborg romance (yes, that appears to be a genre!) ~ Peyton 313 (Cyborgs- Mankind Redefined) by Donna McDonald. It was a pleasant read even though the heroine spent a lot of time crying and repenting her prior actions. This book is currently free for Kindle readers.
— I finished my re-read of Anne Bishop’s the Others series with Vision In Silver, Marked In Flesh, and Etched in Bone. I recommend this series.
— The Protector by Cooper West which I enjoyed but not as much as I liked the second book in the series, Parker’s Sanctuary: A Guardsmen Novel. I’ll look forward to reading more in this series. This is a male/male paranormal romance series.
— RUSH by Emma Scott which I enjoyed. This is about a violinist (suffering through a difficult time) and a man dealing with blindness.
— Cambria Hebert’s Text (Take It Off Book 4). The first part of the book seemed sadly believable but then came aspects that require quite a bit of willing suspension of disbelief. (On telling my husband about those aspects, he said so much so that new shocks would be required!) I did enjoy reading the book, but I doubt it’s a book I’ll re-read.
Thanks for this column; it’s always a favorite! Wishing you and your arm healing thoughts, Susan.
— Unboxed by Amy Crook. This book/world has a premise which I found quite intriguing. A couple of observations: First, I could wish the book were less graphic, because I think others who might enjoy the magic aspect will not read it due to the adult content. [And then there’s the fact that my adult daughter (who gave this to me as a gift since it was on my wish list) has expressed an interest in borrowing it. I’m not sure what she’ll think of her mother’s taste in books!] Second, the author spends considerable time writing about all of the eating and drinking the characters do. Most of that drinking is of tea and to a far lesser extent alcohol, while the eating is of biscuits and pastries with occasional breaks for curries and other savory foods. The book would likely be 25 percent shorter were those scenes to be omitted. This would probably not be a good book to read if you’re hungry or thirsty! All that said, I did enjoy the book and will likely re-read it at some point. I’d certainly like to read more by this author.
— I also re-read (yet again!) Written In Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop after deciding to buy my own Kindle copy. It’s still on sale for $2.99.
— And I read the science fiction romance Stranded with the Cyborg by Cara Bristol which happens to be currently free to Kindle readers. This was a pleasant read, but I doubt it’s a book I’ll re-read.
— Joanna Chambers’ historical male/male romance A Gathering Storm (Porthkennack Book 2) which I enjoyed. While this book is second in the series, all of the books stand alone and are only linked by their location in Cornwall.
— Sarina Bowen’s contemporary romance Falling From the Sky (Gravity Book 2) which I enjoyed (though it’s not my favorite from the author). While it’s book two in a series, it stands alone well.
— a collection of two historical romance novellas which I also enjoyed ~ The Duke and His Duchess / The Courtship (Windham Series) by Grace Burrowes. These stories feature the parents of the main characters from the author’s first series of books; it showcases their courtship (what a surprise!) and a time in their life when they have four young children. You need not have read any of the author’s other works to enjoy these novellas.
— I resumed my reading of Sheri Cobb South’s John Pickett historical mysteries after a hiatus of a couple of months: Pickpocket’s Apprentice is a prequel to the series. This is available for 99 cents to Kindle readers. I also read Dinner Most Deadly, Too Hot to Handel, and the now final book in the series namely For Deader or Worse. I believe more books are to come.
— In my re(re)-read of Anne Bishop’s the Others series, I finished her Murder of Crows plus Marked In Flesh both of which I enjoyed once again.
— I also read Half by Eli Lang which was a pleasant male/male paranormal romance. I don’t think it’s a book I’ll be re-reading though.
— Storm Season (Accidental Roots Book 1) by Elle Keaton — a male/male romance. I enjoyed this so much that I bought the follow on book.
— Moving in Rhythm by Dev Bentham — enjoyable male/male contemporary romance
— The Clockwork Heart by Kim Fielding — short romance novella about a man and a clockwork golem. I enjoyed this.
— A Shift in the Water (Elemental Shifter Book 1) by Patricia D. Eddy — pleasant urban fantasy but not likely a book I’ll re-read.
— Rayzor’s One (Alien Bounty Hunters Book 1) by Michele Mills — science fiction romance; not stellar (a pun!)
— Tremolo: A Verismo Short Story by E.M. Lindsey — I have another book by this author that I’m looking forward to reading.
— Flashbulb (Flight HA1710 Book 3) by Clare London. I enjoyed this male/male romance and will likely re-read it at some point.
— Laura Florand’s contemporary romance Trust Me (Paris Nights). While this is third in a series, it stands alone well. The heroine is a survivor of a terror attack — which does not seem as fictional an event these days as one would wish.
— Half-Blood Dragon: Book One of the Dragon Born Trilogy by K.N. Lee. This was an enjoyable fantasy except for two facts — first, it ends with a definite cliffhanger and second, some of the language doesn’t seem to fit the setting (for example, use of the word okay).
— Fabricating Jada by Vanessa Marie. This was a pleasant read; it’s a new adult romance.
— re-read, with pleasure, Pretty Face (London Celebrities) by Lucy Parker and Oracle’s Moon (Elder Races Book 4) by Thea Harrison.
— For my book group: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. My, what a surfeit of semi-colons! What the book lacks, however, is chapters, and even page breaks were in short supply. At one point, I checked and there were some forty pages plus between page breaks. I would read along and be thinking, “My kingdom for a page break!” This was a dense read with multiple story lines and points of view. I don’t regret reading it, but I was happy to be done.
— a re-read of Ruth’s Bonded (Ruth & Gron Book 1) by V.C. Lancaster and the sequel (a new read for me), Gron’s Fated (Ruth & Gron Book 2). These are categorized as science fiction romances and were entertaining reads.
— Nathan Burgoine’s novella In Memoriam which I enjoyed quite a bit. It’s a short male/male romance that I’ll be re-reading.
— Sarina Bowen’s contemporary romance Shooting For the Stars which I enjoyed.
— a fantasy book that had some unique world building: Silver Blood (Series of Blood Book 1) by Emma Hamm
— a(nother) re-read of Anne Bishop’s Etched in Bone and Vision in Silver. I’m not sure what needs of mine these books are meeting.
— Just finished the cyborg romance (yes, that appears to be a genre!) ~ Peyton 313 (Cyborgs- Mankind Redefined) by Donna McDonald. It was a pleasant read even though the heroine spent a lot of time crying and repenting her prior actions. This book is currently free for Kindle readers.
— I finished my re-read of Anne Bishop’s the Others series with Vision In Silver, Marked In Flesh, and Etched in Bone. I recommend this series.
— The Protector by Cooper West which I enjoyed but not as much as I liked the second book in the series, Parker’s Sanctuary: A Guardsmen Novel. I’ll look forward to reading more in this series. This is a male/male paranormal romance series.
— RUSH by Emma Scott which I enjoyed. This is about a violinist (suffering through a difficult time) and a man dealing with blindness.
— Cambria Hebert’s Text (Take It Off Book 4). The first part of the book seemed sadly believable but then came aspects that require quite a bit of willing suspension of disbelief. (On telling my husband about those aspects, he said so much so that new shocks would be required!) I did enjoy reading the book, but I doubt it’s a book I’ll re-read.
Thanks for this column; it’s always a favorite! Wishing you and your arm healing thoughts, Susan.
— Unboxed by Amy Crook. This book/world has a premise which I found quite intriguing. A couple of observations: First, I could wish the book were less graphic, because I think others who might enjoy the magic aspect will not read it due to the adult content. [And then there’s the fact that my adult daughter (who gave this to me as a gift since it was on my wish list) has expressed an interest in borrowing it. I’m not sure what she’ll think of her mother’s taste in books!] Second, the author spends considerable time writing about all of the eating and drinking the characters do. Most of that drinking is of tea and to a far lesser extent alcohol, while the eating is of biscuits and pastries with occasional breaks for curries and other savory foods. The book would likely be 25 percent shorter were those scenes to be omitted. This would probably not be a good book to read if you’re hungry or thirsty! All that said, I did enjoy the book and will likely re-read it at some point. I’d certainly like to read more by this author.
— I also re-read (yet again!) Written In Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop after deciding to buy my own Kindle copy. It’s still on sale for $2.99.
— And I read the science fiction romance Stranded with the Cyborg by Cara Bristol which happens to be currently free to Kindle readers. This was a pleasant read, but I doubt it’s a book I’ll re-read.
— Joanna Chambers’ historical male/male romance A Gathering Storm (Porthkennack Book 2) which I enjoyed. While this book is second in the series, all of the books stand alone and are only linked by their location in Cornwall.
