Welcome to Thursday at Lesa’s. On today’s menu, per Rick’s request, eggnog. For those of us who don’t like eggnog (me), I can also serve Harney & Sons Hot Apple Spice tea, or sparkling cider. And, of course, there are book chats as entertainment.
In fact, let’s talk about favorite books for a moment. At the end of every year, I write a post about my favorite books of the year. For the last couple years, several of you have also written pieces, and I’ve posted them on Wednesdays, the day before our “What Are You Reading?” discussions. Last year, Margie and Glen sent their posts, and I know Glen is working on his right now. It’s not a “Best of…: list. Mine features my ten favorite books of 2021. If you would like to write a piece, email me at Lesa.Holstine@gmail.com, and let me know.
Are you ready for Christmas and New Year’s, if those are holidays you celebrate? I’m ready. Monday was my last day of work until January 3, and, to be honest, I haven’t done much except read. With COVID, there really isn’t much else to do since I won’t go to any events in Evansville where masks aren’t required.That’s okay. The cats and I are perfectly happy to enjoy books, the tree, and an occasional Christmas concert or show on TV or streamed live. I had a “Christmas in Ireland” streamed event last night, and a live music session, “Celtic Thunder and Friends” from Wexford, Ireland on New Year’s Eve.
Today, though, it’s about books. I have a couple more Christmas books I’d like to finish, but I’m actually reading All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business by Mel Brooks. I’m sailing through this fun memoir. It reads like a conversation. He’ll drop an important name, and then say, “More about him later.” He had a fascinating career, and I’m enjoying his account. Author Tim Hallinan mentioned this book recently on Facebook, and said, “Unlike many comics, he doesn’t seem to have a mean bone in his body.” Tim’s right. Maybe it has been so much fun to read because Brooks is kind. That’s something missing in recent years, kindness. I’m over halfway through the book, but I found myself watching a 22 minute piece on YouTube that included interviews, and a song-and-dance number he did with his wife, Anne Bancroft.
What about you? What are you reading this week? It’s a busy week. Do you have time to sit down with us, have a drink, and chat about books?
Merry Christmas everyone!
When I was a small boy, and our family would go visiting and exchanging baked goods and gifts, most of the older folks would offer my parents a Hot Buttered Rum, and have a little ritual making it. It always impressed me as a Christmas tradition. Just about the time I got old enough to have one, all of those people died off, and nobody does that anymore. Bad timing strikes again.
Spent a lot of time trying not to get mauled at the malls. I won an ugly sweater contest with a very competitive field, and got some pretty nice prizes.
I managed to read:
The Bright Ages by Matt Gabriele; Woke-ish history of the Middle Ages, with an “Everything you thought you knew about the Dark Ages is WRONG! premise. If everything you know you learned from TV, he might be right. Lots of straw men and a distinct aroma of fear. One trouble with woke-ism,is that there is always someone woke-er, just itching to cancel you.
Kowabana by Tara A Devlin; Collection of creepy tales from Japanese message boards. Some are pretty creepy, and they’re different enough from The West to be novel.
The Case of the Goblin Pearls by Lawrence Yep; A young girl living in Frisco is visited by her Aunty who was a minor star in Hollywood, but a legend among Chinese people. The Aunty is organizing a parade for a sponsor, but some jewels are stolen. The two decide to track them down. Pretty good, but not quite a cozy.
Sasquatch Central by Michael Quase; High strange-ness in Minnesota, as bigfoot hunters do everything but actually get real evidence of a bigfoot. I’m not altogether sure the folks in this book are entirely sane.
Merry Christmas, Glen! I hope you had that hot buttered rum sometime in your life.
I was reading along, thinking, Glen had books he enjoyed this week, and I got to that final review. Ah, now there’s Glen. I wish you lots of good books in 2022, and lots of ones to engender sarcastic remarks.
Lesa, thanks for the eggnog, I’m enjoying some as I read today’s post.
My pleasure, Rick! That’s for asking. People seem to enjoy the refreshments with the book chats!
Cheers! I’ve been reading Mary Trump’s books and just finished my only current novel the latest by Louise Penny The Madness Of Crowds and starting now on State Of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny. I’m getting more done these days stuck in the house except for grocery shopping and other necessary activity.
Sláinte, Maureen! I have a copy of State of Terror, and I know others have loved it, and I just haven’t gotten around to it. Louise Penny upset me so much with The Madness of Crowds that I just haven’t moved on.
I’m getting more reading done, but ignoring other things even though I’m at home.
