Susan here. In July, we discovered some great reads to share with you — romance, historical and contemporary; fascinating new mysteries; and sci-fi, nonfiction, and more. We often read each other's books, too, so look for some wonderful Wench reads this month as well!
Browse on . . . your TBR stack is about to get a lot bigger . . .
Christina here:
I’ve read an awful lot this month and could probably fill this entire blog all by myself, but I’ll try to keep it brief. I started with two of the Wenches’ own new releases, both of which were wonderful:-
Captivating the Countess by Patricia Rice is the final book in the School of Magic series, and I think this is my favourite. Rainford is the perfect hero – love him! – he stood out already in previous books and it was great to get to read his story at last. The huge and varied cast of characters surrounding him and the Countess also added to the overall enjoyment, and the magic and ghosts were a lovely bonus. I shall miss this series but was really happy with how it ended!
Pat already recommended Nicola Cornick’s The Last Daughter (The Last Daughter of York in the US) last month, and I totally agree with everything she said. This story had me enthralled from the first page to the last! Like many others, I have long been fascinated by the Princes in the Tower, and I love this take on it. Nicola has an amazing gift for intertwining old legends, mystical artifacts and historical riddles, and turning them into the most incredible books. Add to that her skill at creating characters you can’t help but empathise with, and the superb writing, and you have something truly special. The Last Daughter weaves a spell over the reader as powerful as the legend of the Mistletoe Bride and the Lodestar themselves, and I loved it!
The rest of this month was spent glomming every single book written by Kylie Scott – I couldn’t stop reading them! Wench Anne started me off by recommending Ms Scott’s one and only YA book Trust (so far – really hope she writes more!). This was, without a doubt, one of the best contemporary YA novels I have read in a very very long time! I was completely blown away by it. The characters are so real – there is no sugar-coating of high school life and what teenagers are really like, and the things they have to deal with are sometimes absolutely terrifying. It’s a book I simply can’t stop thinking about. 
I then continued with her adult books, starting with Fake. When waitress Norah is asked to pretend to be film star Patrick Walsh’s fake girlfriend, she jumps at the chance – mostly for the money. It’s an opportunity she can’t resist as it gives her the means to pay for a much better care home for her beloved grandma, the only relative she has left. Spending time with the moody movie star isn’t exactly a hardship either, at least not when it comes to looking at him. Talking and interacting, not so much, but somehow they start to develop a friendship of sorts, which has the potential to develop into something more. Dare she risk her heart on a man who’s known to be a player, never dating anyone more than twice? And who has recently caused a huge scandal in Hollywood? You’ll have to read this for yourself to find out – I was hooked from start to finish.
My absolute favourites though are her Stage Dive series (the first one is Lick) – about a bunch of brooding rock stars who fall in love, one by one. The stories are raunchy, the heroes are hotter than hot, the heroines sassy, and the romance and chemistry off the charts. Kylie Scott is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and drummer Mal Ericsson is now my all-time favourite book boyfriend. Can’t wait for more by this author!
Pat here: Half historical, half contemporary mystery, THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE by Fiona Davis brings the famed New York Public Library to life through the eyes of a feminist journalist, Laura Lyons, in the early 1900s, who lived in an apartment there, and her granddaughter Sadie, who becomes a special collections curator. We have tragedy and a hint of romance as well. It’s a nice character study with a strong background of what it was like for a talented woman in 1913. I, being of shallow character and minimal intellect, did a lot of skimming, although the details of the library are fabulous. I read it to the end because I needed confirmation that I’d guessed whodunnit. I did. <G>
Anne here, and since I've been busy getting a book in, I haven't done as much reading as I usually do, and what I have read are 
mostly re-reads. Of the new books, I read Kylie Scott's PAUSE — I'm a big fan, and she's an auto-buy, but I won't go into this one as Christina has already done such a good job. I read WAYLAID by Sarina Bowen — another auto-buy author. And I read THE SUMMER SEEKERS by Sarah Morgan, another of my auto-buy authors. Christina recommended it last month, but I hadn't read it at that point. It's a lovely story of three generations of women, all learning and being challenged and changing while two of them drive across the USA in a classic Mustang — feel-good and highly recommended.
I also read THE OVERDUE LIFE OF AMY BYLER by Kelly Harms, which was another women's fiction book, with romance. Amy Byler is stressed out and overworked at home and at work, and when her ex-husband shows up hoping to reconnect with the kids he'd abandoned when he left her, she's reluctantly talked into letting him take them for a few weeks in the summer, while she visits New York to attend a conference and reconnect with an old friend. It's one of those "take stock of your life and decide where to go from here" books. Feel-good and there's a nice romance in it as well.
Nicola here.
This month I’ve read a couple of books that I didn’t enjoy 100% but I wanted to talk about them because there were some very good aspects to them as well as bits I wasn’t as keen on. Reading is so subjective and I think it’s good to add a bit of grit to the review oyster sometimes so here goes!
The first was The Best Things by Mel Giedroyc which is a riches to rags tale that is bursting with potential. When Sally Parker’s husband Frank loses his business and the family lose their grand mansion and all their money, Sally has to re-discover herself and her strength, which have been buried beneath designer clothes and Valium for quite a few years. Someone has to hold everything together and Sally has to come up with some ideas fast.
Mel Giedroyc is a comedian and presenter who is funny and warm and generally lovely, and the tone of the book was exactly like her. Some of
the writing is clever and laugh out loud funny, and Sally and her immediate family are great characters. I was really engaged with them and rooting for them to pull themselves out of the mess that the feckless Frank had got them into. However there was a huge cast of secondary characters that weren’t as well-drawn and many rambling plot threads that took me away from the central story. I finished it to see how Sally 
managed to re-discover herself because I love reinvention stories but I was a bit disappointed overall.
My second read was the cozy crime book The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood who also created the Death in Paradise TV series. I love crime novels that aren’t too gory! This one had an eccentric septuagenarian heroine who teams up with an unlikely pair of women to solve a series of murders in the quintessential English riverside town of Marlow. Judith, the central character is a bit over the top as are some of the escapades that the women get up to in order to solve the case, but it was a real page-turner! If anyone has read either of these books I’d love to know what you think!
Andrea:
I’ve been reading a number of research books lately—including the lovely Jane Austen—A Brief Life by Fiona Stafford, which is a critical look at her books in the context of what she was going through in her personal life at the time she was writing them. (That is, what little we know of her personal life.) I found it both elegant and insightful. It’s a short read, but I came with some interesting thoughts about what shaped Austen’s voice.
I did read one fiction book—the first book in what promises to be a new mystery series, which I found utterly delightful. The Windsor Knot by S. J. Bennett has as its subtitle “Her Majesty the Queen Investigates.” Yes, that’s right—Queen Elizabeth (the current one) is the clever sleuth. Now, you might be rolling your eyes. I, too, was a little skeptical at first on how the author was going to pull it off. But I thought it was very cleverly done! (I discovered Bennett through Wench Nicola, as her YA Book Love Song won the RNA Book of Year several years back, and I think she’s a brilliant writer.)
An unfortunate death has occurred at Windsor Palace during an overnight stay for a group of invited guests. The Security Services are convinced it's a suicide . . . or perhaps an accident that happened during kinky sex. Queen Elizabeth is naturally upset for the poor young man—a virtuoso Russian pianist who had played the previous evening— and inquires into what happened . . . Her voice just seems perfect as she begins to think for herself that the professionals are mucking things and not asking the right questions. (Some of her interior thoughts about being treated as a doddering old fool by the heads of Scotland and MI5 are hilarious!) As she concedes she can’t do any actual sleuthing, she calls in her new Assistant Private Secretary, Rozie Oshodi, a young British Nigerian officer recently appointed to the Royal Horse Artillery. The partnership that develops is just wonderful. We see Rozie at first flabbergasted by what she’s asked to do (The Queen tells her that she has to keep this little private investigation a secret from her boss) and then she gets really into the spirit of things. It’s a very twisty mystery with international intrigue and a very well-done plot. I highly recommend it!
Mary Jo here.
The best book I've read this month is The Scoundrel's Daughter written by Word Wench Anne Gracie. It will be released on August 24th, and I was lucky enough to get an early read so I can interview Anne on August 25th. The first in her new series, The Brides of Bellaire Gardens, the story features two very different couples, a scoundrel blackmailer, and Anne's usual wonderful characters, including a cat-fixated four year old. <G> I won't say much more except that The Scoundrel's Daughter has a spectacular cover, and it can be preordered here — and I guarantee that you will be glad you did!
Susan here:
Sometimes I want to read outside my usual track, clear the story palate, push my boundaries a bit — though science and math, trust me, are way outside my bailiwick. Yet when those are fundamental to a truly exciting story, numbers and facts suddenly become fascinating, as in Andy Weir's newest, Project Hail Mary. My husband and son, math/tech brains who love sci-fi, recommended it – I had enjoyed The Martian (and -adored- the movie!), so I gave it a go.
