Anne here, hosting this month's WWR (What We're Reading) post for July.
We start with Pat, who's talking about NEVERWHERE, by Neil Gaiman.
The version I read was the “author’s preferred version.” The book started out as a television script and has gone through several editions since. This most recent one is Gaiman at his most charmingly insane. Richard, an up-and-coming investment analyst with am ambitious fiancée, uncharacteristically rescues an injured waif who falls at his feet. From that moment on, he’s drawn deeper into a world of fantasy beneath London’s streets, into the sewers and underground, becoming invisible—like the homeless—to the kind of people he once was. As in any fantasy, Richard has lessons to learn as he fights to return to his own home but ends up fighting for others instead. I really needed this escapism and it’s so well written that I never yawned and flipped pages. That’s true world building!
Christina said, I have had a few disappointing reads this month, so I won’t mention those – suffice it to say that I really hate when a book or a series doesn’t end the way I want it to! The only book I’ve really enjoyed is Summer Island by Natalie Normann. Natalie is a Norwegian author who has written over 50 novels in her own language, but his is her first one in English and it’s wonderful! It’s one of those books that draws you in right from the start and then you just can’t stop reading. In fact, I finished it in one sitting and absolutely loved both the characters, story and setting. I now want to spend summer on an idyllic Norwegian island, swimming in the sea, rowing, eating the local food and relaxing. I could totally understand how the hero (who is English) got sucked into the little community on the island and never wanted to leave again – I didn’t either. The heroine is refreshingly direct and I adored her sidekick – a Norwegian buhund called Frikk! (Dog characters are always a bonus for me.) There is a sequel on the way set at Christmas and I can’t wait to read it!
Nicola here. Like Christina, this month I have read and enjoyed Summer Island by Natalie Normann. I adored the setting, even more so because I once stayed in Sommeroy, off the coast of Northern Norway, so the book brought back very happy memories for me! I loved the quirky cast of characters and the charm and style of the writing. It reminded me of Local Hero, which is one of my favourite films: A great story, engaging characters, gorgeous setting, a sweet and lovely romance. It’s an enchanting book!
A very different but equally unputdownable read was The Servant by Maggie Richell-Davies which recently won the Historical Writers Association unpublished novel award. It’s now published by Sharpe Books. The year is 1765 and Hannah Hubert is a servant girl in the household of a disgraced aristocrat. This isn’t a historical novel that portrays society in the usual light; it’s dark and gritty as it charts Hannah’s struggle for survival in hard times. Hannah is a wonderful heroine, clever and determined and I was rooting for her all the way through the book. The romantic element of the story is lovely, and the writing itself is lyrical. It’s one of the most beautifully descriptive books I’ve read in a long time. Be warned though - it’s a challenging read and doesn’t sugar-coat the horrors of life in the Georgian backstreets of London, but if you like a historical novel that tackles difficult themes but ends on an uplifting note, this might be for you.
A month or so ago a reader recommended Hunting the Highlander by Lynsay Sands, so I picked it up and enjoyed it very much, so much so that I’ve glommed almost the entire series of Highland Brides books now!
Andrea says: I’ve been glomming the Ruth Galloway mystery series by Elly Griffiths, which was recommended by a number of the Wenches and our readers from previous columns—and am loving them!
I also really loved Writers and Lovers, by Lily King, a wonderful, poignant and uplifting novel about a 30-something struggling to live her dream when everything seems to be falling apart in her life. The unexpected death of her mother and the break-up of a long-time love affair have left Casey Peabody reeling. She’s trying to finish the novel she’s been writing for a number of years while waitressing at a chic restaurant serving the well-heeled crowd at Harvard. All her friends have moved on to real jobs, and she feels she's floundering, clinging to youth when it’s time to move on. And then she meets two very different men, and in the course of dealing with her feelings, she has to decide what’s really important to her. It’s smart, wise, funny and beautifully written. I highly recommend it!
Mary Jo said: My favorite fun read this month was Jasmine Guillory's The Proposal. Guillory is a rising star in contemporary romance, and with good reason. An African-American writer, she has characters of all colors woven together the way people are in real life. Race is there but it's not the point of her stories.
