What We're Reading--June 2021

Pat here: I think this is our favorite post every month. The wenches all madly grab up each other's recommendations, then eagerly await what our readers are loving. Good thing for credit cards!

This month I'm recommending INTERVIEW WITH A DEAD EDITOR (Book#1 in the Lucky Lexie mysteries.) I’ve always enjoyed Shanna Swendson’s books, and I was delighted to realize she was writing mysteries now.

Lexie had just been laid off from her reporter’s job when she surprisingly gets a call for an interview for an assistant editorship in the most perfect small town in Texas one could ever find. Sure, half the town is descended from a freak show that got side-railed there a century ago. And unfortunately, the editor who was supposed to interview her is dead upon arrival. But the food is great. The ghosts—well, the original newspaper owner from the 1930s smokes too much. When a snowstorm and a mysterious car ailment prevent Lexie from turning around and leaving, she gets caught up in solving the former editor’s murder, of course. Shanna is a great writer with a sense of humor, and even though I figured out the killer early on, it’s a fun tale, and I’ll be back for more.

I was also given the opportunity to read our own Nicola Cornick's THE LAST DAUGHTER Of YORK. It’s a delightful timeslip version of King Richard and the missing princes combined with a contemporary murder mystery and a long-lost love romance. With Nicola’s wonderful writing to make the shift from one era to the other and back again, fans of timeslips will delve in and not come out! It’s a November release but if you pre-order now, you won’t forget it later!

Anne here. I've been in somewhat of a reading slump lately, with quite a few books not hitting the spot for me. Luckily I did read a couple of books I'm very happy to recommend. The first is a debut novel by Joanna Lowell — THE DUKE UNDONE. It's a historical romance, set in the Victorian era, that I was lucky enough to read before it came out. My editor sent it to me to see if I'd like to "blurb" it. I generally approach these requests with caution, as I don't write a recommendation unless it's genuine.  Reader, I loved it.

THE DUKE UNDONE is a rich and heartwarming historical romance that plunges you into the Victorian era with all its levels and complications — into the art world and among aristocrats and slum-dwellers. The research is good, the romance is heartwarming and there is a rich cast of characters. And the story sucks you in. It starts when the heroine comes across a naked duke — and at that point I admit I braced myself, expecting some kind of bonk-fest to follow — but no. Instead the author took me on a wonderful adventure. I'll definitely be buying her next book.

Last month I recommended a contemporary romantic comedy by Kirsty Greenwood — HE SHALL BE MINE. This month I read another of her books, BIG SEXY LOVE. She has a unique style, and one I've decided I really like. In both books, there are zany scenes and crazy elements, but even if they're not exactly realistic, they do make me smile and sometimes laugh out loud. But what she does, which makes her a stand-out author for me, is to build into what ends up as a heartwarming and totally convincing romance.

BIG SEXY LOVE is about Olive Brewster, a young woman so badly affected by the break up of her parents that she doesn't risk anything. She's never been in love, she doesn't date, she has a dead-end job and she lives in her UK family home with her brother and his bossy girlfriend. She does however have a best friend —  Birdie, an expat American who is dying. Birdie lives every moment she can, and when she asks Olive to fly to New York to deliver a letter to her ex-boyfriend who is uncontactable via the usual channels, Olive is terrified. She's never been anywhere. But it's her best friend's dying request, so she takes the letter and goes. And the craziness starts. I laughed and watched and cheered as Olive was forced out of her comfort zone and became the person she needed to be. And though there's the underlying tension of Birdie dying, it's handled beautifully. The friendship and love between Birdie and Olive is wonderful, and of course, because it's a romance, Olive finds her own big sexy love, and a new life. An absolute delight to read.

 

Christina here: A couple of books really stood out for me this month and THE SUMMER SEEKERS by Sarah Morgan was one of them. It is a truly feel-good summer read and I loved it! Ms Morgan’s characters always feel so real and I was drawn into their lives right from the start. This is the story of three women – 80-year old Kathleen who is desperately trying to cling on to her independence, despite aching bones and a growing fragility, and craving adventure; her daughter Liza, who (in contrast to her mother) is trying too hard to be dependable, organised and sensible – to the point where she’s lost sight of her own wishes and needs – until she feels as if she’s drowning; and Martha, who always seems to be second-best in her parents’ eyes, living in the shadow of a successful older sister, and having recently gone through a divorce from her cheating ex. All three are in for a summer of surprises and changes, set off by Kathleen’s decision to travel to America and drive along the famous Route 66 – 2,400 miles from Chicago to California. As she can’t drive, she hires Martha to do it for her, and they form an unexpected friendship. They also pick up a hitch-hiker along the way, who proves to be an absolute rock. And meanwhile, Liza has a mini meltdown and escapes alone to her mother’s house in Cornwall where she tries to figure out her future … This was a wonderful story and I didn’t want it to end!