I finished the Grimm Up North series and now I’m going to start Broadland: A chilling Norfolk Broads crime thriller (British Detective Tanner Murder Mystery Series Book 1) by David Blake. We’ll see how it goes since I’m impatiently waiting for all the new books on my auto buy to be released.
I finished the Grimm Up North series and now I’m going to start Broadland: A chilling Norfolk Broads crime thriller (British Detective Tanner Murder Mystery Series Book 1) by David Blake. We’ll see how it goes since I’m impatiently waiting for all the new books on my auto buy to be released.
I finished the Grimm Up North series and now I’m going to start Broadland: A chilling Norfolk Broads crime thriller (British Detective Tanner Murder Mystery Series Book 1) by David Blake. We’ll see how it goes since I’m impatiently waiting for all the new books on my auto buy to be released.
I finished the Grimm Up North series and now I’m going to start Broadland: A chilling Norfolk Broads crime thriller (British Detective Tanner Murder Mystery Series Book 1) by David Blake. We’ll see how it goes since I’m impatiently waiting for all the new books on my auto buy to be released.
I finished the Grimm Up North series and now I’m going to start Broadland: A chilling Norfolk Broads crime thriller (British Detective Tanner Murder Mystery Series Book 1) by David Blake. We’ll see how it goes since I’m impatiently waiting for all the new books on my auto buy to be released.
I read Janna McGregor’s “A Duke in Time.” Christian Varek, the Duke of Radford, is a cavalry officer who returned from the Napoleonic Wars to discover his dukedom is in shambles for his father’s wasteful parties. His equally wasteful brother has married not one, but three women, and he is facing more trouble daily. All he wants to do is take his seat in the Lords and start a charity for his men coming home to nothing. Christian has been paying off Meri’s gambling debts for years and is frankly glad to be done with him.
Katherine Vareck has been married to Lord Meriwether for maybe a total of six hours before he’s off on another trek to find his fortune. She owns a factory that makes high quality linens. She employs women who have nowhere else to go. She is expecting a visit from the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber to inspect her operation so that she may receive a Royal Appointment which will mean she can hire more women and grow her business. She learns that Lord Meri has died and while in his Solicitor’s offices discovers the other two wives. They have nowhere to go so she takes them is and an unlikely forms between the three widows.
Katherine approaches The Duke in the Solicitor’s office to implore him to do the right thing by the wives. She also agrees to help Christian start his charity. The more they work together the closer they become.
Meri unknown to his brother has left bequests. The first being a prize race horse name Poison Blossom, who is pregnant, and had enough of travelling and waiting for the grooms to decide what to do. She decides her place is in the foyer of Rand House. Christian calmly sweet talks the high strung horse, using a voice Katherine determines should be illegal for a woman’s peace of mind–not to mention what it does to her insides, and coaxes Blossom into the stables.
I read Janna McGregor’s “A Duke in Time.” Christian Varek, the Duke of Radford, is a cavalry officer who returned from the Napoleonic Wars to discover his dukedom is in shambles for his father’s wasteful parties. His equally wasteful brother has married not one, but three women, and he is facing more trouble daily. All he wants to do is take his seat in the Lords and start a charity for his men coming home to nothing. Christian has been paying off Meri’s gambling debts for years and is frankly glad to be done with him.
Katherine Vareck has been married to Lord Meriwether for maybe a total of six hours before he’s off on another trek to find his fortune. She owns a factory that makes high quality linens. She employs women who have nowhere else to go. She is expecting a visit from the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber to inspect her operation so that she may receive a Royal Appointment which will mean she can hire more women and grow her business. She learns that Lord Meri has died and while in his Solicitor’s offices discovers the other two wives. They have nowhere to go so she takes them is and an unlikely forms between the three widows.
Katherine approaches The Duke in the Solicitor’s office to implore him to do the right thing by the wives. She also agrees to help Christian start his charity. The more they work together the closer they become.
Meri unknown to his brother has left bequests. The first being a prize race horse name Poison Blossom, who is pregnant, and had enough of travelling and waiting for the grooms to decide what to do. She decides her place is in the foyer of Rand House. Christian calmly sweet talks the high strung horse, using a voice Katherine determines should be illegal for a woman’s peace of mind–not to mention what it does to her insides, and coaxes Blossom into the stables.
I read Janna McGregor’s “A Duke in Time.” Christian Varek, the Duke of Radford, is a cavalry officer who returned from the Napoleonic Wars to discover his dukedom is in shambles for his father’s wasteful parties. His equally wasteful brother has married not one, but three women, and he is facing more trouble daily. All he wants to do is take his seat in the Lords and start a charity for his men coming home to nothing. Christian has been paying off Meri’s gambling debts for years and is frankly glad to be done with him.
Katherine Vareck has been married to Lord Meriwether for maybe a total of six hours before he’s off on another trek to find his fortune. She owns a factory that makes high quality linens. She employs women who have nowhere else to go. She is expecting a visit from the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber to inspect her operation so that she may receive a Royal Appointment which will mean she can hire more women and grow her business. She learns that Lord Meri has died and while in his Solicitor’s offices discovers the other two wives. They have nowhere to go so she takes them is and an unlikely forms between the three widows.
Katherine approaches The Duke in the Solicitor’s office to implore him to do the right thing by the wives. She also agrees to help Christian start his charity. The more they work together the closer they become.
Meri unknown to his brother has left bequests. The first being a prize race horse name Poison Blossom, who is pregnant, and had enough of travelling and waiting for the grooms to decide what to do. She decides her place is in the foyer of Rand House. Christian calmly sweet talks the high strung horse, using a voice Katherine determines should be illegal for a woman’s peace of mind–not to mention what it does to her insides, and coaxes Blossom into the stables.
I read Janna McGregor’s “A Duke in Time.” Christian Varek, the Duke of Radford, is a cavalry officer who returned from the Napoleonic Wars to discover his dukedom is in shambles for his father’s wasteful parties. His equally wasteful brother has married not one, but three women, and he is facing more trouble daily. All he wants to do is take his seat in the Lords and start a charity for his men coming home to nothing. Christian has been paying off Meri’s gambling debts for years and is frankly glad to be done with him.
Katherine Vareck has been married to Lord Meriwether for maybe a total of six hours before he’s off on another trek to find his fortune. She owns a factory that makes high quality linens. She employs women who have nowhere else to go. She is expecting a visit from the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber to inspect her operation so that she may receive a Royal Appointment which will mean she can hire more women and grow her business. She learns that Lord Meri has died and while in his Solicitor’s offices discovers the other two wives. They have nowhere to go so she takes them is and an unlikely forms between the three widows.
Katherine approaches The Duke in the Solicitor’s office to implore him to do the right thing by the wives. She also agrees to help Christian start his charity. The more they work together the closer they become.
Meri unknown to his brother has left bequests. The first being a prize race horse name Poison Blossom, who is pregnant, and had enough of travelling and waiting for the grooms to decide what to do. She decides her place is in the foyer of Rand House. Christian calmly sweet talks the high strung horse, using a voice Katherine determines should be illegal for a woman’s peace of mind–not to mention what it does to her insides, and coaxes Blossom into the stables.
I read Janna McGregor’s “A Duke in Time.” Christian Varek, the Duke of Radford, is a cavalry officer who returned from the Napoleonic Wars to discover his dukedom is in shambles for his father’s wasteful parties. His equally wasteful brother has married not one, but three women, and he is facing more trouble daily. All he wants to do is take his seat in the Lords and start a charity for his men coming home to nothing. Christian has been paying off Meri’s gambling debts for years and is frankly glad to be done with him.
Katherine Vareck has been married to Lord Meriwether for maybe a total of six hours before he’s off on another trek to find his fortune. She owns a factory that makes high quality linens. She employs women who have nowhere else to go. She is expecting a visit from the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber to inspect her operation so that she may receive a Royal Appointment which will mean she can hire more women and grow her business. She learns that Lord Meri has died and while in his Solicitor’s offices discovers the other two wives. They have nowhere to go so she takes them is and an unlikely forms between the three widows.
Katherine approaches The Duke in the Solicitor’s office to implore him to do the right thing by the wives. She also agrees to help Christian start his charity. The more they work together the closer they become.
Meri unknown to his brother has left bequests. The first being a prize race horse name Poison Blossom, who is pregnant, and had enough of travelling and waiting for the grooms to decide what to do. She decides her place is in the foyer of Rand House. Christian calmly sweet talks the high strung horse, using a voice Katherine determines should be illegal for a woman’s peace of mind–not to mention what it does to her insides, and coaxes Blossom into the stables.
My favourite of the books I read this week is an old one by Eva Ibbotson called Journey to the River Sea. I love the way she writes, both for children and adults, although her adult ones have now been reclassified as YA for some reason. Just getting ready to read Faithless in Death by J D Robb which I know I will love as Roarke is the perfect husband, and Peabody is the perfect sidekick! I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to The Scoundrel’s Daughter! Anne Gracie’s books are instant buys for me as I read and reread them!
