Anne here, hosting our regular monthly feature, What We're Reading, where the wenches and readers talk about the books they've read and enjoyed in the last month.
We start with Pat Rice talking about Sherry Thomas's A Study in Scarlet Women. 
Pat says: I have always adored Sherry Thomas’s writing, and of course, I cut my teeth on Sherlock Holmes mysteries, so the combination of Sherry Thomas writing about a female Sherlock Holmes was just too tempting. Other than the contrived ending to the mystery —and let’s face it, Sherlock was the King of Contrived—the book is absolutely delicious.
I can’t reveal the shocking opening, but let us say that Charlotte Holmes is a woman of strong spine and beliefs as well as a brilliant mind and regrettably insufficient human experience. There are rough similarities to the Conan Doyle stories, if only in name, but no real attempt to duplicate the other characters. Which is provident, because that leaves room for Charlotte’s enigmatic love interest—a married man who behaves with prudence and respect and is an altogether wonderful hero in his own right.
This isn’t a romance, by any means, but having an unrequited love makes her just a little more human. Highly recommended! (and the next in the series is just out!)
Nicola is next. She says:
Whether it was going to see the JaneAusten exhibition in Oxford or all the recent chat there has been in my RNA chapter about Austen’s books, I was inspired to pick up (again) Jane Austen Made Me Do It, the anthology inspired by Jane, her life and her writing. I love the way all the authors in the collection put such a clever and individual spin on their source material and being such a fan of the great Jo Beverley, I particularly enjoyed her lovely story Jane and the Mistletoe Kiss which made me feel very Christmassy!
Also on my reading pile this month was Murder At The Brightwell by Ashley Weaver. This is the first of her Amory Ames books that I’ve read but I’m so pleased to discover her. I like a bit of 1930s set crime and she captures the essence of the era perfectly. The characters are well drawn and interesting and the plot was fun. What I particularly liked, though, was the central relationship between Amory and her estranged husband Milo. There was a lot of depth and complexity to it and the romance was intriguing. I’ll be reading more in this series.
From Mary Jo:
Lois McMaster Bujold has written many wonderful science fiction and fantasy novels and won many awards for them, and recently she's been having fun writing a series of novellas about Penric and his demon, Desdemona, set in her fantasy world of the five gods. There are five novellas so far, and I suspect that at some point she'll bundle the stories together into a novel with an overall arc, which is gradually appearing. 
I'd recommend starting with the first story, Penric's Demon, which tells the story of how young Penric, a son of the minor gentry, is on his way to marry when he stops to aid a dying sorceress by the road–and becomes the bearer of the sorceress's demon when the old woman dies. Her chaos demon is an accumulation of the lives and experiences of ten women (and a horse and mare), and is old, powerful and mischievous. The first story shows how Penric comes to terms with the demon, and even asks her what she'd would like to be called, which no one ever did before.
The second story, Penric and the Shaman, shows him as mature and compassionate as he sorts out a desperate shaman, the product of different, ancient magics. The third was Penric's Mission, in which he is sent on a diplomatic missions and gets into serious trouble. (Which often happens to the poor fellow!)
And then–wait a minute, how did I miss Penric's Fox , the third in the series? I checked my e-reader and Penric's Mission was listed at #3. After perusing the publication dates, I realized that she wrote the Fox story recently and fitted it into the correct time order, which changed the number of the later novellas. Okay, why not? <G>
It's a fun story, a fantasy mystery, in which a much loved sorceress is killed. Not only must the motive and murderer be found, but Penric must also discover what happened to her demon, an individual in its own right. When a sorcerer dies, the demon jumps to a nearby living host–so where is the demon??? It's a fine story that fills in more of Penric's life. He's an appealing hero who has a good relationship with his inner chaos demon. (Desdemona is very good at killing fleas and lice. <G>)
As for other reading, I've been feasting Mary Stewart e-books. I'm not sure if they are on sale, or if the e-book prices are permanently low, between 99 cents and $2.99, but I went rather berserk earlier in the month when I found out. (As of tonight, when I checked the prices were still low.) [*Anne's note — the price reduction is geographically limited. Not cheap in Australia and some other countries 🙁 ]
I bought ten Mary Stewart e-books, all of which I'd read before, some several times. So far I've reread The Gabriel Hounds, Nine Coaches Waiting, Airs Above the Ground, and The Moonspinners. All lovely, and enough time has passed that I didn't remember all the plot points, so I got to be surprised all over again.
I did realize several things: there's a lot of smoking, the heroines are quite young (early 20s,) her writing style is as lyrical and descriptive as I remember, and the stories follow the Alfred Hitchcock pattern of average people who unexpectedly find themselves in danger, where they must prove their mettle if they want to survive. Except Hitchcock's protagonists were male and Mary Stewart's are female.
Four Mary Stewarts down, six more still to go. <G>
From Andrea/Cara
I recently attended Bouchercon, a big annual mystery conference, and was on a panel with another historical mystery author who was just delightful—engaging, articulate, erudite—and so, of course, I immediately ran out and bought his book. And am I glad I did! 
Now, I wouldn’t normally jump at a book set in the 1830s American frontier. And as a further confession, I tend to be wary of a series where the sleuth is a famous person—it’s such a delicate dance to do that believably. However, I thought this one is really terrific. These Honored Dead—A Lincoln and Speed Mystery by Jonathan Putnam, does a very clever twist on on what one might expect. A young Lincoln, who is a newly minted lawyer struggling to establish a practice in Springfield Illinois, is actually a secondary character. The protagonist is Joshua Speed, another actual person, and the man who became Lincoln's lifelong best friend. The history is meticulously researched—Lincoln and Speed did actually live together, and in fact shared a bed—and the ambiance of frontier America is wonderfully rendered. A murder occurs, and Speed—the clandestine lover of the widow accused of the crime—turns to Lincoln to help prove her innocent.
Putnam is a distingushed Harvard-educated trial lawyer, (who has quit the law to write full time—huzzah!) with a lifelong love of history, so as you can imagine the court scenes are terrific, as is the tracking down of the clues. He writes with a terse yet wonderfully descriptive style that fits his time period beautifully. I found the characters really well-wrought and interesting, and the mystery very well-crafted. For those of you looking for something a little different. I highly recommend it. (And the e-book is currently on special sale for $1.99!
Anne here.
In the last month I've glommed a non-romantic historical series by Christian Cameron. I picked him up because I was looking for something a bit different to read and his name was included in an author recommendation on a historical blog I sometimes visit. Only three authors were recommended and as the other two were firm favorites of mine — Dorothy Dunnett and Bernard Cornwell — I thought I'd try Christian Cameron.
I started with his novella series — Tom Swan and The Head of St George — Castillon (or if that link doesn't work for you, try this one.) They're set during the Crusades, and follow the adventures of Tom Swan, a young English soldier. "Novella" is a bit misleading — there are 6 "novellas" in the "and The Head of St George" series, and each one starts exactly where the previous one finished — which is often on a cliff-hanger. So it's a serialized novel rather than a series, and you need to buy all 6 to finish the story.
I've now read all the Tom Swan stories. As I said, they're not romances at all; in fact they're full of action and violence and war and adventure and political intrigue — but very readable. 
I also read Rhys Bowen's In Farleigh Field — very different from her usual light-hearted murder mysteries. It's a World War II novel, told from the point of view of those who remained in England. It's about love, betrayal, family and class. It's been a huge bestseller, and I can see why. I enjoyed it very much.
I've also read and enjoyed Eloisa James's A Duke of her Own — delightful.
And now, dear readers, it's over to you. What books have you read and enjoyed in the last month?
I have been determined to read all of Georgette Heyer, in order of publication, for quite some time. But I got stuck in The Foundling for more than a year. Just bored me to tears. Anyway, I finally broke the logjam and finished it, then zipped through Arabella, The Grand Sophy, The Quiet Gentleman and Duplicate Death. I have just started Cotillion, which is new to me.
I have been determined to read all of Georgette Heyer, in order of publication, for quite some time. But I got stuck in The Foundling for more than a year. Just bored me to tears. Anyway, I finally broke the logjam and finished it, then zipped through Arabella, The Grand Sophy, The Quiet Gentleman and Duplicate Death. I have just started Cotillion, which is new to me.
I have been determined to read all of Georgette Heyer, in order of publication, for quite some time. But I got stuck in The Foundling for more than a year. Just bored me to tears. Anyway, I finally broke the logjam and finished it, then zipped through Arabella, The Grand Sophy, The Quiet Gentleman and Duplicate Death. I have just started Cotillion, which is new to me.
I have been determined to read all of Georgette Heyer, in order of publication, for quite some time. But I got stuck in The Foundling for more than a year. Just bored me to tears. Anyway, I finally broke the logjam and finished it, then zipped through Arabella, The Grand Sophy, The Quiet Gentleman and Duplicate Death. I have just started Cotillion, which is new to me.
I have been determined to read all of Georgette Heyer, in order of publication, for quite some time. But I got stuck in The Foundling for more than a year. Just bored me to tears. Anyway, I finally broke the logjam and finished it, then zipped through Arabella, The Grand Sophy, The Quiet Gentleman and Duplicate Death. I have just started Cotillion, which is new to me.
I haven’t had a lot of reading time this month. I’ve been catching up on my history magazines and I read Frederica by Georgette Heyer for my GR’s group. At the moment I’m reading Letters from a Lost Generation, first world war letters of Vera Brittain and four friends. A very good read tinged with sadness, of course.
Some great recommendations above and I’ve been wondering about In Farleigh Field for a while. Will definitely add to my TBR list now.
I haven’t had a lot of reading time this month. I’ve been catching up on my history magazines and I read Frederica by Georgette Heyer for my GR’s group. At the moment I’m reading Letters from a Lost Generation, first world war letters of Vera Brittain and four friends. A very good read tinged with sadness, of course.
Some great recommendations above and I’ve been wondering about In Farleigh Field for a while. Will definitely add to my TBR list now.
I haven’t had a lot of reading time this month. I’ve been catching up on my history magazines and I read Frederica by Georgette Heyer for my GR’s group. At the moment I’m reading Letters from a Lost Generation, first world war letters of Vera Brittain and four friends. A very good read tinged with sadness, of course.
Some great recommendations above and I’ve been wondering about In Farleigh Field for a while. Will definitely add to my TBR list now.
I haven’t had a lot of reading time this month. I’ve been catching up on my history magazines and I read Frederica by Georgette Heyer for my GR’s group. At the moment I’m reading Letters from a Lost Generation, first world war letters of Vera Brittain and four friends. A very good read tinged with sadness, of course.
Some great recommendations above and I’ve been wondering about In Farleigh Field for a while. Will definitely add to my TBR list now.
I haven’t had a lot of reading time this month. I’ve been catching up on my history magazines and I read Frederica by Georgette Heyer for my GR’s group. At the moment I’m reading Letters from a Lost Generation, first world war letters of Vera Brittain and four friends. A very good read tinged with sadness, of course.
Some great recommendations above and I’ve been wondering about In Farleigh Field for a while. Will definitely add to my TBR list now.
I love Sherry Thomas’s Lady Sherlock series! I turned the last page of A Conspiracy in Belgravia eager to read the next one. Like Mary Jo, I have been rereading Mary Stewart after a indulging in a one-click frenzy when I learned her books were available in digital format. This Rough Magic remains my favorite. The setting (Corfu) is still entrancing, and I still love all the allusions to The Tempest. The scene in which Lucy and Sir Julian Gale feed each other lines from the play is my favorite scene in the book. I have yet to reread Touch Not the Cat and The Gabriel Hounds.
I first read Eloisa James’s Wilde in Love in late summer, but I reread it recently before writing a review. It was just as delightful on a second reading. I’ve fallen behind on Louise Penny’s Gamache books and have been playing catch-up. I recently finished A Great Reckoning and am relishing my pondering period. But my sister is pushing me to read Glass Houses sooner rather than later because she wants to talk about it.
Much of my reading this month has been connected to a series of lit guides I am writing for a freelance assignment. I’ve reread Persuasion and Emma as well as Beowulf (Seamus Heaney’s translation) and collections of poetry by Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Langston Hughes along with volumes of criticism. And I still have another fourteen titles to go. Now I’m off to check out Ashley Weaver since one can never have too many good books to read.