The second one was THE DREAM WEAVERS by Barbara Erskine. This book kept me spellbound right from the start, and although I had a terrible feeling of foreboding where the main characters were concerned, I couldn’t stop reading. Real history of 8^th century Mercia, Wales and Wessex is interwoven exquisitely with fiction, to the point where I fell head over heels in love with the fictional Welsh prince Elisedd and wished he had been a real historical character. The love story between him and princess Eadburh is so poignant it makes you want to cry. The atmosphere throughout is menacing with dark forces always threatening in the background, but the heroine in the present, Bea, has powerful allies and I hoped for a positive ending. The writing is superb as ever and since I live near Hereford, where a lot of the action takes place, I had the added pleasure of knowing setting well which helped me visualise it even more. A fantastic story! (Just a small note of caution – although I know that for some timeslip stories the story in the past has to be tragic, this one verged on the too sad for me but I still couldn’t stop reading.)

 

Mary Jo here.  My fun reads for June: THE HONEY-DON'T LIST by Christina Lauren

This talented writing duo come up with very fresh plots, and in the book, the romantic protagonists, Carey and James, are personal assistants to the Tripps, a married couple who are superstars in the design and remodeling reality show world.  The Tripps are role models for the perfect family, and women wish their husbands would look at them as adoringly as Rusty looks at Melly.  They are about to board a coach to start a West Coast tour for their new book about how to have a loving marriage and family.

The problem is that Melly is a crazed perfectionist and Rusty is an unfaithful lout and they can't stand each other anymore.  It's up to Carey and James to get the Tripps through the tour without a massive public meltdown that will destroy the whole Tripp empire.  Carey and James bond over the impossible task, and the story is interspersed with social media comments about the Tripps, plus bits of a police officer interviewing Carey and James about What Happened That Night.  Entertaining, and a portrait of the horrors of celebrity. <G>

 A FATAL TWIST OF LEMON by Patrice Greenwood

 Patrice Greenwood is the mystery writing pseudonym of the versatile and talented Pati Nagle.  I've known Pati for years and enjoyed her science fiction and fantasy novels, but had somehow overlooked her Wisteria Tearoom cozy mystery series.  The narrator, Ellen Rosing, is a native of Santa Fe, and she created the tearoom after the death of her father. Her tearoom is beautifully Victorian with marvelous food and assorted teas, and an unfortunate tendency to attract bodies. <G> 

 I love the Santa Fe setting as well as Ellen and her employees and friends.  It's worth starting with the first book, A Fatal Twist of Lemon, because the characters and relationships grow through the stories.  There's also a slow burn romance that develops through the series.  It's a lovely world to visit, and I yearn for some of Ellen's scones and clotted cream!

 

 Nicola here: It’s been a quiet month for me as I’ve mainly been reading entries for the Historical Writers Association Gold Crown awards. However in between I’ve also read The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan and like Christina, thought it was a fabulous book full of warmth and sunshine, the epitome of uplifting and feel-good!

 I’ve also read Clare Marchant’s new dual time book, THE QUEEN'S SPY which is set in the present and the Tudor era, and which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m interviewing Clare here on the Wenches next month though so I’m not going to say any more now other than that The Queen’s Spy is a beautifully descriptive book that really conjures up the Tudor era and pairs it with an intriguing contemporary story.

Finally, inspired by Christina’s wonderful Whispers of the Runes, I fancied some more Vikings and turned to an old favourite, Ellis Peters, THE SUMMER OF THE DANES. First published in 1991, it’s one of her later Brother Cadfael historical mysteries, and I hadn’t read it for ages but found myself completely engrossed. The story takes place in 1144 when Cadfael leaves Shrewsbury Abbey to accompany Brother Mark on a mission of church diplomacy into Wales. Along the way he uncovers a murder, gets caught up in the story of Heledd, a young woman who is desperate to escape an arranged marriage, and is kidnapped by Vikings. The Vikings are a fantastic bunch, especially the dashing and handsome Turcaill, and on the Welsh side, Prince Owain Gwynedd is the absolute epitome of a hero.  The descriptions in this book are stunning and evocative, and it’s a proper adventure and romance. Wonderful.