My favourite of the books I read this week is an old one by Eva Ibbotson called Journey to the River Sea. I love the way she writes, both for children and adults, although her adult ones have now been reclassified as YA for some reason. Just getting ready to read Faithless in Death by J D Robb which I know I will love as Roarke is the perfect husband, and Peabody is the perfect sidekick! I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to The Scoundrel’s Daughter! Anne Gracie’s books are instant buys for me as I read and reread them!
My favourite of the books I read this week is an old one by Eva Ibbotson called Journey to the River Sea. I love the way she writes, both for children and adults, although her adult ones have now been reclassified as YA for some reason. Just getting ready to read Faithless in Death by J D Robb which I know I will love as Roarke is the perfect husband, and Peabody is the perfect sidekick! I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to The Scoundrel’s Daughter! Anne Gracie’s books are instant buys for me as I read and reread them!
My favourite of the books I read this week is an old one by Eva Ibbotson called Journey to the River Sea. I love the way she writes, both for children and adults, although her adult ones have now been reclassified as YA for some reason. Just getting ready to read Faithless in Death by J D Robb which I know I will love as Roarke is the perfect husband, and Peabody is the perfect sidekick! I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to The Scoundrel’s Daughter! Anne Gracie’s books are instant buys for me as I read and reread them!
My favourite of the books I read this week is an old one by Eva Ibbotson called Journey to the River Sea. I love the way she writes, both for children and adults, although her adult ones have now been reclassified as YA for some reason. Just getting ready to read Faithless in Death by J D Robb which I know I will love as Roarke is the perfect husband, and Peabody is the perfect sidekick! I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to The Scoundrel’s Daughter! Anne Gracie’s books are instant buys for me as I read and reread them!
Thanks so much, Janet — I hope you enjoy the Scoundrel’s Daughter. Mary Jo is very generous.
As for Eva Ibbotson, I’m a huge fan, and I have no idea why they reclassified her adult novels as YA — perhaps because they’re “sweet” with no sex scenes. Whatever, it’s wrong, as those books are very much adult romances with adult themes.
Did you know I interviewed Eva Ibbotson on the WordWenches? It’s here, if you’d like to read it:
https://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2009/06/meet-eva-ibbotson.html
Thanks so much, Janet — I hope you enjoy the Scoundrel’s Daughter. Mary Jo is very generous.
As for Eva Ibbotson, I’m a huge fan, and I have no idea why they reclassified her adult novels as YA — perhaps because they’re “sweet” with no sex scenes. Whatever, it’s wrong, as those books are very much adult romances with adult themes.
Did you know I interviewed Eva Ibbotson on the WordWenches? It’s here, if you’d like to read it:
https://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2009/06/meet-eva-ibbotson.html
Thanks so much, Janet — I hope you enjoy the Scoundrel’s Daughter. Mary Jo is very generous.
As for Eva Ibbotson, I’m a huge fan, and I have no idea why they reclassified her adult novels as YA — perhaps because they’re “sweet” with no sex scenes. Whatever, it’s wrong, as those books are very much adult romances with adult themes.
Did you know I interviewed Eva Ibbotson on the WordWenches? It’s here, if you’d like to read it:
https://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2009/06/meet-eva-ibbotson.html
Thanks so much, Janet — I hope you enjoy the Scoundrel’s Daughter. Mary Jo is very generous.
As for Eva Ibbotson, I’m a huge fan, and I have no idea why they reclassified her adult novels as YA — perhaps because they’re “sweet” with no sex scenes. Whatever, it’s wrong, as those books are very much adult romances with adult themes.
Did you know I interviewed Eva Ibbotson on the WordWenches? It’s here, if you’d like to read it:
https://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2009/06/meet-eva-ibbotson.html
Thanks so much, Janet — I hope you enjoy the Scoundrel’s Daughter. Mary Jo is very generous.
As for Eva Ibbotson, I’m a huge fan, and I have no idea why they reclassified her adult novels as YA — perhaps because they’re “sweet” with no sex scenes. Whatever, it’s wrong, as those books are very much adult romances with adult themes.
Did you know I interviewed Eva Ibbotson on the WordWenches? It’s here, if you’d like to read it:
https://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2009/06/meet-eva-ibbotson.html
Wow, Theo — that was quick. I’ve read them all too — not quite as good as JD Kirk, but still good. I read quite a few of the Joy Ellis books — all the “Fens” ones and I started on the other series, but decided she was getting a bit gritty for my taste.
I’m back on fantasy now. I like a balanced reading diet. 😉
Wow, Theo — that was quick. I’ve read them all too — not quite as good as JD Kirk, but still good. I read quite a few of the Joy Ellis books — all the “Fens” ones and I started on the other series, but decided she was getting a bit gritty for my taste.
I’m back on fantasy now. I like a balanced reading diet. 😉
Wow, Theo — that was quick. I’ve read them all too — not quite as good as JD Kirk, but still good. I read quite a few of the Joy Ellis books — all the “Fens” ones and I started on the other series, but decided she was getting a bit gritty for my taste.
I’m back on fantasy now. I like a balanced reading diet. 😉
Wow, Theo — that was quick. I’ve read them all too — not quite as good as JD Kirk, but still good. I read quite a few of the Joy Ellis books — all the “Fens” ones and I started on the other series, but decided she was getting a bit gritty for my taste.
I’m back on fantasy now. I like a balanced reading diet. 😉
Wow, Theo — that was quick. I’ve read them all too — not quite as good as JD Kirk, but still good. I read quite a few of the Joy Ellis books — all the “Fens” ones and I started on the other series, but decided she was getting a bit gritty for my taste.
I’m back on fantasy now. I like a balanced reading diet. 😉
Have you read any Anne Fraser? You should try the Jude Fontaine, three book series. It starts with the Body Reader. It’s gritty but holy crow, I couldn’t stop reading it! That’s a series I might have stuck through 20 books for, but she wrapped it up well.
I’m up at 4am with hubs, so I’m done with my housework and my yard work by 10am most of the time. Leaves me the rest of the day to read! 🙂
Have you read any Anne Fraser? You should try the Jude Fontaine, three book series. It starts with the Body Reader. It’s gritty but holy crow, I couldn’t stop reading it! That’s a series I might have stuck through 20 books for, but she wrapped it up well.
I’m up at 4am with hubs, so I’m done with my housework and my yard work by 10am most of the time. Leaves me the rest of the day to read! 🙂
Have you read any Anne Fraser? You should try the Jude Fontaine, three book series. It starts with the Body Reader. It’s gritty but holy crow, I couldn’t stop reading it! That’s a series I might have stuck through 20 books for, but she wrapped it up well.
I’m up at 4am with hubs, so I’m done with my housework and my yard work by 10am most of the time. Leaves me the rest of the day to read! 🙂
Have you read any Anne Fraser? You should try the Jude Fontaine, three book series. It starts with the Body Reader. It’s gritty but holy crow, I couldn’t stop reading it! That’s a series I might have stuck through 20 books for, but she wrapped it up well.
I’m up at 4am with hubs, so I’m done with my housework and my yard work by 10am most of the time. Leaves me the rest of the day to read! 🙂
Have you read any Anne Fraser? You should try the Jude Fontaine, three book series. It starts with the Body Reader. It’s gritty but holy crow, I couldn’t stop reading it! That’s a series I might have stuck through 20 books for, but she wrapped it up well.
I’m up at 4am with hubs, so I’m done with my housework and my yard work by 10am most of the time. Leaves me the rest of the day to read! 🙂
Thanks, Theo — I just had a look at the first book, but I suspect from the description that it might just be a wee bit too gritty for me. But thanks for the recommendation — I’ll keep it until I’m feeling a bit more robust about the state of the world and the people in it.
Thanks, Theo — I just had a look at the first book, but I suspect from the description that it might just be a wee bit too gritty for me. But thanks for the recommendation — I’ll keep it until I’m feeling a bit more robust about the state of the world and the people in it.
Thanks, Theo — I just had a look at the first book, but I suspect from the description that it might just be a wee bit too gritty for me. But thanks for the recommendation — I’ll keep it until I’m feeling a bit more robust about the state of the world and the people in it.
Thanks, Theo — I just had a look at the first book, but I suspect from the description that it might just be a wee bit too gritty for me. But thanks for the recommendation — I’ll keep it until I’m feeling a bit more robust about the state of the world and the people in it.
Thanks, Theo — I just had a look at the first book, but I suspect from the description that it might just be a wee bit too gritty for me. But thanks for the recommendation — I’ll keep it until I’m feeling a bit more robust about the state of the world and the people in it.
I see several books above that I also enjoyed (by Andy Weir and Kylie Scott) and I’ve added some titles to my wishlist, too.
I see several books above that I also enjoyed (by Andy Weir and Kylie Scott) and I’ve added some titles to my wishlist, too.