I, too, was upset by “Madness…” And definitely recommend you read “State of Terror.” It will help you recover. I would, howdver, then like to chat with you about a character toward the end of the book.
I am, once again, in start handset mode ad I just can’t find a book that holds my attention beyond the first couple if pages. I keep trying.
Well, darn, LJ. I’m sorry that nothing is holding your attention. As you saw, Mel Brooks’ memoir is working for me, and I’m stopping in at the library on Monday to do timesheets, and there’s another memoir waiting for me, Sharon Gless’. Something a little different sometimes works for me. I do have a Vera Stanhope mystery I haven’t read yet, an older one, and I brought it in from the garage yesterday.
I’ll call you when I read State of Terror!
That would be great. I love talking with you. Happy Christmas!
Lesa, Barbara just finished it a few days ago, and liked it a LOT.
That is, State of Terror
Oh, good. Maybe I”ll get to State of Terror soon.
Sláinte, Lesa! I’m just getting started. A few friends of mine said they loved it, so I’m giving it a go. I’ll let you know!
Eggnog! Yay! Thank you, Lesa, very tasty, with the nutmeg on top. Yum.
Just two days before Christmas! As a child, I would be awash with excitement, thrilled by the tree, decorations, cards and expectations of presents and wonderful meals and snacks. Now, I’m only afraid my humble gift to my wife will suffice (if it arrives in time, which is doubtful – the latest estimate is December 24.
Christmas/ holiday themed reading this time.
A SURPRISE FOR CHRISTMAS edited by Martin Edwards, British Library Crime Classics anthology, stories by Chesterton, Ngaio Marsh, Carter Dickson, Ernest Dudley, Cyril Hare, Margery Allingham, and more. I’m halfway in.
A CHRISTMAS MOST FOUL, stories by Margery Allingham, (Campion), Nicolas Blake (featuring Nigel Strangeways) and Michael Innes.
A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES by Dylan Thomas, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman, a book I’ve not experienced in any format, though I’ve been aware of its existence for decades. This copy is a small 47-page hardcover with color illustrations. I’ll be reading it tonight.
There’s a small chance we’ll get some snow Christmas afternoon. Happy holidays everyone, I hope you are all well and content. Enjoy!
You’re welcome, Rick! That eggnog is just for you! Oh, I’m with you. I always loved the anticipation at Christmastime. I still do even though it’s not the same.
I’m about halfway through A Surprise for Christmas, too. As with any collection, some are better than others, but I’m enjoying it.
Merry Christmas, Rick! I hope that gift arrives for your wife.
Rick, I am glad you mentioned A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES. I haven’t ever read that either, and I plan to look for a copy to read next year. I had not thought of getting an illustrated version, I will have to look around for one that appeals to me.
I just bought this, Tracy, it came in 2 days!
I would love some apple spice tea, Lesa! Thank you! This week’s Christmas book is Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis. It’s a fun holiday rom-com with some edge. I’ve decided it’s more fun to read than make plates of cookies for all the neighbors, so I’ve had more time. I wave at the neighbors on my walk every morning and add a few books to the Little Free Library on the corner.
Merry Christmas and a happy healthy New Year, Lesa!
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and hugs, Melanie! Thank you for stopping by for Hot Apple Spice tea. I’ve been having a cup almost every morning.
I totally agree with you. It is more fun to read than make plates of cookies. Enjoy Eight Perfect Hours. Sending good wishes for you and your family.
Oh! I loved Eight Perfect Hours, Melanie!!
Good morning. I’ll take some of that eggnog to mix into my chai tea. We made a quick trip to the bakery this morning so I can make challah French toast Saturday morning and I have to get to the library before they close for the weekend. Otherwise I’m done running errands until Sunday.
This week I read two short mysteries by Summer Prescott: TEMPEST IN A TEAROOM and HOT TEA AND A COLD CASE. The main character inherits a small town tearoom that she’s going to renovate and reopen. In the first book a dead body turns up in the tearoom, and in the second book she’s on a hike and stumbles across bones that relate to a twenty year old cold case. They were well written for only being novellas.
THE TROUBLED GIRLS OF DAGOMIR ACADEMY by Anne Ursu is a tween fantasy. After a sorcerer comes to test her brother for magic a young girl who doesn’t fit in at home is ordered to attend a school for troubled girls. The school is supposed to teach her to become a lady but things at the school aren’t what they seem.