I love Sherry Thomas’s Lady Sherlock series! I turned the last page of A Conspiracy in Belgravia eager to read the next one. Like Mary Jo, I have been rereading Mary Stewart after a indulging in a one-click frenzy when I learned her books were available in digital format. This Rough Magic remains my favorite. The setting (Corfu) is still entrancing, and I still love all the allusions to The Tempest. The scene in which Lucy and Sir Julian Gale feed each other lines from the play is my favorite scene in the book. I have yet to reread Touch Not the Cat and The Gabriel Hounds.
I first read Eloisa James’s Wilde in Love in late summer, but I reread it recently before writing a review. It was just as delightful on a second reading. I’ve fallen behind on Louise Penny’s Gamache books and have been playing catch-up. I recently finished A Great Reckoning and am relishing my pondering period. But my sister is pushing me to read Glass Houses sooner rather than later because she wants to talk about it.
Much of my reading this month has been connected to a series of lit guides I am writing for a freelance assignment. I’ve reread Persuasion and Emma as well as Beowulf (Seamus Heaney’s translation) and collections of poetry by Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Langston Hughes along with volumes of criticism. And I still have another fourteen titles to go. Now I’m off to check out Ashley Weaver since one can never have too many good books to read.
I love Sherry Thomas’s Lady Sherlock series! I turned the last page of A Conspiracy in Belgravia eager to read the next one. Like Mary Jo, I have been rereading Mary Stewart after a indulging in a one-click frenzy when I learned her books were available in digital format. This Rough Magic remains my favorite. The setting (Corfu) is still entrancing, and I still love all the allusions to The Tempest. The scene in which Lucy and Sir Julian Gale feed each other lines from the play is my favorite scene in the book. I have yet to reread Touch Not the Cat and The Gabriel Hounds.
I first read Eloisa James’s Wilde in Love in late summer, but I reread it recently before writing a review. It was just as delightful on a second reading. I’ve fallen behind on Louise Penny’s Gamache books and have been playing catch-up. I recently finished A Great Reckoning and am relishing my pondering period. But my sister is pushing me to read Glass Houses sooner rather than later because she wants to talk about it.
Much of my reading this month has been connected to a series of lit guides I am writing for a freelance assignment. I’ve reread Persuasion and Emma as well as Beowulf (Seamus Heaney’s translation) and collections of poetry by Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Langston Hughes along with volumes of criticism. And I still have another fourteen titles to go. Now I’m off to check out Ashley Weaver since one can never have too many good books to read.
I love Sherry Thomas’s Lady Sherlock series! I turned the last page of A Conspiracy in Belgravia eager to read the next one. Like Mary Jo, I have been rereading Mary Stewart after a indulging in a one-click frenzy when I learned her books were available in digital format. This Rough Magic remains my favorite. The setting (Corfu) is still entrancing, and I still love all the allusions to The Tempest. The scene in which Lucy and Sir Julian Gale feed each other lines from the play is my favorite scene in the book. I have yet to reread Touch Not the Cat and The Gabriel Hounds.
I first read Eloisa James’s Wilde in Love in late summer, but I reread it recently before writing a review. It was just as delightful on a second reading. I’ve fallen behind on Louise Penny’s Gamache books and have been playing catch-up. I recently finished A Great Reckoning and am relishing my pondering period. But my sister is pushing me to read Glass Houses sooner rather than later because she wants to talk about it.
Much of my reading this month has been connected to a series of lit guides I am writing for a freelance assignment. I’ve reread Persuasion and Emma as well as Beowulf (Seamus Heaney’s translation) and collections of poetry by Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Langston Hughes along with volumes of criticism. And I still have another fourteen titles to go. Now I’m off to check out Ashley Weaver since one can never have too many good books to read.
I love Sherry Thomas’s Lady Sherlock series! I turned the last page of A Conspiracy in Belgravia eager to read the next one. Like Mary Jo, I have been rereading Mary Stewart after a indulging in a one-click frenzy when I learned her books were available in digital format. This Rough Magic remains my favorite. The setting (Corfu) is still entrancing, and I still love all the allusions to The Tempest. The scene in which Lucy and Sir Julian Gale feed each other lines from the play is my favorite scene in the book. I have yet to reread Touch Not the Cat and The Gabriel Hounds.
I first read Eloisa James’s Wilde in Love in late summer, but I reread it recently before writing a review. It was just as delightful on a second reading. I’ve fallen behind on Louise Penny’s Gamache books and have been playing catch-up. I recently finished A Great Reckoning and am relishing my pondering period. But my sister is pushing me to read Glass Houses sooner rather than later because she wants to talk about it.
Much of my reading this month has been connected to a series of lit guides I am writing for a freelance assignment. I’ve reread Persuasion and Emma as well as Beowulf (Seamus Heaney’s translation) and collections of poetry by Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Langston Hughes along with volumes of criticism. And I still have another fourteen titles to go. Now I’m off to check out Ashley Weaver since one can never have too many good books to read.
I just read Philip Pullman’s new series, “The Book of Dust” – “La Belle Sauvage.” It’s another trilogy going back to the beginning of Lyra’s birth. The next book will pick up her life at age twenty.
On his site, Pullman says it’s not a prequel but an ongoing story of The Dark Materials.
I just read Philip Pullman’s new series, “The Book of Dust” – “La Belle Sauvage.” It’s another trilogy going back to the beginning of Lyra’s birth. The next book will pick up her life at age twenty.
On his site, Pullman says it’s not a prequel but an ongoing story of The Dark Materials.
I just read Philip Pullman’s new series, “The Book of Dust” – “La Belle Sauvage.” It’s another trilogy going back to the beginning of Lyra’s birth. The next book will pick up her life at age twenty.
On his site, Pullman says it’s not a prequel but an ongoing story of The Dark Materials.
I just read Philip Pullman’s new series, “The Book of Dust” – “La Belle Sauvage.” It’s another trilogy going back to the beginning of Lyra’s birth. The next book will pick up her life at age twenty.
On his site, Pullman says it’s not a prequel but an ongoing story of The Dark Materials.
I just read Philip Pullman’s new series, “The Book of Dust” – “La Belle Sauvage.” It’s another trilogy going back to the beginning of Lyra’s birth. The next book will pick up her life at age twenty.
On his site, Pullman says it’s not a prequel but an ongoing story of The Dark Materials.
I’ve already added some new titles to my request list! I do so enjoy this monthly column.
Books read in October ~
— Alex Beecroft’s Foxglove Copse (Porthkennack Book 5). I found it a pleasant read, but there were aspects that strained credulity. I don’t think I’ll be likely to re-read.
— My sixth book by Anne Cleeland, Murder in Shadow (The Doyle and Acton Murder Series Book 6). My, but the author weaves a complex storyline! This is a series that must be read in order. (Trigger warning that the hero is a stalker.)
— re-read with pleasure Murder in All Honour: A Doyle and Acton Mystery by Anne Cleeland
— Kaje Harper’s Life Lessons and the follow up short piece And to All a Good Night (Life Lessons). I’d likely describe the first as a romantic suspense; I enjoyed them both. I hope to read more in this male/male romance series.
— The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld which was a gripping read. Trigger warning for child abuse.
— Elizabeth George’s A Great Deliverance (Inspector Lynley Mysteries, No. 1). I was curious to read this book after reading a review of Anne Cleeland’s Acton and Doyle series. The review had insinuated (in a vaguely condemning tone) that the Acton and Doyle books were derivative of the Inspector Lynley books. While both series feature Scotland Yard detectives — one aristocratic male, one lesser ranked female — they are otherwise quite different. This was a compelling and unsettling mystery due to its subject matter. I may read on in the series; it would be interesting to see how the main characters develop.
— To Siri with Love: A Mother, her Autistic Son, and the Kindness of Machines by Judith Newman. This was a quick read which raised some interesting questions while also being enjoyable and touching.
— The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin which I enjoyed. I heard mention that a movie was going to be made of this story and thought I might like to see it; however, it appears that the movie has quite mixed reviews.
— Marie Lu’s Warcross was an enjoyable young adult science fiction read; it ended with an unexpected revelation and definitely leaves the door open for a sequel. I’ll likely read on when the next volume shows up.
— the contemporary romance Sledgehammer (Hard To Love Book 2) by P. Dangelico which was a pleasant read. I don’t think that this is a book I’ll be rereading though I’ll likely read book three in the series when it’s published.
— the male/male romance The Ghost Slept Over by Marshall Thornton which featured (surprise!) a ghost. This was not a scary book but nor was the ghost entirely benign. I enjoyed this and look forward to reading more by this author.
— Pins and Needles by A.J. Thomas another male/male romance; this one had an element of suspense. I also look forward to reading more by this author.
— These are all alien romances by author M.K. Eidem and were pleasant reads (despite their shortcomings in the grammar arena). Grim (a re-read), A Grim Holiday (Tornians Book 1.5), Wray (Tornians Book 2), Ynyr (Tornians Book 3), and Oryon (Tornians Book 3.5).
— For my book group, I read Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. This was a collection of stories all of which (save one) featured to some extent the title character. It was a fairly quick read that won the Pulitzer Prize; I found it rather morose.
— the fantasy romance The Undying King by Grace Draven which I enjoyed; it had something of a fairytale vibe.
— Good Boy by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. This was an enjoyable contemporary romance that featured characters I’ve encountered in the authors’ other books.
— Keepsake (True North Book 3) by Sarina Bowen ~ FYI: This book happens to be on sale for 99 cents currently. I enjoyed this contemporary romance; it’s a book I’ll be re-reading.
— I then went on to read the next book in the series which I also enjoyed. Bountiful (True North Book 4) by Sarina Bowen.
— Then I re-read another book by the author. My copy is titled In Front of God and Everyone by Nealy Wagner, but it’s since been reissued as Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen.
— the alien romance Roark (Women Of Earth Book 1) by Jacqueline Rhoades. This was an okay read; in its defense, I read it to the end which is more than I can say about any number of others books I’ve recently left unfinished!
— the contemporary romance Montana Heat: Escape to You: A Montana Heat Novel by Jennifer Ryan. I had to push myself to finish it, so it’s not a book I’ll be likely to reread.
— Tell the Wolves I’m Home: A Novel by Carol Rifka Brunt, a book that I’ll describe as moving. It’s the author’s first novel and was published in 2012; I’d happily read more when there is more to be read. It’s not a romance.
— I read and enjoyed this short story by Jamie Sedgwick ~ Worlds Apart. (FYI: the author has two full length books that are free: The Tinkerer’s Daughter and Death in the Hallows)
— the alien romance ThunderClaw (Alien Warrior Book 2) by Penelope Fletcher. This was an okay read, but I doubt I’ll be re-reading it.
— the alien romance The E.T. Guy (Office Aliens Book 1) by V.C. Lancaster. This was a pleasant read but not a book I expect to re-read.
— another alien romance STOLEN BY AN ALIEN: An Alien Mate Romance by Amanda Milo. Once again, this was a pleasant read but not a book I expect to re-read.
— And A Forbidden Rumspringa by Keira Andrews which was a very enjoyable re-read; it’s a male/male romance.
I’ve already added some new titles to my request list! I do so enjoy this monthly column.
Books read in October ~
— Alex Beecroft’s Foxglove Copse (Porthkennack Book 5). I found it a pleasant read, but there were aspects that strained credulity. I don’t think I’ll be likely to re-read.
— My sixth book by Anne Cleeland, Murder in Shadow (The Doyle and Acton Murder Series Book 6). My, but the author weaves a complex storyline! This is a series that must be read in order. (Trigger warning that the hero is a stalker.)
— re-read with pleasure Murder in All Honour: A Doyle and Acton Mystery by Anne Cleeland
— Kaje Harper’s Life Lessons and the follow up short piece And to All a Good Night (Life Lessons). I’d likely describe the first as a romantic suspense; I enjoyed them both. I hope to read more in this male/male romance series.
— The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld which was a gripping read. Trigger warning for child abuse.