I see several books above that I also enjoyed (by Andy Weir and Kylie Scott) and I’ve added some titles to my wishlist, too.
I see several books above that I also enjoyed (by Andy Weir and Kylie Scott) and I’ve added some titles to my wishlist, too.
I see several books above that I also enjoyed (by Andy Weir and Kylie Scott) and I’ve added some titles to my wishlist, too.
Since last time ~
— His Majesty’s Dragon: Book One of the Temeraire by Naomi Novik. I read this a dozen years ago and remembered only the basics of the story; now you know why I’m a frequent rereader! I enjoyed this a lot.
— The Vacuum of Space: A Funny Sci Fi Mystery (Space Janitor Book 1) by Julia Huni; this was entertaining, and I might read on.
— Three Tales by Mason Thomas; this was a pleasant collection of stories; however, I preferred the author’s longer work that I recently read.
— The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison. I enjoyed the book and will likely reread it at some point, but I don’t see it becoming a comfort read like the author’s The Goblin Emperor.
— My library’s summer reading program challenged me to read a book of poetry, so I reread The Apple That Astonished Paris: Poems by Billy Collins. I enjoyed it once more.
— My library’s summer reading program also challenged me to read a biography; I chose the illustrated memoir, The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui. It was a moving family history, and I learned a fair bit about Vietnam.
— My distant book group read Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: 28,000 Miles in Search of the Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux. This was my first book by the author; it was an interesting and erudite read but not so compelling that I wish to search out more of the author’s books.
— read Legacy: A Novel by Nora Roberts. I enjoyed the book but don’t foresee this being a book I’ll reread. I guessed the identity of the killer fairly early which is unusual for me.
— Ramsey Rules by Jo Goodman; I enjoyed this contemporary romance by a favorite author who mostly writes historical romances.
— Quarter Share, Half Share, Full Share, and Double Share all part of a science fiction series by Nathan Lowell. The first two were rereads while the rest were new to me.
— State of Wonder: A Novel by Ann Patchett for my local book group. What an interesting story that led to a good discussion.
— Upside Down by N.R. Walker. I enjoyed this contemporary romance featuring two asexual men, but I don’t think I’ll be quick to reread it.
— My summer reading program challenged me to read a book about art, so I reread Making Art from Maps by Jill K. Berry; it’s a fascinating book to read or browse.
— For the final challenge of my summer reading program, I read the graphic novel ~ No Ivy League by Hazel Newlevant. It was interesting but felt as though it was trying a bit too hard.
— The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard. The book is just over 900 pages, so it was quite a time commitment! I’d seen this title on lists comparing it to (and for fans of) The Goblin Emperor; there are some commonalities. I quite enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by the author.
— Edge of Nowhere by Felicia Davin. It was an enjoyable m/m science fiction romance, but the story felt incomplete and I don’t feel like buying the sequel.
— Meet Me in Another Life: A Novel by Catriona Silvey; this was definitely an intriguing story that surprised me.
— reread Royally Screwed (The Royally Series Book 1) by Emma Chase; this happened to be a reread of convenience rather than design.
— Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak; this was a charming science fiction book intended for children which I liked (despite being well over the target age range).
— Dragonhaven by Robin McKinley. I enjoyed this fantasy.
Since last time ~
— His Majesty’s Dragon: Book One of the Temeraire by Naomi Novik. I read this a dozen years ago and remembered only the basics of the story; now you know why I’m a frequent rereader! I enjoyed this a lot.
— The Vacuum of Space: A Funny Sci Fi Mystery (Space Janitor Book 1) by Julia Huni; this was entertaining, and I might read on.
— Three Tales by Mason Thomas; this was a pleasant collection of stories; however, I preferred the author’s longer work that I recently read.
— The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison. I enjoyed the book and will likely reread it at some point, but I don’t see it becoming a comfort read like the author’s The Goblin Emperor.
— My library’s summer reading program challenged me to read a book of poetry, so I reread The Apple That Astonished Paris: Poems by Billy Collins. I enjoyed it once more.
— My library’s summer reading program also challenged me to read a biography; I chose the illustrated memoir, The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui. It was a moving family history, and I learned a fair bit about Vietnam.
— My distant book group read Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: 28,000 Miles in Search of the Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux. This was my first book by the author; it was an interesting and erudite read but not so compelling that I wish to search out more of the author’s books.
— read Legacy: A Novel by Nora Roberts. I enjoyed the book but don’t foresee this being a book I’ll reread. I guessed the identity of the killer fairly early which is unusual for me.
— Ramsey Rules by Jo Goodman; I enjoyed this contemporary romance by a favorite author who mostly writes historical romances.
— Quarter Share, Half Share, Full Share, and Double Share all part of a science fiction series by Nathan Lowell. The first two were rereads while the rest were new to me.
— State of Wonder: A Novel by Ann Patchett for my local book group. What an interesting story that led to a good discussion.
— Upside Down by N.R. Walker. I enjoyed this contemporary romance featuring two asexual men, but I don’t think I’ll be quick to reread it.
— My summer reading program challenged me to read a book about art, so I reread Making Art from Maps by Jill K. Berry; it’s a fascinating book to read or browse.
— For the final challenge of my summer reading program, I read the graphic novel ~ No Ivy League by Hazel Newlevant. It was interesting but felt as though it was trying a bit too hard.
— The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard. The book is just over 900 pages, so it was quite a time commitment! I’d seen this title on lists comparing it to (and for fans of) The Goblin Emperor; there are some commonalities. I quite enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by the author.
— Edge of Nowhere by Felicia Davin. It was an enjoyable m/m science fiction romance, but the story felt incomplete and I don’t feel like buying the sequel.
— Meet Me in Another Life: A Novel by Catriona Silvey; this was definitely an intriguing story that surprised me.
— reread Royally Screwed (The Royally Series Book 1) by Emma Chase; this happened to be a reread of convenience rather than design.
— Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak; this was a charming science fiction book intended for children which I liked (despite being well over the target age range).
— Dragonhaven by Robin McKinley. I enjoyed this fantasy.
Since last time ~
— His Majesty’s Dragon: Book One of the Temeraire by Naomi Novik. I read this a dozen years ago and remembered only the basics of the story; now you know why I’m a frequent rereader! I enjoyed this a lot.
— The Vacuum of Space: A Funny Sci Fi Mystery (Space Janitor Book 1) by Julia Huni; this was entertaining, and I might read on.
— Three Tales by Mason Thomas; this was a pleasant collection of stories; however, I preferred the author’s longer work that I recently read.
— The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison. I enjoyed the book and will likely reread it at some point, but I don’t see it becoming a comfort read like the author’s The Goblin Emperor.
— My library’s summer reading program challenged me to read a book of poetry, so I reread The Apple That Astonished Paris: Poems by Billy Collins. I enjoyed it once more.
— My library’s summer reading program also challenged me to read a biography; I chose the illustrated memoir, The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui. It was a moving family history, and I learned a fair bit about Vietnam.
— My distant book group read Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: 28,000 Miles in Search of the Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux. This was my first book by the author; it was an interesting and erudite read but not so compelling that I wish to search out more of the author’s books.
— read Legacy: A Novel by Nora Roberts. I enjoyed the book but don’t foresee this being a book I’ll reread. I guessed the identity of the killer fairly early which is unusual for me.
— Ramsey Rules by Jo Goodman; I enjoyed this contemporary romance by a favorite author who mostly writes historical romances.
— Quarter Share, Half Share, Full Share, and Double Share all part of a science fiction series by Nathan Lowell. The first two were rereads while the rest were new to me.
— State of Wonder: A Novel by Ann Patchett for my local book group. What an interesting story that led to a good discussion.
— Upside Down by N.R. Walker. I enjoyed this contemporary romance featuring two asexual men, but I don’t think I’ll be quick to reread it.
— My summer reading program challenged me to read a book about art, so I reread Making Art from Maps by Jill K. Berry; it’s a fascinating book to read or browse.
— For the final challenge of my summer reading program, I read the graphic novel ~ No Ivy League by Hazel Newlevant. It was interesting but felt as though it was trying a bit too hard.
— The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard. The book is just over 900 pages, so it was quite a time commitment! I’d seen this title on lists comparing it to (and for fans of) The Goblin Emperor; there are some commonalities. I quite enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by the author.
— Edge of Nowhere by Felicia Davin. It was an enjoyable m/m science fiction romance, but the story felt incomplete and I don’t feel like buying the sequel.
— Meet Me in Another Life: A Novel by Catriona Silvey; this was definitely an intriguing story that surprised me.
— reread Royally Screwed (The Royally Series Book 1) by Emma Chase; this happened to be a reread of convenience rather than design.
— Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak; this was a charming science fiction book intended for children which I liked (despite being well over the target age range).
— Dragonhaven by Robin McKinley. I enjoyed this fantasy.