 

Andrea here: This month I’ve been in a Wenchly state of mind! I was lucky enough to get ARC copies of Pat and Christina’s new books, which both just released—and I loved both of them!

 

ENTRANCING THE EARL, the fifth book in Pat Rice’s “School of Magic” series has all the core elements that make me fall love with each of the stories: A brave and resourceful—not to speak of quirky—heroine who is determined to protect other people from harm, no matter the danger to herself . . . an irascible hero, who grumbles that he only wishes to indulge in his desires, and yet can’t help being a thoroughly honorable man. The Earl of Ives and Wystan is broke and needs a miracle to to avoid evicting a houseful of eccentric female relatives from his crumbling castle. Could the ghost who whispers about buried treasure on the estate be his savior? Or does the mysterious young beekeeper offer an even easier route to money if he takes advantage of her secret . . . Scintillating dialogue, wonderful humor and unexpected plot twists—all hallmarks of Pat’s books—make for a delightful read. Curl up with a cup of tea—well laced with honey!—and enjoy!

 

 

Moving back in time from the Victorians to the Viking era, WHISPERS OF THE RUNES, the third book in Christina Courtenay’s “Runes” series, weaves yet another spellbinding timeslip story of a modern-day heroine transported by ancient artifact back to a far more primitive and dangerous world--where she has no choice but to trust a handsome, hunky Viking warrior in order to have any chance of surviving. Christina combines meticulous research with lovely character development as she skillfully creates an elemental bond of trust and then love between two seemingly very different people. I love how she does this by connecting their common humanity—her hero is an honorable, caring and loyal man, and her heroine is brave, resilient and is smart enough to recognize all of the hero’s sterling qualities. They also bond over a common love of silversmithing, and the reader some fascinating history about the craft, as well as other wonderful historical details about the Viking time in Britain. (No spoilers—but there are some really delight “cross-culture” moments in the book!) 

 

 

Susan here:

 

I've been on a medieval kick lately, and wanted to return to one of the best medieval mystery series out there, Sharon Kay Penman's Justin de Quincey Queen's Man series. But it's been a while, so I reread the first in the series, THE QUEEN'S MAN. Bastard son of a bishop, not sure where he's headed in life, young Justin is on his last shilling when he encounters thieves and witnesses a murder by the roadside. Making a promise to the dying man leads him to seek an audience with Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine to deliver a message. The aging, widowed queen is concerned about her missing son, King Richard I, and wary of her devious son, John--and soon Justin is working as the queen's man, drawn into solving not only a murder, but a possible conspiracy. Tightly constructed, rich with accuracy and atmosphere, The Queen's Man ranks among the best medieval mysteries that I've read. I'm glad to be picking up this series again after some years! 

 

And now for something completely different -- reading so much historical fiction, I love a good contemporary now and then, and Clare Mackintosh's HOSTAGE is a perfect change. Mina is an airline hostess off on a 20-hour flight, leaving her troubled marriage, husband, and small child behind in London. Down on the ground, her husband, a police officer, has some troubles and secrets of his own. Up in the air, Mina discovers an ominous threat that could affect her family--and when a passenger dies mid-flight, all the pieces begin to come together in a mystery that carries with it the terror of being trapped in a jet carrying hundreds of people, one of them a murderer. Moving quickly between Mina and other viewpoints, building the pace, this is a taut, skillful, fast-moving mystery-thriller that kept me up late at night! I'll be looking for more novels by Clare Mackintosh. 

 

 

 

Pat here again: Now it's your turn, folks! What books have delighted you lately?

 

 

 

 

Comments

[theo]

I've just started Never Somewhere Else by Alex Gray. The jury is out on this one. Then it's on to Grimm Up North by David Gatward while I wait for two pre-orders to drop on my kindle. :)

[Marianne McA]

I've been rereading the first two Simon Snow books by Rainbow Rowell, ahead of the third coming out soon. (Simon Snow being the Harry Potter of this universe, and the first book 'Carry On' being a fanfic version of the imaginary 7th book.)

