Maigret Goes to School by Georges Simeon

 
173 pages
Maigret is called from his usual duties in Paris to investigate a murder in a small village located close to La Rochelle. A local postmistress has been killed and suspicion has fallen on the local schoolmaster. When Maigret gets there, he discovers a very inward-looking community of people who hated the victim because she knew all their secrets. Maigret must determine if one of those secrets was enough to make someone into a killer.

Curtains for Three by Rex Stout

Three Nero Wolf novellas:

First there is the case of the two passionate lovebirds who want to make sure that neither is a cold-blooded killer.

 Then it’s off to the races, where Wolfe must choose from a stable of five likely suspects to corral a killer on horseback.

And finally the detective finds himself the confidant of a distraught, self-described grifter who claims a murderer is stalking Wolfe’s own brownstone.

Homicide Trinity by Rex Stout

Three Nero Wolf novellas. In the first, the killer has the audacity to leave a corpse strangled with Wolfe’s own soup-stained tie.

In the second, he is hired by a wife to take charge of the gun that she is afraid she may use to shoot her husband.

When the third course is served: a cop-hating landlady brings Wolfe counterfeit cash—that leads to genuine murder. It’s up to Wolfe to see that the malefactors get their just deserts.  



224 pages

Love and Mary Ann by Catherine Cookson

This is the fourth book of the Mary Ann series. Mary Ann is growing up fast. As she begins to learn about the feelings of adults, she sees that the more they love someone, the more they can hurt and be hurt. And isn’t just grown-ups who feel this way either. She realises that whenever she catches sight of Corny Boyle – she can recognise those same feelings swelling up inside herself…

223 pages

Batman Vol. 10: Knightmares by Tom King

An entire volume where Batman is trapped in a never-ending nightmare fueled by Scarecrow's gas and his own grief certainly makes for colorful artwork. You can tell the artists really had fun with these issues. Tom King has done an excellent job showing Batman's progression through his depression and soul seeking after being left at the altar by Catwoman. Honestly, this book is worth it just for the crazy bachelorette party scene with Selina and Lois Lane breaking into the Fortress of Solitude. 

It's fun, which is all one wants from a Batman comic.

176 pages

The Cause Lost: Myths and Realities of the Confederacy by William C. David

In a series of essays (some previously published) dealing with various aspects of the Civil War, Davis (The American Frontier, Smithmark, 1995) provides new insights into some of the myths and realities of the war. The essays on Jefferson Davis look at his leadership and his relations with his generals, especially Robert E. Lee, while those on Stonewall Jackson and Breckenridge correct a lot of the myths that have been written since the end of the war. The author also examines the Confederate armies in the West, blaming their losses on poor leadership and lack of support from the Confederate government, and illustrates why slavery was the single issue of the war though 90 percent of the participants from the South did not own slaves. Davis helps clear away misconceptions about the Civil War and gives the reader a clearer insight into problems that affected the South.

278 pages

The Devil and Mary Ann by Catherine Cookson

 
224 pages
This is the third in the Mary Ann series. Mary Ann starts to mature.  She is starting to see that there is a darker side in most folks, and that even her beloved 'Da' gets the devil inside of him once in a while.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

So I read Jane Eyre as a part of a college course...but I didn't actually finish reading it.... because I was an English major and I had a lot of books to read. So I know what happens, but I couldn't remember all the exact details....
I relate so much to how Jane can get people to share stories with her..
....Chapter 15... I'm fine.
I feel like I shouldn't like Mr. Rochester but I do.... a lot...
Jane and Mr. Rochester are so snarky to each other and I am here for it.
Also fortune tellers.... cool. I forgot about that.
..Chapter 23.....
Cranky Mr. Collins look-alike needs to go.
The last three chapters *angelic sounds*
I just love the idea of being with someone who lets you be a wildfire, and a wildfire that’s harnessed for good. I think it really helps that Jane is super self-reflective and she tells the readers what she thinks and feels, because then metaphors. I just love comparing how Jane’s suitors affect (or attempt to affect) her. Because one has an image of Jane that she is not, and wants her to conform to that image; and the other delights when she is herself, fiery as she may be. Just leave me to my screeching.
I feel like I need to make a giant post about me fangirling over Mr. Rochester....
680 Pages