— Sarina Bowen’s contemporary romance Falling From the Sky (Gravity Book 2) which I enjoyed (though it’s not my favorite from the author). While it’s book two in a series, it stands alone well.
— a collection of two historical romance novellas which I also enjoyed ~ The Duke and His Duchess / The Courtship (Windham Series) by Grace Burrowes. These stories feature the parents of the main characters from the author’s first series of books; it showcases their courtship (what a surprise!) and a time in their life when they have four young children. You need not have read any of the author’s other works to enjoy these novellas.
— I resumed my reading of Sheri Cobb South’s John Pickett historical mysteries after a hiatus of a couple of months: Pickpocket’s Apprentice is a prequel to the series. This is available for 99 cents to Kindle readers. I also read Dinner Most Deadly, Too Hot to Handel, and the now final book in the series namely For Deader or Worse. I believe more books are to come.
— In my re(re)-read of Anne Bishop’s the Others series, I finished her Murder of Crows plus Marked In Flesh both of which I enjoyed once again.
— I also read Half by Eli Lang which was a pleasant male/male paranormal romance. I don’t think it’s a book I’ll be re-reading though.
— Storm Season (Accidental Roots Book 1) by Elle Keaton — a male/male romance. I enjoyed this so much that I bought the follow on book.
— Moving in Rhythm by Dev Bentham — enjoyable male/male contemporary romance
— The Clockwork Heart by Kim Fielding — short romance novella about a man and a clockwork golem. I enjoyed this.
— A Shift in the Water (Elemental Shifter Book 1) by Patricia D. Eddy — pleasant urban fantasy but not likely a book I’ll re-read.
— Rayzor’s One (Alien Bounty Hunters Book 1) by Michele Mills — science fiction romance; not stellar (a pun!)
— Tremolo: A Verismo Short Story by E.M. Lindsey — I have another book by this author that I’m looking forward to reading.
— Flashbulb (Flight HA1710 Book 3) by Clare London. I enjoyed this male/male romance and will likely re-read it at some point.
— Laura Florand’s contemporary romance Trust Me (Paris Nights). While this is third in a series, it stands alone well. The heroine is a survivor of a terror attack — which does not seem as fictional an event these days as one would wish.
— Half-Blood Dragon: Book One of the Dragon Born Trilogy by K.N. Lee. This was an enjoyable fantasy except for two facts — first, it ends with a definite cliffhanger and second, some of the language doesn’t seem to fit the setting (for example, use of the word okay).
— Fabricating Jada by Vanessa Marie. This was a pleasant read; it’s a new adult romance.
— re-read, with pleasure, Pretty Face (London Celebrities) by Lucy Parker and Oracle’s Moon (Elder Races Book 4) by Thea Harrison.
— For my book group: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. My, what a surfeit of semi-colons! What the book lacks, however, is chapters, and even page breaks were in short supply. At one point, I checked and there were some forty pages plus between page breaks. I would read along and be thinking, “My kingdom for a page break!” This was a dense read with multiple story lines and points of view. I don’t regret reading it, but I was happy to be done.
— a re-read of Ruth’s Bonded (Ruth & Gron Book 1) by V.C. Lancaster and the sequel (a new read for me), Gron’s Fated (Ruth & Gron Book 2). These are categorized as science fiction romances and were entertaining reads.
— Nathan Burgoine’s novella In Memoriam which I enjoyed quite a bit. It’s a short male/male romance that I’ll be re-reading.
— Sarina Bowen’s contemporary romance Shooting For the Stars which I enjoyed.
— a fantasy book that had some unique world building: Silver Blood (Series of Blood Book 1) by Emma Hamm
— a(nother) re-read of Anne Bishop’s Etched in Bone and Vision in Silver. I’m not sure what needs of mine these books are meeting.
— Just finished the cyborg romance (yes, that appears to be a genre!) ~ Peyton 313 (Cyborgs- Mankind Redefined) by Donna McDonald. It was a pleasant read even though the heroine spent a lot of time crying and repenting her prior actions. This book is currently free for Kindle readers.
— I finished my re-read of Anne Bishop’s the Others series with Vision In Silver, Marked In Flesh, and Etched in Bone. I recommend this series.
— The Protector by Cooper West which I enjoyed but not as much as I liked the second book in the series, Parker’s Sanctuary: A Guardsmen Novel. I’ll look forward to reading more in this series. This is a male/male paranormal romance series.
— RUSH by Emma Scott which I enjoyed. This is about a violinist (suffering through a difficult time) and a man dealing with blindness.
— Cambria Hebert’s Text (Take It Off Book 4). The first part of the book seemed sadly believable but then came aspects that require quite a bit of willing suspension of disbelief. (On telling my husband about those aspects, he said so much so that new shocks would be required!) I did enjoy reading the book, but I doubt it’s a book I’ll re-read.
Most memorable HR I’ve read this month is Anne Gracie’s MARRY IN HASTE. I love a good marriage of convenience story, and this one was so good. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Especially interested to see what happens with “George”.
While shopping Amazon for new HR authors, I found a Harlequin Historical, THE GOVERNESS’S SECRET BABY by a new (to me) author named Janice Preston. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by Ms. Preston. This book was one of four books by different authors titled THE GOVERNESS TALES that all tie together. The book was interesting enough that I got a second book, THE CINDERELLA GOVERNESS by George Lee. Didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first one, but it was interesting enough that I want to finish up the series. Sorry, I cannot recall the other two books off the top of my head.
I also recommend MY DEAREST FRIEND: THE LETTERS OF ABIGAIL AND JOHN ADAMS. It is not the kind of book that I would read cover to cover all at once. I read it off and on over a period of about three weeks. But I think any history buff like me would love it. So interesting to see history from such a personal point of view. Also had a lot of historical notes by the editors.
Most memorable HR I’ve read this month is Anne Gracie’s MARRY IN HASTE. I love a good marriage of convenience story, and this one was so good. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Especially interested to see what happens with “George”.
While shopping Amazon for new HR authors, I found a Harlequin Historical, THE GOVERNESS’S SECRET BABY by a new (to me) author named Janice Preston. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by Ms. Preston. This book was one of four books by different authors titled THE GOVERNESS TALES that all tie together. The book was interesting enough that I got a second book, THE CINDERELLA GOVERNESS by George Lee. Didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first one, but it was interesting enough that I want to finish up the series. Sorry, I cannot recall the other two books off the top of my head.
I also recommend MY DEAREST FRIEND: THE LETTERS OF ABIGAIL AND JOHN ADAMS. It is not the kind of book that I would read cover to cover all at once. I read it off and on over a period of about three weeks. But I think any history buff like me would love it. So interesting to see history from such a personal point of view. Also had a lot of historical notes by the editors.
Most memorable HR I’ve read this month is Anne Gracie’s MARRY IN HASTE. I love a good marriage of convenience story, and this one was so good. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Especially interested to see what happens with “George”.
While shopping Amazon for new HR authors, I found a Harlequin Historical, THE GOVERNESS’S SECRET BABY by a new (to me) author named Janice Preston. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by Ms. Preston. This book was one of four books by different authors titled THE GOVERNESS TALES that all tie together. The book was interesting enough that I got a second book, THE CINDERELLA GOVERNESS by George Lee. Didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first one, but it was interesting enough that I want to finish up the series. Sorry, I cannot recall the other two books off the top of my head.
I also recommend MY DEAREST FRIEND: THE LETTERS OF ABIGAIL AND JOHN ADAMS. It is not the kind of book that I would read cover to cover all at once. I read it off and on over a period of about three weeks. But I think any history buff like me would love it. So interesting to see history from such a personal point of view. Also had a lot of historical notes by the editors.
Most memorable HR I’ve read this month is Anne Gracie’s MARRY IN HASTE. I love a good marriage of convenience story, and this one was so good. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Especially interested to see what happens with “George”.
While shopping Amazon for new HR authors, I found a Harlequin Historical, THE GOVERNESS’S SECRET BABY by a new (to me) author named Janice Preston. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by Ms. Preston. This book was one of four books by different authors titled THE GOVERNESS TALES that all tie together. The book was interesting enough that I got a second book, THE CINDERELLA GOVERNESS by George Lee. Didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first one, but it was interesting enough that I want to finish up the series. Sorry, I cannot recall the other two books off the top of my head.
I also recommend MY DEAREST FRIEND: THE LETTERS OF ABIGAIL AND JOHN ADAMS. It is not the kind of book that I would read cover to cover all at once. I read it off and on over a period of about three weeks. But I think any history buff like me would love it. So interesting to see history from such a personal point of view. Also had a lot of historical notes by the editors.
Most memorable HR I’ve read this month is Anne Gracie’s MARRY IN HASTE. I love a good marriage of convenience story, and this one was so good. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Especially interested to see what happens with “George”.