Set in Los Angeles, In The Proposal, her heroine, Nik Paterson, is at a Dodgers baseball game with Fisher, a low level actor she's been casually dating for several months. She trying to figure out how soon she can leave when he tells her to look at the Jumbotron scoreboard, which says, "NICOLE, I LOVE YOU. WILL YOU MARRY ME? FISHER."
Then to her horror he drops on one knee and proposes. They've never come close to talking about marriage (and he didn't even spell her name correctly!), so she says, "NO!" At which point an angry Fisher and all his bros stomp off, leaving Nik alone with every camera in the stadium aimed at her and most of the people figuring that she did her man wrong.
Two rows above her, pediatrician Carlos and his sister are watching and when they see cameras swooping in on Nik, they go down and pretend that they're all old friends and they carry her off to safety. This is the beginning of a playful relationship as Nik and Carlos find they really enjoy each other's company. Neither is looking for anything serious and long term--until one of them decides long-term is good and a black moment ensues. They sort it out of course because this is a romance, but it's also a story of the powers of friendship and family--and a warning not to deseed jalapenos with your bare hands. <G>
One reasons I really like Guillory's books is because her characters are mature young professionals who care about their work. They're also smart and funny. Sadly, Jasmine Guillory has only written five books and now I've read three of them. I wish her fast fingers!
A non-fiction book I'm reading is The Tribe of Tiger; Cats and Their Culture, The author, Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, a distinguished anthropologist, animal behaviorist, and author. She starts the book with an anecdote about how she and her husband were watching behind their house in New Hampshire when two frightened deer ran into sight, then turned and stared nervously down at the ground. A few moments later, the Thomas's 7 pound cat, Rajah, roared out of a bush in full attack mode, paws and claws extended and tail straight up. The pair of hundred pound deer fled in terror.
Thus begins a discussion of how cats are carnivores and hunters and how their behaviors shape their lives and interactions with humans. It's a lot of fun to read, and for those dog owners who feel neglected, she's also written The Hidden Life of Dogs. She writes very well and her observations of felines of all sizes are funny and insightful.
For Joanna it’s been comfort reads all the way this month, some of them re-reads from so long ago the stories are new again.
First, I sped through a half dozen Mrs. Pollifax books by Dorothy Gilman. These are gentle adventure books about an enterprising old lady who sometimes leaves her prize-winning geraniums to take up work for the CIA. From central Africa to China to the heart of rural Mexico Mrs. Pollifax is a charming and benevolent force to be reckoned with. The first book, The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax, is the place to start.
More adventure, this time of the paranormal sort, with Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden, the only official practicing wizard in Chicago. (He advertises in the phone book.) The first of the series is Storm Front. Harry inhabits a complex urban world of demons and angels, magical practitioners, monsters, sword-wielding champions of God, werewolves, and ... cops. He gets beat up a lot and he doesn’t make much money, but he’s one of the good guys. Readalike: Ben Aaronovitch.
These last week I’ve also picked up some Diana Wynne Jones, Deep Secret and A Sudden Wild Magic. Deep Secret is especially delightful as great parts of it take place at a Science Fiction/Fantasy Con. Readalikes: Bimbos of the Death Sun by Sharyn McCrumb and Die for Love by Elizabeth Peters.
And a final Diana Wynne Jones book, Howl’s Moving Castle. This was adapted into an utterly lovely animated film by Hayao Miyazaki. I am now determined to track down the film and watch it again.
Anne again. After our last WWR discussion I ended up rereading Lois McMaster Bujold's The Curse of Chalion and the rest in the series — for the umpteenth time. I also reread Elizabeth Peters' Crocodile on the Sandbank also for the umpteenth time. Favourite books can be like old friends at times.
After Wench Pat recommended Juliet Blackwell's haunted house series last month I headed off to buy her, but ended up buying the first book in Blackwell's "witch" series instead. In Secondhand Spirits we are introduced to Lily Ivory, a talented witch who is still discovering the extent of her powers. She's recently moved to San Francisco, and opened a "vintage" dress shop in the Haight-Ashbury area, where she hopes her witchiness will fit in with the general air of eccentricity. But a client is murdered and then, when children start disappearing, Lily gets involved.