Bible in A Year- Tim Gray (Editor)

I love the way they've divided up the readings, so that there's a reading from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and something from the Psalms/Wisdom Literature, so it's not like you're reading all of Genesis in one go.
The reflections were awesome too.
I loved that they put Esther in order in terms of the story, rather than in order of when they were found and translated.
P.S. It's a Catholic Bible (so there's 73 books, not 66), RSV translation.
1344 Pages

Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige and Stephen Byrne (ill.)

Mera is a rebellious princess that wants to be a warrior like her mother, yet her father just wants to marry her off to the prince of the Trench who will rule Xebel instead. Surely, if she kills Arthur Curry, she will free Xebel from Atlantean rule and prove to her father she is strong enough to rule, right? Yeah, no. This is a YA comic silly. You're going to fall in love. Still, I loved getting an entire book focused on Mera-one of the most underrated DC heroines.

A unique take on Mera's (and Aquaman's) origin story.

206 pages

Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater

Ronan, my cranky baby. I love you more than you love your cows.
Parcifal my angsty particular cinnamon roll who deserves to be protected
Adam, you brain, you wonderful Slytherin who has a heart of gold.
Ronan cares about everyone and I can't handle it. The way he sees the world speaks to me on a spiritual level....Like he cares about everyone, but he's only friends with a few people and those people are the people that he loves fiercely.
Declan deserves the princess fairy tale ending that he says he doesn't want or need.
I love Chainsaw. I want one.
.....Sargento...
I have some crack theories after the last chapter. Hit me up if you're interested.
480 Pages

Tell it to the World by Stan Grant

A shocking memoir of an Aboriginal Australian growing up and living with the legacy of racism and oppression in his country. Although I have read similar memoirs of African Americans or Native Americans in the states, it was enlightening to read the voice of someone dealing with very similar issues in another country. His writing is very honest and conversational. It would be a good read for those who enjoyed Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me, or for those looking to challenge their own implicit biases.


An important look at the legacy of colonialism and discrimination in today's world.

256 pages

Romance Galore!

I got onto a romance kick in the beginning of December. All of them are ones I've read before, but they are still some of my favorites. :)

 Morgan and Seth strike up a business deal marriage and move to New Mexico for one year so she can get her inheritance from her father. Could they perhaps fall in love in that year???

Pages: 440

 Vivian inherits a beach house from her great aunt on the west coast and begins renovations, but since the house is on the Historic Homes list, she has to get everything approved by the local librarian/archivist Clark. They butt heads from the beginning, but could that be hiding other feelings for each other?

Pages: 256

Lucy and Josh work right next to each other and play the hating game all day long. But there is a fine line between hate and love.

Pages: 387

Darcy is a no nonsense woman who likes to run away from her problems. But when her old childhood friend comes by to help her with a project, she can't decide whether to stay or go.

Pages: 368

The Dempsey sisters, daughters of a successful con artist, come to a quiet town named Temptation to film a movie with a townie turned Hollywood actress. Sophie Dempsey soon meets the towns mayor Phin Tucker, and begins a short love affair that changes her world.

Pages: 416

Chole gets cold feet and runs out on her wedding to a man she doesn't love, and begins a new life running a pit bull sanctuary. She gets the help of the local vet and the vet's cute son Lucas in more ways than one.

Pages: 272

The Boys Omnibus Vol. 1-6 by Garth Ennis

I watched the tv series and got curious and ended up reading the whole series in about 2 weeks. So good!! Very graphic but the story line is amazing. Essentially, The Boys are a group secretly funded by the CIA to keep tabs on superheroes and the company that made/sponsors them, Vought American.

The story is told mainly from the point of view of Hughie, who joined The Boys after his girlfriend was accidentally killed by a speedster "hero" who then showed no remorse and everything was swept under the rug. The other members are Billy Butcher, Mother's Milk (M.M.) Frenchie, and The Female, who all have their own stories of why they hate the supes.