— Elizabeth George’s A Great Deliverance (Inspector Lynley Mysteries, No. 1). I was curious to read this book after reading a review of Anne Cleeland’s Acton and Doyle series. The review had insinuated (in a vaguely condemning tone) that the Acton and Doyle books were derivative of the Inspector Lynley books. While both series feature Scotland Yard detectives — one aristocratic male, one lesser ranked female — they are otherwise quite different. This was a compelling and unsettling mystery due to its subject matter. I may read on in the series; it would be interesting to see how the main characters develop.
— To Siri with Love: A Mother, her Autistic Son, and the Kindness of Machines by Judith Newman. This was a quick read which raised some interesting questions while also being enjoyable and touching.
— The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin which I enjoyed. I heard mention that a movie was going to be made of this story and thought I might like to see it; however, it appears that the movie has quite mixed reviews.
— Marie Lu’s Warcross was an enjoyable young adult science fiction read; it ended with an unexpected revelation and definitely leaves the door open for a sequel. I’ll likely read on when the next volume shows up.
— the contemporary romance Sledgehammer (Hard To Love Book 2) by P. Dangelico which was a pleasant read. I don’t think that this is a book I’ll be rereading though I’ll likely read book three in the series when it’s published.
— the male/male romance The Ghost Slept Over by Marshall Thornton which featured (surprise!) a ghost. This was not a scary book but nor was the ghost entirely benign. I enjoyed this and look forward to reading more by this author.
— Pins and Needles by A.J. Thomas another male/male romance; this one had an element of suspense. I also look forward to reading more by this author.
— These are all alien romances by author M.K. Eidem and were pleasant reads (despite their shortcomings in the grammar arena). Grim (a re-read), A Grim Holiday (Tornians Book 1.5), Wray (Tornians Book 2), Ynyr (Tornians Book 3), and Oryon (Tornians Book 3.5).
— For my book group, I read Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. This was a collection of stories all of which (save one) featured to some extent the title character. It was a fairly quick read that won the Pulitzer Prize; I found it rather morose.
— the fantasy romance The Undying King by Grace Draven which I enjoyed; it had something of a fairytale vibe.
— Good Boy by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. This was an enjoyable contemporary romance that featured characters I’ve encountered in the authors’ other books.
— Keepsake (True North Book 3) by Sarina Bowen ~ FYI: This book happens to be on sale for 99 cents currently. I enjoyed this contemporary romance; it’s a book I’ll be re-reading.
— I then went on to read the next book in the series which I also enjoyed. Bountiful (True North Book 4) by Sarina Bowen.
— Then I re-read another book by the author. My copy is titled In Front of God and Everyone by Nealy Wagner, but it’s since been reissued as Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen.
— the alien romance Roark (Women Of Earth Book 1) by Jacqueline Rhoades. This was an okay read; in its defense, I read it to the end which is more than I can say about any number of others books I’ve recently left unfinished!
— the contemporary romance Montana Heat: Escape to You: A Montana Heat Novel by Jennifer Ryan. I had to push myself to finish it, so it’s not a book I’ll be likely to reread.
— Tell the Wolves I’m Home: A Novel by Carol Rifka Brunt, a book that I’ll describe as moving. It’s the author’s first novel and was published in 2012; I’d happily read more when there is more to be read. It’s not a romance.
— I read and enjoyed this short story by Jamie Sedgwick ~ Worlds Apart. (FYI: the author has two full length books that are free: The Tinkerer’s Daughter and Death in the Hallows)
— the alien romance ThunderClaw (Alien Warrior Book 2) by Penelope Fletcher. This was an okay read, but I doubt I’ll be re-reading it.
— the alien romance The E.T. Guy (Office Aliens Book 1) by V.C. Lancaster. This was a pleasant read but not a book I expect to re-read.
— another alien romance STOLEN BY AN ALIEN: An Alien Mate Romance by Amanda Milo. Once again, this was a pleasant read but not a book I expect to re-read.
— And A Forbidden Rumspringa by Keira Andrews which was a very enjoyable re-read; it’s a male/male romance.
I’ve already added some new titles to my request list! I do so enjoy this monthly column.
Books read in October ~
— Alex Beecroft’s Foxglove Copse (Porthkennack Book 5). I found it a pleasant read, but there were aspects that strained credulity. I don’t think I’ll be likely to re-read.
— My sixth book by Anne Cleeland, Murder in Shadow (The Doyle and Acton Murder Series Book 6). My, but the author weaves a complex storyline! This is a series that must be read in order. (Trigger warning that the hero is a stalker.)
— re-read with pleasure Murder in All Honour: A Doyle and Acton Mystery by Anne Cleeland
— Kaje Harper’s Life Lessons and the follow up short piece And to All a Good Night (Life Lessons). I’d likely describe the first as a romantic suspense; I enjoyed them both. I hope to read more in this male/male romance series.
— The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld which was a gripping read. Trigger warning for child abuse.
— Elizabeth George’s A Great Deliverance (Inspector Lynley Mysteries, No. 1). I was curious to read this book after reading a review of Anne Cleeland’s Acton and Doyle series. The review had insinuated (in a vaguely condemning tone) that the Acton and Doyle books were derivative of the Inspector Lynley books. While both series feature Scotland Yard detectives — one aristocratic male, one lesser ranked female — they are otherwise quite different. This was a compelling and unsettling mystery due to its subject matter. I may read on in the series; it would be interesting to see how the main characters develop.
— To Siri with Love: A Mother, her Autistic Son, and the Kindness of Machines by Judith Newman. This was a quick read which raised some interesting questions while also being enjoyable and touching.
— The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin which I enjoyed. I heard mention that a movie was going to be made of this story and thought I might like to see it; however, it appears that the movie has quite mixed reviews.
— Marie Lu’s Warcross was an enjoyable young adult science fiction read; it ended with an unexpected revelation and definitely leaves the door open for a sequel. I’ll likely read on when the next volume shows up.
— the contemporary romance Sledgehammer (Hard To Love Book 2) by P. Dangelico which was a pleasant read. I don’t think that this is a book I’ll be rereading though I’ll likely read book three in the series when it’s published.
— the male/male romance The Ghost Slept Over by Marshall Thornton which featured (surprise!) a ghost. This was not a scary book but nor was the ghost entirely benign. I enjoyed this and look forward to reading more by this author.
— Pins and Needles by A.J. Thomas another male/male romance; this one had an element of suspense. I also look forward to reading more by this author.
— These are all alien romances by author M.K. Eidem and were pleasant reads (despite their shortcomings in the grammar arena). Grim (a re-read), A Grim Holiday (Tornians Book 1.5), Wray (Tornians Book 2), Ynyr (Tornians Book 3), and Oryon (Tornians Book 3.5).
— For my book group, I read Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. This was a collection of stories all of which (save one) featured to some extent the title character. It was a fairly quick read that won the Pulitzer Prize; I found it rather morose.
— the fantasy romance The Undying King by Grace Draven which I enjoyed; it had something of a fairytale vibe.
— Good Boy by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. This was an enjoyable contemporary romance that featured characters I’ve encountered in the authors’ other books.
— Keepsake (True North Book 3) by Sarina Bowen ~ FYI: This book happens to be on sale for 99 cents currently. I enjoyed this contemporary romance; it’s a book I’ll be re-reading.
— I then went on to read the next book in the series which I also enjoyed. Bountiful (True North Book 4) by Sarina Bowen.
— Then I re-read another book by the author. My copy is titled In Front of God and Everyone by Nealy Wagner, but it’s since been reissued as Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen.
— the alien romance Roark (Women Of Earth Book 1) by Jacqueline Rhoades. This was an okay read; in its defense, I read it to the end which is more than I can say about any number of others books I’ve recently left unfinished!
— the contemporary romance Montana Heat: Escape to You: A Montana Heat Novel by Jennifer Ryan. I had to push myself to finish it, so it’s not a book I’ll be likely to reread.
— Tell the Wolves I’m Home: A Novel by Carol Rifka Brunt, a book that I’ll describe as moving. It’s the author’s first novel and was published in 2012; I’d happily read more when there is more to be read. It’s not a romance.
— I read and enjoyed this short story by Jamie Sedgwick ~ Worlds Apart. (FYI: the author has two full length books that are free: The Tinkerer’s Daughter and Death in the Hallows)
— the alien romance ThunderClaw (Alien Warrior Book 2) by Penelope Fletcher. This was an okay read, but I doubt I’ll be re-reading it.
— the alien romance The E.T. Guy (Office Aliens Book 1) by V.C. Lancaster. This was a pleasant read but not a book I expect to re-read.
— another alien romance STOLEN BY AN ALIEN: An Alien Mate Romance by Amanda Milo. Once again, this was a pleasant read but not a book I expect to re-read.
— And A Forbidden Rumspringa by Keira Andrews which was a very enjoyable re-read; it’s a male/male romance.
I’ve already added some new titles to my request list! I do so enjoy this monthly column.
Books read in October ~
— Alex Beecroft’s Foxglove Copse (Porthkennack Book 5). I found it a pleasant read, but there were aspects that strained credulity. I don’t think I’ll be likely to re-read.
— My sixth book by Anne Cleeland, Murder in Shadow (The Doyle and Acton Murder Series Book 6). My, but the author weaves a complex storyline! This is a series that must be read in order. (Trigger warning that the hero is a stalker.)
— re-read with pleasure Murder in All Honour: A Doyle and Acton Mystery by Anne Cleeland
— Kaje Harper’s Life Lessons and the follow up short piece And to All a Good Night (Life Lessons). I’d likely describe the first as a romantic suspense; I enjoyed them both. I hope to read more in this male/male romance series.
— The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld which was a gripping read. Trigger warning for child abuse.
— Elizabeth George’s A Great Deliverance (Inspector Lynley Mysteries, No. 1). I was curious to read this book after reading a review of Anne Cleeland’s Acton and Doyle series. The review had insinuated (in a vaguely condemning tone) that the Acton and Doyle books were derivative of the Inspector Lynley books. While both series feature Scotland Yard detectives — one aristocratic male, one lesser ranked female — they are otherwise quite different. This was a compelling and unsettling mystery due to its subject matter. I may read on in the series; it would be interesting to see how the main characters develop.
— To Siri with Love: A Mother, her Autistic Son, and the Kindness of Machines by Judith Newman. This was a quick read which raised some interesting questions while also being enjoyable and touching.
— The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin which I enjoyed. I heard mention that a movie was going to be made of this story and thought I might like to see it; however, it appears that the movie has quite mixed reviews.
— Marie Lu’s Warcross was an enjoyable young adult science fiction read; it ended with an unexpected revelation and definitely leaves the door open for a sequel. I’ll likely read on when the next volume shows up.
— the contemporary romance Sledgehammer (Hard To Love Book 2) by P. Dangelico which was a pleasant read. I don’t think that this is a book I’ll be rereading though I’ll likely read book three in the series when it’s published.
— the male/male romance The Ghost Slept Over by Marshall Thornton which featured (surprise!) a ghost. This was not a scary book but nor was the ghost entirely benign. I enjoyed this and look forward to reading more by this author.
— Pins and Needles by A.J. Thomas another male/male romance; this one had an element of suspense. I also look forward to reading more by this author.
— These are all alien romances by author M.K. Eidem and were pleasant reads (despite their shortcomings in the grammar arena). Grim (a re-read), A Grim Holiday (Tornians Book 1.5), Wray (Tornians Book 2), Ynyr (Tornians Book 3), and Oryon (Tornians Book 3.5).
— For my book group, I read Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. This was a collection of stories all of which (save one) featured to some extent the title character. It was a fairly quick read that won the Pulitzer Prize; I found it rather morose.
— the fantasy romance The Undying King by Grace Draven which I enjoyed; it had something of a fairytale vibe.
— Good Boy by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. This was an enjoyable contemporary romance that featured characters I’ve encountered in the authors’ other books.
— Keepsake (True North Book 3) by Sarina Bowen ~ FYI: This book happens to be on sale for 99 cents currently. I enjoyed this contemporary romance; it’s a book I’ll be re-reading.
— I then went on to read the next book in the series which I also enjoyed. Bountiful (True North Book 4) by Sarina Bowen.