Since last time ~
— His Majesty’s Dragon: Book One of the Temeraire by Naomi Novik. I read this a dozen years ago and remembered only the basics of the story; now you know why I’m a frequent rereader! I enjoyed this a lot.
— The Vacuum of Space: A Funny Sci Fi Mystery (Space Janitor Book 1) by Julia Huni; this was entertaining, and I might read on.
— Three Tales by Mason Thomas; this was a pleasant collection of stories; however, I preferred the author’s longer work that I recently read.
— The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison. I enjoyed the book and will likely reread it at some point, but I don’t see it becoming a comfort read like the author’s The Goblin Emperor.
— My library’s summer reading program challenged me to read a book of poetry, so I reread The Apple That Astonished Paris: Poems by Billy Collins. I enjoyed it once more.
— My library’s summer reading program also challenged me to read a biography; I chose the illustrated memoir, The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui. It was a moving family history, and I learned a fair bit about Vietnam.
— My distant book group read Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: 28,000 Miles in Search of the Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux. This was my first book by the author; it was an interesting and erudite read but not so compelling that I wish to search out more of the author’s books.
— read Legacy: A Novel by Nora Roberts. I enjoyed the book but don’t foresee this being a book I’ll reread. I guessed the identity of the killer fairly early which is unusual for me.
— Ramsey Rules by Jo Goodman; I enjoyed this contemporary romance by a favorite author who mostly writes historical romances.
— Quarter Share, Half Share, Full Share, and Double Share all part of a science fiction series by Nathan Lowell. The first two were rereads while the rest were new to me.
— State of Wonder: A Novel by Ann Patchett for my local book group. What an interesting story that led to a good discussion.
— Upside Down by N.R. Walker. I enjoyed this contemporary romance featuring two asexual men, but I don’t think I’ll be quick to reread it.
— My summer reading program challenged me to read a book about art, so I reread Making Art from Maps by Jill K. Berry; it’s a fascinating book to read or browse.
— For the final challenge of my summer reading program, I read the graphic novel ~ No Ivy League by Hazel Newlevant. It was interesting but felt as though it was trying a bit too hard.
— The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard. The book is just over 900 pages, so it was quite a time commitment! I’d seen this title on lists comparing it to (and for fans of) The Goblin Emperor; there are some commonalities. I quite enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by the author.
— Edge of Nowhere by Felicia Davin. It was an enjoyable m/m science fiction romance, but the story felt incomplete and I don’t feel like buying the sequel.
— Meet Me in Another Life: A Novel by Catriona Silvey; this was definitely an intriguing story that surprised me.
— reread Royally Screwed (The Royally Series Book 1) by Emma Chase; this happened to be a reread of convenience rather than design.
— Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak; this was a charming science fiction book intended for children which I liked (despite being well over the target age range).
— Dragonhaven by Robin McKinley. I enjoyed this fantasy.
Since last time ~
— His Majesty’s Dragon: Book One of the Temeraire by Naomi Novik. I read this a dozen years ago and remembered only the basics of the story; now you know why I’m a frequent rereader! I enjoyed this a lot.
— The Vacuum of Space: A Funny Sci Fi Mystery (Space Janitor Book 1) by Julia Huni; this was entertaining, and I might read on.
— Three Tales by Mason Thomas; this was a pleasant collection of stories; however, I preferred the author’s longer work that I recently read.
— The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison. I enjoyed the book and will likely reread it at some point, but I don’t see it becoming a comfort read like the author’s The Goblin Emperor.
— My library’s summer reading program challenged me to read a book of poetry, so I reread The Apple That Astonished Paris: Poems by Billy Collins. I enjoyed it once more.
— My library’s summer reading program also challenged me to read a biography; I chose the illustrated memoir, The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui. It was a moving family history, and I learned a fair bit about Vietnam.
— My distant book group read Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: 28,000 Miles in Search of the Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux. This was my first book by the author; it was an interesting and erudite read but not so compelling that I wish to search out more of the author’s books.
— read Legacy: A Novel by Nora Roberts. I enjoyed the book but don’t foresee this being a book I’ll reread. I guessed the identity of the killer fairly early which is unusual for me.
— Ramsey Rules by Jo Goodman; I enjoyed this contemporary romance by a favorite author who mostly writes historical romances.
— Quarter Share, Half Share, Full Share, and Double Share all part of a science fiction series by Nathan Lowell. The first two were rereads while the rest were new to me.
— State of Wonder: A Novel by Ann Patchett for my local book group. What an interesting story that led to a good discussion.
— Upside Down by N.R. Walker. I enjoyed this contemporary romance featuring two asexual men, but I don’t think I’ll be quick to reread it.
— My summer reading program challenged me to read a book about art, so I reread Making Art from Maps by Jill K. Berry; it’s a fascinating book to read or browse.
— For the final challenge of my summer reading program, I read the graphic novel ~ No Ivy League by Hazel Newlevant. It was interesting but felt as though it was trying a bit too hard.
— The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard. The book is just over 900 pages, so it was quite a time commitment! I’d seen this title on lists comparing it to (and for fans of) The Goblin Emperor; there are some commonalities. I quite enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by the author.
— Edge of Nowhere by Felicia Davin. It was an enjoyable m/m science fiction romance, but the story felt incomplete and I don’t feel like buying the sequel.
— Meet Me in Another Life: A Novel by Catriona Silvey; this was definitely an intriguing story that surprised me.
— reread Royally Screwed (The Royally Series Book 1) by Emma Chase; this happened to be a reread of convenience rather than design.
— Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak; this was a charming science fiction book intended for children which I liked (despite being well over the target age range).
— Dragonhaven by Robin McKinley. I enjoyed this fantasy.
This month I’ve been reading Nala’s World by Dean Nicholson, Every Tools a Hammer by Adam Savage, A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn and the biography of my favourite singer, Pave Maijanen. I think next I’ll read Three Timeless Loves: A Scottish Time Travel Romance Boxed Set by Claire Delacroix, Eliza Knight and Terri Brisbin.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pave_Maijanen
Elämän Nälkä-Hunger for life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGN3XB9YXDI
Kohti uutta maailmaa -Towards a new world
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqoD98q1bBs
Kaikki nämä vuodet-all these years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il3ktEs3twM
Pave Maijanen Lähtisitkö / Would you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G7U73Hrpuw
Pave Maijanen – Lähtisitkö
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAKIWMqKBrw
Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg
Pidä Huolta (with Mistakes)- Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep-gWF0j_4M
This month I’ve been reading Nala’s World by Dean Nicholson, Every Tools a Hammer by Adam Savage, A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn and the biography of my favourite singer, Pave Maijanen. I think next I’ll read Three Timeless Loves: A Scottish Time Travel Romance Boxed Set by Claire Delacroix, Eliza Knight and Terri Brisbin.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pave_Maijanen
Elämän Nälkä-Hunger for life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGN3XB9YXDI
Kohti uutta maailmaa -Towards a new world
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqoD98q1bBs
Kaikki nämä vuodet-all these years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il3ktEs3twM
Pave Maijanen Lähtisitkö / Would you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G7U73Hrpuw
Pave Maijanen – Lähtisitkö
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAKIWMqKBrw
Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg
Pidä Huolta (with Mistakes)- Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep-gWF0j_4M
This month I’ve been reading Nala’s World by Dean Nicholson, Every Tools a Hammer by Adam Savage, A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn and the biography of my favourite singer, Pave Maijanen. I think next I’ll read Three Timeless Loves: A Scottish Time Travel Romance Boxed Set by Claire Delacroix, Eliza Knight and Terri Brisbin.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pave_Maijanen
Elämän Nälkä-Hunger for life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGN3XB9YXDI
Kohti uutta maailmaa -Towards a new world
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqoD98q1bBs
Kaikki nämä vuodet-all these years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il3ktEs3twM
Pave Maijanen Lähtisitkö / Would you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G7U73Hrpuw
Pave Maijanen – Lähtisitkö
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAKIWMqKBrw
Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg
Pidä Huolta (with Mistakes)- Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep-gWF0j_4M
This month I’ve been reading Nala’s World by Dean Nicholson, Every Tools a Hammer by Adam Savage, A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn and the biography of my favourite singer, Pave Maijanen. I think next I’ll read Three Timeless Loves: A Scottish Time Travel Romance Boxed Set by Claire Delacroix, Eliza Knight and Terri Brisbin.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pave_Maijanen
Elämän Nälkä-Hunger for life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGN3XB9YXDI
Kohti uutta maailmaa -Towards a new world
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqoD98q1bBs
Kaikki nämä vuodet-all these years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il3ktEs3twM
Pave Maijanen Lähtisitkö / Would you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G7U73Hrpuw
Pave Maijanen – Lähtisitkö
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAKIWMqKBrw
Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg
Pidä Huolta (with Mistakes)- Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep-gWF0j_4M
This month I’ve been reading Nala’s World by Dean Nicholson, Every Tools a Hammer by Adam Savage, A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn and the biography of my favourite singer, Pave Maijanen. I think next I’ll read Three Timeless Loves: A Scottish Time Travel Romance Boxed Set by Claire Delacroix, Eliza Knight and Terri Brisbin.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pave_Maijanen
Elämän Nälkä-Hunger for life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGN3XB9YXDI
Kohti uutta maailmaa -Towards a new world
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqoD98q1bBs
Kaikki nämä vuodet-all these years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il3ktEs3twM
Pave Maijanen Lähtisitkö / Would you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G7U73Hrpuw
Pave Maijanen – Lähtisitkö
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAKIWMqKBrw
Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg
Pidä Huolta (with Mistakes)- Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep-gWF0j_4M
Mary Balogh’s – Someone to Cherish
Maggie Robinson’s – Just Make Believe
Beth Byers’ – Murder and The Heir
Duffy Brown’s – Wedding Day and Foul Play
Patricia Rice’s – The Bewitching Governess
I had begun to believe that I was simply no longer able to find good books to read. I was a failure as a reader. Then – suspenseful music here – I found some actually talented authors.