I also read Castle Shade by Laurie R King, which is the 17th book in the Mary Russell (who marries Sherlock Holmes after his retirement) series. It's set in Transylvania, with some allusions to Dracula. I had given up on the series: never managed to finish Garment of Shadows, and hadn't enjoyed the two before that, but picked up Island of the Mad on a whim, and I've enjoyed the recent books as much as ever.

Alexis Hall's Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake, set in a fictional version of The Great British Bake Off, was really good fun, and the structure worked surprisingly well - as we work through each week of the show - and I also had the TV experience of getting fond of the contestants, and hoping it wasn't their week to go.

Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters is so good I bookmarked passages. I did buy it because it was sold as 'hilarious' but I found it sad: it reminded me of first reading Renault's The Charioteer. Having said that, it's just a brilliant read, and I'm very glad I came across it.

[Patricia Rice]

I love the title Grimm Up North. I may mosey over to check it out just because of that!

[Patricia Rice]

Oooooh, these sound like fascinating suggestions! I'm an off and on again reader of the King books too. She does seem to struggle with some of them so it's good to know which ones are working!

[Kareni]

Since last time ~

— Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space (The Henry Gallant Saga Book 1) by H. Peter Alesso; it was a pleasant military science fiction read, but I don’t think I’m motivated to continue the eight book series.
— True Grit: A Novel by Charles Portis for my distant book group. This is the first time I’ve read the book, and I enjoyed it.
— I don’t often read nonfiction, but I do have to admit to having a fondness for books about books. I read When Books Went to War: The Stories That Helped Us Win World War II by Molly Guptill Manning. I found the book informative and a quick read. I most enjoyed hearing how the books impacted individual servicemen.
— After hearing me mention it a time or ten, my husband read Stray (Touchstone Book 1) by Andrea K. Höst. (This book is currently FREE.) That prompted me to reread the book, too. I reread the entire Touchstone series and enjoyed revisiting all six entries.

— Enduring Fear by Jessica Wilberforce; I enjoyed this but I’m not sure if I’m motivated to continue.
— Runaway Fate: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel (Moonstone Cove Book 1) by Elizabeth Hunter; I enjoyed this and will likely read on if the sequels should appear on my Kindle. It sounds strange to say, but it was rather nice to see a happily married couple in a book.
— the final three books in a five book series: Time Taken, Time Turns, and Out of Time all by C.B. Lewis. Each book features a different m/m couple; however, there is a storyline that begins in the first book and concludes twenty year later in the fifth book. I enjoyed all the books, but I recommend reading the series in order.
— enjoyed rereading The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold.

— Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman for my local book group. I’ve seen this book on lists of uplifting reads; however, I found it a fairly dark read with an optimistic ending. It has a revelation near the ending which came as a total surprise to me.
— a lovely graphic novel … lovely visually and in content: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy.
— Outlawed by Anna North which I enjoyed. I’d describe this as an alternative history feminist western.
— Deductions, Derivation, and Divergence by Lyn Gala, the first three books in Lyn Gala’s Aberrant Magic series. I enjoyed them all and would happily read on.

— quite enjoyed One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston; it’s a romance with a unique premise. It has a time slip element and the main characters are two women.
— Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan. I enjoyed this romance novella featuring two older (sixties and seventies) women.
— I’m participating in the adult summer reading program at my local library. One of the challenges is to read a book with a color in the title. I just finished Blue Guardian (Hybrid Book 1) by S.J. Madill; I enjoyed this sci-fi book and would happily read on.
— quite enjoyed the m/m fantasy The Shadow Mark by Mason Thomas. I suspect I will reread this at some point. I look forward to reading more by the author.
— Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel by Casey McQuiston which I quite enjoyed though not as much as the author’s more recent book.
– and a boatload of samples.

[Kareni]

I enjoyed seeing what you all have been reading.

Anne, I recently read The Duke Undone, too. I enjoyed it, but it was darker than I'd anticipated. It's a book for which I'd have appreciated an epilogue set five or so years later to see how they'd have managed to blend their disparate interests and backgrounds.

[Patricia Rice]

My heavens, how many book groups do you belong to? This is such a fascinating list! I wish I had some way of marking that free book in your comment so it stands out for everyone...