— Then I re-read another book by the author. My copy is titled In Front of God and Everyone by Nealy Wagner, but it’s since been reissued as Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen.
— the alien romance Roark (Women Of Earth Book 1) by Jacqueline Rhoades. This was an okay read; in its defense, I read it to the end which is more than I can say about any number of others books I’ve recently left unfinished!
— the contemporary romance Montana Heat: Escape to You: A Montana Heat Novel by Jennifer Ryan. I had to push myself to finish it, so it’s not a book I’ll be likely to reread.
— Tell the Wolves I’m Home: A Novel by Carol Rifka Brunt, a book that I’ll describe as moving. It’s the author’s first novel and was published in 2012; I’d happily read more when there is more to be read. It’s not a romance.
— I read and enjoyed this short story by Jamie Sedgwick ~ Worlds Apart. (FYI: the author has two full length books that are free: The Tinkerer’s Daughter and Death in the Hallows)
— the alien romance ThunderClaw (Alien Warrior Book 2) by Penelope Fletcher. This was an okay read, but I doubt I’ll be re-reading it.
— the alien romance The E.T. Guy (Office Aliens Book 1) by V.C. Lancaster. This was a pleasant read but not a book I expect to re-read.
— another alien romance STOLEN BY AN ALIEN: An Alien Mate Romance by Amanda Milo. Once again, this was a pleasant read but not a book I expect to re-read.
— And A Forbidden Rumspringa by Keira Andrews which was a very enjoyable re-read; it’s a male/male romance.
I’ve already added some new titles to my request list! I do so enjoy this monthly column.
Books read in October ~
— Alex Beecroft’s Foxglove Copse (Porthkennack Book 5). I found it a pleasant read, but there were aspects that strained credulity. I don’t think I’ll be likely to re-read.
— My sixth book by Anne Cleeland, Murder in Shadow (The Doyle and Acton Murder Series Book 6). My, but the author weaves a complex storyline! This is a series that must be read in order. (Trigger warning that the hero is a stalker.)
— re-read with pleasure Murder in All Honour: A Doyle and Acton Mystery by Anne Cleeland
— Kaje Harper’s Life Lessons and the follow up short piece And to All a Good Night (Life Lessons). I’d likely describe the first as a romantic suspense; I enjoyed them both. I hope to read more in this male/male romance series.
— The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld which was a gripping read. Trigger warning for child abuse.
— Elizabeth George’s A Great Deliverance (Inspector Lynley Mysteries, No. 1). I was curious to read this book after reading a review of Anne Cleeland’s Acton and Doyle series. The review had insinuated (in a vaguely condemning tone) that the Acton and Doyle books were derivative of the Inspector Lynley books. While both series feature Scotland Yard detectives — one aristocratic male, one lesser ranked female — they are otherwise quite different. This was a compelling and unsettling mystery due to its subject matter. I may read on in the series; it would be interesting to see how the main characters develop.
— To Siri with Love: A Mother, her Autistic Son, and the Kindness of Machines by Judith Newman. This was a quick read which raised some interesting questions while also being enjoyable and touching.
— The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin which I enjoyed. I heard mention that a movie was going to be made of this story and thought I might like to see it; however, it appears that the movie has quite mixed reviews.
— Marie Lu’s Warcross was an enjoyable young adult science fiction read; it ended with an unexpected revelation and definitely leaves the door open for a sequel. I’ll likely read on when the next volume shows up.
— the contemporary romance Sledgehammer (Hard To Love Book 2) by P. Dangelico which was a pleasant read. I don’t think that this is a book I’ll be rereading though I’ll likely read book three in the series when it’s published.
— the male/male romance The Ghost Slept Over by Marshall Thornton which featured (surprise!) a ghost. This was not a scary book but nor was the ghost entirely benign. I enjoyed this and look forward to reading more by this author.
— Pins and Needles by A.J. Thomas another male/male romance; this one had an element of suspense. I also look forward to reading more by this author.
— These are all alien romances by author M.K. Eidem and were pleasant reads (despite their shortcomings in the grammar arena). Grim (a re-read), A Grim Holiday (Tornians Book 1.5), Wray (Tornians Book 2), Ynyr (Tornians Book 3), and Oryon (Tornians Book 3.5).
— For my book group, I read Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. This was a collection of stories all of which (save one) featured to some extent the title character. It was a fairly quick read that won the Pulitzer Prize; I found it rather morose.
— the fantasy romance The Undying King by Grace Draven which I enjoyed; it had something of a fairytale vibe.
— Good Boy by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. This was an enjoyable contemporary romance that featured characters I’ve encountered in the authors’ other books.
— Keepsake (True North Book 3) by Sarina Bowen ~ FYI: This book happens to be on sale for 99 cents currently. I enjoyed this contemporary romance; it’s a book I’ll be re-reading.
— I then went on to read the next book in the series which I also enjoyed. Bountiful (True North Book 4) by Sarina Bowen.
— Then I re-read another book by the author. My copy is titled In Front of God and Everyone by Nealy Wagner, but it’s since been reissued as Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen.
— the alien romance Roark (Women Of Earth Book 1) by Jacqueline Rhoades. This was an okay read; in its defense, I read it to the end which is more than I can say about any number of others books I’ve recently left unfinished!
— the contemporary romance Montana Heat: Escape to You: A Montana Heat Novel by Jennifer Ryan. I had to push myself to finish it, so it’s not a book I’ll be likely to reread.
— Tell the Wolves I’m Home: A Novel by Carol Rifka Brunt, a book that I’ll describe as moving. It’s the author’s first novel and was published in 2012; I’d happily read more when there is more to be read. It’s not a romance.
— I read and enjoyed this short story by Jamie Sedgwick ~ Worlds Apart. (FYI: the author has two full length books that are free: The Tinkerer’s Daughter and Death in the Hallows)
— the alien romance ThunderClaw (Alien Warrior Book 2) by Penelope Fletcher. This was an okay read, but I doubt I’ll be re-reading it.
— the alien romance The E.T. Guy (Office Aliens Book 1) by V.C. Lancaster. This was a pleasant read but not a book I expect to re-read.
— another alien romance STOLEN BY AN ALIEN: An Alien Mate Romance by Amanda Milo. Once again, this was a pleasant read but not a book I expect to re-read.
— And A Forbidden Rumspringa by Keira Andrews which was a very enjoyable re-read; it’s a male/male romance.
I have been “allergy ill” all during October — which for me means re-reading. (One or two new releases were read, but I don’t truly remember them because I was just too sick to care. So I’ll read them again when I’m more alert and count that as my first reading.)
As to re-reading. I don’t remember which titles, but I do remember WHO: Patricia Rice and Susanna Kearsley. And Word Wench follower Lillian Marek. You really can’t go wrong with the people in this group!
I have been “allergy ill” all during October — which for me means re-reading. (One or two new releases were read, but I don’t truly remember them because I was just too sick to care. So I’ll read them again when I’m more alert and count that as my first reading.)
As to re-reading. I don’t remember which titles, but I do remember WHO: Patricia Rice and Susanna Kearsley. And Word Wench follower Lillian Marek. You really can’t go wrong with the people in this group!
I have been “allergy ill” all during October — which for me means re-reading. (One or two new releases were read, but I don’t truly remember them because I was just too sick to care. So I’ll read them again when I’m more alert and count that as my first reading.)
As to re-reading. I don’t remember which titles, but I do remember WHO: Patricia Rice and Susanna Kearsley. And Word Wench follower Lillian Marek. You really can’t go wrong with the people in this group!
I have been “allergy ill” all during October — which for me means re-reading. (One or two new releases were read, but I don’t truly remember them because I was just too sick to care. So I’ll read them again when I’m more alert and count that as my first reading.)
As to re-reading. I don’t remember which titles, but I do remember WHO: Patricia Rice and Susanna Kearsley. And Word Wench follower Lillian Marek. You really can’t go wrong with the people in this group!
I have been “allergy ill” all during October — which for me means re-reading. (One or two new releases were read, but I don’t truly remember them because I was just too sick to care. So I’ll read them again when I’m more alert and count that as my first reading.)
As to re-reading. I don’t remember which titles, but I do remember WHO: Patricia Rice and Susanna Kearsley. And Word Wench follower Lillian Marek. You really can’t go wrong with the people in this group!
I have no memory of much of what I read last month; little of it was genre fiction. I did read the new Agatha Raisin, The Witches’ Tree, and I reread Murder Must Advertise for the zillionth time.
I had a fancy to reread some classic Mary Balogh, so I reread Secrets of the Heart and The Secret Pearl. Both have vastly different circumstances for the heroines, but both are women persecuted by men who have a sexual obsession about them. These are not cardboard villains; they are genuine psychopaths, ably passing as normal in ordinary society. I find Win Bowen, the villain of Secrets of the Heart, the more insidious of the two because he is a Golden Boy, so charming that our heroine can’t go to anyone about him because they’re all so thoroughly schmoozed that they wouldn’t believe her, whereas Matthew Brocklehurst of The Secret Pearl was known to be a bad-tempered unpleasant sort of man.
Both women were easy targets for abuse because they were isolated in a way, and had nobody who could or would have helped them. Both the attitudes of the era and what people around them would have wanted to accept were against them.
I suppose they aren’t startling books now, but when first published, they were thought very unpleasant stuff and I still encounter Balogh fans who don’t like them. However, with the explosion of news stories about working women being harassed and pressured for sex, they seemed quite timely.
Balogh did such good villains.
I have no memory of much of what I read last month; little of it was genre fiction. I did read the new Agatha Raisin, The Witches’ Tree, and I reread Murder Must Advertise for the zillionth time.
I had a fancy to reread some classic Mary Balogh, so I reread Secrets of the Heart and The Secret Pearl. Both have vastly different circumstances for the heroines, but both are women persecuted by men who have a sexual obsession about them. These are not cardboard villains; they are genuine psychopaths, ably passing as normal in ordinary society. I find Win Bowen, the villain of Secrets of the Heart, the more insidious of the two because he is a Golden Boy, so charming that our heroine can’t go to anyone about him because they’re all so thoroughly schmoozed that they wouldn’t believe her, whereas Matthew Brocklehurst of The Secret Pearl was known to be a bad-tempered unpleasant sort of man.
Both women were easy targets for abuse because they were isolated in a way, and had nobody who could or would have helped them. Both the attitudes of the era and what people around them would have wanted to accept were against them.
I suppose they aren’t startling books now, but when first published, they were thought very unpleasant stuff and I still encounter Balogh fans who don’t like them. However, with the explosion of news stories about working women being harassed and pressured for sex, they seemed quite timely.
Balogh did such good villains.
I have no memory of much of what I read last month; little of it was genre fiction. I did read the new Agatha Raisin, The Witches’ Tree, and I reread Murder Must Advertise for the zillionth time.
I had a fancy to reread some classic Mary Balogh, so I reread Secrets of the Heart and The Secret Pearl. Both have vastly different circumstances for the heroines, but both are women persecuted by men who have a sexual obsession about them. These are not cardboard villains; they are genuine psychopaths, ably passing as normal in ordinary society. I find Win Bowen, the villain of Secrets of the Heart, the more insidious of the two because he is a Golden Boy, so charming that our heroine can’t go to anyone about him because they’re all so thoroughly schmoozed that they wouldn’t believe her, whereas Matthew Brocklehurst of The Secret Pearl was known to be a bad-tempered unpleasant sort of man.
Both women were easy targets for abuse because they were isolated in a way, and had nobody who could or would have helped them. Both the attitudes of the era and what people around them would have wanted to accept were against them.
I suppose they aren’t startling books now, but when first published, they were thought very unpleasant stuff and I still encounter Balogh fans who don’t like them. However, with the explosion of news stories about working women being harassed and pressured for sex, they seemed quite timely.
Balogh did such good villains.
I have no memory of much of what I read last month; little of it was genre fiction. I did read the new Agatha Raisin, The Witches’ Tree, and I reread Murder Must Advertise for the zillionth time.
