What I've Been Reading - December 2018

The Reformer by Jaima Fixsen

Jaima Fixsen is now one of my go-to authors because she writes a great story with wonderful characters AND makes almost no typos or grammatical errors. Yes!

This is a good, solid, entertaining romance, and I also enjoyed the historical info about reform movements in the early 19^th century. (This book is part of a multi-author series, but you don’t have to read the others to enjoy this one. I know, because I haven’t.) A great choice for an evening curled up away from the TV.

The Unexpected Wife by Caroline Warfield

Caroline Warfield always delivers a good story. I think I’ve read every book she has published and enjoyed them all. Not only are her characters realistic and captivating, but her plots are so gripping that you just have to keep on reading late into the night.

She chooses unusual locations, too, which works for me, as I love to learn something new. This story takes place in China at the time of the First Opium War. Definitely worth a read.

Note: this is the third in a series. It's helpful to read them in order, although not entirely necessary. But they're all good stories, so why not?

 

Vita Brevis by Ruth Downie

Back to mysteries, my favorite genre, and one of my favorite time periods, Ancient Rome. Vita Brevis is several books into the Gaius Petreius Ruso series by Ruth Downie, and although it works fine on its own, I recommend that you read them in order, starting with Medicus (which is only $2.99 for Kindle at the moment.)

Ruso is a doctor with the Roman army in Britain, and he marries a woman from one of the British tribes. Their life together and the trouble they get into in Britain, Gaul, and Rome (so far) make fabulous reads. Generally, I like the ones in Britain best because I know Britain better, but they're all excellent, and in this one Downie paints an all-too-believable picture of life in Ancient Rome. Entire series highly recommended!

Happy reading!




Barbara

What I've Been #Reading

A month or two ago, I mentioned reading The Dark Before Dawn by Jaima Fixsen. Since I loved it so much, I decided to try another of hers -- Fairchild, which is the first in the Fairchild Regency Romance series. As romances go, it was very, very good. I don't read much romance -- I think writing it has got me somewhat jaded -- but this was well worth the read. Great characters and plot, some social commentary (which almost always works for me), and two sequels. I bought the next one, Incognita, for when I'm in the mood for more romance. 

Next up is The Coroner's Lunch by Colin Cotterill. This mystery was recommended by a couple of people, including a friend who gave me her spare copy. (Thank you, Linda!) Ordinarily, I wouldn't read a book about 1970s Laos under a Communist regime, but it was fabulous. The main character, Dr. Siri Paiboun, is a hoot, and there were two mysteries in one story, always a plus. Oh, and a paranormal element, too! Definitely worth a read, and there are many books in the series, oh joy. ​ Sorry, no cover -- I couldn't get it to save from Amazon, and I'm not at home to take a photo of my paperback.

 

Lastly, an oldie but very, very goodie -- Doomsday Book by Connie Willis. This is a brilliant time travel story that goes back and forth between the future -- 2050s -- and the 14th Century. This was my third time reading it, and I appreciate more and more about it with each read. Some things about the future don't work well anymore because of technological changes since the book was first published, but the story still works fine. In some ways it's a harrowing read, but the theme (not that I go for themes anymore, since it's long, long ago since I was in college) is probably something about the resilience of the human spirit. It's about love, fear, sorrow, loss, caring, faith, and so on. Wonderful, wonderful book.

That's it for now. Happy Thanksgiving! 

Barbara

What I've been reading -- September

September was a good month for reading. I read two books I loved, one by an author new to me, and tried out a well-known author, too, which was fun. I am not usually into reading bestsellers, but a friend gave me a spare copy, so why not?

The best-selling author in question is Lee Child, and the book is The Midnight Line. I can see why he is so popular. His character, Jack Reacher, is a drifting, super-macho ex-military dude with a dry sense of humor and (in this book, at least) a “just because” motivation that I loved. Sure, he has angst, but we don’t get bombarded with it. We don't need to, because it's obvious in the way he lives. The story is compelling, and the writing is engaging and easy to read… Will I read any more by Mr. Child? Probably not, because I’m not usually drawn to macho ex-military stuff, but I’m glad I read The Midnight Line.  

On to other books. Murder in Spite is the eighth book in the Doyle and Acton series by Anne Cleeland. It’s another solid addition to the series. Doyle and Acton are wonderful characters. Each new story is like a visit to delightful old friends. (The books have to be read in order; the first, Murder in Thrall, is the best.) Ms. Cleeland writes great historical mystery/thrillers, too. I like her writing style. She’s not afraid to use semi-colons! I’m a big fan of both semi-colons and dashes (in fact, I tend to overdo the dashes) and don’t believe they are distracting to readers. Or maybe I just don’t want to believe it. I like parentheses, too. Hurrah for varied punctuation. ;)

Lastly, a friend recommended The Dark Before Dawn by Jaima Fixsen. OMG, I loved it! It’s historical suspense, taking place during the Congress of Vienna in 1814. Great pacing, well-researched setting, espionage, betrayal, murder, you name it. The central character is brilliant, but I can’t say anymore without giving too much away. Highly recommended!!

That’s it for now! Stay tuned for a Christmas anthology coming out next week.

Barbara