It's a fun series, with some nice other-worldly mayhem, a good mystery, an appealing cast of characters, including a warm-hearted wiccan, a homeless youth, her familiar, a "gobgoyle" — half goblin half gargoyle — who masquerades as a pot-bellied miniature pig in public — and a sniff of romance with an attractive, hard nosed journalist who doesn't believe in magic. I also enjoyed the vintage clothes aspect — Lily sells clothes from the '30's to the 80's, but her own preference is to dress in 60's outfits. I enjoyed the series so much I'm already onto book #8.
Lastly, for those of you who prefer audio books, you might find this article interesting.
So now, over to you, O Wenchly Readers — what books have you been reading and enjoying lately?
I'm working my way through the Inspector McLean series by James Oswald. They've been hard to put down. A Scots DI investigating crimes? Wonderful. Every crime having a supernatural element? Oh, right up my alley!
I have the first book in the Ruth Galloway series in my TBR and am waiting on the next JD Kirk due out on the 14th of August.
Posted by: theo | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 05:50 AM
Last month someone recommended Amanda Scott. I am working my way through them. She writes a great story with plenty of historic information about Scotland that I didn't know. And describes the landscape beautifully
Posted by: Alice | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 06:10 AM
Thanks for reminding me of some old favorite authors like Diana Wynne Jones that I had forgotten as well as new favorites like Juliet Blackwell. Luckily, most of the authors new to me can be found at the library and they are filling holds again with limited service.
Posted by: Beverly Abney | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 08:40 AM
I love the Mrs Pollifax series. I’m trying not to read them too quickly. Another series is the Miss Seeton series set in England in about the 50s. The English slang is delightful! Panda - police car 🤣🤣.
Posted by: Cindy A | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 08:41 AM
Early in the month ~
— quite enjoyed Beach Read by Emily Henry which had me laughing aloud from time to time. It had some witty one liners, and the story was entertaining.
— read and enjoyed a new book Hideaway: A Novel by Nora Roberts even if it did strain credulity a time or three and even though it seemed to end rather abruptly.
— Another challenge from my summer reading program was to reread a childhood favorite. On our bookshelves, I found a copy of Æsop’s Fables selected by Louis Untermeyer with illustrations by Alice and Martin Provensen; this was inscribed to me by my grandmother in 1969. I think it’s safe to say that I’ve had this book for a few years! This was a fun book to revisit.
— Cryoburn by Lois McMaster Bujold which I enjoyed despite the sad ending.
— the most recent book in the Vorkosigan series ~ Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen by Lois McMaster Bujold. I enjoyed the book. I’ve now finished the series save for one novella that I’ve yet to lay my hands on.
— a couple of shorter contemporary romance works by Sarina Bowen. I reread the standalone novella (a favorite of mine) Blonde Date: An Ivy Years Novella as well as a short piece, Yesterday, that works best if you’ve read a particular one of the author’s full length novels. Both pieces can be found in the collection Extra Credit: Three Ivy Years Novellas by Sarina Bowen. I enjoyed them both.
— Into Thin Eire: Another John Pickett Mystery by Sheri Cobb South which I quite enjoyed. The only problem was that it had been some time since I’d read the prior book, and I’d forgotten key details. This is a series that is best begun with book one and read in order.
— the novella Penric’s Demon: Penric & Desdemona Book 1 by Lois McMaster Bujold which I quite enjoyed. I look forward to reading more in this series.
— Brother, Can You Spare a Crime?: Another John Pickett Mystery by Sheri Cobb South which I quite enjoyed. It had the side benefit of meeting one of my summer reading program challenges in that it was set in a foreign country.
— Breakfast on Mars and 37 Other Delectable Essays edited by Rebecca Stern and Brad Wolfe which I suspect might be of interest to those of you who are teaching essay writing to your children. One of my summer reading challenges was to read a book in the 300s (Dewey decimal) and this was my selection; it was an entertaining and occasionally informative collection.
— reread Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold which I first read in May of last year. Since I read the rest of the series only recently, I’d forgotten some details from this first book. In fact, I was about halfway through the final book in the series before I realized that that book was taking place in the same location as this one and that the series had come full circle. I enjoyed revisiting this book.
— Goldilocks by Laura Lam. This science fiction novel surprised me several times. One review describes it as a mix of The Martian and the Handmaid’s Tale.