Pages

• Vol. 1: 354
• Vol. 2: 376
• Vol. 3: 344
• Vol. 4: 328
• Vol. 5: 420
• Vol. 6: 358

Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake

I don't like Emelia and I don't know why.
But Billy. I stan Billy. Harriet. Gosh.
Pietyr. Why
I love that bear and the only people who are allowed to get near him are people who are actually trustworthy...I will defend him with my life.
I am getting so many Wicked vibes...Elphie, you're trembling....So many No Good Deed vibes.

Billy is Arlo.
....socks
Jules...Don't you mean Joan of Arc? "I am not afraid; I was born to do this."
....Ok but I need more epilogue...ok I found like two pages that were sent in a special giveaway box, thank goodness.
HOW ARE THERE ONLY 17 FANFICTIONS FOR THIS SERIES. I AM DISGUSTED

464 Pages

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

I am loving this world and the concept. I love Erin's writing style. She has like twenty-seven million stories going on and it's perfect. Her descriptions.. chef's kiss
Alexa play "Into the Unknown"
....Am I the only one getting tons of LOTR references.
But seriously they are living the dream. *Insert gif of Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast raising his arms yelling "and BOOKS!"
Cats...I love the cats.
The kitchen *sobbing*
Eleanor *more sobbing*
Simon *uncontrollable sobbing*
I'm fine.
I knew there was going to be a Pirates of the Caribbean reference...Now if only I can find the jar of dirt...

512 Pages

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

It all starts with a letter from jail. A letter that is written to help sway an attorney to take up a case because,
"Mr. Wrexham,
There is no way I can make you listen to my case. So I'm just going to have to do my best to set things out. However long it takes, however much I mess this up, I'm just going to keep going and tell the truth."

Set in the Highlands of Scotland, The Turn of the Key is the 5th novel by acclaimed mystery writer Ware, and tell the story of a nanny who takes a job that seems to be too good to be true. Knowing at the beginning that the nanny is writing this story from jail, questions form right from the beginning about what really happened at Heatherbrae House.

I admit, I gasp out loud at the ending of this book and can't wait to read another by Ware.

337 pages
 

The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli, Christina MacSweeney (transl.)

Man, this book is weird. An auctioneer named Highway works at a juice factory and is obsessed with teeth. He collects teeth, he auctions off teeth, and he even has Marilyn Monroe's teeth implanted into his own mouth. (gross!) In addition, there are creepy clowns, a terrible son named Siddhartha, and extravagant stories about the teeth and the people who (supposedly) owned them. Interesting for the Mexican cultural references, but all around an odd little book.

Surreal. Bizarre. You're probably either going to love it or hate it.

195 pages

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

I love Will. And I love how much he loves Lyra..  He protect. I'm fine. I'm just going to focus on that and not all of the....yeah.
And I love my wonderful bear friend.
And Pan. I love Pan.
TEXAS
I have a lot of opinions about this book and this series, and I think the book was really good if you get rid of all of the politics. I love Lyra and Will and Pan. I love the relationships between the characters, and how they can be selfless for each other.

Going into a minor rant, because theology, so you can totally skip this part:

Any human organization is going to have failures, because humans are inherently imperfect. There is corruption and evil everywhere. But where there is evil, there is also good. Darkness requires light. Desire is not inherently evil; it's what you do with those desires that has the potential to be bad.
Science and religion can go together, and you can seek knowledge and strength and still be humble. You don't need to be in a relationship to be "whole" or "satisfied" or "happy."
I have a lot of feelings about Mary, but I won't get into because I could write a thesis on it... .

I'm just going to go home and read Aquinas and Augustine and St. Teresa of Calcutta

518 Pages

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

So I definitely am liking The Subtle Knife better than The Golden Compass.
I love Will. He's a sweetie.
...Although I feel like I need to make multiple flow charts to actually understand who's the bad guy...because they're all bad. Except Will. Will must be protected at all costs. And Texas balloon guy.