[Maryellen Webber]

I have read Vanessa Riley's An Earl, The Girl and A Toddler which was enjoyable. Ms Riley is a new author to me and I think she has been mentioned here by one of you wonderful Wenches! I have also read Wendy Vella's Seduced by a Devil as well as Rescued By a Devil. I am really looking forward to reading Mary Jo's Once A Laird even though it won't be available until October!

[Quantum]

I have been feasting on Lisa Kleypas audio books this month .... they are all great .... 101 ways to right the wrongs of the past .... and umh, even more ways to love a lady!

I would also mention 'The Dictionary of Lost Words' by Pip Williams also on audio. It is a fascinating story based on the development of the first Oxford English Dictionary and explores the power of words to shape lives .... well worth a look.

On the fantasy side I enjoyed the audio of 'Wizards First Rule', first in Terry Goodkind's epic 'Sword of Truth' series. The book has some flaws in my opinion, for example too many extraordinary coincidences, and may not be for the faint hearted where the Mord-Sith are concerned, but the book has an overwhelming momentum that keeps you captivated and listening .... give it a try, you will either love it or hate it!

A lot to explore here as usual. I'm limiting myself to three new audios per month over the summer as there is so much else of interest going on, not least on the soccer pitch and tennis court. I have however noted the Wenches new novels and the Barbara Erskine book ... thanks for the recommendations.

[Kareni]

Here's the Amazon US link for the free book, Patricia.

https://www.amazon.com/Stray-Touchstone-Book-Andrea-H%C3%B6st-ebook/dp/B004T3A518/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=stray+andrea+k+host&qid=1625083534&sprefix=stray+andrea+&sr=8-1

I belong to two book groups. One is local. The other I was in for about eight years prior to moving in 2002. As a silver lining of COVID times, I was invited to participate when they moved to Zoom.

[Anne Gracie]

Theo I've read Grimm Up North — picked it up while I was waiting for the next JD Kirk. He's not quite as good as Kirk, I think, but still enjoyable. I'm reading Gatward's latest at the moment.

[Anne Gracie]

Hi Kareni, yes, I did wonder about their future together too. Then again, I want more epilogues to a lot of books. And there were some dark aspects, but I think I liked that, being a contrast to so many of the all-fluff historicals around.

You mentioned the Eleanor Oliphant book in the comment above — I differed from a lot of my friends in their response to that book too.

[Anne Gracie]

Quantum, I'm so glad you were finally able to get hold of some Lisa Kleypas audios. She's a terrific author, and some of her books are my favourites to re-read .

[Patricia Rice]

thank you for the FREE link. And lovely that you can keep working with your old group via Zoom!

[Patricia Rice]

Vanessa has been around a while so I'm sure she's been mentioned. Thanks for reminding us of this title. And I've read LAIRD! It's just as fabulous as you think.

[Patricia Rice]

I am not entirely certain I could listen to Lisa's books read aloud! I might have to hide under the covers.

[theo]

I read the first two chapters. This is his first in the series so I'm willing to give him a bit to get going. I think Kirk just has that inherent ability to tell a good story. I don't really think he even works at it if you follow him on FB. The rest of us are another story... ;)

[Anne Gracie]

"This is his first in the series so I'm willing to give him a bit to get going."
Yes, and I think he gets better as he writes. As I said I'm onto his latest, which is book #6, I think.

"I think Kirk just has that inherent ability to tell a good story." Yes, and he has a lovely variety of characters who all spring to life. As for whether he works at it — you can never tell by what people say on FB. *g*

[Janice]

During June I caught up on Mary Kingswood's "Stranger" series, which I like because each book is complete in itself but each slots into an overall account of the village of Great Maeswood and the surrounding lands and families -- so, part romance and part saga. I also like her writing style, which echoes the style of the regency period without having too many curlicues of prose.

I also read two Gail Eastwood titles from her Tales of Little Macclow series, very peaceful but not stupid or sugary.

In nonfiction I reread two Robert Wagner books, I Loved Her in the Movies and You Must Remember This. In the first he talks about actresses he knew and worked with, both as professionals and as human beings. In the second he talks about Los Angeles, especially Hollywood, city history, and the people and places he knew during the last bits of Hollywood's golden age. It was nostalgia for me because I knew those places too - or at least knew about them. It is not exactly a glossed over account, but it is a fond remembrance.

I also read A Woman's Courage by S. Block, the latest in the Home Fires series. This one had a bit of presentism in it, in some respects, and I read it to find out what happened to the characters. I am wondering if there will be more volumes in this series; it had a sort of "wound up" feeling to it, but the war's not over yet.