— Penric and the Shaman by Lois McMaster Bujold which I quite enjoyed. It’s the second Penric book, and I recommend beginning with the first.
— reread with pleasure The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison; it was funny to learn that my daughter was rereading it at the same time in South Korea.
Later in the month ~
— California Dreamin’: Cass Elliot, Before the Mamas & the Papas by Pénélope Bagieu; this is a graphic novel that I read as part of my library summer reading challenge. I enjoyed the book it then had to listen to some music by the Mamas & the Papas!
— for artistic inspiration, Freehand: Sketching Tips and Tricks Drawn from Art by Helen Birch which I found enjoyable.
— Love Him Free (On The Market Book 1) by E.M. Lindsey; this is a contemporary romance featuring two men. I enjoyed it.
— Dear Edward: A Novel by Ann Napolitano; this is about the sole survivor of a plane crash. The author told a compelling story, and I recommend it.
— A Primate’s Memoir: A Neuroscientist’s Unconventional Life Among the Baboons by Robert M. Sapolsky for my book group. It was, at times, funny and sad and disgusting and heartwrenching. It was eminently readable and left me with absolutely no desire to ever go to Africa. I would happily read more by this author. As a side benefit, this meets the last of my summer reading challenges which was to read a book in the Dewey decimal 500s.
— My Ideal Bookshelf with art by Jane Mount and edited by Thessaly La Force. I quite enjoyed this book.
— Catfishing on CatNet by Naomi Kritzer; I quite enjoyed this young adult novel which was a spin-off of an award winning short story.
— Penric’s Mission by Lois McMaster Bujold; I finished this novella with a happy sigh! I then went on to read Penric’s Fox, Mira’s Last Dance, and the Prisoner of Limnos.
— Smoke Bitten (A Mercy Thompson Novel Book 12) by Patricia Briggs which I enjoyed even though I admit to preferring the author’s Alpha and Omega series. This is a series best read in order.
— Repeat by Kylie Scott; this is a contemporary romance with a heroine who has amnesia. I enjoyed it.
— Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall; this book had some truly funny dialogue, and I laughed a lot. The language is also very British. I could see rereading this.
— For artistic inspiration, I enjoyed reading/admiring Draw Your Day: An Inspiring Guide to Keeping a Sketch Journal by Samantha Dion Baker.
-- Monkeewrench by P. J. Tracy; it's a mystery thriller which I enjoyed. It had a complex storyline and kept me guessing. It's the start of a ten book series which I'd like to continue. My libraries have books four and on but not books two and three...hmmph!
Posted by: Kareni | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 10:30 AM
I would mention 2 books that I have really enjoyed this month.
1) Rosanne Bittner's 'Shadow of the mountains'. Bittner writes historical western romance,with emphasis on the role of the native American Indians, and this one is based in Denver Colorado, featuring the development of railways, the gold rushes and the interactions of white settlers with the Indians. The underlying romance is strong eventually reaching an HEA but you may need a box of tissues on the way!
2) A self published book by Lexi Revellian, (a London based jewller who writes fiction as a hoby ... I think).'The Last Enforcer' describes a dystopian world divided between an inner city who's inhabitants have high tech gadgetry and live well and an outer world where people survive by scavenging a ravaged environment and working for the well off city dwellers. The story describes the developing friendship between Xavier, a city enforcer (type of police) and Cadence who is from the outer world. An enthralling read.
Posted by: Quantum | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 11:47 AM
I have the first Ruth Galloway on my TBR as well, Theo, but there are a few other books ahead of it. Looking forward to reading it after everyone has recommended it!
Posted by: Christina Courtenay | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 03:56 PM
Wow, Kareni, that's quite a list with some intriguing sounding reads!
Posted by: Christina Courtenay | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 03:59 PM
Thanks, Theo. I'm about to jump over to see whether I had the new JD Kirk on preorder. I think you were the one who put me onto him. I think you'll enjoy the Ruth Galloway books.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 04:07 PM
Thanks, Alice. Isn't it great when you find a new author to read. It's one of the things I love about this WWR feature -- a great conversation between booklovers.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 04:09 PM
Wow, Kareni, as usual I feel as though I need a lie-down after reading your list! As for libraries not having all the books in a series, that used to drive me bonkers -- it would still, except I don't use my library as much these days, and I don't trust them with a series.