352 Pages

Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab

August, your heart. AGH sfdajklsjkld
I live for angsty teenagers having existential crises.
I love Alegro.
Hey look, Dementors and Harry Potter's scar communication.
I just love battle scenes
Henry...Augh why

...There's a song from a French Broadway musical I want to reference, but spoilers.
And it reminds me of an anime where one of the characters plays the violin, but AGAIN spoilers.
.....No one prepared me for this, and it's not fair.
544 Pages

Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia, Gabriel Picolo (ill.)

After losing her memories and her foster mother, Raven is taken in by her mother's sister. We get to see her navigate high school, New Orleans, and her prom, while dealing with emotions, spirits and demons. I really enjoyed the addition of her sister, who has her own unique abilities, and the voodoo lore. I will likely pick up the next book in Garcia's Teen Titan series. 

A fun take on Raven's backstory.

166 pages

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 12 by Naoko Takeuchi

....Did they mean to reference the ghost of Christmas future...
"I'm 16, I'm a grandmother" vine
....There's an Oprah of Sailor Guardian Crystals, apparently.
The classic trope of being under the control of someone evil and fighting them. Hehe
I think Stephanie Meyer was reading Sailor Moon when she got the idea for Renesme's powers.
....connections to everyone.
Chibi Chibi....How did I not figure that out...
Epilogues...Cry.
280 Pages

My One and Only Cowboy (Meadow Valley #1). By A.J. Pine.

My One and Only Cowboy (Meadow Valley #1). By A.J. Pine. 2019. Forever. ISBN-13: 978-1-5387-4980-7 ( ARC ebook).

Two years ago, Vegas veterinary technician Delaney Harper’s con artist ex-husband emptied out their joint bank accounts, putting her dream of running an animal rescue on hold. But now she is determined to take back the California land he illegally sold without her consent. This brings her to a guest ranch in Meadow Valley, California, facing off against rancher Sam Callahan. Sam, his brother, and his best friend have been working hard for almost two years to bring their dream of running a guest ranch to fruition and now it’s finally happening. But getting a new business off the ground isn’t easy and the stranger claiming his property is hers isn’t helping matters.

Fortunately for Sam, the small town of Meadow Valley has shut down their businesses, including the mechanic and local government offices, for a whole week for their upcoming festival; and Delaney’s car is broken down. Providing her room and food in exchange for helping out at the ranch, Sam hopes he can persuade Delaney to forgo her plans of taking control of half of the land. He never imagined he’d be fighting her for control of his heart too.

While this is an enjoyable enough contemporary cowboy romance it took a while to warm up to Delaney, who comes onto the land (now ranch) after two years and confronts Sam without doing any due diligence regarding legal matters beforehand. I also had a problem tracking the time. For me there are times the impression is given that all of the events take place in three or so days, leaving several days unaccounted for. When compared to the Crossroads Ranch series by Pine, I found this first installment of Meadow Valley a bit disjointed and lacking in the level of connection between the main couple. However I am not writing this series off as the men are interesting and I’m curious to see how the guest ranching fares for the Callahan brothers and their friend Colt.

*Does not include the bonus novel The Toughest Cowboy in Texas by Carolyn Brown.

239 pages

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 11 by Naoko Takeuchi

I do appreciate that they made the stakes higher.  The villains are harder to beat, which sometimes can be a challenging thing to accomplish in a series with multiple villain arcs.
You get to be a guardian, and you get to be a guardian.
....how on earth do you get a bun to be shaped like a heart?.....I mean goals, but still....
248 Pages

Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle

A collection of the hit web-comic, featuring the Beings who seem much like ourselves. I love the silly literal phrasing of everyday things, as well as getting to read a lot of comics that didn't make their way through social media.

Cute, colorful comics poking fun at the absurdities of life.

144 pages

Black Canary: Ignite by Meg Cabot, and Cara McGee (ill.)

Middle School is hard enough without learning how to control your superpowers! This is a fun origin story for one of my favorite DC characters that has seemed to get more of a spotlight in recent years. Part of DC's recent imprint of comics for children and younger teens, done by the brilliant Meg Cabot.

A fun, colorful Black Canary comic great for younger readers.