I realize that I am pickier than some people. But, I do not want books that are shallow(you know what I mean). Or books where the characters are not people I want to visit for any length of time. Or books where there are so many repetitions of thoughts it leaves places to skip. Or books which have pages and pages of descriptions and a paragraph every now and then of actual action or conversation. And if there is darkness, please let there be periods of light. That is about me and my PTSD, but it has made a difference in books I can read.
I do want – depth, characters who are engaging and for me (this is just me) a feeling of humor. Not rolling in the aisles laughter, but at least a gentle feeling of smiles.
I do want to thank everyone here – authors and readers who have provided me with suggestions, titles, authors and in a couple of cases actual books. Y’all have not let me down and I Thank Each of You. You Rock!
Hope everyone is well and safe and taking care.
Mary Balogh’s – Someone to Cherish
Maggie Robinson’s – Just Make Believe
Beth Byers’ – Murder and The Heir
Duffy Brown’s – Wedding Day and Foul Play
Patricia Rice’s – The Bewitching Governess
I had begun to believe that I was simply no longer able to find good books to read. I was a failure as a reader. Then – suspenseful music here – I found some actually talented authors.
I realize that I am pickier than some people. But, I do not want books that are shallow(you know what I mean). Or books where the characters are not people I want to visit for any length of time. Or books where there are so many repetitions of thoughts it leaves places to skip. Or books which have pages and pages of descriptions and a paragraph every now and then of actual action or conversation. And if there is darkness, please let there be periods of light. That is about me and my PTSD, but it has made a difference in books I can read.
I do want – depth, characters who are engaging and for me (this is just me) a feeling of humor. Not rolling in the aisles laughter, but at least a gentle feeling of smiles.
I do want to thank everyone here – authors and readers who have provided me with suggestions, titles, authors and in a couple of cases actual books. Y’all have not let me down and I Thank Each of You. You Rock!
Hope everyone is well and safe and taking care.
Mary Balogh’s – Someone to Cherish
Maggie Robinson’s – Just Make Believe
Beth Byers’ – Murder and The Heir
Duffy Brown’s – Wedding Day and Foul Play
Patricia Rice’s – The Bewitching Governess
I had begun to believe that I was simply no longer able to find good books to read. I was a failure as a reader. Then – suspenseful music here – I found some actually talented authors.
I realize that I am pickier than some people. But, I do not want books that are shallow(you know what I mean). Or books where the characters are not people I want to visit for any length of time. Or books where there are so many repetitions of thoughts it leaves places to skip. Or books which have pages and pages of descriptions and a paragraph every now and then of actual action or conversation. And if there is darkness, please let there be periods of light. That is about me and my PTSD, but it has made a difference in books I can read.
I do want – depth, characters who are engaging and for me (this is just me) a feeling of humor. Not rolling in the aisles laughter, but at least a gentle feeling of smiles.
I do want to thank everyone here – authors and readers who have provided me with suggestions, titles, authors and in a couple of cases actual books. Y’all have not let me down and I Thank Each of You. You Rock!
Hope everyone is well and safe and taking care.
Mary Balogh’s – Someone to Cherish
Maggie Robinson’s – Just Make Believe
Beth Byers’ – Murder and The Heir
Duffy Brown’s – Wedding Day and Foul Play
Patricia Rice’s – The Bewitching Governess
I had begun to believe that I was simply no longer able to find good books to read. I was a failure as a reader. Then – suspenseful music here – I found some actually talented authors.
I realize that I am pickier than some people. But, I do not want books that are shallow(you know what I mean). Or books where the characters are not people I want to visit for any length of time. Or books where there are so many repetitions of thoughts it leaves places to skip. Or books which have pages and pages of descriptions and a paragraph every now and then of actual action or conversation. And if there is darkness, please let there be periods of light. That is about me and my PTSD, but it has made a difference in books I can read.
I do want – depth, characters who are engaging and for me (this is just me) a feeling of humor. Not rolling in the aisles laughter, but at least a gentle feeling of smiles.
I do want to thank everyone here – authors and readers who have provided me with suggestions, titles, authors and in a couple of cases actual books. Y’all have not let me down and I Thank Each of You. You Rock!
Hope everyone is well and safe and taking care.
Mary Balogh’s – Someone to Cherish
Maggie Robinson’s – Just Make Believe
Beth Byers’ – Murder and The Heir
Duffy Brown’s – Wedding Day and Foul Play
Patricia Rice’s – The Bewitching Governess
I had begun to believe that I was simply no longer able to find good books to read. I was a failure as a reader. Then – suspenseful music here – I found some actually talented authors.
I realize that I am pickier than some people. But, I do not want books that are shallow(you know what I mean). Or books where the characters are not people I want to visit for any length of time. Or books where there are so many repetitions of thoughts it leaves places to skip. Or books which have pages and pages of descriptions and a paragraph every now and then of actual action or conversation. And if there is darkness, please let there be periods of light. That is about me and my PTSD, but it has made a difference in books I can read.
I do want – depth, characters who are engaging and for me (this is just me) a feeling of humor. Not rolling in the aisles laughter, but at least a gentle feeling of smiles.
I do want to thank everyone here – authors and readers who have provided me with suggestions, titles, authors and in a couple of cases actual books. Y’all have not let me down and I Thank Each of You. You Rock!
Hope everyone is well and safe and taking care.
I read a lot this month but most of them were meh, TSTL, in their heads. Some even bored me!! which never happens. Not sure if it was me or them. I was working on books that had been on my TBR forever. Maybe they were sitting there so long because my spidey senses were saying “boring boring”. Grin. The end result of getting all those books off my TBR shelf is I have room for MORE books.
One book I reread early in the month before my string of failures was Summer at Dorne by Mira Staples. An old Regency romance. Chantal is being forced into marriage with her wicked cousin and runs away. Falls and knocks herself out. Is rescued and taken home with the H like a lost kitten. A very gentle romance as H & h fall in love and how they eventually achieve their HEA. The wicked cousin meets a very satisfactory end.
I have high hopes for my reading pleasure for next month…lots of the books the Wenches & Wenchly readers mentioned are actually in my library right now! Which is amazing because that is one thing that don’t often have..romances of any kind.
I read a lot this month but most of them were meh, TSTL, in their heads. Some even bored me!! which never happens. Not sure if it was me or them. I was working on books that had been on my TBR forever. Maybe they were sitting there so long because my spidey senses were saying “boring boring”. Grin. The end result of getting all those books off my TBR shelf is I have room for MORE books.
One book I reread early in the month before my string of failures was Summer at Dorne by Mira Staples. An old Regency romance. Chantal is being forced into marriage with her wicked cousin and runs away. Falls and knocks herself out. Is rescued and taken home with the H like a lost kitten. A very gentle romance as H & h fall in love and how they eventually achieve their HEA. The wicked cousin meets a very satisfactory end.
I have high hopes for my reading pleasure for next month…lots of the books the Wenches & Wenchly readers mentioned are actually in my library right now! Which is amazing because that is one thing that don’t often have..romances of any kind.
I read a lot this month but most of them were meh, TSTL, in their heads. Some even bored me!! which never happens. Not sure if it was me or them. I was working on books that had been on my TBR forever. Maybe they were sitting there so long because my spidey senses were saying “boring boring”. Grin. The end result of getting all those books off my TBR shelf is I have room for MORE books.
One book I reread early in the month before my string of failures was Summer at Dorne by Mira Staples. An old Regency romance. Chantal is being forced into marriage with her wicked cousin and runs away. Falls and knocks herself out. Is rescued and taken home with the H like a lost kitten. A very gentle romance as H & h fall in love and how they eventually achieve their HEA. The wicked cousin meets a very satisfactory end.
I have high hopes for my reading pleasure for next month…lots of the books the Wenches & Wenchly readers mentioned are actually in my library right now! Which is amazing because that is one thing that don’t often have..romances of any kind.