While shopping Amazon for new HR authors, I found a Harlequin Historical, THE GOVERNESS’S SECRET BABY by a new (to me) author named Janice Preston. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by Ms. Preston. This book was one of four books by different authors titled THE GOVERNESS TALES that all tie together. The book was interesting enough that I got a second book, THE CINDERELLA GOVERNESS by George Lee. Didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first one, but it was interesting enough that I want to finish up the series. Sorry, I cannot recall the other two books off the top of my head.
I also recommend MY DEAREST FRIEND: THE LETTERS OF ABIGAIL AND JOHN ADAMS. It is not the kind of book that I would read cover to cover all at once. I read it off and on over a period of about three weeks. But I think any history buff like me would love it. So interesting to see history from such a personal point of view. Also had a lot of historical notes by the editors.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m a big fan of Robin Hobb and the live ships. I also love Sophie Kinsella’s stand alone novels, though not so keen on her shopaholic books. However, with the vast universe of books available, I think its important not to overlook home grown talent. I am therefore sampling the Wenchly offerings which are available in audio.
Having really enjoyed ‘The Autumn Bride’, first in the Chance Sister quartet by Anne Gracie, I am now halfway through the second book ‘The Winter Bride’. If anything I am enjoying it even more than the first. Alison Larkin does a superb job with the narration, beautifully capturing the humour, the different accents from aristocratic to haughty butlers to lowly servants. The best readers can enhance a manuscript, turning it into a listening experience, almost like being present at a theatrical performance, and Larkin achieves this effect.
If you have never heard of an experimental Chinese swimming pig, then you simply must listen to this book!
Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m a big fan of Robin Hobb and the live ships. I also love Sophie Kinsella’s stand alone novels, though not so keen on her shopaholic books. However, with the vast universe of books available, I think its important not to overlook home grown talent. I am therefore sampling the Wenchly offerings which are available in audio.
Having really enjoyed ‘The Autumn Bride’, first in the Chance Sister quartet by Anne Gracie, I am now halfway through the second book ‘The Winter Bride’. If anything I am enjoying it even more than the first. Alison Larkin does a superb job with the narration, beautifully capturing the humour, the different accents from aristocratic to haughty butlers to lowly servants. The best readers can enhance a manuscript, turning it into a listening experience, almost like being present at a theatrical performance, and Larkin achieves this effect.
If you have never heard of an experimental Chinese swimming pig, then you simply must listen to this book!
Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m a big fan of Robin Hobb and the live ships. I also love Sophie Kinsella’s stand alone novels, though not so keen on her shopaholic books. However, with the vast universe of books available, I think its important not to overlook home grown talent. I am therefore sampling the Wenchly offerings which are available in audio.
Having really enjoyed ‘The Autumn Bride’, first in the Chance Sister quartet by Anne Gracie, I am now halfway through the second book ‘The Winter Bride’. If anything I am enjoying it even more than the first. Alison Larkin does a superb job with the narration, beautifully capturing the humour, the different accents from aristocratic to haughty butlers to lowly servants. The best readers can enhance a manuscript, turning it into a listening experience, almost like being present at a theatrical performance, and Larkin achieves this effect.
If you have never heard of an experimental Chinese swimming pig, then you simply must listen to this book!
Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m a big fan of Robin Hobb and the live ships. I also love Sophie Kinsella’s stand alone novels, though not so keen on her shopaholic books. However, with the vast universe of books available, I think its important not to overlook home grown talent. I am therefore sampling the Wenchly offerings which are available in audio.
Having really enjoyed ‘The Autumn Bride’, first in the Chance Sister quartet by Anne Gracie, I am now halfway through the second book ‘The Winter Bride’. If anything I am enjoying it even more than the first. Alison Larkin does a superb job with the narration, beautifully capturing the humour, the different accents from aristocratic to haughty butlers to lowly servants. The best readers can enhance a manuscript, turning it into a listening experience, almost like being present at a theatrical performance, and Larkin achieves this effect.
If you have never heard of an experimental Chinese swimming pig, then you simply must listen to this book!
Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m a big fan of Robin Hobb and the live ships. I also love Sophie Kinsella’s stand alone novels, though not so keen on her shopaholic books. However, with the vast universe of books available, I think its important not to overlook home grown talent. I am therefore sampling the Wenchly offerings which are available in audio.
Having really enjoyed ‘The Autumn Bride’, first in the Chance Sister quartet by Anne Gracie, I am now halfway through the second book ‘The Winter Bride’. If anything I am enjoying it even more than the first. Alison Larkin does a superb job with the narration, beautifully capturing the humour, the different accents from aristocratic to haughty butlers to lowly servants. The best readers can enhance a manuscript, turning it into a listening experience, almost like being present at a theatrical performance, and Larkin achieves this effect.
If you have never heard of an experimental Chinese swimming pig, then you simply must listen to this book!
Funny Mary Jo says she just read The Girl Who knew too much as it is waiting at the library for me. I was wondering how that one was going to turn out. Guess I need to dash to the library and get it pronto!
As to what I’ve read in May:
Jennifer Ashley:
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage
Many Sins of Lord Cameron
The Duke’s perfect Wife
All very good. Now to acquire the next ones in that series.
Tessa Dare: I’ve had 4 in a series by her just sitting there waiting to be read for, ummmm….too long. Luckily books don’t get stale and moldy waiting to be read.
A Night to Surrender
A Week to be Wicked
A Lady by Midnight
Any Duchess will do
Two contemporary cowboy romance books which I have a weakness for: The Reluctant Cowboy and The Maverick Cowboy by Kate Pearce.
Lastly 3 old classic/traditional Regencies and an Edwardian that I love love love.
Leonora Blythe – Lady Tara
Mira Stables – Summer at Dorne
Joan Smith – Aunt Sophie’s Diamonds. This was was extra delightful. Very Heyerish. I’d forgotten how much fun it was.
The Edwardian is: The Girl from the Diadem by Jean Merrill. I don’t know why that one appeals to me so much but I know that over the years I’ve probably read it 10 times.
There were of course other books but…they don’t rate a mention.
Funny Mary Jo says she just read The Girl Who knew too much as it is waiting at the library for me. I was wondering how that one was going to turn out. Guess I need to dash to the library and get it pronto!
As to what I’ve read in May:
Jennifer Ashley:
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage
Many Sins of Lord Cameron
The Duke’s perfect Wife
All very good. Now to acquire the next ones in that series.
Tessa Dare: I’ve had 4 in a series by her just sitting there waiting to be read for, ummmm….too long. Luckily books don’t get stale and moldy waiting to be read.
A Night to Surrender
A Week to be Wicked
A Lady by Midnight
Any Duchess will do
Two contemporary cowboy romance books which I have a weakness for: The Reluctant Cowboy and The Maverick Cowboy by Kate Pearce.
Lastly 3 old classic/traditional Regencies and an Edwardian that I love love love.
Leonora Blythe – Lady Tara
Mira Stables – Summer at Dorne
Joan Smith – Aunt Sophie’s Diamonds. This was was extra delightful. Very Heyerish. I’d forgotten how much fun it was.
The Edwardian is: The Girl from the Diadem by Jean Merrill. I don’t know why that one appeals to me so much but I know that over the years I’ve probably read it 10 times.
There were of course other books but…they don’t rate a mention.
Funny Mary Jo says she just read The Girl Who knew too much as it is waiting at the library for me. I was wondering how that one was going to turn out. Guess I need to dash to the library and get it pronto!
As to what I’ve read in May:
Jennifer Ashley:
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage
Many Sins of Lord Cameron
The Duke’s perfect Wife
All very good. Now to acquire the next ones in that series.
Tessa Dare: I’ve had 4 in a series by her just sitting there waiting to be read for, ummmm….too long. Luckily books don’t get stale and moldy waiting to be read.
A Night to Surrender
A Week to be Wicked
A Lady by Midnight
Any Duchess will do
Two contemporary cowboy romance books which I have a weakness for: The Reluctant Cowboy and The Maverick Cowboy by Kate Pearce.
Lastly 3 old classic/traditional Regencies and an Edwardian that I love love love.
Leonora Blythe – Lady Tara
Mira Stables – Summer at Dorne
Joan Smith – Aunt Sophie’s Diamonds. This was was extra delightful. Very Heyerish. I’d forgotten how much fun it was.
The Edwardian is: The Girl from the Diadem by Jean Merrill. I don’t know why that one appeals to me so much but I know that over the years I’ve probably read it 10 times.
There were of course other books but…they don’t rate a mention.
Funny Mary Jo says she just read The Girl Who knew too much as it is waiting at the library for me. I was wondering how that one was going to turn out. Guess I need to dash to the library and get it pronto!