So glad you've enjoyed all those Lois McMaster Bujold books — I had a bit reread of her too. You probably inspired me, or maybe it was a mention by Mary Jo. I also have a new Sarina Bowen book in the pipeline . . .
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 04:14 PM
Thanks for both those recommendations, Quantum. I can't recall if I've read Roseanne Bittner or not, though I do know the name. Might be time for an explore . . . The dystopian novel also sounds interesting. I've read a few dystopian books lately, but I need to have upbeat reads in between.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 04:17 PM
July has been a mixed bag. Some meh's, rereads and some new fun books. Decided to look at some of my keepers and see if they were still worth keeping since I hadn't read them in 10 or 15 years. Nope, those 10 books are now waiting to go to a book sale or a little free library.
I've continued on my Kerry Greenwood Miss Fisher binge - read Death Before Wicket, Away with the Fairies, Murder in Montparnasse and The Castlemaine Murders. I did what Sue McCormick says she does...sped through them the first time and then went back and read them slowly. I'm really enjoying this series and I'm happy to say my library system DOES have all the books in this series.
I had two noteworthy rereads as in I wanted to rearead them! The Girl from the Diadem by Jean Merril. Set in Edwardian time period London. An actress is hired to pretend to be a Duke's love interest so the Duke's uncle will agree to the Duke marrying who he wants. But the estate needs a rich American heiress to keep it going. Fun times and very witty banter.
All Fired up by Lori Foster was my 2nd memorable reread. Excellent ending and a great finish to the trilogy. Charlotte is like a sister to the hero's of the 2 previous books. The new hero (Mitch) turns out to be a unknown half brother to them. Lots of relationship building - between the 3 brother's, Charlotte and Mitch, etc.
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams I know I've read about it on here. It was indeed a fun read. Totally enjoyed how they took a romance book and used it as a relationship manual.
Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Diane Freeman. Very late Victorian murder mystery set in High Society London. Very interesting debut novel for a series.
Relentless in Texas - Kari Lynn Dell Contemporary Western set in Montana. Excellent read and I believe it is the last of that series. Gil finally gets his happy ending. Pulls in a bit more of Native American lore and culture. Mainly Blackfeet but a bit of Navajo as well.
A Duke by Any Other Name - Grace Burrowes It was a very interesting mix of tropes. Imposter Duke. Slighted heroine. A grand win in the end for both of them.
July ended on an upbeat note book wise so I'm hoping that will continue into August.
Posted by: Vicki L | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 06:11 PM
Great column. So many books, so little time. I'm going to have to check out Elizabeth Marshall Thomas on both cats and dogs. (Thanks, Mary Jo.) Last week, I had nothing new to read (Sob!) I re-read Jayne Ann Krentz's River Road for the 4th time. This past Sunday was my birthday, and as a gift, a friend lent me an entire tote bag of Grace Burrowes regencies that I'd been hunting for. Also in the bag was Anne Gracie's Gallant Waif, which I've always wanted to read and could never find. LOVED IT! I then started on one of the Burrowes books - Axel. I also just finished Justine Davis's five book series, "Texas Justice," as well as Lorraine Heath's "Texas Trilogy" series. I'm also committed to Roxanne St. Claire's "Dogfather" and "Dogmothers" series. (So many dogs, I think I'm shedding.) Her books are fun romances and the dogs on the covers are all rescues. OK - back to the books...
Posted by: Binnie Syril Braunstein | Friday, July 31, 2020 at 11:06 PM
I did read a couple of books that might be of interest to this group. I have an ongoing project of reading classics, particularly the novels that Austen and her contemporaries might have read, so I read The Old Manor House by Charlotte Turner Smith - which I found surprisingly readable. I also read Helen by Maria Edgeworth, which was rather slow to get going but had a real problem in personal ethics at the heart of it. Moderns might not much care for wussy Cecilia, let alone her husband the General, but both made sense in the attitudes of their day.
I also got up to date on a series by Mary Kingswood called Silver Linings Mysteries. I like her writing because she's quite on the traditional side.