Today I'm reading Someone to Cherish by Mary Balogh. I have no expectations other than a well written book; I have long ago lost track of all the characters in this series.

[Vicki L]

June was a mixed bag. Started off strong, then disappointment, lots of meh but finished by rereading a couple of old romances for a strong finish to June..

The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller was a fascinating book. Multiple ghosts that ended up being one ghost. A woman proving herself after great slander. A hero who believes love will conquer all and also believes in strong women. Set in NYC in 1875. I enjoyed it.

A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolf. Contemporary with lots of vintage dress history thrown in - mainly 1900's to early 1980's. I was more interested in Mrs Bell (a secondary character) than I was in the h Phoebe. Actually loved all the supporting characters better than Phoebe but it was worth reading.

Death in Daylesford - Kerry Greenwood. Turned out to be rather disappointing. It was Miss Fisher's world but it was flat. Unfortunately Dot was nothing like she was in the original books. She was a pallid imitation and not very likeable. Nothing like the strong, interesting person she had become. Miss Fisher didn't come across as very smart and likeable either. I thought it was just me but when I went and look at the Amazon reviews I said, huh. lots of people noticed the same thing. I hate when characters that had grown so strong in earlier books are turned into flat nothings.

Read a cute 7 book series by Marcia Evanick. Set in Misty Harbor Maine. Book one is Catch of the Day. You don't have to read them in order. Lots of laughs and funny things happen. Lots of 2nd chance at love. Lots of romance. Lots of action happening between people. Really enjoyed that series and would be willing to read it again.

Two old romances from 1980& 1981 by Mary Ann Gibbs. Both are set in the late Victorian era in England. Renegade Girl was set between the two bustle eras (1880's I think) Dinah was set in 1894. Both have a similar beginning. Young girls from the aristocracy and then their father's ruin themselves and they also are ruined.

In Renegade Girl - Vicky ends up changing her name to hide her identity and becomes a shops assistant in a milliner's store. She eventually starts writing for a newspaper and then writes a book. It shows her growing into a strong, intelligent, independent woman and eventually she gets her HEA. Her father's reputation gets rehabilitated and she gets restored socially.

In Dinah - the father bankrupts himself then does the "mishandle the gun in the woods" bit. She ends up going to live with her uncle in a rectory with her mother and 5 of her brother's and sisters because her fiancé jilts her. Living with her uncle she becomes more "liberalized" as in less class conscious. Her HEA takes her completely out of the upper echelons.

Both were very satisfying books to read.

[Janice]

Mary Ann Gibbs did a few regencies as well. I've read two - The Tempestuous Petticoat and this one:

http://hibiscus-sinensis.com/regency/retroread04.htm#176

I liked both.

[Mary M.]

I'm back with another change-of-pace animal book. This month, I very much enjoyed my introduction to Nala’s World: One Man, His Rescue Cat, and a Bike Ride Around the Globe, by Dean Nicholson. I can't think why Youtube never served up Nala and Dean to me, considering I consume virtually every cat site I come across. But I stumbled on the book, got hooked, binge-watched the Yt channel, and now I offer up Dean and Nala for your story addiction.

Dean set out to bicycle the world, starting from his native Scotland. Nala found him in eastern Europe and adopted him. Cat on a bicycle?? you ask? Yeah, way! They've been on the road for several years and still have many places to see. A perfect summer read for everyone who loves travel (even if by armchair) and cats. (Looking at you, Mary Jo!)

[Anne Gracie]

Vicki, try Kerry Greenwood's "Corinna" series. They're contemporaries, set in a bakery in the "laneways" of central Melbourne. I like them much better than the Phrynne Fisher books.

[Anne Gracie]

Janie, Someone to Cherish is next in line after the book I'm half way through. I also get a bit confused when a lot of old characters appear, but I don't worry about it as I know Mary Balogh will always deliver a good book.

[Patricia Rice]

I'm not sure what it is that has a lot of us going "meh" these days. I hope it passes! But this sounds like a great collection to try out, thank you!

[Patricia Rice]

I missed a Regency? How could I have missed a Regency? Trotting off to check these out, thank you!

[Patricia Rice]

Animal books! Now there's a way to get rid of the blahs!