As to what I’ve read in May:
Jennifer Ashley:
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage
Many Sins of Lord Cameron
The Duke’s perfect Wife
All very good. Now to acquire the next ones in that series.
Tessa Dare: I’ve had 4 in a series by her just sitting there waiting to be read for, ummmm….too long. Luckily books don’t get stale and moldy waiting to be read.
A Night to Surrender
A Week to be Wicked
A Lady by Midnight
Any Duchess will do
Two contemporary cowboy romance books which I have a weakness for: The Reluctant Cowboy and The Maverick Cowboy by Kate Pearce.
Lastly 3 old classic/traditional Regencies and an Edwardian that I love love love.
Leonora Blythe – Lady Tara
Mira Stables – Summer at Dorne
Joan Smith – Aunt Sophie’s Diamonds. This was was extra delightful. Very Heyerish. I’d forgotten how much fun it was.
The Edwardian is: The Girl from the Diadem by Jean Merrill. I don’t know why that one appeals to me so much but I know that over the years I’ve probably read it 10 times.
There were of course other books but…they don’t rate a mention.
Funny Mary Jo says she just read The Girl Who knew too much as it is waiting at the library for me. I was wondering how that one was going to turn out. Guess I need to dash to the library and get it pronto!
As to what I’ve read in May:
Jennifer Ashley:
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage
Many Sins of Lord Cameron
The Duke’s perfect Wife
All very good. Now to acquire the next ones in that series.
Tessa Dare: I’ve had 4 in a series by her just sitting there waiting to be read for, ummmm….too long. Luckily books don’t get stale and moldy waiting to be read.
A Night to Surrender
A Week to be Wicked
A Lady by Midnight
Any Duchess will do
Two contemporary cowboy romance books which I have a weakness for: The Reluctant Cowboy and The Maverick Cowboy by Kate Pearce.
Lastly 3 old classic/traditional Regencies and an Edwardian that I love love love.
Leonora Blythe – Lady Tara
Mira Stables – Summer at Dorne
Joan Smith – Aunt Sophie’s Diamonds. This was was extra delightful. Very Heyerish. I’d forgotten how much fun it was.
The Edwardian is: The Girl from the Diadem by Jean Merrill. I don’t know why that one appeals to me so much but I know that over the years I’ve probably read it 10 times.
There were of course other books but…they don’t rate a mention.
I just finished reading Dana Marie Bell’s latest book in the Nephilim series, Speak Thy Name and now I’m reading the Rivan Codex By David and Leigh Eddings and then I intend to read A Street Cat Named Bob By James Bowen. The book has been turned into a movie, too. Oh, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Bec McMaster’s new book, The Mech Who Loved Me.
I just finished reading Dana Marie Bell’s latest book in the Nephilim series, Speak Thy Name and now I’m reading the Rivan Codex By David and Leigh Eddings and then I intend to read A Street Cat Named Bob By James Bowen. The book has been turned into a movie, too. Oh, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Bec McMaster’s new book, The Mech Who Loved Me.
I just finished reading Dana Marie Bell’s latest book in the Nephilim series, Speak Thy Name and now I’m reading the Rivan Codex By David and Leigh Eddings and then I intend to read A Street Cat Named Bob By James Bowen. The book has been turned into a movie, too. Oh, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Bec McMaster’s new book, The Mech Who Loved Me.
I just finished reading Dana Marie Bell’s latest book in the Nephilim series, Speak Thy Name and now I’m reading the Rivan Codex By David and Leigh Eddings and then I intend to read A Street Cat Named Bob By James Bowen. The book has been turned into a movie, too. Oh, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Bec McMaster’s new book, The Mech Who Loved Me.
I just finished reading Dana Marie Bell’s latest book in the Nephilim series, Speak Thy Name and now I’m reading the Rivan Codex By David and Leigh Eddings and then I intend to read A Street Cat Named Bob By James Bowen. The book has been turned into a movie, too. Oh, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Bec McMaster’s new book, The Mech Who Loved Me.
First, I read Merely Marriage. I found her dedication worth remembering. (I don’t usually notice dedications, even though I do read them.)
It is a very good read, and has sent me back to reread the Viscount needs a wife.
I have read several other new books as they have arrived, but the only name I currently remember is Ruining Miss Wrotham by Emily Larkin (whom I met here).
I never stop reading, but this month I am focused on a breakthrough I have had as to how to organize and manage my genealogy research. (No new research, just better management — but that can be thrilling in its own way.)
And the management bug has spilled over into how to organize my nook files, so I can find the book I want without 5 minute search. It will probably take all of June to straighten this out.
Then — I can tackle the Kindle.
(When we were active in a computer group, I used to introduce myself: “I’m Sue McCormick and I make lists for a hobby.” You can see how accurate I was.
First, I read Merely Marriage. I found her dedication worth remembering. (I don’t usually notice dedications, even though I do read them.)
It is a very good read, and has sent me back to reread the Viscount needs a wife.
I have read several other new books as they have arrived, but the only name I currently remember is Ruining Miss Wrotham by Emily Larkin (whom I met here).
I never stop reading, but this month I am focused on a breakthrough I have had as to how to organize and manage my genealogy research. (No new research, just better management — but that can be thrilling in its own way.)
And the management bug has spilled over into how to organize my nook files, so I can find the book I want without 5 minute search. It will probably take all of June to straighten this out.
Then — I can tackle the Kindle.
(When we were active in a computer group, I used to introduce myself: “I’m Sue McCormick and I make lists for a hobby.” You can see how accurate I was.
First, I read Merely Marriage. I found her dedication worth remembering. (I don’t usually notice dedications, even though I do read them.)
It is a very good read, and has sent me back to reread the Viscount needs a wife.
I have read several other new books as they have arrived, but the only name I currently remember is Ruining Miss Wrotham by Emily Larkin (whom I met here).
I never stop reading, but this month I am focused on a breakthrough I have had as to how to organize and manage my genealogy research. (No new research, just better management — but that can be thrilling in its own way.)
And the management bug has spilled over into how to organize my nook files, so I can find the book I want without 5 minute search. It will probably take all of June to straighten this out.
Then — I can tackle the Kindle.
(When we were active in a computer group, I used to introduce myself: “I’m Sue McCormick and I make lists for a hobby.” You can see how accurate I was.
First, I read Merely Marriage. I found her dedication worth remembering. (I don’t usually notice dedications, even though I do read them.)
It is a very good read, and has sent me back to reread the Viscount needs a wife.
I have read several other new books as they have arrived, but the only name I currently remember is Ruining Miss Wrotham by Emily Larkin (whom I met here).
I never stop reading, but this month I am focused on a breakthrough I have had as to how to organize and manage my genealogy research. (No new research, just better management — but that can be thrilling in its own way.)
And the management bug has spilled over into how to organize my nook files, so I can find the book I want without 5 minute search. It will probably take all of June to straighten this out.
Then — I can tackle the Kindle.
(When we were active in a computer group, I used to introduce myself: “I’m Sue McCormick and I make lists for a hobby.” You can see how accurate I was.
First, I read Merely Marriage. I found her dedication worth remembering. (I don’t usually notice dedications, even though I do read them.)
It is a very good read, and has sent me back to reread the Viscount needs a wife.
I have read several other new books as they have arrived, but the only name I currently remember is Ruining Miss Wrotham by Emily Larkin (whom I met here).
I never stop reading, but this month I am focused on a breakthrough I have had as to how to organize and manage my genealogy research. (No new research, just better management — but that can be thrilling in its own way.)
And the management bug has spilled over into how to organize my nook files, so I can find the book I want without 5 minute search. It will probably take all of June to straighten this out.
Then — I can tackle the Kindle.
(When we were active in a computer group, I used to introduce myself: “I’m Sue McCormick and I make lists for a hobby.” You can see how accurate I was.
Before I begin the books that have recently been published, I decided to read, “The Shadow and the Claw” by Gene Wolfe. It’s a beautifully written account in first person of a torturer in a mythological Urth as an epic fantasy. The language is superb and all characters astounding.
I’m now reading an older book by Ursula K. Le Guin, who I admire so much. It’s “The Complete Orsinia – “Malafrena Stories and Songs.” Her lyrical phrasing throughout is so deceptively simple. It’s incredibly difficult. She is an amazing artist.
Before I begin the books that have recently been published, I decided to read, “The Shadow and the Claw” by Gene Wolfe. It’s a beautifully written account in first person of a torturer in a mythological Urth as an epic fantasy. The language is superb and all characters astounding.
I’m now reading an older book by Ursula K. Le Guin, who I admire so much. It’s “The Complete Orsinia – “Malafrena Stories and Songs.” Her lyrical phrasing throughout is so deceptively simple. It’s incredibly difficult. She is an amazing artist.