I had a fancy to reread some classic Mary Balogh, so I reread Secrets of the Heart and The Secret Pearl. Both have vastly different circumstances for the heroines, but both are women persecuted by men who have a sexual obsession about them. These are not cardboard villains; they are genuine psychopaths, ably passing as normal in ordinary society. I find Win Bowen, the villain of Secrets of the Heart, the more insidious of the two because he is a Golden Boy, so charming that our heroine can’t go to anyone about him because they’re all so thoroughly schmoozed that they wouldn’t believe her, whereas Matthew Brocklehurst of The Secret Pearl was known to be a bad-tempered unpleasant sort of man.
Both women were easy targets for abuse because they were isolated in a way, and had nobody who could or would have helped them. Both the attitudes of the era and what people around them would have wanted to accept were against them.
I suppose they aren’t startling books now, but when first published, they were thought very unpleasant stuff and I still encounter Balogh fans who don’t like them. However, with the explosion of news stories about working women being harassed and pressured for sex, they seemed quite timely.
Balogh did such good villains.
I have no memory of much of what I read last month; little of it was genre fiction. I did read the new Agatha Raisin, The Witches’ Tree, and I reread Murder Must Advertise for the zillionth time.
I had a fancy to reread some classic Mary Balogh, so I reread Secrets of the Heart and The Secret Pearl. Both have vastly different circumstances for the heroines, but both are women persecuted by men who have a sexual obsession about them. These are not cardboard villains; they are genuine psychopaths, ably passing as normal in ordinary society. I find Win Bowen, the villain of Secrets of the Heart, the more insidious of the two because he is a Golden Boy, so charming that our heroine can’t go to anyone about him because they’re all so thoroughly schmoozed that they wouldn’t believe her, whereas Matthew Brocklehurst of The Secret Pearl was known to be a bad-tempered unpleasant sort of man.
Both women were easy targets for abuse because they were isolated in a way, and had nobody who could or would have helped them. Both the attitudes of the era and what people around them would have wanted to accept were against them.
I suppose they aren’t startling books now, but when first published, they were thought very unpleasant stuff and I still encounter Balogh fans who don’t like them. However, with the explosion of news stories about working women being harassed and pressured for sex, they seemed quite timely.
Balogh did such good villains.
Sarah, I’m not a fan of The Foundling, either. I tell myself that no author can hit the spot every time for every reader.
Cotillion is a fun read with a delightfully beta hero — in fact I named my hero in The Winter Bride Freddy in honor of Heyer’s Freddy. I hope you enjoy Cotillion as much as I did.
Sarah, I’m not a fan of The Foundling, either. I tell myself that no author can hit the spot every time for every reader.
Cotillion is a fun read with a delightfully beta hero — in fact I named my hero in The Winter Bride Freddy in honor of Heyer’s Freddy. I hope you enjoy Cotillion as much as I did.
Sarah, I’m not a fan of The Foundling, either. I tell myself that no author can hit the spot every time for every reader.
Cotillion is a fun read with a delightfully beta hero — in fact I named my hero in The Winter Bride Freddy in honor of Heyer’s Freddy. I hope you enjoy Cotillion as much as I did.
Sarah, I’m not a fan of The Foundling, either. I tell myself that no author can hit the spot every time for every reader.
Cotillion is a fun read with a delightfully beta hero — in fact I named my hero in The Winter Bride Freddy in honor of Heyer’s Freddy. I hope you enjoy Cotillion as much as I did.
Sarah, I’m not a fan of The Foundling, either. I tell myself that no author can hit the spot every time for every reader.
Cotillion is a fun read with a delightfully beta hero — in fact I named my hero in The Winter Bride Freddy in honor of Heyer’s Freddy. I hope you enjoy Cotillion as much as I did.
Teresa, Frederica is one of my favorites. I think of it whenever hot air balloons pass over my house. And a friend and I have a small joke between us about “calf’s foot jelly” — when ever one of us is sick, the other enquires if she should send for calf’s foot jelly.
I think I read letters or a bio of Vera Brittain years ago. I’ll have to dig it out and see if its the same one. I find real letters so enthralling.
Teresa, Frederica is one of my favorites. I think of it whenever hot air balloons pass over my house. And a friend and I have a small joke between us about “calf’s foot jelly” — when ever one of us is sick, the other enquires if she should send for calf’s foot jelly.
I think I read letters or a bio of Vera Brittain years ago. I’ll have to dig it out and see if its the same one. I find real letters so enthralling.
Teresa, Frederica is one of my favorites. I think of it whenever hot air balloons pass over my house. And a friend and I have a small joke between us about “calf’s foot jelly” — when ever one of us is sick, the other enquires if she should send for calf’s foot jelly.
I think I read letters or a bio of Vera Brittain years ago. I’ll have to dig it out and see if its the same one. I find real letters so enthralling.
Teresa, Frederica is one of my favorites. I think of it whenever hot air balloons pass over my house. And a friend and I have a small joke between us about “calf’s foot jelly” — when ever one of us is sick, the other enquires if she should send for calf’s foot jelly.
I think I read letters or a bio of Vera Brittain years ago. I’ll have to dig it out and see if its the same one. I find real letters so enthralling.
Teresa, Frederica is one of my favorites. I think of it whenever hot air balloons pass over my house. And a friend and I have a small joke between us about “calf’s foot jelly” — when ever one of us is sick, the other enquires if she should send for calf’s foot jelly.
I think I read letters or a bio of Vera Brittain years ago. I’ll have to dig it out and see if its the same one. I find real letters so enthralling.
Janga, I’m still sulking over that Mary Steward deal *g* — I got all excited, until I found that for Australians the price was $10. I have all the books, but I would have liked to reread them on my kindle.
Touch Not the Cat is one I’ve reread a few times. The Gabriel Hounds was a bit scary for me when I read it — I was a young teen. I want to read it again.
I’m also playing catch-up with Louise Penny.
Recently I was talking to someone who reviews a lot of books (they’re sent to her by authors) and was feeling pressured because she was running behind with getting the reviews up. It occurred to me that it would take a lot of the fun out of reading. I prefer to graze, and wander where the whim takes me. Give me a list of books I have to read, especially when there’s a deadline, and it becomes a chore instead of a pleasure. Do you ever feel that way?
Janga, I’m still sulking over that Mary Steward deal *g* — I got all excited, until I found that for Australians the price was $10. I have all the books, but I would have liked to reread them on my kindle.
Touch Not the Cat is one I’ve reread a few times. The Gabriel Hounds was a bit scary for me when I read it — I was a young teen. I want to read it again.
I’m also playing catch-up with Louise Penny.
Recently I was talking to someone who reviews a lot of books (they’re sent to her by authors) and was feeling pressured because she was running behind with getting the reviews up. It occurred to me that it would take a lot of the fun out of reading. I prefer to graze, and wander where the whim takes me. Give me a list of books I have to read, especially when there’s a deadline, and it becomes a chore instead of a pleasure. Do you ever feel that way?
Janga, I’m still sulking over that Mary Steward deal *g* — I got all excited, until I found that for Australians the price was $10. I have all the books, but I would have liked to reread them on my kindle.
Touch Not the Cat is one I’ve reread a few times. The Gabriel Hounds was a bit scary for me when I read it — I was a young teen. I want to read it again.
I’m also playing catch-up with Louise Penny.
Recently I was talking to someone who reviews a lot of books (they’re sent to her by authors) and was feeling pressured because she was running behind with getting the reviews up. It occurred to me that it would take a lot of the fun out of reading. I prefer to graze, and wander where the whim takes me. Give me a list of books I have to read, especially when there’s a deadline, and it becomes a chore instead of a pleasure. Do you ever feel that way?
Janga, I’m still sulking over that Mary Steward deal *g* — I got all excited, until I found that for Australians the price was $10. I have all the books, but I would have liked to reread them on my kindle.
Touch Not the Cat is one I’ve reread a few times. The Gabriel Hounds was a bit scary for me when I read it — I was a young teen. I want to read it again.
I’m also playing catch-up with Louise Penny.
Recently I was talking to someone who reviews a lot of books (they’re sent to her by authors) and was feeling pressured because she was running behind with getting the reviews up. It occurred to me that it would take a lot of the fun out of reading. I prefer to graze, and wander where the whim takes me. Give me a list of books I have to read, especially when there’s a deadline, and it becomes a chore instead of a pleasure. Do you ever feel that way?
Janga, I’m still sulking over that Mary Steward deal *g* — I got all excited, until I found that for Australians the price was $10. I have all the books, but I would have liked to reread them on my kindle.
Touch Not the Cat is one I’ve reread a few times. The Gabriel Hounds was a bit scary for me when I read it — I was a young teen. I want to read it again.
I’m also playing catch-up with Louise Penny.
Recently I was talking to someone who reviews a lot of books (they’re sent to her by authors) and was feeling pressured because she was running behind with getting the reviews up. It occurred to me that it would take a lot of the fun out of reading. I prefer to graze, and wander where the whim takes me. Give me a list of books I have to read, especially when there’s a deadline, and it becomes a chore instead of a pleasure. Do you ever feel that way?
Patricia, thanks for this. I’ve been meaning to read Pullman for a while.
Patricia, thanks for this. I’ve been meaning to read Pullman for a while.
Patricia, thanks for this. I’ve been meaning to read Pullman for a while.
Patricia, thanks for this. I’ve been meaning to read Pullman for a while.
Patricia, thanks for this. I’ve been meaning to read Pullman for a while.
Wow, Kareni, as usual a long list of reads covering a wide range or genres. Your comments, as always are much appreciated.I’m a big fan of Sarina Bowen’s, and have particularly enjoyed the books she’s written with Sarah Mayberry, who’s a friend of mine. I rushed over to buy the one you mentioned that was on special and lo! I already had it. I have a poor memory for titles.
Wow, Kareni, as usual a long list of reads covering a wide range or genres. Your comments, as always are much appreciated.I’m a big fan of Sarina Bowen’s, and have particularly enjoyed the books she’s written with Sarah Mayberry, who’s a friend of mine. I rushed over to buy the one you mentioned that was on special and lo! I already had it. I have a poor memory for titles.
Wow, Kareni, as usual a long list of reads covering a wide range or genres. Your comments, as always are much appreciated.I’m a big fan of Sarina Bowen’s, and have particularly enjoyed the books she’s written with Sarah Mayberry, who’s a friend of mine. I rushed over to buy the one you mentioned that was on special and lo! I already had it. I have a poor memory for titles.
Wow, Kareni, as usual a long list of reads covering a wide range or genres. Your comments, as always are much appreciated.I’m a big fan of Sarina Bowen’s, and have particularly enjoyed the books she’s written with Sarah Mayberry, who’s a friend of mine. I rushed over to buy the one you mentioned that was on special and lo! I already had it. I have a poor memory for titles.
Wow, Kareni, as usual a long list of reads covering a wide range or genres. Your comments, as always are much appreciated.I’m a big fan of Sarina Bowen’s, and have particularly enjoyed the books she’s written with Sarah Mayberry, who’s a friend of mine. I rushed over to buy the one you mentioned that was on special and lo! I already had it. I have a poor memory for titles.
Sorry to hear that your allergy problems have continued, Sue. I also tend to reread old faves when I’m not 100%. Pat and Susanna are excellent choices. I have several of Lillian’s books, but haven’t yet read them.
I’ve also been doing a bit of rereading — mostly some of my old Jayne Ann Krentzes that are now on kindle
Sorry to hear that your allergy problems have continued, Sue. I also tend to reread old faves when I’m not 100%. Pat and Susanna are excellent choices. I have several of Lillian’s books, but haven’t yet read them.
I’ve also been doing a bit of rereading — mostly some of my old Jayne Ann Krentzes that are now on kindle
Sorry to hear that your allergy problems have continued, Sue. I also tend to reread old faves when I’m not 100%. Pat and Susanna are excellent choices. I have several of Lillian’s books, but haven’t yet read them.
I’ve also been doing a bit of rereading — mostly some of my old Jayne Ann Krentzes that are now on kindle
Sorry to hear that your allergy problems have continued, Sue. I also tend to reread old faves when I’m not 100%. Pat and Susanna are excellent choices. I have several of Lillian’s books, but haven’t yet read them.