An ARC of TAILING TROUBLE by Laura Scott. The second book in her Furry Friends vet clinic mystery series, this one suffers from too much repetition of nonessential events. The heroine is always either walking the dogs or eating a meal. It also doesn’t make sense that she can run a vet clinic with almost no customers.
I’m currently reading an ARC of DIARIES IN TIME BY Susan Reiss. Set in Maryland, Emma communicates with a civil war era ghost by exchanging letters through an old desk. There will also be a current day murder and the information from the past will help solve it but I haven’t gotten that far.
I’m on my second cup of Hot Apple Spice tea this morning, Sandy. I’ve never been as big a tea drinker as my Mom and one sister, but this tea is perfect for me. I finally found one that I love.
I like the sound of Diaries in Time. Ghosts, a current mystery. Sounds terrific. You’ll have to let.
But, Tailing Trouble sounds as if it has one of the tropes I hate, someone who is never at work.
Merry Christmas, Sandy!
Lesa,
I’ll pass on the egg now but spiced warm cider sounds wonderful!
Your holiday actually sounds cozy and calm. I am wrapping madly but love the excitement. I’m so glad you’re being careful.
I just finished We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza. Really a terrific read. It has been great fun to listen to podcasts with the authors and have much needed conversations with others on Zoom chats about it. I have a short holiday novella that I grab for snippets and I started We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez this morning. (Not my typical holiday reading but it was pressed into my hands by my DIL and she is anxious to talk about it with someone!!! It is a hard story but it has sucked me in right away.)
Our Christmas is forecasted to be grey and rainy but we need the rain AND we will pretend it’s cold!! Arizona Christmas is like that!
Thanks for sharing in this great space. I love yourbwriting and the community you have created!! Merry Christmas.
Thanks for stopping in, Gaye, amidst all the chaos. It is a cozy and calm year, just what I wanted. My sisters are going to have the opposite, with all their families coming in, including young grandchildren. Both types of Christmas have their appeal.
I think it’s great that you have a DIL who wants to talk books. And, even if it’s a hard story, at least you were sucked in. Sounds as if you’ll have something to discuss!
Isn’t this a great community? I give Jeff a lot of the credit for the idea of “What Are You Reading”. But, all of you keep it going on the few Thursdays I can’t get here. Thank you for being part of this community!
Merry Christmas, Gaye!
Good morning!
Like Sandy, I’ll take some of that eggnog to mix in my chai tea or coffee. Thank you! I am as ready as I will ever be for Christmas. I am so excited to not be hosting, but to be able to spend the holiday with my mom for brunch and my mother-in-law for dinner. Our sons with both be able to attend also. Yay! Our youngest son is flying in tomorrow evening and we will pick him up at the airport.
As far as reading, I read:
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman – A bank robbery gone bad which turns into a hostage crisis. This book is full of quirky characters, as Backman’s books usually are. It is also a little dark in spots. It is a unique story told in a unique way. I was laughing so hard in a few parts that it was several minutes before I could start reading again. In the end, I had mixed feelings about it, but am glad I read it.
A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L’Engle – This is the first in a series of journals that she published called The Crosswicks Journals. This volume covers the early years of her marriage and child rearing. She and her family lived in an old New England farmhouse called Crosswicks. I really enjoyed this.
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Well, that works for you and Sandy, then, eggnog with your tea.
I’m so glad you’ll be able to spend time with family, Gretchen. That’s wonderful.
I love the sound of the Madeleine L’Engle book. I met her years and years ago, just at a book signing. But, that book sounds so good.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Lesa, how neat that you met Madeleine L’Engle! She sounds like someone I would like to be friends with.
I read Anxious People last year, Gretchen. I felt like you did that I wasn’t sure exactly what I was reading but when I was done, I liked it.
That’s interesting, Sharon. I have heard from others that loved it immediately. Glad to hear I’m not the only one who was a bit unsure.
A Circle of Quiet sounds interesting. I just placed a hold on it a the library. Merry Christmas
I really liked it Sandy. I hope you do too.
Good morning, Lesa, and Merry Christmas. I’d love a cup of that eggnog, please. This week I’m reading The Foundation by W. Michael and Kathleen Gear. It’s quite intense. An international thriller about the powers behind world events and their efforts to keep the world’s leaders from destroying life as we know it. Probably not the most uplifting book to read during the holidays, but I enjoy anything the Gears write.
We’re avoiding crowds again and will spend a quiet weekend at home. We haven’t put up a tree since we got our cat, but I like to listen to Christmas music and watch a few of the Christmas shows on TV. I saved the Kelly Clarkson one to watch again. I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season and are able to cope with the rapidly changing world of information and rules. This is so bizarre!