Before I begin the books that have recently been published, I decided to read, “The Shadow and the Claw” by Gene Wolfe. It’s a beautifully written account in first person of a torturer in a mythological Urth as an epic fantasy. The language is superb and all characters astounding.
I’m now reading an older book by Ursula K. Le Guin, who I admire so much. It’s “The Complete Orsinia – “Malafrena Stories and Songs.” Her lyrical phrasing throughout is so deceptively simple. It’s incredibly difficult. She is an amazing artist.
Before I begin the books that have recently been published, I decided to read, “The Shadow and the Claw” by Gene Wolfe. It’s a beautifully written account in first person of a torturer in a mythological Urth as an epic fantasy. The language is superb and all characters astounding.
I’m now reading an older book by Ursula K. Le Guin, who I admire so much. It’s “The Complete Orsinia – “Malafrena Stories and Songs.” Her lyrical phrasing throughout is so deceptively simple. It’s incredibly difficult. She is an amazing artist.
Before I begin the books that have recently been published, I decided to read, “The Shadow and the Claw” by Gene Wolfe. It’s a beautifully written account in first person of a torturer in a mythological Urth as an epic fantasy. The language is superb and all characters astounding.
I’m now reading an older book by Ursula K. Le Guin, who I admire so much. It’s “The Complete Orsinia – “Malafrena Stories and Songs.” Her lyrical phrasing throughout is so deceptively simple. It’s incredibly difficult. She is an amazing artist.
You ladies are amazing – especially Kareni! – the amount of reading you got through!
I started many books which I gave up on within 50 pages, which I won’t mention here. I read some other vintage regencies for review, most of which I did finish, the most recent being The Five-Minute Marriage by Joan Aiken.
I too read Marry in Haste, which I liked a lot. I also read Nothing Like a Duke by Jane Ashford, which was fun, though I still like her older titles better. I have the new Madeline Hunter in hand.
In non-romance reading, I caught up with Jack Reacher in Night School; I think he did well to set this in the mid-1990s because the premise is too terrifying, and all too likely, in 2017. I also read Crispin Guest #2, Serpent in the Thorns by Jeri Westerson. I am slowly working my way through several excellent historical mystery series (Billy Boyle is another one), but I find I need to space the books out to value them properly. Right now I’m halfway through In This Grave Hour by Jacqueline Winspear.
You ladies are amazing – especially Kareni! – the amount of reading you got through!
I started many books which I gave up on within 50 pages, which I won’t mention here. I read some other vintage regencies for review, most of which I did finish, the most recent being The Five-Minute Marriage by Joan Aiken.
I too read Marry in Haste, which I liked a lot. I also read Nothing Like a Duke by Jane Ashford, which was fun, though I still like her older titles better. I have the new Madeline Hunter in hand.
In non-romance reading, I caught up with Jack Reacher in Night School; I think he did well to set this in the mid-1990s because the premise is too terrifying, and all too likely, in 2017. I also read Crispin Guest #2, Serpent in the Thorns by Jeri Westerson. I am slowly working my way through several excellent historical mystery series (Billy Boyle is another one), but I find I need to space the books out to value them properly. Right now I’m halfway through In This Grave Hour by Jacqueline Winspear.
You ladies are amazing – especially Kareni! – the amount of reading you got through!
I started many books which I gave up on within 50 pages, which I won’t mention here. I read some other vintage regencies for review, most of which I did finish, the most recent being The Five-Minute Marriage by Joan Aiken.
I too read Marry in Haste, which I liked a lot. I also read Nothing Like a Duke by Jane Ashford, which was fun, though I still like her older titles better. I have the new Madeline Hunter in hand.
In non-romance reading, I caught up with Jack Reacher in Night School; I think he did well to set this in the mid-1990s because the premise is too terrifying, and all too likely, in 2017. I also read Crispin Guest #2, Serpent in the Thorns by Jeri Westerson. I am slowly working my way through several excellent historical mystery series (Billy Boyle is another one), but I find I need to space the books out to value them properly. Right now I’m halfway through In This Grave Hour by Jacqueline Winspear.
You ladies are amazing – especially Kareni! – the amount of reading you got through!
I started many books which I gave up on within 50 pages, which I won’t mention here. I read some other vintage regencies for review, most of which I did finish, the most recent being The Five-Minute Marriage by Joan Aiken.
I too read Marry in Haste, which I liked a lot. I also read Nothing Like a Duke by Jane Ashford, which was fun, though I still like her older titles better. I have the new Madeline Hunter in hand.
In non-romance reading, I caught up with Jack Reacher in Night School; I think he did well to set this in the mid-1990s because the premise is too terrifying, and all too likely, in 2017. I also read Crispin Guest #2, Serpent in the Thorns by Jeri Westerson. I am slowly working my way through several excellent historical mystery series (Billy Boyle is another one), but I find I need to space the books out to value them properly. Right now I’m halfway through In This Grave Hour by Jacqueline Winspear.
You ladies are amazing – especially Kareni! – the amount of reading you got through!
I started many books which I gave up on within 50 pages, which I won’t mention here. I read some other vintage regencies for review, most of which I did finish, the most recent being The Five-Minute Marriage by Joan Aiken.
I too read Marry in Haste, which I liked a lot. I also read Nothing Like a Duke by Jane Ashford, which was fun, though I still like her older titles better. I have the new Madeline Hunter in hand.
In non-romance reading, I caught up with Jack Reacher in Night School; I think he did well to set this in the mid-1990s because the premise is too terrifying, and all too likely, in 2017. I also read Crispin Guest #2, Serpent in the Thorns by Jeri Westerson. I am slowly working my way through several excellent historical mystery series (Billy Boyle is another one), but I find I need to space the books out to value them properly. Right now I’m halfway through In This Grave Hour by Jacqueline Winspear.
How annoying, Suzanne — the slow renos as well as the stupid sales assistant who knew nothing!
As for the rom com — try Sophie Kinsella’s My Not So Perfect Life, or Lucy Parker’s Act Like Me or the one after that, Pretty face.
All three guaranteed to put a smile on your face .
How annoying, Suzanne — the slow renos as well as the stupid sales assistant who knew nothing!
As for the rom com — try Sophie Kinsella’s My Not So Perfect Life, or Lucy Parker’s Act Like Me or the one after that, Pretty face.
All three guaranteed to put a smile on your face .
How annoying, Suzanne — the slow renos as well as the stupid sales assistant who knew nothing!
As for the rom com — try Sophie Kinsella’s My Not So Perfect Life, or Lucy Parker’s Act Like Me or the one after that, Pretty face.
All three guaranteed to put a smile on your face .
How annoying, Suzanne — the slow renos as well as the stupid sales assistant who knew nothing!
As for the rom com — try Sophie Kinsella’s My Not So Perfect Life, or Lucy Parker’s Act Like Me or the one after that, Pretty face.
All three guaranteed to put a smile on your face .
How annoying, Suzanne — the slow renos as well as the stupid sales assistant who knew nothing!
As for the rom com — try Sophie Kinsella’s My Not So Perfect Life, or Lucy Parker’s Act Like Me or the one after that, Pretty face.
All three guaranteed to put a smile on your face .
Sorry, Act Like It.
Sorry, Act Like It.
Sorry, Act Like It.
Sorry, Act Like It.
Sorry, Act Like It.
Wow, Kareni — that’s some list you have there. Thanks so much for sharing.
Wow, Kareni — that’s some list you have there. Thanks so much for sharing.
Wow, Kareni — that’s some list you have there. Thanks so much for sharing.
Wow, Kareni — that’s some list you have there. Thanks so much for sharing.
Wow, Kareni — that’s some list you have there. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for those kind words, Mary — so glad you enjoyed my book. I haven’t come across that “governess” series — thanks I’ll check it out.
Thanks for those kind words, Mary — so glad you enjoyed my book. I haven’t come across that “governess” series — thanks I’ll check it out.
Thanks for those kind words, Mary — so glad you enjoyed my book. I haven’t come across that “governess” series — thanks I’ll check it out.
Thanks for those kind words, Mary — so glad you enjoyed my book. I haven’t come across that “governess” series — thanks I’ll check it out.
Thanks for those kind words, Mary — so glad you enjoyed my book. I haven’t come across that “governess” series — thanks I’ll check it out.
Quantum, Susan and I agree with you in preferring Sophie Kinsella’s stand alone novels to her Shopaholic books.
(I’m taking the liberty of answering for Susan as she’s broken her wrist and finds typing tricky.)