[Karin]

Sulari Gentill has been on my TBR list since she was interviewed here, and I finally got around to starting her Rowland Sinclair mystery series. I started off with the prequel novella, The Prodigal Son, which I recommend, it establishes the background and main characters. Now I am in the middle of "A Few Right Thinking Men". I love the setting in 1930's Australia, and Rowland's circle of friends who are a very entertaining group of artists and bohemians. The tone of her writing is mostly lighthearted, but the subject matter is serious. The plot involves a right wing vigilante group, who are obsessed with guns, nationalism, and crackpot conspiracy theories about an imagined Communist takeover. I don't know anything about Australian history of that era, but I gather that Gentill is hewing very closely to real history. But it is uncanny how relevant it is to recent events in this country! She wrote it in 2010 which makes her seem clairvoyant.
Thanks to the Wenches for introducing this author!

[Christina Courtenay]

I hope you enjoy the Barbara Erskine - it was enhanced for me by the fact that I live in the area where it was set, and I believe you do too. That makes it so much easier to visualise what's going on.

[Annette N]

I am a reader and have been since I was 4 years old. I love reading. But, this month I found several books I simply could not finish. Not sure what happened.

I loved Abigail Keam's Murder Under a Blue Moon and R J Soreto's Death on the Sapphire. Alison Sherlock's the Village Shop for Lonely Hearts was lovely for me.

I started a lot of books this month, but a lot of them were just blah to me.

Must be me, my brain is so old there are rusty parts and I just can't grasp things like I once did. Or, I made bad choices on what I picked up to read.

I hope everyone is well and happy and safe.

[Vicki L]

Annette, maybe our brains have gone on lockdown because things started looking up outside of us? I prefer to think I made bad choices on what I picked up to read versus my brain has rusted. Though I am working on my TBR stack of books I picked up many years ago. That could be why some were just way meh...I'm not into those books now.

[Jeanne Behnke]

I always look forward to this blog! For Book Club & pleasure I read Simon The Fiddler by Paulette Jiles. It's set in her News of the World era. Captain Kidd makes a cameo appearance. Wonderful. I also decided to start Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series before watching the Netflix series everyone is raving about. Sharon Kay Penman - makes me so sad she is gone. I found her through her Justin de Quincy series but all her books are keepers for me. I still can't believe there won't be another book from her. I definitely pre-ordered Nicola's book!!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Maryellen Webber, I hope the Laird lives up to your expectations! It was inspired by a visit to Orkney, a place I'd really like to visit again.

[Mary Jo Putney]

As long as the kitty has a happy ending, this sounds lovely, Mary M! A Scot, a beard, a bike, and a cat: what's not to like? Thanks for telling us about it!

[Patricia Rice]

Oh, the Wagner book sounds good. I'm trying to learn more about the history of my new home!

[Patricia Rice]

I really enjoyed that book when it first came out. It's an odd combination of light and dark and very 21st century themes, which is fascinating.

[Patricia Rice]

See above comments. A lot of us are feeling blah. I even mentioned in my newsletter that I was having difficulty finding humor in my reading and my own work. I hope this too shall pass!

[Patricia Rice]

I'd rather not think our brains are rusted either! I just think we're looking for something fresh to wake us up and aren't finding it.

[Patricia Rice]

all excellent choices! How are you finding the Bridgerton books? I haven't watched the series but my understanding is that they deviate quickly from the books.

[Janet Murdoch]

I have discovered a fantasy author that I am really enjoying! The first trilogy included The Paper Magician, The Glass Magician, and The Master Magician, plus the start of what I am hoping is a new trilogy called The Plastic Magician. They are set in England in an earlier time - a slightly different England and a slightly different time! There is a gentle romance and the fantastical elements are awesome! I am amazed at what can be accomplished with paper. It's an exciting set of stories as well as the bad guys (male and female) are really, really bad!!! They are written by Charlie N Holmberg and I highly recommend them.

[Quantum]

LOL I know what you mean. That may help to explain why it is so difficult to obtain the audio books here in stuffy old England! I listen with ear buds on an mp3 player.