I have also been listening to a lot of Heyers on audiobook at bedtime, most recently The Reluctant Widow, The Convenient Marriage, Bath Tangle and Sprig Muslin. Some are improved by a good narrator, others are made kind of awful (considering that this is Heyer). In the main I am up to here with burbling screeching dowagers, whining weepy ingenues, gruffly mumbling old guys, lovers who yell at each other (I was expecting the neighbor to pound on the wall when Serena and Ivo go at it), and assorted unintelligible servant class accents. I just wish they'd read the books plainly, without straining for BAFTA status performances, so I could enjoy Heyer's writing.
Posted by: Janice | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 01:02 AM
At the beginning of the panademic I binge read the Joe Pickett series by CJ Box (on Kindle as the libraries were closed). Now I'm reading to complete a reader's bingo that our public library uses for summer (four more titles to go and I've completed my card!) Diana Wynne Jones' "Dark Lord of Derkholm" and Peter Wohlleben's "The Hidden Life of Trees" are the present reads for that.
In between I have been doing a periodic re-read of one of my favorite authors Sir Terry Pratchett, who I consider to be one of the true geniuses of not only fantasy but of any genre. Such a brilliant brain...we lost him much too soon.
Also on Kindle at the moment is Jeannette Giles' "Simon the Fiddler". I loved her "News of the World" and hope this is as good. On the TBR pile "The Engineer's Wife" by Tracey Enersom Wood, a novel of Emily Roebling. Emily was the daughter-in-law and wife of the Roeblings who built the Brooklyn Bridge. She was largely responsible for seeing her husband's wishes were carried out after he developed a crippling case of the Bends while working on the Bridge.
Posted by: Linda L Manwiller | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 05:49 AM
I'm in a severe reading slump and just CAN'T settle to anything. It's starting to get to me as I always have a book on the go. I'll definitely be looking up The Servant for when I can read again and I also like the sound of the Juliet Blackwell books.
Posted by: Teresa Broderick | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 08:31 AM
Glommed Gail Carriger’s The Parasol Protectorate (delicious)
and a few more books of Rhys Bowen’s Her Royal Spyness series.
Posted by: Jan | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 08:36 AM
I’m finishing up the audio of Dearly Beloved by Mary Jo. I think the one thing I miss most right now in these troubles times is my morning commute. I know that sounds odd as most people are enjoying working from home, but my 45 minute commute (1 1/2 hours RT), provides me the chance to listen and enjoy audiobooks. Since I’m working from home most days, I’m really missing out on listening to my next great book. I also had three trips cancelled, and airplanes provided the perfect opportunity for me to put my earbuds in and be transported out of my normal life.
P.S. Thank you for the link to the article on hearing character’s voices. I did enjoy it!
📚 🤗
Posted by: LilMissMolly | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 08:45 AM
My library is making me very happy these days.
I miss going in and sitting down to work there ... but I'll take what it's safe for them to give.
I had not thought of looking for Diana Wynne Jones there. Maybe I should.
Posted by: Joanne Bourne | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 09:14 AM
Miss Seeton. Maybe I will give them a try. 1950s slang is a great favorite of mine.
Posted by: Joanne Bourne | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 09:18 AM
I very much enjoyed the Rhys Bowen books. As a special treat, I got to sign books next to her at an RT conference once. Our last names, you see.
Posted by: Joanne Bourne | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 09:31 AM
I thank everyone for all the wonderful book lists.
I have finished the Miss Seeton series and I absolutely loved her and the other cast of characters.
Recently I read two of the Heathcliff Lomax mysteries by Karen Baugh Menuhin. Her books are funny and filled with charm. Carla Kelly's Christmas Collection is an anthology of lovely stories. I also read two books by an author you may know, Anne Gracie's Marry in Haste. I had already finished Marry in Scandal. Those are 2 very good books.
Again, thanks for the post. I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.
Posted by: Annette N | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 10:33 AM
My most outstanding read of the month was "Simon the Fiddler" by Paulette Jiles. The characters stayed in my head for days afterwards. It's not a romance, but there is a lovely love story, and the setting is very colorful, post-Civil War Texas.
I enjoyed Anne's latest book, "Marry in Scarlet", but as usual with her books, it was such a page-turner that I read it quickly into the wee hours of the night and probably missed some details. So I now plan to reread it more slowly.