And thank you so much for your lovely comments on the first two “Chance sisters” books — Alison Larkin does a great job on the audio, doesn’t she? Her Lady Bea, and Daisy (in particular) are exactly how I imagined them speaking in my head. And I’m glad you enjoyed the experimental Chinese Swimming pigs. *g* Thank you.
Quantum, Susan and I agree with you in preferring Sophie Kinsella’s stand alone novels to her Shopaholic books.
(I’m taking the liberty of answering for Susan as she’s broken her wrist and finds typing tricky.)
And thank you so much for your lovely comments on the first two “Chance sisters” books — Alison Larkin does a great job on the audio, doesn’t she? Her Lady Bea, and Daisy (in particular) are exactly how I imagined them speaking in my head. And I’m glad you enjoyed the experimental Chinese Swimming pigs. *g* Thank you.
Quantum, Susan and I agree with you in preferring Sophie Kinsella’s stand alone novels to her Shopaholic books.
(I’m taking the liberty of answering for Susan as she’s broken her wrist and finds typing tricky.)
And thank you so much for your lovely comments on the first two “Chance sisters” books — Alison Larkin does a great job on the audio, doesn’t she? Her Lady Bea, and Daisy (in particular) are exactly how I imagined them speaking in my head. And I’m glad you enjoyed the experimental Chinese Swimming pigs. *g* Thank you.
Quantum, Susan and I agree with you in preferring Sophie Kinsella’s stand alone novels to her Shopaholic books.
(I’m taking the liberty of answering for Susan as she’s broken her wrist and finds typing tricky.)
And thank you so much for your lovely comments on the first two “Chance sisters” books — Alison Larkin does a great job on the audio, doesn’t she? Her Lady Bea, and Daisy (in particular) are exactly how I imagined them speaking in my head. And I’m glad you enjoyed the experimental Chinese Swimming pigs. *g* Thank you.
Quantum, Susan and I agree with you in preferring Sophie Kinsella’s stand alone novels to her Shopaholic books.
(I’m taking the liberty of answering for Susan as she’s broken her wrist and finds typing tricky.)
And thank you so much for your lovely comments on the first two “Chance sisters” books — Alison Larkin does a great job on the audio, doesn’t she? Her Lady Bea, and Daisy (in particular) are exactly how I imagined them speaking in my head. And I’m glad you enjoyed the experimental Chinese Swimming pigs. *g* Thank you.
Thanks for those recommendations, Vicki. I’m a fan of Jennifer Ashley, too — I think my fave of hers is The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. And I haven’t read that Joan Smith book, or the Jean Merrill — muct chase them up.
Thanks for those recommendations, Vicki. I’m a fan of Jennifer Ashley, too — I think my fave of hers is The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. And I haven’t read that Joan Smith book, or the Jean Merrill — muct chase them up.
Thanks for those recommendations, Vicki. I’m a fan of Jennifer Ashley, too — I think my fave of hers is The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. And I haven’t read that Joan Smith book, or the Jean Merrill — muct chase them up.
Thanks for those recommendations, Vicki. I’m a fan of Jennifer Ashley, too — I think my fave of hers is The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. And I haven’t read that Joan Smith book, or the Jean Merrill — muct chase them up.
Thanks for those recommendations, Vicki. I’m a fan of Jennifer Ashley, too — I think my fave of hers is The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. And I haven’t read that Joan Smith book, or the Jean Merrill — muct chase them up.
Minna, the Bec McMaster “London Steampunk” books are so good, aren’t they? I love the way she’s reinterpreted “the ton” and linked it to vampirism — so clever. Confession — she’s a friend of mine, BUT I was a fan of hers before I met her.
Minna, the Bec McMaster “London Steampunk” books are so good, aren’t they? I love the way she’s reinterpreted “the ton” and linked it to vampirism — so clever. Confession — she’s a friend of mine, BUT I was a fan of hers before I met her.
Minna, the Bec McMaster “London Steampunk” books are so good, aren’t they? I love the way she’s reinterpreted “the ton” and linked it to vampirism — so clever. Confession — she’s a friend of mine, BUT I was a fan of hers before I met her.
Minna, the Bec McMaster “London Steampunk” books are so good, aren’t they? I love the way she’s reinterpreted “the ton” and linked it to vampirism — so clever. Confession — she’s a friend of mine, BUT I was a fan of hers before I met her.
Minna, the Bec McMaster “London Steampunk” books are so good, aren’t they? I love the way she’s reinterpreted “the ton” and linked it to vampirism — so clever. Confession — she’s a friend of mine, BUT I was a fan of hers before I met her.
Thanks, Janice, so pleased you enjoyed my book. Thanks to for those other recommendations. I’m not up to date with the Reacher books, though I do enjoy them.
Thanks, Janice, so pleased you enjoyed my book. Thanks to for those other recommendations. I’m not up to date with the Reacher books, though I do enjoy them.
Thanks, Janice, so pleased you enjoyed my book. Thanks to for those other recommendations. I’m not up to date with the Reacher books, though I do enjoy them.
Thanks, Janice, so pleased you enjoyed my book. Thanks to for those other recommendations. I’m not up to date with the Reacher books, though I do enjoy them.
Thanks, Janice, so pleased you enjoyed my book. Thanks to for those other recommendations. I’m not up to date with the Reacher books, though I do enjoy them.
too, not to (sigh)
too, not to (sigh)
too, not to (sigh)
too, not to (sigh)
too, not to (sigh)
Vicki, I have read GIRL FROM THE DIADEM also – and enjoyed it. But my favorite book by Jean Merrill is SERAPHINA which is also set in Edwardian times. It wasn’t real strong on romance but it was soooo funny. These are the only two romance books I have ever been able to find by Ms. Merrill. She wrote a lot of children’s books though.
Vicki, I have read GIRL FROM THE DIADEM also – and enjoyed it. But my favorite book by Jean Merrill is SERAPHINA which is also set in Edwardian times. It wasn’t real strong on romance but it was soooo funny. These are the only two romance books I have ever been able to find by Ms. Merrill. She wrote a lot of children’s books though.
Vicki, I have read GIRL FROM THE DIADEM also – and enjoyed it. But my favorite book by Jean Merrill is SERAPHINA which is also set in Edwardian times. It wasn’t real strong on romance but it was soooo funny. These are the only two romance books I have ever been able to find by Ms. Merrill. She wrote a lot of children’s books though.
Vicki, I have read GIRL FROM THE DIADEM also – and enjoyed it. But my favorite book by Jean Merrill is SERAPHINA which is also set in Edwardian times. It wasn’t real strong on romance but it was soooo funny. These are the only two romance books I have ever been able to find by Ms. Merrill. She wrote a lot of children’s books though.
Vicki, I have read GIRL FROM THE DIADEM also – and enjoyed it. But my favorite book by Jean Merrill is SERAPHINA which is also set in Edwardian times. It wasn’t real strong on romance but it was soooo funny. These are the only two romance books I have ever been able to find by Ms. Merrill. She wrote a lot of children’s books though.
So glad you enjoy the recoomendations, Kathy. I do too!
So glad you enjoy the recoomendations, Kathy. I do too!
So glad you enjoy the recoomendations, Kathy. I do too!
So glad you enjoy the recoomendations, Kathy. I do too!
So glad you enjoy the recoomendations, Kathy. I do too!
I second Act Like It!
And sorry you had so much trouble finding Jo’s book in paper. It’s depressing how shelf space is disappearing.
I second Act Like It!
And sorry you had so much trouble finding Jo’s book in paper. It’s depressing how shelf space is disappearing.
I second Act Like It!
And sorry you had so much trouble finding Jo’s book in paper. It’s depressing how shelf space is disappearing.
I second Act Like It!
And sorry you had so much trouble finding Jo’s book in paper. It’s depressing how shelf space is disappearing.
I second Act Like It!
And sorry you had so much trouble finding Jo’s book in paper. It’s depressing how shelf space is disappearing.
I’m exhausted, Kareni! Wow!
I’m exhausted, Kareni! Wow!
I’m exhausted, Kareni! Wow!
I’m exhausted, Kareni! Wow!
I’m exhausted, Kareni! Wow!
I’m not an audio fan, Quantum, but you’re making me rethink that!
I’m not an audio fan, Quantum, but you’re making me rethink that!
I’m not an audio fan, Quantum, but you’re making me rethink that!
I’m not an audio fan, Quantum, but you’re making me rethink that!
I’m not an audio fan, Quantum, but you’re making me rethink that!
Gene Wolfe is (was?) as interesting and as erudite in person as he is in his books. (I met him (about 40 years ago?) when the Torturer books were coming out. He was interesting company.
Gene Wolfe is (was?) as interesting and as erudite in person as he is in his books. (I met him (about 40 years ago?) when the Torturer books were coming out. He was interesting company.