160 pages

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

A mysterious inheritance, an old mansion, and the legacy of a cult's suicide pact. These are the things Libby recieves on her 25th birthday. But nothing seems completely clear in the story behind her birth parents and their home. An engaging thriller with enough twists and turns to give readers whiplash, this story is as fun as it is shocking.

A great read for fans of thrillers and family mysteries! 

340 pages

The Crown: The Official Companion, Volume 1: Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and the Making of a Young Queen (1947-1955) by Robert Lacey

The Crown: The Official Companion, Volume 1: Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and the Making of a Young Queen (1947-1955) by Robert Lacey

The official companion to the critically acclaimed Netflix series offers an in-depth look at the early reign of Elizabeth II, highlighting the extensive research and additional material that helped form the show. Author and historian Robert Lacey serves as a historical consultant for The Crown.

322 pages.

Death Wins a Goldfish: Reflections from a Grim Reaper's Yearlong Sabbatical by Brian Rea

Death has been told that he has accumulated too many vacation days, so HR is requiring him to take a year off work. What in the world will he do with that much time? Everything! From online dating apps, to skydiving and going to college, death begins to learn what it means to live. This colorful book provides a sweet reminder to us all to cherish our personal time and live life to the fullest.

A funny, lighthearted read that can appeal to any reader!

168 pages

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 10 by Naoko Takeuchi

Mamoru finally getting the spotlight that he deserves.
Helios...come on. Use your brain. It was obviously Chibi
248 Pages

Great Goddesses: Life Lessons from Myths and Monsters by Nikita Gill

Written as a combination of free-form poetry and lyrical prose, this is a beautiful retelling of the stories of the Greek Pantheon, working its way from the earliest Primordials, through Titans, Olympians, and mortal heroes. An excellent introduction or revisiting of Greek mythology, a detailed index can keep anyone up to speed on the backgrounds of each figure. We even get a glimpse at what the gods may be up to in today's world, and the illustrations by the author are beautiful.

I would recommend this for any fan of mythology!

248 pages

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

I am loving this whole concept!
August, I love you.
Anyone else getting a Warm Bodies vibe?
Warehouses are my jam for reasons that are exemplified at the climax of this book. I love pain.
480 Pages

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

 "Lesbian Necromancers in Space..."

As an avid reader of Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres, I am always looking for new creative worlds to get lost in. I knew the instant I saw this description, I had to read this book. And it does not disappoint! Dazzling sword fights, creepy bone servants, a mysterious locked tomb, and that's just in the first few chapters. It was exciting to learn about each house's unique flavor of necrotic magic, and of course we get the lovely yet tragic character of Dulcinea Septimus. *swoon* Gideon is snarky and all around badass, and the final plot twist provides an exciting lead into the books that will follow.

This is the best book I have read in a while, and I cannot recommend it highly enough! The audiobook is also excellent.

448 pages

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

I wish my brain wasn't constantly trying to figure out how this world worked...because my Catholic theology is like "that is not correct."
....trust no one Lyra...come on.
I feel the need to get on my soap box about Mrs. Cowlter. And how evil often disguises itself as something good, beautiful, and appealing, but it never truly satisfies--it can never live up to the expectations we put on it. And evil likes to distract you from the things you know you should be doing. Evil can be found anywhere, and good can be found anywhere, and good will always be there to oppose it, and evil is really hard to recognize as evil sometimes.
I love Pantalaimon and the wonderful polar bear.
399 Pages

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I love the world building and the characters and the premise... DSAJKLFDA;JKLSFGDAJKLSGDA;JKLSFDAJKL
Bowler hat guy.....Meet the Robinsons, anyone?
Marco Marco Marco....
What is it with boys with green eyes and umbrellas....
What... What is going on. I am confusion. Is this Tuck Everlasting. Is this Kate and Leopold. Is this The Time Traveler's Wife? I DON'T FREAKING KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING.
I have lots of feelings. And I can't talk about them because spoilers.
Marco must be another reason why I'm single.
Celia is a goddess and I love her.
Bailey. Heart eyes.
....And every song that is on my Spotify Top Songs 2019 fits...The Greatest Show (Panic! at the Disco), Rewrite the Stars, Mirrors by JT; It's because all the songs/music videos are circus themed, isn't it?.....So this is my life.
516 Pages

Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Blake

....What is it with the name Christine and being the love rival? I'm a nice person, darn it. I have never been the love rival... Or have I done it unintentionally... Nah.
The more I get to know Mirabella, the more I love her.
Billy really does drink Respect Women Juice...I love him. And he is so charming. (Alexa, play I Feel Pretty by the guy who played Hans in Frozen). But no, he's great. I love him. He's so useful.. We'd be lost without our Hufflepuff. He is so done with Sister and Queen Ridiculousness. He is too good for this world, and his bromance with the bear. A+
Pietyr..
I love all the lore and history of this series.



464 Pages

True Devotion to Mary: With Preparation for Total Consecration by St. Louis de Montfort

Just a heads up, my Catholic brain is getting on a chair of excitement.
I loved doing this devotion. I've done the 33 days to morning glory consecration, but I loved getting back to the roots of the Marian consecration. It took a bit of planning for me to be able to not be overwhelmed by the reading every day. I loved the repetition of the prayers, and all the mic drops about how Mary is the best Mom ever and is the best advocate for us, and how Mary always wants to bring people closer to Jesus. .... I love getting to know Mom more. I could literally go on for hours about how amazing Mary is, and how the consecration has changed my life in the past...five?...years
...I may or may not have underlined a lot of the book.
I love my Mom.
332 Pages

Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Civilization of Love by Carl Anderson

"Our Lady of Guadalupe’s only words of spiritual guidance are her gentle but persistent reminders to Juan Diego about love: a love that can be trusted, a love that gives dignity, a love that is personal. If we are to see in her words an answer to a spiritual problem, the spiritual problem it answers is a lack of love and a lack of understanding about love as relationship rather than as practice. The Guadalupan message is, in its originality, a spiritual education, an education in love."
I love Our Lady of Guadalupe, and I loved learning more about the history...the apparitions, the tilma... Just the analysis of the image and all the meanings. Literally just read any of the scientific and artistic studies of the tilma.
So many Ratzinger and Karol Józef Wojtyła quotes.
I'm fine... I love my Mom. 
272 Pages

One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake

I'm so glad Jules has a brain.
I love Billy more and more.....Harriet.
I don't know who to trust... Except Billy...and Jules...and the bear.
Pietyr. Heart eyes. You cute.
I'm just waiting for Billy to come flying in on a rope yelling "Let the green girl go!"
....So that happened.
480 Pages

The Kill Club by Wendy Heard

The Kill Club by Wendy Heard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I should start this off by saying about 32.7% of me wants to actually be in the kill club, 56.3% of me is absolutely horrified by it, and 11% of me seriously wonders if someone is going to go out and try to start their own kill club after reading this. I mean, it’s practically a user’s guide for how to kill and/or fail to kill bad humans, which makes it a total breeding ground for future serial killers to converge around. Good lord, I hope that doesn’t happen, but this book does provide some sort of deranged education that could be useful to the wrong crowd.

If you’re the wrong crowd, then move along, there is nothing to see here. Also, I am not available for killing, as my calendar is quite full.

Anyway, let’s get back to the point, which is that this book is thrilling right up until the very last page. It’s dark, intense, and seriously emotional (or maybe that was just me, as I think I emotionally flailed through the whole book). Maybe we should just ignore the fact that I dropped the book quickly around page 311 and glared at it intensely for 2 days, while chewing all my fingernails to stubs, before I was able to pick it back up again and finish reading.

I am convinced that I need to be best friends with Jazz, the main character, even though she’s not really the warm, snuggly bestie type of person. In fact, I think she’d probably hate me if we met in real life. Sigh. I have to up my street cred. My Midwestern upbringing seems to be harmful to forming real and lasting literary friendships with fictional characters.

Back to the point, I absolutely love this book. I mean, this is how you follow up a stellar debut—with a second offering that left me guessing and stressing the whole way through. There were so many twists and turns that I just never saw coming. My adrenaline level has been so high that I haven’t slept well since I picked this book up (3 days ago). And now, it ended, and I’m still intensely anxious (thanks a lot, Wendy Heard).