I’ve also been doing a bit of rereading — mostly some of my old Jayne Ann Krentzes that are now on kindle
Sorry to hear that your allergy problems have continued, Sue. I also tend to reread old faves when I’m not 100%. Pat and Susanna are excellent choices. I have several of Lillian’s books, but haven’t yet read them.
I’ve also been doing a bit of rereading — mostly some of my old Jayne Ann Krentzes that are now on kindle
Thanks, Janice — I don’t think I’ve ever read Secrets of the Heart. I do remember The Secret Pearl — such a powerful story. Mary Balogh writes wonderful, real and often compelling characters. With a lot of books that I read in a gulp, the stories and the characters fade from mind pretty quickly, but though I’ve always read hers in one sitting — often late into the night — so many of her characters live on in my mind.
I’m off to buy Secrets of the Heart.
Thanks, Janice — I don’t think I’ve ever read Secrets of the Heart. I do remember The Secret Pearl — such a powerful story. Mary Balogh writes wonderful, real and often compelling characters. With a lot of books that I read in a gulp, the stories and the characters fade from mind pretty quickly, but though I’ve always read hers in one sitting — often late into the night — so many of her characters live on in my mind.
I’m off to buy Secrets of the Heart.
Thanks, Janice — I don’t think I’ve ever read Secrets of the Heart. I do remember The Secret Pearl — such a powerful story. Mary Balogh writes wonderful, real and often compelling characters. With a lot of books that I read in a gulp, the stories and the characters fade from mind pretty quickly, but though I’ve always read hers in one sitting — often late into the night — so many of her characters live on in my mind.
I’m off to buy Secrets of the Heart.
Thanks, Janice — I don’t think I’ve ever read Secrets of the Heart. I do remember The Secret Pearl — such a powerful story. Mary Balogh writes wonderful, real and often compelling characters. With a lot of books that I read in a gulp, the stories and the characters fade from mind pretty quickly, but though I’ve always read hers in one sitting — often late into the night — so many of her characters live on in my mind.
I’m off to buy Secrets of the Heart.
Thanks, Janice — I don’t think I’ve ever read Secrets of the Heart. I do remember The Secret Pearl — such a powerful story. Mary Balogh writes wonderful, real and often compelling characters. With a lot of books that I read in a gulp, the stories and the characters fade from mind pretty quickly, but though I’ve always read hers in one sitting — often late into the night — so many of her characters live on in my mind.
I’m off to buy Secrets of the Heart.
Titles are not my forte either (though when a book is a favorite and I’ve read it seventeen times, the title might begin to make an impression); sadly neither are character names.
while I’ve read most of Sarina Bowen’s books, I’ve yet to read the one she co-wrote with Sarah Mayberry. I’ve added that one to my wishlist.
Titles are not my forte either (though when a book is a favorite and I’ve read it seventeen times, the title might begin to make an impression); sadly neither are character names.
while I’ve read most of Sarina Bowen’s books, I’ve yet to read the one she co-wrote with Sarah Mayberry. I’ve added that one to my wishlist.
Titles are not my forte either (though when a book is a favorite and I’ve read it seventeen times, the title might begin to make an impression); sadly neither are character names.
while I’ve read most of Sarina Bowen’s books, I’ve yet to read the one she co-wrote with Sarah Mayberry. I’ve added that one to my wishlist.
Titles are not my forte either (though when a book is a favorite and I’ve read it seventeen times, the title might begin to make an impression); sadly neither are character names.
while I’ve read most of Sarina Bowen’s books, I’ve yet to read the one she co-wrote with Sarah Mayberry. I’ve added that one to my wishlist.
Titles are not my forte either (though when a book is a favorite and I’ve read it seventeen times, the title might begin to make an impression); sadly neither are character names.
while I’ve read most of Sarina Bowen’s books, I’ve yet to read the one she co-wrote with Sarah Mayberry. I’ve added that one to my wishlist.
The Secret Pearl is one of my favorite books by Balogh. I’ve read Secrets of the Heart but I think one read of that was enough. Perhaps it struck me as a sadder book. Now I’m feeling a yen to reread The Secret Pearl!
The Secret Pearl is one of my favorite books by Balogh. I’ve read Secrets of the Heart but I think one read of that was enough. Perhaps it struck me as a sadder book. Now I’m feeling a yen to reread The Secret Pearl!
The Secret Pearl is one of my favorite books by Balogh. I’ve read Secrets of the Heart but I think one read of that was enough. Perhaps it struck me as a sadder book. Now I’m feeling a yen to reread The Secret Pearl!
The Secret Pearl is one of my favorite books by Balogh. I’ve read Secrets of the Heart but I think one read of that was enough. Perhaps it struck me as a sadder book. Now I’m feeling a yen to reread The Secret Pearl!
The Secret Pearl is one of my favorite books by Balogh. I’ve read Secrets of the Heart but I think one read of that was enough. Perhaps it struck me as a sadder book. Now I’m feeling a yen to reread The Secret Pearl!
For a long time Balogh said she wouldn’t reprint Secrets of the Heart because the villain was too awful, totally unredeemable. It’s rare in the US and pricey. But it’s scheduled for kindle sometime soon. I know because she asked us for certain titles that she no longer had so she could give them to the scanner folks, and I had an extra which I sent her.
I agree that once she gets hold of you, she’s intense; I too have read way too late for work to finish one of hers 🙂
For a long time Balogh said she wouldn’t reprint Secrets of the Heart because the villain was too awful, totally unredeemable. It’s rare in the US and pricey. But it’s scheduled for kindle sometime soon. I know because she asked us for certain titles that she no longer had so she could give them to the scanner folks, and I had an extra which I sent her.
I agree that once she gets hold of you, she’s intense; I too have read way too late for work to finish one of hers 🙂
For a long time Balogh said she wouldn’t reprint Secrets of the Heart because the villain was too awful, totally unredeemable. It’s rare in the US and pricey. But it’s scheduled for kindle sometime soon. I know because she asked us for certain titles that she no longer had so she could give them to the scanner folks, and I had an extra which I sent her.
I agree that once she gets hold of you, she’s intense; I too have read way too late for work to finish one of hers 🙂
For a long time Balogh said she wouldn’t reprint Secrets of the Heart because the villain was too awful, totally unredeemable. It’s rare in the US and pricey. But it’s scheduled for kindle sometime soon. I know because she asked us for certain titles that she no longer had so she could give them to the scanner folks, and I had an extra which I sent her.
I agree that once she gets hold of you, she’s intense; I too have read way too late for work to finish one of hers 🙂
For a long time Balogh said she wouldn’t reprint Secrets of the Heart because the villain was too awful, totally unredeemable. It’s rare in the US and pricey. But it’s scheduled for kindle sometime soon. I know because she asked us for certain titles that she no longer had so she could give them to the scanner folks, and I had an extra which I sent her.
I agree that once she gets hold of you, she’s intense; I too have read way too late for work to finish one of hers 🙂
“her characters live on in my mind”
That is true for me too. I am a true romance junkie. I read so many of these books, and I truly enjoy them while I am reading them. But with so many of them, if you ask me two days later, I’d have a hard time remembering the plot – much less the characters. But Ms. Balogh writes characters that are so vivid, you just can’t help but remember them.
“her characters live on in my mind”
That is true for me too. I am a true romance junkie. I read so many of these books, and I truly enjoy them while I am reading them. But with so many of them, if you ask me two days later, I’d have a hard time remembering the plot – much less the characters. But Ms. Balogh writes characters that are so vivid, you just can’t help but remember them.
“her characters live on in my mind”
That is true for me too. I am a true romance junkie. I read so many of these books, and I truly enjoy them while I am reading them. But with so many of them, if you ask me two days later, I’d have a hard time remembering the plot – much less the characters. But Ms. Balogh writes characters that are so vivid, you just can’t help but remember them.
“her characters live on in my mind”
That is true for me too. I am a true romance junkie. I read so many of these books, and I truly enjoy them while I am reading them. But with so many of them, if you ask me two days later, I’d have a hard time remembering the plot – much less the characters. But Ms. Balogh writes characters that are so vivid, you just can’t help but remember them.
“her characters live on in my mind”
That is true for me too. I am a true romance junkie. I read so many of these books, and I truly enjoy them while I am reading them. But with so many of them, if you ask me two days later, I’d have a hard time remembering the plot – much less the characters. But Ms. Balogh writes characters that are so vivid, you just can’t help but remember them.
I too, have been doing a lot of re-reads lately. Short stories and a lot of them Christmas themed. I know- it’s way too early!
I did just finish UNBELIEVABLE by Katy Tur. It’s an account of her experiences as a correspondent following Trump during the presidential campaign. I don’t know that it would interest everyone, but I found it very interesting. Also just read LILAC LANE by Sherryl Woods. It’s her latest offering in the Chesapeake Shores series. I can’t say that I cared for it that much. Sometimes I think a series can run on too long.
I too, have been doing a lot of re-reads lately. Short stories and a lot of them Christmas themed. I know- it’s way too early!
I did just finish UNBELIEVABLE by Katy Tur. It’s an account of her experiences as a correspondent following Trump during the presidential campaign. I don’t know that it would interest everyone, but I found it very interesting. Also just read LILAC LANE by Sherryl Woods. It’s her latest offering in the Chesapeake Shores series. I can’t say that I cared for it that much. Sometimes I think a series can run on too long.
I too, have been doing a lot of re-reads lately. Short stories and a lot of them Christmas themed. I know- it’s way too early!
I did just finish UNBELIEVABLE by Katy Tur. It’s an account of her experiences as a correspondent following Trump during the presidential campaign. I don’t know that it would interest everyone, but I found it very interesting. Also just read LILAC LANE by Sherryl Woods. It’s her latest offering in the Chesapeake Shores series. I can’t say that I cared for it that much. Sometimes I think a series can run on too long.
I too, have been doing a lot of re-reads lately. Short stories and a lot of them Christmas themed. I know- it’s way too early!
I did just finish UNBELIEVABLE by Katy Tur. It’s an account of her experiences as a correspondent following Trump during the presidential campaign. I don’t know that it would interest everyone, but I found it very interesting. Also just read LILAC LANE by Sherryl Woods. It’s her latest offering in the Chesapeake Shores series. I can’t say that I cared for it that much. Sometimes I think a series can run on too long.
I too, have been doing a lot of re-reads lately. Short stories and a lot of them Christmas themed. I know- it’s way too early!
I did just finish UNBELIEVABLE by Katy Tur. It’s an account of her experiences as a correspondent following Trump during the presidential campaign. I don’t know that it would interest everyone, but I found it very interesting. Also just read LILAC LANE by Sherryl Woods. It’s her latest offering in the Chesapeake Shores series. I can’t say that I cared for it that much. Sometimes I think a series can run on too long.
OMG!!! Guess what, US readers?!?!?!
I sighed, as I usually do, and went with a long face and doubting heart to see if maybe, just maybe, an ebook Mary Stewart or two besides the Arthurian legend series, was available.
What a fabulous surprise — YAHOOOO!!
I think ALL of Mary Stewart’s books are available in e-book form in the US now, at least on Amazon, AND most of them are for sale for .99 or 1.99, at least for the moment.
Also, I read the Penric series this month, including the most recent, adored it (in the new order), and noticed Lois McMaster Bujold is self-publishing this series, so the next will be out pretty soon, according to her blog.
Bonanza month for me, for sure. And, best of all, my work schedule is light. More reading for me, and onto Mary Stewart after I finish the Expanse sci-fi series (James SA Corey).
Excitedly yours,
Faith
OMG!!! Guess what, US readers?!?!?!
I sighed, as I usually do, and went with a long face and doubting heart to see if maybe, just maybe, an ebook Mary Stewart or two besides the Arthurian legend series, was available.
What a fabulous surprise — YAHOOOO!!
I think ALL of Mary Stewart’s books are available in e-book form in the US now, at least on Amazon, AND most of them are for sale for .99 or 1.99, at least for the moment.
Also, I read the Penric series this month, including the most recent, adored it (in the new order), and noticed Lois McMaster Bujold is self-publishing this series, so the next will be out pretty soon, according to her blog.
Bonanza month for me, for sure. And, best of all, my work schedule is light. More reading for me, and onto Mary Stewart after I finish the Expanse sci-fi series (James SA Corey).