Merry Christmas, Patricia! Eggnog for you! I’m so glad Rick asked. It makes the day a little more festive as everyone places their orders.
Like you, I’ll have a quiet weekend. I do have a tree because I’ve been lucky with cats who just think it’s beautiful. Some of them have liked to lay under it, including Jinx.
Oh, yes, the changing information is so strange. But, I’m tucked in for the holidays now, until Monday. Stay safe!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
We had a very good chance at a white Christmas with snow on the ground and sunny days. The temperatures were so cold at night the moisture refroze, delightfully outlining every twig and branch with ice crystals. Called pogonip locally, rime ice or hoar-frost elsewhere. But woke to pouring rain this morning. Either way we need the precipitation.
Weather like this does allow for ample reading time. I finished the new Tony Hillerman biography. Fascinating facts told chronologically with ample detail. But I was disappointed in the dry writing. I don’t think it captured the well loved and admired author.
Then I sampled a few long- running series:
Elementary, She Read (2017) Vicki Delany
Londoner Gemma Doyle comes to the quaint town of West London on Cape Cod to manage the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. Delightful setting
The Rainy City (1985) Earl Emerson
The first of 15 books in the long running series set in Seattle. The dialogue reminds me of the old Dragnet TV shows, but the plot was quite involved.
Iron Ties (2006), the second book in Ann Parker’s Silver Rush Mystery series. I’m hoping this is the
weakest in the series. I came across a link to a review you did in July of that year, but it’s no longer active.
And finally The Poacher’s Son (2017) the first in Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series in Maine. Suspenseful. Definitely follow up on this series.
And for a seasonal read I have Christmas At The Mysterious Bookshop (2010) from the library. Seventeen short stories revolving around Otto Penzler and the bookstore. Also watched Holiday Inn for the first time (Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and the debut of the hit holiday song White Christmas).
May your days be merry & bright. And best wishes for a better year ahead.
MM, You read two books that I have been meaning to read for a long time, The Rainy City and The Poacher’s Son. I just purchased The Rainy City in September of this year at an annual book sale I go to. I have had The Poacher’s Son on my shelves since 2013. I hope to get to both of them this year.
I thought THE POACHER’S SON was really good. I got the sequel from the library recently, but had to return it because there were others waiting for it and I had too many others waiting. Will get it again when we get back from Florida.
Merry Christmas, MM!
Yes, when I had to switch from Blogger because I couldn’t handle all the changes, I lost a lot of the past posts. It was a lot of work for my webmaster just to move over what she did, let alone years and years of the blog. I would have had to pay her a fortune to do that, and she does have other clients.
Pogonip! I’ve never heard that term. That’s one thing I like about Thursdays. You never know what information people will share.
Thank you, MM! I hope you have a wonderful year ahead!
Good morning and happy holidays to you all! I’m expecting my older son tomorrow, and we’ll spend Christmas day with the rest of our family. As for eggnog, I love it, but I settle for the kind I can buy at the grocery store. For now, I’m guzzling down turmeric and ginger tea several times a day because I got a case of laryngitis just in time for Christmas! Today I’ll be icing the red velvet cookies and defrosting the Toll House cookies. Already made the dips. We’ll be making my late husband’s famous New Mexico enchiladas on Christmas–it’s a 3-person effort because we don’t really have a recipe. Here’s what I finished this week:
I enjoyed Jenny Bayliss’ first book, The 12 Dates of Christmas, so I was eager to read A SEASON FOR SECOND CHANCES and I wasn’t disappointed. Annie is the chef in a restaurant she and her husband, Max, have been running or years. But when she finds Max in flagrante delicto with a young waitress–again–she’s had enough. Looking for a place to land, she agrees to inhabit a historic seaside home in a small town while the elderly co-owner is away for the winter–no rent, just utilities. The other co-owner is the woman’s curmudgeonly nephew, who can’t wait to sell the house to an eager buyer. Annie comes to love her temporary home and is tempted to open a food kiosk or even the long-unused cafe in the building. But her husband is campaigning to win her back (while cutting her off from their bank account), and her very cool 20-something twin sons are urging her to move on. I loved the character development and almost all of the many secondary characters, not to mention the townspeople who enthusiastically celebrate everything possible (Halloween, Christmas, etc.) publicly and persuade Annie to be an active participant.