I read a lot this month but most of them were meh, TSTL, in their heads. Some even bored me!! which never happens. Not sure if it was me or them. I was working on books that had been on my TBR forever. Maybe they were sitting there so long because my spidey senses were saying “boring boring”. Grin. The end result of getting all those books off my TBR shelf is I have room for MORE books.
One book I reread early in the month before my string of failures was Summer at Dorne by Mira Staples. An old Regency romance. Chantal is being forced into marriage with her wicked cousin and runs away. Falls and knocks herself out. Is rescued and taken home with the H like a lost kitten. A very gentle romance as H & h fall in love and how they eventually achieve their HEA. The wicked cousin meets a very satisfactory end.
I have high hopes for my reading pleasure for next month…lots of the books the Wenches & Wenchly readers mentioned are actually in my library right now! Which is amazing because that is one thing that don’t often have..romances of any kind.
I read a lot this month but most of them were meh, TSTL, in their heads. Some even bored me!! which never happens. Not sure if it was me or them. I was working on books that had been on my TBR forever. Maybe they were sitting there so long because my spidey senses were saying “boring boring”. Grin. The end result of getting all those books off my TBR shelf is I have room for MORE books.
One book I reread early in the month before my string of failures was Summer at Dorne by Mira Staples. An old Regency romance. Chantal is being forced into marriage with her wicked cousin and runs away. Falls and knocks herself out. Is rescued and taken home with the H like a lost kitten. A very gentle romance as H & h fall in love and how they eventually achieve their HEA. The wicked cousin meets a very satisfactory end.
I have high hopes for my reading pleasure for next month…lots of the books the Wenches & Wenchly readers mentioned are actually in my library right now! Which is amazing because that is one thing that don’t often have..romances of any kind.
I’ve been in a real reading slump so returned to my childhood books that I still reread to get me going again. I read Jane’s Adventures in and out of the Book and some Famous Five stories and Malory Towers.
Then I read an early copy of Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens by Andrea. I love this series.
I’m now reading The Secrets of Ashmore Castle by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. I’m so looking forward to Anne’s new series. Can’t wait.
I’ve been in a real reading slump so returned to my childhood books that I still reread to get me going again. I read Jane’s Adventures in and out of the Book and some Famous Five stories and Malory Towers.
Then I read an early copy of Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens by Andrea. I love this series.
I’m now reading The Secrets of Ashmore Castle by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. I’m so looking forward to Anne’s new series. Can’t wait.
I’ve been in a real reading slump so returned to my childhood books that I still reread to get me going again. I read Jane’s Adventures in and out of the Book and some Famous Five stories and Malory Towers.
Then I read an early copy of Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens by Andrea. I love this series.
I’m now reading The Secrets of Ashmore Castle by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. I’m so looking forward to Anne’s new series. Can’t wait.
I’ve been in a real reading slump so returned to my childhood books that I still reread to get me going again. I read Jane’s Adventures in and out of the Book and some Famous Five stories and Malory Towers.
Then I read an early copy of Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens by Andrea. I love this series.
I’m now reading The Secrets of Ashmore Castle by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. I’m so looking forward to Anne’s new series. Can’t wait.
I’ve been in a real reading slump so returned to my childhood books that I still reread to get me going again. I read Jane’s Adventures in and out of the Book and some Famous Five stories and Malory Towers.
Then I read an early copy of Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens by Andrea. I love this series.
I’m now reading The Secrets of Ashmore Castle by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. I’m so looking forward to Anne’s new series. Can’t wait.
I didn’t have a lot of notable reads this month, but I did read the 3rd Bainbridge & Sparks mystery, “A Rogue’s Company”. For those who haven’t tried it, this is a very enjoyable series, set in post World War II London. Also the 3rd Lord and Lady Hetheridge mystery, “Something Blue”, by Emma Jameson. This is contemporary police procedural, with a June/December romance between 2 detectives.
I continued my Louise Allen kick, with “The Earl’s Marriage Bargain” and “A Marquis in Want of a Wife”. I find the Harlequin Historicals to be such reliable standbys. They are smoothly written and well edited, fairly short reads, with satisfying tropes.
I also wanted to alert everybody, since she was just interviewed here, that one of Rita Boucher’s books is FREE right now on U.S. Amazon! It’s “The Misbegotten Match”.
I didn’t have a lot of notable reads this month, but I did read the 3rd Bainbridge & Sparks mystery, “A Rogue’s Company”. For those who haven’t tried it, this is a very enjoyable series, set in post World War II London. Also the 3rd Lord and Lady Hetheridge mystery, “Something Blue”, by Emma Jameson. This is contemporary police procedural, with a June/December romance between 2 detectives.
I continued my Louise Allen kick, with “The Earl’s Marriage Bargain” and “A Marquis in Want of a Wife”. I find the Harlequin Historicals to be such reliable standbys. They are smoothly written and well edited, fairly short reads, with satisfying tropes.
I also wanted to alert everybody, since she was just interviewed here, that one of Rita Boucher’s books is FREE right now on U.S. Amazon! It’s “The Misbegotten Match”.
I didn’t have a lot of notable reads this month, but I did read the 3rd Bainbridge & Sparks mystery, “A Rogue’s Company”. For those who haven’t tried it, this is a very enjoyable series, set in post World War II London. Also the 3rd Lord and Lady Hetheridge mystery, “Something Blue”, by Emma Jameson. This is contemporary police procedural, with a June/December romance between 2 detectives.
I continued my Louise Allen kick, with “The Earl’s Marriage Bargain” and “A Marquis in Want of a Wife”. I find the Harlequin Historicals to be such reliable standbys. They are smoothly written and well edited, fairly short reads, with satisfying tropes.
I also wanted to alert everybody, since she was just interviewed here, that one of Rita Boucher’s books is FREE right now on U.S. Amazon! It’s “The Misbegotten Match”.
I didn’t have a lot of notable reads this month, but I did read the 3rd Bainbridge & Sparks mystery, “A Rogue’s Company”. For those who haven’t tried it, this is a very enjoyable series, set in post World War II London. Also the 3rd Lord and Lady Hetheridge mystery, “Something Blue”, by Emma Jameson. This is contemporary police procedural, with a June/December romance between 2 detectives.
I continued my Louise Allen kick, with “The Earl’s Marriage Bargain” and “A Marquis in Want of a Wife”. I find the Harlequin Historicals to be such reliable standbys. They are smoothly written and well edited, fairly short reads, with satisfying tropes.
I also wanted to alert everybody, since she was just interviewed here, that one of Rita Boucher’s books is FREE right now on U.S. Amazon! It’s “The Misbegotten Match”.
I didn’t have a lot of notable reads this month, but I did read the 3rd Bainbridge & Sparks mystery, “A Rogue’s Company”. For those who haven’t tried it, this is a very enjoyable series, set in post World War II London. Also the 3rd Lord and Lady Hetheridge mystery, “Something Blue”, by Emma Jameson. This is contemporary police procedural, with a June/December romance between 2 detectives.
I continued my Louise Allen kick, with “The Earl’s Marriage Bargain” and “A Marquis in Want of a Wife”. I find the Harlequin Historicals to be such reliable standbys. They are smoothly written and well edited, fairly short reads, with satisfying tropes.
I also wanted to alert everybody, since she was just interviewed here, that one of Rita Boucher’s books is FREE right now on U.S. Amazon! It’s “The Misbegotten Match”.
Thank you, Karin, for the information about the free book.
Thank you, Karin, for the information about the free book.
Thank you, Karin, for the information about the free book.
Thank you, Karin, for the information about the free book.
Thank you, Karin, for the information about the free book.
I remember Summer at Dorne. Mira Stables was a very good storyteller.
http://hibiscus-sinensis.com/regency/retroread10.htm#476
I remember Summer at Dorne. Mira Stables was a very good storyteller.
http://hibiscus-sinensis.com/regency/retroread10.htm#476
I remember Summer at Dorne. Mira Stables was a very good storyteller.
http://hibiscus-sinensis.com/regency/retroread10.htm#476
I remember Summer at Dorne. Mira Stables was a very good storyteller.
http://hibiscus-sinensis.com/regency/retroread10.htm#476
I remember Summer at Dorne. Mira Stables was a very good storyteller.
http://hibiscus-sinensis.com/regency/retroread10.htm#476
I have been reading more nonfiction than usual lately. The standout this month was To the Letter by Simon Garfield, a book about the history of letter writing with plenty of interesting examples.
Other than that I have been catching up on Mary Kingswood’s series of linked regencies; I have done the series Daughters of Allamont Hall, Silver Linings, Sisters of Woodside and am now partway through Sons of the Marquess. I like her writing style; it’s very peaceful. I think she has a good sense of the 19th century mindset and how they dealt with trouble when it arose. She has so many characters and incidents to track that I suspect her family tree charts would cover my living room floor. I don’t know how she keeps them all straight, but she seems to do so.