Excitedly yours,
Faith
OMG!!! Guess what, US readers?!?!?!
I sighed, as I usually do, and went with a long face and doubting heart to see if maybe, just maybe, an ebook Mary Stewart or two besides the Arthurian legend series, was available.
What a fabulous surprise — YAHOOOO!!
I think ALL of Mary Stewart’s books are available in e-book form in the US now, at least on Amazon, AND most of them are for sale for .99 or 1.99, at least for the moment.
Also, I read the Penric series this month, including the most recent, adored it (in the new order), and noticed Lois McMaster Bujold is self-publishing this series, so the next will be out pretty soon, according to her blog.
Bonanza month for me, for sure. And, best of all, my work schedule is light. More reading for me, and onto Mary Stewart after I finish the Expanse sci-fi series (James SA Corey).
Excitedly yours,
Faith
OMG!!! Guess what, US readers?!?!?!
I sighed, as I usually do, and went with a long face and doubting heart to see if maybe, just maybe, an ebook Mary Stewart or two besides the Arthurian legend series, was available.
What a fabulous surprise — YAHOOOO!!
I think ALL of Mary Stewart’s books are available in e-book form in the US now, at least on Amazon, AND most of them are for sale for .99 or 1.99, at least for the moment.
Also, I read the Penric series this month, including the most recent, adored it (in the new order), and noticed Lois McMaster Bujold is self-publishing this series, so the next will be out pretty soon, according to her blog.
Bonanza month for me, for sure. And, best of all, my work schedule is light. More reading for me, and onto Mary Stewart after I finish the Expanse sci-fi series (James SA Corey).
Excitedly yours,
Faith
OMG!!! Guess what, US readers?!?!?!
I sighed, as I usually do, and went with a long face and doubting heart to see if maybe, just maybe, an ebook Mary Stewart or two besides the Arthurian legend series, was available.
What a fabulous surprise — YAHOOOO!!
I think ALL of Mary Stewart’s books are available in e-book form in the US now, at least on Amazon, AND most of them are for sale for .99 or 1.99, at least for the moment.
Also, I read the Penric series this month, including the most recent, adored it (in the new order), and noticed Lois McMaster Bujold is self-publishing this series, so the next will be out pretty soon, according to her blog.
Bonanza month for me, for sure. And, best of all, my work schedule is light. More reading for me, and onto Mary Stewart after I finish the Expanse sci-fi series (James SA Corey).
Excitedly yours,
Faith
I hear ya, Sue. Where we would be without our favorite books when we’re knocked flat with allergies? They’re as comforting as mac and cheese. And probably more nourishing.
And, yes, Susanna Kearsley is also a star of my re-read list…in fact, ALL the Wenches are.
Cheers, Faith
I hear ya, Sue. Where we would be without our favorite books when we’re knocked flat with allergies? They’re as comforting as mac and cheese. And probably more nourishing.
And, yes, Susanna Kearsley is also a star of my re-read list…in fact, ALL the Wenches are.
Cheers, Faith
I hear ya, Sue. Where we would be without our favorite books when we’re knocked flat with allergies? They’re as comforting as mac and cheese. And probably more nourishing.
And, yes, Susanna Kearsley is also a star of my re-read list…in fact, ALL the Wenches are.
Cheers, Faith
I hear ya, Sue. Where we would be without our favorite books when we’re knocked flat with allergies? They’re as comforting as mac and cheese. And probably more nourishing.
And, yes, Susanna Kearsley is also a star of my re-read list…in fact, ALL the Wenches are.
Cheers, Faith
I hear ya, Sue. Where we would be without our favorite books when we’re knocked flat with allergies? They’re as comforting as mac and cheese. And probably more nourishing.
And, yes, Susanna Kearsley is also a star of my re-read list…in fact, ALL the Wenches are.
Cheers, Faith
I just went looking for Secrets of the Heart but it wasn’t on kindle, so I guess I won’t get to read it.
My copy of The Secret Pearl is almost falling apart.
I love Mary Balogh because she goes with the character, wherever s/he takes her, instead of choosing to go with the most popular types.
I just went looking for Secrets of the Heart but it wasn’t on kindle, so I guess I won’t get to read it.
My copy of The Secret Pearl is almost falling apart.
I love Mary Balogh because she goes with the character, wherever s/he takes her, instead of choosing to go with the most popular types.
I just went looking for Secrets of the Heart but it wasn’t on kindle, so I guess I won’t get to read it.
My copy of The Secret Pearl is almost falling apart.
I love Mary Balogh because she goes with the character, wherever s/he takes her, instead of choosing to go with the most popular types.
I just went looking for Secrets of the Heart but it wasn’t on kindle, so I guess I won’t get to read it.
My copy of The Secret Pearl is almost falling apart.
I love Mary Balogh because she goes with the character, wherever s/he takes her, instead of choosing to go with the most popular types.
I just went looking for Secrets of the Heart but it wasn’t on kindle, so I guess I won’t get to read it.
My copy of The Secret Pearl is almost falling apart.
I love Mary Balogh because she goes with the character, wherever s/he takes her, instead of choosing to go with the most popular types.
Sarah’s a good writer. I’m a fan of them both, and I almost went cross-eyed trying to work out who wrote which bit. It was pretty seamless.
I’ll be interested to hear what you thought, Kareni.
Sarah’s a good writer. I’m a fan of them both, and I almost went cross-eyed trying to work out who wrote which bit. It was pretty seamless.
I’ll be interested to hear what you thought, Kareni.
Sarah’s a good writer. I’m a fan of them both, and I almost went cross-eyed trying to work out who wrote which bit. It was pretty seamless.
I’ll be interested to hear what you thought, Kareni.
Sarah’s a good writer. I’m a fan of them both, and I almost went cross-eyed trying to work out who wrote which bit. It was pretty seamless.
I’ll be interested to hear what you thought, Kareni.
Sarah’s a good writer. I’m a fan of them both, and I almost went cross-eyed trying to work out who wrote which bit. It was pretty seamless.
I’ll be interested to hear what you thought, Kareni.
I too have been rereading my way through Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense novels. They are among my all-time favorites, so it is like revisiting a friend, even though I’ve read some of them so many times I practically know them be heart!
I too have been rereading my way through Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense novels. They are among my all-time favorites, so it is like revisiting a friend, even though I’ve read some of them so many times I practically know them be heart!
I too have been rereading my way through Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense novels. They are among my all-time favorites, so it is like revisiting a friend, even though I’ve read some of them so many times I practically know them be heart!
I too have been rereading my way through Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense novels. They are among my all-time favorites, so it is like revisiting a friend, even though I’ve read some of them so many times I practically know them be heart!
I too have been rereading my way through Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense novels. They are among my all-time favorites, so it is like revisiting a friend, even though I’ve read some of them so many times I practically know them be heart!
Thanks, Mary. I haven’t read that Chesapeake Shores series, but I hear what you say about series that run on too long. Then again, I’ve sometimes thought that about a series, and then the author pulls one out of the hat that surprises and delights me.
Thanks, Mary. I haven’t read that Chesapeake Shores series, but I hear what you say about series that run on too long. Then again, I’ve sometimes thought that about a series, and then the author pulls one out of the hat that surprises and delights me.
Thanks, Mary. I haven’t read that Chesapeake Shores series, but I hear what you say about series that run on too long. Then again, I’ve sometimes thought that about a series, and then the author pulls one out of the hat that surprises and delights me.
Thanks, Mary. I haven’t read that Chesapeake Shores series, but I hear what you say about series that run on too long. Then again, I’ve sometimes thought that about a series, and then the author pulls one out of the hat that surprises and delights me.
Thanks, Mary. I haven’t read that Chesapeake Shores series, but I hear what you say about series that run on too long. Then again, I’ve sometimes thought that about a series, and then the author pulls one out of the hat that surprises and delights me.
Jane, Mary Stewart helped shape me as a romance writer. My sister (the librarian) used to bring me all the books they were throwing out, and as a result I have a pile of Mary Stewarts, Heyers, Catherine Gaskin and many others — now terribly worn and battered. They were in poor condition when I got them — I was in junior high school — but I can’t bear to toss them out. And yes, I also know some bits by heart. In fact when I was at the Dior exhibition recently, I was thinking of the discussion about fashion in Nine Coaches Waiting. Lovely how you can take the world of a book with you, isn’t it?
Jane, Mary Stewart helped shape me as a romance writer. My sister (the librarian) used to bring me all the books they were throwing out, and as a result I have a pile of Mary Stewarts, Heyers, Catherine Gaskin and many others — now terribly worn and battered. They were in poor condition when I got them — I was in junior high school — but I can’t bear to toss them out. And yes, I also know some bits by heart. In fact when I was at the Dior exhibition recently, I was thinking of the discussion about fashion in Nine Coaches Waiting. Lovely how you can take the world of a book with you, isn’t it?
Jane, Mary Stewart helped shape me as a romance writer. My sister (the librarian) used to bring me all the books they were throwing out, and as a result I have a pile of Mary Stewarts, Heyers, Catherine Gaskin and many others — now terribly worn and battered. They were in poor condition when I got them — I was in junior high school — but I can’t bear to toss them out. And yes, I also know some bits by heart. In fact when I was at the Dior exhibition recently, I was thinking of the discussion about fashion in Nine Coaches Waiting. Lovely how you can take the world of a book with you, isn’t it?
Jane, Mary Stewart helped shape me as a romance writer. My sister (the librarian) used to bring me all the books they were throwing out, and as a result I have a pile of Mary Stewarts, Heyers, Catherine Gaskin and many others — now terribly worn and battered. They were in poor condition when I got them — I was in junior high school — but I can’t bear to toss them out. And yes, I also know some bits by heart. In fact when I was at the Dior exhibition recently, I was thinking of the discussion about fashion in Nine Coaches Waiting. Lovely how you can take the world of a book with you, isn’t it?
Jane, Mary Stewart helped shape me as a romance writer. My sister (the librarian) used to bring me all the books they were throwing out, and as a result I have a pile of Mary Stewarts, Heyers, Catherine Gaskin and many others — now terribly worn and battered. They were in poor condition when I got them — I was in junior high school — but I can’t bear to toss them out. And yes, I also know some bits by heart. In fact when I was at the Dior exhibition recently, I was thinking of the discussion about fashion in Nine Coaches Waiting. Lovely how you can take the world of a book with you, isn’t it?
Sigh. The Mary Stewarts are all at least $10 here. But I did find a number of Jayne Ann Krentz’s books on sale for around $3 or $4, and bought up some of my faves.
And I started my reread of the Penric books last night, and sighed again, when Desdemona tells him that after he’d defended her to the god, she’d so anything for him. The new novella is down for tonight’s reading.
Sigh. The Mary Stewarts are all at least $10 here. But I did find a number of Jayne Ann Krentz’s books on sale for around $3 or $4, and bought up some of my faves.
And I started my reread of the Penric books last night, and sighed again, when Desdemona tells him that after he’d defended her to the god, she’d so anything for him. The new novella is down for tonight’s reading.
Sigh. The Mary Stewarts are all at least $10 here. But I did find a number of Jayne Ann Krentz’s books on sale for around $3 or $4, and bought up some of my faves.
And I started my reread of the Penric books last night, and sighed again, when Desdemona tells him that after he’d defended her to the god, she’d so anything for him. The new novella is down for tonight’s reading.
Sigh. The Mary Stewarts are all at least $10 here. But I did find a number of Jayne Ann Krentz’s books on sale for around $3 or $4, and bought up some of my faves.
And I started my reread of the Penric books last night, and sighed again, when Desdemona tells him that after he’d defended her to the god, she’d so anything for him. The new novella is down for tonight’s reading.
Sigh. The Mary Stewarts are all at least $10 here. But I did find a number of Jayne Ann Krentz’s books on sale for around $3 or $4, and bought up some of my faves.
And I started my reread of the Penric books last night, and sighed again, when Desdemona tells him that after he’d defended her to the god, she’d so anything for him. The new novella is down for tonight’s reading.
I read “The Girl Who Knew Too Much”, romantic suspense by Amanda Quick(Jayne Ann Krentz). This was her first foray into the early 20th century, and she does a great job with the atmosphere of 1930’s Southern California.