[Teresa Broderick]

What We're Reading is one of my favourite parts of your blog and I'm so, so glad I'm reading it now because I'm in a total reading slump. It's killing me because reading is my break from everyday life but it's nice to know I'm not alone!
I'm halfway through The Girl On The Carpathia and it's meh! I've put it aside for now. I'm reading a couple of rereads for a readathon with my daughter and am hoping it will start me off again.
One thing I'm totally excited about is, I've just been informed by NetGalley that I've been approved for Andrea's new Wrexford and Sloane book!! Can't wait to read it as I love this series. Couldn't wait until September :)
Next up will be Nicola's book which I will be able to buy on the 8th of July. So looking forward to that one.
Some recommendations this month (as usual).

[Kareni]

Janet, I checked my records and I see that I read the first trilogy back in 2016 (five years ago!) and the Plastic Magician a couple of years later. Like you, I enjoyed them all.

[Quantum]

Thanks. Yes, and it can be fun to visit the locations after reading the book, even when you know the area well. I believe that your predecessor here, Susanna Kearsley, liked to visit and stay in the locations of her novels while writing about them. If you were to write about the Vikings in Herefordshire .... treasure found near Leominster (2019 I think) ... you could be on the spot to get the authenticity very easily ... there could be a lot more than a Viking ring involved!

[MJ Rings]

Since I am interested in the Vikings. I have read the first 2 books in the series and have already picked up "Whispers of the Runes" by Christina Courtney but wanted to explore further the history of the ancient stories so now am reading "The Children of Ash and Elm" by Neil S. Price. Although I'm not well versed in Norse language, I am able to muddle through and get the general gist of what was going on at the time. I also am interested in finding out more about the African American culture which is well rooted in America. The subject of race is such an issue here. it is so sad the bigotry and prejudice of people in the 21st century. I have worked with many people from other races and foreign lands during my years as a nurse. I have never thought about them being different than me. We had a common goal and we cared for patients together. Knowledge is power and I want to know more about the mindset of many ethnic groups so I can be a better communicator. So I read a book called "I almost forgot about you" by Terry McMillin which depicts a woman and her currant upside down life. amusing but also poignant in a situation of an African American woman and the obstacles she has coping with her professional as well as personal life. Then to just have the fun of reading something light and fluffy after all of the complexities of the previous novels, I read the latest book by Heather Graham called "Unforgiven" A nice romp through a mystery and the paranormal, with friendly ghosts and a love story. I have now read all 33 in the series the krewe of hunters. however each could be read as a stand alone. There is another very special book that I read this month. It is "Under the Italian Sun" by Sue Moorcroft. Such a beautifully written story about 2 people whose lives cross in the area of the vineyards of the Italian countryside. Amidst the turmoil of family disputes, love blossoms and the sun is even brighter on the beautiful Italian summer. The joy of books. So many and so little time.

[Patricia Rice]

Sigh, I tried replying through typepad's email but it doesn't seem to have arrived here. But I looked these up and they look fascinating, although the "dark" part is worrisome.

[Patricia Rice]

as I told Janet above, I responded to this when I was away from my desk but typepad's email doesn't seem to be functioning, sorry!

We all seem to be going through a slump. I'm going to assume that we're all looking for fresh and original, but that could just be me. Hope you find something good to tide you over until Nicola's book arrives!

[Patricia Rice]

I love your reply and thank you so much for it! It's been my experience that people who work in diverse communities forget about exterior differences and meet on less shallow levels. Until that time comes... thank you for helping everyone.

And I love your choices of reading material. I don't think I'll dive into the Vikings just yet, but I love McMillan and Moorcroft!

[Christina Courtenay]

Yes, it would be fun to write about Vikings in this area! I'll have to do some more research but I believe they came up the Wye as they usually travelled along rivers. It does help to visit the places we are writing about - I try to do that as much as possible too.

[Christina Courtenay]

Thank you so much for reading my books! I am of course biased, but I find the Viking period so interesting and will look for the Neil Price book. Many thanks for recommending! And I too loved Sue Moorcroft's book, it is the perfect summer read.

[Sue Moorcroft]

Thank you so much, Mary Jane! I'm thrilled to bits that you enjoyed 'Under the Italian Sun'. It's so nice of you to say so. :-) Sadly, I won't make Italy this year but I'm left with many happy memories. Like you, I love mixing with people of different cultures.

Happy reading!

[Sue Moorcroft]

Aw, thank you, Christina! xx

[Sue Moorcroft]

I, too, love Christina's Whispers of the Runes. It carried me away but, at the same time, I found York, which I know a little, so recognisable.

[Patricia Rice]

Thanks for stopping by, Sue! We're all big fans of your books.