It’s Thursday, and I’m curious as to what you’re all reading. My book is really one that appeals to my family. However, if you’re interested in genealogy, I’m sure you’ve already found books through Amazon. I spent part of last night talking with my Mom on the phone, telling her about my book.
Some of you may remember the family trip I took last year with my Mom and sisters. It was a “family history” trip to Connecticut, to cemeteries and the Wadsworth Atheneum. The book, A Sea-Dog of Devon, is about the same side of the family. It’s the story of my eleventh great-grandfather, Admiral Sir John Hawkins, who lived 1532 until 1595, and died at sea off the coast of Puerto Rico. It was written in 1907. Fascinating, but really only to my family.
Hopefully, you’re reading something we’ll all be interested in. Tell us what you’re reading, please.
So, did you buy this book and you can share it next time we see you, or is it from the library? How did you come across it?
BTW- I am reading Sarah MacLean’s A Scot in the Dark
This week I read IMMORTALLY YOURS by Angie Fox. A set in a paranormal version of M.A.S..H. The doctors are fae, werewolves and vampires. The war is between the gods and the fate of the Earth is at stake.
ETTY STEELE VAMPIRE HUNTER by Grayson Grave. A middle grade version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
An ARC of SEAS THE DAY by Maggie Toussaint. The first book in a new mystery series about a caterer in a small seaside town. I liked this one.
An ARC of MUMS & MAYHEM by Amanda Flower. This is the third book in her magical garden series set in Scotland. I enjoyed this one much more than her Amish matchmaker book.
Very cool.
Current reading: the first in Charlaine Harris's Gunnie Rose series, An Easy Death. After the assassination of President Elect Franklin Roosevelt in 1933 (the actual attempt was, of course, unsuccessful), the country falls apart and is divided into several parts, including the Texhoma where Lizbeth (Gunnie Rose) lives. I've enjoyed most of Harris's books and this is no exception, so far.
If you like magicians, locked room mysteries, and impossible crimes, you should check out Clayton Rawson's The Great Merlini, the complete collection of his short stories (he wrote four Merlini novels as well, starting with Death From a Top Hat). Rawson was also managing editor of Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine for many years. These are fun.
Non fiction is Growing Up at Grossinger's by Tania Grossinger (a book I was unaware of until getting an offer for a cheap ebook copy, whereupon I discovered it was available from the library). Grossinger moved East when her mother, the widow of a family member, became sort of the social director at the Catskills' hotel resort in 1945, when the author was eight. The behind the scenes look at growing up and how the hotel was run cannot help but be interesting.
This week I finished THE VINEYARDS OF Champagne by Juliet Blackwell. It was wonderful. I especially liked how it ended.
Now I am reading RECIPE FOR A PERFECT Wife by Karma Brown. Alice and her husband buy a suburban home in NY. It's a fixer upper that had been vacant after Nellie Murdoch died. She originally lived in the house in the 1950's.
The story is told in both women's narratives about the secrets they keep in their marriages. Alice uncovers a box of cookbooks in the basement and starts making some of the recipes which are included (chocolate chip cookies with cloves, Baked Alaska). She also begins to learn a little more about Nellie. Each chapter begins with a quote about how to be a better wife sourced from books and magazines from 1910 through the 1950's. They are a hoot!
I am 2/3 through and enjoying it very much.
Happy Reading!
Jeff, Growing up at Grossingers sounds interesting. I’ll have to see if I can get it through inter library loan.
Yes, Christie. I bought the book, and I can share it the next time I'm home. I read the intro and Family part from the end to Mom last night, and those parts are very readable. We'll have to see about the mid-part. Hooked you on Sarah MacLean, didn't I? Love her books.
Sandy, I'll have to look for Mums & Mayhem when it comes out. I read the second in that series and really liked it.
Jeff, I couldn't get into the Gunnie Rose series. It reminded me too much of The Devil's West series, which I really liked. But, The Great Marlini sounds terrific, and Growing Up at Grossinger's is probably fascinating.
Sharon, I'm so glad you enjoyed The Vineyards of Champagne. I liked the ending, too.