I still have many of my university textbooks and occasionally (when they need dusting) I will look into one or another of them. Tonight it was Instruction of the Vizier Ptah-Hotep, who remarked “Good speech is more hidden than the emerald, yet it is found with maidservants at the grindstones.” The Ancient Egyptians appreciated eloquence; I wonder if a computer keyboard could be likened to a grindstone 🙂
I have been reading more nonfiction than usual lately. The standout this month was To the Letter by Simon Garfield, a book about the history of letter writing with plenty of interesting examples.
Other than that I have been catching up on Mary Kingswood’s series of linked regencies; I have done the series Daughters of Allamont Hall, Silver Linings, Sisters of Woodside and am now partway through Sons of the Marquess. I like her writing style; it’s very peaceful. I think she has a good sense of the 19th century mindset and how they dealt with trouble when it arose. She has so many characters and incidents to track that I suspect her family tree charts would cover my living room floor. I don’t know how she keeps them all straight, but she seems to do so.
I still have many of my university textbooks and occasionally (when they need dusting) I will look into one or another of them. Tonight it was Instruction of the Vizier Ptah-Hotep, who remarked “Good speech is more hidden than the emerald, yet it is found with maidservants at the grindstones.” The Ancient Egyptians appreciated eloquence; I wonder if a computer keyboard could be likened to a grindstone 🙂
I have been reading more nonfiction than usual lately. The standout this month was To the Letter by Simon Garfield, a book about the history of letter writing with plenty of interesting examples.
Other than that I have been catching up on Mary Kingswood’s series of linked regencies; I have done the series Daughters of Allamont Hall, Silver Linings, Sisters of Woodside and am now partway through Sons of the Marquess. I like her writing style; it’s very peaceful. I think she has a good sense of the 19th century mindset and how they dealt with trouble when it arose. She has so many characters and incidents to track that I suspect her family tree charts would cover my living room floor. I don’t know how she keeps them all straight, but she seems to do so.
I still have many of my university textbooks and occasionally (when they need dusting) I will look into one or another of them. Tonight it was Instruction of the Vizier Ptah-Hotep, who remarked “Good speech is more hidden than the emerald, yet it is found with maidservants at the grindstones.” The Ancient Egyptians appreciated eloquence; I wonder if a computer keyboard could be likened to a grindstone 🙂
I have been reading more nonfiction than usual lately. The standout this month was To the Letter by Simon Garfield, a book about the history of letter writing with plenty of interesting examples.
Other than that I have been catching up on Mary Kingswood’s series of linked regencies; I have done the series Daughters of Allamont Hall, Silver Linings, Sisters of Woodside and am now partway through Sons of the Marquess. I like her writing style; it’s very peaceful. I think she has a good sense of the 19th century mindset and how they dealt with trouble when it arose. She has so many characters and incidents to track that I suspect her family tree charts would cover my living room floor. I don’t know how she keeps them all straight, but she seems to do so.
I still have many of my university textbooks and occasionally (when they need dusting) I will look into one or another of them. Tonight it was Instruction of the Vizier Ptah-Hotep, who remarked “Good speech is more hidden than the emerald, yet it is found with maidservants at the grindstones.” The Ancient Egyptians appreciated eloquence; I wonder if a computer keyboard could be likened to a grindstone 🙂
I have been reading more nonfiction than usual lately. The standout this month was To the Letter by Simon Garfield, a book about the history of letter writing with plenty of interesting examples.
Other than that I have been catching up on Mary Kingswood’s series of linked regencies; I have done the series Daughters of Allamont Hall, Silver Linings, Sisters of Woodside and am now partway through Sons of the Marquess. I like her writing style; it’s very peaceful. I think she has a good sense of the 19th century mindset and how they dealt with trouble when it arose. She has so many characters and incidents to track that I suspect her family tree charts would cover my living room floor. I don’t know how she keeps them all straight, but she seems to do so.
I still have many of my university textbooks and occasionally (when they need dusting) I will look into one or another of them. Tonight it was Instruction of the Vizier Ptah-Hotep, who remarked “Good speech is more hidden than the emerald, yet it is found with maidservants at the grindstones.” The Ancient Egyptians appreciated eloquence; I wonder if a computer keyboard could be likened to a grindstone 🙂
Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg
Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg
Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg
Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg
Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg
For audio book enthusiasts I noticed that 2 books by Kylie Scott are free on Audible UK for members : Pause and Repeat. Following the recommendations above I have added them to my library.
My only read of note this month was ‘Unfettered Journey’, a SciFi from Gary F Bengier.The book offers a sobering look at life and society in the not-so- distant future. It explores Bengier’s ideas on consciousness and artificial intelligence with a deep and satisfying love story. There is also compelling action and adventure with a tale of survival in the wilderness. Very good narration …. well worth a listen!
For audio book enthusiasts I noticed that 2 books by Kylie Scott are free on Audible UK for members : Pause and Repeat. Following the recommendations above I have added them to my library.
My only read of note this month was ‘Unfettered Journey’, a SciFi from Gary F Bengier.The book offers a sobering look at life and society in the not-so- distant future. It explores Bengier’s ideas on consciousness and artificial intelligence with a deep and satisfying love story. There is also compelling action and adventure with a tale of survival in the wilderness. Very good narration …. well worth a listen!
For audio book enthusiasts I noticed that 2 books by Kylie Scott are free on Audible UK for members : Pause and Repeat. Following the recommendations above I have added them to my library.
My only read of note this month was ‘Unfettered Journey’, a SciFi from Gary F Bengier.The book offers a sobering look at life and society in the not-so- distant future. It explores Bengier’s ideas on consciousness and artificial intelligence with a deep and satisfying love story. There is also compelling action and adventure with a tale of survival in the wilderness. Very good narration …. well worth a listen!
For audio book enthusiasts I noticed that 2 books by Kylie Scott are free on Audible UK for members : Pause and Repeat. Following the recommendations above I have added them to my library.
My only read of note this month was ‘Unfettered Journey’, a SciFi from Gary F Bengier.The book offers a sobering look at life and society in the not-so- distant future. It explores Bengier’s ideas on consciousness and artificial intelligence with a deep and satisfying love story. There is also compelling action and adventure with a tale of survival in the wilderness. Very good narration …. well worth a listen!
For audio book enthusiasts I noticed that 2 books by Kylie Scott are free on Audible UK for members : Pause and Repeat. Following the recommendations above I have added them to my library.
My only read of note this month was ‘Unfettered Journey’, a SciFi from Gary F Bengier.The book offers a sobering look at life and society in the not-so- distant future. It explores Bengier’s ideas on consciousness and artificial intelligence with a deep and satisfying love story. There is also compelling action and adventure with a tale of survival in the wilderness. Very good narration …. well worth a listen!
Annette, I’m so glad the WordWenches community has helped you find books! I’ve recently become caught up in a suspense series written by Julia Spencer-Fleming that you might enjoy. There is darkness, but there’s lots of light and wonderfully engaging dialogue.
And I can’t help but think you might like my books as well!
I write as Meg Napier and have two full length novels (Second Act and Second Sight) which I would love for you to try. Contact me through my website if you have any trouble tracking them down or could benefit from a courtesy copy.
Annette, I’m so glad the WordWenches community has helped you find books! I’ve recently become caught up in a suspense series written by Julia Spencer-Fleming that you might enjoy. There is darkness, but there’s lots of light and wonderfully engaging dialogue.
And I can’t help but think you might like my books as well!
I write as Meg Napier and have two full length novels (Second Act and Second Sight) which I would love for you to try. Contact me through my website if you have any trouble tracking them down or could benefit from a courtesy copy.
Annette, I’m so glad the WordWenches community has helped you find books! I’ve recently become caught up in a suspense series written by Julia Spencer-Fleming that you might enjoy. There is darkness, but there’s lots of light and wonderfully engaging dialogue.
And I can’t help but think you might like my books as well!
I write as Meg Napier and have two full length novels (Second Act and Second Sight) which I would love for you to try. Contact me through my website if you have any trouble tracking them down or could benefit from a courtesy copy.
Annette, I’m so glad the WordWenches community has helped you find books! I’ve recently become caught up in a suspense series written by Julia Spencer-Fleming that you might enjoy. There is darkness, but there’s lots of light and wonderfully engaging dialogue.
And I can’t help but think you might like my books as well!
I write as Meg Napier and have two full length novels (Second Act and Second Sight) which I would love for you to try. Contact me through my website if you have any trouble tracking them down or could benefit from a courtesy copy.
Annette, I’m so glad the WordWenches community has helped you find books! I’ve recently become caught up in a suspense series written by Julia Spencer-Fleming that you might enjoy. There is darkness, but there’s lots of light and wonderfully engaging dialogue.
And I can’t help but think you might like my books as well!
I write as Meg Napier and have two full length novels (Second Act and Second Sight) which I would love for you to try. Contact me through my website if you have any trouble tracking them down or could benefit from a courtesy copy.