I think “contemplative” is a good word to describe Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, numbering 22 to date. They aren’t mysteries to get you excited or make you try to figure out whodunit. They are short books where the reader can spend quality time with a few particular characters in Botswana, enjoying the formal, old-fashioned way they communicate with each other and ruminate on life, as well as the small issues that are solved in the course of the book. In THE JOY AND LIGHT BUS COMPANY, Mma Ramotswe is terrified when her husband, who owns an auto mechanic business that shares space with her detective agency, is planning to mortgage their property to invest in a bus company with an old schoolmate. At the same time, she and Mma Makutsi are dealing with children who are being mistreated and an elderly gentleman who is willing his house to his long-time care nurse, much to the chagrin of his son. We know that at the end of these quiet, satisfying books, all will be well, with the ladies sharing many cups of red bush tea each day.
I usually look for character development when I read, and I found it in all four major characters in an ARC of Therese Anne Fowler’s IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS. Each starts from a place of uncertainty and unhappiness and is skillfully led by the author through their often-thwarted attempts to find fulfillment. Three are adult sisters whose mother, who recently passed away from cancer, wants them to come together to prepare the family home in Maine for sale and share the proceeds. One of the sisters, a journalist, desperately wants a career as a novelist and has a marriage that has lost all sexual intimacy. The second sister, a pediatric oncologist, has recently ended her marriage and longs secretly for an inappropriate man. The third leads a life of travel and celebrities but can’t seem to lock down a career that keeps her from financial dire straits and satisfies her appreciation of art. And a man who was imprisoned for attempted murder and has a history with one of the sisters is trying to buy their mother’s house. I particularly enjoyed the illuminating final chapters of the book, including an epilogue that lets the reader know what each character is doing toward achieving their life goals.
Margie, It sounds just like the kind of family Christmas you’ll love. And, even if those enchiladas don’t turn out to taste quite the same, I’m guessing there will be a lot of laughter and memories shared. That will make them perfect.
And, after your family leaves, email me about your “Favorites” list, if you want to participate. I sent you an email, but it didn’t go through, so I must have an old email address.
I like an epilogue in books when they tell what characters are continuing to do. That makes the book even more satisfying for me.
Merry Christmas, Margie! I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family!
I used to love eggnog but cannot drink it any more. Just some herbal tea anymore for me. I have been hiding a tin of fruitcake from James and I think he is looking far and wide!
Continuing to read Attorney-Client Privilege by Pamela Samuels Young. I get to go back to LA with her and enjoy her characters like her friend Special and a few other. I love the moment of humor and her girlfriends.
Also reading a book in small print that the pages are coming loose as I read. Marie Antoinette, of course wanted to be wearing the latest in fashion but I did not know that she loved horse racing and playing in the snow.And at least at this point, it would have been better if she led France than her husband. There were riots and strikes for a cheaper price for flour. She wanted to have the price of flour reduced but the King led by his advisor said “Non”. The crowds got more irate by that response. Women were not allowed to share in any of the governing decisions in France.
Carolee, That’s funny that you are hiding fruitcake!
Everything I’ve read about Marie Antoinette indicates she might have been a better ruler than her husband. We’ll never know.
Merry Christmas, Carolee!
No to eggnog here too, as well as any drink with “Spice” in the name.
We’re trying to be extra careful so we don’t get sick before leaving for Florida January 2, so avoiding eating in restaurants (other than ones that we know do follow the rules and check your vaccination status). Otherwise, it’s all books all the time. I may get to 150 books read or might fall slightly short, but I definitely have passed 900 short stories read this year. My previous high was 820 in 2017.
Jackie read (and really liked) DESERT REDEMPTION, the last of Betty Webb’s Lena Jones series, then refreshed her memory by skimming the last third of Nora Roberts’ THE AWAKENING before starting the second in the trilogy, THE BECOMING. She is also reading a hardback of J. R. Ward’s THE WOLF as the library doesn’t have the Kindle edition, so she can finish it before we leave.
I read RICCARDINO, the last of Andrea Camilleri’s Insp. Salvo Montalbano books, amusing at first but ultimately disappointing, especially the end. Camilleri puts himself in the book (as “The Author”) and references the hit Italian television adaptation of the Montalbano books, which is fun at first, but ultimately the book – and presumably the series for him – just runs out of steam and ends with a whimper. Still, I really liked most of the rest of the series.