It’s well-written, brilliantly plotted, and the character development is top notch. I enjoyed so many of the characters, as even the really awful people are absolutely fascinating. This book puts the characters in situations where they have to make a lot of hard decisions, and I think that’s part of why this is so phenomenal. Nobody gets an easy ride, and not knowing what will happen next or how someone will react to a situation is half the charm of the story (assuming I can call it charm, considering the story is full of brutal murder scenarios---I’m not sure what the appropriate review etiquette is for this sort of situation).

I suspect an audiobook version of this would be phenomenal (and/or emotionally debilitating), which means I have to go now, as I want to hop on over to Audible and see if I can preorder a copy.

THIS BOOK RELEASES ON DECEMBER 17, 2019. 

Scandalous Ever After (Romance of the Turf #2). By Theresa Romain.

Scandalous Ever After (Romance of the Turf #2). By Theresa Romain. 2017. Sourcebooks Casablanca. ASIN: B01MTEKL62 (Kindle).

It has been two years since antiquities expert, Evan Rhys, has seen Kate, his best friend’s widow and the woman he has loved since Conall Whelan first introduced his new bride to Evan. But now she is in attendance at his Cambridge seminar on forgeries and asking him to accompany her on a trip to Newmarket to meet her father, William Chandler, at a race meet. But when she must return to her children and Whelan House in Ireland, Evan decides to follow his heart and continue on with her. Together Kate and Evan begin to beat back the loneliness, grief and anger they have been living with. Evan wishes for Kate to see him as more than a friend, but soon new questions arise concerning the circumstances of Con’s death and Kate fears that Evan will become one more injury to her heart.

Romain’s Romance of the Turf series has a unique style of storytelling for the regency romance. In the place of balls among the ton, there are road trips among horses. Instead of rakes and rogues in the gossip rags, Evan, and Nathanial Chandler from the first book, deal with their personal struggles quietly, but are still captivating heroes with great rapport with the ladies they love. And the overarching mystery that began in A Gentleman’s Game continues in this book, adding a little element of intrigue to this friends-to-lovers romance.

352 pages

Fruits Basket Another Book 3 by Natsuki Takaya

...What do you mean that's the end?
Shiki...you deserve the world.
Drag Shigure. Drag him.
Mutsuki, you are your father. Don't lie and say you're not a shipper.
Hajime. Someone follow him around and tell me everything about him. EVERYTHING.
Sawa. You precious cinnamon roll. Too pure....And yet so mistreated.
Abusive people suck.
192 Pages

Christmas on the Range: An Anthology (Long Tall Texans). By Diana Palmer, Narrator: Will Damron.

Christmas on the Range: An Anthology (Long Tall Texans). By Diana Palmer, Narrator: Will Damron. 2015. Harlequin Audio. ISBN: 1504652053 (Unabridged audiobook, 9 hours, 42 mins).

“Winter Roses”

Rancher Stuart York’s aversion and sharp tongue has cut Ivy Conley down numerous times in the past. The way he figured, it was for the best; she was just a teenager with a silly crush on him. But now she is 21, finished with school and set up with her business and Stuart finds he no longer wants to push his feelings for his younger sister’s best friend away.

Ivy’s a tough cookie. She’s had to soldier through a lot of turmoil in her home life, but has never let that alter her caring and selfless nature. Stuart takes his sweet time coming around, but once he steps in to be there for Ivy when she is once again confronted with family tragedy, the caring, protective man behind the tough veneer is revealed.

“Cattleman’s Choice”

Rough and reclusive rancher, Carson Wayne, has asked Mandelyn Bush to help him refine his coarse ways. He wants to settle down and be able to court a woman properly; and Mandelyn, he believes, is the right woman for the job. Mandelyn has always been intrigued by prickly Carson and dives right into the assignment. Little does she know that Carson already has his sights set on a classy lady.

Palmer delivers two entertaining stories while Will Damron proves a deft hand at surly Texan cowboys.

432 pages