Gene Wolfe is (was?) as interesting and as erudite in person as he is in his books. (I met him (about 40 years ago?) when the Torturer books were coming out. He was interesting company.
Gene Wolfe is (was?) as interesting and as erudite in person as he is in his books. (I met him (about 40 years ago?) when the Torturer books were coming out. He was interesting company.
Gene Wolfe is (was?) as interesting and as erudite in person as he is in his books. (I met him (about 40 years ago?) when the Torturer books were coming out. He was interesting company.
I didn’t get a lot of reading done this past month, but I’m enjoying hearing about everybody else’s choices!
I did make an attempt to catch up a few long running series that I fell behind on: in Julie Anne Long’s Pennyroyal Green series, I read “Between The Devil and Ian Eversea”. It wasn’t my favorite but the level of character development and writing is so good that it was still worth reading and had some surprises. This is one that’s better enjoyed if you know the characters’ backstory from previous books.
I read “After the Scandal” by Elizabeth Essex, which is part of her Reckless Brides series, and it totally blew me away. Maybe her best ever, and that’s a high bar. I highly recommend it, and it’s completely stand alone, so you don’t need to be following the series to get full enjoyment out of it.
And I read the latest C.S. Harris book in her St. Cyr mystery series. I am so hooked on the characters and the ongoing plot developments in those books that I keep devouring them even though the level of violence is higher that what a normally care for.
I didn’t get a lot of reading done this past month, but I’m enjoying hearing about everybody else’s choices!
I did make an attempt to catch up a few long running series that I fell behind on: in Julie Anne Long’s Pennyroyal Green series, I read “Between The Devil and Ian Eversea”. It wasn’t my favorite but the level of character development and writing is so good that it was still worth reading and had some surprises. This is one that’s better enjoyed if you know the characters’ backstory from previous books.
I read “After the Scandal” by Elizabeth Essex, which is part of her Reckless Brides series, and it totally blew me away. Maybe her best ever, and that’s a high bar. I highly recommend it, and it’s completely stand alone, so you don’t need to be following the series to get full enjoyment out of it.
And I read the latest C.S. Harris book in her St. Cyr mystery series. I am so hooked on the characters and the ongoing plot developments in those books that I keep devouring them even though the level of violence is higher that what a normally care for.
I didn’t get a lot of reading done this past month, but I’m enjoying hearing about everybody else’s choices!
I did make an attempt to catch up a few long running series that I fell behind on: in Julie Anne Long’s Pennyroyal Green series, I read “Between The Devil and Ian Eversea”. It wasn’t my favorite but the level of character development and writing is so good that it was still worth reading and had some surprises. This is one that’s better enjoyed if you know the characters’ backstory from previous books.
I read “After the Scandal” by Elizabeth Essex, which is part of her Reckless Brides series, and it totally blew me away. Maybe her best ever, and that’s a high bar. I highly recommend it, and it’s completely stand alone, so you don’t need to be following the series to get full enjoyment out of it.
And I read the latest C.S. Harris book in her St. Cyr mystery series. I am so hooked on the characters and the ongoing plot developments in those books that I keep devouring them even though the level of violence is higher that what a normally care for.
I didn’t get a lot of reading done this past month, but I’m enjoying hearing about everybody else’s choices!
I did make an attempt to catch up a few long running series that I fell behind on: in Julie Anne Long’s Pennyroyal Green series, I read “Between The Devil and Ian Eversea”. It wasn’t my favorite but the level of character development and writing is so good that it was still worth reading and had some surprises. This is one that’s better enjoyed if you know the characters’ backstory from previous books.
I read “After the Scandal” by Elizabeth Essex, which is part of her Reckless Brides series, and it totally blew me away. Maybe her best ever, and that’s a high bar. I highly recommend it, and it’s completely stand alone, so you don’t need to be following the series to get full enjoyment out of it.
And I read the latest C.S. Harris book in her St. Cyr mystery series. I am so hooked on the characters and the ongoing plot developments in those books that I keep devouring them even though the level of violence is higher that what a normally care for.
I didn’t get a lot of reading done this past month, but I’m enjoying hearing about everybody else’s choices!
I did make an attempt to catch up a few long running series that I fell behind on: in Julie Anne Long’s Pennyroyal Green series, I read “Between The Devil and Ian Eversea”. It wasn’t my favorite but the level of character development and writing is so good that it was still worth reading and had some surprises. This is one that’s better enjoyed if you know the characters’ backstory from previous books.
I read “After the Scandal” by Elizabeth Essex, which is part of her Reckless Brides series, and it totally blew me away. Maybe her best ever, and that’s a high bar. I highly recommend it, and it’s completely stand alone, so you don’t need to be following the series to get full enjoyment out of it.
And I read the latest C.S. Harris book in her St. Cyr mystery series. I am so hooked on the characters and the ongoing plot developments in those books that I keep devouring them even though the level of violence is higher that what a normally care for.
How true, Andrea! It’s something I’ve noticed, especially with the romance section. As to Chapters not having Jo’s book, I called today and spoke with a store manager, who “investigated” why her book was available only through on-line ordering. I’m happy to report the oversight has been corrected, and I received a $20 gift card for bringing it to his attention.
How true, Andrea! It’s something I’ve noticed, especially with the romance section. As to Chapters not having Jo’s book, I called today and spoke with a store manager, who “investigated” why her book was available only through on-line ordering. I’m happy to report the oversight has been corrected, and I received a $20 gift card for bringing it to his attention.
How true, Andrea! It’s something I’ve noticed, especially with the romance section. As to Chapters not having Jo’s book, I called today and spoke with a store manager, who “investigated” why her book was available only through on-line ordering. I’m happy to report the oversight has been corrected, and I received a $20 gift card for bringing it to his attention.
How true, Andrea! It’s something I’ve noticed, especially with the romance section. As to Chapters not having Jo’s book, I called today and spoke with a store manager, who “investigated” why her book was available only through on-line ordering. I’m happy to report the oversight has been corrected, and I received a $20 gift card for bringing it to his attention.
How true, Andrea! It’s something I’ve noticed, especially with the romance section. As to Chapters not having Jo’s book, I called today and spoke with a store manager, who “investigated” why her book was available only through on-line ordering. I’m happy to report the oversight has been corrected, and I received a $20 gift card for bringing it to his attention.
Thanks Anne for the recs. 😊
Thanks Anne for the recs. 😊
Thanks Anne for the recs. 😊
Thanks Anne for the recs. 😊
Thanks Anne for the recs. 😊
Well done, Suzanne, for persisting! And how nice that they gave you a gift card.
Well done, Suzanne, for persisting! And how nice that they gave you a gift card.
Well done, Suzanne, for persisting! And how nice that they gave you a gift card.
Well done, Suzanne, for persisting! And how nice that they gave you a gift card.
Well done, Suzanne, for persisting! And how nice that they gave you a gift card.
Good luck in organizing your files and ebooks, Sue. A huge job, I suspect. I’m trying to cull a few books – soooo hard.
Good luck in organizing your files and ebooks, Sue. A huge job, I suspect. I’m trying to cull a few books – soooo hard.
Good luck in organizing your files and ebooks, Sue. A huge job, I suspect. I’m trying to cull a few books – soooo hard.
Good luck in organizing your files and ebooks, Sue. A huge job, I suspect. I’m trying to cull a few books – soooo hard.
Good luck in organizing your files and ebooks, Sue. A huge job, I suspect. I’m trying to cull a few books – soooo hard.
Karin, have you read Julie Anne Long’s recent contemporary books? I really enjoyed them. Now I want to go back and reread her historicals to compare the voice.
I haven’t yet read Elizabeth Essex — might be time to try her. And CS Harris is always an excellent read. Have you read her historical romances that she wrote as Candice Proctor? Very good, too.
Karin, have you read Julie Anne Long’s recent contemporary books? I really enjoyed them. Now I want to go back and reread her historicals to compare the voice.
I haven’t yet read Elizabeth Essex — might be time to try her. And CS Harris is always an excellent read. Have you read her historical romances that she wrote as Candice Proctor? Very good, too.
Karin, have you read Julie Anne Long’s recent contemporary books? I really enjoyed them. Now I want to go back and reread her historicals to compare the voice.
I haven’t yet read Elizabeth Essex — might be time to try her. And CS Harris is always an excellent read. Have you read her historical romances that she wrote as Candice Proctor? Very good, too.
Karin, have you read Julie Anne Long’s recent contemporary books? I really enjoyed them. Now I want to go back and reread her historicals to compare the voice.
I haven’t yet read Elizabeth Essex — might be time to try her. And CS Harris is always an excellent read. Have you read her historical romances that she wrote as Candice Proctor? Very good, too.