Next was a book I’ve had for several years, WAKE IN FRIGHT (1961) by Kenneth Cook, adapted into a terrific 1971 movie (called OUTBACK when it was first shown here). Young teacher John Grant leaves his awful school for a six week Christmas vacation in Sydney, but gets sidetracked in Bundanyabba (based on the real Broken Hill, New South Wales), where he loses all his money and falls into an alcoholic binge. Short, fast, dark read. I liked it a lot.
I finished the last Patricia Highsmith short story collection, MERMAIDS ON THE GOLF COURSE. I’m currently reading Helene Tursten”s second short collection about the dangerous Maud, AN ELDERLY LADY MUST NOT BE CROSSED. I liked the first collection but so far this one does not live up to that. Also reading Marly Swick’s MONOGAMY, her first collection of stories. (I read the second one earlier this year.)
Ann Patchett’s books of essays have been mentioned here before. I read her THIS IS THE STORY OF A HAPPY MARRIAGE a while ago and really liked it, and I think her new one, THESE PRECIOUS DAYS, is its equal. Highly recommended.
One of the Patchett essays is about an early trip to Paris with a friend. That came from the collection AN INNOCENT ABROAD: Life-Changing Trips From 35 Great Writers, a Lonely Planet book edited by Don George. Of course I had to borrow that from the library. Some of the authors included are Alexander McCall Smith, Jan Morris, Dave Eggers, Richard Ford, Mary Karr, Jane Smiley, David Baldacci and John Berendt.
Lastly, I’m reading the latest William Shaw book about Sgt. Alexandra Cupidi to be published here, GRAVE’S END. There is one more only published in Britain.
Have a great holiday, everyone who is celebrating, and if you are traveling this week, be careful!
Sounds like the best idea is end reading the Montalbano series with the second-to-last one.
No eggnog for me either. And no chance of a White Christmas as it will be in the 60’s and raining. An odd winter for sure this year so far. My brother is driving down from Cleveland for Christmas dinner otherwise it will be quiet times for us which is just how we like it.
This week I finished LOVELIGHT FARMS: A Holiday Romantic Comedy by B.K. Borison. It was a Kindle Unlimited. I found it charming and enjoyed it very much. Stella owns a Christmas tree farm that is in financial trouble. She enters a contest run by an Instagram influencer to win the $100,000 prize money. The catch is she claimed she owns the farm with her boyfriend. Enter Luka, her friend of over 10 years, who agrees to be her fake boyfriend for a week. Predictability ensues but I found it well done and I liked the supporting characters.
I am almost done with THE LOVE HYOTHESIS by Ali Hazelwood. Another fake boyfriend plotline only in the scientific academic world at Stanford. The dialog is witty and fun and Olive is great character but I am finding it a little long winded. And two books in a row with the fake boyfriend plot is a little too much for me.
And the Christmas movie we enjoyed the most this year was from Netflix-A Castle for Christmas because well Cary Elwes 🙂
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!
Oh, I agree about Cary Elwes, Sharon. I haven’t seen that movie, though. I did meet him once at a book signing at Book Expo. Some of the librarians in the room left after he spoke. They only came to see him on the panel!
Well, one benefit to this odd Christmas is people can drive in for the holidays. The weather certainly makes that possible.
You’re right. As much as I enjoy some rom-coms, too much just becomes too much.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Sharon!
I wish I understood what an “Instagram influencer” is and why would anyone care?
Rick, I understand that an Instagrm influencer is someone people follow because they are fascinated by them and their taste. Why would anyone care? Now, that’s the right question.
Oh, Jeff. Quite often you tempt me with a book you mention. Today, it’s An Innocent Abroad. I’m going to have to look for it.
I don’t blame you and Jackie for taking extra precautions. You want to make that trip this year! I hope we still catch you next Thursday before you leave. If we don’t, safe travels!
We are not leaving until the Sunday, so I will be here next Thursday. Yes, you would enjoy AN INNOCENT ABROAD, I think. McCall Smith’s story about getting a job in Swaziland (now Eswatini) is so interesting. And Richard Ford and his wife driving through Morocco, pursued by drug dealers who want to sell them hashish, is harrowing.
Our first trip to Europe was a belated honeymoon in London in April 1971, six months after we got married. It was also our first airplane trip (at 22). I planned the trip very carefully, but of course not everything went right. The weather was much colder than I’d expected (I expected New York weather). No problem, just buy a sweater at Marks & Spencer, right? But no. Another thing I didn’t know about was the concept of Bank Holidays and that weekend was one. Almost everything was closed, so I froze for two days. We did see almost everything on my list in under 10 days – Tower of London, British Museum (and most other museums), Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace, a coach trip to Canterbury and Rochester (Dickens’s home), St. Paul’s, Houses of Parliament, etc. They had gone to decimal currency the year before, so that was easy to negotiate (though the pound was about $2.40 to the dollar), but there was almost nowhere to get real coffee (as opposed to instant) – no Starbucks or Costa or the like. We did go to a J. Lyons for tomato soup, I recall. One thing we did do was go to the theater:
Canterbury Tales (musical version – played over 2,000 performances in London)
The Mousetrap (Agatha Christie; then only in about its 18th or 19th year!)