How interesting for you and your family, Lesa. Glad you and your Mom could enjoy talking about that book and the Admiral. I'm listening to the new Eve Dallas book by J.D. Robb – GOLDEN IN DEATH. Enjoying it as usual. Love me some Eve and Roarke. We had a very nice discussion last night at our mystery book group meeting. It was 'Rhys Bowen' month and even though it was very cold her with a forecast of possible wintry mix, we had a bunch of attendees. Lots of fans of Rhys in Austin! Have a good rest of the week!
Ah. Well, I never heard of The Devil's West series before today, so that didn't bother me (obviously!). Still, it is hardly my favorite of her series (so far, at least).
My first two books were recommendations from Lesa–one from 2017, one from recently. Thanks, Lesa!
I bought Amy Willoughby-Burle's THE LEMONADE YEAR quite a while ago and finally got around to reading it. Unfortunately, I just deleted the summary I wrote and can't get it back! It's largely a family story–a young woman who is newly divorced, has lost her job and is struggling with her teenage daughter; the younger sister who suffered an accident years ago and now has an unreliable memory; an older brother fresh out of jail; and an alcoholic mother. Then there's a new suitor for the protagonist who turns out to be something quite unexpected. The ending, for me, was unexpected as well, and I really enjoyed it.
It took me a little time to get used to the author's voice in LOVE LETTERING by Kate Clayborn, but I'm glad I stuck with it. This is a unique contemporary romance with unusual characters–particularly Meg, an artist with an unsatisfying family background who specializes in penning letters of the alphabet in a special way in one-of-a-kind journals, wedding invitations, and much more. Her work has become popular in New York City, but she has aspirations for a bigger project while contracting with the star of her favorite childhood movie for a custom job. Meg's world is turned upside down when businessman Reid tells her he has found a secret message of "mistake" in his wedding invitation (yes, she intended it, although not to be discovered) and wonders how she knew that the wedding would never happen. I will definitely look for more from Clayborn.
My third read of the week came from a writer friend from Sisters in Crime. It's FANNY NEWCOMB AND THE IRISH CHANNEL RIPPER by Ana Brazil. Fanny worked in her father's law office until he died, then became a teacher at a settlement house opened by the Giddings sisters, Sylvia (the principal) and Olive (a doctor). Their goal is to bring education and increased opportunities to the poverty-stricken inhabitants of New Orleans' infamous Irish Channel district. Women in 1880s New Orleans weren't given a lot of credit or allowed much freedom, but when Fanny's best student is murdered and she knows the wrong person has been arrested, the three women work together to identify the real killer and bring him to justice. Unfortunately, the rumor is spread that Jack the Ripper is responsible, having arrived from London to continue his killing spree. Fanny, in particular, finds herself involved in investigating things a proper young woman was expected to shun–prostitution, pornography, and a host of unsavory suspects that include a couple of clerics, a photographer, and a crusading doctor. I particularly loved learning about this period and setting in New Orleans–previously unknown to me–backed by the author's extensive research. The main characters are interesting and likable, and the plot has enough twists and turns to keep me reading till I reached the satisfying conclusion.
Kay, I read a few of J.D. Robb's early books, liked them, & just never got back. I'll have to do that "some day". Lots of Rhys Bowen fans around. I'm glad your group had a good discussion!
Jeff, Lily Bard and then Midnight, Texas were my favorite series by Charlaine Harris. Never a fan of Aurora Teagarden.
Margie, Have you been hanging out with Kathy Boone Reel that you deleted your summary of The Lemonade Year? Actually, both of the books I suggested take a little time to get into, but I think they're both worth it. Your third book sounds interesting. I know nothing really about New Orleans, other than a few basic facts.
Love seeing what everyone's reading!
I have my new J.D. Robb here and I'm going to settle down with it when there is absolutely nothing else needing done around this house. I LOVE this series. And if you look really really really close you "might" find my picture in the cover collage.
I've read some very good books recently, all of which I recommend. I have to say though that Crooked River is certainly not for everyone.
Crooked River by Preston & Child (VERY weird)
It Started With a Secret by Jill Mansell (ARC)
Buried to the Brim by Jenn McKinlay
The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman (ARC) – This was one of the loveliest stories I've read in awhile. DO give it a go.
On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe (ARC)
The Boy From the Woods by Harlan Cohen (ARC)
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles (ARC) Excellent!!!