Karin, have you read Julie Anne Long’s recent contemporary books? I really enjoyed them. Now I want to go back and reread her historicals to compare the voice.
I haven’t yet read Elizabeth Essex — might be time to try her. And CS Harris is always an excellent read. Have you read her historical romances that she wrote as Candice Proctor? Very good, too.
Oh, hooray for you on all levels, Suzanne! Win-win, and you helped other readers have access Jo’s books in the store. You deserve a medal to go along with your gift card!
Oh, hooray for you on all levels, Suzanne! Win-win, and you helped other readers have access Jo’s books in the store. You deserve a medal to go along with your gift card!
Oh, hooray for you on all levels, Suzanne! Win-win, and you helped other readers have access Jo’s books in the store. You deserve a medal to go along with your gift card!
Oh, hooray for you on all levels, Suzanne! Win-win, and you helped other readers have access Jo’s books in the store. You deserve a medal to go along with your gift card!
Oh, hooray for you on all levels, Suzanne! Win-win, and you helped other readers have access Jo’s books in the store. You deserve a medal to go along with your gift card!
Lol Andrea…I’ve been telling my husband that for years. Perhaps I’ll get one (the medal that is) for our upcoming 25th.
Lol Andrea…I’ve been telling my husband that for years. Perhaps I’ll get one (the medal that is) for our upcoming 25th.
Lol Andrea…I’ve been telling my husband that for years. Perhaps I’ll get one (the medal that is) for our upcoming 25th.
Lol Andrea…I’ve been telling my husband that for years. Perhaps I’ll get one (the medal that is) for our upcoming 25th.
Lol Andrea…I’ve been telling my husband that for years. Perhaps I’ll get one (the medal that is) for our upcoming 25th.
Mary, I’m so pleased you enjoyed Janice Preston’s book. I love her historicals and it’s always a pleasure to discover a new author you like!
Mary, I’m so pleased you enjoyed Janice Preston’s book. I love her historicals and it’s always a pleasure to discover a new author you like!
Mary, I’m so pleased you enjoyed Janice Preston’s book. I love her historicals and it’s always a pleasure to discover a new author you like!
Mary, I’m so pleased you enjoyed Janice Preston’s book. I love her historicals and it’s always a pleasure to discover a new author you like!
Mary, I’m so pleased you enjoyed Janice Preston’s book. I love her historicals and it’s always a pleasure to discover a new author you like!
I have not read the contemporaries, I’m afraid I have enough trouble just keeping up with the historicals! The first Reckless Brides book, “Almost a Scandal” has a cross-dressing heroine who becomes a midshipman in the British Navy, and Essex makes it quite believable. Since you pulled the same trick in “To Catch A Bride” I think you might appreciate it.
I have not read the contemporaries, I’m afraid I have enough trouble just keeping up with the historicals! The first Reckless Brides book, “Almost a Scandal” has a cross-dressing heroine who becomes a midshipman in the British Navy, and Essex makes it quite believable. Since you pulled the same trick in “To Catch A Bride” I think you might appreciate it.
I have not read the contemporaries, I’m afraid I have enough trouble just keeping up with the historicals! The first Reckless Brides book, “Almost a Scandal” has a cross-dressing heroine who becomes a midshipman in the British Navy, and Essex makes it quite believable. Since you pulled the same trick in “To Catch A Bride” I think you might appreciate it.
I have not read the contemporaries, I’m afraid I have enough trouble just keeping up with the historicals! The first Reckless Brides book, “Almost a Scandal” has a cross-dressing heroine who becomes a midshipman in the British Navy, and Essex makes it quite believable. Since you pulled the same trick in “To Catch A Bride” I think you might appreciate it.
I have not read the contemporaries, I’m afraid I have enough trouble just keeping up with the historicals! The first Reckless Brides book, “Almost a Scandal” has a cross-dressing heroine who becomes a midshipman in the British Navy, and Essex makes it quite believable. Since you pulled the same trick in “To Catch A Bride” I think you might appreciate it.
I love this post. So many exciting new discoveries in new books and new writers. I was very very lucky to receive an ARC of Andrea’s new book and I LOVED it. The only thing now is that I’m pretty impatient for the second one in the series to come out. So while everyone is enjoying this first one, I’ll be champing at the bit waiting for the second one!!!
I love this post. So many exciting new discoveries in new books and new writers. I was very very lucky to receive an ARC of Andrea’s new book and I LOVED it. The only thing now is that I’m pretty impatient for the second one in the series to come out. So while everyone is enjoying this first one, I’ll be champing at the bit waiting for the second one!!!
I love this post. So many exciting new discoveries in new books and new writers. I was very very lucky to receive an ARC of Andrea’s new book and I LOVED it. The only thing now is that I’m pretty impatient for the second one in the series to come out. So while everyone is enjoying this first one, I’ll be champing at the bit waiting for the second one!!!
I love this post. So many exciting new discoveries in new books and new writers. I was very very lucky to receive an ARC of Andrea’s new book and I LOVED it. The only thing now is that I’m pretty impatient for the second one in the series to come out. So while everyone is enjoying this first one, I’ll be champing at the bit waiting for the second one!!!
I love this post. So many exciting new discoveries in new books and new writers. I was very very lucky to receive an ARC of Andrea’s new book and I LOVED it. The only thing now is that I’m pretty impatient for the second one in the series to come out. So while everyone is enjoying this first one, I’ll be champing at the bit waiting for the second one!!!
Thanks, Karin. It sounds interesting. History has turned up a number of women who successfully passed themselves off as men for years at a time.
Thanks, Karin. It sounds interesting. History has turned up a number of women who successfully passed themselves off as men for years at a time.
Thanks, Karin. It sounds interesting. History has turned up a number of women who successfully passed themselves off as men for years at a time.
Thanks, Karin. It sounds interesting. History has turned up a number of women who successfully passed themselves off as men for years at a time.
Thanks, Karin. It sounds interesting. History has turned up a number of women who successfully passed themselves off as men for years at a time.
A bit late in responding but thought I’d make a recommendation to those who enjoyed the Elizabethan mysteries with Shakespeare’s brother. C.J. Sansom has a Tudor-set series of mysteries. The hero is Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer, who begins the series as a religious reformer in Cromwell’s employ but who is soon disillusioned by the aftermath. The first book is “Dissolution”, which has Matthew sent to oversee the dissolution of one of the wealthy monasteries. I found the series interesting and learned something of the politics and history of the era. Henry VIII is a fairly major character, and he is most definitely Not A Hero, but Matthew is.
A bit late in responding but thought I’d make a recommendation to those who enjoyed the Elizabethan mysteries with Shakespeare’s brother. C.J. Sansom has a Tudor-set series of mysteries. The hero is Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer, who begins the series as a religious reformer in Cromwell’s employ but who is soon disillusioned by the aftermath. The first book is “Dissolution”, which has Matthew sent to oversee the dissolution of one of the wealthy monasteries. I found the series interesting and learned something of the politics and history of the era. Henry VIII is a fairly major character, and he is most definitely Not A Hero, but Matthew is.
A bit late in responding but thought I’d make a recommendation to those who enjoyed the Elizabethan mysteries with Shakespeare’s brother. C.J. Sansom has a Tudor-set series of mysteries. The hero is Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer, who begins the series as a religious reformer in Cromwell’s employ but who is soon disillusioned by the aftermath. The first book is “Dissolution”, which has Matthew sent to oversee the dissolution of one of the wealthy monasteries. I found the series interesting and learned something of the politics and history of the era. Henry VIII is a fairly major character, and he is most definitely Not A Hero, but Matthew is.
A bit late in responding but thought I’d make a recommendation to those who enjoyed the Elizabethan mysteries with Shakespeare’s brother. C.J. Sansom has a Tudor-set series of mysteries. The hero is Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer, who begins the series as a religious reformer in Cromwell’s employ but who is soon disillusioned by the aftermath. The first book is “Dissolution”, which has Matthew sent to oversee the dissolution of one of the wealthy monasteries. I found the series interesting and learned something of the politics and history of the era. Henry VIII is a fairly major character, and he is most definitely Not A Hero, but Matthew is.
A bit late in responding but thought I’d make a recommendation to those who enjoyed the Elizabethan mysteries with Shakespeare’s brother. C.J. Sansom has a Tudor-set series of mysteries. The hero is Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer, who begins the series as a religious reformer in Cromwell’s employ but who is soon disillusioned by the aftermath. The first book is “Dissolution”, which has Matthew sent to oversee the dissolution of one of the wealthy monasteries. I found the series interesting and learned something of the politics and history of the era. Henry VIII is a fairly major character, and he is most definitely Not A Hero, but Matthew is.