I read Emily Larkin’s latest Baleful Godmother book, “Discovering Miss Dalyrmple”. It’s a novella, and her sweetest yet, not much angst or villainy, just a lovely story about a lovely couple.
And I read “Never Trust A Pirate” by Valerie Bowman. It may not have had the most believable historical background or behavior in keeping with the times, but it was so much fun I just didn’t care. It had the most sparkling dialogue! Like this sample:
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d wonder if you had been waiting up for me.”
She laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself, Mr. Cavendish.”
He tipped his head to the side. “Half of my day would be in ruins if I stopped flattering myself.”
fyi, Kareni, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books really liked “The Mountain Between Us” movie. How far can you go wrong with Idris Mohammed and Kate Winslet?
And Janice, there is another Mary Balogh book called “Heartless” where the heroine is being persecuted by a psychopath, so I guess it is a theme of hers. Although it’s a good book, I found parts of it tough going, because her situation is so distressing.
I read “The Girl Who Knew Too Much”, romantic suspense by Amanda Quick(Jayne Ann Krentz). This was her first foray into the early 20th century, and she does a great job with the atmosphere of 1930’s Southern California.
I read Emily Larkin’s latest Baleful Godmother book, “Discovering Miss Dalyrmple”. It’s a novella, and her sweetest yet, not much angst or villainy, just a lovely story about a lovely couple.
And I read “Never Trust A Pirate” by Valerie Bowman. It may not have had the most believable historical background or behavior in keeping with the times, but it was so much fun I just didn’t care. It had the most sparkling dialogue! Like this sample:
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d wonder if you had been waiting up for me.”
She laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself, Mr. Cavendish.”
He tipped his head to the side. “Half of my day would be in ruins if I stopped flattering myself.”
fyi, Kareni, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books really liked “The Mountain Between Us” movie. How far can you go wrong with Idris Mohammed and Kate Winslet?
And Janice, there is another Mary Balogh book called “Heartless” where the heroine is being persecuted by a psychopath, so I guess it is a theme of hers. Although it’s a good book, I found parts of it tough going, because her situation is so distressing.
I read “The Girl Who Knew Too Much”, romantic suspense by Amanda Quick(Jayne Ann Krentz). This was her first foray into the early 20th century, and she does a great job with the atmosphere of 1930’s Southern California.
I read Emily Larkin’s latest Baleful Godmother book, “Discovering Miss Dalyrmple”. It’s a novella, and her sweetest yet, not much angst or villainy, just a lovely story about a lovely couple.
And I read “Never Trust A Pirate” by Valerie Bowman. It may not have had the most believable historical background or behavior in keeping with the times, but it was so much fun I just didn’t care. It had the most sparkling dialogue! Like this sample:
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d wonder if you had been waiting up for me.”
She laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself, Mr. Cavendish.”
He tipped his head to the side. “Half of my day would be in ruins if I stopped flattering myself.”
fyi, Kareni, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books really liked “The Mountain Between Us” movie. How far can you go wrong with Idris Mohammed and Kate Winslet?
And Janice, there is another Mary Balogh book called “Heartless” where the heroine is being persecuted by a psychopath, so I guess it is a theme of hers. Although it’s a good book, I found parts of it tough going, because her situation is so distressing.
I read “The Girl Who Knew Too Much”, romantic suspense by Amanda Quick(Jayne Ann Krentz). This was her first foray into the early 20th century, and she does a great job with the atmosphere of 1930’s Southern California.
I read Emily Larkin’s latest Baleful Godmother book, “Discovering Miss Dalyrmple”. It’s a novella, and her sweetest yet, not much angst or villainy, just a lovely story about a lovely couple.
And I read “Never Trust A Pirate” by Valerie Bowman. It may not have had the most believable historical background or behavior in keeping with the times, but it was so much fun I just didn’t care. It had the most sparkling dialogue! Like this sample:
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d wonder if you had been waiting up for me.”
She laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself, Mr. Cavendish.”
He tipped his head to the side. “Half of my day would be in ruins if I stopped flattering myself.”
fyi, Kareni, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books really liked “The Mountain Between Us” movie. How far can you go wrong with Idris Mohammed and Kate Winslet?
And Janice, there is another Mary Balogh book called “Heartless” where the heroine is being persecuted by a psychopath, so I guess it is a theme of hers. Although it’s a good book, I found parts of it tough going, because her situation is so distressing.
I read “The Girl Who Knew Too Much”, romantic suspense by Amanda Quick(Jayne Ann Krentz). This was her first foray into the early 20th century, and she does a great job with the atmosphere of 1930’s Southern California.
I read Emily Larkin’s latest Baleful Godmother book, “Discovering Miss Dalyrmple”. It’s a novella, and her sweetest yet, not much angst or villainy, just a lovely story about a lovely couple.
And I read “Never Trust A Pirate” by Valerie Bowman. It may not have had the most believable historical background or behavior in keeping with the times, but it was so much fun I just didn’t care. It had the most sparkling dialogue! Like this sample:
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d wonder if you had been waiting up for me.”
She laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself, Mr. Cavendish.”
He tipped his head to the side. “Half of my day would be in ruins if I stopped flattering myself.”
fyi, Kareni, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books really liked “The Mountain Between Us” movie. How far can you go wrong with Idris Mohammed and Kate Winslet?
And Janice, there is another Mary Balogh book called “Heartless” where the heroine is being persecuted by a psychopath, so I guess it is a theme of hers. Although it’s a good book, I found parts of it tough going, because her situation is so distressing.
Karin, I’d forgotten I read JAK’s The Girl Who Knew Too Much, too this month. I flipped through my kindle, and there were mostly her old ones that I bought for a reread. I really enjoyed it. It was a little confusing at first until I worked out her time period, but I really enjoyed it.
I don’t remember the Balogh “Heartless” book either. When I was first discovering her, there was more or less only one bookstore in Australia —no exaggeration — who stocked a variety of US-published romances, so there were lots that I missed. Which is why I love it when beloved authors start self-publishing old titles.
Karin, I’d forgotten I read JAK’s The Girl Who Knew Too Much, too this month. I flipped through my kindle, and there were mostly her old ones that I bought for a reread. I really enjoyed it. It was a little confusing at first until I worked out her time period, but I really enjoyed it.
I don’t remember the Balogh “Heartless” book either. When I was first discovering her, there was more or less only one bookstore in Australia —no exaggeration — who stocked a variety of US-published romances, so there were lots that I missed. Which is why I love it when beloved authors start self-publishing old titles.
Karin, I’d forgotten I read JAK’s The Girl Who Knew Too Much, too this month. I flipped through my kindle, and there were mostly her old ones that I bought for a reread. I really enjoyed it. It was a little confusing at first until I worked out her time period, but I really enjoyed it.
I don’t remember the Balogh “Heartless” book either. When I was first discovering her, there was more or less only one bookstore in Australia —no exaggeration — who stocked a variety of US-published romances, so there were lots that I missed. Which is why I love it when beloved authors start self-publishing old titles.
Karin, I’d forgotten I read JAK’s The Girl Who Knew Too Much, too this month. I flipped through my kindle, and there were mostly her old ones that I bought for a reread. I really enjoyed it. It was a little confusing at first until I worked out her time period, but I really enjoyed it.
I don’t remember the Balogh “Heartless” book either. When I was first discovering her, there was more or less only one bookstore in Australia —no exaggeration — who stocked a variety of US-published romances, so there were lots that I missed. Which is why I love it when beloved authors start self-publishing old titles.
Karin, I’d forgotten I read JAK’s The Girl Who Knew Too Much, too this month. I flipped through my kindle, and there were mostly her old ones that I bought for a reread. I really enjoyed it. It was a little confusing at first until I worked out her time period, but I really enjoyed it.
I don’t remember the Balogh “Heartless” book either. When I was first discovering her, there was more or less only one bookstore in Australia —no exaggeration — who stocked a variety of US-published romances, so there were lots that I missed. Which is why I love it when beloved authors start self-publishing old titles.
I admit that with eighteen reviews to write this month in addition to other writing, there were days when writing them seemed a chore. But that is rare. I say no to more reviews than I accept. Most of the books I review are written by authors with whose work I am familiar and expect to enjoy. I review only in genres and subgenres that I like reading–mostly historical romance and contemporary romance, with an occasional women’s fiction or mystery title. I leave paranormals, erotica, urban fantasy, and most romantic suspense for other reviewers.
I admit that with eighteen reviews to write this month in addition to other writing, there were days when writing them seemed a chore. But that is rare. I say no to more reviews than I accept. Most of the books I review are written by authors with whose work I am familiar and expect to enjoy. I review only in genres and subgenres that I like reading–mostly historical romance and contemporary romance, with an occasional women’s fiction or mystery title. I leave paranormals, erotica, urban fantasy, and most romantic suspense for other reviewers.
I admit that with eighteen reviews to write this month in addition to other writing, there were days when writing them seemed a chore. But that is rare. I say no to more reviews than I accept. Most of the books I review are written by authors with whose work I am familiar and expect to enjoy. I review only in genres and subgenres that I like reading–mostly historical romance and contemporary romance, with an occasional women’s fiction or mystery title. I leave paranormals, erotica, urban fantasy, and most romantic suspense for other reviewers.
I admit that with eighteen reviews to write this month in addition to other writing, there were days when writing them seemed a chore. But that is rare. I say no to more reviews than I accept. Most of the books I review are written by authors with whose work I am familiar and expect to enjoy. I review only in genres and subgenres that I like reading–mostly historical romance and contemporary romance, with an occasional women’s fiction or mystery title. I leave paranormals, erotica, urban fantasy, and most romantic suspense for other reviewers.
I admit that with eighteen reviews to write this month in addition to other writing, there were days when writing them seemed a chore. But that is rare. I say no to more reviews than I accept. Most of the books I review are written by authors with whose work I am familiar and expect to enjoy. I review only in genres and subgenres that I like reading–mostly historical romance and contemporary romance, with an occasional women’s fiction or mystery title. I leave paranormals, erotica, urban fantasy, and most romantic suspense for other reviewers.
I have Heatless in both print and e-book form, but I much prefer it’s sequel “Silent Melody” which follows two of the characters from Heartless.
I have Heatless in both print and e-book form, but I much prefer it’s sequel “Silent Melody” which follows two of the characters from Heartless.
I have Heatless in both print and e-book form, but I much prefer it’s sequel “Silent Melody” which follows two of the characters from Heartless.
I have Heatless in both print and e-book form, but I much prefer it’s sequel “Silent Melody” which follows two of the characters from Heartless.
I have Heatless in both print and e-book form, but I much prefer it’s sequel “Silent Melody” which follows two of the characters from Heartless.
I never knew about Secrets of the Heart! I will need to look it up!
I never knew about Secrets of the Heart! I will need to look it up!
I never knew about Secrets of the Heart! I will need to look it up!
I never knew about Secrets of the Heart! I will need to look it up!
I never knew about Secrets of the Heart! I will need to look it up!
I did see that favorable review, Karin, as well as one on another site. I guess I’ll have to watch it now to form my own opinion!
I did see that favorable review, Karin, as well as one on another site. I guess I’ll have to watch it now to form my own opinion!
I did see that favorable review, Karin, as well as one on another site. I guess I’ll have to watch it now to form my own opinion!
I did see that favorable review, Karin, as well as one on another site. I guess I’ll have to watch it now to form my own opinion!
I did see that favorable review, Karin, as well as one on another site. I guess I’ll have to watch it now to form my own opinion!
Sue, I also prefer Silent Melody over Heartless. I think in my case it’s due to an interest in characters with hearing challenges.
Sue, I also prefer Silent Melody over Heartless. I think in my case it’s due to an interest in characters with hearing challenges.
Sue, I also prefer Silent Melody over Heartless. I think in my case it’s due to an interest in characters with hearing challenges.
Sue, I also prefer Silent Melody over Heartless. I think in my case it’s due to an interest in characters with hearing challenges.
Sue, I also prefer Silent Melody over Heartless. I think in my case it’s due to an interest in characters with hearing challenges.