Happy Reading!
xxoo
I should be finishing up AL DENTE’S INFERNO, the first in a new series from Stephanie Cole. I struggled a bit getting into it, but now I’m enjoying it.
Oh, Kaye! Now, I have to go look for a copy of J.D. Robb's new book so I can see the cover collage. I'll have to pass on The Heirloom Garden to Donna & my mom. They both like Viola Shipman's books. Other than Crooked River, all of your ARCs sound good.
How interesting! Like some of the others, I'd like to know how you came across this book. It must be wonderful to have this little gem of family history to pore over.
I just finished reading Where the Crawdads Sing and was just awed by the story and the writing. Terrific read! I don't always re-read books, because there are so many, but I will probably read this one again.
I think I have that one on a pile somewhere, Mark, but I'm not happy with the struggling part.
Thanks, Elizabeth. I think my sister asked that question, and I forgot to answer that when I answered part of her comment. Although I tend to use Ancestry.com the most Myheritage.com has some terrific information. One of their citations referred to this book. I looked the book up on Amazon. It's actually a scholarly work that's copyright free. I bought it when I saw it was a biography of John Hawkins. According to the book's introduction, there are over 100 books that mentioned him (as of 1907), but this was the first biography of him. He was Vice-Admiral for the English fleet that defeated the Spanish Armada. So, I'm hooked. Where the Crawdads Sing STILL has holds on it at our library!
Lesa – you may look for my picture in that cover collage for years and still never find me! LOL! they are TEENY little pics
Well, that doesn't mean I won't try if I get my hands on the book, Kaye.
Finished the Frankenstein collection by Donald Glut. Horror Adventure.
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd; Weird paranormal mystery I couldn't get into.
Second to None by Alexander Kent; British sea captain chases boats around the Mediterranean Sea while others ashore plot his destruction.
Tom Swift in the Caves of Nuclear Fire; 1960's era Swift. Much better than any versions that came after.
The Confession by Dominic Stansberry; one of the first Hard Case Crime novels. Somehow I didn't get it when it came out.
Dave Barry Talks Back; Dave answers letters from readers. Dated, but occasionally funny.
Never Go Back by Lee Child; Typical Jack Reacher.
Currently reading THE GOOD DETECTIVE by John McMahon.
In regards to that Tom Swift book, Glen, although I never read much in that series, I think so many of the books in the Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys, and those types of series were better in their early incarnations.
I really "should" read THE GOOD DETECTIVE someday, Kevin. I feel guilty that I haven't yet. You'll probably tell me if I'd quit reading historical romances I might find the time. (I'm really finishing Devlin's Rolling Thunder.)
I certainly am not going to tell you what you should read.
We're back. Saw the new LITTLE WOMEN today.
Yes, Lily Bard is absolutely my favorite too.
Jackie is a huge fan of J. D. Robb's Eve Dallas series, has read all but #50, including the shorter stories. She loves Roarke too.
I know, Kevin. Joke!
50 of them, Jeff! I have to catch up with 50 of them!
I only finished 84, Charing Cross Road which was a reread of many years ago. I find it very difficult to read anything now and will be very slow until my rt. eye heals. But this is a book I highly recommend.
I'm reading Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke. I found it a little hard to get into but was glad I kept going. It's a mystery, a character study, and a statement about racism in a rural part of Texas.
James Ziskin's Turned to Stone. Italy!
I love that book, Gram. I hope the healing goes quickly for you.
Patricia, That's another one of those "I need to read this" books for me.
I need to get back to that one, Keenan.
I am reading The Other People by CJ Tudor in print. I am listening to Two Days Gone by Randal Silvis on audio.
Another author I need to try, Katstev, CJ Tudor.
I just started A Stone's Throw by Debbie De Louise last night. It seems to be kind of a cozy, but not a typical cozy, and I'm getting a Wicker Man vibe from it…. so we shall see!
You're right, Kim. That certainly doesn't sound as if it's a typical cozy if you're getting a Wicker Man vibe!
Finished THE GOOD DETECTIVE earlier this afternoon. Very good police procedural and a complicated one.
Oh, good, Kevin. I need to get back to my book. Had a busy morning.
Just picked up the new Orphan X thriller by Gregg Hurwitz from the library! Excited to begin reading it.