I also reread Joanna's "The Spymaster's Lady" on Kindle, and it was fun to see the first glimpses of characters which show up in her later books.
I've decided to work my way through a shopping bag full of old Signet Regency romances that's been in my closet for ages. So I read "Lord Harry's Folly" by Catherine Coulter, which had a fun but unlikely plot with a heroine who disguises herself as a young man, and is out for revenge against the hero. Next up is "Snow Angel" by Mary Balogh.
Posted by: Karin | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 01:09 PM
Vicki, I was so intrigued by your description of The Girl from Diadem, that I went looking for it, and wouldn't you know it, it's an old out of print book that's not available in Kindle. However the few Amazon reviews that were there were so good that I ended up ordering a used paperback copy! I can't resist a fake engagement/marriage story!
Posted by: Karin | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 01:29 PM
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have over the years. Light, frothy and fun.
Posted by: Vicki L | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 06:14 PM
Thanks for those recommendations, Vicki. I, too went looking for The Girl from the Diadem and found what Karin did. I might chase up that Lori Foster series.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 07:32 PM
Binnie, what a fabulous gift from your friend — and a belated Happy Birthday from me. Glad you enjoyed Gallant Waif, which was my first book.
A friend of mine, who depends on her library for her reading has been sad because our libraries have closed — we're in serious lockdown in Melbourne — but her local library has just begun a system where they will post (or deliver — I'm not sure which) a box of books. My friend was delighted to receive 10 books to read.
LOL on your shedding. All those dog books, dangerous stuff.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 07:36 PM
ooh, Janice, so interesting, your reading of those 19th century novels. I tried that some years back and found so many of them such slow going that I gave up.
I'm fascinated by your commentary on the audio books. I don't listen to them much — I used to when I was spending long hours driving each week, but now I'm no longer doing that I prefer to read at my own speed (which is generally faster than an audio book) I can see what you mean, though about all the acting out of characters.
I'd be interested to know what other audiobook users think.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 07:39 PM
Thanks, Linda. I love the idea of the Library's "bingo" —what happens when you complete your card?
I love Terry Pratchett's books. Did you see the documentary he made when he was first diagnosed with Alzheimers? It was a wonderful exploration of whether (and how) people should be allowed to choose their own death. He was trying to make up his mind what to do. It was one of the most moving things I've ever seen.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 07:46 PM
Thanks, Jan — I think both of those series are wench favorites too. They're fun, I agree.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 07:46 PM
I can understand your missing your morning commute, LilMissMolly. Those routine things that we take so much for granted, not really thinking about until they're taken from us . . . I used to do a lot of driving in the car, and that was my time for listening to audio books. I don't think I've listened to one since I stopped doing that. I also used to listen to them while I was doing dreary chores, so maybe it's time I started doing that a bit more
Glad you enjoyed the article.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 07:49 PM
Thanks, Annette. I might have to investigate the Miss Seeton series. Carla Kelly always writes a good story, doesn't she? I think I've read that collection, but I'll have to check. I'm bad at remembering titles. I'm so pleased you enjoyed Marry in Haste and Marry in Scandal — thanks so much.
And yes, hoping you and everyone else are staying safe and keeping your spirits up.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 07:52 PM
I'll check out Simon the Fiddler — thanks, Karin. I'm very glad you enjoyed Marry In Scarlet — and delighted you thought it a page turner. By the time I've finished writing a book, it always feels so slow, because I've gone over it so many times.
A friend of mine just reread Joanna's Spymaster's Lady and was wowed by it all over again. She raved to me, asking me whether I'd read it, and I laughed and reminded her I'd given her the book in the first place. LOL
Mary Balogh is always a good read, I find.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 07:56 PM
I always find something new in the Wenches' choices. Currently I am steaming my way through the Georgian series of John Rawlings mysteries by Deryn Lake. Rawlings is an apothecary who moonlights to assist John Fielding and the Runners in solving crimes. Rawlings was an actual apothecary, although there's no proof he had a habit of catching murderers IRL. The historical basis is almost scholarly, and the prose is quiet yet enthralling. Presently the entire series is available free via Kindle Unlimited, which is a boon to my budget!
Posted by: Sue | Sunday, August 02, 2020 at 12:00 PM