Child’s Play (Laurence Harvey starred in Robert Marasco’s play)
Vivat! Vivat! Regina (Queen Elizabeth – played by Eileen Atkins – and Mary, Queen of Scots)
Captain Brassbound’s Conversion (George Bernard Shaw, with Joss Ackland & Ingrid Bergman)
Jeff, Your first trip to Europe sounds as if it would fit in with “An Innocent Abroad”. I downloaded it. It’s free on Kindle, so I”m looking forward to reading it!
I was thin k my the very same thing. I am intrigued by An Innocent Abroad – thank you, Jeff.
Mornin’ Thursday peeps!
I’m not much of an eggnog fan, but if there’s some Kahlua handy, I’d love a dollop in my coffee, pretty please.
I seem to be on a Christmas book binge. Odd for me because I will run from a room that has a Hallmark movie playing on the TV, but . . .
One Christmas in Paris by Mandy Baggot hit all the right buttons for me.
The description below from Amazon really doesn’t do it justice.
“How many croissants does it take to mend a broken heart?
Ava and her best friend Debs arrive in Paris just as the snow starts to fall. The Eiffel Tower glitters gold, but all Ava can think about is Leo, her no-good, cheating ex.
Debs is on a mission to make Ava smile again, and as they tour the Christmas markets, and eat their body weight in pain-au-chocolat, Ava remembers there’s more to life than men… Until they cross paths with sizzling hot, oh-so-mysterious photographer Julien, with his French accent and hazelnut eyes that seem to see right inside her.
Ava can’t ignore the intense chemistry between them, but she can’t help but feel he’s hiding something. Her fingers have been burned before and she can’t forget it, especially when her ex, Leo, starts texting again. Can Ava really trust Julien – and what exactly is his secret?
Will Ava go home with a broken heart, or will she find true love in Paris?
Join Ava and Julien in the most romantic city in the world this Christmas, as they discover the importance of being true to themselves, and learn how to follow their hearts.
One Christmas in Paris is a gorgeous, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy.”
I have Kahlua, Kaye! One coffee with coming up!
I love the sound of One Christmas in Paris. It would go well with my latest Claris book, Claris, Palace Party, set in Versailles.
It is raining here in Santa Barbara and that is wonderful. Along with the rain the temperature is a little warmer, so I am not freezing cold so much. Our place has inadequate heating (since we don’t need it much, that is not a serious problem) and combined with my husband’s dislike of using the heating, I am cold a lot and wear heavy jackets all day.
Last Saturday I got my hair cut for the first time in almost two years. It was very very long and I actually wanted to keep some of the length but my hairstylist went a bit shorter than I wanted. it feels so good and is very easy to take care of, so I am happy with it. And it grows fast.
I just finished two books yesterday and haven’t started a new one yet.
MURDER IN THE SNOW by Gladys Mitchell (also titled GROANING SPINNEY) was the book I was reading as a group read over 4 weeks and now I just have to summarize my thoughts on the last five chapters. Published in 1950, set during the post World War II years in the Cotswolds in the UK. I liked it but the last three books by this author I read as group reads, and now I need to read a couple of them at my normal speed of reading. Reading a book slowly and evaluating it at the same time is a different experience.
My other book was HIGH RISING by Angela Thirkell. Humorous British fiction, with some romance, published in 1933. Not my usual reading, but for the most part I found it very entertaining. It is set in Barsetshire, a fictional county which was originally used in books by Anthony Trollope. I have not read anything by Trollope yet but I plan to. It took me a while to read HIGH RISING but that was only because I was reading GROANING SPINNEY and some short stories at the same time. I usually read one book at a time.
I hope everyone enjoys the holidays.
Cold and rainy seems appropriate for reading British fiction, Tracy!
Every time I see a comment such as “It grows fast”, it reminds me of O.Henry’s “Gift of the Magi”.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
I’ll take a small glass of eggnog please and thank you. I happen to be reading a Christmas story quite by chance. After reading your review for Wendall Thomas’s third Cyd Redondo book FOGGED OFF, I decided to start the series at the beginning with LOST LUGGAGE. What a hoot! I totally enjoyed it. So I progressed to the second in series DROWNED UNDER which takes place over Christmas. So far, so good. I went back and read Wendall’s post here in your blog about her Balenciaga bag since it plays such a part in the books. Some characters from book 1 show up in book 2, and it’s a great deal of well, fun for me as a reader, but not fun for Cyd! I’ll most likely go on to book 3 as well. So thanks for introducing me! And of course, merry Christmas to you and the furry boys from Bill and I and our boys. Enjoy your time off, stay safe and stay healthy!
You’re welcome, Sandie! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the Cyd Redondo books. They are fun, aren’t they. Merry Christmas to you and that cuddle of cats! Sending hugs to all of you!
Just a note: I’ve been ignoring my own blog lately, but will put up a Christmas/holiday post later this afternoon. It’s at http://www.tipthewink.net. (hint: cats may be involved)
Cats may be involved? I’m off to check it out, Rick.
Just finished “Soulmate Equation “ and 2 Sisters detective agency both were excellent reads. Happy holidays
Happy Holidays, Carol Jeanne! I really enjoyed Soulmate Equation.
I know it’s almost tomorrow, but I’ve had a busy day. I was in Evansville, Lesa, and went out to lunch at Biaggi’s with my twelve-year-old granddaughter Izzy. Then, we went to Build-A-Bear because they had Hedwig from Harry Potter, and she wanted it. All ages still go to Build-A-Bear. There were three teenage girls in front of us in line to get the animals stuffed. It was a special day for Izzy and me. We talked about so much, and that, of course, included books. You have to love a girl who gets in your car to go and has a book with her, just in case. Then, we went to her other grandparents’ house for dinner.
Again, I know I’m coming in here late, but I saw your FB post about it, and I wanted to see what everyone here was reading this Christmas week. Lesa, let me join in to encourage you read State of Terror. I was a bit skeptical of it, but I started reading it and couldn’t stop. It was amazing.
My reading has been slow because I’ve been trying to get Christmas caught up. Tomorrow will be wrapping day for me. I promised myself I would read two or three Christmas books this year, and I’ll get to at least two. After finishing We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker, I needed a Christmas country house murder or other light reading (haha). I think We Begin at the End was a stunner of a book, especially because of twelve-year-old Duchess, but it took a lot out of me emotionally. So, I’m reading Murder Most Festive by Ada Moncrieff, and, yes, it’s a country house murder mystery set in Sussex. It’s been slow going because I’ve been so busy, but I hopefully will finish it this weekend amidst all the Christmas doings on Saturday at my daughter’s house. I also plan on reading Rhys Bowen’s God Rest Ye Royal Gentlemen, a Lady Georgie book, which usually is a lovely read for me. To finish out the year, I’d like to read The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman. I really enjoyed his first one. And, I hope to fit in Mrs. March by Virginia Feito, a story in which I’m curious about how Mrs. March might get revenge on her author husband who has humiliated her by putting her in his latest book in an unflattering way. But, then I might just chuck them all and read Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher, a book Kaye has heartily endorsed and which I’ve had for some time on the shelf.
Speaking of Kaye, Lesa, I’ll have the coffee with the Kahlua, too.
Merry Christmas!
Biaggis, Kathy! You and Izzy were close to where I live yesterday. It sounds as if you had a perfect day with her. I know how much you enjoy your time with her. Of course you do – your granddaughter and a reader. That’s perfect.
I’m glad you stopped even if it is almost Friday morning. Why not? I’ll probably be getting a comment or two here for the next few days.
There’s a good idea – chuck them all and read Rosamunde Pilcher – a comfort read for the holidays. I finished my books, and I’m currently reading my last holiday one, but it’s different. It’s Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather, and I always meant to read this at Christmastime.
Merry Christmas, Kathy! The Kahlua is waiting!
Dirty Little Town (River City 7) by Frank Zafiro.
Merry Christmas one and all.
Merry Christmas, Kevin. I hope you and Scott are doing okay.
He is…..I had a very rough weekend with my blood pressure. Managed to avoid going to ER, but it was no fun. Am a bit better today.
You don’t need that on top of everything else. Sending hugs, Kevin, and I”m glad you’re a little bit better.
Merry Christmas, Lesa! I am reading The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan and listening to An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed by Helene Tursten .
Thank you, Katherine! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Jenny Colgan is just a treat, isn’t she?